Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner High Precision Waterproof Eyeliner

Normally, I don’t wear eye makeup to work because, when I do, around 3p.m., I catch a case of the afternoons and start rubbing eyes – and my handiwork ends up all over my fingers. But I recently discovered a product that has me re-thinking my work week eye makeup embargo.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner High Precision Waterproof Eyeliner is a high precision, richly pigmented waterproof liquid eyeliner with unmatched staying power.

Just to give you an idea of how well it wears, when I first received samples to review, I tested a few of the shades on my hand. 24 hours later, the lines look freshly applied, despite a shower and several thorough hand washings.

Available in 15 gorgeous shades (with matte, iridescent and diamond finishes), these liners come off easily with waterproof makeup remover.

Forget 9 to 5...Make Up For Ever Aqua Liners are taking care of business - and working overtime!

Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

A few weeks ago, Urban Decay sent me their Summer 2011 Collection to test and review. As a huge fan of Urban Decay (they're one of my all time favorite brands - I love their rock and roll vibe and I’m addicted to their 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils), I always have high expectations for new products. And this collection does not disappoint.

Usually when I receive an entire collection to review, I'll choose a few of the best products and feature them here. This collection, which is comprised of some familiar faces and some new makeup bag staples, has so many choice products that I'm going to review the whole she-bang.

Okay, time to break it down...

The Rollergirl Nail Kit includes six mini bottles of summer's IT shades: Fame (shimmery beige), Superfreak (gold glitter), Xanadu (Purple Glitter), Miss T (pearly fuchsia), Woodstock (hot pink) and Love Train (iridescent white). Something to note about these lilliputian lacquers is that each brush has 220 strands, just like a standard polish brush - so it delivers the same flawless finish as a bigger bottle. I painted a pedicure using Woodstock a two weeks ago and it's still holding on and looking hot.

Even if you own just about every Urban Decay product that exists - like me - here's a reason you should still add the Rollergirl Eyeshadow Palette to your shopping list: one of the shadow shades, Verve (pale champagne with oyster shimmer), is exclusive to this set. And don't let the name fool you. There's more to this kit than just eyeshadows. You also get a full-sized 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey (dark brown) and a mini Crush Lip Junkie Lipgloss (sheer bright hot pink with a vanilla mint flava).

Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizers are great for this time of year when a face of foundation is just too much. The formula is buildable and breathable for comfortable wear. And it' got SPF 20 to protect your baby face from the summer sun.

I've been wearing Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion for years and while I wouldn't change the formula for anything, the packaging left much to be desired. You could never seem to get all of the product out of the I Dream Of Genie-esque tube, and makeup addicts everywhere were pissed. Some of them even took to YouTube, demonstrating how to saw the shit open to extract every drop. Well, Urban Decay has responded in a BIG way. They've re-packaged the product in a squeezable tube - with 10% more product than before. If you wear eyeshadow, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a must. When used as a base, your eyeshadow will not move or crease for 24 hours. I kid you not. And what's more - the pigment of your shadow appears truer and more vibrant...not some washed out version of what you see in the shadow pan. It's available in 4 shades: Original (invisible), Eden (tawny matte finish), Greed (glimmering gold) and Sin (champagne shimmer). If you buy anything in this post, this should be it.

Urban Decay is not kidding when they describe Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara's formula as mermaid worthy. I wear Cannonball during my infant son's weekly swim lessons and it does not budge. Well, not until I remove it with Urban Decay's Meltdown Makeup Remover.

Even though I'm brown, I still like to up the ante in the summertime. What I love about Baked Face and Body Bronzers is that they are the antithesis of the flat, orangey bronzers that I loathe. The three shades deliver a gorgeous sunkissed glow that actually looks like it may have come from, well, the sun. I'm going to Miami in a few days and I couldn't decided which one should come with. In the end, I opted for Gilded (smoldering bronze shimmer). Besides being a gorgeous shade, I also figured that it could pull double duty as an eyeshadow. Genius consideration, right?

Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy gives lips a sheer/stained effect. The conditioning formula nourishes your pout, sans stickiness. Available in five shades (Stung, a sheer blackberry, is the prettiest IMO), the gloss smells and tastes like honey. Problem is I don't like honey - the smell or the taste of it. But if you don't have honey hangups, these are some gorgeous glosses to add to your collection.

Urban Decay is celebrating 15 years in the beauty biz with the Quinceanera Makeup Bag. This baby is already packed in suitcase for Miami. It's the perfect size for a product packrat like me. Roomy enough so that I can travel with enough stock, but not so cavernous that I'm tempted to fill it up with everything I own. LOVE!

Finally, there's the Urban Bride Kit. Urban Decay says, "If you're looking for something new to give your favorite bride, lavish her with this decadent gift-ready box of travel-sized products designed to keep her looking exquisite all day (and night, wink wink)." But, honestly, you don't need to be a bride-to-be to enjoy this set. I've been a Mrs. for 4 years and I'm crushing on this kit. It contains:
• Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder to diffuse lines for a flawless airbrushed look.
• Urban Decay’s best-selling original formula Eyeshadow Primer Potion (full-sized) and Supercurl Curling Mascara to keep her eyes looking fresh.
• Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy to give bare and lightly colored lips a sensual, come-hither shine or electrify darker lipcolor with more texture.
• All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray to ensure her look stays put for 16 incredible hours.
• Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder to keep the party going long after the guests have left.

I was so impressed with All Nighter that I bought Deslick (their other makeup setting spray that also addresses oil overload) yesterday at Sephora.

So there you have it. Which products are going on your wish list?

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Small Eyes Look Bigger

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hi Mario,

How are you?  I hope this question reaches you.  You're a big inspiration to me and my girlfriends!  My problem is that I really love wearing eyeliner (I use pencil) on my top and bottom lids, however, I have small eyes and when I do my makeup, I feel that the liner is making them even smaller.  What can I do to give the effect of bigger eyes?  I love liner because I feel very washed out and tired without it, so if you have any advice or tips on how to apply liner, I would so greatly appreciate it and love you even more!!  

-Violet

Hey Violet,

I'm well, thanks for asking.  This is a very common issue among women with smaller shaped eyes. The key to making your eyes appear bigger is to use a lighter shade of pencil (or powder) along the inner rim of your eyes. Beige, Vanilla and/or white will do the trick.  Don't forget to line using your dark liner below the water line along your lashes for definition. You should also apply a light, bright shade of white or pearl to the inner corners of the eyes which will open and separate them more.  Another quick and easy way to open the eyes is to curl your lashes and apply mascara right after. 

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,

Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Prevent Eyeliner From Running

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hi Mario!

Your tips and tricks have absolutely changed the way I do my makeup - for the better, of course (beautyblender, anyone?). But there is one major thing that I'm still struggling with. I love MAC's liner in Smolder and the way it looks when I use it on my waterline and to line my lower lid, but it doesn't seem to last more than 20 minutes without smudging, running and going everywhere. This goes for most of the pencil liners I've tried, I just can't figure out how to make that look stay put. Any help you can offer is truly appreciated.

Thanks so much!
Lola

Hi Lola,

I'm so glad to hear that my tips have changed the way you do makeup! That makes me very happy - so thank you for that! So many women write me with the same issue that you're having, so listen up lovely ladies! To prevent your eyeliner (in the waterline/along lower lashes) from smudging down your face, you must create a barrier using makeup.

Apply concealer under the eyes and blend it out. The next step is most important - dip a sponge in a little bit of translucent loose power and press it directly over the concealer to set it. Use a clean brush to sweep away the loose powder under the eyes. This should do the trick for you as the concealer and powder will not allow the liner to smudge down past the lashes.

To better understand it, think of flood for example. If water is coming toward your front door and leave the door open, the water will come in. If you take sand bags and build a little wall, the water will not be able to get in your front door. The concealer and powder together act as the sand bags. I hope this helps!

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Set Sneak Peek!

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner giveaway: Angela (sparklemidori09), paulasue, Kallen, Shrinky Inky, smilekisses, and miss.high.yellow. Ladies, you are going to LOVE this liner...trust me when I tell you.

Winners, check your email. I'll need you to send me your full names and mailing addresses so that the contest's wonderful sponsor, Stila, can ship your prizes.

Stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway. It's coming soon...

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway!

Did you happen to read my review of Stila's new Dust to Diamonds? If you did, you know that I am enamored with every product. I strongly suggest buying the entire collection, but I understand that for many, $132 worth of cosmetics just isn't in the credit cards. So I'm gonna get you started...

This week, six readers will win Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. "Marker-sharp precision and a true carbon black pigment, this waterproof liquid liner glides on easily without pulling, smudging, or running. Color stays in place all day long."

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky.

Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Good luck!

Stila Dust to Diamond Collection - Buy It All!

Because the recession isn't recessing any time soon, I don't usually advocate purchasing entire makeup collections. I understand that, for most, money is tight...so I usually highlight certain items as must-have additions to your beauty arsenal. But in the case of Stila's new collection for spring 2010, Dust to Diamonds, I can't choose.

I'm a sucker for sparkles, and this collection had me at "bling." Seriously, if Stila had't furnished me with samples to review, I would have paid my own cash money for these products. That's how fantabulous they are. Since I first tested the collection two weeks ago, I've worn at least one of the products every day since.

Top: Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain; Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Middle: Jewel Eye Shadow Palette
Bottom: Jewel Lip Glaze Trio

To purchase the entire collection would run you $132, which isn't all that bad. But if your makeup fund is maxed out, here are my individual reviews - so you can decide what you need now (and what can wait til later).

Jewel Eye Shadow Palette ($32): "This high-tech eye shadow formula creates a glittering wave of sequin-like sparkle, leaving your eyes glistening like jewels." These really aren't the shadows you'll be applying in the AM before work; more likely, this is the palette you'll reach for in the evening to kick it up a notch and create a truly glitterrific effect. The formula is a blend of pigment and pearl, and the coverage is buildable - so don't worry that these shadows will take you into drag queen territory...unless that's the look you're going for. Shades include Rose Quartz (light pink with silver sparkle), Amethyst (gray aubergine with champagne sparkle), Black Diamond (black with silver sparkle) and Golden Topaz (champagne shimmer with silver and gold sparkle).

Jewel Lip Glaze Trio ($32): "Sprinkle stardust on the lips with this trio of glistening glosses infused with Stila Gem Complex, a blend of Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Amethyst, Amber, Garnet, Mother of Pearl, Opal and Alexandrite. Mango Seed Butter, Goa Seed Butter and Shea Butter keep lips moisturized all day. The formula seamlessly glides on the lips leaving a celestial wave of sequin reflections." Okay, if you're a gal who believes that glitter makes everything better, this should be your first purchase. Likewise, if you're a lipgloss lover. At first glance, these glosses are verrrrry glittery; even I was a little hesitant about trying them. But I found the glitter content to be Goldilocks perfect (not too much, not too little)...and the formula felt smooth, not gritty. The shades are more sheer on the lips than in the tube - so don't let the concentrated color fool you. Shades include Pink Diamond (pink with pink sparkles), Amethyst (deep plum with gold and red sparkles) and Golden Topaz (warm amber with pink sparkles).

Black Diamond Mascara ($24): Not only does this mascara beautifully plump and lengthen your lashes, it imparts a subtle little shimmer shimmah. Available in Black Shimmer (black with silver shimmer) and Blue Shimmer (black with blue shimmer).

Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20): "Marker-sharp precision and a true carbon black pigment, this waterproof liquid liner glides on easily without pulling, smudging, or running. Color stays in place all day long." This eyeliner is amazing. It draws razor thin and thick lines. The shade is inky black...and, as the name suggests, the formula ain't coming off until you're ready to take it off. If I was purchasing from this collection, the Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner would be my first buy.

Though not technically a part of Stila's spring 2010 collection, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24). At first, I was very skeptical that the pearly pink shade would compliment my cappuccino complexion. But once I blended the sheer blush into my cheeks and lips, it gave me a believable snow bunny glow. I mean, you could go outside in the cold and wait until you can't feel your face...or you can pick up this clickable pen and apply the berry scented gel for a yummy, fresh-faced flush.

NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

"I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie," says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. "It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian '16th Arrondissement' way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed." The hues are playful yet sophisticated and can be either soft and subtle or bold and daring. As always, the effects are limitless, determined by application, technique, and attitude.

"The shades are soft, sexy and light — like springtime. The formulas are trans-parent, so they allow the skin to look natural and fresh. If a woman wants a more intense look — and I hope she does — the hues can be layered for a bolder effect."

Lipstick in Cruising, $24
This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color. The hydrating formula can be worn alone, or over a NARS Lip Pencil for variations in color and depth. It's neutral enough to pair perfectly with dramatic eyes, yet alluring enough to attract attention when used on its own.

Lip Gloss in Easy Lover, $24
Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss. The eye-catching and refreshing springtime hue is perfectly suited to deliver super shiny, sensual lips. An extra dab of it in the center of the bottom lip will accentuate sheen and fullness. It's impossible to resist.

Lip Gloss in Ophelia, $24
This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive. Wear it alone, or over NARS lip products for a more intense effect and color variation. The glossy formula will capture both the light and the attention of admirers.

Nail Polish in Purple Rain, $16
This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic. Boasting a long-wearing formula, this intense nail hue vacillates between opposites: rocker or royalty, rebellious or refined.

Single Eyeshadow in D. Gorgeous, $23
This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark. The long-wearing, crease-resistant matte formula boasts a translucent texture and can be applied sheer, or layered with other NARS products for a bolder result.

Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Camargue, $32
Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula. Wear it alone or layered beneath NARS powder eyeshadows to create more color, depth and intensity.

Duo Eyeshadow in Kuala Lumpur, $32
Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts — rich and subtle, traditional yet modern. Wear the two shades separately or together, sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. Try swiping one shade over the entire eyelid and applying the other just beneath the brow bone to highlight.

Glitter Pencil in Bains Douches, $24
This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending. Use this glitter pencil layered or alone — to line, accent, highlight or illuminate the eyes. No matter how it’s used, the look will be as ultra-chic as the legendary Parisian nightclub for which it was named.

The Spring 2010 collection will be available on January 15, 2010 at narscosmetics.com.

Urban Decay Spring 2010

Urban Decay is one of my top 5 makeup brands, so I was super stoked to get deets and pics of their Spring 2010 collection in my inbox earlier this week. Here's the skinny:

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in (top to bottom) Binge, Crash, Mildew and Oil Slick were previously only available in Urban Decay's holiday gift sets, but now Urban Decay is introducing these new fame-bound shades to their beloved 24/7 pencil family. Crash is a rich deep eggplant, Oil Slick is black with silver sparkle, Mildew is a dark green based on our best-selling shadow, and Binge is a long-awaited navy. You're probably heard me say it before, but I'll say it again - 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are the BEST eyeliners on the market. These pencils, with their creamy-on-the-eyes and waterproof formula (so you can apply to the inner rims) are must-have additions to your beauty arsenal. Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com.

Designed for stars of film and flat screens, Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder, this high-tech translucent powder, keeps you camera ready at all times. The micro-fine powder fools the eyes with "optical blurring." Imperfections are seemingly airbrushed away for a soft-focus finish. Skin appears flawless, even under bright, unforgiving light. Tiny water particles float along the skin's surface and actually "burst", creating a microscopic ball bearing effect when the powder is applied. The feel is refreshing, smooth, and light as air.

Apply as a finishing touch after your foundation. Or, wear it along for bare, youthful look. Used under make-up, it transforms foundation into a liquid powder! The sleek gunmetal lid and clear base showcase a unique mess-free system and attached puff. Other brands require swirling, brushes and hassle, whereas this is all-in-one, and even has an "on/off" feature to keep your purse powder-free! Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com.

Stardust Eyeshadow is an eyeshadow that has a prismatic sparkle set against a wash of captivating colors with 40% more glitter than the most sparkly shadows from Urban Decay. The futuristic, squeeze-open case holds over two times the amount of product than other Urban Decay eyeshadows.

Top row: 54 (light purple w/iridescent sparkle), Atmosphere (deep turquoise w/iridescent sparkle), Bobby Dazzle (white w/iridescent sparkle). Middle row: Diamond Dog (brown w/iridescent sparkle), Griffith (green w/iridescent sparkle), Moon Spoon (gray w/iridescent sparkle ). Bottom row: Retrograde (dark purple w/iridescent sparkle), Space Cowboy (beige w/iridescent sparkle), Void (black w/iridescent sparkle).

Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden is an eye prep product that provides smoother, longer-lasting, and absolutely crease-proof eyeshadow. If your shadow likes to move it, move it - you need Urban Decay's Primer Potion...which is now also offered in a very-wearable, tawny, matte hue. Available exclusively at Sephora.

MAC Lillyland

When MAC meets the lore and legend that is Lilly Pulitzer, you get a fabulous and funky fun new chapter: a bit of Mar-a-Lago, some well-to-do winky-wink, and a dash of retro-modern pop culture mayhem in prints and colours that make it hip to be in permanent happy land!

A collaboration that feels like the best tongue-in-chic resort retort, with all the wonderful prints and Key West colour combinations Lilly has done so beautifully since, well, forever!

Fly down to South Florida, with MAC in Lillyland!

168 Large Angled Contour Brush, $32
For expert application of cheek contour. This brush is a large angled contour. The fibres form a buffed edge and are soft and firmly bundled.


239 Eye Shader Brush, $24.50
Soft and dense to shade or blend eye shadow or emollient-based products. This brush has a tapered, rounded edge with smooth, firm, fine fibres. It can be used to build intense colour on the eyelid.



Technakohl Liner, $14.50
Purple Dash: Intense aubergine
Graphblack: Rich graphic black



Lipgelee, $14
Resort Life: Off -white with pink pearl
Lush & Bright: Bright pink-yellow-coral with pink pearl
Preppy: Blue-pink with pink pearl
Shift to Pink: Light violet with silver pearl



Nail Lacquer, $12
Coconut Ice: Light yellow-peach-pink (Cream)
Steamy: Hot pink (Cream)



Paint Pot, $16.50
Bare Study: Soft beige with gold pearl (Frost)
Rubenesque: Golden peach with gold pearl (Frost)
Fresco Rose: Pink with matching pearl (Frost)

Pearlmatte Face Powder, $27

Pearlmatte Eye Shadow, $19.50



Cremeblend Blush, $18.50
So Sweet, So Easy: Light yellow-pink
Optimistic Orange: Bright coral
Joie-de -Vivre: Peachy coral
Florida: Bright fuschia

Available in North America on January 7, 2010 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com. Available internationally in February 2010.

Urban Decay's 4 Limited Edition Eye Pencil Shades Now Available in Full Size!

Four Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils that were only available in mini versions as part of the 24/7 Sets and 24/7 Super Stash Set are now available in FULL SIZE. The new shades include:

Binge: navy blue


Crash: deep plum with teeny silver glitter


Mildew: deep green


Oil Slick: black with teeny silver glitter

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils ($17) are worth every penny, and then some. They are my weakness. Stock up at urbandecay.com.

Check this sneak peek at Urban Decay Spring 2010.