Makeup Mondays With Mario: Red Carpet Glow

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.

Hey Mario!

I think you're so sweet to be giving advice to people! But one thing I have to ask is about the celebrity glow that most celebrities have when they're on the red carpet. I visited a few makeup stores and they all keep telling me to use Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs. I did, but it was just so messy and it smudged everywhere, especially on my clothes and it made me look more oily rather than giving me a glow. I'm already tanned so I don't need to get something with color/tint in it – what I want is the shine and the glow.

What do actual celebrities use to get that awesome Brazilian glow (face & body)? I really hope you have the answers!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks in advance,
Mona

Hi Mona,

Achieving that red carpet glow that you and so many others love may require some trial and error. Celebrities and their makeup artists use many different products and techniques to get the skin glowing. There is no specific product that we all use. Personally, I tend to mix and blend a few different things together because this allows me to create a custom blend that perfectly fits each individual client.

There are a few things you should always take into consideration before you get your glow on. For example, skin tone - darker or olive tones look great with a golden glow. Pale, lighter skin looks best with a pearl-ish glow. Do you want any coverage with the glow or just some shine? The Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs provides superior coverage and a beautiful, even glow when applied and blended correctly.

Since you're not looking for something with color, you may want to try using a highlighting product in a powder form like Eye M Glam from giella.com, applied with a big brush. This will feel the lightest on your skin and you can easily mix it with your favorite body lotion and apply with your hands.

Also keep in mind that the glow you see on the red carpets is heightened by all of the amazing lighting/cameras, etc. Try having someone photograph you in a similar lighting to the occasion so you can see how the glow looks on you before you go out. I almost always do this because what we see with the naked eye differs from how the camera captures it. You will, most likely, need to add some more glow after looking at the photo or blend some of it out if you went overboard.

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!

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

If you’ve perused the beauty aisle at your local drugstore, you’ve likely spied the new Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips from Sally Hansen. As a big fan of their Nail Art Pens that launched a few years back, I expected to love these. But after trying them, I have to admit that my feelings were a lukewarm like.

Like a moth to a flame, I’m inexplicably drawn to anything leopard print – so it’s a no-brainer that I chose to outfit my nails in the Kitty, Kitty style. Following the instructions, I affixed the stickers to each nail and became very frustrated with the fit. It was a Goldilocks kind of situation – the strips were either too narrow or too wide for my nail bed. And when I tried to stretch the sticker for a perfect fit (the directions suggests doing this), the sticker ripped several times.

Peep my polish. The finished results look pretty damn impressive in the photo. But close up, it’s actually kind of messy…Cher Horowitz might characterize my mani as a “full-on Monet.” On some of my fingers, parts of my nail are clearly visible. And on others, the design overlaps my cuticle and the skin on the sides of my nails. Granted, I don’t think anyone will be scrutinizing my hands with a critical eye. But, to me, it doesn’t matter if others notice the minor imperfections...what matters most is that I do.

My friend, Alyssa, had a better experience than me (see above), though she did have some of the same complaints - namely that the strips don't apply as smoothly as she had hoped. However, she praised the product's staying power. Her mani lasted for about a week and might have worn longer, had it not been for an unfortunate run-in with an errant Ped Egg. 

Maybe I’m too much of a perfectionist or perhaps my application technique could use some practice. Bottom line: when it comes to my manicure, it better be wow-worthy. Otherwise, I’d rather sport nekkid nails.

If you’re looking for a quick, DIY alternative to the Minx mani, the Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips are a decent bet. I’d recommend the High-Fashion Designs (Wild Child, Kitty Kitty, Fly With Me, Girl Flower, Misbehaved, Laced Up, Booty Camp and Collide-o-Scope, Cut it Out, Check it Out , Skinny Jeans) and High-Shine Metallics (Frock Star, Bling it On, Glitz Bitz, Raise a Glass, Blue Ice) over the Shiny Neons (Cry Baby, It Girl, Violet Night, Teal With It, Groove, Electric Shock, Squeezed!, Red-y for Trouble) because I’ve heard the neons really exaggerate nail imperfections and the result doesn’t look as - pun intended - polished.

But at $10 a box, I’d rather spend two more bucks and indulge in a professional manicure at my local nail salon.

Nailing It: Going Green

Seems like every nail phile at my office is going green...

 Angela models OPI Who The Shrek Are You?

 Betsy shows off her Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color mani in Mint Sprint Creme

Sally Hansen and Tracy Reese Collaborate Again for Fashion Week Fall 2010

THINK: The new neutrals . . . deep, smoky nail shades inspired by modern runway designs.

WHAT IT IS: A fashionable collaboration between nail color expert Sally Hansen and designer Tracy Reese. For the ninth season in a row, Sally Hansen has joined forces with fashion icon Tracy Reese to develop the season’s essential accessory: stark nail lacquers inspired by Reese's fall collection.

INSPIRATION: For fall 2010, Tracy Reese draws on urban and rural influences in a highly modern, wearable collection. Prince of Wales checks, distressed faux fur and stretch suede styles are softened by feminine lace, pleated chiffons and draping. In an array of rich, natural tones like spruce green, bittersweet brown, smoky blue and sweet blush, the collection infuses rustic country fare with sharp city bite. The shades in the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Collection reflect this emphasis on natural tones, urban inspiration and layering. On the runway, Reese layered black Leaver's lace over the nude shade Wet Clay to create a custom textured look.

The five new shades in the nail color collection are made with Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, an all-in-one formula that combines the benefits of a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, rich color and top coat in a single multi-tasking polish. The patented formula features the most advanced lacquer technology, concentrated high-intensity color, and encapsulated treatment sphere of Vita-Care Technology.

This season's shades include: Evening Fog, Fedora, Wet Clay, Touch of Mink, and Bittersweet.

"A touch of color to your nails gives you a total polished look, as it creates a complete package from head to toe," says Reese. "And what woman doesn't feel amazing with a fresh manicure and beautiful dress?"

Tracy Reese receives a manicure by Sally Hansen Nail Expert, Dana Caruso, with the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Bittersweet.

Sally Hansen manicurists apply black Leaver’s Lace over Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Wet Clay to create the runway nail look.

"We're so thrilled to be joining forces with Tracy Reese once again," says Bill Boraczek, Senior Vice President of Cosmetics Marketing, Coty Beauty US. "We love working with her season after season because she always brings her uniquely feminine sensibility to Sally Hansen shades, creating a fashion-forward collection that truly works for every woman."

The polishes are $7 each and can be purchased at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally.

Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week: Sally Hansen La Cross Eco-Friendly Nail Boards

Sally Hansen La Cross Eco-Friendly Nail Boards ($.99 each) are the first line of eco-friendly professional size nail files.

They offer the same nail shaping benefits as a traditional nail board while protecting the environment. Unlike standard professional boards made with a plastic core, layers of foam and a coating of artificial abrasives, eco-boards are made with recycled and natural materials, including a core of pressed paper for rigidity and a coating of natural mineral abrasives.

The line includes four boards: All Purpose, Fragile/Delicate Nails, Artificial and Hard Nails, and Natural Nails.

Available at drugstores nationwide.

Gray and White French Manicure

So I was just messing around with my new Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen and created this awesome gray and white version of a French mani; the base coat is MAC Hello Kitty Nail Lacquer in On The Prowl.

What I love about Sally Hansen's new pens is that, if I make a mistake, the pigment wipes right off and I can start all over again...ideal for perfectionists like myself. And once I'm satisfied, I just seal the deal with a clear top coat. Genius!

Coming Soon: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens!

They’re not yet on the brand website, but Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens have been popping up in random Walgreens stores and generating quite a buzz. Available in 8 colors (white, black, light pink, hot pink, blue, red, silver and gold), these markers are $7.99 each and make nail art a breeze, thanks to the water-based formula.


Embrace your inner polish Picasso and doodle all over your manicure. Mistakes can be easily corrected with a moist Q-tip and some patience. But because the formula is water-based, you must seal your manicure masterpiece with a top coat - or all of your hard work will have been for naught.

So keep your eyes peeled next time you’re at the drugstore or supermarket. And if you live/work near a Walgreens, by all means start your sleuthing there. I’m hoping to get my hands on these stylos, so expect a formal review soon!

Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Giveaway Winners

Congrats to Emily Cibelli and Molly Taylor, winners of the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Giveaway.

Emily and Molly will receive the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer Fall 2008 Collection, which includes the following sumptuous shades: Raven's Wing (black with silver glitter), Moonstone (silver pearl metallic), Quartz Chameleon (pinky-nude with shimmer), Divinity (pale toffee with shimmer), The Good Earth (deep dark chocolate with shimmer), Cruel Heart (scarlet with shimmer), Alchemy (dark grape with shimmer), Torrid Bloom (deep fuchsia crème), Night Lily (plummy crème) and Stormy Blue (smoky silver/blue metallic).

Many thanks to Sally Hansen for sponsoring the contest and for supporting my mission to spoil y'all pretty.

Didn't win? Try your luck with the Lancome Le Vernis Giveaway - one lucky winner will receive Le Vernis - Divine Lasting Color & Shine in Midnight Glam, a limited-edition, holiday shade.

Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Giveaway - Don't Miss It!

On Friday, I announced the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Giveaway. But just in case you missed it, here are the deets:

Two winners will receive the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Fall 2008 Color Collection, an anthology of 10 stylish shades that compliment Reese’s nature-inspired Fall 2008 collection.

Contest ends on Thursday, November 27th...don't miss out. Enter today!

Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Giveaway!!!

You didn’t think that this week would end without a giveaway, did you? Tsk, tsk…you should know better than that. My main thrill in life is a giveaway. It gives me a sense of control in a world full of chaos.

So this week, Spoiled Pretty has joined forces with Sally Hansen for a fashion-forward, trend-setting giveaway. Two winners will receive Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Fall 2008 Color Collection, an anthology of 10 stylish shades that compliment Reese’s nature-inspired Fall 2008 collection.

According to Tracy Reese, customers "aren’t afraid to be noticed." I think the same can be said of the women who wear this nail polish collection, which marks the fifth collaboration between the designer and Sally Hansen. The colors are luxurious and rich, yet understated and refined.

Shades include: Raven's Wing* (black with silver glitter), Moonstone (silver pearl metallic), Quartz Chameleon (pinky-nude with shimmer), Divinity* (pale toffee with shimmer), The Good Earth* (deep dark chocolate with shimmer), Cruel Heart (scarlet with shimmer), Alchemy* (dark grape with shimmer), Torrid Bloom* (deep fuchsia crème), Night Lily (plummy crème) and Stormy Blue (smoky silver/blue metallic).

The Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer Fall 2008 Collection (only $6 each!) is available at drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide. Though I know you’re tempted to run out right now and buy up every single shade, why not try your luck first and enter the giveaway?

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Sally Hansen/Tracy Reese Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Thursday, November 27th. Two winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Friday, November 28th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

*Spoiled Pretty favorites

New From Sally Hansen: Natural Beauty

Sally Hansen is partnering with Carmindy, the makeup artist on TLC's “What Not to Wear,” to launch a line of color cosmetics designed to enhance women’s natural assets.

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy, will be available in drugstores and other mass market stores this Spring.

"This is the collection of makeup that I always wanted to create," Carmindy said of Natural Beauty. "Finally, a natural line of makeup that enhances women's natural beauty."

Natural Beauty is formulated with minerals, natural extracts and active botanicals; and the products are also 100 percent paraben-free. Prices range from $7.95 for eyeliner to $12.95 for powder.

Look for magazine advertisements beginning in April.

Patience Is a Virtue (That I Don’t Have)

I go to the hair salon every six weeks and I get my eyebrows waxed every four weeks, so you would think that I’m the type of person who gets a manicure regularly. Not so. The only time I really get my nails done is for special occasions - so nine times out of ten, I’m doing them myself. Why? It’s because I just can’t justify spending $10-15 on a manicure when I can just do my nails myself and use the money to buy a fabulous new lipgloss.

Anyway, the problem with doing my own nails is that it seems to take forever. Filing, buffing, and painting are a huge pain in the butt…but waiting for them to dry is the bane of my beauty existence. Frankly, I think that there is something in my DNA that makes it impossible for my nails dry in a reasonable time. You can't even imagine how many times I've gone to sleep with my hands carefully placed on my chest because my nails haven't dried in time for bed.

In the last few months, I’ve picked up some great products that cut my routine in half. And now, I’m happy to share my secrets with you.

OPI Ridge Filler contains natural silk to gently smooth out uneven natural nails when used prior to nail polish application.


Creative Solar Nail Oil is a light, penetrating natural blend of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and Vitamin E that softens the cuticle area and promotes strong, flexible nails.

Seche Vite is widely acknowledged as the world’s best top coat. Its patented formula allows it to penetrate to the base coat, forming a single, solid bond for a much more durable manicure which will not discolor or yellow. Helps dry nails in two minutes flat. In Style Magazine named Seche Vite a “Best Beauty Buy” for the past 10 years.

Sally Hansen No More Mistakes Manicure Clean-Up Pen is an innovative felt-tip pen that instantly erases nail color mistakes with just one stroke. Quick and precise, it won't ruin freshly applied nail color. As an added bonus, it’s refillable and comes with 2 extra replacement tips.

And for those times when you don't have any time at all, try...

Sally Hansen Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish is the ultimate low-maintenance nail tool, this translucent alternative to polish gives nails a healthy-looking, buffed shine in just one coat. It’s odorless, dries instantly, and the portable purse size is perfect for mini-manicures on the go!