Makeup Mondays With Mario: Natural Beauty

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.

Dear Mario,

I'm writing for advice on eco-friendly/natural/organic beauty products and makeup. I want to incorporate some "green" products into my routine, but I don't know where to start. I'm not interested in granola-crunchy stuff made out of hemp that smells like patchouli. I want high quality products that work as well as my regular products, but are also good for my body and the earth. Please share any favorite brands or products. Thanks.

-Linda

PS - I'm a big fan - so basically whatever you recommend, I'm going to buy.

Linda,

There are definitely great eco-friendly, organic beauty products out there for you to use and enjoy - and I think in the future we'll be seeing a lot more beauty companies going green as well.

One of my personal faves is Josie Maran Cosmetics. Her line of makeup is very eco-friendly and the products deliver beautifully as true makeup should. Aside from being good for our environment, Josie's makeup has tons of benefits for your skin. Most of her products are made with Argan Oil which, thanks to Josie, is becoming very popular for its healing abilities.

As a makeup artist working on sets and photo shoots, I tend to use product that has great pigment and textures over products that are eco-friendly or organic. But Josie's line totally delivers. Of course, I have to mention the Bear Naked Wipes that I can't live without. They are, hands down, the best makeup wipes ever! Other great natural brands I like are Tarte, Korres and Bare Escentuals.

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!

Cyber Monday Savings at Tarte Cosmetics

Take 30% off regular merchandise and 15% off limited-edition holiday items at tarte.com. Orders of $25 and up receive free shipping and a free charcoal emphasEYES pencil! Enter code CYBERMON at checkout. Valid only today, 11/29/10.

Oscars Beauty 2010: Anna Kendrick

Celebrity makeup artist Sara Glick created Best Supporting Actress Nominee Anna Kendrick's beauty look for the Oscar's tonight using Arcona skincare and tarte cosmetics.

Inspiration: Youthful, ethereal beauty - think soft, natural glowing skin.

Arcona Skincare - Prep: "Anna has beautiful skin and doesn't need much to make it glow. I prepped her skin with a light, all natural moisturizer to help it stay hydrated throughout the night."
* Prepped with Arcona's Magic White Ice to protect, nourish and hydrate skin.

tarte Makeup - Cheeks: "For a natural flush, I accented Anna's cheek bones with a coral shade."
* Dabbed and blended tarte's natural cheek stain in eco-cheek on the apples of her cheeks.

tarte Makeup - Lips: "I wanted to create a soft, healthy pink lip with a touch of shine."
* tarte's LipSurgence natural lip stain in charmed (light pink) as a base. Topped with tarte's double-ended natural lipglosses in jake & samantha (used the samantha side-pale cotton candy pink) for added shine.

Arcona Skincare - Finish: "I finished with a light spritz of lavender mist for added hydration and an extra dose of calming with aromatherapy."
* Set the look with Arcona's Lavendar Hydrasol for a fresh and dewy complexion.


Anna Kendrick wore a romantic blush-colored Eli Saab gown on the Oscar red carpet, complimented by an effortlessly elegant, modern updo designed by stylist Craig Gangi.

Gangi, inspired by the graceful off-the-shoulder look, created an updo highlighting softly waved texture accenting healthy hair with natural-looking shine. He first applied argan oil-infused Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to add moisture and give hair a soft hold that was smooth as well as frizz-free and static-free.

After blow-drying hair straight, Gangi used a medium sized curling iron to create loose, natural waves. He then pulled strands back, leaving just enough hair at the nape of the neck to create a small ponytail, and shaped a loose, undone textured bun.

To add a touch of drama, he went back to weave three small braids with the remaining hair, then again braided the three with each other. Finally he circled the braid around the bun. After pinning the style, he sprayed Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to hold the look in place without stiffness, and misted the final updo with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray for additional boost of red carpet shine.

Moroccanoil is sold in fine salons and spas.

Tarte Cosmetics Sale at Ideeli

Don't miss the Tarte Cosmetics sale at Ideeli on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Save up to 50% - prices start at $16.

Ideeli membership is free...click here for an invite, courtesy of Spoiled Pretty.

Lilliana Vazquez Q&A: Looking Chic On The Cheap

I've often said that – even if I was a multi-millionaire – I'd still be clipping coupons, scouring the Internet for promo codes and making beelines for clearance racks. Deal-hunting gives me a sense of control in a world full of chaos - and one of the best recessionista resources is The Cheap Chica's Guide To Style, a website that shines a spotlight on high fashion at low prices.

For me, bargain shopping is more than just a hobby. It's a way of life. And as with any endeavor, practice makes perfect. So I was thrilled to chat up the blogger behind Cheap Chicas (and fellow Philadelphian), Lilliana Vazquez, and pick her brain about how to dress luxe for less.

Read on for Lilliana's tips on looking fabulous within the framework of your own figure, budget, and lifestyle.

SP: When did you first fall in love with fashion and beauty?
LV: My mom says out of the womb...even when I couldn't talk she says I had a say in what I wore!

SP: What was your first big break as a style expert?
LV: My first time on air at FOX4 in Dallas was my biggest break early on...since then I've turned it into a regular gig on NBC 10 in Philadelphia where I'm their fashion and style correspondent.

SP: What is your style philosophy?
LV: I'm all about mixing. High and low, plaids and prints, pearls and denim. I love using unexpected pairings to create a look that's unique and interesting and NOT predictable. Oh and style has nothing to do with money or labels...you can look just as good in head to toe thrift as you can in couture.

SP: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
LV: My Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag...it's my most prized possession!

SP: If you could spend the day with one fashion icon (living or deceased), who would it be and what would you do?
LV: Coco Chanel and Christian Louboutin...they're both masters. I'd have Coco edit my closet and dress me to her liking and have Louboutin personally fit my foot for a custom pair of shoes!

SP: What makes a woman 'stylish?'
LV: Confidence. You can wear anything if you have the attitude to pull it off...whether it's pair of shoes from Payless or a Lanvin gown.

SP: Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
LV: Chanel, Balenciaga, Giambattista Valli, Lanvin.

SP: Which trends will be big this fall/winter?
LV: Over the knee boots, excessively chunky knits, and motorcycle jackets.

SP: Which trend(s) do you wish would die?
LV: I love to have fun with fashion and trends are a part of that so I'm willing to try anything once...but I won't spend money on super trendy items and I always advise my readers not to either.

SP: Current handbag obsessions?
LV: I rarely spend money on "it" handbags...I have two or three classic bags that are designer but the rest of my collection is comprised of bags that cost $50 or less! Trends I'm loving are cross body for day and evening, 80's inspired shapes like the drawstring and oversized clutches are my fave!!

SP: Which celebrities would you love to style and why?
LV: Cameron Diaz because she's fearless and has an amazing body to dress, Nicole Richie because I love her eclectic style and she's petite like me, and January Jones because she's so fresh and new on the fashion/celeb scene but has incredible potential!

SP: Where are your favorite places to shop?
LV: Zara, Forever 21 (it's my mecca and I visit at least 3x per week!), H&M, Cherry Hill Thrift Center, Barney's Shoe Floor, Madewell, Ebay, Lulus.com, Target.

SP: What tips do you have for women who want star style on a budget?
LV: Make a list of your celeb style icons and watch what they're wearing. If you keep a close eye on their fashion choices you'll start to see a few common threads (colors, textures, cuts, styles, etc) and those are the items you purchase at budget friendly stores like Forever 21 and H&M. These items are their "signatures" and by incorporating them into the clothes you already own, you won't have to buy a whole new wardrobe to get their star style! Oh and for the best in celeb looks for less, go to my blog!!

SP: What are three fashion accessories every woman should own?
LV: An amazing pair of nude pumps (4" at least and your legs will look a mile long), a big, chunky statement necklace and tons and tons bangles that can be layered together!

SP: Can you share some figure-slimming fashion tips?
LV: Use belts to accent your waist...especially in the Fall/Winter when you're layering! Understand proportions and how they relate to your body...shortening a skirt by one inch or sending your blazer to a tailor to be taken in can make you look 2 sizes smaller!

SP: What products are staples in your makeup bag?
LV: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Tarte Creme Blush, NARS Catfight Lipstick, CoverGirl LashBlast and I've never met a lipgloss I didn't like!

For more style tips and tweets, follow Lilliana on Better Philly and Twitter.

That's The Ticket: BeautyTicket.com

College Candy has the scoop on BeautyTicket, a new website offering brands like YSL, Smashbox, Stila, Tarte, Urban Decay, and Pop for up to 85% off.

Tarte: Think Pink and Go Green

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tarte Cosmetics will donate 20% of proceeds from their Think Pink Natural Collection to the Young Survival Coalition, a support network for women under 40 living with breast cancer.

When you shop the Think Pink Natural Collection and spend more than $40, you'll receive this Pink Go Dutch Clutch! Enter promo code PinkOct9 at checkout.

The Beauty Girls Giveaways: Day 6

The Beauty Girls are giving away over $10,000 in prizes during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and we don’t want you to miss out!

Visit thebeautygirls.net daily for new contests and prizes, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to The Beauty Girls to hear all about the latest and greatest beauty finds.

Today’s giveaway includes prizes from Orlane, Tarte and David Babaii.

Don’t miss out, ENTER NOW!

Tarte TV on YouTube

Tarte Cosmetics now has a channel on YouTube.

Here you'll find Tarte makeup artists and members of the executive team giving 101 tutorials on best-selling products, as well as some of Tarte's latest product launches. In addition, they'll be providing trend, celebrity and seasonal makeup tips & looks. And on some occasions, they'll have guest celebrity makeup artists on board and Tarte's Creator & CEO Maureen Kelly offering her own advice.

Take 20% Off Waterproof Wonders at Tarte

Make a splash and beat the heat with these waterproof wonders from Tarte. And now through June 30, 2009, use coupon code WATER20 for 20% off at checkout.

The Mother (Earth) of Green Giveaways Winner Announced

Congrats to Vanessa Mehal, winner of the Mother (Earth) of Green Giveaways! Vanessa has won some of my personal natural and eco-friendly faves, which I gabbed about on the NBC 10! Show last week.

Lucky Vanessa is about to get spoiled pretty by:

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash and Body Milk, Cargo PlantLove 100% Natural Origin Baked Illuminator, Kaia 3-in-1 Sustainable Bamboo Cleansing Cloths, Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) Tote Set, and Zoya Ooh-La-La and La-Di-Da Nail Polish Collections.

Many thanks to the sponsors for generously donating products for this contest. Vanessa and I thank you!

Don't miss out on other chances to get spoiled pretty with free beauty booty. Click here for more opportunities to win!

The Mother (Earth) of All Green Giveaways

This morning, I appeared on the 10! Show - and I gifted the studio audience with a few of my favorite green things. But what kind of friend would I be if I didn't give my online friends a chance to get your green on?

This week, Spoiled Pretty is giving y'all the mother (Earth) of all green giveaways!!!

One reader will win:

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash and Body Milk: Created with the mildest botanically-based surfactants from corn and coconut, John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash foams into a creamy, rich, sulfate-free lather that gently removes dirt and oil - leaving skin soft and smooth. The Body Milk is a quickly-absorbing, delicate blend of milk thistle, aloe vera and essential oils of blood orange and vanilla. Both products are made with certified organic ingredients, and smell like orange creamsicle. If heaven has a fragrance, it's this.

Cargo PlantLove 100% Natural Origin Baked Illuminator: A stunning mixture of three shades of blush, bronzer and highlighter in one, Cargo PlantLove 100% Natural Origin Baked Illuminator gives cheeks and body an all-over warmth and glow. The Illuminator promotes healthy, nourished skin while imparting a perfect flush and is available in three shades: Earth (gold, copper and bronze combination), Wind (terracotta, champagne and bronze combination), and Fire (pink, pearl and bronze combination). The compostable case is made from 100% plant-derived plastic and the outercarton is made from 100% post-consumer waste, which is produced in a mill that has a zero carbon footprint.

Kaia 3-In-1 Sustainable Bamboo Cleansing Cloths: These brilliant, quick cleansing cloths remove all traces of makeup, daily grime & buildup. Infused with eight pure citrus essential oils, organic Canadian honey, sunflower seed oil, oat amino acids, and fatty alcohol that won’t dry skin, the cloths leave skin feeling velvety soft, with no sticky residue. Made from 100% sustainable bamboo, Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths are natural, unbleached, bio-degradable, and cashmere soft.

Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) Tote Set: Celebrate your Mother Earth every day with Tarte’s reusable tote and three natural Lip Sheers. Reduce (golden coral), Reuse (vibrant pink), and Recycle (soft nude-peach) Lip Sheers are SPF 15 and packaged in post-consumer recycled aluminum tubes - which helps reduce environmental waste. Lip Sheers are formulated without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrance. The set includes a reusable natural cotton tote that can be used to carry groceries or just to let the world know how environmentally chic you are.

Zoya Ooh-La-La and La-Di-Da Nail Polish Collections: Zoya Nail Polish is the brainchild of Zoya Reyzis who, as a pregnant aesthetician and salon owner in 1984, realized the need for ahealthier and more durable solution. Zoya was the first nail polish brand to remove toxic ingredients such as toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from its formulations -making it a safe and healthy polish for nail philes everywhere, particularly expectant women. Available in over 300 fashion-forward shades, this award-winning polish is the longest-wearing natural nail lacquer.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Mother (Earth) of All Green Giveaways." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, April 27th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Tuesday, April 28th, I'll announce the winner's name. 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.

Free Eyelash Curler at Tarte.com

Score a free eyelash curler when you purchase any of the mascaras pictured above. Enter code CURLER at checkout at tarte.com. Offer ends March 31st.

Attention, Thrifty Shopaholics: Get 45% Off Tarte Lipstick

Celebrity makeup artists Tina Turnbow used Tarte’s Vitamin Infused Lipstick in Bikram on Krysten Ritter at the Confessions of a Shopaholic premiere in NYC. For thrifty shopaholics, Tarte is offering Bikram Vitamin Infused Lipstick for 45% off. Get it now for only $12 (a $10 savings). Use promo code SHOP at checkout.

And while you’re at tartecosmetics.com, check out The Toolbox: Brow Know-How Eyebrow Kit. Originally $32, it’s on sale for just $18.

Get Tarte's True Love Cheek Stain For Free

Tarte is giving away True Love, their award-winning gel cheek stain, with the purchase of any product on tarte.com. That's a $28.00 value.

Enter LOVE09 at checkout. Get a move on...True Love is waiting.

Golden Globes Gorgeous: Mary Louise-Parker

Celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow used Tarte Cosmetics on Mary Louise-Parker for the 66th annual Golden Globes.

Complexion: The Eraser in Porcelain (new shade launched this month), ReCreate anti-aging foundation with Wrinkle Rewind and SPF 15: Porcelain 00 (new product launching this month), and Provocateur Mineral Pressed Powder with SPF 8: Fair.

Cheeks: a perfect whirled cheek stain (pink)

Eyes: intense purple effect using Tarte's Eye Couture Palette (purple shadows and black liner). Tina also used Tarte's Lash Hugger Eco-friendly Natural Mascara

Lips: muted pink/beige-blended Tarte’s 24/7 Natural Lip Sheers with SPF 15 in Champagne Brunch and Tea Time

Purse Your Lips Winner Revealed!

Happy Saturday, everyone. The time has come to announce the winner of the Purse Your Lips giveaway, sponsored by Tarte Cosmetics. It's the weekend and I know you've got places to go, people to see...so I'm gonna make this quick.

Congratulations to Brittany Nicole Irvine. Yay, Brittany - you've won this gorgeous clutch filled with nine limited-edition lipglosses!!!

Thanks to Tarte for making this giveaway possible, and to everyone who entered the contest. Check back on Monday for your next chance to get spoiled pretty. Bye!

Purse Your Lips: Tarte Giveaway!

It’s a new year, which means a new you.

Do you know what makes me feel all shiny and new? Lipgloss and a cute bag, that’s what. So to kick off 2009 right, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Tarte for a get-gorgeous giveaway.

One lucky winner will receive Tarte’s Purse Your Lips, a clutch packed with nine deluxe lipglosses in brand new, limited edition shades infused with Tarte’s proprietary t5 super fruit complex™ (loaded with antioxidant rich nutrients and vitamins known to deliver anti-aging and skin-restorative benefits).





Gloss shades include:
Shimmering near nude
Shimmering nude-peach
Gold-tinged plum
Shimmering brown sugar
Shimmering deep mauve
Shimmering deep cranberry
Sheer crimson
Sheer pink-nectar
Shimmering bubblegum pink

Purse Your Lips is $39, but the retail value is a whopping $106! Don’t you wanna win this prize?

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Tarte Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Friday, January 9th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Saturday, January 10th, I'll announce the winner’s name. 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!

Tarte Friends and Family: 40% Off - 5 Days Only!

Enjoy 40% off at tarte.com, now through December 15th! Enter promo code FF08 at checkout.

You're welcome...that's what friends are for.

Tarte.com Exclusive: Holiday Party Must-Have Set

Go from the office to your holiday parties with ease. This exclusive tarte.com set has everything you need to look your best.

The set includes:

rejuvelash: revive late day lashes with just one coat—it eliminates clumps and gives a glossy finish. You can even add a fresh coat of mascara without worrying about drying out or breaking your lashes!

blotting papers: Send shine undercover in an instant and look refreshed.

fRxtion: natural sugar crystals exfoliate lips while the vitamin E vanilla balm soothes, calms and protects lips.

Vitamin-infused lipstick in vinyasa: nothing says holiday like red, luscious lips. tarte’s enriched lipstick nourishes and moisturizes lips, while the infused nutraceuticals help to protect against environmental attack.

Tarte only created 150 of these sets, which have a retail value of $57. Pick one up now (for only $25) while supplies last!