mario dedivanovic

Archive for July, 2009

 

The lovely Daneen from Spoiled Pretty stopped by the other day for a quick Q&A with Khloe K and myself while I was glamming her up.  Check out the video and get beauty-schooled by Khloe Kardashian!  http://spoiledpretty.blogspot.com/2009/07/keeping-up-with-khloe-kardashian.html

Lancome’s Blog also just ran a post on the video.  “Are the Kardashian girls the best thing to happen to makeup since JLo?”  I think so!!  Here’s the link – http://thelancomeblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/are-kardashian-girls-best-thing-to.html

 

Josie Maran recently sent me some goodies from her environmentally freindly makeup line and and I’m LOVING it!  I first heard of Josie’s makeup when I was in Miami and searching for new and different makeup remover wipes.  At Sephora, one of the girls recommended the Bear Naked Wipes by Josie Maran.  They smell really nice, are made with healty and natural ingredients and your skin feels fresh and clean after wiping with them.  Oh, and a portion of every package goes to protecting polar bears!

You may recognize Josie Maran from her successful career as a  top model.  She was the face of Maybelline for nearly a decade, featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for three years in a row and she was also a GUESS girl!  Needless to say, top models like herself know their stuff when it comes to makeup because of all the years working with and learning from amazing makeup artists, day in and day out.  Trust me, they’ve got some tricks up their sleeves, LOL. 

The bronzy packaging for Josie Maran Cosmetics is one the nicest that I’ve seen out there – sleek, simple and lightweight.  I’m going to share some of my favorite products from the line and help spread Josie’s philosophy – “luxury with a conscience.”

 

 Finger Paints in Sweet - You can use your fingers to appy these shimmery colors to eyes, lips and cheeks!  Apply the lightest shade under your brow bone and to the center of your lip to highlight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eye Shadow in Beach – This eye shadow may be my new favorite color right now.  It’s a shimmery champagne or pale sand shade.  Looks gorgeous on the eyelids and you can apply it wet or dry.  Texture is velvety.  Love it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cream Blush in Sunset - This is a coral shade cream blush that glides on sheer and looks natural.  I love it on the apples of cheeks.  For a super natural look, dab some on your lips and blend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argan Oil – This is a light-weight oil grown organically in Morocco packed with tons of Vitamin E and fatty acids.  For a dewy look, apply to the apples of your cheeks and/or cheekbones.  Soften and heal your cuticles with it, or put it on split ends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bear Naked Wipes – Dont leave home without them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you get a chance to try Josie Maran’s products and if you do, please let me know what you think!

 

xo Mario

 

I did this smokey-eyed look on Kim recently here in NYC for the Three Olive’s Bubble Flavored Vodka party.  Beleive it or not but this was actually the first time that I’ve done an all-black smokey eye on her, so for us, it was a different look.  When I saw the cool outfit she was going to wear, I thought it was the right time to finally do the really dark eye’s I’d been wanting to try on her.  Here’s how you can “get the face:”

Skin – I prepped her skin with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer first.  I let her skin absorb that for a couple of minutes before applying Mat Velvet + Matyfying Foundation by Make Up For Ever.  I use this foundation from time to time.  It gives a very velvety and pore-less look to the skin.  For powder, I used very little of Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder by Calvin Klein to set the foundation with a powder puff.

I used Dior’s DiorSkin Sculpt Lifting Smoothing Concealer under the eyes after all of the eye makeup was complete.  (When working with black eye shadow, it will almost always fall down a bit and make a mess so clean the under eye area with a makeup wipe, then apply concealer.)

Her eyebrow’s are filled in softly with MAC’s Cork eyeshadow – with more of the focus on the outter corners of the brow.

Eyes – Apply Shu Uemuras Painting Liner Eye Liner in MBlack all over the eye lids and on the lower lash line as well. This is a long-lasting and highly pigmented black cream liner.  To set that eyeliner and blend it up and out towards the crease, I used Lorac’s Eye Shadow in Black.  The inner rim of the eye is lined with MAC’s white eye pencil in Fascinating.  Using all black on the eyes can sometimes make them appear smaller so the white pencil on the inner rim is a great trick for opening your eyes.  Finish off with two or three coats of L’oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black.

Cheeks – Apply Desire by NARS ( the perfect pink) on the apples of cheeks and blend well.  The face is framed in Casino Bronzer by NARS.

Lips – I lined her lips with MAC’s lip pencil in Subculutre and used Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Pink Protege.  

Do you love Kim’s look from this event?  Monica Rose, Kim’s amazing fashion stylist posted “how to get Kim’s look for less!” on her blog.  Check it out – http://monicarosestylist.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-get-kim-kardashians-look-for.html

 

Xox – Mario

 

 

 

 

 

So what exactly is Fall’s Face?  I’ve asked myself this question over and over again, season after season.  On one runway, you’ll see pale skin with smokey eyes, on another a bold lip and bronzed skin.  Following makeup trends can be confusing and overwhelming to most people but it shouldn’t be.  Try different products and looks this fall and if you’re not loving it, just wipe it off. 

I’m going to share some of my favorites products that I’ll be using this Fall.  I’m definitely going to be feauturing some bold and matte lip colors paired with flawless, semi-matte skin and of course the “perfect” brow.  No worries for you smokey eyed girls out there because dark and sultry eye shadows are in and I can’t wait to start using them.  It’s going to be feminine, flawless and fun this Fall!! 

 

NARS Makeup Primer w/ SPF 20.  This primer is lightweight, moisturizing and will help prepare your skin for a flawless makeup application.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup w/ SPF 10.   This is a natural and hydrating liquid foundation that will give you coverage and last all day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

shu uemura Face Powder Matte.  This loose powder leaves your complexion with a natural and matte finish.  It comes with a powder puff so you can press it onto the skin to set your makeup.  Gives that airbrushed finish that I love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lancôme Tropiques MinÉrale Mineral Smoothing Pressed Bronzer.  It’s a bronzer, blush and finisher.  It will add a touch of bronzed color and approve your skins appearance.  Also has an SPF 15.  Comes in different shades – my fave is Natural Suntan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dior Powder Brow Pencil.  It’s a long wearing powder brow pencil that defines softly.  No hard edges.  I like to use a dab of powder shadow on the outter corners over it for extra staying power.

 

 

 

 

Calvin Klein Endless Creme – Creme Concealer.  We all know I’m crazy for creamy concealer.  Its conditioning, looks natural and reduces the appearance of fine lines.  Try some on the lips too – makes a great nude lip shade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NARS Concealer.  Love this for covering up blemishes.  For hard-to-hide undereye’s, apply a dab to the area and follow with a cream or liquid concealer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calvin Klein Tempting Glimmer Sheer Creme Eyeshadow.  It’s high shine, super smooth and sexy.  Try Champagne Satin all over the lid for day or Vinyl Indigo when the sun goes down.  Set it with a dab of translucent loose powder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LORAC Color Me Couture Eye Shadow Palette.  The perfect neutrals and golds for your eyes.  Smoke up your eyes with these shimmery shades.  Use the shimmery black as liner or shadow or use all of them at once. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Make Up For Ever Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow.  The Ultimate deep and dark smokey eye that will get you noticed.  Truly is waterproof but can smudge nicely.  Go for a nude or sheer lip with this eye shadow to keep it looking feminine and pretty.

NARS Lipstick in Sephora Flame.  It’s a rich and deep red-burgandy shade.  The texture is semi-matte but very velvety.  This shade will give you the “look at me” lips.  For a softer, stained look, apply just a bit of it to the center of lips and blend out.  Love this lip with a clean eye and lots of mascara.

All of these products are can be purchased at Sephora or www.sephora.com.  Have fun with your Fall face and send me pics of yourself with any of these products on.  I’d love to see how you all create your own makeup trends.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This beauty story that I worked on just came out on the cover of Profil magazine.  It’s also been published in Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia and Bulgaria (how random, right?).  The shoot was so much fun to work on and I’m very happy with the end result.  My freinds/photographers Ron Contarsy and Seth Karecha collaborated on this story together and Deycke Heidorn did the amazing hair.  I have worked on a few different fashion and beauty shoots with Ron and Seth and they’re definitely one of my favorite teams to work with.

I remember being excited for this shoot when I heard that Aleksandra Martynyuk was booked as the model.  I’ve worked with her on a few shoots as well over the past couple of years.  She has beautiful fair skin and is such a sweet girl! 

The inspiration for the makeup came from the big flower head peices.  Deycke and myself collaborated together to determine which makeup and hair looks would go best with each flower.  Oh, and here’s a little secret makeup trick for you – I used the old Hollywood face tape to really pull the brows up and open up the eyes.     Hope you like it!

Check out Ron’s site too see more work - www.contarsy-karecha.com 

 

This look is actually very simple to recreate and doesn’t require so many products.  I did this makeup on Kim in the morning for the Pepsi Max Bullrun rally in NYC and she was able to use it later that evening in LA for the Aces and Angels Celebrity Poker Party that she hosted at the Playboy Mansion.  All it takes for your makeup to last all day and night is some powder and gloss touch ups.  Here’s how to “get the face” –

 

Skin – I started out with a primer (Smashbox photo finish primer) all over her skin.  This primer helps the makeup to last longer on the skin.  After, I applied Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup all over the skin.  I set the foundation with Laura Mercier loose setting powder.  For concealer, I used diorskin sculp lifting smoothing concealer under the eyes and set that with Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder.

 

Brows -  I filled her brows with MAC’s brow pencil in Lingering, followed by a little bit of MAC’s eyeshadow in cork on the outter corners of the brows.

 

Eyes – Apply b-dazzle by GIELLA custom blend cosmetics on the brow bone and on the tear ducts (inner corner of eyes).  Use Antiqued eyeshadow by MAC all over the lid.  Blend it up to the crease and out a bit past the outter corners of the eyes.  Use antiqued shadow again along the lower lash line and blend.  On the inner rim of the eye, I used MAC’s eyeliner in fascinating.  Try Lancome’s Hypnose mascara on top and bottom lashes to finish the eyes.

 

Cheeks – To warm up the skin, I used Smashbox bronzer in Suntan Matte around the frame of the face and on the hollows of the cheeks.  For a subtle glow, I applied the Copacabana multiple by NARS on the bridge of the nose and on the cheek bones followed by Peaches blush by MAC on the apples of the cheeks. 

 

Lips are lined and filled in with the #50 lip pencil by Make Up For Ever followed by MAC lipglass in Queen Bee.

   Thank you all so much for your patience with this.  I    hope that my answers helped. 

1.    Hi Mario
Loving all the looks you create with your magic..and thank you sooooo much for this amazing blog where people like us (who have no clue about looking as hot as celebrities) can learn SO much from experts like you..you have a BIG HEART!! thank you for sharing your tips and tricks and giving the exact placement techniques…you are a gem!  

now to my question…i actually have REEEALLY dark under-eye circles..i am presently using bobbi brown corrector & a mac concealer…i just thought i should take your expert opinion on this..which concealer would you recommend for HORRIBLY dark under-eye circles and which won’t crease alot…?

If the corrector and concealer are not working for you, you may want to try using 2 concealers.  Go with a cream concealer first, like the Laura Mercier secret camoflauge followed by a liquid conceiler.  The Make Up For Ever lift conceiler is really good and doesn’t crease a lot.

and oh one more thing..i read your blog post about weddings..and the makeup you did for your sister’s wedding was AMAAAZING!! OUT OF THIS WORLD i tell ya!! she looks like an ANGEL!!! i know i might be asking too much..but is it possible you could do a close “GET THE LOOK” for your sister’s wedding makeup? i don’t even know if you still remember it..but i would REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY appreciate it if you could or atleast just a break-down of how to achieve a similar look for the EYES

Yes, I may do a GET THE FACE for my sisters wedding makeup.

i hope you take my questions into consideration as well..thanks in advance!

takecare
a regular reader of your blog…

2.    In January of 2010 I am moving to LA to go to Cinema Makeup School. I currently live in New York, do you think it’s wise for me to move to LA for makeup or would it be best to find a school in NY? I want to know where I have a better chance of succeeding and would love to hear your thoughts about it!

It’s hard for me to say where you would have a better chance in succeeding.  LA is great if you want to get into celebrity makeup and film, etc.  NYC is also great for celebrity work as well as fashion work.  A lot of makeup artist eventually become bi-costal like myself.

3.    Love your work!! I went through all the comments to make sure this wasn’t asked already! I wanted to know about eyebrows. How to shade them in, what brow pencils to choose, etc. Thanks!!!

When doing brows, I like to concentrate more on filling in the outer corners.  I fill in the inner corners as well but slightly.  Keep it soft and natural as to not overpower your face.  I love the MAC brow pencils.  There is a color called lingering which is my favorite and usually works well with most blonds and brunettes.  You can also use any powder eye shadow for a softer effect.

4.    Hi Mario! I absolutely LOVE how you do makeup! My problem is that I have skin slightly on the fair side.

I just recently switched from Bare Minerals (I found it did not cover my acne scars or roseca) and switched to Duo Mat Forever Makeup Powder Foundation. I just got a foundation brush from Sephora called ‘airbrush #55

I was wondering what you think the best blendable brush/concealer to cover my face problems would be, and how I should use it. Esp under eye circles and acne scars.

I really appreciate reading your posts, I am so thankful someone with your skill is helping us out!!

I think that brush is great.  In areas where you need more coverage, try using a sponge and then buff the face with the powder all over for an even coverage.  I don’t recommend using just a pressed powder under the eyes.  Try a concealer under your eyes instead.

5.    Hi Mario! I hope everything is going well for you. I have oily skin and wanted to know what face lotion do you recommend? I’ve tried products from Target to expensive La Mer and La Prairie and also I was wondering what is a good face wash to use to remove make up and without make up. I am currently using Shu but for some reason I don’t feel like it works to well.

I also love Kimmie’s make up. I was wondering when are you going to post more GET THE LOOK. I love the make up you did for kim when she attended the fashion show in NYC. Can you share with me and everyone.

Thanks.

For oily skin, definitely use an oil free moisturizer.  There are so many out there and I’m hesitant to recommend one to you.  I love DDF and Peter Thomas Roth moisturizers.  You should try cleaning your face first with a makeup remover wipe then wash with a cleanser.  Being that you have oily skin, you should exfoliate a couple of times a week too.  There is a line out called June Jacobs that I really love.  Give it a try.

6.    For the get the look you did on Adrienne Bailon what color Foundation did you use? what kind and color did you use for loose powder and Concealer?
Your the best love ur blog so much its my Fav!

I really can’t remember what exact shades I used.  I mix colors a lot and it would be overwhelming for me to remember the exact shade of every product I’ve used in the past.  You should find a shade to match your skin perfectly. 

7.    Mario-You are a genius! I want to go into make-up and it helps to hear your story. My question is how to accentuate small eyes? In photos my eyes always look small and squinty. I don’t want to look over done but I am sick of looking like I am blinded by the sun in my photos, haha. Please help.

Small eyes are pretty too .  To make small eyes appear more open or bigger, try using a beige/vanilla or white pencil on the inner rim of your eyes.  MAC makes a great white pencil and Three Custom Color Specialists make great Vanilla colored pencils.  They’re called Light Clarifier pencils.  Also, use a shimmer shadow or pencil on your tear ducts to open and separate the eyes.  My favorite is b-dazzle by GIELLA custom blend cosmetics.

8.    Hey Mario, what foundation/skin products and lashes did you use on Kim K. in your first post? I’ve been dieing to know for ages! Looks gorgeous.
Thanks
Elena.

On skin- Diorskin nude foundation, Laura Mercier loose powder.  For the lashes, I cut up different pairs of lashes and kind of made my own so would be hard to replicate that.

9.    hey mario, how can i get fuller lips?

Pencil in your lips with a natural shade and go slightly above the lip line.  Also, use a light color on the center of your lip.

 

10.                       MARIO omg honestly you are the best of the best darlin i saw u at kim’s dvd launch and i was honored! ive been dying to know the eyeshadows you had on kim that day for her dvd launch what was it? and what lipstick did she have on? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know…thanks xoxox

I used neutral, shimmery colors on her eyes that day.  LORAC baked eye shadow trio in Superstar.  MAC lipstick in Myth and Victoria’s Secret Gloss in Pink Guava.

1.    Hello Mario. I am a big fan of your work and was hoping if you could give me some tips on the ever so famous yet tricky smokey eye look. My skin complexsion would be similar to Oprah Winfrey to give you an idea, ha. I want to achieve the PIERCING smokey eye you give Kim K. Also how can I achieve this look without having it smudged underneath the eye. I know you have so many questions to answer. Thank you for your time.

Stephanie

Go with a very pigmented black pencil like Smolder by MAC. Line the top and bottom of your eyes and the inner rims.  Apply dark shadow all over eyelid up to the crease and blend.  Smoke the same dark shadow on the lower line.  To prevent from smudging, be sure to use powder under the eye and over the concealer. 

2.    Hi Mario …..pls pls help me with this, i bought gorgio armani silk luminous foundation 6.5 as evry makeup artist told me this was my perefect shade and I also thought it was but then in my photos I look orange. .is this oxidation issue. I have combination skin. I apply primer, foundation then set with powder.what am I doing wrong. out of all the foundations i’ve tried from different companies this is the one I like most- in terms of look it gives but problem with color of it. Please tell me what shades you mix for Kim as my skin color is similar to her’s and I’m planning to mix my own colors. How to I pick which colors to mix. Also please give advice on what makeup to use to look good in photos. Thank you. Thanks for all your hard working in creating videos, blog all, your advice and tips

Maybe the powder or bronzer that you’re using is changing the color of the base. This happens a lot.  First try to apply just the foundation and take a picture of it to see if it still looks orange.  If not, you’re good.  Use a translucent powder to prevent that from happening.  If you’re still orange, then it’s the wrong shade for you.  Again, it’s very hard for me to remember what exact shades and numbers I mix.  Hope you understand.

3.    Hi Mario,

I rarely wear makeup, but I would like to begin to. In the morning I usually don’t have much time to play with hair and makeup, if any – maybe 5 min. tops. What are the makeup essentials for a simple, quick, and easy look?

For that amount of time, I would say to use a tinted moisturizer all over your skin to even you out.  Apply with your fingers.  Try the Laura Mercier or shop around to find what you like best.  Mascara, a little blush and/or bronzer and a gloss or lipstick on the lips.

4.    Hi Mario,
I live in Ghana and the weather is usually very hot all year. pls what kinds and brands of makeup can last all day here? i am african and am 20yrs but i have these big permanent bags under my eyes. how do i hide them with makeup so i don’t look so tired all the time. thanks.

Try using a primer before you put on your makeup.  Try the photo finish primer by Smashbox.  I think that application is more important than the actual brands of makeup.  Use a primer first, then a foundation and finish with a loose powder.  Use the loose powder with a powder puff.  I like the powder puff’s by MAC.  Press it into the skin and the makeup will last longer.  Same with under eye concealer.  Set it with a lighter loose powder.

5.    Hi Mario,
Let me just start by saying your work is brilliant and inspirational. The fact that you can take the time to answer questions says a lot about you, so I would like to thank you in advance. I currently use MAC prep & prime, Mac studio fix fluid, and fix powder. However I notice that my skin always looks very shinny when I take pictures, so today I purchased the Make up Forever HD liquid and the HD micro finish loose powder. Do you think this was a right move and is it okay to incorporate the MAC pressed powder or will that take away from the HD look? kinda kicking myself for not consulting you first…lol..

I think it’s totally ok to change up and use different brands together and you should.  Try one powder with the other foundation and vice versa.  It could look great.  Use the MAC pressed powder lightly with a brush and you should be fine.  It’s really more about preference.  The HD powder is a lot less coverage and a different look.  Play around with everything and you will discover and learn a lot.

6.    Mario! =)
You’re truly amazing! I sincerely hope you can answer my questions.

1. I have oily & acne prone skin, which I am treating with proactive skin care. I was wondering what foundation would be the best option for oily skinned people like myself? I know there are yellow based and pink based foundations – My skin is light (not pale though) with pink undertones – What foundation what you recommend that would give full and flawless coverage?

Thank you so much! I hope you help me!

Ella xox

Definitely use a matte foundation.  Try the Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet foundation.  It gives great coverage and looks smooth.  Follow with a loose powder so it doesn’t start looking too thick.

7.    Hi =)
I have acne pron skin, currently I am using Glo Minerals and I think it is causing me to break out. I am taking prescription medication from the doctor and it seems to be working except for the makeup. What kind of makeup should I be using on my skin? I have tried so many things, I am just tiered of having acne. Please help.

Melissa

This is a hard one for me to answer as I don’t specialize in skincare.  The best you can do is consult with your dermatologist and see what he/she has to say.  There are a few skin care lines out there that make foundations for sensitive and acne prone skin – I would recommend you to do some research on that.

 

1.     Hello Mario,

I think the work you do is very beautiful especially on Kim kardashian and the recent wedding post was great. I love the bronzed look and i use bronzer from Smashbox Suntan Matte and i was wondering if the product from model co BRONZE Airbrush Face would work better?

I’m not sure if it would work better on your face or not.  It’s a totally different kind of bronzer so it would give you a different look.  I do love model co products.  I use their body bronzer sometimes.

2.     HI MARIO!! PLEASE HELP…….

WHAT IS THE BEST BRUSH FOR APPLYING FOUNDATION? I USE BRUSH 188 BY MAC. IT HAS A WHITE TIP, BUT COVERAGE IS OK. ALSO WHAT DO YOU RECCOMEND FOR AGING PREVENTION?? I’M 27 AND FREAKED OUT ABOUT WRINKLES….LOL I JUST STARTED USING SHISEIDO. I REALLY HOPE U HAVE TIME TO ANSWER.

I LOVE UR WORK!

I use a few different foundation brushes.  If you want one that gives you more coverage, try the Giorgio Armani foundation brush..It’s shorter and the bristles are very full.

3.     Hi Mario!

I was wondering what color eye shadows you recommend for blue eyes. I have more of a gray/blue eye color.

Thank you!!

I love that eye color!  I don’t use grey shadows that much but with your eye color, they do look great.  Try grey’s, black’s if you’re doing a stronger eye, bronze shades would look good too, purples, etc.

4.     Mario,

I can honestly say that you are one of my favourite makeup artists right now. I love your modern, fresh take on makeup and how well your vision for the person’s face translates and brings out their absolute beauty.
I guess I really don’t have a question, but i just love seeing your work and reading about what products you love for what and what works best for you, and seeing videos of you doing makeup because i really learn a lot and i love recreating your looks, so keep em comin! Oh I thought of something….as a makeup artist, I find that I still haven’t settled on one particular brand of foundation…do you recommend any brand in particular? like MUFE, Graftobian, Kryolan….Nars…etc?

Thanks a lot!

I think as a makeup artist, you should have different brands of foundation for different jobs, looks, people, etc.  Right now im using NARS, MUFU, Dior, Armani, etc.

5.     Hey mario! You are very talented!
I was wondering what you do in the summertime to keep makeup looking fresh and lasting all day?

What are some good everyday foundations?

With girls who wear makeup everyday, what do you suggest doing to stay away from breakouts?

To keep your makeup looking fresh and have it last all day in the summer heat, use a primer first and a loose powder to set the foundation.  If you have oily skin, use a oil-free moisturizer and foundation.  Lorac makes a great everyday oil free makeup.  If you have dry skin, try the Armani makeup or a tinted moisturizer.  Laura Mercier makes a great one.  To prevent breakouts, go with a oil free makeup.

6.     Greeting Mario,
Repetative question, but your fans are all dying to know how you pull of your concealer look for your clients. Specifically Kim K’s. What brand of concealer do you use and what brand of powder are you using under her eyes. What is your technique? I can’t wait to see the video you and Kim are coming out with. I’m such a fan of your work. Thank you, 916 Baby Girl

To see my technique and products I use, please watch our makeup video on youtube.  I love the Make Up For Ever lift concealer and the Laura Mercier translucent powder.

7.     Like many fans of your work on here, I love blush and brozners. The problem I have have is choosing the right colors for my complexion and apply blush correctly. I am a woman of color and finding products can be difficult at times. If possible, can you do a video tutorial for applying blushes and bronzers?

You are by far the most talented make up artist I have seen. Keep up the good work and thanks for creating a blog to share your tricks and tips with us!

Refer above for blush techniques.  For darker skin tones, use blushes that are not too light or that have white in them, for example a light pink would not work.  Try reds, bricks, or pigmented peaches.

8.     Hi Mario!

First I have to tell you that you are the best! I love all the looks that you do and I think it’s amazing that you have a blog! Here are my questions:

1)    I know that in the wedding post you suggested the laura mercier loose setting powder. For everyday would you suggest that one too? And if yes do you suggest the traslucent or the beige one?

 

Yes, you can use that for every day.  If you’re not pale, use the beige one.

2)    Ok may be this is going to sound like a funny question but do you know the product lashes to die for night time eyelash conditioning treatment by peterthomasroth? If you know it what do you think about it. It’s $125.00 at sephora and I really don’t want a buy it if it doesn’t work. Lol

 

No, sorry I don’t know about it.

3)    Which anti aging cream do you recommend?

 

Soooo many that are good.  I like the Olay regenerist line.

9.     Hey Mario

- First of all i think you are g.r.e.a.t . I learned sooo much from just watching your video’s !! i looove you!

- I have this question i asked so many “beauty-specialists” here in Germany but i never never got a satisfying answer and thats why I always bought the wrong ( but very expensive ) make up. I have some small scars on my cheeks (left from acne,little bit depressed)..when i dont wear foundation they are hardly visible but when i want to go out or when i have a date i want to put on foundation etc…but make up always makes it look even worse because of the shadows that are created on my cheeks..in some lights it looks really bad i hate it so much that i became obsessed with trying out different foundation but nothing seems to help..or am I doing something wrong?..i use matte bronzers(MAC) and matte foundations (MAC) and a anti-oily-skin creme to prevent “shining” …but its still not how i want it to look ..i mean i know foundation cant make them dissapear, but Mario do you know something that would help,something to put under the foundation or a technique that would make them less visible? I know you are working all the time with people with “perfect” skin..but I thought I’ll ask it anyway =) i hoooope to hear something from you!! Thanks in advance! Have a nice weekend!

There are a lot of creams out now that can help to reduce the appearance of scaring.  First off, you should begin using those.  The trick would be to not use heavy makeup.  Try using the Laura Mercier oil free tinted moisturizer then apply a loose powder with a velour powder puff.  MAC has a great, soft puff.

10.                        for under eyes that somewhat sink in, what is your advice to make it look smoother and more flat under the eye?  Use a lighter concealer to help bring out the “sunken in” look.

if you have acne scarring, what should i do to conceal that…apply concealer before or after foundation? After

is there a way to use the beauty blender without it soaking up the product?  Wet the beauty blender, squeeze it out so that it’s damp and apply the makeup to the skin first, then blend with the sponge.

what bronzer is good for african american skintone(nc50) Try using a pressed powder in a darker shade.

11.                        Hi Mario

Just wondering where i can find the Beauty Tech concealer palette online..I live in Canada so trying to find a website where I can purchase it online..
thanks
M

Alconeco.com.  If they don’t have it online, you may have to call them and order it.

12.                        Hi Mario. I’ve modeled in the past and had some really amazing makeup artists work on me and the best were masters at contouring. I’ve tried to do it at home and I can never get it right! Can you share some tips? Thank you so much!

Choose a matte bronzer that isn’t too dark.  Frame your face with it.  If you check out my makeup videos on you tube, you can see how I like to do it.

13.                        Hi Mario,

I’m a Vancouver based makeup artist. I recently graduated from John Casablancas Institute. I was wondering if you could give me some tips on how you could started and how you got yourself out there. my email is teresa.hornacek@hotmail.com. thank you!

Build you portfolio by testing as much as possible and assist other makeup artists as much as you can to learn.

14.                        Mario- How do you get the undereye area above the cheek bone on Kim Kardashian to look so bright? I love it! What product do you use and specifically where and how do you apply it? Thanks!!

I use different products to highlight that area.  Candlelight by Kevyn Aucoin is one of my favorites.  Apply right on the cheekbones with a smaller brush.

15.                        Hi Mario, i love your work, Keep it up, i just have a question if you can answer me back please, on kims face i seen you ues a power under her eyes i just wanted to know the name of the product.

Laura Mercier translucent powder.

16.                        Mario ,

You are really talented!! Love your blog

Can you please share what highlighter you used on the model for this blog post? Kevyn Aucoin highlighter in Candlelight.

Kim always have this bronze glow on her skin, legs , shoulders.. What can I do to achieve such a look?  Try using the Skinsheen leg spray by MAC on the body.

cant wait for your next post.. I really respect you because you are very people-friendly and your fans love that!!

Mario’s fan here!!! Mario rockssssss..