The Pulse Network Segment: Best Beauty Products

A few weeks ago, I was a guest on The Pulse Network's beauty and fashion show, The Look. When host Maggie Rulli asked if I'd like to be interviewed and chat about my favorite products, I was all "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille."

So if you're looking for some great product picks, press play for my round-up of the best in beauty!

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Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara

I hate mascara ads. Hate them. People get bent out of shape about magazine airbrushing. Well, mascara ads are my pet peeve. The lashes in said ads are always so exaggerated that no matter what amazing results the mascara actually yields, you end up feeling cheated because your fringe still doesn’t look as fantastic as it does in the ads.

So, speaking of false advertising…a while back, Maybelline sent me a tube of their Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara to test and review. At first, I was really disappointed that it didn’t look the model’s. But then I had to stop myself and think rationally. Obviously, the lashes at left have been creatively super-sized and no one in their right mind should expect to look like that, post-application. So I put the advertisement out of my mind, stood in front of the mirror again and took an objective look at my lashes. And you know what? Ad, schmad…Maybelline Falsies Mascara is ab fab – and I’ll tell you why.

First, Falsies has just the right consistency. I’m like Goldilocks when it comes to mascaras. I hate when the consistency is too thick or too watery. This one is just right – coating evenly without clumping. And over time, it doesn’t dry out like so many on the market. Another reason to love Falsies: the curved brush grabs every lash – lengthening and volumizing them to their true potential. For gals with sparse lashes like me who have little to work with, you know that this is a big deal. Finally, I absolutely love that the formula is buildable. So many mascaras claim to be buildable – and then you layer on coats only to wind up with clumped up, tarantula-looking foolishness. The Falsies Mascara builds perfectly. Apply one coat for a natural, “maybe she was born with it” doe eyes. Layer on multiple coats and your peepers will be batting a thousand.

I’m so impressed with Falsies that I’d say it’s a close second to my #1 mascara, Lancome’s Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara. They’re alike in many ways…well, except for the $16.50 difference in price.

Honestly, Falsies’ mascara is so great that Maybelline didn’t even need to augment their ad. The actual results speak for themselves, and the $8 price tag is just icing on the proverbial cake.

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Makeup Mondays With Mario: Turn Back Time

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.

Hello Mario,

I find as I get older, my skin needs a lot more coverage and does not have as much luster. Is there a specific product that could help because if I use too much concealer, I look too made up and if I use too much highlighter, it is not smooth looking - and too much glitter on older skin just doesn't look good. Can you recommend some products to use to cover and give the appearance of smooth maturing skin? I am going to turn 42 next month and I am a single mother of a 19-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son and I feel I have lost my shine....please help!

Regards,
Sue

Hi Sue,

I get asked this question a lot from women! As our skin changes with age naturally, the makeup you wear should change as well and same goes for your skin care regimen. Start with your skin products first because it can make a huge difference. Use anti-aging, lifting and collagen-boosting products and always use a rich eye cream like the Eye Balm Intense by La Mer.

For foundation, I recommend you go with a liquid like DiorSkin Sculpt Line-Smoothing Lifting Makeup SPF 20. It covers nicely, contains light-reflecting crystals and gives a glow to the skin. Just blend it well and make sure that the color is a perfect match. If your skin is dry, you can skip powder all together or apply a little loose powder to set the t-zone. For concealer, it's important again to use a liquid and one with anti-wrinkle or lifting properties. A great one is Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector by Maybelline.

To finish off your face, I think every woman should use a makeup setting spray or even Evian spray, especially if you use powder. There are so many out there that are amazing! One of my favorites is 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray by Motives. Apply it right after you finish your makeup and throughout the day to refresh your makeup and keep you glowing.

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!

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Drugstore Beauty Must Haves!

After a brief television hiatus, I'm back on the tube again...this time, dishing on my favorite drugstore beauty must haves.

We all know that it doesn't actually cost a million bucks to look like a million bucks. But there are thousands of skin/body care products and cosmetics at your local drugstore...and choosing what should go in your basket and what should stay on the shelf can be overwhelming.

So reporter (and fabulous style blogger) Lilliana Vazquez asked me to share my beauty expertise with Philadelphia's NBC10 viewers and name my top drugstore beauty buys. Some of my current faves include:

L'Oreal Paris Ideal Skin Genesis Complexion Equalizer Day/Night Cream, $19.99 (comparable to Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20, $42.50)

Revlon PhotoReady Makeup, $13.99 (comparable to Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation, $40)

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion, $9.99 (comparable to Diorshow Mascara, $24)

Maybelline Shine Sensational Lip Gloss, $5.99 (compare to Lancome Juicy Tubes, $18)

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Blush and Highlighter, $12.99 (compare to Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, $38)

What are your favorite drugstore finds? Spill your must haves in the comments section...

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