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Lara Eurdolian, Pretty Connected Beauty Blog

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8 Tips I learned from Mario Dedivanovic aka @MakeupbyMario Master Class

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When Mario Dedivanovic aka @makeupbymario comes to town, every beauty enthusiast wants a piece of him. If you follow him on social, you know he’s the real deal — and not just because he’s the preferred makeup artist to the Kardashians. Makeup artists around the world line up for his Master Class to learn from him and watch him work. His A-list clientele speaks volumes, as does the fact that his client following is so strong that he’s unavailable some will book him the night before and sleep on their backs so they are makeup ready the next day!

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While I’ve meet Mario before — I once cornered him once at Khloe Kardashian event, the opportunity to watch him work in person came from Jergens, who sponsored his latest Master Class this past weekend in NYC. His legendary Master Class’s which often Kim Kardashian West as the model, are set in NY, London and Dubai. He started with 20 students 7 years ago and now sells out and is one of the most sought after makeup artists. During the sneak peek event, Mario did a ‘quick’ makeup look while answering questions. Here’s what I learned:

Strong is Beautiful

The hair envy is real every time I see the Selena Gomez’ Pantene commercial where she’s tousling her hair back and it’s shiny and perfect! Since 1945 Pantene has been studying hair and committed to developing products for all different unique hair types with one goal in mind: healthy, beautiful hair. The brand is all about helping women around the globe be strong and shine both inside and out, which is so evident in their choice of spokespersons. Did you hear they just tapped Ronda Rousey as their new brand ambassador?

A day with Kiehl’s… making a difference and making serums!

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Yesterday, I had an epic day with Kiehl’s. The skincare brand has always held a special place in my heart since they have amazing products, do so much good, and I used to work for them! I actually helped launch their social media a million moons ago so stepping back into their corporate office yesterday brought me so much joy. And even more so because it was for an amazing cause! kiehls-faile-feed-america-creme-de-corms

Kiehl’s partnered with Feeding America for their charitable holiday collaboration designed by the artist duo FAILE with 100% of the net profits of the “Collection for a Cause” to support Feeding America, up to $100,000. And it’s all of Kiehl’s top selling products in limited edition packaging so why not stock up on your favorites while making a major difference. Just this 3-pack of their Hand Salve ($34) will provide 295 meals, and this Creme de Corps Classic Whipped Body Butter ($15) is going to provide 85 meals! View the whole collection HERE! This is Kiehl’s 3rd year partnering with the organization and has donated $300,000 to date which is 3 million meals to those in need.  Food insecurity is a major issue in America. 42 million people are food insecure in our country and  1 out of every 6 children faces hunger.  That’s 13 million children in the US who may not be able to eat dinner tonight.  With this collaboration Kiehl’s will help provide over 1 MILLION MEALS to families in need this holiday season.  I spent the morning with Kiehl’s and Feeding America helping pack meals for City Harvest. Alongside my fellow beauty editors we put together and donated 400 meals!

Not Just Pretty Packaging Gift Guide

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As the days near to the holidays here are some awesome beauty gifts to have on your radar! Whether it’s a hostess gift or something for yourself, tis the season to spoil the ones around us! And I’m a big sucker for packaging, especially when it comes to gift giving. Here are some of my favorites for the season!

SK-II Spring Butterfly Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence is probably the most glamorous gift you can give of the season. If ever a time to splurge on the cult-favorite Facial Treatment Essence which contains the largest concentration (with over 90%!) of their signature magical ingredient, Pitera, it’s now!  The limited edition packaging features a butterfly designs inspired by Suminagashi (“floating ink”), the traditional Japanese art form of marbling. The butterfly is a symbol of elegance and metamorphosis, which is pretty much what you can expect to happen to your skin. For more on why I love this product you can read my full review HERE.

Unexpected Holiday Guide For Everyone On Your List!

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Happy almost holidays everyone! If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift, I have searched internet, visited the gift shows and found some amazing, unusual food, tech and happy gifts to help you find something original and fun — and more importantly something that everyone on your list will love.

Gourmand Gifts

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  1. Maille Maison Fondee En 1747 Gourmet Truffle Gifts
  2. Carry On Cocktail Kit ($24)
  3. TheWand by Pure Wine ($24.99/8 pack)
  4. Malin+Goetz Dark Rum Candle ($52)
  5. Compartes Chocolate Bar ($9.95)
  6. Drop Bottle ($40)

Oprah turned me onto the joy of food themed gifts (she includes has quite a few recommendations in her ‘Oprah’s Favorite Things‘ issue, you can shop her list HERE. This inspired me to pick some food themed gifts that are great for all different types of foodies and boozers. Maille makes so many distinguished condiments, from savory mustards (rosemary mustard anyone?) to designer vinegar, and Gourmet Truffle Gifts all wrapped in exquisite packaging, that make a great gift for the sophisticated chefs on your list. For the boozers that like to fly The Carry On Cocktail has everything you need to make a cocktail (i in bloody Mary, Moscow Mule, Gin & Tonic, Champagne), just add alcohol, they supply the rest. For the red wine lover, there’s TheWand, which lets you enjoy any bottle without the side effects.

Silk’n Flash&Go Express Hair Removal Device Review

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When you have thick, middle eastern dark hair, the shaving struggles are real! As it is I only wash my hair about 2 times a week, which means I need to shave every time I’m in the shower. And I always miss something — usually it’s around my ankles I notice long hairs when I’m putting on my socks. Personally, there’s nothing about shaving that excites me, minus the instant effect of having my hair gone, but if I never had to shave again, it would be a blessing and MAJOR time saver.

My lipstick pick as seen in Well + Good!

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Can we talk about how excited I am to be featured in Well+Good!? I’ve been reading their site probably since they first launched and they are such an authority in all things wellness and health and such a resource for navigating the non-toxic, naturals beauty world. Between them and Credo (which is like the Sephora of non-toxic, more natural beauty brands), I’ve become so much more inspired and educated on clean beauty.
In the post they feature 5 bloggers and we each pick our favorite lipstick shade that will look good on most anyone, (you can read the full post HERE). I had such a blast testing out so many shades, I wanted to share some other top picks from my favorite non-toxic beauty brands:
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1. Nu Evolution Lip Stick in Allure (as seen in Well+Good) – Simply put, it’s the perfect nude! And one of the first that doesn’t make me look like a corpse.
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2. Kosas in shade Thrillest – Reds can be intimidating but this orange-red is vibrant without being in your face and makes a statement without being overpowering. It’s very wearable and perfect for the holiday season!”
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3. Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Satin Lip Cream in shade #18 Sonoma – A soft pink that feel amazing on! It’s like putting on a lip oil, you just want to rub your lips together and bask in all the good-for-your-lips ingredients in the formula.
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4. Burt’s Bees Lipstick in shade #513 Doused Rose – I’m a big fan of the Burt’s Bees lipsticks. All offer the intensity of the shades seen in the packaging and are so moisturizing. Plus they help soften and condition lips for up to 8 hours. Doused Rose is the perfect everyday pink that flatters most skin tones.
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5. 100% Pure Cocoa Butter Semi-Matte Lipstick in shade Marrakesh – A nice bright, fuchsia lipstick pops on so many skin tones. This one is stunning, and the fact that it’s matte and moisturizing at the same time and packs this much pigment makes it one for the books. And by books I mean your makeup case.

Art Basel Miami Diaries

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Every year I look forward to going to Miami for Art Basel. It’s been nice in NYC as of late but usually by this time it’s freezing and I’m itching for the beach and some warm weather. And Art Basel is the most fun time to visit Miami! There are art shows happening non-stop (not just Art Basel, but Scope, NADA, Pulse and many others), plus so many brands are out throwing parties. And it’s a great meeting point for bloggers across the country, I love seeing everyone in Miami!

I traveled with Kristi from Currently Crushing, Joel from What Do Men Wear and my bad a$$ makeup artist bestie, Jenny Smith. We stayed at the cutest boutique hotel, The Beacon on 7th and Collins, which is a very central part of South Beach.

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We covered a lot of ground in our 5 day trip with so many exciting parties and events. We met so many amazing people and saw incredible art throughout the week. One of my favorite events included a piece of art, I got to take home… my eye! LensCrafters hosted an amazing private brunch at the The Delano hotel to celebrate art and their CLAIFYE Digital Technology — basically it’s an eye exam where they scan your eyes to detect your prescription. No more crazy drops and blurred vision, it’s a total game changer — I did a few months ago (check out my experience HERE). If you’re overdue for an eye exam, definitely read that article before making an appointment. The event also featured artist Jose Vergara, who specializes in drawing eyes, how amazing is the one he did of mine!?!?!

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Style Icon and my dear friend, Patricia Field was out in Miami doing a series of events and fashion shows to promote her ArtFashion initiative. Featuring one of a kind pieces hand painted by some of her top artists on display at the White Dot Gallery, you can view the current collection on her site: patriciafield.com

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Wilmer Valderrama or as I like to call him Fez from That 70s Show! (I also loved him in From Prada to Nada), hosted Men’s Night Out for Macy’s private label, INC at The Oasis at The Raleigh Hotel. Lets just say there were a lot of good looking guys, a trampeline and open bar, which is pretty much the perfect recipe for fun.

Getting the Party Started with Viva la Juicy

This post was sponsored by Juicy Couture Fragrances through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Viva La Juicy, all opinions are my own.

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Getting the party started with Viva la Juicy. It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time to pop those bottles of champagne and celebrate. It’s my favorite time of year. Sparkly dresses, festive heels and loads of shimmery, fun makeup dominate and joy is in the air. There’s so much magic everywhere, especially in NYC. It’s evident just walking down Fifth Avenue and seeing the Christmas tree all decorated in Rockefeller Center and the magnificent holiday windows in all the storefronts. The creativity never ceases to amaze me. Between Christmas parties, New Year’s (and ahem my high school reunion), there isn’t a shortage of nights out I’m planning for. And maybe it’s because I’m blond now, and I’m ready to test if blondes have more fun, I’m fully in the holiday spirit.

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Outfit details:

Ella Moss Dinah Double Ruffle Dress

Sam Edelman Hazel black suede pumps

Viva la Juicy Eau de Parfum, 3.4 fl oz

Jewelry: vintage

The only consistency is my plan to sparkle, shine and be merry. That and going out is all about feeling great – great about yourself and the company around you. Call this attitude my new mantra or checklist, but I plan on spending as much time with my friends and family and having a good time! Nothing adds a finishing touch before going out like a girly, flirty fragrance. Viva la Juicy is the iconic floral fruity fragrance from Juicy Couture. It’s the first fragrance I bought my little sister when she went off to college. It was actually the rollerball so she could travel with it and have a little something from me with her anywhere. It’s ageless, timeless, season-less and just inspires fun! It’s something I think all of us can use a little more of and it makes for a great gift. Especially for a tough-to-for-shop for teen… I wanted to pick a fragrance that represented being flirty and fabulous but also bold, and even a little mischievous. And at the end of the day, it makes her feel confident when she walks out the door.

Stay Here: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun

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If right about now you need an escape not much tops a stay at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun. Prior to this trip if you told me Cancun was more than a party city, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Sure, it’s knows for its night scene, but frankly with a resort as beautiful and inviting as the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, I found little reason to leave. All of the restaurants are exquisite and conveniently in the lobby and offer everything from tequila tastings to evening entertainment — the mariachi band was fabulous. And all I wanted was a relaxing beach vacation with a drink in my hand and this one delivered.

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The resort has jet skis and paddle boards for rent on the property. Their Gem Spa features an hour long 10- step hydrotherapy experience from steam rooms to hot tubs in addition to a full menu of services and indoor infinity pool. On the off chance you have a rainy day it’s the perfect place to settle in. Then there’s the beach. Does anything really top walking out of your hotel and directly onto a clean, beautiful, serene beach? Complete with an outdoor pool and tiki bar. They also have a ton of kid options for a family friendly experience.