www.mariamaio.com

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Lashing Out

As a Makeup Artist is nothing more attractive to me than a woman with a great set of lashes, I am not a fan of gobs of mascara, I think it looks hideous. I have been dying to try the new prescription product Latisse but $120.00 a month seems a bit exorbitant for a product that once you cease from using your lashes return to their wimpy selves.

A friend of mine whose lashes are AMAZING recently shared her secret which I am definitely going to try. "Rapid Lash" I found it on Amazon for $29.00 see the link below. This product can also be used on brows so if you are like me and love a strong brow this could be your best purchase yet. I will let you know how my lashes & brows are doing in a few weeks stay tuned~~

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Summer Lovin'

Too much of a good thing is never a good idea. Swimming be it beach or pool can wreak havoc on your lovely locks hair, skin and nails if not properly protected. So here are my summer picks that will whisk you into fall looking like a goddess and not the creature from the black lagoon! (drumroll)
for hair try : Kérastase Chronologiste it is magical and worth every cent I think it's a steal retails for $145.00 and for that small price you get ten count them TEN at home treatments if you did it once a month that's almost a year of treatments! you can't get ten salon treatments for less than $750.00 and it's great for all hair types!
For Nails Nubar Foundation Base Coat will keep your polish on longer will will prevent your mani pedi from chipping and peeling. For a top coat I am a fan of Out The Door see the links below
nubar Foundation Base Coat

My favorite skin care is still hands down Skincueticals try A.G.E. Eye Complex the most amazing eye cream on the market. You can thank me later.. I also love their Clarifying Cleanser and serums.


For the body beautiful my pick


The Caudalie Firming Concentrate is outstanding! I have been using it and it WORKS smells so clean and leaves your legs and body looking like stepped back in time! you will fall in love with this french line and you can't beat the prices!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

My favorite photographer

Last week I had the pleasure of spending some time with my favorite photographer and dear friend "Charity."

We met many years ago in retail. Together we have been through sickness and health divorce and marriage photographing every step of the way. If you have the opportunity to have this very talented woman photograph you, your wedding a family event I assure you, you wont be sorry.


www.charityphoto.com
www.rebelglam.com

'Nuff said

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Y NOT

I refuse to grow old gracefully. In fact, I AM NOT going down without a fight!

If I may say so myself, I think I've done a pretty good job keeping the trough filled with magic potion from that proverbial fountain of youth. After all, at 41 I have nary a wrinkle. I would have to say fifty percent of that is genetic and the other fifty is what I do. Having extensive training in skin care from a medical perspective, I learned very early on the do's and the don'ts with regard to skin.

With that said, I would like to share some valuable information that will help you maintain or, in some cases, even turn back the hands of time.

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I hate the sun! (How I managed to live in Florida for 15 years still amazes me.)

We are a very knowledgeable and informed people in this day and age, so I'm confident that most of you understand the importance of using sunscreen everyday. For those of you who haven't yet received the memo: You might just want to pick yourself up a tube the next time you're at the pharmacy!

Sunscreen is the only real skin protectant that is FDA approved for preventing premature wrinkles. It should be applied 30 minutes before you walk out the door. Women should apply it just before makeup; and men, right after your morning shave.

If I had to stress a single axiom in the art of skin management, it would have to be: Cleanse. Tone. Treat. Protect. In that order!

For starters, I love ROC Retinol products! They're absolutely essential for preventing and minimizing wrinkles. Retinol increases collagen production and collagen plumps the skin, giving you a more youthful appearance. I purchase mine at CVS.

It's important to remember that Retinol can only be used at night, so don't waste it during the day! Daylight makes most forms of Retinoic Acid inactive. You ABSOLUTELY must wear sunscreen in the AM when using any product that accelerates exfoliation. You will be sorry if you don't!

Now, here is the one topic people seem to dance around. They toy with the idea, but never seem to get around to making that appointment: INJECTABLES!

Yes, I have had them all. I've been getting Botox since I was about 29. It smoothed out my frown lines and prevented new wrinkles from forming. And no, my face does not look frozen. It never has. In fact, in most cases—unless I tell people—they don't even know.

I've also had the good fortune to have great doctors who do beautiful work with Juvaderm and Botox. I have had my smile lines filled for years. What can I say, I'm a happy camper and, well, I smile a lot!

For those of you who need a little lift and refuse to go under the knife, I would strongly recommend a visit to the master, Yan Trokel; creator of the Y-LIFT, a non surgical facelift with injectables. Dr. Yan is my personal Dr. here in New York, and one of the most talented docs I know.

You'd actually really be surprised how little you need to stay on top of this whole anti-aging thing. Little touches here and there and you will never have that wind tunnel face that you see on some of the women on Park Ave.

Here are some other vital behavioral tips that, when put into routine practice, can go a long way toward helping to maintain your youthful vitality:

• Sleep: Get it when you can! It is during that crucial down-time that your body rejuvenates itself.

• Go easy on the alcohol. It will age you! I personally don't buy into the whole notion that 'a glass of wine a day' is good for you. You get the same amount of antioxidants in a glass of pure grape juice―and your liver will thank you for it!

• Eat healthy.

• Take your multivitamin.

• Take 500 mg of Resveratrol daily.

• Remind yourself that too much of anything is bad! Practice moderation.

No Smoking! I quit years ago and it was the best thing I ever did! Within a month my face looked healthy. My cells were no longer being poisoned. Shocker, huh?

When you allow yourself to really stop and think about it, it is all very elementary. If you aren't sure, ask yourself, "Would my mom want me doing this???" Chances are the answer will be a resounding, 'NO!' She would not want you overindulging in toxic junk food; or having that 4th glass of wine; or that nasty, noxious cigarette.

For those open to a little 'fine tuning', below is a list of Top Docs, hopefully in your neck of the woods, should you so desire.

Dr. Yan Trokel 212-861-7787 39 East 67th Street
Dr. Anthony Youn 248-273-7700 755 W. Big Beaver Rd. Troy, MI
Dr. Grace Federman 203-797-8990 25 Tamarack Ave Danbury, CT
Dr. Jeffrey Hartog 407 678-3116 4355 Bear Gully Road Winter Park Fl.
Dr. Dean Manus 310-859-2627 9400 Brighton Way Beverly Hills California


I know all of these doctors personally and I highly recommend them for any cosmetic procedure.



Disclaimer: Please note that all text on this blog are for informational consideration only. The opinions, described methods, products, recommended links or individuals are not intended to take the place of, or for use in lieu of, consultation with an independent healthcare professional. You are advised to consult with your personal physician with any questions or concerns regarding any content on this website.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

JEANETICS 101

Is it in your genes to look amazing in your jeans? Some people need a little help. I know I do! Some of my favorite fashion moments have been celebrated in DENIM. Lucky for me I have had the inside skinny on what not to wear from my fashionista friend Jaime David of 7 For All Mankind. Here is what Jaime has to say about finding the perfect fit: "The key to finding your perfect fit can sometimes be a frustrating task. For most, it involves trying on a A LOT of jeans! But 7 For all Mankind has taken the guess work out for most everyone."

Here are a few tips from my girl Jaime:

Someone who is petite should loook for the Lexie series, which is made specifically for the petite girl in mind. It has a lower rise and pitch and comes in several cuts. Gone are the days of the cuff reattachment. Now the little people (that includes me) can find their perfect jean without having to alter!!

If you are curvy the Kimmie was created specifically for you! It has contoured waist band which prevents gapping and hugs you in all the right places! This is a fairly new addition so it is not yet on their site, but I did find it on bloomingdales.com

For the tall girl 7 makes an extra long jean. The Roxanne is cut a little longer so if you are tall it will hit at the ankle for a clean look. For those of us who are not so tall you can scrunch it up for a funky look

The Gummy denim fits like a legging super stretchy super flattering and according to Jaime, "Everyone should own a pair!"

There is a reason 7 For All Mankind remains a staple in the closets of so many celebrities: They get denim! They have something for everyone---and they just make you look SOOOOOO GOOOOOD!!!!!

And when you look good you feel good! Some off my favorite celebs can be spotted regularly in their blues; as well as the many other amazing washes 7 offers. Kim Kardashian loves the Coco legging. Cameron Diaz loves the Roxanne in the Super Vintage Nakita. And Reese Witherspoon is a big fan of the Roxanne in the Mercer wash.

For all you boys out there, don't feel left out! 7 Makes amazing denim for you too! My hubby rocks them all the time!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Kiss And Makeup

Having worked as a professional Makeup Artist for more than 15 years, I have seen everything, (at least I think I have) tried everything (with much enthusiasm!) and spent a lot of $$ on the "Hottest Trends" I have loved and trashed many cosmetics in the process. As an informed professional I am here for YOU! I wanted to share some of my makeup tricks that help me make some of the celebrities I work with look their best. I have compiled a list of essentials in makeup and skin care that will make you shine (in a good way).

Beautiful Makeup begins with a great skin care regimen, no matter how much you pile on that foundation you cannot hide the blemishes that are just waiting for the perfect opportunity to rear their ugly heads (no pun intended). Whatever your skin type here is the order: Cleanse Tone, Treat, Protect. Yes my little Hamptonite you MUST PROTECT!!! that means no sun for you!

A cleanser for your specific skin type, Witch Hazel as a toner for ALL SKIN TYPES, Retinol in the evening, I love ROC it is not at all harsh like its prescription counterpart Retin A.
In the Morning you should be cleansing, toning, and using a treatment that will protect against free radical damage I like Skinceuticals Phloretin CF (see link below) you wont believe the turn around you skin is about to make, follow that with sunscreen.





For quick blemish fix crush one aspirin make a paste with saline solution apply to blemish and say "Buh bye now"

Puffy eyes soak two cotton rounds in green tea, freeze the rounds apply directly as eye compresses. For added anti puffing try a dab of Preparation-H ointment to the under eye area before bed.

For a FLAWLESS face I love Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation, It is amazing!
MAC makes a setting powder it is stark white, dont let the color fool you, it is transparent, it will set your foundation without altering the color.

Clea De Peau concealer is beautiful, it is the perfect consistency so it will not settle in lines etc.

I recently posted my favorite Mascara from MAC, "ZOOM LASH", but I am told they just launched a new product that is like false lashes in a tube it is called "Studio Fix Lash", so I am off to buy it, MAC has yet to disappoint me, it is my "Go to" brand for everything Film, TV, Print and everyday beauty.

More soon! Stay tuned!

xo,
M

Monday, February 15, 2010

Style Me

My weakness~ clothing~ I love fashion, I love reading about it, watching it on TV and above all SHOPPING FOR IT. I am in LUST, LOVE, OBSESSED with Karen Zambos Vintage Couture. The line is very diverse, ranging from classic pieces to boho chic. Karen has dressed many of Hollywood's A-Listers. Her fun, flirty styles have graced many a red carpet and my closet is filled with goodies from her collections. I have attached pics of some of my favorite pieces. I would encourage you to peep her website. It's pretty amazing.

Moving on to shoes - I love Louboutins, but his shoes are really inconsistent with sizing and if I am dropping $800 plus bucks on shoes, they better be comfortable.. There are so many knock-offs anymore that you can pull off your fashion fix for less. Check the private sale sites like ruelala.com for designer labels.

Click Here for rue la la!


A few other options would be Steven by Steve Madden, Report Signature, Jeffrey Campbell... I have provided a link to 'endless', a shoe site that has some really great shoes for less.

Here is a Louboutin knock off...red sole and all for under 60 bucks!
Click on the pic of this shoe and see for yourself!



Lucky for me, I live in New York...accessories on every corner, street vendors, shops galore. Check out Urban outfitters for affordable accessories. J Crew has some great vintage looking pieces as well as Anthropologie.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

A GREAT BLOW JOB



Get your mind out of the gutter! it's not at all what you think...
The next best thing to an amazing haircut and color is THE BLOW JOB. Your stylist can spend hours perfecting your color and cut, but if the wrong person blows your hair out, you can leave the salon feeling cheated. Enter SIMADI SALON, here you will find my amazing colorist and stylist Darby Shields guest starring once a month when she is not in San Fransisco giving people good hair and Adi the owner of this fine establishment giving your stressed tresses a working over.

Your appointment ends with an amazing blow out from one of the masters themselves, or one of the salons superbly trained assistants. When you leave this salon, your head will be in the clouds and your hair will be shiny and happy! and P.S. that is my lovely daughter Lilly getting her first hair cut by THE MASTER himself!

www.simadi.ning.com

154 E. 64th St. @Lexington Ave
212-751-5739

Get Blown In LA: @ Warren Tricomi Salon 323.651.4545
Get Blown In San Fransisco:@http://www.atelieremmanuel.com/darby.php 415.362.8063
Get Blown In CT: @ Adam Broderick Salon & Spa 203.431.3994
Get Blown In Orlando @ ALCHEMY 407.650.8022 alchemyorlando.com

Monday, February 8, 2010

Let Me Call You Sweetheart



Valentines Day is one of my most favorite occasions. We all love chocolate and flowers, but lets face it the chocolate ends up on our hips and the flowers die, so I want to share with you some great gift ideas for this LOVEly holiday <3

Skip the Godiva and go straight for the GOOD CHARMA these bracelets are CHARMING and there is a set with her name allll over it! check out the website for the goods, there are even some pretty amazing scarves and necklaces! so get to shopping!
www.goodcharma.com

My heart dropped when I received one of Tina Steinberg's fingerprint necklaces GENIUS have your child's fingerprint embossed on a sterling silver dog tag or pendant of your choice. I loved it so much I bought one for my husband in the dog tag.. he wears it proudly!
http://tinasteinberg.com/

Z Palette by Emmy award winning make-up artist from "Dancing With The Stars" - Zena Shteysel. Z Palettes are currently available for Valentine's Day purchases online @ www.zpalette.com check the website for special offers

A trip to the caribbean for 19.50?? try the Slatkin Candle in Caribbean Salsa you will feel like you have died and gone to heaven
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com

In the end it is the thought that counts, if you are on a budget nothing says lovin' like a home cooked meal. Pasta will not break the bank nor will a picnic by candlelight in the middle of your living room, totally romantic.. Simplicity is elegance.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Boys To Men

Okay guys so here's the deal, if you want to turn some heads, and even married men do here are a few tips

YES you should buy those bleach strips for your teeth! if you must ask...

Funny how a sixteen year old overdoses on cologne, but YOU only wear it when "you're going out" well guess what? we still smell you! it is very sexy even when you are dressed down! so spritz yourself, a little will go a loooong way.

Soft lips? yeah we love them, try a little lip balm! somehow I think my friend Gabe is the only one who understands this.

Do get a mani pedi once in a while, WE DO IT FOR YOU! and it's just a nice thing to do for yourself

here are a few products that I personally love and I know you will too

CHANEL PLATINUM EGOISTE EDP SPRAY GET IT!!

CREST PRO WHITE BLEACH STRIPS THEY WORK!

KORRES Borage Face Cream An anti-shine moisturizer for men with SPF 6. Sephora.com

Anthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser very gentle gets the job done Sephora.com

Lip Balm, any brand will do... just do it

Nails For Males By Orly, it's matte so don't worry about blinding your friends with shiny nails

Are some of this things expensive? YES, but we're worth it! :)

Hairy Situation


Okay so most of you who know me, know that I am constantly switching up my hair be it with color, extensions etc. I have had every form of hair extension known to man. I recently discovered an amazing hair extension Platinum Seamless, They are amazing! Great Lengths 4-6 hours for a full head, Platinum Seamless 45 minutes! I don't know about you, but I do not have 4-6 hours to sit at the salon for a service.

So if you are debating on what type of hair extensions to get trust me your money will be well spent with Platinum Seamless. GO GET YOUR HAIR ON!

www.platinumseamless.com