Mariah Carey’s makeup always looks fierce, especially when she wears a bronzed cheek like she did in her live Monday night performance on MTV’s The Hills.
Mariah totally works her wardrobes (no matter how questionable her taste in clothing) and flat-out owns that killer five octave voice. She mixes just enough ‘tude with a dash of crazy diva to always stand out in a crowd (and to really stand out in a crowd, try this other MAC look on for size).
Re-create Mimi’s signature look with two products: 1) MAC Heatherette’s Smooth Harmony Beauty Powder ($22) , and 2) your favorite cheek brush!
Shimerless Smooth Harmony, part of the Heatherette collection, is a medium-golden bronze compact powder. If you’d like to draw more attention to your cheeks but don’t want to wear pink, coral or plum blush, give Smooth Harmony a try. I think it would look hot with smokey eyes or paired with neutral shades like Mimi is wearing in the picture below.
The tricks to getting this look were to dilute the color from the brush (by tapping it against a dry surface) and applying it slowly in layers. Over-application of Smooth Harmony results in orange cheeks, so unless that’s the look you’re shooting for, go easy on it (*ahem*, Michael Kors!).
To Mariah-fy myself, I got out my trusty MAC 116 and swiped it across Soft Harmony powder to load the brush. Before actually applying product, I emptied (diluted) some of the powder from the brush by tapping it against the side of the bathroom sink.
Flashing a big ole’ crazy smile in the mirror (crucial step), I lightly tapped the brush head on the apples of both cheeks a few times to deposit the color. I repeated this step two more times. It took three layers to get the color I wanted, but you may find that more or less Soft Harmony works better for you, depending on your skin tone.
To complete the look, I used a MAC 182 Buffer Brush around the edges of the blush color to blend away any harsh lines. And there you have it. You’re a bronze diva!
To try Smooth Harmoney, check out your nearest MAC counter or visit MAC Cosmetics online.
This morning I crawled out of bed feeling all shades of crazy because I didn’t get enough sleep last night. I didn’t realize that today is Wednesday until, oh, about two seconds ago! Now, I’m off to run a few errands before heading to work this afternoon. I hope you slept better than I did. How are you doing today?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
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Karen B says
March 26th, 2008 at 12:25 pmOoh, sounds like something I would like. I’m a complete blush newbie, seeing that I usually take my bike to school in windy Ghent (so I usually have pink cheeks anyway). Any tips or recs on brushes/use. I think I’ll get some MAC Blushbaby, really like the tone.
Allie says
March 26th, 2008 at 12:56 pmLooks great. I’m into cheek color lately, so I’d try this. I recently bought and LOVE Benefit Dallas. It gives my cheeks a rosy, bronze glow. It’s a nice change from the frostbitten face look I’ve been rockin’ all winter in New England 🙂
Christine says
March 26th, 2008 at 1:02 pmWell, if it makes you feel any better, I slept like utter garbage last night! 😉 I’m surprised I’m still awake to be honest.
Ahh, how far I have come. I used to use Smooth Harmony as a CONTOUR color!
Christine’s last blog post..Summer Bronze: Your Guide to Bronzers, Part 3
Dao says
March 26th, 2008 at 1:13 pmI slept ok but was utterly mad today because of some emails. That color is very similar to Rimmel London blush in “Bronze” (#41). It used to be one of my favorite colors because it gives me a healthy dosage of hue to my cheeks.
Mimi’s last album was great but I don’t feel too much for this new one. She doesn’t sing like she used to be, at least for that song “Touch My Body”. And the 2nd song “Migrate” with T-Pain is just some typical hip hip stuff (not hip hop :D)
But man, her physique is hot!
Glosslizard says
March 26th, 2008 at 2:14 pmI’m totally groggy today! Hubby woke me right in the middle of some serious REM sleep, and I think I could’ve used an extra two hours of sleep! I should point out that, yes, he did wake me because it was time for me to get up, not out of some malevolent or inconsiderate purpose of his own!
Hope your day is tolerable, and I hope we all get some extra Z’s tonight! 🙂
Tania says
March 26th, 2008 at 2:22 pmYo Karen! Thanks for the tip. I got me some smooth harmony girl and I’m diggin’ it. Will have to give this a whirl in particular though as I feel it will be a summer staple. I *heart* Mariah even when she melt down!
Ashlee Diva says
March 26th, 2008 at 2:27 pmI *LOVE* Mariah Carey! She’s been my favorite singer since I was 5 yrs old. Thank you so much for posting this!
Ashlee Diva’s last blog post..Song Of The Day
Holly says
March 26th, 2008 at 3:28 pmChanel does a really nice blush called Enchanteresse from the Joues Contraste line which has a similar effect to this when used lightly, I really strugle to face the world without my favourite pink blushers but this is a good alternative for a natural tanned look!
Lilan says
March 26th, 2008 at 3:50 pmMariah certainly has a degree of crazy that I totally dig. Oh but I always long for her early 90s stuff. Not so much the Vision of Love days, but the Daydream album days. Love her, but not her short skirts. 🙂
I swatched Smooth Harmony and thought it looked really muddy on my skin. Maybe if I tried it on my cheeks, I might look as diva-licious as you!
Lilan’s last blog post..Review: Lumiere Duo Fiber Optic Blush Brush
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 4:45 pmHi Karen B!
We are all blush newbies at one time, so welcome to the wonderful world of blushes! Yay! I have a few blush brushes, but I started with the MAC 129, which also doubles as a powder brush too in a pinch. Blushbaby is my go to MAC blush so I can’t recommend it enough. If you just want a few to practice with without having to spend a lot of money then try Neutrogena Soft Color blushes. They are great quality for the price. I like Soft Suede and Sunny Spice for natural looks.
Probably the best begginer tip I can give you is to dilute. Be sure to get all the excess color off before applying it to your lovely cheeks so you don’t go overboard!
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 4:47 pmHi Allie,
One of my really good friends, J-Money, loves Dallas. She can’t live without it. Brr, I give you a hearty high five for being able to hang in such extreme climes. I couldn’t do it!
What other cheek colors are you into?
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 4:49 pmHi Christine,
I wonder what was going on last night… maybe the moon is in a phase or something. Hope you get good sleep tonight! Does the dog get to snuggle with you guys?
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 4:52 pmHi Dao,
Yah, she’s looking pretty hot in the bod department. Her personal style is soooo not my style, but I can’t help but love the woman because she just OWNS those too tight dresses. And she’s kinda nuts, too, which I can totally get behind.
I didn’t originally like “Touch my Body” but after listening to it a few times I am now feeling it. I wish that she’d show off her vocal ability more though, instead of doing the breathy stuff she’s so fond of doing now.
I hope you’re feeling better and less mad because of those e-mails! How was the rest of your day?
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 4:54 pmHi Glosslizard,
LOL, sure, girlfriend! Early morning lovin’ is good stuff 😉 JK! Um, the rest of my day was eh. Work was super busy and now I’m just glad to be home. I’m leaving for dance class in a few though, so it’ll be nice to get my sweat on, even though I could totally fall asleep now. How was your day? Did you manage to sneak a nap in?
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 4:57 pmHi Tania,
You’re welcome, girl. Yah, work it on those cheeks and bring out your inner Mimi. I am going to wear this one a lot in the upcoming months, too. 🙂
Mariah’s meltdown, yep I remember that. I loved her too, even on the day she went all crazy on TRL and passed out all those popsicles. She’s one of my favorite comeback stories… Whitney could learn a thing or two from her!
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 4:58 pmHi Ashlee Diva,
You’re welcome! You should check out her live performance on the MTV Web site. She’s totally cute!
Do you have a fave Mariah album? Mine is probably Butterfly, especially the song Breakdown.
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 4:58 pmHi Holly,
I have Enchanteresse! I picked it up in December. I sort of forgot I had it so thanks for reminding me. I’ll wear it this week, weee!
How have you been?
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 5:04 pmHi Lilan,
Mariah’s craziness is the #1 thing I dig about her. Yes, the wardrobe is totally sketch but at least her hair and makeup look good. 🙂 Daydream is one of my fave CDs of hers.
Try the Smooth Harmony! Be sure to dilute like crazy though.
Ashlee DIva says
March 26th, 2008 at 5:44 pmBreakdown is my fave Mariah song, but my fave albums of hers are The MTV Unplugged EP and The Emancipation Of Mimi.
Ashlee DIva’s last blog post..Song Of The Day
Pia says
March 26th, 2008 at 7:43 pmHeatherette hasn’t hit here yet. Thank GOD for all the reviews, how-tos, FOTD, swatches and stuff.
Hi Karen, that color looks great on you. Love it. I like natural look on other people because I could never pull that off. No matter what I do, I look totally washed out with nudes. But, I’ll keep on trying. Anyways, does sweet harmony another dupe for MAC bronzer in bronze? If so, my wallet will be happy!
Pia’s last blog post..Body Lotion for the Lazy
Lilan says
March 26th, 2008 at 8:43 pmOh gosh, Mariah’s makeup ALWAYS looks flawless! It’s inspired my FOTD for tomorrow – woo hoo!!
Is it just me or do her skirts get shorter and shorter with every year? I totally missed her SNL appearance, filling in for Miss Jackson, if you’re nasty, a couple of weeks ago. Must go YouTube now 😉
Lilan’s last blog post..Review: Lumiere Duo Fiber Optic Blush Brush
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 9:16 pmHi Ashlee Diva,
Those are my 2nd and 3rd favorites! It’s been years since I’ve heard the Unplugged version of “I’ll Be There,” which I LOVE! I now have to find it on iTunes.
My good friend, J-Money, went with me to see her in concert a few years ago and Mariah was sooo great live. I remember she even brought her dog, Jack, on stage to do a few tricks.
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 9:20 pmHi Pia,
Thanks, girl! Aww, you know, the only MAC bronzer I have is Golden, so I can’t do a comparison swatch for you right now… The big diff I can tell you though is that Smooth Harmony has no shimmer. If you’re worried about looking washed out then I’d skip it for that reason, as I find that stuff with shimmer gives me more dimension.
Karen says
March 26th, 2008 at 11:00 pmHi Lilan,
Nice! Can’t wait to see your Mariah look! You better make it real with a tight, short, spandex dress! LOL, j/k 😉
Bea says
March 27th, 2008 at 3:59 amI’ve been reading your blog for the longest time! and i’ve been wondering.. you’re Filipino right?:)
Rebecca says
March 27th, 2008 at 4:03 amHi,
I ordered Smooth Harmony a couple of days ago so I’m very curious. I’m not really a fan of Mariah Carey but the girl looks amazing, she has such great skin.
Thank’s for the many reviews on your site, they’re very helpfull to me. I’m really addicted to the MAC beauty powders, I have loads of them… I live in Belgium and here the Fafi collection has just arrived, I have no idea when Heatherette will be realesed.
Hey Karen B, you live in Ghent? We’re probably from the same area…
Holly says
March 27th, 2008 at 4:35 amHi Karen,
That blush was so popular we couldn’t keep it in stock for a while!
Im not too good at the moment feeling a bit swamped with degree work and trying to juggle work at the same time alongside family and friend troubles which are all really getting me down but im sure it will all get better in time! Im sure everybody feels like this now and again!
Susanne says
March 27th, 2008 at 6:00 amThank you so much!
I am a hugh fan of BPs and can’t wait to get Smooth Harmony (and Alpha Girl)!
Karen says
March 27th, 2008 at 9:08 amHi Bea,
Yup, I am! Are you?
Karen says
March 27th, 2008 at 9:10 amHi Rebecca,
You’re welcome girl! Glad to be of help. 🙂 I love the Beauty Powders, too. My all time favorite ones are from the Barbie Loves MAC release last year… yep, they bring a tear to my eye, LOL. Do you have a favorite?
Karen says
March 27th, 2008 at 9:14 amHi Holly,
Oh no. I’m sorry to hear about all the things going on right now. That’s a lot to have on your plate. Hang in there, take it one step at a time, and keep your chin up. You’re strong, you’re a fighter and you can handle anything that comes your way. Take care, girl.
Karen says
March 27th, 2008 at 9:15 amHi Susanne,
Yay! I think you’ll like it! I love BP’s too. What’s your fave?
Christine says
March 27th, 2008 at 10:34 amNah, the dog isn’t even allowed past the “office” part of the living room (basically, he can’t access the couch or coffee table).
Bad news to let your dog sleep with you, since you want to establish yourself as the leader. Leader doesn’t sleep with followers! Or so they say. We have enough problems getting him to listen to us, LOL.
Christine’s last blog post..Urban Decay – Spring Cleaning 2008 Sale
Karen says
March 27th, 2008 at 12:41 pmOh yeah, good call, Ceasar Millan. 🙂 But you have to admit it’s so nice to have a little puppy body sleeping on the bed at night, awww!
Rebecca says
March 27th, 2008 at 12:47 pmMy favourite BP’s are Tahitian Sand from the Catherine Deneuve collection and Barbie loves MAC pearl blossom. They were both LE so I will have to find a good dupe…
Karen says
March 27th, 2008 at 1:31 pmI never picked up Tahitian Sand (kicks self). Pearl Blossom is SOOO AMAZING. I know I talk about the Barbie BP’s all the time like they’re gold or something and they practically are. Love ’em. 🙂
Allie says
March 28th, 2008 at 9:20 amNars Orgasm is awesome too. Those are my two faves right now, but I’m always looking for more faves!
Karen says
March 28th, 2008 at 10:22 amHi Allie,
Unfortch I can’t wear Nars Orgasm. It doesn’t register on my skin! I like Torrid though, which is similar but brighter. 🙂
Happy Friday! What’s going on for this weekend?
Allie says
March 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pmAw, bummer. I haven’t tried Torrid before–I’ll have to take a look.
I have a friend coming to visit this weekend so I’ll be hanging out with her. Hope you have a great weekend, Karen.
Susanne says
March 29th, 2008 at 2:51 amHi Karen,
my favourite MAC BP is Pearl Sunshine from the Barbie collection. I also like Peaceful from Raquel Welch.
One more week and I’ll get my Heatherette products!
Enjoy your weekend! 🙂
Bea says
March 30th, 2008 at 4:02 amyup i’m Filipino too! one of the other reasons why i love reading your blog!:)
could you recommend any foundation?:)
Karen says
March 30th, 2008 at 9:16 amHi Allie,
Torrid is great. It might be too bright/coral if you’re very light skinned but you can always dilute to make it work for ya (plus, if you don’t have to use much it will last forever!). Hope you had fun with your friend! 🙂
Karen says
March 30th, 2008 at 9:17 amHi Susanne,
Ah, the Barbie Beauty Powders. Seriously, I should’ve bought backups of both, because I love them sooo much too. 🙂
Are you ready for your Heatherette loot? I bet your brushes are all lined up and ready to go, wheee!
Karen says
March 30th, 2008 at 9:26 amHi Bea,
I use a whole bunch of different ones. It depends on what time of the year it is for me.
But here’s the what I’ve got in my stash:
Laura Mercier Oil-free Foundation in Suntan Beige
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Almond
Becca Luminous Skin Color in Nut
Becca Stick Foundation in Coffee
Chanel Teint Innoncence in 50 Natural