Urban Decay Spring 2009

Check out what Urban Decay has in store for 2009.

Amazon Beauty, Indeed

Amazon Beauty’s Rahua Elixir is so absolutely fantastic that it made me look past the fact that it costs $100 for half an ounce and smells like a barbecue grill.

This is a holy grail hair product if ever I met one. Rahua Elixir is a 100% natural hair oil infused with seasonal herbs and flowers that is handmade in the Amazon Rainforest by women of the Quecha-Shuar tribe. The concentrated oil repairs hair in three minutes by penetrating the hair’s cortex - adding brilliance and elasticity to all hair types.

To use as a hot oil treatment, apply 3-5 drops of Rahua Elixir to towel-dried hair, concentrating on the ends. Heat activates the ingredients, so blow dry to smooth, treat and add shine. Rahua Elixir can also be used on dry hair - just apply 2-3 drops on ends and brace yourself; your hair will be so soft and supple, you’ll swear this oil was magic.

As an overnight hair treatment, use 7 or more drops on your ends, let it go to work while you get your beauty sleep, then rinse in the morning. As a scalp treatment, apply 3-5 drops to the scalp and massage in - twice a week.

Rahua Elixir has been a godsend to my hair. At first, I was a little shocked by the earthy fragrance. But I found that if you apply to damp hair, the smoky scent dissipates as your hair dries. I was amazed that 5 drops of this oil could transform my dry, damaged hair into a mane of myth. I honestly can’t remember the last time my hair looked and felt so divine.

I just finished the tester vial Amazon Beauty sent me to test. And, let me tell you - I am totally jonesing for more of this jungle juice.

Amazon Beauty products are available at amazonbeautysecret.com.

Make-up Trend: Teal Eyes

Bollywood's all about the teal-blue trend when it comes to clothes and now eyeshadow! But Deepika brought it to an entirely new—and literal—level in the new movie Billo Barber. She gave smoky eyes a twist by combining shades of teal and blue on her lids for a sultry, metallic look.

To prevent your shadow from fading or creasing, prime your lids with a colored base, like in this case we used M.A.C Delft Paint Pot.

BUY ONLINE NOW: M.A.C Pigment in Steel Blue and M.A.C Eye Shadow in Deep Truth

Wishing You a Beautiful 2009!

This will be my last post in 2008. The next time I write will be in 2009. Ah, a new year. A fresh start. While I am not a fan of making resolutions, there are a few beauty related things I am going to do with the start of the new year. Among these are:

• Starting Olay's 14-Day Skin Intervention on January 1st. I've used the 14-day system in the past and liked the results. Ideally, I should be doing this once a quarter...but time goes by and I forget. The start of a new year seems to be the perfect time for giving my skin a little more attention than usual.
  
  
• Cleaning all my makeup brushes. Again, this is something I should be doing more frequently. But like many of you, I put this task off and the next thing I know, it's been ages since my brushes have been thoroughly cleaned. I'll be following my own advice (here) and take the time this week to clean my brushes and beauty tools so I am ready for a new year.
  
  
• Cleaning out my makeup cases. We all do it and we know better. We keep tons of old makeup products around because we just might use them one day. I'm especially bad. I get so many samples and products to try out that my many makeup cases are filled to the brim. I think now is the time to tidy things up a bit!

In the coming year, I think I'll be paying more attention to the foundations of beauty and will be devoting my time and money to taking care of my skin (and trying to fight off the signs of aging!), keeping my hair in top condition, and making sure my nails look healthy and lovely. If these foundations are sound, I can play with all the fun trends that are sure to come my way.

I'll be back in no time with tons of beauty news. Until then, if you have any big resolutions or plans for 2009, I'd love to hear them, so leave a comment. Here's to a happy and healthy 2009!

Sun Maid (Raisin): Donatella Versace

Donatella Versace, while on vacay in St. Barts, does her best impersonation of Magda from There's Something About Mary.



Let us pray that putting on some sunscreen (and pounds) is at the top of the fashionista's New Year's resolutions list.

Sale-abration: Save a Pretty Penny at Benefit.com

If there's anything that you want
If there's anything Benefit can do
Shop Benefit.com and they'll send it along
With love from you to you

Bobbi Brown's Bright Idea

This January, Bobbi Brown is excited to introduce the Bobbi Brights Collection.

"The idea behind Bobbi Brights is simple. It's a library of beautiful bolts of color that a woman can pick up anytime she wants to add a little fun to her look." - Bobbi Brown

On counter along with her new book, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, the collection features the limited-edition Bobbi Brights Palette, inspired by the 'fun kit' Bobbi uses at Fashion Week. This collector's-edition palette is designed for the woman who wants to play and experiment with bright color. It features 35 soft matte shadows in a colorful shade range that includes everything from pinks and greens to blues and purples. All the shades are new and exclusive to this palette, which features a unique, fold-out design and full-size mirror.

Just in time for Spring, Bobbi is also adding four fresh new shades to her popular Creamy Lip Color Collection, each designed to complement her new Bobbi Brights Eye Palette. This innovative lipstick combines rich color, comfortable, long-lasting wear, and a soft, creamy shine. Formulated with emollient Shea Butter and skin conditioners, it glides on smooth and leaves lips soft and moisturized.

Bobbi has created six new nude to bright gloss shades and packaged them in her signature compact for spring. Formulated with soothing botanicals including Aloe Extract and Avocado, Jojoba, and Chamomile Oils, Bobbi's vanilla-scented gloss doubles as a pampering treatment for lips. The gloss pans, which feature clear protective covers, can be popped out of the compacts and inserted into our customizable palettes.

Make-up Trend: Volumized, Luscious Lashes

This is what makeup artist Aniruddha Chakladar calls the combination of a strong, defined brow, individual lashes and berry stain on the lips “super striking” on Deepika Padukone.

To create the thick-lash look, he used “as many short individual lashes as possible on both the top and bottom lash lines. I then applied a very fine line of eyeliner and many coats of mascara.”

Recs: M.A.C Blacktrack Fluidline and Dior Diorshow Mascara

Total Beauty Weekend Web Tour

After what seems like ages, Beauty Junkies Unite reviews a few pieces from JK Jemma Kidd Cosmetics. Target's beauty department is coming on strong!

Are you ready for Spring? Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy has the full scoop on all of the upcoming beauty collections from designers like Chanel, Givenchy, Shu Uemura and more for 2009! A must-see!

Did the holidays completely stress you out? Beauty Beast explains how one little product from Origins can help you forget all of your worries in no time.

Beauty411 shares the details on the frosty new MAC Chill Collection!

Viva Woman shows you how to make an easy homemade bath scrub with Epsom salt!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Integrate Holiday 2008 Makeup Palette!

Indian Girl shows you 9 Colorful Ways to do the Smokey Eye Look !

eye4style is resolving to save more dough in the New Year, so let's start by spending less on these chic drugstore beauty finds!

The Makeup Divas reviews the new ChapStick True Shimmer lip balms.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews the new CoverGirl Outlast Lipstains!

Marta Walsh Interviews Nadia Comaneci-by Talking Makeup!

marina from makeup loves me tells you what hair tool she's using for new year's eve night!

Spoiled Pretty is teaming up with Benefit Cosmetics for a Twilight-inspired giveaway! Five winners will win Benefit's Silky Finish Lipstick in Ms. Behavin, a mulberry glaze used on Edward and the rest of the Cullen family!

50% Off Rebecca Minkoff

Now through December 31st, take 50% off handbags at RebeccaMinkoff.com.

How darling is the Rendezvous Clutch in Purple Patent? It's now only $187 (originally $375). This oversized clutch features Rebecca's new signature buckle hardware. The Rendezvous clutch is perfect for leaving the office for a late night cocktail, or throw it in a larger tote for a weekend of fun.

Nicole Scherzinger's Bollywood Breakdown by Shalini Vadhera for Global Goddess Cosmetics

To start off with a good base to the skin, apply Upgrade Complexion Face Primer. To get perfect skin, apply Complexion Perfection Duo Foundation/Concealer in 2.5 (That's Nicole's color) To get that golden glow apply a sweep of South Pacific Shimmer on your cheekbones and across your lids. To get those smoky eyes use the BoHo Exotic Eyes Kit. Apply Maharani Rose/Rajah Brown Shimmer Shadow from the lid to crease and line the eyes with I-Define India Ink Eye Pencil. Smudge the entire eye for added drama. Apply Flutter Eyelashes from the BoHo Exotic Eyes Kit, and then add a dark line of Cairo Eyes Liquid Liner in Cleo Black for extra sultry eyes. Layer this over your pencil. Pout those sexy lips with the Moroccan Mystique Lip Veil in Mirage. Keep it light and sexy. Use Coconut Amla Oil on your body for a sexy glow.

2008: The Beauty Year In Review

It's almost time to ring in a new year! As such, now is the time for thinking about future plans while reflecting on the past year. And what a year it's been! I've been looking over 2008's posts here on Kiss and Make-up, and here are the highlights from the year...

IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID
The economic downturn has been big news this year. With a great deal of uncertainty out there, most of us don't feel comfortable spending a lot of money on beauty products. Here are some tips I've given on how to stay beautiful and keep cash in your pocket:

• From January 2008: How to pamper yourself without breaking the bank (click here).
• While you're out shopping and trying to save money, why not also try to save the environment? Click here for tips.
  
• Save some bucks but keep your nails looking great. Do your nails at home! Click here to do it right.
• If you still want to indulge in spa treatments, here are some ways to save money.
  
• $5 for beauty? Yup...here are some great buys under $5!
• Get an entire face of beauty for less than $32. Here's how I did it.
• There are some products that, in my opinion, are way too pricey for me to consider buying. Click here to learn more.
• Sometimes spending more money on a product to get high quality isn't necessary. Click here to see what I mean.
• Do you really know if you're getting a good deal when you're out shopping? Click here for tips.
  

LOOKS FROM 2008
Here are some tips on achieving hot looks from 2008...in case you're feeling the need to relive the last year through your makeup or you're wanting to update a bit:

• Rock out with metal-inspired makeup beautifully, not brutally.
  
• Your face is your canvas and here are makeup tips based on major fine art movements
  
• Click here for tips on applying eyeliner, here to apply mascara like a pro, here to be a blushing beauty, and here for all you need to know about concealer.
• Smoky eyes are always hot. Click here to pull off the look perfectly.
• Look like a vintage pin-up beauty. Click here for Bettie Page-inspired glam.
  
• Even though it's winter, you can still get inspiration from this post on fall beauty. Or click here to keep your look hot during these chilly days. And don't forget: this winter, purple is in. Click here for some great purple beauty picks.
  
• Keep your look work appropriate during the day with these tips.
  

BEAUTY PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK
My goal is to review a beauty product every week for you...this doesn't always happen! Regardless, here are my BPOWs (Beauty Products of the Week) for 2008 (I had a thing for mascara this year!):

• Lorac Lotsa Lash Mascara
• L'Oreal Professional Colorist Collection
• Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream
• Nexxus Humectress Luxe Leave-in Spray
• Sally Hansen Smile Brightening Lip Treatment
• Kiehl's Creme De Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish
• Sephora Matte Blotting Film
• Smashbox Bionic Mascara
• Lancome Hypnose Mascara
• Kiehl's Epidermal Re-Texturizing Microdermabrasion
• Imju's Fiberwig Mascara
• Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream
• Cover Girl LashBlast
• Frederic Fekkai's Salon Glaze Clear Shine Rinse
• Maybelline Intense XXL Mascara
• Tassi Headband
• Sephora Nail Patch
• Cover Girl Outlast All Day Lipcolor
• Anastasia Brow Pen
• Federic Fekkai's 3-Minute Hair Mask
• Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Pen
• Smashbox O Gloss
• Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips
• Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes
• Rimmel Glam Eyes Mascara
• St. Ives Apricot Scrub (Blemish and Blackhead Control)
  

MY FAVORITE THINGS
Move over, Oprah! Click here to see my favorite products...or at least the beauty products I use on an almost daily basis.

Wow. What a year! It seemed to just fly by. I have high hopes for 2009 and will be back soon to help you get ready to face a new year.

Vimi Joshi Talks DIFF and S/S 09 Make-up Trends

When people ask Vimi Joshi where she lives, she quickly responds with, "Emirates Airlines, seat 7A." As senior make-up artist, India and Middle East, for M.A.C Cosmetics, spending most of her life airborne is just one of the perks of an already fascinating job.

However, Vimi will be in her hometown of Dubai this week, working her magic on the stars at the 5th Dubai International Film festival (DIFF). In previous years, Vimi has worked on Richard Gere, Oliver Stone and Albert Brookes. (Yes, gentlemen also wear make-up, Vimi informs us, but it's not so much mascara as mattifying powder to take off the sheen when they are under the lights.)

"This year, among the stars who have confirmed their appointments are Sonam Kapoor and her sister Rhea. Sonam is a dear friend, always open to experimentation, and possibly the star I have made up the most. I also worked with the cast of Slumdog Millionaire at the Toronto Film Festival and I'm excited to meet them again at DIFF," says Vimi, settling down in a soundproof M.A.C green room tucked away in the brand's store in Mercato Mall.

"What's so great about DIFF is that you can go over the top with make-up. One can be creative, because the stars want more: You can bring out the crystal, the glitter, the lashes, and its full-on glamour — especially with the Indian and Middle Eastern celebrities," she exclaims.

Among Arab film stars, Vimi has worked with the likes of Yousra and Leila Aloui. Hollywood stars, though, prefer to keep it relatively natural and usually opt for a little bronzer and/or nude make-up. "They want to look like themselves," Vimi explains.

M.A.C has two services lined up for the stars, invitees and guests at the festival: a make-up suite at the Al-Qasr Hotel and on-call appointments for A-listers, who prefer a personalized session in the privacy of their suite. When on call for en-suite appointments, a make-up artist never knows who is going to ring them up or just drop by. On other occasions, an artist could spend most of a day making sure a single celebrity looks perfect for a series of media engagements. During DIFF, on-air talent and guests can get their make-up touched-up at a dedicated lounge, located in the media centre at the Madinat Jumeirah.

Frequent flyer

Joshi also travels to the international fashion weeks in London, New York, Milan and Paris. For a month each year, she works with some of the top make-up artists in the world, the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Val Garland, and Tom Pecheux, "keying" in the look on the most famous runways in the world. "I lay out the products for make-up artists to use. Thus we are able to test products backstage for a month during the fashion weeks. These are followed by recap meetings, where we give enormous amounts of feedback. M.A.C listens to us, and then a collection is launched."

Despite Vimi's cover-girl looks, she prefers being behind the scenes. "Being a celebrity is not an easy job, with the world watching your every move. To bring that amount of glamour, attention to detail and perfection, each and every day — hat's off to them!" Of her looks, she confesses she needs an hour to get ready every day. "Being part of the beauty industry, it's only natural that you take care of yourself. And when you do something so regularly, it is a habit. I need that hour-long ritual of getting ready."

Along with another senior M.A.C make-up artist, Mickey Contractor, Joshi has spent the last year creating four foundation and concealer shades (NC41, 42.5, 44.5 and 46) specifically for Indian and Middle Eastern skin tones. "The most common make-up mistake I see is women going for a foundation lighter than their skin tone," Vimi says. Especially now with the trend for organic, earthy and natural tones, a look based on lighter foundation can appear dated.

"Make-up is extremely personal and you need to celebrate your own individuality. Through the power of make-up, you can recreate yourself every day. If you want to try something, go ahead and do it — it's only make-up, it can be washed off! I would urge women to have fun with it."

Born in Uganda, Vimi grew up in a traditional Indian family that immigrated to England in 1972. "For my parents, my career options were limited to doctor, lawyer, accountant or marriage. I started working in the medical industry and soon enough realized my heart and soul were not in it." In her early 20s, she moved to London and bumped into a group of friends who were part of the music industry. On weekends, she hung around the sets of pop music videos, as a background dancer.

"I was fascinated with the make-up artists who came in on the sets. Through the power of some products and a brush, they were able to transform people. Not only was there a physical transformation, but also a radical personality shift that happened before my eyes," Vimi recalls.
When she told her family that she wanted to be a make-up artist, her mother gave her one year to prove herself.

Vimi built a successful career in that year, working on celebrities and pop stars. Invited by Shaikh Majid of the Kuwaiti ruling family to advise on a newly opened chain of make-up stores, she then moved to the Middle East. "It was supposed to be for just three months. Now, 12 years later, I am still here!" she laughs.

Seventh Heaven

Vimi says she felt like a child in a candy store when she saw what Arab women liked. "It was all ‘more is more,' with lots of color and texture. I was in seventh heaven!" She moved to Dubai in her current role, finally getting to see her country of origin on a shoot for M.A.C.

So what has she learned in the 13 years of practicing her craft? "When I started out, I used to approach make-up with the feeling, ‘I have to show you how much I can do!' I think I have learned to respect everyone's needs," Vimi muses.

"After all, I am there to inspire and make you feel beautiful, and your perception of beauty may differ from mine. Sometimes just a little mascara is enough for someone to feel like a goddess. Along the way, I have learned to listen, to respect people's needs and their limitations."

Vimi Joshi would love to M.A.C-over…

• Amy Winehouse: I love her look. She's really brought back eyeliner with a vengeance, becoming a bit of a beauty icon. While working backstage with Mickey at the Delhi Fashion Week, we had so many designers requesting the Amy Winehouse eyeliner. More power to her!
  
  
• Rakhi Sawant: I think she is open to experimenting with her look as well and is not afraid to be who she is. I love her no-holds barred attitude and the fact that she celebrates who she is. With her, I would go full out on the glamour — with sparkles and lashes.
  
  
• Aishwarya Rai: To me, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. It's my dream to work with her someday. I'd keep her look really classic – beautiful skin, glossy lips and make-up based around her beautiful eyes just shining through.
  
  
• Samantha Ronson: She's a bit androgynous. With her, I'd keep the make-up really natural and minimal – groomed brows, a bit of mascara and gloss, that's it.
  

Famous faces Vimi Joshi has worked on:

Richard Gere, Kurt Russell, Oliver Stone, Albert Brooks, Trudie Styler, Steven Tyler, Dita Von Teese, Rachel Hunter, Amitabh Bachchan, Gurinder Chaddha, Helen, Asha Bhosle, Vidya Balan, Bipasha Basu, Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta

The look 'du jour'

The biggest trend we are about to see in the coming months is a whole lot of nothing. It would seem there is no make-up on, just beautiful skin — the kind that looks straight out of the pages of a fashion magazine," says Vimi.

"It's achieved using techniques that contour and highlight the skin. People are going to pay more attention to hydrating, priming, contouring and sculpting. Beautiful skin is the best canvas; you don't need more products after that."

Make-up Trends: Purple Eye Shadow

Anjana Sukhani shows us that it's time to embrace purple around the eyes—without looking like a wrestler.

Clear eyes and cover-up are key with this look. Find a good peach-toned concealer to camouflage dark circles and use a few drops of Visine to eliminate any redness.

Rec: Cargo eyeshadow in Persia

Spoiled Pretty Teams Up With Benefit Cosmetics for Twilight-Inspired Giveaway

Thanks to my girl, Amber, I’m on board the Twilight train and I don’t want this wild ride to end.

I saw Twilight twice in it’s first week in the theater. I just finished Breaking Dawn, the fourth book in the series. My sister rocked my world today when she gave me Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion for Christmas. This behind-the-scenes guide features full-color photos of the cast, locations, and sets, as well as storyboards, interviews, and much more.

As a Twilight enthusiast/beauty addict, one of the best parts of the book is an interview with Jeanne Van Phue, the movie’s head makeup artist. She talks about her love for makeup, and gives the skinny on happenings behind-the-scenes.

“With makeup you can transform someone, make them look beautiful; you can change the eyebrows and make someone’s eyes look bigger,” says Van Phue. “People don’t realize makeup may be covering a blemish or black-and-blue mark. We’re trained to make people look better, or older, or stressed out. We do all that!”

“Edward is the hero, so I had to make him look the best [out] of everyone…Rob looks drop-dead gorgeous, so I applied his makeup a little thinner. The pale makeup takes the life out of you, so I let a tiny bit of his natural skin tone come through. I made his eyes look more beautiful and put a little lip stain to make him look more appealing. Rob looks different from the others; we wanted him to stand out.”

If you’re a fan of my Twilight-inspired posts, you already know that Van Phue used Benefit's Silky Finish Lipstick in Ms. Behavin on Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward Cullen in the film. Well, I had such a positive response to that article that I’m partnering with Benefit for a giveaway - Twilight style.

Five readers will win Benefit's Silky Finish Lipstick in Ms. Behavin, a mulberry glaze (retail value $18). The innovative formula slides on silky smooth for the softest, sexiest lips ever. Sheer coverage with buildable color...wear as little or as luscious as you like. Lipstick glides on effortlessly with the slant tip for flawless, even coverage.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. The subject line should read "Benefit Twilight Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Wednesday, December 31st. Five winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Thursday, January 1st, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

Happy Holidays!

Hey everyone,

first of all, happy holidays to all of you! I hope everyone is having a wonderful time with family and/or friends! Here is the look I did for Christmas Eve, I wanted something sparkly but not OTT, so I went for this rather simple look: Sahara Glitter all over the lid, Quarry in crease and Vanilla to highlight. I lined my top lids with my faithful Manhattan japanese ink liner, and glued on Ardell lashes #116 on top with transparent Duo glue:







Product list
Face: MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC15, MAC Studio Finish NC15, PL April's Mix, MAC Desirous, MAC Northern Lights
Eyes: MAC Bare Study, You+Eye Sahara Glitter, MAC Quarry, Manhattan JT, Ardell #116 lashes, Maybelline Expression kohl in white, CG Lash Blast mascara
Lips: MAC Pleasureseeker lipstick, Revlon Punchy Peach liploss

Merry Christmas...Love, Spoiled Pretty

Merry Christmas
Feliz Navidad
Joyeux Noël
Fröhliche Weihnachten

Kala Christouyenna!

Mele Kalikimaka
Rehus-Beal-Ledeats
Maligayan Pasko!

Buone Feste Natalizie
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Chung Mung Giang Sinh

Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan

Feliz Natal

Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom

Peace and love,

Daneen :)

Spring/Summer 2009: Givenchy's Maharani Collection

After the glorious Indian inspired collections 2008 brought us: Lancome Maharani Jewels and Manish Arora for M.A.C Cosmetics, comes another India inspired make-up collection by Givenchy.

This wonderful information comes from Nicolas Degennes' personal website, where he has updated it to feature his Spring/Summer collection. To view the entire collection, and his own little notes for the collection, click here.

"Like a Bollywood film, Nicolas Degennes creates an extravaganza of color to make everyday life a dream. “I saw India as a bombardment of colors bursting forth to the rhythm of filmi music. I had already been a fan of this infectious, upbeat music for a long time, but of course it was the imagery that really grabbed me — Bollywood and its palettes of colors burst with beams of light. Melodramatic love stories… But love stories all the same, with all the emotion, the ardor, the passion of hearts that are torn apart and the struggle through hardship… The stuff of life! And the women! So beautiful, vivacious, dazzling… … and yet so sweetly demure. A homage to Indian beauty, heightened with a discreet air of eroticism and anchored in the purest tradition. What I adore in these love sagas is the eternal femininity in a showcase of flashy, ultra-kitsch glamour and gaudy music."

The Collection

Precious Sari Glitter Eyeshadow in Maharani Gold and Maharani Silver

Sari Glow Iridescent Blush in Maharani Pink and Maharani Orange

Magic Kajal Eye Pencil in Carbon Black

Rouge Interdit in Maharani Rose and Maharani Henna

Vernis Please! in Maharani Tangerine and Maharani Pink

Prismissime Visage in Maharani Pinks (Fair complexions) and Maharani Apricots (Darker/tanned complexions)

Images and collection excerpt courtesy: Temptalia

Make-up Trends: Soft Eyeliner

Don’t think that eyeliner has to be fierce—it can add just the right touch of glamour, as it did for Asin. Using white shimmer on the inner corners of the eye and a silvery-gray on the lid. Accentuate your eyes by adding a navy-black kohl eyeliner on the top and lined the rim of the inside.

Make sure you keep your eyeliner in your clutch because you will want to touch it up. You’ll want to re-trace the line near the inner corner, which can fade because of the proximity to eye moisture.

Rec: Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Star Black

The Big Beauty Sale: Save Up To 75% at Sephora

Right now, save up to 75% on those products you've been eyeing up at Sephora. Here's just a few of the ways you can make out like a bandit:

Stila Shine On Gift Of Glaze, $22 (original price $28)


Sephora Luxe Noir Brush Set, $69 (original price $98)


Fresh Sugar Affair Gift Set, $48 (original price $60)


NARS Sephora Exclusive Lip Gloss Collection, $35 (original price $45)

T3 4 Less!!!

Season's greetings from Spokane, WA!

I'm in the Pacific Northwest visiting with the in-laws. I'd like to give a shout out to Steve, Laura, Matt, Maddy and baby Clara for being so warm and hospitable, and for making my first Christmas away from home so lovely.

So today, Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I braved the snow and ventured to River Park Square , a shopping center in the heart of downtown Spokane. Graham left me unattended in Nordstrom for about 10 minutes, then called me on my cell to say that he was finished his Christmas shopping. How do men do that? I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

Realizing that he'd have to humor me before I would willingly leave the mall, Graham accompanied me to Banana Republic and a few other shops - including Chatters, a salon and beauty retail store. I was drawn to the unfamiliar store by a very recognizable pink and white dispay...

If you're in the Spokane area, stop by Chatters for some amazing deals on T3:

* T3 PRO Dryer and 360° Plump Heat Seeking Liquid Hair Plumper for $82 (retail value $147)
* T3 PRO Styler for $82 (retail value $119)
* T3 PRO Diffuser for $12 (retail value $20)

If you're nowhere near Spokane or prefer to shop in your jammies, don't fret. Get these fab deals online.

The Glamorous Life: Spoiled Pretty Featured on Glamour.com!

We flying the first class
Up in the sky
Poppin' champagne
Livin' the life
In the fast lane
And I wont change
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy

Click here to check out my recent interview with Glamour Magazine. I couldn't be more elated by how well everything turned out. Give it a look-see and if you're thoroughly informed and entertained - show Spoiled Pretty some love and leave a comment at the bottom of Glamour's post.

And big thanks to Beth for this amazing opportunity!

Look...Find Out If You've Won Vera Wang's Latest Fragrance!

Congratulations to Kim Kelly, Taryn Travis and Rosanna Yee. These ladies are winners of the Vera Wang Look Giveaway and will receive a 1 oz bottle of Vera's newest fragrance.

A sparkling elixir of mandarin and watery greens are layered with lush notes of lychee and golden delicious apple, filling the topnote with a burst of energy and freshness. The vibrant floral bouquet of lily, freesia and jasmine envelopes with femininity and elegance. A natural sensuality is enhanced in the drydown of indulgent vanilla and skin musk. Touches of oakmoss and patchouli create balance with warmth, depth and character.

Thanks to Vera Wang for sponsoring this contest - and to all of you who entered. Stop by again soon for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway announcement.

Burt's Bees Giveaway Winner - Is It You?

Congratulations to Trinh Loi, winner of the Burt's Bees Giveaway. Lucky Trinh is the new owner of three naturally fabulous gift sets: Overnight Bee-Uty Bag, Mint Medley Gift, and Radiance Gift.

Thanks to Burt's Bees for sponsoring the giveaway! And stay tuned for your next chance to get Spoiled Pretty!

Happy Holidays!

My house in the snow. It will be a white Christmas this year.

Even though I am not feeling particularly in the holiday mood this year for a number of reasons, the holidays are now upon us. I'll be taking the next few days off, but when I'm back I'll bring you all sorts of new info like:

• A new installment of my Reader to Reader segment
• Beauty Product of the Week reviews of a hand lotion candle, mark skin care products, etc.
• A new Anastasia product is hitting the market soon and I have the scoop!
• Product reviews of the next featured items at HSN's Faces of Beautiful You
• Review of White Sands hair care products
  
• And much, much more.

I wish you all a happy holidays. Be safe and enjoy your family and friends. As always, if you have any beauty questions or products you want to recommend, email me (asklydia@hotmail.com).

Updated to add: I'm going to be doing some cleaning up of my blog in order to start 2009 on the right foot. If you have a blog and you want to link up with me, please send me an email and I'll try to get you on either my favorite sites list or my Links to Keep You Beautiful as appropriate. Note: sites that I am currently linked to that have not been updated lately will be deleted. Thanks!

Get The Look: Kim Kardashian at the Spike TV Video Game Awards

Troy Jensen is the man behind Kim Kardashian's 70's inspired makeup at the Spike TV Video Game Awards. The makeup artist/photographer blogs, "Metallic gold and intense black-lined eyes with a soft pale pink mouth complimented her dress. I love creating new looks with Kim. She has a fantastic face to work on. In earlier events, I tried to keep it fresh and sexy but this time, I wanted to give Kim a red-carpet look reminiscent of early 1970's Cher."

To create the look, Jensen used Revlon products. He shares the following tip for creating the perfect 70s sheer: "Choose a lip shade one or two shades brighter than your own in a salmon, rose, or raspberry pink lipstick. Pat on with your fingertips then blot with a tissue. Top with sheer gold lip gloss."

Whatcha think of Kimmy's look? Can you dig it?


For Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here!

Source

Breaking News: Rob Pattinson Cut His Hair

Brace yourselves, Twilighters. Rob Pattinson just cut his hair.

Okay...deep breaths...


No statement has been released about the reasons behind the chop. But Spoiled Pretty speculates that the haircut is just the shy star's attempt at being a little less conspicuous. Or carpal tunnel set in after months of clawing his matted mane out of his face.

Thoughts on Rob's new do?

For Best Use Of Hair Accessories, The Award Goes To Rihanna

For best use of hair accessories, the award goes to Rihanna. RiRi would like to thank the academy...Star Academy, that is.



On Friday night's season finale of the French singing competition, Rihanna accessorized her faux hawk with a halo of Swarovski crystal hair pins.

The looks that Rihanna (or her stylist) comes up with boggles the mind.

You don't need a superstar budget to recreate this look. These rhinestone hair pins (above left) are only $20 for a set of six at Beautiful Bridal (I purchased my bridal tiara via this online retailer and was beyond pleased).

There Is Nothing Like A Dame: MAC Partners With Dame Edna For Upcoming Collection

“Hello possums!” Dame Edna Everage is in the house! With her zesty zingers, cutting-edge appearance – lilac hair (which is completely natural), rhinestone-encrusted face furniture, fanciful frocks – frankly; there’s nothing like a Dame!

Dame Edna is the resident muse for MAC's spectacular post-holiday makeup collection, and modestly describes herself as “probably the most popular and gifted woman in the world today: housewife, investigative journalist, social anthropologist, talk-show host, swami, children’s book illustrator, spin doctor, megastar, and Icon.” With packaging as mirthful and minx-like as The Legend herself, the Dame Collection of heavy-on-the-lilac Lipstick/Lipglass, eye shadow, Highlight powder and nail lacquers is in a class by itself!

“Follow my beauty regime possums, and you’ll never be cosmetically challenged” –Dame Edna


Lipstick
Gladiola: Matte mid-tone blue pink
Coral Polyp: Creamy mid-tone coral
Kanga Rouge: Creamy dark blue red
Suggested Retail Price: $14


Lipglass
Hot Frost: Sheer mid-tone blue pink with multi-dimensional pearl
Splendid: Frosty pale pinky coral
Possum Nose Pink: Sheer bright coral with multi-dimensional pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $14


Royal Tour Eye Trio
Royal Tour: Mid-tone cool lilac
Dame’s Desire: Frosty mid-tone reddish purple
Climate Blue: Dark blue violet with pink pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $32.50


Wisteria Eye Trio
Fineshine: Frosty true silver
Wisteria: Frosty robin’s egg blue
Divine Night: Frosty charcoal with silver pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $32.50


Hi-Light Powder
What a Dame!: Pale clean orangey peach
Spectacle!: Pale soft pink
Suggested Retail Price: $26


Nail Lacquer
Asiatique: Creamy classic red
Varicose Violet: Frosty mid-tone pinkish purple
Suggested Retail Price: $11

Available
North America: December 26, 2008 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com.
International: January 2009 at all MAC locations.