My Latest MAC Purchase: You'll Be Green With Envy

Today, after attending the Cashman & Associates Girls’ Day Out event, Mama Spoiled Pretty and I headed over to Macy’s for some extra innings of shopping. Mom was kinda working my last nerve, shopping up a storm, then asking me (aka telling me) to carry her heavy bags. But then she spotted a $180 Michael Kors dress - in my size - for $9. Can you even believe? So all was forgiven and Philadelphia has since been re-named the City of Motherly Love. Anyway, despite saving $171 on the dress, it still wasn’t my most satisfying purchase of the day.

Before mom and I headed for the petites department, we stopped at the MAC counter and had a ball playing with the makeup. At first, mom was all, “What do you need more MAC makeup for?” Obviously, I did not inherit my product addiction from my mother. But after watching me get all done up, thanks to the talented and knowledgeable MAC makeup artist Jillian, she too was bitten by the MAC bug. Jillian gave her a very sophisticated smoky eye and mom ended up buying both of the shadows Jillian used - Nehru (muted bluish black) and Knight Divine (black w/ silver pearl).

For my fabulous purchase (you’re going to be green with envy), watch the video:

For more video product reviews and tips, click here for Spoiled Pretty TV.

Total Beauty Weekend Web Tour

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog reviews and gives away a big bag of e.l.f. beauty booty.

Beauty Junkies Unite shows us how to eliminate muffin-top and be comfortable at the same time. Slimpressions makes a favorable impression!

Beauty411 shares her finds for the Best Winter Hand Creams. If your hands need relief, don't miss it!

Advice Sister's Alison Blackman Dunham is sharing Fashion Week's "must-haves" because it's always the little things that make life easier, more successful, and more fun!

Head on over to The Makeup Divas and enter to win 2 tubes of Covergirl's Lashblast Luxe Mascara. While you are there, check out the other giveaways I have.

Boutique Flair experiences oneness with chocolate thanks to Coco-Zen.

Kyl at The Beauty Couch shares some tips on how to stretch your beauty budget.

Butterflydiary has an amazing Fashion Week themed giveaway! Patrick McMullan sent "Fashion Week" survival kits to his celeb friends. Win ONE of these luxury kits here.
Viva Woman recommends you to use grapeseed oil underneath your moisturizer because it contains more antioxidant power than vitamins C & E!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has discovered, and fallen in love with, a foundation that makes skin look flawless and stays in place all day. Read about it here!

Dina at eye4style takes it all off with Paul & Joe's Makeup Remover. Check out her review here!

MAC's Lead Makeup Artist, Gregory Arlt, backstage at Twinkle!-Talking Makeup.

Checkout the Informed Makeup Maven's fave mascaras, palette buying tips and reviews
Neon Bible shows you how to get Natalie Portman's Oscar Look for Less.

Addicted To Lipstick shows us swatches and gives us her review of the Mac Hello Kitty Collection. You can see the pics here Mac Hello Kitty Review.

Fabulous Over Forty discusses what she thinks is the must have palette this spring.

Image and Style News is having a AVEENO Hair Care Collection GIVEAWAY click here to enter AVEENO Hair Care Collection.

Being green just got a whole lot easier. Check out the new Victoria's Secret PINK Body line at MissWhoever You Are.

Blaq Vixen Beauty shares her thoughts on the AHA Souffle she's been using for the last 5 months!

The contest hosted by More Than a Pretty Face to win one of three Mood Lighting Shimmer Cremes from 3 Custom Color Specialists closes March 7. Enter now!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow from Dior spring 2009 collection.

Find out The Secret to Supple Winter Skin at Makeup Bag.

Enter Indian Girl's GIVEAWAY to win one of five Skin Prep FX Face Primers from Cover FX.

StyleBell talks to celebrity stylist, David Babaii, on how you can create Angelina Jolie's award winning Oscar half up half down hair style!

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having a giveaway. They have 5 boxes of the new Crest Whitestrips up for grabs. Hurry, the contest ends Saturday!!! Check out the details here.

Time for a new giveaway on Beauty Blvd.! Enter to win a tube of Maybelline's Lash Stiletto! Enter here!

makeup loves me shows you how to get one of the most talked about looks of mercedes benz fashion week, the glossy black eye seen at chris benz. plus, vote on how well she rocks the look!

Lipstick Addict makes a review on Garnier Roll-on Eye Brightener.

Glossypink reviews a product collection that will have you thinking your bathroom has been converted to a day spa!

Daneen from Spoiled Pretty may have discovered the BEST BLACK EYELINER EVER! Click here for the review!

Experimenting...

Hey everyone!

First off, I wantd to thank all my readers (you!) for your support - this blog has more than 100 followers now, and I hugely appreciate all your comments and your visits here!!

Second, I will be in London during the next week, to see the Phantom of the Opera, try some real English Afternoon Tea at a fancy hotel, and go shopping of course :D! So don't be surprised if I don't get to post next weekend!

Today, I just experimented a little with a multi-colored crease, but I guess it will take me some more practice to be content with my results (:.. I used Clair de Lune on the lid, with Gesso in the inner and outer corners. Then I drew a line with black kohl following the shape of my crease and winging it out. I started with Passionate in the inner corner, Grape in the middle and added some Carbon above the kohl line and in the outer corner. Sorry for the lashes, they suck but as I am not wearing any eyeliner, I didn't want to glue on falsies...






Product List
MAC Bare Canvas, MAC Clair de Lune, MAC Gesso, Maybelline Expression kohl in black, MAC Passionate, MAC Grape, MAC Carbon, CG Lash Blast

Lakshmi Menon in Fall 2009's Make-up Trends [Alexander Wang]

"A little bit androgynous, a little bit masculine" is how makeup artist and Shiseido artistic director Dick Page described the look at Alexander Wang's show Saturday. "It's a bit sexy, but a bit tough as well," said Page, who achieved this by applying Makeup Stick Cream Foundation in a shade or two darker than the model's skin tone to contour the cheeks, before dusting the face with Translucent Loose Powder, for a "very matte finish."

Page skipped the mascara, but lined the eyes with Eyeliner Pencil in Deep Brown and applied Silky Eye Shadow in Granite Stone for a murky effect.

Lips were neutral and monochrome—painted with a blend of Eyeliner Pencil in Deep Brown and Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Spiced Cream.

New York Fashion Week: Reem Acra, Fall 2009

Backstage at the Fall 2009 Reem Acra collection (held at Reem's showroom),teams from Bumble and bumble and MAC were busy at work styling hair and crafting makeup to compliment the collection’s Grecian theme.

“The inspiration is goddess-like,“ said Polly Osmond, Key Makeup Artist of MAC.

“So the face is highlighted and shaded. We’re doing a greasy, taupe-y eye with highlights on the cheeks and a pale lip. The only specification Reem had for the makeup was to make the girls look beautiful. The entire look took about a half hour to conceive because it’s very simple and easy.”

To replicate the look, prep the face with MAC Face and Body Foundation. Then apply MAC Butter Nutty Shadestick to temples, bridge of the nose, and chin. Brush MAC Powder Blush in Taupe on eyelids and under eyes, MAC Nylon Eye Shadow in the inner corners of the eyes, and MAC Root Cream Colour Base under eyes. Layer MAC Gloss Texture on top of the Root Cream Colour Base - then curl lashes and coat with MAC Mascara X in Black.

Apply concealer to the lips then follow with the Root Cream Colour Base. Top with MAC Shy Girl Lipstick and MAC Boy Bait Lipglass. Finally, swipe some MAC Gloss Texture on the cheekbones.

When I approached Laurent Philippon, Lead Hairstylist for Bumble and bumble, he was scrambling because the electricity had gone out - which left him and his team without power for their styling tools. But he was so calm and gracious, and gave me his full attention for a quick interview.

“This is a red carpet kind of hairstyle. Reem wanted something quite sophisticated. It’s a side chignon with a really, really low side part. It frames the face and brings a geometrical shape to the hairstyle, but with softness as well. It’s a very clean and finished hairstyle but it’s not glued. I don’t want it to look glued. I still want it to feel like it’s hair. We’re drawing the part with a comb, then using Styling Lotion and drying hair really flat. And we’re putting it into a side ponytail - no backcombing involved. The twist is really about securing it with large pins. So it’s really tight, but it doesn’t look tight.”

Angi Wingle, and her team of Creative Nail Design technicians, put the finishing touches on models’ tips and toes. The nails were filed to a naturally rounded shape (to echo the bustlines of Reem’s draped gowns) and polished with a coat of Cocoa.

New York Fashion Week: Lela Rose, Fall 2009

For her Fall 2009 collection, Lela Rose drew inspiration from the rainforest - and the creepy crawlies that call it home. To help transform the models into chic, tropics-trekking entomologists, Lela enlisted the help of two of the biggest names in the beauty business.

Celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow (for Beauty.com) used products from Stila Cosmetics to reinforce the rainforest theme. Tina prepped the skin with Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, Perfecting Concealer and Sheer Pressed Powder.

"The skin is fresh and dewy, not dead and matte," Tina explained. "I'm so excited to have the skin be healthy and shiny and glowing."

When I asked if dewy skin was an emerging trend for Fall, Tina confessed that she's ready to see the skin again. "I love the idea of sheen. I love seeing the skin, and powder usually takes that away. This morning, we're only applying powder to the t-zone."

Models' lids were painted with gold and green shadows from the Precious Pearl Palette and lined in Kajal Eye Liner (in Emerald and Pearl) along with Stila Smudge Pot in Jade - to mimic the the "iridescent, pearlescent shell of a beetle."

Cheeks were earthily flushed, using Convertible Color in Camellia and pouts glossed with Lip Glaze in Praline. Eyeshadow in Constellation and Venus (new shades) were brushed over brows and high on the cheekbones to give the face definition and impart a jungle-like wetness to the look.

I wasn't surprised to see mane magician Ted Gibson backstage, as he and Lela love to collaborate. For the past two seasons, I have chatted with Ted backstage at Lela Rose - and he always serves up something fierce.

Every fashion week, I am amazed by his conceptual (yet accessible) hairstyles...and this season's coiffure made me heart Ted all the more.

While Tina Turnbow was inspired by the beetle, Ted found his muse in Odonata - aka the dragonfly.

To create the insect-inspired do, Ted created a center part, then swept hair back into a "youthful ponytail." The voluminous crown was created using Build It. Tame It Shine Lotion smoothed the hair and calmed flyaways. The ponytail was coiled and blasted with heat from a hair dryer (air concentrator nozzle on), to give the hair texture.

Finally, the twisted tail was set with Beautiful Hold Hairspray, which smells so wondorous that you want to spray it on - whether or not your hair needs help staying put.

Coming Soon: Orlando Pita Renew Dry Conditioner for T3!!!

Backstage at the Fashion Week Barbie show, Orlando Pita styled exaggerated ponytails, bloated bouffants and larger-than-life buns using T3 Plump and T3 Control sprays. To add shine and glossiness, Pita spritzed the models’ manes with his latest creation, T3 Renew Dry Conditioner.

Dry conditioner?!? Yeah, that’s what I thought. As soon as I left the backstage area, I set out on a reconnaissance mission to learn more about this mystifying new mist. At the CEW Product Demonstration, I ran into my T3 contact, who supplied me with the top secret deets. Here’s what I learned:

T3 Renew Dry Conditioner is a waterless, lightweight dry conditioner (the first of its kind) with a non-greasy formulation that breathes life into parched, lackluster locks - instantly restoring moisture, shine and softness. The product features Quaternium, known in the skincare world for its long-lasting, penetrating conditioning power - alongside nourishing botanicals such as chamomile, ginger and rosemary extract. Powerful blend is rich in antioxidants, Vitamins E and B6 to nourish, soften, protect hair while enhancing highlights and restoring shine.

Unlike traditional conditioning formulas, Renew doesn’t weigh hair down or leave hair oily like shine sprays. A natural wheat protein ensures the instant conditioner is lightweight, not heavy or greasy, and diffuses easily throughout the hair without a trace. Renew can be used as an instant pick-me-up for dry, damaged hair - or as a nourishing, overnight conditioning treatment.

It is the perfect complement to any dry shampoo, like T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo. To apply, shake well and hold the can 6-8 inches from your head. Spray the aerosol all over dry hair and brush through.

T3 Orlando Pita Renew Dry Conditioner ($25) will launch in March and will be exclusively sold in Sephora stores and on sephora.com.

Lakshmi Menon in Fall 2009's Make-up Trends [Diane Von Furstenburg]

“We’re doing a monochromatic, nomadic woman,” said M.A.C Cosmetics makeup artist James Kaliardos, who added that “Sudanese women” inspired the beauty look at Diane von Furstenberg Sunday afternoon.

“We’re shading the face with natural tones,” he said, “and there’s a round, light, smoky eye.” He applied a M.A.C Omega Eye Shadow hue to top and bottom eyelids to lend rounded definition to the eyes. On the cheeks, he went with a M.A.C Cream Colour Base in Pearl and brushed M.A.C Malt Eye Shadow onto the edges of the lips “to kind of finish off [the face].

Friday, February 27th: Burberry Sale at Ideeli

Burberry is on sale tomorrow on Ideeli!

Prices START at a mere: $138.00
Save up to 44% Off!

This event is scheduled to start on Friday, Febuary 27 at 11am for 1st Row members, noon for 2nd Row members. This event will run for 3 days, or until it sells out.

To join Ideeli (membership is free), visit ideeli.com and enter spoiledpretty as your invite code.

Can We Talk Taraji For A Minute?

I am loving Taraji P. Henson's bob right now. And she obviously loves it too. Can't you tell?

The face-framing cut and sideswept bang are so flattering. I appreciate that Taraji isn't trying to go all Rihanna and experiment with a whole lotta looks. She's just letting her do do it's thang. If I had the chutzpah to chop my locks, I would take Taraji's photo to my mane man, Erik.

Photos: Wireimage

Lakshmi Menon in Fall 2009's Make-up Trends [Tibi]

Inspired by the color-pop prints and peacock solids in Tibi's Fall 2009 line, Makky turned the makeup to a decade when optimism was king, and neon colors ruled. Yes, that would be the 80's. "The look is very Christy Turlington circa Vogue in the late 80's, said Makky. "When bright blue eye shadow was really in." To make the look very fresh and modern, and not too Barbie, he cut off the end of the eye color for a very graphic, square shape.
Makky used M.A.C's new turquoise shade for fall, blended with true blue M.A.C Eye Shadow in Electric Eel on the top lid and squared off at the ends, with a cobalt blue shade beneath the lower lash lines. For concentrated color, use M.A.C Paint Pot in Painterly underneath. "It's a cream shadow that dries in a minute and really pops every color you put on top," says Makky. Lips were downplayed in M.A.C Hello Kitty Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Fish. "I love these because the balm texture allows you to wear trendy shades like pale pink without going crazy."

Make-up Artist Jeffrey Paul on Freida Pinto

Makeup artist Jeffrey Paul (who works with Dior) works with her (and does her hair)... Here are his thoughts on his dream client:

"Freida Pinto is the changing face of beauty. She has what every girl dreams of: big eyes, beautiful eyebrows, high cheekbones and a smile that lights up the room. In India, black eyeliner called kohl is almost an everyday staple. I think some of the trends we're going to start to see more of, inspired by this Bollywood beauty and actresses like Freida, are black eyeliner, colorful eyes, large eyelashes, liner on the inside of the eyes, shimmery natural lips, warmed complexions, long, silky hair and high ponytails."

Gadget Girl

I'm an Aquarius, and that means that I am a big fan of futuristic techy stuff. Are you a futuristic fashionista looking for the latest and the greatest in beauty like me? Now you can give in to your digital diva without breaking the bank. Stop by Sephora for high-tech beauty must-haves guaranteed to please the gal who loves her gadgets and adores her cosmetics.

Fabulous finds for the high-tech beauty junkie:

Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler ($20) – The next-gorgeous-generation, professional-quality eyelash curler designed for effortless use and maximum curl. Tweezerman products are amazing, and these rose-tinted curlers are too cute!

Lorac Special Effects Mascara ($22) – Keep your mascara on for eternity with this double-ended device that features a conditioning primer as well as a lengthening mascara.

Sephora Professionnel Platinum Air Brush #55 ($34) – Forget Photoshop! This liquid foundation applicator is designed to achieve a flawless, airbrushed look all on its own.

Lancôme LA LAQUE FEVER - Ultimate Lasting Full Color Lipshine ($26) – With a new soft-sculpt applicator, this full-color lip shine holds to your pout for six hours!

Urban Decay Cream Eyeshadow ($17) – A gel-based cream shadow formula that features silicone technology, allowing time to blend, correct, and smudge as you please.

Beauty Blender Beautyblender® ($19.95 - $25.95) – The first ergonomically designed non-disposable sponge applicator that allows you to flawlessly apply your makeup. Available online only.

Beauty Flash: log onto Sephora.com for gorgeous goodies and get UPS 3 day delivery for just $3! Predict your future with these pretty cool tools – all available at Sephora stores, by calling 1-877-Sephora or by logging onto Sephora.com.

Philly Girls’ Day Out: Super Savings in a Slow Economy

Philly Girls’ Day Out: Super Savings in a Slow Economy
One-stop shop for steals and deals from the hottest local retailers!

Cashman & Associates invites you to grab your girlfriends for a Girls’ Day Out shopping extravaganza! Look for bargains from top Philadelphia, South Jersey and Main Line retailers all under one roof! Featured shops include Arcadia Boutique, Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelers, Bo Concept, Breathe Spa, Denise Fike Designs, Hope Chest, Katye K Boutique, Open Dialog, Per Lei Boutique, Pileggi Boutique, Scarlet Alley, Skirt, South Moon Under and many more!!!

Enjoy a complimentary chair massage by On the Spot Wellness and enter to win luxe spa and beauty giveaways! The first 60 shoppers to register and attend receive a Tory Burch tote filled with Cashman & Associates’ goodies!

Admission is FREE – save your money for shopping! Cash and checks are preferred; some retailers will accept credit cards. Please bring a gently used accessory or an unopened beauty product to benefit Career Wardrobe.

The Loews Hotel
1200 Market Street
Regency Ballroom, Level 2M
Saturday, February 28, 2009
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Don’t let the economy get you down! The best shopping of Philadelphia, South Jersey and the Main Line in one location! Find reduced prices on stylish pieces to wear now and great discounts on spring collections before they hit stores!

Feel good by helping a local woman look her best at her next interview. The Career Wardrobe is the nation’s largest community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting women in their transition to work by providing professional attire, networking and career skills training.

Please RSVP to Cashman & Associates
215.627.1082 ext.1 or cashmanandassociates.com

Nivea A Kiss Of Shine Glossy Lip Care: Buy This NOW!

Just in case you missed my most recent Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week (I posted it at an awkward time and it got buried under Fashion Week and Oscars articles), check it out. It's my first video product review. Enjoy!

LUSH Skincare--My new routine

Ok guys... this post is going to serve more as an "accountability" thing for me more than anything. LET ME EXPLAIN... I'm all about immediate results, which where skincare is concerned, really isn't realistic. So by posting what I'm going to start using and promising a video review on my channel in a few weeks to update you all, I'm forced to stick with it. Good idea huh?
So, for 8 years I used Proactiv with great results, but about 6 months ago, I started noticing a change in my skin. I began getting some hormonal breakouts and it seemed that nothing was really working. Where I used to be able to apply all that harsh benzoyl peroxide to my face twice a day, it seems that now my skin doesn't really respond well to having it's top layer burned off you know? Dry, flaky, irritated skin over long periods of time=wrinkles=no fun. So I'm trying to take a more natural approach. Hmmm....I WONDER what brand I looked to for skin care?? :)

These are the products I got and how I plan to use them:

*LUSH products*

Coal Face cleanser
I'm going to use this twice a day. This cleanser has purifying ingredients which is great for acne-prone skin. It also contains exfoliating granules.



Tea Tree Water Toner
Again, I'm going to use this twice a day after cleansing. You can spray it directly on the face, or onto a cotton pad (which is what I'm going to do). Again, this has ingredients that are purifying and great for clogged pores and blemishes.



Vanishing Cream
(Moisturizer)
This moisturizer is great for people with oily and acne-prone skin. It's the lightest moisturizer LUSH has, however, makes skin feel really comfortable (I've tried this in a sample before). It feels really clean on the skin without the layer of "grossness" some moisturizers can leave behind.



Mask of Magnaminty
I'm going to use this 2-3 times a week as a mask. I decided to purchase this one rather than another one of my beloved fresh face masks by LUSH because this one is the most deep cleansing for breakout-prone skin and is great for clearing blackheads when used properly. Also, it lasts 4 months, so I got the smaller 4.4 oz. container.




THEN, because my skin reacts well to retinol treatments...

Philosopy "On a Clear Day" Retinol Clarifying Lotion
I'm going to use this at night (since retinol breaks down and loses effectiveness in sunlight). This particular lotion treats acne, congested pores, acne scarring/discoloration, and fine lines. This particular formula is great because it's gentle enough to even be used twice a day and contains super moisturizing hylauronic acid and soothing cucumber extract.

Alright, so now I have motivation to stick with this! Expect a review/update video in 2-3 weeks :)

To find these products and for more information, visit www.lush.com.

Kim Kardashian Vegas Magazine How-To Makeup Video: Part 3

For the final segment of Kim Kardashian's Vegas Magazine How-To Makeup Video, makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic show fans how to complete Kim's eye makeup, contour the face and gloss the lips.

In part 3 of the video, Mario uses the following products:

MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
Giella Custom Blend Eye Shadow in Bedazzle
Smashbox Bronze Lights Bronzer
Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow Blush in Shadore
MAC Cremestick Liner in Gingerroot
MAC Lipstick in Fresh Brew
MAC Lipstick in Hug Me
MAC Dazzleglass in Glamour OD (limited-edition)
MAC Dazzleglass in Sugarrimmed (limited-edition)
Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Clear

Click here for part 1 and part 2 of the video.

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

Source

Beautiful Deal at HSN!

I've mentioned several times that HSN is really changing their image and selling some amazing, high quality, super fun beauty products through their Faces of Beautiful You campaign. Well now, HSN is offering a special deal just for you!

Get free shipping (up to $7 per item) on your favorite products from the HSN.com Beauty Store! You just need to enter coupon code C74797 when you check out. But it's only usable once per person through 3/14/09 and on one of each item purchased. So you should fill your bag on a single, grand shopping spree!

Oh, and I'll be posting some info about a new webisode and products featured in their ongoing Faces of Beautiful You campaign very soon....stay tuned!


Here's the legal mumbo-jumbo info for the coupon:
Coupon C74797 is a one-time use coupon and is valid for free shipping and handling up to $7 value from the Beauty Store, only, on hsn.com. Coupon number is non-transferable and can only be used once. Coupons must be applied when order is placed. Excludes the Today's Special, This Day Only, and can only be applied to the first shipment for Autoship items. Coupon cannot be applied or combined with other coupons or offers. Coupon is not valid for items purchased through Shoebuy.com and cannot be used for TVs, computers or toys. Use of coupon on item disqualifies the item for 'Buy More and Save' discount. We reserve the right to cancel orders when unexpected coupon system errors occur. Offer is valid February 13, 2009, through March 14, 2009.

Clearasil Dance Crew Casting Call

This is your chance to be the first Clearasil Dance Crew. Win a prize package worth $10,000 from Clearasil and tons of great media exposure. Dance, compete and bring on the heat!

If you're 13 to 22 years old and in a dance crew of five to eight members, made up of any combination of girls and guys, then get ready to battle!

Dance crews must bring 1-minute song on an audio CD or an iPod. Judges will evaluate routines based on presentation, choreography, technique and performance. Top dance crews will be asked to remain for a freestyle dance-off.

Saturday, February 28th, 2009 at Noon
Casting Cut-off is 4 p.m.
First come first serve - audition times are not guaranteed

Icon Dance Complex
14 Wilson Avenue (Rt.527), Suite 5
Englishtown, NJ 07726

Top dance crews from Saturday’s casting call will advance to a competition Clearasil will host in Times Square with celebrity judges, and have the chance to become the Clearasil Dance Crew for a year!

Click here for more info.

Words From The Wise: DERMAdoctor Has The Prescription for Reader’s Milia

Linda, a Spoiled Pretty reader, wrote me with the following skincare dilemma:

“I have a skincare question for you. A few years ago, I began to notice that I was developing these little white bumps on the tops of my cheeks just above my cheekbones. Thinking they were pimples, I tried to squeeze them to see if that would make them go away. They are hard little bumps, and my home extraction did nothing. I tried increasing my exfoliation, but this didn't reduce the number of bumps either. I have ignored it for the last few months as they didn't really bother me until recently. I looked in the mirror the other day and noticed that more of the bumps have appeared! I am starting to get worried, but I am not sure what product I should get as I have sensitive combination skin and am scared to try anything that might be too harsh and make the problem worse! Any help would be greatly appreciated! Love your blog!”

I immediately recognized Linda’s issue as milia. So I contacted DERMAdoctor's Dr. Kunin for some advice - and a prescription for this reader’s skin affliction.

Dr. Kunin’s response:

It sounds like you are trying to describe a condition called milia; these are essentially very deep seated white heads that have sealed themselves off from the surface of the skin. While these can form just because they can, frequently the use of skincare or cosmetic products that are too heavy for one’s particular skin type can lead to these. Read the labels of your products carefully and make certain they say they are non-comedogenic.

Next, exfoliation will help keep pores open and reduce your chances of forming more milia in the future. Try products such as DERMAdoctor Physical Chemistry once or twice weekly to obtain a simultaneous physical and chemical exfoliation. Use DERMAdoctor Poetry In Lotion every other night to keep those pores open and your complexion vibrant.

Milia often need to be extracted which is not to easy to perform upon yourself. Your facialist or dermatologist can easily pop them open and extract them.

Thanks for the wonderful advice, Dr. Kunin!

Oh...and Linda, Dr. Kunin will be sending you DERMAdoctor Physical Chemistry and Poetry In Lotion. Help is on the way!

Baffled by beauty? Overwhelmed by the number of products on the market? Desperately in search of answers to your hair, skincare and makeup dilemmas? Email me your query to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com - and if your question is answered on the blog, you will receive expert advice, plus a Spoiled Pretty-approved product that addresses your specific beauty issue! Be sure to include your full name and mailing address in your email.

New Handbag Designer Alert: Della Designed!

While in NYC for Fashion Week, I was carrying this super stylish (and handy) gray handbag…and getting asked, on every street corner, who designed my tote. As you can probably guess, that was the beginning of many a conversation…once I get talking about handbags, there’s no stopping my motor mouth.

Anyway, I can’t have half of New York knowing about this under-the-radar designer and not let you all in on the scoop. What kind of friend would I be?

After a life-long love affair with purses and years of being teased by friends for being such a ‘handbag buff‘, Della Murphy decided to design her own line of shoulder bags, clutches and totes. At Della Designed, you will find gorgeous, beautifully constructed and functional handbags that are a joy to wear and stop strangers on the street (take it from me). Made with quality leather, the bags maintain their integrity - even with everyday wear. And here’s the best part - every Della Designed handbag is under $200. Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ about!

Della’s handbags are named after family and friends who encouraged and inspired her. I’m not sure who Valerie is, but she must be one hell of a muse because her namesake is so chic.

The slate grey Valerie is crafted with soft leather and prominent silver zippers, in a bold shape. The adjustable shoulder strap provides options for drop length. The interior is lined in cotton and contains enough pockets to keep you thoroughly organized.

If you are looking for a sassy new handbag that no one else is carrying (yet), but you don’t want to break the bank - visit delladesigned.com.

Kim Kardashian Vegas Magazine How-To Makeup Video: Part 2

In Part 2 of Kim Kardashian's Vegas Magazine How-To Makeup Video, Kim and makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic continues to apply Kim's eye makeup. In this segment, Mario uses the following products:

MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
Smashbox Double-Ended Smudger Brush #20
billybBEAUTY Eyelash Curler
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer
Estee lauder Loose Powder

If you missed part 1 of the how-to, click here. Stay tuned for part 3...

For more of Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here.

Source

New Smashbox Lip Gloss - Get It Months Before It Hits Stores!

Now is your chance to try Smashbox Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss, months before it hits stores. But hurry - it’s only available for 24 hours.

The advanced formula gloss saturates lips with a high-impact shine. Vitamins and hyaluronic acid deeply moisturize, fill in lines, and naturally plump for the perfect glossy pit. Wear it alone or over any lip color - the reflective pearlescent shade looks stunning on every skin tone. $19

Tyra Looking For Some Shorties For America's Next Top Model, Cycle 13

The number 13 may be considered unlucky to some...but for aspiring short models, it may just be a blessing.

For the first time in America’s Next Top Model history, Tyra Banks announces that girls must be 5'7" and under to qualify for cycle 13 of the hit reality show.

Typically, ANTM requires that contestants meet a minimum height requirement of 5’7” – matching the industry standard. But next time around, Tyra is searching for shorties, ages 18 to 27, of diverse backgrounds, shapes and sizes.

"There have been top supermodels in the past that weren’t as tall as the industry demands, like fashion icon Kate Moss," said Tyra. "So we are changing up Top Model for cycle 13 and making it a year for the shorter model!”

Open Call Cities:

Saturday, February 28
10:00am-3:00pm
Eden Roc (A Renaissance Beach Resort and Spa)
4525 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33140

Tuesday, March 3
10:00am-3:00pm
The Westin San Francisco Market Street
50 Third Street
San Francisco, California 94103

Saturday, March 7 – Washington, D.C. *

Saturday, March 14 – New York City *

Saturday, March 21 – Dallas, Texas *

Wednesday, March 25 – Chicago, Illinois *

Saturday, March 28 – Los Angeles, California *

America's Next Top Model, Cycle 12 premieres Wednesday, March 4th on the CW.

*locations TBD

Bobbi Brown's New Platinum Collection

Bobbi Brown introduces her new Platinum Collection - a necessary indulgence for any Bobbi Brown fan!

The collection features the new limited-edition Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick which comes in a unique metallic silver finish and contains five bars of color that will beautifully highlight cheeks or anywhere you want to add shimmer. The shades included: soft pink, platinum, bright pink, golden coral and rose, can be blended together or used individually.

In addition to the Shimmer Brick, Bobbi also adds new shades to her line of ever popular Long Wear Cream Shadows, Shimmer Lip Glosses and Lip Glosses that reflect this spring’s trend of strong and smoky eyes and glossy, high-shine lips.

Bobbi also introduces her new, limited-edition Shimmering Body Oil which is infused with pink and platinum pearls. Perfect for giving skin a radiant glow, the oil also moisturizes and conditions with a blend of essential oils. Lightly fragranced, the Shimmering Body Oil features a sneak peek of Bobbi’s Party, a new fragrance that will debut Holiday 2009!