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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Bumble and bumble Partners with Rock Musical HAIR

Here’s a little something I bet you didn’t know about me: I’m a musical theater nut. Since I was cast as Gretl von Trapp in Merion Mercy Academy’s 1985 production of The Sound of Music, I’ve been passionate about plays... particularly ones where the cast spontaneous erupts into harmonized song and choreographed dance.

Needless to say, as a beauty buff and musical geek, I was very excited when the following email arrived in my inbox:

Last summer’s twice-extended, sold-out production of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, is moving to Broadway and Bumble and bumble is along for the ride, continuing their relationship with the show as its exclusive hair care partner.

As part of the relationship, Bumble and bumble granted Michael McDonald, Costume Designer for HAIR, full access to its services and products. McDonald said, “The 60s hippie hair never had it so good. With Bumble and bumble cut and color and their gentle shampoos and conditioners, “hippies” for the new millennium can get that natural look that never seems to go out of style.” Bumble and bumble stylists worked closely with McDonald to make sure the hair of HAIR remains true to its concept – locks with great natural texture, with a flower child edge.

Bumble and bumble editorial hairstylist Rolando Beauchamp, who has worked with Mary Kate Olsen, Kristen Davis and Christina Applegate, provides some styling tips for anyone who wants to get this loose, natural flower child look that’s great for spring:

For wavy or curly hair:
The key is keeping the hair’s natural texture, just helping it out with some product that gives it some support. Spritz Bb Surf Spray ($22) onto damp hair, and work about a quarter size amount of Bb Styling Creme ($23) into hair, mid-shaft to ends. The combination of Surf Spray and Styling Creme gives the right texture – a bit dry, not greasy. Dry with a diffuser or let air dry if it is warm out. The key is not to brush or comb out, just finger style and let it be free!

For straight hair:
Begin just like curly/wavy technique with Bb Surf Spray and Styling Creme, but you’ll need at waves to the hair. Using a 1 inch barrel curling iron, take 1 inch diameter sections of hair and roughly wrap the hair around the iron. The goal is to create bends and waves in the hair, not perfect curls. Then scrunch the section up and pin to the head. Continue curling sections, wrapping the hair in alternating directions, then scrunching and pinning the sections until the entire head is pinned up. Let the hair set for a few minutes, then undo sections. Don’t brush the sections out, just finger style.

Products available at bumbleandbumble.com.

Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week: Claw Clip That Won't Give You a Headache

Mama Spoiled Pretty kidnapped me on Saturday. Well - not for real, for real. Kidnapping is the term my sister and I use to describe my mom’s habit of holding us hostage during an otherwise enjoyable shopping excursion. This is usually how it goes down…

Mom proposes a shopping trip to one of our favorite destinations: Banana Republic, Bloomingdale’s, DSW, Forever 21, Lord & Taylor, Marshall’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, or TJ Maxx. So we get in Mom’s car and drive off, hoping that whatever we’re hunting for will be waiting for us at the store, in our size, perched on the sale rack. After a few hours of retail therapy, our dogs start barking and we get into the car to drive back to my parents’ house…or so Lauren and I think.

When we’re almost back home, my mother veers off course - and next thing you know, we’re somewhere not fun, like Walmart. And it’s never a quick trip either. Mom will spend 45 minutes pushing her cart up and down aisles before she even starts looking for what's on her list. And Lauren and I revert to preschool-ish behavior - like whining or saying we have to go to the bathroom - to encourage Mom to move faster than molasses.

But I have to admit that being kidnapped this past weekend wasn’t too bad. While my sister occupied herself carrying out her signature prank (Lauren likes to throw a couple of random items into Mom’s shopping cart, just to watch her hilarious reaction at the register), I killed time in the beauty aisle. I was in desperate need of a hair clip, so I perused the selection from Goody. Goody has never let me down before, so I picked up their new Ouchless Flexible Claw Clip. Not only did this clip not disappoint, I was pretty impressed - because it holds your hair in place without the annoying inconveniences of other claw clips.

First, the clip has covered hinges, which eliminates snags. Second, the teeth are curved in a way that prevents them from digging into your scalp - love that! Finally, the teeth are flexible - so go ahead and lean back, lean back, lean back, lean back. The people at Goody are a bunch of Albert Einsteins, I’ll tell you what.

For less than $4, you get two medium-sized clips…plus motivation to throw out all of those inferior claw clips that have been a pain in your cranium all of these years.

Make Over Your Makeup Bag at Sephora

Make over your makeup bag this spring…only at Sephora!

Spring has arrived…and so has spring beauty. Spring cleaning means out with the old, in with the new – new beauty that is! Get a fresh new look and give yourself a makeover with the hottest and the latest. From color palettes to skincare essentials, Sephora has it all. Stop by to have one of their friendly specialists give you a consultation that will have you springing towards the right direction.

I made a visit to my local Sephora recently and got some good stuff. Here are some other ideas to revive your look for less with the season’s freshest finds:

Sephora ColorPlay Palette
($22 a $120 value!) The color star of spring! Save big with an all-in-one ensemble featuring 36 shadows, 12 glosses, 3 blushes and 1 bronzer, spring beauty never looked so pretty.

Sephora PURE Palette ($36) – Get gorgeous…naturally! This green makeup palette features six eye-mazing shadows and a blush in a chic eco-friendly case.

Marc Jacobs Splash - Cucumber ($68) – Beauty-full scents are in full bloom! This crisp, cool fragrance of cucumber will leave you feeling clean and rejuvenated.

Korres Materia Herba Moisturizing Cream Oily to Combination Skin ($15) – Let your flawless skin flourish with this all-natural lightweight moisturizer that helps control oil while regulating skin hydration.

Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss ($19) – Turn heads, literally! This highly pigmented gloss releases pheromones with each application to enhance mood and attraction!

Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go Kit ($48 a $98 value!) – Give your makeup a healthy jumpstart with this all-natural kit packed with a lip gloss, mascara, eyeliner, blush and organic argan oil for glowing skin!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Volumizing Collection Giveaway

Good day, m'ladies. I'm feeling extra generous this week, so I'm partnering with Oscar Blandi for another Spoiled Pretty giveaway. Yay!

Calling all Pronto Dry Shampoo fans! Get the same botanical, paraben-free cleansing by alternating your dry-shampoo routine with Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner, used on the days you do wash your hair with water, to remove build-up, enhance moisture, and instantly boost volume.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Shampoo purifies hair, removing build-up and instantly boosting volume. Designed to work alternately with Pronto Dry Shampoo, Pronto Wet is the perfect cleanser for the full-wash days on your coif calendar. Save time with Pronto Dry every other day or when you're on the run.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Conditioner moisturizes, detangles, enhances fullness, and delivers quick-drying benefits for a fuss-free good hair day. Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Conditioner is an essential part of a new regimen created for cleansing and moisturizing your hair. It is designed to work in combination with Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Shampoo and Blandi's best-selling Pronto Dry Shampoo. This advanced conditioner harnesses the power clinically proven AquaFlex technology to deliver velvety-soft hair.

These good-for-you, botanical-packed formulas leave hair full, healthy, and scented with Pronto's signature lemon verbena fragrance. And one lucky winner will receive both the Wet Instant Volumizing Shampoo and Conditoner - a $48 value!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Oscar Blandi Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, April 5th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, April 6th, I'll announce the winner's name. 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!

Glam-orous Giveaway, Sponsored by Rodial

Taking off your makeup has never been so glamorous, thanks to Rodial Glam Balm Wipes. These cleansing towelettes, suitable for even the most delicate skin types, gently remove all traces of makeup from the face, lips and around the eyes. The special formulation is enriched with natural bisabolol, vitamin E, provitamin B5 and chamomile extracts which give these wipes their protective and moisturizing properties.

On the nights when I’m too lazy to take off my face, I love using Glam Balm Wipes because they easily remove all traces of my makeup - even stubborn eyeliner and mascara - without leaving my skin feeling dry and stripped. Natural and paraben-free, these wipes are the balm!

This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Rodial for a glam-orous giveaway. Five winners will receive a package of Glam Balm Wipes!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Rodial Glam Balm Wipes Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, April 5th. Five winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, April 6th, 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!

Spoiled Pretty Interview with Style Expert Jess Zaino

Celebrity stylist and television personality Jess Zaino is the girl you want by your side on a fashion-finding mission. With her unique brand of New York sass mixed with Los Angeles insider style, Jess has become one of the most recognizable faces on the style scene.

I’ve been following Jess’ career since her stint as co-host of the Style Network’s Modern Girls Guide to Life. Since then, Jess has entertained and enlightened fashion-challenged gals as the on-air stylist for Style Network shows How Do I Look?, Style Court, and The Look for Less. Her expertise has also been featured on E!, TV Guide Channel, and USA. Most recently, Jess competed on VH1’s Glam God with Vivica A. Fox.

Despite her busy sched, Jess found time to talk fashion trends and share some of her style secrets. Enjoy!

SP: When did you first fall in love with fashion?
JZ:
There was a show on when I was a kid called Webster with Emanuel Lewis. In the opening sequence, he wore a pair of green striped Adidas. I loved those shoes!! I made my mom get them for me and wore them everyday for years. It was then that I realized I could really get into my own sense of fashion.

SP: What was your first big break as stylist?
JZ:
Making deconstructed tee-shirts that I wore as a co-host on a music show. It caught the attention of Kelly Osbourne and a stylist was born.

SP: What does it take to succeed as a fashion stylist?
JZ:
To have an eye for style, detail, art and trends and to apply it perfectly to a look, whether it be on a celeb, a personal client or in a magazine.

SP: What is your style philosophy?
JZ:
Follow your own fashion trends always!

SP: If you could spend the day with one fashion icon (living or deceased), who would it be and what would you do?
JZ:
Oooh, this is a toughie. I have so many. A young Elizabeth Taylor, Diane Vreeland, Coco Chanel, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Kate Moss. We would have morning tea and biscuits at the Chateau Marmont and inspire each other with our thoughts on the ways of the world.

SP: What makes a woman stylish?
JZ:
When she is confident in her look.

SP: Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
JZ:
Valentino, Chanel, Oscar De La Renta, Calvin Klein, Moschino, Shoshanna, Charlotte Ronson, and Jennifer Meyer.

SP: Which trends will be big this spring and summer?
JZ:
Bright and BIG floral prints on mini dresses. Global chic floor-length dresses. Graphic tees and DIY denim shorts. Ornamented bangle bracelets. Strappy wedge heels.

SP: Which trend(s) do you wish would die?
JZ:
Those thin headbands worn at the forehead. Ugg, as in ick. And also, yes, Uggs.

SP: Chicest color combinations for spring/summer?
JZ:
Any bright, pop-y colors with black.

SP: Current handbag obsession?

JZ: My own clutch at StreetChicbyJessZaino.com.

SP: Which celebrities are you dying to style and why?
JZ:
I had a dream that I styled Britney Spears the other day. That was fun.

SP: Where are your favorite places to shop?
JZ:
The new TopShop on Broadway in NYC and GiltGroupe.com.

SP: What tips do you have for women who want star style on a budget?
JZ:
Take a look thru the mags and see what your favorite stars are wearing. Take those pix to a Forever 21, H&M or Target and sho' nuff, they'll be selling the look for less.

SP: Can you share some figure-slimming fashion tips?
JZ:
Draw attention to your best asset. Single color-schemes work. Don't wear clingy or shiny coz that will pick up all the bumps and lumps. Wear pants that are slightly below your waist. And high heels will always elongate a look, lift the bum and make you look drop dead sexy.

SP: What are three accessories every woman should own?
JZ:
Fab sunglasses. Fab earrings. Big, fat, fab cocktail rings - Nicole Richie's House of Harlow line rocks around the clock.

SP: What products are staples in your makeup bag?
JZ:
Clinique full coverage foundation, NARS The Multiple for cheeks, Chanel cream eye shadow, Cover Girl mascara, MAC Russian Red lipstick and travel-sized spritzer of Stella McCartney's Stella.

SP: What other passions do you have besides fashion?
JZ:
Traveling, reading, yoga, long walks, spa-ing, family-ing.

SP: What music are you listening to right now?
JZ:
This very second? Spank Rock on my iPod.

SP: What’s next for Jess Zaino?
JZ:
I am a launching an ultra-sexy and chic, menswear-inspired button-down for women entitled The Boyfriend Shirt for SEW (a men's bespoke shop in NYC). Help me make it iconic! Stay in touch at TheBoyfriendShirt.com - I've also got a couple of television and online tricks up my sleeve. Be a friend at MySpace.com/Superdeluxestyle.


June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Giveaway Winner Revealed!

Congrats to the winner of the June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Giveaway winner,
Adrian Rosen. Adrian will receive new June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Collection, which includes Vanda Orchid Shower Gel, Vanda Orchid Body Balm, Vanda Orchid Mist and Vanda Orchid Dry Oil Body Spray.

Thanks to June Jacobs for sponsoring the contest, and stay tuned for your next chance to get Spoiled Pretty!

When Worlds Collide...

I have an older sister. Growing up, I was the girly-girl younger one, and my older sister was more the tom boy. She has always been a huge fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, and almost all things Sci-Fi. Me? Yeah, not so much. I was forced to attend a Star Trek convention with my sister and saw all sorts of people dressed up like Klingons and other non-humans. It was bizarre. I appreciated the strangeness of it all even though I am not a fan.

Well, I saw this article from the Seattle Times and chuckled to myself. It looks like the world of Star Trek and the beauty world (the perfume world, specifically) have collided together. There must be a warp in the space-time continuum.

For your reading pleasure, I give you information about the upcoming Star Trek line of fine fragrances:

"Star Trek" fragrances boldly go where no cologne has gone before
By John Lendman, Chicago Tribune

The world of fragrance is about to boldly go where few have ventured before: the Trekosphere.

Hoping to profit from the May 8 release of J.J. Abrams' new Star Trek film, chronicling the beginnings of Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise, Maryland-based Genki Wear will release three Star Trek-themed scents on April 24.

John McGonigle, president of Genki, said the two men's colognes and one women's perfume will retail for about $30.

Soon, Trekkies will be able to channel their inner Starfleet commander — or inner William Shatner — with "Tiberius," based on Kirk's character. The scent which carries the tag line "Boldly Go," is described by Genki Wear as having a "warm vanilla, white musk and sandalwood" base.

For those living like the next workday could be their last, there's "Red Shirt." This cologne, with the tag line, "Because tomorrow may never come," is in honor of the unnamed Enterprise officers who don't typically survive past the TV show's first scene. It's described as having a "leather and gray musk" aroma.

But it's the "Pon Farr" perfume that may require a double take. That's right, it's for the ladies. Perhaps a great gift for mom for letting you crash in the basement for 50-some-odd years? Maybe not. It actually refers to the Vulcan mating ritual which occurs every seven years. So maybe this one's only for special occasions?

John Tenuto, merchandise editor of TrekMovie.com, the largest independent Star Trek news site, said fans have responded positively to the fragrances.

But some Trekkies still have doubts.

"I predict incredibly stinky Trek conventions in the near future," one online comment said.

Others simply made fun of the idea: "No Worf scent? You know, peaty, with a hint of lilac."

Sunday, March 29, 2009

My Latest MAC Acquisition: Plushglass in Fulfilled

When it comes to a MAC products, my sister and I are drawn to them like moths to a flame. So when we visited the Willow Grove Mall a few days ago with Mama Spoiled Pretty, it was no surprise that we couldn’t escape without a visit to the MAC counter at Bloomingdale’s. What was supposed to be swift stopover ended up being a half-hour spending spree.

While Lauren let the makeup artist paint her eyes in hues of blue, I made a beeline for the lip glosses - swatching at least a dozen on my inner arm. And my low-maintenance mom looked on in awe, wondering how she birthed such product-addicted daughters. When Lauren’s makeover was complete, she joined me in playing with the glosses. I asked for her opinion of MAC Plushglass in Fulfilled, which I was seriously considering adding to my collection. “It’s sick,” she exclaimed. So I decided to buy it...and so did she.

Though it’s described as ‘full-blush creamy pink,’ I think that cantaloupe-y cream pink would be more accurate. As you can see in the photo, it wears super sheer - and inflates the lips without the burning sting that accompanies many lip plumpers.

I love this formula and adore this shade. And while my lip gloss collection is incalculable, I definitely feel like a void has been filled by Fulfilled. It will be my go-to non-shimmery gloss when I’m playing up my eyes, but I still want a come-hither kisser.

Spoiled Pretty Featured in Russian Vogue!

Spoiled Pretty has the best readers in the world, literally. Today, Galina from Skin Care and Beauty, sent me a scan of a Spoiled Pretty feature in Russian Vogue! She was looking through some back issues, and found an article about Spoiled Pretty in the May 2008 issue.

Author: Daneen from Philadelphia
Specialty: Cosmetics
Updated: Every day
Why should you read it: Daneen tries out all the new products and writes how she likes them, how long makeup lasts and if you should spend money on a product. She gives recommendations: for example, a body moisturizer with pink champagne and shea butter from Jaqua or a collection of "wedding makeup" by Bobbi Brown. She tells her readers about an interesting skin care line Cate's Essentials created by SK-II for Cate Blanchett. And, by the way, Daneen also writes about men's makeup.

Many thanks to Galina for the scan, and for her translation services!

White Fairy

This weekend's look is a little change from the more colourful looks of the past weeks, but today I felt more like doing something light, fairy-like in more neutral colours like beige, white and silver, with the focus being on the half-lashes. I did my entire lid in Vanilla and then added just a touch of Quarry to contour my crease. Then I lined my eyes with the white kohl, winging them out several times and adding a little pearl with lash glue at the end of each wing. Then I lined my inner corners with Platinum pigment and drew a little flower with the kohl and Silver Fog pigment, and a rhinestone in the middle. I did a very thin line with my Manhattan liner and glued the lashes onto the outer thirds of my eyes:











Product List
Face: p2 perfect Face, MAC SFF NC15, MAC Studio Finish NC15, Palgantong theatrical powder, Jane Blushing Orchid
Eyes: p2 perfect Eyes, MAC Vanilla, MAC Quarry, Maybelline Expression kohl in white, MAC Silver Fog, MAC Platinum, Manhattan JT, CG Lash Blast, rhinestones and falsies by Misslyn
Lips: MAC Cutester l/s

Stimulating the Economy

Maybe it's the bad economy, maybe I've been in a funk....whatever, but I haven't been shopping as much as normal. Now, that is not a bad thing, but I realized that I hadn't taken a trip to Sephora in quite some time.

Well, this weekend I made my first visit to Sephora this year and spent lots of time (and money) wandering around, checking out all the lovely goodies. I'm sure I'll be blogging about some of these things later, but here's what spent my money on this weekend:
  • Benefit's Girls Night In Kit: a fun zipper bag containing a lipstick, two cream eye shadows, a makeup brush, and cute mannequin magnets, $48.
  • Dior Iconic Look Diva to Go Kit: this comes with a nice case, a tube of mascara, and a small-sized high shine lipstick, $27.
  • Cargo blu-ray High Definition Lip Gloss: this has something called "Timestrip" technology that I'll be telling you about soon, $24.
  • Clean Shower Fresh: a rollerball of perfume to go, $22.
  • Sephora Brand Slim Pink Atomizer: what I originally came in for! Add your favorite perfume and viola, you have an instant travel-size of your favorite scent, $10.
  • Fekkai Dry Shampoo: since I spent so much money, I got a free trial of this product. I've been dying to try it for ages now, and I've mentioned it a few times on my site...now I get my chance without spending any money. Nice!
Like I said, I'm going to blog these items in no time. I forgot how fun it can be to get a black and white Sephora bag filled with new goodies to try out!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Transform Your Do With Clip-In Hair Extensions

For my step-by-step tutorial on how to create your own clip-in hair extensions, click here! If you'd prefer to just buy pre-made extensions, check out these clip-ins by Ted Gibson, which just launched tonight on QVC.

For more videos, visit my channel on YouTube - Spoiled Pretty TV.


Oh...and to try on different hairstyles and find inspiration for your personal transformation, visit dailymakeover.com.

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

Total Beauty Weekend Web Tour

Viva Woman tells you 10 things to avoid when cleansing your face.

Beauty Secrets Revealed tells you about Morning Banana Diet- Japanese Way Of Losing Weight.

The Informed Makeup Maven talks green washing and cosmetics and wants you to peek inside her spring makeup bag. Don't forget to check out her giveaway this fortnight, Rimmel recover foundation and Suki UV blotting papers!

Beauty Anonymous brings you
YSL Summer 2009 Limited-edition Collection.

LA Pretty's fave new skin cream is making their skin brighter, clearer, and protecting their Pretty faces from the LA sun. And did we mention it's affordable? Find out what it is here!

Frappelattes has pictures of Nicole Richie with baby bump #2! Plus, discover where you can find all-natural pregnancy products to make this pregnancy a beautiful one.

This week Average Metro Joe covers an exclusive laser treatment for hair loss that is completely safe for men and women with troublesome hair loss.

Visit The Beauty Couch to read a review of Maybelline's Lash Stiletto and to enter a drawing to win one for yourself!

The Anti Hair Slave shows you how the Instyler really works. Watch the video review to check it out on a REAL person and also learn a couple tips and tricks for super sleek hair.

Check out one of the coolest nail polish innovations Beauty Junkies Unite has seen in a long time! Incoco Dry Nail Applique kits are a hit!

Daily Dose of Coffee tries out the new Jonathan Product Dirt offering: Spray Dirt. Is it worth the hefty price tag?

Are you a Bare Escentuals or mineral makeup fan? Beauty411 tries out the new Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara!

See what Fabulous Over Forty uses for her daily and weekly skincare regimen.

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is holding a Manic Monday/April Fool's giveaway. Enter to win a Spa Sensuals set. BUT since the giveaway ends on April Fool's Day, Jamie and Beckie are throwing in the kitchen sink of beauty products as well. Don't be fooled. Enter now!

Boutique Flair is one of the first to test some mineral makeup and natural skin care products from the newly launched PRIIA Cosmetics!

eye4style loves the off-kilter luxury of Strange Invisible Perfumes. Check out her review of the three newest scents in the line!

More Than a Pretty Face reminds everyone that the 40% off introductory offer on Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics line ends March 31. Take advantage of the offer now!

More Than a Pretty Face has a new giveaway: win one of two scented candles from Delirium & Co!

Indian Girl has just the lipstick for lip gloss lovers! Also, get all your concealer questions answered by pros at Three Custom Color Specialists! Send in your questions today!

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having another giveaway. Click here to enter to win a Galvanic Spa II kit, valued over $350!!!

Glossypink tells you how to get Nicole Richie's Blackbook Magazine makeup look!

The Makeup Divas reviews a few products from the new Avon Celestial 2009 Spring Collection.

The Advice Sisters' Alison Blackman loves Josie Maran's Tinted Moisturizer. Read the review to find out why!

Get The Look: Katie Holmes New Long Hair-by Talking Makeup!

Enter Lipgloss Break's Kitten Vixen Lipgloss Giveaway!

Hot Beauty Health loves Korres new Eco-Friendly Face Primer. Read to find out why!

Have you been looking for Cheap Strivectin? RN Guide to Skin Care found an almost identical item for a fraction of the cost.

Suzanne at Mineral Makeup Reviews reviews Mineral Hygiencis a bismuth free mineral makeup with incredible staying power.

The Beauty Blog is offering a free special report 12 ways to save money on your favorite beauty products when you sign up for The Beauty Insider, a free monthly beauty newsletter from four top rated beauty sites.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is giving away the new June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Collection: four products (shower gel, body balm, mist, and dry oil body spray) to keep the skin hydrated, glowing and beautiful.

Beauty Blogging Junkie shares the deets on the new Dial AntiOxidant Body Wash with Cranberry and AntiOxidant Pearls. You'll never guess what it reminds her of. Find out here.

Brights Anyone??


Craving brights? These new 42 Color- Double Stack Eye Shaodow & Blush combo palettes available from CoastalScents.com are really, um, bright. Available in both Matte and Shimmer versions, there's something for everyone. These are some of the brightest pressed eye shadows I've seen. On the skin, most of the colors have the effect of a mineral eye shadow or loose pigment. Pretty impressive. Since there are so many colors in each, ranging from these bright primary shades to a few neutrals, I only swatched a few of the brighter colors. But as you can see from the pictures below, these palettes are not for the timid, they are VERY colorful!

42 Color - Double Stack Matte Shadow & Blush Palette
$28.95


42 Color - Double Stack
Shimmer Shadow & Blush Palette
$28.95


The palettes themselves are pretty small closed...


...but when you open it, the eye shadow tray comes out and stacks against the top revealing the blush underneath.

The blush colors are the same in both palettes

Overall, the payoff of the blush colors are pretty great too!



*Reviews of their other new palettes are coming soon*






Friday, March 27, 2009

Free Eyelash Curler at Tarte.com

Score a free eyelash curler when you purchase any of the mascaras pictured above. Enter code CURLER at checkout at tarte.com. Offer ends March 31st.

LFW 2009 Day 1 Make-up Trends [Abdul Halder and Asmita Marwa]

Abdul Halder

Asmita Marwa

Abdul and Asmita's make up trends were kept nude and very neutral keeping the eyes in focus. The eyes were a subtle smoky with big lashes and flawless, matte skin. The cheeks were a shimmery coral peach. The lips were left a neutral matte, milky nude.

LFW 2009 Day 1 Make-up Trends [Lina Tipnis and Archana Kocchar]

Lina Tipnis

Archana Kocchar

The make-up trends for Lina Tipnis and Archana Kocchar were matte, porcelain skin teamed with a strong brow, neutral beige and brown eyes and orange-red lips. The cheeks were a peachy-bronze.

LFW 2009 Day 1 Make-up Trends [Barbie All Doll'd Up]

The Barbie Doll'd Up show was all about pastel pink make-up which is the epitome of Barbie. To get Katrina's Barbie look try the Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 2000 Jewel Doll. Use the pink shimmer shadow on the lid, contour it with the brown shade, and to finish off apply the tan eye shadow on the brow bone to highlight. To complete the eyes apply Stila Multi-effect Mascara in Black to the lashes for a false eyelash effect. Apply Stila Lip Glaze in Jewel to finish off.

Take An Extra 20% Off Already Reduced Prices at BananaRepublic.com


Take an extra 20% off already reduced prices at BananaRepublic.com. Enter promo code EXTRA20 at checkout to redeem the discount. Offer ends March 29, 2009.

WLIFW Backstage Beauty 2009: Raghavendra Rathore

Martina Luisetti's interpretation for Mickey Contractor's key look

To read my thoughts on the look, click here

Martina's initial thoughts on the look:
For Raghu's show the girls were indeed made to look like china dolls. There was definitely a winged liner extremely intensified with black eyeshadow, fake eyelashes in #7 and tons of mascara. It was a super clean effect, a tiny black line on the lash line at the bottom of the eye to get this.

The Viva Glam Lipsticks were heavily used because not only did they suit the look, but they also help raise money for the AIDS fund, which contributes in two of the biggest fundings to AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), India and International Center for Research on Women, India.

On to the look:
Martina started the look by applying Strobe Cream mixed with Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. She then applied Blacktrack Fluidline, blended that up with Carbon Eyeshadow. Carbon was also applied in a thin line that was then blended out into the eyebrows for a clean editorial feel. She finished the eyes off with Zoomblack Mascara on the top and bottom lashes with #7 Lashes on the top. A thin line of Blacktrack Fluidline was applied along the lower lid of the eyes just for definition, again very clean. The were lips outlined with Plum Lip Pencil, Viva Glam III to contour them, a touch of Viva Glam II to highlight the center and Viva Glam I with a fluffy brush to bring it all together, very lightly.

WLIFW Backstage Beauty 2009: Nitin Bal Chauhan & Samant Chauhan

Martina Luisetti's interpretation for Mickey Contractor's key looks

To read my take on Nitin's look click here, and for Samant's click here.
Martina started off by applying Strobe Cream as a base and Studio Fix Fluid gently dusted on top for the skin. Folie Eyeshadow and Saddle on top lid with Blacktrack Fluidline inside the top waterline. #7 Lashes and Zoomblack Mascara. Madcap Lipglass on lips and Minerlize Skinfinish/Natural Deep Dark on the cheeks finished the look.

Make-up Trend: Nude, Modern Lips

Noticeable nude lip liner has made a comeback from the 80's, thanks to the recent Harper's Bazaar shoot where Deepika Padukone gives it a pretty look. She gave her pout a modern touch that adds dimension and elegance to her overall nude look.

Opt for skin-toned liner when you're going for nude, shiny lips—it can easily blend into the rest of your face. Keep the look modern by avoiding that pointy V at the top of the lip line.

Rec: L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Liner in Nudes for Life

Thursday, March 26, 2009

DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Giveaway Winner

Congrats to Sue Farrell, winner of Spoiled Pretty's Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Giveaway, generously sponsored by DKNY. Sue has won a 3.4 oz bottle of DKNY's latest fragrance, plus the matching shower gel.

Inspired by the beauty of the Apple Blossom, DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom is lighthearted, intensely feminine, and radiant. A blend of sparkling grapefruit, cassis and sun-kissed apricot meets a blooming floral heart of sheer muguet and petally rose, wrapped in luminous jasmine. Finish the apple sensation with a body lingering base of blonde woods and smooth skin accords.

Be Delicious Fresh Blossom is sold at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Sephora.

Again, congratulations to Sue - and thanks to all of you who entered. Don't despair if you didn't win...just try your luck again. You know there's no shortage of giveaways here at Spoiled Pretty. In fact, I have another contest still going strong. Click here to enter the June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Collection Giveaway!

WLIFW Backstage Beauty 2009: Kavita Bhartia

Read my take on Kavita's show here. Martina Luisetti shared her look that she did for Kavita Bhartia. She used Smolder Eye Kohl on the eyes blended into the socket and Bluebrown Pigment dusted on the eyelid and Blacktrack Fluidline along the lash line. Spice Lip Pencil and Revealing Lipglass on the lips. Studio Sculpt Foundation on the skin.

Even If You're Broke, You Can Afford This Fab Beauty Find

You're broke. You're dying to pamper yourself - but every day, your purse strings get a tad bit tighter. You want to look like a million bucks, but that's almost how much you owe the credit card companies. And let's not even talk about your student loans...good grief!

Fret not. You've come to the right place. I've got a product that you're going to love - not only because it's totally worth the money, but because it hardly costs any money at all! I'm talking about Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm by N.Y.C.

Available in six shades, this emollient balm delivers a sheer pop of color with an intense gloss finish (somewhat wet-looking, which is totally hot IMO). The hydrating and conditioning formula contains rich botanical oils and vitamins, which soften and repair. Plus, the subtly sweet flavor and fragrance is a yummy treat.

The best part is you can pucker up with N.Y.C. for only $2.99. After trying it, I couldn't believe it either. I would gladly pay twice as much for this balm, thought I appreciate that the folks at N.Y.C. are thinking about my financial well-being. Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm would be a great item for The Price Is Right. It's such a wonderful product that no one would guess that it costs less than $3.


As a brown girl, I'm partial to the brighter shades - particularly Sugar Baby, a sheer red.

N.Y.C. Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm is sold at drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide.

Heelarious: Her First High Heels

Okay...so I think we all agree that Baby Bangs is a terrible idea. I'm very relieved to know that I'm not alone in my sanity, though there's gotta be some looney toons out there keeping this company afloat.

I just can't wrap my mind around a parent who would slap a toupee on a baby's head and think she looks cute. The only conceivable use for Baby Bangs would be a day care production of Julius Caesar.

Anyway, I've found a much better way to spoil your little one pretty. Heelarious has these absolutely adorable high heel slippers for babies. So cute - in fact - that after perusing their inventory, I immediately started popping folic acid supplements. How precious would Baby Spoiled Pretty look with her lil tootsies in this pair of Brooke heels? Hell, I want an adult-sized pair...just to kick it around the house.



Hello...luvah!

Beauty Product of the Week: Tone Enhancing Ribbons

What is it? Olay's Body Wash Plus Tone Enhancing Ribbons "is the only body wash with an actual ribbon of mineral shimmer. It helps transform skin to the rich, lustrous tone it deserves. It contains tiny interference pigments which help to diffuse light, giving skin the appearance of a more even, radiant sheen. The cleansing ribbon and moisturizing mineral ribbon interact to provide a luxurious shower experience that results in hydrated skin and a beautiful, soft sheen without sacrificing lather." Available wherever Olay products are sold for $3.99 to $5.99, depending on size.

What did you think? I usually use soap in the shower. Yes, I know...it does make my skin dry, but I'm all about convenience. That said, I've been using Olay's Tone Enhancing Ribbons body wash for a few weeks now and my skin does feel much softer. The lather is comforting and scented with a slightly vanilla perfume. It makes me feel both clean and my skin nourished. With soap, I always feel clean but over-scrubbed! Once dried off, my skin has a subtle shimmer from the body wash without having that tacky glittered look. And my skin maintains a softness and pleasant scent out of the shower.

Final verdict? Overall, this is a very nice product, especially if you are a fan of body wash. If only I could use a body wash without having to get a shower puff, I'd be all set. Still, this body wash does everything it says it will: it makes my skin feel good and look good thanks to the subtle shimmer it provides.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Smokey Navy Eyes




What I used:
MAC:
Painterly Paint Pot
Nehru eye shadow
Knight Divine eye shadow
Soft Brown eye shadow
Blanc Type eye shadow
Fascinating eye kohl
Blacktrack fluidline
Plushlash mascara
Tippy blush
High Tea lipstick

Watch the video tutorial here: