Online Cosmetics

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Free Philosophy, Korres and DuWop Gifts With Purchase at Sephora.com

Free Philosophy Purity Made Simple High Foaming Daily Cleanser with any $25 order at Sephora.com. Enter PURITY at checkout.

Free full-sized Korres Body Butter with the purchase of Korres Shower Gel. Enter KORRESDUO at checkout.

Free DuWop Prime Venom with any online order. Enter DUWOP at checkout.

Make-up Trend: Smoky, Silver Eyes

Nothing adds a twinkle to the eyes like a hint of silver. On May's issue of Cine Blitz, Priyanka Chopra sported iridescent charcoal shadow finished with a fine line of black along the inner rims of her eyes.

Makeup on the lower lashline usually migrates down the face, resulting in a messy morning morning-after look. Get your sultry shadow to stay put like Priyanka's using a liquid formula, like Chanel Ombre D'eau, which dries into a longwear powder using polymers.

Rec: Chanel Ombre D'eau Fluid Eye Shadow in Rivage

Beauty Confessions: Dirty Girl!

Last week, I confessed to you that I commit a beauty sin: I wash my hair each and every day.

Well, now I need to make another confession: Even though I know better, I don't always wash my face before going to bed at night. Yes, I admit it. Sometimes I fall asleep with my makeup on. I hang my head in shame.

According to professionals, not washing your face leaves makeup and other environmental gunk that you pick up during the day clinging to your skin. All this yucky stuff can lead to clogged pores which means that zits and blackheads could erupt all over your face just because you're too tired to wash your face.

Even though I sometimes skip the all important step of washing my face with warm water and a gentle cleanser, I almost always try to use a facial wipe, like Boot's No. 7 Quick Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes to get my makeup off.

How about you? Do you wash your face every night, or do you fall asleep with the morning's mascara caked in your lashes? Let me know....leave a comment!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

EOTN Blue and Purple using NYX

Hello ladies, I'm back with another EOTN (Eye of the Night). I thought this blue and purple look would be perfect for any occasion whether It'll be for prom, home coming dance or a night out with your girls or the bf. I mostly used NYX products and a couple of things from MAC. All the products i used could be substituted with similar colors you already have :)

1. Mac Painterly paint pot as a base all over the lids to brow bone.

2. Apply NYX jumbo pencil in Oyster on the lids and blend well to prevent creasing.

3. Apply NYX e/s in Platinum Pink on the inner corners of the eyes.

4. Pat on NYX e/s in Luxor ( a light purple color) on top of Oyster. Make a shape like the one on the photo above.

5. Apply NYX e/s in Atlantic on the outer V and brush lightly on the crease.

6. Add a tad of Mac e/s in Sketch on the outer V to add a little depth. Blend the colors together.

7. Apply NYX e/s in Platinum Pink as higlight and blend it down to the eyeshadows. Make sure theres no harsh lines ;)

8. Apply the same colors on the lower lashline.

9. Apply your favorite, black liner on the upper and lower lashline. Curl your lashes. Apply mascara and add falsies (optional) for a dramatic effect.

I know it is not perfect but i hope you still enjoy the look :) Have a good one!

MAC Master Class: The Most Fun I've Ever Had Putting On Makeup

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in a MAC Master Class at Bloomingdale’s in the Willow Grove Mall. In this interactive seminar, participants were taught how to replicate on-trend looks, using the products and techniques employed my MAC pro artists.

After 30+ beauty-obsessed ladies (and one hilarious dude) took our seats at work stations - which were equipped with mirrors, a set of brushes and a plethora of products - MAC pro artists Will and Jocelyn introduced themselves and we got down to biznass.

Will announced that he would be demonstrating the “club zone” look, complete with a peacock blue eye and Bordeaux gloss. Then Jocelyn informed us that she would be leading the “bridal/wedding” look tutorial. Will and Jocelyn explained that we should pick a preferred look - as they would be walking us through the steps, and demonstrating techniques on models. Since I had plans to meet Mr. Spoiled Pretty for a casual dinner later that evening (and I didn't want to look like a tranny hooker at my neighborhood brasserie), I chose to follow Jocelyn’s lead.

During the two hour tutorial, a handful of MAC makeup artists walked around, assisting participants and helping us choose the most flattering makeup shades. One of the artists, Dana, was especially helpful and introduced me to some of my new MAC faves.

The Master Class only cost $50, which you end up getting back (in the form of a MAC gift card) at the end of the seminar. So basically, the class ends up being free...and you go home with a whole bunch of new goodies to help hone your mad makeup skills. Next time MAC organizes a Master Class is my neck of the woods, I'll be there. Perhaps I'll see you there too?

Here’s the abridged breakdown of the bridal look:

1) Spritz face with Fix +
2) Moisturize skin with Studio Moisture Fix.
3) Prep the skin with Prep + Prime Skin.
4) Fill in brows with Eye Shadow, using the 266 Small Angle Brush
5) Apply Paint Pot in Bare Study to eyelid, from lash line to brow bone, using the 242 Shader Brush.
6) Using the same brush, apply Eye Shadow in Shroom to entire lid.
7) Apply Eye Shadow in Cork to the crease, using the 217 Blending Brush**; start at the outer corner and work the product inward, moving the brush in small circles to deposit color.
8) Using the same brush, apply Eye Shadow in Embark to the crease; start at the outer corner and work the product inward, moving the brush in small circles to deposit color - but stop at the middle of the lid, so that the color is concentrated on the outer half of the eye.
9) With the 266 Small Angle Brush, apply Embark Eye Shadow to lower lash line.
10) Use the same brush to line the upper lash line with Fluidline in Blacktrack*.
11) Apply Select Moisturecover concealer to nose, under eyes and above brows - and blend into skin using the 190 Foundation Brush.
12) Mix small amount of Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation* with a few drops of Stobe Liquid* (for a dewy finish) and apply to parts of the face where you did not use concealer (forehead, cheeks, chin and jawline) using the 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush*.
13) Using the same brush, set fondation with Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation/Loose.
14) Choose a Powder Blush shade that is similar to your own complexion; I used Harmony. Use the 129 Powder/Blush Brush to contour under the cheekbones. To avoid a line that looks too harsh, imagine a line that runs from the middle of your ear to the corner of your mouth...then apply the blush half-way, from the ear to the middle of the cheek.
15) Using the same brush, apply Powder Blush (in a shade that gives a subtle pop of color) to the apples of cheeks; I used Cubic.
16) Apply Prep + Prime Lip to your lips.
17) Line lips in Spice Lip Pencil.
18) Apply Viva Glam V Lipstick, then top it off with Dazzleglass in Baby Sparks*.
19) Coat upper lashes in Dazzle Lash Mascara.
20) Choose a pair of false lashes* and measure them against your eyes. If they are too long, cut to desired length. Apply Duo Adhesive* and allow glue to get a little tacky before positioning lashes as close as you possibly can to natural lash line.

* must-haves for your makeup toolkit!
** if you're on a tight beauty budget, just buy the 217 Blender Brush (a very wise investment).

Will demonstrating the "club zone" look

Dana, me and Jocelyn

Completed look, in natural light (I did this all by myself!!!)

Completed look, in artificial light

ĕ∙sen∙cia by Samy Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to Molly Capel, Kathe Elwell and Jennifer Schroeder.

They will soon receive ĕ∙sen∙cia by Samy – the newest collection from Samy Salon Systems. This complete line of 100% vegan, natural and organic shampoos, conditioners and styling products is designed to indulge your tresses and senses.

Special thanks to Samy for sponsoring the giveaway!

If you didn't win but still wanna get spoiled pretty, be sure to enter the latest contest - sponsored by Kiss My Face.

Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester Goes Blonde

Did you know that Leighton Meester was a blonde before auditioning for Gossip Girl? She dyed her hair before scoring the career-launching role of Blair Waldorf, Queen Bee of NYC’s Upper East Side. “That's a big deal but I'm glad I did”, Leighton once said.

But, from the looks of these recent pics, Leighton has gone back to her roots.

So how do we like our beloved Blair as a blonde?

Source: Pacific Coast News Online

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations Phairhead! You are my LUSH giveaway winner. Thanks to all of you who shared your thoughts on the importance of the environment in making cosmetic purchasing decisions. I'll be talking more about this soon.

Soap & Glory Spa Sugar Crush Body Scrub

My friends at College Candy just tipped me off to a product I'll find a way to justify blowing some of my rent money on - Soap & Glory Spa Sugar Crush Body Scrub.

Out of all the scrubs we’ve tried, this one definitely takes the cake. It smells absolutely divine — so sweet, yet somehow not cloying. And our skin is left feeling so silky smooth without even a hint of dryness or ashy-ness. What could be better?

Check out the other beauty must-haves they've become completely enamored with in recent weeks.

Don't Hate. Appreciate. Oprah's Hair is 100% Hers!

Ever since Oprah started styling her hair in a sleek blowout, people have been wondering if her mane was unbeweavable.

Well, the big O set the record straight on Friday's eppy of her talk show:

"Am I wearing a weave? Everybody’s like, 'Oprah, we love your weave.' This is not a weave, this is my hair." And to prove that she speaks the truf, Oprah shared this photo of her mane in all of it's natual glory. "This is what my hair looks like. This is me before it gets pressed and curled in the morning," she continued.

Gail's response? "Yowza!"

Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week: Aquaphor

For the past week, I have been suffering with the WORST COLD EVER. At the apex of my illness, I was going through a box of tissues per day - and my poor nose was paying the ultimate price. Last Thursday, the skin around my nostrils was cracking and bleeding so badly that it was an exercise in agony every time I blew my nose. My schnoz was this close to Michael Jackson territory; I was just waiting for it to fall off altogether.

But then, a package arrived in the mail and I was introduced to my new BFF, Aquaphor. This miracle salve nursed my nose back to health. I told my cold, "You wanna be startin' somethin'? Bring it...I've got Aquaphor!"

I don't know what took me so long to get acquainted with Aquaphor. But I'll tell you this: I'll never be without it.

My Favorite Skin Care Products EVER: Amala

It's really difficult to admit this, but I used to be very dismissive of natural and organic beauty products - particularly skin care. I used to believe that I needed to patronize products with harsh chemicals to get my problem skin to act like it had some sense. In fact, I would often joke that I didn't care what damage a product did to my insides, as long as my outsides were looking good.

But I've done a complete 180 since discovering Amala, a luxurious collection of skin care and body care products with 100% natural formulas.

Earlier this month, I began testing Amala's new Purify line - for Earth Day editorial consideration. Purify is a collection of products formulated for oily and acnegenic skin types. The products help control excess oil and shine, clear clogged pores, and prevent and heal blemishes and blackheads with treatments inspired by the healing plants and flowers of Eastern Asia.

So for three weeks, I've been religiously using the Purifying Gel Cleanser, Purifying Face Polish, Purifying Toner, and Purifying Moisturizer. And I have to say that besides feeling like I'm indulging in an extravagant spa treatment every time I use these citrus-scented products, my skin hasn't looked this good in years.

My acne is now very mild, if not practically nonexistent. And my skin is so radiant that many of my friends have remarked about the drastic improvement in my complexion.

While Amala's Purify price tag isn't exactly recessionista-friendly (products range from $30 to $136), these products are, in my expert opinion, an absolute steal for the results you'll see.

I am so enamored with the Purify line that I want to tell every person I meet about this brand. I would gladly be the company's spokesperson and do commercials - because I feel so strongly about how the treatments have transformed my skin. Hell, I'd do it for free...in exchange for a lifetime supply of this stuff.

Amala is available at Barneys New York and amalabeauty.com.

Product Preview: Nexxus Nourishing Botanicals

I've been focusing a lot on eco-friendly beauty products this week, and in keeping with this theme, I bring you a preview of Nexxus Salon Hair Care's Nourishing Botanicals line.

The products in this line contain natural ingredients that promise to keep your hair looking beautiful while being kind to the earth. Nexxus Nourishing Botanicals Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-in Conditioner are formulated without parabens and dyes while containing a blend of pure, natural botanical oils, emollients, and plant proteins. The Nourishing Botanicas line utilizes a fruit micro-sphere technology that will leave hair healthy, soft, and shiny.

But Nexxus doesn't stop considering the earth at their forumlas. They consider their packaging, too. The entire Nourishing Botanicals line comes in recycled packaging and...like all Nexxus products...is not tested on animals (yay!).

I'm sharing the Nourishing Botanicals line with my testers (my mom and sister), so I'll let you know their thoughts soon. I know my mother is hooked on the leave-in conditioner. Here are all the details on the entire line:

Nexxus Botanoil Nourishing Botanical Shampoo: A cleansing shampoo that weightlessly nourishes and hydrates to leave hair looking and feeling luxuriously soft and healthy. ($9.27 for 13.5 fl. oz bottle)
Nexxus Botanphuse Nourishing Botanicals Conditioner: A conditioner that nourishes and pampers hair without weighing it down for luxuriously soft, healthy-looking hair. ($14.99 for 13.5 fl. oz bottle)
Nexxus Botanluxe Nourishing Botanical Leave-in Conditioner: This leave-in conditioning spray employs natural ingredients to provide the ultimate in hydration for all hair types. ($11.99 for 8.5 fl. oz bottle)

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The Mother (Earth) of Green Giveaways Winner Announced

Congrats to Vanessa Mehal, winner of the Mother (Earth) of Green Giveaways! Vanessa has won some of my personal natural and eco-friendly faves, which I gabbed about on the NBC 10! Show last week.

Lucky Vanessa is about to get spoiled pretty by:

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash and Body Milk, Cargo PlantLove 100% Natural Origin Baked Illuminator, Kaia 3-in-1 Sustainable Bamboo Cleansing Cloths, Tarte Be Good To Your Mother (Earth) Tote Set, and Zoya Ooh-La-La and La-Di-Da Nail Polish Collections.

Many thanks to the sponsors for generously donating products for this contest. Vanessa and I thank you!

Don't miss out on other chances to get spoiled pretty with free beauty booty. Click here for more opportunities to win!

Bacon Flavored Lip Balm

My girl Beth tipped me off to the looniest lip balm I've seen in probably forever - J&D's Bacon Flavored Lip Balm. For just $3.99, you can moisturize you lips and make yourself taste like bacon!

"A great stocking stuffer, J&D's Bacon Flavored Lip Balm will keep your lips from chapping while constantly reminding you why bacon is the king of meats."

Buy a 12-pack of the lip balm for $24.99, and give the "gift of bacon flavored kisses" to "friends, lovers or anything in between."

The product has skyrocketed to fame, since being featured on last Friday's episode of Oprah. Pretty ironic, considering the Swine Flu going around. No?

Who's Afraid of the Big, Bold Lip?

Who's afraid of the big, bold lip? Surely not Alexis Bledel. Just look at how she fabulously flaunts an orange-red kisser.

Let this be a lesson to all of you who fear the saucier shades on the color spectrum. Minimal eye makeup and a bright lip color make her unearthly baby blues pop. Alexis sported a similar look at the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 premiere last year, when she opted for a vibrant, blue-pink lipstick.

Photos: Wireimage

All You Need Is NARS' Modern Love Palette

What if one eyeshadow compact could provide every shade necessary to fashion the perfect neutral look, eye-defining liner, or sexy smoky effect? This seemingly impossible pursuit is now a reachable reality with the new NARS Modern Love Palette. Open the signature soft-touch black compact, complete with an oversize mirror, to reveal an array of uber-wearable shades that look natural on every skin tone.

NARS employed top-ranking shadows, in hues ranging from matte black to shimmering browns to ethereal metallics. Each shade was chosen for its ability to complement the others, so you can mix and match for an endless number of subtle or dramatic looks. The resulting palette can be used effortlessly to create various day-to-night looks, with six shadows to accent the lash line, lid, crease and brow bone. The Modern Love Palette unleashes your inner artist.

Shades include:

Alhambra (top left) Metallic Rose Mist
Jezebel (top middle) Shimmering Sable
India Song (top right) Shimmering Walnut
Tokyo (bottom left) Soft Silver-White
Habanera (bottom middle) Sparkling Charcoal-Plum
Pandora (bottom right) Matte Black

Price: $50.00

The Modern Love Palette will be available in May 2009, exclusively at Nordstrom.

Give Good Face the Eco-Chic Way

Yesterday I gave you hints on how to get a beautiful eco-chic face in only a few easy steps. But what's the foundation for a perfect look? Flawless, radiant skin, of course!

Head on over to Sephora and check out these natural products that will result in good face:

Boscia Oil-Free Hydration SPF 15: this is the perfect way to start your natural routine. This daily hydrator combats excess oil, refines pores, and defends skin against damage caused by UV rays and everyday stresses. The moisturizer is balanced so that it effectively banishes shiny T-zone areas, making it the ideal base for makeup.

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Eye Cream: Designed for use both morning and night, this eye cream reinvigorates tired-looking eyes. The expert formula brightens and smooths the contour of the eye, reducing dark circles, puffiness, and lines for a more refreshed look.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum: This highly concentrated oil-free serum is designed to improve the appearance of dark spots, giving you even-toned, radiant skin.

REN Glycilactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask: This product is like having a dermatologist's treatment right in your own home. The resurfacing mask is formulated to gently and effectively rejuvenate skin by using fruit acids and papain. Use the peel once a week, especially if you have acne-prone skin.

Nude Miracle Mask: This mask firms and smooths in minutes. The efficacious formula speeds up circulation and cellular turnover, instantly smoothing and brightening the complexion.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Kiss My Face Giveaway

Going green shouldn’t be a fad that is forgotten when Earth Week comes to an end. So, moving forward, I intend to highlight the best natural, organic, and eco-friendly beauty products, year-round.

This week, Spoiled Pretty has teamed up with Kiss My Face for a green giveaway.

The Kiss My Face Potent & Pure Facial Care system combines the latest scientific research with beneficial botanicals, vitamins, extracts and minerals. The line can be tailored to meet the needs of all skin types, including aging and acne prone skin.

The Potent & Pure products cleanse, treat & moisturize skin, and the line’s packaging is comprised of 65% post consumer corrugate & produced in a facility that utilizes wind power and water soluble inks. Kiss My Face has eliminated paper leaflets in their Potent & Pure system. Instead of the traditional “how-to” with leaflets, Kiss My Face created video tutorials on the system with real Kiss My Face fans.

Two readers will win the entire Potent & Pure organic skincare system. Winners will be able to choose between Normal/Dry and Normal/Oily systems.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name, mailing address, and skin type (Normal/Dry or Normal/Oily). The subject line should read "Kiss My Face Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, May 3rd. Two winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, May 4th, 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. residents only.

If You Could Fall In Love With A Pair Of Shoes...

I'd never heard of Guillaume Hinfray until five minutes ago, when I received an email announcing that he would be selling his wares on Ideeli.com. But once I spied these leather peep toe sling backs with a stacked wooden heel, homeboy Hinfray earned a permanent spot on my radar.

The Guillaume Hinfray sale begins Wednesday, April 29th at 11am. Prices for this event start at $199.

Ideeli membership is free...click here for an invite, courtesy of Spoiled Pretty.

Winner of the E.C.O. Sunglasses Giveaway

Congrats to Sarah Zvolanek, winner of the E.C.O. Sunglasses giveaway. Sarah will receive the first ever sunglasses with material made from 100% renewable origin!

Many thanks to Dragon, for sponsoring this eco-conscious contest. Click here to check out their line of sunglasses, goggles and unique eyewear.

There is still time to enter the other Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman Week giveaways. Click here to enter!

If You Are What You Eat...

If you are what you eat, then I guess you can call me Josie Maran Plumping Lip Gloss. Instead of irritants or stimulants which cause lips to temporarily swell, this gloss relies on gentle but effective marine collagen to pump-up pouts for lasting results. Available in six shimmery shades (if you buy one, make it Freedom - a sheer golden rose), Josie Maran Plumping Lip Gloss has a dulce de leche flavor that’s lip smacking delicious!

Every time I put it on, I get the urge to just lick it all off. And when I do (which is quite often), I don’t have to worry about what I‘m ingesting - because the gloss is formulated with organic and natural ingredients (including Josie's signature ingredient, 100% pure organic Argan oil) and doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, or phthalates.

Josie Maran Plumping Lip Gloss is available at select Sephora stores, sephora.com and josiemarancosmetics.com.

Make-up Trend: Flattering Eyebrows

Fake an eyelift with expertly shaped brows: a little snip here and a pluck there can take five years off your age, making your eyes appear larger and more open. Plus, well-shaped brows highlight your bone structure and open your face. The best part? No recovery time!

To get Kareena's perfectly manicured arches, comb brows upward using a fine-tooth eyebrow comb. Next, carefully trim any hairs that poke above your browline. Tweeze away errant hairs and fill in any holes with light brown eye shadow.

Rec: Sephora Colorful Mat Mono Eyeshadow in Mat No. 4

OPI Colorcopia: Your Old Faves Are Back For A Limited Time

Today, I met up with my Mom and she was sporting the most gorgeous magenta mani. When I asked the color, she said, “It’s OPI Kinky in Helsinki. I think it’s new.”

The name was vaguely familiar, but I knew that the shade hadn’t been new for at least a couple of years. So I did some research and found that my mom, while misinformed, was on the right track.

OPI’s new Colorcopia collection is a limited edition collection celebrating over 20 years of OPI favorites. Best sellers from the last 20 years of OPI nail lacquer are back to celebrate OPI's 20th anniversary.

The Colorcopia lineup includes: