Summer Trends: Coral

Summer is supposedly just around the corner.  Here in Seattle, it seems like warm weather is NEVER going to get here, but I know that soon enough it will heat up to the point where I can bust out the short sleeves!  Summer's the time to lighten up when it comes to makeup, but it's also a time to embrace fun, lively colors.

This year, one big color trend is coral.  Coral's great because it gives a pop of color and looks great on almost everyone.  If you want to incorporate coral into your summer makeup bag, here are a few awesome options:

For your cheeks: Cargo BeachBlush in Coral Beach.  This product is great because it combines blush with bronzer.  It will give your face a soft, radiant glow and a nice depth of color.  It's a nice option for faking your tan and having some color on your cheeks.  Available at Ulta for $28.

For your lips: fresh Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Glory.  fresh lip gloss is light and lovely.  This shimmery coral feels natural, not sticky.  The color is subtle but flattering--perfect for your daytime look. Plus it contains SPF 15.  Available at Sephora for $18.

For your nails: Sephora by OPI in Let's Do Lunch.  This nail color is warm and wearable.  It's not the most exciting color in the world, but it's great for everyday.  It's especially lovely on darker skin tones and is worth checking out.  If you're looking for a more pink-hued coral, check Sephora by OPI in How Cute is That?  The name says it all!  Both are available at Sephora for $9.50.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

In honor of Earth Day (April 22nd), Spoiled Pretty is celebrating its 3^rd annual Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman Week - a week-long celebration of natural and organic beauty products that will help you green your beauty routine.

First up is a makeup bag must-have. You know how you apply your blush in the morning and by lunchtime, it’s disappeared and you look like a CSI cadaver? Well, I’ve found a blush that’s in it for the long haul.  

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is a new long-wearing, solar-baked blush that lasts up to 12 hours. No kidding. This cheek color lasts until you take it off. 

Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types. For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place. And gals with dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture. Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is also infused with Vitamins A, C and E – which fight free radical damage, prevent premature signs of aging, while brighten the skin.

Whether you're feeling peachy keen or in the mood for a rosy glow, Tarte has you covered. Available in eight shades, the blushes are buildable and deliver a natural-looking, ultra-flattering flush. For best results, apply with my favorite blush brush from EcoTools, which is also a friend of Mother Earth.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush retails for $25 and is a Sephora exclusive.

*Samples were provided by the brand for review.

Pixi Beauty Week of Makeup

I love the concept behind Pixi Beauty's new palette.

If you find yourself reaching for the same beauty products day after day (after day), Week of Makeup is a game changer. Designed to break you out of a beauty rut, this deluxe kit is decked out with gorgeous shades of peaches, pinks and nudes – to help you create a complete and coordinated look for each day of the week. 

Now it's easy to be fresh-faced & focused on a Monday, free-flowing & fabulous on a Friday and soft & subtle on a Sunday! A whole week of awakening makeup solutions, all in one organized kit – no need to be bored with your makeup anymore!

Week of Makeup ($34) contains 21 eye shadows, 7 blushes and 8 lip glosses - which breaks down to 94 cents each. But don't let the cost savings fool you. The kit is filled with high-quality, nicely pigmented products that flatter a wide variety of skin tones.

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

Valentine's Day Beauty Giveaway Sponsored by Stila and June Jacobs

Did you know that Valentine's Day is next week? Well, it is – a week from today, in fact. Just thought I'd remind you, in case that obnoxious red aisle at your local drugstore hadn't tipped you off already.

To celebrate Valentine's Day at Spoiled Pretty, I’m partnering with June Jacobs and Stila for a giveaway. Just think of me as Cupid – hooking up one lucky winner with some love-ly cosmetics:

June Jacobs Limited-Edition "Kiss In The Park" Lip Kit
Every true romance begins with a kiss. So treat your lips as well as you treat your skin with a lip facial trio that supports one of New York’s most romantic destinations, Central Park. To support her favorite place in New York City, June Jacobs has partnered with the Central Park Conservancy to create a Limited Edition version of her bestselling Lip Kit - "Kiss In The Park." The first step to perfecting your pucker is to apply the emollient lip exfoliation treatment which utilizes sugar granules to gently sweep away dead skin cells, leaving lips silky smooth. Next, the luxurious Lip Masque is applied to gently calm and nourish the lips. The last step, Lip Renewal is infused with shea butter, mango, aloe and ceramides to instantly provide exceptional and continual relief to dry, dehydrated and chapped lips. The end result is lips that have been rescued, refreshed and revitalized – ready for kissing.
Price: $60, available at JuneJacobs.com

Stila Make Me Blush Palette
This multi-color blush is inspired by Valentine's Day Conversation Hearts. The top layer is sprayed with the gold shine for visual and once dusted off with brush you are left with all over glow pressed powder that will add warmth, soft color, and sheer luminosity to cheeks and complexion. Great for all skin tones, the micro-fine formula is velvety and blendable and instantly enhances the complexion with a tint of pinks and corals. You look and feel radiant from within, just like when that someone special makes you blush.
Price: $14, available at stilacosmetics.com

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky!

Contest is open to U.S. residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Sunday, February 13, 2011. Good luck!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Blush That Won't Budge

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hi Mario,

I love your blog, and have been reading all your posts at Spoiled Pretty! I need some help with making my powder blush last. I put on my blush after applying my primer, cream foundation, and loose powder. I am using a variety of blushes, including NARS, MAC, and Wet n' Wild, but none of them seem to stay. Is there anything I can do to get my powder blush to last longer? Thanks!

-Cassidey

Hi Cassidey!

Powder products tend to stay better on moisturized skin. You mentioned that you're using a primer, cream foundation and loose powder which all work. However, using an emollient moisturizer will certainly help your blush and any powders to last longer.

Another way to get your cheeks blushing longer is to first apply a cream blush and follow with a powder blush right over it. I do that often when I need a client's makeup to last through the day and night.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays With Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Blush Blast From The Past: Benefit CORALista

You know what’s almost as fun as a new beauty product? It’s when you re-discover an oldie but goodie that you forgot that you had.

For the past several weeks, NARS Blush in Torrid has been step 2 of my three step/minute makeup routine (step/minute 1 being Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara and step/minute 3 being either Lancome Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin in Rose Pretty, Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss in Rave or Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond topped with Make Up Forever Fascinating Lip Gloss in #10). But this morning, I decided to switch it up and go fishing in my bottomless basket o' blushes. What I came up with was Benefit CORALista Blush – and after sweeping it on my cheeks and admiring myself in the mirror, I can't believe I ever let CORALista slip my mind.

It imparts the most gorgeous, coral-pink glow that looks ab fab on a multitude of complexions. What I love most about CORALista is how effortless it looks; it applies like a dream and the blush actually looks like it's coming from within. Another reason to put CORALista on your shopping list? Coral happens to be the it blush shade right now (ladies, if don't know…you betta ask somebody ).

Oh, and did I mention that the blush – besides looking fantastic – smells fantastic too? It has this light floral scent that, while completely unnecessary, is totally genius. CORALista comes with an applicator brush, but for best results, I like to apply with my ecoTools blush brush.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Giveaway Winners Revealed!

Congrats to Alcimary123, Barbiedolltori and victoriasecrets11 - winners of Spoiled Pretty's Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Giveaway!

Each winner will receive Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter, which features five coordinated waves of luminous color that can be applied as eye shadow, blush or highlighter. Darker shades can be used to contour and accentuate cheeks. Lighter shades can be used for an instant highlighting and brightening effect. Or sweep a brush across all shades for the ultimate blushing glow!

Winners will receive Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter in all four shades (Healthy Glow, Natural Glow, Rosy Glow, Sunkissed Glow).

Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter is an inexpensive dupe for Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Bricks. For more drugstore alternatives to your favorite department store beauty products, watch my latest TV segment!

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Giveaway!!!

Did you happen to catch my latest tv appearance? A few weeks ago, I taped a segment for the Philadelphia NBC affiliate and dished on my favorite drugstore beauty buys. If you haven't seen the segment yet, I highly recommend you check it out because you’re missing out on some super fab product recommendations. For example, if you love Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Bricks but your wallet is saying, "Nuh-uh, honey" – you (and your beauty budget) are in luck.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter features five coordinated waves of luminous color that can be applied as eye shadow, blush or highlighter. Darker shades can be used to contour and accentuate cheeks. Lighter shades can be used for an instant highlighting and brightening effect. Or sweep a brush across all shades for the ultimate blushing glow!

For the price of one Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, you can get three Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips. But I’m going to do you one better. This week, three lucky Spoiled Pretty readers will win Shimmer Strips Custom Blush & Highlighter in all four shades (Healthy Glow, Natural Glow, Rosy Glow, Sunkissed Glow). Each prize is worth $48!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky.

Contest is open to U.S. residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Tuesday, June 15, 2010. Good luck!

Hippety Hoppity...

Apparently Easter is this weekend. I say apparently because I never seem to remember when Easter pops up on the calendar. I only know that I keep seeing plastic eggs and crazy bunnies in all the stores I've been going to lately.

If you're like me, you'd rather skip the Easter egg hunt and opt instead to fill up your own brand of basket--a Sephora basket--with some Spring-inspired goodies. Bunny-hop to Sephora and treat yourself to these wonders:

• Sephora by OPI in Iris I Was Thinner ($9) – This pale, iris purple is the perfect way to wear an Easter pastel without spending a fortune. I really hate the name of this shade, but it's pretty, so I'll give it a temporary pass.
  
• Leslie Blodgett Santa Barbara Eau de Parfum Rollerball ($16) –This luminous scent lingers on the skin for hours and the travel-friendly packaging makes it great for a quick pick-me-up on the go!
  
• Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadows ($12) – Let your peepers make a festive statement with these high-pigment shadows. Now available in 79 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss ($19) – Coat your lips with this sweet shade of lightweight vitamin-enriched gloss. Available in 12 shades.
  
• Sephora “Tricks of the Trade” Perfecting Lash Primer ($14) – Your mascara will outlast your biggest expectations with this primer that helps volumize and lengthen your lashes.
  
• Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush ($25) – This cream blush naturally sculpts and highlights cheeks for a healthy, spring glow. Available in 14 shades.
  

Philosophy The Color of Grace Makeup Collection

the color of grace collection, $20-37.50: Inspired by philosophy's best-selling fragrance (and my favorite), amazing grace, the color of grace is makeup that embraces your inner girl with all things pink and beautiful. Philosophy created skin-loving formulas in perfect pink shades that deliver sheer color and heavenly luminosity for a look that is soft, graceful and inspired. Everyone looks prettier in pink lighting. The color of grace is universally flattering and created for all women who want to feel sweet, kind, pretty and feminine. Available at philosophy.com, Sephora and Nordstrom stores in April.

the color of grace heavenly light pink illuminator, $28: A pink light, liquid luminizer that combines skin-loving moisture and brightening botanicals to restore radiance for heavenly luminosity.

the color of grace amazing grace shimmering face powder, $29.50: a sweetly shimmering, silky, pale pink powder that brightens your complexion and creates a soft focus glow as it releases an uplifting, feminine hint of amazing grace fragrance.

the color of grace art of blushing, $35: a multidimensional palette of three silky, sheer blushes in perfect pink shades surrounded by luminous highlighter, to deliver pure color and light for skin that looks soft, luminous and inspired.

the color of grace amazing grace coloring book, $37.50: a purse-sized palette of perfect pink shades for lips, eyes and cheeks to create the face of grace. two eyelighting shadows, two perfect pink lip glosses, an all-over cream illuminator, powder blush and a shimmering face powder scented with a touch of amazing grace fragrance.

the color of grace go with grace face brush, $20: heavenly pink, kabuki-inspired natural hair brush that provides flawless application and blendability of powder or blush. In a pretty-to-go, retractable case.

the color of grace eyelighting shadow duo, $22: sheer washes of color that light up the eyes with delicately shimmering minerals. Available in a luminous duo: heaven/earth.

the color of grace angel kiss lip gloss, $17.50: Grace your lips in creamy, dreamy goodness. The color of grace angel kiss lip gloss loves lips. It blends high-shine, sheer color with lip-caring goodness. Helps enhance the softness and natural rosiness of lips, while a hint of vanilla-mint flavor refreshes the breath.

Make Up For Ever HD Blush: Buy This NOW!

Make Up For Ever’s new HD Blush is one of the best blushes I’ve ever tried - and you know that, when it comes to makeup, I get around.

I am absolutely enamored with MUFE’s HD Foundation, so when I heard about the new blush, it went straight to the top of my makeup must haves list. And lemme tell you, it does not disappoint. First of all, it is very pigmented, which means a little goes a long way…but not so crazy bold that you end up looking like Bozette the Clown. I also love its creamy texture, which is ideal for the warmer weather that is upon us. Another plus of the cream consistency? No need for a makeup brush…all you need is your fingers. But if you want a really professional look, the beautyblender sponge applies like a dream.

The real reason to love HD Blush is the fact that it looks, well, real. Even up close, it appears as if you’re actually blushing – not wearing something to mimic a radiant glow. It blends seamlessly and lasts all day (and night). Oh, and did I mention that it comes in 14 amazing shades? Make Up For Ever sent me samples of #4 (Walk of Shame) and #6 (Quickie) and I love them both. I wear the first when I’m going for a cool toned makeup look, and it looks amazing; when I’m going in a warmer direction, I wear the latter. Though these are the only shades I’ve tried, I can imagine that most of the colors would be universally flattering because they apply so fantastically well and can be layered for intensity.

The only unfortunate thing about this product is that, for now, it’s playing hard to get. I’ve visited two local Sephora stores and, to my dismay, the MUFE display does not yet include the HD Blushes. For the time being, you can purchase on sephora.com (and, luckily, the swatches on the Sephora website are pretty accurate).

MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Give Me Liberty Of London: The very latest in a series of famous MACollaborations, it was only a matter of time before the demure-to-daring kaleidoscopic prints of Liberty of London colored our world with Brit wit and bohemian chic.

From the unstudied, Sienna Miller style of Spitalfields Market to the grit and glamour of Portobello Road, the swinging London girl has always been an unstoppable MAC makeup force!

Spring 2010 blooms with the ultimate flower fusion as MAC joining forces with Liberty, creating cool Britannia compacts and Lipsticks, Eye Shadows, Powder, Blush, Nail Lacquers and blushing, bountiful, quite British accessories.

Beauty Powder, $25
The luxurious, soft pearl finish of MAC Beauty Powder packaged in a glossy white compact. Lid is decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection.
Shell Pearl: Pale peach with gold pearl
Summer Rose: Soft violet pink with pearl

Eyeshadow, $14.50
Give Me Liberty of London: Flat creamy pink (Matte)
Free to Be: Creamy true coral (Matte)
Dame's Desire: Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (Frost)
Birds & Berries: Frosted dark green blue (Veluxe Pearl)
Bough Grey: Mid-tone bluish grey (Satin)

Lipstick, $14

Ever Hip: Creamy light coral (Cremesheen)
Peachstock: Neutral peach (Satin)
Petals & Peacocks: Creamy bright magenta pink (Amplified)
Blooming Lovely: Creamy greyed lilac mauve (Amplified)

Lipglass, $14

Frankly Fresh: Neutral pink beige with soft pearl
Perennial High Style: Creamy bright pink coral
English Accents: Creamy mid-tone blue pink
A Different Groove: Deep purple brown with pearl

Blush, $18.50
Dirty Plum: Sheer dark plum
Prim & Proper: Neutral nude

Nail Lacquer, $12
Vestral White Creamy white (Cream)
Blue India Dark green blue with pearl (Cream)

Liberty of London Makeup Bags, $22-25
Limited-edition laminated makeup bags decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull.

Liberty of London Scarf, $95
A limited-edition scarf designed with an exclusively created floral pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Rows of coral, orange, yellow and blue flowers form a repeating pattern on a white background. The fabric is a soft wool/viscose blend. Made in Italy. Measures 27″ x 82″.

MAC Too Fabulous

Lips and cheeks get the pretty young thing treatment...Cremesheen makes a comeback for Spring 2010 as part of our permanent collection. Introducing six new très jolie shades and and three bring-back essentials, because the world wants more of this creamy, high-flying gloss formula that provides sheer, Just Superb color with a touch of sex-o-shine!

To accentuate them, a combination of six Lip Pencils ranging from neutral to pinks and browns, to delight and define.

And here's a lovely thought: Six new Mineralize Blush Duos are also making a limited appearance. Inspired by the original, they provide a gossamer sheer and lightweight application…all TOO FABULOUS!

Lip Pencil, $15
Naked Liner: Light Neutral
In Synch: Bright Yellow Pink
Mouth Off: Deep Peach Coral
Trimmed in Pink: Bright Blue Pink
Boldy Bare: Dirty Red Brown
Chestnut: Intense Brown

Cremesheen Glass, $18
Fashion Scoop: Clear Pink
Just Superb: Dirty Neutral Pink
Boy Bait: Light Nude
Partial to Pink: Light Peach Pink
Richer, Lusher: Peach Coral
Loud & Lovely: Blue Pink
Double Dare: Coral Red
Deelight Mid-Tone Neutral
Over Indulgence: Neutral Brown

Mineralize Blush Duo, $23
A limited-edition Mineralize Blush featuring two shades swirled into an abstract pattern. Delivers the sheer color and soft, dimensional pearl finish of all MAC Mineralize Powder formulas.
Rhapsody In Two: Light Pale Pink/Pale Peach (Frost)
Chic Couple: Light Yellow Brown/Dark Peach (Frost)
Two Virtues: Light Blue Pink/Light Violet (Frost)
Bi-Tone Rose Pink/Copper Bronze (Frost)
Buddy Up: Dirty Rose/Neutral Yellow Pink (Frost)
Sun & Moon: Neutral Brown/Pink Brown (Frost)

Josie Maran Natural Wonder Powder Palette Giveaway Winners!

Congrats to the following winners of the Josie Maran Natural Wonder Powder Palette giveaway:

carladgray
Julie (fizzlette)
Shanhai
Staci (dailyglam)
Team Morris

The palette includes five eye shadows, two blush shades, and a bronzing powder for glowing radiance.

Many thanks to Josie Maran for sponsoring this giveaway...and stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next contest.

Josie Maran Natural Wonder Powder Palette Giveaway!

This Spring, Josie Maran created the perfect palette for you to unleash your inner makeup artist. With the Natural Wonder Powder Palette, you can create a variety of looks with the multiple shades, ranging from ashy bold pigments to classic neutrals. The palette includes five eye shadows, two blush shades, and a bronzing powder for glowing radiance.

Eye Shadows: Daydream (shimmery apricot), Hope (bright iridescent blue- purple), Desire (iridescent teal), Trance (shimmery gold), Think (shimmery copper brown)

Blush: Illusion (deep rose), Fiction (peachy pink)

Bronzing Powder: Beach No. 1 (bronze)

This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Josie Maran to put some spring into your step (and makeup bag). Five lucky readers will win the Natural Wonder Powder Palette (retail price: $35).

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, March 5, 2010. Good luck!

Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection

Clueless with Color?
Give Bobbi Brown 5 Minutes.
She’ll Make You a Pro.

The Problem: You buy shadows that look amazing in the store, but then you get home and don’t know what to do with them.

The Fix: Everyone can wear bright shades. Bobbi put together these three palettes with pops of color - plus the perfect neutrals that make them work for everyone.

Introducing Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection: a complete spring eye, lip and cheek wardrobe - designed by Bobbi. Each of these three palettes has five Eye Shadows and three shades of Pot Rouge designed to work together beautifully.

"Don’t be afraid of color. Each palette has one bright eye shadow that really stands out - the rest of my hand-picked shades for eyes, lips and cheeks will make it wearable." –Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Color Strips palettes: Aquamarine (top); Orchid (middle); Bonfire (bottom)

Suggested Retail Price: $60.00
On Counter: March 2010
Available at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on bobbibrown.com

Sephora's Winning Lineup!

The Super Bowl may have come and gone, but Sephora still has top beauty brands’ MVP and Rookie must-haves. Proven all-stars show off in the MVP category – but don’t let the rookies fool you. They have some cool new moves that will make you want to change your game plan.

Sephora’s 2010 MVP Roster:

• Dior DiorShow Mascara ($24) – A cult-classic that leaves lashes thick, long and curled, making it Sephora’s MVP – most valuable product, that is!
• Philosophy Hope In A Jar ($38) – No games played here, this long-loved moisturizer provides soft, healthy and glowing results.
• NARS Blush in Orgasm ($25) – A five-year-long Sephora winner, this beauty editors’ favorite is a universally flattering shade of pinky-peach.
  
• Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream ($62) – A “lineman” of wrinkle fighting cream that works to minimize flaws and maximize the tone and texture around your eye area.
  
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set ($84 Value, $65) – This set has the spirit of a playful innocence with its fresh and feminine kick. Perfect for the tomboy in you.

Sephora’s 2010 Rookie Lineup:

• Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara ($28) – Plump up your lashes, inside and out! With built-in treatment benefits and twisted wand layers for strong, high-impact lashes, it’s hard to believe this mascara is new to the game!
  
• Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($55) – New to the team, but packing a punch, this age-fighting hydrator will balance, nourish and soften your skin.
  
• NARS Orgasm Illuminator ($29) – Joining the NARS Orgasm family in a must have, an illuminator! Get an instantly refreshed, radiant and glowing look with a new twist of the brand’s most beloved shade.
  
• Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream ($55) – A rookie formula with the results of a seasoned veteran, this revolutionary elastin-strengthening, firming hydrator will lift and smooth!
  
• Marc Jacobs Lola Gift Set ($70, $107 Value!) – Treat yourself to this trophy-worthy trio! With a spray, lotion and gel, your skin will smell sweet and sexy.