Review: Philosophy Purity Made Simple, One-Step Facial Cleanser

WHO: All skin type

WHAT: Philosphy Purity Made Simple, One-Step Facial Cleanser

Philosophy claim: "purity made simple is an award-winning, one-step daily facial cleanser that removes  makeup, cleanses, tones and lightly hydrates the skin. This facial cleanser rapidly dissolves dirt, oil and makeup to deep clean pores while maintaining the skin's proper moisture levels. Purity made simple is gentle enough for the eye area and even for the most sensitive skin."

Ingredients:water (aqua), sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium trideceth sulfate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, coco-glucoside, cocosnucifera (coconut) alcohol, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, anibarosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, geranium maculatum oil, guaiac (guaiacum officinale) extract, cymbopogon martini oil, rosadamascena extract, amyrisbalsamifera bark oil, santalum album (sandalwood) oil, salvia officinalis (sage) oil, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil, anthemisnobilis flower oil, daucuscarota sativa (carrot) seed oil, piper nigrum (pepper) seed extract, polysorbate 20, glycerin, carbomer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid, imidazolidinyl urea, yellow 5 (ci 19140).

WHEN: Permanent

WHERE: Birchbox, Sephora, and Philosophy counter

HOW: Use it like any other cleanser. Apply a small amount to a clean and damp face and massage with fingers for a minute. Rinse with water and pat dry.

It's very difficult for me to share skin care reviews because we all have different skin types and what works for me may or may not work for you. But I still do them, so I can share what I use. I recently got a sample of this Philosophy Purity Made Simple, One-Step Facial Cleanser from my July Birchbox (see it HERE). I was very excited because it's my first time trying Philosphy cleanser. 

It's a decent size sample, so I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of it. I've been using it for three days, day and night and I love it. I love how it does 3 things in one step: removes makeup, cleanse and tone the skin. I love how it removes my makeup, even the most stubborn mascara, it's gentle on my skin and makes my face really clean as if I used a toner. It's really awesome. The only drawback that I could think of that might keep you from buying is the price. It's expensive. However, they come in different sizes, so I suggest start with a small size, then if you like it, invest on a bigger size.

Price: 3 oz -$10

         8 oz -$20

         16 oz -$32

         24 oz -$40

Availabilty: Birchbox, Sephora, Philosophy counter

Have you tried this cleanser before? Do you like it as much as I do?

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Dermalogica's Special Gel Cleanser is a concentrated, soap-free, foaming gel designed to thoroughly remove impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. It contains no artificial fragrance or color and is ideal for all skin types. In a word, it's perfect. If you've ever wished for soft skin and a clear complexion, this is your genie in a bottle (no rubbing required).

It's very gentle on the skin, yet super effective at removing dirt, grime and even makeup. Special Gel Cleanser feels like a dream when you apply it to your skin - like silk, or something equally smooth and luxurious. If I had to compare it so something you might be familiar with, I'd say it's akin to a high-end Cetaphil. I loved this product from the day I started using it, back in late 2010. But I didn't realize how much my skin loved this cleanser until I started testing other cleansers last month and my skin straight up rebelled. Breakouts re-appeared and it completely dried out. Since then, my skin has been on a strict Dermalogica diet and I've seen improvement every day.

An 8.4 oz bottle of this good stuff costs $33, which sounds like a lot for a face cleanser. But - believe me - it's worth every penny. Special Cleansing Gel is special, indeed.

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

Lately, my skin has been uncharacteristically well-behaved. And so soft and smooth that I can't stop petting my face. I didn't know what to make of my enhanced complexion until I realized that I had recently switched up one element of my skincare routine.

After moving into my new house, I couldn't immediately locate my usual facial wash. So when I came across a long lost sample tube of Clinique's Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser, I decided to give it a whirl. And once I did, I was happy my old stuff went A.W.O.L. because I might have missed out on such a fabulous product.

Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser has a cream consistency that gently cleanses – leaving skin feeling moist, clean, and fresh. It's fragrance-free, but the subtle scent reminds me of Dove soap. As mild as it is on skin, it removes long-wearing makeup and sunscreens quickly and efficiently. Plus, it's also a great value; the concentrated formula is long-lasting and a little goes a long way.

I wish you could see/feel my face. It’s a true testament to the brilliance of this cleanser (I've awarded it 'holy grail' status). After washing my face with it, I moisturize with 2-3 pumps of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. And ever since I started this routine, my skin is like a dream.

Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser ($18.50) and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($24) are available at Sephora, your local Clinique counter, and clinique.com.

Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel: Don't Judge a Cleanser By Its Label

When it comes to skin care, there's only one thing scarier to me than benzoyl peroxide in the ingredient list (I'm severely allergic)...and that's the words "deep cleansing" on the label.

All of the deep cleaning cleansers I've used have left my skin feeling desiccated and looking like peeling paint. So when I received a sample of Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel, I almost gifted it to one of my friends. But I'm glad that I decided to give it a whirl because it's absolutely fabulous.

Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel sucks the dirt and grime out of pores without sucking the life out of your skin. When you rinse it off, your face feels refreshingly clean - never dry and tight. I highly recommend it - especially for dry, acne prone complexions.

Now, kids...what's the moral of this story? Don't judge a cleanser by its label.

Class dismissed.

NARS Cleansing Oil

"Great skin is the first step to looking beautiful" - François Nars

Great skin begins with a radiant canvas, entirely free of any makeup residue. This technically advanced formula is the first, and most important step in the cleansing process. The weightless, silky solution eliminates makeup traces and flushes out pores, prepping the skin for cleansing. Excess oil coating the skin surface is obliterated, and clarity is visibly improved.

Unlike most facial oils, NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil can be applied with wet or dry hands, and rinses off effortlessly with zero residue. Both gentle and effective enough to use on the eyes and lips.

NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil ($40) will be available in September 2009 on narscosmetics.com.

Spoiled Pretty Street Style: Dayna In Philadelphia

Because I know how much you love themed posts, like Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week and my celebrity articles, I'm adding another one to the roster...

Welcome to Spoiled Pretty Street Style - a new column that shines a spotlight on fashion and beauty trends, and how they're being interpreted in your neck of the woods.

For the inaugural post, I'm spotlighting Dayna, an impossibly chic Philadelphia lawyer.

In the photo, Dayna is rocking: a Black Halo dress, J. Crew cardigan, Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Heidi Klum earrings, Lagos ring, David Yurman and Charriol bracelets, Louis Vuitton handbag, and Boutique 9 sandals.

SP: What are your top five beauty products for summer?
Dayna: Darphin Cleansing Foam Gel, NARS Bronzing Powder, NARS Blush in Orgasm, Diorshow Black Out Mascara, and Chanel Aqualumiere Lip Gloss in #72 (Bubble Plum)

SP: Are there any celebrities whose style you admire?
Dayna: Rachel Bilson, Kate Bosworth, Lauren Conrad, Diane Kruger, and Nicole Richie

SP: What items are you currently coveting?
Dayna: Burberry trench coat and Gucci sandals. Oh, and a Chloe Paddington bag. I just don't think I should be living without it.

SP: What is your #1 beauty tip?
Dayna: Use a heated eyelash curler. They make a travel one at Sephora. It's amazing.

Want to be featured in Street Style? Take a photo of yourself or someone you know, stylin' and profilin'...with a breakdown of the fashion and beauty products pictured. Then send it to my inbox. If you're chosen, I'll feature the look on Spoiled Pretty - and I'll send you a beauty goodie for your troubles!

Amala Beauty Giveaway!

In April, I declared Amala my skin savior...and for good reason. This luxurious line tamed my troubled skin and restored my faith in organic and natural beauty products. The Purify collection, created for oily and acnegenic skin types, has become the staple of my daily skin care routine; and after two months of using the products, I continue to marvel at the amazing results the ingredients have had on my complexion.

I am so enamored with Amala that we're partnering for a Spoiled Pretty giveaway! Two lucky winners will receive:

Hydrating Cream Cleanser ($30)
Hydrate dry skin while gently removing makeup and impurities with this comforting cleansing cream. The whole botanical ingredients help soothe and restore moisture for clean, soft, radiant skin.

Hydrating Toner ($30)
Revive and rehydrate skin with this refreshing toner. Soothing floral waters and whole plant extracts help refine pores and restore moisture to soften and comfort skin.

Hydrating Face Cream ($68)
Quench dull, dry skin by helping to restore its natural moisture and elasticity with this creamy hydrating treatment. Whole plant ingredients restore elasticity and protect skin from dehydration for lasting smoothness.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Amala Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 7th. Two winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 8th, 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.

Good luck!

Summer Beauty Staples on the NBC 10! Show

Watch my latest NBC 10! Show appearance to hear about my favorite summer beauty staples!

Every member of the studio audience went home with a few product samples. But before you get all "where can I get me a 10! show ticket?" - just relax. How could you think I would forget about my online amigas?

If you don't know me by now, you will never never never know me...

This week, I'm gifting one of you with a plethora of products that will help you beat the heat and keep you looking hot all summer long!

Clinique Sun with SolarSmart is a new line of sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The formula is non-greasy, oil-free, water and sweat resistant, yet appropriate for sensitive skin. The range includes: SPF 30 Face Cream, SPF 50 Face Cream, SPF 30 Body Cream, SPF 50 Body Cream, SPF 15 Face/Body Cream, SPF 25 Body Spray, SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick, and Rescue Balm with Aloe.

ModelCo Body Meringue Bronze Glow is an instant bronze shimmer and gradual self-tanner, in a mousse formula. This weightless foam firms the skin while offering a light buildable, natural tan. After smoothing the foam on, a light instant bronze appears so you can see exactly where you've applied. And over the next few hours, your tan gradually deepens. The best thing about Body Meringue, IMO, is it's skin firming properties; it contains an ingredient that helps minimize the appearance of cellulite. Can you even? And if you want to kick your tan up a notch, mist on ModelCo’s Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser over tanned skin for a sparkly effect. My little secret tip is to spray it in your hair, which looks beyond amazing on all hair colors!

If the Philadelphia heat and humidity turn your face into an oil slick, I feel you. I get shiny too, and it’s very embarrassing and it’s a high-maintenance situation. Philosophy’s Never Let Them See You Shine line of skincare products are specifically designed to control oil. The Cleanser deep cleans pores and the Scrub gently exfoliates. The Primer creates a matte finish, and can be applied on bare skin or mixed with foundation.

Secret Clinical Waterproof Antiperspirant and Deodorant offers all-day protection through heat and humidity, or after being in the water. So it’s ideal in the city, at the pool, or at the shore. The formula is skin soothing, and Secret Clinical Waterproof is designed with two-click applicator to ensure that the right amount of product is delivered to the underarm area with each use.

In the summertime, you want to choose a lighter fragrance because heavier winter scents can become cloying in the warmer months. I’ve found the perfect summer scent: Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum by Fresh. Inspired by France’s Champagne region, the fragrance has crisp, lemony top notes, a heart of pinot noir and an earthy base. Citron de Vigne is unisex, so buy a bottle and your entire household can share!

This prize is worth over $360!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Summer Beauty Staples Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, June 1st. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Tuesday, June 2nd, 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.

Good luck!

Ojon Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Cleanser and Conditioner Giveaway!

As trees are budding and tulips are blooming, Ojon thinks it's the perfect time to tell you a little bit about their favorite flower.

A key ingredient in Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Cleanser and Conditioner, Passion Flower oil is rich in vitamin C and calcium and has a high concentration of essential fatty acids, known for their ability to help hydrate and nourish dry hair. When combined with Ojon oil and the antioxidant-rich properties of rare Tawaka cacao, this unique duo cleanses and conditions hair, leaving it soft, silky and manageable.

Formulated without sulfates, colors or parabens, Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Cleanser and Conditioner work to combat springtime frizz and flyaways by restoring precious oils hair loses over time.

As April showers give way to beautiful May flowers, I'm teaming up with Ojon to spoil a few of you pretty. Three lucky winners will receive Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Cleanser and Conditioner (a $64 value)!

Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Cleanser is a a 98% natural, intensively moisturizing, antioxidant-rich and sulfate-free cleansing treatment for the face, body and hair. Formulated for all hair and skin types (particularly dry, damaged, aging skin and hair), this cleanser quickly and thoroughly absorbs into the skin and hair - helping to increase firmness, elasticity and vital hydration, leaving skin and hair feeling velvety-smooth with no oily residue.

Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Conditioner is a unique, in-shower hair, scalp and body conditioning treatment that quickly and thoroughly absorbs into the skin and hair. It helps increase firmness, elasticity and vital hydration, leaving skin and hair feeling velvety-smooth with no oily residue.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Ojon Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, May 17th. Three winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, May 18th, 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.

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.

I Was So Deliriously Tired This Morning...

I was so deliriously tired this morning that I squeezed Chanel Mousse Douceur on my electric toothbrush and proceeded to brush away. Yuck!

Chanel Mousse Douceur Rinse-Off Foaming Mousse is a deliciously indulgent cleanser for the skin, but not so tasty on the tongue. Take it from me.

Note to self: stop blogging until the wee hours and get some much-needed beauty rest!

Photo: Getty Images

Lazy Night: Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser

Oh yes it's lazy night
And the cleanser's right
Oh yes it's lazy night
Oh what a night (oh…what a night)

I admit it. I’m lazy. I love to pile on the makeup, but hate to take it off. When it’s time for beddy bye, I just want to bypass the bathroom pit-stop, slink under the covers and drift off to sleep. Sometimes I justify my laziness by reasoning that I only wore mascara and lipgloss during the day…so a nighttime cleansing would be nice, but isn’t entirely necessary. Damn, I’m lazy.

Fortunately, my indolent ass just discovered Philosophy’s new Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser. Philosophy took their best-selling creamy face wash and whipped it into a fabulous foam. The paraben- and sulfate-free formula gently melts away the toughest makeup, dirt, oil and debris, and leaves the skin refreshingly clean (not dry or tight). Just dampen skin and dispense 2-3 pumps of cleanser. Massage onto skin for 30 to 60 seconds and rinse. That’s it.

I suppose even the laziest of the lazy has 30-some seconds to spare. Plus the cleanser is so amazing, you’ll momentarily forget how much you loathe late-night face washing.

Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser is available at Nordstrom, Sephora, and philosophy.com.



Take it away, Kool and the Gang...

Nudists: Get To Sephora For Your Skin Fix

NUDE Skincare is now available at Sephora!

NUDE is an eco-friendly skincare line that utilizes bio-technology to deliver clinically-proven anti-aging results. Created with biocompatible ingredients that can be effectively utilized by the skin and safely metabolized by the body, NUDE's range of skincare works to reduce premature aging, inflammation, and dehydration the same way organic and nutritious foods heal and nourish your body from the inside out. The packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials and the company is committed to sourcing fair trade or community-traded ingredients.

As an exfoliation enthusiast, I'm really excited to try their Facial Scrub...and I'm beyond anxious to test the Facial Cleansing Oil, a world-famous cleansing oil famed for effectively balancing both dry and oily skin.

Purchase products now at sephora.com. Or head on over to your local Sephora store - but call ahead to make sure the skincare line is on shelves.

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Gym Bag

If you read my last post, you know that, this afternoon, I took a trip to TJ Maxx. What you probably don't know is that I went there on a mission to find new athletic attire.

You see, I recently joined a gym. After a long hiatus, I'm back on the scene - and I have to admit that I'm feeling a little zafdig next to all of the resident hard bodies. So until I slim and trim my body, I've resorted to hiding underneath some sporty outfits. Trying on the gear was a workout in and of itself cuz I'm majorly sore from my personal training sesh yesterday. But I found some cute separates, so I'm ready to head back tomorrow.

What I didn't need to buy, however, was a stylish gym bag. More on that in a minute...

So what are the necessities for your gym bag this summer? Obviously, you'll want to pack items like a towel and an mp3 player. But I also recommend that you also include a few key beauty essentials...so that, post-gym, you won't have to take your sweaty, smelly self straight home. Give your credit card a little workout and stock up on the following:

* If your hair is normal to oily, I'd recommend taking along travel-sized shampoo and conditioner. If your hair is dry/damaged/color-treated, then you might want to carry a dry shampoo or a product that revives your style.

* If you shower at the gym, you'll need some sort body wash and facial cleanser. Many gyms have those basic amenities. But if you're reading this, you're a beauty junkie...and you don't want no generic toiletries. You're better off bringing along some deep-cleaning products that will clear your pores of dirt, oil, and sweat.

* Odor may be a sign of an effective workout, but I think you'll agree that it's far from fetching. Deodorant is a no brainer. No?

*Spritzing on a light, fresh fragrance is also a nice precautionary measure - especially if you forgo a splish splash in the gym shower.

* A reusable water bottle is an excellent idea. I advocate aluminum (like those from SIGG) over plastic. But whatever you choose - you might want to pour your agua into a cup. Recent reports have shown that quenching your thirst straight from the bottle leads to "water bottle lips" - which are fine wrinkles around the mouth. Quel horror!

Today is day two of our In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week, so I'm spoiling you pretty with this lovely Lug gym bag.


The Puddle Jumper Gym Bag was featured on Oprahs "O List" and is a must-have for any active individual. Stuff it solid with items galore! From your ipod, glasses, pens, papers, clothing, bottles, cosmetics, etc., even throw your stinky sneakers in the back separated ventilated pocket! This bag represents functionality at its best while not compromising your sense of style!

For the winner, this bag will be accompanied by the following goodies:


Ojon Revitalizing Mist: This alcohol-free, leave-in conditioner detangles, refreshes and reactivate your style without washing. With a revitalizing fragrance, it neutralizes odor as it moisturizes and preps the hair for restyling. It's also a great moisturizer for the skin!


Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Shave: As a body wash, this fresh, marine-scented gel is enriched with ingredients that clean and moisturize your skin without leaving behind a heavy residue. As a shave gel, the silky lubrication helps your razor glide smoothly over your skin while soothing aloe helps prevent dryness and irritation. This clean-rinsing formula won't build up on your razor—or your skin.


Clean & Clear Deep Action Refreshing Gel Cleanser: The icy gel turns into a foaming lather that instantly cools and invigorates your skin as it dissolves dirt and oil trapped deep in your pores.
After washing, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and revived, with the unmistakable tingle of a really deep clean. Completely oil-free, rinses clean, and won't clog pores.


Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: Softer than paper, these silky sheets leave your skin feeling refreshed by instantly removing excess oil and shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind powder.


Bath & Body Works Body Splash in Enchanted Orchid: This lighter, casual fragrance is perfect for fragrance layering or enhancing the fragrance effect of previously applied products, such as body lotion. Notes include Calypso Orchid, Pink Grapefruit, Waterlily, Crisp Apple, Fresh Gardenia, Vanilla Orchid, Heliotrope, and Creamy Amber.


Goody Ouchless Detangling Comb: Flexible teeth slide through wet or dry hair without snags or pulls. Easy does it with this gentle approach to soft, manageable hair.


Secret Flawless Antiperspirant/Deodorant: Performs in more ways than any other anti-perspirant. It has strong protection, goes on clear, has self-renewing fragrances, it's smooth and lightweight, and has skin-nurturing conditioners.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Lug Gym Bag Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, June 30th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Tuesday, July 1st, 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. & Canadian residents only.

And be sure to check out the other bag giveaways. You can enter all of the giveaways, but you can only win once. Good luck!

MAC Future Earth

Earth-shatteringly lava-licious: the explosively earthy power of volcanic ash brought into one dynamic new all-black elements, Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. Formulated from volcanic ashes, this is the real thing – straight from world-famous island of Vanuatu. Naturally harvested from the ash of live volcanoes, this formula is mineral- and sulphur-rich. For absolutely deeply-cleansed, natural radiance, use one to three times a week. To bring your lips up to par: new Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Refinisher. A handy dual-action pre-makeup lip conditioner that exfoliates and moisturizes. Gives any lip color formula the perfect smooth base to work from. When it comes to great skin, this is where it’s happening: Future Earth.


Volcanic Ash Exfoliator
A highly effective foaming and exfoliating scrub containing natural volcanic ash and sugar crystals to cleanse and exfoliate the skin at the same time while adding moisture and leaving skin feeling soft and clean. Made with volcanic ash from Vanuatu, which contains sulfur from deep within the earth and has been used for centuries for the treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions.
Suggested Retail Price: $19.00

Prep + Prine Microfine Lip Refinisher
A dual-sided lip exfoliating stick with an exfoliator that helps to remove dry, flaky skin from the lips while a lip conditioner conditions and evens out lip texture.
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50

Charged Water
Charged water, fused with vital ions from a diamond and instilled with a spirit-lifting therapeutic aroma, then delivered to the skin in the soothing aura of revitalizing hydrating mist. Like its source – a diamond – on application it makes the skin feel clear, sparkling, pure and energized. Its aroma, a blend of green tea and citrus.
Suggested Retail Price: $19.00

Future Earth is available now at maccosmetics.com.

The 9!! Kit By Kate Somerville - Plus A Giveaway!!!

It’s 3am, and you’re tossing and turning in your bed. You’re having nightmares about problem skin. Then you wake up to learn that your nightmare is indeed a reality. There’s nasty acne erupting on your face.

All over the world, there are women out there just like you…dreaming about solutions to their skin disasters. But there’s a phone ringing at Kate Somerville’s house - and, luckily, she’s awake whipping up clinical-strength treatments to send your skin into recovery mode.

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

For over 15 years, Kate Somerville’s dedication to research and development has kept her at the forefront of skin wellness, and her intuitive approach has set her apart. Whatever your concern, whatever your skin type, it is her goal to give clients and retail customers the tools necessary for a healthy complexion.


My skin is problematic and sensitive - but I have yet to meet a Kate Somerville product I didn’t like, and the following is no exception. The 9!! Kit contains four absolutely fabulous products for acne-prone skin, like mine. The kits contains:

Detox Daily Wash: Every acne treatment performed in Kate Somerville’s clinic begins with Detox Daily Cleanser. This detoxifying cleanser restores clarity to your complexion.

Clarifying Treatment Toner: Result-oriented and alcohol-free, this refreshing toner clarifies and balances oily/problematic skin. Witch hazel, a natural antiseptic, aggressively fights acne-causing bacteria. Phytic acid, a naturally delivered antioxidant, exfoliator and lightening agent, helps to reduce post-acne scars. This toner leaves skin feeling clean and calm while reducing oil production.

Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion: This product is a prescription quality, intensive acne treatment that has been extensively tried and tested at Kate Somerville’s clinic. This advanced formulation has delivered life-changing results to Kate’s personal clients. Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion contains encapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, the most advanced and successful acne-fighting ingredient on the market. The controlled-release formula works around the clock without over-drying skin, like traditional Benzoyl Peroxide formulations. It kills bacteria and treats inflamed breakouts, while helping to prevent future acne.

Clearing Mask: This intensive mask treatment helps heal blemishes, prevent future breakouts and achieve clear, radiant skin.

The 9!! Kit also includes trial sizes of Kate’s Line Release (my Mom’s favorite eye treatment) and ExfoliKate.

Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, Debra Messing, Molly Sims, and Sharon Stone all depend on Kate for healthy skin and ageless beauty. So why shouldn’t you?

This set of products retails for $116. But lucky for you, there’s a blogger in Philly who loves spoiling her readers pretty. This week, you can enter the Kate Somerville Giveaway to win The 9!! Kit.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com - be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Kate Somerville Giveaway.” The contest ends at 9pm EST on Sunday, April 20th. A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, April 21st, 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. & Canadian residents only.

Bonne chance!

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner

When you think of toner, you probably envision a runny product that stings the skin, leaves your face somewhat tight, and smells like rubbing alcohol. That’s what I thought about, anyway, until I tried Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner.

First of all, its non-alcoholic formula is unscented. So no walking around with a face that smells like a medicine cabinet. And the creamy texture doesn’t tingle like traditional toners, but it is just as effective – if not more – thanks to emollients that gently remove residue while moisturizing and comforting skin.

The Ultra Facial Toner works for everyone – not just oily/combination skin types. In fact, after washing with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser and then toning with this product, my dry skin was so hydrated that I skipped moisturizer!

And for you ladies who have been desperately trying to introduce your man’s skin to a more upscale skincare routine – look no further. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial products are gentle, unscented, and have guy-friendly packaging. Buy yourself some, and sit them by the sink. Sharing is caring.

Available at Kiehl’s counters and at kiehls.com.

Five Reasons To Cleanse With T’Fivve

The top five reasons to wash your face with T’Fivve Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam:

5) The rich foam gently melts away makeup and pollutants
4) Doesn’t strip the skin's natural hydration
3) Helps maintain normal pH balance
2) After cleansing, your face feels refreshed, not dry or tight
1) Because I said so (and because it’s one of the best cleansers I’ve used in a very long time)

T’Five Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam contains Bergamot Fruit Oil, to act as an anti-bacterial; Orange Peel Oil to smoothe skin; Lemon Peel Oil softens; and Ylang Ylang Oil controls sebum production.

If you have very dry and sensitive skin - like mine - you’ll give T’Fivve Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam five enthusiastic thumbs up.

Available at skinscientifica.com and skinstore.com.

Bliss Clog-Dissolving Cleansing Milk: A Retraction

Last month, I said some not-so-nice things about Bliss’ Clog-Dissolving Cleansing Milk. After my bad experience, I was going to toss out the bottle; but since it cost me $28, I found it another home.

Yesterday, my sister informed me that the cleanser has totally transformed her skin. After only three days of using it (in the AM and PM), she said the solution was aggressively unclogging her pores - without irritation or over-drying; her whiteheads were literally being pushed out of the pores in her t-zone, and she has seen a reduction in the number of breakouts.

So what’s the point of this parable? The moral is that products work differently on different people. So keep an open mind, and ask for samples - whenever possible - before you commit to a full-sized product.

Breakup Makeup

When we get our hearts broken, emotions run the gamut. We heal ourselves through tears, fill our iPods with sad love songs, and use Häagen-Dazs as an analgesic. But when things are going bad, sometimes the best revenge is looking good.


Newly single gals can paint the town (and their nails) red with Orly’s Divorcée 6-Pix. The collection includes 50/50, Pawn the Ring, It's Not Me, It's You, One Night Stand, See Yah, and Take Him To The Cleaners.


Got a friend going through a breakup? Buy her Hard Candy's Mix Tape in Breakup Mix. It takes a lot less effort than making a real one, and she’ll look cute to boot. The palette feature three eye shadows and three lip glosses, so you can create a mix of color to match your mood. All the shades are made to coordinate, so it’s impossible to come up with a bad combination.


Benefit’s dear john lustrous facial cream is like a 'moisture magnet' for your skin. Use day or night to moisturize and put lustre back into your complexion. Voted "best face cream" by Elle magazine in 2006.


MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil from Boscia is a miraculously different and extremely gentle way to deep cleanse, by breaking up all makeup, dissolving impurities and refreshing congested skin without leaving an oily residue.