Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom's annual Anniversary Sale is in full swing. Have you seen their Beauty Exclusives? They are off the chain! If you haven't had an opportunity yet to shop the sale (hurry...sale ends July 31), allow me to play personal shopper and make some recommendations.

Deborah Lippmann Get This Party Started Set, $42 ($58 value)
How could you NOT add this polish trio to your wish list? Get This Party Started is a set of three glitters, inspired by the overwhelming demand for Deborah Lippmann's best-selling Happy Birthday, a party in a bottle. The set includes Happy Birthday, along with two new variations of the glittery shade: Forget You, with a black base, and Candy Shop, with a bubblegum-pink base.

Bobbi Brown Bobbi Beauty Favorites, $80 ($160 value)
This set is a must-have for you beauties who love Bobbi Brown. It includes the Beach Shimmer Brick, Face Blender Brush, Full Size Extreme Party Mascara, Black Ink Long Wear Gel Eyeliner, Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush, Shimmer Lip Gloss in Rose Gold and Creamy Lip Color in Toffee.

MAC Cine-Matics 'On-Screen' Pro Palette Eyeshadow Duo, $25 ($29 value)
I don't know any beauty lover who doesn't LOVE MAC eye shadows. These eight daring pairings are housed in an ultra-slim, stackable, easy-to-use palette. Great for your makeup kit and for travel.

MAC Cine-Matics 'Smoky Black' Makeup Lesson, $49.50 ($105 value)
Define the ultimate smoky eye with three sensational shadows - Carbon (M), Ambience (VP) and Bisque (M)—Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack (0.14 oz.) and Technakohl Liner in Graphblack, a 275 SE Brush to smudge, a 212 SE to blend and step-by-step instructions. This kit is an incredible value and, I recommend you snatch it up immediately. Also available in Smoky Brown.

L'Occitane 'Shea Home & Away' Collection, $25 ($36 value)
Shea Butter Hand Cream is the #1 international best-seller from L'Occitane, and one of my personal favorites. Enriched with 20% shea butter, this super-creamy hand balm quickly penetrates to protect, nourish and regenerate dry skin. The scent is light, yet intoxicating. Smooth even the most hard-working hands with a blend of nourishing ingredients including almond oil, honey, coconut oil and antioxidant vitamin E. Keep the 5.2 oz. tube on your vanity at home and stash the 1 oz. tube in your purse so you're never without this little luxury.

MOR Essentials Hand & Body Lotion, $9.90 ($18 value)
Before the Anniversary Sale started, I was provided with an advance sample of MOR Hand & Body Lotion to review. The Honey Nectar lotion is one of the best fragrances I've ever smelled, and the formula is lightweight but deeply hydrates. I'm not a big honey fan, but the scent of the Honey Nectar moristurizer isn't so literal. It also features notes of brown sugar, candied almonds and warm vanilla milk. Unfortunately, the Honey Nectar lotion appears to be sold out online - but I recommend you track it down at your local Nordstrom store. The Hand & Body Lotion is also available in Neroli Clementine, Basil & Grape, Black Currant Iris and Sugar Rose Tiger Lily. Corresponding Hand & Body Washes are also Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives.

Clarisonic Mia, $149 ($189 value)
You've wanted a Clarisonic for, like, forever...and keep saying that you'll finally buy one if and when it goes on sale. Well, now's that time. Mia is the travel version of the original Clarisonic, so it has all of the benefits of the more expensive brush - like six times more makeup removal, better product absorbtion, smaller looking pores and fine lines. It also comes with a cute, pink travel bag. Available in Island Coral, Fuchsia, and Zebra print.

MAC Cine-Matics Face Brushes, $49.50 ($112 value)
Touch up your look with a fabulous foursome of short-handled face brushes packed in a stylish grey MAC bag with red trim. With Technicolor bristles, these are sure to take your close-ups to the next level. The set includes: 187 SE Duo Fiber Face Brush, 190 SE Foundation Brush, 168 SE Large Angled Contour Brush, 194 SE Concealer Brush, and a brush bag.

MAC Cine-Matics All-Over Brushes, $49.50 ($120 value)
Go from nominee to winner with a star-quality set of short-handled brushes for eyes and face. Packed in a chic zip bag, these five Technicolor talents are musts on red carpets and runways everywhere. The set includes: 129 SE Powder/Blush Brush, 227 SE Large Fluff Brush, 224 SE Tapered Blending Brush, 219 SE Pencil Brush, 266 SE Small Angle Brush, and a brush bag.

philosophy 'amazing grace' 3-piece super set, $70 ($137 value)
Feel like you're wearing a beautiful dress every day of the week. 'amazing grace' is philosophy's best-selling fragrance, designed to make a woman feel amazingly clean and beautifully feminine. The set includes 'amazing grace' perfumed shampoo, bath and shower gel (32 oz.); firming body emulsion (32 oz.) and body spritz (8 oz.). Layer the clean floral scent of 'amazing grace' as you cleanse in the shower or bath and, afterwards, as you moisturize your skin. Then surround yourself with a refreshing, perfumed body mist that lightly hydrates as it scents your skin for a full-body fragrance experience.

Hanae Mori Paris Butterfly Anniversary Set, $85 ($133 value)
If I didn't still have a full bottle of my beloved Hanae Mori Butterfly (it's my signature scent), I would be snagging this set. Butterfly is a rare blend of berries and flowers, with a distinctive tone of strawberries and almond, giving an impression of vanilla. This deluxe set contains the world-renowned Butterfly eau de parfum spray, take-anywhere shower gel and body cream (1.7 oz. each), as well as long-lasting, non-alcohol Butterfly deodorant (2.6 oz.). A 1.7 oz. bottle of Butterfly retails for more than the price of this set - so this is a real steal!

Prada 'Infusion d'Iris' Gift Set, $99 ($133 value)
Once again, I have a full bottle of this perfume (it's another one of my top 3 fragrances), so I won't be buying this set. On second thought, maybe I will. My mom is also a fan of this fragrance and I usually gift her with a similar set for Christmas - so perhaps I'll pick up her present extra early this year. Infusion d'Iris fuses tradition with idealism, creating a universe that every modern woman wants to be a part of. A floral citrus fragrance, Infusion d'Iris balances the clean fresh scent of the Iris Pallida with the subtlety of mandarin, creating a dream-like experience for the senses.

PHYTO 'Phytodéfrisant' Large Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm, $31 ($39 value)
You know that elusive, salon perfect blowout that you can never seem to replicate at home? Now you can, thanks to the folks at Phyto. Phytodéfrisant Botanical Relaxing Balm is a heat-activated straightening balm that hydrates, fights frizz, and leaves hair touchably soft and silky smooth. Suitable for all hair types, the product has a light, gel-like consistency that won’t weigh hair down. Apply a silver dollar-sized dollop to towel dried tresses, comb through, and blow dry for sleek, professional looking results. Phytodéfrisant is so fabulous that you might just bid your flat iron farewell.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel - Large Size, $36 ($39 value)
I'm kind of kicking myself for just having bought a bottle of this a month ago. It's my go-to summer moisturizer because it's light, doesn't aggrivate my sensitive skin, and doesn't leave my oily skin looking greasy. The Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is also on sale, so I'll pick that up in preparation for the colder months ahead.

Donna Karan 'Cashmere Mist' Deodorant Trio, $32 ($54 value)
Cashmere Mist Deodorant is the best smelling deodorant, possibly, ever. Have I actually smelled every deodorant that ever was? Um, no...but I highly doubt that they could top Cashmere Mist. $32 may sound pricey for three deodorants. But, trust me, they are worth every penny. Buck up now and thank me later.

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover.

Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover for lids, lashes and lips is my current makeup remover, along with my Yes To Cucumber wipes. I use it to remove my eye makeup, while I use the wipes to remove my face makeup (foundation and concealer). I better do a review because as you can see, I'm almost out! I bought it at Macy's at the Clinique counter back in the beginning of February for $18. I know I could've gone to the drugstore for a more affordable makeup remover, but I just wanted to try something new. Besides, Monica gave me a gift card so technically, she paid for it lol.

WHAT: Makeup remover for lids, lash and lips

WHERE: Available at your local Clinique counter for $18. I got mine at Macy's.

WHEN: Permanent

HOW: Moisten a cotton ball and gently press onto the eye lids for a few seconds, then wipe downwards.

I love this makeup remover because I don't need to put a lit of effort in removing my makeup whether it's waterproof or not. I also like how in spite of the oil in the formula, it didn't leave my eyes feeling greasy...it only has a slippery feel in the beginning, but it quickly goes away.

I highly recommend this makeup remover. I know it's expensive, but it's worth the money because it does an awesome job in removing makeup.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

 

How obsessed am I with Clinique's new Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm? All eight shades have taken up permanent residency in the makeup bag I keep in my purse. These clever crayons (think of them as perfect hybrid of a lipstick and a gloss) moisturize with mango and shea butters while adding a hint of color and subtle sheen. Plus they never need a sharpener because they swivel up from the bottom - like a traditional balm.

Each of the shades is so ultra-flattering that you could buy any one of them - sight unseen - and it would look absolutely perfect on your pucker.

From left to right: Graped-Up, Super Strawberry, Woppin' Watermelon, Chunky Cherry,
Mega Melon, Fuller Fig, Whole Lotta Honey, Richer Raisin

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balms are available at Sephora, Clinique counters and clinique.com.

*Samples were provided by the brand for review.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Hold The Oil

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,

My problem is that when the weather gets warmer, my face gets very oily. It seems that no matter what I do, my face always looks shiny/greasy - which embarasses me. Can you recommend any products or makeup tips that might help me keep my shine under control?

Thanks!!!!!
Scarlett


Hi Scarlett,

You can control your naturally dewy skin's shine using a few products and/techniques. Start out with an oil-free, light moisturizer (Daneen recommends Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel) all over, prior to makeup application. Let that set in a couple of minutes, then apply Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light by Smashbox. If your skin doesn't need much coverage, I'd skip the foundation altogether and instead use a concealer on spots. Try Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage concealers. Use a loose powder to set the face, making sure that it's free of shimmer and sparkle, of course. Try Priori loose powder. For touch ups throughout the day, use Tatcha Blotting Papers to absorb shine. I once learned a tip from a brilliant beauty blogger who's spoiled pretty - she uses a Starbucks napkin to absorb oils on the skin. It truly works! All the more reason to go to Starbucks! Oh and one more thing- don't feel embarrassed for having oily skin – it's the most effective anti- aging product and it's all yours!

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!

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.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway Winners!

Congrats to the winners of the Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway: Angelique, Deb C, Elaine, Estrella Castillo, and vnssa906. These lucky ladies have won Clinique's newest mascara, which provides dramatic length and volume immediately upon application.

Many thanks to Clinique for sponsoring this contest, and for creating such a kick lash mascara!

Don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's latest giveaway.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara Giveaway!!!

A few weeks ago, I raved about Clinique's new High Lengths Mascara. The amazing formula and genius applicatior took my stumpy lashes from itty-bitty to BLADOW!

My review and before & after pic really speak for themselves, but I wanted to give you Spoiled Pretty readers the opportunity to try for yourselves.

So, this week, I'm teaming up with my peeps at Clinique - and five lucky readers will win a tube of High Lengths Mascara!!!

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, February 26, 2010.

Good luck!

Clinique High Lengths Mascara

I didn't even know Clinique had a new mascara until a sample showed up in my mailbox last week. And after twisting off the cap and removing the wand from the tube, I thought I had received a defective product. I was expecting to see your standard issue mascara brush; instead, I met a curved, neon green, plastic applicator with teeth. Wait, I take that back. The comb isn't exactly curved; it's more limpy. It leans. Anyway, I took one look at the wand and said to myself, "Oh here we go again. Another gimmicky mascara, just what the beauty world needs." But then I tried it, and quickly changed my presumptuous tune. Before I tell you about my change of heart, I just want to go on record as saying, "Sorry to have ever doubted you, Clinique."

Left eye: with Clinique High Lengths Mascara
Right eye: sadly, without (doesn't it look pathetic?)

As promised, Clinique High Lengths Mascara took my stumpy lashes from itty-bitty to BLADOW! Seriously, they went on for-ev-er. The formula also imparted just the right about of volume - dramatic, yet believable. Since the comb doesn't pick up a lot of product, you'll find High Lengths to be much less wasteful than traditional mascara. And the leaning tower of green teeth did a great job of coaxing my wayward lashes into a curl.

Ever heard the theory about the flap of a butterfly's wings affecting weather patterns thousands of miles away? Well, I have a hypothesis of my own. I'm pretty positive that the flutter of my fab fringe is responsible for this weekend's predicted Nor'easter.

Thanks, Clinique High Lengths Mascara! Sorry about the storm, y'all.

Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream

A few weeks ago, my skin just up and decided to stage a mutiny. My upper body broke out in a rash. From my hairline all the way down to my torso, I was covered in itchy, sandpaper-like bumps (I now suspect eczema was the culprit). My lips didn't even escape unscathed; they were bumpy and inflated to almost twice their normal size. And on the worst day, my left eye was so swollen and droopy, I looked like a female Forest Whitaker.

As the days wore on, the bumps started to dry out and my skin became dessicated and extremely flaky. It was as if I was a snake, shedding an exoskeleton. The dryness of my face was unbearable. With every facial expression or movement of my mouth, it seemed like my skin would literally tear; it was so painful. Up until this point, I had only been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - as it was all that my traumatized skin could handle. But it begged for more, so I dug through my skin care arsenal looking for a moisturizer substantial enough to quench my skin's thirst, but gentle enough not to send it into another tizzy. I hit the jackpot when I came across a sample of Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream that the brand sent me a few months ago to review.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this cream. My skin is the true testament. After just a few days of using Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream, I started to recognize the reflection in the mirror again. And now that the rash (and its remnants) are almost gone, I continue to apply the cream after cleansing in the AM and PM.

According to Clinique, I've got their "exclusive, patent-pending Enviro-Soothe™ Complex" to thank for soothing and saving my face. Clinique also promises that when "used over time, it strengthens skin's lipid barrier to support natural healing."

Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream also works wonders on dry, cracked hands. I can't think of a better winter skin care pick than this one; it earns Holy Grail status. If you suffer from reactive, sensitive or dry skin, you'd be a smart gal to add it to your shopping list.

Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream is available at clinique.com, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.

Rihanna's 20/20 Frosty Nude Lip Look

On Friday night, I was among the 8.2 million people who watched Rihanna's 20/20 interview. But afterwards, while most people were thinking, "Wow...that Rihanna is so brave to publicly discuss such a horrifying personal tragedy" or "That jackass, Chris Brown, deserves whatever is coming to him" - I was thinking, "What products can I use to copy Rihanna's icy nude lip look?"

So I did what any self-respecting beauty junkie would do. I broke out my lip gloss/lipstick stash and played makeup mad scientist/mixologist. I found that creating Rihanna's 20/20 look is quite easy to do. All you need is a nude lipstick that is lighter than your complexion, and a silver gloss. Be sure to apply foundation to lips before trying this look, as the foundation will help cancel out any pink in your lips and let the lip color stand alone.

Here are some combos that I think would pass RiRi scrutiny:

1) Clinique Different Lipstick in Tenderheart + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
2) MAC Lipstick in Modesty + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
3) Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
4) Julie Hewett Lipstick in Biba + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
5) Victoria's Secret Sheer Gloss Stick in Exposed + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
6) Benefit Full-Finish Lipstick in Lady's Choice + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
7) Urban Decay Lipstick in Midnight Cowboy + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
8) This is just to show what MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam looks like on its own

Not satisfied with Rihanna's lippie recipe? Want to cop her cafe au lait nails too? Try OPI Barefoot in Barcelona.

New Nude Lip Combo: Tenderheart Plus Love Nectar

This week, I unwittingly created the sexiest nude lip combination. Apply Clinique Different Lipstick in Tenderheart (midtone blushing nude brown), then top it off with MAC Lustreglass in Love Nectar (ultra-soft apricot with pearl). I'm a genius.

Shown: Tenderheart (left), Love Nectar (middle), Tenderheart and Love Nectar (right)

Clinique's Fresh Faces Tour

Clinique is on a national tour to find fresh faces. Will you be one of them?

The Clinique Mobile Beauty Studio (not your average big rig!) is traveling across the country, providing young women with the opportunity to experience star treatment.

Have your makeup and hair done by beauty experts and leave with your own professional headshot! Enter your best pic in the Clinique Fresh Faces Contest for a chance to win.

Shop your favorite Clinique products while a DJ spins the hottest tunes. You can even score some free Clinique treats!

Visit cliniquefreshfaces.com for tour stops, times and event details.

Photo Credit: WireImage.com

I Can't Believe It's Not Lip Gloss: Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick

I haven't worn lip gloss in almost three weeks. This is huge news for a lip gloss junkie like me...and probably a new record.

If you're a gloss loyalist who rarely breaks out anything in the stick variety, I've found a product that might just change your tune. For almost a month, I've had Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick on lockdown. It's a sheer lipstick with gloss-like tendencies that "drenches lips in moist, lush color that glides on buttery-soft, and feels luxuriously smooth."

I'm partial to Raspberry Rush, which is described as raspberry with a hint of gold pearl. Paired with a few swipes of black mascara, it lends my face an easy yet polished look.

Clinique recently enlisted the help of a dentist to identify lipstick shades that instantly make your teeth look less mother of pearl and more pearly white...and Raspberry Rush is one of them. These shades are proven to make teeth look at least one shade brighter – it was confirmed using a dental color guide. The Clinique brightening lipstick shades include:

*High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 in After Party, Go Fig, Peach Pop and Red-y To Wear

*Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Cranberry Cream, Pink-a-Boo and Raspberry Rush

*Different Lipstick in Ice Bloom, Raspberry Glace and Shy

*Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick in Twilight Nude

I've found my perfect shade. Find yours at Clinique.com.

CEW’s Best Beauty Products on QVC!

Tonight, the 2009 Cosmetic Executive Women Beauty Insider Choice Awards Winners and Finalists will be showcased on QVC! Tune in from 10 p.m. to midnight (EST) for special promotions on the best in beauty.

Featured products will include everything from skin care to hair care to cosmetics. A few of the highlighted products to be featured include: Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector, Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant, Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation, Living Proof No Frizz, NIA 24, Ojon Tawaka "The Ball," Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment, YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15, Bare Escentuals Bareminerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss Duo, and Philosophy Hope in a Jar SPF 20.

Do You Like My New Nude Lip Look?

Can you guess what lipstick/gloss combination I used to create this nude lip look?

Okay...stop guessing. It's a trick question because there's actually no lipstick involved. I stole a tip from Kim Kardashian's makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic:

I applied a tiny* bit of foundation (here, Clinique Superfit Makeup in Nutty) to partially cancel out the pink tones in my lips; then I coated my lips in MAC Clear Lipglass.

Genius!

*Make sure you just use a tiny bit of foundation. Too much will have you looking like crackhead Tyrone Biggums from Chappelle Show.

Clinique's New Pink Bamboo Collection

This summer is all about a natural pink lip accentuated by beautiful warm browns and muted pinks on the eye with an allover soft, luminous face.

The Bamboo Pink Collection Exclusives from Clinique takes its inspiration from Bamboo Pink, one of Clinique's best-selling lipstick shades - a wearable and subtly seductive hue.

This must-have collection features beautifully crafted 'bamboo' packaging on select items within the collection.

The gotta-have-it items include:

Limited Edition Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Bamboo Pink ($29.50): Long-wearing powder creates a sheer, subtle radiance and allover glow. Sweep over face for an allover, luminous glow, or brush on cheekbones to highlight.

Limited Edition Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Bamboo Pink ($25): Four coordinating shades of velvety, shimmery colour to create the looks you want, from natural to dramatic. Creamy, intense shadows build quickly, blend easily for lasting colour. Wear them alone, as duos and trios, or layered together. Ophthalmologist tested.

Limited Edition Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Bamboo Pink ($14): The creamiest, richest, smoothest lip colour you can imagine. Our revolutionary gel formula delivers the shine of a gloss, the comfort of a lipstick. Drenches lips in moist, lush colour that glides on buttery-soft, feels luxuriously smooth.

Limited Edition Powder Brush ($30): Large, plush face brush dusts on loose or pressed powder for smooth, even application. Unique antibacterial technology helps ensure the highest level of hygiene, keep brush irritant-free.