Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

A few weeks ago, Urban Decay sent me their Summer 2011 Collection to test and review. As a huge fan of Urban Decay (they're one of my all time favorite brands - I love their rock and roll vibe and I’m addicted to their 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils), I always have high expectations for new products. And this collection does not disappoint.

Usually when I receive an entire collection to review, I'll choose a few of the best products and feature them here. This collection, which is comprised of some familiar faces and some new makeup bag staples, has so many choice products that I'm going to review the whole she-bang.

Okay, time to break it down...

The Rollergirl Nail Kit includes six mini bottles of summer's IT shades: Fame (shimmery beige), Superfreak (gold glitter), Xanadu (Purple Glitter), Miss T (pearly fuchsia), Woodstock (hot pink) and Love Train (iridescent white). Something to note about these lilliputian lacquers is that each brush has 220 strands, just like a standard polish brush - so it delivers the same flawless finish as a bigger bottle. I painted a pedicure using Woodstock a two weeks ago and it's still holding on and looking hot.

Even if you own just about every Urban Decay product that exists - like me - here's a reason you should still add the Rollergirl Eyeshadow Palette to your shopping list: one of the shadow shades, Verve (pale champagne with oyster shimmer), is exclusive to this set. And don't let the name fool you. There's more to this kit than just eyeshadows. You also get a full-sized 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey (dark brown) and a mini Crush Lip Junkie Lipgloss (sheer bright hot pink with a vanilla mint flava).

Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizers are great for this time of year when a face of foundation is just too much. The formula is buildable and breathable for comfortable wear. And it' got SPF 20 to protect your baby face from the summer sun.

I've been wearing Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion for years and while I wouldn't change the formula for anything, the packaging left much to be desired. You could never seem to get all of the product out of the I Dream Of Genie-esque tube, and makeup addicts everywhere were pissed. Some of them even took to YouTube, demonstrating how to saw the shit open to extract every drop. Well, Urban Decay has responded in a BIG way. They've re-packaged the product in a squeezable tube - with 10% more product than before. If you wear eyeshadow, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a must. When used as a base, your eyeshadow will not move or crease for 24 hours. I kid you not. And what's more - the pigment of your shadow appears truer and more vibrant...not some washed out version of what you see in the shadow pan. It's available in 4 shades: Original (invisible), Eden (tawny matte finish), Greed (glimmering gold) and Sin (champagne shimmer). If you buy anything in this post, this should be it.

Urban Decay is not kidding when they describe Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara's formula as mermaid worthy. I wear Cannonball during my infant son's weekly swim lessons and it does not budge. Well, not until I remove it with Urban Decay's Meltdown Makeup Remover.

Even though I'm brown, I still like to up the ante in the summertime. What I love about Baked Face and Body Bronzers is that they are the antithesis of the flat, orangey bronzers that I loathe. The three shades deliver a gorgeous sunkissed glow that actually looks like it may have come from, well, the sun. I'm going to Miami in a few days and I couldn't decided which one should come with. In the end, I opted for Gilded (smoldering bronze shimmer). Besides being a gorgeous shade, I also figured that it could pull double duty as an eyeshadow. Genius consideration, right?

Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy gives lips a sheer/stained effect. The conditioning formula nourishes your pout, sans stickiness. Available in five shades (Stung, a sheer blackberry, is the prettiest IMO), the gloss smells and tastes like honey. Problem is I don't like honey - the smell or the taste of it. But if you don't have honey hangups, these are some gorgeous glosses to add to your collection.

Urban Decay is celebrating 15 years in the beauty biz with the Quinceanera Makeup Bag. This baby is already packed in suitcase for Miami. It's the perfect size for a product packrat like me. Roomy enough so that I can travel with enough stock, but not so cavernous that I'm tempted to fill it up with everything I own. LOVE!

Finally, there's the Urban Bride Kit. Urban Decay says, "If you're looking for something new to give your favorite bride, lavish her with this decadent gift-ready box of travel-sized products designed to keep her looking exquisite all day (and night, wink wink)." But, honestly, you don't need to be a bride-to-be to enjoy this set. I've been a Mrs. for 4 years and I'm crushing on this kit. It contains:
• Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder to diffuse lines for a flawless airbrushed look.
• Urban Decay’s best-selling original formula Eyeshadow Primer Potion (full-sized) and Supercurl Curling Mascara to keep her eyes looking fresh.
• Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy to give bare and lightly colored lips a sensual, come-hither shine or electrify darker lipcolor with more texture.
• All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray to ensure her look stays put for 16 incredible hours.
• Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder to keep the party going long after the guests have left.

I was so impressed with All Nighter that I bought Deslick (their other makeup setting spray that also addresses oil overload) yesterday at Sephora.

So there you have it. Which products are going on your wish list?

Cheap and Chic: Trina Makeup Bags

Just because I'm having a boy doesn't mean I've become any less of a girly girl. Just check out this piece of pretty I've packed in my hospital bag.

The Barbados Essential Clutch by Trina is the perfect size to stash your beauty essentials in. Chic and streamlined, this bag does double duty as a makeup case and as a versatile clutch. And since it retails for just $35, you can afford to fill 'er up.

Trina makeup bags are available at Nordstrom.

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″.

H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!

H&M, the international fashion retailer known for offering fashion-forward apparel and quality basics, just announced its first ever range of skincare with certified organic ingredients.

Debuting in stores at the beginning of March, the range of everyday essentials includes shower gel, body scrub, body lotion, hand cream and lip balm, all of which are based on natural and organic ingredients and are certified by Ecocert (Europe's biggest certification body for organic and natural cosmetics). The products are available in the fragrance combinations of raspberry and melon or lavender and mint, and are accompanied by make-up and toiletry bags made from organic cotton.

"It felt like a natural step, since we've worked with organic cotton garments for a few seasons now. There's also a strong demand from our customers for organics, and I hope they will be as excited as I am about the new products," says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's head of design.

Shower gel contains the juice of organic apples, while organic apple juice and apricot seeds are key ingredients in the body scrub. Organic apple juice and oils from sunflower seeds make up an essential part of the body lotion, while the hand cream has organic apple juice and oils from organic almond seeds. The lip balm has the key organic ingredients of jojoba and beeswax, and all of the products are scented with natural perfumes derived from essential oils, sold in recyclable packaging.

Prices range from $4.95 to $7.95:

Shower Gel $4.95

Body Lotion $4.95

Body Scrub $4.95

Hand Cream $4.95

Lip Balm $4.95

Toiletry Bag $7.95

Makeup Bag $4.95

NBC 10 Holiday Beauty Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to the winner of the NBC 10 Holiday Beauty Giveaway, Dana Loeb.

Dana will soon receive: candles from the Godiva Home Fragrance Collection, Sephora Fragrance Samples for Him and Her, a Zoya Holiday Minicure Gift Set, Felix Rey Leopard Nylon Cosmetics Case (large), and Bath & Body Works shea socks!

Many thanks to the contest sponsors for a) creating such fabulous products and b) allowing me to spoil Dana pretty.

Sonia Kashuk Glitz & Glam Brush Set: Holiday Beauty Guft Guide

You know how some people say, "Oh, you shouldn't have" when you give them a gift? Well, sometimes, they actually mean it. This holiday season, give that makeup lover in your life beauty goodies they won't be tempted to re-gift. Like, such as, Sonia Kashuk's Glitz & Glam 4 Piece Brush Set.

The set includes four mini, high-quality makeup brushes - tucked into a sparkly black cosmetics case. The makeup bag has ample room for a couple of lipsticks or glosses, in addition to the brushes that come with...but it's so petite that you won't have any probs fitting it into your most compact clutch.

Sonia Kashuk Glitz & Glam 4 Piece Brush Set is $12.99 and available at Target.

For more expert gift picks, check out Spoiled Pretty's 2009 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!

Lancôme's Declaring Indigo Fall 2009 Color Collection

This morning in Paris, the Lancôme makeup team unveiled their fall 2009 color collection, Declaring Indigo.

Created by Lancôme artistic director for makeup Aaron De Mey, this collection celebrates Paris in all its vibrancy. Aaron chose shades that represent the glamour, the energy and the passion of Paris - indigo blue, bright red and luxurious gold.

Lancôme debuted a few key shades during Fashion Week. At Chris Benz, all three Le Vernis nail colors were showcased: Golden Audacity, Indigo Paris and Rouge Liberty.

Lancôme spokesmodel Daria Werbowy is the face of the collection. She was photographed by Mario Sorrenti for the ad (above).

Declaring Indigo will be available for sale starting in August, but Nordstrom has a limited-edition Declaring Indigo brush-and-makeup bag set available for pre-order now.

Makeup Bag Maximalist

Mirror, mirror on the wall...which beauty blogger has the most jampacked makeup bag of them all? Visit Makeup Bag for the answer!

Lela Rose Cosmetics Bag Filled with Goodies at Beauty.com

Beauty.com is at it again, bringing affordable luxury to customers with the best value offer to date. Celebrating a beautiful spring season, New York fashion and wedding gown designer Lela Rose created a new for 2009 limited edition beauty bag that comes filled with 15 deluxe and full-sized prestige beauty products.

The sophisticated cosmetic and toiletry bag, designed exclusively for Beauty.com, features wide stripes in fresh neutral shades from her current color palette with a convenient top zipper offering a pop of nautical navy. Ideal as a gift for Mother’s Day, hostesses, and summer bridal parties, the roomy bag has a collapsible shape, cotton canvas exterior and multiple interior pockets, making it a quintessential accessory for both daily use and travel.

Beauty.com has been a backstage partner to Lela Rose during New York Fashion Week for the past two years. “The Lela Rose and Beauty.com collaboration speaks not to only the Lela Rose customer, but to women everywhere,” says Lela Rose. “Women today are looking for value and quality when making purchases without having to sacrifice style and sophistication. I can’t think of a better pick-me-up than this gift with purchase to kick off the spring season.” Valued at $150, the classic cosmetic bag comes filled with 15 hair, makeup, and skin care samples, the most full-and sample-sized products ever to be included in a designer gift with purchase bag on Beauty.com. Customers will receive this gift for free with a $100 purchase on Beauty.com. The Lela Rose cosmetics case includes:

Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara (Black)
Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten Compact (Golden Apricot)
POP Beauty Eye Magnet Primer (No.1 Airbrushed)
It Cosmetics My Youthful Smile Duo (Signature Blue)
Nuxe Tonific Fermete Intensive Firming Cream
Bliss Best of Skintentions with SPF15
Borghese Piede Vitale Foot Crème
ARCONA Papaya Enzyme Gel (Rejuvenate PM)
BVLGARI Omnia Amethyste Body Lotion
Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Angel Wings Ultra-Light Styling Paste
Rene Furterer Fioravanti Shine Enhancing Detangling Cream Rinse
Jonathan Product Straightening Lotion
Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser (All/Sensitive Skin)
PHYTO Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Shampoo
Stila Eye Shadow Pan (Shore)

Sonia Sells Seashell-Inspired Brushes at Target Stores

I’m going to be perfectly honest. This coral-inspired Hidden Treasure Brush Set by Sonia Kashuk is so damn pretty that I wouldn’t care if the brushes weren’t very good. Not that they’re bad. Actually, I really don’t know because I haven’t bought them yet. But for just $19.99, I intend to find out.

The Coral Reef Highlighter Brush (left) is equally ferosh.

The sparkly coral handles just beg to be displayed. These brushes would look so chic splayed out on the vanity in a beach house bedroom. Right? Much classier than the nautical bric-à-brac nonsense that typically clutters vacation home counters.

Felix Rey Cosmetic Case Winners

Congratulations to Kristine Karpen and Cindy Lundquist, winners of the Felix Rey Emma Cosmetics Case giveaway.

The Emma Zip Top Cosmetic Case features Felix Rey’s signature bow and pyramid studs, laminated cotton, an outside pocket with magnetic closure, zipper closure, and water-resistant nylon lining (in fuchsia).

I've got mine here with me in NYC for Fashion Week and I absolutely love it! It was just what I needed to take my beauty arsenal on the road.

Many thanks to Felix Rey for sponsoring the giveaway!

And remember...Felix Rey is offering Spoiled Pretty readers 30% off any online purchase. So if you didn't win, pick up the Emma Zip Top Cosmetic Case in medium for $63 (originally $90). Enter promo code FRPRETTY30 at checkout for 30% off any purchase. Offer ends March 2, 2009.

Felix Rey Emma Cosmetics Case Giveaway!!!

Riddle me this…

How many makeup bags are so gorge that you could carry them as an evening clutch and be the chicest gal in the room? Not many…and I would wager that most of them come courtesy of Felix Rey, a sophisticated and ultra-feminine luxury brand of accessories founded by Lily Rafii Band and Sulaika Zarrouk.

Seriously, I wouldn't hesitate to pair Felix Rey’s Emma Zip-Top Cosmetics Case with a sexy LBD. And if it accompanied me to a partay, it wouldn’t leave my clutches for a minute - because it’s so stylish that some sticky-fingered fashionista would snatch it up in a hot second.

I’ve been in a torrid love affair with Felix Rey for some time now. They always keep the relationship exciting and fresh, thanks to their assortment of posh purses, totes, makeup bags, wallets, umbrellas and accessories. And I’m not the only one who’s in love. Felix Rey is oft on the arm of celebs - including Leighton Meester, Hayden Panetierre, and Fergie. Penelope Cruz is equally enamored; at the SAG Awards, she accessorized her Azzedine Alaia gown with their Lola Clutch.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, I’m going to share my love of Felix Rey with you. Two readers will win the Emma Zip Top Cosmetic Case (in Medium). Felix Rey’s signature bow and pyramid studs make the Emma cosmetic case a fashionable way to hold all of your travel necessities. The bag, which retails for $90, features:

• Laminated cotton
• Bow functions as outside pocket with magnetic closure
• Zipper closure
• Water-resistant nylon lining (in fuchsia)

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Felix Rey Emma Cosmetic Case Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, February 15th. Two winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, February 16th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

And if you just can’t wait to get Felix Rey’s fashionable designs in your clutches (which I totally understand), enter promo code FRPRETTY30 at checkout for 30% off any purchase. Offer ends March 2, 2009.

Good luck!

Coming Soon: MAC Hello Kitty Collection

Hello Kitty Color Collection

All that’s girly and sparkly.

This sophisticated color story takes its cue from both the fantastical world of Hello Kitty and the glamour of the spring fashion shows. It will feature plush pinks, rich purples, turquoise for extra pop, three-dimensional lickable lips and lashes that were made to bat, all packaged in a sophisticated yet adorable graphic black design to give the line that baaaaaad kitty edge.

MAC paired six playful Lipstick shades with six sparkling Lipglass glosses, two Tinted Lip Conditioners that will have your kisser covered, and two bright and punchy eye quads that can be accented with reflective eye Glitter and Glitter Eye Liners, all of which are perfectly framed by the thickest, most decadent Plush Lash Mascara. Beauty Powder Blush in shades of pink and peach will give the MAC Hello Kitty woman a demure, rosy flush and nails are decorated in fabulous shades of pepto-pink, modern grey and creamy white Nail Lacquer.

MAC Hello Kitty Accessories

To Kitty-fy your life.

Finally, we know how devoted Hello Kitty collectors are, and with that in mind we’ve designed an accessory collection like no other. Hello Kitty was created with the idea that everyone should be able to snap up a gift for a friend (or yourself!), and there’s literally something for everyone.

Of course makeup lovers will adore the Criss Cross Half Lashes, Makeup Bags and Vanity Case with the exclusive pink and white collaboration logo. We’re rolling out a Brush Collection, adorable Purse Mirror, Mirrored Key Clip, Beaded Bracelet with darling charms, and the sure to be cult classic 14” MAC Hello Kitty Plush Doll. Snatch up these playful, yet practical graphic Makeup Bags at any MAC location.


LIPSTICK
Cute-ster: Sheer peachy pink with pearl
Big Bow: Sheer bright intense blue pink
Fresh Brew: Creamed coffee
Fashion Mews: Sheer pale lavender
Strayin ’: Frosty midtone mint
Most Popular: Sheer deep berry
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00


LIPGLASS
Sweet Strawberry: Sheer berry with blue pearl
Mimmy: Light creamy pink with pink and gold pearl
Nice to be Nice: Sheer bright intense orange with pearl
Nice Kitty: Sheer neon pink with blue pearl
She Loves Candy: Pale blue pink with gold pearl
Fast Friends: Sheer bright intense purple with pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00


TINTED LIP CONDITIONER
Popster Lively: Coral Pink
Pink Fish: Soft Neutral Pink
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50


EYE SHADOW x 4: LUCKY TOM
Stylin ’: Midtone violet blue with multi-dimensional pearl
Lucky Tom: Dark charcoal brown with gold pearl
Crème Royale: Yellow wheat gold
Paradisco: Soft bright pinky-coral with golden shimmer
Suggested Retail Price: $38.00


EYE SHADOW x 4: TOO DOLLY
Too Dolly: Frosty midtone mint
Stately Black: Rich blue with silver sparkle
Yogurt: Soft pale pink
Romping: Rich magenta with pink pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $38.00


PIGMENT
Milk: Frosty pale silvery pink
Deep Blue Green: Rich, deep bluish green
Suggested Retail Price: $19.50


REFLECTS GLITTER
Reflects Blue: Sparkling Blue
Reflects Very Pink: Sparkling fuchsia pink
Suggested Retail Price: $19.50


GLITTER EYE LINER
Her Glitz: Blackened gold with multi-dimensional glitter
Glitterpuss: Orangey bronze with multi-dimensional glitter
Kitty Power: Pink with multi-dimensional glitter
Girl Groove: Clear/white teal reflects and multi-dimensional glitter
Suggested Retail Price: $16.50


PLUSH LASH
Plushblack: Black
Suggested Retail Price: $12.00


BEAUTY POWDER BLUSH
Fun & Games: Soft orange peach
Tippy: Midtone blue pink
Suggested Retail Price: $18.00


BEAUTY POWDER
Tahitian Sand: Soft coral peach
Pretty Baby: Soft sunny pink with gold
Suggested Retail Price: $22.00


LASH
Hello Kitty Lash: Half lash with overlapping hairs to emphasize outer corner of eyes.
Suggested Retail Price: $12.00


NAIL LACQUER
Something About Pink: Blue pink fuchsia
On the Prowl: Light creamy grey
Vestral White: Creamy white
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00


MAC HELLO KITTY TOTE
Rectangular tote bag with collaboration inspired graphics and logo.
Suggested Retail Price: $45.00
Available exclusively at maccosmetics.com.


MAC HELLO KITTY PETITE MAKEUP BAG
Small soft train case silhouette with full zip closure.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.00
Available at all MAC locations.


MAC HELLO KITTY MAKEUP BAG
Medium soft train case silhouette with full zip closure.
Suggested Retail Price: $35.00
Available at all MAC locations.


MAC HELLO KITTY SOFT VANITY CASE
Large soft train case silhouette with full zip closure. Fabric is black vinyl with pink and white collaboration logo.
Suggested Retail Price: $55.00
Available exclusively at maccosmetics.com.


MAC HELLO KITTY PURSE MIRROR
Compact inspired by collaboration; interior contains standard mirror on one side and magnifying mirror on alternate side.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.00
Available at MAC retail stores, Nordstrom and maccosmetics.com only.


MAC HELLO KITTY BRUSH COLLECTION
Round plastic jar inspired by collaboration that holds 3 SE brushes with blank handles.
187SE Duo Fibre Brush
109SE Small Contour Brush
239SE Eye Shade Brush
Suggested Retail Price: $49.50
Available at MAC retail stores, Nordstrom and maccosmetics.com only.


MAC HELLO KITTY MIRRORED KEY CLIP
Bag zipper clip with 2 charms inspired by collaboration; key chain and mini mirror.
Suggested Retail Price: $16.00
Available at MAC retail stores and maccosmetics.com only.


MAC HELLO KITTY BEADED BRACELET
Black beaded bracelet with 3 charms; inspired by collaboration.
Suggested Retail Price: $34.00
Available at MAC retail stores and maccosmetics.com only.


MAC HELLO KITTY PLUSH DOLL
14” plush doll in black, pink and white nylon.
Suggested Retail Price: $42.00
Available at MAC retail stores, Nordstrom and maccosmetics.com only.

Available North America February 12, 2009 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com; International March 2009.