Thursday, July 31, 2008

If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right


Lately, my bedtime routine involves removing my contact lenses, washing my face, applying Bioelements Recovery Serum, and curling up with Bitter Is The New Black before drifting off to sleep. But everytime I apply the silky, emollient product, it just feels so wrong...like I've accidentally grabbed a bottle of silicone hair serum and smeared it all over my face. Yes, it feels wrong. But when used consistently, you'll understand why it's so right.

"Super-charged with a skin-repairing blend of lipids, ceramides and aromatherapist oils," Recovery Serum repairs and soothes damaged, over-exfoliated or aging skin and restores its moisture barrier. Apply it in the AM, and marvel at how your makeup goes on smoother and lasts longer, thanks to the smooth-as-glass finish it gives the skin. Or apply in the PM and wake up all glowy and gorgeous.

And that silicone feel? That's just temporary. Mere minutes after application, your face will drink in the Recovery Serum like it's your skin's J-O-B. And all that's left is a healthy, dewy glow. Pretty slick, right?

Bioelements Recovery Serum retails for $62.00 and is only available at select salons and spas. Click here to find a location near you.

Sisterhood of the Gorgeous Gals


Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn at the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 premiere.


I have a total girl crush on America...usually, she can do no wrong in my eyes. But I must admit that I'm not loving the Amy Winehouse-inspired makeup and hair. However, she redeemed herself with a stunning strapless Brian Reyes dress and Christian Louboutin stilettos. America said, "I'm not sure if people recognized me, but I definitely got some strange looks!"


Blake is resplendent in a tangerine Gucci gown. I'm totally digging the microbraids.


Amber shocked me - and not in a good way - by wearing pants. From the photos, it looks like someone took an old bridesmaids dress and fashioned it into a jumpsuit-esque ensemble. The makeup is meh. And the hair is so boring, I'm falling asleep just looking at it. I mean, I'm sporting the same hairstyle right now...but I'm not at a Hollywood premiere standing next to Serena VanderWoodsen.


Alexis absolutely blew me away with her glowing skin and punchy lip color. This Gilmore girl certainly grew up! Her hair was pulled back in a simple (yet chic) bun, allowing her gorgeous face to take center stage. Check out those baby blues! Alexis gets my vote for best-dressed - she paired her black ribbon-trimmed dress by Mischen with strappy gladiator heels.

Patience Is A Virtue: MAC Cult of Cherry Available in September


The Cult of Cherry is luscious, dramatic, undeniably eroticized. Ripened lips, Spiced Hot Chocolate eyes or Illegal Purple nails, combine to seduce with a sweet-and-shock, way-to-go dark. Separates the bitter from the sweet. This drama just gets more delicious.


Lipstick
Crème Cerise: Sheer yellow taupe (lustre)
Lightly Ripe: Sheer mid-tone pink (lustre)
Russian Red: Intense bluish red (matte)
"O": Intense purplish red with metallic gold (frost)
So Scarlet: Clean grape burgundy (amplified)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S.


Lipglass
Cherry Blossom: Sheer light pink with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Rich & Ripe: Mid-tone pinkish red with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Cult of Cherry: Clean red with red pearl (frost)
Liqueur: Neutral brownish mauve with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Jampacked: Sheer grape with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S.


Mattene
Rapturous: Deep berry red (matte)
Kirsch: Blackened cranberry (matte)
Chock-ful: Blackened brown (matte)
Bing: Blackened eggplant (matte)
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 U.S.


PowderBlush
Blooming: Frosted deep dirty peach (frost)
Plum de Bois: Frosted deep pink bronze with gold pearl (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $17.50 U.S.


Nail Lacquer
Silverstruck: Frosty greyed taupe with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Illegal Purple: Creamy blackened eggplant (cream)
Suggested Retail Price: $10.00 U.S.


ZoomLash
Zoom Black: Rich black
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00 U.S.


Eyeshadow X4 – Spiced Chocolate Quad
Nanogold: Sheer yellow pink with pink pearl (frost)
Brash: Frosty reddish copper (vxp)
Spiced: Dirty deep reddish brown (matte)
Sweet Chestnut: Frosted cranberry (frost)
Suggested Retail Price: $36.00 U.S.


Eyeshadow X4 – Tempting Quad
Next to Nothing: Sheer yellow beige with pink pearl (frost)
Sharp: Frosty bright yellow gold (satin)
Dark Edge: Dirty chocolate brown (satin)
Tempting: Rich coco (lustre)
Suggested Retail Price: $36.00 U.S.


Eyeshadow X4 – Shadowy Lady Quad
Light Fall: Dirty light pink (satin)
Smudge Violet: Frosty blackened lavender with multi-dimensional pearl (frost)
Deep Truth: Very dark blue (frost)
Shadowy Lady: Darkly veiled plum (matte)
Suggested Retail Price: $36.00 U.S.

Available:
September 2008 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

25% Off Freeze 24-7


Get 25% off your next purchase at freeze247.com. Simply enter promo code Awards at checkout.

You Belong In Pictures

Marie Claire’s Sexy 101 List

Which cosmetics, beauty trends and industry pros made Marie Claire’s Sexy 101 List?


Sexiest lipstick: NARS Belle de Jour


Sexiest fragrance: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb


Sexiest hair: Christina Ricci's bob


Sexiest hairstylist: Orlando Pita


Sexiest makeup bag must: Soap & Glory Sexy MotherPucker Lip Gloss


Sexiest self tanner: Prescriptives Good in Bed


Sexiest color: Purple


Sexiest lashes: Clinique Lash Power


Sexiest polish: CND Nail Gloss

For the remaining 92 “celebs, splurges, trends, and places that will leave you begging for more,” pick up Marie Claire’s August 2008 issue.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

New From MAC: Starflash


Hollywood's new Power Couple. Our 12 new limited-edition Starflash shadows, combined with Kohl Power Eye Pencil. Shades for a smooth, creamy, cushioned life. Provides the double-wattage impact that will take you to the new stylesphere!

Starflash Eye Shadow: A remarkably creamy jet-milled pressed Eye Shadow that provides a distinctive pearly finish. Provides smooth-as-silk application with no dust or fly-aways. Medium buildable coverage allows versatility in application. Use discreetly or build it up. Long-wearing. Lasts all day without creasing or fading. Blends effortlessly, stays colour-true. Limited edition.

Star By Night: Frosty midtone blue
Talent Pool: Frosty blue green with gold pearl
Smoke & Diamonds: Frosty dirty taupe
Top Hat: Frosty dirty indigo
Lotusland: Frosted pinky lavender with gold pearl
Sunset: Frosty clean midtone pink
Bold & Brazen: Frosty light copper
Grand Entrance: Frosty neutral pink beige
Glamour Check: Frosty reddish brown
Mink & Sable: Frosty olive green
Dreammaker: Frosty yellow gold
Go: Frosted bronze
Suggested retail: $14.50

Kohl Power Eye Pencil: A kohl pencil that has all the intensity and colour power of ultra-soft carbon. Specially formulated to provide deep, fully opaque coverage, provides an intense, smoked finish with duo-chrome pearl. Versatile in application: blend or smudge.

Orpheus: Intense black with gold pearl (frost)
Mystery: Rich black with green and teal pearl (frost)
Feline: Rich black (frost)
Raven: Intense black with red pearl (frost)

Suggested retail: $14.00

Plushlash: A mascara formulated to instantly plump up lashes for extreme voluptuous effect. Works fast. Builds volume smoothly and evenly from root to tip. Delivers a silky, flexible, full fan of lashes. Fluid formula lightly coats lashes one layer at a time without smearing, smudging or clumping. Goes on via an innovative, specially patented wand with a v-shaped groove that prunes the bristles on one side while leaving the other side full and lush. The short bristles coax the lashes upward to an extraordinarily sophisticated yet flirtatious curl, while the other side separates and combs the lashes root-to-tip creating a long, well-defined glamour lash. Volumizing, lengthening, curling, lifting. This mascara features everything you want, with all the top mascara no’s: no clumping, spiking, smudging or flaking.

Plushblack: Black

Suggested retail: $12.00

Now available at MAC counters and maccosmetics.com.

New From MAC: Lustre Twins


Nine new shades of Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour featuring an exclusive sheer pigment top coat, with three Nail Lacquers. Separate if you must, but these Lustre Twins shouldn't live without each other. Codependent couture colour and shine starts here!

Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour: A two-step application of lightweight colour + mirror-finished top coat. Apply the colour. Let it dry. Apply the top coat! Provides sheer to medium coverage with a rich, lustrous, moisturizing finish. Longwearing, comfortable on the lips. Won’t shift, transfer, feather or smudge. Replacement top coats available.

Alta Moda/Hip Love: Deep blackened red/Deep plum with red with pearl
Boss Brown/Slave To Pink: Chocolate bronze with pearl/Campagne neutral with pearl
Coco Lust/Sexy Sweet: Deep red brown/copper brown with gold pearl
Custom Rose/Pink Virtue: Berry plum with pearl/Light blue pink with silver pearl
Gypsy Rose/Shimmer It: Berry red with gold pearl/White gold with multicolored pearl
Pink Air/White Top: Ligt pink with pearl/Clear white with red and pink pearl
Red Flame/Orange Flicker: Intense bright yellow red/Bright yellow red with gold pearl
Red Reflection/Mirror: Deep berry magenta with pearl/clear with white pearl
Ripe & Ready/Soft & Lush: Clean bright pink coral with gold pearl/Yellow pink with gold pearl

Suggested retail: $20.00

Nail Lacquer: Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted. Visibly different. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer!

Firehouse: Clean bright chrome red (frost)
Perplexing: Deep blue purple (frost)
$$$$$ Yes: Metallic silver foil (frost)

Suggested retail: $11.00

Now available at MAC counters and maccosmetics.com.

Membership Has Its Privileges: Ideeli.com


Look at my luscious new handbag. Don’t you just love it? For the past few weeks, I’ve been tempted by quite a few pretty purses. But something told me to hold out…to wait for true love. And as soon as I laid my eyes on this heavenly handbag, I thanked that little voice inside my head.

The “Laguna” bag from Abaco, a hard-to-find French label, retails for $750. But I scooped this baby up (in dove gray) for just $250 – thanks to Ideeli.com.

Ideeli is a members-only shopping community for trendsetting women. The website offers authentic, luxury handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, and more…for up to 90% off the original price! There are 4 to 6 shopping events per week, plus incredible giveaways – like this Tessuto Multicolor Tote by Prada (original price: $1650.00).

Ideeli has been featured in O Magazine and The New York Times. And here’s what cnet News.com had this to say about Ideeli: "It's Woot.com meets 'The Devil Wears Prada.'"

If you love the idea of paying $239 for a $600 pair of Christian Lacroix shoes, or $110 for $350 Gucci sunglasses – get thee to Ideeli. There's just one catch …Ideeli.com membership is by referral only. Lucky for you, I’m a member. If you want to join the club (membership is free), email me at spoiledpretty@gmail.com - be sure to include the email address where you would like your invite delivered.

You’re welcome.

Pop Goes The Hair Elastic


Whatever you do, do not purchase “Ponytailers” from Conair’s Styling Essentials line. On a recent trip to CVS, I purchased a set of 75. I used them for the first time the other day, and I’m so upset by the poor quality that I’m tempted to write Conair and demand my money back. Here’s what had happened…

I pulled my hair back into a low pony and secured with one elastic. Then I coiled my hair into a bun and secured with another elastic. While running errands, I felt something hit me in the back of the head – like someone threw something at me. But when I look back, there’s no one in sight…so I chalk it up to my overactive imagination. Then, five minutes later, the same thing happens. I hear a sound behind me, and it feels like someone has thrown something at my head – so now I’m peeved. Except, again, there’s no one there. I reach back and find that my hair is no longer in a bun. Or even in a ponytail. My tangled mess of a mane is flowing freely down my back. Both of the elastics had failed me by up and deciding to spontaneously burst.

I rummaged through my purse for anything resembling a hair taming accessory, but came up empty-handed. Frankly, I was embarrassed to have a handbag so bereft of beauty accessories. Fortuitously, I found a twist-tie (why I have a twist-tie but no barrettes or hair clips is beyond me) in my bag and MacGyver-ish-ly wrapped that sucker around my mortifyingly messy hair. Thank goodness for small miracles, literally.

When I returned home, I removed the twist-tie and pulled my hair back using another of the Conair Ponytailers. Like clockwork, 20 minutes later, it snapped too. Third time was certainly not a charm. And my hair is baby fine, too…not thick at all, so I don’t understand the problem. This product is obviously defective, and I fully intend to contact Conair and express my displeasure.

I did a Google search on “Conair Ponytailers” and it came back empty…which makes me think that this product is no longer on the market. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell my local CVS. So if you see Conair Ponytailers at your local drugstore or mass market retailer, do like Dionne Warwick and “Walk On By.”

Estelle: American Boy

Just in case this tune hasn’t yet found its way to your neck of the woods, allow me to inject some cool into your life.

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day.
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA.
I really want to come kick it with you.
You'll be my American Boy.

Monday, July 28, 2008

An Egg-Cellent Contest: PedEgg Giveaway!


If you own a TV and haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve likely seen an infomercial for the PedEgg, an egg-shaped foot file that gives you the perfect pedicure. I’m a sucker for a good infomercial, especially ones hocking beauty-related gadgets. So when I saw the PedEgg in action, I had to get me one so that I could report back to you.

Now that I’ve tried it, I can safely say that the PedEgg goes on a short list of as-seen-on-TV products that deliver on claims (also on that list is the Ronco Rotisserie – just ask Mama Spoiled Pretty).

PedEgg is the essential summer beauty product because it quickly removes calluses and dead skin so you can proudly bare your soles in flip flops and strappy sandals. The egg shape is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly into the palm of your hand for easy and convenient use. And best of all, PedEgg is designed to collect all the skin “shavings” in a convenient storage compartment allowing you to use it anywhere with no mess. Even if your tootsies aren’t tore-up, you’d be amazed at the amount of “shavings” collected in the compartment after you use it. It’s fascinating and oddly satisfying.. I’m so impressed by this product that I thought it would make for a grate giveaway. Grate…get it? Anyway…

This week, three lucky winners will win a PedEgg of their very own.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "PedEgg Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, August 3rd. Three winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, August 4th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

Good luck!


Breaking News: Lancome Oscillation Available One Day Only, Before Fall Launch!


A limited first-edition supply of Ôscillation will be available ONE DAY ONLY - Thursday, July 31st – at select Lancôme locations. Product will not be available again until the fall, when the national launch of Ôscillation takes place.

Ôscillation is the first vibrating mascara from Lancôme. With just the push of a button, lashes look extraordinarily extended, separated and multiplied. The battery-operated brush provides 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute, wrapping lashes up to 360 degrees. The Ôscillation formula is designed to work specifically with the Ôscillation brush. Creamy, fluid and supple in texture, it results in a glossy look and a smooth application.

The suggested retail price is $34 and will be available on July 31st, while supplies last, at the following:

* Online: Lancôme-usa.com and Sephora.com
* Atlanta (GA): Macy’s at the Lenox Square Mall
* Brea (CA): The Lancôme Boutique at the Brea Mall
* Costa Mesa (CA): Nordstrom at South Coast Plaza
* Chicago (IL): Macy’s on State Street and Bon-Ton at the Yorktown Mall
* Dallas (TX): Dillard’s and the Lancôme Boutique at NorthPark Center
* Houston (TX): Neiman Marcus at the Galleria
* Miami (FL): Macy’s at the Dadeland Mall
* Manhattan (NY): Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s 59th Street, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s Herald Square and the Lancôme boutique on Columbus Avenue
* San Francisco (CA): Macy’s Union Square
* Santa Clara (CA): The Lancôme Boutique at the Valley Fair Mall
* Short Hills (NJ): The Lancôme Boutique at the Short Hills Mall

You Glow Girl: ModelCo Body Meringue Bronze Glow


This past weekend, my sis, Lauren, finally caught up to her ID and turned 21. On the agenda for Saturday night was a Sex And The City-inspired partay at a hip lounge, with loud music and libations.

Pre-celebration, Lauren coached me on exactly what to wear (LBD from Arden B), how to style my hair (flipped at the ends, volume at the crown, and side-swept bangs), and my makeup look (bronze smoky eye, a hint of color on the cheeks, and glossy pale lip)…just in case premature Alzheimer’s had set in and I forgot how to work it.

So, just to prove that I’m still stylish and hip in my old age – I decided to up the beauty ante by self-tanning with ModelCo Body Meringue Bronze Glow, an all-in-one instant bronze shimmer and gradual self-tanner with skin-firming benefits. This weightless foam hydrates, protects, and leaves the skin feeling firm while offering a light buildable, natural tan. After smoothing the foam on (absolutely no mess whatsoever), a light instant bronze appeared so I could see exactly where I applied. I waited 10 minutes for it to dry, and over the next few hours, my tan gradually deepened...and left a subtle, sexy shimmer on my skin for added glow.

The best part about this product? Skin is left feeling firm and toned with active ingredient SLIMFIT® LS 9509 - which works to reduce the appearance of the visible orange peel effect associated with cellulite. I can’t remember the last time my gams looked this good! My only pet peeve, however, was the scent...but it was faint and easy to overlook, considering how blinded I was by my gorgeous golden glow. I would have topped off my tan with a spritz of ModelCo’s Airbrush Shimmer Luminizer, but I didn’t want to steal the spotlight from the birthday girl.


ModelCo Body Meringue Bronze Glow is available at Sephora and modelco.com.

Coming Soon: Bobbi Brown Metallics


On counter in August, Bobbi Brown's Metallic Eye Shadow is back by popular demand in 17 shades. Featuring a broad shade range including rich bold colors and pastels, the high-shimmer, high-pigment formula creates a sexy and sophisticated look. Color applies evenly and stays crease-free for all-day wear. Individual shadows can also be popped into Bobbi’s new customizable palettes.


And on counter in September/October, Bobbi presents her new Metallic Lip Color- the newest innovation in shimmer. Featuring high-shine emollients and light-reflective pearls, it will leave lips with a soft creamy feel and medium coverage and will be available in 15 multi-dimensional shades.

Swatches coming soon!

Ouidad Giveaway Winners


Happy Monday, all. Your resident beauty guru has been feeling a little under the weater, so I hope you'll excuse the lateness of this post. Well, I know that at least three of you will pardon my tardiness...

Haley Prescott, you are the grand-prize winner of the Ouidad Giveaway! You have won tree fabulous products from Ouidad's line of protein and vitamin enriched products: Deep Treatment, Climate Control, and Botanical Boost. You've also won a copy of Ouidad's book, "Curl Talk: Everything You Need to Know to Love and Care for Your Curly, Kinky, Wavy, or Frizzy Hair."

Stephanie L. Ciosek and Katie Bascom are runners-up, and will receive Climate Control and Botanical Boost.

Congrats, ladies! I'm so excited to hear how these products work out for you...let me know how they pamper and tame your curly tendrils!

Many thanks to Ouidad for sponsoring the contest - and stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway announcement later today.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week: Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara


Last week, I received the following email from a reader, Tara:

"I was wondering if you have tried Maybelline's The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara? I did a search on your blog and didn't come up with anything. I ran out of mascara and was at the store last night. I went to grab a Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, but something caught my eye. There was a big display of The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara by Maybelline. The packaging is very eye catching since it is yellow and black and I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff. Plus, the color of the mascara is called "Glam Black," so how could I not try it when the word "Glam" is there? I put it on this morning and was amazed. The brush is "colossal" but my lashes are long and full and no clumps! Geez, sorry to ramble, but I'm just so excited to find a mascara that works wonders for only $6.99! If you haven't try it, you should!!"

Now, I wasn't sure whether the aforementioned email was an actual reader review, or a veiled PR pitch…so I decided to purchase for myself, review the mascara and draw my own conclusions.

Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara promises:

* 9X the volume, instantly
* No clumps
* Washable

Does it deliver? You betcha…but in a way you wouldn't expect. The brush is tame, in contrast to Cover Girl Lash Blast's big fatty wand. Yet it manages to catch every last lash and coat it in inky blackness. Layer after layer, I was amazed at how I couldn't coax the formula to clump. Colossal Volum' Express volumizes alright…just don't count on nine times your typical thickness. But while your lashes may lack a little in the lushness department, the formula lengthens like you wouldn't believe...this mascara takes even the most Lilliputian lashes to a whole nuther level. Plus, it washes off with minimal elbow grease.


Check me out wearing Colossal Volum' Express in Glam Black (please excuse the sloppy application).

Check back this time next week, when Spoiled Pretty brings you a new makeup bag must-have that's easy on your wallet.

Total Beauty Weekend Web Tour


Elke asks "are you on twitter?" Post in her comments and let her know!

Beckie and Jamie at Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog helps you spot fake Tiffany.

Fabulous Over Forty discusses whether beautiful jewlery should be used for cosmetics or not.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20 Bronzing Powder.

The Muse shares her haul from MAC Colour Forms! Check out product photos, swatches, and an FOTD from this Nordstrom Exclusive Collection!

Beauty Tyrant
has discovered her Mommy's beauty secret - facial massage. She's sharing her new found 7-step facial massage especially for those who doesn't have the time for a monthly facial treat.

Viva Woman wants to know if you prefer eyebrow pencil or eyebrow powder to shape your eyebrows.

The Makeup Divas tells you what one of the most important items in a woman's beauty arsenal should be.

TR-TR-TR-TRIA! Learn about the TRIA - the 1st at-home laser hair removal sytstem. Visit Fifty-Cent Head and see if it works!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has tried and tested the new Marini Lash! Find out if it worked!

The Beauty of Life is giving away products from Bliss and Farfalla, worth over $80!

Beauty's SPOT has discovered the most amazing eye revolution in Elizabeth Grant's Caviar Eye Pads. Enjoy!

What beauty product put Beauty411's glow on? Check out her review of Kate Somerville Deep Tissue Repair!

Beauty Blogging Junkie has identified her holy grail concealer. Find out what it is here.

How To Get Natalie Portman's Smoky Eyes With Nars Black Eye Kit-Talking Makeup.

Frappelattes
has reviewed and found an effective cellulite solution!

Spoiled Pretty is enamored with ModelCo's Shimmer Airbrush Luminizer. The light-reflecting particles impart the most unbelieveable glow...it's so sexy, it's mist-ifying!

The girls from Beauty in Real Life, deliver the hottest hair trends for Fall 2008 from Guido Palau for Redken!

The Beauty Alchemist finds the hardest holding hairspray out there.

Glossypink has found a body scrub that will keep your skin glowing and smelling sweet!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Beauty Blog Network: Best Week Ever


The Makeup Divas reviews Mac Solar Bits in Black Ore and Scatterrays.

The Daily Cookie is celebrating her first reader newsletter with a GIVEAWAY! Sign up and enter for your chance to win a Kat Von D True Romance Beethoven palette for you and a friend.

A Touch of Blusher tells you where to indulge in beauty retail therapy in London.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20 Bronzing Powder.

Elke shares how you can get creative with your makeup. Have the makeup? Now what? Read for her fun solution.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic gets the low down from Makeup Artist Molly Stern on her favorite brushes and makeup items!

The Muse rocks out with the new Bare Minerals Rocker Eye Kit and shares product photos, a review, and FOTD using this great new kit from BE!

Beauty Banter asks the makeup pros all you'll ever need to know about STAINS - how to apply, when to wear, and which ones are the best in this month's A Girl's Guide to Stains!!!

The Beauty of Life is giving away products from Bliss and Farfalla, worth over $80!

Beauty Junkie in SF finally has clear, beautiful, break-out free skin with the help of Jan Marini Skin Research.

What beauty product put Beauty411's glow on? Check out her review of Kate Somerville Deep Tissue Repair!

What kind of eyeliners should you invest in? Cybelesays recommends four you don't want to be without right now.

Beauty Blogging Junkie has identified her holy grail concealer. Find out what it is here.

Can't find the perfect mascara? Makeup Moxie thinks the new Lash Stash from Sephora might be your ticket to true love.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog sits down with Sarah Jessica Parker and gets the skinny on SJP's newest scent, Covet Pure Bloom.

Listen up, curly girls...for this week's giveaway, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with world famous hairstylist, Ouidad - “The Renowned Queen of Curl." Click here to enter!

Want their favorite combination for gorgeous hair? The girls from Beauty in Real Life deliver the scoop.

StyleBell discovers a long time secret of the stars, Klorane Dry Shampoo!

Beauty and Personal Grooming asks you to trim those ugly dangling nose hairs using nose hair trimmers.

Beautynomics interviews Dr. Jennifer Linder, PCA Head Scientist/Dermatologist and asks all about skin care!

The Mineral Makeup Blog thinks that Mineral Makeup can qualify as HDTV Makeup.

makeup loves me interviews the founder of a new makeup line, noir cosmetics.

Shades Of U shares a fresh, new, refrigerated idea in skincare featuring products from The Body Deli.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Lashes For Days: The Lash Stash From Sephora


I know you. You're what I call a mascara minx. Sure, you have a number one lash luvah...but it's hardly an exclusive relationship.

You're not alone. Many women find mascara monogmany to be challenging. It's nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, Sephora supports your cheatin' ways.

New from Sephora: The Lash Stash, a best-selling mascara sampler set.

Brought to you exclusively by Sephora, The Last Stash allows you to test-drive a new mascara every day until you find your true lash love. It contains seven travel-size black mascaras from your favorite brands, for the longest, lushest, most-volumized lashes ever. The kit includes:

* Benefit A Little Bit BADgal Lash in Black
* Blinc Kiss Me Mascara in Black
* LORAC Publicity Stunt Lashes in Black
* Smashbox Bionic Mascara in Black
* Stila Multi-Effect Mascara in Black,
* Sephora Brand Lash Plumper in Black
* Too Faced Lash Injection in Black

A $50 value, The Last Stash can be yours for the low, low price of $28.

Best Makeup Tips. Ever.


Fancy yourself a makeup junkie? Then you won’t want to miss the August 2008 issue of Allure Magazine. Flip to page 101 for some of the best makeup tips – eva. “These 59 bits of wisdom from the top pros will take your skills to a whole new level,” promises author Danielle Pergament. Here are a few of my favorites:

Eye Openers
To create a smooth line along the upper lashes, start at the outer corner and draw a series of dashes with an eye pencil, as close to the lashes as possible. Then connect the marks. “This is the best trick I ever learned,” says makeup artist Laura Mercier.

No matter what makeup you use, always choose a remover designed to take off waterproof formulas, says makeup artist Charlie Green. “The best ones look separated, like salad dressing. The oil takes off makeup, and the water gets rid of some of the greasiness.” As with vinaigrette, mix well.

Lash Rites
If you have especially straight lashes, curl them and immediately brush on waterproof mascara, advises makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury: “It holds lashes up much better than a regular formula.”

To elongate lashes, work from the outer to the inner corners of the eyes. “You’ll deposit more on the outer corners that way,” says makeup artist Pati Dubroff. “By the time you get to the inner corners, you’ll have just the right amount of mascara left.” To increase the effect, apply another coat at the outer corners only.

Face Facts
If concealer collects into any lines, dip a cotton swab in eye cream and run it over the area.

If you run out of concealer, use whatever makeup has collected in the cap of your foundation bottle – it’s somewhat thicker and perfect for covering up flaws.

Blush Well
After foundation, apply blush before any other makeup, says makeup artist Dick Page. “Often, you’ll be surprised by how much it can brighten your face, and you won’t need anything else.”

To fake sun-kissed skin, apply bronzer, then follow with a rosy blush on the apples of the cheeks. “The cheeks naturally get a pink flush when the skin is tan,” says Page.

Mighty Mouth
To add richness and longevity to lipstick, cover the entire mouth with liner that’s the same shade as the mouth, not the lipstick. And use the side of the lip liner, not the point, to fill in lips completely.

To make lip gloss last longer than 30 seconds, makeup artist Christian McColloch says to blot the mouth with a tissue or a dry cotton swab first: “The wetter the mouth, the less likely the gloss will stick.”

High Browed
Tweeze brows in natural sunlight – it illuminates all the teeny strands a bathroom bulb will miss. And never tweeze them in a magnifying mirror – it’s too easy to overdo it.

The most natural-looking ay to fill in the brows is with cream shadow that’s the same shade as the hair. “This product glistens like hairs do, and gives the brows a healthy sheen,” says Dick Page.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Don't Sweat It: Secret Clinical Strength Sport


Secret Clinical Strength, the number one selling prescription strength wetness protection anti-perspirant/deodorant, introduces Secret Clinical Strength Sport to its collection of clinical strength products. With a sport fresh scent designed for athletes, it provides powerful odor and wetness protection – even under extreme conditions, so the harder you work, the harder it works to keep you smelling noticeably clean and fresh.

Triple-action technology provides three layers of protection:

* Clinically proven, prescription strength wetness protection;
* Odor-fighting capsules that absorb odor and release scent all day to keep you smelling clean and fresh; and
* Skin soothing conditioners.

Secret Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant is available at food and drug stores and mass retailers nationwide.

Don’t Try This At Home: Nalu Waver



The Nalu Waver from RsessionTools transforms straight, limp locks into Giselle-like, waves. Nalu is the Hawaiian word for wave, and - like waves - no two curls are ever alike. This iron was designed to create hair that looks naturally curly; by weaving the hair through the barrels, you can add volume and create many different curl shapes and formations.

But there’s a catch…you’ll need an extra set of hands because there’s no way in hell you can maneuver this thing on your own.

If you’ve got a friend with good hand-eye coordination, you might want to enlist her help. Tell her to slip on the Michael Jackson-esque, heat-resistant glove, start curling, and don’t stop 'til you get enough. Click here to see how it's done.

Personally, I take it to my hairstylist, Erik, when I’m in the mood for beachy waves. Otherwise, the Nalu Waver stays in hibernation.

Bottom line: The Nalu Waver is an ingenious implement – but one that’s best left to the professionals.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Fierce, Fabulous and Flawless With Help From Cargo Cosmetics


Last week, Mr. Spoiled Pretty abandoned his loving wife in favor of a camping/fly-fishing excursion to Idaho. Now you know I wasn’t about to go hiking up mountains and trek through the wilderness to chill with rattlesnakes, horse flies and mosquitoes. So I stayed my ass at home and caught up on some reading, writing, and arithmetic (I took inventory of my makeup stockpile, and I’m slightly embarrassed by my excessive collection of lipglosses).

By the time the weekend came around, I had developed such a case of cabin fever that it didn’t take long for my BFF, Kristen, to lure your resident recluse out of the house. After some indecision, we opted to meet at a low-key bar and catch up over cheap, domestic beer. It’s been crazy hot in Philly lately, so I didn’t put too much thought or effort into my outfit, hair, or makeup; I threw on some jeans, quickly flat ironed my hair, and swiped on some Cargo blu_ray™ High Definition Mattifier before finishing my face off with mascara and gloss.

Around midnight, after drinking probably a little too much (pitchers are dangerous cuz I can never keep count), I took a bathroom break. I perched my handbag on the sink, rummaged for my blotting papers, and prepared to sop up the grease. But when I looked in the mirror, I was absolutely astonished. My face was flawless (well, flawless as in shine-free…not flawless as in resembling Liya Kebede).

And my face remained that way until I washed it off before bed. In fact, the only oil-related incident that night was a basket of greasy fries that Kristen and I couldn’t resist ordering just before last call.

Cargo blu_ray™ High Definition Mattifier is available at cargocosmetics.com and Sephora.