What Are Your Beauty Resolutions For 2010?

There are only a few more hours in 2009, so I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of Spoiled Pretty...and ask about your beauty resolutions for 2010. What do you plan to do differently in the new year?

Don't be shy. C'mon...dish, ladies.

MAC All Ages, All Races, All Sexes Swatches

When I first heard about MAC's upcoming All Ages, All Races, All Sexes collection, I got really excited. I immediately loved the idea of a "multi-culti color story" - and knew that a vast majority of these gorgeous, nude/neutral products would find its way into my own beauty arsenal.

The release date for All Ages, All Races, All Sexes is January 7, 2010...though, like most MAC collections, it will probably be available a few days in advance. I got my hands on some early samples (MAC sent them for me to review), and the shades are so beautiful in person. The images and press release I had previously seen didn't do them justice.

When the collections comes out, I'll be picking up one or two of the lipglasses. I'm a sucker for MAC lipglass and these frosty neutrals look Rihanna approved.

So, without further ado, here are some swatches and close-up product pics from All Ages, All Races, All Sexes.

Here's my favorite product of the bunch - Eye Shadow in Banshee (dirty taupe with frost and sparkle diamond cluster - lustre).



Here's Banshee again...this time, with flash.



Left to right: Impeccable Brow Pencil in Dirty Blonde (cool light brown); Penultimate Brow Marker; Brow Set in Mink (dirty brown)



Eye Shadow in Showstopper (deep blackened brown - matte) and Pigment in Rich Life (dark cool brown with silver pearl - frost)



Close up of Pigment in Rich Life



Lipstick in 5N (plumy sheer brown - lustre) and Myself (creamy pale yellow beige - lustre)



All Ages, All Races, All Sexes swatches (no flash)
Left to right: Penultimate Brow Marker; Impeccable Brow Pencil in Dirty Blonde; Brow Set in Mink; Eye Shadow in Showstopper and Banshee; Pigment in Rich Life; Lipstick in 5N and Myself



All Ages, All Races, All Sexes swatches (with flash)

For more info about the All Ages, All Races, All Sexes collection, click here.

Stock Up: Spanx On Sale at Rue La La!

Your resolution for 2010 is to whittle your middle, lose the love handles, and get rid of some extra junk in your trunk. I commend you on your goals and wish you much luck. I believe in you. But...just in case your lofty aspirations fall flat around January 15th, I've got a great plan B for you!

Rue La La has Spanx on sale! You're gonna buy them anyway (a woman, regardless of size, can never have too many), so you might as well get them on sale. Right?

Here's your Rue La La invite. Happy shopping!

Kim Kardashian Fan Gets Makeover From Kim's Glam Squad

DiorShow Extase Mascara Is Here To Pump You Up!

Without cosmetic help, my lashes are pretty much nonexistent. They are so stumpy and sparse, I don't know why they even bother showing up. So when I'm in the market for a new mascara, I'm not satisfied with one that merely lengthens or volumizes. I only add a mascara to the collection if it delivers both...and if, in the immortal words of L.L. Cool J, it's "doin it and doin it and doin it well."

Recently, the beautiful folks at Dior sent me their newest mascara - DiorShow Extase - to try on for size. And let me tell you...not only is this getting added to the Spoiled Pretty collection, it's going in heavy rotation. This mascara performs so well, it's enough to make ole L.L. lick his lips. Allow me to describe what the latest DiorShow is working with...

First, Extase gave me lash volume where none existed. Dior chalks it up to "spherical-shaped Black Pearl Pigments create a 3D volume effect and the exclusive Metamorphosis Powders expand in size by up to 50% after application." Now, I don't know nuthin' about no special pigments and powders...but I will say that the ingredients in their magical mascara formula fatten the lashes quite nicely. In fact, Extase pumps up the volume so well, it made me think of the old SNL skit Hans and Franz. If those two quit bodybuilding and got into the cosmetics game, this might be the mascara they'd concoct.

Lashes with DiorShow Extase (left); nekkid lashes (right)

Though Dior doesn't really advertise this, Extase does a fantabulous job of lengthening and curling lashes. I was actually more impressed with this than its volumizing abilities. It took even my tiniest baby lashes and transformed them into long and lithe versions of their former selves. As I type this, the lashes on my right eye (I left my left eye bare, to act as a control) are brushing against the lenses of my glasses.

Even after it dries, the formula is extra dark and glossy. My eyelashes are naturally black, and I noted how inky and lush Extase made my lashes look. So I can imagine that you gals with light lashes are really going to love it. It also wears very well; it doesn't flake or smudge. And the few times I absentmindedly rubbed at my eyes, it didn't do anywhere.

Finally, Dior promises that Extase's SR38 Patented Ceramid helps to reconstruct damaged lashes and promotes stronger and fuller lashes. I've only been using it a few days, so I can't say if there's any truth to that claim. But even if it doesn't rebuild and strengthen your fringe, its aforementioned perks are well worth the price of admission ($28).

Right now, DiorShow Extase Mascara is a Sephora exclusive, and only available to Beauty Insiders. The rewards program is free, so why not sign up?

Demitasse Jewelry Giveaway Winners!

Forgive me for being so tardy with this announcement. Big congratulations to Leah Nollenberger, Nicole Ordonez and Layla Rivera.

These lucky ladies have won a fangtastic necklace from Demitasse's limited edition, "The Vampire Chronicles" jewelry collection, inspired by New Moon.

The DemiVamp necklace is made of pewter and comes in three colors (Ancient Brass, Silver Bullet, and Rose Heart) with matching 30" cable chains. It features a size 9 ring of fangs and a bullet tip center.

Many thanks to Demitasse Jewelry for sponsoring the contest. And stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway announcement!

Nordstrom.com Beauty Sale: Get On This!

Nordstrom is having a ridiculously amazing online beauty sale, and I didn't want y'all to miss out on these steals and deals! Here's just a sampling of the markdowns:

Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Duo
Was: $40 Now: $29 (save 25%!)



MAC Lipglass and Lustreglass Set
Was: $29.50 Now: $22.90 (save 20%!)



MAC Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit (sold out on MAC website)
Was: $22.50 Now: $17.90 (save 20%!)



MAC Magic, Mirth, & Mischief - Do the Trick Brush Bag (sold out on MAC website)
Was: $49.50 Now: $38.90 (save 20%!)



Philosophy The Cookie Exchange Collection
Was: $30 Now: $21.90 (save 25%!)



Bobbi Brown Goldstone Long Wear Eye Palette
Was: $40 Now: 31.90 (save 20%!)



Jo Malone Bath Oil Collection
Was: $85 Now: $67.90 (save 20%!)



Hanae Mori Paris Butterfly Deluxe Set
Was: $75 Now: $55.90 (save 25%!)



Smashbox Eye Wish Palette
Was: $44 Now: $32.90 (save 25%!)



Philosophy Classic Cookbook Gift Set
Was: $35 Now: $25.90 (save 25%!)



Fekkai 'Golden Shimmer' Gelée Mist
Was: $20 Now: $9.90 (save 50%!)



Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Sweet Obsession Eye Color Collection
Was: $48 Now: $35.90 (save 25%!)



Lancôme Holiday Juicy Tubes Set
Was: $39.50 Now: $29.50 (save 25%!)

Sweet Deals For Less Than $10 at Sephora.com

Check out these sweet deals for less than $10 at Sephora.com. And don't miss out on these awesome markdowns - enter promo code EXTRA for an additional 20% off at checkout.

DKNY Delicious Candy Apples Fragrance Collection

This winter, DKNY adds three new gourmand perfumes to the Delicious fragrance family. The Delicious Candy Apples fragrance collection includes:

Sweet Caramel Candy Apple: This sweet caramel scent is a perfect blend of apple, delicate flowers, topped with creamy caramel and vanilla - making this new scent a delectable choice.

Ripe Raspberry Candy Apple: This ripe raspberry blend has touches of scrumptious green apple, raspberry, and floral and is finished with coca-cola making this new scent an ideal treat.

Juicy Berry Candy Apple: The combination of blackberry, fresh apple blossoms wrapped in rose petals and sandalwood make this new scent a delicious indulgence.

The Delicious Candy Apples fragrances are $55 (1.7 oz) and available now at DKNY boutiques, dkny.com and Ulta. In January 2010, these limited edition perfumes will be available at Sephora.

Ashley Greene's Sherlock Holmes Premiere Hairstyle

Celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson styled Ashley Greene's hair for the NYC premiere of Sherlock Holmes. Here are Ted's expert tips and inspiration for how to get the look:

"Start off on wet hair and use Build It Blow Drying Agent and Hairsheet Styling to achieve volume and texture. After blow drying hair straight, use a large barrel curling iron to add movement, texture and shine. To finish off, pull hair back into a chignon using Tame It Shine Lotion and to hold it all in place, spray with Beautiful Hold Hairspray. We went with a more sophisticated look since the dress was a little below knee length and more demure, cocktail style. I wanted to be able to show off her beautiful face and fantastic neck by putting emphasis on these features with hair being a huge accent to the look."

20% Off at Twilight Beauty

Get 20% off everything at twilightbeauty.com - now through December 27, 2009. Enter ILOVENEWMOON at checkout.

Glamour's Favorite Bloggers Share Must-Try Lash Tips

Hey, y'all. Merry a few days before Christmas. Today, Glamour posted some must-try lash tips from their favorite bloggers...and yours truly is one of them! Visit Glamour.com for some fabulous tricks to faking gorgeous, full fringe!

Jessica Simpson Videos Ear Candling Experience

For Christmas, celebrity hair stylist Ken Paves gave his client/BFF/muse, Jessica Simpson, the gift of ear candling. Watch as Jess demonstrates how it's done - and note the wax catcher Ken fashioned out of a Papa John's pizza box!

Source

Tarte Cosmetics Sale at Ideeli

Don't miss the Tarte Cosmetics sale at Ideeli on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Save up to 50% - prices start at $16.

Ideeli membership is free...click here for an invite, courtesy of Spoiled Pretty.

Alyssa Milano's Jersey Shore-Inspired Makeover

Watch out, Snookie...there's a new "guidette" in town: Alyssa Milano. Anything you can tan, she can tan better.

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.

MAC Love Lace, Warm & Cozy, and In The Studio - Now Available!

MAC's newest collections - Love Lace, Warm & Cozy, and In The Studio - weren't supposed to be released until December 26. But from the looks of the MAC website, they've given us an early Christmas present.

Happy shopping - and let me know, in the comments, what you buy!

Diddy's New Wax Figure Even Smells Like Him!

No, you're not seeing double. Last week, Diddy unveiled his wax doppleganger at Madame Tussauds New York.

Diddy spent more than an hour with a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists to start the creation process with him. The artists took hundreds of precise measurements and photos, to ensure exact matches for his eye color and skin tone.

Diddy also donated a replica of the outfit he wore in his I Am King fragrance ad, which includes a white Battistoni dinner jacket, black dinner trousers by Jones New York, Hugo Boss white tuxedo shirt, black Ferragamo shoes and a black bowtie, cufflinks and shirt studs by Pronto Uomo.

If you visit Diddy's wax figure and get close enough, you might catch a whiff of "unique masculine freshness, sparkling fruits and sensual woods"...because Diddy, being Diddy, provided Madame Tussauds with a bottle of I Am King to spray on his wax twin. Personally, I'm partial to Unforgivable, his first fragrance.

Project Runway Season 7 Premieres January 14!

Project Runway is headed back to NYC, and season 7 kicks off Thursday, January 14, 2009 at 10EST on Lifetime!

Project Runway Season 7 designers

Project Runway Season 7 models

The Beauty Girls Weekend Read

What budget liquid liner is Marina crazy for this Christmas? Visit makeup loves me and find out!

Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie reports on American Apparel's new nail polish collection.

Daneen from Spoiled Pretty is outraged with the news of a teacher cutting off a child's braids in school.

Teri from Beautiful Makeup Search shares 5 pretty palettes you need this holiday season.

Lianne from The Makeup Girl checks out MAC's latest nude makeup offering Warm & Cozy.

Julia from All About The Pretty celebrates 12 Days of Pretty with limited edition offerings from NARS.

Follow The Beauty Girls on Twitter:

Beauty Blogging Junkie @Glambr
Makeup Bag @makeupbag
TheMakeupGirl @themakeupgirl
All About The Pretty @aatp
Makeup Loves Me @makeuplovesme
Beautiful Makeup Search @beautyblogger
Spoiled Pretty @spoiledpretty
The Beauty Girls @thebeautygirls

Join The Beauty Girls official Facebook Fan Page!

$100 LOFT Gift Card Giveaway Winner

Well, I didn't win the LOFT Blog Wars - but I thank each and every one of you who voted for Spoiled Pretty. I had a respectable showing in the poll, and appreciate your support.

Even though I came in 3rd, I'm still super stoked because I get to award one of you with a $100 LOFT gift card. And that reader is (drumroll, please)....Christine Fidance!

Congrats, Christine! Now you can go buy the Shawl Collar Waffle Sweater you've been eyeing up.

Many thanks to LOFT for sponsoring this giveaway, and to all of you who participated.

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.

Teacher Cuts Braid Because 7 Year Old Won't Stop Playing With Her Hair!

This is a damn shame. A Milwaukee teacher cut off a 7-year-old's braid after she absentmindedly kept playing with her hair. Um, isn't that what 7-year-olds do...act up? If a teacher can't handle a fidgety first grader, then she should probably look for a new line of work.

If I had a daughter and she came home from class with less hair than she went to school with, I'd be real tempted to schedule a parent/teacher "conference"...and make sure she didn't have any hair when she showed up for work the next day.