Eau de Off

I am highly allergic to mosquito bites. Which means that if I'm outdoors for any length of time, you best believe that I'm covered - from head to toe - in insect repellent.

So when my parents threw a backyard barbecue for Father's Day (when my in-laws were in town from Spokane, WA), I brought along a can of Off FamilyCare Smooth & Dry. It has a unique powder dry formula that dries on contact, leaving your skin feeling smooth and dry, unlike ordinary repellents. Plus it keeps mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, biting flies, chiggers and fleas at bay all day.

And I kid you not...Smooth & Dry has such a pleasant scent, someone actually asked me what perfume I was wearing!

The Curious Case of Taraji P. Henson's Hair

Back in the days of the 2009 Oscars and Independent Spirit Awards, I had a serious thing for Taraji P. Henson’s hair. So when she showed up to the MTV Movie Awards rocking a Jenny Humphrey mullet, I was all, "Oh no she didn't kick ole Bob to the curb!"

But I have to admit that her new edgy do is growing on me.

And how does she get her hair to shine like the top of the Chrysler Building? I wouldn’t be surprised if her secret shine weapon was Moroccanoil Gold Glimmer Shine. That spray is beyond compare!

O'er The Land of the Free Shipping

This week, celebrate your freedom to shop. Stila is offering free shipping on orders of $30 and more. Just enter promo code FREEDOM at checkout.

Personalize Your Clarisonic

Personalize your Clarisonic with a name or short message. Your personalized message will be imprinted onto the back of your Clarisonic handle, right under the Clarisonic logo.

Ugly As A Button

A button hat made of hair? Really, Lady Gaga? Stop trying so hard.

Don't Forget About The Nordstrom Anniversary Beauty Exclusives Event

The Nordstrom Anniversary Beauty Exclusives Event doesn't officially kick off until July 17th, but you can get a head start on your shopping now. Beat the crowds and pre-order now so you won't miss out on the limited-edition sets and beauty bargains available only at Nordstrom during this decades-old annual ritual.

I recently got my hands on a sneak preview of Yves Saint Laurent 'All Fore Eyes' Set, one of this year's exclusive offerings.

All For Eyes includes a full-size Touché Éclat Radiant Touch No. 1 Luminous Radiance, a travel-size Instant Eye Makeup Remover, and a full-size Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara No. 1 in Black - which is responsible for the impossibly lush lashes I've been sporting as of late (True Blood-sucker Jessica, eat your heart out!)

MAC Paints It Black For My Birthday

I don't usually enjoy knowing what I'm getting for my birthday. But I think I'll be able to find it in my heart to forgive MAC for opening its lipglass lacquered trap a few months early.

Turns out that the highly-anticipated Style Black collection will be released on my birthday. What makes this such a treat is that the collection will resurrect my favorite scrub of all time...like a phoenix rising from the ashes!

Since last spring's limited edition Future Earth collection, I've been rationing my Volcanic Ash Exfoliator like it was a bag of beans on a season of Survivor. With no idea that MAC had intentions of bringing this beauty gem back from the dead, I've been reserving this primorial soup-esque scrub for special occasions. But now that I know I can stock up come September (you've never seen hoarding like the kind I'm gonna do this fall), I'm gonna indulge in a little Volcanic Ash scrub-a-dub on a weekly basis.

Mark your calendars for September 24th, when these babies hit real and virtual shelves. Take it from me...you definitely don't wanna play the 'shoulda woulda coulda' game with this holy grail scrub.

The Style Black collection also includes:

Lipstick ($14)
Black Knight: Creamy true black (Cremesheen)

Mattene ($14.50)
Midnight Media: Dense matte black
Night Violet: Deep purple grape

Glimmerglass ($18)
Bling Black: Sheer black with gold pearl
Blackfire: Sheer black with pink purple pearl
Blackware: Creamy true black

Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19)
Cinderfella: Black with silver pearl
Young Punk: Black with pink purple pearl
Gilt by Association: Black with gold bronze pearl
Blue Flame: Black with blue pearl

Grease Paintstick ($17.50)
Black: Intense black

Penultimate Liner ($16.50)
Rapidblack: True black

Eye Kohl ($14.50)
Smolder: Intense black

Cream Colour Base ($16.50)
Black: Creamy true black
Bat Black: Burgundy black with pink pearl

Nail Lacquer ($11)
Nocturnelle: True black (cream)
Seriously Hip: Black with gold particle pearl (frost)
Baby Goth Girl: Black with pink and purple pearl (frost)

#214 Short Shader Brush ($23)
Short, rounded, double-chiseled brush with soft, natural bristles. Can be used with shadow to line and smudge around the lash line and very effective for densely shading lids.

Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask ($19.50)
Heats when mixed with water to remove impurities from skin.

Remember my sneak peek of Bling Black Glimmerglass at Donna Karan, Fall 2009?

Lisa Hoffman Giveaway!

An avid traveler and true beauty connoisseur, Lisa Hoffman spent years traveling the world with her high-profile husband, Dustin, and their six children, immersing herself in diverse cultures and becoming well-informed about beauty secrets from around the globe. Throughout her travels, Lisa has methodically uncovered the most essential skin care ingredients, all of which combine to ensure potent and high performing treatment systems.

In 2007, after six years in development, Lisa launched her very own beauty line dedicated to excellence and simplicity. And in 2009, Lisa Hoffman and Spoiled Pretty are partnering for a giveaway!

Four kharmacally blessed readers will win Lisa Hoffman's Spa Facial Lip Polisher, which contains a slew of nourishing, moisturizing and exfoliating ingredients for a softer and smoother pout. Pineapple and papaya extracts slough away the dead skin cells that contribute to rough texture and uneven lip color application. After the dead cells are removed, honey, mango butter, soybean oil and jojoba oil soften and moisturize for a super conditioned finish. The result is smooth, comfortable and silky lips that are ready for absolutely anything.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Lisa Hoffman Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, July 5th. Four winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, July 6th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.

Good luck!

Rimmel London Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Tara Hill, winner of the Rimmel London giveaway!!!

Tara will receive a prize package worth $150, filled with some of Rimmel London’s best products for summer - including two new must-have mascaras that have yet to hit shelves!!!

Cheers to Rimmel London for sponsoring such a jolly good giveaway.

Cameron Diaz Did NOT Pull A Britney For My Sister's Keeper

In her latest film, My Sister's Keeper, Cameron Diaz plays the mother of a girl battling leukemia. In a particularly poignant scene, her character shaves her locks in an act of solidarity with her eldest daughter. But don't be fooled. Cammie didn't actually pull a Britney. It was just a wig cap and some clever movie magic.

She tells Metro newspaper, "If I shaved my head and my hair was this long right now, they would have me in a lab somewhere. Kerastase or L'Oreal would have already taken me somewhere."

Stranded On A Deserted Island: Make Sure To Have A Hissyfit

As a beauty aficionado, I get asked a plethora of product-related questions. The most common query being which products I'd want with me if a three-hour tour turned into an episode of Lost. As my beauty faves change, so do my 'stranded on a deserted island' picks. Well, now I'm adding Hissyfit to the list.

Hissyfit is a new range from Australia that straddles makeup and skincare. The line delivers 3-in-1 treatment benefits in the form of powerful anti-aging, advanced sun protection and luxurious formulations that wear comfortably and smell divine!

Products include:

Saving Face Anti-Aging Foundation: This natural anti-aging foundation provides flawless foundation coverage with a SPF 50+, broad spectrum protection from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays. Water-resistant, Saving Face is perfect for protecting skin after exfoliation, dermabrasion or chemical peels.

Body Double Anti-Aging Body Moisturizer: This advanced natural body lotion provides intense hydration, beautiful fragrance (think a delicate blend of vanilla, almond, orange and grapefruit) and SPF 30+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.

Handy Work Anti-Aging Hand Cream: This luxuriously moisturizing anti-aging hand cream offers SPF 30+ UVA/UVB protection, and smells of orange and mint.

Lip Service Anti-Aging Lip Balm: This feather-light lip balm with SPF 50+ broad spectrum protection is the perfect skincare and cosmetic product in one. Wear it alone for gorgeous, glossy, natural lips. Or layer over your favorite lipstick for a soft, supple kissable finish.

I'm particularly impressed by how delightful and un-sunscreeny these skin savers smell. And the Saving Face Foundation gets major props for its wide range of shades. Brown skinned beauties, rejoice!

Hissyfit is sold at dermstore.com and hissyfit.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.

Cuten Up Your Countertop With New Q-tips Vanity Packs

How do you improve upon one of the most genius beauty tools ever? Put it in a pretty package, of course. I mean, how adorable are these new decorative vanity packs from Q-tips? They'll make your old blue box turn green with envy.

One of these compact cubes houses 285 of the multipurpose swabs that you know and love. A drawer slides out, which allows easy access to the Q-tips (and, consequently, ups this product's cleverness and convenience quotient). It adds a pop of color to your bland bathroom countertop. And for only $3.19 a pop, you can afford to keep a container in your drawer at work, for those cosmetics calamities that happen between 9 and 5.

Look for these cuties wherever Q-tips are sold.

Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week: eos Lip Balm Smooth Spheres

If the thought of sticking your bacteria-laden fingers in a pot of lip balm/gloss doesn’t appeal to you, I have an excellent (and economical) solution.

New Lip Balm Smooth Spheres from eos have this cool, ergonomic packaging that bridges the gap between high-end lip balms and chapsticks. And the USDA certified organic formula is enriched with hydrating ingredients (Vitamin A, shea butter, and jojoba oil). Available in three delish flavors (Summer Fruit is my fave…and it’s pink, natch), these balms will only set you back a couple of bucks.

I love 'em. Chuck Bass loves 'em. You (and your wallet) are gonna love 'em too!

Lip Balm Smooth Spheres are now available at evolutionofsmooth, drugstore.com and will soon be available at Walgreens (July), Rite Aid (July), SpaceNK (August) and Duane Reed (August).

Upcoming Sales and Giveaways at Ideeli.com

Ed Hardy Sale
Starts Monday, June 29

Prices start at $99 (up to 54% off)



L.A.M.B. Sale
Starts Monday, June 29
Prices start at $35 (up to 65% off)


Christian Louboutin Giveaway


Gucci Giveaway




Lanvin Giveaway


Jimmy Choo Giveaway


Miu Miu Giveaway

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

The Beauty Girls Weekend Read

TheMakeupGirl checks out Bobbi Brown's new Nude Collection and finds some new favorites to add to her collection.

All About the Pretty likes Japanese Skincare Company Koh Gen Do's foundation and powder.

Want more slender legs? makeup loves me tries the new pedicure at Dashing Diva that uses massage techniques to minimize cellulite!

Is Twilight's Robert Pattinson's hotness in his hair? Visit Spoiled Pretty and decide for yourself.

Beauty Blogging Junkie scored an interview with head makeup artist for Mad Men, Lana Horochowski! Click here to learn how to achieve a red lip a la Joan Holloway.

Beautiful Makeup Search has love for a new tinted moisturizer that actually works as it should.

Check out The Great Latisse Experiment at Makeup Bag and see if Latisse is right for you.

Follow the Beauty Girls on Twitter:

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

Tarte TV on YouTube

Tarte Cosmetics now has a channel on YouTube.

Here you'll find Tarte makeup artists and members of the executive team giving 101 tutorials on best-selling products, as well as some of Tarte's latest product launches. In addition, they'll be providing trend, celebrity and seasonal makeup tips & looks. And on some occasions, they'll have guest celebrity makeup artists on board and Tarte's Creator & CEO Maureen Kelly offering her own advice.

BeingTRUE Giveaway Winner Revealed!

Congratulations to Diane Stokes, winner of the BeingTRUE giveaway. Diane will receive $430 in cosmetics, skin care and body care products!

Originating from the spa industry in 2004, BeingTRUE pioneered the vision of offering performance products and spa services that deliver both wellness experience and dermatological results – coexisting in color cosmetics, skin and body care.

There could only be one winner of this contest (beauty products do not grow on trees), but BeingTRUE and I worked out a little arrangement so that all of you could at least be runners-up. Shop 'til you drop at beingtrue.com, and take 25% off your purchase! Simply enter SPOILEDPRETTY at checkout.

And don't forget to try your luck at the Rimmel London 10th Anniversary Giveaway, which ends Sunday, June 28, 2009.

Too Faced Summer Sale: Take 20% Off All Online Orders

Take 20% off your next Too Faced order. Enter promotional code SIZZLE at checkout. Offer ends June 28, 2009. Plus get a free mini Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara with any purchase of $35 or more!

Bobbi Brown Nudes Collection, Fall 2009

“Nude makeup never goes out of style - it’s polished, sophisticated, and always looks modern.” -Bobbi Brown

This July, Bobbi introduces her newest take on nude makeup with her 2009 Nudes Collection. “Nude makeup doesn’t mean monochromatic, barely-there makeup. It means makeup that’s right for your skin,” says Bobbi who has created a new, limited-edition eye palette for fall.

The Nude Eye Palette ($60) features eye shadow duos in a sophisticated and universally flattering selection of shades and textures. The eye shadow duos come in our customizable 3 Pan Palette, which can be filled with your choice of any Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow or Blush shades.

Bobbi also introduces a new shade to her iconic Shimmer Brick collection - the Nude Shimmer Brick ($40). Featuring five pure pearl pigments in pink, gold, bronze, beige, and caramel, the shades are designed to be blended together to give all skin tones a soft nude, lit from within glow.

In addition, the Nudes Collection includes Caviar Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21) Bobbi Brown's best-selling liner now in a rich, deep brown shade, and four new shades of Bobbi’s popular Creamy Lip Color ($22) that compliment the Nude Eye Palette and Nude Shimmer Brick.

All of these products will be available from bobbibrown.com and Bobbi Brown counters July 2009.

Why Should Robert Pattinson Have All The Fun?

I had such a blast messing around on Daily Makeover and photoshopping different celebrity styles onto Robert Pattinson, I decided Kristen Stewart needed a Twilight-inspired virtual makeover.

What would Kristen look like if she traded tresses with her New Moon co-stars? No need to guess; I've painted you some pictures. Consider this a companion piece to the previous post.

Kristen Stewart with Ashley Greene's hair

Kristen Stewart with Nikki Reed's hair

Kristen Stewart with Elizabeth Reaser's hair

Kristen Stewart with Rachelle Lafevre's hair

Kristen Stewart with Dakota Fanning's hair


And just for good measure, I decided to imagine Kristen Stewart as Bella, circa Breaking Dawn.

The Fantastical Makeup of Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland Movie

Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter

Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen


Anne Hathaway as the White Queen

Photos: dailymail.co.uk

Urban Decay's Pocket Rocket Manhunt

Urban Decay is looking for two men to be featured on two new shades of Urban Decay’s Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss! Pick your favorite guy (boyfriend, husband, UPS Man…whoever) and upload a few photos to their contest site.

Then, from June 15 – July 17, 2009, visitors to the site can vote for their favorite guy. After the close of voting on July 17, Urban Decay’s totally qualified, expert panel of sexed-up ladies (and a few gentlemen) will evaluate the 10 nominees with the most votes, and choose two winners - which will be announced on July 24, 2009.

Winners will be flown to sunny Southern California, and photographed as the faces of two new shades of Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss. The person who nominates them gets to come to California, too! And there are fabulous prizes for both! And, just to be nice, Urban Decay will even pick three runners up, who also get fabulous prizes.

Click here for contest rules and details about prizes.

Latisse Might Turn Your Blue Eyes Brown

If you watch Bravo as much as I do (shout out to Real Housewives of New Jersey and Top Chef), you've likely seen an advertisement for Latisse, a "prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker."

The commercial had me at hello, with images of spokesperson Brooke Shields flittering around a party, showing off enviably long lashes. But Latisse lost me with its laundry list of side effects, which includes: an itching sensation in the eyes, eye redness, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, redness of the eyelids, eyelid darkening, and increased brown iris pigmentation (which is likely permanent).

Say what?

Speaking of permanent, the results achieved with Latisse are not. If you stop using the product, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.

With so many amazing mascaras and false lashes on the market, I just don't understand paying $120 for a one-month supply and taking the risks associated with Latisse. I'm a beauty buff, but this is one product I will not be trying.

My friend Erika over at Makeup Bag is braver than me. Click here for her unbiased review.