Bath & Body Works Summer Vanillas Collection

As you probably know, I just moved. It was a very stressful experience, considering Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I had about three weeks prep time and we have way too much stuff. Okay, I'll be honest...it's just me who has too much stuff.

Packing and unpacking your life's possessions is just one of the most annoying and tedious jobs of all time, and I am so glad to be (almost) done with it. But I have to say that there's a silver lining to the moving experience - shopping, which I've been doing a lot of lately. Bed Bath & Beyond, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Kohls, Pier 1, Walmart, Target and Lowe's and I have been like this the past few days - and my Visa is still smokin'.

One of my other favorite pre-move destinations is Bath & Body Works. I just love their products - fabulous quality for not a lot of money. That's the best type of shopping. And don't you just love how Bath & Body Works always seems to be having a sale? Every time I go in there, the salesperson is all "Today, you can get four of these for the price of three...and we're going to throw in a product from our Signature Collection for free." Um, yes please.

Anyway, I was in there last week and I discovered their new Summer Vanilla Collection. Vanilla is my absolute favorite scent, so I had to give these products a whiff. The three fragrances - Berry Vanilla, Coconut Vanilla and Lemon Vanilla - smelled so delish, I threw all three Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soaps into my mesh bag. The sinks in my home are always accompanied by a Bath & Body Works anti-cac soap, so this turned out to be a very productive trip.

In addition to the anti-bacterial hand soaps, the Summer Vanilla Collection also includes cooling mist, fragrance mist, shower gel, body lotion, lip gloss and candles. Get on this, girls.

Votre Vu Duette Giveaway Winners & Free Sample Opportunity!!!

Congrats to the winners of one of the Votrue Vu Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Crème Giveaway: cwhf, Elle Sees, and Fatima Jenai.

Duette is a deeply moisturizing lip balm and decadently rich hand crème in one package. The nourishing lip balm - made from coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax - gently protects, nourishes and softens lips in every condition. The intoxicating hand crème leaves a soft veil of almond and coconut fragrance lingering on the skin. Beautifully absorbed, this special formula was developed to maintain the health, beauty and suppleness of your hands, while delighting your nose with a decadent aroma.

If you didn't win, you still have a chance to try the Hand Crème - for free. And what's better than that? Nuthin', that's what.

To have a sample sent to your door, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com by Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address (no P.O. boxes, please). The subject line should read "Votre Vu Hand Crème Sample."

Dynamic Duo: Votre Vu Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Crème

Believe it or not, I wear hardly any makeup on a daily basis. I'm so pressed for time in the mornings that I have neither the 15 minutes nor the energy to spare. But I'm not entirely low-maintenance. I'm never without lip balm and hand cream in my purse.

So I was thrilled when Votre Vu's Duette recently showed up on my doorstep to review. Duette is a duo of deeply moisturizing lip balm and decadently rich hand crème in one package, and has become a staple in my purse since I first used it.

Flip the first cap on the tube to reveal a nourishing lip balm made from coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. A deliciously light and natural coconut flavor delivers a guiltless treat to your lips with every application. The cap also contains a clandestine mirror for precise application.

Flip open the second cap to enjoy the Almond Pie Nutrient Rich Luxe Hand Crème. This intoxicating hand cream deeply moisturizes without any greasy residue, and leaves a soft veil of almond and coconut fragrance lingering on the skin. Beautifully absorbed, this special formula was developed to maintain the health, beauty and suppleness of your hands, while delighting your nose with a decadent aroma. Formulated with sunflower, grape seed and jojoba oils combined with moisturizing and healing aloe, wheat proteins and natural sun filters, this sweet treat is one big serving of hydrating heaven. The cream also contains sun filters for UVA/UVB protection to maintain skin tone, while helping protect and keep hands soft, supple and younger looking.

I'm digging on Duette so much that I'm compelled to spread the wealth. So, this week, I'm partnering with Votre Vu for a giveaway. Three readers will win this dynamic duo, which retails for $38.

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. Good luck!

Bath & Body Works Healthy Clean Kitchen Collection

Bath & Body Works just launched the Healthy Clean Kitchen Collection – a range of hand washes, sanitizers and hand lotions specially designed for use in the kitchen. A breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors, the kitchen is a place where clean hands are a must. So Bath & Body Works developed a collection of cleansing anti-bacterial products that not only kill germs, but also eliminate lingering cooking smells like garlic and onion - all while infusing hands with fresh, clean fragrances like crisp citrus, lush fruit and fresh-cut herbs.

The antibacterial formulas also protect and replenish skin as they refresh, nourishing kitchen-worn hands. Each of the following odor-fighting, germ-killing essentials is available in Sunburst Tangerine, Crisp Cucumber, Pure Vanilla and Ginger Pear fragrances:

Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap: Specially designed to fight germs and eliminate odors for healthy, clean hands in the kitchen, this gentle yet powerful formula kills common kitchen bacteria with trusted anti-bacterial agents while Fresh Source™ odor eliminators get rid of lingering cooking smells. An exclusive blend of moisturizing coconut milk and olive fruit extracts helps to nourish and soften skin, while mango fruit extract leaves hands gently cleansed and conditioned.

Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap: Get a powerful deep clean in the kitchen with this bacteria-fighting formula. Developed with Fresh Source™ and potent germ-killers, the deep cleansing soap employs exfoliating microspheres and cleansing bamboo extract for smooth, soft, ultra-clean hands. A moisturizing blend of honey, coconut milk and olive fruit extracts nourishes and softens.

Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel Sanitizer: While powerful anti-bacterial agents combat germs and Fresh Source™ fights odors, moisturizing Tahitian Palm Milk leaves hands feeling clean and conditioned with this instant gel sanitizer.

Moisturizing Hand Lotion: Developed to eliminate odors while nourishing kitchen-worn hands, this hydrating formula includes Vitamin E, Macadamia Oil, Oat, Apple and Grape Seed extracts to condition and soften. Fresh Source™ gets rid of lingering cooking smells as the formula moisturizes, leaving hands hydrated and freshly scented.

Yankee Candle Scented Hand Sanitizers

Yesterday, I did my daughter duty and dropped in on Mama and Papa Spoiled Pretty. While chilling with the parental units, I spied an unfamiliar bottle sitting on a table in the foyer. Upon closer inspection, I was chagrined to learn that my mom had scooped your resident beauty expert. Did you know that Yankee Candle makes hand sanitizer? Neither did I, until yesterday...but you know what they say about moms knowing best.

During a recent trip to our local Yankee Candle store, Mom picked up a bottle of the new Scented Hand Sanitizer in Vanilla Cupcake. Like many anti-bacterial hand sanitizers, it kills 99.9% of germs...but unlike much of the competition, it didn't leave my hands feeling tight and dry. And like all Yankee Candle products, the scent is a dead-on ringer.

A 2 oz bottle will only set you back $3.99 - and you can choose from six authentic Yankee Candle fragrances (Garden Sweet Pea, Lavender Vanilla, MacIntosh, Midnight Jasmine, Sun & Sand, and Vanilla Cupcake). Pick one up, along with one of their new-ish Flavored Lip Balms, on your next trip to a Yankee Candle store or yankeecandle.com.

Five Cold Weather Makeup Bag Essentials - Plus A Giveaway!

The cold weather hit Philly earlier than I had expected. So this weekend, I switched out the contents of my makeup bag (I don’t even want to say how many products I had crammed in there…I’m embarrassed) and replaced them with the following cold weather beauty essentials.

Last week, it was cold and wet in my neck of the woods. It’s not even November yet, and my hands are crack-a-lackin’. So I retired my summer hand lotion, and pulled out the heavy artillery…Aveda’s Hand Relief. If this isn’t the best hand lotion on the market, I don’t know what is. It hydrates and soothes even severely dry hands - without leaving them greasy or sticky. And the citrusy scent is a nice pick-me-up. If you’ve never tried Hand Relief, now is the best time to buy. The Pink Ribbon special value tube has 7% more product than the regular size, and Aveda will donate $4 from each purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Clear Nail Polish is another cold weather essential I highly suggeststashing in your makeup bag. Not only does it protect your polish against the elements and extend the life of your mani, it’s also great for stopping stocking runs and rips in their tracks.

Remember how I told you that I carried a mini tube of Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant in my purse this past summer? Well, it’s still there. And that’s where it’s gonna stay this season. Yes, I realize that the mercury is falling – but layered clothing combined with co-workers who like to jack up the thermostat can have you smelling quite ripe, if you’re not prepared. I am…are you?

Chapped lips are the bane of my existence. I hate how they look, how they feel, and how they’re the prelude to a bleeding, peeling, jacked up mess of a mouth. Preventing chapped lips doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as is evidenced by one of my new cold weather beauty finds - Carmex Moisture Plus. It moisturizes with Vitamin E, Aloe, and Shea butter and protects your pucker with SPF 15. I love the vanilla menthol scent and the fact that, despite the sun protection, I don’t feel like I’m eating sunscreen if I lick my lips. The slant tip applicator also ups the fab factor.

Stila Convertible Color is a makeup bag must have year-round, but I always fall a little deeper in love when it gets colder and the summer glow fades from my face. This versatile bestseller brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent color. If your skin tends to dry out during the colder months, you’ll love the formula – and how it gives your complexion a lit from within, realistic glow. I use Poppy to give my cheeks a pop of color – for a straight from the slopes, snow bunny look.

This post was sponsored by Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm. Thanks to them, I'm giving away a $25 Visa gift card and a one year supply of Carmex Moisture Plus samples! To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment by Wednesday, October 28th at midnight - and tell me one of your favorite cold weather beauty products.

For more chances to win, visit DivineCaroline.com. There, women are sharing their five favorite beauty products and entering to win a $250 gift card. Check it out!

Mummy Manicure?

When I first saw this photo, I thought to myself, "Surely this is proof that the ancient Egyptians rocked nail art." But this is no mummy manicure. Sadly, these hands belong to a real live human being - with tacky taste, access to a digital camera and, apparently, no hand cream.

So my question to you is this: if your fingers were this wrinkled, would you draw attention to them with gaudy nail art?

All American: Bath & Body Works American Grown Collection

A few months ago when our hand soap got low, I replaced them with some generic soap I bought at the drugstore. When he saw my purchase, Mr. Spoiled Pretty looked at me like I had two heads.

"What happened to the Bath & Body Works soap we always use? I like that stuff," he said.

So, the next day, I swung by my local Bath & Body Works store (holler at the Liberty Place location) on my lunch break and picked up two bottles of their Anti-bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in Japanese Chinese Blossom and Warm Vanilla Sugar.

Now that our stock is almost depleted again and it's time for me to replenish the soap supply, Bath & Body Works fortuitously debuts a new line that I'm sure will satisfy my spoiled spouse.

American Grown is a collection of hand soaps and body gels inspired by great American destinations. Formulated with invigorating botanicals grown in the U.S., American Grown products condition, rejuvenate and stimulate the skin. Packaged in big, bold and colorful bottles, each hand soap and shower gel transports you to the American locale from which it draws its name.

In honor of my Libby, Montana-born/Spokane, Washington bred husband, I think I'll add the Montana Sky and Washington Apple hand soaps to my shopping list. Products are also available in Napa Grape (we honeymooned there), Siesta Key Lemon and Savannah Mint scents. American Grown hand soaps retail for $6.60 and shower gels will set you back a mere $12.50.

Graham, you're so vain...you probably think this blog post is about you.

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.

Are You Singing Happy Birthday When You Wash Your Hands?

Earlier this week, Mama Spoiled Pretty called to check in...for the seventeenth time that day. I was just finishing washing my hands, and I told her so - as we have a TMI relationship. Then, she asked me what seemed like the most inane question ever...

"Did you sing 'Happy Birthday' while you washed your hands?"

Huh? What in the world does the Happy Birthday song have to do with hand-washing?

She explained that singing the song in your head ensures that you're spending an adequate amount of time sudsing up.

Just to make sure this wasn't some 'gang members are killing people in Walmart parking lots'-esque urban legend that's been debunked on snopes.com, I did a little investigative journalism. And it turns out that Mama Spoiled Pretty is a know-it-all, tough as it is to admit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when washing your hands with soap and water:

• Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
• Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice through to a friend!
• Rinse hands well under running water
• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet
  

The CDC also recommends hand-washing in the following situations:

• Before preparing or eating food
• After going to the bathroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound

If soap and water aren't available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands.

Photo: Getty Images

Hand Cream and Happy Memories

I have heard the sense of smell referred to as the 'most memorative' of the five senses, because the part of the brain responsible for our sense of smell (the limbic system) is related to feelings and memory.

So I shouldn’t have been surprised when one whiff of Juara’s Candlenut Hand and Body Balm transported me back in time twenty-one years, when I held my baby sister for the very first time. It’s so strange and amazing how that memory, long buried in the recesses of my mind, came flooding back thanks to lotion! I don’t know what my newborn baby sister and Candlenut Hand and Body Balm have in common, but it’s something powerful. Something I can’t shake. It astounds me that I can’t remember what I wore to work three days ago and I don’t know what I ate for dinner last Friday, but I can clearly recall Lauren’s soft and clean scent when she was just a few hours old.

Every time my hands get dry and I smooth on Candlenut Hand and Body Balm, I smile. Not just because the scent summons a very happy memory; but also because the rich formula deeply nourishes my winter-ravaged hands and leaves them soft and supple, with a velvety finish.

Juara products are available in select stores and at juaraskincare.com.

Jaqua Shows Their Appreciation With 25% Off Hand Cremes

It’s that time of year when we all get so busy with the holidays that we forget to appreciate the little things that make us smile. Little things like being with family and friends, all the good food, and the laughter and love that comes along with the holidays. It's easy to lose sight of these things during this very hurried time of year. At Jaqua, they believe it is okay to slow down, stop and smell the roses, take some time to appreciate their beauty, remind ourselves how lucky we are and let the people in our lives know how much we appreciate them.

They also want to let you know how much they appreciate you, so in honor of the little things in life, they’re giving you 25% off their Hand Crèmes. These deliciously fragranced hand crèmes are just the right size to take anywhere. They’re small enough to carry in your purse, gym bag, or glove box - and at just 2 oz. they can even get through airport security! They make great stocking stuffers…and at 25% off, you can get them for all those family members and friends you appreciate so much (and snag one for yourself).

Enter promotion code APPRE11A at checkout. Offer ends on 12/24/08.

Aveda Comes In Handy

Step away from the Aveda Hand Relief and keep your hands where I can see 'em.

That's what I would tell my co-workers if I weren't the benevolent beauty blogger that I am. Instead - every morning when I get into work - I remove the hand cream from my purse, sit it on my desk and wait for the steady stream of colleagues to make their way into my office. I'm all about the peeps, so I encourage and enjoy when mi amigas partake of the moisture partay.

Aveda Hand Relief is an incredibly rich, but never greasy moisturizer that hydrates even the most parched hands. Plant emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants soothe and diminish the signs of aging. And the citrusy scent smells refreshing and clean without verging on cloying.

For the month of October, the limited-edition Hand Relief comes in a 5oz tube and features a pink ribbon design...and $4 from every purchase benefits The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Available now in Aveda salons, spas, stores and at aveda.com.

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Everyday Bag

The average weight of the contents of a woman’s purse has skyrocketed over the past five years. Exactly how much does the typical gal lug around? More than five pounds of crap – that’s how much! Researchers predict that by 2018, the average handbag will weigh more than 6.6 pounds. High-tech gadgets have been blamed for the 38 percent increase…but lets be real, ladies. Those eight lip products add up.

If you’re anything like me, your purse is chock-full of nonsense…old shopping receipts, gum wrappers, enough Starbucks napkins to last a lifetime, and seven dollars in coins lining the bottom of the bag. I’m not going to be a hypocrite and tell you to throw that mess out. But I do have some suggestions for how you can pare down your beauty stash this summer, and lighten your load by at least a couple of ounces. Summer heat is oppressive enough…and let’s face it – Scoliosis isn’t sexy.

* Instead of tossing your regular hairbrush and comb into your purse, opt for a purse-sized set. But make sure that you invest in quality products…I don’t know about you, but those “nifty” pop-up purse brushes never work for me. And if it doesn’t work, you might as well not carry it. Right?

* Palettes and multi-purpose products are great options…they offer innumerable options without sacrificing space.

* If you’re prone to t-zone oiliness, you could carry around a translucent powder compact. But powder tends to cake in the heat, so you’re better off carrying some blotting papers. Plus you’ll shed some weight.

Today is day three of our In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week, and to get you over the hump, I'm spoiling you pretty with this handbag from Creations By Kage.


The "Stormy" tote is, in two words, effortlessly sumptuous. The bag is like buttah - all Kage creations are made of the finest Italian leathers. The line is geared towards the girl with very sophisticated taste who wants a really unique bag made of finest materials and the highest quality, but doesn't necessarily have to own a "name" brand. Designer Kristin Holstein says her bags have a certain elegance to them, as they are clean in design, with simple pleats and the Kage signature horseshoe detail. "The symbol of the horseshoe means so much to me. Not only does it represent good luck, but it reminds me of my mother and her love of horses. They constantly give me inspiration, and will always be a significant theme in my design process."

For the winner, this bag will be accompanied by the following goodies:


Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara: Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. This happens to be my Holy Grail mascara.

Goody Mosaic Ouchless Purse Brush: The ultimate in snagless styling. This brush is smaller sized – perfect for travel or on the go styling.

Goody Mosaic Mini Versa Comb: This 3-in-1 comb is small enough to fit in your purse, but large enough to maintain your style.

Tarte Infinite Glow Bestsellers Palette: Get a natural, radiant glow with this chic palette that has everything you need to tan, glow and pout in minutes flat! This bestsellers palette includes Park Ave Princess Mineral Powder Bronzer, award-winning Gel Cheek Stain in Tipsy and a moisturizing 24.7 Lip Sheer in a new shade May Flowers. This luxe faux-croc, compact with mirror is perfect for on-the-go application!

MAX Factor Vivid Impact Eyeshadow Duos in Domino Effect, Emerald Coast, and Peach Basket: Sweep on these loose powder eye shadows for a subtle shimmer or lay it on thick for a metallic effect. The couture-color combinations let you create vibrant shadow effects with the brilliant artistry of a pro.

DentaBurst “Be Ready To Shine” Kit: DentaBurst Freshening Teeth Cleaners are an effective way to clean teeth and freshen breath on-the-go. Unlike mints or gum, they remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth, leaving them feeling smooth and clean. The kit contains 72 individually-wrapped Dentaburst, a business card case, and a calendar/planner.

RoC Retinol Correxion Hand Repair Cream SPF15: This revolutionary formula not only moisturizes but has been scientifically shown to fortify the outer layer of skin and is clinically shown to even out the look of discolorations and age spots for more youthful looking hands. In addition, its SPF 15 UVA/UVB sunscreen protects hands from damaging UVA rays that may contribute to skin damage and premature aging of the skin. Allure Magazine Best of Beauty winner.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: Oil-Absorbing Sheets soak up excess oil and remove shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind a residue. Use them anytime, anywhere to remove oil and shine throughout the day.

Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner SPF 15: This unique lip treatment provides essential long-lasting moisturization to help condition and protect dry, chapped lips. With an exclusive combination of natural oatmeal and natural skin conditioners, including jojoba oil and shea butter, it restores moisture and locks it in long after applying. It contains UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect lips from the sun and is good for daily use.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Creations By Kage Handbag Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Tuesday, July 1st. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Wednesday, July 2nd, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

And be sure to check out the other bag giveaways. You can enter all of the giveaways, but you can only win once. Good luck!

One Step Manicure/Pedicure Winners!!!

Good day, everyone. I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend!

It’s Monday, and you know what that means…time to announce the winners of Spoiled Pretty’s latest giveaway. I received scores of emails, begging me to have mercy on your haggard hands and feet. I feel for you…I really do. So without further delay, the twelve lucky winners of the One Step Manicure & Pedicure giveaway are:

Becky Brown
Brandi Chandler
Traci Goldstein
Christopher Harner
Nicole Hebert
Jaime Herby
Karen Hurst
John Lee
Kaitlin Martin
Jennifer Russell
Jennifer Vong
Melissa Walters

They have won a 16 oz jar of One Step Manicure & Pedicure in Sugar Cookie, plus a Four-Piece Gift Collection (includes 4 oz jar of One-Step Lemon Manicure, .30 oz Beeswax Moisturizer Cuticle Stick, 2.5oz Surgeon's Skin Secret Moisturizing Stick, and 8 oz tube of 25% Beeswax Cream).

Big thanks to Surgeon’s Skin Secret for sponsoring this contest. And I appreciate all of you for participating. Please stop by later, when I will reveal the deets on the next fantabulous giveaway!

Hand Sands

On the hunt for the secret to making your manicure and pedicure last during the beach season? Neri Ortega, nail expert of Butterfly Studio Salon, recommends the following for a long lasting, perfect manicure without chipping:

1. Following a hand massage, it is vital to clean the nail bed twice with acetone or acetone free nail polish remover to make sure that there are no emollients left on the nail- a clean, oil free nail bed is the most important part of a lasting manicure, as it creates a clean surface to begin on.

2. Continue with a protein based base coat- this is key in keeping polish from chipping. A strengthening treatment like OPI's Nail Envy, works wonderfully to keep nails strong, and polish from chipping.

3. Following the application of polish, a good basic top coat is needed. Neri recommends Essie, and prefers classic top coats over "quick dry" as she finds that quick dry top coats tend to peel faster.

4. Pushing back cuticles rather than cutting them will also help a manicure last longer. To keep nail polish looking shiny and new, and cuticles from looking dull and ashy, she recommends a good cuticle moisturizer like Solar Oil - the oil treatment will multi-task to keep your manicure going for extra days.

With tips this easy, the hardest part will be choosing your favorite color!

What's Victoria's Secret? Beauty Products On Sale - Up To 90% Off!

Been saving your pennies for a rainy day? Now's your opportunity to cash in and save big. Shop Victoria's Secret beauty clearance - get up to 90% off select products from VS, Vincent Longo, Lippmann Collection, Talika, TheBalm, and Anna Sui. Here's just a preview of the steals and deals...


Vincent Longo Diamond Lip Gloss
Originally: $22
Clearance: $8.99


Lippmann Collection Heaven In My Hand Warmers
Originally: $39.50
Clearance: $3.99


Anna Sui Eye Color
Originally: $17
Clearance $6.99


TheBalm Stainiac
Originally: $14
Clearance: $5.99


Wexler M.D. Universal Anti-Aging Starter Kit
Originally: $45
Clearance: $24.99

I'm Bringing Anti-Bac...Yeah!

I’ve heard that antibacterial body products and toiletries are bad because they give rise to super-germs. I’m no M.D., so I don’t know how true this is. But I’m willing to live dangerously – because I love Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Soap. It doesn’t leave my hands parched and flaky like most hand washes - thanks to green tea extract (soothes), shea butter (moisturizes), and Vitamin E (nourishes).

And if you hate the soap clumps that sometimes accumulate in and around your sink, try the Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap. No mess!

The soaps are available in 26 scents - I’m partial to the Coconut Lime Verbena (kitchen) and Warm Vanilla Sugar (bathroom), and Mr. Spoiled Pretty likes them too. But the Black Raspberry Vanilla is sounding delish, so I might give that one a try.

If you are new to the products, or just need to restock – click this link for an in-store printable coupon. Get a FREE anti-bacterial product with a $10 minimum purchase. Offer is good though March 30th.

My Vow To Frilly Lilly

I, Spoiled Pretty
Take you, Frilly Lilly Lemongrass Sage Hand Cream
To have and to hold
And keep, at all times, in my purse
From this day forward
Until summer do us part

I could wax poetic - all day long - about this divine hand moisturizer.

Typically, if someone complains about chapped hands, I graciously offer them the use of my hand lotion. Not anymore. With its zesty scent and adorable damask packaging, this tube is all mine. Go get your own.

Jaqua Introduces Hand Soaps

Jaqua knew there was a demand for hand soaps when they found out customers had been using Shower Syrups and Shower Crèmes as stand-ins at their bathroom and kitchen sinks.

Now you can send your favorite Jaqua shower washes back to the shower and replace them with feminine, yet hard-working Hand Soaps instead! With these new, richly lathering Pink Buttercream Frosting and Pink Champagne Hand Soaps, not only will your powder room look even more like a palace - your hands will get cleansed and conditioned with skin-soothing formula filled with fruit and plant extracts, vitamin E and aloe.

Take 30% off Pink Buttercream Frosting and Pink Champagne Hand Soaps, as Jaqua’s way of inviting you to try their newest indulgence. Don't forget your guest bathrooms too!

Promo Code: SOAP1A Expires: January 16, 2008