Winter Beauty Must Haves

Last week, I taped a TV segment at CVS with the lovely Lilliana Vazquez. Want to know which products I named as winter beauty must-haves? Watch and learn...

Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss: Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week

I’m a lip gloss aficionado. I probably own 350+ tubes – and, yes, I realize that that’s utterly ridiculous. But I can’t help myself; I have an insatiable appetite for glosses.

It’s the one cosmetic that I wear every day, so I suppose my compulsion is somewhat justified (not really, that’s just what I tell myself). But despite my addiction, I’m quite the lip gloss snob. My collection is an exquisitely edited assortment of glosses, and a new addition must pass a rigorous set of standards before it is inducted into my own private lip gloss hall of fame.

The latest inductee? Neutrogena’s new MoistureShine Gloss – and here’s why…

First, MoistureShine Gloss has the perfect level of opacity for this time of year. In the spring/summer, I become the Goldilocks of glosses. I look for a gloss that delivers a hint of color; not so little that I might as well be wearing a clear gloss, and not so much that it looks like I’m wearing lipstick. MoistureShine Gloss gives the lips just the right amount of color, not to mention creamy, megawatt shine. The conditioning formula is antioxidant-rich and actually improves the healthy look, softness and smoothness of your lips over time. Plus the gloss has a subtle berry fragrance, natch.

MoistureShine Gloss isn’t sticky in the slightest, and feels more like a balm on the lips. For this review, I tested shade 410 (Wine Wellness, left) - which looks gorgeous, in an understated way, against my tan complexion.

If you’re a lip gloss nut like me and you’re looking for a new beauty that won’t break the bank, Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss ($8.99) is an excellent choice. Available in 14 shades, it is sold at mass market retailers nationwide.

Golden Globes Gorgeous 2010: Jennifer Garner

Beauty Inspiration: "Jen's dress was a perfect nude colour, and the beads were pink and silvery. The overall look was champagne and beige. With her pale skin and dark hair, it was my job to bring color and radiance to the silhouette because everything else was quite monochromatic. I saw it as an excuse to break out the perfect lip shade." -Makeup Artist Kate Lee

Beauty Tip: "I prepped the skin with CHANEL Hydramax + Active Serum and then CHANEL Sublimage Fluid Moisturizer, which leaves a velvety texture on the skin. On Jen's eyes I used CHANEL Quadra Eye Shadow in Kaska Beige. I liner her lids with CHANEL Long Lasting Eyeliner in Espresso, smudged it out, and used the dark burgundy shade from the quad along the lash line. I then used my favourite color in the world, the beigey-taupey-lilac shade in the quad, in the socket line. I feathered it along the lash line as well, to blend the chocolate brown liner. I curled the lashes, an applied one coat of CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Noir. On her cheeks I used Neutrogena: a combination of Neutrogena Mineral Sheer Cheek Colours in Apricot, Sable, and Rare Rose. Finally, on the lips I used CHANEL Rouge Coco in Rouge Orage (coming in March). I chose this shade because it has amazing staying power and incredible hydrating properties. It's an intense rosey color with a bronze shimmer – perfect or Jen's full lips."

Oscars 2009 Beauty: Vanessa Hudgens

Actress and Neutrogena brand ambassador, Vanessa Hudgens, was glowing alongside boyfriend, Zac Efron, at last night’s 81st Annual Academy Awards. The actress’s natural beauty was enhanced with neutral shades and warm pink lips.

To achieve her naturally beautiful evening look, celebrity makeup artist, Karan Mitchell, first applied Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers in Light to Medium to Vanessa’s already radiant skin.

To set the look and add a hint of shimmer, she then applied Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Blush in in Natural Apricot to the apples of her cheeks, followed by a touch of Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Illuminator.

To create Vanessa’s soft-smoky eye, Mitchell began by applying Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes in Medium underneath the eye to rid of any dark circles, and on the eyelid as an eye-shadow base. She then used Nourishing Eye Duo in Fairy Dust, applying the darker shade to the crease and then brushing the accent shade over the entire lid up to the brow bone. Mitchell finished by applying two coats of Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black.

To complement Vanessa’s darker eye, Mitchell applied a mixture of two pink moisture-infused lip colors – Neutrogena MoistureShine Lipstick SPF 20 in Angel’s Blush and Sheer Luck.

FHI Heat National Artistic Director Angel del Solar explains step-by-step how to recreate Vanessa's glamorous hairstyle. "Take 2 x 2 inch triangles, lightly saturate the hair with your favorite aerosol hairspray. Comb through the section to make sure hair is evenly distributed. With one hand, take entire section and twist to base. Place the FHI Heat 3/4" Curling Iron underneath the section. Take the hair and wind around the FHI Heat 3/4" Curling Iron. Hold for approximately 15 seconds - slide iron out and secure with the FHI Heat T-Rex Clips. Complete the entire head in this fashion. Let it all cool and remove clips. Apply approximately 1/2 a dime size of FHI Heat Hot Sauce to hands to emulsify - work through sections gently."

Photos: Wireimage

Oscars 2009 Beauty: Diane Lane

For the 81st annual Academy Awards, makeup artist Rachel Goodwin dressed Diane Lane's beautiful face in products from Chanel.

Beauty Inspiration:
"The first thing I noticed when I saw Diane was her va va voom black dress! I wanted her makeup to be super sexy and stong, like she is. Because it was the Oscars, I focused on bumping up the eyes with lots of mascara and lashes, and sent her down the carpet glowing and gorgeous."

Beauty Tips:
Rachel opened up Diane's eyes with browns and taupes from the Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Demure. She created a sultry look with soft browns in the crease and a soft ivory on the lids up to the brow bone. The eyes were lined with an Elizabeth Arden smoky eye pencil, and several coats of Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Noir-Black gave her a dramatic, seductive look. To
give Diane's skin a dewy, glowing look, Rachel applied Chanel Teint Innocence Naturally Luminous Fluid Makeup mixed with a bit of Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer. On the contours of the cheeks, she applied a peach cream blush from Jouer. Finally, to complete the strong, sexy look, Rachel gave Diane a bold orangey red lip with Chanel Hydrabase Lipstick in Fuego.

Photos: Wireimage

Golden Globes Gorgeous: Hayden Panetierre

Celebrity makeup artist Amy Oresman created Hayden Panetierre’s Golden Globe look - and now she shares her secrets to this flawless face:

Eyes: “With eyes like Hayden’s green sparklers, who needs a load of jewelry? We amped up the brilliance of Hayden’s green eyes with Neutrogena’s newest Nourishing Eye Quad in Vintage Wine. It includes a dazzlingly deep burgundy in a powder powerful enough to act as an eyeliner, which is perfect for creating the smoky look that Hayden adores. I layered on the Vintage Wine at the lash line and doubled it in the outer corners for an extra flash of drama.”

Face: "I love to build on Hayden's golden look with Neutrogena Radiance Bronzer in Sunkissed. I swept it through the crease of her eye and all around her cheekbones and neck. It’s so soft and light you just cannot put too much on ... so go crazy with it!”

“After bronzing, I mixed two delectable Neutrogena Soft Color Blushes - Sunny Spice and Divine Wine and applied them with a round brush in a circular motion to the apples of Hayden’s cheeks. I love layering this blush -- it’s so sheer you can dust a little color in the crease of the eye to tie your look together.”

Lips: "This year lipstick is back and Neutrogena’s are brighter and better. My favorite is Neutrogena’s Moisture LipColor in Whisper Pink for painting on the perfect pout. It goes on with just a hint of shine so it leaves your lips looking healthy and moist."

Also, remember the following tips when re-creating this glamorous face. First, never contour with blush. It makes you look so retro-80s – and not in a good way. And slip a pack of blotting sheets into your evening clutch, to remove shine without removing your makeup.

Neutrogena Fresh Faces 2008 Concert, Featuring Vanessa Hudgens

On September 7, Neutrogena will present the Fresh Faces 2008 Concert at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. The concert will be emceed by Susie Castillo and will feature Vanessa Hudgens performing songs from her latest album, “Identified.”

Beginning at 2pm, Neutrogena will offer on-site product sampling and giveaways, a photo booth, prize wheel and other exciting activities. Those who register online in advance will receive VIP gift bags, while supplies last, and VIP access on a first come, first serve basis. Visit neutrogenaconcert.com for event information, and to register for free VIP access to the show.

Even if you're not a California girl, click the link above to sign up for a free sample of Neutrogena's new Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit!

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Beach Bag

The weather forecast says 88 and sunny, not a cloud in the sky. After an exhaustive search, you’ve found the elusive “perfect” swimsuit. And you’ve picked out a trashy read, with no literary value whatsoever. So you’re ready for the beach, right? Wait. Not to burst your proverbial bubble, but you’re not all set yet.

A trip to the beach requires much more than a cute swimsuit. If you’re planning for a relaxing, idyllic day of surf and sand, you might want to put some serious thought into what you’ll pack in your bag. Because there’s nothing less relaxing than getting to the beach and realizing that you’ve left some important necessities at home.

To ensure that you’re pretty and prepared for your day at the beach, remember to bring along the following must-haves for your beach bag:

* Sunscreen: When selecting a sunscreen product, be sure to read the label before you buy. Experts recommend products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen…a higher number means more protection. The two most common (and painful) sunscreen mistakes are using too little and waiting too long to reapply. About 1 ounce of sunscreen (a palmful) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled "waterproof" may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are "water resistant" may provide protection for only 40 minutes. And don’t forget your lips, especially if you’re a lipgloss fanatic like me. Many dermatologists say that slathering on glosses can increase your risk of developing skin cancer because shiny nature of the gloss could be making the sun’s UV rays hit harder. So if you’re going to grab for a gloss, make it one with at least SPF 15.

* Wide-brimmed hat: A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. A baseball cap is also a good choice. A hat not only protects from the sun's intense rays, it can also cover and tame wind-blown hair.

* Sunglasses: The ideal sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label to be sure they do. Some labels may say, "UV absorption up to 400 nm." This is the same as 100% UV absorption. Also, labels that say "Meets ANSI UV Requirements" mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Those labeled "cosmetic" block about 70% of the UV rays. If there is no label, don't assume the sunglasses provide any protection. Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses are more likely to protect your eyes from light coming in from different angles.

Today is the final day of Spoiled Pretty’s In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week, and we’re giving away an Envirosax bag filled with treats!


Envirosax bags are lightweight, portable, waterproof, affordable, and stylish! With reinforced seams, each surprisingly large bag can hold at least 40 pounds, and the carrying handle is long enough to comfortably carry over your shoulder. The Flora line of Envirosax bags draws its inspiration from the colors and shapes of pristine Australian rainforests.

The winner’s bag will include:


Secret Flawless Antiperspirant/Deodorant: If you secretly crave strong wetness protection that smells fresh and has skin conditioners, your search is over. New Secret Flawless gives you everything you long for — all in one cutting-edge antiperspirant.


Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara: Lash Blast'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.


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


Bath & Body Works Body Splash in Blushing Cherry Blossom: Cherry blossoms blended with lighthearted jasmine, rose juliette and crisp citrus capture the romantic first blush of spring. Other notes include mandarin, lush berries, fresh melon, musk, violet, and creamy Sandalwood. Contains naturally pampering aloe vera to leave skin conditioned.


Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soothers SPF 20 in Shine, Sheen, and Gleam: Provides instant, soothing relief on contact with beautiful high gloss shine and SPF 20. The unique hydragel formula contains conditioning botanicals and glycerin for intense moisturization. Carry this pocket-portable gloss with you for use whenever you want hydrated, beautiful lips.


Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard: Don’t let bugs and sun spoil your outdoor fun this summer. Protect yourself from both the sun and certain insects with NEW Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition SPF 30. Using patented time-release technology, it creates an invisible barrier of protection to repel against mosquitoes, gnats, no-seeums, sand flies, and biting midges. certain insects. When applied properly, users are shielded with water-resistant SPF 30 sunscreen protection. Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition SPF 30 is available in two versions - an unscented aerosol and a pump spray with a Gentle Breeze™ fragrance. The winner will receive both!


And because I’m feeling especially generous this week, four runners-up will receive an Envirosax Flora bag!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Envirosax Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Saturday, July 5th. One winner and four runners-up will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Sunday, 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. & 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!

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Weekender

Tis the for weekend getaways. But when you're packing for your summer sojourn, remember that you're going aways a weekend, not a lifetime. Yours truly has a penchant for overpacking... and as a repeat offender, I've picked up a few tips over the years. Here are a few to help lighten your load and travel like a pro:

* Don't choose a big bag for a trip that will only last a few short days. If you pick one that's too large, you'll be tempted to fill it up. Instead, select a small to mid-sized overnight bag and edit your list of trip essentials.

* Weekend getaways are all about breaking routines and doing something different and fun. When you think of your trip in these terms, you'll see that it's not necessary to bring all of the beauty products you typically use on a daily basis.

* When packing, consider your destination, the weather forecast, your planned activities, and the outfits that you'll be wearing. These factors will help to guide your beauty products choices.

* When it comes to products, think compact and efficient.

Today is day six of Spoiled Pretty's In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week. And - boy oh BOYY - do I have the bag for you!


The BOYY Pablo Summer Weekender is so chic that it makes you wanna schedule a trip every weekend, just so that you have more opportunities to show it off. The bag features a sand stripe linen body, whiskey leather box compartment and trim, waterproof lining, adjustable matching handles and shoulder strap, one inner zip pocket and two pouches. And the hand-painted dust bag can also be used as a tote!

One lucky winner will receive the Summer Weekender, filled with the following essentials:


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.


Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: These sheets absorb oil from the skin, effectively reducing shine - but without disrupting your makeup. They come in a slim, pop-up package for convenient access.


Clean & Clear SOFT In-Shower Facial: Provides a deep cleansing treatment to detoxify, smooth and soften young skin. The In-Shower Facial treatment is applied to skin while steam produced by the hot water allows the ingredients to deep cleanse pores while infusing moisture into the skin. The product is left on skin for one minute, then gently massaged into skin to exfoliate dead skin cells and extract impurities from pores. Skin is left feeling smooth and soft after just one minute.


Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: These gentle, ultra soft cloths contain superior cleansing technology so effective it removes even waterproof mascara. With one step, it effectively dissolves all traces of dirt, oil and make-up. And it's gentle enough to use around the sensitive eye area, even for contact lens wearers.


Ojon mini TUNU Flexible Finishing Hairspray: This one-of-a-kind flexible hold finishing spray is formulated to add incredible fullness, control, and shine with a hold that allows the hair to still move naturally. It contains 100% pure wildcrafted Ojon oil, supported by clinical studies to instantly strengthen, hydrate and restore a healthy look and feel to dry, damaged hair. Plus a unique UV-inhibiting antioxidant complex stays in the hair to help protect color longer.


Tarte Lips Ahoy Lipgloss Set: For healthy, chic, on-the-go beauty, Lips Ahoy is the perfect little treasure. Packaged in a nautical pouch, these 4 mini double-ended, t5™ super fruit infused lipglosses with a water resistant formula leave you ready for smooth sailing!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "BOYY Weekender Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Friday, July 4th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Saturday, July 5th, I'll announce the winner. 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!

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Gym Bag

If you read my last post, you know that, this afternoon, I took a trip to TJ Maxx. What you probably don't know is that I went there on a mission to find new athletic attire.

You see, I recently joined a gym. After a long hiatus, I'm back on the scene - and I have to admit that I'm feeling a little zafdig next to all of the resident hard bodies. So until I slim and trim my body, I've resorted to hiding underneath some sporty outfits. Trying on the gear was a workout in and of itself cuz I'm majorly sore from my personal training sesh yesterday. But I found some cute separates, so I'm ready to head back tomorrow.

What I didn't need to buy, however, was a stylish gym bag. More on that in a minute...

So what are the necessities for your gym bag this summer? Obviously, you'll want to pack items like a towel and an mp3 player. But I also recommend that you also include a few key beauty essentials...so that, post-gym, you won't have to take your sweaty, smelly self straight home. Give your credit card a little workout and stock up on the following:

* If your hair is normal to oily, I'd recommend taking along travel-sized shampoo and conditioner. If your hair is dry/damaged/color-treated, then you might want to carry a dry shampoo or a product that revives your style.

* If you shower at the gym, you'll need some sort body wash and facial cleanser. Many gyms have those basic amenities. But if you're reading this, you're a beauty junkie...and you don't want no generic toiletries. You're better off bringing along some deep-cleaning products that will clear your pores of dirt, oil, and sweat.

* Odor may be a sign of an effective workout, but I think you'll agree that it's far from fetching. Deodorant is a no brainer. No?

*Spritzing on a light, fresh fragrance is also a nice precautionary measure - especially if you forgo a splish splash in the gym shower.

* A reusable water bottle is an excellent idea. I advocate aluminum (like those from SIGG) over plastic. But whatever you choose - you might want to pour your agua into a cup. Recent reports have shown that quenching your thirst straight from the bottle leads to "water bottle lips" - which are fine wrinkles around the mouth. Quel horror!

Today is day two of our In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week, so I'm spoiling you pretty with this lovely Lug gym bag.


The Puddle Jumper Gym Bag was featured on Oprahs "O List" and is a must-have for any active individual. Stuff it solid with items galore! From your ipod, glasses, pens, papers, clothing, bottles, cosmetics, etc., even throw your stinky sneakers in the back separated ventilated pocket! This bag represents functionality at its best while not compromising your sense of style!

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


Ojon Revitalizing Mist: This alcohol-free, leave-in conditioner detangles, refreshes and reactivate your style without washing. With a revitalizing fragrance, it neutralizes odor as it moisturizes and preps the hair for restyling. It's also a great moisturizer for the skin!


Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Shave: As a body wash, this fresh, marine-scented gel is enriched with ingredients that clean and moisturize your skin without leaving behind a heavy residue. As a shave gel, the silky lubrication helps your razor glide smoothly over your skin while soothing aloe helps prevent dryness and irritation. This clean-rinsing formula won't build up on your razor—or your skin.


Clean & Clear Deep Action Refreshing Gel Cleanser: The icy gel turns into a foaming lather that instantly cools and invigorates your skin as it dissolves dirt and oil trapped deep in your pores.
After washing, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and revived, with the unmistakable tingle of a really deep clean. Completely oil-free, rinses clean, and won't clog pores.


Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: Softer than paper, these silky sheets leave your skin feeling refreshed by instantly removing excess oil and shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind powder.


Bath & Body Works Body Splash in Enchanted Orchid: This lighter, casual fragrance is perfect for fragrance layering or enhancing the fragrance effect of previously applied products, such as body lotion. Notes include Calypso Orchid, Pink Grapefruit, Waterlily, Crisp Apple, Fresh Gardenia, Vanilla Orchid, Heliotrope, and Creamy Amber.


Goody Ouchless Detangling Comb: Flexible teeth slide through wet or dry hair without snags or pulls. Easy does it with this gentle approach to soft, manageable hair.


Secret Flawless Antiperspirant/Deodorant: Performs in more ways than any other anti-perspirant. It has strong protection, goes on clear, has self-renewing fragrances, it's smooth and lightweight, and has skin-nurturing conditioners.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Lug Gym Bag Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Monday, June 30th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Tuesday, July 1st, 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!

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Work Bag

I'm beauty addict, but the truth is that I wear very little makeup to work. I’m not a morning person…so in the AM, it takes all of my cognitive abilities just to shower, get dressed, and grab my bag before running to catch the bus.

I may leave the house with basic hair and makeup, but don’t be fooled. I always come prepared. Trust me…there’s nothing worse than going to work looking a hot mess – figuring you’ll just be in your office all day and no one will see you – only to find out that a last-minute meeting has been scheduled or your co-workers are organizing an impromptu happy hour.

And even if you’re content to hide away at your desk looking like a bridge troll, it’s still a good idea to stock your work bag with a few beauty essentials. Here are some that I recommend:

*In the summertime, it’s very unlikely that your hair is going to go awry at some point in the day. If you’re blessed with perfect hair, I’m jealous…we’re no longer friends. I kid…great for you. But for those of us who aren’t so lucky, a purse-sized brush and comb might not bring perfection, but it’ll help tame your mane so that it looks polished.

*It’s also a good idea to carry an emollient hand lotion. If you shake a lot of hands in your line of work, your colleagues and customers might appreciate it if your skin is soft and smooth. It’s also a great way to make friends and allies at your job…I don’t know about you, but people are always asking to borrow my hand cream. If I lend them the good stuff, they’re indebted to me forever. Plus, hand lotion also comes in handy (pun intended) when your hair starts acting up; just rub a tiny bit between your hands and smooth away flyaways.

*Then there are the times when your hair is seriously misbehaving and needs a time out. That’s when you pull out your purse-sized comb and/or brush and tie it back with a snag-free elastic. Depending on the brand, a whole bunch of these hair ties will cost less that $5. Carry some in your purse and throw some in your desk drawer, just to be on the safe side. I happen to carry a cavernous handbag with black interior, so here’s how I do: wrap a couple hair elastics around the handle of your brush. That way, you always know where to find your bad hair day redeemer.

*For many women, summer is the time when the shine monster starts rearing its ugly head. You might have gotten away with powder during the colder months. But in the warmer months, powder can cake and settle into fine lines. Blotting papers absorb oil without disturbing your makeup.

*One of the obvious additions to your summer makeup arsenal is waterproof mascara. One or two coats of mascara on your upper lashes lets you get away with wearing less makeup on the rest of your face. And a waterproof formula gives you peace of mind that the pigment will stay put.

*Finally, every woman needs a lip product in her purse. Personally, I’m an advocate of tossing a variety lip products in there…different colors and formulas depending on the occasion, your outfit or mood. But remember you're at work...leave the Jezebel shades at home.


Today is day one of Spoiled Pretty’s In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week. And to get this party started right, I’m giving you the chance to win a beautiful Aleya New York handbag. Whether you wear a suit to work or your job’s dress code is a little more lax, the Aleya New York Allie Hobo is the perfect compliment to your ensemble. This a-line patchwork purse has enough room for all of your products and other incidentals, is extremely comfortable on the shoulder, and wonderfully unique. The double flap is graphic and functional.

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

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.

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara: This lash-enhancing mascara instantly builds lash volume by 400%. The patent-pending formula with a touch of olive oil penetrates and helps plump the core of each and every lash. The Visible Volume Brush coats and builds even the smallest lashes with rich, volume-building color. No clumps, smudging or flaking…and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Neutrogena MoistureShine Soothing LipSheers in Sparkling Nude, Peach Sorbet, and Plum Kiss: Instantly soothe dry lips with sheer, cooling color. Moisture-infused formula contains SPF 20 to protect lips. The advanced formula contains moisturizing emollients and vitamin E to instantly soften and hydrate, while SPF 20 guards against sun damage. A unique cooling sensation soothes on contact.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: Instantly blot away excess oil and say goodbye to the shine. Oil-Absorbing Sheets soak up excess oil and remove shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind a residue. Softer than paper, these silky smooth sheets can be used easily around your nose and other areas of your face. Use them anytime, anywhere to remove oil and shine throughout the day.

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.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Aleya New York Handbag Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 29th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 30th, 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!

Fresh Faces: Revlon And Neutrogena Get New Spokesmodels

Elle Macpherson - who is nicknamed 'The Body' – will now be the face of Revlon. Elle joins Revlon’s diverse lineup of gorgeous spokeswomen including Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, and Kate Bosworth. “Elle’s special qualities as a businesswoman, beautiful and talented model, actress and mother represent the essence of the Revlon brand,” says Revlon’s President and CEO David Kennedy.


In related news, American Idol alum Katharine McPhee has signed a two-year endorsement deal with Neutrogena to become the new face of their anti-acne line. Katherine shot her first Neutrogena commercial in L.A. last week. The ad will be coming to a TV set near you, beginning in May.

Conditioning Eye Color

Neutrogena’s new Nourishing Eye Duos are coordinated eye shadows that not only enhance eyes, but condition eyelids too. The base shade conditions with natural soy, silk powder and Vitamins A, C, & E. The accent shade contains luminizing pearls to brighten eyes and add vibrancy. These nutrient-rich shadows are fade resistant, crease-proof, and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Available in Crème Caramel, Iced Coffee, Honey Nut, Fairy Dust, Starry Night, Sunlit Sage, Sugar Plum, and Sweet Dusk.

Taking It All Off

You’ve been told time and time again – don’t sleep in your makeup. But we’ve all done it. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve stumbled home from a long day at work (okay, okay…more like a long night at the club/bar) and passed out on my bed without removing my makeup.

But the truth is that sleeping in your makeup is a major beauty faux pas. Skin repairs and renews itself while you’re asleep, which is why it’s so important to wash off your makeup (as well as the daily dirt and grime that builds up on the skin) before your pretty head hits the pillow. Going to sleep with makeup on increases your odds of waking up with clogged pores, or worse – a pimple! Doesn’t it make sense to take 2 minutes to wash your face at night, rather than spend 2 or more days treating a blemish?

If you don’t trust yourself to be responsible, make it easy on yourself. Wear mineral makeup, like Bare Minerals or Sheer Cover. Or use makeup remover wipes; Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes dissolve all traces of dirt, oil, and make-up – even waterproof mascara – but are gentle enough for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive skin.

This Peel Makes Its Mark By Fading Yours

Just now, my mom called asking me to recommend a facial peel for my sister, Lauren. There are many types of peels on the market, so I inquired about what kind of result Lauren was looking for. My mom explained that the Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion I had raved about was doing a great job of clearing up my sister’s blackheads – but the process was resulting in some hyper-pigmentation. It didn’t take me long to offer a suggestion...almost immediately, I remembered a product I purchased over a year ago – that yielded great results.

Used consistently (1-3 times per week), Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel visibly reduces the appearance of post-acne marks. What I like most about the treatment is that it contains Salicylic Acid to prevent new breakouts from forming and discourage future marks. The product does a wonderful job of exfoliating skin…after using the peel, my skin had a healthy glow and was smooth as a toddler’s tuchis.

My only criticism is the smell – it isn’t pleasant, but it’s tolerable…and you get used to it after a while. In Spoiled Pretty’s opinion, it’s a small price to pay for smoother, clearer skin.

Available at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com, Walgreen’s, Eckerd, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart and Kmart.

One Concealer To Go, Hold The Oil

Today, I received an email from a reader asking me to recommend an oil-free concealer…which got me thinking about concealer, in general. As a person with combination skin, I tend to gravitate toward oil-free moisturizers, primers, and foundations…but I never think to look for oil-free concealers.

It makes absolute sense that if you’re using concealer to cover blemishes, you would want an oil-free formulation. But, for some reason, most concealers aren’t marketed that way. After conducting a lengthy Internet search, I was surprised to find that there aren’t many out there that make the claim to be oil-free. So either the choices really are limited, or there are a lot of cosmetic companies that don’t bother putting the words on the package. My suggestion is to look for concealers made for "oily or combo skin" - these formulas tend to contain drying properties that reduce both inflammation and oiliness.

The following are the fruits of my labor. As I am a tried and true fan of Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit, I can’t vouch for these products. So head on over to Makeup Alley for some unbiased and candid reviews.


Drugstore


Revlon Colorstay Undereye Concealer's exclusive formula and soft-touch applicator work to gently conceal dark undereye circles and discolorations, while giving you natural looking coverage all day. Patented SoftFlex provides a lightweight, comfortable feel. Oil-free. Non-pore-clogging. Non-irritating. With SPF 15 UVA and UVB protection.


Neutrogenia Skin-Clearing Oil Free Concealer treats and helps prevent breakouts with its easy to use click pen. Unlike ordinary concealers, this dermatologist developed formula contains salicylic acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Natural-looking coverage helps to reduce the appearance of acne.


Almay Clear Complexion Concealer is an oil-free spot concealer that targets your blemishes with salicylic acid to speed healing, while never blocking pores. The sponge tip wand delivers the perfect amount of concealer every time. Infused with meadowsweet to help purify and clear skin as well as calming botanicals such as chamomile and aloe to soothe irritation. Not for use near eyes.


Department Store


The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas by Philosophy is a multi-tasking 4-in-1 high-pigment powder that conceals, camouflages, and provides SPF protection all in one easy step. The lightweight powder is talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, water-free and oil-free and the incredibly fast and easy-to-use sponge applicator makes this gentle powder safe to use on all skin types - from the most sensitive, to the most prone to breakouts.


Full Cover by Make Up For Ever is an ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer. Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos, this light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body. Full Cover is clinically tested on sensitive skin and dermatologically controlled for gentleness.


Conceal, shield and heal blemishes with Galactic Shield - an oil-free, waterproof anti-acne concealing stick. In three shades that suit almost every skin tone, it's your daytime avenger! Received Elle magazine's Top 5 Winner "spot-on blemish eraser" award and voted "best concealer for acne" by Real Simple magazine.


Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick provides natural-looking spot coverage as blemishes heal, disappear. Its medicated formula works to cover and clear blemishes. Convenient stick formula blends on easily, under or over makeup. Oil-free.


Clinique All About Eyes Concealer disguises dark undereye circles while helping to reduce the look of puffiness. Long-wearing, moisturizing formula won’t crease or settle into fine lines. Oil-free.


Created for women with sensitive skin, LORAC's Oil Free Neutralizer is a specially-tinted makeup which can correct and conceal imperfections. Formulated without the use of harsh chemicals, this neutralizer is infused with rich botanicals such as aloe, comfrey, and chamomile to calm and soothe skin. The Oil Free Neutralizer can be used as a foundation, as a cover for redness, or as a concealer of blemishes, pigmentation spots, and under-eye circles.