Salon Rouge: Blown Away By My Blowout

When it comes to beauty, few things make me happier than a professional blowout. I always feel my prettiest after someone tugs on my tresses with a round brush and blasts them with hot air. Why? Well, because I can get away with wearing my glasses, no makeup, jeans and a t-shirt – and still look totally fabulous. That's the beauty of a blowout.

So when Salon Rouge invited me to get my hair did over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, you know I immediately RSVP'd with a resounding "YES!!!!"

While Salon Rouge isn't exactly in my neighborhood (it's located in Cherry Hill, NJ), I had such a wonderful experience that I would gladly cross state lines and pay the $3 bridge toll again for such sleek and chic hair.

First, hairstylist Heather shampooed me using Bumble and bumble Tonic Shampoo, which has Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint extracts to soothe my itchy/dry scalp, balance oil, stimulate circulation. I loved the tingle! Then she shampooed again with Bumble and bumble Alojoba Shampoo - a lightweight, moisture-rich smoothie that combines Aloe Vera Gel, Jojoba Seed Oil, Cucumber and Chamomile for soft, shiny hair. She followed up the shampoo with the Alojoba Conditioner, which also smoothes and softens.

Once the conditioner was rinsed out, Heather sprayed Bumble and bumble Tonic Lotion at the roots and all over to detangle and prepare my hair for styling; this leave-in conditioner is a must-have for those with dry, coarse, porous or colored hair. While my hair was still damp, Heather squeezed a couple drops of Bumble and bumble Defrizz into her hands and distributed throughout my hands. She explained that Defrizz is the perfect prep product before a blowout because it protects against frizz, acts as a barrier to humidity and leaves hair silky and flyaway-free – but she warns not to get overzealous because a little goes a long way.

Then Heather gave me a blowout that blew me away. It took almost no time at all, and she has a very gentle technique. My bangs were almost past my nose, so I asked her to shorten and thicken them up - and she trimmed them to perfection. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I was so happy with my bangs. Finally, she sprayed my hair with Bb.Shine before flat ironing to protect and add a polished finish.

If you're in the Greater Philadelphia/South Jersey area, I highly recommend you pay Salon Rouge a visit…and tell Heather that Spoiled Pretty says "hi."

Salon Rouge
Cross County Plaza
2110 East Route 70
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
856.424.3611

Follow Salon Rouge on Twitter!

My New Glasses: Kate Spade Liesel Frames

After a million years of wearing cheap eyeglasses (you know...that 2 pair for $99 deal you get with an eye exam?), I decided to invest some more pesos in my peepers. A few weeks ago, I visited Eyeglasses Etc. in Flourtown, PA - where the Spoiled Pretty family are regulars. My mom brought me along to pick up a new pair of prescription sunglasses, and looking at their selection of fab frames made my discount frames seem, well, bargain basement. So I asked Harriet, the owner, to pick out some styles to flatter my face (she's like an expert eyeglass matchmaker).

All of her choices were right-on, but this pair of Kate Spade Liesel frames are my perfect match; I'm one of those people who believes that leopard print makes everything better.

I am so pleased with my choice, and the price (my insurance covered a good chunk of the bill). If you're in the Philadelphia area and are visually challenged, I encourage you to pop by Eyeglasses Etc. and tell them Spoiled Pretty sent you.

HopeCuts: Haircuts For A Cure

On Sunday, November 8, 2009, stylists at over 25 Greater Philadelphia salons will open their doors from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to offer their premiere services at drastically reduced rates.

Proceeds will benefit breast cancer, pediatric cancer and HIV/AIDS research at City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute. Not only will the salons offer great prices on haircuts, but other services such as manicures and make up applications will be available at special HopeCuts rates.

HopeCuts began in 1993 when one salon in Philadelphia decided to open for business on a Sunday afternoon and donate their profits for the day to City of Hope. Today, HopeCuts events are held in salons in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and beyond.

Participating HopeCuts Salon in the Philadelphia Region:

Affinity Hair Salon, Philadelphia (215-467-9908)
Art + Science Salon and Spa, Philadelphia (215-482-2242)
Blessings Beauty Salon, Inc., Philadelphia (215-474-0499)
Bounce and Behaving Hair Studio, Philadelphia (215-472-5060)
Bubbles Salon, Philadelphia (215-568-2787)
Chroma Hair Gallery, Philadelphia (215-627-6337)
D. Tails and D. Sign, Philadelphia (215-735-2950)
Deluxe Hair Salon, Philadelphia (215-732-3602)
Diana’s Hair Gallery, Philadelphia (215-224-9100)
Eight Buck Cuts, Philadelphia (267-566-7267)
Elegant Salon, Philadelphia (215-533-6833)
Filomena’s Hair Studio, Eagleville (610-631-5774)
Hairstrands, Inc., Philadelphia (215-879-8339)
International Hair Textures, Philadelphia (215-745-2075)
LA Hair Design, Philadelphia (215-551-7710)
Lakshmi Hair Studio, Philadelphia (215-923-2272)
Liquid Hair Salon, Philadelphia (215-564-6410)
Luna Salon, Philadelphia (215-546-5862)
Meek Salon, Inc., Philadelphia (215-339-1950)
Michele Ann Beauty Salon, Philadelphia (215-335-4680)
Noelsy Art in Beauty, Bala Cynwyd (610-667-8777)
Phoenix Salon & Spa, Philadelphia (267-514-8000)
Pierre & Carlo, Glen Mills (610-558-4911)
Ramona’s Touch of Essence Hair Design Salon, Philadelphia (215-473-8850)
Salon Hairsay, Philadelphia (215-676-6506)
Salon Lepink Champu, Philadelphia (215-482-7465)
Salon Vendi Amo, Secane (610-623-0500)
Salon Xqlusives, Philadelphia (215-769-0200)

MAC Studio Talk Master Makeup Class Recap!

On Saturday, I attended the master makeup class I told y'all about. Mama Spoiled Pretty and I headed to Bloomingdale's at the Willow Grove Mall to participate in Studio Talk, "the easiest, most intuitive and entertaining way to discover key makeup applications used by MAC artists."

In this particular session, instructors Jesse (who has made up the fierce faces of Estelle and the Christina Aguilera as previous clients) and Jocelyn (who led my last Studio Talk class) taught us how to recreate this season's hottest makeup trends. Jesse demonstrated an 'on-trend eye' look, with blue smoky shadow and a pale lip - while Jocelyn demonstrated an 'on-trend lip' look - complete with a geometric bronze eye and red glossy lip. Mama Spoiled Pretty and I opted for the latter, and we had fantastic results - if I do say so myself.

Here's how it's done:

1) Mist the face with Fix+, an aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi.
2) Apply moisturizer using 190 Foundation Brush.
3) Using the 190 Foundation Brush, apply Prep + Prime Skin to entire face; this product acts like double stick tape for your face, so foundation lasts longer than a hot minute.
4) Using a synthetic eye shadow brush like the 242 Shader Brush, apply Paint Pot in Painterly to the eye - from lashline to brow bone. Paint Pots are an excellent shadow, but also do double duty by preventing creasing and acting as a lid primer to prevent shadow slippage.
5) Apply brown eye shadow to lid, from lash line to crease, with the same brush from step 4; I used Mulch Eye Shadow (red-brown w/bronze pearl), which I later purchased. It's that gorgeous.
6) Using the 219 Pencil Brush (another product I purchased post class), apply gold eye shadow to the lash line, starting at the inner corner and working your way half-way along the top and bottom lash line.
7) Line the eye - in short straight strokes - with Technakohl Liner in Graphblack (rich graphic black) along the entire top lash line.
8) Starting at the middle of the bottom lash line, line with Graphblack - and line outward.
9) Using the short stroke method, create a sideways V on the outer corner of the eye; so start at the outer corner, draw a few short strokes, horizontally - then continue the strokes upward and inward towards the crease of the eye.
10) Take the 219 Pencil Brush and blend the liner you applied in steps 7-9 and smudge them, softening the line.

11) Next, take a darker brown shadow (I used Embark Eye Shadow - an intense reddish brown) and, using the 219 Pencil Brush, apply in a sideways V to the outer corner of the eye - on top of where you created the sideways V with the Technakohl Liner.
12) Blend the entire eye using the 224 Tapered Blending Brush and circular motions - to avoid any harsh lines.
13) To create more depth, Jesse suggested I also apply a black shadow in the same manner as step 11 (I used Carbon - intense matte black). He was absolutely right, as it amped up the smokiness. Afterwards, use the 224 Tapered Blending Brush to blend again.
14) Next, apply foundation to the entire face, using the 190 Foundation Brush from steps 2 and 3. Make sure not to disturb your kick ass eye shadow.
15) Using the same brush, apply concealer directly underneath the eyes.
16) If your face is looking a little dry by this point (mine did), mist your face again with Fix+.

17) Using the 208 Angled Brow Brush, apply a shadow that is slightly darker than your brows to define them thicken them up. Mistakes are easily corrected with a Q-Tip.
18) Using the 129 Powder/Blush Brush, apply Mineralize SkinFinish in Cheeky Bronze (soft golden coral w/ bronze pearl) to cheekbones for a subtle glow that illuminates bone structure when it catches the light; it looks so amazing, I ended up buying this product. Jesse also recommended that you say "Bladow!" when applying it; saying this won't make it look any better, but it's hilariously fun.
19) Using the same brush, apply a light dusting of blush (I used Sincere Powder Blush, a muted beige/coral) to the apples of cheeks and blend outwards.
20) Line lips with Spice Lip Pencil (pink cinnamon stick) and fill them almost all the way in; leave the center of the bottom lip bare.
21) Using the 316 Lip Brush, apply Viva Glam VI Lipstick (terracotta-plum with pearl) to both lips.

22) Using the same brush, apply Viva Glam I Lipstick (intense brownish blue-red) to the center of lips - both top and bottom.
23) Using the 316 Lip Brush again, apply Dazzleglass in Love Alert (raspberry red with red pearl) to entire mouth.
24) Finish off the look by applying Prep + Prime Lash to lashes; and while it's still wet, top lashes off with two coats of Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack (rich black).

I'd like to give a shout out to Spoiled Pretty readers/Twitter followers who I had the pleasure of meeting at the event: Felicia, Stephanie, Jackie, Sandy and Libby. You ladies looked ab fab after the class, and I hope you all had a fabulously fun time like me and Mama Spoiled Pretty!

Jesse and model

Jocelyn and model

Libby and Mama Spoiled Pretty

The finished product (I almost forgot to take an 'after' photo, so I snapped a few in the car)

Better view of the eyes

Another shot of the eyes - Bladow!

MAC Master Makeup Class on October 17 Is Filling Up!

Earlier this week, I told you about the MAC Master Makeup Class scheduled for October 17th in suburban Philadelphia. Well, it looks like I'm not the only one super psyched to attend...because many of you have called in to reserve your spots.

If you're interested, but still haven't made up your mind - act fast, because spots are filling up. There are just a few seats left in the 4pm session (I'll be there). The 11am class has a bit more room.

Click here for the deets and contact info.

See you there?

Attention Philly Gals: MAC Master Makeup Class on October 17!

On Saturday, October 17th, MAC Bloomingdale's at the Willow Grove Mall is having a special Studio Talk Seminar. MAC makeup artists will be teaching participants how to achieve four hot trends for fall.

It's a intermediate to advanced level Makeup Master Class and will be held at Bloomingdale's in a private location, where there will be refreshments. There will be MAC makeup and tools supplied for you to use, and there will be new tips and techniques for you to learn in a fun and creative atmosphere.

I had the opportunity to attend one of these seminars in April, and it was the most fun I've ever had putting on makeup. I learned some amazing techniques that I now employ almost daily. Plus, I left the seminar looking like a million bucks.

Classes will be held at 11am & 4pm, and it is a $55 pre-pay in the form of a gift card - which you use afterward the seminar, toward the purchase of products (so the class is basically free).

I will be attending the 4pm seminar, so maybe I'll see you there?

If you are interested in attending, call my girls at the MAC counter to reserve your seat. And be sure to tell them that Spoiled Pretty sent you.

Bloomingdale's Willow Grove
2400 W. Moreland Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
215.706.3569

Rescue Rittenhouse Spa: I Wanna Be Sedated

Lately, it seems like I’ve been around the world and I I I, I can't find my sanity. So I decided to visit Philadelphia’s famed Rescue Rittenhouse Spa for some R&R wrapped up in a little TLC. Rescue Rittenhouse has some amazing summer treatment specials* going on right now, so I opted for the Massage plus Sugar Scrub.

Since it was a two-fer, I assumed it was going to be a rushed rubdown with a smidgen of a scrub- a-dub tacked on to the end. Quite the contrary...it was a marathon massage session so relaxing that, at one point, I had to catch myself from drooling. Seriously, Massage Therapist Alycja will put you in a comatose state.

Everything about her technique was just perfect – from the pacing to the amount of pressure to the amount of massage oil to the temperature of the hot towels…it was Goldilocks' dream come true. And I swear that when I closed my eyes, Alycja sprouted more fingers, because it was like her hands were everywhere at once.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the sugar scrub as much as I did because exfoliation isn’t usually a relaxing experience. But as she rubbed the grapefruit/lemongrass/peppermint-scented scrub over my body, I slipped into a deeper level of sedation. The sugar crystals sloughed away months of dead skin and I emerged from the treatment with a brand new epidermis. I can’t stop touching my skin because I can’t believe it’s mine. No exaggerating...it hasn’t been this soft and smooth since 1978.

*Rescue Rittenhouse Spa's summer beauty specials ($100) are good through 8/31 and include:

1. Buff and Bronze and Designer Eyebrow Shaping
2. Massage and Salt or Sugar Scrub
3. Brazilian Bikini Wax and a Perfect 10 Manicure and Pedicure
4. Classic Rescue Facial and Designer Eyebrow Shaping

Visit rescuerittenhousespa.com for other spa services.

Rescue Rittenhouse Spa
255 South 17th Street
Second Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Spa Concierge: 215.772.2766

Getting Dressed With Zahra Saeed

A few weeks ago when I was packing for a 4-day trip to New York for the Daily Makeover Beauty Bloggerati conference, I did the usual. I loaded a 30" suitcase (which happens to be bigger than many NYC studio apartments) with 10-days worth of wardrobe options. But of all the clothes that I crammed into my luggage, the piece that I was most excited to wear was a dress by Philadelphia designer, Zahra Saeed.

Late last month, I stopped by Saeed's Rittenhouse boutique - looking for something special to take on my trip. Upon entering the shop, I was immediately smitten with the romantic silhouettes, bold prints and intricate details of the designer's spring/summer 2009 collection.

After perusing the racks, I took several dresses into the fitting room. Zahra Saeed's line doesn't offer petite sizes, so I kept my excitement in check until I tried everything on. But to my surprise, most of the dresses fit amazingly well. It was almost as if Zahra Saeed had crafted patterns based on my exact proportions.

Though all of the dresses that I tried on were beautiful, I didn't have a difficult time choosing which one to take home; actually, it chose me. The second I slipped on this high collared, tea dyed dress - with its ruffled sleeves and delicate embroidery - I knew it was meant to be. I adored it so much that I wanted to wear it out of the store that day.

And when I was in New York, I kept waiting for the right occassion to wear it. I didn't want to waste such a gorgeous dress - the perfect summer dress, to be fair - on just any ole shindig. So I saved the best for last.

For my final night in NYC, I wore my Zahra Saeed dress to dinner at Kingswood (the see and be seen hotspot in the West Village), then drinks and dancing at bOb Bar (best hip hip on the Lower East Side).

Joining me were my blogging besties (Amber, Erika and Julia), Heather (from MAC) and Andrea (from Essence Magazine).

Here are some of the highlights:

Erika and me

Julia and Amber


Erika and Heather


Andrea and Julia

Don't drink and tweet

Andrea and Heather

I wonder what our drinks say about us

If you're in Philly, check out the Zahra Saeed flagship store at 1905 Walnut Street. Nowhere near Philadelphia? Don't fret...shop online at zahrasaeed.com.

Philadelphia Estheticians: The Skin Diva Wants To School You!

Philadelphia esthetician Linda Harding has turned teacher. After 14 years in the business, Linda is shifting gears. Her new Hit The Ground Running Esthetician's Workshop was created to give novice and nervous estheticians a competitive edge in the spa industry.

Linda spoke with the owners and manager of the top six Philadelphia-area spas, and asked them to list the qualities that are most desirable in an esthetician seeking employment. The answers she heard most frequently were: passion, dedication, clear skin, excellent customer service abilities, and professional demeanor.

To help a new generation of estheticians properly prepare to enter the job market, Linda created Hit The Ground Running, a worshop divided into two modules. The first session teaches students about different spa environments, which personality types are compatible with those environments, how to articulately answer interview questions, and sales.

The second half of the workshop is a hands-on module in facial and waxing techniques. Linda also trains students on advanced machinery, such as light therapy and microdermabrasion.

“Most esthetic schools provide you with an excellent theoretical foundation, however they don’t really prepare you for the spa industry and they don’t tell you what to do to get hired," says Linda. "The bottom line is that you touch people for a living: emotionally and physically. If you don’t know how, you will not keep clients and as the word spreads, you will not get clients. Right now, the industry is in a lull - like most businesses in the country. However, estheticians who are good continue to work steadily. This lull in the market allows beginners to sharpen their skills and make themselves more competitive and marketable. The lull is a good thing. It makes the playing ground more even. After completing this workshop, participants will feel confident and secure enough to get the job they most desire.”

The cost for this one-day workshop (approximately 8 hours) is $350; included in this cost is a separate 60 minute, one-on-one consultation with Linda; during this private session, students can seek extra counseling or training on their weakest areas.

Mention Spoiled Pretty when you sign up for Hit The Ground Running and you will enjoy a 20% discount.

For more information and to enroll in the workshop, call Linda at 215.796.3520 or click here to send a message to her inbox.

Thread Beauty Bar Giveaway!

A few months ago, my mom told me that she and my sister had gone to get their eyebrows threaded at this kiosk in the King of Prussia Mall. I had been dying to jump on the threading bandwagon, but didn’t really imagine my first foray into this ancient art of hair removal going down in the middle of a congested shopping center. I mean, no one needs to know about my moustache maintenance. I exaggerate, but you get my point. So at the end of my mother’s threading kiosk narrative, she tells me that, while standing in line, she met a woman with the most amazing eyebrows. “Did she get them done at the kiosk?” I breathlessly asked. My mom said no, that she had just opened her own day spa downtown. As is usually the case with Mama Spoiled Pretty, she couldn’t recall the pertinent details, like the name of the spa or the location. But she remembered the woman’s name…Dara. So I started sleuthing and soon solved the mystery.

For forever, if you were a phillie from Philly who wanted her arches threaded, it used to entail a trip to New York. And for years, Dara King made the 100 mile trip to maintain her enviable eyebrows. Weary of making the trek, this former Temple University business student hatched a plan for Philadelphia to catch up to her trend-setting big sis, NYC. Not only would she open a threading salon, she would become proficient in this art – and teach every one of the technicians who worked there. She would add manis/pedis, facials, and makeup application to the menu of services – using a range of botanically-based products. And as the icing on the proverbial cake, forget about scheduling a treatment in advance…because appointments aren’t necessary.

So thanks to Dara and her entrepreneurial vision, we Philly girls can save ourselves a trip on NJ Transit, Amtrak, or the Chinatown bus – because Thread Beauty Bar is right in our backyard!

Thread Beauty Bar, located at 1903 Chestnut Street, opened to rave reviews this spring…so on my lunch break one day, I walked on over to see what all the hype was about. The spa isn’t the easiest to find; the entrance to the 2nd floor walk-up is a little obscure. But once you ascend the stairs to this modern and spacious beauty oasis – you’ll fall in love with this hidden gem.

Even without an appointment, I waited less than ten minutes. My eyebrow shaping and upper lip threading took less than five. And, here’s the kicker – it only cost $20!

If you’ve never been threaded or haven’t seen how it’s done – here’s a crash course:

The process involves a piece of thread, and the ends are knotted together to make a circle. The thread is then twisted to form the shape of a bow tie and glided along the skin. As the unwanted hair comes in to the twist of the thread, it is lifted straight from the roots. Threading is an all natural method of hair removal and far superior to waxing because it doesn’t necessitate the use of nasty chemicals, which can burn and irritate skin. It’s also more precise than waxing, and you’d be amazed at how a simple piece of thread can result in such expertly shaped brows.

The sensation is beyond words…I can’t even begin to articulate. Oddly fascinating is the only way I can describe it. I’ve been waxed a ka-trillion times, so that process (and the pain that accompanies it) is old hat for me. And in the discomfort category, threading beats waxing every time. It’s a TKO. I wouldn’t even describe the feeling as pain…and it’s over so quickly that even big babies will be able to bite the bullet.

Thread Beauty Bar is open late (check the website for days and hours of operation) - so even after the hour strikes 7pm and Rittenhouse boutiques kick your shopaholic ass out, you can walk down the street and get prettified. And for parties of six or more, Thread offers birthday, bachelorette, bridal, girls night out, and corporate parties.

Because I can’t keep a good thing to myself, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Thread Beauty Bar for a giveaway! If you live in the Greater Philadelphia area, enter to win a $50 gift card to Thread Beauty Bar.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Thread Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Friday, September 12th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Saturday, September 13th, I'll announce the winner's name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning.

Good luck!

Interview With Deidre Wengen, The Beauty Behind PhillyBurbs.com's Beauty Blog

My husband says [of me] that he’s “never met anyone more proud to be a Philadelphian.” I think that pretty much sums me up. I love my hometown, and it is my pleasure to bring some global exposure to Philadelphia beauty brands, events and experts.

So listen up…whether or not you’re from the City of Brotherly Love, you’ll benefit from the knowledge I’m about to drop on you.

PhillyBurbs.com’s Guide For Her serves up tasty morsels of beauty, fashion, and pop culture news…and since discovering the site in May, it has become one of my favorite daily online destinations.

Recently, I interviewed the beauty behind the blog, Deidre Wengen. Here’s what she had to say:

When did you first realize that you were beauty obsessed?

That's a tough one. I've always loved playing around with makeup and hair products for as long as I can remember. I am from a pretty small town so I was never really exposed to any big-name department stores or beauty supply stores. I think the first time I really got the beauty bug was when I walked into Sephora at the King of Prussia Mall during my first year in college. I was blown away by all the brands and products under one roof. I have recklessly proceeded to spend my money on beauty
products since then.

What is your favorite thing about being a beauty blogger?

I am really fortunate to have a job where I can write about and blog about things that I love. With that being said, I try to make my weekly column a cross between a blog post and an editorial feature. Our beauty coverage on PhillyBurbs.com is relatively new. I am just getting my feet wet in the already buzzing beauty blogging world. But meeting new people is my favorite part of being a writer in general. There are so many talented and dedicated beauty bloggers out there and I hope I have the chance to chat with all of them in the future!

If you had to limit the scope of your blog, which one of these categories would you focus on: skin care, hair, nails, cosmetics, beauty tools/implements, or fragrance - and why?

I hope I never have to limit it! But if I did, I would probably stick with cosmetics. I will never get tired of trying new lip gloss or playing with different colors. Plus, I am continually in awe of makeup can really enhance your features. I really think that it is somewhat of an artistic expression and I love the creativity that cosmetics offer.

What are some of your favorite under-the-radar beauty brands?

One thing I've quickly learned about the beauty industry is that there are so many small or independently run companies that make exceptional products. Currently I am in love with a couple of bath and body brands such as Shea Terra Organics, LaLicious and Soaptopia. They all have amazing scrubs and body lotions that smell incredible. I also love Jaqua products, but I'm not really sure how under-the-radar they are since a lot of celebrities seem to love them as well!

How do you feel about Philly being named the ugliest city in America?

All I have to say is that the violence in the city is ugly, the people are not. Philadelphia has some beautiful, talented and incredibly artistic people. I cannot count the number of times when I have been walking down the street and been nearly knocked off my feet by a striking woman who just oozes confidence and style. There are plenty of good looking men too. I think that the claim is pretty bogus.

Name three beauty products that, in your opinion, are splurge-worthy.

One would have to be Skyn Iceland's Pure Cloud Cream. It retails for $75, but it is honestly one of my favorite products EVER. It is so light and airy- kind of like a marshmallow- and it make my face look glowy and feel super soft. Another would be Kerastase's Volumizing Shampoo. The price is $32 which, to me, is kind of pricey for shampoo, but it works wonders for my limp hair. I love all of the volume products from their Volumactive collection. They're amazing. My last pick would probably be Ole Henriksen's Micro/Mini Peel System. It retails for $95, but it is seriously like a spa treatment that you can do at home and it lasts for a while because you only need to use it once a week. It really does amazing things for my complexion. I highly recommend it.

Which mascara do you swear by?

I have to say Fiberwig. Have you tried this stuff? It claims to be "Paint-on False Lashes" and I think that's a pretty fair assessment. It contains tiny fibers that latch onto your lashes and lengthens them. Plus, it doesn't smudge throughout the day and it never irritates my contacts.

Do you have any beauty-related old wives' tales that you actually practice?

None that are really well known. However, my grandmother used to always say that eating the crust on bread makes "Polish girls beautiful." Needless to say, I always eat my bread crust - even though I don't like it that much.

What fragrance do you consider your signature scent?

That would have to be DKNY Be Delicious. I absolutely love it. But I have been cheating recently with a sample of Hanae Mori's Magical Moon that I scored from Sephora - it's the perfect summer fragrance.

If you could only use one beauty brand for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

Hands down, it would have to be Tarte Cosmetics. I have yet to meet a product that I was disappointed in from this brand. I am a blush addict and I am obsessed with their cheekstains.

Plus, I really admire the goals of their recent Health Couture initiative. I just love their products.

Deidre really is a wealth of knowledge, isn't she? Head on over to PhillyBurbs.com Guide For Her. And while you're there, check out Deidre's interview of yours truly.

The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Give Away Some Shades!

A few weeks ago, I decided to write an article about sunglasses. I owed it to you to write more than a puff piece about which styles are in vogue, so I enlisted the help of an expert.


After work one day, I took a taxi to the Old City section of Philadelphia and instructed the driver to stop in front of Margot & Camille Optique. Upon entering the cozy boutique, I was warmly greeted by Valerie Vittu, Optician and Eyewear Image Consultant, formerly of Alain Mikli on Madison Avenue in New York City. Her boutique has an upscale feel, with artistic flourishes - like its saffron-hued walls and artfully displayed merchandise.

What I expected to be a 20-25 minute conversation turned out to be an hour and a half tutorial. In a frenetic French accent, Valerie schooled me on how to choose the right pair of sunglasses. It isn't an exact science, she explained. A certain face shape plus a particular frame shape does not necessarily equal your perfect pair of shades. If I learned anything from this former sculptor turned optician, it's that choosing a flattering pair of sunglasses is an art.

Obviously, the process involves a good deal of trial and error. It can be as confusing and frustrating as finding a pair of jeans or the elusive "perfect" swimsuit. But with a few tips, you can narrow the scope of your search and make the process much easier - and fun!

When shopping for sunglasses, consider the following factors:

Shape

Decide which styles work best with your face shape. Round Faces: If you have a round face shape, avoid sunglasses with rounded frames...this will only emphasize the roundness of your face. Angular shapes create a contrast that is visually slimming. Square Faces: If your face is square, look for rounded styles that can help to soften. Heart-Shaped: Find frames that balance a wide forehead and compliment your gorgeous cheeks and pointy chin. Oval Faces: You lucky lasses have the most options when choosing sunglasses. Almost any style will be flattering, but remember that face shape isn't the only aspect to consider...

Size
When it comes to sunglasses, one size does not fit all. Oversized shades may be very on-trend right now - but what's seriously stylish is wearing a pair that works with the proportions of your face and body. Sunglasses that are too big will swallow you up, and make it look as though they're wearing you...too small, and people will think you beat up some poor little girl and stole her shades. You wouldn't squeeze your size 10 derriere into size 2 daisy dukes. The same idea applies to your eyewear. But on the flip side, sunglasses that offer more coverage do a better job of protecting the delicate skin around your eye area.

Fit
Sunglasses should fit comfortably on the face. If they pinch the temples or pull on the ears, put 'em back on the shelf. An ill-fitting pair, no matter how cute, is just going to give you a headache. If you have a low nose bridge or none at all, you should probably gravitate toward glasses with nose pads. How can you tell if you fall into this category? If there is a gap where the glasses sit on your nose, you're a candidate for nose pads. I fall into this category.

Color
Stay in the same color family as your complexion and hair, and the effect will be neutral. You can also play with color to accentuate certain features or downplay imperfections. To highlight lips, for example, choose a frame or lens with rose tones. If you have olive skin or visible veins, stay away from green tints. If you have a ruddy complexion, counteract the red with blue tints.

Lens
If you’re going to get prescription sunglasses, don't concern yourself with the lenses - because they will be removed. Otherwise, you might want to ask the optician or salesperson about different lens features. I have a personal prefence for polarized lenses, which help to reduce the glare created when light bounces off of some objects, such as water, highways and other similar surfaces. Here's a cool trick that Valerie taught me: to see if lenses are polarized, hold sunglasses in front of a computer screen. Then tilt them sideways, on a 45 degree angle. The lenses will appear opaque black. Pretty cool stuff, right?

UV Protection
Don't be misled into thinking that dark lenses offer higher UV protection. The UV coating on lenses is clear, so tint has nothing to do with UV. What is especially dangerous, Valerie warned, is to buy darkly tinted sunglasses that offer no UV protection - because the pupils are wide open and especially susceptible to damage. The FDA recommends you purchase sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. The sticker should read either UV 400 or 100% UV protection.

Price
You might be tempted to go cheap, but a quality pair of shades is actually a sound investment. When you buy inexpensive sunglasses, you treat them like inexpensive sunglasses. You haphazardly toss them into your purse without a case, accidentally sit on them and warp the frames, or flat-out lose them. When you invest in a good pair of glasses, you handle them with care and keep tabs on their whereabouts. Valerie asked me, "How many Bic pens do you own and where are they?" She added, "You don't know and you probably don't care. But if you have a Montblanc pen, you know where it's at at all times." Valerie speaks the truth, y'all.

Personality
Finally, it's important to take your personality into account. If you are athletic, you might want to look for sportier styles. Glamour girls might want to consult magazines before buying. As an optician, Valerie is committed to helping a customer select frames that reflect her identity and the way she wants to be perceived. And it's always a good idea to take a family member or girlfriend with you - someone who will tell you the truth. "Make sure she's honest, and not jealous," Valerie joked.

This week, Margot & Camille Optique schools us in art of sunglasses...and they're also spoiling you pretty with two fabulous giveaways!!!

One grand prize winner will receive these limited-edition Etnia Barcelona N°00 sunglasses* - these babies retail for $295! And two readers from the Philadelphia area will win a $50 gift certificate* to Margot & Camille Optique!!!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name - and local gals, make sure to indicate that you live in the Philadelphia area. The subject line should read "Sunglasses Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, July 6th. One winner and two runners-up will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, July 7th, 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.

Good luck!

*No returns and no exchanges on the sunglasses or gift certificates.

My Date With Franc at the Giovanni & Pileggi Salon

A month ago, I was invited to the grand re-opening of Giovanni & Pileggi, now located in an 1840’s Federal Period Townhouse at 256 South 16th Street in Center City Philadelphia. A few weeks later, I was invited back to the salon – this time, to have my hair cut and colored by one of their talented stylists.

Last Tuesday, I arrived at the salon and was greeted by Franc, whom I had met back in April at the opening. His friendly demeanor put me at ease, at least a little bit. But having been in a 13-year monogamous relationship with my hairdresser Erik, I was having heart palpitations about putting my hair in someone else’s hands.

When Franc sat me down in his chair and asked me what I had in mind for my new do, I surprised myself when I responded, "Do whatever you think is best. I trust you." I removed the elastic from ponytail and Franc sized up my mane. "Highlights," he said assertively. "Highlights will give your hair dimension."

After mixing up my color, he quickly applied the mixture and foil to sections of my hair with amazing dexterity. While working his magic, I remembered I was there in a journalistic capacity and began firing off questions.

Franc told me that as a student at The Philadelphia High School for Creative And Performing Arts, he befriended some girls in the dance department and started doing their hair. Not long after, he realized that hair was his calling and enrolled in beauty school. After graduating from beauty school, he moved to New York City and worked at Bumble & Bumble. It was during his years in NYC that he noticed how segregated the industry was - white customers patronized white salons and black clients patronized black salons. So Franc decided to teach himself how to work with ethnic/textured hair, so that he could cater to all patrons.

In New York, he honed his craft working at the Bumble & Bumble salon – as well as doing fashion shows and photo shoots. But a few years ago, he got a little homesick and decided to move back to Philly to work exclusively in a salon setting. "I much prefer working in a salon because I enjoy helping regular people transform into better versions of themselves," he said. "It’s not that hard to make a model look good. Plus salon work allows me to be creative. When you’re doing editorial or runway work, you’re following someone else’s template."

After rinsing the dye out of my hair, a gloss was applied and allowed to marinate – to add all-over shine to my dull locks. But before long, I was back in Franc’s chair. He quickly blow dried my hair and whipped out his shears. Again, I shocked myself by telling him to do what he thought was best. He decided to keep the length, but add some layers that would give my hair shape and movement. Then he styled it without any input from me. So how’d he do?









Amazing, right?!?!?!?!?! I love my hair and I love Franc for transforming me into a better version of myself.

If you live anywhere near Philadelphia, even if it’s kind of a hike, you must get to Giovanni & Pileggi and pay Franc a visit.

Philly’s Got A Brand New Bag – Plus A LILL Giveaway!

Last week, I had the pleasure of touring 1154 LILL Studio's newest boutique. The 1154 LILL “design your own handbag” concept was born at a Windy City street fair in 1999 – and since its inception, 1154 LILL Studio has opened stores in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City. I’m so excited that they’ve found a home in my hometown, Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia boutique boasts 1000 square feet, with wooden design tables throughout the space where customers can create the bag/accessory of their choice by mixing and matching some of the 150 available fabrics. The styles offered range from small cosmetic bags and headbands to large handbags and oversized totes, and cost between $26 and $200.

After touring the premises and hearing the company back story, I was elated to learn that 1154 LILL Studio was allowing me to create my own custom bag! For almost an hour, I played with fabrics, colors, and textures to make a fab bag for Spring. Here’s how the 1154 LILL Studio custom handbag concept works:

1) First pick your style of bag from over 25 current shapes and silhouettes in the line.

2) Mix and match colors, patterns and textures to select the right choice for each part of your bag: exterior, interior, pockets, straps, etc. 1154 LILL Studio introduces new fabrics every few weeks and have between 150 – 300 designer textiles available at any given time.

3) After placing your order, you simply have to wait 3 to 4 weeks for the 1154 LILL Studio team to hand craft it to your exact specifications. Your order will be shipped to you, or you can pick it up in one of the boutique locations.

Even though my bag is currently in the hands of the Chicago-based production team, here’s a sneak peek at my Spoiled Pretty satchel...


Adorable, right? Even if you don’t reside anywhere near one of their boutiques, a one-of-a-kind 1154 LILL Studio creation is at your fingertips – thanks to their online store. 1154lill.com is open 24/7 – and the customization tool lets you see your bag as you design it.

Wait…it gets better. 1154 LILL Studio has graciously donated a $100 gift certificate, so that one lucky Spoiled Pretty reader can design her very own creation!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com - be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "LILL Giveaway.” The contest ends at 9pm EST on Sunday, April 6th. A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, April 7th, 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.

Good Luck!!!

Check out this video of 1154 LILL Studio, behind the seams.

Philadelphia Phocus & Giveaway: Mother's Nature Soaps

It’s freezing right now in Philadelphia, and my heater is working overtime to keep my home toasty warm. So, nowadays, one of the things I most look forward to is a relaxing, hot shower. But because this time of year is particularly harsh on my sensitive skin, I have to be careful of the bath and body products I use. Luckily, I’ve discovered Mother’s Nature Soaps.

Mother’s Nature Soaps is a family-run company that specializes in luxurious homemade soaps, bath products, and natural skin care products. Alyson, the owner, started making soaps in 2003 to help her son’s eczema. Five years later, she says the same amount of love that went into her first bar of soap still goes into every bar she makes now.

The hand-crafted soaps are made with pure rainwater, oils of olive, coconut, sunflower, palm, castor and canola; some of the soap formulas also contain extra nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, honey, buttermilk, organic milks for extra skin moisturizing benefits and are colored with natural pigments. Noticeably absent from the list of ingredients are the synthetic chemicals found in many conventional bar soaps. Mother’s Nature Soaps are also rich in natural glycerin, which draws moisture to your skin to promote a healthy, youthful appearance.

My favorite product is the Monkey Farts Soap, a unique blend of bananas, fresh grapefruit, with strawberries, kiwi, bubble gum and a touch of vanilla. Alyson says that it’s a hit with kids and adults. I'm also wild for the Butter Kisses; they literally melt on your skin and moisturize with pure cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil and Vitamin E.

Mother’s Nature Soaps is located in Middletown, Delaware (a half-hour drive outside of Philadelphia), but their website ensures that – no matter where you live – their all-natural products are just a click away.

But this week only, Spoiled Pretty is giving you the opportunity to win some of these wonderful products! One winner will receive a Mother’s Nature Soaps Gift Basket, filled with the following goodies: Lavender Fields Soap, Monkey Farts Soap, Lavender & Eucalyptus Soap, Clarity Bath Salts, Lavender & Mint Body Polish, Soap Saver, 4 oz Lavender Whipped Body Butter, and Chocolate Mint Lip Balm. This gift basket retails for $50.

A 2nd place winner will receive a $25 gift certificate, and a third place winner will be rewarded with a $15 gift certificate.

Entering the giveaway is easy. To be eligible for the contest, you must be a Spoiled Pretty subscriber. Subscribing is simple and quick - just click here (don't forget to verify your email address). Plus you’ll be signed up to get posts delivered directly to your inbox. Contest closes at 9pm EST on Sunday, January 27th – and the winners will be revealed on Monday, January 28th. Good luck!