Skintimate Limited Edition Cans Designed by Mara Hoffman

Over the past few months, Skintimate and I have worked closely to create fun and fashionable cans that will instantly add a little style to your daily shower routine. The collection reflects both my unique and colorful design sense with the signature Skintimate aesthetic to create something new and exciting for the consumer. -Designer Mara Hoffman.

Take your shave routine up one fashionable notch with the new Skintimate Limited Edition cans created by New York Fashion Designer Mara Hoffman. Mara created four new bold, colorful designs inspired by nature, world travel and fantasy. Revealed during New York Fashion Week in February 2011, the Skintimate Limited Edition designer cans are available until September 2011 to add a splash of style to your daily beauty routine. The Skintimate Limited Edition designer cans come in four fun flavors:

• Flirty Mango is enriched with the succulent scent of fresh mango along with olive butter, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 
• Strawberry Tangerine Twist includes the luscious fragrance of summer fruits along with olive butter, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5
• Raspberry Rain features a refreshing fragrance of fresh raspberries along with olive butter, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 
• Skin Therapy in Dry Skin is a unique moisture rich lotionized gel combined with a skin softening complex of restorative moisturizers, vitamins and anti-oxidants

LAVANILA The Healthy Body Wash 2-In-1 Shower & Shave

I lead a double life...hell, triple, to be honest. I have a full-time job, manage Spoiled Pretty in my spare time and I'm the mom of  a very active baby boy, Westley. So I can really appreciate a beauty product that does double duty while, literally, shaving time off my beauty routine.

LAVANILA The Healthy Body Wash 2-In-1 Shower & Shave is an all-natural body wash that prevents irritation as you shave. The hydrating formula - enriched with coconut and rosehip oils, as well as aloe - gently cleanses without leaving my skin dry or tight afterwards. It's sulfate free, so don't expect lots and lots of lather...just enough to let you know it's doing its job and where you've already shaved.

The smell is divine. The brand sent me the Vanilla Passion Fruit to test, which is a wonderful summertime fragrance. It's not too strong, yet not so light that - mid shower - you're thinking, "What scent is this supposed to be, again?" It also won't compete with your lotion or perfume, if you choose something other than the corresponding LAVANILA body products.

LAVANILA is a family affair in my house. They have a wonderful collection of products for wee ones too, which Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I use to baby Westley's skin. Check out my review of The Healthy Baby Butter here.

LAVANILA is sold at Sephora and lavanila.com.

Schick Intuition Limited Edition Handles

In a few weeks, I'll be heading to Miami to report from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. And being the Type A personality that I am, I've already started writing a packing list. In fact, I've already started sequestering products in preparation for my travels.

One thing I've already set aside is my beloved Schick Intuition Razor. It's perfect for traveling thanks to its "Skin Moisturizing Solid," which lathers and hydrates while you shave. Since you don't need to take along a separate can of shave gel, this baby takes up minimal real estate in your toiletries bag. And here's the best part: it delivers the closest shave I've ever experienced with a razor - stubbly stems, begone!

Knowing how much I love the Intuition, Schick recently sent me a sample of the razor's latest incarnation. For a limited time, the Intuition is available in three fun designs: Naturals For Sensitive Skin With Aloe and Vitamin E (green); Moisturizing Care Pack Duo (polka-dot pink); and Pomegranate Extract (pink swirl) - which is coming with me to Florida.

The great thing about these handles is their long shelf life. After the Skin Moisturizing Solid has worn away, you keep the handle and just pop on a new blade. I love me some Intuition (if they ever discontinue this razor, I think I might cry). As with most razors, replacement blades can get kinda pricey - so my tip is to stock up when you have a coupon or when they're on sale. Personally, I buy in bulk at Sam's Club.

Schick Intuition Limited Edition designs are available at drugstores and mass market retailers, now through September.

Closest Shave Ever

Pregnancy hormones have sent my hair follicles into overdrive. It's gotten to the point where I've got a 5 o'clock shadow on my legs at, like, 2pm. And thanks to the ungodly heat and humidity in Philly right now, hiding my grizzly gams under long pants isn't exactly appealing...especially considering that I'm having one long hot flash right now.

So I recently got reacquainted with my favorite scrub - KP Duty by DERMAdoctor - and it gave me the closest shave ever. Yeah, using it adds an extra few minutes to your shower routine. But it exfoliates so well that it allows your razor to cut super close so that you can go longer between shaves - which is great for me because:

a) no one actually enjoys shaving and

b) in my current condition, the act of shaving my legs is like pregnant Cirque du Soleil.

Oh, and you won't be able to stop petting your legs because they'll be ridiculously smooth. I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating. KP Duty Body Scrub runs circles around that scrub you've got sitting on the edge of your tub.

Winners of the Gillette Venus Spa Breeze Giveaway!

Congrats to the following winners of the Gillette Venus Spa Breeze Giveaway:

Diane Baum
EDRing
Gamagoo
mediumcrazy
MrsAdorkable
Nikki J
Rai
Sarah D.
Shel
sksweeps

The Venus Spa Breeze features built-in "shave gel bars" with white tea scent, 3-blade for an ultra close shave, interchangeable blade refill cartridges, a shaving compact for in-shower refill storage, and a soft grip handle for no-slip control.

Many thanks to Gillette for spoiling these readers pretty.

Stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway announcement!

Venus Razor Giveaway Winner

Congrats to Casie Starr, winner of the Venus Razor Giveaway. Casie has won:

* Venus Embrace and Embrace replacement blades
* Gillette Satin Care Lavender Kiss Shave Gel
* Olay Touch of Sun Quench Plus
* Fedora hat with changeable black ribbon around the brim
* Colorful oversized beach towel
* Mara Hoffman bikini

Big thanks to Gillette for sponsoring this giveaway. Casie is one lucky gal.

All of you ladies who were hoping to read your name in this post, don't get discouraged. Check out the other contests that are currently running.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Happy Birthday, Bikini: Venus Razor Giveaway

It’s hard to believe, but this month marks the 60th anniversary of the bikini in America. When the first bikini was launched, it caused an explosion on the fashion scene, and through the years that little piece of fabric has gone through quite an evolution in length, fabrics, colors and cuts. Today, the bikini is a defining force in summer style.

When it comes to donning a bikini, confidence is key...and, smooth skin can help. According to a recent survey, almost 75% of women said that they felt more confident after shaving. Research also shows that shaving makes women feel more feminine, polished and beautiful.

So, before slipping on that swimsuit, be sure to get your south of the border in order with Venus Embrace. The first five blade razor for women, Venus Embrace has a ribbon of moisture and hugs every curve for a close shave and dramatically smooth skin.

To help celebrate the bikini’s birthday, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Venus for a giveaway. One lucky reader will win:

* Venus Embrace and Embrace replacement blades
* Gillette Satin Care Lavender Kiss Shave Gel
* Olay Touch of Sun Quench Plus
* Fedora hat with changeable black ribbon around the brim
* Colorful oversized beach towel
* Mara Hoffman bikini

This giveaway's approximate retail value is $250!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Bikini Birthday Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Wednesday, August 5. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Thursday, August 6th, 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. residents.

Good luck!

Shobha Ingrown Relief Lotion Exclusive Discount

My friends at Shobha are treating Spoiled Pretty readers to an exclusive discount ($5 off) on their bestselling Ingrown Relief Lotion!

Ingrown Relief Lotion is a sensitive and effective one-step solution for the prevention and treatment of bumps and ingrown hairs caused by hair removal. Free of parabens, color and artificial fragrance, the lotion is formulated with glycolic acid (exfoliates), tea tree oil (protects), chamomile (soothes), and glycerin (moisturizes). It is safe for all-over body use (bikini, legs, underarms, etc).

Use immediately after shaving to moisturize the skin while soothing irritation and razor burn, or begin using 48 hours after waxing/sugaring to prevent and treat ingrowns. The 2 ounce size is TSA friendly, making it the perfect travel companion to ensure smooth skin when lounging in paradise.

To redeem, use coupon code 0709IRL507. Offer is valid for online purchases only. One redemption per customer. Offer expires at 12am EST on August 1, 2009.

Winners Of The eos Giveaway

Congrats to Diana Antal, TaMyra Harris, Angie Patel, Joanne Willey and Kellie Wilson - winners of the eos giveaway. These ladies have won two bottles of Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream...one in Raspberry Pomegranate (my personal fave) and another in Vanilla Bliss.

Many thanks to eos for sponsoring this contest. And stay tuned for the next giveaway!

eos Shave Cream Giveaway

Why is it that the hair on my head takes foreva eva to grow, yet my legs have a five o'clock shadow seconds after I've emerged from the shower?

I'm not going to trip and pretend that shaving my stems is one of my favorite pastimes; a necessary evil is what it is. But I've found a pretty fantabulous product that makes this chore much less of a bore. And I'm so enamored that I want to share it with all of my friends.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with eos for a giveaway. Five readers will win eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream!

This cream is so intensely hydrating, you can shave wet or dry, and it leaves skin soft and smooth throughout the day. The non-foaming cream is enriched with natural aloe, oat, and shea butter - which soothes while boosting skin's moisture level. Antioxidant Vitamins E & C help skin look radiantly healthy. And it comes in an ergonomic, soft-touch recyclable bottle that looks super cute in your shower, but won't leave a rust ring on your tub!

Winners will receive two bottles of eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream...one in Raspberry Pomegranate (my personal fave) and Vanilla Bliss (you know your girl can't resist a little vanilla sugah).

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "eos Shave Cream Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, July 12th. Five winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, July 13th, 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. residents.

Good luck!

Bumpy Ride: A Long Journey To Rid My Legs Of Hair Bumps

Since I hit puberty, I've been cursed with hair bumps on my legs. Because the hair on my legs is coarse and grows in a curly pattern, sometimes as the hair grows out, it curls back under the skin into the same follicle. And because the hair is trapped under the skin, even after I shave, I still have many unsightly ingrown hairs.

The condition isn't physically painful, like razor bumps; but it is emotionally painful, as I've spent many years hiding this condition beneath long skirts and pants - even during the dog days of summer.

For half of my life, I've had a serious case of leg envy. Every time I see a woman with silky smooth gams, I selfishly hope that she silently suffers from stretch marks, bacne or some other embarrassing ailment that isn't apparently obvious. It just isn't fair!

I've tried a million and one products and techniques to solve the problem...and while I've yet to discover a panacea, I have found a temporary solution.

To keep hair bumps to a minimum, here are my shaving suggestions:

1) Don't start shaving as soon as you get into the shower/bath; allow the steam and warm water to soften the skin and hair.

2) Next, exfoliate (like all get out) with a scrub that won't irritate skin. Right now, I'm enamored with LaLicious Coconut Cream Sugar Soufflé Scrub, an all-natural sugar scrub made with coconut oil that absorbs quickly and easily into skin, leaving it moisturized and protected without feeling greasy. Pure cane sugar crystals buff away dead skin cells while sweet almond and vitamin-e oils condition, moisturize, and smooth you to perfection. And it smells amazing; if heaven has a tropical all-inclusive resort, this is probably what it smells like. By exfoliating, you will release the ingrown hairs that are trapped beneath the skin.

3) Slather your legs with an ultra-hydrating shave cream; I'm a fan of eos Shave Cream, which is so moisturizing, you can shave wet or dry (though I recommend wet). Then shave with a new or relatively new razor; the sharper, the better. Gillette's Venus Embrace razor takes shaving to a whole new level of smoothness with 5 blades that deliver a dramatically close shave.

4) Finally, when you emerge from the bath/shower, don't towel off completely. While your legs are still a smidge wet, slather on lotion or body butter. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion is an excellent choice because it heals, softens, and tones - plus an 8.5 oz bottle costs less than $5!

Even if you don't have issues with ingrown hairs (I hate you...just kidding...okay, not really), you can benefit from my bumpy journey to smooth stems. The above routine is highly recommended for achieving your closest shave ever.

Loofah...To The Next Level

If you enjoy exfoliating as much as I do, you absolutely must pick up Dermalogica's Ultimate Buffing Cloth. This cloth emilinates the need for exfoliating body washes and scrubs that can coat your tub/shower with slippery and gritty grains.

Once you use it, you'll tell your loofah to "hit the road, jack" and you'll never look back. The Ultimate Buffing Cloth is gentle, yet effective - and can be used with any body cleanser to reveal smooth, glowing skin. It works wonders on elbows, knees and heels...and is especially handy dandy when used on legs pre-shave. Say sayonara to stubble and hello to silky stems!

Amazing Grace Giveaway!

I’m a fan of potent perfumes, and I’m a little heavy-handed in the application. Mr. Spoiled Pretty benignly suggests that I search for products with subtler notes. And every time I’m in a confined space with my mom and sister, they bluntly accuse me of wearing enough perfume to “choke a horse.” As much as I love my strong scents, I’ll admit that they can’t all be wrong.

So when I received an Amazing Grace gift set from Philosophy last week, I kept an open mind. Amazing Grace is Philosophy’s best selling scent, "created to enhance a woman’s well-being and draw people closer without overwhelming." The products smelled good enough in the packaging, but how would it smell on me? Non-existent, I predicted…I hate fleeting fragrances that last for a hot second then fade away. But I was keeping an open mind and decided to put Amazing Grace to the test.

After a particularly challenging stint at the gym, I was sweaty, smelly and in serious need of a shower. Typically, I would use a deodorant soap or body wash, post-workout. But Amazing Grace Perfumed Buffing Wash helped me get squeaky clean again…in addition to exfoliating and hydrating my skin. Even hours later, the wonderfully feminine fragrance continued to linger on. When Graham returned from work that night and I welcomed him home, he said, “Honey, you smell great.” That’s when I knew I’d found a winner.

But the true test was my sister, who I usually have to bribe for a compliment. This past weekend, I met up with my mom and sister for a late brunch and an afternoon of shopping. When my mom called to say she was a couple of blocks away from my apartment, I quickly sprayed on Amazing Grace Perfumed Body Spritz and headed out the door to meet up with the peanut gallery.

After our meal, we headed to Rittenhouse for some retail therapy…and out of the blue, Lauren says, “What are you wearing? It smells good.” OMG. Stop. The. Presses. My sister just said something nice…to me. Needless to say, Amazing Grace has become a staple in my daily beauty ritual.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the scent,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see!

I’m so wild about these products that I want to share with one of you! This week, Spoiled Pretty is giving you an opportunity to win an Amazing Grace Gift Set courtesy of Philosophy. The set includes:


Amazing Grace Perfumed Buffing Wash has a creamy, gel-like texture and contains gentle exfoliants that help smooth and soften skin without irritation. Use it daily over entire body in your shower or bath to maintain skin smoothness and hydration.

Amazing Grace Perfumed Shave Gel has a creamy, lotion-like texture, which allows your razor to glide over your skin for a gentle, yet close shave. It leave your legs and underarms super soft and silky smooth with an amazingly clean, beautifully feminine scent.

Amazing Grace Perfumed Body Spritz is a lightly scented spray which provides moisturizing and antioxidant benefits. It makes a great fragrance base, and can be enhanced by applying the infinitely clean, beautifully feminine scent of amazing grace eau de parfum to your pulse points as your 'top coat' or feel free to use with any of Philosophy's state of grace fragrances, including Inner Grace, Pure Grace, or Baby Grace.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Amazing Grace Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, July 13th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, July 14th, 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!

Who's Your Daddy: Clarisonic Giveaway!

Poor dads. Every time a holiday rolls around, you rack your brain to come up with the perfect present. But what does dear ole dad wind up getting? A necktie…a sleeve of golf balls…or some new power tools. How uninspired.

This Father’s Day, help dad get in touch with his softer side by giving him a tool he’ll actually use. My holy grail/essential beauty product, the Clarisonic Skin Care System, is now available in “graphite gray.”

Dad will love how using the Clarisonic to apply shaving lubricant ensures a closer shave with reduced razor irritation. And he’ll definitely be intrigued when you tell him that Clarisonic’s oscillating brush removes six times more dirt and oil than soap and water alone.

This limited-edition Clarisonic is now available at clarisonic.com. But one lucky reader will win a Graphite Gray Clarisonic, to spoil their dad handsomely. This prize is valued at $195!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Tell me what you love most about your dad, or what makes your spouse such a wonderful father. Attach a pic of you with your dad, or one of your spouse with your child(ren). I will be posting the photo of the winner...so don't send a pic you don't want published.

Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Clarisonic Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Saturday, June 14th. A winner will be chosen from among the entrants. On Sunday, June 15th (Father’s Day), 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!

Gillette Venus Giveaway Winners

Last week, I proclaimed my love for Venus Embrace, the new 5-blade shaving system from Gillette. I decided to spread the love by hosting a giveaway. And now, the time has come to announce the fifteen winners. So without further ado, they are:

Carrie Baird
Kate Barrington
Dana Eckstrom
Crescenda Ekwere
Tammy Kennedy
Ziya Khan
Candie Luster
Maggie Mannwieler
Karen Sue Mester
Pamela Mosher
Monique Rizzo
Alexia Jordan Robertson
Elaine Rosser
Regina Sanders
Shannon Scott

These ladies have won the Venus Embrace Shaving System, plus a can of the new Satin Care Alluring Avocado Shave Gel. Ladies, get ready for some seriously smooth gams – courtesy of Gillette!

Thanks to everyone who entered. And keep an eye out for two new giveaways that I’ll announce later today. Yeah, you heard me right…two! You won’t want to miss these contests. So I’ll see you soon? TTFN!

Gillette Venus Embrace Giveaway!

It’s that time of year again. Time to bite the bullet and bare some skin. Now that the weather is getting warmer, you can’t get away with a perfunctory shave. You know, the one where you sloppily run the razor over your legs – missing whole patches of skin; you shave just enough so that you don’t offend your man, or resemble a Wooly Mammoth. Well, now that hemlines are getting shorter and long sleeves give way to tanks, you need to invest a little more thought, time and energy into your method of hair removal.

Have I got the razor for you. You absolutely must try Venus Embrace, Gillette’s new shaving system – with five blades surrounded by a ‘protective ribbon of moisture.’


The pivoting head allows the blades to stay in constant contact with the skin, even around nick-prone areas like knees and ankles. The soft grip handle provides increased control in the shower, and the razor comes with this super cool ‘ShowerPod’ that suctions to the tile and conveniently stores the razor and extra blades.

A lot of information, I realize…but here’s the bottom line: right now, I’m proud to say that my armpits haven’t been this smooth or hair-free since before I hit puberty. I’m amazed.

I am so excited by the Venus Embrace that I want to share the smoothness with all of you. So this week, 15 lucky readers will win a Venus Embrace Shaving System, plus Satin Care Alluring Avocado Shave Gel (which is intensely moisturizing and has a light, fresh scent)!

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Venus Embrace Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 8th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 9th, 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!

Grooming Guru To Visit DC

Tony Sosnick, the grooming guru behind Anthony Logistics for Men, is coming to Washington, DC on Friday, November 16th to share his shaving expertise and give skin consultations at the Blue Mercury store in Dupont Circle. Although marketed to men, these products are just as effective on those of us with two X chromosomes.

There will be a cocktail party from 3-7pm where you can meet Tony and learn all about:

Grooming Gifts for the Holidays - With holiday season approaching, subtle ways the ladies can be a positive influence without offending.

How to Winter-ize Your Skin Routine - Tips on switching over everything from your moisturizer and general routine from the hot humidity of summer to the cold and dry days of winter.

5 Steps to the Perfect Shave - From the temperature of the water to the direction of your blade, what every guy needs to know.

Shaving Tips for Girls, from a Grooming Guru – Just because shorts and miniskirts have gone into hibernation doesn’t mean your razor should follow suit; Tony will share his expertise on the steps to get a super smooth shave.

The Dupont Circle Blue Mercury store is located at 1619 Connecticut Avenue NW. For more information about this event, call 202.462.1300.

Space Issues

Not Soap, Radio’s Portable Panacea Trios are designed specifically for those on the go, and those who have space issues.

“Whether you are flying out the door or flying around the world, running to work or running on the treadmill, this line will work for you.”

The entire line consists of 2 groupings – a hair care group and a body care group. Each contains 3 products, in individual bottles, held together with an overcap and an undercap. All bottles are flip-top and can stand up on their own.

The hair care trio consists of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. The body care trio consists of body polish, shave gel, and lotion. Both sets are currently on sale for $12.

She’s Got Legs, She Knows How to Shave Them…

Many women dread the summer, when their leg-shaving skills (or lack thereof) are put on display. But whether you’re a short shorts kinda gal or you think donning capris exposes too much skin…at some point, you’re going to have to show off those gams. So here are a few tips to make your next shaving experience a smooth one.

First, get into the shower/bath and wet your legs with warm water. Duh. But before you rush into your shaving routine, take a few minutes to allow the hair on your legs to soften. The moist heat of the water will also open the pores of your skin, which results in a close shave (the same reason barbers use warm towels on their customers).

The next step is exfoliation. By getting rid of all of the dead skin, the razor cuts the hair closer to the root. And maybe, if you’re lucky, you can get away with shaving every other day. My secret weapon against scaly skin? Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa Signature scrubs. I was first introduced to this delightful line of products at the Kenwood Inn and Spa in Sonoma County, California - where my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon. The scrubs use grape seed oils and other natural ingredients to pamper the skin, and come in three formulas: Crushed Cabernet scrub (for rough areas like elbows knees, and feet – also drains and smoothes cellulite!), Merlot Friction Scrub (exfoliates and firms - ideal on arms and legs) and the Savignon Scrub (for sensitive parts of the body, can be used on the face). These lil' jars of joy pack quite a punch at $35 a pop, but Sephora has packaged petite sizes of these bestselling scrubs for on $32. The Scrub Trio is limited edition, so snatch some up before they’re gone.

It used to be that all I would shave with was a Gillette Venus razor. But I recently became a Schick Intuition convert...and there's no going back for me. Intuition is the razor with the shaving cream built right in, so you skip a step and save some moolah. Plus, it shaves much closer than any other razor I’ve tried, so I think you should try it too.

Finally, if you’re follicularly challenged like me, use Tend Skin to get rid of razor bumps and burn, and ingrown hairs. Used twice a day, it keeps skin irritation at bay. To request a free sample, email sales@tendskin.com.