Amala Beauty Giveaway!

In April, I declared Amala my skin savior...and for good reason. This luxurious line tamed my troubled skin and restored my faith in organic and natural beauty products. The Purify collection, created for oily and acnegenic skin types, has become the staple of my daily skin care routine; and after two months of using the products, I continue to marvel at the amazing results the ingredients have had on my complexion.

I am so enamored with Amala that we're partnering for a Spoiled Pretty giveaway! Two lucky winners will receive:

Hydrating Cream Cleanser ($30)
Hydrate dry skin while gently removing makeup and impurities with this comforting cleansing cream. The whole botanical ingredients help soothe and restore moisture for clean, soft, radiant skin.

Hydrating Toner ($30)
Revive and rehydrate skin with this refreshing toner. Soothing floral waters and whole plant extracts help refine pores and restore moisture to soften and comfort skin.

Hydrating Face Cream ($68)
Quench dull, dry skin by helping to restore its natural moisture and elasticity with this creamy hydrating treatment. Whole plant ingredients restore elasticity and protect skin from dehydration for lasting smoothness.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Amala Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 7th. Two winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 8th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.

Good luck!

My Favorite Skin Care Products EVER: Amala

It's really difficult to admit this, but I used to be very dismissive of natural and organic beauty products - particularly skin care. I used to believe that I needed to patronize products with harsh chemicals to get my problem skin to act like it had some sense. In fact, I would often joke that I didn't care what damage a product did to my insides, as long as my outsides were looking good.

But I've done a complete 180 since discovering Amala, a luxurious collection of skin care and body care products with 100% natural formulas.

Earlier this month, I began testing Amala's new Purify line - for Earth Day editorial consideration. Purify is a collection of products formulated for oily and acnegenic skin types. The products help control excess oil and shine, clear clogged pores, and prevent and heal blemishes and blackheads with treatments inspired by the healing plants and flowers of Eastern Asia.

So for three weeks, I've been religiously using the Purifying Gel Cleanser, Purifying Face Polish, Purifying Toner, and Purifying Moisturizer. And I have to say that besides feeling like I'm indulging in an extravagant spa treatment every time I use these citrus-scented products, my skin hasn't looked this good in years.

My acne is now very mild, if not practically nonexistent. And my skin is so radiant that many of my friends have remarked about the drastic improvement in my complexion.

While Amala's Purify price tag isn't exactly recessionista-friendly (products range from $30 to $136), these products are, in my expert opinion, an absolute steal for the results you'll see.

I am so enamored with the Purify line that I want to tell every person I meet about this brand. I would gladly be the company's spokesperson and do commercials - because I feel so strongly about how the treatments have transformed my skin. Hell, I'd do it for free...in exchange for a lifetime supply of this stuff.

Amala is available at Barneys New York and amalabeauty.com.

The 9!! Kit By Kate Somerville - Plus A Giveaway!!!

It’s 3am, and you’re tossing and turning in your bed. You’re having nightmares about problem skin. Then you wake up to learn that your nightmare is indeed a reality. There’s nasty acne erupting on your face.

All over the world, there are women out there just like you…dreaming about solutions to their skin disasters. But there’s a phone ringing at Kate Somerville’s house - and, luckily, she’s awake whipping up clinical-strength treatments to send your skin into recovery mode.

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

For over 15 years, Kate Somerville’s dedication to research and development has kept her at the forefront of skin wellness, and her intuitive approach has set her apart. Whatever your concern, whatever your skin type, it is her goal to give clients and retail customers the tools necessary for a healthy complexion.


My skin is problematic and sensitive - but I have yet to meet a Kate Somerville product I didn’t like, and the following is no exception. The 9!! Kit contains four absolutely fabulous products for acne-prone skin, like mine. The kits contains:

Detox Daily Wash: Every acne treatment performed in Kate Somerville’s clinic begins with Detox Daily Cleanser. This detoxifying cleanser restores clarity to your complexion.

Clarifying Treatment Toner: Result-oriented and alcohol-free, this refreshing toner clarifies and balances oily/problematic skin. Witch hazel, a natural antiseptic, aggressively fights acne-causing bacteria. Phytic acid, a naturally delivered antioxidant, exfoliator and lightening agent, helps to reduce post-acne scars. This toner leaves skin feeling clean and calm while reducing oil production.

Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion: This product is a prescription quality, intensive acne treatment that has been extensively tried and tested at Kate Somerville’s clinic. This advanced formulation has delivered life-changing results to Kate’s personal clients. Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion contains encapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, the most advanced and successful acne-fighting ingredient on the market. The controlled-release formula works around the clock without over-drying skin, like traditional Benzoyl Peroxide formulations. It kills bacteria and treats inflamed breakouts, while helping to prevent future acne.

Clearing Mask: This intensive mask treatment helps heal blemishes, prevent future breakouts and achieve clear, radiant skin.

The 9!! Kit also includes trial sizes of Kate’s Line Release (my Mom’s favorite eye treatment) and ExfoliKate.

Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, Debra Messing, Molly Sims, and Sharon Stone all depend on Kate for healthy skin and ageless beauty. So why shouldn’t you?

This set of products retails for $116. But lucky for you, there’s a blogger in Philly who loves spoiling her readers pretty. This week, you can enter the Kate Somerville Giveaway to win The 9!! Kit.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com - be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Kate Somerville Giveaway.” The contest ends at 9pm EST on Sunday, April 20th. A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, April 21st, 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.

Bonne chance!

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner

When you think of toner, you probably envision a runny product that stings the skin, leaves your face somewhat tight, and smells like rubbing alcohol. That’s what I thought about, anyway, until I tried Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner.

First of all, its non-alcoholic formula is unscented. So no walking around with a face that smells like a medicine cabinet. And the creamy texture doesn’t tingle like traditional toners, but it is just as effective – if not more – thanks to emollients that gently remove residue while moisturizing and comforting skin.

The Ultra Facial Toner works for everyone – not just oily/combination skin types. In fact, after washing with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser and then toning with this product, my dry skin was so hydrated that I skipped moisturizer!

And for you ladies who have been desperately trying to introduce your man’s skin to a more upscale skincare routine – look no further. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial products are gentle, unscented, and have guy-friendly packaging. Buy yourself some, and sit them by the sink. Sharing is caring.

Available at Kiehl’s counters and at kiehls.com.

Perfect Balance

I mentioned this product last month in my “Good Gourd” post, but it begs repeating – Molton Brown’s Skinbalance Toning Lotion is a wonderful product.

For years, I’ve been plagued with large pores and blackheads on my nose. But in just a few short weeks, Skinbalance Toning Lotion has totally transformed my skin. It naturally exfoliates and brightens the complexion. Unlike many toners, Skinbalance Toning Lotion contains no alcohol, so it doesn’t dry out the skin. In fact, pumpkin enzymes, pink grapefruit, lime and yeast extract combine to strengthen the skin and reduce moisture loss.

To use, simply apply to the face and neck after cleansing and before applying day or night moisture products. Skinbalance Toning Lotion gets rid of everything your cleanser missed…you’d be amazed at what you see on the cotton ball when you’re finished!

Good Gourd

October is right around the corner. And when I think of the tenth month of the year, pumpkins always come to mind. Although the fruit (you thought it was a vegetable, didn’t ya?) is most commonly used in pies and bread, pumpkin’s health benefits make it a beneficial beauty product ingredient.

Pumpkin contains more than 100 nutrients, which may be used to help reverse signs of aging. Pumpkin enzymes have the highest source of beta carotene and vitamins to combat oxidation and free radical damage.

Fall is officially here…and to celebrate the change of season, here are my top picks of the pumpkin patch. Trust me - these products will leave you glowing and grinning like a jack-o-lantern.


Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
A detoxifying peel for the face and neck. Utilizing pumpkin enzymes to easily and gently dissolve dead surface skin cells, this deep exfoliator stimulates cellular turnover, to reveal radiant skin that is supple and naturally hydrated. Age-fighting anti-oxidants and Vitamin A help protect, nourish, and repair skin. Plus it has a delicious, irresistible pumpkin scent.


Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion
Naturally exfoliate and brighten the complexion with this non-drying, rebalancing preparation. American pumpkin enzymes, pink grapefruit, lime and yeast extract combine to strengthen the skin and reduce moisture loss. Skin is revitalized, softened and smoothed. Gentle enough to use around the eye area, this is suitable for all skin types.


Bath & Body Works Pure Simplicity Pumpkin Purifying Mask
It's like putting holiday dessert right on your body! But this purifying mask does more than just smell great—it exfoliates and moisturizes, leaving your skin smooth as silk. Oprah touted this product as one of her 'favorite things' back in 2003. (Bath & Body Works recently discontinued their Pure Simplicity line, but you can still find this magnificent mask on eBay).


Burt's Bees Miracle Salve
Save yourself from dry hair and skin, miraculously. Moisturize and nourish hair, hands, and body with this super-enriched, emollient formula. Pumpkin seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids, combines with olive oil and wheat germ extract to hydrate and protect dry hair and skin. Meanwhile, protein-rich bee pollen nourishes and rejuvenates, while emollient beeswax holds in moisture.


Yes To Carrots C is for Hair Care - Hair and Scalp Mud Mask
Experience gorgeous hair like never before with C is for Hair Care. C is for Hair Care moisturizes, softens, detangles, shines, and volumizes...and contains extracts of carrot, pumpkin, orange & honey, rich with Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Vitamin E and other enzymes that keep your locks in tip-top condition.


Bella Lucce Pumpkin Glow Body Scrub
The enzymes in pumpkin pulp combine with pumpkin seed oil to dissolve dull, dead cells, revealing the healthy radiant skin underneath. Pure cane sugar is enveloped in this creamy blend of nourishing oils and butters, spiked with warm, aromatic essential oils for a soothing treat. As with all Bella Luccè scrubs, their Pumpkin Glow emulsifies into a creamy lotion when applied, then rinses clean for delectably soft skin without oily residue. Bella Lucce also carries a Warming Pumpkin Masque.

PS (Pumpkin Secret) – In the late 90’s, the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago conducted a study that concluded one third of American men are turned on by the smell pumpkin pie. Intrigued? Click here to learn more.