How To Style Your Bangs To The Side

In the February issue of Allure, a reader asks, “I want to wear my bangs to the side. How do I style them?”

Garren, the owner of the Garren New York salon at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel in NYC shares some words of wisdom. He writes:

Looser, softer bangs are in right now, and getting that effect is all in how you dry them. Part your hair when it’s damp, apply a conditioning spray (or a styling spray with very light hold), and sweep bangs to the side. Then let them air-dry almost fully; they’ll take direction better than if you started blow-drying when they were soaking wet. Use a large, round brush to pull the bangs down and to the side as you finish them with the blow-dryer – never pull forward; you’ll end up with a big bump. If you need to get ready quickly, blow-dry your hair most of the way, then sweep your bangs over and tuck them behind your ear so the effect will still be soft and natural.

Garren's advice isn't so helpful to brown girls like me (let my relaxed hair air-dry? neva eva). But for other hair types, he probably knows what he's talking about – so I thought I’d share.

New Shadows And Free Shipping At Stila

Stila introduces “new shades that shimmer and colors that sing spring.”

New eye shadow duos double your beauty pleasure. Stila's 14 perfectly-partnered duos feature all new shadow shades! That's a total of 28 brand new colors that will inspire you to mix, match, and play! The improved shadow formula contains micronized powder pigments and pearl for a smooth application, and a silicone-based binding system for even better blendability.

Stila’s new reformulated matte eye shadows are talc-, oil-, and paraben-free resulting in beautiful, rich, shimmer-free color. Enriched with natural minerals for a smooth texture and an application that is never chalky or dull, these shadows are just what you need to modernize your look.

And for a limited time, get free shipping on any order that includes new duos or matte eye shadows. Simply use the coupon code STILAEYES at checkout.

All Purpose Powder

Don't ya just love when a product does double beauty duty? Me too. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on Glamo-Glitz by Scarlett Cosmetics.

Glamo-Glitz is a one-of-a-kind product that can be used in seven different ways! These mineral-based loose cosmetic dusts are multi-functional, and are used on eyes, cheeks, lips, body, highlighting and even for mascara. Here’s how it works...

Eye Shadow: Use wet or dry and sweep lightly or dramatically over lid.

Eye Liner: Dip an eyelining brush into water and then into Glamo-Glitz, and sweep along lash line. The ones with glitter look fabulous this way!

Lips: Put petroleum jelly on lips then mix one part water with two parts Glamo-Glitz and dab onto lips.

Mascara: Mix two parts water with one part Glamo-Glitz and put onto lashes with a disposable mascara wand. Need a shocking teal mascara but can't find it? No problem, make one from your Glamo-Glitz. Do not wear glitter formulas if you have contact lenses, though.

Cheeks: Dip a blush brush into your Glamo-Glitz and swep onto cheeks.

Decollete: Get a big, fat brush and brush over this area – as well as shoulders. Very sexy!

Nail Polish: Adding your choice of Glamo-Glitz color to clear nail polish can make a custom color. It blends smoothly so you don’t have to worry about clumps and the nail polish not drying. Try mixing one that has glitter in it!


In the photo, you can see a few of my favorite Glamo-Glitz shades (from top to bottom – Gypsy, Mombasa, and Pop Star). I wet the powders so that they would photograph more vividly; but please note that they also can be used for a sheer wash of color. That’s why they’re so great – because they’re all-purpose!

Scarlett Cosmetics are sold by select retailers in the U.S., U.K., and Hong Kong. But no matter where you’re from, you can live the Glamo-Glitz life by visiting scarlettcos.com.

Beauty Turns Ugly

Yesterday, the New York Times ran a particularly scathing piece about beauty bloggers. In a nutshell, the 'expose' likened us to beauty whores – posting for free products.

There are so many inaccurate allegations in this article that I have neither the time nor the energy to set the record straight. Luckily, fellow BBN member Christina posted a retort on her blog, Bon Bons in the Bath…and I wholeheartedly agree with her assertions.

So Spoiled Pretty readers, please be assured that I am solely motivated by my love for all things beauty – and the opportunity to converse with you all everyday. Product samples and industry events are wonderful perks; but essentially, these benefits are what enable bloggers to compete with 'traditional' beauty media – and provide you with the unbiased reviews, breaking news, and tips you crave, in real time.

If you have any questions about the beauty blogging biz or the product review process, I am open to questions. Please feel free to email me, or leave a remark in comments section below.

Be A Balm-Shell With Just Kiss Me!

Ever since I first laid eyes on Victoria’s Secret Just Kiss Me! Glossy Lip Balm, I’ve been obsessing. This clever compact is shaped like a Restylane-enchanced kisser, and contains a hydrating balm.

This will be my Valentine’s Day gift to myself. What’s not to love?

Get In The Mood On February 1st

Confections of affection, these new Essie shades are light and luscious. Sweet gets sassy, pale turns perky, and pastels show their passionate side. These special treats are sure to get you in the mood for spring!


In The Mood, Essie’s Spring 2008 collection includes:

Hi Maintenance
Great Expectations
Body Language
Secret Affair
Hard to Get
Looking for Love

These girly, gorgeous pastes will be available in salons and stores on February 1st.

This Is What Crazy Sounds Like

Does anyone watch Bad Girls Club on Oxygen? It’s not really a show that I watch…I admit that I’ve seen a few episodes, but it’s never on purpose.

Anyway, the show is about a group of self-confessed ‘bad girls’ who live, Real World style, in this mansion in LA. They don’t have any responsibilities, but there’s plenty of attitude – and even more alcohol. They spend most of their time disrespecting one another, and wrecking sh*t. And hilarity ensues.

In this video, Tanisha exacts revenge on her roommates because their partying kept her awake all night. Watch and be amazed.

America The Beautiful

Lancôme read about how I adored America Ferrera’s SAG look...so they sent me her red-carpet makeup recipe.

Celebrity makeup artist, Vanessa Scali used the following Lancôme products on America for the awards:

Eyes
Color Design Artist Palettes in Couture Warms and Stylish Neutrals
Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner in Noir
CILS Booster XL (super-enhancing mascara base)
High Definicils High Definition Mascara

Lips
Le Lipstique in Rasinberry
Color Fever Gloss in On Fire

Genie In A Bottle

I don’t run. Walk briskly? Sometimes. In rare instances, I’ve been known to jog…whilst being chased by leash-less animals or trying to catch the bus when I’m running late for work. But run? Uh-uh.

On the flip side, my eye makeup loves to run. Yeah, child…seems like every shadow and liner I bring home has a case of the can’t-sit-still. A few hours after I’ve painstakingly applied said makeup to my lids, the color starts to migrate south. And all that you can do is clean yourself up, and wonder how long you’ve been walking around with raccoon eyes. Right? Wrong.

A few weeks ago, I decided to try Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion. And let me tell you – it stopped my vagabond eye makeup dead in its tracks. The primer works in three ways: eye shadow and liner last longer, color is more vibrant, and there’s no creasing. All you do is swipe it on your lids before applying eye makeup. It dries almost instantly – and a little goes a very long way.

One tube of the Eyeshadow Primer Potion will knock you back $15, but Urban Decay also sells an Eyeshadow Primer Potion Duo for $25 – so you can stock up or share your beauty booty with a friend in need.

Urban Decay is also available at Sephora.

Jersey Girls: Join Lancôme For An Evening of Fashion & Beauty

Want to experience what it’s like to be a Fashion Week model?

Lancôme invites you to get catwalk ready with Fashion Week and Celebrity Makeup Artist Extraordinaire Daniel Martin, Lancôme Spokesmodel Selena Breed, author of the acclaimed book “Violet on the Runway” Melissa Walker, and the Lancôme Backstage Makeup Team.


WHEN: Friday, February 1, 2008
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lancôme - The Boutique
1200 Morris Turnpike
Short Hills, NJ 07078
RSVP: cschramke@lancome-usa.com
(Please include full name, phone number and that you are RSVPing for the New Jersey event)

There will be gift bags, mocktails and cupcakes! Oh my!
Enter to win a luxurious prize!

Be the first to…

Get your hands on limited edition Juicy Tubes created by hot London Fashion Designer Christopher Kane.*

Get the hottest beauty looks for spring, straight from the artists who worked backstage.

Receive a complimentary copy of “Violet by Design” and an official Lancôme Backstage t-shirt with any purchase of a limited edition Christopher Kane Juicy Tubes and a Lancôme Mascara.

*Please note that this will be the only time consumers will be able to get the Christopher Kane Juicy Tubes in advance. They will not be on counters until mid-March.

Fragrant Flower

Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Ring opens to reveal a travel-friendly version of the floral, feminine fragrance.

Available at Sephora.com.

Gilchrist & Soames Giveaway!

When I’m traveling and staying in a hotel, one of the most exciting things – for me – is walking into the bathroom and seeing what toiletries are mine for the taking. And take is what I usually do; I hoard travel shampoos, soaps, and shower caps like a squirrel preparing for winter.

Anyway, the crème de la crème is Gilchrist & Soames – the leading provider of luxurious hair, bath, and body products for world-class hotels, exclusive resorts, and distinguished spas, inns, and bed & breakfasts. Though Gilchrist & Soames toiletries can be found at some of the world’s most prestigious properties, products can also be purchased on their website.

Want to treat yourself to VIP status and try some of their travel amenities (without the cost of a five-star hotel room)? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Spoiled Pretty has partnered with Gilchrist & Soames to bring you another of our world-famous giveaways!

One winner will receive…


Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Travel Gift Bag, which includes:
1oz. Sea Kelp Shampoo
1oz. Sea Moss Conditioner
1oz. Sea Fennel Body Lotion
1oz. Sea Rocket Body Wash
Shower Cap
Mending Kit
Vanity Pack
Shoe Mitten
Toothbrush
1.5oz. Exfoliating Sea Salt Soap
1.5oz. Moisturising Skincare Bar Soap
.75oz. Glycerin Soap

AND


Gilchrist & Soames Verde Travel Gift Bag, which includes:
1oz. Hair Purifier
1oz. Hair Protector
1oz. Body Refresher
1oz. Body Butter
1.1oz. Dental Rinse
Vanity Pack
Mending Kit
Shower Cap
.75oz. Facial Bar
1.5oz. Facial Bar
2.5oz. Exfoliating Bath Bar

To enter:
*Name the hotel where my husband and I stayed on our honeymoon. Here’s a hint: I wrote the post in August.
*Send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com - and make sure to include the hotel name, your full name, and email address.

The contest ends at 9 pm EST on Sunday, February 3rd. A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, February 4th, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents. Good luck!

Ooh Bop – Fashion Week

The most amazing thing has happened! I have been invited to cover New York Fashion Week, as a beauty correspondent! Can you believe it? This time last year, I didn’t really know what a blog was; now I have my own, and I’m going to Fashion Week. I’m ecstatic!

I have been invited backstage - by MAC Cosmetics - to interview the MAC Makeup Artists and MAC Product Development Executives. I will be behind the scenes at Alexandre Herchcovitch, Tadashi Shoji, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Donna Karan. Additionally, I will be having cocktails and dinner at Koi with other members of the Total Beauty family; and the next night, I will attend a dinner at Indochine – organized by MAC – for a select group of beauty bloggers.

I will be chronicling my Fashion Week experience for Spoiled Pretty – so stay tuned for breaking news, tips, trends, interviews, and ridiculously fabulous giveaways!

Details continue to unfold – so I may have more great news to share before I jet off (actually, I’ll be riding Amtrak) to NYC on Friday.

The only thing that could make this better is if, while I’m in NYC, someone mistakes me for Kerry Washington. Fat chance, I know – but a girl can dream.

Guest Post: The Body Shop Metallic Eye & Cheek Palette

The following review is courtesy of guest blogger, Angela Showell. Take it away, Angela...

The Body Shop Metallic Eye & Cheek Palette #02 comes in a really pretty gold case - and from the front little window, I could see that the colors were right up my alley: golds, blue, and copper. I then decided to get a closer look by opening the case. It was extremely hard to open. I do have acrylic fingernails so they are a little long, but not even my stubby fingernailed husband could get it open on the first try! Eventually he got it, thus making this review possible!

The case has a mirror and long-handled, double sided applicator which was handy for the eyeshadow, but not so much for the bronzer. So, I broke outmy fluffy blush brush and got to work.

I applied the bronzer over my normal cream powder foundation (shout out to Neutrogena). It was a little too bronze for my winter pale-ness so I toned it down with a little more foundation blending. Next I went for my all over lid color. The palette came with 3 shades of gold (well, a light gold, a true gold, and a bronze) and one shimmery blue. I used the light gold as a base and then did the blue for my inner corner (it came out kind of green when mixed with the light gold) and blended in the copper for my outer crease. I used the applicator to do the blending instead of my normal brush, it worked out pretty well with a little help from my finger (the best blending tool anyway, your mom is right).

The eyeshadows stayed a nice color all day, with minimal creasing. Overall, I really liked this product. The colors are neutral enough that it could be your everyday standby.

Mother's Nature Soap Winners

Happy Monday, Spoiled Pretty readers! The time has come to announce the winners of the Mother’s Nature Soap Giveaway.

To enter this contest, you needed to subscribe to Spoiled Pretty – which means that I won’t be announcing names this time, but rather email addresses. Congratulations to:

First prize: jol240
Second prize: joni514
Third prize: sestes555

Obviously, these are incomplete email addresses; I have omitted the email provider to protect the winners’ privacy. All winners have been notified.

Thanks to everyone who entered. You’re all winners because you are now signed up to receive Spoiled Pretty updates to your email! Not impressed? Well, Spoiled Pretty will be announcing a new giveaway later today – so y’all come back now, ya hear?

SAG Awards 2008 Red Carpet Recap

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of participating in a web seminar - presenting four new products from CoverGirl. CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist, Molly R. Stern and Procter & Gamble Beauty Senior Scientist, Sarah Vickery discussed CoverGirl's latest beauty innovations (more on that later) and this season's red carpet makeup trends.

Before she had to run off to work her makeup magic at the SAG Awards, I asked Molly to predict what beauty trends we would be seeing on the red carpet. Without hesitation, she responded that - this awards season – women want to look more like themselves. Fast-forward a few hours to the SAG Awards arrivals…Molly couldn’t have been more right-on.

Usually, the SAG Awards are a total non-issue to me. But this year, thanks to the Golden Globes cancellation, I have been absolutely jonesing for a red carpet fix for weeks – and the SAG Awards didn’t disappoint.








Low chignons and beachy waves were popular; as were lush lashes paired with understated lips. If I had to play favorites, I’d have to say that I’m loving me some Jamie Lynn Sigler (so envious of how effortlessly chic she always looks), Brittany Snow (check out the Veronica Lake likeness), Debra Messing (red hot), and Eva Longoria (she has perfect hair/makeup/gown/accessories down to a science).


But if I only had one award to give out, it would go to America Ferrera – hands down; she is my style goddess.




I also love that Amanda Bynes isn’t trying to look any older than her 21 years. And I’m not advocating plastic surgery, but Michelle Pfeiffer’s face looks amazing!


Bonus: Angelina Jolie showed up wearing an ombre Hermes dress, that pretty much confirmed her rumored pregnancy. Congrats, Brangelina!

Coach Beauty Is First Class

Have you heard about Coach Beauty?

According to Reed Krakoff, President and Executive Creative Director of Coach, “This distinctive collection captures the true, classic style and femininity of the Coach woman.”

Coach Lipstick ($18): These lightweight, full coverage lipsticks are available in three flattering colors - Poppy, Rose, and Peony. They are formulated with Shea Butter and Almond Oil to moisturizes lips; each comes in a unique tube featuring the iconic Signature pattern.

Lip Gloss ($22): These pretty, polished glosses are packaged in a glam tube featuring the Coach logo. Available in three shades - Gardenia, Hibiscus, and Heather.

Coach Shimmer Powder ($38): Brush this powder on your face and body for a subtle glow.

1.7 Oz Perfume Spray ($68): This classically inspired fragrance has a unique blend of soft florals combined with amber, vanilla and precious woods. Together they capture the distinctive style that is exclusively Coach.

Purse Spray ($42): You’ll want to carry this chic scent with you wherever you go. This conveniently sized spray fits easily into your handbag, tote or travel piece.

Perfume Solid ($40): This solid version of the scent is perfect for the girl on the go. It comes in a fun Coach tag shaped compact that can easily be attached to your handbag, wristlet, or key ring.

Body Lotion ($38): This lotion can be used alone or layered with the Coach fragrance.

Coach Beauty products are available at Coach.com, but a little birdie told me that the new lip glosses will soon be available at Kohl’s.

Rihanna's On The Cutting Edge Of Style

The R&B princess debuted a new pixie hairstyle at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, France on Saturday.

What inspired her to make the cut? At the October photo shoot for Allure’s January 2008 cover, Allure’s Creative Director, Paul Cavaco, suggested that – for her next look – she channel old-school Linda Evangelista.

Looks like she took his advice.


Speaking of Linda E. - here's an oldie, but a goodie. Enjoy!

Christopher Kane For Lancôme – Limited Edition Juicy Tubes

British designer Christopher Kane has partnered with Lancôme to launch four limited-edition lipglosses. The colors were created to compliment Kane’s Spring 2008 collection, entitled Burns Night.

Juicy Tubes in Moulin Rouge, Red Hot New York, Tokyo Plum Blossom, and Rio Mango will be available at Lancôme counters in March.

Weekend Beauty Blog Network Reads

Canadian Beauty tells you about Clinique's newest mascara, Clinique Lash Power.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out Pattern Body Washes and loves them!

The Beauty of Life falls head over heels for Estee Lauder's new Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme!

Pursebuzz.com takes a special visit to Stila Cosmetics. Check out what she is loving!

Check out what Kyle carries around in her new Juicy Couture purse at Face Candy.

Beauty and Personal Grooming shares some pore shrinking mask recipes.

Bionic Beauty found a Freebie! Joico's K-PAK "Rescue Your Hair" kit.

Beauty and Fashion Tech has swatches and looks from the M.A.C. Cosmetics N Collection.

Girl Gloss takes an in depth look at the lip products in the M.A.C. N collection.

Stylish Opinion gives her opinion about the latest perfume from Paris Hilton. Does she like or not?

The Beauty Blog Network proudly announces it's newest members!! Find out who they are...

Elke's Fabulous! Well, the Fabbie Awards thinks so. She's nominated for a best beauty blog Fabbie Award along with other fab beauty bloggers. Vote for your favorites here!

Makeup Moxie says goodbye to the Posh Bob.

A Touch of Blusher can't live without this cleansing oil.

Beauty Banter gives you a play-by-play on Why My Hair Is Now A Frizzy Mess!

The Muse reviews, shares photos, and gives first impressions of the Dior Spring 2008 Collection!

Temptalia has over forty different lip color combinations--you're bound to find one to like!

makeup loves me wants to give you favorite party eyeshadow!

Enter Spoiled Pretty’s latest giveaway, sponsored by Mother's Nature Soaps!

Beauty Anonymous found the power of beauty and fashion from Harper's Bazzar - the Politics of Fashion.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog does a step-by-step makeup tutorial honoring her favorite pop star of all time, Madonna, with help from MAC Russian Red Lipstick.

RESCUE’d!!!!!!

Cele Deemer, winner of the Spoiled Pretty facial giveaway, sent me the following recap of her appointment with The Skin Diva:

My new BFF, Linda Harding, has wonderful hands and fingers. I may repeat that phrase about a bazillion times during this recap of my Zoom Facial experience at RESCUE Rittenhouse Spa, but I only say it because it is true.

When the elevators doors open on the second floor of 255 South 17th Street, you enter into the calming experience known as RESCUE Rittenhouse Spa. Soft peach walls, beautiful hardwood floors, candles glow, and aromatherapy scents abound. I was shown to a small lounge, where I had a short wait before meeting Senior Esthetician Linda Harding. She is a delight, and immediately put me at ease. I was shown to the facial room, where I undressed, donned a terry wrap, and slipped in between heated sheets onto the massage table. I was on the verge of napping when she came in to begin the treatment.

Don’t ask me to remember each and every product that went on to or into my face, shoulders and neck. Because, believe me, I was pretty much floating on air under the influence of Linda’s magic fingers, the little steam machine, the ever-present wonderful new age music, and those fabulous heated sheets! I know if I had asked what each and every procedure was, she would have explained it to me, but I was in la-la land, and happy to be blissfully unaware of anything except how good I felt.

At the end of our time together, I had a glowing face, a lilt to my step that wasn’t there earlier, and a bottle of Lotion P50 V Biologique Recherche so I can continue my exfoliating adventures at home under the watchful eyes of my golden retrievers. I highly recommend a visit to RESCUE Rittenhouse Spa, and when you go, please give my regards to Linda!

PS – it’s not too early to drop Valentine’s Day hints! How about his & hers facials, massages, or pedicures? What a great gift!

WWD: Beauty In The Blogosphere

Today’s issue of Womens Wear Daily includes a discerning look at beauty blogs and their growing influence in the industry.

Though I wish Spoiled Pretty could have been mentioned in the article, I am beyond thrilled for my blogging comrades who were referenced (All About The Pretty, Beauty Addict, Beauty Blogging Junkie, Beauty Snob, BellaSugar, Blogdorf Goodman, Makeup and Beauty Blog, Makeup Bag, Shake Your Beauty, and Temptalia).

Here are some excerpts:

A new breed of beauty writers is building the sort of influence that's gaining the attention of major brands: bloggers.

Scores of blogs largely dedicated to opinions and reviews of beauty products have proliferated in the past several years. And as the quality and quantity of blogs increases, beauty companies' traditional marketing strategies are having to adapt.

Linda Wells, editor in chief of Allure, said she believes beauty brands have started to take blogs seriously over the past few years because blogs are “starting to have an effect on product sales. Companies are more excited about being mentioned [on blogs], so we’re seeing more of the industry reaching out to bloggers,” she said.

To read the article in its entirety, click on the image (above, left).

Deliver Us From Eva

Usually I’m down for public display of affection, but Eva Longoria has taken this concept to a whole 'nother level. First it was the bedazzled jeans and cell phone – emblazoned with the number nine, Tony Parker’s jersey number. Then came the Alex Woo "e&t" necklace and the Jean Dousset “9” pendant. Now Eva’s been seen sporting a new “Nine” tattoo on the back of her neck (she’d better hope he never gets traded and has to change his number).

We get it, Eva. Tony’s your man.

Eva Longoria is a beauty, that’s for sure – you won’t find many to argue with that assertion. But her behavior seems a little, no pun intended, desperate - no?

She Wore Blue Satin

When I heard that Chanel’s Blue Satin was the most coveted nail color for Spring 2008, I couldn’t run to the store quick enough, wrap my digits around a bottle, and bring it home with me. Normally, I would balk at paying $19 for nail polish. But when every magazine and website is promising it’s going to change my life, what’s a beauty junkie to do?

Blue Satin goes on smoothly, and the pigment is remarkably rich - so you only need one coat. In very bright light, the polish vacillates between sparkling sapphire and inky indigo. But most of the time, it just looks black. And not even a shimmery obsidian, either…just flat, matte black.


All I’ve read is rave reviews about this color…so I really wanted to buy into the buzz. Regrettably, I cannot. I expected the shade to pop more against my skin tone, which it didn’t in the slightest – and I’m convinced that it’s much more complimentary to paler complexions.

I’m going out on a limb – and you can take this review with a grain of salt – but I don’t think this lacquer lives up to the hype. In my humble opinion, the propaganda is outta control…some ebay sellers are charging $45 for a single bottle!

If Blue Satin cost half of its actual price, it might get more of an endorsement. But for my money, I’d rather buy three bottles of Essie, OPI, China Glaze, or Creative Nail Design.

I’ve got the blues.

I Told You Amy Would Go Back To Black

I told y’all that Amy Winehouse wouldn’t be blonde for very long. This morning, she debuted her darker do, just prior to entering a rehab facility.

Perhaps the crackhead chanteuse wanted to go a bit more incognito (good luck, with a 2-foot beehive) in the wake of her drug video. Or maybe it was last night’s episode of Project Runway that promped her to go back to black.

Guess Who: 01.23.08

Can you guess the curly girl in this photo?

One Of A Kind

A few weeks ago, I was super-excited to receive an email from Kathleen Dreier, letting me know that Daneen was in the mail and on its way to my doorstep. Confused? Let me back up. Kathleen is the owner of Esens Custom Fragrances, and has been creating custom fragrances for 17 years. Daneen is the perfume she blended especially for me.

I have to admit that, at first, I was a little skeptical about purchasing personalized fragrance over the Internet. I’m indecisive and difficult to please – I could spend an hour in Sephora smelling all of the perfumes, and walk out empty-handed because nothing’s blown me away or because it’s impossible to choose.

But Kathleen was a pleasure to work with. From the start, I communicated directly with her via email. She asked me to answer a few simple questions – about my personality, interests, and scents that I like. From these answers (and a couple photos I attached to the email - for good measure), she created Daneen.

My custom scent is a blend of ten notes, including Ambrette, Magnolia, Vanilla Bean, and Vetiver. Somehow Kathleen managed to concoct a fragrance that I adore – which is amazing because, most of the time, I don’t even know what I like.

A ¼ ounce bottle of pure essence (a 9- to 12-month supply) costs $100, and includes a handwritten art card that describes each of the oils she's personally selected for your fragrance. All Esens perfume blends are original, and no scent design is ever duplicated…so you can be assured that your fragrance is one of a kind – just like you. Esens also keeps your personalized formula permanently on file for reorders - offered at 45% of the original cost!

The turnaround time for personalized perfumes is 7 to 10 days from order to delivery. And Kathleen guarantees your satisfaction is guaranteed; if you’re not happy with your fragrance, she will reformulate your blend.

Valentine’s Day is only three weeks away, ladies. So start dropping hints now.

Clarisonic Giveaway Winner Writes Back

Danette, winner of the Clarisonic Skin Care System (lucky lady!) emailed me the other day, to thank me for her prize. She also asked me to share the following review with you.

"I received my Clarisonic prize and...I love it!!! I love that it has a set timing system so you know that your face is getting evenly cleansed. It does take a little getting used to, since the brush heads can seem a little harsh at first. But your face is left feeling cleaner than ever. It really is like having a facial in under three minutes. The best part is that it is waterproof - so you can use it in the shower with no problems. Thanks, Spoiled Pretty, for this wonderful prize!!! Definitely gets 5 stars!"

VIG (Very Important Gloss)

A few weeks ago, I blogged about mood-changing lip glosses and recommended purchasing Too Faced Mood Swing over Smashbox O-Gloss; my reasoning was that they were essentially the same product and Mood Swing costs less. Well, I take it back. I take it all back.

Yesterday, I received a tube of O-Gloss in the mail (courtesy of Allure Experts) – and I am deeply in love with this gloss. The moment the clear gel hit my lips, it morphed into the most flattering shade of pink...I was very impressed. Rich in antioxidants and botanicals, this non-tacky gloss moisturizes with avocado oil.

O-Gloss has already become a staple in my makeup bag.

Available at Smahbox.com and Sephora.

The Great Debater And A Case of Unfortunate Base

A friend just forwarded me the following photos from The Great Debaters Premiere.


In the first picture, Jurnee Smollett shows that while she may be young and a new face to some, she is wise beyond her years and plans on making an impression. Her makeup is, in a word, flawless. The smoky eye and coral blush are expertly balanced by her nude, glossy lip. There’s no debating the perfection of this look.

At the other end of the spectrum is Kimberly Elise, who is actually a very pretty woman – when she’s not wearing clown makeup. In this photo, she is the epitome of how awful it looks when you don’t take the time to properly match your base to your complexion (check out her hairline). Her bare face would have been a better choice than the chalky foundation she’s wearing. Let this be a lesson to us all.

Sticker Shock

Not really beauty related, but I felt the need to share…

Last night, as I was perusing some of the latest fashion magazines – trying to stay abreast of the latest trends in style and beauty – my eyes were beguiled by some particularly fetching Balenciaga booties. The caption read, “price available upon request.”

Don’t you just hate when they do that? It's like that scene in Pretty Woman where Vivian goes shopping in a Beverly Hills boutique - and they won't tell her how much the clothes cost.

They might as well write, “This product is so ridiculously overpriced, we’re embarrassed to say how much we’re charging for it.”

Just my two cents.

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!

Are You The Winner Of The Plexi Pop Giveaway?

Are you the winner of Spoiled Pretty's Plexi Pop Giveaway? You are if your name is Erin Mifflin.

Erin will receive CND’s Spring 2008 collection, Plexi Pop, before the polishes are available in stores; the collection will hit shelves in March.

Thanks to all of you who entered. Stay tuned, though – because our next giveaway is mere hours away.

Spoiled Pretty don’t mess around.