Beautiful Things My Mother Taught Me


Mom and me, circa 1979 Disclosure: This post is sponsored by CoverGirl. Mother’s Day is this Sunday and I’m so excited. Not just because Mr. Spoiled Pretty and my son, Westley, are treating me to a decadent brunch. But because it’s an opportunity to celebrate my hero, Andrea Stamps. I must admit that until two years ago, Mother’s Day was just another CONTINUE READING

Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candles: 2 for $22


At Christmastime, I agonized over what to get my son's daycare teachers. There are 12 of them - and even though he has his two main teachers, they all have interaction with him and take excellent care of him. So I needed to buy 12 gifts to show my appreciation, without breaking the bank. $10 each seemed doable, except CONTINUE READING

IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Creme SPF 15


As a beauty expert, I’m embarrassed by how late I am to the BB Cream party. In the past year, so many friends and colleagues have asked me about BB Creams—what’s the buzz, which brands are the best, etc. —and they would look at me funny when I admitted to not having tried BB Creams yet. I mean, they CONTINUE READING

CoverGirl Outlast Brilliant Shine Nail Gloss in Vio-last


I’m very fickle about my fingernails. Before I paint my nails or get them professionally did, I spend a inordinate amount of time pondering my polish options. I consider the season, recent trends, my wardrobe that week and anywhere special I might go. But despite all of this planning, I’m usually over my polish choice before it even dries. Not CONTINUE READING

My New Arm Candy: Rebecca Minkoff Swing Bag


After beauty products, handbags are my secondary addiction. But when it comes to arm candy, I have discriminating taste. For me, the perfect handbag seamlessly marries fashion with function, is handcrafted from high-quality materials, has really unique hardware and is classic but edgy - all at the same time. I don't like to carry the of-the-moment "it" bag. I CONTINUE READING

Bust a Move On Over to Saturday.com


Earlier this month, Kate Spade (aka creator of cuteness and the reason why I can't seem to keep money in my wallet), launched a brand new line called Kate Spade Saturday. Kate Spade Saturday is a new global lifestyle brand created to channel the spirit of Saturday seven days a week. This younger, more accessible sister to kate spade new CONTINUE READING

Eye Liner

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Small Eyes Look Bigger

Posted on by daneen in Beauty Tips, Eye Liner, Eyes, Makeup Mondays with Mario, Mario Dedivanovic | Leave a comment
mmwmd Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Small Eyes Look Bigger

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.


Hi Mario,

How are you?  I hope this question reaches you.  You’re a big inspiration to me and my girlfriends!  My problem is that I really love wearing eyeliner (I use pencil) on my top and bottom lids, however, I have small eyes and when I do my makeup, I feel that the liner is making them even smaller.  What can I do to give the effect of bigger eyes?  I love liner because I feel very washed out and tired without it, so if you have any advice or tips on how to apply liner, I would so greatly appreciate it and love you even more!!  

-Violet

white+eyeliner Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Small Eyes Look BiggerHey Violet,

I’m well, thanks for asking.  This is a very common issue among women with smaller shaped eyes. The key to making your eyes appear bigger is to use a lighter shade of pencil (or powder) along the inner rim of your eyes. Beige, Vanilla and/or white will do the trick.  Don’t forget to line using your dark liner below the water line along your lashes for definition. You should also apply a light, bright shade of white or pearl to the inner corners of the eyes which will open and separate them more.  Another quick and easy way to open the eyes is to curl your lashes and apply mascara right after. 

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario


Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario’s expert advice!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Prevent Eyeliner From Running

Posted on by daneen in Beauty Tips, Eye Liner, Makeup Mondays with Mario, Mario Dedivanovic | Leave a comment
mmwmd Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Prevent Eyeliner From Running

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

eyeliner+run Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Prevent Eyeliner From Running
Hi Mario!

Your tips and tricks have absolutely changed the way I do my makeup – for the better, of course (beautyblender, anyone?). But there is one major thing that I’m still struggling with. I love MAC’s liner in Smolder and the way it looks when I use it on my waterline and to line my lower lid, but it doesn’t seem to last more than 20 minutes without smudging, running and going everywhere. This goes for most of the pencil liners I’ve tried, I just can’t figure out how to make that look stay put. Any help you can offer is truly appreciated.

Thanks so much!
Lola

Hi Lola,

I’m so glad to hear that my tips have changed the way you do makeup! That makes me very happy – so thank you for that! So many women write me with the same issue that you’re having, so listen up lovely ladies! To prevent your eyeliner (in the waterline/along lower lashes) from smudging down your face, you must create a barrier using makeup.

Apply concealer under the eyes and blend it out. The next step is most important – dip a sponge in a little bit of translucent loose power and press it directly over the concealer to set it. Use a clean brush to sweep away the loose powder under the eyes. This should do the trick for you as the concealer and powder will not allow the liner to smudge down past the lashes.

To better understand it, think of flood for example. If water is coming toward your front door and leave the door open, the water will come in. If you take sand bags and build a little wall, the water will not be able to get in your front door. The concealer and powder together act as the sand bags. I hope this helps!

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario’s expert advice!

Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Set Sneak Peek!

Posted on by daneen in Eye Liner, Eyes | Leave a comment
urban+decay+15+anniversary+set Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Set Sneak Peek!

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway Winners

Posted on by daneen in Contest, Eye Liner, Eyes, Giveaway | Leave a comment
stila+Stay+All+Day+Waterproof+Liquid+Eye+Liner Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner giveaway: Angela (sparklemidori09), paulasue, Kallen, Shrinky Inky, smilekisses, and miss.high.yellow. Ladies, you are going to LOVE this liner…trust me when I tell you.

Winners, check your email. I’ll need you to send me your full names and mailing addresses so that the contest’s wonderful sponsor, Stila, can ship your prizes.

Stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty’s next giveaway. It’s coming soon…

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway!

Posted on by daneen in Contest, Eye Liner, Eyes, Giveaway | Leave a comment

stila+Stay+All+Day+Waterproof+Liquid+Eye+Liner Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Giveaway!Did you happen to read my review of Stila’s new Dust to Diamonds? If you did, you know that I am enamored with every product. I strongly suggest buying the entire collection, but I understand that for many, $132 worth of cosmetics just isn’t in the credit cards. So I’m gonna get you started…

This week, six readers will win Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. “Marker-sharp precision and a true carbon black pigment, this waterproof liquid liner glides on easily without pulling, smudging, or running. Color stays in place all day long.”

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky.

Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Good luck!

Stila Dust to Diamond Collection – Buy It All!

Posted on by daneen in Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, Lip/Cheek Stain, Lipgloss, Mascara | Leave a comment

Stila+Dust+to+Diamonds Stila Dust to Diamond Collection   Buy It All!

Because the recession isn’t recessing any time soon, I don’t usually advocate purchasing entire makeup collections. I understand that, for most, money is tight…so I usually highlight certain items as must-have additions to your beauty arsenal. But in the case of Stila‘s new collection for spring 2010, Dust to Diamonds, I can’t choose.

I’m a sucker for sparkles, and this collection had me at “bling.” Seriously, if Stila had’t furnished me with samples to review, I would have paid my own cash money for these products. That’s how fantabulous they are. Since I first tested the collection two weeks ago, I’ve worn at least one of the products every day since.

 Stila Dust to Diamond Collection   Buy It All!
Top: Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain; Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Middle: Jewel Eye Shadow Palette
Bottom: Jewel Lip Glaze Trio

To purchase the entire collection would run you $132, which isn’t all that bad. But if your makeup fund is maxed out, here are my individual reviews – so you can decide what you need now (and what can wait til later).

 Stila Dust to Diamond Collection   Buy It All!

Jewel Eye Shadow Palette ($32): “This high-tech eye shadow formula creates a glittering wave of sequin-like sparkle, leaving your eyes glistening like jewels.” These really aren’t the shadows you’ll be applying in the AM before work; more likely, this is the palette you’ll reach for in the evening to kick it up a notch and create a truly glitterrific effect. The formula is a blend of pigment and pearl, and the coverage is buildable – so don’t worry that these shadows will take you into drag queen territory…unless that’s the look you’re going for. Shades include Rose Quartz (light pink with silver sparkle), Amethyst (gray aubergine with champagne sparkle), Black Diamond (black with silver sparkle) and Golden Topaz (champagne shimmer with silver and gold sparkle).

 Stila Dust to Diamond Collection   Buy It All!

Jewel Lip Glaze Trio ($32): “Sprinkle stardust on the lips with this trio of glistening glosses infused with Stila Gem Complex, a blend of Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Amethyst, Amber, Garnet, Mother of Pearl, Opal and Alexandrite. Mango Seed Butter, Goa Seed Butter and Shea Butter keep lips moisturized all day. The formula seamlessly glides on the lips leaving a celestial wave of sequin reflections.” Okay, if you’re a gal who believes that glitter makes everything better, this should be your first purchase. Likewise, if you’re a lipgloss lover. At first glance, these glosses are verrrrry glittery; even I was a little hesitant about trying them. But I found the glitter content to be Goldilocks perfect (not too much, not too little)…and the formula felt smooth, not gritty. The shades are more sheer on the lips than in the tube – so don’t let the concentrated color fool you. Shades include Pink Diamond (pink with pink sparkles), Amethyst (deep plum with gold and red sparkles) and Golden Topaz (warm amber with pink sparkles).

 Stila Dust to Diamond Collection   Buy It All!

Black Diamond Mascara ($24): Not only does this mascara beautifully plump and lengthen your lashes, it imparts a subtle little shimmer shimmah. Available in Black Shimmer (black with silver shimmer) and Blue Shimmer (black with blue shimmer).

Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20): “Marker-sharp precision and a true carbon black pigment, this waterproof liquid liner glides on easily without pulling, smudging, or running. Color stays in place all day long.” This eyeliner is amazing. It draws razor thin and thick lines. The shade is inky black…and, as the name suggests, the formula ain’t coming off until you’re ready to take it off. If I was purchasing from this collection, the Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner would be my first buy.

Stila+Yumberry+Crush Stila Dust to Diamond Collection   Buy It All!

Though not technically a part of Stila’s spring 2010 collection, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24). At first, I was very skeptical that the pearly pink shade would compliment my cappuccino complexion. But once I blended the sheer blush into my cheeks and lips, it gave me a believable snow bunny glow. I mean, you could go outside in the cold and wait until you can’t feel your face…or you can pick up this clickable pen and apply the berry scented gel for a yummy, fresh-faced flush.

NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Posted on by daneen in Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, Eyes, Lipgloss, Lips, Lipstick, Nail Polish, Nails | Leave a comment

NARS+Spring+2010+Campaign+Image+ +Lo+Res NARS Spring 2010 CollectionInspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

“I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ’16th Arrondissement’ way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed.” The hues are playful yet sophisticated and can be either soft and subtle or bold and daring. As always, the effects are limitless, determined by application, technique, and attitude.

“The shades are soft, sexy and light — like springtime. The formulas are trans-parent, so they allow the skin to look natural and fresh. If a woman wants a more intense look — and I hope she does — the hues can be layered for a bolder effect.”

NARS+Cruising+Lipstick+ +Lo+Res NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Lipstick in Cruising, $24
This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color. The hydrating formula can be worn alone, or over a NARS Lip Pencil for variations in color and depth. It’s neutral enough to pair perfectly with dramatic eyes, yet alluring enough to attract attention when used on its own.

NARS+Easy+Lover+Lip+Gloss+ +Lo+Res NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Lip Gloss in Easy Lover, $24
Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss. The eye-catching and refreshing springtime hue is perfectly suited to deliver super shiny, sensual lips. An extra dab of it in the center of the bottom lip will accentuate sheen and fullness. It’s impossible to resist.


NARS+Ophelia+Lip+Gloss++ +Lo+Res NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Lip Gloss in Ophelia, $24
This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive. Wear it alone, or over NARS lip products for a more intense effect and color variation. The glossy formula will capture both the light and the attention of admirers.


NARS+Purple+Rain+Nail+Polish+ +Lo+Res NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Nail Polish in Purple Rain, $16
This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic. Boasting a long-wearing formula, this intense nail hue vacillates between opposites: rocker or royalty, rebellious or refined.

NARS+D.+Gorgeous+Single+Eyeshadow+ +Lo+Res NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Single Eyeshadow in D. Gorgeous, $23
This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark. The long-wearing, crease-resistant matte formula boasts a translucent texture and can be applied sheer, or layered with other NARS products for a bolder result.

NARS+Camargue+Duo+Cream+Eyeshadow+ +Lo+Res NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Camargue, $32
Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula. Wear it alone or layered beneath NARS powder eyeshadows to create more color, depth and intensity.

NARS+Kuala+Lumpur+Duo+Eyeshadow+ +Lo+Res NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Duo Eyeshadow in Kuala Lumpur, $32
Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts — rich and subtle, traditional yet modern. Wear the two shades separately or together, sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. Try swiping one shade over the entire eyelid and applying the other just beneath the brow bone to highlight.

 NARS Spring 2010 Collection

Glitter Pencil in Bains Douches, $24
This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending. Use this glitter pencil layered or alone — to line, accent, highlight or illuminate the eyes. No matter how it’s used, the look will be as ultra-chic as the legendary Parisian nightclub for which it was named.

The Spring 2010 collection will be available on January 15, 2010 at narscosmetics.com.



pixel NARS Spring 2010 Collection

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