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 Shadow

Josie Maran Natural Wonder Powder Palette Giveaway!

Posted on by daneen in Blush, Bronzer, Contest, Eye Shadow, Giveaway | Leave a comment

josie+maran+spring+2010 Josie Maran Natural Wonder Powder Palette Giveaway!This Spring, Josie Maran created the perfect palette for you to unleash your inner makeup artist. With the Natural Wonder Powder Palette, you can create a variety of looks with the multiple shades, ranging from ashy bold pigments to classic neutrals. The palette includes five eye shadows, two blush shades, and a bronzing powder for glowing radiance.

Eye Shadows: Daydream (shimmery apricot), Hope (bright iridescent blue- purple), Desire (iridescent teal), Trance (shimmery gold), Think (shimmery copper brown)

Blush: Illusion (deep rose), Fiction (peachy pink)

Bronzing Powder: Beach No. 1 (bronze)

Josie+Maran+Natural+Wonder+Powders+Palette Josie Maran Natural Wonder Powder Palette Giveaway!

This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Josie Maran to put some spring into your step (and makeup bag). Five lucky readers will win the Natural Wonder Powder Palette (retail price: $35).

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 Friday, March 5, 2010. Good luck!

Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection

Posted on by daneen in Blush, Eye Shadow, Eyes, Lips, Lipstick | Leave a comment
 Bobbi Brown Color Strips CollectionClueless with Color?
Give Bobbi Brown 5 Minutes.
She’ll Make You a Pro.

The Problem: You buy shadows that look amazing in the store, but then you get home and don’t know what to do with them.

The Fix: Everyone can wear bright shades. Bobbi put together these three palettes with pops of color – plus the perfect neutrals that make them work for everyone.

Introducing Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection: a complete spring eye, lip and cheek wardrobe – designed by Bobbi. Each of these three palettes has five Eye Shadows and three shades of Pot Rouge designed to work together beautifully.

“Don’t be afraid of color. Each palette has one bright eye shadow that really stands out – the rest of my hand-picked shades for eyes, lips and cheeks will make it wearable.” –Bobbi Brown

Bobbi+Brown+ColorStripsAquamarine Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection
Bobbi+Brown+ColorStripOrchid Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection
Bobbi+Brown+ColorStripBonfire Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection
Bobbi Brown Color Strips palettes: Aquamarine (top); Orchid (middle); Bonfire (bottom)

Suggested Retail Price: $60.00
On Counter: March 2010
Available at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on bobbibrown.com

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.

Bobbi Brown Heart Truth Bronze Shimmer Brick Set

Posted on by daneen in Blush, Charity, Eye Shadow, Fashion Week, Highlighter | Leave a comment

bobbi+brown+heart+truth+shimmer+brick Bobbi Brown Heart Truth Bronze Shimmer Brick Set

For the fifth year in a row, Bobbi Brown is proud to be a sponsor of the The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2010 Fashion Show. The show, which brings some of Hollywood’s leading ladies together on one runway, will be taking place on February 11th during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park.

This year Bobbi created an exclusive, limited-edition Bronze Shimmer Brick Set in partnership with The Heart Truth campaign and its annual Red Dress Collection Fashion Show to raise awareness about women and heart disease. Ideal for creating a warm, bronzy glow, the set includes Bobbi’s iconic Shimmer Brick in Bronze and a Mini Face Blender Brush.

Only 500 of these limited-edition sets, which feature a specially designed package and the tagline “Listen to Your Heart,” will be available from bobbibrown.com for $40 each.

Winner of COVERGIRL Giveaway

Posted on by daneen in Contest, Eye Shadow, Giveaway, Lipgloss | Leave a comment

drew+barrymore+smoky+shadowblast Winner of COVERGIRL GiveawayCongrats to Imani, winner of the COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Giveaway!

Smoky ShadowBlast is a smoky eye tool plus makeup artist all in one shadow stick. Available in six shade duos with uniquely designed ends, it lets you create a traditional or colorful smoky eye in two easy steps. One end acts as a base, and the end lines the eye and shades the crease – so you can easily apply, smudge and blend shadow to a smoky perfection. ShineBlast Lip Gloss has a patented ShineSculpt™ applicator that hugs the contours of lips and boasts a tapered tip for precise shaping and sculpting, while 16 sheer shades deliver a brilliant, glossy finish and perfectly polished pout. The lip hugging applicator delivers more shine in a single swipe than the leading gloss, which results in 4x more noticeable shine vs bare lips.

Many thanks to COVERGIRL for sponsoring the giveaway, and spoiling Imani pretty. Stay tuned for the next contest announcement.

COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Giveaway!

Posted on by daneen in Contest, Eye Shadow, Giveaway, Lipgloss | Leave a comment

drew+barrymore+smoky+shadowblast COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Giveaway!When it comes to drugstore makeup, I’m a COVERGIRL girl. Their products are a cosmetics connoisseur’s dream come true: high-quality at a low price point. LashBlast, their volumizing mascara, and Outlast Lipstains are among my makeup faves – and every year, COVERGIRL blows me away with their crafty new concoctions and ingenious formulations.

In 2010, my new COVERGIRL obsessions are Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Lip Gloss.

Smoky ShadowBlast is a smoky eye tool plus makeup artist all in one shadow stick. Available in six shade duos with uniquely desgined ends, it lets you create a traditional or colorful smoky eye in two easy steps. One end acts as a base, and the end lines the eye and shades the crease – so you can easily apply, smudge and blend shadow to a smoky perfection. I don’t know why no one thought of this before. Hell, I should have thought of this…it’s ingenious. These chubby crayon-esque shadows are simple to use, and really deliver what they promise – a sexy smoky eye that looks like you had help. Prep the lid with a little primer before applying the color to help sustain the smokiness all day/night.

covergirl+smoky+shadowblast COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Giveaway!

ShineBlast Lip Gloss has a patented ShineSculpt™ applicator that hugs the contours of lips and boasts a tapered tip for precise shaping and sculpting, while 16 sheer shades deliver a brilliant, glossy finish and perfectly polished pout. The lip hugging applicator delivers more shine in a single swipe than the leading gloss, which results in 4x more noticeable shine vs bare lips. I was a little skeptical when I first read those claims, but after using ShineBlast, I shut my glossy mouth.

covergirl+shineblast COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Giveaway!

spoiled+pretty+smoky+shadowblast+shineblast+giveaway COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Giveaway!At $7.50, both Smoky ShadowBlast and ShineBlast Lip Gloss are recessionista-approved. But being the benevolent beauty blogger that I am, I’m partnering with COVERGIRL on something fabuless!

This week, we’re giving you a chance to win two Smoky ShadowBlasts (in Bronze Fire and Onyx Smoke) and two ShineBlast Lip Glosses (in Firecracker and Heat).

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 Friday, February 5, 2010. Good luck!

Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010

Posted on by daneen in Blush, Eye Shadow, Highlighter, Lipgloss, Lipstick | Leave a comment

bobbi+brown+cabana+corals Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010Problem: You love coral, but worry it’ll look too bright or chalky.

Solution: Bobbi’s modern formulas and juicy colors take an old-fashioned favorite for a fresh, modern spin. Introducing Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals collection.

“This spring, there is a beautiful selection of coral shades perfect for lips and cheeks. The shade range spans from fresh new Pink Corals to universal Nude Corals to true Coral shades – every woman can find the coral shade that’s right for her.” -Bobbi Brown

bobbi+brown+cabana+corals+lipstick Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010

Metallic Lip Color, $22
Metallic Lip Color is made with a unique combination of high-shine emollients and
light-reflective pearls for medium coverage with multi-dimensional shimmer. Available
in three new shades: Coral Reef, Coral Glaze and Calypso Glaze.

Lip Color, $22
Bobbi’s classic lipstick: rich, full coverage with a soft matte finish. Available in two new shades: Cabo Coral and Guava.

bobbi+brown+cabana+corals+lip+gloss Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010

Shimmer Lip Gloss, $20
Infused with subtle sparkle, Shimmer Lip Gloss is perfect worn on its own or over your favorite lipstick. Aloe extract soothes, Vitamins C and E offer anti-oxidant protection, and Jojoba and Avocado Oils keep lips soft and moisturized. Available in three new colors: Sunset Beach, Coral Sand and Golden Nectar.

bobbi+brown+cabana+corals+pot+rouge Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010

Cabo Coral Pot Rouge, $22
Bobbi’s purse-friendly Pot Rouge – now in a new sunny shade of coral. Creamy and easy to blend – pat on lips and cheeks for a beachy pop of color.

bobbi+brown+cabana+corals+nectar+shimmer+brick Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010

bobbi+brown+cabana+corals+pink+quartz+shimmer+brick Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010

Shimmer Bricks, $38
Bobbi’s iconic Shimmer Brick Compacts are hand-made in Italy and have five bars of luxe, pearlized pigment for a shimmering glow. Run the Face Blender Brush across all five bars and lightly dust over cheeks and forehead, or brush on eyes for subtle glimmer. Available in two new shades: Nectar and Pink Quartz.

Follow Bobbi Brown on Twitter @AskBobbiBrown.



pixel Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals: Spring 2010

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