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

Eyes

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Application

Posted on by daneen in Beauty Tips, Eyes, Lashes, Makeup Mondays with Mario, Mario Dedivanovic, Mascara | Leave a comment
mmwmd large Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Application
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.

Hey Mario,

My beauty question is about mascara. What is the best way to apply it? I’ve heard so many different tips. Some people have told me to apply mascara to the tops of lashes, while others have said to apply to the underside. I’ve heard about wiggling the wand at the base of lashes and rotating the wand as you apply. Some people hold the wand vertically and others hold it horizontally. And are you supposed to let mascara dry in between coats? Mario, you are a makeup genius so I really trust your opinion. Please set the record straight so I can make the most of my mascara.

Thanks!
Heidi

applying+mascara Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Application

Thank you, Heidi!


The first thing you should do is curl your lashes and wipe the mascara wand with a tissue before applying mascara to the eye lashes. This gets any clumps off of the brush and makes for a more even application. I recommend applying the wand starting at the base of the lashes and going up. You can “wiggle it just alittle bit.” Too much of that will tangle the hairs. You want to have the majority of the mascara towards the base because the lashes will fall or droop if a lot of product weighs them down on the tips. Don’t wait until they dry to apply your second coat – perfect and seperate them before they dry.

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!

Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Posted on by daneen in Anti-Aging, Eyes, Holy Grail | Leave a comment
Kiehls+Creamy+Eye+Treatment+with+Avocado Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with AvocadoOkay, I’m about to get honest…real honest. As a beauty expert, it pains me to admit this, but I just started using eye cream. I know, I know…31 is a little late to the crows feet prevention partay. But I’m lazy, and I’m especially bad at regularly applying skin care products – particularly ones that are preventative and don’t yield immediate results. Besides, my parents are pushing 60 and they don’t have wrinkles, so I’ve been betting on good genes.
But I recently discovered an eye cream that has made me change my ways. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is amazing. Chock full of avocado, beta carotene and shea buttery goodness, it moisturizes the delicate eye area without migrating into eyes or irritating; even those with sensitive skin will love this product. It has a creamy, concentrated texture that skin just drinks up – so you need not worry about it sitting on top of skin or interfering with makeup application. All of the above benefits are fine and good, but here’s what I love about the eye cream: when you rub it in, it releases a cool burst of water. It’s so cool…if Bill Nye The Science Guy did a beauty segment on his show, this would totally be one of the products he’d highlight.

Every time I apply Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, I look forward to that slight splash of water. It never gets old for me, and that’s what keeps me applying every day. So despite my laziness, I’m using my love of gimmicks to help me beat crow’s feet.

I can’t believe my eye cream. It’s fantabulous…and you’re gonna love it too!

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 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!

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.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

Posted on by daneen in Concealer, Eye Cream, Eyebrows, Eyes, Lipgloss, Lips | Leave a comment
bobbi+brown+makeup+face+lift+collection Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

“I designed this collection to give women all the tools they need to look well-rested and bright-eyed in five minutes flat.” – Bobbi Brown

This January, Bobbi makes it easy to keep all of your New Year resolutions with her Makeup Face Lift Collection, which allows you to instantly brighten your face and play up your eyes with just a few simple tweaks.

bobbi+brown+extra+eye+repair+cream Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

New Extra Eye Repair Cream, $65
Do your eyes need something extra? Packed with peptides, natural plant oils and humectants that target wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness, this rich concentrated cream visibly revives eyes. Use morning and night- warm between fingers, then pat gently around eye area. Once cream is absorbed, follow with Tinted Eye Brightener or Concealer.

bobbi+brown+tinted+eye+brightener Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

Tinted Eye Brightener, $38
Bobbi’s Tinted Eye Brightener, now in a NEW portable pen! Back-of-cab makeup artists (you know who you are) – with just a quick twist and a click, this lightweight Concealer instantly brightens under-eye circles and refreshes your makeup. Available in eight shades: Light Bisque, Porcelain Peach, Bisque, Light to Medium Peach, Medium to Dark Bisque, Dark Peach, Dark Bisque, Deep Peach.

bobbi+brown+brow+pencil Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

New Brow Pencils, $20
Instantly give your eyes a “lift” with defined eyebrows. These creamy, blendable pencils give you the natural look of eyebrow powder with the precision of a pencil and come with their own. Available in five shades: Wheat, Blonde, Grey, Ash and Mahogany.

bobbi+brown+brightening+lip+gloss Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

Brightening Lip Gloss, $20
Introducing two new shades of Brightening Lip Gloss. This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create the illusion of fuller lips. Wear alone or on top of your favorite Bobbi Brown lipstick. Available in two shades: Popsicle and Nectar.



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