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

Makeup Case

Winner of the Stephanie Johnson Travel Bag Giveaway

Posted on by daneen in Contest, Featured, Giveaway, Makeup Case | Leave a comment

Stephanie Johnson Palm Springs Turq ML Traveler 1024x682 Winner of the Stephanie Johnson Travel Bag Giveaway I’m a bad beauty blogger. Life got hectic and I totes forgot to post the winner of the Stephanie Johnson Travel Bag Giveaway last week. CONTINUE READING

Stephanie Johnson Travel Bag Giveaway!

Posted on by daneen in Contest, Featured, Giveaway, Makeup Case, Travel | 57 Comments

Stephanie Johnson Palm Springs Turq ML Traveler 1024x682 Stephanie Johnson Travel Bag Giveaway!A few weeks ago, HauteLook had a Stephanie Johnson makeup bag sale – which I shared with my tweetipies on Twitter. The brand saw my tweet and emailed to thank me for my support. They even offered me the ML Traveler bag to keep or give away on Spoiled Pretty. Because I’m a benevolent beauty blogger and I already have a mountain of makeup bags (several of them are from Stephanie Johnson), I chose the latter. CONTINUE READING

Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

Posted on by daneen in Bronzer, Eye Liner, Lipgloss, Makeup Case, Mascara, Nail Polish, Primer | Leave a comment

A few weeks ago, Urban Decay sent me their Summer 2011 Collection to test and review. As a huge fan of Urban Decay (they’re one of my all time favorite brands – I love their rock and roll vibe and I’m addicted to their 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils), I always have high expectations for new products. And this collection does not disappoint.

Usually when I receive an entire collection to review, I’ll choose a few of the best products and feature them here. This collection, which is comprised of some familiar faces and some new makeup bag staples, has so many choice products that I’m going to review the whole she-bang.

Okay, time to break it down…

Urban+Decay+Rollergirl+Nail+Kit Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

The Rollergirl Nail Kit includes six mini bottles of summer’s IT shades: Fame (shimmery beige), Superfreak (gold glitter), Xanadu (Purple Glitter), Miss T (pearly fuchsia), Woodstock (hot pink) and Love Train (iridescent white). Something to note about these lilliputian lacquers is that each brush has 220 strands, just like a standard polish brush – so it delivers the same flawless finish as a bigger bottle. I painted a pedicure using Woodstock a two weeks ago and it’s still holding on and looking hot.

Urban+Decay+Rollergirl+Palette+ +Group Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

Even if you own just about every Urban Decay product that exists – like me – here’s a reason you should still add the Rollergirl Eyeshadow Palette to your shopping list: one of the shadow shades, Verve (pale champagne with oyster shimmer), is exclusive to this set. And don’t let the name fool you. There’s more to this kit than just eyeshadows. You also get a full-sized 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey (dark brown) and a mini Crush Lip Junkie Lipgloss (sheer bright hot pink with a vanilla mint flava).

Urban+Decay+Urban+Defense+Tinted+Moisturizer+SPF+20 Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizers are great for this time of year when a face of foundation is just too much. The formula is buildable and breathable for comfortable wear. And it’ got SPF 20 to protect your baby face from the summer sun.

Urban+Decay+Eyeshadow+Primer+Potion+ +Original+%2528open%2529 Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

I’ve been wearing Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion for years and while I wouldn’t change the formula for anything, the packaging left much to be desired. You could never seem to get all of the product out of the I Dream Of Genie-esque tube, and makeup addicts everywhere were pissed. Some of them even took to YouTube, demonstrating how to saw the shit open to extract every drop. Well, Urban Decay has responded in a BIG way. They’ve re-packaged the product in a squeezable tube – with 10% more product than before. If you wear eyeshadow, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a must. When used as a base, your eyeshadow will not move or crease for 24 hours. I kid you not. And what’s more - the pigment of your shadow appears truer and more vibrant…not some washed out version of what you see in the shadow pan. It’s available in 4 shades: Original (invisible), Eden (tawny matte finish), Greed (glimmering gold) and Sin (champagne shimmer). If you buy anything in this post, this should be it.

Urban+Decay+Cannonball+Mascara Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

Urban Decay is not kidding when they describe Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara‘s formula as mermaid worthy. I wear Cannonball during my infant son’s weekly swim lessons and it does not budge. Well, not until I remove it with Urban Decay’s Meltdown Makeup Remover.

Urban+Decay+Baked+Bronzer+ +Gilded Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

Even though I’m brown, I still like to up the ante in the summertime. What I love about Baked Face and Body Bronzers is that they are the antithesis of the flat, orangey bronzers that I loathe. The three shades deliver a gorgeous sunkissed glow that actually looks like it may have come from, well, the sun. I’m going to Miami in a few days and I couldn’t decided which one should come with. In the end, I opted for Gilded (smoldering bronze shimmer). Besides being a gorgeous shade, I also figured that it could pull double duty as an eyeshadow. Genius consideration, right?

Urban+Decay+Lip+Love+ +Group+Shot Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy gives lips a sheer/stained effect. The conditioning formula nourishes your pout, sans stickiness. Available in five shades (Stung, a sheer blackberry, is the prettiest IMO), the gloss smells and tastes like honey. Problem is I don’t like honey – the smell or the taste of it. But if you don’t have honey hangups, these are some gorgeous glosses to add to your collection.

Urban+Decay+Quinceanera+Bag+%2528open%2529 Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

Urban Decay is celebrating 15 years in the beauty biz with the Quinceanera Makeup Bag. This baby is already packed in suitcase for Miami. It’s the perfect size for a product packrat like me. Roomy enough so that I can travel with enough stock, but not so cavernous that I’m tempted to fill it up with everything I own. LOVE!

Urban Decay Urban Bride Kit Urban Decay Summer 2011 Collection

Finally, there’s the Urban Bride Kit. Urban Decay says, “If you’re looking for something new to give your favorite bride, lavish her with this decadent gift-ready box of travel-sized products designed to keep her looking exquisite all day (and night, wink wink).” But, honestly, you don’t need to be a bride-to-be to enjoy this set. I’ve been a Mrs. for 4 years and I’m crushing on this kit. It contains:
• Razor Sharp Ultra-Definition Finishing Powder to diffuse lines for a flawless airbrushed look.
• Urban Decay’s best-selling original formula Eyeshadow Primer Potion (full-sized) and Supercurl Curling Mascara to keep her eyes looking fresh.
• Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy to give bare and lightly colored lips a sensual, come-hither shine or electrify darker lipcolor with more texture.
• All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray to ensure her look stays put for 16 incredible hours.
• Marshmallow Sparkling Lickable Body Powder to keep the party going long after the guests have left.

I was so impressed with All Nighter that I bought Deslick (their other makeup setting spray that also addresses oil overload) yesterday at Sephora.

So there you have it. Which products are going on your wish list?

Cheap and Chic: Trina Makeup Bags

Posted on by daneen in Makeup Case | Leave a comment
 Cheap and Chic: Trina Makeup Bags

Just because I’m having a boy doesn’t mean I’ve become any less of a girly girl. Just check out this piece of pretty I’ve packed in my hospital bag.

The Barbados Essential Clutch by Trina is the perfect size to stash your beauty essentials in. Chic and streamlined, this bag does double duty as a makeup case and as a versatile clutch. And since it retails for just $35, you can afford to fill ‘er up.

Trina makeup bags are available at Nordstrom.

MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Posted on by daneen in Blush, Eye Shadow, Lipgloss, Lipstick, Makeup Case, Nail Polish, Powder | Leave a comment

MAC+give+me+liberty+of+london MAC Give Me Liberty Of LondonGive Me Liberty Of London: The very latest in a series of famous MACollaborations, it was only a matter of time before the demure-to-daring kaleidoscopic prints of Liberty of London colored our world with Brit wit and bohemian chic.

From the unstudied, Sienna Miller style of Spitalfields Market to the grit and glamour of Portobello Road, the swinging London girl has always been an unstoppable MAC makeup force!

Spring 2010 blooms with the ultimate flower fusion as MAC joining forces with Liberty, creating cool Britannia compacts and Lipsticks, Eye Shadows, Powder, Blush, Nail Lacquers and blushing, bountiful, quite British accessories.

MAC+give+me+liberty+of+london+product+shot MAC Give Me Liberty Of London
mac+give+me+liberty+of+london+beauty+powder MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Beauty Powder, $25
The luxurious, soft pearl finish of MAC Beauty Powder packaged in a glossy white compact. Lid is decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection.
Shell Pearl: Pale peach with gold pearl
Summer Rose: Soft violet pink with pearl

mac+give+me+liberty+of+london+eyeshadow MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Eyeshadow, $14.50
Give Me Liberty of London: Flat creamy pink (Matte)
Free to Be: Creamy true coral (Matte)
Dame’s Desire: Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (Frost)
Birds & Berries: Frosted dark green blue (Veluxe Pearl)
Bough Grey: Mid-tone bluish grey (Satin)

mac+give+me+liberty+of+london+lipstick MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Lipstick, $14

Ever Hip: Creamy light coral (Cremesheen)
Peachstock: Neutral peach (Satin)
Petals & Peacocks: Creamy bright magenta pink (Amplified)
Blooming Lovely: Creamy greyed lilac mauve (Amplified)
mac+give+me+liberty+of+london+lipglass MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Lipglass, $14

Frankly Fresh: Neutral pink beige with soft pearl
Perennial High Style: Creamy bright pink coral
English Accents: Creamy mid-tone blue pink
A Different Groove: Deep purple brown with pearl
mac+give+me+liberty+of+london+blush MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Blush, $18.50
Dirty Plum: Sheer dark plum
Prim & Proper: Neutral nude

mac+give+me+liberty+of+london+nail+polish MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Nail Lacquer, $12
Vestral White Creamy white (Cream)
Blue India Dark green blue with pearl (Cream)
MAC+give+me+liberty+of+london+makeup+bag+small MAC Give Me Liberty Of London
MAC+give+me+liberty+of+london+makeup+bag+medium MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Liberty of London Makeup Bags, $22-25
Limited-edition laminated makeup bags decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull.

MAC+give+me+liberty+of+london+scarf MAC Give Me Liberty Of London

Liberty of London Scarf, $95
A limited-edition scarf designed with an exclusively created floral pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Rows of coral, orange, yellow and blue flowers form a repeating pattern on a white background. The fabric is a soft wool/viscose blend. Made in Italy. Measures 27″ x 82″.

H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!

Posted on by daneen in Bath and Body, Body Wash, Lip Balm, Lotion, Makeup Case, Scrub, Toiletries | Leave a comment

H%26M+body+scrub+2 H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!H&M, the international fashion retailer known for offering fashion-forward apparel and quality basics, just announced its first ever range of skincare with certified organic ingredients.

Debuting in stores at the beginning of March, the range of everyday essentials includes shower gel, body scrub, body lotion, hand cream and lip balm, all of which are based on natural and organic ingredients and are certified by Ecocert (Europe’s biggest certification body for organic and natural cosmetics). The products are available in the fragrance combinations of raspberry and melon or lavender and mint, and are accompanied by make-up and toiletry bags made from organic cotton.

“It felt like a natural step, since we’ve worked with organic cotton garments for a few seasons now. There’s also a strong demand from our customers for organics, and I hope they will be as excited as I am about the new products,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s head of design.

Shower gel contains the juice of organic apples, while organic apple juice and apricot seeds are key ingredients in the body scrub. Organic apple juice and oils from sunflower seeds make up an essential part of the body lotion, while the hand cream has organic apple juice and oils from organic almond seeds. The lip balm has the key organic ingredients of jojoba and beeswax, and all of the products are scented with natural perfumes derived from essential oils, sold in recyclable packaging.

Prices range from $4.95 to $7.95:

H%26M+shower+gel H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!
Shower Gel $4.95

h%26M+body+lotion H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!

Body Lotion $4.95

H%26M+body+scrub+2 H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!

Body Scrub $4.95

H%26M+hand+cream H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!

Hand Cream $4.95

H%26M+Lip+Balm H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!

Lip Balm $4.95

H%26M+toiletries+bag H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!

Toiletry Bag $7.95

H%26M+makeup+bag H&M To Launch Bath & Body Line!
Makeup Bag $4.95

NBC 10 Holiday Beauty Giveaway Winner!

Posted on by daneen in Bath and Body, Contest, Feet, Fragrance, Giveaway, Makeup Case, Nails, Perfume | Leave a comment
godiva+candle NBC 10 Holiday Beauty Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to the winner of the NBC 10 Holiday Beauty Giveaway, Dana Loeb.

Dana will soon receive: candles from the Godiva Home Fragrance Collection, Sephora Fragrance Samples for Him and Her, a Zoya Holiday Minicure Gift Set, Felix Rey Leopard Nylon Cosmetics Case (large), and Bath & Body Works shea socks!

Many thanks to the contest sponsors for a) creating such fabulous products and b) allowing me to spoil Dana pretty.



pixel NBC 10 Holiday Beauty Giveaway Winner!

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