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

Mascara

Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara

Posted on by daneen in Eyes, Makeup Remover, Mascara | Leave a comment
Urban+Decay+Cannonball+Ultra+Waterproof+Mascara Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara

A few weeks ago, I signed my son, Westley, up for swimming lessons at the local YMCA – and this morning was his first class. Since I’m a new mom and busier than ever, I decided to multitask and test a new beauty product while we got our swim on.

Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara‘s light gel formula has been rigorously field-tested in the ocean as well as the sweat-drenched gym. The exclusive Japanese formula refuses to budge. A special microcrystalline wax works with the dense, fuzzy brush to increase seductive length and volume, without ever flaking off and compromising your lashes’ natural feathery texture. Mermaids can now sing their siren songs with abandon, and high maintenance types can cry all they want.

I quickly swiped on a coat before heading out the door and prayed that the product delivered on its promises. And while Westley and I were splashing around and dunking our heads under the water, I kept hoping that I wasn’t having a Tammy Faye moment. But as my mom used to say about school, “It’s not a fashion show.” Thanks Mom, for always putting things into perspective.

Anyway, when I returned to the locker room and found a mirror, I was pleasantly surprised. My mascara looked freshly applied with no smears or smudges. And even as I vigorously dried my face with my towel, my mascara didn’t budge.



Spoiled+Pretty+Urban+Decay+Cannonball+Ultra+Waterproof+Mascara Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara
This is me, post-swim. My natural lashes are so stumpy, they don’t usually show up in photos.

If you’re looking for a volumizing formula, this isn’t it. But if you want a mascara that adds good length and delivers natural-looking, you-but-better results, this is a great choice. But if you buy it, you’d be wise to invest in a good makeup remover. Coincidentally, Urban Decay’s Melt Down Makeup Remover is also new.

Both are available at urbandecay.com and Sephora.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Made Easy

Posted on by daneen in Beauty Tips, Eyes, Makeup Mondays with Mario, Mario Dedivanovic, Mascara | Leave a comment
mmwmd Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Made Easy

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!
I’m confused and I need your help. It seems that there are so many conflicting “rules” about how to apply mascara and I don’t know which ones to follow. Some say to hold the wand vertically while others say horizontally. I’ve been told to bend the wand – what good does that do? And some tips say let your mascara dry between coats, while other tips say not to let the coat dry before applying more. 

If anyone knows the best way to apply mascara, I know it’s you. So please help, Mario!

You rock,
Reena
applying+mascara Makeup Mondays With Mario: Mascara Made EasyHey Reena,

I don’t blame you for feeling confused! Applying mascara should be one of the most simple steps in your makeup routine. I’m not sure that there is technically a “best way” to apply mascara as it really depends on your lashes and how you prefer them to look and feel. When I apply mascara, I hold the wand horizontally and apply it first to the root of the lash up to the tip.  If I want a darker and fuller lash, I usually wiggle the brush from side to side to really coat the lashes with mascara. 

I prefer to apply a second or third coat while the lashes are still wet because it allows for easier blending and separating. The same goes for the bottom lashes as well. I recommend you find your own way to apply mascara that feels most comfortable to you and gives you the result you want.  In other words, you make your own rules to follow!


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: Long Lashes Undermining Your Mascara?

Posted on by daneen in Beauty Tips, Eyes, Lashes, Makeup Mondays with Mario, Mario Dedivanovic, Mascara | Leave a comment
mmwmd Makeup Mondays With Mario: Long Lashes Undermining Your Mascara?

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!

First and foremost, I’m an epic fan of your work! The advice you give is extremely helpful. So, I was hoping that you could help me out with one particular struggle I have with applying makeup. I have a problem with mascara. My makeup looks hot when I leave the house but 2 hours later I get mascara smudges right below my eyebrows! I don’t know what to do. I have tried every single brand of mascara you can possibly think of! When I go to MAC or any counter they say to use a good primer and this and that and they sell it to me. I use it and still get the smudges. What do you recommend? Or am I stuck with my super long eyelashes and carrying my 224 brush everywhere I go?

Thanks!
Amanda

mascara2 Makeup Mondays With Mario: Long Lashes Undermining Your Mascara?

Hi Amanda,

Thanks so much. The mascara smudges right below your brows are a result of oily eyelids. I’m sure there are a lot of women reading this and wishing they had your “issue,” LOL.  As the day progresses, your eyelids begin to produce more oils and your lashes are smudging on the lid because oils break down and melt makeup. I say you stick with your preferred waterproof mascara and try applying a mattyfying cream to your T-zone and also to the area around the brows. I like Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel by Peter Thomas Roth.  Follow with a dab of oil-free concealer or foundation and then seal the deal with a translucent setting powder. Instead of using a brush to apply the powder, use a damp sponge and press it onto the skin. Sweep away the access powder with a clean blending brush. Try Luminous Translucent Loose Powder by Motives Cosmetics. This technique will help with creating a barrier between oily skin and mascara. If your skin and mascara are both dry to the touch, there will be no more mess!  

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!

Maybelline Volum’ Express the Falsies Washable Mascara

Posted on by daneen in Holy Grail, Mascara | Leave a comment
maybelline+falsies+mascara Maybelline Volum Express the Falsies Washable Mascara

I hate mascara ads. Hate them. People get bent out of shape about magazine airbrushing. Well, mascara ads are my pet peeve. The lashes in said ads are always so exaggerated that no matter what amazing results the mascara actually yields, you end up feeling cheated because your fringe still doesn’t look as fantastic as it does in the ads.

maybelline+falsies+mascara+ad Maybelline Volum Express the Falsies Washable Mascara

So, speaking of false advertising…a while back, Maybelline sent me a tube of their Volum’ Express the Falsies Washable Mascara to test and review. At first, I was really disappointed that it didn’t look the model’s. But then I had to stop myself and think rationally. Obviously, the lashes at left have been creatively super-sized and no one in their right mind should expect to look like that, post-application. So I put the advertisement out of my mind, stood in front of the mirror again and took an objective look at my lashes. And you know what? Ad, schmad…Maybelline Falsies Mascara is ab fab – and I’ll tell you why.

First, Falsies has just the right consistency. I’m like Goldilocks when it comes to mascaras. I hate when the consistency is too thick or too watery. This one is just right – coating evenly without clumping. And over time, it doesn’t dry out like so many on the market. Another reason to love Falsies: the curved brush grabs every lash – lengthening and volumizing them to their true potential. For gals with sparse lashes like me who have little to work with, you know that this is a big deal. Finally, I absolutely love that the formula is buildable. So many mascaras claim to be buildable – and then you layer on coats only to wind up with clumped up, tarantula-looking foolishness. The Falsies Mascara builds perfectly. Apply one coat for a natural, “maybe she was born with it” doe eyes. Layer on multiple coats and your peepers will be batting a thousand.

I’m so impressed with Falsies that I’d say it’s a close second to my #1 mascara, Lancome’s Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara. They’re alike in many ways…well, except for the $16.50 difference in price.

Honestly, Falsies’ mascara is so great that Maybelline didn’t even need to augment their ad. The actual results speak for themselves, and the $8 price tag is just icing on the proverbial cake.

MAC Haute & Naughty Lash

Posted on by daneen in Lashes, Mascara | Leave a comment
mac+haute+and+naught+lash+mascara MAC Haute & Naughty Lash

As much as I adore MAC Cosmetics (y’all know I do), I’ve always been a little meh about their mascaras. So when the company sent me a sample of their new Haute & Naughty Lash, the package actually sat around for weeks before I tried it.

When I finally got around to reviewing it, I wanted to smack myself upside the head for waiting so long – and for doubting the makeup masterminds at MAC.

Haute &Naughty Lash lets your lashes lead a double life, thanks to a two-in-one dual wiper system. For natural, genetically blessed look, use the wand with the pink end. For doe-eyed, dramatic fringe, use the wand with the pink and disco purple end. The hydrating formula prevents flaking and comes off easily with eye makeup remover.

Peep these photos and see for yourself how Haute & Naughty transformed my lashes from blah to bladow!

spoiled+pretty+naked+lashes MAC Haute & Naughty Lash
Before: nekkid lashes looking a bit bald

spoiled+pretty+mac+haute+and+naughty+photo MAC Haute & Naughty Lash
After: Haute & Naughty lashes

Haute & Naughty Lash is currently available at nordstrom.com and maccosmetics.com. In September 2010, it will be sold at all MAC stores and counters. MAC products have a way of selling out, so if I were you, I’d get this mascara while it’s haute!

Winner of the Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway

Posted on by daneen in Contest, Giveaway, Lashes, Mascara | Leave a comment
lancome+definicils+precious+cells+mascara+julia+roberts+ad Winner of the Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway

Hi, y’all. So sorry I’m weeks late announcing the winner of the Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Giveaway.

Congrats to Liya S. She will receive the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes, all while delivering definition with lash by lash fullness.

Many thanks to Lancôme for spoiling Liya and sponsoring this contest. Stay tuned for the next giveaway!

Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway!!!

Posted on by daneen in Contest, Giveaway, Lashes, Mascara | Leave a comment
lancome+definicils+precious+cells+mascara+julia+roberts+ad Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway!!!
Lancôme’s latest mascara, Définicils Precious Cells, is now available exclusively at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com. Définicils Precious Cells is the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes, all while delivering definition with lash by lash fullness. Lancôme’s newest ambassadress Julia Roberts is the face of the new mascara.
Définicils Precious Cells Mascara contains the nourishing apple lysate ingredient found in Lancôme’s Absolue Precious Cells skincare collection, and boasts an entirely new creamy texture. Just as with the original best-selling Définicils, this formula not only defines lashes beautifully, but also creates a fuller lash look. A blend of five, triple-coated waxes delivers lash fullness from the lash root to tip. Additionally, the new Définicils Precious Cells Mascara formula glides on smoothly while enveloping lashes with conditioning agents. It’s also super-easy to remove, reducing the chance of lash loss.
It wouldn’t be a Lancôme mascara without an innovative, performance-driven brush and Définicils Precious Cells Mascara is no exception. The new multi-faceted brush was specifically developed to work with the creamier formula. The short bristles help deposit the formula in between the lashes, while the flexible, longer bristles allow for a clean application. In combination, the formula and brush deliver optimal lash by lash fullness.
Lancome+Definicils+Precious+Cells+Mascara Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway!!!

Définicils Precious Cells Mascara is $29 and, as I mentioned before, is now exclusively available at Nordstrom. In August, you can find it at Lancôme counters nationwide and on lancome-usa.com.

But this week, you can score a tube for FREE! Yup…that’s right. Lancôme is sending me a sample to try (I wonder how it compares to my favorite lash lengthener of all time, Lancôme Hypnose Drama) and another mascara to give away!!!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you’re the lucky pretty woman!

Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, July 9, 2010. Good luck!



pixel Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara Giveaway!!!

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