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

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Moisturizer

Beauty Bloggerati Spotlight: Cold Weather Moisturizers

Posted on October 9, 2009 by daneen in Moisturizer, Skin Care | Leave a comment

Beauty+Bloggerati+Spotlight Beauty Bloggerati Spotlight: Cold Weather Moisturizers
Girl, when the mercury drops, it’s time to put away your summer moisturizer and break out something a little richer. Heaters and cold weather can zap the moisture from your skin, so it’s important to replenish what you skin is lacking.

I’m in the market for a new winter moisturizer, so I decided to hit up The Beauty Bloggerati for some expert advice.

Clarins+Multi Active+Day+Early+Wrinkle+Correction+Cream Beauty Bloggerati Spotlight: Cold Weather MoisturizersI’ve been loving Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream. It moisturizes my dry/combo skin without breaking me out. Plus, it never leaves my neck with a gross, sticky feeling. –Karen, Makeup and Beauty Blog

I’ve been using Dermalogica’s Active Moist for a little while now, it is perfect for my oily skin especially in warmer weather because it’s so light but now that it’s getting colder out, I’m trying a richer moisturizer. Right now I’m giving Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer with SPF30. So far I’m loving the results I’m seeing. It’s soothing some would-be rosacea spots that seem to be trying to form on my skin and some hormonal acne dryness. It is a tad rich for my skin but I’d rather deal with that then some of the other issues I’ve been battling. –Carla, Product Girl

I have dry skin and when the weather turns cold I really have to baby it. I have found comfort in Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate Serum. While the scent is actually quite strong and not appealing to me, I’ve learned to accept it because of the wonderful things it does for my skin! –Tammy, A Mom in Red High Heels

I love Chanel Sublimage for cold winter weather. It’s a bit heavy for me for my normal to oily skin in the summer, but it’s perfect for the blustery windy days of January through March. –Amber, Beauty Blogging Junkie

I am addicted to Fresh Repair & Restore Face Balm normal – combo. Not only does it smell amazing but the texture is beautiful and it melts into your skin leaving it hydrated and supple. –Lisa, These Lips Are Made For Glossin’
Clinique+Dramatically+Different+Moisturizing+Lotion Beauty Bloggerati Spotlight: Cold Weather Moisturizers
I have sensitive dry/combination skin and I absolutely love using Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion with the pump, which I carry in my purse. –Jennifer, Beyond Beauty Basics

I have combination skin: definitely gets oily on my T-zone, and dry in other areas. I also have crazy sensitive skin, so I look like I’m sunburned sometimes (even if it’s 10 degrees outside). I have just started using the Lierac Paris Creme Mesolift at night, because it has a ton of antioxidants, and hasn’t made me break out. However, a more budget friendly night cream for ladies (that never fails), is just plain ole Vaseline cream (not petroleum). It’s affordable, it’s simple and it rarely irritates the skin (and it’s perfect as an eye cream and lip moisturizer too!) –Bailey, Makeover Momma

Amala Beauty Giveaway!

Posted on June 2, 2009 by daneen in Cleanser, Contest, Eco-friendly, Giveaway, Moisturizer, Skin Care, Toner | Leave a comment
amala+beauty Amala Beauty Giveaway!

In April, I declared Amala my skin savior…and for good reason. This luxurious line tamed my troubled skin and restored my faith in organic and natural beauty products. The Purify collection, created for oily and acnegenic skin types, has become the staple of my daily skin care routine; and after two months of using the products, I continue to marvel at the amazing results the ingredients have had on my complexion.

I am so enamored with Amala that we’re partnering for a Spoiled Pretty giveaway! Two lucky winners will receive:

amala+beauty+hydrate Amala Beauty Giveaway!

Hydrating Cream Cleanser ($30)
Hydrate dry skin while gently removing makeup and impurities with this comforting cleansing cream. The whole botanical ingredients help soothe and restore moisture for clean, soft, radiant skin.

Hydrating Toner ($30)
Revive and rehydrate skin with this refreshing toner. Soothing floral waters and whole plant extracts help refine pores and restore moisture to soften and comfort skin.

Hydrating Face Cream ($68)
Quench dull, dry skin by helping to restore its natural moisture and elasticity with this creamy hydrating treatment. Whole plant ingredients restore elasticity and protect skin from dehydration for lasting smoothness.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read “Amala Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 7th. Two winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 8th, I’ll announce the winners’ names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.

Good luck!

My Favorite Skin Care Products EVER: Amala

Posted on April 29, 2009 by daneen in Acne, Cleanser, Eco-friendly, Exfoliation, Holy Grail, Moisturizer, Scrub, Skin Care, Toner | 1 Comment
amala+skincare My Favorite Skin Care Products EVER: Amala

It’s really difficult to admit this, but I used to be very dismissive of natural and organic beauty products – particularly skin care. I used to believe that I needed to patronize products with harsh chemicals to get my problem skin to act like it had some sense. In fact, I would often joke that I didn’t care what damage a product did to my insides, as long as my outsides were looking good.

But I’ve done a complete 180 since discovering Amala, a luxurious collection of skin care and body care products with 100% natural formulas.

amala+purifying+moisturizer My Favorite Skin Care Products EVER: AmalaEarlier this month, I began testing Amala’s new Purify line – for Earth Day editorial consideration. Purify is a collection of products formulated for oily and acnegenic skin types. The products help control excess oil and shine, clear clogged pores, and prevent and heal blemishes and blackheads with treatments inspired by the healing plants and flowers of Eastern Asia.

So for three weeks, I’ve been religiously using the Purifying Gel Cleanser, Purifying Face Polish, Purifying Toner, and Purifying Moisturizer. And I have to say that besides feeling like I’m indulging in an extravagant spa treatment every time I use these citrus-scented products, my skin hasn’t looked this good in years.

My acne is now very mild, if not practically nonexistent. And my skin is so radiant that many of my friends have remarked about the drastic improvement in my complexion.

While Amala’s Purify price tag isn’t exactly recessionista-friendly (products range from $30 to $136), these products are, in my expert opinion, an absolute steal for the results you’ll see.

I am so enamored with the Purify line that I want to tell every person I meet about this brand. I would gladly be the company’s spokesperson and do commercials – because I feel so strongly about how the treatments have transformed my skin. Hell, I’d do it for free…in exchange for a lifetime supply of this stuff.

Amala is available at Barneys New York and amalabeauty.com.

Is Aveeno Scared of the Dark?

Posted on April 20, 2009 by daneen in Moisturizer | Leave a comment

aveeno+positively+radiant+tinted+moisturizer+spf+30 Is Aveeno Scared of the Dark?

The other day, while I was flipping through one of my many fashion mags, I spied an ad for Aveeno’s new Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30. As someone with the sensitive skin curse, I am very familiar with Aveeno‘s line of products – and I’m a big fan of their gentle formulations. So when I read about the product’s “unique combination of natural mineral-based tints – which seamlessly cover to blend away imperfections – and clinically proven Total Soy Complex to even out skin tone and texture in four weeks,” I got very excited. Well, that is until I noticed that it only comes in two shades: Fair to Light and Medium.

Now, I’m not saying that the tinted moisturizer needs to launch in a kaleidoscope of colors. But, dang…would it have hurt to also offer a Deep or Dark option?

I have to say that, as a beauty junkie of color, it is extremely frustrating (not to mention insulting) when certain skin tones are ignored by the beauty industry. If brands can create products to grow stubbly lashes into fabulous fringe, or supersize skinny lips – surely they can create foundation, powder, concealer and tinted moisturizer in more that two hues. Just sayin’.

Do The Dew: DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15

Posted on March 24, 2009 by daneen in Acne, Moisturizer, Oily Skin | Leave a comment

DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15 Do The Dew: DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15I was very excited to try DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15, considering it was recently named a finalist in the CEW 2009 Beauty Awards. And after testing the moisturizer, I agreed with CEW’s assessment, as I found that the product did – indeed – deliver on all of its promises.

The ultra-lightweight formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog pores. It protects skin from UVA and UVB rays without that telltale white finish that many SPF-infused products leave behind. Since it’s oil-free and fragrance free, Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15 is ideal for those with sensitive skin and acne. It’s man-friendly too. And with warmer weather just around the bend, I’ll definitely be using this product when I move my heavier winter formula to the back of my bathroom cabinet for its summer hibernation.

But despite this ringing endorsement, there is one minor caveat. With a name like Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15, you might expect that the moisturizer would give your skin a dewy effect. At least, that’s what I assumed. It doesn’t. This moisturizer is going to quench your skin’s thirst, but the finish is definitely matte…which is great for shiny sistas like me.

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15 is $38-$40 and is available at Beauty.com, BlueMercury, DermStore, Sephora, Ulta and ddfskincare.com.

Congratulations To The Winner of Kenzo’s Belle de Jour Giveaway!

Posted on February 8, 2009 by daneen in Contest, Giveaway, Moisturizer | 1 Comment

belle+de+jour Congratulations To The Winner of Kenzos Belle de Jour Giveaway!
Congrats to Wendy Wong, winner of the Belle de Jour giveaway. Wendy has won KENZO’s new face cream, which – besides moisturizing -protects skin from free radicals and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. And it has the most wonderful fragrance…you’ll never forget to apply it because the fragrance is so addictive.

Thanks to all who participated in this giveaway – and to KENZO for making it possible; Spoiled Pretty appreciates the support!

Don’t forget to enter the Love Enamel Bracelet giveaway. There are still a few hours left before the contest closes and I choose a winner. Good luck!

Kenzo Belle de Jour Giveaway!

Posted on February 3, 2009 by daneen in Contest, Giveaway, Moisturizer, Skin Care | 7 Comments

kenzo+belle+de+jour Kenzo Belle de Jour Giveaway!
Listen up, ladies. There’s a new moisturizer in town – and I am so enamored, I just cannot keep it on the DL.

KENZO’s new face cream, Belle de Jour enhances the skin’s natural beauty by protecting it from free radicals and the harmful stress hormone – Cortisol. High levels of Cortisol increase blood pressure and can weaken the immune system, making the body prone to illness and fat accumulation.

In clinical studies conducted by LVMH CEC (Cosmetic Evaluation Center), 75% of women using Belle de Jour showed a drop in their Cortisol levels by 25% after a single application. Further tests show a 28% reduction in reactive oxygenated elements (free radicals) on the skin’s surface.

White lotus, long regarded as a sacred flower in Asia, is at the heart of its secret formula. White lotus water, grown and harvested specially for KENZO in East Asia, has proven relaxing and anti-free radical effects. This natural and potent ingredient helps restore skin to its natural balance by stimulating cellular metabolism, leaving it luminous and soft. It is suitable for all skin types and may be used day and night.

belle+de+jour Kenzo Belle de Jour Giveaway!Belle de Jour is quite possibly the most luxurious face cream I’ve ever used. In addition to reducing Cortisol levels and protecting against free radicals, this voluptuous moisturizer soothes and increases radiance. While Belle de Jour is one heck of a hydrator, the fragrance is the selling point. Without hesitation, I would say that Belle de Jour is one of the best smelling beauty products I’ve ever met; and as you know, I get around.

When I apply Belle de Jour in the middle of my harried morning routine, it calms me and makes me slow my pace just a little. And I love slathering it on right before bed, so that I can breathe in its delicate perfume as it lulls me to sleep. If KENZO wants to make a gazillion dollars, they’ll create an entire line of skincare, bodycare and fragrance with this exact bouquet. I would buy every single thing. You hear me, KENZO?

One lucky reader is going to hear me loud and clear, because Spoiled Pretty and KENZO are giving away one 1.7 oz jar of Belle de Jour (retail value $105!).

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read “Belle de Jour Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Saturday, February 7th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Sunday, February 8th, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.



pixel Kenzo Belle de Jour Giveaway!

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