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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Skin Care

Anew, I Think I Love You

Posted on February 24, 2009 by daneen in Anti-Aging, Exfoliation, Holy Grail, Skin Care | Leave a comment

Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion System Anew, I Think I Love YouIf you’ve been visiting Spoiled Pretty for any length of time, you know that I am an exfoliating fool. With all of the buffing and scrubbing I do, it’s a major miracle I don’t look like the Crypt Keeper by now. When it comes to exfoliation, I’m like an archeologist with ADD, relentlessly digging for buried treasure. And I’m not satisfied until my flaky façade is polished baby butt smooth.

I’ve tested an excessive amount of exfoliants, so it takes a serious scrub to even get my attention. But I recently tried a product so mind-blowing that it has my undivided attention. Avon’s Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion is so rocking my world right now, I can’t even stand it.

Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion is a skin system that delivers varied levels of exfoliation. The dual-barrel bottle is topped with a dial that allows you to increase the intensity of the micro-crystal formula, offering multiple strength polishing in one package.

To use, you simply apply to clean, wet skin. Starting with Level 1, use Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion 2–3 times a week for 2 weeks before proceeding to the next level. After completing all 4 levels (8 weeks) stop using for 2 to 3 weeks and then start over at Level 1.

I noticed a dramatic improvement in my skin after just one use, and you know how much I enjoy immediate results. I used it before a date night dinner with Mr. Spoiled Pretty and let me tell you…my moisturizer and foundation melted onto my skin like buttah.

This is an ideal product for anyone with dry skin, rough skin texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and dark age spots.

Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion gets two very enthusiastic thumbs up. If you’re like me and like to scrub a dub dub it up, you must purchase this product – no ifs, ands or baby butts about it.

The Body Electric: Clarisonic’s New Plus Skin Care System & Spot Therapy Kit

Posted on February 3, 2009 by daneen in Exfoliation, Skin Care | Leave a comment

clarisonic+plus+skin+care+system+and+spot+therapy+kit The Body Electric: Clarisonics New Plus Skin Care System & Spot Therapy Kit
Your body may not be a wonderland yet…but wait until you get your mitts on the new Clarisonic Plus Skin Care System & Spot Therapy Kit.

This enhanced Clarisonic Plus system has a third speed, along with a new Spot Therapy Brush Head for the body. Sonic frequency moves Clarisonic’s soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second to clear pores – loosening dirt, makeup, and oil.

Clarisonic is proven to remove more dirt (sebum and makeup) than traditional, superficial cleansing, allowing your serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft and pampered without harsh abrasion or chemicals. Clarisonic reduces dry skin patches, oily areas, and blemishes and removes 6 times more makeup than traditional cleansing. Pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles appear smaller.

The Clarisonic Spot Therapy Brush Head takes sonic cleansing beyond the face to gently cleanse and exfoliate; smooth rough, dry patches; and prepare the skin to better absorb skincare products. It is ideal for use on the décolleté, hands, arms, elbows, and feet.

Enhance your results with the complementary Refining Skin Polish for the body; this intensive, 3-tier refining solution exfoliates, firms, and smoothes the skin, delivering radiant, silky-soft results.

Clarisonic Plus Skin Care System & Spot Therapy Kit contains:

* Clarisonic Plus three-speed brush
* International charging cradle for worldwide use
* Sensitive brush head
* 3x trial-size facial cleansers
* Spot therapy brush head (for the body)
* Trial-size refining skin polish (for the body)

This kit is available starting today, and is a Sephora exclusive.

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.

I Can See Clearly Now, The Acne’s (Almost) Gone

Posted on January 30, 2009 by daneen in Acne, Skin Care | 3 Comments

on+a+clear+day+philosophy I Can See Clearly Now, The Acne’s (Almost) Gone
It is with wholehearted exuberance that I recommend Philosophy’s On A Clear Day products for all of you complexionally challenged readers out there.

After months of feeling defeated by my adult acne, I decided enough was enough; it was time for me to take back my skin. Problem is, the dead of winter isn’t the best time to be messing around with an acne regimen that can strip already desiccated skin.

Most acne products leave my skin so flaky that it looks like my face has dandruff. No joke…like I’m molting. So when I heard about Philosophy’s new On A Clear Day line, I felt compelled to sacrifice my face in the name of beauty. Philosophy has never done me wrong before, so I decided to take a gamble. And, let me tell you, this one paid off with rich dividends.

After only testing the system for five days, my skin was significantly clearer and brighter – with no drying whatsoever! I couldn’t believe that acne products this gentle could yield such noticeable results, in less than a week.

What I love most about the On A Clear Day line is that the products (Oil-Free Foaming Acne Cleanser, Oil-Free Spot Treatment, Oil-Free All Over Acne Treatment, and Retinol Clarifying Lotion) are all meant to be used once in the morning and again at night. The fact that this system is my AM and PM ritual makes it super easy for me to use the products consistently, which is the reason why I’ve noticed such amazing and immediate results.

Sold separately, the products cost between $18 and $40…but I wouldn’t recommend purchasing a la carte. Do your wallet a favor and pick up the Completely Clear Skin System, which includes the four full-sized products and costs $65. If you’re feeling extra frugal, Sephora sells a quartet of smaller sizes for $35.

This past weekend while shopping at Sephora, I noticed a woman holding the Completely Clear Skin System. She was intently reading the box, with a somewhat cynical look on her face. I brazenly tapped her on the shoulder and insisted she put the box in her basket and march on over to the register. That’s how impressed I am with On A Clear Day…I’m in the store pimping out the products like I’ve got stock in the company.

Considering the results this line delivers, maybe buying stock isn’t such a bad idea.

Freeze 24-7 Giveaway, Sponsored by Ideeli

Posted on January 20, 2009 by daneen in Anti-Aging, Contest, Giveaway, Skin Care | 38 Comments

freeze+24 7+jet+set+travel+kit Freeze 24 7 Giveaway, Sponsored by Ideeli
It’s a new year. It’s time for resolutions and for putting your best face forward. But too often, jam-packed schedules, daily stress and the passing of time can take a toll on your skin, making you feel less than camera-ready. Thanks to Freeze 24-7, however, this no longer has to be the case: its revolutionary patent-pending Age-Less Technology helps produce a nearly instant visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These remarkable results have caught the eyes of leading beauty authorities worldwide and Freeze 24-7 has been featured in numerous magazines and television programs including Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Lucky, Rachel Ray, Fox News and the Today Show.

With all of the accolades Freeze 24-7 has earned, Spoiled Pretty is proud to partner with Ideeli for a Freeze 24-7 Giveaway!

Five lucky winners will receive a Freeze 24-7 Jet Set Travel Kit. On the go or at home, this luxe travel companion carries everything you need for flawless, smooth and healthy-looking skin. Travel-friendly product sizes meet travel regulations, making check-in a breeze. The kit is a $75 value and includes deluxe travel sizes of five anti-aging essentials:

Anti-Wrinkle Cream: Reduces the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles minutes of application. Lasts up to 24 hours.

IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer: A smoothing and moisturizing complex that provides intense hydration while nourishing, firming and toning skin.

Anti-Aging Eye Serum: An eye serum that quickly and effectively removes puffiness, fine lines, dark circles and other signs of aging.

IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep and Polish: A revolutionary resurfacing product that rejuvenates the skin while leaving a youthful, healthy glow.

Plump Lips Lip Plumper: This lip plumper quickly and dramatically plumps and moisturizes, while enhancing natural lip color.

To enter, all you have to do is sign up for Ideeli.com. Ideeli is a membership-only shopping community, and membership is free. Just click here and enter spoiledpretty as your invite code. The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, January 25th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, January 26th, I’ll announce the winner’s name.

And if you can’t wait to get your hands on some Freeze 24-7, click here to shop and use coupon code “ideeli09” at checkout for 30% off any purchase through January 31st.

Good luck!

90s Ladies Week: What’s Up, Doc?

Posted on November 22, 2008 by daneen in 90s Ladies Week, Exfoliation, Holy Grail, Skin Care | 1 Comment

doc+martens 90s Ladies Week: Whats Up, Doc?
In the early to mid 1990s, Doc Martens were the nirvana of cool. And I, like many, fell under the spell of the chunky-soled boots with the distinctive yellow stitching. I begged my parents to buy me a pair of Doc Martens – or as my mother called them, “those ugly doctor shoes.” But they refused, wondering why I would want to appear as if I was moonlighting as a construction worker. Eventually, I forgave my parents for depriving me of Doc Martens – once I realized how truly ridiculous I would have looked tromping around in them. Then ironically, in the late 90s, my mom bought me a pair of Doc Marten sandals she found on sale at Daffy’s. So I did eventually become cool – just, like, four years too late.

It’s 2008 now, and I’ve got heart palpitations over another doctor. While rooting around on my mom’s vanity a few weeks ago, I discovered an unopened jar of Dr. Brandt’s Microdermabrasion For Face. When I asked where and when she bought it, she couldn’t remember. Who does that? Who randomly buys beauty products then forgets about them? Unbelievable. I mean, sometimes I wonder how this woman and I can possibly be related. Anyway, so I asked politely to sample and she obliged. What happened next was a thing of myth.

dr+brandt+microdermabrasion 90s Ladies Week: Whats Up, Doc?The pharmaceutical grade crystals polished away all of my dead skin cells, leaving behind the softest, most radiant skin I’ve seen in forever ever. And it literally took two minutes. I couldn’t believe it. I emerged from the bathroom with an enormous grin, feeling up my face – incredulous that it could be so smooth. I urged my mom to touch my cheek and she was beyond impressed too.

I asked to take it off her hands…but after seeing the results, there was no way she was letting me leave her house with Dr. Brandt in tow.

Can you believe it? The woman who is the main beneficiary of my beauty beneficence doesn’t want to share. But she did give me life, and a pair of Doc Marten sandals (albeit four years late), so I guess I’ll just have to go out and get my own.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion For Face is available at Sephora and drbrandtskincare.com.

Well, that concludes 90s Ladies Week. I hope you had as much fun reading as I did writing. And be sure to visit Amber at Beauty Blogging Junkie and check out her final installment.

Bioelements Sleepwear Giveaway!

Posted on October 14, 2008 by daneen in Anti-Aging, Contest, Giveaway, Skin Care | 5 Comments

Sleepwear Bioelements Sleepwear Giveaway!
Lately, I’ve been having a little love affair with Bioelements. I am so impressed with the products’ ability to deliver on promises that I’m giving Spoiled Pretty readers an opportunity to take the brand for a test drive. This week, three of you will win Bioelements Sleepwear, an overnight rejuvenation crème.

With Sleepwear, you will experience visibly smoother, firmer skin in just one night. This miraculous overnight treatment infuses the complexion with a scientific complex of topical calcium, time-released retinol, cranberry seed oil and protein peptides. This dream team of ingredients works all night long to rebuild firming collagen and elastin, replenish antioxidants, improve moisture retention and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier layer. Plus, it blocks the production of damaging substances called “MMPs” that cause wrinkles, sags and premature aging.

This nutrient-rich night creme needs to be “friction-activated” prior to application. Which means that, before applying to face, you scoop a small amount into the palm of your hand and gently “slap” 30 times in your palm to release the active ingredients. Immediately apply onto clean, dry skin.

Sleepwear retails for $59.00 and is available at Bioelements spas nationwide.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read “Bioelements Sleepwear Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, October 19th. Three winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, October 20th, 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 only.



pixel Bioelements Sleepwear Giveaway!

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