Jennifer Lopez & Her Beehive/Ratsnest Hairdo

I'm usually behind (pun intended) J Lo when it comes to her fashion and beauty choices, but I don't know how I feel about the beehive/ratsnest hairstyle she wore to the UK premiere of her new film, The Back-Up Plan.

One minute I'm all "Homegirl should have had a back-up plan for that do." The next minute, I think it's the fiercest red carpet hair I've seen in a long while. Who knows...maybe the hairstyle had nothing to do with style at all, and her exaggerated bun was just a ruse to sneak her toddler twins, Max and Emme, into the movie without paying. Damn, Jenny, I know movie tickets are ridiculously high and all, but you didn't have to do all this!

But don't get me started on that dress. I realize that it's Lanvin, but it might as well be the winner of a Project Runway trash bag challenge.

Aveda Shampure Soy Wax Candle Winners!!!

I'm so excited to announce the winners of the Aveda Shampure Soy Wax Candle Giveaway because it's, literally, the best smelling candle ever. So without further ado, the lucky winners are Satvi and swankygirl.

Ladies, be sure to check your email because I'll need your real names and addresses to ship your prize. And please let me know how you like the candle, though I'm sure you'll agree with my rave review.

Many thanks to Aveda for sponsoring the giveaway - and for making such an ab fab candle, natch.

And don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's remaining Earth Day-inspired beauty giveaways!

Arm Yourself: Urban Decay Revolver Fragrance Oil

Arm yourself with Revolver, Urban Decay's new "sexy and powerful weapon of love." The fragrance oil opens with top notes of lychee and pineapple leaf, then mixes with the middle note of fig. Sheer, yet potent base notes of amber and Egyptian musk round out the scent.

Eau de toilet perfume sprays often dissipate and fade as the day wears on; but this concentrated perfume oil comes in a perfect, go-anywhere roll applicator that can be targeted right at your pulse points (wrist, inner elbow and behind ears) - ao the fragrance seems as captivating at the end of the day as when you first put it on. Revolver tucks easily into the smallest evening bag without fear of unloading.

Dynamic Duo: Votre Vu Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Crème

Believe it or not, I wear hardly any makeup on a daily basis. I'm so pressed for time in the mornings that I have neither the 15 minutes nor the energy to spare. But I'm not entirely low-maintenance. I'm never without lip balm and hand cream in my purse.

So I was thrilled when Votre Vu's Duette recently showed up on my doorstep to review. Duette is a duo of deeply moisturizing lip balm and decadently rich hand crème in one package, and has become a staple in my purse since I first used it.

Flip the first cap on the tube to reveal a nourishing lip balm made from coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. A deliciously light and natural coconut flavor delivers a guiltless treat to your lips with every application. The cap also contains a clandestine mirror for precise application.

Flip open the second cap to enjoy the Almond Pie Nutrient Rich Luxe Hand Crème. This intoxicating hand cream deeply moisturizes without any greasy residue, and leaves a soft veil of almond and coconut fragrance lingering on the skin. Beautifully absorbed, this special formula was developed to maintain the health, beauty and suppleness of your hands, while delighting your nose with a decadent aroma. Formulated with sunflower, grape seed and jojoba oils combined with moisturizing and healing aloe, wheat proteins and natural sun filters, this sweet treat is one big serving of hydrating heaven. The cream also contains sun filters for UVA/UVB protection to maintain skin tone, while helping protect and keep hands soft, supple and younger looking.

I'm digging on Duette so much that I'm compelled to spread the wealth. So, this week, I'm partnering with Votre Vu for a giveaway. Three readers will win this dynamic duo, which retails for $38.

To enter the giveaway, leave 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 get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. Good luck!

Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste Giveaway Winner

Congrats to the winner of the Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste Giveaway, Stephanie (tvollowitz).

Burt's Bees Natural Toothpastes are natural, effective toothpastes clinically proven to improve oral health. With regular brushing, they prevent cavities (fluoride versions only), reduce plaque, whiten teeth by removing surface stains, and freshen breath. They feature natural ingredients like plaque-fighting cranberry extract and calcium & phosphorous to promote strong healthy teeth. The toothpastes are SLS-free and don't contain any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.

Stephanie will receive:

Natural Toothpaste - Multicare with Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Multicare without Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Whitening with Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Whitening without Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Kids Orange Wow with Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Kids Berry Bee without Fluoride

Many thanks to Burt's Bees for sponsoring the contest.

And don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's other Earth Day-inspired beauty giveaways!

ecoTools EcoPouf Giveaway!

Go green while you get all spring clean with ecoTOOLS EcoPouf!

A little lather goes a long way as the pioneers at ecoTOOLS introduce yet another eco-innovation with the world’s first 100% recycled plastic bath sponge! The first of its kind, the EcoPouf sets the standard for bathing, showing beauty buffs everywhere that getting squeaky clean and supporting sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

The EcoPouf is available at Target stores, but you can win one for free. ecoTOOLS is helping two Spoiled Pretty readers go green without spending any greenbacks!

To enter the giveaway, leave 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 get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, April 30, 2010. Good luck!

And don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's other Earth Day-inspired beauty giveaways!

Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family: Take 20% Off

Lavanila Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 For Face Giveaway!

Today is Earth Day and next month is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. So to celebrate the present and prepare you for the future, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Lavanila for a giveaway.

Four readers will win Lavanila's new Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 For Face, a highly nourishing and safe alternative to chemical-laden formulas. Developed with a new generation of natural mineral sunscreens that offer superior protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays, this multi-tasking formula is packed with youth-promoting antioxidants and immune supporting botanicals for daily protection and nourishment. Perfect for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free, ultra-sheer formula glides on smoothly with no white residue for the ultimate in natural SPF protection.

Traditional sunscreens use harsh chemicals like PABA, oxybenzone, parabens, nanoparticles, synthetic fragrance and phthalates, which can accumulate in the bloodstream and cause irritation or allergic reactions. Lavanila’s Healthy Sunscreen is 100% natural, completely free of chemicals and infused with a superior complex of skin-saving vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 For Face contains:

• Titanium Dioxide: This FDA-approved natural broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) physical sunscreen is derived from white earth minerals that reflect, block and scatter sunlight
• Zinc Oxide: This FDA approved sunscreen is nature’s broadest spectrum UVA and UVB absorber
• Shea Butter: Derived from the shea nut tree, this butter moisturizes, softens and protects dry, damaged skin
• Green Tea: A powerful antioxidant, Green Tea is known to help fight free radical damage

From nourishing botanicals and healing minerals to chemical-free UV protection, Lavanila Healthy Sunscreen offers an array of skin-healthy benefits:

• Protection against harmful UVA & UVB rays that can cause sunburn, cell damage, dryness, roughness, and premature signs of age such as fine lines
• Youth-promoting antioxidants, botanicals and amino acids that hydrate and replenish delicate skin
• Non-coated minerals that maximize healing and provide antibacterial, anti-microbial protection
• Non-comedogenic
• Clinically tested
• Biodegradable
• No animal testing
• NO: Oxybenzone, Nanoparticles, Fragrance, Parabens, PABA or Phthalates

The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 For Face ($28) is available at Sephora and lavanila.com.

To enter the giveaway, leave 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 get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Good luck!

And don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's other Earth Day-inspired beauty giveaways!

Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin

Lancôme's Juicy Tubes, the iconic lip gloss that kicked off the gloss frenzy, is turning 10! Introduced in 2000, it quickly became a cult product thanks to its unique tube applicator, high shine and yummy flavors, inspiring must-have limited editions, Facebook fan pages and even a series of imitators. A decade later, it's still beloved by makeup artists and a slew of influencers, including Angelina Jolie, who wore Spring Fling to the 2009 Academy Awards, and stylist Rachel Zoe, who's never without a much-used, much-loved tube in her bag.

To celebrate this beauty birthday, Lancôme is launching Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin ($18), a limited-edition gloss with honey as its main ingredient. The formula, flavors and pigments are 100% natural origin and preservative-free. Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin is available in four shades: Pink Precious, Rose Pretty, Blushing Beauty, and Sheerfully Sweet.

For Earth Day 2010, it was a natural fit to partner with Lancôme spokesmodel and environmentalist Elettra Wiedemann’s charity, Justonefrickinday.com. Its mission is to unify and concentrate available resources onto a small number of special charity projects around the world. By logging on its website, you can calculate and donate just one day of your daily pay to make a difference. The charity’s latest project will raise funds to help install Solar Electric Panels that will provide sustainable power to a hospital in one of world’s poorest countries, Burundi.

From April 22nd through April 25th, anyone who purchases Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin at the Lancôme Boutique on the Upper West Side in NYC will receive a complimentary limited edition tee (created by some of the hottest designers, including House of Diehl, Rag & Bone, Giambattista Valli, Rogan, Chris Benz and Phillip Lim). Lancôme will also make a donation to justonefrickinday.com to kick off this special Earth Day offering.

John Masters Organics Soap Giveaway!

With the launch of his eponymous product line in the early 90's, John Masters set the standard for "green" beauty. Now this visionary pioneer raises the bar with the launch of three organic bar soaps exceptional enough to meet his exacting standards.

John Masters Organics Bar Soaps are certified organic by Oregon Tilth and feature a gentle, skin-loving base of certified-organic palm and coconut oils. Each of these luscious bars smells incredible, delivers serious, targeted results and comes wrapped in 100% recycled paper printed with water-based inks.

John Masters Organics new Bar Soaps are available in three super-moisturizing formulas that meet various needs and treat all skin types:

Lavender, Rose, Geranium & Ylang Ylang Soap: Formulated with organic olive and cupuacu seed butter and organic glycerin, this may very well be the perfect beauty bar. Lavender, rose geranium and ylang ylang essential oils impart a heavenly fragrance while offering skin soothing and balancing benefits, making this soap ideal for both face and body.

Birch & Cedarwood Cleansing & Shaving Bar: This incredible multi-purpose soap is an excellent all-over body cleanser that also functions as a shaving bar for men and women. Enriched with organic olive oil, it lathers to a rich and soothing foam that allows for a close and comfortable shave. Birch and cedarwood oils offer antiseptic properties that help prevent shaving irritation and leave skin clean and conditioned.

Orange & Ginseng Exfoliating Body Bar: This unique body bar contains real organic orange and lime peel that gently and effectively exfoliates while ginseng root stimulates and revitalizes. Exhilarating essential oil of orange blended with an organic palm and coconut oil soap base creates an invigorating lather with high glycerin content. Skin is left clean, soft and smooth.

Each 4.5 oz John Masters Organics Bar Soap ($8) is available at johnmasters.com, Whole Foods Markets and a variety of spas and boutiques nationwide.

This week, one reader will get spoiled pretty with a set of all three bar soaps!

To enter the giveaway, leave 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 get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Good luck!

And don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's other Earth Day-inspired beauty giveaways!

Find Your Burt On Earth Day!

This April, Burt's Bees celebrates 40 years of Earth Day with a nod to none other than their namesake and co-founder, Burt Shavitz. Burt is no newcomer to the green arena: The beard and spirit behind the earth-friendly company participated in the first Earth Day celebration four decades agoand has been living lightly on the planet ever since. Burt has brought his love and respect for the natural world into the everyday practices of Burt's Bees for 25 years, and now he’s encouraging New York locals to "Find Their Burt" by discovering the earth-friendly potential we all share.

On April 22nd, 2010, Burt look-alikes will take to the streets of New York, handing out samples and urging folks to be as eco-friendly as Burt in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Passing out free "Burt" beards and hats, the Burt look-alikes will help transform the crowds into "Burts" themselves. Look for them near Rockefeller Center and in Central Park.

Burt's Bees will also be offering people-powered natural smoothies at a "Bike Blender" station in Times Square, where visitors can stop by and enjoy a smoothie featuring natural ingredients like milk, honey, pomegranate, and cranberry (some of the same natural ingredients you'll find in Burt's Bees® products). The pedaling action actually powers the blender, creating a wholesome natural treat with clean energy. This event will be part of Earth Day NY.

Everyone is encouraged to continue the search for their inner Burt at home by visiting FindYourBurt.com. The website invites you into Burt's worldand asks you to discover for yourself pieces of Burt's simple, nature-loving persona when you "Burtify" your image using an augmented reality tool. The real-time tool modifies elements of Burt on your image based on your eco-motives. The Burt possibilities are endless and so are the ways to love the Earth. This April, visit FindYourBurt.com to learn more about how Burt's Bees is living The Greater Good™ and discover your own inner (and outer) Burt.


WHO: Burt's Bees and a Flock of Burt's

WHAT: Pedal-Powered Smoothies, Burtification and More!

WHERE: New York, NY

WHEN: Thursday, April 22, 2010
Central Park: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Times Square: Bike Blenders from 11:30 AM – 2:00 (@ Earth Day NY)

Aveda Shampure Soy Wax Candle Giveaway!

If you're a regular reader of Spoiled Pretty, you probably remember a review I wrote a few weeks back – extolling the virtues of Aveda's Shampure Soy Wax Candle.

It might be a stretch to call the Shampure Candle the best-smelling candle of all time – considering, well, I've only been on this earth to judge for 31 years. But I'm going to give it that title anyway because I dare someone to find me one more wonderfully fragrant. I triple dog dare you.

This candle smells so good, I want to petition Aveda to create a body wash, lotion, perfume and hand cream in the same scent (they already have a Shampure shampoo and conditioner – which are on my "next to try" list).

The aroma of 25 pure flower and plant essences - including certified organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang ylang – soothes the senses. And the candle, housed in a 95% recycled glass holder, burns cleanly and completely for up to 50 hours.

I'm not content to enjoy this candle solo – so, in honor of Earth Day (April 22) and Natural Woman Week, I've teamed up with Aveda to share two with you!

Two winners will receive Aveda's Shampure Soy Wax Candle – and I dare them to tell my challenge my 'best-smelling candle of all time' theory.

To enter the giveaway, leave 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 get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Good luck!

And don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's other Earth Day-inspired beauty giveaways!

Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste Giveaway!

It's that time again. In honor of Earth Day (April 22nd), I'm hosting Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman Week - a week-long celebration of natural and organic beauty products that will help you green your beauty routine. Even more exciting is the week's worth of green giveaways goin' down here at Spoiled Pretty.

For our first giveaway, I'm partnering with one of my favorite eco-friendly beauty brands, Burt's Bees. For 25 years, Burt's Bees has been offering distinctive earth-friendly, natural personal care products. The brand offers 150+ products for total skin health that keep The Greater Good™ top of mind.

This week, we've teamed up to gift one reader with a set of Burt's Bees new Natural Toothpastes.

Burt's Bees Natural Toothpastes are natural, effective toothpastes clinically proven to improve oral health. With regular brushing, they prevent cavities (fluoride versions only), reduce plaque, whiten teeth by removing surface stains, and freshen breath. They feature natural ingredients like plaque-fighting cranberry extract and calcium & phosphorous to promote strong healthy teeth. The toothpastes are SLS-free and don't contain any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.

One winner will receive:

Natural Toothpaste - Multicare with Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Multicare without Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Whitening with Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Whitening without Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Kids Orange Wow with Fluoride
Natural Toothpaste - Kids Berry Bee without Fluoride

To enter the giveaway, leave 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 get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Monday, April 26, 2010. Good luck!

And don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's other Earth Day-inspired beauty giveaways!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Blemishes Begone!

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 have a question about concealing blemishes. How exactly do you do it? I am so confused. What concealers are the best? Do you apply the concealer before or after foundation? And what do you apply it with? Every time I try to cover up a pimple, it winds up looking really obviously and kinda cakey. If anyone knows how to create a flawless face, it's you - so please help, Mario. Thanks a lot!

Your biggest fan,
Keisha

Hi Keisha,

Concealing blemishes shouldn’t be so stressful. Follow these steps and you'll have flawless skin in no time!

First, apply foundation as you would normally, followed by a cream concealer applied directly on the blemish. Choose a concealer shade that's a bit lighter. Blend the product with your finger or damp sponge – then, with a translucent loose powder, set the blemish only. Now you can go ahead and powder the rest of the face as you would normally.

When choosing a concealer, look for one that is not oily. I really love La Mer's concealer for blemishes. Benefit and CoverGirl make great cream concealers too.

Try this technique and I'm sure you will be a pro in no time!

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!

Jenn Falik Is Your Beauty BFF

My friend and beauty savant, Jenn Falik, is inviting beauty junkies to learn the tips, tricks and products that she swears by. Today Jenn opens up her industry rolodex and her makeup bag to the world with the launch of "Beauty BFF," an original web series on MSN Lifestyle and Bing Video. Trust me...it's must-see TV.

Beauty BFF covers everything from how to achieve the looks you crave (but may be scared to attempt on your own) to the latest trends in hair, makeup and skincare. Viewers join Jenn as she talks to the biggest names in beauty and gets them to spill their secrets. From perfecting the art of the up-do to mastering the at-home manicure, scoring celeb favorites to discovering breakthrough beauty buys- each episode combines interesting insider perspective with usable how-to advice. And since Jenn is all about finding the must-have products that your BFF wouldn’t want you to miss out on, each episode will feature her favorite Product Picks.

Beauty BFF runs through Fall 2010.

Lancôme Giveaway Winner

The lucky winner of Spoiled Pretty's Bump It Up Giveaway, sponsored by Lancôme, is Brigette!

Brigette has won Amy Tara Koch's much-anticipated pregnancy style guide Bump It Up: Transforming your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement. Brigette will also receive one of the author's favorite beauty products - Lancôme’s Star Bronzer, which creates a sun-kissed look and instantly brightens the complexion.

Congrats to Brigette and many thanks to Lancôme for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway!

Congrats to Winners of the AXE Twist Giveaway!

Congratulations to the following lucky winners of the AXE Twist Giveaway:

Alisha

antithesis

Becca Ann
biking in heels
Courtney Liggera

iLyma

Julie H

missrantsypants

mverno

One Philly Mommy

Pamela S

Schmidty

sherri419

Stephanie R

zanvia

Winners will receive AXE Twist, a fresh men's fragrance that changes over time to keep you interested. Prize packages will include a Deodorant Bodyspray (4 oz, $4.99), Deodorant Stick (3 oz, $4.99), and Antiperspirant Stick (2.7 oz, $4.99).

Many thanks to AXE for sponsoring the giveaway!

SATC 2 Salon Blowout Party at Ted Gibson Salon!

In honor of the release of Sex and the City 2, stylist to the stars (Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Greene, Demi Moore) and hair guru of TLC's "What Not to Wear," Ted Gibson, is offering for a limited time a SATC Salon Blowout Party!

This special is great for a group of 4 (or more)…get discounted blowout service from the hair salon known for having the most expensive haircut! When booking the party, make sure you say "Sex and the City" to get these perks:

• FREE glass of champagne
• 15% off Blowouts for each guest of the party
• Ted Gibson Hair Sheet Styling discount - $10.00 (orig. $14.99)

Dates: May 14th – 29th

Ted Gibson Salon - New York
184 Fifth Avenue - 2nd Floor

New York, NY 10010

212.633.6333

Ted Gibson Salon - Washington, D.C.

5481 Wisconsin Avenue - Level 2

Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

301.951.4445

Lord & Taylor Friends and Family

Lord & Taylor is having a Friends & Family sale April 21-25, 2010. Take 25% off almost everything (cosmetics and fragrances are 10% off) with this in-store savings pass - or use the online coupon code FRIENDS at checkout.

If you're too impatient to wait until Wednesday, L&T feels you. Take advantage of the online preview and start spending, er, saving NOW.

Winner of the Orly Sweet Collection Giveaway

Congratulations to cartmanette, winner of the Orly Sweet Collection Giveaway. This candy-colored set of polishes includes:

Gumdrop: pastel turquoise crème
Cotton Candy: baby pink crème
Lollipop: pastel purple crème
Pixy Stix: salmon crème
Snowcone: baby blue crème
Lemonade: pastel yellow crème

Thanks to Orly for sponsoring the contest. And don't miss out on Spoiled Pretty's other fantabulous giveaways!

Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss: Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week

I’m a lip gloss aficionado. I probably own 350+ tubes – and, yes, I realize that that’s utterly ridiculous. But I can’t help myself; I have an insatiable appetite for glosses.

It’s the one cosmetic that I wear every day, so I suppose my compulsion is somewhat justified (not really, that’s just what I tell myself). But despite my addiction, I’m quite the lip gloss snob. My collection is an exquisitely edited assortment of glosses, and a new addition must pass a rigorous set of standards before it is inducted into my own private lip gloss hall of fame.

The latest inductee? Neutrogena’s new MoistureShine Gloss – and here’s why…

First, MoistureShine Gloss has the perfect level of opacity for this time of year. In the spring/summer, I become the Goldilocks of glosses. I look for a gloss that delivers a hint of color; not so little that I might as well be wearing a clear gloss, and not so much that it looks like I’m wearing lipstick. MoistureShine Gloss gives the lips just the right amount of color, not to mention creamy, megawatt shine. The conditioning formula is antioxidant-rich and actually improves the healthy look, softness and smoothness of your lips over time. Plus the gloss has a subtle berry fragrance, natch.

MoistureShine Gloss isn’t sticky in the slightest, and feels more like a balm on the lips. For this review, I tested shade 410 (Wine Wellness, left) - which looks gorgeous, in an understated way, against my tan complexion.

If you’re a lip gloss nut like me and you’re looking for a new beauty that won’t break the bank, Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss ($8.99) is an excellent choice. Available in 14 shades, it is sold at mass market retailers nationwide.

Sponsored Post: AXE Twist Giveaway

Girls get bored easily. That goes without saying. So gift your man with AXE Twist, a fresh fragrance that changes over time to keep you interested.

Developed by world-renowned fragrance experts (including the nose behind Obsession, Eternity, Marc Jacobs Daisy, and Covet for Sarah Jessica Parker), Twist starts with fresh hints of citrus and lime to make a good first impression, and then adds more depth with earthy notes of cedar and sandalwood to keep guys smelling good. When reviewing the Twist Bodyspray, I enjoyed how the fragrance started off crisp and clean – then over the next hour, it morphed into a very manly scent.

The AXE Twist collection includes a Deodorant Bodyspray (4 oz, $4.99), Deodorant Stick (3 oz, $4.99), Antiperspirant Stick (2.7, $4.99) and Shower Gel (12 oz, $3.99).

This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Axe to give readers an opportunity to experience Twist, firsthand. Fifteen winners – yes, you heard me right – will win the Bodyspray, Deodorant and Antiperspirant.

To enter the giveaway, leave 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 get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Sunday, April 18, 2010. Good luck!

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Plump Your Pout

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,

My lips are on the thin side, and so I was hoping you could share some techniques and products that will make them look fuller.

Thanks!
Joanna

Hi Joanna,

To make your pretty little lips appear more full, start out by lining just above the natural lip line with a lip pencil very close in color to your natural lips. Careful not to overdraw too much, especially on the outer corners as it can look clownish or sad-ish. Follow with lipstick and/or gloss and make sure to fill the lips in completely, going over the lip pencil as well to prevent seeing the matte pencil next to the shine or gloss. In other words, apply the gloss exactly over the pencil, not just within the lip line.

For a really pretty pout, finish the lips by applying a cream or powder highlighter to the cupid's bow and center of the bottom lip. This will attract light and lift those areas a bit. If using a gloss, apply the highlight before the gloss or use a light, shimmery gloss on the center instead.

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!

Attention Moms To Be: Lancome Events and Giveaway!

Attention all fellow moms-to-be out there in cyberland...

This month, Lancôme teams up with style expert and author Amy Tara Koch of the much-anticipated pregnancy style guide Bump It Up: Transforming your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement for several exclusive in-store events.

Clients will get the inside scoop on style tips that will take the average pregnancy from blah to beautiful. From creating the best faux glow to the maternity makeup must-haves, expecting moms will be armed with beauty and fashion advice leaving mommy-to-be feeling fabulous. One of her fave product picks? Lancôme’s Star Bronzer to create a sun-kissed look and instantly brighten the complexion.

In addition to receiving expert pregnancy style tips, clients will work with a Lancôme beauty expert on the hottest products to update their beauty regimen. And get the book free with any $75 purchase. Call/email the boutique nearest you to reserve an appointment. Space is limited.

April 13th / 5 PM – 7 PM

Lancôme | The Boutique

Upper West Side

212.362.4858

April 14th / 5 PM – 7 PM

Lancôme | The Boutique

The Mall at Short Hills

973.258.0790

April 27th / 6 PM – 8 PM

W Hotel Dallas-Victory – Lancôme is a sponsor

2440 Victory Park Lane

RSVP: rsvp.01521@whotels.com

April 28th / 5 PM – 7 PM

Lancôme | The Boutique

Northpark Dallas

214.750.9364

Even if you are unable to attend one of the aforementioned events, you're in luck. Spoiled Pretty is teaming up with Lancome for a giveaway. One lucky expectant mom will win a copy of Bump It Up, plus Lancôme’s Star Bronzer (prize value: $54.50).

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section. Tell me a little about your own maternity style, and when your little one is due. Make sure to leave your email or another 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 Monday, April 19, 2010. Good luck!

Ladies For Life: Shop To Support Relay For Life of Philadelphia

As many of you know, I may moonlight as a beauty blogger, but by day I work for the American Cancer Society. If you're in the Philadelphia area, we're hosting a fundraising event next week, and I encourage you to stop by. I donated a DKNY tote bag chock full of beauty products which will be raffled off. So please come out and help support a very worth cause!

LADIES FOR LIFE

A night of shopping to benefit Relay For Life of Philadelphia

Monday, April 12 from 6 - 9 p.m.

Barbelin Hall - 321 Willings Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106

View Larger Map

$10 reserves your spot on the guest list, or show up the night of the 12th ($10 cover charge). You can purchase your tickets online at ladiesforlife.eventbrite.com.

The first 20 shoppers in the door get a free gift!!!

Vendors include: PartyLite, Silpada Designs (jewelry), Mary Kay, Avon, Shaklee (health and wellness), Bagalitas (purses), Cookie Lee (jewelry), Beijo Bags, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, Jockey, Arbonne International (body care) and more!

And we will be raffling off multiple baskets from the vendors!!!

Find out more about Relay For Life of Philadelphia at phillyrelay.org.

Preview Stila's New One Step Prime Color!

 

Stila has a new product called One Step Prime Color, "a revolutionary formula that beautifully enhances the skin by combining benefits of a primer, lip color, eye shadow, cheek color and highlighter in one." I don't know exactly how that would work, but Stila definitely has my attention.

Though One Step Prime Color isn't yet available for individual purchase, you can preview it now in the Stila's Mother's Day Set - which also includes Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, an exclusive Eye Shadow Trio shade (Anya), and a limited Lip Glaze shade (Mayberry). The set has a retail value of $62, but you can snap it up for just $38.

Orly Sweet Collection Giveaway!

Just an update on my current mani: I'm on day six and my polish looks as perfect and fresh as day 1. I'm so impressed with Orly's Sweet Collection and so taken with my candy-colored nails that I'm hosting a giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive the entire set:

Gumdrop: pastel turquoise crème

Cotton Candy: baby pink crème

Lollipop: pastel purple crème

Pixy Stix: salmon crème

Snowcone: baby blue crème

Lemonade: pastel yellow crème

And each polish in this collection comes with a free matching flavored mini lip gloss key chain!

To enter the giveaway, leave 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 get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Thursday, April 15, 2010. Good luck!

Philosophy Box of Miracles Anti-Aging Skin Care Trio Available at QVC

Be the first to try philosophy's new Box of Miracles Anti-Aging Skin Care Trio -  a "miraculous antiaging trio designed to give you intensely smooth, luminous, ageless skin" - that is exclusive to QVC until June 1, 2010.

Who is it for: Anyone concerned with multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, and rough texture.

Why is it different: philosophy's box of miracles includes a miraculous antiaging trio that provides renewed promise to a complexion with unwanted wrinkles, dehydration, and rough texture. The miracle worker collection addresses the visible signs of aging. Regular use of the concentrate and moisturizer will help improve skin's elasticity and firmness, increase skin's moisture, and support skin's vitality for a firm, radiant result. The set also includes purity made simple one-step facial cleanser.

How to use it: At the end of each day or at the beginning of each morning, take a small amount of purity made simple with a little water, and massage onto skin for 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse. Apply one to two pumps of miracle worker miraculous anti-aging concentrate to clean, dry skin prior to moisturizer. Apply miracle worker miraculous antiaging moisturizer after cleansing and treatment as a nighttime or daytime moisturizer.

The Box of Miracles Anti-Aging Skin Care Trio includes:
1-oz miracle worker antiaging concentrate - exclusive to QVC until 6/1/10!
2-oz miracle worker miraculous antiaging moisturizer
8-oz purity made simple cleanser

Retail Value: $137.00
QVC Special Price: $69.96

And tune in to QVC for philosophy - beauty:
Friday, April 9, 2010 from 11 p.m. – Midnight ET
Saturday, April 10, 2010 from Midnight – 1 a.m., 7 – 8 a.m., Noon – 2 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m. ET

Urban Decay Friends & Family: Spring 2010

It's that time of year again. Time to go shopping and stock up on new products and old faves from Urban Decay - and take 30% off!!! Use coupon code 1SFNF at checkout.

Shanna Moakler's Cornrows

Um, why?

Yes, braids are in. But I don't think Shanna Moakler got the memo that side braids are all the rage. Hopefully she just got back from Jamaica - because, otherwise, there is no reason for this foolishness.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Bronzer How-To

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.


Hello Mario!


My question is about bronzer. Actually, I have a few questions. I am so confused! First, how do you choose your perfect shade of bronzer? Second, what is the best technique for applying powder bronzer? And do you have any favorites you can recommend?

Thanks a lot!
Lizzie

Hi Lizzie,

When chosing a shade of bronzer, you should consider the following: dark skin tones look best with bronzers that have red in them. Lighter skin usually looks good with a more pale/pinkish bronzer. When applying bronzer, I like to frame the entire face. Sweep the bronzer along the hairline, on hollows of the cheeks and along your jawline. Don't forget to apply a bit to the neck as well.

Because I use bronzer pretty much on most of the face, I prefer to go with a non-shimmery, powder bronzer. My faves are Smashbox Bronze Lights Bronzer in Suntan Matte* and Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20. If you're looking to achieve a bronze look but want to glow as well, try Eye M Glam highlighter at Giella.com*. Apply it on the cheekbones, inner corner of eyes, bridge of nose and on brow bones. It has a golden glow that looks amazing with bronzer. Thanks for visiting MMwM!

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!

*Mario used both of these products on Kim Kardashian for the Leather & Laces Superbowl party (photo above). To get the face, visit Mario's blog!

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation: Buy Immediately!

No offense to mass market makeup, but with its new Photo Ready Foundation, Revlon just brought drugstore foundation out of the dark ages. In fact, many prestige brands could learn a lot from this particular foundation. Priced at around $13.99, Photo Ready is worth two or three times that.

For a few months, I've been hearing Revlon Photo Ready Foundation being touted as the discount version of my beloved Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation. I kinda dismissed it as hype, until I tried it last week. While there are a lot of similarities, there are some differences too – namely, the price (HD Foundation costs $40).

Photo Ready, like MUFE's HD Foundation, gives the skin an airbrushed look. It looks even more flawless when applied with a foundation brush or, my fave, the beautyblender sponge. The coverage is medium to full – and I find that when I use it, I don't really have to use concealer. It’s that good. Where Photo Ready differs from MUFE's HD Foundation is that it has a dewy finish; so if you like a more matte look, MUFE might be the way to go. My skin is on the oilier side, and I happen to love Photo Ready. It gives me perfect looking skin with a healthy glow, without it veering into oil slick territory.

Photo Ready wears well all day long, and feels very light; I often forget I'm even wearing it. I also appreciate that it doesn't oxidize and change color after a few hours – as that has happened with many foundations I've tried.

And before you ask me if gals with problem skin can tolerate this product, I'll tell you…the answer is a resounding YES. My skin is acne prone and likes to stage a mutiny every time I turn around, but Photo Ready has not caused an adverse reaction.

The only category where MUFE HD Foundation wins hands down is in the color options (Photo Ready has 12 shades and MUFE HD has 25). And it's too bad that you can't really test Photo Ready in the store (at least, there were no testers at the drugstore where I bought my bottle) - so you sort of have to take a leap of faith when you choose a shade. Personally, I spent about five minutes deliberating between Rich Ginger and Caramel. Then I noticed that the display had a photo of Halle Berry modeling the product and the caption read "Halle is wearing Rich Ginger." Halle and I have the same skin color (lucky me), so that's what I chose – and it was a perfect match. If I get some sun this summer, I may purchase Caramel and blend the two.

So, bottom line, this is one of the best foundations I've tried in a long time – on account of its performance and price. If you're in the market for new foundation, you'd be a fool not to check it out.

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation is my Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week.