Clairol Nice 'N Easy Color Blend Foam

Turning 30 is traumatic for a lot of women. I didn’t really sweat it. I’ve always felt young at heart and, when I try, I can easily pass for a mid-to-late 20-something.

It was only this spring – a few months shy of my 33^rd birthday – that I started to feel old. One night as I was washing my face, I noticed an albino hair in my bangs. I quickly plucked it to inspect it more closely. It was only half white, so I convinced myself that this hair was a freak of nature that somehow got half bleached.

A few weeks later, I found a half dozen more “bleached” hairs and had an all-out panic attack. I mean, seriously – those suckers were multiplying like Gremlins after a midnight snack. It wasn’t just that I was coming to terms with getting older – but going gray is a huge deal. Once you go gray, coloring your hair isn’t just for fun. It becomes a PITA part of your routine, for the rest of your life – like shaving. Between my job, this blog, being a mom and a wife, my to-do list is already never-ending. So the thought of having one more thing to do nearly sent me over the edge.

All I can say is thank God for Clairol. At the height of my gray hair freak out, Clairol contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing their new Nice ‘N Easy Color Blend Foam. Um, yes please!

So this weekend while I was stuck in the house (thanks to Hurricane Irene), I cemented my Foambassador status by washing the gray outta my hair. 

Nice ‘N Easy Color Blend Foam was super easy to apply, took hardly any time at all, and the results are fabulous.

Before

Before

First of all, it’s perfect for busy women and moms, like myself.  All you have to do is pour the hair color into a bottle of activator, shake it up, squeeze the bottle to dispense the foam and apply all over your hair. Unlike traditional hair color, there’s no drippy mess because the foam stays exactly where you put it. This first part of the process takes about 5 minutes. 

Once you pour the color into the bottle of Activator, it foams up.

After you put the pink nozzle on the bottle, you squeeze the foam into your hand like so.

Lettin' the color marinate.

Then you let the color process for 25 minutes before rinsing out. Finally, you apply the ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss and rinse again. And voila – shiny, dimensional color that also covers grays for 8 weeks.

After

So shiny! Though it looks almost exactly like my natural dark brown color, it's much richer and warmer than usual.

I took this pic outside so you could appreciate how shiny and multidimensional the results are.

Clairol Nice ‘N Easy Color Blend Foam is available in 18 shades and retails for $8.99-9.99 at drugstores and mass market retailers.





Note: While this was a sponsored post and Clairol compensated me for my time, all opinions are 100% my own.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Set Under Eye Concealer

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 been struggling to find a powder to set my concealer without it caking or eventually creasing. I don't know if I'm applying the powder wrong. I use a sponge and swipe my compact, then press it under my eyes. What powders - both high end and drugstore - would you recommend to set concealer? And with what makeup tool should I apply it with (i.e. sponge, powder puff, makeup brush)?

Thanks,

Alyssa

Hi Alyssa,

You should not be using a compact powder to set your under eye concealer. Pressed powders are too heavy to set that area with. What you want is a very fine loose translucent powder to set your makeup with. Dip a basic cosmetic sponge (I like the white wedges from the pharmacy) into your loose powder to pick up a generous amount of the powder and pat/press over the concealer under the eyes. Follow with a clean brush to sweep away the access powder from that area.

Be sure to get a powder that is colorless or a couple of shades lighter then your skin tone so that you don't get that "muddy" look which happens when foundation is set by powder that is too dark. Any brand of loose powder will work - it's just a preference. I suggest you go out and try a few to see what feels best on your skin. 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!

Polished: How To Remove Glitter Nail Polish

I love glitter nail polish. It is sparkly and fun and statement-making and just so nice to look at while I type all day. I do not love removing said glitter nail polish. I usually apply 2-3 coats to get maximum sparkle impact, but then am stuck scrubbing and scraping it off when I decide it is time for a new manicure. Personally, I do not think it is right to spend more time removing nail polish than it took to apply it in the first place.

Enter my glitter fairy godmother at a nearby beauty store. I had a bottle of Deborah Lippmann Bad Romance in my hand – it is a gorgeous color, but I was complaining about what a pain it is to remove glitter nail polish.

She suggested placing a nail-polish remover soaked cotton ball on the polished nail, wrapping the tip of your finger and cotton ball in aluminum foil, waiting a few minutes, and the glitter would come right off.

I was skeptical but intrigued. After Google-ing “nail polish remover + aluminum foil interactions” and deciding that this method would not make my fingers fall off, I gave it a try.

HOLY CRAP, did it work. I made myself little alien fingers, waited about 5 minutes, and voila! The nail polish came almost completely off, and the leftover edges came off after another swipe. I am beyond excited to have a foolproof way to remove my most glittery polish!

-Alyssa

Polished: Nails Inc. Fitzroy Square 3D Glitter

Hello, readers!

My name is Alyssa, and I am lucky enough to be one of Daneen’s coworkers. As you may have noticed, I like a good manicure (looky here and here).

Since Daneen literally has her hands full with one-year-old Westley, I get the chance to bring you the latest nail news.

Recently, a batch of nails inc. colors came into the office, and I was immediately taken with nails inc. Fitzroy Square 3D glitter, which is described as clear with green glitter and chunky teal glitter. Swoon. Though I work in a business casual office, envelope-pushing nail polish is acceptable, so I knew this was my next manicure.

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of glitter that this polish contains. Most glitter nail polish has a few flecks with mostly clear, but this was saturated, which was great. Here is what three coats looks like...

This polish is definitely not for the faint of heart, but I got a lot of compliments on it. I absolutely recommend this polish for anyone looking for a little sparkle!

nails inc. is available at Sephora, for $9.50 a bottle.

-Alyssa

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Pores No More!

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,

If you're reading this question and about to answer it - thank you, thank you, thank you! My problem is that I have HUGE pores. My pores are a big issue for me and I hate the way they make my skin look. Are there any skincare products or makeup that you can recommend that will shrink and/or conceal them? Thanks so much for your expert advice. I'm your biggest fan!

Love,
Holly

Hi Holly,

I've got three words for you - "Pores No More." Famed dermatologist Dr. Brandt created Pores No More products to help visibly reduce the size and appearance of large pores.

You can follow with your normal makeup routine or even try a product like Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base by L'Oreal. Just apply with your finger to the T-zone and any areas with large pores. It will smooth out the skin's texture and fill in fine lines and pores for a more flawless makeup application.

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!

Kim Kardashian's Wedding Makeup!

If you're like me and dying to know how Kim Kardashian looked on her wedding day (particularly, what her wedding makeup looked like), peep these photos and video just posted by E! Online.




In the video, you'll see a familiar face (well, besides Kim's). Yes...that's my friend, celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, who contributes a weekly column to Spoiled Pretty called Makeup Mondays With Mario. Earlier this month, Mario blogged his excitement about Kim's upcoming nuptials:

"I couldn't be more excited and honored to be part of such an important and special day in Kim's life. I've envisioned what she would look like as a bride ever since I began working with her and I finally get to bring that vision of beauty to life!"

What do you think of the finished result?

Photo credit: eonline.com

Fall Beauty Forecast Class!

It's time to go back to school!

As a beauty expert, I've been enlisted by Skillshare to teach a class on - you guessed it - beauty!

The class, Fall Beauty Forecast, is now listed on the Skillshare website - but it is currently in 'Pilot' mode. This means that, before I set a date/time/location, I'm waiting to gauge interest in the course.

So if you're in the Philadelphia area and interested in attending, visit the page and click the eye icon. This lets me know that you want to learn - and will alert you once I've set the date.

Here's the class description:

Want a fresh look for fall? Class is in session for those who, while still sporting shorts and flip flops, want to get a jump start on the upcoming season.

It might seem far away now, but Autumn is just around the corner – prime time to start stocking up on the season’s essential beauty gear. In Fall Beauty Forecast, beauty expert Daneen Baird will share the fiercest fall beauty trends and introduce you to new must-haves - from cosmetics, skin care, hair care, bath and body, fragrance and tools.

Test drive these fabulous fall products before the temperature drops. They’re so hot, these products are sure to raise the mercury a few degrees.

If your makeup bag is so last season, secure your spot at the head of this class.

Note: The Fall Beauty Forecast class will culminate with a beauty basket raffle!

Based on the response to this first class, I might make teaching a regular thing. So stay tuned for more announcements. That is all for now. Class is dismissed.

Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

Since adolescence, I've suffered with hyperpigmentation. Like many women of color, my blemishes leave dark marks in their wake - which can take weeks, months and even years to fade. For forever, I've used foundations and highlighters to hide these dark spots. But I've recently come to a point in my life where I'm tired of masking the problem. As a busy mom, I don't have the time or the energy it takes to put on a full face of makeup on a regular basis. Most days, I leave the house bare faced - save for some mascara and a couple swipes of gloss. Hyperpigmentation has undermined my self esteem for too long, so I decided it was time to heal, rather than conceal.

So last month, I added Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator to my morning routine. And let me tell you...this additional step (which takes just 1 minute) has been life changing. First of all, the pearlescent serum imparts a radiant glow upon application - so even though the product actually takes about two weeks to start doing its thang, there are immediate perks.

And after just 10 days, I started to notice that my skin looked more even toned, luminous and smoother. The formula is lightweight and smells dreamy, so putting it on is a refreshing A.M. experience. And after a month, I am much more confident showing my bare skin to the world because my dark marks are starting to see the light.

I'm not usually the best at being consistent with skin care because, as you know, I test a lot of products. But this one is so simple and yields such amazing results that I actually look forward to putting it on. Because Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator targets the dark marks (as well as redness, acne marks, sun spots and other discolorations), you don't have to worry about it lightening the other areas of your face. And the oil-free formula is proven gentle and effective for all ethnicities. Just be sure to use an SPF product on your face every day, to prevent the marks from darkening up again.

I can't recommend Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator enough. It's become my holy grail - and if you buy it and try it, you'll understand why. I'm also anxious to try the Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator.

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Brown Eyes Pop!

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,


Like most people in the world I have brown eyes. Blue and green eyes pop so effortlessly with minimal makeup. What are your tips and tricks for making the common brown eyes pop and rival any bright blue eyes?


Thanks,
Tiffany

Tiffany,


To make brown eyes pop, I prefer using bronze and copper eyeshadows to give a smoky eye, both on the lids and along the lower lash line. Try a metallic bronze or golden pencil in the inner rims or a shadow with a clean brush will do the trick. This will help lighten and bring out the gold tones in your eyes. 


Throw some Visine, a great lash curler and mascara into the mix and those blue eyed girls won't have nothin' on you!

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!

BellaBoxx Bargain!

As a result of the overwhelming response to the Kardashian-Style Acrylic Makeup Organizer Giveaway, Mar Display is offering an exclusive discount for Spoiled Pretty readers.

BellaBoxx, a glitterrific flip-top, two drawer premium acrylic organizer, retails for $89.95. But for the next 10 days, you can snatch one up for just $69.95! Just enter coupon code BBLVR0811 at checkout. BellaBoxx is the perfect size (12" wide x 12" deep x 14" high) to comfortably fit any vanity or dresser, while providing ample storage for makeup, brushes, nail polish, perfume or jewelry.

Hurry - supplies are limited! Promotion ends August 22, 2011.

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Clean Makeup Brushes

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.

Hey Mario,

I'd like some advice on how to best clean my makeup brushes. I don't know if I should be using soap, shampoo or a special kind of brush cleaner. And how often should I be cleaning them? I've spent a small fortune on brushes but have no idea how to care for them.

Thanks so much!
Ella


Hi Ella,
 
It took years of experimenting with different techniques and products to clean my brushes and I've found a way that works for me. I hope it does for you as well.
 
To clean brushes with natural or synthetic bristles, I use a basic hair shampoo. First run water over the brush hair then rub into the shampoo in a circular motion (I pour a bit of shampoo into a bowl). Rinse under running water again to get all of the soap out. I finish off by squeezing the water out, making sure not to pull on the hairs.
 
To dry your brushes, you should lay them flat on a towel. If you stand them up in a cup to dry, the water seeps into the handle and causes the brush to weaken and fall apart over 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!

33 Money-Saving Tips from Beauty Bloggers

RealBeauty.com just published an article entitled, "33 Money-Saving Tips from Beauty Bloggers" - and I'm one of the experts they interviewed!

Our cash-saving tips and tricks (here's mine) will save you a pretty penny, so be sure to check out the story!

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner High Precision Waterproof Eyeliner

Normally, I don’t wear eye makeup to work because, when I do, around 3p.m., I catch a case of the afternoons and start rubbing eyes – and my handiwork ends up all over my fingers. But I recently discovered a product that has me re-thinking my work week eye makeup embargo.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner High Precision Waterproof Eyeliner is a high precision, richly pigmented waterproof liquid eyeliner with unmatched staying power.

Just to give you an idea of how well it wears, when I first received samples to review, I tested a few of the shades on my hand. 24 hours later, the lines look freshly applied, despite a shower and several thorough hand washings.

Available in 15 gorgeous shades (with matte, iridescent and diamond finishes), these liners come off easily with waterproof makeup remover.

Forget 9 to 5...Make Up For Ever Aqua Liners are taking care of business - and working overtime!

Mary Kay Spoiled Me With a Miami Makeover

Last month, I traveled to Miami to report on Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Week as a correspondent for Mary Kay. I've been a Mary Kay fan for years, and was excited to get better acquainted with their products – particularly, their newest offerings.

One of the highlights of my trip was a makeover with celeb makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff. Ashunta’s client list reads like a who's who of Hollywood (Rihanna, Ciara, Hillary Duff, Ashlee Simpson, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Hudson, Sharon Stone, Queen Latifah, P. Diddy and Alicia Keys) – so to be in her gifted hands was a major treat. Using products from Mary Kay, Ashunta gave me the J.Lo glow I've always wanted but never knew how to properly replicate.

Of all the products Ashunta used to create my Miami-inspired makeover, I fell hardest for Mary Kay's Lash Love Mascara. Lash Love promises to define and deliver 4 times the volume – and child, did it ever!

After Ashunta applied the mascara using her "uptown, downtown, cross town" technique (peep the video for a demonstration), my fringe looked fat and fabulous – without looking overdone. And I really love how deeply pigmented the color is; my natural lashes are black, but skimpy – so I need something ultra dark to make my peepers pop. Not to mention, Lash Love managed to stay put all day, despite the merciless Miami heat and humidity.

Lash Love Mascara costs a very affordable $15 – and is available at marykay.com.

LaLicious Seasonal Travel Sets: Summer Series

Last month, LaLicious sent me one of their Seasonal Travel Sets to review - and they were absolutely perfect for my recent summer sojourns to Miami and Maine.

Each Seasonal Travel Set includes four 2 oz mini LaLicious products (Whipped Soap, Sugar Soufflé Scrub, Body Butter, Body Oil) in a travel friendly bag. And with TSA-approved sizes, you'll fly through the airport security line. Available in 8 irresistible scents (I have/love Tahitian Flower - a soft, tropical gardenia), the sets are available until September 15.