Brides: Take The Clinique Lash Power Challenge

Bridal Beauty Week ended last week, but that doesn’t mean Spoiled Pretty has forgotten about you brides-to-be.

Between now and June 30, future brides can visit clinque.brides.com to download the Clinique Bridal Beauty Countdown Widget to help plan your day of bliss – including weekly wedding-prep tips for glowing skin and flawless makeup – right on their desktop. Once downloaded, Clinique will deliver a FREE SAMPLE of Lash Power Mascara. This mascara vows to stay put through rain, sweat, humidity and tears.

And for the chance to win every bride’s dream wedding day accessory (beautiful diamond jewelry valued at $5,000), Clinique invites women to submit a video of their best teary-eyed moment – weather watching a tear-jerking movie, jumping in a pool, or peeling an onion – showing Clinique Power Mascara standing up to the test. The winning submission will receive the diamond jewelry collection and three runners-up will receive a Clinique Makeup Artists on their wedding day for themselves and two friends.

Bridal Beauty Week Winners Revealed!!!

Happy Monday, my pretties!

Bridal Beauty Week 2008 is officially a thing of the past. But one great thing about the start of a new week is the announcement of the Bridal Beauty contest winners.

The Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket was Spoiled Pretty’s most highly coveted giveaway prize to date. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors who made this contest possible.

Spoiled Pretty would like to give a shout-out to: Blue Tux Shoes, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Dr. Sager’s HomeoTherapeutics, Dr. Scholl’s For Her, Essie, Foot Petals, Hourglass Cosmetics, Jane Iredale, Jaqua, Kiehl’s, La Chica Chic, Lancome, Nailtiques, Ojon, Perfect Details, Prescriptives, Secret, Sephora, Stephanie Johnson, Tarte, Three Custom Color Specialists, Veet, and Vera Wang.

The winner of the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket is…

Alicia Zilavy!!!!!!

Congratulations, Alicia. You are the envy of brides everywhere!


Locally, we have another winner. Lesley Yuhas will receive a gift certificate for a facial, courtesy of the award-winning Giovanni & Pileggi Salon in Philadelphia. Many thanks to Giovanni & Pileggi for allowing me to spoil one Philly girl pretty!

Whether you’re single, engaged, or married – be sure to check back later today for the announcement of our next giveaway.

My Favorite Celebrity Brides

Bridal Beauty Week has come to an end. There, there...don't cry. I'm sad too - this was so much fun! I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves.

For the finale, I'm going to share with you my favorite celebrity brides. I tried to keep the list to 10, but it proved much too difficult. Yes, I realize that many of these marriages were short-lived. But you have to admit that these ladies take some pretty pictures. Hopefully, they will help to inspire your big day beauty.

Here they are - in no particular order...


Grace Kelly


Jackie Kennedy Onassis


Jessica Simpson


Princess Diana


Gwen Stefani


Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy


Eva Longoria


Jennifer Aniston


Tia Mowry


Carmen Electra


Giuliana Rancic


Rebecca Romijn


LisaRaye McCoy


Jennifer Lopez


Marcia Cross


Tori Spelling

Audrey Hepburn

Toni Braxton


Katherine McPhee


Alyson Hannigan


Christina Aguilera


Avril Lavigne

Bewildered About Bridal Beauty? Three Custom Color Specialists to the Rescue!

Last month, Trae Bodge and Chad Hayduk, Co-Founders of Three Custom Color Specialists, were the makeup maestros for the JLM Couture Spring 2009 Bridal Show (during New York Bridal Fashion Week).

They created a special new lipgloss just for the showcase called, Just Love Me. It’s not yet available on the website, but Three Custom Color Specialists can take phone orders for it. It’s a gorgeous soft fleshy pink with opal and champagne shimmer (see the photo, left).

The bridal pages on their website are a great resource for brides-to-be. They include color charts and step-by-step bridal makeup application techniques. One piece of advice that you won’t find on the website, but Trae wanted to share with Spoiled Pretty readers is this:

"Brides can tend to over do it or under do it. I recommend seeking an expert to collaborate to achieve the best look for your special day."

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 7

Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist says:

That tattoo you got with your friends when you were 19 isn't something you necessarily want to showcase in a gown. I use a lot of Dermablend Cover Crème, the gold standard for covering anything from tattoos to birthmarks.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Brides-to-Be...Don't Miss This Giveaway!

Today is the last day to enter Spoiled Pretty's Bridal Beauty giveaway.

One lucky future bride will win the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket - filled with $1,400 of treats from Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Essie, Hourglass Cosmetics, Kiehl’s, Lancome, Nailtiques, Ojon, Prescriptives, Sephora, Three Custom Color Specialists, Veet, and many more!

And a bride-to-be from the Philadelphia area will win a gift certificate for a facial, compliments of Giovanni & Pileggi Salon.

If your wedding date is between now and 12/31/07, be sure to enter right now - contest closes tonight at midnight (EST). Not getting married, but know someone who is? Spread the word. Maybe your friend will share the wealth!

Good luck!

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 6

Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist says:

No matter what I do, I can't really cover dry, flaking skin. Brides should use a good exfoliant (one they've used before and know won't cause a reaction) the morning of the wedding like Fresh Sugar Face Polish for smooth skin that glows.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Ugly Betty Will Make A Beautiful Bride

It's Bridal Beauty Week here at Spoiled Pretty, so I'd like to take this opportunity to give a shout-out to my girl America Ferrera - who is rumored to be engaged to her long-time boyfriend, aspiring director Ryan Piers Williams.

¡Felicitaciones!

Updo How-To

For their big day, many women choose to wear their hair in an updo. This video demonstrates how to create a particularly stunning style. So if you’re a bride-to-be looking for inspiration for your wedding–day hairstyle – this how-to should prove helpful. And be sure to check out the model’s glossy lip…gorgeous!

Enjoy.

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 5

To be a blushing bride on your wedding day, heed this advice from Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist:

I'm really loving Jane Iredale's In Touch Cream Stick Blush in Confidence. It blends like no other cream blush I've used and looks great on every skin tone.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 4

In the days leading up to my wedding, last June, one of my biggest concerns was my shiny face. I diligently researched and then purchased every shine control product and mattifier. I spent more money than I needed to and worked myself into a tizzy - checking my face every five minutes on my wedding day. Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist, has this advice for you gals with a tendency to glisten (and not in a good way):

The hot summer months that are so perfect for weddings are also perfect for shine to rear it's ugly head. I always hand out E.L.F's professional Shine Eraser Blotting Sheets and tell the photographer to let the girls know when to use them.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 3

Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist shares the following tip for your big day. This one is an "eye do":

Andrea Modlash #53 is the one thing all my girls have in common. It seems to fit every eye shape and looks so natural even the grooms can't tell.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 2

Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist has this tip for brides-to-be:

Perfect skin is essential, and Kett Cosmetics' Hydro Foundation is what I use to achieve the skin we all wish we had. It's designed for HDTV, so the close up shots won't reveal anything you don't want it to.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

A Spoiled Pretty Wedding

It's Bridal Beauty Week at Spoiled Pretty, so it's only fair that I share some pics with you of my own nuptials last June. You might also notice that pink and green was my color palette. If anything, I'm consistent.

My makeup artist, Jackie, was the best! If you're the Philadelphia area and looking for a professional makeup artist for your wedding or special event, let me know and I will be happy to pass along her contact info.

Enjoy the show!

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 1

I’m a cosmetics connoisseur. That much is obvious. But I’m no makeup artist. So when I started planning for Bridal Beauty Week, I decided I needed to consult with a professional.

My girl Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty, is a professional makeup artist who specializes in weddings. Over her twelve-year career, she’s developed an arsenal of products that are essential for creating that perfect bridal look.

Every day this week, Carissa will share one of her bridal makeup must-haves. Without further ado, here is her first pick.

Carissa says:

Talking, kissing, eating and drinking all contribute to the early death of the lipstick. I always reinforce lips by using Stila's Lip Rouge in Moue, a felt-tipped magic marker for your lips to provide long-wearing color hours after the gloss is gone.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Bridal Beauty Week - And A Giveaway!!!

It’s nearly impossible for me to keep a secret. It’s not that I’m a gossip. I just like to share. Anyway, I’ve had something special up my sleeve for weeks now. The time has come to reveal the surprise, and I’m so excited and relieved – because I thought I would literally burst. Drumroll, please...

Today is the official launch of Bridal Beauty Week at Spoiled Pretty! All week long, we’re lifting the veil on bridal beauty. In addition to the usual product reviews and beauty commentary - the site will feature bridal makeup trends, professional advice, application how-to’s, and celebrity beauty inspirations.

And to kick off this special engagement, Spoiled Pretty is hosting a grand giveaway! One lucky bride-to-be will win the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket, filled with the following treats:


BLUE TUX SHOES
Metal Clutch in Silver: This gorgeous metal mesh is the perfect purse for your big day. Bonus - it’s lined in blue satin!


BOBBI BROWN
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and Eye Liner Brush: This innovative eyeliner offers the precision of liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula. Color is long-wearing and water-resistant. The Eyeliner Brush is perfectly shaped to create a precise and even line.


CLINIQUE
Touch of Bronze Moisturizing Body Lotion: This daily body moisturizer with a touch of self-tanner provides an allover, faux glow. Just smooth on this mistake-proof formula to gradually build or maintain even color.


DR. SAGER'S HOMEOTHERAPEUTICS
Original OUCHY! Boo-Boo Gel: Accidents happen. But this product will make sure you’re picture perfect for your big day by discouraging discoloration, reducing inflammation, and speeding the healing process.


DR. SCHOLL'S FOR HER
Beauty Stone, Dual Action Swedish File, Foot Butter, Miracle Shield, Professional Pumice Stone & Nail Brush, Pumice Foot Scrub and Rub Relief Strips: These products will prep and beautify your tootsies. Take care of your feet – they will, after all, be walking you down the aisle.


ESSIE
The Bridal Collection: Get your left ring finger (and the other nine) ready for their close-up. You’ll fall in love with this set of six polishes - in cloud nine, tie the knot, happily ever after, blushing bride, true love, and no-pre nup.


FOOT PETALS
Stiletto Stylist Bridal Kit: Brides have plenty of things to stress about on their wedding day - aching feet shouldn’t be one of them. For a worry- and wobble-free walk down the aisle, no bride should be without this kit. All six sole solutions are designed to stay hidden in even the strappiest, most delicate shoes for maximum comfort from the aisle to the honeymoon.


HOURGLASS COSMETICS
Calligraphy Liquid Liner in Cognac and Trace Lip Liner in Bare: The refined felt-tip precision eyeliner is waterproof to prevent streaks or smears. The double-ended lip liner (liner on one end, lip brush on the other) has a remarkably smooth, long-wearing formula to transform and enhance lips.


JANE IREDALE:
Eye Glosses in Peach and Lilac: Smooth and luscious, these long-lasting, weightless shadows deliver true, rich shades that won’t crease or smear. They’re made without synthetic dyes, fillers or chemical preservatives, making the formula safe and non-irritating to the eyes.


JAQUA
Buttercream Frosting Guilt-Free Treats, Exfoliating Body Polish, Body Mist, and Lip Gloss Ring: Now you can enjoy some sweet treats before the big day, without gaining a pound. These deliciously scented bath and body products are delights are for all those times we can resist the cake, but not the frosting!


KIEHL'S
Travel Essentials Kit: This superbly luxurious set provides a complete bath and after-bath experience suitable for any destination…perfect for the honeymoon! The kit contains Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream, Creme de Corps, Amino Acid Shampoo, and Hair Conditioner and Grooming Aid “Formula 133.”


LA CHICA CHIC
The Sophie Bag: This gorgeous patent purse, with ornate handles, is a work of art. It is a must-have for the honeymoon!


LANCOME
Hypnose Waterproof Mascara and L'Extreme Waterproof Mascara: Hypnose Mascara volmizes up to 6 times for ultra-resistant lashes with 16 hours of wear. L’Extreme Mascara’s Fibrestretch formula contains supple fibers that extend lashes to the extreme.


NAILTIQUES
Avocado Foot Crème, Cushioned Sponge Files, Nail Moisturizer, and Oil Therapy: Don't make the mistake of painting over unhealthy nails. On your big day, your nails will take center stage - so get them in shape with these fabulous products. Nailtiques is an innovator in the nail care industry, and is dedicated to the development and maintenance of healthy, natural nails.


OJON
Rare Harvest Tunu Elastik Hair Tamer and Tunu Elastik Flexible Finishing Hairspray: Tunu Elastik Hair Tamer is wild-crafted to help seal the hair cuticle, working to keep tresses smooth and sleek. Tunu Elastik Flexible Finishing Hairspray combines two ancient native traditions creating a unique hairspray that adds brushable bounce and a soft, flake-free hold.


PERFECT DETAILS
Saucy Girl Body Shimmer and Embroidered Organza Garter: The Body Shimmer is a moisturising cream with a touch of glitter, so skin is left soft and smooth with a little bit of sparkle. And every bride needs a garter; this one is accented with clear sequins and finished with a silk bow and a rhinestone.


PRESCRIPTIVES
Instant Gratification Skin Renewing Peel: Get instant gratification for tired, lackluster skin with this all-in-one dermabrasion-peel treatment that improves clarity, renews tone and immediately uncovers a smoother, more radiant complexion!


SECRET
Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant: This deodorant/anti-perspirant has prescription-strength wetness and odor protection, without a prescription. So your wedding day will be no-sweat!


SEPHORA
Croc Pop Up Brush Set: Featuring top quality Sephora Brand brushes, this set also has an ingenious mechanism - simply pull gently up on the circle at the top and your brushes are revealed. Keep it open on a vanity for easy access, or close it for storage or travel.


STEPHANIE JOHNSON
Rio Collection (DARLENE Deluxe Brush Case, JENNY Train Case, MARLO Mini Make-Up Case, MARTHA Ultimate Briefcase, ML Traveler, and TRAVEL PACK Luggage Tag & Passport Holder): I love Stephanie Johnson cosmetic bags. Last year, I purchased them for myself and my bridesmaids – and now I want to share the wealth with one lucky bride-to-be. This set features a daring red and blue floral print that calls to mind the colorful costumes and revelry of Carnival.


TARTE
Blushing Bride Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride and Double-Ended Lip Gloss in Jake and Samantha: This water-based push up gel stick was awarded “best blush” by InStyle, Cosmo & Self Magazines. Just dab it on and go – it lasts all day. Swipe the raspberry/cotton candy lip gloss on your pout, and get ready for your happily ever after, like Jake and Samantha (from Sixteen Candles).


THREE CUSTOM COLOR SPECIALISTS
Marry Me Collection and Mini-Pressed Translucent Powder: Co-Founder and Creative Director Trae Bodge created the Marry Me Collection for her own nuptials. Now the set - which includes lip/cheek stain, lip gloss, and lip liner – is available to customers. The Translucent Powder will guarantee you stay shine-free throughout the festivities.


VEET
In-Shower Hair Removal Cream: This product offers a quick, clean and effective hair removal process that happens in only three minutes while you are in the shower! It contains special water-resistant ingredients and an added moisturizer for both normal and dry skin.


VERA WANG
Flower Princess Eau de Parfum: I wore the original Princess on my wedding day. Now, one lucky reader will wear Flower Princess, Ms. Wang’s new limited-edition fragrance. Flower Princess enchants with a light and feminine sparkling floral scent that captures the essence of beauty.

I know you can’t put a price on looking beautiful on your big day. But the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket is valued at more than $1,400…it’s enough to make a bride-to-be blush!

In addition, one soon-to-be wedding belle from the Philadelphia area will win a gift certificate for a facial, compliments of the award-winning Giovanni & Pileggi Salon!

To be eligible, your wedding date must transpire between now and December 31, 2008. To enter, send an email to spoiledprettybrides@gmail.com - and be sure to include some proof of your bride-to-be status. You can include a link to your bio on theknot.com, attach a scanned copy of your wedding invitation, send me a link to your registry, or whatever creative way you can think of to verify your wedding date.

Be sure to include your full name in the email, and the subject line should read "Bridal Beauty Basket Giveaway.” The contest ends at 12am EST on Sunday, May 4th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, May 5th, 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. residents only.

Good luck!

Here Comes The Bridal Kit - New From Bobbi Brown

Every year an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed in the United States. And June is the most popular month for marriages – accounting for 10.8% of weddings.

March may seem somewhat early to start thinking about wedding season. But, trust me - many June brides are already at their wits’ end, trying to decide on a makeup look that will be immortalized in their wedding photos and videos.

Last year at this time, I was preparing for my own nuptials - so I remember what an exciting, yet physically/mentally/emotionally taxing time it can be; I clearly recall agonizing over the makeup I would wear on my wedding day.


This Spring, Bobbi Brown, the bridal beauty authority, has done the hard work and assembled her wedding day must-haves in a new Bridal Kit. Exclusively designed with brides and their bridal parties in mind, the Bridal Kit contains special occasion essentials that flatter all complexions. The sleek white case includes: Ivory Eye Shadow, Black Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, Black No Smudge Mascara, Pink Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss and a Short Handle Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush.

With the exception of the eye shadow, I own all of these products – and would highly recommend them to future brides. I’m speaking from experience, as I used a few Bobbi Brown products on my wedding day. Plus, if you were to purchase these products separately, it would cost you more than $100 (not including the cosmetic case) – but the Bridal Kit only costs $75.

Click here for a video of Bobbi's Tips and How-To’s for Brides.

Can Philadelphia Brides Outlast Their Lipstick?

Calling all Philly brides-to-be! On Valentine’s Day, local brides will be put to the ultimate test when they are challenged to outlast their CoverGirl lipcolor in a wedding day-inspired contest.

Through a series of obstacles at 30th Street Train Station, Philadelphia brides-to-be will compete in a crazed course, completing tasks that include “elegantly sipping” champagne and devouring wedding cake to prove that CoverGirl Outlast Lipcolor really does stay put – even on the most trying of days.

The bride who finishes the course first with her lipstick in tact will be declared the winner of the CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge in Philadelphia and will receive a wedding cake courtesy of Truli Confecionary Arts, a $500 gift certificate to David’s Bridal, and their own personal CoverGirl makeup artist on the day of their wedding.

Who: Philadelphia area brides-to-be
What: CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge
When: Thurday, February 14th, 2008 at 11am
Where: 30th Street Station, North Waiting Room (30th & Market Streets)

RSVP: brides@outlastchallenge.com
Please include name, age, city, and wedding date; challenge will be open to the first 40 brides who register.

Don’t live near Philly? No problem. The CoverGirl Outlast Bridal Challenge is hitting the road. The event will also be held in Pittsburgh (2/21), Chicago (2/28), Miami (3/6), Dallas (3/13), and Salt Lake City (3/20). For more information, contact brides@outlastchallenge.com.

In Essence...

In October 2007, Ursula Augustine of About pHace Rittenhouse Studio worked her makeup magic on bride, Kia Floyd-Murrell. Now see Ursula’s beautiful handiwork on page 16 of Essence Magazine’s February 2008 issue!

Ursula is one of Philadelphia’s most in-demand makeup artists, and Spoiled Pretty had an opportunity to chat with her a few months back. To hear more about Ursula – or learn how you can score an appointment with this rising star – check out the interview.

Vow to Be Beautiful

Today, my Internet surfing took me to InStyle.com – where I stumbled upon an article about the summer celebrity weddings of 2007. Looking at the glowing faces and wide smiles of Rebecca Romijn, Katie Holmes, and Eva Longoria made me remember my own nuptials three months ago.

I felt more beautiful on my wedding day than any other moment in my life. Mainly, it was because I was marrying my true love and best friend, but I have to admit that my makeup choices didn’t hurt any.

Bridal beauty is tricky because you want to appear fresh, but you also want your look to last. And while you want to be a drop dead gorgeous bride, you don’t want to look at your photos later and ask yourself - who is that?

“On your wedding day you should look like yourself at your most beautiful,” says Bobbi Brown.

I spent a long time figuring out which beauty products I would use to look special on my special day. And I think all of my research and makeup trials paid off (if I do say so myself). The following were the contents of my wedding beauty bag:

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer* creates a smooth, invisible layer that acts as a buffer between skin and makeup, and helps makeup stay fresh and color-true for hours. Available in three formulas – regular, hydrating, and oil-free (for shiny gals, like me).

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit includes concealer on top and sheer loose powder on the bottom to set concealer for long-lasting wear. I’ve had this kit for years, and I swear it’s bottomless – a little goes a very long way. Awarded Brides Magazine 'Beauty Makeup Award' (May/ June 2007 issue).

If you want to look flawless, but your skin is far from it – look no farther than Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation*. Its sheer texture evens out dark spots and delivers an airbrushed finish. At $55, it’s a splurge – but one you won’t regret when you see yourself in photos.

Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup* is, technically, foundation – but I use it as powder. Its silky, oil-free formula looks like your skin - only better. The buildable coverage lasts for hours, yet weighs nothing. Can be applied with a brush, sponge, or puff.

Diorshow Mascara* is an industry cult-fave, creating the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever, resulting in an ultra-glam "just-off-the-catwalk" look. I accidentally bought the regular formula, but it held up beautifully though the vows, toasts, and even the dance with my dad.

My wedding day blush was actually a bronzer – Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in #2. The finely-milled powder imparts sheer, buildable color that warms the skin with a subtle shimmer.




Armani Silk Lipstick clings to lips without the dryness that usually accompanies many long-last formulas. Available in a palette of 18 signature shades with 3 must-have fashion top coat lip accessories to be layered for a matte, satin, or sparkling effect.

Add Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer over lipstick to give more depth, intensity and shine to the shade. Lip Shimmer is a sophisticated, shimmering translucent gloss – without any of the tackiness that typically traps stray hairs like a magnet.

*Holy Grail