Lazy Night: Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser

Oh yes it's lazy night
And the cleanser's right
Oh yes it's lazy night
Oh what a night (oh…what a night)

I admit it. I’m lazy. I love to pile on the makeup, but hate to take it off. When it’s time for beddy bye, I just want to bypass the bathroom pit-stop, slink under the covers and drift off to sleep. Sometimes I justify my laziness by reasoning that I only wore mascara and lipgloss during the day…so a nighttime cleansing would be nice, but isn’t entirely necessary. Damn, I’m lazy.

Fortunately, my indolent ass just discovered Philosophy’s new Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser. Philosophy took their best-selling creamy face wash and whipped it into a fabulous foam. The paraben- and sulfate-free formula gently melts away the toughest makeup, dirt, oil and debris, and leaves the skin refreshingly clean (not dry or tight). Just dampen skin and dispense 2-3 pumps of cleanser. Massage onto skin for 30 to 60 seconds and rinse. That’s it.

I suppose even the laziest of the lazy has 30-some seconds to spare. Plus the cleanser is so amazing, you’ll momentarily forget how much you loathe late-night face washing.

Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser is available at Nordstrom, Sephora, and philosophy.com.



Take it away, Kool and the Gang...

Fierce, Fabulous and Flawless With Help From Cargo Cosmetics

Last week, Mr. Spoiled Pretty abandoned his loving wife in favor of a camping/fly-fishing excursion to Idaho. Now you know I wasn’t about to go hiking up mountains and trek through the wilderness to chill with rattlesnakes, horse flies and mosquitoes. So I stayed my ass at home and caught up on some reading, writing, and arithmetic (I took inventory of my makeup stockpile, and I’m slightly embarrassed by my excessive collection of lipglosses).

By the time the weekend came around, I had developed such a case of cabin fever that it didn’t take long for my BFF, Kristen, to lure your resident recluse out of the house. After some indecision, we opted to meet at a low-key bar and catch up over cheap, domestic beer. It’s been crazy hot in Philly lately, so I didn’t put too much thought or effort into my outfit, hair, or makeup; I threw on some jeans, quickly flat ironed my hair, and swiped on some Cargo blu_ray™ High Definition Mattifier before finishing my face off with mascara and gloss.

Around midnight, after drinking probably a little too much (pitchers are dangerous cuz I can never keep count), I took a bathroom break. I perched my handbag on the sink, rummaged for my blotting papers, and prepared to sop up the grease. But when I looked in the mirror, I was absolutely astonished. My face was flawless (well, flawless as in shine-free…not flawless as in resembling Liya Kebede).

And my face remained that way until I washed it off before bed. In fact, the only oil-related incident that night was a basket of greasy fries that Kristen and I couldn’t resist ordering just before last call.

Cargo blu_ray™ High Definition Mattifier is available at cargocosmetics.com and Sephora.

Moroccanoil Giveaway

I was an only child for nine years. And my parents spoiled me rotten. But in 1987, my sister came along and I had to learn how to share. Lucky for all of you, 21 years of practice makes perfect...and this week, I'm excited to share my new holy grail hair products from Moroccanoil (check out my review to learn why I'm so enamored).

One winner will receive:

Moroccanoil Oil Treatment: an amazing product that strengthens brittle hair, softens unmanageable manes, nourishes dry scalps, tresses, restores shine to dull hair, eliminates frizz, protects against UV damage, speeds up styling time by 40%, and provides long-term conditioning to all hair types.

Moroccanoil Masque: a rich, creamy conditioner, designed to hydrate and repair damaged hair.

Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream: a leave-in treatment that eliminates frizz, adds definition, and brilliant shine, while the pure argan oil conditions and hydrates the hair.

Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream: a styling product used to enhance and define curly hair - repeated use will result in extraordinary hold, shine and protection.

Three runners-up will win the Moroccanoil Oil Treatment and Masque.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Moroccanoil Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 22nd. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 23rd, 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. & Canadian residents only.

Holy Grail Hair Product Alert: Moroccanoil

I’m bossy. You probably didn’t know that about me.

For the past ten months, I’ve done a pretty damn good job of hiding my dictatorial demeanor. But sometimes, I feel so strongly about a product that a gentle suggestion just won’t suffice. So, at the risk of sounding like a despot, here goes my review of Moroccanoil.

I, Spoiled Pretty, command you, reader of Spoiled Pretty, to immediately purchase Moroccanoil hair care products. Heed this decree…for the use of Moroccanoil will, henceforth, transform your fried, lifeless locks into a mane of myth.

Moroccanoil Oil Treatment is a versatile hair product, made from the oil of the Argan tree. For centuries, Moroccan women have used this miracle oil to treat hair and nails, and to counteract the effects of the hot climate and aging.

In Philadelphia, we enlightened ladies like to treat our tresses to a little pre-shampoo Moroccanoil. Apply to hair (concentrating on ends) and cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes. If your hair is especially damaged, let hair marinate for a few hours or overnight. What kind of results can you expect? Moroccanoil’s many benefits include:

* Softens thick unmanageable hair
* Restores shine and softness to dull, limp hair
* Strengthens brittle hair
* Promotes healing and provides nourishment to hair damaged by coloring and styling
* Creates an optimal balance for the hair and scalp
* Nourishes the scalp (alleviates itchy, dry scalp)
* Protects against UV damage and other environmental factors
* Reduces drying time and speeds up styling time

Moroccanoil’s weightless non-greasy formula seals in shine, is perfect for all hair types, and won’t cause build-up on the hair. And the product is stored in an amber glass bottle to protect the oil from UV rays that cause oxidation and degradation.

You will notice a dramatic improvement in the feel and look of your hair after just one use. After introducing my mom to the line, she couldn’t stop raving about how Moroccanoil added softness and shine to her overprocessed hair. My mother doesn’t give compliments freely, so this endorsement was majah!


If you really want to go for the gusto, use Moroccanoil in tandem with the line’s other products.

The Masque is a rich, creamy conditioner, designed to hydrate and repair damaged hair. The Hydrating Styling Cream is a leave-in treatment that eliminates frizz, adds definition, and brilliant shine, while the pure argan oil conditions and hydrates the hair. And the Intense Curl Cream is used to enhance and define curly hair; repeated use will result in extraordinary hold, shine and protection.

Click here to find a salon near you that sells Moroccanoil. Or purchase products online at Amazon.com.

Now Screening: Spoiled Pretty And The Quest For The Holy Grail

Tonight, Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I will be braving the crowds to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I am so wound up. I’ve been waiting 19 years for this! Hopefully, I won’t end up sitting next to someone who likes to shout at the screen. Or someone who pays $10 for a movie ticket, then yaks on her cell phone half of the time.

Anyway, buying our advance tickets got me thinking about the third movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade…you know the one where Harrison Ford and Sean Connery go in search of the Holy Grail? Which got me thinking about my holy grail beauty products. Odd train of thought, I know. But you’ll thank me after I introduce you to my new obsession.

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss is exactly what it sounds like. It hydrates even the most parched pout, but looks and feels like a non-sticky lipgloss. The formula protects with antioxidants and can be worn on bare lips or over lipstick.

It’s available in eight shades, but you really only need Lilac. It’s one of those rare tints that looks gorgeous on everyone…like my pal Amber, who familiarized me with this ab fab gloss.

Update: I give the latest Indy movie a C+. If you're a fan of the series, check it out. But don't get your hopes way up. And as luck would have it, I ended up next to a woman who thought out loud (very loud) the entire movie. I totally jinxed myself.

Tag...I'm It

I've been tagged by my girls, Marina and Kitiya, to divulge my beauty secrets. They’re not secrets, really – as I’ve blogged about most of these products before. But here are some of my faves, in condensed form. It’s like Spoiled Pretty, the Cliffs Notes version. I think I was supposed to limit each response to one product/answer. But I’m pretty indecisive, so narrowing it down would take forever. So most of these categories will have multiple answers.

Enjoy!

My Foundation:
Clinique Superfit Makeup (day)
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (night)

My Mascara:
Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara

My Blush:
MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Joyous
MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Sweetness

My Eye Shadow:
NARS Alahambra Eye Shadow Duo

My Day Cream:
Atopalm MLE Cream (during the cold months)
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (during the warm/hot months)

My Lipstick:
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine in RD 174S, BR 775S, and OR 563S
MAC Lipstick in Syrup

My Lipgloss(es):
MAC Lipglass in Viva Glam VI
MAC Plushglass in Foolishly Fab

My Beauty Product Brands:
Clinique, MAC, NARS, Urban Decay, Shu Uemura, Stila

My Essential Beauty Product:
Clarisonic Skin Care System

My Favorite Makeup Product:
Lipgloss, in general.
Specifically, it would be Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in Deviant and Stash.

My Perfume:
Hanae Mori Butterfly
Prada Infusion D'Iris
Vera Wang Princess

My Nails:
Seche Vite
China Glaze Love Letters Nail Polish

My Feet:
Obey Your Body Nail Buffer
Products from Dr. Scholl’s For Her

My Hands:
Jaqua Pink Buttercream Frosting Hand Crème
Frilly Lilly Lemongrass Sage Hand Cream

Three Products to bring on a deserted island:
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick
Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment
Schick Intuition Razor (cuz it’s gonna get hairy on a deserted island)

Woman I admire for their beauty:
Thandie Newton is flawless. She always looks so ladylike and regal, which makes sense because her mother is a Zimbabwean Shona Princess.

Woman with the Best Sense of Style:
Rihanna – hands down. I couldn’t pull off anything she does, but I admire her trendsetting style and risk-taking. There are so many celebs sporting the same hairstyles, wearing the same clothes (“Who wore it better”) and carrying the same designer bags. Rihanna is truly an original – and that’s so refreshing. My runner-ups include Katherine Heigl, Eva Longria, Rachel Bilson, Kerry Washington, Joy Bryant, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway and the female cast members of Gossip Girl.

My Ultimate Dream:
To enjoy a long, healthy, comfortable life spent with my family, husband and a few kids. The means and freedom to travel, be creative, and do what makes me happy. That, and an endless supply of chic handbags.

How Do I Define Womanhood:
Joy and pain. But so much fun.

My Favorite Fashion Publication:
It’s a three-way tie between In Style, Lucky, and People Style Watch.

Dying to know more? Check out this interview I did with Makeup Masala.

I’ve Been Holding Out On Y’all

I’ve been holding out on y’all. Not on purpose, though.

Just now, I was searching around the blog – taking inventory, if you will, of what products I’ve tested thus far. When I went looking for my glowing review of Atopalm’s MLE Cream, it was nowhere to be found.

I must have told so many people about this miraculous moisturizer that I tricked myself into thinking I had reviewed it on Spoiled Pretty. But, alas, I did not – so here’s the 411, without further ado.

There’s nothing special or sexy about the packaging, fragrance (it's unscented), or name of this cream. But what I absolutely adore about this moisturizer is that Atopalm obviously put all of its resources into making a stellar product, rather than clever marketing.

Do you have dry skin? Do you suffer from dry flakes, no matter how much you moisturize? Is your skin extremely sensitive? Is rosacea your skin’s arch nemesis? Got a nasty case of eczema? Then you need to get this wonder cream!

Atopalm MLE Cream has plant-derived ingredients to aid in the replenishment of natural skin lipids to form a protective barrier against the elements. It also helps prevent the over evaporation of the skin's own moisture. And it helps in restoring the skin barrier depleted by microdermabrasion, facial peels, and other harsh treatments. It can be used on both the face and the body, is suitable for adults and children, and is side-effect free!

MLE Cream is the only moisturizer that quenched my perpetually parched face this winter. It fully hydrated my skin without turning greasy, even hours later.

Atopalm products are available at Amazon.com, CVS.com, and SkinStore.com.

Holy Grail Translucent Powder

I used to think that truly translucent powder was a thing of myth…like the Yeti. I've finally found one (powder, not Yeti) - and I'm hooked!

Trae Bodge, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists gave me a jar of their Translucent Powder when I visited her in February. My parched face didn’t need it then, but I’m starting to need it now. And come summertime, this will be my secret weapon against Philly humidity and the greasy face that typically results.

No matter your complexion, this product has you covered…literally. But thanks to the ultra-light and extraordinarily sheer formula, all anyone will see is you. Given that most women are one shade in the winter and another during the warmer months, save some time and money and buy one powder that works year-round.

Three Custom Color Specialists Translucent Powder is available loose or pressed, and can be worn on bare skin or over makeup.

Not Your Average Jo

For what seems like forever, I’ve heard beauty editors go on and on about Jo Malone. I had yet to hear someone find fault with the products, which I thought was a bit fishy. So I tried their new White Jasmine & Mint line to see if the brand merits all of the rave reviews. OMG. I am completely enamored with Jo – you don’t even know. The products absolutely deserve every accolade I’ve read and heard. They deserve more, in fact – thus my subsequent stellar appraisal.

Last fall, Jo Malone debuted White Jasmine & Mint Cologne – a fragrance “inspired by a tranquil moment in an English garden when the sun emerges, the dew gently lifts and the blossoms are at their most fragrant. Notes of just-picked white jasmine, chamomile, wild mint, rose and coriander are entwined in this lush combination.”

In March 2008, Jo Malone introduced four new offerings to the collection – White Jasmine & Mint Bath Oil, Shower Gel, Body Crème and Home Candle.

The quality of these products is beyond compare. If I were to search my mental lexicon and come up with a phrase that best describes Jo Malone, it would be sumptuous indulgence. And the fragrance…where do I begin? The White Jasmine & Mint scent is an elegant, crisp recipe that is decidedly feminine – womanly, not girly.

The White Jasmine & Mint Home Candle is without a doubt, the best candle I’ve ever smelled. Every night this week, I’ve lit the wick immediately upon returning home. It fills my apartment with the most enchanting aroma…I could wax poetic about it all day long. Once you drink in the scent of White Jasmine & Mint, you’ll be a convert too.

Jo Malone products are available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and jomalone.com.

Good Hair Days Are Made Of This

I sure know how to pick ‘em…

So without having heard anything about Ojon’s new Rare Harvest Tunu Elastik Hair Tamer, I picked it up on a whim during a recent trip to Sephora. Ojon has yet to disappoint me, so I took a chance on this $25 leave-in hair relaxer/de-frizzing balm.

Here’s what the package promised:
* imparts a soft, flexible smoothness to all hair types
* naturally seals the cuticle to stay sleek
* eliminates frizz caused by humidity
* provides a moisture barrier
* formulated without alcohol and silicone
* perfect for all hair types - straight, curly, permed, or relaxed

Does it deliver? You betcha! I took the bottle to Erik, my hairstylist, when I went to the salon yesterday evening. We were both surprised by how smooth and glossy my hair was after blowdrying – and its gel/mousse hybrid texture doesn’t weigh my fine hair down. Best of all, it’s snowing/sleeting/freezing raining here in Philly – but you wouldn’t know it to look at my hair. Even one of my co-workers remarked this morning. My hair has been looking seriously jacked up for weeks…so I was super excited to get a compliment – you don’t even know. I was doing the happy dance. And I have Ojon (and Erik) to thank.

Bottom line: Go get this stuff right now. It’s $23.50 on QVC, but if you buy it at Sephora and you don’t like it for whatever reason, returning it is a breeze. But chances are you won't return it, cuz I know you're gonna love it!

Urban Decay’s Main Ingredient Must Be Crack

Urban Decay’s main ingredient must be crack, or some other controlled substance. Because that’s the only explanation I can find to rationalize my addiction to their products.

Case in point: this past weekend, I went to Sephora – for writing inspiration; I didn’t intend to actually purchase anything. But you know how it is – you start playing with the testers and soon enough, you’ve convinced yourself that you can’t live without some new beauty goodies. Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. I couldn’t walk away from the Urban Decay display without tossing three of their 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils into my basket. I already owned Deviant (bold blue), but she was lonely. So I bought Bourbon (brown w/ teeny gold glitter), Covet (peacock green), and Rockstar (dark purple) and took them home with me.

So the next day, I’m all excited to start experimenting with the pencils…but guess what happened. I opened up the Covet eye pencil box, and there was nothing inside!

How could I have walked out of the store with an empty eyeliner box? Here’s how: I’m an idiot. It obviously weighed much less than the other boxes (cuz there was nothing inside – duh). But I guess I was so giddy, and fiending for an Urban Decay fix, that I had a momentary lapse in judgment.

Luckily, Sephora has excellent customer service (shout out to Robin at the Willow Grove, PA store). I explained the situation, and they’re shipping me my liner. Don’t ya just love happy endings?

So the moral of the story is check the package before you leave the store. Well, that and Urban Decay must have crack in it.

The Root Of The Problem

Every 8 weeks, I visit my hairdresser Erik to get my roots relaxed. And for the next 4 weeks, my hair does whatever I want it to – and I revel in straight-haired bliss. But once my curly roots start growing in, my hair goes up in a ponytail and I mentally count the days until my next salon appointment.

Any gal with relaxed hair knows what I’m talking about. There’s nothing worse than your roots sabotaging a potentially good hair day.

Luckily, Editorial Stylists Kevin Ryan and Frank Rizzieri have gotten to the root of the problem, and created an innovative styling tool that has me loving my locks – even in week 7.

Root Control is designed to allow quick, safe, and effective straightening and styling of all types of hair. It’s great for touching up hairlines and roots in between blowdries and relaxers. It can also be used to redirect cowlicks and style bangs. Plus, its combination of ceramic barrel and double comb allow you to style the hair while keeping the heated barrel away from the scalp.

Product features include:
*Dual Styling / Pressing Combs
*Ceramic Heating Barrel
*Instant Heat Up
*Advanced LCD Digital Programming
*Up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit Pro High-Heat
*9ft. European Jacketed Line Cord
*Heat Resistant Storage Pouch with Embroidered Logo

At $179.00, Root Control is kinda costly. But can you really put a price tag on a good hair day?

Not yet convinced? Watch this video of the tool in action, then be prepared to pull out your credit card. Trust me. It’s worth every penny.

Root control is available online at rsessiontools.com.

Five Reasons To Cleanse With T’Fivve

The top five reasons to wash your face with T’Fivve Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam:

5) The rich foam gently melts away makeup and pollutants
4) Doesn’t strip the skin's natural hydration
3) Helps maintain normal pH balance
2) After cleansing, your face feels refreshed, not dry or tight
1) Because I said so (and because it’s one of the best cleansers I’ve used in a very long time)

T’Five Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam contains Bergamot Fruit Oil, to act as an anti-bacterial; Orange Peel Oil to smoothe skin; Lemon Peel Oil softens; and Ylang Ylang Oil controls sebum production.

If you have very dry and sensitive skin - like mine - you’ll give T’Fivve Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam five enthusiastic thumbs up.

Available at skinscientifica.com and skinstore.com.

Three Cheers For T3!!!

After reading countless rave reviews, I jumped on the T3 bandwagon. And let me tell you – I’m gonna ride it ‘til the wheels fall off.

T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight Dryer is what ‘good hair’ dreams are made of. Every time I use it, I fall deeper and deeper in love with this hair dryer. How do I love T3? Let me count the ways:

*1800 watt, 2-speed/heat settings plus cool shot
*Tourmaline technology and infrared heat reduces static electricity
*Negative ions add moisture and sheen
*Eliminates the frizzy, “blow dried” look
*Seals hair cuticle – resulting in sleek, glossy hair
*Evaporates water in the hair faster, cutting drying time by up to 60%
*Super lightweight (13 ounces)
*Quieter than traditional hair dryers
*Chic bejeweled handle

With my old hair dryer, I would mix 2 or 3 different leave-in conditioners/hair creams in my hands, slather it on - then spend 20 minutes blowing it dry. Mind you, it only takes 10-15 minutes to dry my hair completely, but I had to dry in shifts because my arm and shoulder would start to give out. Once I was “finished,” I would apply a serum to make the cuticle lay down, then spend another few minutes sealing in the shine with another blast from the dryer. And after all that, my hair still looked puffy and parched.

Before T3 came into my life, blow drying was an exercise in endurance. Now, I actually look forward to drying my hair, because the end result is healthy looking hair – not wrecked and ravaged like before. Plus, I find myself applying less hair products because I just don’t need them anymore.

I am such a T3 convert that when I went to see Erik, my hairdresser, a few weeks ago, I took along my Featherweight. You heard me right. And guess what? Erik fell in love too. He used the T3 Featherweight in conjunction with 360 Plump (a weightless, non-sticky hair plumper created by T3 and Orlando Pita) – and nothing else. After Erik was finished styling my hair, he was absolutely blown away (there I go again) by how thick, bouncy, and naturally lustrous my hair looked.

The only downside to this dryer is its $200 price tag. But trust me – and I’m not exaggerating – it’s a steal considering the time and hassle it will save you. Plus, it’s kinder and gentler on your hair than the dryer sitting in the cabinet underneath your sink; and if you care about your hair, sooner or later, you’ll need to start taking care of it – or you won’t have any left.

Bottom line: a T3 hair dryer is a solid beauty investment, with rich dividends.

An Amazing Discovery

If you’ve never dabbled in DuWop before, get thee to Sephora and pick up the Discovery Kit, a set of five DuWop makeup must-haves. The kit includes a full size version of Lip Venom - as well as miniature versions of Amber Eyes (an eyeshadow palette with a base amber shade, a deeper version, and a cream liner), Blush Therapy in Hug, Venom Gloss in Lantana, and Lash Lacquer mascara in Carbon Black. The products are packaged in the cutest reusable train case.

Cult favorite Lip Venom has been named the best lip plumper by Sephora, Good Housekeeping, and Elle - but to be honest, it’s a bit too aggressive for my liking. Then again, I have sensitive skin and I don’t need much enhancement in that area.

My personal fav of the bunch is another award winner, Blush Therapy. After only using it once, it became my #1 cheek color choice. The cream glides on like a gel, but dries to a sheer velvety powder. It blends effortlessly and the finished result more closely resembles a natural flush than shiny gel stains or regular powder blush. And to top it all off, literally, it has aromatherapy oils built into the cap.

Blush Therapy’s latest award is a spot on my Best of Beauty 2007 list. It was also one of the products I used to achieve my New Year’s Eve look. On my next trip to Sephora, I definitely plan to purchase in at least two more colors.

Spoiled Prettiest: Best of Beauty 2007

It’s the last day of the year, so it’s only fitting that I summarize for you the products that spoiled me prettiest in 2007. For your convenience, I’ve linked each product to the corresponding review.

If a product does not have a link, this indicates that I have not had an opportunity to write a formal review just yet – but look for those posts in the near future. These products are listed in no particular order - it was hard enough narrowing it down to seven in each category!

Thanks for your support in 2007. I hope you find something on this list to spoil you pretty in 2008!

Face
1. Clinique Superfit Makeup
2. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit
3. Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go
4. Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Makeup Primer
5. Clinique Perfectly Real Compact
6. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
7. MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush

Eyes
1. Diorshow Mascara
2. Anastasia Classic Brow Stencils
3. Prestige Liquid Eye Liner
4. Revlon Makeup Eraser Pen
5. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
6. Any MAC Eye Shadow
7. Diane Brill Liquid Eye Liner

Cheeks
1. DuWop Blush Therapy
2. Stila Convertible Color
3. Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer
4. Bobbi Brown Blush
5. Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush
6. Clinique Gel Blush
7. MAC 129 Short Handle Powder/Blush Brush

Lips
1. Freeze 24/7 PlumpLips IceSticks
2. Diane Brill Lip Gloss
3. MAC Lipglass
4. Stila Lip Glaze
5. Nars Lipstick
6. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick
7. Any MAC Lipstick

Nails
1. Obey Your Body Nail Buffer
2. Incoco Dry Nail Appliqués
3. OPI Ridge Filler
4. Seche Vite
5. Sally Hansen No More Mistakes Manicure Clean-Up Pen
6. Any nail polish by OPI, Essie, CND, or China Glaze
7. Sally Hansen Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish

Skincare
1. Crème De La Mer Moisturizing Cream
2. Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion
3. Clarisonic Skin Care System
4. Fresh Sugar Face Polish
5. Biologique Recherche P50 Balancing Lotion
6. Zeno
7. Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair

Bath & Body
1. Jaqua Pink Buttercream Frosting Shower Creme
2. Jaqua Buttercream Frosting Sinfully Rich Body Butter
3. Bliss Naked Body Butter
4. Peter Thomas Roth's Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash
5. Philip B Thai Tea Body Wash
6. Caudalie Vinothérapie Scrub Trio
7. Pure & Basic Body Wash

Hair
1. Frederic Fekkai Technician Shampoo For Dry, Damaged, Color-Treated Hair
2. AlfaParf Semi Di Lino Cristlli Liquidi Illuminating Serum
3. Elasta QP DPR 11 Conditioner
4. Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment
5. Philip B White Truffle Shampoo and White Truffle Nourishing Hair Conditioning Creme
6. T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight Hair Dryer
7. T3 Bespoke Labs Medium Duality Flat Iron

Other
1. Sephora 3 Inch Fragrance Atomizer
2. Aquafresh White Trays
3. Stephanie Johnson Makeup Bags
4. Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
5. Sephora Midnight Train Case
6. Nalgene Travel Bottle Kit
7. Schick Intuition Razor

Fragrance
1. L’Instant de Guerlain
2. Comptoir Sud Pacifique in Vanille Abricot
3. Hanae Mori Butterfly
4. Prada Iris
5. Vera Wang Princess
6. M by Mariah Carey
7. Lacoste Inspiration

Rocket Science

“The folly of one man is the fortune of another; for no man prospers so suddenly as by others' errors.” - Francis Bacon (1561-1626)

More than forty years ago, aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber suffered a horrific accident. A routine experiment exploded in his face, covering him with severe chemical burns. Neither science nor medicine offered a treatment to minimize his scarring, so Huber decided to help himself. Twelve years and 6,000 experiments later, he perfected a product that has been dubbed “the miracle cream.” In the case of Crème de la Mer, the folly of one man is the fortune of thousands of women…and now I am one of them.

Typically, it takes a few weeks to see results from a new face treatment; but with Crème de la Mer, it only took me two days to notice a drastic improvement in the quality of my skin.

Concentrated ingredients - including sea kelp, essential vitamins and minerals, plus oils of citrus, eucalyptus, wheat germ, alfalfa and sunflower - are combined into a 'Miracle Broth', distilled, and fermented for three to four months. Then this nutrient-rich mixture is then hand-poured into jars, as not to disturb it delicate balance.

I can honestly say that when it comes to Crème de la Mer, the myth is indeed reality. There is a reason why it has achieved cult status. I now understand why Jennifer Lopez uses it all over her body - and we thought that J.Lo glow was the result of makeup. Only now can I appreciate why Victoria Beckham says it’s the one beauty product she can’t live without.

What I love so much about the cream is that it provides instant gratification. To activate the broth and release its key ingredients, warm a small amount between your fingertips. As you pat onto clean, dry skin, you will instantly feel the soothing effects of the cream.

Crème de la Mer may appear thick in the jar, but it simply sinks into skin – leaving it soft and luxuriously hydrated, with a youthfully dewy finish. Using other facial moisturizers, I would need to reapply throughout the day to treat dry patches – or apply powder to offset excess shine. With Crème de la Mer, I don’t have those problems – in fact, I haven’t been wearing makeup the past few days because my skin looks so radiant without it. It’s like I’m walking around with special lighting. Apply it in the AM and PM – that’s all it takes. And, as a bonus, the soft fragrance helps to calm me as I fall asleep at night.

At $125 for an ounce (or $1,350 for 16.5 oz), the price tag is a little frightening. But I think I’m just going to have to bite the bullet – because the thought of going back to some ‘regular’ moisturizer is a much scarier thought.

Put this on your holiday wish list: La Mer’s Holiday 2007 Gifts of Beauty, exclusive to Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

The Essential Collection gift set combines three of La Mer’s most coveted products, and is ideal for both newcomers and longtime La Mer devotees. The Connoisseur Collection include the Crème de La Mer and Eye Concentrate in two lacquered boxes. Looking for a stocking stuffer to spoil someone (or yourself) pretty? Look no further than The Lip Balm, which works on contact to soften and hydrate.

Oprah And I Are Two Of A Kind

I aspire to be like Oprah Winfrey. But since I don’t yet have a talk show, a magazine, or the power to turn an unknown manuscript into an international bestseller, I’m doing the next best thing.

I am giving away one of my favorite things, which also happens to be one of Oprah’s beloved beauty tools - the Clarisonic Skin Care System (a $195 value)!!!

Oprah gave away three hundred of these babies a few weeks ago on her “Favorite Things 2007” episode. I only have one to give away…so if you weren’t in her studio audience that day, here’s your chance to win one.

Developed by the people who created the Sonicare Toothbrush, the Clarisonic Skin Care System removes six times more makeup than soap and water alone. It clears your pores of dirt, oil, and residual makeup – so that the ingredients in your skincare products are more effectively absorbed. What I love so much about this product is that the creators seemed to think of everything; case in point:

*The Clarisonic is rechargeable (the system comes with the charging cradle) and waterproof, so you can use it in the shower as well as at the sink.
*The Clarisonic features a timer that beeps and pauses to indicate it’s time to move onto another part of your face (20 seconds on the forehead, 20 seconds on the nose and chin, and 10 seconds on each cheek).
*Though the system includes a 2 oz trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser, the Clarisonic can be used with most non-abrasive facial cleansers.

Oprah wasn’t exaggerating when she said, "It's a miracle massage for your face.” Since I started using the Clarisonic, I’ve had minimal breakouts and I marvel at how soft and smooth my skin feels and looks. It’s just amazing how much more radiant my face is after using this product for the recommended two minutes a day. I adore this product so much, and I am extremely excited to host this giveaway in partnership with Clarisonic!

To enter, leave a comment in the comments section below by 9 pm EST on Thursday, December 13th - be sure to include your name and email address. Or email me at spoiledpretty@gmail.com if you're uncomfortable posting your email address below.

A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Friday, December 14th, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents. Good luck!

Siren Song

This past weekend, I stopped by Sephora expecting to just window shop. Oh, who am I kidding…does that ever really happen?

Aimlessly, I perused the aisles and tested dozens of products. I had no intention of actually buying anything, yet I couldn’t bring myself to leave the store. It was as if something was calling to me. Then I saw it - Viridiana lipstick from the Nars Siren Song Holiday 2007 collection.

This lip color had me at hello, ladies. At first glance, I was bewitched by the rich burgundy color. After testing it on my hand, I fell a little deeper in love. By the time the saleswoman finished carefully applying it to my lips, I was obsessed. And in the ten minutes between putting a tube of Viridiana in my basket and paying for it at the register, three women approached me to ask what lipstick I was wearing. Watch out, Dolce Vita…there's a new diva in town.

Spoiled Pretty Tip: For daytime, apply Viridiana to exfoliated lips with your fingers – for a subtle, but sophisticated stain. At night, apply with a lip brush for more concentrated color. The beauty of Viridiana lies not only in the shade, but also in the formula – the semi-matte finish isn’t drying and stays where you put it, so you needn’t worry about the color staying inside the lines.

Nars’ Siren Song collection also includes:
Duo Eyeshadow (in Balthazar, Violetta, and Cheyenne); Lip Gloss (in Rose Gitane and Bad Education); Blush in Luster; Single Eyeshadow (in Night Snow and Night Rider); Lip Gloss/Lip Stain Gloss (in Metis/Victoire, Turkish Delight/Sayonara, Sand Piper/Dare Devil, and Moon Fleet/Indian Red); Nail Polish in Saratoga ; and Perfecting Powder Sheets.

All Soft, No Substance

I really wanted to love All Soft Heavy Cream, a “super treatment” that Redken promises will “provide dry hair with intense softness, replenishment and strength. Hair is wrapped in softness with increased manageability, movement and luminous shine.” I tried it last night and I must say – not only was I not impressed, I was extremely disappointed. After using it, my hair wasn’t any softer than usual. In fact, I think it was less soft than I’m accustomed to. All of my favorite magazines and blogs raved about this product, and I just don’t understand the enthusiasm for such a mediocre conditoner.

Perhaps it’s because I have been spoiled (pretty) by my tried-and-true conditioner, Elasta QP’s DPR 11. So it doesn’t have a catchy name and you may not have heard of the brand before, but this product is the ONLY conditioner you'll need…I don’t know why I ever doubted my DPR 11.

Elasta QP is a line of hair product made for and marketed to African-American women - but really, the products work for all women - regardless of race, ethnicity, or hair texture. Case in point - in college, a friend of mine decided she was bored with her long, thick Persian hair. I can’t remember exactly what she did to it, but I do recall that it was damaged within an inch of its life. Girlfriend’s hair felt, and looked, like straw. She couldn’t get a brush through it, and it became matted and terribly tangled. I gave her some DPR to try and I swear, she cried. Her hair was miraculously restored to its natural state, but even more manageable than before.

It’s been ten years since then, and I’m still using this product. I slather it on after I shampoo and let it penetrate for 5-10 minutes while I’m showering and shaving. As soon as I rinse it out, I immediately notice how silky my hair is. And, every time I use the DPR 11, my husband can’t stop smelling me…the product contains peach blossom oil, which leaves your strands unbelievably soft and subtly fragranced.

Whether your hair is chemically processed or natural, curly or straight, thick or baby fine - this is as good as it gets, ladies! Trust me, I've tried them all. After you use this, you'll finally know your hair's true potential. This is the holy grail of holy grails – remember, you heard it here first.

And at under $7 a pop, you can't beat it. I also highly recommend the rest of the Elasta QP products - Creme Conditioning Shampoo is another of my faves. Click here to find a retailer near you.