Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week: Softlips Tinted Lip Conditioner

Looking perfectly polished doesn’t entail a face full of makeup. Or going broke. Take today, for example…before leaving my apartment to run errands, I pulled my hair back into a sleek ponytail, quickly coated my lashes with Cover Girl LashBlast, and swiped on Softlips Tinted Conditioner in Bronze.

A simple and easy alternative to lipstick or gloss, Softlips Tinted Conditioners add a subtle hint of color to lips, while moisturizing and protecting with SPF 15. These conditioners aren’t heavy or waxy like traditional balms, and they're conveniently packaged in a slim stick so you can easily tuck them in your pocket or purse.

Rose and Pearl (new shade) will flatter those with light and medium complexions. Bronze is an excellent choice for ladies with deeper skin tones.

For $10, all three can be yours. Put 'em in your pocket and you’ll still have room left for your change.

Softlips Tinted Conditioners are available at mass retail, supermarkets and drugstores.

In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway: Everyday Bag

The average weight of the contents of a woman’s purse has skyrocketed over the past five years. Exactly how much does the typical gal lug around? More than five pounds of crap – that’s how much! Researchers predict that by 2018, the average handbag will weigh more than 6.6 pounds. High-tech gadgets have been blamed for the 38 percent increase…but lets be real, ladies. Those eight lip products add up.

If you’re anything like me, your purse is chock-full of nonsense…old shopping receipts, gum wrappers, enough Starbucks napkins to last a lifetime, and seven dollars in coins lining the bottom of the bag. I’m not going to be a hypocrite and tell you to throw that mess out. But I do have some suggestions for how you can pare down your beauty stash this summer, and lighten your load by at least a couple of ounces. Summer heat is oppressive enough…and let’s face it – Scoliosis isn’t sexy.

* Instead of tossing your regular hairbrush and comb into your purse, opt for a purse-sized set. But make sure that you invest in quality products…I don’t know about you, but those “nifty” pop-up purse brushes never work for me. And if it doesn’t work, you might as well not carry it. Right?

* Palettes and multi-purpose products are great options…they offer innumerable options without sacrificing space.

* If you’re prone to t-zone oiliness, you could carry around a translucent powder compact. But powder tends to cake in the heat, so you’re better off carrying some blotting papers. Plus you’ll shed some weight.

Today is day three of our In The Bag Summer Beauty Giveaway Week, and to get you over the hump, I'm spoiling you pretty with this handbag from Creations By Kage.


The "Stormy" tote is, in two words, effortlessly sumptuous. The bag is like buttah - all Kage creations are made of the finest Italian leathers. The line is geared towards the girl with very sophisticated taste who wants a really unique bag made of finest materials and the highest quality, but doesn't necessarily have to own a "name" brand. Designer Kristin Holstein says her bags have a certain elegance to them, as they are clean in design, with simple pleats and the Kage signature horseshoe detail. "The symbol of the horseshoe means so much to me. Not only does it represent good luck, but it reminds me of my mother and her love of horses. They constantly give me inspiration, and will always be a significant theme in my design process."

For the winner, this bag will be accompanied by the following goodies:


Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara: Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. This happens to be my Holy Grail mascara.

Goody Mosaic Ouchless Purse Brush: The ultimate in snagless styling. This brush is smaller sized – perfect for travel or on the go styling.

Goody Mosaic Mini Versa Comb: This 3-in-1 comb is small enough to fit in your purse, but large enough to maintain your style.

Tarte Infinite Glow Bestsellers Palette: Get a natural, radiant glow with this chic palette that has everything you need to tan, glow and pout in minutes flat! This bestsellers palette includes Park Ave Princess Mineral Powder Bronzer, award-winning Gel Cheek Stain in Tipsy and a moisturizing 24.7 Lip Sheer in a new shade May Flowers. This luxe faux-croc, compact with mirror is perfect for on-the-go application!

MAX Factor Vivid Impact Eyeshadow Duos in Domino Effect, Emerald Coast, and Peach Basket: Sweep on these loose powder eye shadows for a subtle shimmer or lay it on thick for a metallic effect. The couture-color combinations let you create vibrant shadow effects with the brilliant artistry of a pro.

DentaBurst “Be Ready To Shine” Kit: DentaBurst Freshening Teeth Cleaners are an effective way to clean teeth and freshen breath on-the-go. Unlike mints or gum, they remove plaque from the surfaces of teeth, leaving them feeling smooth and clean. The kit contains 72 individually-wrapped Dentaburst, a business card case, and a calendar/planner.

RoC Retinol Correxion Hand Repair Cream SPF15: This revolutionary formula not only moisturizes but has been scientifically shown to fortify the outer layer of skin and is clinically shown to even out the look of discolorations and age spots for more youthful looking hands. In addition, its SPF 15 UVA/UVB sunscreen protects hands from damaging UVA rays that may contribute to skin damage and premature aging of the skin. Allure Magazine Best of Beauty winner.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: Oil-Absorbing Sheets soak up excess oil and remove shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind a residue. Use them anytime, anywhere to remove oil and shine throughout the day.

Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner SPF 15: This unique lip treatment provides essential long-lasting moisturization to help condition and protect dry, chapped lips. With an exclusive combination of natural oatmeal and natural skin conditioners, including jojoba oil and shea butter, it restores moisture and locks it in long after applying. It contains UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect lips from the sun and is good for daily use.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Creations By Kage Handbag Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Tuesday, July 1st. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Wednesday, July 2nd, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

And be sure to check out the other bag giveaways. You can enter all of the giveaways, but you can only win once. Good luck!

Soften Your Lips and Save the Honeybees!

Did you know that one third of food we eat depends on bees for pollination?

You might not have given much thought to the role honeybees play in our ecosystem. But fact is, 30% of the fruit- and vegetable-producing plants we rely on to feed our families need honeybee pollination to thrive. That’s why the mysterious disappearance of honeybees known as Colony Collapse Disorder is a critical environmental issue that must be understood…because the without honeybees, our food is at risk.

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a resolution to recognize the vital role of pollinators in ecosystem health and agriculture by declaring June 22 - 28 as National Pollinator Week. Burt’s Bees is also doing its part to raise awareness about the disappearing honeybees, in addition to funding research to help find a solution.

This year, you can personally help save the honeybees by buying a tube of Burt’s Bees special edition Beeswax Lip Balm. Five percent of the proceeds will benefit The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) and its Honeybee Health Improvement Project. In addition, you can take action today to help make the planet a healthy place for bees. Click here for a free packet of bee-friendly wildflower seeds that you can plant to give bees a healthy place to live in your neighborhood. And follow this link to find search for local organic farmers who naturally create pesticide-free, bee-friendly environments while providing local communities with healthy fresh produce.

To learn more about Colony Collapse Disorder, visit burtsbees.com.

MAC Tendertones: A Lovely Surprise

I'm the type of person who loves surprises. As long as they're good ones.

Take, for example, MAC's new Tendertone Lip Balm in Honey Bare. In the pot, it's a shimmery honeydew melon. The folks at MAC describe it as "sheer peach with white pearl."

Either way, it should've spelled disaster for a tan girl like me. Instead, there are no words to accurately describe how delectably delish this balm is.

Leave it to MAC to find a way to make something so wrong look so amazingly right. On my skin, it's honey golden goodness. It looks irresistably sexy.

There are nine other shades in the Tendertones collection, but Honey Bare is the hidden gem. Snatch it up before word gets out.

Somebody Told Me...

This afternoon, I received an email from my girl Tess, over at Three Custom Color Specialists. Tess told me that Troy Jensen, makeup artist to the Pussycat Dolls, had just called from the set of the music video shoot for their new single, "When I Grow Up."

In the video, Nicole Scherzinger will be wearing Three Custom Color's Light Brights Lipstick in Palladium. The dolls loved the shades so much that Troy requested a set of all four shades for each of them!

Totally Tubular Giveaway Winners Revealed

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

I realize that you've got more exciting things to do than spend your day off surfing this site. So I'm not going to hold you too long. The winners of the Totally Tubular giveaway are Eileen Karla Dautruche, Jill Myrick, and Tammy Thiele.

These lucky ladies will receive a tube of Light Brights in Limelight, courtesy of Three Custom Color Specialists.

Congrats!

Check back later for our next contest.

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.

MAC TenderTones

The point between love and lust is this succulent, tender, and eat-me as all bon-bon-tinted lip balm. Six new, four popular bring-backs. All of them sheer, satiny, sun-protective and moisturizing. Some richly tinted to provide summer’s deepest sexiest stain. Others deliciously and lightly cotton candy.

Delicately strawberry-kiwi-flavored.


Tendertones Lip Balm SPF12

Tread Gently: Soft lime green with yellow pearl
E-Z Baby: Sheer milky pink
Honey Bare: Rosy blue pink with white and gold pearl
Hot n’ Saucy: Soft cherry red
Sweet & Nice: Sheer red grape with red pearl
Take A Hint: Sheer peach with white pearl
Hush, Hush: Sheer gold with yellow gold pearl
Sweet Tooth: Sheer coral with white pearl
Pucker: Sheer berry with red pearl
Deep Sigh: Sheer grape brown with red pearl

Suggested Retail Price: $14.50

Tendertones will be available June 2008 at all MAC locations and at maccosmetics.com.

Totally Tubular: Light Brights Giveaway!

Good morning, pretties. I was absolutely exhausted yesterday and went to sleep without posting the latest giveaway. My bad.

So without further ado, here’s how we’re spoiling you pretty this week…

The 80’s is back in a big way, inspiring new trends in fashion and beauty. But before you bust out your shoulder pads, leg warmers, and jelly bracelets – be aware that what’s en vogue (and in Vogue) right now is a modern take on 80’s retro glam.

So how do you embrace this trend without looking like a Dynasty reject? Three Custom Color Specialists has the perfect product.

Light Brights (not to be confused with Lite Brite, on of my fave childhood toys) is a collection of moisturizing, balmy stains in DayGlo fluorescent shades. When applied, they let the natural beauty of your lips shine through, while enhancing your pout with a sheer brightness. They can be layered for a fuller coverage, and can also be dabbed on the cheeks for a fresh glow.

Light Brights are available in four rad shades, named after popular NYC dancehalls from the '80s:


Area is a juicy and bright, yet surprisingly wearable tangerine.


Danceteria is a flirty coral for girls who just wanna have fun.


Limelight is a sweet and soft, a pinky peach that pops.


Palladium is a hot pink flash of color fit for any rockstar.

This week, we’re giving you the chance to win a tube of your very own. Three lucky readers will receive Light Brights in Limelight.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Totally Tubular Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, May 25th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, May 26th, 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.

Good luck!

Get Lippy And Help Raise HIV/Aids Awareness

The Body Shop and MTV are partnering for a wonderful cause.

The Body Shop Guarana Berry Lip Butter is a rich intensive moisturizer that leaves lips feeling lusciously soft and smooth. All net proceeds from the product will be donated to the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, which supports young people and youth groups worldwide to become involved in HIV and AIDS awareness, education, and prevention campaigns.

Visit moveyourlips.com to learn more about the campaign - sign up for our newsletter, send a "kiss" to your friends, and play the lip butter game for a chance to win tickets to the European Music Awards!

Coffee Break and Tea Time For Your Lips

I have a soft spot for lip balms…probably because they were my first foray into the world of makeup. When I was a pre-teen, my mom would buy me Avon lip balms – as reward for good grades, good behavior, and completed chores. I had every imaginable flavor, and I would stockpile them in my Caboodle. They smelled so good that my then two-year-old sister ate my entire Mint Chocolate Chip lip balm. Mister Yuck stickers became a staple in our house that year, but I digress.

Though I’ve grown up a lot since then, I haven’t outgrown my love for lip balm. I’m always looking for new flavors. And while I’m sometimes tempted to buy one of the balms from my youth, I continue to keep my eyes peeled for balms that match my refined, mature tastes. And I found them…

Crazy Rumors offers 12 exotic coffee and tea flavored lip balms that leave your lips moisturized, protected and feeling fantastic. The balms are vegan, packaged in 100% recyclable containers, and never tested on animals.


Perk - Lip Lattes are sure to awaken your senses. Take a whiff and smooth them on… these captivating aromas are what mornings were meant for.

Amaretto: Rich almond and pure natural vanilla makes this aromatic flavor a delight.

Coffee Bean: True to the name, a full-flavored freshly roasted cup of coffee - bold and robust.

French Vanilla: Natural creamy vanilla; smooth, satisfying and simply delicious - a favorite of all.

Hazelnut: Distinctively nutty with a touch of sweetness makes this flavor oh, so irresistible.

Mocha: Flavorful coffee combined with pure chocolate - a perfect match.

Irish Cream: Creamy, sweet and smooth flavor with a hint of vanilla - reminiscent of the famous liqueur.


Brew – Tea Balms are the all natural, rejuvenating flavors found in your favorite tea - packed into a soothing treat for your lips!

Plum Apricot: An amazing fusion of fruits at its finest - rejoice for this rejuvenating scent.

Orange Bergamot: Better known as the world’s famous Earl Grey - a sweet and sophisticated blend of tantalizing citrus fruits.

Apple Spice: Tart apples and sweet cinnamon come together for an outrageous, cider like experience.

Peppermint Lemongrass: The combination of refreshing citrus and cooling peppermint will make lips tingle and mouths smile.

Ginger Peach: An invigorating mixture of fresh, juicy peach blended with intoxicating ginger – simply keen.

Spiced Chai: A rich, complex blend of savory spiced cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla with a hint of ginger - a delightful surprise. (Spoiled Pretty fave)

A .15 oz tube will run you the same as a Starbucks Grande Soy Caffe Mocha – no whip…but with 290 fewer calories. Available at Urban Outfitters and a store near you.

MAC Strobe Review

In early March, MAC unveiled Strobe - three enlightened ways to brighten your look: Strobe Cream, our original blend of sheer soft-focus diffusers; Strobe Liquid, instant radiance in fluid, light-diffusion form; and for lips, Tinted Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15 with strobe pearl.

Now that I've had an opportunity to play, here are my thoughts on the collection...

Strobe Liquid is a must have. It is such a remarkable product that I've used it every day since I received my bottle. The light-diffusers add a radiance to skin that looks like it's coming from within - so it looks like you're glowing, not your makeup. Apply it selectively (cheekbones, browbone, bridge of the nose, cupid's bow) or mix it in with your foundation/tinted moisturizer and apply all over. Either way, you can't go wrong. This universally flattering product is the best highlighter I've ever used. Use Strobe Liquid if your skin is normal, or on the oily side. If you have dry skin, opt for the Strobe Cream.


On the other hand, when it comes to the Tinted Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15 - I say save your money. These lip conditioners moisturize and protect your pout, but as you can see from the photo above, they leave only a hint of color. In my opinion, the barely-there color payout isn't worth $14.50.

Stay tuned for reviews of MAC's Beauty Powder Blush and Heatherette collections.

C.O. Bigelow's New Mentha Lip Tints

C.O. Bigelow’s new Mentha Lip Tints are the lip balms we all know and love – now available in six gorgeous shades (bare mint, coral mint, pink mint, magenta mint, plum mint, and violet mint). Lips stay moist, look ultra-glossy, and peppermint oil gives breath long-lasting freshness. One tube will set you back $7.50…but pick up three tints today for the low, low price of $15!

Available at Bath & Body Works and C.O. Bigelow.

Jesus-themed Cosmetics Cause Outrage And Are Pulled From Shelves

A cosmetics line, called Lookin’ Good For Jesus, has been publicly crucified (sorry, I just had to) and pulled from shelves in Singapore. Catholic customers were appalled by the products and packaging, which depict J.C. as somewhat of a sex symbol.

Lookin’ Good For Jesus products include bubble bath that “makes you feel like you’re walking on water” and lip balm that promises to return your pout “to near virgin quality.”

Wing Tai Retail, which owns three Asian TopShop outlets, removed the line from their stores after receiving complaints.

U.S. company BlueQ, manufacturer of Lookin’ Good For Jesus, has several other lines that push the P.C. envelope – such as Mental Case, Wash Away Your Sins, Total Bitch, and Virgin/Slut.

What do you think? Cheeky or downright blasphemy? Leave a comment below.

All Purpose Powder

Don't ya just love when a product does double beauty duty? Me too. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on Glamo-Glitz by Scarlett Cosmetics.

Glamo-Glitz is a one-of-a-kind product that can be used in seven different ways! These mineral-based loose cosmetic dusts are multi-functional, and are used on eyes, cheeks, lips, body, highlighting and even for mascara. Here’s how it works...

Eye Shadow: Use wet or dry and sweep lightly or dramatically over lid.

Eye Liner: Dip an eyelining brush into water and then into Glamo-Glitz, and sweep along lash line. The ones with glitter look fabulous this way!

Lips: Put petroleum jelly on lips then mix one part water with two parts Glamo-Glitz and dab onto lips.

Mascara: Mix two parts water with one part Glamo-Glitz and put onto lashes with a disposable mascara wand. Need a shocking teal mascara but can't find it? No problem, make one from your Glamo-Glitz. Do not wear glitter formulas if you have contact lenses, though.

Cheeks: Dip a blush brush into your Glamo-Glitz and swep onto cheeks.

Decollete: Get a big, fat brush and brush over this area – as well as shoulders. Very sexy!

Nail Polish: Adding your choice of Glamo-Glitz color to clear nail polish can make a custom color. It blends smoothly so you don’t have to worry about clumps and the nail polish not drying. Try mixing one that has glitter in it!


In the photo, you can see a few of my favorite Glamo-Glitz shades (from top to bottom – Gypsy, Mombasa, and Pop Star). I wet the powders so that they would photograph more vividly; but please note that they also can be used for a sheer wash of color. That’s why they’re so great – because they’re all-purpose!

Scarlett Cosmetics are sold by select retailers in the U.S., U.K., and Hong Kong. But no matter where you’re from, you can live the Glamo-Glitz life by visiting scarlettcos.com.

Be A Balm-Shell With Just Kiss Me!

Ever since I first laid eyes on Victoria’s Secret Just Kiss Me! Glossy Lip Balm, I’ve been obsessing. This clever compact is shaped like a Restylane-enchanced kisser, and contains a hydrating balm.

This will be my Valentine’s Day gift to myself. What’s not to love?

New At Sephora – DuWop Prime Venom Lip Plumping Balm

Typical lip plumpers are a little one note – don’t ya think? A bee stung mouth covered in gooey gloss screams, "These aren’t my real lips!" Luckily, DuWop has the answered your plump pout prayers.

Prime Venom is a matte finish plumping lip balm infused with the Lip Venom formula that also works as a lip primer. This matte balm leaves conditions lips while acting as a primer to help lipsticks go on smoother and last longer - as well as plumping the lips for a matte finish pout. It also flushes the lips with natural color, so that you don't have to wear lipstick at all if you choose not to.

Prime Venom contains macadamia nut oil, prized for its long lasting, moisturizing properties and the now famous blend of essential oils including cinnamon, ginger, and wintergreen that put plumpers on the map.

Prime Venom is available exclusively at Sephora.

Guest Post: Philosophy Kiss Me Lip Balm

Kim Stanley* writes:

No matter what I do, my lips become dry and chapped during the winter months. However, I have found a product that alleviates both problems. Although the company is not new to beauty junkies, Philosophy is better known for products such as Hope in a Jar. Kiss Me is a very emollient lip balm that delivers on its promise to leave your lips well-moisturized.

Lipsticks and lip glosses look best on lips that are smooth and well hydrated without cracked or peeling skin. If you want to fully appreciate the ultimate lip care experience you should use an exfoliant first and follow up with a super moisturizing product to protect and heal your lips because lips can not maintain moisture. A good lip exfoliant to try is Laura Geller Lip Strip.

I put Kiss Me to the test during the busy Christmas season while cashiering, for 9 hour shifts, at Sephora. On average, I applied the lip balm approximately three times during these long hours of talking, eating and drinking but not more than 4 times in a 24-hour period.

The one caveat of this product, but its performance is not affected, is that it reacts to hot and cold temperatures. The tube will harden if left in the cold and will soften during the warmer months.

Philosophy’s Kiss Me offered the best of all worlds because it had a natural shine, moisturized, tasted like citrus, and was long-lasting. I purchased the lip balm by Philosophy in Kiss Me Red, but it is available in clear and pink shades as well. I love this stuff!

*Kim Y. Stanley has been a self-confessed beauty junkie since the age of 12. Over the years, she has experimented and tested tons of beauty products; comparing similar products of different price ranges is what fuels her addiction.

Got TINte In Pocket

I’ve finally found a use for that useless coin pocket on the front of your jeans. Turns out it’s the perfect way to keep my TINte* Moisturizing Lip Color on me at all times, right where it belongs.

Inspired by the creator’s first gloss encounter, this lip color is packaged in a retro slider tin; but the Shea butter and vitamin infused formula keeps it modern – and non-sticky.

TINte Moisturizing Lip Color is the ideal product for those days when you want to wear gloss, but your lips are begging for a balm.

Fergie fancies Peaches & Cream, while Sarah Jessica Parker prefers Cream Soda. Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, and I favor the Peppermint flavor.

* TINte products are tested on boys, never animals.

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

Too often, there’s a good deal of false advertising when it comes to lip butters. In some cases, they’re actually waxy lip balms in a tube. And sometimes, they turn out to be gooey lip glosses – which I personally love. But if it’s gloss, then call it gloss – right?

Lucky for you, Spoiled Pretty as done some of the leg work – and we’ve found one that’s not waxy or gooey. I think even Goldilocks would agree – this lip butter is just right.

Korres Lip Butter is a buttery balm that melts on the lips and offers a shiny finish. The combination of shea butter and rice wax penetrate for deep hydration and softness. And because the lip butter is part of Korres’ new good-for-your-skin color collection, it’s perfect for those gals who prefer natural, eco-friendly beauty – but still prefer Manolo Blahniks to Birkinstocks.

Korres Lip Butter is available at Sephora.