Urban Decay Spring 2009

Check out what Urban Decay has in store for 2009.

Amazon Beauty, Indeed

Amazon Beauty’s Rahua Elixir is so absolutely fantastic that it made me look past the fact that it costs $100 for half an ounce and smells like a barbecue grill.

This is a holy grail hair product if ever I met one. Rahua Elixir is a 100% natural hair oil infused with seasonal herbs and flowers that is handmade in the Amazon Rainforest by women of the Quecha-Shuar tribe. The concentrated oil repairs hair in three minutes by penetrating the hair’s cortex - adding brilliance and elasticity to all hair types.

To use as a hot oil treatment, apply 3-5 drops of Rahua Elixir to towel-dried hair, concentrating on the ends. Heat activates the ingredients, so blow dry to smooth, treat and add shine. Rahua Elixir can also be used on dry hair - just apply 2-3 drops on ends and brace yourself; your hair will be so soft and supple, you’ll swear this oil was magic.

As an overnight hair treatment, use 7 or more drops on your ends, let it go to work while you get your beauty sleep, then rinse in the morning. As a scalp treatment, apply 3-5 drops to the scalp and massage in - twice a week.

Rahua Elixir has been a godsend to my hair. At first, I was a little shocked by the earthy fragrance. But I found that if you apply to damp hair, the smoky scent dissipates as your hair dries. I was amazed that 5 drops of this oil could transform my dry, damaged hair into a mane of myth. I honestly can’t remember the last time my hair looked and felt so divine.

I just finished the tester vial Amazon Beauty sent me to test. And, let me tell you - I am totally jonesing for more of this jungle juice.

Amazon Beauty products are available at amazonbeautysecret.com.

Sun Maid (Raisin): Donatella Versace

Donatella Versace, while on vacay in St. Barts, does her best impersonation of Magda from There's Something About Mary.



Let us pray that putting on some sunscreen (and pounds) is at the top of the fashionista's New Year's resolutions list.

Sale-abration: Save a Pretty Penny at Benefit.com

If there's anything that you want
If there's anything Benefit can do
Shop Benefit.com and they'll send it along
With love from you to you

Bobbi Brown's Bright Idea

This January, Bobbi Brown is excited to introduce the Bobbi Brights Collection.

"The idea behind Bobbi Brights is simple. It's a library of beautiful bolts of color that a woman can pick up anytime she wants to add a little fun to her look." - Bobbi Brown

On counter along with her new book, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, the collection features the limited-edition Bobbi Brights Palette, inspired by the 'fun kit' Bobbi uses at Fashion Week. This collector's-edition palette is designed for the woman who wants to play and experiment with bright color. It features 35 soft matte shadows in a colorful shade range that includes everything from pinks and greens to blues and purples. All the shades are new and exclusive to this palette, which features a unique, fold-out design and full-size mirror.

Just in time for Spring, Bobbi is also adding four fresh new shades to her popular Creamy Lip Color Collection, each designed to complement her new Bobbi Brights Eye Palette. This innovative lipstick combines rich color, comfortable, long-lasting wear, and a soft, creamy shine. Formulated with emollient Shea Butter and skin conditioners, it glides on smooth and leaves lips soft and moisturized.

Bobbi has created six new nude to bright gloss shades and packaged them in her signature compact for spring. Formulated with soothing botanicals including Aloe Extract and Avocado, Jojoba, and Chamomile Oils, Bobbi's vanilla-scented gloss doubles as a pampering treatment for lips. The gloss pans, which feature clear protective covers, can be popped out of the compacts and inserted into our customizable palettes.

Is "Smooth Away" A Throwaway?

I just got off the phone with Lauren (my younger sister/beauty addict apprentice) - and she excitedly told me about her experience with Smooth Away, those hair removal discs seen on TV.
Initially, Lauren laughed when my mom admitted to purchasing the pads; you see, Mama Spoiled Pretty has yet to meet an infomercial she didn’t like. But Mom had the last laugh when Lauren used the mini Smooth Away pad to successfully buff away the fuzz on her upper lip.

Lauren told me that it had been a few weeks since she had been threaded, but it was too soon to pay to have the peach fuzz ripped out of her face - so she decided to put Smooth Away to the test. She was absolutely amazed by how it removed her mustache with minimal irritation. Lauren did admit that her lip was a tiny bit tender right after she used the Smooth Away pad, but she does have very sensitive skin - and she said that the discomfort dissipated quickly.

A product needs to really deliver to get high marks from my sister, so I trust that she and my mom have found an as-seen-on-TV winner. I’ll be back in Philadelphia in a few days - so once I’ve tried Smooth Away, you’d best believe I’ll be blogging away and weighing in with my own conclusions.

Update: click here for my review of Smooth Away!

Total Beauty Weekend Web Tour

After what seems like ages, Beauty Junkies Unite reviews a few pieces from JK Jemma Kidd Cosmetics. Target's beauty department is coming on strong!

Are you ready for Spring? Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy has the full scoop on all of the upcoming beauty collections from designers like Chanel, Givenchy, Shu Uemura and more for 2009! A must-see!

Did the holidays completely stress you out? Beauty Beast explains how one little product from Origins can help you forget all of your worries in no time.

Beauty411 shares the details on the frosty new MAC Chill Collection!

Viva Woman shows you how to make an easy homemade bath scrub with Epsom salt!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Integrate Holiday 2008 Makeup Palette!

Indian Girl shows you 9 Colorful Ways to do the Smokey Eye Look !

eye4style is resolving to save more dough in the New Year, so let's start by spending less on these chic drugstore beauty finds!

The Makeup Divas reviews the new ChapStick True Shimmer lip balms.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews the new CoverGirl Outlast Lipstains!

Marta Walsh Interviews Nadia Comaneci-by Talking Makeup!

marina from makeup loves me tells you what hair tool she's using for new year's eve night!

Spoiled Pretty is teaming up with Benefit Cosmetics for a Twilight-inspired giveaway! Five winners will win Benefit's Silky Finish Lipstick in Ms. Behavin, a mulberry glaze used on Edward and the rest of the Cullen family!

50% Off Rebecca Minkoff

Now through December 31st, take 50% off handbags at RebeccaMinkoff.com.

How darling is the Rendezvous Clutch in Purple Patent? It's now only $187 (originally $375). This oversized clutch features Rebecca's new signature buckle hardware. The Rendezvous clutch is perfect for leaving the office for a late night cocktail, or throw it in a larger tote for a weekend of fun.

Spoiled Pretty Teams Up With Benefit Cosmetics for Twilight-Inspired Giveaway

Thanks to my girl, Amber, I’m on board the Twilight train and I don’t want this wild ride to end.

I saw Twilight twice in it’s first week in the theater. I just finished Breaking Dawn, the fourth book in the series. My sister rocked my world today when she gave me Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion for Christmas. This behind-the-scenes guide features full-color photos of the cast, locations, and sets, as well as storyboards, interviews, and much more.

As a Twilight enthusiast/beauty addict, one of the best parts of the book is an interview with Jeanne Van Phue, the movie’s head makeup artist. She talks about her love for makeup, and gives the skinny on happenings behind-the-scenes.

“With makeup you can transform someone, make them look beautiful; you can change the eyebrows and make someone’s eyes look bigger,” says Van Phue. “People don’t realize makeup may be covering a blemish or black-and-blue mark. We’re trained to make people look better, or older, or stressed out. We do all that!”

“Edward is the hero, so I had to make him look the best [out] of everyone…Rob looks drop-dead gorgeous, so I applied his makeup a little thinner. The pale makeup takes the life out of you, so I let a tiny bit of his natural skin tone come through. I made his eyes look more beautiful and put a little lip stain to make him look more appealing. Rob looks different from the others; we wanted him to stand out.”

If you’re a fan of my Twilight-inspired posts, you already know that Van Phue used Benefit's Silky Finish Lipstick in Ms. Behavin on Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward Cullen in the film. Well, I had such a positive response to that article that I’m partnering with Benefit for a giveaway - Twilight style.

Five readers will win Benefit's Silky Finish Lipstick in Ms. Behavin, a mulberry glaze (retail value $18). The innovative formula slides on silky smooth for the softest, sexiest lips ever. Sheer coverage with buildable color...wear as little or as luscious as you like. Lipstick glides on effortlessly with the slant tip for flawless, even coverage.

To enter, send an email to fotohotcewekcontests@gmail.com. The subject line should read "Benefit Twilight Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Wednesday, December 31st. Five winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Thursday, January 1st, 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. and Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

Merry Christmas...Love, Spoiled Pretty

Merry Christmas
Feliz Navidad
Joyeux Noël
Fröhliche Weihnachten

Kala Christouyenna!

Mele Kalikimaka
Rehus-Beal-Ledeats
Maligayan Pasko!

Buone Feste Natalizie
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Chung Mung Giang Sinh

Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan

Feliz Natal

Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom

Peace and love,

Daneen :)

The Big Beauty Sale: Save Up To 75% at Sephora

Right now, save up to 75% on those products you've been eyeing up at Sephora. Here's just a few of the ways you can make out like a bandit:

Stila Shine On Gift Of Glaze, $22 (original price $28)


Sephora Luxe Noir Brush Set, $69 (original price $98)


Fresh Sugar Affair Gift Set, $48 (original price $60)


NARS Sephora Exclusive Lip Gloss Collection, $35 (original price $45)

T3 4 Less!!!

Season's greetings from Spokane, WA!

I'm in the Pacific Northwest visiting with the in-laws. I'd like to give a shout out to Steve, Laura, Matt, Maddy and baby Clara for being so warm and hospitable, and for making my first Christmas away from home so lovely.

So today, Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I braved the snow and ventured to River Park Square , a shopping center in the heart of downtown Spokane. Graham left me unattended in Nordstrom for about 10 minutes, then called me on my cell to say that he was finished his Christmas shopping. How do men do that? I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

Realizing that he'd have to humor me before I would willingly leave the mall, Graham accompanied me to Banana Republic and a few other shops - including Chatters, a salon and beauty retail store. I was drawn to the unfamiliar store by a very recognizable pink and white dispay...

If you're in the Spokane area, stop by Chatters for some amazing deals on T3:

* T3 PRO Dryer and 360° Plump Heat Seeking Liquid Hair Plumper for $82 (retail value $147)
* T3 PRO Styler for $82 (retail value $119)
* T3 PRO Diffuser for $12 (retail value $20)

If you're nowhere near Spokane or prefer to shop in your jammies, don't fret. Get these fab deals online.

The Glamorous Life: Spoiled Pretty Featured on Glamour.com!

We flying the first class
Up in the sky
Poppin' champagne
Livin' the life
In the fast lane
And I wont change
By the Glamorous, oh the flossy flossy

Click here to check out my recent interview with Glamour Magazine. I couldn't be more elated by how well everything turned out. Give it a look-see and if you're thoroughly informed and entertained - show Spoiled Pretty some love and leave a comment at the bottom of Glamour's post.

And big thanks to Beth for this amazing opportunity!

Look...Find Out If You've Won Vera Wang's Latest Fragrance!

Congratulations to Kim Kelly, Taryn Travis and Rosanna Yee. These ladies are winners of the Vera Wang Look Giveaway and will receive a 1 oz bottle of Vera's newest fragrance.

A sparkling elixir of mandarin and watery greens are layered with lush notes of lychee and golden delicious apple, filling the topnote with a burst of energy and freshness. The vibrant floral bouquet of lily, freesia and jasmine envelopes with femininity and elegance. A natural sensuality is enhanced in the drydown of indulgent vanilla and skin musk. Touches of oakmoss and patchouli create balance with warmth, depth and character.

Thanks to Vera Wang for sponsoring this contest - and to all of you who entered. Stop by again soon for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway announcement.

Burt's Bees Giveaway Winner - Is It You?

Congratulations to Trinh Loi, winner of the Burt's Bees Giveaway. Lucky Trinh is the new owner of three naturally fabulous gift sets: Overnight Bee-Uty Bag, Mint Medley Gift, and Radiance Gift.

Thanks to Burt's Bees for sponsoring the giveaway! And stay tuned for your next chance to get Spoiled Pretty!

Get The Look: Kim Kardashian at the Spike TV Video Game Awards

Troy Jensen is the man behind Kim Kardashian's 70's inspired makeup at the Spike TV Video Game Awards. The makeup artist/photographer blogs, "Metallic gold and intense black-lined eyes with a soft pale pink mouth complimented her dress. I love creating new looks with Kim. She has a fantastic face to work on. In earlier events, I tried to keep it fresh and sexy but this time, I wanted to give Kim a red-carpet look reminiscent of early 1970's Cher."

To create the look, Jensen used Revlon products. He shares the following tip for creating the perfect 70s sheer: "Choose a lip shade one or two shades brighter than your own in a salmon, rose, or raspberry pink lipstick. Pat on with your fingertips then blot with a tissue. Top with sheer gold lip gloss."

Whatcha think of Kimmy's look? Can you dig it?


For Kim Kardashian's beauty and makeup tips, click here!

Source

Breaking News: Rob Pattinson Cut His Hair

Brace yourselves, Twilighters. Rob Pattinson just cut his hair.

Okay...deep breaths...


No statement has been released about the reasons behind the chop. But Spoiled Pretty speculates that the haircut is just the shy star's attempt at being a little less conspicuous. Or carpal tunnel set in after months of clawing his matted mane out of his face.

Thoughts on Rob's new do?

For Best Use Of Hair Accessories, The Award Goes To Rihanna

For best use of hair accessories, the award goes to Rihanna. RiRi would like to thank the academy...Star Academy, that is.



On Friday night's season finale of the French singing competition, Rihanna accessorized her faux hawk with a halo of Swarovski crystal hair pins.

The looks that Rihanna (or her stylist) comes up with boggles the mind.

You don't need a superstar budget to recreate this look. These rhinestone hair pins (above left) are only $20 for a set of six at Beautiful Bridal (I purchased my bridal tiara via this online retailer and was beyond pleased).

There Is Nothing Like A Dame: MAC Partners With Dame Edna For Upcoming Collection

“Hello possums!” Dame Edna Everage is in the house! With her zesty zingers, cutting-edge appearance – lilac hair (which is completely natural), rhinestone-encrusted face furniture, fanciful frocks – frankly; there’s nothing like a Dame!

Dame Edna is the resident muse for MAC's spectacular post-holiday makeup collection, and modestly describes herself as “probably the most popular and gifted woman in the world today: housewife, investigative journalist, social anthropologist, talk-show host, swami, children’s book illustrator, spin doctor, megastar, and Icon.” With packaging as mirthful and minx-like as The Legend herself, the Dame Collection of heavy-on-the-lilac Lipstick/Lipglass, eye shadow, Highlight powder and nail lacquers is in a class by itself!

“Follow my beauty regime possums, and you’ll never be cosmetically challenged” –Dame Edna


Lipstick
Gladiola: Matte mid-tone blue pink
Coral Polyp: Creamy mid-tone coral
Kanga Rouge: Creamy dark blue red
Suggested Retail Price: $14


Lipglass
Hot Frost: Sheer mid-tone blue pink with multi-dimensional pearl
Splendid: Frosty pale pinky coral
Possum Nose Pink: Sheer bright coral with multi-dimensional pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $14


Royal Tour Eye Trio
Royal Tour: Mid-tone cool lilac
Dame’s Desire: Frosty mid-tone reddish purple
Climate Blue: Dark blue violet with pink pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $32.50


Wisteria Eye Trio
Fineshine: Frosty true silver
Wisteria: Frosty robin’s egg blue
Divine Night: Frosty charcoal with silver pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $32.50


Hi-Light Powder
What a Dame!: Pale clean orangey peach
Spectacle!: Pale soft pink
Suggested Retail Price: $26


Nail Lacquer
Asiatique: Creamy classic red
Varicose Violet: Frosty mid-tone pinkish purple
Suggested Retail Price: $11

Available
North America: December 26, 2008 at all MAC locations and maccosmetics.com.
International: January 2009 at all MAC locations.

MAC Chill Collection

MAC Chill: Ice the competition. The temperature drops, predictability plummets, but a new beauty barometer sets the tone with light snowflake lips, twinkle shimmer shades with opalescent pearl.


Lipglass
Icescape: Sheer pale pink with pink pearl
Naked Frost: Sheer taupe with silver pearl
Frozen Dream: Sheer cool mid-tone pink with pearl
Snowscene: Sheer white with multi-dimensional pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $14


Eye Shadow
Arctic Grey: Frosted mid-tone grey
Wintersky: Frosty neutral mid-tone pink
Apres-Ski: Matte dark brownish grey
Mont Black: Sparkly black with multi-dimensional pearl
Vellum: Pale white duochrome with violet opalescent shimmer
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50


Penultimate Eye Liner: A new, permanent classical liquid pen liner in a modern, plastic barrel with cap package that provides precise and bold line application. The carbon black pigment provides the richest and deepest black.
Rapidblack: True black
Suggested Retail Price: $16.50


Reflects Glitter Reflects
Transparent Teal: Sparkling white with turquoise
Reflects Antique Gold: Sparkling taupe
Suggested Retail Price: $17.50


Lashes 41: Slightly more dramatic length than other MAC Lashes. Overlapping hairs give a luxe, lush look.
Suggested Retail Price: $12

Hold The Phone...Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment Now Available In Spray Formula?

Ojon's miracle product, the Restorative Hair Treatment, is now available as a spray! But there's a catch...until June 2009, it's a QVC exclusive.

Right now, it's available as part of the Ojon Restorative Hair 4-Piece Collection with Bonus - available at QVC.com. For less than $55, you get: 3.8 oz Restorative Hair Treatment, 8.44 oz Ultra Hydrating Cleanser, 8.44 oz Ultra Hydrating Conditioner, 9 oz new Restorative Hair Treatment Spray, 2.5 oz Tawaka Rejuvenating Cream , comb and gift bag.

If you're familiar with the brand and own any of the above, it might not be worth $55 to get your hands on this new spray...unless your Ojon supply is low. But if you're new to Ojon and want to sample some of the brand's signature products, this is a good buy because, purchased separately, this collection would cost $107.

Don't Forget: Spoiled Pretty Has Two Giveaways This Week!

Spoiled Pretty has two giveaways this week...so consider this a gentle reminder.

Enter to win Burt's Bees Overnight Bee-Uty Bag, Mint Medley Gift and Radiance Gift.

And Spoiled Pretty is also giving away three 1 oz bottles of Look, Vera Wang's latest fragrance!

I wouldn't want for you to miss out. Good luck!

Total Beauty Weekend Web Tour

Because confidence is the most beautiful accessory to wear, enter to win a $500 personal coaching gift certificate from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog (sessions conducted via phone or in person by a Certified Personal and Executive Coach).

Lipstick Addict makes a review on elf cosmetics : All Over Face Color in Pink Lemonade and Brightening Eye Color in Noveau Neturals so check it out!

Viva Woman reviews THINgloss: a lip gloss that can make you thin!

Beauty Junkies Unite has some decadent sweets to share that won't go straight to your hips! Come check out the new Sweet Decadence eye shadow collection from Bare Escentuals. Eyeshadow swatches have never been so sweet!

Don't miss the first installment of the Holiday Gift Guide over at Bare Budget Beauty!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews The Body Shop's new line of mineral makeup, Nature's Minerals. Click here for the scoop!

Beauty Anonymous takes a look at Paul & Joe Spring 2009 Makeup Collection.

Need an amazing and affordable holiday eye palette? Look no further than Purminerals Holiday Eye Palette in Celebrate, Reflect, and Inspire as reviewed by CaliforniaCosmetics.

The Latest Holiday Beauty Deals Addicted To Lipstick Has put together a list of all the Holiday beauty deals you can find this week on the web.Click here for all the latest beauty deals and steals to buy.

The Makeup Divas reviews and tells you about a romantic and stylish home fragrance line that have made their way into Elton John and P.Diddy's homes. Check it out HERE.

Fabulous Over Forty has a Prescriptives Px Protect giveaway. Be sure to sign up for a chance to win!

Indian Girl shares her easy steps to follow a complete Night Time Skin Care Routine.

Happy Holidays from Makeup Files! Just in time for the holidays, Trisha is giving her readers a discount on The Complete Eyebrow Guide, 50% off! Take advantage of the half off discount from now until the end of the year.

Halle Berry Hair Styles - by Talking Makeup!

Beauty411 gets her dreamgirl on and shares a Holiday Luxe Gift Guide!

Boutique Flair sampled several products from Skin Care Rx. Just what the Dr. ordered for beautiful skin!

eye4style is loving festive candles - see her picks for the best of the bunch.

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having 2 giveaways this week....one with Oral B Pulsonic and another with Phillips Norelco Bodygroom for men. Check out the details here.

Find Your Best Concealer at The Beauty Blog.

The Mineral Makeup Blog reviews Pur Minerals Pressed Mineral Foundation.

Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care answers the burning question," What is a Peptide?

The Beauty Alchemist is giving away 1 Beautyfix Kit of products . Enter thru Dec. 27.

Glossypink shows you some gorgeous holiday looks (and has a special song to Santa!)

Beauty Blogging Junkie shares some shimmery holiday party/NYE product recs here.

MissWhoever You Are dishes on her new fave fragrance, Bond No. 9's Bleecker Street, perfect for the holidays!

Spoiled Pretty is really embracing the season of giving. Enter to win a Burt's Bees Overnight Bee-Uty Bag, Mint Medley Gift and Radiance Gift. This week, Spoiled Pretty is also giving away three 1 oz bottles of Look, Vera Wang's latest fragrance!

Covergirl Outlast Lipstains - Now at CVS

Yes, child...I was at CVS yesterday buying up a bunch of nonsense* so that I could use my "Get $5 off a purchase of $25" ExtraCare Card coupon - and I spied CoverGirl Outlast Lipstains!!!

*To be honest, it wasn't really nonsense. I picked up L’Oreal Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil Free Lotion (I recently ran out and almost had a conniption), travel sized tube of Crest with Scope (for a Christmas trip to Spokane, WA to see my in-laws) and Selsun Blue Moisturizing Formula (never wear black without the blue, baby).

Get Fresh, Give More

This holiday season, get Fresh and give more.