Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Clairol Nice 'N Easy Color Blend Foam


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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








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

Lettin' the color marinate.
Then you let the color process for25 minutes before rinsing out. Finally, you apply the ColorSeal ConditioningGloss and rinse again. And voila – shiny, dimensional color that also coversgrays for 8 weeks.

After

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

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

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





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

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Monday, August 29, 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: How To Set Under Eye Concealer


Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hi Mario,

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

Thanks,

Alyssa

Hi Alyssa,

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

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


xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Polished: How To Remove Glitter Nail Polish

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

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

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

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




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

-Alyssa

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Polished: Nails Inc. Fitzroy Square 3D Glitter

Hello, readers!

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

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

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

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


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

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

-Alyssa

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MIA: I'm going on holiday

Hi All!!



There will be some more MIA from me ladies and gents as i'm off on my jollies to sunny Spain this week!! I thought I would rub it in by posting some holiday style images I found from google/tumblr cos i'll be loving the beach and the sun....





















Blog when I get back!! Ta raaaa!



Doma-Nikki...x

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One Lovely Blog Award

Hi All!!



How exciting I have been given the 'One Lovely Blog Award' from Cara over at Cara Robinson - Nail Technician thank you so so so much chick! I haven't received a blog award for a while so i'm so happy you thought of me!!















To accept the award the rules are:

♥ Thank the person that gave you the award and link back to them;

♥ Post seven things about yourself

♥ Pass the love to 15 bloggers

♥ Let them know they received an award



Here are seven facts about me:

♥ I appeared on Stars in their Eyes Kids 2003 as Alicia Keys! Not many people know about that but chances are you probably watched the show I was in haha! I didn't win but I loved the experience.

♥ I am a cheesecake expert

♥ I go on holiday to Spain this friday!! I can't wait!!

♥ When I can afford it I will definately be getting myself a boob job!

♥ I have three tattoos in total and still want one more

♥ Even though my bunny Missy seems to hate me I love her to pieces and can't wait to get her a boyfriend


♥ Sad at it sounds I will the first person to buy Scream 4 when it comes out on DVD - Yes im a loser and I don't care :)





I give this award to the following bloggers...








Keep up the good work!!




Doma-Nikki...x

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Monday, August 22, 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Pores No More!


Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hi Mario,

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

Love,
Holly

Hi Holly,

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

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

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Kim Kardashian's Wedding Makeup!


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




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

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

What do you think of the finished result?


Photo credit: eonline.com

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Outfit of the Day: Vintage Levi's

Hi All!!



Yesterday me and Richard went on a mini shopping trip and I quickly wanted to show you what I wore.



It is just a casual outfit but the white denim shirt was such a bargain from my favourite vintage shop - Cow Vintage. Priced at just £16 and genuine Levi's shirt I couldn't leave it.









Scarf: Market

Denim Shirt: Levi's

Satchel: Primark





Vest Top: Topshop

Skirt: H&M

Boots: Primark





Necklace: Vintage

Belt: Primark







I hope you liked this!



Doma-Nikki....x

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Saturday, August 20, 2011

Richard's Graduation Party and Outfit of the Night

Hi All!



I am finally able to do a post about Richard's Graduation party that I organised last weekend. If you remember reading here the party was my gift to Richard as a congratulations on passing his degree with a 2:1 result!



Let me tell you if you have never organised a proper party it is HARD work and I did it all by myself the decorations, the food etc! Bryony helped me with the entertainment which was lovely of her; we should go into the party planning business! Everyone enjoyed it which was fabulous, means I did a good job!!





Here is my outfit...





Dress: Missguided.co.uk

Heels: New Look



What do you think?

Have a peek at some other photos of the night....



































Fun times!!



Doma-Nikki.....x

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Friday, August 19, 2011

Nails of the Week: Up in the Clouds

Hi All!!



I got bored and decided to experiment with my nails.....




















Not very neat but at least I tried haha!



Doma-Nikki....x

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Fall Beauty Forecast Class!

It's time to go back to school!

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

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

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

Here's the class description:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

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

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

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

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

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

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

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Missing in Action Update

Hi All!



I hope you are all doing well? As you may have noticed I am STILL without a laptop so I am trying to post when I can from Richard's PC. It's a load of crap because I miss blogging as much as I used to and I feel like im neglecting my readers.



However luckily for me I have been able to claim some tax back off the tax man; I have overpaid tax the last five years and in return will be gaining a HUGE amount back. I won't put it here exactly how much but it is a serious amount.



This means that I can purchase a new laptop ahead of my 25th birthday so I can get back to what I love doing. I can finally sort myself a decent savings account too which i've been wanting to do for a long while.



Finally I will be treating myself to something for me, maybe a pair of really out there heels or a designer bag? Who know's but I won't go crazy!







Oh yeah.. random photo of me ^^^ haha





Hopefully I will be back soon!



Doma-Nikki...x

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Monday, August 15, 2011

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Brown Eyes Pop!


Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hi Mario,


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


Thanks,
Tiffany

Tiffany,


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


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

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

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Friday, August 12, 2011

BellaBoxx Bargain!

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

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





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

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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Images: Shoe Appreciation

Hi All!!



I love shoes, I know you love shoes too right? So when I came across these fab images I thought I would share them with you.






















Enjoy? Yeah me too :o)











Doma-Nikki....x

Images sourced from pinterest.com

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