A must read for all beauty fanatics

An interview with Iris Apfel (who currently has her own MAC line!) over at Into the Gloss. Click here to read it!
The best beauty interview I have read in a really, really long time!

(pic from Into the Gloss as well)

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Outfit of the Night: New Years Eve

Hi All!!

I have finally managed to find the lead for my old camera so for the moment I will be able to upload images. Not the best quality but it will have to do until I get myself a new camera.

Today's post is to show you what I wore for NYE, I hope you all had a brilliant time. I didn't go out and rave this year we decided to keep it local and had a nice meal and drinks at the pub. Hence why I am so covered up....

Top/Dress: River Island

Over the Knee Boots: Forever 21

I love the colour of this top and it's also long enough to be worn as a dress. What do you think of the back?

Here's a little close up of my make up.....

I also did a funky bun.....

And wore matching nail polish....

Nail Polish: Nails Inc 'Emerald Street'

Ring: Forever 21

I hope you liked!

Doma-Nikki...x

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Video Post: What I got for Christmas 2011

Hi All!!

I know this post is VERY late as we are about to head into the second week of January but then I guess somethings are better late then never. Well hopefully you will all agree.

I have finally managed to post my first video post of 2012 about the items I received for Christmas....

Here is the hutch that Richard bought for myself and Missy..

Another item I forgot to mention on the video which I am not sure how it managed to slip my mind is that I also received a holiday in May with Richard and my cousins!!!! Well and truly spoilt this year!!!

Doma-Nikki...x

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Trends: The Midas Touch

Hi All!!

The current trend around at the moment is Gold! Whether you are wearing a key piece in entire gold such as a dress or speckles of the midas touch as your accessories you will be sure to stand out and glow amongst others.

Teaming gold with the biker trend by adding biker boots, studs and spikes will give your outfit a real edge. Alternatively if you team a key piece with the Romantic trend by adding cream blouses or dresses and over the knee socks will soften the look.


Check out some of the fabulous items from Boohoo.com....

The trend doesn't just stop at the clothes but also looks great when incorporated into your make-up.....

This is a look from the L'Oreal A/W 2011 collection and this look looks fabulous teamed with the berry lips! What are your thoughts?

Doma-Nikki...x

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High End vs Drugstore Makeup; Does it matter?

As I continue my quest in experimenting with the creativity of makeup, a question popped into my head. I'm sure others have felt the same way too. Does the pricing and branding of makeup really make a difference on how effective it would be? Although this is just an opinion, I'd like to share my thoughts on these two categories of makeup...

Each genre has its pros and cons. Drugstores are more accessible to get to than a department store, thus making low-end makeup easier to reach. However, the makeup aisle can be quite long which in a way can be overwhelming when it comes to deciding which product to buy. Everyone has different opinions when it comes straight down to the quality of drugstore makeup. Yes for many years, eyeshadows and other makeup were known to be terrible. Lately though, the drugstore makeup world has stepped up their game and are making nearly the same quality pigmentation as that of a high-end.

High-end makeup seems to be the more talked about. You can purchase it at department stores, beauty stores, and they might even have their own store! Experience with high-end makeup differs from that of drugstore makeup. If you are at a makeup counter, a makeup artist can help you with what product you want. Since they are qualified, they can tell what looks good for your appearance. But don't be fooled if they want you to buy more products - high end makeup is more costly than drugstore. I also advise you to be aware of the higher-end names. I'm not saying that they are totally bad in quality but just note that they cost much more than the norm simply because you are buying the name. 

So when it comes to the matter of quality, I can't say which kind of makeup I prefer. I honestly believe that we should have a little bit of everything for our experimentation with makeup. I will say though that budget beauties should be happy purchasing drugstore makeup because they are miles ahead of how it was years ago. If you really want to go buy a high-end product, save your money and then go to the counter and see how it is. No, it doesn't matter when it comes to whose better.

I'm sorry if my post may have seemed biased, but I don't have that much experience purchasing high-end makeup. I have heard stories though and took this into consideration. Do you have a preference when it comes to makeup? I'd love to know which type of makeup you own. Please leave it in a comment below. Thanks! =D

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Lauren Merkin for John Frieda Flyaway Tamer Clutch Giveaway

It's been a while since I've organized a giveaway. It's not for lack of wanting, it's just that I've been super swamped. I promised myself that when I got the giveaway train rolling again, I was going big. So Spoiled Pretty's first giveaway of 2012 is - quite literally - in the bag.

Her name is synonymous with the clutch, so it was only fitting that hair care authority John Frieda came to Lauren Merkin to design the perfect bags to house two of the latest style breakthroughs from the John Frieda brand: Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher and Full Repair Touch-up Flyaway Tamer.

Whether you want to pump up the volume or smooth down flyaways on the go, now the chic style solution is at your fingertips - and in a covetable clutch. To house Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher, John Frieda's instant oomph infusion to revive style that falls flat, Lauren Merkin created a soft pouch clutch in gold snakeskin-embossed leather to match high-volume hair. Ideal for fine hair prone to flatness, Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher recreates volume at the roots by absorbing oils, instantly taking weight out of hair to give it lift. The translucent formula blends effortlessly to refresh hair and revive volume without a hint of residue. The result is fresh, full, high-volume hair, any time.

For a sleek way to stash Full Repair Touch-up Flyaway Tamer, Lauren Merkin designed a slim, rectangular taupe color patent leather clutch with red suede lining to complement glossy, smooth hair. Touch-up Flyaway Tamer polishes broken strands, smoothing flyaways and frayed ends with Inca Inchi oil, an omega 3-packed oil that weightlessly restores dry, damaged hair. Just brush the wand over dry, styled hair for on-the-go touch-ups and an instant boost of shine.

The Lauren Merkin for John Frieda Volume Refresher Clutch ($295) and Lauren Merkin for John Frieda Flyaway Tamer Clutch ($275) are available for purchase at laurenmerkin.com. But one lucky lady will win the Flyaway Tamer Clutch (FREE!) this week at spoiledpretty.com!!!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below. Be sure to post your email, Twitter handle (make sure you're following @spoiledpretty so I can DM you) or some other way for me to get in touch if you win. The contest is open to U.S. residents only.Contest ends on Monday, January 9 at 5pm ET. I'll announce the winner then. Good luck!

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My New Years Resolutions

First off, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Years! It's hard for to fathom the idea that 2011 is already gone and it is the start of 2012. I also can't believe that the holiday season is now over. They go by faster and faster each year! Anyway, I'd like to officially announce that my break is over and I will try to be blogging at least twice a week. As my first post of the new year I'd like to share my resolutions with you...

One of my first goals of the New Year is to eat healthier. I'm not saying that I'm always eating unhealthy foods but there are times where I should go for a healthier option instead. I'm trying to eat more fruits and veggies so wish me luck! =P I'm also interested in blogging more. If it feels although I don't blog that often, I apologize. Between work and school, it makes me too tired to sometimes update Classic Beauty Tales. I'd love to take requests, so if you have something in mind you want me to post about, leave it in the comments below and I will try my best.

Another goal that I'm sure other people can relate to is to stop procrastinating. I usually leave things to the last minute but I've come to realize that it's not always the best. Procrastination is a habit I know I can break and in order for me to beat it, I've decided to download an iPod app in which I keep track of all assignments and tasks and when they are due. Last but not least is an unusual goal and although it's beauty related, it's pretty random lol. I have so many nail polishes but most are neutral. For this year, I'd like to try out new pop out colors and not be so self-conscious about how my nails look. (I told you it would be weird)

What are your New Years Resolutions? Are they simple or hard to accomplish? Do you think you will accomplish your goals? I'd love to hear it in a comment below. Thanks! =)

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Happy New Year

Happy New Year dear Makeup Artists, Stylists, and Enthusiasts!

Image from Mag4Style

2012 is upon us. Tell us WHO you think should be featured on our Makeup Artist Wall of Fame.

Perhaps you know about a product or company that is giving back to the community.

Tell us us about it here by responding to this post.

Happy 2012!

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Belated Merry Christmas

Hi All!!

I am almost a weeek late with this post but better late then never I guess? I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas this year and are enjoying the holidays whilst we still have some more of it left! Christmas 2011 has been amazing for me, it could not have gone any better! Not only did I get to be merry, have fun, relax and eat until I thought I would burst but I have been very VERY spoilt! Trust me, there is a video post on it's way next week to show and tell of all the goodies I received this year so watch out for that.

I am still without a camera so you will have to stick with me until I find the lead for my old digital camera or until I purchase a new one. For now here is what I wore on Christmas Eve....

Dress: Primark
Belt: Primark

I didn't wear the antlers all night I might add but hey when it's Christmas who cares! Unfortunately my family received some sad news Christmas morning of the sad passing of my great aunt in Jamaica. Understandably the family were quite upset, especially my grandad who was her sibling. My family is strong so we will be fine!

So again, sorry for the lack of posting, i'm having a bit of a break enjoying being lazy in the holiday season but I will be back in full force in the new year!

Have an amazing New Years whatever you decide to do.

Doma-Nikki...x

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Most Meaningful Moment of 2011

 
This holiday season, Meaningful Beauty asked a few top beauty bloggers/vloggers to share one meaningful moment from 2011. A few weeks ago, my BFF (blogging friend forevs), Amber Katz, tagged me in her Meaningful Moment video - so now it's my turn to share. And to top things off, Meaningful Beauty is generously donating $100 to the charity of my choice. So thank you to Amber for tagging me and to Meaningful Beauty for sponsoring such an awesome campaign.

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Happy Holidays!

Can you believe how fast the holidays have already come? I can't! Each year it seems that Christmas comes faster and faster, and this is no exception for this year. I just wanted to inform everyone that I will be taking a mini-break from my blog. This is because I will be very busy in the next week so please bare with me. Be sure to see new posts coming up afterwards. With that being said, I will everyone a Happy Holidays! =D

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Westy Is A Pedicure Pro

Good grooming must run in the family because my 16-month old son, Westley, was having a ball yesterday as I was giving him a pedicure. He wanted to take charge, so I handed him the nail file and clippers (closed, of course) and he was a pro. Look how much fun he's having!

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Outfit of the Night: Richard's Birthday Night Out

Hi All!!

Last weekend was Richard's birthday night out and I managed to get a quick shot of my outfit before we went out. I would have had a fair few photos of the night for you had I have had my camera but never mind...

Apologies for the poor quality
Blazer: Asos
Blouse: Jane Norman
Tie: Headscarf
Skirt: H&M
Heels: Republic

I promise this will be the last time you will see this combination for a while, I don't want to over do the look hehe :)

Doma-Nikki....x

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Last Minute Holiday Gifts For Beauty Lovers

No matter how much you plan or how good your intentions, sometimes you get busy and you find yourself scrambling at the last minute to finish your holiday shopping. So for those of you who are still looking for that perfect present, I have some fabulous finds for the beauty lovers on your list.

Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System - Jaguar , $129
If you've got money to splurge on your special someone, I can't think of many beauty gifts that would wow more than the Clarisonic. This limited-edition, Sephora exclusive set includes the Clarisonic Mia One Speed Brush, international charger for worldwide use, Sensitive Brush Head, and Gentle Hydro Cleanser. I don't normally advocate getting catty with the ones you love, but I think that in this instance, the gift recipient would welcome it.

Juicy Couture Nail Polish & Hand Warmer Set, $44.90
Juicy Couture and Deborah Lippmann teamed up on this impossibly chic set of hand warmers and nail polish (available in two colors - black and light khaki). You lucked out by waiting 'til the last minute because it's now 33% off!

Yankee Candles, $2-26
You know what I love most about Yankee Candle? What you expect is what you get. The scent is always spot-on. And they last forever...or up to 150 hours, to be exact. Plus, they always seem to be having a sale (right now, it's buy 1 get 1 50% off of the holiday candles). I shopped the sale last week and picked up Christmas Cookie and Balsam & Cedar. I've been burning them non-stop - but like I said, they last so long, they're still full and look basically brand new. Get on this.

Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set, $48
This set of 18 on-trend, mini nail polishes makes a great gift for any manicure maniac. If you need to stuff a few stockings, you can always split up the bottles between a few of your friends.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio, $28
Whenever someone asks me for a beauty stocking stuffer suggestion, the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio is one of the first things that comes to mind. Shea Butter Hand Cream is the #1 international best-seller from L'Occitane, and one of my personal favorites. Enriched with 20% shea butter, this super-creamy hand balm quickly penetrates to protect, nourish and regenerate dry skin. The scent is light, yet intoxicating. Smooth even the most hard-working hands with a blend of nourishing ingredients including almond oil, honey, coconut oil and antioxidant vitamin E. Keep one tube on your vanity at home, leave the second tube in your desk drawer at work, and stash the third tube in your purse so you're never without this little luxury.

Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler, $20
Oh my, gift recipient - what big eyes you'll have! Tweezerman's ProCurl Eyelash Curler has a sleek body shape, with a larger opening, that is tailored for comfort ease of use. A narrowed top bar adapts to all eye shapes, and a thick, rounded silicone pad ensures intense, crease-free curl. And you've gotta love the color (I can't be the only sucker for anything rose gold). If you've got a couple extra bucks to spend, throw in a tube of my favorite mascara, Maybelline's The Falsies in Blackest Black.

Urban Decay Naked Palette, $48
Whenever I put on makeup and decide to do up my eyes, I always find myself reaching for the Naked Palette. It's my favorite eye kit of all time. With 12 gorgeous neutrals that look gorgeous on anyone, you can mix and match to create office-appropriate eyes or sexy, party-perfect peepers. What makes this even more irresistable is that it also comes with a an eyeshadow brush and travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion (which every girl should own).When I asked Urban Decay Co-Founder and Creative Director Wende Zomnir what inspired this ingenious kit, she told me, "I travel a lot and I created Naked because I wanted a great collection of easy-to-wearshades at my fingertips. It was so fun putting the shadow shades together and gettingthem in just the right order (you should see all the different iterations on my iPhonecamera roll!). My ultimate smoky eye includes Virgin, Naked, Smog, Darkhorse andCreep!" The equally amazing Naked2 Palette just launched but is currently sold out, otherwise it would earn a spot on this list.

ecoTOOLS Alicia Silverstone Brush Set with Bag, $16
There is a common misconception that a set of quality makeup brushes will set you back a pretty penny. I've tried (and own) more brushes than I know what to do with - and my favorites, hands down, can be found at Target! The ecoTOOLS Alicia Silverstone Brush Set with Bag includes five bamboo brushes with incredibly soft and luxurious (synthetic) bristles - nestled in a hemp and cotton bag.

MOR 'Essentials' Honey Nectar Gift Set, $22
Since discovering MOR Cosmetics this summer during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I have been obsessed with their products...so much that two weeks ago during a HauteLook sale, I bought 10 more  MOR products - at 50% off (lucky me!). So my holiday bath and body gift picks are the products that introduced me to the brand. The MOR 'Essentials' Honey Nectar Gift Set includes a full-sized Honey Nectar Soap Bar (6 oz.) and Hand and Body Lotion (11.8 oz.). The Honey Nectar scent is one of the best fragrances I've ever smelled. I'm not a big honey fan, but the scent isn't so literal; it also features notes of brown sugar, candied almonds and warm vanilla milk. If you opt to give this gift, here's a cute suggestion: on the attached gift tag, write "MOR, MOR, MOR...how do you like it, how do you like it?"

Beauty-Inspired iPhone Cases, $28-34
These beauty-inspired cases by Diane von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs dress your iPhone in fabulosity.

Forever 21 Cosmetics Cases, $5-10
This is just a sampling of the super cute makeup cases from Forever 21. For these prices, you can afford to stuff some stockings with these cases - stuffed with more beauty goodies!

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Outfit of the Night: Works Christmas Party

Hi All!!

Last weekend was my works christmas party at The Radisson Hotel. This year I decided to recycle an outfit that you have seen me in previously and is one of the first recycled outfits to appear on my blog. Unlike the dress I wore last year which I have never worn again since. Yes ladies and gentlemen; I wore my bridesmaid dress to another major event...

Dress: House of Fraser

A close up of the bead detail...


I also had my nails done to go with my dress...

Ring: Gift from Hawai
Bracelet: Spoiltbaby

I got a few compliments on this dress which is always nice to hear.
What did you wear to your works Christmas party?

Doma-Nikki...x

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Christmas Countdown and Giveaway Winner

Hi All!!

We are officially on the last week leading up to Christmas and I am so excited for the countdown; I thought I would post some pics of last week...

Christmas 'ginger bread man' Cupcake

Birminghams German Markey

My Christmas Tree

Not very good quality as you all know my camera has broken

And now it is time for me to announce the Christmas giveaway winner who is...

Becca from Becca's Beauty Spot

Congratulations, I will email you shortly and your giveaway will be posted after Christmas! Thank you everyone who entered unfortunately there could only be one winner but I will be sure to do another giveaway in the New Year.

Doma-Nikki...x

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