Makeup Mondays With Mario: Bold Eyes AND Lips

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,

Time and time again, I've heard the rule that you should never do a bold eye and a bold lip at the same time. But I've seen it done in magazines and the red carpet and it looks stunning. Can you recommend some tips for achieving this look in real life?

Thanks!
Tara

Tara,

The trick to achieving the look of a bold eye and bold lip in real life is to do it at the right time and for the right occasion. If not, you just won't feel confident or comfortable.

To start experimenting with the bold look, use sheer formulas and textures. Instead of black smokey eyes and a matte opaque red lip, pair a sheer red lip color with a strong smokey eye using shimmery bronze shadow. Keep your skin natural and glowing, but make your lashes long and dramatic.

I guarantee you that in no time you will be inspiring other girls to be bold and beautiful, just like 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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Latest Obsession: L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss

Meet my new lip gloss obsession: L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss. Apply lightly for a sheer wash and with a heavier hand for a more pigmented pucker. My favorite shades are Raspberry Splash and Plum Rush (which looks almost black in the tube but is the most gorgeous berry on your lips). The non-sticky formula conditions and hydrates with Omega 3, Vitamin E, and Argan Oil. Oh, and it smells like caramel. Get familiar.

It's on sale at right now at Target for $5.99.

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Makeup Mondays With Mario: Make Lips Appear Smaller

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.

Hiya Mario!

I read this site every week for your tips! Love them! :) This may sound like a stupid question, but here goes anyway! I always read articles in magazines/on blogs about how to plump your lips, however I have the opposite problem. My lips literally take over my whole face (and not in the sexy Angelina Jolie way!). I love wearing MAC lipglasses/lipsticks but they only seem to enhance them - any tricks on how to make them appear a bit smaller?

With lots of love from Wales,
Lucy

Thanks Lucy,

I hope you know that the majority of people out there - including myself - could only dream of having your "problem," LOL. There are ways to change the shape of your lips and make them appear a bit smaller. I’ll share two ways of how you can do this, starting with the more difficult.

Use a concealer brush with a cream concealer (try a formula that isn't too oily) and apply lightly around and on your natural lip line - similar to how you would line your lips with a pencil. Use more product on the outer corners of the top and bottom lips rather then on the center because that will typically give the lips a lift. Erasing the outer corners of the lips or shortening them can also be a more flattering, happy shape.

Using a damp sponge like the beautyblender, gently press and blend the concealer into your skin. This technique should erase your lip line, or at least soften it quite a bit. If you're brave, try lining the lip below your natural lip line to create a new, smaller shape. If you're happy with how it looks then set it with a bit of translucent powder. This technique isn't for everyone and most likely will take quite a bit of practice to perfect.

A much more simple solution would be to play up your eyes and leave the lips free of colors and textures as they will only enhance and bring attention to them. If there’s a man in your life, I can guarantee that he will appreciate the more simple solution. :-)

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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eos Lip Balm Summer Pack Giveaway!

Don't just leave it to your wardrobe and handbag collection to sport the season's hottest colors! Fill your purse, makeup or beach bag this summer with the ultimate pastel accessory - eos' new Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Summer Pack - complete with brand new, limited-edition flavors - Passion Fruit (purple) and Strawberry Sorbet (pink) - of USDA-certified organic and 100% natural lip balm!

Just like eos' other flavored Lip Balm Smooth Spheres (Summer Fruit, Sweet Mint, Honeysuckle Honeydew, Lemon Drop SPF 15 and Anti-Bacterial Tangerine) these new fruity flavors, packaged in powder pink and lavender soft-to-the touch spheres, are petrolatum, paraben and gluten-free, and contain moisturizing and nourishing ingredients shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E to keep your lips soft, smooth and smiling all summer long!

eos 2011 Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Summer Pack retails for $5.99 at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target.com and EvolutionofSmooth.com.

But this week, you can try these balms for FREE because Spoiled Pretty and eos are partnering for a giveaway!

To enter, follow me on Twitter (I'm @spoiledpretty), then tweet this message:

Follow @spoiledpretty & RT to enter to win eos' new Lip Balm Summer Pack! http://bit.ly/mahqoP #giveaway #contest #freebie

The deadline is Friday, June 17 at 5pm ET. I'll choose three winners- and will DM them to contact me with their mailing address. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!

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CoverGirl LipPerfection Transformation Challenge - Final Thoughts

This video is the final installment in my COVERGIRL LipPerfection Transformation Challenge series. If you're late to the partay, be sure to check out part 1 and part deux before watching the video.

COVERGIRL LipPefection is available at drugstores and mass market retailers.

*COVERGIRL is compensating me for my time and participation in the LipPerfection Transformation Challenge; however, all opinions shared are my own.

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CoverGirl LipPerfection Transformation Challenge Update

I'm back with with an update to my CoverGirl LipPerfection Transformation Challenge. It's day six, and I've already noticed an improvement in the texture of my lips. I haven't applied lip balm since the I started this challenge, and my lips don't miss it. And this speaks volumes because I am a lip balm addict, usually slathering it on several times daily.

Since I started wearing CoverGirl LipPerfection exclusively, my lips have been slightly more hydrated - and MUCH smoother. Typically, before I apply lipstick, I have to exfoliate my lips because the lipstick exaggerates every flaw. But this lipcolor lets me skip that step.

Day two was a warm Spring day in Philadelphia, so I was thinking pink. I chose "Delight," a sparkly pink that wore nicely all day long and made me smile when I caught glimpse of my reflection that afternoon. On days three and four, I rocked a red pout - LipPerfection shade "Hot Passion" (seen below). I think that this may become my signature scarlet lip. I kept the rest of my face relatively bare and let my lips be the main attraction. I usually reserve a red lip for special occasions, but this shade looked so pretty (not to mention juicy) that I've added it to the regular rotation.

After two days of channeling Gwen Stefani, I decided to play it a little more low key - and opted for more natural shades...so I wore "Hypnotic" and "Captivate" on days five and six.

LipPerfection's "Silk Moisturizing Complex" promises to improve lip condition in just 7 days, but I've seen and feel a noticeable difference already. I'll be back soon with a recap of my week-long love affair with LipPerfection. Watch out, Angelina.

*COVERGIRL is compensating me for my time and participation in the LipPerfection Transformation Challenge; however, all opinions shared are my own.

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Josie Maran Argan Slimline Lipstick with Gloss

I’m currently in love (okay, obsessed) with Josie Maran Argan Slimline Lipstick with Gloss. On one end, there’s a creamy and lipstick and on the other, there’s a super shiny, non-sticky, sheer gloss that just so happens to smell and taste like vanilla cupcakes. 

Formulated with Josie's signature ingredient, Argan Oil, the product provides moisturizing coverage and is available in three pretty pink shades (I own Rosey, a dusty rose).  I’m crossing my fingers that more colors are in the works because I would add each and every one to my collection. 

This double-ended multitasker is a makeup bag must have. 

Josie Maran Argan Slimline Lipstick with Gloss ($25) is sold exclusively at QVC.

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

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Pixi Beauty Week of Makeup

I love the concept behind Pixi Beauty's new palette.

If you find yourself reaching for the same beauty products day after day (after day), Week of Makeup is a game changer. Designed to break you out of a beauty rut, this deluxe kit is decked out with gorgeous shades of peaches, pinks and nudes – to help you create a complete and coordinated look for each day of the week. 

Now it's easy to be fresh-faced & focused on a Monday, free-flowing & fabulous on a Friday and soft & subtle on a Sunday! A whole week of awakening makeup solutions, all in one organized kit – no need to be bored with your makeup anymore!

Week of Makeup ($34) contains 21 eye shadows, 7 blushes and 8 lip glosses - which breaks down to 94 cents each. But don't let the cost savings fool you. The kit is filled with high-quality, nicely pigmented products that flatter a wide variety of skin tones.

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

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MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick

I'm not really a lipstick gal. Don't get me wrong, I have hundreds of tubes of lipsticks, but I typically reserve them for special occasions. It's just that I feel more comfortable in a gloss. Plus I'm usually in a rush or on the go - so a lip product that's a little more forgiving that doesn't require a mirror to apply appeals to me.

As such, when I do reach for a lipstick, I love a sheerer finish...like MAC's lipsticks with the Lustre finish. Sheer Plum was my very first MAC purchase way back when...and Syrup, Spice It Up!, Polished Up, Cockney and Lady Bug rank among my other faves. Now, just in time for spring, MAC releases a new collection that's convinced me to give my glosses a temporary timeout: Sheen Supreme Lipstick.

Gloss is good, but there's nothing quite as wonderfully, worldly cinematic as a Lipstick – and they're coming back! We've updated formulas to make it all plausible. Sheen Supreme is the combination of the strong, sensually saturated colour of, say, Tilda Swinton's I Am Love Milanese Lipstick, leavened with the light feel and clear vibrancy, the see-through sheen of a modern New York City Girl Gloss. Imagine no muddy undertones, gliding in pearl or creme finish, moisturizing with no sticky/tacky feel.

The Sheen Supreme Lipstick shades include:

Bare Again: Pinky neutral beige

Behave Yourself: Light blue pink

Can't Get Enough: Beige neutral

Can't Resist: Golden purplish red

Full Speed: Bright clean yellow pink

Good to Be Bad: Deep burgundy

Gotta Dash!: Pale coral

Impressive: Neutral gilded plum

Insanely It: Watermelon pink

Look at Her!: Metallic copper

New Temptation: Vivid blue red

Quite the Thing!: Deep blue plum

Supremely Confident: Pale nude

Ultra Darling: Mid-tone yellow pink

If spring has you considering adopting a bright lip color, this is definitely the way to do it. A bold shade in a sheer formula is easier to wear than a creamy or matte texture. It's also fresh looking and seasonally chic.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick is $14.50 and available at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Nordstrom, MAC stores and maccosmetics.com.

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Valentine's Day Beauty Giveaway Sponsored by Stila and June Jacobs

Did you know that Valentine's Day is next week? Well, it is – a week from today, in fact. Just thought I'd remind you, in case that obnoxious red aisle at your local drugstore hadn't tipped you off already.

To celebrate Valentine's Day at Spoiled Pretty, I’m partnering with June Jacobs and Stila for a giveaway. Just think of me as Cupid – hooking up one lucky winner with some love-ly cosmetics:

June Jacobs Limited-Edition "Kiss In The Park" Lip Kit
Every true romance begins with a kiss. So treat your lips as well as you treat your skin with a lip facial trio that supports one of New York’s most romantic destinations, Central Park. To support her favorite place in New York City, June Jacobs has partnered with the Central Park Conservancy to create a Limited Edition version of her bestselling Lip Kit - "Kiss In The Park." The first step to perfecting your pucker is to apply the emollient lip exfoliation treatment which utilizes sugar granules to gently sweep away dead skin cells, leaving lips silky smooth. Next, the luxurious Lip Masque is applied to gently calm and nourish the lips. The last step, Lip Renewal is infused with shea butter, mango, aloe and ceramides to instantly provide exceptional and continual relief to dry, dehydrated and chapped lips. The end result is lips that have been rescued, refreshed and revitalized – ready for kissing.
Price: $60, available at JuneJacobs.com

Stila Make Me Blush Palette
This multi-color blush is inspired by Valentine's Day Conversation Hearts. The top layer is sprayed with the gold shine for visual and once dusted off with brush you are left with all over glow pressed powder that will add warmth, soft color, and sheer luminosity to cheeks and complexion. Great for all skin tones, the micro-fine formula is velvety and blendable and instantly enhances the complexion with a tint of pinks and corals. You look and feel radiant from within, just like when that someone special makes you blush.
Price: $14, available at stilacosmetics.com

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky!

Contest is open to U.S. residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Sunday, February 13, 2011. Good luck!

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MAC Pink 4 Friday Collabo with Nicki Minaj

It's a Monster collaboration: Pink 4 Friday by MAC Cosmetics and Nicki Minaj.

The Trinidadian hip-hop diva has personally designed a limited edition MAC Lipstick, Pink Friday, to celebrate the release of her highly anticipated debut album of the same name. Putting her trademark barbz glamour twist on a bright, creamy pink satin formula, Nicki says, "MAC's Pink Nouveau was my favourite lipstick for years, but it's all about Pink Friday!”

Nicki's exclusive shade will only be available for purchase four Fridays beginning Friday, November 26, 2010, while supplies last, only at maccosmetics.com.

Available FRIDAYS November 26, December 3, December 10, and December 17, 2010.

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Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish

Are you a fan of Fresh's Lip Treatment SPF 15 and Brown Sugar Body Polish? If you are, well, I've got some sweet news for you. Imagine a hybrid of these two cult favorites...

Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish leaves lips incredibly soft and smooth. The unique formula is enriched with real brown sugar crystals to gently buff away dry flakes. And it nourishes the lips with the oils of meadowfoam seed, jojoba seed, and grapeseed while shea butterprovides long-lasting moisture. Just apply Sugar Lip Polish and gently massage away dull skin. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. Recommended use is two to three times a week for irresistibly kissable lips.

Right now, Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish is only available to Sephora Beauty Insiders. So click here to sign up (it's free!) and be one of the first to snag this exclusive.

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L'Oreal Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour Giveaway!!!

L’Oréal Paris celebrity spokespeople inspire women everyday to embrace quality, sophistication and, most importantly, to remember that they are worth it. To celebrate these leading ladies and the product that redefined long-wear lipcolor, L’Oréal Paris launches Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour, a new star-studded shade collection of Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour compacts personally selected by Beyoncé, Andie MacDowell, Diane Keaton, Eva Longoria Parker, Kate del Castillo and Linda Evangelista. This diverse group of women represents a range of ages, ethnicities and styles, ensuring all women can find a colour that makes them look and feel infallible.

Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour offers rich, vibrant color, a long-lasting, comfortable finish. The innovative packaging holds two formulas together – the liquid basecoat and the balm topcoat – in a single compact that’s a modern work of art. Though small enough to fit in the tiniest of evening bags, Infallible Lip’s packaging doesn’t compromise on convenience for size. It features a built-in mirror, which makes it possible to apply the lipcolour even on-the-go, a real benefit for transfer-proof lipstick that requires careful application.

6 Celebrity Shades – 16 Hours of Fresh, Comfortable Color

Beyoncé (Beyoncé's Red)
International performer Beyoncé chose a dazzling Red reflective of her vibrant career as singer, songwriter, producer, visionary stage talent and actress. With this shade, she dares women to embrace self expression.

Andie MacDowell (Andie's Rose)
Actress Andie MacDowell embodies the “Because You’re Worth It” spirit with her vivid, feminine Berry lipcolour that brings out the confidence of any woman at every age.

Diane Keaton (Diane's Tuberose)
Acclaimed actress and Hollywood icon Diane Keaton opted for a sophisticated Tuberose shade that brightens her skintone and invites every woman to achieve the luminous, healthy glow she deserves.

Eva Longoria Parker (Eva's Caramel)
Known for her sizzling looks on and off the screen, Eva Longoria Parker chose a rich Caramel that complements her beautiful, coppery skin tone. With this colour, she invites all women to indulge their sultry side.

Kate del Castillo (Kate's Plum)
Kate del Castillo, one of Mexico’s most acclaimed actresses and a new addition to the L’Oréal Paris family now starring in the U.S., opted for her first product collaboration to be a sensual Plum to showcase her signature pout – and all others – with instant glamour.

Linda Evangelista (Linda's Beige)
World renowned supermodel Linda Evangelista knows what's in vogue – a sophisticated Beige lip. This fashion-forward shade brings instant elegance to any look.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Stars Never Fail Lipcolour Compact Collection is available at chain drug, food and mass market retailers for $11.99 each. But this week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with L'Oreal Paris and FIVE lucky winners will receive all six celeb-inspired shades!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky!

Contest is open to U.S. residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Sunday, August 15, 2010. Good luck!

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Winner of the Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss Giveaway!

Congrats to yourshar0na - winner of the Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss Giveaway! She will receive a full set (16 shades) of America's best-selling lip gloss. Glazewear Lip Gloss delivers glossy high shine that feels light on your lips. Never tacky or sticky, the formula leaves lips feeling moist, with a silky-smooth, ultra comfortable wear.

Even if you didn't win, don't get discouraged. Just visit avon.com and snag your own...they're worth it! I really LOVE these glosses (my new fave shade is Rave) and they are super affordable at just $6 each. That's cheaper than most drugstore glosses, right?

Many thanks to Avon for introducing me to Glazewear and for sponsoring this giveaway. Stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next contest.

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Makeup Mondays With Mario: Summer Smokey Eye and Meltproof Makeup

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 want you to know I'm a HUGE fan and your work is PHENOMENAL!! Always flawless!! Well, it's that time of the year again - it's so hot and humid. Is a smokey eye or eyeliner too much for the heat? I don't even know what to do with my face because I feel like it all melts off or smudges, or I may look overdone. Can you share some tips/do's and dont's for summer makeup, and an appropriate summer smokey eye?

Thank you so much!

xoxo,
Lauren

Lauren,

Smokey, sultry eyes are great for summer! If you're having issues with your makeup melting or smudging in the summer heat, try using less products that contain oils - such as eyeliner. Smoke up your eyes using shadows. I love a shimmery copper or bronze on the top lids and smudged along the bottom lashes. A couple coats of mascara will finish the eye. Remember that for a smudge-free, long lasting eye makeup, prime your lids with concealer or foundation first, then set with a bit of loose powder. This trick also allows for flawless blending. Don't cover your whole face with makeup in the summer months. Instead, try to even out your skin tone with a sheer tinted moisturizer and if needed, follow with a concealer on blemishes. Lip stains are great in hot weather too! Apply once to lips and you literally don't have to worry about retouching all day.

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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Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss Giveaway!!!

Did you know that Avon Glazewear is America's #1 lip gloss? Surprising, right?

Because Avon loves Spoiled Pretty, they want to gift one reader with a full Avon Glazewear set!

As America's best-selling lip gloss, Avon sells the equivalent of eight Glazewears every minute. Glazewear Lip Gloss delivers glossy high shine that feels light on your lips. Never tacky or sticky, the formula leaves lips feeling moist, with a silky-smooth, ultra comfortable wear.

Glazewear is available in four new customized finishes, so you will no doubt find the right soothing, sexy or sassy shade for any occasion:

Intense: delivers impactful color that glides on beautifully with satin sheen and medium to full coverage.
* Shades: Brown Sugar, Cherry Liqueur, Crimson (my personal fave...it's in my purse as I type this), Intense Plum and Sweet Maple

High Sparkle: provides glossy, shimmering shine, creating dazzling radiance with brilliant sparkles and sheer to medium coverage.
* Shades: Apple Cinnamon, Dazzling Diamond, Mirage, Mocha Latte and Rave

High Shine: offers super high-gloss shine for megawatt luster with sheer to medium coverage.
* Shades: Darling Pink, Iced Pink, Island Glow, Mauve Movement and Tickled Pink

SPF 15 Clear: gives a super, high-gloss shine while providing sun-protection as it softens and moisturizes lips.

Glazewear Lip Gloss ($6) is available through Avon Representatives and at avon.com.

One winner will win all sixteen shades! This prize is worth $96!!!

Enter to win by leaving a message in the comments section. Make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky.

Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Friday, June 25, 2010. Good luck!

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Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

Fresh just answered prayers of beauty lovers everywhere by adding a new shade to the Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 family.

Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 moisturizes, repairs, and protects the lips while imparting a deep plum tint. It offers sheer coverage or buildable color and is the perfect partner to the best-selling Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. It's formulated with sugar, a natural humectants that prevents moisture loss, and a superior blend of nourishing oils and protective waxes to soften and smooth dry lips. Antioxidant-rich vitamins also work to defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals. It also provides essential year-round protection from damaging UV rays with SPF 15.

Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 is a sephora.com exclusive, and only available to Beauty Insiders...so sign up today!

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Votre Vu Duette Giveaway Winners & Free Sample Opportunity!!!

Congrats to the winners of one of the Votrue Vu Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Crème Giveaway: cwhf, Elle Sees, and Fatima Jenai.

Duette is a deeply moisturizing lip balm and decadently rich hand crème in one package. The nourishing lip balm - made from coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax - gently protects, nourishes and softens lips in every condition. The intoxicating hand crème leaves a soft veil of almond and coconut fragrance lingering on the skin. Beautifully absorbed, this special formula was developed to maintain the health, beauty and suppleness of your hands, while delighting your nose with a decadent aroma.

If you didn't win, you still have a chance to try the Hand Crème - for free. And what's better than that? Nuthin', that's what.

To have a sample sent to your door, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com by Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address (no P.O. boxes, please). The subject line should read "Votre Vu Hand Crème Sample."

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Dynamic Duo: Votre Vu Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Crème

Believe it or not, I wear hardly any makeup on a daily basis. I'm so pressed for time in the mornings that I have neither the 15 minutes nor the energy to spare. But I'm not entirely low-maintenance. I'm never without lip balm and hand cream in my purse.

So I was thrilled when Votre Vu's Duette recently showed up on my doorstep to review. Duette is a duo of deeply moisturizing lip balm and decadently rich hand crème in one package, and has become a staple in my purse since I first used it.

Flip the first cap on the tube to reveal a nourishing lip balm made from coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. A deliciously light and natural coconut flavor delivers a guiltless treat to your lips with every application. The cap also contains a clandestine mirror for precise application.

Flip open the second cap to enjoy the Almond Pie Nutrient Rich Luxe Hand Crème. This intoxicating hand cream deeply moisturizes without any greasy residue, and leaves a soft veil of almond and coconut fragrance lingering on the skin. Beautifully absorbed, this special formula was developed to maintain the health, beauty and suppleness of your hands, while delighting your nose with a decadent aroma. Formulated with sunflower, grape seed and jojoba oils combined with moisturizing and healing aloe, wheat proteins and natural sun filters, this sweet treat is one big serving of hydrating heaven. The cream also contains sun filters for UVA/UVB protection to maintain skin tone, while helping protect and keep hands soft, supple and younger looking.

I'm digging on Duette so much that I'm compelled to spread the wealth. So, this week, I'm partnering with Votre Vu for a giveaway. Three readers will win this dynamic duo, which retails for $38.

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. Good luck!

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Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss: Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week

I’m a lip gloss aficionado. I probably own 350+ tubes – and, yes, I realize that that’s utterly ridiculous. But I can’t help myself; I have an insatiable appetite for glosses.

It’s the one cosmetic that I wear every day, so I suppose my compulsion is somewhat justified (not really, that’s just what I tell myself). But despite my addiction, I’m quite the lip gloss snob. My collection is an exquisitely edited assortment of glosses, and a new addition must pass a rigorous set of standards before it is inducted into my own private lip gloss hall of fame.

The latest inductee? Neutrogena’s new MoistureShine Gloss – and here’s why…

First, MoistureShine Gloss has the perfect level of opacity for this time of year. In the spring/summer, I become the Goldilocks of glosses. I look for a gloss that delivers a hint of color; not so little that I might as well be wearing a clear gloss, and not so much that it looks like I’m wearing lipstick. MoistureShine Gloss gives the lips just the right amount of color, not to mention creamy, megawatt shine. The conditioning formula is antioxidant-rich and actually improves the healthy look, softness and smoothness of your lips over time. Plus the gloss has a subtle berry fragrance, natch.

MoistureShine Gloss isn’t sticky in the slightest, and feels more like a balm on the lips. For this review, I tested shade 410 (Wine Wellness, left) - which looks gorgeous, in an understated way, against my tan complexion.

If you’re a lip gloss nut like me and you’re looking for a new beauty that won’t break the bank, Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss ($8.99) is an excellent choice. Available in 14 shades, it is sold at mass market retailers nationwide.

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