Praying For Pimples

Lately, I've been praying for a pimple. Sounds odd, I know. But ironically, ever since I got my hands on Zeno, my skin has been uncharacteristically clear. So last week when a monster zit erupted on my chin, I was excited. Finally I would see if Zeno lived up to the hype.

Zeno is a hand-held battery-operated device designed with a tip that heats to a pre-set temperature. The tip is designed for direct contact with a blemish on the skin. Once in contact with a blemish, the tip transfers heat into the follicle – killing the bacteria, reducing inflammation, and allowing the skin to return to a healthy state.

For someone like me, who has a problem with hyperpigmentation (resulting from acne), Zeno is a godsend. It literally zaps zits before they have a chance to erupt - therefore thwarting dark marks.

Please note that Zeno isn’t a magic wand. You have to be diligent about using it, in order to see a difference. Acne doesn't just miraculously disappear after one treatment; it takes two to three 2½-minute treatments spread over 24 hours to get rid of pesky pimples. Another bonus is that Zeno doesn’t have the nasty side effects (dryness, irritation, sensitivity to sunlight) that accompany most topical acne treatments.

Available at Sephora and myzeno.com.

Praying For Pimples

Lately, I've been praying for a pimple. Sounds odd, I know. But ironically, ever since I got my hands on Zeno, my skin has been uncharacteristically clear. So last week when a monster zit erupted on my chin, I was excited. Finally I would see if Zeno lived up to the hype.

Zeno is a hand-held battery-operated device designed with a tip that heats to a pre-set temperature. The tip is designed for direct contact with a blemish on the skin. Once in contact with a blemish, the tip transfers heat into the follicle – killing the bacteria, reducing inflammation, and allowing the skin to return to a healthy state.

For someone like me, who has a problem with hyperpigmentation (resulting from acne), Zeno is a godsend. It literally zaps zits before they have a chance to erupt - therefore thwarting dark marks.

Please note that Zeno isn’t a magic wand. You have to be diligent about using it, in order to see a difference. Acne doesn't just miraculously disappear after one treatment; it takes two to three 2½-minute treatments spread over 24 hours to get rid of pesky pimples. Another bonus is that Zeno doesn’t have the nasty side effects (dryness, irritation, sensitivity to sunlight) that accompany most topical acne treatments.

Available at Sephora and myzeno.com.

Bliss Clog-Dissolving Cleansing Milk: A Retraction

Last month, I said some not-so-nice things about Bliss’ Clog-Dissolving Cleansing Milk. After my bad experience, I was going to toss out the bottle; but since it cost me $28, I found it another home.

Yesterday, my sister informed me that the cleanser has totally transformed her skin. After only three days of using it (in the AM and PM), she said the solution was aggressively unclogging her pores - without irritation or over-drying; her whiteheads were literally being pushed out of the pores in her t-zone, and she has seen a reduction in the number of breakouts.

So what’s the point of this parable? The moral is that products work differently on different people. So keep an open mind, and ask for samples - whenever possible - before you commit to a full-sized product.

Bliss Clog-Dissolving Cleansing Milk: A Retraction

Last month, I said some not-so-nice things about Bliss’ Clog-Dissolving Cleansing Milk. After my bad experience, I was going to toss out the bottle; but since it cost me $28, I found it another home.

Yesterday, my sister informed me that the cleanser has totally transformed her skin. After only three days of using it (in the AM and PM), she said the solution was aggressively unclogging her pores - without irritation or over-drying; her whiteheads were literally being pushed out of the pores in her t-zone, and she has seen a reduction in the number of breakouts.

So what’s the point of this parable? The moral is that products work differently on different people. So keep an open mind, and ask for samples - whenever possible - before you commit to a full-sized product.

Got Problem Skin? No Problem!

Worried that your makeup brushes may have something to do with your plugged-up pores? Sephora’s Deluxe Antibacterial Brush Set may offer a solution. This seven-piece, professional-quality brush set is treated with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic compound that attacks and destroys harmful bacteria. The soft, synthetic fibers distribute just the right amount of pigment and the set comes packaged in a chic, silver, tri-fold brush case.

Set includes a foundation brush, concealer brush, powder brush, angled eye shadow brush, eye blender brush, lip/eyeliner brush, and a brow brush/lash comb.

Got Problem Skin? No Problem!

Worried that your makeup brushes may have something to do with your plugged-up pores? Sephora’s Deluxe Antibacterial Brush Set may offer a solution. This seven-piece, professional-quality brush set is treated with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic compound that attacks and destroys harmful bacteria. The soft, synthetic fibers distribute just the right amount of pigment and the set comes packaged in a chic, silver, tri-fold brush case.

Set includes a foundation brush, concealer brush, powder brush, angled eye shadow brush, eye blender brush, lip/eyeliner brush, and a brow brush/lash comb.

Taking It All Off

You’ve been told time and time again – don’t sleep in your makeup. But we’ve all done it. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve stumbled home from a long day at work (okay, okay…more like a long night at the club/bar) and passed out on my bed without removing my makeup.

But the truth is that sleeping in your makeup is a major beauty faux pas. Skin repairs and renews itself while you’re asleep, which is why it’s so important to wash off your makeup (as well as the daily dirt and grime that builds up on the skin) before your pretty head hits the pillow. Going to sleep with makeup on increases your odds of waking up with clogged pores, or worse – a pimple! Doesn’t it make sense to take 2 minutes to wash your face at night, rather than spend 2 or more days treating a blemish?

If you don’t trust yourself to be responsible, make it easy on yourself. Wear mineral makeup, like Bare Minerals or Sheer Cover. Or use makeup remover wipes; Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes dissolve all traces of dirt, oil, and make-up – even waterproof mascara – but are gentle enough for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive skin.

Taking It All Off

You’ve been told time and time again – don’t sleep in your makeup. But we’ve all done it. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve stumbled home from a long day at work (okay, okay…more like a long night at the club/bar) and passed out on my bed without removing my makeup.

But the truth is that sleeping in your makeup is a major beauty faux pas. Skin repairs and renews itself while you’re asleep, which is why it’s so important to wash off your makeup (as well as the daily dirt and grime that builds up on the skin) before your pretty head hits the pillow. Going to sleep with makeup on increases your odds of waking up with clogged pores, or worse – a pimple! Doesn’t it make sense to take 2 minutes to wash your face at night, rather than spend 2 or more days treating a blemish?

If you don’t trust yourself to be responsible, make it easy on yourself. Wear mineral makeup, like Bare Minerals or Sheer Cover. Or use makeup remover wipes; Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes dissolve all traces of dirt, oil, and make-up – even waterproof mascara – but are gentle enough for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive skin.

This Peel Makes Its Mark By Fading Yours

Just now, my mom called asking me to recommend a facial peel for my sister, Lauren. There are many types of peels on the market, so I inquired about what kind of result Lauren was looking for. My mom explained that the Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion I had raved about was doing a great job of clearing up my sister’s blackheads – but the process was resulting in some hyper-pigmentation. It didn’t take me long to offer a suggestion...almost immediately, I remembered a product I purchased over a year ago – that yielded great results.

Used consistently (1-3 times per week), Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel visibly reduces the appearance of post-acne marks. What I like most about the treatment is that it contains Salicylic Acid to prevent new breakouts from forming and discourage future marks. The product does a wonderful job of exfoliating skin…after using the peel, my skin had a healthy glow and was smooth as a toddler’s tuchis.

My only criticism is the smell – it isn’t pleasant, but it’s tolerable…and you get used to it after a while. In Spoiled Pretty’s opinion, it’s a small price to pay for smoother, clearer skin.

Available at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com, Walgreen’s, Eckerd, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart and Kmart.

This Peel Makes Its Mark By Fading Yours

Just now, my mom called asking me to recommend a facial peel for my sister, Lauren. There are many types of peels on the market, so I inquired about what kind of result Lauren was looking for. My mom explained that the Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion I had raved about was doing a great job of clearing up my sister’s blackheads – but the process was resulting in some hyper-pigmentation. It didn’t take me long to offer a suggestion...almost immediately, I remembered a product I purchased over a year ago – that yielded great results.

Used consistently (1-3 times per week), Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel visibly reduces the appearance of post-acne marks. What I like most about the treatment is that it contains Salicylic Acid to prevent new breakouts from forming and discourage future marks. The product does a wonderful job of exfoliating skin…after using the peel, my skin had a healthy glow and was smooth as a toddler’s tuchis.

My only criticism is the smell – it isn’t pleasant, but it’s tolerable…and you get used to it after a while. In Spoiled Pretty’s opinion, it’s a small price to pay for smoother, clearer skin.

Available at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com, Walgreen’s, Eckerd, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart and Kmart.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye - Win Some FREE Beauty!

Want something for nothing? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I am so excited to announce Spoiled Pretty’s latest giveaway – generously sponsored by Face Boutique!!!

Face Boutique grew out of a quest to create products for young skin that really work, remain free from chemicals, smell divine, look great in the bathroom and, finally, leave everyone with a clear conscience. I think Spoiled Pretty speaks for many satisfied customers when I say, “Mission Accomplished.”

Spoiled Pretty is teaming up with Face Boutique to give away a whole lotta beauty booty.



One winner will be gifted with a goodie bag - filled with the following treats (valued at $71): Peachy Clean Foaming Facial Wash, Fresh Faced Moisturising Gel, Spot Less Blemish Gel, and Sweep Clean Cleansing Wipes.


Four runners up (yeah, you heard me right) will win a bottle of Hair Laundry Shampoo (valued at $16).

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in the comments section below by 9 pm EST on Sunday, November 11th - be sure to include your name and email address. Or email me at spoiledpretty@gmail.com if you're uncomfortable posting your email address below.

Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, November 12th, I’ll announce the winners' names. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents. Good luck!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye - Win Some FREE Beauty!

Want something for nothing? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I am so excited to announce Spoiled Pretty’s latest giveaway – generously sponsored by Face Boutique!!!

Face Boutique grew out of a quest to create products for young skin that really work, remain free from chemicals, smell divine, look great in the bathroom and, finally, leave everyone with a clear conscience. I think Spoiled Pretty speaks for many satisfied customers when I say, “Mission Accomplished.”

Spoiled Pretty is teaming up with Face Boutique to give away a whole lotta beauty booty.



One winner will be gifted with a goodie bag - filled with the following treats (valued at $71): Peachy Clean Foaming Facial Wash, Fresh Faced Moisturising Gel, Spot Less Blemish Gel, and Sweep Clean Cleansing Wipes.


Four runners up (yeah, you heard me right) will win a bottle of Hair Laundry Shampoo (valued at $16).

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in the comments section below by 9 pm EST on Sunday, November 11th - be sure to include your name and email address. Or email me at spoiledpretty@gmail.com if you're uncomfortable posting your email address below.

Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, November 12th, I’ll announce the winners' names. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents. Good luck!

You Don’t Have To Have Bad Skin

Head on over to the New York Times' website for an interesting article entitled, "Why Should Kids Have All the Acne?" Journalist Natasha Singer discusses pimples, product marketing, and ProActiv.

In a nutshell, the story contends that people's quest for perfection, coupled with Guthy-Renker's marketing genius, has resulted in a windfall ("five million active customers and annual worldwide sales of about $850 million") for a product that's actually not much different from Clearasil.

I've never used Proactiv, so I'm curious about whether this really is a miracle product or if it's just all talk. Have you tried Proactiv? Share your Proactive experience in the comments section of this post.

FYI - Did you know that Jessica Simpson just renewed her contract with Proativ Solutions for a rumored $3 million? Look for new infomercials to air this holiday season.

You Don’t Have To Have Bad Skin

Head on over to the New York Times' website for an interesting article entitled, "Why Should Kids Have All the Acne?" Journalist Natasha Singer discusses pimples, product marketing, and ProActiv.

In a nutshell, the story contends that people's quest for perfection, coupled with Guthy-Renker's marketing genius, has resulted in a windfall ("five million active customers and annual worldwide sales of about $850 million") for a product that's actually not much different from Clearasil.

I've never used Proactiv, so I'm curious about whether this really is a miracle product or if it's just all talk. Have you tried Proactiv? Share your Proactive experience in the comments section of this post.

FYI - Did you know that Jessica Simpson just renewed her contract with Proativ Solutions for a rumored $3 million? Look for new infomercials to air this holiday season.

Space Cadet

Space NK, founded in 1993 by beauty junkie Nicky Kinnaird, began with one small shop in Covent Garden, London. Today, it’s a 50-store chain, offering a carefully edited selection of high quality, original and effective beauty products from innovators and specialists around the world.

"The process is a combination of personal research, word-of-mouth and pavement pounding during my international travels," Kinnaird explains.

In May 2007, the apothecary crossed “the pond” and opened its flagship store in the heart of SoHo. If you’re one of the lucky lasses with a Space NK in your neighborhood, I encourage you to take a trip to see, firsthand, what makes this chain so addictive.

Kinnaird adds, “For those of you unable to get to our stores in the UK and beyond, why not browse and discover products for yourself online?”

Spoiled Pretty thinks you’ll fancy Face Boutique’s Fresh Faced Moisturiser. Ideal for everyday use, this oil-free gel is designed to hydrate and nourish young skin while providing the perfect base for makeup. Its unique ingredients include zinc-rich Smithsonite, which regulates sebum, prebiotics to help reduce breakouts, and strawberry extract to tone. It's also crammed full of powerful antioxidants squeezed from cherries, apples and grapes.

Space Cadet

Space NK, founded in 1993 by beauty junkie Nicky Kinnaird, began with one small shop in Covent Garden, London. Today, it’s a 50-store chain, offering a carefully edited selection of high quality, original and effective beauty products from innovators and specialists around the world.

"The process is a combination of personal research, word-of-mouth and pavement pounding during my international travels," Kinnaird explains.

In May 2007, the apothecary crossed “the pond” and opened its flagship store in the heart of SoHo. If you’re one of the lucky lasses with a Space NK in your neighborhood, I encourage you to take a trip to see, firsthand, what makes this chain so addictive.

Kinnaird adds, “For those of you unable to get to our stores in the UK and beyond, why not browse and discover products for yourself online?”

Spoiled Pretty thinks you’ll fancy Face Boutique’s Fresh Faced Moisturiser. Ideal for everyday use, this oil-free gel is designed to hydrate and nourish young skin while providing the perfect base for makeup. Its unique ingredients include zinc-rich Smithsonite, which regulates sebum, prebiotics to help reduce breakouts, and strawberry extract to tone. It's also crammed full of powerful antioxidants squeezed from cherries, apples and grapes.

Laying It On Thick

A few weeks ago, I was in C.O. Bigelow - zipping through the aisles like a Whirling Dervish. A helpful salesgirl, seeing I was overwhelmed by the plethora of products, approached me and asked if I needed help finding anything in particular. Usually I coyly answer, "Just looking" - hoping that the salesperson backs up and leaves me to my own devices (eg- testing 20+ shades of lipgloss on the back of my hand).

But this time, I actually needed some assistance. I explained that I turn into an oil slick during the summer and I'm sick of looking shiny all of the time. So she patiently guided me around the store, suggesting cleansers, toners, and other oil-obsorbing products. I purchased a few, and when she rang me up, she threw a good amount of samples in my bag as well. Now that's what I call customer service (shout out to my local C.O. Bigelow store in the King of Prussia Mall)!

When I returned home, I ripped open my bag to see what beauty booty this girl had bestowed upon me. I was excited to see that she had included DDF's Daily Matte SPF 15, which I had heard such wonderful things about. Sephora describes the product as, "Ideal daily care for oil and combination skin, this lightweight, shine reducing fluid is oil-free and boasts a powerful SPF 15." Well, when Sephora says it's powerful - they ain't just whistlin' dixie.

I applied the Daily Matte immediately after washing my face, and I had planned to follow with a lightweight foundation. As I started smoothing the product onto my face, I couldn't help but be a bit turned off my how thick it felt. I then became more annoyed that it kind of sat on top of my skin, rather than melting into it - the way I thought it would. In fact, to be perfectly honest, it was like slathering sunblock onto my face. Now I realize that the product contains sunscreen, but so do plenty of other facial mositurizers and treatments...and they don't leave me with a Coppertone complexion.

My skin hated this product so much that I couldn't bear it on my face for more than 5 minutes. I had to wash it off and start all over. Don't you just hate when that happens?

Hence, I'm going to have to give Daily Matte SPF 15 two (manicured and Essie-polished) thumbs down. But don't think I'm hating on DDF products...I absolutely love their Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, which helps to clear blemishes, clogged pores, acne, and seborrhea.

Laying It On Thick

A few weeks ago, I was in C.O. Bigelow - zipping through the aisles like a Whirling Dervish. A helpful salesgirl, seeing I was overwhelmed by the plethora of products, approached me and asked if I needed help finding anything in particular. Usually I coyly answer, "Just looking" - hoping that the salesperson backs up and leaves me to my own devices (eg- testing 20+ shades of lipgloss on the back of my hand).

But this time, I actually needed some assistance. I explained that I turn into an oil slick during the summer and I'm sick of looking shiny all of the time. So she patiently guided me around the store, suggesting cleansers, toners, and other oil-obsorbing products. I purchased a few, and when she rang me up, she threw a good amount of samples in my bag as well. Now that's what I call customer service (shout out to my local C.O. Bigelow store in the King of Prussia Mall)!

When I returned home, I ripped open my bag to see what beauty booty this girl had bestowed upon me. I was excited to see that she had included DDF's Daily Matte SPF 15, which I had heard such wonderful things about. Sephora describes the product as, "Ideal daily care for oil and combination skin, this lightweight, shine reducing fluid is oil-free and boasts a powerful SPF 15." Well, when Sephora says it's powerful - they ain't just whistlin' dixie.

I applied the Daily Matte immediately after washing my face, and I had planned to follow with a lightweight foundation. As I started smoothing the product onto my face, I couldn't help but be a bit turned off my how thick it felt. I then became more annoyed that it kind of sat on top of my skin, rather than melting into it - the way I thought it would. In fact, to be perfectly honest, it was like slathering sunblock onto my face. Now I realize that the product contains sunscreen, but so do plenty of other facial mositurizers and treatments...and they don't leave me with a Coppertone complexion.

My skin hated this product so much that I couldn't bear it on my face for more than 5 minutes. I had to wash it off and start all over. Don't you just hate when that happens?

Hence, I'm going to have to give Daily Matte SPF 15 two (manicured and Essie-polished) thumbs down. But don't think I'm hating on DDF products...I absolutely love their Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, which helps to clear blemishes, clogged pores, acne, and seborrhea.

Baby Got Back

While acne problems are most often associated with the face, back acne is as common as facial acne. Back acne results from tight-fitting clothes, which trap perspiration against your skin. Dealing with this embarrassing condition is often not an easy process, and the sheer number of acne relief preparations can make shopping for the right one a difficult and time-consuming process. This summer, I had banished skimpy tanks and sundresses to the back of my closet - until a recent trip to Sephora gave me a reason to show some skin.

Peter Thomas Roth's Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash is formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, to help clear up and prevent body blemishes without overdrying or irritation. It also contains innovative moisturizing beads that release nourishing vitamins A, C, and E and pro-vitamin B5 when massaged into the skin.

Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash leaves skin clean and clear...so go on ladies - get buffed.

Baby Got Back

While acne problems are most often associated with the face, back acne is as common as facial acne. Back acne results from tight-fitting clothes, which trap perspiration against your skin. Dealing with this embarrassing condition is often not an easy process, and the sheer number of acne relief preparations can make shopping for the right one a difficult and time-consuming process. This summer, I had banished skimpy tanks and sundresses to the back of my closet - until a recent trip to Sephora gave me a reason to show some skin.

Peter Thomas Roth's Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash is formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, to help clear up and prevent body blemishes without overdrying or irritation. It also contains innovative moisturizing beads that release nourishing vitamins A, C, and E and pro-vitamin B5 when massaged into the skin.

Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash leaves skin clean and clear...so go on ladies - get buffed.