Lovely Gifts For Valentine’s Day

Let’s be honest - when it comes to gift-giving, most men are clueless. So if you haven’t already dropped some major hints, don’t be surprised when your man comes home with a tired box of Russell Stover chocolates.

That’s why I am an staunch advocate of buying treats for oneself on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or presently unattached, there’s no shame in purchasing these lovely gifts for yourself.

Here are some Spoiled Pretty picks:


Fresh Cannabis Rose Eau de Parfum: Fresh’s newest fragrance is the ultra-sensual and completely intoxicating floral counterpart to the highly popular Cannabis Santal Collection. Top notes burst with the captivating aroma of Bulgarian roses infused with pomegranate flower and Italian bergamot. An alluring blend of cannabis accord, sheer jasmine, and rich dark chocolate make the heart of this sultry scent truly intoxicating, while base notes of white musk, patchouli, and oolong tea leave a lasting sensual finish. ($75).


Avon Valentine's Day Mini Hand Creams: Available in Vita Moist, Silicone Glove, Soft & Sensual, and Intensive. (.99 each)


Lush Silky Perfect Match: Includes Lush’s very popular Silky Underwear solid perfume with jasmine and vetivert and their equally popular Alkmaar soap in a special heart shape. Making these perfect matches even more precious, the packaging is 100% biodegradable. In fact, if you plant the box with someone special, you can watch your love grow – literally. The entire box contains real seeds and when you plant it you will grow beautiful wild flowers to enjoy together. ($19.95)


Kissable Couture Valentine’s Collection: Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Kissable Couture adds three more shades to its repertoire. New colors include Fantasies (Red Rose), Dreams (Soft Pink, Very Airy, Truly a Hint of Color), and Bliss (Mauve, Rose Pink). ($22 each)


Noodle & Boo All of my Heart: This heart-shaped soap is not only fun, but has a rich and creamy lather that gently cleans delicate skin leaving it soft and supple. Made with 100% pure vegetable oil, it does not contain the dehydrating detergents or irritating surfactants in most soap today. Wholesome oatmeal and aloe carefully soothe, while sweet almond oil and nutrient-rich milk protein moisturize skin. ($15)


Suzanne Aux Bains Relaxing Organic Massage Oil: Pamper your skin with this natural, nourishing massage oil with a captivating scent. This soothing massage oil softens the body while relaxing the mind for a spa experience right in your bathroom. Perfect for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin, this quick-absorbing, golden-hued oil from France is certified organic. It helps ease muscle tension with Jasmine, Mandarin, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile and Lavender essential oils, while a combination of organic Apricot, Sesame and Jojoba essential oils protect and soften the skin. Kirstin, the beauty behind Saffron Rouge, says it’s her favorite body oil. ($37)


Philosophy Candy Hearts: Contains three mouth-watering flavored lip shines with sweet-nothings written right on the tubes. Say "be mine" with melon daiquiri, "ask me" with vanilla birthday cake, and "love you" with raspberry sorbet. ($25)


Jaqua Pink Champagne and Cocoa Buttercream bath and body products: Indulge in bubbly and chocolate without the hangover or the calories. And to help achieve the perfect bath treat for Valentine's Day, Jaqua is giving you 25% off their Pink Champagne and Cocoa Buttercream fragrances. Enter promotion code VALDAY2A at checkout. Offer expires Feb 13th.

Lovely Gifts For Valentine’s Day

Let’s be honest - when it comes to gift-giving, most men are clueless. So if you haven’t already dropped some major hints, don’t be surprised when your man comes home with a tired box of Russell Stover chocolates.

That’s why I am an staunch advocate of buying treats for oneself on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or presently unattached, there’s no shame in purchasing these lovely gifts for yourself.

Here are some Spoiled Pretty picks:


Fresh Cannabis Rose Eau de Parfum: Fresh’s newest fragrance is the ultra-sensual and completely intoxicating floral counterpart to the highly popular Cannabis Santal Collection. Top notes burst with the captivating aroma of Bulgarian roses infused with pomegranate flower and Italian bergamot. An alluring blend of cannabis accord, sheer jasmine, and rich dark chocolate make the heart of this sultry scent truly intoxicating, while base notes of white musk, patchouli, and oolong tea leave a lasting sensual finish. ($75).


Avon Valentine's Day Mini Hand Creams: Available in Vita Moist, Silicone Glove, Soft & Sensual, and Intensive. (.99 each)


Lush Silky Perfect Match: Includes Lush’s very popular Silky Underwear solid perfume with jasmine and vetivert and their equally popular Alkmaar soap in a special heart shape. Making these perfect matches even more precious, the packaging is 100% biodegradable. In fact, if you plant the box with someone special, you can watch your love grow – literally. The entire box contains real seeds and when you plant it you will grow beautiful wild flowers to enjoy together. ($19.95)


Kissable Couture Valentine’s Collection: Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Kissable Couture adds three more shades to its repertoire. New colors include Fantasies (Red Rose), Dreams (Soft Pink, Very Airy, Truly a Hint of Color), and Bliss (Mauve, Rose Pink). ($22 each)


Noodle & Boo All of my Heart: This heart-shaped soap is not only fun, but has a rich and creamy lather that gently cleans delicate skin leaving it soft and supple. Made with 100% pure vegetable oil, it does not contain the dehydrating detergents or irritating surfactants in most soap today. Wholesome oatmeal and aloe carefully soothe, while sweet almond oil and nutrient-rich milk protein moisturize skin. ($15)


Suzanne Aux Bains Relaxing Organic Massage Oil: Pamper your skin with this natural, nourishing massage oil with a captivating scent. This soothing massage oil softens the body while relaxing the mind for a spa experience right in your bathroom. Perfect for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin, this quick-absorbing, golden-hued oil from France is certified organic. It helps ease muscle tension with Jasmine, Mandarin, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile and Lavender essential oils, while a combination of organic Apricot, Sesame and Jojoba essential oils protect and soften the skin. Kirstin, the beauty behind Saffron Rouge, says it’s her favorite body oil. ($37)


Philosophy Candy Hearts: Contains three mouth-watering flavored lip shines with sweet-nothings written right on the tubes. Say "be mine" with melon daiquiri, "ask me" with vanilla birthday cake, and "love you" with raspberry sorbet. ($25)


Jaqua Pink Champagne and Cocoa Buttercream bath and body products: Indulge in bubbly and chocolate without the hangover or the calories. And to help achieve the perfect bath treat for Valentine's Day, Jaqua is giving you 25% off their Pink Champagne and Cocoa Buttercream fragrances. Enter promotion code VALDAY2A at checkout. Offer expires Feb 13th.

Guest Post: Philosophy Kiss Me Lip Balm

Kim Stanley* writes:

No matter what I do, my lips become dry and chapped during the winter months. However, I have found a product that alleviates both problems. Although the company is not new to beauty junkies, Philosophy is better known for products such as Hope in a Jar. Kiss Me is a very emollient lip balm that delivers on its promise to leave your lips well-moisturized.

Lipsticks and lip glosses look best on lips that are smooth and well hydrated without cracked or peeling skin. If you want to fully appreciate the ultimate lip care experience you should use an exfoliant first and follow up with a super moisturizing product to protect and heal your lips because lips can not maintain moisture. A good lip exfoliant to try is Laura Geller Lip Strip.

I put Kiss Me to the test during the busy Christmas season while cashiering, for 9 hour shifts, at Sephora. On average, I applied the lip balm approximately three times during these long hours of talking, eating and drinking but not more than 4 times in a 24-hour period.

The one caveat of this product, but its performance is not affected, is that it reacts to hot and cold temperatures. The tube will harden if left in the cold and will soften during the warmer months.

Philosophy’s Kiss Me offered the best of all worlds because it had a natural shine, moisturized, tasted like citrus, and was long-lasting. I purchased the lip balm by Philosophy in Kiss Me Red, but it is available in clear and pink shades as well. I love this stuff!

*Kim Y. Stanley has been a self-confessed beauty junkie since the age of 12. Over the years, she has experimented and tested tons of beauty products; comparing similar products of different price ranges is what fuels her addiction.

Guest Post: Philosophy Kiss Me Lip Balm

Kim Stanley* writes:

No matter what I do, my lips become dry and chapped during the winter months. However, I have found a product that alleviates both problems. Although the company is not new to beauty junkies, Philosophy is better known for products such as Hope in a Jar. Kiss Me is a very emollient lip balm that delivers on its promise to leave your lips well-moisturized.

Lipsticks and lip glosses look best on lips that are smooth and well hydrated without cracked or peeling skin. If you want to fully appreciate the ultimate lip care experience you should use an exfoliant first and follow up with a super moisturizing product to protect and heal your lips because lips can not maintain moisture. A good lip exfoliant to try is Laura Geller Lip Strip.

I put Kiss Me to the test during the busy Christmas season while cashiering, for 9 hour shifts, at Sephora. On average, I applied the lip balm approximately three times during these long hours of talking, eating and drinking but not more than 4 times in a 24-hour period.

The one caveat of this product, but its performance is not affected, is that it reacts to hot and cold temperatures. The tube will harden if left in the cold and will soften during the warmer months.

Philosophy’s Kiss Me offered the best of all worlds because it had a natural shine, moisturized, tasted like citrus, and was long-lasting. I purchased the lip balm by Philosophy in Kiss Me Red, but it is available in clear and pink shades as well. I love this stuff!

*Kim Y. Stanley has been a self-confessed beauty junkie since the age of 12. Over the years, she has experimented and tested tons of beauty products; comparing similar products of different price ranges is what fuels her addiction.

Buyer Beware

After reading that FragranceX.com sells discount skin care, body products, and cosmetics – in addition to fragrances – at up to 80% off, I couldn’t wait to log on and fill up my online shopping cart. So imagine my surprise when I found that not only are the discount claims highly exaggerated, but in many cases, their prices are higher than the retail value. Case in point:

Product: Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup
Retail Price: $22.50
Fragrance X Price: $30 (and they have the nerve to say that you’re saving 17%)


Product: MAC Clear Lip Glass
Retail Price: $13.50
Fragrance X Price: $17 (they say you’re saving 26%)

Product: Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo
Retail Price: $19.50
Fragrance X Price: $22.50 (they claim this is a savings of 18%)


Product: Philosophy Strawberry Milkshake Ultra-Rich Shampoo, Bath, & Shower Gel
Retail Price: $16
Fragrance X Price: $22.50 (you’re supposedly saving 21%)

Don’t get me wrong – there are many products on FragranceX.com that will actually save you a couple of dollars. But can you really trust an online merchant that would so blatantly jack up prices, making you believe that you’re getting a deal?

The bottom line is that if you choose to purchase from FragranceX.com, or similar discount websites, take precautions. All it takes is a few extra minutes to check prices and make sure that it’s you, and not them, who is making out like a bandit.

Buyer Beware

After reading that FragranceX.com sells discount skin care, body products, and cosmetics – in addition to fragrances – at up to 80% off, I couldn’t wait to log on and fill up my online shopping cart. So imagine my surprise when I found that not only are the discount claims highly exaggerated, but in many cases, their prices are higher than the retail value. Case in point:

Product: Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup
Retail Price: $22.50
Fragrance X Price: $30 (and they have the nerve to say that you’re saving 17%)


Product: MAC Clear Lip Glass
Retail Price: $13.50
Fragrance X Price: $17 (they say you’re saving 26%)

Product: Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo
Retail Price: $19.50
Fragrance X Price: $22.50 (they claim this is a savings of 18%)


Product: Philosophy Strawberry Milkshake Ultra-Rich Shampoo, Bath, & Shower Gel
Retail Price: $16
Fragrance X Price: $22.50 (you’re supposedly saving 21%)

Don’t get me wrong – there are many products on FragranceX.com that will actually save you a couple of dollars. But can you really trust an online merchant that would so blatantly jack up prices, making you believe that you’re getting a deal?

The bottom line is that if you choose to purchase from FragranceX.com, or similar discount websites, take precautions. All it takes is a few extra minutes to check prices and make sure that it’s you, and not them, who is making out like a bandit.

Cornucopia of Cosmetics

Greetings from Spokane, Washington - where I am celebrating my first Thanksgiving away from home, with my hubby and in-laws. Thanksgiving is the ultimate celebration of family, friends, and food...and as a bonus, you get a day off from work, football is on TV three days early, and overindulgence is encouraged! Doesn't it seem unfair that it only lasts one day?

The following products simulate the scents of the season, and will have you giving thanks well into the new year.


Indulge your feet and your senses with The Body Shop's Cranberry Heatable Booties. To use, simply remove the cranberry-scented sachet and heat in the microwave for one minute.


Treat your lips to Philosophy's Kiss Me Lip Trio. There's a flavor for every kiss—Melting Chocolate Lip Shine for a decadent kiss, Cinnamon Buns Lip Shine for a sugary, sweet kiss, and Cranberry Lip Shine for a red, juicy kiss. Spread holiday cheer with these luscious high-gloss Lip Shines. Only at Sephora.


Korres Vanilla Cinnamon Moisturising Body Milk has an exceptionally light, powdery texture that goes on matte, and keeps you fresh and soft, all day.


The Pumpkin Classic Candle from Paddywax shows its bounty with scents of fresh carrot, spicy pumpkin and vanilla bean.

Cornucopia of Cosmetics

Greetings from Spokane, Washington - where I am celebrating my first Thanksgiving away from home, with my hubby and in-laws. Thanksgiving is the ultimate celebration of family, friends, and food...and as a bonus, you get a day off from work, football is on TV three days early, and overindulgence is encouraged! Doesn't it seem unfair that it only lasts one day?

The following products simulate the scents of the season, and will have you giving thanks well into the new year.


Indulge your feet and your senses with The Body Shop's Cranberry Heatable Booties. To use, simply remove the cranberry-scented sachet and heat in the microwave for one minute.


Treat your lips to Philosophy's Kiss Me Lip Trio. There's a flavor for every kiss—Melting Chocolate Lip Shine for a decadent kiss, Cinnamon Buns Lip Shine for a sugary, sweet kiss, and Cranberry Lip Shine for a red, juicy kiss. Spread holiday cheer with these luscious high-gloss Lip Shines. Only at Sephora.


Korres Vanilla Cinnamon Moisturising Body Milk has an exceptionally light, powdery texture that goes on matte, and keeps you fresh and soft, all day.


The Pumpkin Classic Candle from Paddywax shows its bounty with scents of fresh carrot, spicy pumpkin and vanilla bean.

One Concealer To Go, Hold The Oil

Today, I received an email from a reader asking me to recommend an oil-free concealer…which got me thinking about concealer, in general. As a person with combination skin, I tend to gravitate toward oil-free moisturizers, primers, and foundations…but I never think to look for oil-free concealers.

It makes absolute sense that if you’re using concealer to cover blemishes, you would want an oil-free formulation. But, for some reason, most concealers aren’t marketed that way. After conducting a lengthy Internet search, I was surprised to find that there aren’t many out there that make the claim to be oil-free. So either the choices really are limited, or there are a lot of cosmetic companies that don’t bother putting the words on the package. My suggestion is to look for concealers made for "oily or combo skin" - these formulas tend to contain drying properties that reduce both inflammation and oiliness.

The following are the fruits of my labor. As I am a tried and true fan of Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit, I can’t vouch for these products. So head on over to Makeup Alley for some unbiased and candid reviews.


Drugstore


Revlon Colorstay Undereye Concealer's exclusive formula and soft-touch applicator work to gently conceal dark undereye circles and discolorations, while giving you natural looking coverage all day. Patented SoftFlex provides a lightweight, comfortable feel. Oil-free. Non-pore-clogging. Non-irritating. With SPF 15 UVA and UVB protection.


Neutrogenia Skin-Clearing Oil Free Concealer treats and helps prevent breakouts with its easy to use click pen. Unlike ordinary concealers, this dermatologist developed formula contains salicylic acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Natural-looking coverage helps to reduce the appearance of acne.


Almay Clear Complexion Concealer is an oil-free spot concealer that targets your blemishes with salicylic acid to speed healing, while never blocking pores. The sponge tip wand delivers the perfect amount of concealer every time. Infused with meadowsweet to help purify and clear skin as well as calming botanicals such as chamomile and aloe to soothe irritation. Not for use near eyes.


Department Store


The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas by Philosophy is a multi-tasking 4-in-1 high-pigment powder that conceals, camouflages, and provides SPF protection all in one easy step. The lightweight powder is talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, water-free and oil-free and the incredibly fast and easy-to-use sponge applicator makes this gentle powder safe to use on all skin types - from the most sensitive, to the most prone to breakouts.


Full Cover by Make Up For Ever is an ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer. Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos, this light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body. Full Cover is clinically tested on sensitive skin and dermatologically controlled for gentleness.


Conceal, shield and heal blemishes with Galactic Shield - an oil-free, waterproof anti-acne concealing stick. In three shades that suit almost every skin tone, it's your daytime avenger! Received Elle magazine's Top 5 Winner "spot-on blemish eraser" award and voted "best concealer for acne" by Real Simple magazine.


Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick provides natural-looking spot coverage as blemishes heal, disappear. Its medicated formula works to cover and clear blemishes. Convenient stick formula blends on easily, under or over makeup. Oil-free.


Clinique All About Eyes Concealer disguises dark undereye circles while helping to reduce the look of puffiness. Long-wearing, moisturizing formula won’t crease or settle into fine lines. Oil-free.


Created for women with sensitive skin, LORAC's Oil Free Neutralizer is a specially-tinted makeup which can correct and conceal imperfections. Formulated without the use of harsh chemicals, this neutralizer is infused with rich botanicals such as aloe, comfrey, and chamomile to calm and soothe skin. The Oil Free Neutralizer can be used as a foundation, as a cover for redness, or as a concealer of blemishes, pigmentation spots, and under-eye circles.

One Concealer To Go, Hold The Oil

Today, I received an email from a reader asking me to recommend an oil-free concealer…which got me thinking about concealer, in general. As a person with combination skin, I tend to gravitate toward oil-free moisturizers, primers, and foundations…but I never think to look for oil-free concealers.

It makes absolute sense that if you’re using concealer to cover blemishes, you would want an oil-free formulation. But, for some reason, most concealers aren’t marketed that way. After conducting a lengthy Internet search, I was surprised to find that there aren’t many out there that make the claim to be oil-free. So either the choices really are limited, or there are a lot of cosmetic companies that don’t bother putting the words on the package. My suggestion is to look for concealers made for "oily or combo skin" - these formulas tend to contain drying properties that reduce both inflammation and oiliness.

The following are the fruits of my labor. As I am a tried and true fan of Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit, I can’t vouch for these products. So head on over to Makeup Alley for some unbiased and candid reviews.


Drugstore


Revlon Colorstay Undereye Concealer's exclusive formula and soft-touch applicator work to gently conceal dark undereye circles and discolorations, while giving you natural looking coverage all day. Patented SoftFlex provides a lightweight, comfortable feel. Oil-free. Non-pore-clogging. Non-irritating. With SPF 15 UVA and UVB protection.


Neutrogenia Skin-Clearing Oil Free Concealer treats and helps prevent breakouts with its easy to use click pen. Unlike ordinary concealers, this dermatologist developed formula contains salicylic acid to get rid of acne you have now and help prevent future breakouts. Natural-looking coverage helps to reduce the appearance of acne.


Almay Clear Complexion Concealer is an oil-free spot concealer that targets your blemishes with salicylic acid to speed healing, while never blocking pores. The sponge tip wand delivers the perfect amount of concealer every time. Infused with meadowsweet to help purify and clear skin as well as calming botanicals such as chamomile and aloe to soothe irritation. Not for use near eyes.


Department Store


The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas by Philosophy is a multi-tasking 4-in-1 high-pigment powder that conceals, camouflages, and provides SPF protection all in one easy step. The lightweight powder is talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, water-free and oil-free and the incredibly fast and easy-to-use sponge applicator makes this gentle powder safe to use on all skin types - from the most sensitive, to the most prone to breakouts.


Full Cover by Make Up For Ever is an ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer. Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos, this light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body. Full Cover is clinically tested on sensitive skin and dermatologically controlled for gentleness.


Conceal, shield and heal blemishes with Galactic Shield - an oil-free, waterproof anti-acne concealing stick. In three shades that suit almost every skin tone, it's your daytime avenger! Received Elle magazine's Top 5 Winner "spot-on blemish eraser" award and voted "best concealer for acne" by Real Simple magazine.


Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick provides natural-looking spot coverage as blemishes heal, disappear. Its medicated formula works to cover and clear blemishes. Convenient stick formula blends on easily, under or over makeup. Oil-free.


Clinique All About Eyes Concealer disguises dark undereye circles while helping to reduce the look of puffiness. Long-wearing, moisturizing formula won’t crease or settle into fine lines. Oil-free.


Created for women with sensitive skin, LORAC's Oil Free Neutralizer is a specially-tinted makeup which can correct and conceal imperfections. Formulated without the use of harsh chemicals, this neutralizer is infused with rich botanicals such as aloe, comfrey, and chamomile to calm and soothe skin. The Oil Free Neutralizer can be used as a foundation, as a cover for redness, or as a concealer of blemishes, pigmentation spots, and under-eye circles.