Attention Curly Girls: This Giveaway Is Just For You!

Do you have curly hair? Do you suffer from frizz, tangles, breakage, and split ends? Maybe it’s time you quit abusing your tender tendrils with terry cloth towels.

Curls Like Us knows that curls don’t respond favorably to being mishandled. So they invented a kinder, gentler towel – created especially for girls with curls.

The Curl Cloth is a patent-pending, drying cloth specifically designed to wick away just the right amount of moisture from your locks without introducing frizz. The smooth surface of this 100% cotton cloth ensures that your favorite curl-enhancer sets the curl for optimal spring, shine, and definition.

Lucky for you, Curls Like Us was kind enough to donate three Curl Cloths for a Spoiled Pretty giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com and include your full name. The subject line should read "Curl Cloth Giveaway."

The contest ends at 9 pm EST on Sunday, February 17th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, February 18th, 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!

Attention Curly Girls: This Giveaway Is Just For You!

Do you have curly hair? Do you suffer from frizz, tangles, breakage, and split ends? Maybe it’s time you quit abusing your tender tendrils with terry cloth towels.

Curls Like Us knows that curls don’t respond favorably to being mishandled. So they invented a kinder, gentler towel – created especially for girls with curls.

The Curl Cloth is a patent-pending, drying cloth specifically designed to wick away just the right amount of moisture from your locks without introducing frizz. The smooth surface of this 100% cotton cloth ensures that your favorite curl-enhancer sets the curl for optimal spring, shine, and definition.

Lucky for you, Curls Like Us was kind enough to donate three Curl Cloths for a Spoiled Pretty giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com and include your full name. The subject line should read "Curl Cloth Giveaway."

The contest ends at 9 pm EST on Sunday, February 17th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, February 18th, 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!

The Root Of The Problem

Every 8 weeks, I visit my hairdresser Erik to get my roots relaxed. And for the next 4 weeks, my hair does whatever I want it to – and I revel in straight-haired bliss. But once my curly roots start growing in, my hair goes up in a ponytail and I mentally count the days until my next salon appointment.

Any gal with relaxed hair knows what I’m talking about. There’s nothing worse than your roots sabotaging a potentially good hair day.

Luckily, Editorial Stylists Kevin Ryan and Frank Rizzieri have gotten to the root of the problem, and created an innovative styling tool that has me loving my locks – even in week 7.

Root Control is designed to allow quick, safe, and effective straightening and styling of all types of hair. It’s great for touching up hairlines and roots in between blowdries and relaxers. It can also be used to redirect cowlicks and style bangs. Plus, its combination of ceramic barrel and double comb allow you to style the hair while keeping the heated barrel away from the scalp.

Product features include:
*Dual Styling / Pressing Combs
*Ceramic Heating Barrel
*Instant Heat Up
*Advanced LCD Digital Programming
*Up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit Pro High-Heat
*9ft. European Jacketed Line Cord
*Heat Resistant Storage Pouch with Embroidered Logo

At $179.00, Root Control is kinda costly. But can you really put a price tag on a good hair day?

Not yet convinced? Watch this video of the tool in action, then be prepared to pull out your credit card. Trust me. It’s worth every penny.

Root control is available online at rsessiontools.com.

The Root Of The Problem

Every 8 weeks, I visit my hairdresser Erik to get my roots relaxed. And for the next 4 weeks, my hair does whatever I want it to – and I revel in straight-haired bliss. But once my curly roots start growing in, my hair goes up in a ponytail and I mentally count the days until my next salon appointment.

Any gal with relaxed hair knows what I’m talking about. There’s nothing worse than your roots sabotaging a potentially good hair day.

Luckily, Editorial Stylists Kevin Ryan and Frank Rizzieri have gotten to the root of the problem, and created an innovative styling tool that has me loving my locks – even in week 7.

Root Control is designed to allow quick, safe, and effective straightening and styling of all types of hair. It’s great for touching up hairlines and roots in between blowdries and relaxers. It can also be used to redirect cowlicks and style bangs. Plus, its combination of ceramic barrel and double comb allow you to style the hair while keeping the heated barrel away from the scalp.

Product features include:
*Dual Styling / Pressing Combs
*Ceramic Heating Barrel
*Instant Heat Up
*Advanced LCD Digital Programming
*Up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit Pro High-Heat
*9ft. European Jacketed Line Cord
*Heat Resistant Storage Pouch with Embroidered Logo

At $179.00, Root Control is kinda costly. But can you really put a price tag on a good hair day?

Not yet convinced? Watch this video of the tool in action, then be prepared to pull out your credit card. Trust me. It’s worth every penny.

Root control is available online at rsessiontools.com.

A Croc Of...

A good set of makeup brushes is a must-have in every girl’s beauty arsenal. But here’s a bit of advice when it comes to brushes (from one beauty junkie to another)…good isn’t necessarily synonymous with expensive. Case in point: Starlet Cosmetics 7 piece Folder Brush Set.

This kit includes:

Blush Brush – duo usage for applying loose face powder or cheek blush color.

Eye Primer Brush - for applying base to eye lids and under eye area. You can also use this to apply light neutral eye shadow colors.

Shadow Brush – use this brush to contour eyes with various shadow colors.

Crease Brush – using medium to darker colors, create depth with this crease brush at the corners of your eyes.

Liner Brush – an angle brush for filling in brow color, or to apply dark shades to line your eyes.

Lash Brow Groomer Brush – use the comb side to separate lashes after applying mascara, then use the brush side to comb and tidy brows.

Lip Brush - Offers a smooth application of lip gloss or lipstick.

I was pleasanly surprised by the quality of these brushes. They're soft, plush, and cruelty-free. Since I got the set, I've been using the brushes to apply all of my makeup. Magnetic enclosures keep the case closed and prevent brushes from sliding out; and a zippered pouch offers enough room to stash a compact and lipgloss inside. The kit’s sleek design ensures that it will fit into your favorite purse.

So for the price of one 'high-end' makeup brush ($38), you can get seven!

A Croc Of...

A good set of makeup brushes is a must-have in every girl’s beauty arsenal. But here’s a bit of advice when it comes to brushes (from one beauty junkie to another)…good isn’t necessarily synonymous with expensive. Case in point: Starlet Cosmetics 7 piece Folder Brush Set.

This kit includes:

Blush Brush – duo usage for applying loose face powder or cheek blush color.

Eye Primer Brush - for applying base to eye lids and under eye area. You can also use this to apply light neutral eye shadow colors.

Shadow Brush – use this brush to contour eyes with various shadow colors.

Crease Brush – using medium to darker colors, create depth with this crease brush at the corners of your eyes.

Liner Brush – an angle brush for filling in brow color, or to apply dark shades to line your eyes.

Lash Brow Groomer Brush – use the comb side to separate lashes after applying mascara, then use the brush side to comb and tidy brows.

Lip Brush - Offers a smooth application of lip gloss or lipstick.

I was pleasanly surprised by the quality of these brushes. They're soft, plush, and cruelty-free. Since I got the set, I've been using the brushes to apply all of my makeup. Magnetic enclosures keep the case closed and prevent brushes from sliding out; and a zippered pouch offers enough room to stash a compact and lipgloss inside. The kit’s sleek design ensures that it will fit into your favorite purse.

So for the price of one 'high-end' makeup brush ($38), you can get seven!

Obey Your Body

Thanks to a tip from the Beauty Blogging Junkie, I took a trip to a kiosk at the Montgomery Mall, outside of Philadelphia. This stand sells Obey Your Body, a complete line of skin care and spa products that are made in Israel using original Dead Sea minerals, water, and mud.

If you’re in the Philly area, I highly recommend that you pay this kiosk a visit. But don’t plan on drive-buy (your visit will take 10-15 minutes) – because the salesman is all about showmanship. He’s going to do demonstrations, tell jokes, and enlighten you about the healing powers of the Dead Sea. The routine almost takes on a magic show-esque quality. But trust me, it’s all worth it...because when you get the products home and try them for yourself, that’s when the real magic happens.

My mom, sister, and I all purchased The Ultimate Nail Care Kit, which contains a nail file, buffer, cuticle oil, and hand & body lotion. But the standout of the bunch is the nail buffer – which is unlike any other I have ever used. In the time that it usually takes for me to locate my bottle of clear polish, I buffed my way to super-shiny nails.

I took some before and after photos (left) – and while impressive, my digital camera could not accurately capture how reflective my nails look. Unfortunately, it can only be appreciated in person.

Don’t live anywhere near Philadelphia? No problem. You can still Obey Your Body by visiting the website.

Obey Your Body

Thanks to a tip from the Beauty Blogging Junkie, I took a trip to a kiosk at the Montgomery Mall, outside of Philadelphia. This stand sells Obey Your Body, a complete line of skin care and spa products that are made in Israel using original Dead Sea minerals, water, and mud.

If you’re in the Philly area, I highly recommend that you pay this kiosk a visit. But don’t plan on drive-buy (your visit will take 10-15 minutes) – because the salesman is all about showmanship. He’s going to do demonstrations, tell jokes, and enlighten you about the healing powers of the Dead Sea. The routine almost takes on a magic show-esque quality. But trust me, it’s all worth it...because when you get the products home and try them for yourself, that’s when the real magic happens.

My mom, sister, and I all purchased The Ultimate Nail Care Kit, which contains a nail file, buffer, cuticle oil, and hand & body lotion. But the standout of the bunch is the nail buffer – which is unlike any other I have ever used. In the time that it usually takes for me to locate my bottle of clear polish, I buffed my way to super-shiny nails.

I took some before and after photos (left) – and while impressive, my digital camera could not accurately capture how reflective my nails look. Unfortunately, it can only be appreciated in person.

Don’t live anywhere near Philadelphia? No problem. You can still Obey Your Body by visiting the website.

Blink And You Missed It

On last night's finale of America's Next Top Model, I noticed that the makeup artists at the Qi Gang runway show were using the Beautyblender sponge. To read my review, click here.

Congrats, Saleisha...you were my favorite all along!

Blink And You Missed It

On last night's finale of America's Next Top Model, I noticed that the makeup artists at the Qi Gang runway show were using the Beautyblender sponge. To read my review, click here.

Congrats, Saleisha...you were my favorite all along!

Get Out Of My Face

Right now, I’m sitting at my computer waiting for my mud mask to dry (more on that later). What’s holding my hair back so that no stray strands end up stuck to my face? It’s my Aquis Microfiber Headband.

I purchased it at Home Goods for $5 earlier this year - but unlike some of the other impulse buys I made that day, this product was absolutely worth the money. Do I use it everyday? No, although I could and probably should. But it definitely comes in handy when I’m using masks and other treatments on my face and don’t want my hair getting caught in the product. Sure, you could just pull your hair back with an elastic band – but if you have bangs like me, you’ll find the Aquis Headband to be very practical.

The headband is a simple strip of plush microfiber with a velcro closure, that gently holds hair in place. Not only is it great at keeping your hair back while you're tending to your face with an at-home treatment, it’s especially helpful when it comes time to rinse said treatment off.

And just like a towel, when it gets dirty, simply toss it in the washing machine. Available at Amazon.com, Drugstore.com. and H20+.

Get Out Of My Face

Right now, I’m sitting at my computer waiting for my mud mask to dry (more on that later). What’s holding my hair back so that no stray strands end up stuck to my face? It’s my Aquis Microfiber Headband.

I purchased it at Home Goods for $5 earlier this year - but unlike some of the other impulse buys I made that day, this product was absolutely worth the money. Do I use it everyday? No, although I could and probably should. But it definitely comes in handy when I’m using masks and other treatments on my face and don’t want my hair getting caught in the product. Sure, you could just pull your hair back with an elastic band – but if you have bangs like me, you’ll find the Aquis Headband to be very practical.

The headband is a simple strip of plush microfiber with a velcro closure, that gently holds hair in place. Not only is it great at keeping your hair back while you're tending to your face with an at-home treatment, it’s especially helpful when it comes time to rinse said treatment off.

And just like a towel, when it gets dirty, simply toss it in the washing machine. Available at Amazon.com, Drugstore.com. and H20+.

Real Sponges Have Curves

Want an airbrushed makeup look, without the complicated airbrush part? Try Beautyblender, the ultimate makeup sponge applicator. Invented by Hollywood makeup artists, this sponge leaves you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Applying makeup with fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges can waste makeup and can leave visible streaks.

Beautyblender’s egg shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with ease. Its suede-like texture repels product, so your foundation/concealer/cream blush actually ends up on your face (rather than absorbed by the sponge). And its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your makeup dazzling and undetectable.

Beautyblender is reusable (perfect for those green gals), latex-free, non-allergenic, and odor free...and makes a great holiday gift! Available online or at a retailer near you.

Real Sponges Have Curves

Want an airbrushed makeup look, without the complicated airbrush part? Try Beautyblender, the ultimate makeup sponge applicator. Invented by Hollywood makeup artists, this sponge leaves you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Applying makeup with fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges can waste makeup and can leave visible streaks.

Beautyblender’s egg shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with ease. Its suede-like texture repels product, so your foundation/concealer/cream blush actually ends up on your face (rather than absorbed by the sponge). And its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your makeup dazzling and undetectable.

Beautyblender is reusable (perfect for those green gals), latex-free, non-allergenic, and odor free...and makes a great holiday gift! Available online or at a retailer near you.

Polished, But A Bit Rough Around The Edges

I’m a woman who likes to look polished, but never seems to have the time to pull it off. So on a trip to Sephora last week, I picked up their Professionnel Electrical Buffer. This battery-operated, nail buffer promises professional, salon quality results at home. It includes three detachable buffing pads: a heavier grit for shaping, a super-fine grit for smoothing, and a foam pad for adding luster.

This gadget is ideal for smoothing nails in preparation for polish, and for creating a natural buffed shine. Unfortunately, the filing attachment leaves much to be desired; with this tool, it might take you all day to file down a snagged nail – so don’t throw out your trusty emery board just yet.

All things considered, it was $20 well spent…and used in tandem with my OPI Ridge Filler, my nail routine is going to be smooth sailing.

Polished, But A Bit Rough Around The Edges

I’m a woman who likes to look polished, but never seems to have the time to pull it off. So on a trip to Sephora last week, I picked up their Professionnel Electrical Buffer. This battery-operated, nail buffer promises professional, salon quality results at home. It includes three detachable buffing pads: a heavier grit for shaping, a super-fine grit for smoothing, and a foam pad for adding luster.

This gadget is ideal for smoothing nails in preparation for polish, and for creating a natural buffed shine. Unfortunately, the filing attachment leaves much to be desired; with this tool, it might take you all day to file down a snagged nail – so don’t throw out your trusty emery board just yet.

All things considered, it was $20 well spent…and used in tandem with my OPI Ridge Filler, my nail routine is going to be smooth sailing.