Winter Beauty Must Haves

Last week, I taped a TV segment at CVS with the lovely Lilliana Vazquez. Want to know which products I named as winter beauty must-haves? Watch and learn...

$2 Urban Decay Sale at HauteLook!

OMG...OMG...OMG. Mark your calendar and set your alarm. Tomorrow, a selection of Urban Decay products will go on sale at HauteLook.com. And get this...everything will be priced at $2! That's right, I just found out via Twitter*:

@UrbanDecay411: It's true - we're hitting HauteLook with a mindblowing $2 Sale - everything will be $2 (yes, we mean brushes too!)

The Urban Decay sale starts at 11am ET.

If you're not already a member of HauteLook, I highly suggest that you join right now - so you're signed up and ready to shop when the sale kicks off on Monday. $2 Urban Decay products won't last longer than a hot minute, so don't be tardy for this party!

*Speaking of Twitter, follow me (I'm @blogaboutsexygirlpics) for the latest beauty news and best product reviews.

Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Set Sneak Peek!

Top 10 Bridal Beauty Tips

Today, Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I celebrate our third wedding anniversary. With our recent move and all of the craziness that's going on in our lives right now, we almost forgot. But after remembering, we booked reservations at Supper, an excellent restaurant in our new 'hood.

This year is particularly special, because we celebrate the occasion with our son. Though Westley isn't scheduled to make his grand entrance until August, he'll enjoy a delicious dinner.

In honor of my nuptials, I'm taking this opportunity to pass along some beauty knowledge to brides-to-be. Back in 2007, I stressed myself out something awful trying to make sure my makeup was perfection; I wish someone wiser had taken me under her wing and saved me some major frustration. So I'm hoping that this post will serve that purpose and help a new generation of brides vow to be beautiful on their wedding day.

Here are my top 10 tips:

1. Don't get too trendy with your makeup or hairstyle. You want to look like a knockout on your wedding day, but you should still look like you. Years from now, you don't want to look at your wedding photos and think, “Who is that?”

2. If you're planning a pre-wedding facial or similar treatment, make sure you schedule it at least a week before. The last thing you need to deal with is an allergic reaction or an extraction-happy esthetician that leaves your face a marked up mess days/hours before your nuptials.

3. If you can, hire someone to do your hair and makeup on your wedding day. I'm not doubting your abilities…you might be the second coming of Kevyn Aucoin, but having someone to help means that you'll have one (or two) less things to worry about on the day of. And it needn't cost a fortune, either. You don;t need to hire a celebrity makeup artist to look like supermodel. Find a local beauty school and ask if any of the students are available for special events. Or go to the mall and get a makeover at your favorite makeup counter. If the salesperson does a good job, ask him/her if she makes house calls. My longtime friend/mane man, Erik, did my hair at my parents' house…and then attended our wedding as a guest.

4. Whether you're paying someone to do your hair/makeup or you’re a DIY kind of bride, always do a trial run. And take photos – from different angles and in different lighting. You might love the reflection in the mirror, but the pictures might tell a different story. And better for you to figure out what works (and what doesn't) in the months/weeks leading up to your big day – when you actually have time and the means to fix problems.

5. Don't rush to remove your veil. If you decide to wear a veil on your wedding day, wear it for the entire day - from your walk down the aisle until the end of the reception. A veil is that one element that transforms you from a woman in a white dress into a bride. Looking back at my wedding photos, I wish I hadn't been in such a rush to take off my veil and show off my hair. I much prefer the photos of me wearing the veil; they have a much more romantic quality.

6. Invest in some waterproof mascara, even if you're not the emotional type. At some point, someone is going to make you cry and you'll be happy you dodged a Tammy Faye Baker bullet.

7. If your hair has behavioral issues, I would recommend not washing your hair on your wedding day. Freshly shampooed hair doesn't hold a style as well as second day hair. And if your hair has a serious case of ADD, invest in a can of Elnett.

8. If your skin is on the oily side and you're afraid of looking shiny in photos, make sure to have blot papers handy on your wedding day. Powder does cut down on shine, but it can also get cakey-looking and settle into lines. Blotting papers are a better bet. Or you can do like I do and just grab a bunch of Starbucks brown napkins next time you get a Frappuccino; those suckers work better than most blotting papers I've used – and when Starbucks charges you $4-5 for some coffee, milk and sugar, they owe you some damn napkins. So take a handful and put 'em in your purse.

9. Invest in good makeup primers to keep makeup from sliding off of your face. I'm partial to Laura Mercier Foundation Primer and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

10. I wore Giorgio Armani Silk Lipstick topped with Armani Lip Shimmer on my wedding day (click here to find out what else I wore). I asked one of my bridesmaids to hold my gloss for me - but when I needed it for a mid-reception touch-up, she didn't know where it was. To this day, she still insists that I lost it. Um, as if! I would never misplace a brand new Armani lip gloss. Anyway...I digress. Though this was a minor snafu, I'm often reminded of my mistake when I look at my photos. My lips are almost the same color as my face, so in some of the pictures, my mouth kind of just disappears. It still irks me to this day. So do yourself a favor and use a lip stain (like CoverGirl Outlast Lipstains) before applying lipstick and/or lip gloss. And don't ask your flighty friends to hold nuthin'.

Arm Yourself: Urban Decay Revolver Fragrance Oil

Arm yourself with Revolver, Urban Decay's new "sexy and powerful weapon of love." The fragrance oil opens with top notes of lychee and pineapple leaf, then mixes with the middle note of fig. Sheer, yet potent base notes of amber and Egyptian musk round out the scent.

Eau de toilet perfume sprays often dissipate and fade as the day wears on; but this concentrated perfume oil comes in a perfect, go-anywhere roll applicator that can be targeted right at your pulse points (wrist, inner elbow and behind ears) - ao the fragrance seems as captivating at the end of the day as when you first put it on. Revolver tucks easily into the smallest evening bag without fear of unloading.

Urban Decay Friends & Family: Spring 2010

It's that time of year again. Time to go shopping and stock up on new products and old faves from Urban Decay - and take 30% off!!! Use coupon code 1SFNF at checkout.

Urban Decay Super Sale At Hautelook

Hautelook is having an Urban Decay sale on Wednesday, January 13. Nothing will be priced over $10. Get on this, chickadees.

Not a member of Hautelook yet? Click here for a free invite (that's just how friends do).

Urban Decay Spring 2010

Urban Decay is one of my top 5 makeup brands, so I was super stoked to get deets and pics of their Spring 2010 collection in my inbox earlier this week. Here's the skinny:

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in (top to bottom) Binge, Crash, Mildew and Oil Slick were previously only available in Urban Decay's holiday gift sets, but now Urban Decay is introducing these new fame-bound shades to their beloved 24/7 pencil family. Crash is a rich deep eggplant, Oil Slick is black with silver sparkle, Mildew is a dark green based on our best-selling shadow, and Binge is a long-awaited navy. You're probably heard me say it before, but I'll say it again - 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are the BEST eyeliners on the market. These pencils, with their creamy-on-the-eyes and waterproof formula (so you can apply to the inner rims) are must-have additions to your beauty arsenal. Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com.

Designed for stars of film and flat screens, Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder, this high-tech translucent powder, keeps you camera ready at all times. The micro-fine powder fools the eyes with "optical blurring." Imperfections are seemingly airbrushed away for a soft-focus finish. Skin appears flawless, even under bright, unforgiving light. Tiny water particles float along the skin's surface and actually "burst", creating a microscopic ball bearing effect when the powder is applied. The feel is refreshing, smooth, and light as air.

Apply as a finishing touch after your foundation. Or, wear it along for bare, youthful look. Used under make-up, it transforms foundation into a liquid powder! The sleek gunmetal lid and clear base showcase a unique mess-free system and attached puff. Other brands require swirling, brushes and hassle, whereas this is all-in-one, and even has an "on/off" feature to keep your purse powder-free! Available at Sephora and urbandecay.com.

Stardust Eyeshadow is an eyeshadow that has a prismatic sparkle set against a wash of captivating colors with 40% more glitter than the most sparkly shadows from Urban Decay. The futuristic, squeeze-open case holds over two times the amount of product than other Urban Decay eyeshadows.

Top row: 54 (light purple w/iridescent sparkle), Atmosphere (deep turquoise w/iridescent sparkle), Bobby Dazzle (white w/iridescent sparkle). Middle row: Diamond Dog (brown w/iridescent sparkle), Griffith (green w/iridescent sparkle), Moon Spoon (gray w/iridescent sparkle ). Bottom row: Retrograde (dark purple w/iridescent sparkle), Space Cowboy (beige w/iridescent sparkle), Void (black w/iridescent sparkle).

Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden is an eye prep product that provides smoother, longer-lasting, and absolutely crease-proof eyeshadow. If your shadow likes to move it, move it - you need Urban Decay's Primer Potion...which is now also offered in a very-wearable, tawny, matte hue. Available exclusively at Sephora.

Urban Decay's 4 Limited Edition Eye Pencil Shades Now Available in Full Size!

Four Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils that were only available in mini versions as part of the 24/7 Sets and 24/7 Super Stash Set are now available in FULL SIZE. The new shades include:

Binge: navy blue


Crash: deep plum with teeny silver glitter


Mildew: deep green


Oil Slick: black with teeny silver glitter

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils ($17) are worth every penny, and then some. They are my weakness. Stock up at urbandecay.com.

Check this sneak peek at Urban Decay Spring 2010.

Urban Decay On Sale at Hautelook

This Monday, Urban Decay goes on sale at Hautelook. Get on this!

Urban Decay Friends & Family 2009!

Urban Decay is having a Friends & Family sale! Hells to the yeah! Just enter FNFW1 at checkout and - like that - you'll save 30%!

Want to buy somethin' but don't know where to start? Don't fret...I've started a shopping list for you:

1) 24/7 Super Stash, $36 (click here to find out why you should be on a need-to-buy basis with these eyeliner pencils)

2) Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $17 (If your shadow likes to crease and run...child, do yourself a favor and pick up this genie in a bottle)

3) Apocalyptic Nail Kit, $26 (right now, I'm typing very carefully because I just painted my nails in Gunmetal - from this kit)

Rihanna's 20/20 Frosty Nude Lip Look

On Friday night, I was among the 8.2 million people who watched Rihanna's 20/20 interview. But afterwards, while most people were thinking, "Wow...that Rihanna is so brave to publicly discuss such a horrifying personal tragedy" or "That jackass, Chris Brown, deserves whatever is coming to him" - I was thinking, "What products can I use to copy Rihanna's icy nude lip look?"

So I did what any self-respecting beauty junkie would do. I broke out my lip gloss/lipstick stash and played makeup mad scientist/mixologist. I found that creating Rihanna's 20/20 look is quite easy to do. All you need is a nude lipstick that is lighter than your complexion, and a silver gloss. Be sure to apply foundation to lips before trying this look, as the foundation will help cancel out any pink in your lips and let the lip color stand alone.

Here are some combos that I think would pass RiRi scrutiny:

1) Clinique Different Lipstick in Tenderheart + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
2) MAC Lipstick in Modesty + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
3) Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
4) Julie Hewett Lipstick in Biba + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
5) Victoria's Secret Sheer Gloss Stick in Exposed + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
6) Benefit Full-Finish Lipstick in Lady's Choice + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
7) Urban Decay Lipstick in Midnight Cowboy + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
8) This is just to show what MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam looks like on its own

Not satisfied with Rihanna's lippie recipe? Want to cop her cafe au lait nails too? Try OPI Barefoot in Barcelona.

Diamonds Are Katy Perry's Best Friend

Check out Katy Perry's blinged out manicure! Nail the look with Zoya Nail Polish in Trixie and Urban Decay Rocks.

Phantastic Products Inspired by the 2009 World Series

For the second consecutive year, my Philadelphia Phillies have made it to the World Series. So to mark the occasion, Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie - a native Philadelphian, who happens to live in the land of the Yankees – and I have teamed up for a baseball-inspired, beauty double header.

We’re shining a spotlight on big league beauty products that step up to the plate and knock the cover off the ball. Since there are nine dudes on a baseball field, Amber and I have chosen nine categories – and we're giving shout-outs to products that hit it out of the park.

So get your head in the game and read on for some phantastic product recommendations…

Face: Back in September at the Lela Rose Spring 2010 New York Fashion Week show, I asked Sarah Lucero (Key Makeup Artist for Stila) to recommend one Stila product that every woman should buy. She quickly answered Stila's One Step Makeup Foundation, and now I know why. Stila just launched their Makeup Player – and right now, it’s the only way to get your hands on this miraculous product. One Step Makeup Foundation is a primer, foundation, concealer and powder all in one – to cover all of your proverbial bases. The consistency is kind of surprising; it almost looks/feels like colored foundation primer...that's the texture. But it looks fantastic on…not too sheer, not too opaque. Plus, when my sebaceous glands try to throw me a curve ball and sabotage my makeup, One Step makeup Foundation keeps my combination skin from getting shiny – so my face looks as flawless in the homestretch as it did at the beginning of the day/night. Pick up this switch hitter at stilacosmetics.com.

Eyes: The old adage goes, "Keep your eyes on the ball." So what should you keep on your eyes? Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, of course. I've said it before and I’ll say it again: Urban Decay's main ingredient must be crack, or some other controlled substance…because that’s the only explanation I can find to rationalize my addiction to their products – particularly their eye pencils. Velvety-soft, the formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. If, at this stage of the game, you don’t own at least one of these pencils – well, you have seriously dropped the ball. Lucky for you, Urban Decay just released Super Stash - a set of nine mini-sized 24/7 pencils, including four new, limited-edition shades. Buy this immediately. It's a good call.

Lips: My new lipgloss love is Phiff!, a new Dazzleglass from MAC's Magic, Mirth, & Mischief holiday collection. Alone, it imparts a peachy shimmer to lips. But it's also a team player; layer it on top of your favorite lipstick and it's a whole nother ball game.

Nails: When it comes to nail polishes, Zoya is in a league of their own. They are the longest lasting polishes I've ever used; expect knockout nails that go into extra innings (two weeks – with minimal upkeep). And they're free of harmful industrial chemicals like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that are known to cause cancer and birth defects. Just when I thought Zoya couldn’t get any better, they hit it out of the ballpark with their limited-edition ULTRAGLITTER collection for winter 2009/2010. Luna (silver glitter), Astra (rose glitter) and Nova (magenta glitter) provide full coverage in just two coats for ultra-intense, ultra-gorgeous, glitterrific color. Astra (on my nails in the above pic) is the Dottie Hinson of the collection – but, honestly, this trio is so amazingly beautiful that, in comparison, they make most of my other polishes look like Marla Hooch.

Hair: Before I wash my hair, I like to indulge in a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment. But I don’t always have 15-30 minutes to let that mess marinate…which is why I am so thankful for Ojon's Restorative Pre-Cleansing Treatment. It’s that pinch hitter I need when what I want is immediate gratification. Perfect for gals on the go - in just 5 minutes, this intensive daily treatment prepares hair to absorb the ingredients of your shampoo, conditioner and products. If you want homerun hair, I suggest you run your behind to Sephora or ojon.com and pick up a tube.

Skin Care: I used to be very dismissive of natural and organic beauty products - particularly skin care. I thought that I needed to patronize products with harsh chemicals to get my problem skin to act like it had some sense. In fact, I would often joke that I didn't care what damage a product did to my insides, as long as my outsides were looking good. But I've done a complete 180 since discovering Amala, a luxurious collection of skin care and body care products with 100% natural formulas. Since April, I've been using their Purify line - a collection of products formulated for oily and acnegenic skin types – which help control excess oil and shine, clear clogged pores, and prevent and heal blemishes and blackheads with treatments inspired by the healing plants and flowers of Eastern Asia. And just when I thought Amala couldn't get any better, their new Purifying Blemish Treatment came outta left field . Using Blue Lotus, Tea Tree and ginger, it gently treats blemishes while playing hardball with acne-causing excess sebum. If your battle with breakouts has you ready to throw in the towel, I highly recommend you add Amala’s Purifying Blemish Treatment to your anti-acne lineup. Seeing that it's all-natural, I'd call it the Roy Hobbs of skin care.

Bath and Body: I'd be way off-base if I failed to include DERMAdoctor's KP Duty Body Scrub on this list. It has got to be the best body scrub ever. KP Duty is a dual-action chemical and physical exfoliator that blends the best of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion into a single, easy-to-use treatment. Dermatologist-recommended chemical exfoliants dissolve the glue that cements epidermal cells together, while non-abrasive synthetic beads lift away dead skin cells without inflicting trauma to the epidermis. So, in layman's terms, this product runs circles around that scrub you've got sitting on the edge of your tub. DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub is a game changer.

Fragrance: Forget Jack. All I need is Jil, the newest fragrance from Jil Sander. "An elegantly structured floral amber composition, Jil reflects the true spirit of Jil Sander. A clear focus and a subtle fusion, to define a totally contemporary simplicity and sensuality." With notes of Pink Pepper, Lavender, fresh tangerine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Heliotrope, musk, and warm vanilla bean, this perfume scored points with me – right off the bat. Starting this month, Jil will be available exclusively at Dillard's.

Beauty Tool: I'm not quite sure how I lived without MAC's 219 Pencil Brush. I am an eyelining fool, so I absolutely adore how this brush allows me to turn any of my powder shadows into a smoky eyeliner; so, considering my eyeshadow stash, my smoky eye options are endless. The 219 Pencil Brush is also perfect for smudging pencil eyeliners, without erasing the line. The pencil retails for $23…but if I had to give you a ballpark figure for its actual value, I’d say it's priceless.

Visit Beauty Blogging Junkie for Amber-approved beauty products that bat a thousand.

Halloween Face of the Day

Even though I don't have fun plans this Halloween (aside from cheering on my Phillies in Game 3 of the World Series), I decided to have a little fun with my makeup. Here's the recipe:

1) Apply Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer to moisturized face
2) Apply Make Up For Ever HD Foundation using the Beautyblender sponge
3) Using short strokes, use Diorshow Brow Styler to fill in brows
4) Apply Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original) to entire lid and to under lower lash line
5) Using MAC 242 Shader Brush, apply a nude, matte eyeshadow (one that matches your eyelid) to lid - from lash line to brow bone; I used MAC Soft Brown
6) Line the top inner rim of the eye with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero
7) Using Zero Eye Pencil, line the upper lash line - curving the line at the outer corner - to create a "cat eye"
8) Using Stila #7 Precision Crease Brush, apply the darker shade from MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Midnight Madness to the crease and outer corner of the eye
9) Blend the eyelid using MAC 217 Blending Brush
10) Using MAC 266 Small Angle Brush, line the lower lash line with MAC Paint Pot in Delft
11) Apply MAC Pigment in Teal on top of the Paint Pot line, using MAC 219 Pencil Brush
12) Blend the lower lash line using MAC 217 Blending Brush
13) Coat upper lashes with Lancome Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black

14) Apply MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze to cheekbones using EcoTools Bamboo Powder Brush
15) Apply Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond to lips
16) Apply MAC Dazzleglass in Phiff! on top of lipstick

Happy Halloween! Go Phillies!

PS - Just in case you were wondering...yes, I'm wearing the H&M beret I raved about the other day.

PPS - If you have a pic of your Halloween makeup, I'd love to see it and , possibly, post it. Email me.

Urban Decay's 24/7 Super Stash

Even if you already own every single one of Urban Decay's cult classic 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils (like me), I insist that you purchase their new 24/7 Super Stash. Why? Well, if you're addicted to these eye pencils like I am, you won't be able to live one more day without the four NEW shades included in this set.

24/7 Super Stash includes nine mini-sized 24/7 Eye Pencils:

Zero (black)
Oil Slick* (black sparkle)
Corrupt* (brown sparkle)
Eldorado* (a new gold)
Graffiti (bright medium green with silver sparkle)
Binge* (navy)
Ransom (bright iridescent purple)
Rockstar (darkest eggplant)
Stash (dark green/gold)

The Oil Slick pencil, alone, is worth the price of admission. I've been rocking it every single day since I got this kit.

Urban Decay wasn't lying when they said, "Any UD junkie will pee their pants at the sight of this amazing set."

24/7 Super Stash ($36) is limited edition and available at Sephora, Beauty.com, and urbandecay.com.

* new shade

Which Products Do You Wish Were Available in High School & College?

I recently turned 29 for the third time...which got me thinking about how far beauty and fashion have come in the past 10-15 years.

It also got me thinking about how much cuter I could have looked in high school and college if the products we have today were available back then.

Among my wish list are: flat irons; No Frizz products; more foundations and concealers for brown girls; a threading salon in my neighborhood; Spanx; Forever 21; and everything Urban Decay.

So I ask you: if you could turn back time, which products/brands do you wish were available in your adolescence?

Photo Credit: Getty Images

That's The Ticket: BeautyTicket.com

College Candy has the scoop on BeautyTicket, a new website offering brands like YSL, Smashbox, Stila, Tarte, Urban Decay, and Pop for up to 85% off.

I've Got The Blues: Sapphire Smoky Eye

Yesterday, even though I was just going over my friend's house to watch football, I decided to rock a sapphire smoky eye.

Here's the recipe:

MAC Dsquared² Greasepaint Stick in B

MAC Trend F/W '09 Eye Shadow Compact in Tone: Grey (I used the bottom two shadows)

Hourglass Cosmetics Superficial Mascara in Carbon

* The shadow did crease after about 6 hours, so next time I'll prime my lids with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

Birthday Cat Eye

I have been told my many a professional that my eyes were made for makeup. Not to sound cocky or anything, but I'm pretty sure that when God formed me in the womb, s/he said to her/himself, "Wow...when this girl grows up, she's gonna rock a fierce cat eye."

So to celebrate my third annual 29th birthday, Mr. Spoiled Pretty and I dined at Tinto, one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia - and I sported this ferosh feline eye.

Here's the recipe to replicate the look:

Apply Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to entire eye, lashline up to brow bone.

Using MAC 242 Shader Brush, apply Stila Kitten Smudge Pot on the lid - from lashline to crease.

Using MAC 217 Blending Brush, lightly apply Stila Kitten Eye Shadow to the lid - from lashline to brow bone.

Using MAC 266 Small Angle Brush, line the eye with Stila Black Smudge Pot, flicking at the edge.

Prime lashes with Lancome Oscillation Powerbooster. Before it dries, layer Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara on top.

Finally, dip MAC 210 Precise Eye Liner Brush into Stila Kitten Eye Shadow and apply to inner corner of the eye, in a sideways V.

And here's a bonus - thanks to the products' staying power, your eye makeup will have nine lives. Meow!