Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

Since adolescence, I've suffered with hyperpigmentation. Like many women of color, my blemishes leave dark marks in their wake - which can take weeks, months and even years to fade. For forever, I've used foundations and highlighters to hide these dark spots. But I've recently come to a point in my life where I'm tired of masking the problem. As a busy mom, I don't have the time or the energy it takes to put on a full face of makeup on a regular basis. Most days, I leave the house bare faced - save for some mascara and a couple swipes of gloss. Hyperpigmentation has undermined my self esteem for too long, so I decided it was time to heal, rather than conceal.

So last month, I added Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator to my morning routine. And let me tell you...this additional step (which takes just 1 minute) has been life changing. First of all, the pearlescent serum imparts a radiant glow upon application - so even though the product actually takes about two weeks to start doing its thang, there are immediate perks.

And after just 10 days, I started to notice that my skin looked more even toned, luminous and smoother. The formula is lightweight and smells dreamy, so putting it on is a refreshing A.M. experience. And after a month, I am much more confident showing my bare skin to the world because my dark marks are starting to see the light.

I'm not usually the best at being consistent with skin care because, as you know, I test a lot of products. But this one is so simple and yields such amazing results that I actually look forward to putting it on. Because Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator targets the dark marks (as well as redness, acne marks, sun spots and other discolorations), you don't have to worry about it lightening the other areas of your face. And the oil-free formula is proven gentle and effective for all ethnicities. Just be sure to use an SPF product on your face every day, to prevent the marks from darkening up again.

I can't recommend Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator enough. It's become my holy grail - and if you buy it and try it, you'll understand why. I'm also anxious to try the Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator.

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

Gold 'N Hot 1875 Watt Foldable Handle Travel Dryer

To get my relaxed hair poker straight after shampooing, I rely on a comb/pik attachment when blow drying. I own a “universal” pik attachment that fits perfectly on my beloved Conair Infiniti Pro, which is fine 99% of the time. But a full-sized dryer is a bit bulky to travel with, especially when you’re a chronic overpacker like myself.

Problem is that most travel hair dryers have a wide barrel that isn’t compatible with pik attachments. For what seems like forever, I’ve searched for a travel dryer that comes with a pik attachment – to no avail. After endlessly searching in stores and trolling the Internet, it got to a point that looking for travel dryer with a comb attachment became – to steal a phrase from Cher Horowitz – "as useless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie."

But a few weeks ago, my pik attachment prayers were answered. While browsing around Folica.com, I came across the Gold 'N Hot 1875 Watt Foldable Handle Travel Dryer. Folica.com sent me a sample to review and take on my trip to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami this past weekend (more on that later) – and after using it, I can tell you that it is exactly what I’ve been searching for all of this time. In fact, this travel dryer is so fabulous that you could use it as your regular dryer.

Unlike many travel dryers which are just glorified fans blowing hot air on your hair, the Gold 'N Hot 1875 Watt Foldable Handle Travel Dryer has all the power of a full-size dryer but in a lightweight, foldable model complete with concentrator and comb attachments! Two speed and heat settings along with tourmaline conditioning and worldwide dual voltage ensure that you have perfectly styled hair no matter where you travel. And how cute is the giraffe motif on the sides of the dryer?

Whether or not you use a pik attachment, the Gold 'N Hot 1875 Watt Foldable Handle Travel Dryer is an excellent buy. And did I mention that Folica.com has it marked down from $50 to just $29.99? Bottom line: this travel dryer blows the competition away.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Dermalogica's Special Gel Cleanser is a concentrated, soap-free, foaming gel designed to thoroughly remove impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. It contains no artificial fragrance or color and is ideal for all skin types. In a word, it's perfect. If you've ever wished for soft skin and a clear complexion, this is your genie in a bottle (no rubbing required).

It's very gentle on the skin, yet super effective at removing dirt, grime and even makeup. Special Gel Cleanser feels like a dream when you apply it to your skin - like silk, or something equally smooth and luxurious. If I had to compare it so something you might be familiar with, I'd say it's akin to a high-end Cetaphil. I loved this product from the day I started using it, back in late 2010. But I didn't realize how much my skin loved this cleanser until I started testing other cleansers last month and my skin straight up rebelled. Breakouts re-appeared and it completely dried out. Since then, my skin has been on a strict Dermalogica diet and I've seen improvement every day.

An 8.4 oz bottle of this good stuff costs $33, which sounds like a lot for a face cleanser. But - believe me - it's worth every penny. Special Cleansing Gel is special, indeed.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

 

How obsessed am I with Clinique's new Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm? All eight shades have taken up permanent residency in the makeup bag I keep in my purse. These clever crayons (think of them as perfect hybrid of a lipstick and a gloss) moisturize with mango and shea butters while adding a hint of color and subtle sheen. Plus they never need a sharpener because they swivel up from the bottom - like a traditional balm.

Each of the shades is so ultra-flattering that you could buy any one of them - sight unseen - and it would look absolutely perfect on your pucker.

From left to right: Graped-Up, Super Strawberry, Woppin' Watermelon, Chunky Cherry,
Mega Melon, Fuller Fig, Whole Lotta Honey, Richer Raisin

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balms are available at Sephora, Clinique counters and clinique.com.

*Samples were provided by the brand for review.

NARS Illuminators!

Every time I apply foundation or tinted moisturizer, I mix in a little NARS Orgasm Illuminator - without fail. It takes my complexion to a whole nuther level...which is why I am positively giddy that NARS just added three new shades to the Illuminator family.

COPACABANA - Like its namesake Multiple, Copacabana Illuminator will impart a pearlescent sheen and can be applied all over the face, mixed with foundation, and used to highlight the neck, shoulders and décolleté.

SUPER ORGASM – Infused, like the blush, with golden shimmer and a peachy-gold hue that can be applied all over the face, mixed with foundation, and used to highlight the neck, shoulders and décolleté.

LAGUNA - A golden-bronze hue, just as in Laguna Bronzer, that will give a sun-kissed glow and can be applied to the face or mixed with foundation.

This collection of light-reflecting liquids glides on to refresh the skin, enhance the complexion and create a shimmering incandescence. The Illuminators can be used to highlight bare skin or to light up your makeup as it lights the skin from within.  

Key ingredients include:
• Polar Berries, known for their antioxidant properties 
• Bisabolol, known as an anti-inflammatory (obtained from the Chamomile plant)
• Indian Frankincense, known for its soothing and comforting properties
• Vitamin B5 to, known to condition skin 
• Sodium Hyaluronate, known to hydrate skin

The Illuminators are $29 and are available at the new NARS Boutique in NYC, NARS counters and narscosmetics.com.

Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara

I hate mascara ads. Hate them. People get bent out of shape about magazine airbrushing. Well, mascara ads are my pet peeve. The lashes in said ads are always so exaggerated that no matter what amazing results the mascara actually yields, you end up feeling cheated because your fringe still doesn’t look as fantastic as it does in the ads.

So, speaking of false advertising…a while back, Maybelline sent me a tube of their Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara to test and review. At first, I was really disappointed that it didn’t look the model’s. But then I had to stop myself and think rationally. Obviously, the lashes at left have been creatively super-sized and no one in their right mind should expect to look like that, post-application. So I put the advertisement out of my mind, stood in front of the mirror again and took an objective look at my lashes. And you know what? Ad, schmad…Maybelline Falsies Mascara is ab fab – and I’ll tell you why.

First, Falsies has just the right consistency. I’m like Goldilocks when it comes to mascaras. I hate when the consistency is too thick or too watery. This one is just right – coating evenly without clumping. And over time, it doesn’t dry out like so many on the market. Another reason to love Falsies: the curved brush grabs every lash – lengthening and volumizing them to their true potential. For gals with sparse lashes like me who have little to work with, you know that this is a big deal. Finally, I absolutely love that the formula is buildable. So many mascaras claim to be buildable – and then you layer on coats only to wind up with clumped up, tarantula-looking foolishness. The Falsies Mascara builds perfectly. Apply one coat for a natural, “maybe she was born with it” doe eyes. Layer on multiple coats and your peepers will be batting a thousand.

I’m so impressed with Falsies that I’d say it’s a close second to my #1 mascara, Lancome’s Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara. They’re alike in many ways…well, except for the $16.50 difference in price.

Honestly, Falsies’ mascara is so great that Maybelline didn’t even need to augment their ad. The actual results speak for themselves, and the $8 price tag is just icing on the proverbial cake.

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base Is Great For Greasy Gals

And the award for Best New Primer for Greasy Gals goes to L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base. I received a sample last month, and it was love at first swipe.

Don't be fooled by its putty-like texture. It applies like a dream, leaving skin so satiny soft that you'll wonder exactly how you lived your life before this product came into existence. The primer easily disguises pores and wrinkles, and imparts a matte finish. So if the summer heat and humidity turns your mug into an oil slick, you'd be a brainy beauty to invest in a jar of this pink magic.

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base is intended to be worn in tandem with your favorite tinted moisturizer or foundation. But if you're having a low-maintenance kind of day, just apply a little to bare skin and it gives you a you-but-better look.

The formula is 100% oil- and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic - so even the most sensitive skins should tolerate this product.

Just proof, once again, that it doesn't take a million bucks to look like, well, a million bucks. L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base is this Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week.

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

Lately, my skin has been uncharacteristically well-behaved. And so soft and smooth that I can't stop petting my face. I didn't know what to make of my enhanced complexion until I realized that I had recently switched up one element of my skincare routine.

After moving into my new house, I couldn't immediately locate my usual facial wash. So when I came across a long lost sample tube of Clinique's Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser, I decided to give it a whirl. And once I did, I was happy my old stuff went A.W.O.L. because I might have missed out on such a fabulous product.

Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser has a cream consistency that gently cleanses – leaving skin feeling moist, clean, and fresh. It's fragrance-free, but the subtle scent reminds me of Dove soap. As mild as it is on skin, it removes long-wearing makeup and sunscreens quickly and efficiently. Plus, it's also a great value; the concentrated formula is long-lasting and a little goes a long way.

I wish you could see/feel my face. It’s a true testament to the brilliance of this cleanser (I've awarded it 'holy grail' status). After washing my face with it, I moisturize with 2-3 pumps of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. And ever since I started this routine, my skin is like a dream.

Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser ($18.50) and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($24) are available at Sephora, your local Clinique counter, and clinique.com.

Aveda Shampure Soy Wax Candle Giveaway!

If you're a regular reader of Spoiled Pretty, you probably remember a review I wrote a few weeks back – extolling the virtues of Aveda's Shampure Soy Wax Candle.

It might be a stretch to call the Shampure Candle the best-smelling candle of all time – considering, well, I've only been on this earth to judge for 31 years. But I'm going to give it that title anyway because I dare someone to find me one more wonderfully fragrant. I triple dog dare you.

This candle smells so good, I want to petition Aveda to create a body wash, lotion, perfume and hand cream in the same scent (they already have a Shampure shampoo and conditioner – which are on my "next to try" list).

The aroma of 25 pure flower and plant essences - including certified organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang ylang – soothes the senses. And the candle, housed in a 95% recycled glass holder, burns cleanly and completely for up to 50 hours.

I'm not content to enjoy this candle solo – so, in honor of Earth Day (April 22) and Natural Woman Week, I've teamed up with Aveda to share two with you!

Two winners will receive Aveda's Shampure Soy Wax Candle – and I dare them to tell my challenge my 'best-smelling candle of all time' theory.

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave your email or another way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Good luck!

And don't forget to enter Spoiled Pretty's other Earth Day-inspired beauty giveaways!

Aveda Shampure Soy Wax Candle: Simply the Best

I am way past due on my spring cleaning - and, as a result, my apartment looks like an episode of Hoarders: Buried Alive. But despite the clutter, it smells and feels like Clean House up in here, thanks to my Aveda Shampure Soy Wax Candle. Seriously, light the wick and you'll be amazed at how the fragrance instantly transforms a stifled space into a peaceful retreat.

I'm a connoisseur of candles and the Shampure Candle is one of my absolute favorites. Its calming aroma of 25 pure flower and plant essences - including certified organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang ylang - relaxes and soothes me at the end of a particularly hectic day. Even Mr. Spoiled Pretty raves about the scent.

At $30 for a 9.7 oz candle (which burns for 50 hours), this one is kinda pricey...but it smells so fantastic that I gladly buck up. On the upside, the Shampure Candle is refillable and refills will only set you back $19.

The only way I can see improving upon this candle is if Aveda were to sell it in bulk. Aveda, are you listening? I want to buy in bulk. One Shampure Candle is just not enough.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Okay, I'm about to get honest…real honest. As a beauty expert, it pains me to admit this, but I just started using eye cream. I know, I know…31 is a little late to the crows feet prevention partay. But I'm lazy, and I'm especially bad at regularly applying skin care products – particularly ones that are preventative and don't yield immediate results. Besides, my parents are pushing 60 and they don't have wrinkles, so I've been betting on good genes.

But I recently discovered an eye cream that has made me change my ways. Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is amazing. Chock full of avocado, beta carotene and shea buttery goodness, it moisturizes the delicate eye area without migrating into eyes or irritating; even those with sensitive skin will love this product. It has a creamy, concentrated texture that skin just drinks up – so you need not worry about it sitting on top of skin or interfering with makeup application. All of the above benefits are fine and good, but here's what I love about the eye cream: when you rub it in, it releases a cool burst of water. It's so cool…if Bill Nye The Science Guy did a beauty segment on his show, this would totally be one of the products he'd highlight.

Every time I apply Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, I look forward to that slight splash of water. It never gets old for me, and that's what keeps me applying every day. So despite my laziness, I'm using my love of gimmicks to help me beat crow's feet.

I can't believe my eye cream. It's fantabulous...and you're gonna love it too!

Make Up For Ever HD Blush: Buy This NOW!

Make Up For Ever’s new HD Blush is one of the best blushes I’ve ever tried - and you know that, when it comes to makeup, I get around.

I am absolutely enamored with MUFE’s HD Foundation, so when I heard about the new blush, it went straight to the top of my makeup must haves list. And lemme tell you, it does not disappoint. First of all, it is very pigmented, which means a little goes a long way…but not so crazy bold that you end up looking like Bozette the Clown. I also love its creamy texture, which is ideal for the warmer weather that is upon us. Another plus of the cream consistency? No need for a makeup brush…all you need is your fingers. But if you want a really professional look, the beautyblender sponge applies like a dream.

The real reason to love HD Blush is the fact that it looks, well, real. Even up close, it appears as if you’re actually blushing – not wearing something to mimic a radiant glow. It blends seamlessly and lasts all day (and night). Oh, and did I mention that it comes in 14 amazing shades? Make Up For Ever sent me samples of #4 (Walk of Shame) and #6 (Quickie) and I love them both. I wear the first when I’m going for a cool toned makeup look, and it looks amazing; when I’m going in a warmer direction, I wear the latter. Though these are the only shades I’ve tried, I can imagine that most of the colors would be universally flattering because they apply so fantastically well and can be layered for intensity.

The only unfortunate thing about this product is that, for now, it’s playing hard to get. I’ve visited two local Sephora stores and, to my dismay, the MUFE display does not yet include the HD Blushes. For the time being, you can purchase on sephora.com (and, luckily, the swatches on the Sephora website are pretty accurate).

Spoiled Prettiest: Best of Beauty 2009

Welcome to 2010, ladies. Before we move on to another year of straightforward product reviews, genius makeup tricks, industry news, money-saving tips, and fabulous giveaways - let us take a moment to look back.

You know how the old saying goes...in order to know where you're going, you need to know where you've been. So here's a Spoiled Pretty beauty retrospective. Before I kick off another beauty-full year, get acquainted with some of the best products I reviewed in 2009...

Face
TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System
Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse Makeup
LORAC TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer SPF 15
MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation

Eyes
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils
COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast
Stila Smudge Pots
Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara

Lips
MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
MAC Dazzleglass in Phiff!
La Mer Lip Balm

Hair
Ojon Restorative Pre-Cleansing Treatment
Aveda Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener
Barbar 1900 Tourmaline Cordless Combo
PhytoSpecific Extreme Shine Spray
No Frizz by Living Proof

Nails
Zoya Color Lock System
OPI Nail in My Private Jet
Dashing Diva Gelife Manicure
Seche Vite

Skin Care
Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream
REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask
Amala skin care products
Clinique Face Scrub for Men
Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion System
Philosophy On A Clear Day skin care products

Bath & Body
DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub
Bath & Body Works Triple Moisture Shower Cream and Body Cream
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Gel Oil
Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap
Aquaphor
Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion
John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash and Body Milk
Kai Body Buffer

Fragrance
Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche Eau de Toilette
L'Instant de Guerlain

Beauty Tool
Beautyblender Sponge
MAC 219 Pencil Brush
Darac TourQuam 3-D Sculpting Brush
Q-Tips Vanity Packs
ecoTools 5 Piece Brush Set
Schick Quattro TrimStyle Razor

Other
Godiva Home Fragrance Collection
Felix Rey Cosmetics Cases

Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream

A few weeks ago, my skin just up and decided to stage a mutiny. My upper body broke out in a rash. From my hairline all the way down to my torso, I was covered in itchy, sandpaper-like bumps (I now suspect eczema was the culprit). My lips didn't even escape unscathed; they were bumpy and inflated to almost twice their normal size. And on the worst day, my left eye was so swollen and droopy, I looked like a female Forest Whitaker.

As the days wore on, the bumps started to dry out and my skin became dessicated and extremely flaky. It was as if I was a snake, shedding an exoskeleton. The dryness of my face was unbearable. With every facial expression or movement of my mouth, it seemed like my skin would literally tear; it was so painful. Up until this point, I had only been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - as it was all that my traumatized skin could handle. But it begged for more, so I dug through my skin care arsenal looking for a moisturizer substantial enough to quench my skin's thirst, but gentle enough not to send it into another tizzy. I hit the jackpot when I came across a sample of Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream that the brand sent me a few months ago to review.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this cream. My skin is the true testament. After just a few days of using Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream, I started to recognize the reflection in the mirror again. And now that the rash (and its remnants) are almost gone, I continue to apply the cream after cleansing in the AM and PM.

According to Clinique, I've got their "exclusive, patent-pending Enviro-Soothe™ Complex" to thank for soothing and saving my face. Clinique also promises that when "used over time, it strengthens skin's lipid barrier to support natural healing."

Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream also works wonders on dry, cracked hands. I can't think of a better winter skin care pick than this one; it earns Holy Grail status. If you suffer from reactive, sensitive or dry skin, you'd be a smart gal to add it to your shopping list.

Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream is available at clinique.com, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.

I TEMPTU. Do You?

I recently received the TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System to test and review for Spoiled Pretty, and I'm really dreading having to give it back. That's how amazing it is. Watch the video to find out why I'm awarding TEMPTU with 'holy grail' status.


TEMPTU is a great holiday beauty gift (the recipient would love you forever). The TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System is available at Sephora and costs $225. A duo of foundation pods (there are 12 shades) costs $55. Blush pods (4 shades) are $30 and highlighter pods (4 shades) are $35 each.

For more expert gift picks, check out Spoiled Pretty's 2009 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!

Rebecca Minkoff Black Friday Weekend Online Sale!

Rebecca Minkoff’s Stud Devote handbag (above) is my handbag soulmate. I am OBSESSED with this bag, and you can see why. If I could design the perfect purse, this would be it. I love its modern sophistication with rock and roll edge.

The Stud Devote is a conversation piece. Every time I wear it, strangers stop me on the street. In fact, earlier this week when I swung by my local Starbucks to pick up a Caramel Brulee Latte (soy, no whip), a woman stopped me to ask who made the bag and where she could buy her own. At $550+, depending on where you purchase, this bag packs quite a pricey punch. But with a handbag this gorgeous, it'll be the only one you care to carry.

Now through Monday, November 30th, Rebecca Minkoff is hosting a Black Friday sale; she's slashing prices on her collection. The Stud Devote (in Almond, Papaya, Plum and Steel) is $400 - down from $695. Hit up the sale now...quantities are limited.

Also, this entire weekend, Rebecca Minkoff is raffling off three bags a day! So don't miss out on some seriously chic arm candy.

Me with my beloved Stud Devote handbag

If you love the look of the Rebecca Minkoff tote, but your purse strings are a little tight, this one by Deux Lux is a budget friendly alternative.

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.

Carol's Daughter Best Tressed Hair Set: Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

This holiday beauty gift pick is for that follicularly challenged chick in your life. We all have that relative or friend whose hair is so dry, damaged or downright ratnesty that we're compelled to help. So this holiday season, instead of hooking her up with a cute hat, buy her the Best Tressed Hair Set from Carol’s Daughter.

Like the right pair of shoes, a hairdo can make or break your outfit. Starting off with gently-cleansing Rosemary Mint Shampoo with Sea Moss for dry hair is a wise choice. Layer in moisture with Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner. Hair Milk, a light solution for brittle hair, adds luster with the help of lemongrass and ylang-ylang. The essential oils of sage and rosemary in Lisa's Hair Elixir help combat dry hair and scalp while peppermint gives a refreshing tingle. Mimosa Hair Honey, an herbal-infused pomade, improves manageability and tames fly-aways so that the only thing catching anyone’s eye is your gorgeous hair!

I just tried Carol's Daughter hair products tonight, for the first time. And let me tell you...they are just as awesome as everything you've heard. I'm extremely embarrassed to be so tardy for the Carol's Daughter hair party; so I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon - I'm getting behind the wheel, y'all. After using the products in the Best Tressed Hair Set, my mane (which is usually the black hole of moisture and shine) is soft, shiny, wonderfully fragranced and feels so darn healthy that I'm in a state of shock.

What's even more amazing is the fact that these products are all natural - free of the harsh chemicals that jacked up your hair in the first place. "I wanted lots of moisture and no synthetic preservatives," says creator Lisa Price. "If I couldn't pronounce the ingredient, it wasn't going into the pot."

The Best Tressed Hair Set is the gift that keeps giving. Your homegirl, and her haphazard hair, will thank you.

For more expert gift picks, check out Spoiled Pretty's 2009 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!

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

Stila Smudge Pots Giveaway Winners

Congrats to the winners of the Stila Smudge Pots Giveaway: Kathryn Barba, Debarati Chattopadhyay, and Tricia Dano. These lucky ladies will soon receive a pair of Stila Smudge Pots (in Black and Bronze)!

Many thanks to Stila for sponsoring this contest and allowing me to share one of my all time favorite products with readers.

And speaking of Stila, they've got a brand new website in the works. Click here to have a gander.