Amazon Beauty, Indeed

Amazon Beauty’s Rahua Elixir is so absolutely fantastic that it made me look past the fact that it costs $100 for half an ounce and smells like a barbecue grill.

This is a holy grail hair product if ever I met one. Rahua Elixir is a 100% natural hair oil infused with seasonal herbs and flowers that is handmade in the Amazon Rainforest by women of the Quecha-Shuar tribe. The concentrated oil repairs hair in three minutes by penetrating the hair’s cortex - adding brilliance and elasticity to all hair types.

To use as a hot oil treatment, apply 3-5 drops of Rahua Elixir to towel-dried hair, concentrating on the ends. Heat activates the ingredients, so blow dry to smooth, treat and add shine. Rahua Elixir can also be used on dry hair - just apply 2-3 drops on ends and brace yourself; your hair will be so soft and supple, you’ll swear this oil was magic.

As an overnight hair treatment, use 7 or more drops on your ends, let it go to work while you get your beauty sleep, then rinse in the morning. As a scalp treatment, apply 3-5 drops to the scalp and massage in - twice a week.

Rahua Elixir has been a godsend to my hair. At first, I was a little shocked by the earthy fragrance. But I found that if you apply to damp hair, the smoky scent dissipates as your hair dries. I was amazed that 5 drops of this oil could transform my dry, damaged hair into a mane of myth. I honestly can’t remember the last time my hair looked and felt so divine.

I just finished the tester vial Amazon Beauty sent me to test. And, let me tell you - I am totally jonesing for more of this jungle juice.

Amazon Beauty products are available at amazonbeautysecret.com.

Hold The Phone...Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment Now Available In Spray Formula?

Ojon's miracle product, the Restorative Hair Treatment, is now available as a spray! But there's a catch...until June 2009, it's a QVC exclusive.

Right now, it's available as part of the Ojon Restorative Hair 4-Piece Collection with Bonus - available at QVC.com. For less than $55, you get: 3.8 oz Restorative Hair Treatment, 8.44 oz Ultra Hydrating Cleanser, 8.44 oz Ultra Hydrating Conditioner, 9 oz new Restorative Hair Treatment Spray, 2.5 oz Tawaka Rejuvenating Cream , comb and gift bag.

If you're familiar with the brand and own any of the above, it might not be worth $55 to get your hands on this new spray...unless your Ojon supply is low. But if you're new to Ojon and want to sample some of the brand's signature products, this is a good buy because, purchased separately, this collection would cost $107.

Nice 'N Easy ColorSeal Giveaway Winners

Who wants shiny, silky smooth hair? Silly question, right? I mean, I don’t know anyone who wants a dull, brittle mop-top. Would you believe that soft, supple hair is as close as your local drugstore? Nice 'n Easy ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss is an intensive weekly conditioning treatment that seals the hair cuticle, helping to keep your color looking healthy, long-lasting and shiny, for up to six weeks.

As promised, seven of you have won your very own tube – courtesy of Clairol and Spoiled Pretty. And the winners are: Lenore Champagne, Jennifer Giza, Cindi Hoppes, Courtney Liggera, Kristi Price, Shelly A. Taylor, and Deirdre Uria.

Congrats, ladies...hair help is on the way!

I’d like to thank Clairol for sponsoring this contest…and all of you who continue to participate in these giveaways.

Another giveaway is on the horizon…so check back very soon!

Nice 'N Easy ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss, Plus A Giveaway!

Love the intensive conditioning treatment that comes in your hair coloring kit, but wish there were more? Then you’re in luck because, this week, your fairy god-blogger is spoiling you pretty with Nice 'N Easy ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss!

ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss is an intensive weekly conditioning treatment specially designed for color-treated hair. This two minute miracle seals the hair cuticle and keeps your color looking healthy and shiny, for up to six weeks. It works wonders when used with any at-home or salon color-treated hair - even highlights!

This past weekend, I tested the ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss on my own hair. Since I only wash my dry, over-processed hair once a week for fear it’ll all fall out, I was a little nervous to try this product. You see, when I don’t use my Holy Grail Conditioner, my hair ends up looking a hot mess for the next seven days. So imagine my surprise when this pina colada-perfumed conditioner left my hair the softest it’s been in forever!

The following day, my BFF couldn’t get over how brilliant and rich my 10-week-old highlights looked. And my facialist, while giving me a head massage, commented on how “silky soft” my hair felt.

You too can have silky, soft tresses…for FREE! Well, seven of you, anyway. This week, I’ve partnered with Clairol for a giveaway!!! Seven readers will win ColorSeal Conditioning Gloss.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Nice 'N Easy ColorSeal Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, July 20th. Seven winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, July 21st, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

Pearl Jam Rocks, But Eddie's Hair Needs A Little Vitalogy

Last night, Señor Spoiled Pretty and I saw Pearl Jam in concert. After 18 years, they still sound incredible and put on a ridiculously amazing live show. But one thing I couldn’t ignore was the state of Eddie Vedder’s hair.

In the heyday of grunge, Eddie’s wavy locks were glossy and lush. Last night, however, Eddie's hair looked fried and - ironically - grungy. I realize that Eddie’s a surfer and could give a rats ass about split ends. But that didn’t keep this beauty junkie from wanting to bum rush the stage, armed with one of my new beauty finds.

Eddie is a prime candidate for Elasticizer, a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment from Philip Kingsley that dramatically heals your hair after just one use. It delivers a dose of moisture to the core of the cuticle – leaving hair silky, shiny, and supple. Suitable for all hair types, Elasticizer won’t thicken hair or weigh it down. It provides UV protection too, even after washing - helping prolong the life of color treatments.

Just apply to wet hair, concentrating on mid-lengths and ends, and work through for a minute. Then shampoo and condition as usual. For severely damaged hair, cover with a plastic cap for 20 minutes before shampooing.

Elasticizer is available at philipkingsley.com.

Ojon’s Swa+ Liquid-Hair Building 4-step Ritual Kit

Ojon is celebrating a commitment to environmental sustainability and preservation by donating 10 percent of all online sales through ojon.com during the month of April to MOPAWI, a non-profit group dedicated to promoting development in the native populations of eastern Honduras.

So how can you help preserve Mother Nature and your mane, all at the same time? Go to ojon.com, put the Swa+ Liquid-Hair Building 4-step Ritual Kit in your basket, and proceed to checkout.


Used once a week, for eight weeks, the Swa+ Liquid-Hair Building 4-step Ritual Kit helps restore the protein bonds in hair, increase hair strength, targets hair density loss, forms a protective shield around the hair to smooth hair fibres, and minimizes hair breakage caused by damage.

The 13-piece kit includes:
1 - 8.44 fl. oz. Swa+ Stimulating Cleanser
1 - 8.44 fl. oz. Swa+ Nourishing Conditioner
1 - 2.5 fl. oz. Swa+ Hair Juice Daily Leave-in Treatment
8 - 0.24 fl. oz. Swa+ Concentrated Liquid-Hair Boosting Serum
2 - Swa+ Serum applicator nozzles

This kit is ideal for thinning, limp, weak, dry, and/or damaged hair. My hair is all of the above, so I had to try it myself...and after only one use, my hair feels a little more resilient. I’ll continue to use this kit, and will keep you posted about my hair’s progress.

Ojon’s Swa+ Liquid-Hair Building 4-step Ritual Kit is available exclusively at ojon.com.

The 9!! Kit By Kate Somerville - Plus A Giveaway!!!

It’s 3am, and you’re tossing and turning in your bed. You’re having nightmares about problem skin. Then you wake up to learn that your nightmare is indeed a reality. There’s nasty acne erupting on your face.

All over the world, there are women out there just like you…dreaming about solutions to their skin disasters. But there’s a phone ringing at Kate Somerville’s house - and, luckily, she’s awake whipping up clinical-strength treatments to send your skin into recovery mode.

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

For over 15 years, Kate Somerville’s dedication to research and development has kept her at the forefront of skin wellness, and her intuitive approach has set her apart. Whatever your concern, whatever your skin type, it is her goal to give clients and retail customers the tools necessary for a healthy complexion.


My skin is problematic and sensitive - but I have yet to meet a Kate Somerville product I didn’t like, and the following is no exception. The 9!! Kit contains four absolutely fabulous products for acne-prone skin, like mine. The kits contains:

Detox Daily Wash: Every acne treatment performed in Kate Somerville’s clinic begins with Detox Daily Cleanser. This detoxifying cleanser restores clarity to your complexion.

Clarifying Treatment Toner: Result-oriented and alcohol-free, this refreshing toner clarifies and balances oily/problematic skin. Witch hazel, a natural antiseptic, aggressively fights acne-causing bacteria. Phytic acid, a naturally delivered antioxidant, exfoliator and lightening agent, helps to reduce post-acne scars. This toner leaves skin feeling clean and calm while reducing oil production.

Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion: This product is a prescription quality, intensive acne treatment that has been extensively tried and tested at Kate Somerville’s clinic. This advanced formulation has delivered life-changing results to Kate’s personal clients. Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion contains encapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, the most advanced and successful acne-fighting ingredient on the market. The controlled-release formula works around the clock without over-drying skin, like traditional Benzoyl Peroxide formulations. It kills bacteria and treats inflamed breakouts, while helping to prevent future acne.

Clearing Mask: This intensive mask treatment helps heal blemishes, prevent future breakouts and achieve clear, radiant skin.

The 9!! Kit also includes trial sizes of Kate’s Line Release (my Mom’s favorite eye treatment) and ExfoliKate.

Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, Debra Messing, Molly Sims, and Sharon Stone all depend on Kate for healthy skin and ageless beauty. So why shouldn’t you?

This set of products retails for $116. But lucky for you, there’s a blogger in Philly who loves spoiling her readers pretty. This week, you can enter the Kate Somerville Giveaway to win The 9!! Kit.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com - be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Kate Somerville Giveaway.” The contest ends at 9pm EST on Sunday, April 20th. A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, April 21st, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

Bonne chance!

Nighttime Is The Right Time

While you sleep, your skin is hard at work repairing and renewing itself. Which is why it is so important to cleanse your face before your head hits the pillow. One more step you might want to consider is a night cream. According to experts, nighttime is the right time to hydrate and pamper your skin – because skin loses more water in the wee hours, and is also more receptive to active ingredients.

One of my new favorites is PCA Skin ReBalance, a nourishing and soothing treatment that helps to repair reddened, irritated or traumatized skin. It’s so gentle that it’s also recommended following chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing procedures. ReBalance is ideal for use on the face, neck and chest, and safe for all skin types and conditions, including rosacea.

Used regularly, your face will look fresher and more awake!

It's Your Turn To Shine

Lately, my hair has been looking quite dull. But I was getting tired of piling on shine products, just to have them build up and weigh down my hair. I’d heard glowing (no pun intended) reviews of John Frieda’s Luminous Color Glaze – so I decided to buy a bottle to see if it also deserved the Spoiled Pretty stamp of approval. I’m happy to report that my $9.99 was money well spent.

Luminous Color Glaze is the first easy-to-use, at-home treatment from John Frieda Collection that delivers the results of a professional salon glaze, right in the shower. This easy-to-use gel-creme formula turns the light on dull, lackluster hair – adding a hint of glossy color and multi-dimensional shine.

Immediately, I noticed that my hair was more visibly shiny, and silky – to boot. After 3-5 uses, it promises increased shine, a hint of glossy color, and subtly blended grays. After 6-8 uses, you’ll notice multi-dimensional shine, rich color, and gray hairs concealed.

Luminous Color Glaze is not a permanent hair color, so it will not lift or lighten color. Ammonia and peroxide-free, it’s safe for damaged or processed hair.

John Frieda products are available at your local drugstore.

Pick Up The Tempo!

No time for hair repair? Here's how to refuel your hair without wasting a moment: pick up Oscar Blandi’s Tempo! Hair Treatment Trio.

This sampler of three intensive hair restoration treatments (Trattamento al Fango conditions, Trattamento D'Alternanza exfoliates the hair and scalp, and Trattamento Di Jasmine strengthens and moisturizes) was created to give quick restorative benefits in just a few minutes.

And to make sure you stay on track, there's a shower timer to make sure you're not kept waiting while the products work overtime.

Only at Sephora.

Complicated Name, But Simply Amazing

You’ve probably never heard of this product, but once you use it, you’ll never forget it. Just don’t forget who told you about it…

Semi Di Lino Cristlli Liquidi Illuminating Serum by Alfaparf Milano is an ultra-luxurious beauty fluid that instantly adds more light, shine, and softness to every hair type.

Alfaparf Milano, started in 1980 with the goal of distributing high quality Italian haircare throughout the world, is now sold in 80 countries around the world. Their products are known for “making soft and shiny hair a breeze,” and the Semi Di Lino Cristlli Liquidi Illuminating Serum is a cult favorite among hairstylists and beauty addicts, like me.

Semi Di Lino Cristlli Liquidi Illuminating Serum forms an invisible protection film that temporarily smoothes the hair cuticle and seals split ends, resulting in strands that are soft, shiny, easy to comb, and pleasing to the touch.

The Semi Di Lino line is made specifically for hair that needs shine, and contain linseed extracts to brighten, Vitamin E to protect, and Omega 3 and Omega 6 to reconstruct. The light formula isn’t greasy, won't weigh down your hair, and brings out the highlights in both natural and colored tresses. It can be used on damp hair before styling, or as a finishing touch on dry hair. And the fragrance is heavenly. The reasons to purchase this product go on and on...

The only downside is that the product is not widely available in stores. Your best bet is to purchase online. Right now, SleekHair.com is offering a 1.69 ounce bottle for $22, which is pretty decent. Spoiled Pretty suggests doing a Google search and finding a reputable seller with the lowest price.

Piece of Cake

Cake Beauty

The Deal: Indulge in some sweet beauty treats at cakebeauty.com. Enter code INSTYLE07 between now and October 31 for 20% off everything!

Spoiled Pretty suggestion: Simplify your life and handbag with Satin Sugar All Purpose Treatment Balm. Decadently mixed with 86% shea butter, this ultimate on-the-go balm will help take care of anything and everything beauty-related: smoothes frizzy ends & flyaways, treats dry spots on skin, lips, cuticles, knees and even stretch marks. And as a bonus, it smells like home-made lemon cookies right out of the oven. Yum!

Straight Talk: Beware the Brazilian

An article in the October 2007 issue of Allure shocked me to the core. According to the magazine, a new Brazilian hair straightening treatment could be a health hazard. But it hasn’t stopped women from jumping on this beauty bandwagon, or hairstylists from performing the procedure.

The treatment, referred to as escova progressiva in Brazil, promises shiny, voluminous, straight hair – even on colored or damaged hair – for two to three months. Brands in the United States include the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, and the Brazilian Blowout. The procedure, which costs between $150 and $600, is on the menu at salons – large and small – across the country.

Sounds like a beauty breakthrough, right? Far from it, actually - as escova progressiva often contains high concentrations of formaldehyde, a carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical). Even scarier – most customers have no idea what straightening their curls really costs them.

Allure collected samples of some of the most popular treatments on the market, and sent them to an FDA-registered lab for testing. The tests revealed that the formaldehyde concentrations in the samples ranged from 3.4 to 22.1 percent – much higher than the .02 percent that is regarded to be safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR), a group of scientists who assess and set safety standards for cosmetics ingredients.

Most stylists using the treatment said they were taking recommended safety precautions, such as wearing latex gloves, using gas masks, and working under ventilation hoods. Unfortunately these safety measures do little to prevent harmful side effects. During the escova progressive treatment, the solution is painted onto the hair and, using a 450-degree flat iron, the hairdresser seals the formula onto the outer layer of the cuticle. In the process, noxious gases are released that are inhaled by both stylist and customer – and depending on the formaldehyde concentration, the fumes can seriously irritate the eyes and tissues in the nose and throat.

According to Allure, “rumor has it that the process was born when an embalmer in Brazil found that the formaldehyde he used on corpses also straightened their hair. The embalmer allegedly reasoned, ‘Why wouldn’t it work on the living?’ And with a hairstylist, he created a solution thought to have a formaldehyde percentage in the 20s.”

This past March, a 33-year old Brazilian woman died after using escova progressiva, which she applied herself and left on for the four days, the amount of time salons recommend. Experts suspect that when she finally washed it out, the toxic vapors were released and asphyxiated the otherwise healthy woman in the shower.

Many hairdressers claim that the protein keratin is the ingredient that straightens the hair. But an Allure source says “it’s doubtful that the keratin does anything other than provide a good marketing story.” She says, “that it’s really the formaldehyde that makes the treatment work.”

Despite all of these caveats, no health agency has deemed it illegal in the U.S., but that’s because no group approves beauty products before they come to market.

Bottom Line: Do women really want hair that’s to die for?

Do It Yourself

Pampering yourself doesn’t have to put a strain on your pocketbook. The next time you’re longing for the spa or the salon, head to your kitchen instead. You don’t have to be a top chef to master the following DIY beauty recipes. All you need is a few minutes and some everyday ingredients. And, voila…a more beautiful you!*


Eliut Rivera's Cucumber & Olive Oil Shine-Boosting Hair Treat
Heat, sun, and sweat can do a number on your hair. This rich mask, from the celeb stylist who counts Penélope Cruz among his fans, helps return your mane to its former soft and shiny self.

1 cucumber
1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil (depending on length of hair)

Puree cucumber and olive oil in blender or food processor. Comb mixture evenly through hair, concentrating on ends. Let set for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, shampoo twice, and condition as usual.


Naturopathica's Skin-Softening Avocado Mask
This quick-fix moisturizer from the famed East Hampton spa thwarts dry skin fast.

1/2 avocado
1 egg
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional; adds extra moisture)

Blend all ingredients together. Apply to face. Leave on five to ten minutes and rinse well.


Raechel Cunningham's Mojito Scrub for Rough Hands
This cocktail-inspired scrub, from aesthetician Raechel Cunningham of New York Laser & Aesthetics, leaves hands smooth enough to raise a glass confidently in public.

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small lime
3 to 5 mint leaves

Chop mint leaves and squeeze 1/2 lime into bowl. Combine remaining ingredients. Massage into palm of hand, working the product around. Also makes a great cuticle treatment.


Sweet Lily's Grapefruit Vodka Pedicure
This grapefruit-vodka foot treatment from the Tribeca-based natural nail spa sounds good enough to drink, but we suggest you whip up a second batch for your drinking pleasure.

1 gallon grapefruit juice (no pulp)
1 sliced grapefruit (pink or yellow)
2 limes (1 sliced in wheels, the other halved)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 shot glass of vodka

Pour 1/4 cup sugar into small bowl and place lime half on top. Heat grapefruit juice on stove or in microwave until warm (not hot). Pour heated juice into a large basin, add shot of vodka, and garnish with sliced grapefruit and lime. Soak feet for a few minutes. Then, dip a lime half into the sugar and squeeze out a bit of the juice. Use lime to gently apply sugar to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate rough skin. Repeat with remaining sugar and the other lime half. Rinse well. Follow with foot lotion and polish.

*Before you start: do a patch test to make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients.

Recipes courtesy of Style.com.

The Beautiful People, The Beautiful People

From Elle to Essence, In Style to In Touch – it seems like every editor, stylist, model, and actress has fallen under the spell of Ojon. Month after month, my favorite magazines extol the virtues of this company’s products, particularly their Restorative Hair Treatment – “a versatile hair rejuvenator that strengthens and restores dry, damaged hair.”

With a price tag of $55 for 5 ounces, I was a little cynical. But then I figured that if Ojon was good enough for Gisele Bundchen, Demi Moore, and Scarlett Johansson, I could at least give it a try. So I picked up the 1.35 ounce jar ($22 at Sephora)…and now I’m wishing I had just trusted my gut and bought the 5 ounces.

The Restorative Hair Treatment is “Ojon in its purest form,” made with natural antioxidants and 100% pure Ojon palm nut oil - the same rare oil used by Central America's Miskito Indians, known as "the people of beautiful hair," for over 500 years. It instantly hydrates and fortifies damaged and abused hair, leaving it amazingly soft, shiny, and manageable. Even healthy hair shows a noticeable improvement.

What I heart most about this product I that it does triple duty. To use as a deep conditioning treatment, warm a teaspoonful in the palm of your hands and distribute onto dry hair, from scalp to ends. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, and shampoo well. For a leave-in conditioner, just warm a small amount in the palms of your hands until it becomes a lightweight oil, and distribute thoroughly through towel-dried hair. Heat a very small amount in the palms of your hands and smooth over the surface of dry-styled hair to use as a shine enhancer.

After using this product, I noticed the difference as soon as I blow-dried my hair. My mane was softer, smoother, and shinier than I’d seen it in a long time. Even better, I didn’t need to coat my strands with several different products, post-shampoo, to achieve this result. If there’s anything that I appreciate, it’s immediate gratification.

Bottom line: Restorative Hair Treatment is the secret to beautiful hair, in a nutshell.

Ojon products are available at Amazon.com, Nordstrom, Sephora, QVC (they’ve got some great discounts), and Ulta.