Home Promotion

Promotion

Why YOU Need to Enter the Aveeno Ultimate Sun Protection Giveaway

By now you’re all aware of how bad the sun is for your skin, right??? All of those UVA and UVB rays reflecting from the sun and causing premature aging, wrinkles and more severely sun cancer. So with the sun in full bloom, we’re hosting a giveaway compliments from our friends at Aveeno filled with everything needed to help keep your entire body protected from UV rays!

WIN The Aveeno Ultimate Sun Protection Set ($150 value):

This set includes:

1. Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat – to keep the hot rays from reaching your face from above.

2. AVEENO® HYDROSPORT™ Sunscreen SPF 30 and AVEENO® Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 30 – Whether you are on the beach or running errands around town, a daily sunscreen is a must.

3. Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection – Nothing beats a pair of stylish “sunnies” to help shield your peepers from ultraviolet light — not to mention prevent you from squinting which can cause crows feet… (not on my watch.)

4. One month of ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses – While most contact lenses don’t offer any UV protection, ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses offer the highest level of UV blocking available — blocking more than 96% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays that reach the lens. NOTE: Exam and fitting fees not included. Winner must present current, valid prescription for ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses to redeem.

TO ENTER: leave a comment on why you’d like to win or how you protect yourself from the sun.

Extra entries if you…

**Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet us your response using the hashtag #Aveeno.

**“Like us at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected and leave us a comment referencing this giveaway.

Entries will be accepted until June 15rd at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply.

Not convinced the sun is really that harmful? Well, besides the loads of research proving it and experts vouching for the negative effects of sun exposure, I was particularly taken back by

― READ ON →

CEW Beauty Awards Winners + Giveaway!

If you work in beauty (or want to) then you should be familiar with CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women). It’s a non-profit organization comprised of industry leaders and members that offers professional development through mentorship, job counseling, and networking opportunities in all aspects of the beauty industry. They also hosts a series of events and educational speeches from some of the top beauty executives as well as conduct their annual CEW Beauty Awards.

Now in it’s 18th year, the CEW Beauty Insiders’ Choice Awards is the only awards program where the winners are determined exclusively by beauty industry professionals and selected by their members. To celebrate this years winners, we’re giving away two of our favorites to one lucky winner: Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream and  Bumble and bumble Bb. Texture Hair(un)dressing Crème.

{WIN IT! Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream and Bumble and bumble Bb. Texture Hair(un)dressing Crème ($99 value)}

TO ENTER: Leave a comment under this post and tell me why you want to win OR what your favorite beauty product is. You can also enter by following us on on twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweeting us your answer using the hashtag #CEW

**Entries will be accepted until June 3rd at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply.

Without further adieu, the winners of the 2012 CEW Beauty Awards are:

― READ ON →

Living Proof Expands Restore Collection + Launches Restore the Love 14 Day Challenge

In December we posted about the launch of Living Proof’s new Restore collection consisting of a shampoo, conditioner, and mask treatment. Now the innovative hair brand is expanding the collection with the launch of 3 new products: Restore Targeted Repair Cream (designed to add shine and prevent split ends), Revitalizing Spray (which consists of pro-vitamins to strengthen hair and protect against heat and UV damage for up to 24 hours) and Recovery Regimen (which is a weekly anti-damage ampoule treatment, formulated to repair frequently colored, chemically processed and overly stressed hair). Additionally, they have launched the Discovery Set, which is a 3-peice set that includes a 2-week supply of their Restore Shampoo (2oz), Conditioner (2oz) and Mask Treatment (1oz).

{Mix and match the products to find your perfect combination}

What I like most about the Restore collection is it’s designed to repair dry and damaged hair and serve more like a hair diet to revert hair back to it’s “virgin hair” state. Once your hair is restored, you can move on to one of their other haircare lines, or mix and match as I like to do. Originally when

― READ ON →

QVC: The Sephora of TV (and online)

Me with Poppy King (aka The Lipstick Queen)

Having lived in major cities my whole life, I never much subscribed to home shopping networks like QVC — which I associated with stay-at-home moms and consumers that didn’t have immediate access to stores at every corner. Living in a place where there is a Sephora on every other block, TV is the last place I look to make a beauty purchase (although they do sell online as well).

However, after attending a recent QVC event, I could not have been more wrong — given the amount of beauty brands out on the market it’s a challenge to pick which product is worth the investment; QVC offers consumers that educational component and the opportunity to learn about the products beyond just staring at the packaging straight from the expert behind the brand.

I was shocked by the amount of prestige brands they are currently showcasing — Perricone MD, Bliss, Algenist, Clarisonic, Fresh, Tarte, Lipstick Queen, Make Up For Ever, Go Smile, Josie Maran, Mally, Laura Geller (to name a few) as well as retailers like Space.NK, and Sephora are now partnering with them as well!

Talking vitamin C with Dr. Perricone!

And they certainly got my attention. Walking the isles of the QVC event, I got to meet Dr. Perricone and hear first hand why I need to drop everything and try his Vitamin C Ester 15 (QVC Item #A221548) — which has a high 15% concentration of vitamin C  fused a with fatty acid derived from palm oil that’s going to brighten my skin and give me a glowing complexion. And then there was Poppy King (THE LIPSTICK QUEEN!!!) — who I’ve been obsessed with for some time now. Her lipsticks are so luxurious and rich and offer this perfect combination of hydration and pigment without being messy or flimsy. She’s launched the Lipstick Queen Liptopolis Lipstick Collection ($48/QVC Item #A226460) which has this super cute packaging that includes 3 lipstick shades, Central Park (peach), Soho (red) and Upper East (nude hue). What can I say… I’m so Soho — I haven’t stopped wearing this shade since I got the set. I met Josie Maran, Ken Paves, Laura Geller… and hearing first hand from these experts what makes their products so great and the best way to use them adds such a value and educational component that I’m a total QVC convert. Plus you can expect a medley of specials and exclusives from these brands only available on QVC.

{Ken Paves gives Cheryl of The Fashionista Stories his signature Hairdo extensions — looks so natural!}

{Sarah Potempo demoed her “The Wrap-Up” ($24/QVC Item #A323424) on a model, instantly giving her the perfect bun in seconds!}

{Fresh co-founder Lev Glazman introduced us to their hand blended (in a monastery) ancient remedy to the fountain of youth, Elixir Ancien + Face Treatment Oil ($50/QVC Item #A226364), which is being offered exclusively in a .5 ounce size on QVC}

{Former super model Josie Maran has more then one reason to be glowing — we suspect it’s part baby-bump, part her latest Argan Illuminating Body Butter ($30/ QVC Item #A224383) which combines her lightweight, hydrating body butter that’s infused with her signature ingredient, argan oil and a delicate luminzers that offers a subtle shimmer for that perfect summer glow.

For the complete list of beauty offerings, visit QVC.com

 

PC Mother’s Day Gift Guide (+ Win Phebo Soap Bar Trio!)

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and while flowers and a thoughtful card are always a safe bet (and take mom out to dinner while you’re at it), here are some other PC Mom picks. Most of these are our classic favorites, with the exception of a new brand to this site, Phebo!

WIN IT! Brazilian luxury perfumery brand, Phebo is debuting in the US at Macy’s nationwide for only a few months! Available until the end of July, we’re giving away the Phebo Soap Bar Trio Set ($24 value) in your choice of fragrance. Set includes: 2 Phebo bar soaps and 1 liquid soap in your choice of fragrance: Naturelle, Amazonian, Lavanda, Manha, Oriente, Primavera, Rose or Tropical. To view the complete assortment on flavors visit macys.com

TO ENTER: leave a comment on why you’d like to win!

Extra entries if you…

**Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet to us why you’d like to win using the hashtag #MDay

**“Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected and leave us a comment referencing this giveaway.

{PC Mother’s Day Gift Guide}

1. WIN IT (details above)! Phebo Soap Bar Trio ($24) – While this set comes in a several fragrances, I’m partial to the Flores de Primareva. Not only does it make you’re bathroom pretty in pink, it’s refreshing floral change to your conventional clean-scented hand soaps. Phebo is 100% vegetal based, using a wide range of essential oils, botanicals, herbs, spices and fruit oils in all of their products.

2. Tocca Candle (10.6oz/$38) – Cleopatra is a classic Tocca scent (it’s a light/clean aroma that blends cucumber and grapefruit), that I’m a fan of, however you really can’t go wrong with any of their candles (especially since they have recently expanded the line with so many more choices). They burn for roughly 60 hours.

3. Philosophy I think You’re Wonderful Pure Grace set ($32) – I’m not sure what’s better, the packaging or Philosophy’s cult favorite products, Pure Grace. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone that didn’t like Grace’s beautifully clean scent. The gift set includes Pure Grace Foaming Bath and Shower cream (8 oz.) and Pure Grace Perfumed Body Lotion (8 oz.). No need to wrap… the packaging says it all.

4. Royal & Langnickel 12-piece Silk Pro Set ($120)- Synthetic brushes have come a long way in the past 5years that there’s no reason animal hair needs to be involved to have a high-end, quality brush. There is every brush you could ever want in this set and they are all so soft, durable and animal-friendly. Quality brushes are

― READ ON →

PC Featured in the Dressbarn’s Spring Fashion Challenge (+20% off coupon)

Dressbarn's Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress

After working with Dressbarn for their suit drive to benefit Dress for Success (I hope some of you we’re able to donate!), the brand approached me for a fun challenge — finding a universally flattering dress despite size and shape. Does a one-dress-looks-good-on-all frock exist?

Well here it goes… the 5 Ways to Wear It: Spring Fashion Challenge.

The Contestants: 5 bloggers, 5 different shapes

The Dress: Dressbarn’s Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress in Cobalt Blue ($39.99)

Description: Flirtatious ruffles flutter at the sleeves, edges and hemline of this slinky monochrome wrap dress, which ties at the waist to create an instant hourglass shape. 37″ from shoulder to hem. Full wrap detail closure. Material is 95% polyester/5% spandex. Machine Wash. Available in Size 4 – 24.

{How I rocked the Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Wrap Dress}

I went for more of an edgy rock-glam look when outfitting this dress. I styled the wrap dress with Ray-Ban sunglasses, Winter Kate jacket, mark. necklace, Express bracelet, Skweez Couture tights, Zara shoes, and Rebecca Minkoff bag.

Usually I find when shopping online the items look better on the site then when they come in the mail. Not the case when it came to this dress. It fits like a glove and cobalt blue is all the rage. It’s an easy dress to take from day to night and style in a variety of ways. It’s also really easy to pack so this dress will for sure be going on my Beirut-Rome trip I have planned next month!

For all of you Dressbarn fans, they we’re nice enough to offer a 20% off coupon for all of you to enjoy, valid through 4/30. Details below:

Disclaimer: This dress was sent to Lara on behalf of Pretty Connected for the 5 Ways to Wear It: Spring Fashion Challenge. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to participate or receive any financial gain.

WIN IT! Enter our Lolly Scarf Giveaway ($74 Value)

I am a bit of a scarf collector — I consider it genetic. Newest obsession, LA-based Lolly Clothing scarves. While they’ve already taken over the necks of many celebs (including Gwyenth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Aniston, and Sarah Jessica Parker) they are new to my company so I’m excited to give one away to a lucky reader!

Their collection combines artisanal and textile patterns and for Spring 2012 they have beautiful range of dip-dyed scarves and silk pashmina’s. Everything is one-of-a kind and done with an innovative layering dye process, giving each scarf it’s own unique, individual look.

 WIN IT – The Lolly Silk Pashmina ($74 Value)!

Description: 100% silk, unbelievably soft pashmina/silk scarf. The gorgeous splatter wash is done by hand (no two pieces look alike) in a cascade of yellows that’s perfect for spring. (For more details click HERE)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment under this post and tell me why you want to win OR what your must-have accessory is for spring. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

Extra entries if you…

Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet to us why you’d like to win this @LollyClothing Scarf.

“Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected and leave us a comment referencing this giveaway.

**Entries will be accepted until April 15th at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winner will be announced on April 17th. Good luck!

Sweepstakes, WinPrizesOnline: Sweepstakes

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Lolly Clothing. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to host this promotion, nor is receiving any financial gain.

Spreading the GOODNESS! Win The Daily/GOODNESS Gift Bag ($225 value)

Elettra with the gift bag. Photo credit: Abe Shaw

Recently, I posted about the exciting GOODNESS pop-up restaurant I was apart of during New York Fashion Week.  Founded by Supermodel/environmentalist, Elettra Wiedemann and presented by The Daily Front Row and CIRCA, GOODNESS is a full service pop-up restaurant that provides fresh, healthy and delicious food to the fashion community, while showcasing regionally sourced seasonal cuisine created by local culinary talent. This season the chef line-up included Mario Batali, Alain Allegretti, Leo Forneas and Julian Medina and GOODNESS earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval.

In addition to launching the pop-up restuarant, GOODNESS also hosted the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels, offering guests a comfortable “living room” atmosphere for reporters, models and editors to relax and recharge. And for guests in attendance there was a an amazing gift bag which we’re giving away to some lucky readers!

Now for the fun part… WIN THE GOODNESS GIFT BAG ($225+ value)! 

GOODNESS Gift Bag! Photo Credit: Abe Shaw

Here’s what’s in the bag:

HOW TO ENTER:

We’re giving away three GOODNESS gift bags, one on this blog and two others on twitter! There are two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment under this post and tell me what word(s) comes to mind when you think of “Goodness”. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

2. To enter on twitter, follow @GOODNESSpopup and @DailyFrontRow and tell us what word(s) comes to mind when you think of “Goodness” using the hashtag #WinGoodness. Or tweet the following message to be automatically entered, “Fill in the blank: @GOODNESSpopup @DailyFrontRow when I think of Goodness I think of ____  http://ow.ly/9mwh2 #WinGoodness“.

Two lucky winners that entered on twitter will be chosen at random when @GOODNESSpopup reaches 800 followers.

GOOD LUCK!

Official Rules:

― READ ON →

The Best Time to Buy… Everything!

I find it so annoying when I make a big purchase, and then see the same item is on sale the next month! Which is why I thought I’d share this article on About.com which lists all the good times to buy just about anything by month.

Here’s a look at January:

Non-food:

Food:

  • Chocolate (Christmas clearance)
  • Soda
  • Oatmeal
  • Diet foods
  • Frozen finger foods

For the complete month-by-month guide on About.com, click HERE.

Additionally, If you’re purchasing from a larger retailer like Macy’s, I recommend going to their website to see if they have posted any additional in-store or online coupons for some extra savings. And if something catches your eye while shopping, putting it on hold (or break out the smart phone) and run a quick search on the item to see if it’s cheaper to purchase it with one of their competitor. Plus most retailers will match prices if you show them the listing.

NYC INVITE: 1/12 Join Juicy Couture for their Juicy Resolutions Party

WHAT: You’re invited to the Juicy Resolutions Party!

WHEN: Thursday, January 12th 5-7pm

WHERE: Juicy Couture, 860 Madison Avenue, NYC

 DETAIL: Start the year off right with BluePrintCleanse cocktails and light bites. 20% off all full-priced purchases during the event.

RSVP at [email protected]

Load more