Last week I gushed over Smashbox’s new Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 (read my review HERE), and I’m so excited to be one of the featured bloggers for their their BB Cream campaign! And that’s all good news for you, because we want you to be apart of it too! Smashbox is doing a fun interactive video to give you the in studio photo-shoot experience and the chance to win a year’s supply of BB Cream!
Here’s how it works: Starting April 2nd, go to Smashbox’s Facebook page (click HERE). Then on the “Lights, Camera BB Cream tab” simply upload 5 pictures of yourself and then your video will be made! You can then share it with your friends and get them to vote for you! Every week, the video with the most votes wins a year’s supply of BB Cream, plus more Smashbox faves. It’s so easy and literally takes 2 minutes to do.
As one of the featured bloggers, I got a sneak peek into the app, and made my video! Check it out below or you can view it HERE.
Now go out there and make your own! It’s so quick and easy (and fun!). Don’t forget to share your video with me. Leave a comment with the link or tweet it to me @PrettyConnected. xxLara
If you’re not already a member (and subscriber) to Ideeli, here’s a few reasons why you may need to (like seriously, right this second…). Behold a preview of what the limited-time discount retailer has in store for you this spring:
{Necklaces from nOir (on sale 4/16) and South Sun (on sale 4/19), watches from La Mer Collection (on sale 4/16) — spring is all about color blocking and neon accents!}
HALT, GIVEAWAY TIME! Before we go on, we’re giving away a nOir Enamel Link Necklace (in Orange/Gold) to one lucky winner on twitter who follows us, @prettyconnected and @Ideeli and tweets: “Enter the @Pretty Connected @Ideeli giveaway for this @nOirJewelry necklace! To enter RT & follow us both http://bit.ly/H1fRHd”.
You can tweet any link for the above that either links to a picture of the necklace or this post to be automatically entered. Entries will be accepted until tomorrow, Saturday March 31st at 8pm EST. US residents only. Winner will be announced on Monday vis Twitter.
{Okay… back to the Spring preview and gushing over these amazing La Mer Collection watches…}
{Reuse Denim (on sale 4/19) — they use 80% recycled denim for their line! LOVE sustainable brands!}
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)!
VITACARE Whitening Gum in Cool Mint Freshness + Pomegranate flavor
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.
Supermodel, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann returns this February with her pop-up restaurant, GOODNESS for Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. This season she has teamed up again with The Daily Front Row magazine and is partnering with Talenthouseand world renowned DJ Zen Freeman to invite aspiring DJ’s to submit a sample of their set for the opportunity to perform live at New York Fashion Week. One artist will be selected to DJ at GOODNESS and for an event at RLife LIVE in a New York Renaissance Hotelbetween February 11th – 14th, and offered travel and five night hotel accommodations in NYC, together with $500 (courtesy of Renaissance Hotels).
To enter, participants must submit a sample by January 18th of their DJ set which demonstrates their versatility, diversity and ability to offer a range of lounge music and remixes to suit both daytime and evening environments.
This is an awesome opportunity for DJs around the world to perform at New York Fashion Week and showcase their talent in front of the fashion elite. So get in on it and enter or send this article to your DJ friends and lets see what they got!
And for all you foodies, get excited for another season of GOODNESS! They just released the line-up of this season’s chefs that includes Mario Batali, Alain Allegretti, Julian Medina and Leo Forneas. I’m salivating in anticipation.
UPDATE: Please note this post has been updated to note the submission phase has been extended to Wednesday, January 18th. Voting will now take place from Thursday, January 19th through Thursday, January 26th and the winner will be announced on Monday, January 30th. For more details and to enter visit Talenthouse.
Mark your calendars New Yorkers, it’s almost time for Lucky Magazine’s annual shopping event, Lucky Shops! Now in its 8th year, from November 4-6, you can enjoy savings of up to 70% off on merchandise from this season’s hottest designers including Milly, Rebecca Minkoff, Yumi Kim, Rebecca Taylor, Tracy Reese, Foley + Corinna (and many more!). Mixed in with some music, cocktails and giveaways (and did I mention it’s being hosted at the Highline Stages!), it’s going to be the most fun shopping event of the season.
And I’m thrilled to announce that I’m partnering with Lucky Magazine and am on the Lucky Shops NY Red Carpet Blog Committee! Part of my perks is I get to offer all of my readers 15% off general admission tickets (prices range from $16.33 to $32.66). Simply visit luckyshopsny.eventbrite.com and put in code PCbeauty at checkout to redeem this discount.
WIN IT! Now for the fun part!
I’m giving away two tickets to the VIP red carpet opening night gala on November 4th from 6-9pm ($300 value) to one lucky Pretty Connected fan.
To enter, leave a comment and I’ll be choosing one lucky winner on October 18th. Fans, friends, family, acquaintances are all are welcome to enter. Good luck!
Help me spread the word! Show me some love on Facebook (Facebook.com/prettyconnected) and twitter (@PrettyConnected) and let your friends know about Lucky Shops and my discount. Together lets make this the most fun Lucky Shops yet!
For more information, tickets and official designer line-up visit luckyshops.com. See you there!
I’ve been a huge fan of the Patrick Melville Salon for some time now. I used to frequent the salon when I worked in Rockefeller Center and exercised at The Sports Club LA (where the salon is located in NYC). Although in all my visits (and they are literally responsible for some of my best blow-outs and manicures), I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Patrick himself until Fashion Week.
Aside from running his successful salon and being one of the most sought after celebrity hair stylists, Patrick is also a consultant for AVEENO’s hair care lines. And as a major perk of being an AVEENO Ambassador (yay for me!), I was offered some one on one time with the hair guru and a blow-out. We talked about AVEENO and his role with the new NOURISH+ collection which has been receiving so much praise in what feels like a never expanding line of shampoos and conditioners with the recent addition of NOURISH+ Volumize and NOURISH+ Revitalize. Patrick consults on everything from the formulation to the smell and considering they are all clinically proven help repair damaged hair within 3 washes (and add strength, softness and shine!) and carry a price tag of $6.99, I’d say that’s pretty incredible.
Win it! Leave a comment...
And I can vouch for it! After one use and Patrick’s generous offer of cleaning up my ends, my hair looked amazing! I walked in with a frizzy, unkempt disaster and walked out with beautiful, shiny and healthy hair. If I could bottle Patrick I would, until then I’m content with the Aveeno Nourish+ collection. Patrick is so lovely, talented and incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, it was truly an honor.
WIN IT! I’m giving away NOURISH+ Revitalize or NOURISH+ Volumize Shampoo and Conditioner (winners choice) to TWO lucky winners on my blog.
To enter leave a comment! Tell me anything about your hair to enter… like why you’d like to win, or your favorite hair trick is. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.
An extra entry will be given if you are a fan of Pretty Connected on Facebook as well as if you follow me on twitter and tweet the giveaway using @PrettyConnected. For instance tweeting: “RT & Follow @prettyconnected to win AVEENO Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner. Additional chances to win & details @ http://bit.ly/oDWeZo #win”
Earlier I posted about GOODNESS, the full service Fashion Week pop-up restaurant created by supermodel, Elettra Wiedemann.
Taking over the space of Ed’s Chowder House at the Empire Hotel (across from Lincoln Center), from Sept 11th – 14th, 7am – 3pm, GOODNESS will be open for breakfast and lunch to provide healthy and delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. Free wi-fi provided by the Orange Hat Group.
WIN IT! To help celebrate the launch, Orange Hat Group and the GOODNESS team are giving away Elettra’s VIP GOODNESS gift bag to one lucky winner (as in literally that bag on her arm in the photograph!).
What’s in the bag?
A certificate for a complimentary pair of Civic Duty “Fascination” shoes (in your choice of color/size).
Half United Bullet Necklace (for every on necklace sold, Half United donates a week of healthy school meals to a child in need).
Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover (4.2 fl oz), Hypnose Mascara in Black and Bienfait Aqua Vital Continuous Infusing Moisturizer
**Any condensed link used in the tweet is allowed as long as it links back to this post so anyone who enters may view the prize and rules to enter.
For more information on GOODNESS or to make a reservation visit www.goodnessbadness.com. Please feel free to share our invitation to the pop-up restaurant above. We hope you can make it!
Welcome YouBeauty.com, a new interactive beauty website developed by Dr. Mehmot Oz and Dr. Michael Roizento arm women with proven tools that use science to measure and improve inner and outer beauty. It offers specialized quizzes on everything from nutrition, relationships, to skincare, forums, and content from celebrity hair and makeup experts and tackles questions like ‘what’s the perfect haircut for your face shape’? Check them out!
Andean Collection will expand beyond jewelry with the introduction of their Antisana line which includes hats, scarves, and belts.
Swarovski Nirvana ring
Swarovski is celebrating their iconic Nirvana Ring with a sweepstakes. Enter to win one HERE (or don’t better chance for me!). It’s kind of the most amazing ring!
French Connection is giving away a $1,000 shopping spree to their store + round trip fare and hotel from August 2-3 to NYC and VIP access to Christina Perri’s “lovestrong” summer tour. Enter for your chance HERE.
Mary J. Blige is introducing her new fragrance, My List Blossom exclusively on HSN on 8/13. To celebrate, Carol’s Daughter is running a sweepstakes and giving one lucky fan and a friend an all inclusive trip to meet Mary J. Blige at the HSN premiere and a $250 gift certificate to Carol’s Daughter. For details and the enter click HERE
The NEW Kiehl's spa!
Kiehl’s finally launched their first spa! Located at 64th Street and Lexington Ave in NYC, they’ve taken their downtown charm to the UES. The full services spa includes facials, massages, face, body and hair treatments as well as men’s grooming services.
L’OCCITANE will open its first boutique in NYC’s Meatpacking District on 48 Ninth Avenue (at 14th St.) and will be hosting a consumer event at 6:30pm on July 28th complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a small reception. The first 100 customers to make a purchase will receive an exclusive Meatpacking set featuring the brands most iconic products.
Brut (you know that men’s line in the green bottle?) launched BNN, a part sport/humor/fratty video series on their Facebook page, hosted
As most of you may have noticed, I don’t shop very often at drug stores for makeup. My hang up is not being able to try the products first and I tend to miss when I’ve attempted –the lipstick shade I chose isn’t right or the concealor is too dark or I don’t like the consistency of the foundation… so ever since the days of Sephora, unless there’s something very specific I want to try, I tend shy away. However, I recently had the opportunity to meet with celebrity makeup artist, Mathew Nigara and play with the NYC New York Color line and I have to say I was impressed!
Although my time never intersected with Mathew’s, we’re both old school NARS Cosmetics employees so I knew he’d let me be difficult and blunt about my expectations. I review based on quality of products, not price. Although I have to admit, every time I’d try a product, then hear the price I was floored. I mean for the price of one single eyes shadow from NARS ($23) I could get a nail polish ($2.49), lip stain ($4.99), lip gloss ($2.49), eye shadow set ($4.99), eye pencil ($1.99) from NYC New York Color…and still have change.
I asked Mathew’s his favorite product. “My favorite product undoubtedly is the new NYC New York Color Smooch Proof 16HR Lipstain. They work so beautifully and the colors are universally flattering. I use them for subtle washes of color, saturated lip looks and even alone as lip liners sometimes. They are amazing”.
I would have to agree. In fact after spending the afternoon trying the different products (and then continuing the relationship at home), I’ve decided to give away 3 sets of all my favorite products to 3 lucky winners!
WIN THEM ALL!! My favorite NYC New York Color products are:
Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain ($4.99) – As Mathew mentioned you can build your color with them and the tip makes it incredibly easy to give an even application all over or as a lip liner. You can also build your color. My favorite shade is Forever Mine Wine.
Liquid Lipshine ($2.49) – I like to use these on top of the Lip Stain, they have a very smooth application and aren’t sticky and give that wet shiny tint to my lips. They are fragrant, which I’m not so into, for instance my favorite shade, Fashion Ave Fuchsia, smells like cotton candy, but it’s mild.
Expert Last Nail Polish ($2.49) – The nail polish dried quickly, had great, even coverage and great lasting power. I was very impressed by this new line and LOVE the Timeless Tangerine shade.
Smooth Skin Liquid Concealer ($3.99) – I use it under my eyes and it has an amazing brightening effect. It’s easy to apply and has a creamy texture that easily blends into skin. Plus it’s formulated with vitamins A, C, and E to help protect against the environmental damage.
IndividualEyes Custom Compact ($4.99) – This palette comes in a variety of colors based on eye shade, I use the ‘Smokey Browns’ kit and find it incredibly convenient. It’s compact and includes an eye primer, illuminator (which I like to use under my eyebrow to bring out my eyes) and four eyes hadow shades that can be used on their own or to smoke out your eyes. My only recommendation is use your own brushes. As with most compacts on the market, you won’t get very far with the one included. And great brushes can make all the difference.
Classic Brow/Liner Pencils ($0.99) – I can’t leave home without a black pencil under my eye. And while this one is slightly a harder tip then I prefer; I’m able to get right into my lash line with exact precision. And I like my black pencils dark, so the ‘Jet Black’ shade is perfect for me.
TO ENTER, LEAVE A COMMENT. Get creative and tell me why you’d like to win! Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing. TWO lucky winners will be chosen at random.
An additional winner will be chosen on twitter that follow me (@PCbeauty) and tweet this promotion using my twitter handle and the link to this promo (here’s a condensed link: http://bit.ly/lHZkAw)!
Official Rules:
The promotion begins on June 6th, and ends June 14rd at 11:59pm EST.
Two winners will be chosen at random that leave a valid comment, 1 winner will be chosen at random on twitter that is following @PCbeauty and tweets us the promotion using a direct link.
Winners will be selected by June 16th and contacted for their mailing information. If no response is given by June 20th, an alternate winner will be chosen.
No purchase necessary.
Open to residents of the U.S. only.
All federal, state and local laws apply.
Good luck!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored giveaway by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this post or host this giveaway.
This month, Hugh Hefner introduced Playboy’s 2011 Playmate of the Year, Clair Sinclair, who will grace the cover of the June issue. Winning this honor comes with a lot of perks and prizes, including a lifetime supply of Playboy Fragrances. While I do aspire to do many a things in my life; see the Northern Lights, be invited to the Met Gala, join a gym –and no, becoming a playmate is not one of them. However, being invited to a party at the Playboy Mansion is. Okay maybe not very high on the list, but secretly I would love to check out those digs.
So in honor of my little confession and igniting your inner playmate, I’m giving away a full set of the new Playboy Fragrances, which includes three scents, Play It Lovely (fresh fruity floral), Play It Sexy (sexy oriental), and Play It Spicy (sparkling floriental). Each Eau de Toilette is 30ml and retails for $17. The total value of the prize is $51, and winner gets all!
Win it! Playboy Fragrances
To enter leave a comment! Get creative. Tell me why you’d like to win, what you aspire to do or just make me laugh. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.
An extra entry will be given if you follow me on twitter and tweet the giveaway using @PCbeauty in the tweet or are a fan of Pretty Connected on Facebook.
