First Look Fridays: Daneen Baird of Spoiled Pretty

If you're looking for great writing, loads of personality, fantastic product reviews and tons of amazing giveaways, then Daneen Baird of Spoiled Pretty is the gal for you. Daneen's blog is one of my must-reads every day because she's got such a unique take on beauty -- I feel like I'm listening to a friend tell me about her favorite products every time I read one of her posts! Originally from Philadelphia, Daneen now lives in the Fairmount section of the city -- just a few blocks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the famed steps from the movie Rocky. She majored in Communications and Theater at Ursinus College and then attended Temple University's Beasley School of Law, where she met her husband, Graham, on the first day of orientation. (Everybody now ... awwwww!) This self-confessed beauty addict loves everything from products to handbags, reality TV to celebrity gossip, Pulp Fiction to The Sound of Music. Read on to find out even more about this fabulous gal!

Why did you decide to start your blog?
After I got married in June 2007, I had a good amount of free time on my hands. I didn't have any more wedding planning to do -- so I was looking for another artistic outlet. Creative writing has always been a hobby of mine, and I love cosmetics -- so everything sort of came together. And voila ... you have Spoiled Pretty.

I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
Spoiled Pretty is actually the third or fourth blog name I came up with. The first few were already taken. So I started racking my brain for a name that was unique. During my brainstorm, I came up with the tagline, "Some beauty products spoil you rotten. I find the ones that spoil you pretty." And that's how I came up with Spoiled Pretty; the tagline came before the name. It actually took awhile for it to grow on me. But now, I can't imagine my blog with another name.

Do you have a "day job?" What is it?
I am the Project Manager for Mission Delivery Communications with the American Cancer Society. What this means is that I am responsible for planning and executing strategic communications, marketing and public relations campaigns that promote the organization's mission of research, education, advocacy and service.

What have been some of the highlights of having your blog?
When I started Spoiled Pretty, I never imagined the doors that it would open for me. In February, I was invited to be a backstage beauty correspondent at New York Fashion Week, which was a dream come true. I'm swimming in beauty products, which is another dream realized. Spoiled Pretty has been recognized by local and national media, which absolutely blows my mind. But the best perk of having my blog is the people that I've met. The makeup artists, hair stylists and other beauty professionals I've interviewed have taught me so much. And befriending my fellow beauty bloggers has been the icing on the cake.

What are your top 5 beauty essentials?

1) My eyes are my best feature, so I like to play them up with volumizing mascara and colorful eyeliner. CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara is, hands down, the best on the market; plus it's under $10 and available at your local drugstore. Score! As for vibrant liners, you can't get better than Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. Deviant (bold blue) and Stash (dark green/gold) are as good as it gets.

2) My skin has a mind of its own. But since I started using the Clarisonic Skincare System, the condition of my skin has improved dramatically. Oprah calls it "a miracle massage for your face." Oprah don't lie.

3) My face is all one color, so blush is a must-have. Right now I'm loving NARS Blush in Torrid (coral with shimmer).

4) My face is a grease bomb, but it still needs moisture. I recently discovered L'Oreal Skin Genesis Oil-Free Moisturizer and was really impressed. I can be a bit of a beauty snob, so when I recommend a drugstore brand, it speaks volumes.

5) When it comes to lip products, I say the more the merrier. My lip balm of choice is Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick; it's moisturizing as all get-out, and smells just like a frothy black and white milkshake. And I always have at least three or four lipglosses on my person at all times. NARS Lipgloss in Babe, Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Guava, M.A.C Lustreglass in Hey Sailor, and M.A.C Plushglass in Foolishly Fab have been in heavy rotation lately.

Playing with products must be fun -- but what are some things you do for fun outside of blogging?
In my downtime, here's how I spoil myself pretty -- curling up with a good book, creative writing, watching movies, watching television (reality TV, MSNBC and Dateline-esque shows are my fave), shopping, dining out and red wine. And I probably spend more time with my family than is good for my sanity.