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Back to Basics: The Best Bar Soaps

bellasugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:00:20 -0700

Despite the plethora of body washes and fancy-scented soaps that I have in my bathroom cabinet, there's just something about old-school bar soaps that's appealing. Although they can be a bit drying on my face (I know, heaven forbid my face actually touches a bar soap), they make my body feel fresh and clean. Also, call me a sap, but they remind me of my parents' house where I grew up. Below are three of my favorite no-frills body bars that have a long-standing great reputation. What's your favorite bar soap?

Dove Beauty Bar ($1.49) lathers easily and has a refreshing scent, but what I love most is that it washes away completely and leaves my skin feeling smooth without leaving behind any of that oily after-effect. Also, the price really can't be beat — and it gets even lower per bar if you buy it in bulk.

Zum Bar Rosemary Goat's Milk Soap ($5.30) has an amazing and invigorating herbal, spa-like essence. It is made from all-natural ingredients and is super gentle on my skin. It cleanses deep within my pores and never ever makes me feel dry and crackly.

For one last oldie but goodie bar soap,

Back to Basics: The Best Shaving Creams

bellasugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:13 -0700

These shaving creams worked for my dad, and they still work for me. When I began shaving in my early teens, I used these with a single blade razor. Nowadays, I use a four-blade razor for sensitive skin, and these creams work even better without breaking the bank. I’m a firm believer in splurging in some areas and saving in others, and these drugstore brands have never let me down. Do you have a brand preference when it comes to shaving creams?

Edge Advanced Shaving Gel For Sensitive Skin ($3.23) OK, so this isn't the most feminine product that I own, but I've been using this gel-to-cream formula for ages and I love the texture and the masculine scent. Also, this slightly new and improved formula contains aloe to help soothe even the most sensitive skin.

Barbasol Shaving Cream ($2.49) is the one, the original, the very first shaving cream I ever used. Not only did I love using this thick and creamy formula on my legs, but while at Summer camp, I'd write my bunk number on the lawn outside of the mess hall. I was a happy camper.

To check out another one of my favorite shaving creams,

Back to Basics: The Best Zit Zappers

bellasugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:00:24 -0700

I've never been one to have consistently gorgeous, glowy skin. It's always either a little bit dry, kind-of blotchy and almost always oily on the nose. Oh, and around that time of the month, you can bank on being able to play a fierce game of connect-the-dots. Having been a connoisseur of spot treatments since puberty, these are three of my go-to products that help pacify my pimples without causing dry patches or added aggravation. Which is your all-time favorite topical zit zapper?

Clearasil Tinted Acne Treatment Cream ($5.79) can be found at most drugstores. It doesn't sting or make you teary-eyed from the strong scent when you have to apply it to your face. The best part about using the tinted version is that it really helps cover up the red without having to pile on potentially bacteria-infested concealer.

Origins Spot Remover ($10) is a minty-smelling, transparent spot treatment gel that contains salicylic acid to dry out sebum and help kill old and new bacteria. It tingles just a touch upon contact, but it's nothing you can't handle. It stays clear and won't dry to an embarrassing flaky finish. Also, the tiny bottle is sure to last you through all twelve bouts of PMS per year, since all you need is a super-small amount.

For one more tried-and-true spot treatment that's slightly pricier,

Back to Basics: The Best Base Coats

bellasugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:00:10 -0700

Finding the right base coat is a critical first step in creating the perfect at-home manicure. If you use one that doesn't have a decent adhesive quality, then the color you've just applied is likely to peel off quickly.

An instant peel or chip on your freshly manicured hands feels like a big waste of time. Here are three brilliant base coats that I've been using for years — and as always, if you have a favorite of your own, please tell me what it is in a comment below.

As far as base coats go, I've always considered Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2 ($9.50) a treat because it's fairly expensive. Also, I think it's nothing short of a miracle worker on weak, peeling nails, so if I can muster up the self-control to let some actual white tips grow in, I reward myself with a coat of this keratin enriched base coat. If you're a first-time user, it is recommended to apply one coat every other day for a week without color, and then apply it as a base coat and a top coat to your next manicure.

Borghese Brilliante Base & Top Coat ($6.74) dries quickly while providing a thin, yet adequate base for your manicure. It contains granules of gemstones for added shine, proteins to help your nails grow stronger and it seals in moisture for healthier nails. Also, it's toluene, DBP and formaldehyde free.

For one more drugstore base coat option,

Back to Basics: The Best Peach Lip Glosses

bellasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:00:55 -0700

There's something about peach lip gloss that is universally flattering (but especially on blue-eyed beauties). The challenge is to find the right balance between coral and pink tones.

Kate Hudson wore a frosty coral-peach-colored lipstick to the London premiere of Fool's Gold and just look at how it warms up her skin. Below are my top picks for peach glosses.

Bobbi Brown Brightening Lip Gloss in Peach ($19) is more of a pale, icy shade than a deep creamy color. The shine is incredible, and every time that I pair it with a little bit of bronzer and a champagne eye shadow, it makes my entire face light up. I wish they made the formula a little less tacky, because the only drawback is that I usually have to wear my hair up or else I find that I'm always picking my hair out of my mouth.

For two other pretty peach lip glosses,

Back to Basics: The Best Pale Pink Polishes

bellasugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:00:30 -0700

With all the talk about trendy, dark and bright nail polishes in the spotlight these days, it's nice to keep some muted, basic shades in the mix for when you're feeling more conservative. Below are three of my favorite pale, pink polishes. Unfortunately, now that I know that Essie subscribes to the big three, I'll have to rethink my choices. Something tells me that considering all of the attention the subject of safety is getting, things in the nail biz are bound to change. Let's hope so.

OPI Sweet Heart ($7) is the deepest and most opaque pink of the bunch. In my opinion, it also lasts the longest. (Anyone care to dispute this?) Sweet Heart is my go-to color for elegant manicures and pedicures in any given season.

Essie Ballet Slippers ($ is a classic, tame, sheer pink that doesn't contain any shimmer. It gives a high-gloss finish and happens to be one of the brand's all-time best sellers.

For one last pretty pale pink polish,

Back To Basics: The Best Face Scrubs

bellasugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:00:22 -0700

Back in July, you beauty marked some of your favorite face scrubs, and here are three oldies but goodies that I've adored for ages. Face scrubs are imperative in maintaining a healthy appearance. They work to gently remove dead skin, oil and residue from the daily grind. This helps unclog your pores and smooth out your skin.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($3.99) is likely my absolute favorite exfoliator. Even though the packaging seems to change every couple of years, the product remains the same — a thick, coarse, mild smelling facial scrub that has some of the largest grains of its kind. The oil-free formula is great for acne-prone skin since it contains two percent salicylic acid.

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream ($17.50) is a smooth exfoliator intended for skin that isn't currently experiencing any breakouts. This is more of a maintenance product for when your skin is dry or uneven looking — not so much for acne-prone skin. It works to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores. Simply massage a nickel-sized amount into your wet skin for 15 seconds and rinse off with warm water.

For one last facial scrub,

Back to Basics: The Best Black Eye Shadows

bellasugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:00:16 -0800

What makes one black eye shadow stand out from the crowd? For me, it should be pigment rich and easy to blend, so you only need to use a little bit to get the job done. Still, the number one reason why I might choose one black shadow over another is if it can be worn wet and dry — letting it double as an eyeliner without damaging the composition of the shadow.

The following blacks have been my favorites for years. They stay put, so by the end of the night they don't flake or wind up halfway down my cheeks. For those of you who have tried-and-true favorite black shadow as well, by all means let me know about it!

Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeliner in Black Caviar ($22) is categorized as an eyeliner, actually (oh the irony!) but I love to use it as a shadow as well. It's got a more textured consistency than a powder shadow, yet it's not quite a cream consistency either. The best part about it that it will never fall onto your cheeks, and it glides on easily with a brush. If you haven't yet tried it, this is a must-have.

For two more bellissima black eye shadows,

Back to Basics: Curl-Enhancing Sprays

bellasugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:00:23 -0800

These oldie-but-goodie products stood close by me during my crazy hair days as a teenager. I find that sometimes the most simple and inexpensive drugstore products can often be better than the expensive designer types. These scrunching sprays are great for those of who have a perm that's on its last leg and they are also great at giving straight and limp hair a little body. I know that at some point you've had to have used at least one of these! Which is your favorite?

L'Oreal Studioline Pumping Curls ($3.52) is a light, curl-boosting spray with a sweet smell and a nonsticky feeling. Also, it helps reduce frizz and you can use it on wet or dry hair. Pumping Curls was my hair product of choice in the '80s and although it's not something I see regularly on the shelves, when I see it around from time to time, I love to reconnect with my old best friend!

For two more curl-enhancing sprays for your hair,

Back to Basics: The Best Hair Mousses

bellasugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:05:04 -0800

With the invention of hair wax and spray gels, you may think of hair mousse as a relic of the '80s. But that's not the case, as long as you find one that isn't sticky. Here are three of my all-time favorite hair mousses.

Finesse Touchables Extra-Control Mousse ($3.79) is a protein-enriched mousse that tames flyaways and creates body without drying hair out. It gives you the hold of a light hairspray without any of the stiffness or stickiness. I love the sweet smell of this product.

To check out two more hair mousses,

Back To Basics: The Best Red Nail Polishes

bellasugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:00:12 -0700

Welcome to back to the basics! This is a BellaSugar feature that highlights some of my favorite products on the market that don't always get the attention they deserve because they aren't new or improved.

Red nail polish is a quintessentially classic look, and I hope you like these suggestions. I am sure that some of you have favorites of your own, so please leave a comment below and share them with everybody! And since we are on the topic of nail polishes, click here to read about some of the top nail polish brands.

OPI Red ($7.50) is more of a pinky-red than a true tomato red. I've been a big fan of this color for a long, long time and I even sported it on my toes for the better part of 2005! It is part of the OPI Classics Nail Polish collection, and it remains one of OPI's best-selling colors.

For two more classic red nail polishes,

Back To Basics: The Best Body Exfoliators

bellasugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:01:00 -0700

Welcome back to Back To Basics, the Cliff Notes version of my all-time favorite products. Since we've been talking so much about self tanner and body bronzer this week on beach week, I thought I'd give you a friendly reminder that the first step before applying any of these products is exfoliating. Your skin becomes shinier once you remove all of those unnecessary dull and dead cells, and it will feel softer and smoother too. Here's a look at three of my top picks for body exfoliators.

Lancome Resurface Microdermabrasion Body Polishing Treatment ($46) is a favorite among beauty editors. The small exfoliating crystals and pumice stone in the formula effectively buff away dullness, and they don't scratch your skin making it red and sensitive like a lot of other exfoliators can.

Since I've tried it, I can hardly shower without it! Your skin is left polished, radiant and it feels like buttah!.

For two more more of my favorite exfoliators,

Back to Basics: The Best Body Lotions

bellasugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 04:33:33 -0800

Welcome to this installment of Back to Basics. These amazing moisturizing body lotions are my all time favorites. I have used them for years and have never had any kind of allergic reactions or dry skin. What are some of your favorite body lotions?

Kiehl's Creme de Corps, $26, is a treat for your skin when it is feeling just a little too dry or you've recently been in the sun. Just a little of this super rich moisturizer goes a long way.

I received a bottle of this as a gift about seven years ago and have never looked back. Beta-carotene gives it a natural deep yellow color. It is recommended to use for ten straight days to achieve optimum results.

It is available in three sizes: a 4.2 oz travel bottle is $16, an 8.4 oz bottle sells is $26, and a 16.9 oz bottle is $42. If you buy the larger size it comes with a pump for easy dispensing, it costs $44 (shown).

To see more of my favorite body lotions of all time,

Back to Basics: The Best Fragrances

bellasugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 04:44:44 -0800

I know what you are thinking: how can I only pick three fragrances to write about. They have staying power; these classic perfumes have appealed to the masses for decades. Please let me know what your personal faves are. Here are just a few of mine! To read about my other Back to Basics posts click here.

Obsession by Calvin Klein, $45, was introduced in 1985 and has remained one of their best sellers ever since. It is a powerful and ultra feminine floral and spicy blend. It has an intoxicating aroma made from jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla, greens, sandalwood, spices and musk. The scent is strong and should last between six and ten hours.

To see two more of my favorite fragrances,

Back to Basics: The Best Concealers

bellasugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:26:55 -0800

Since we are always writing about the next best thing premiering on the market, we can't overlook that sometimes, some of the best colors and products are the oldies but goodies. In this installment of Back to Basics: The Best Concealers, we are going to take a trip down memory lane to show you a few of my old time favorites. I can't wait to hear what you think! To read about my other Back to Basics posts click here.

Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage Concealer, $28, has won countless beauty awards. Reason being is it totally covers up dark circles, pimples, red spots and also brightens your eyes. What's cool it is contains two shades so you can blend them together to create the perfect shade for your skin all year round. Also, a little goes a long way, so it'll last you quite a long time. Available in six color combinations.

To see a couple of more of the best concealers,

Back to Basics: The Best Powder Bronzers

bellasugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 06:24:44 -0800

Since we are always writing about the next best thing that is premiering on the beauty market, we can't overlook that sometimes, some of the best colors and products are the oldies but goodies. In this installment of Back to Basics: The Best Powder Bronzers, we are going to take a trip down memory lane to share a few of my old time favorites. I can't wait to hear what you think! To read my other Back to Basics posts click here.

Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna , $28, is my all time fave bronzer. It's got just the right amount of shimmer in it and there is no trace of orange in the undertones. I can wear it during any season and it blends well with any shade of blush I pair it with. It gives me the best all over glow and I can even dust it along my collar bones for contouring.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, $32, in medium has yet to let me down. Since it is a matte blush, it's great for shading or for dusting all over your face as a deep toned powder. It will give your skin a sun kissed, healthy radiance. You can also use it all year round and it lasts forever! It is available in five shades.

To see a few more of my favorite bronzers, (including a drugstore brand),

Back to Basics: The Best Champagne Eye Shadows

bellasugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:33:44 -0800

Since we are always writing about the next best thing premiering on the beauty market, we can't overlook that sometimes some of the best colors and products are the oldies but goodies. In this installment of Back to Basics: The Best Champagne Eye Shadows, we are going to take a trip down memory lane to see a few of my old time favorites. I can't wait to hear what you think!

Shroom, by MAC Cosmetics $14, is one of the most versatile eye shadows. This soft muted golden beige has a slight opalescent shimmer to it. You can use it all over your lid as a neutral shade, you can mix it with any of your other favorite shadows and you can use it right below your brow as a highlighter. I'm on my third Shroom already! It's a staple in my makeup bag that I have yet to find a replacement for.

Kitten by Stila, $14. This color is their number one best seller for a reason! It's something you can wear with anything. Although it's categorized as more of a shimmery nude pink, the shimmer is champagne colored on the pink of your eye. This color is as versatile as your LBD! It glides on smoothly and just a little bit goes a long way.

To see more of my fave champagne shadows,