BellaSugar -- You're beautiful.

Do You Prefer Baths or Showers?

bellasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:47:58 -0800

A few weeks ago it was bath time for my 8-year-old nephew. Not surprisingly, he was obstinate with the whole "I'm not taking a bath" routine. He declared with certainty, "Baths are for girls!" Oh, really?! This got me to thinking. I have girlfriends who think that baths are gross — and I beg to differ. So tell me, what's your cleansing preference? Are you a bath or shower kind of gal, or a little of both? Source

Do You Prefer Baths or Showers?

Baths

Showers

Either or

How Much Has Your Hair Color Changed From Childhood?

bellasugar — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:07:15 -0800

Earlier, Geek and I were discussing the pure, unadulterated beauty of children's hair colors. Seriously — they've got gorgeous shades. Even celeb colorist Johnny Ramirez looks to his four-year-old daughter for inspiration when consulting with clients.After staring in awe at Sugar HQ resident sweetie Katie Sugar's fluffy blonde multi-dimensional locks, this got us to thinking about our own born-with-it hues. I was honey blonde as a child and now I'm light brownish all the way. What about you? How much has your hair color changed over the years?Source

How Much Has Your Hair Color Changed From Childhood?

A lot — it's significantly lighter or darker.

A little — just a shade or two.

Not much at all, if any.

I don't know — I haven't seen my real hair color for ages!

Do You Stay Polished During Winter?

bellasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:01:50 -0800

Even though it happens every year, part of me wishes I could avoid winter altogether by hiding in the back of my closet with my summery shoes. Better yet, in a closet of a resort on a tropical island . . . but I digress.When trading sandals for boots, it can be harder to justify spending time (or money) on pedicures. Don't get me wrong, I still treat myself to an at-home buff and polish from time to time, but since my feet hide in boots, it's not a big deal if my piggies aren't perfectly painted. Do you change it up with the switching seasons?Source

Do You Stay Polished During Winter?

Yes, I'm a year-round pedicurist.

No, I don't worry about it.

Other — I'll explain in a comment.

What Do You Do With Magazine Perfume Samples?

bellasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:00:01 -0800

You know those perfume sampler sheets that are tucked under flaps in the pages of magazines? I used to find them a bit overpowering and annoying, but now it's quite the opposite. For a Bella like me, they've actually become a convenient way to window-shop in my pj's, all while testing out the latest fragrances in one place.So, after making a hilarious discovery in my mom's bathroom — she had a secret stash of samplers piled in the drawer for "fancy events" — this got me to thinking. Whether you hoard these testers or just ignore them, what's your take on these fragrant sheets?

What Do You Do With Magazine Perfume Samples?

I rip them out and save them to wear for later.

I rip them out and toss them into the trash.

I sniff them or dab them right from the mag.

Other — I'll tell you in the comment section below.

Should Skin Clinics Offer Botox to Teenagers?

bellasugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:00:49 -0800

A few years ago, Oprah had a 28-year-old woman who'd already had Botox. My friends and I gasped. "Who needs Botox at 28?" we wondered. Fast-forward three years, and our incredulity seems almost quaint; I know women who began getting Botox in their early 20s. (For the record, yours truly has not tried the 'tox.) Next up: teenagers. One eighteen-year-old woman shares how multiple skin care clinics advised her to start getting Botox. (She was horrified.) The idea, as many dermatologists will say, is to prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place.Eighteen-year-olds are adults, so of course they can partake in cosmetic treatments if they like. But seriously, what teenager should even be thinking about Botox? Do you think these clinics should suggest injectables to teenagers, or does the idea depress you? Source

Should Skin Clinics Offer Botox to Teenagers?

Yes

What's Your Shaving Lather of Choice?

bellasugar — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:00:29 -0800

OK, I confess. I used to use soap as a shaving cream. After less than stellar results — and a rapidly depleting supply of Band-Aids — I've changed my ways. Lately I've been loving Philosophy Razor Sharp Shaving Gel ($18). It's got much better slip, and it isn't quite as drying as the ol' bar of soap routine. What's your shaving preference? Source

Do You Do Patch Tests?

bellasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:00:45 -0800

While helping a friend color her hair a few weeks ago, I was skimming over the directions. "Perform a patch test before applying," it said. Did we? Um, no. Should we have? Yeah, probably. So, whether it's to test for allergies or to preview the outcome of your color selection, do you do the recommended patch test for your beauty products, or are disobedient like bad, bad Bella?Source

Do You Do Patch Tests?

Yes — better safe than sorry.

No — I don't have time.

Other — I'll tell you in the comment section below.

Would You Use Lube For Your Acne?

bellasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:00:30 -0800

When it comes to unconventional zit creams, I've put toothpaste, baby powder, and even eggs on my face for a quick fix. But personal lubricant? Um, haven't tried that one. According to a recent story, Cambodian women have been doing just that. Apparently, rubbing the lubricant from Number One Plus condoms works quite well for shrinking pimples. We all know that the Pill can help fight acne, but this is another story. Check out an odd but funny commercial for Number One Plus, and let me know if you'd lube up your acne.

Would You Use Lube For Your Acne?

Yes, I'd use anything to cure my acne.

No, it's a bit of a stretch.

Other — I'll tell you in the comment section below.

Would You Use This Snotty Shower Accessory?

bellasugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:00:53 -0700

Talk about a gag gift — because this thing certainly makes me nauseated. This shower gel dispenser ($17.95) attaches to your shower tile with suction cups, and dispenses gel or shampoo when you press the right nostril. I can't imagine ever having this in my home, but someone must be buying it, right? (Frat boys? Five-year-olds?) Is there any circumstance that would make you put this in your home?

Would You Use This Snotty Shower Accessory?

Yes, it snot that bad.

No, this thing blows.

Do You Think Men Know When You Wear Makeup?

bellasugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:01:04 -0700

Time and time again, my guy friends tell me that they don't like it when women wear a lot of makeup. "I like natural faces," they insist. But the funny thing is, half the time they can't tell that I'm wearing makeup when they say this. Little tricks such as concealer and mascara look "real," so lots of my friends assume I just wake up looking bright-eyed. (Ha.) What about the men in your life — do you think they know when you wear makeup?Source

Do You Think Men Know When You Wear Makeup?

Yes

How Long Does It Take You to Primp For a Special Occasion?

bellasugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:01:13 -0700

I'm fairly low-key on a day-to-day level, but for a big night out, I'm willing to spend up to an hour to complete my hair and makeup. Some friends are ready in 15 minutes, while others take two hours. About how long does it take you to get ready for a big event? Source

How Long Does It Take You to Primp For a Special Occasion?

30 minutes or less

45 minutes

An hour

An hour or more

Is Sarah Palin Overpaying Her Makeup Artist?

bellasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:04:14 -0700

Man, I'm in the wrong line of business. The McCain campaign paid Sarah Palin's makeup artist $22,800 for the first two weeks of October. According to campaign records, Emmy-winning makeup artist Amy Strozzi was the highest-paid individual in the campaign during that fortnight. (Palin's hairstylist earned $10,000 — no word yet on how much Michelle Obama's hairstylist earns.)Now, I know makeup artists can demand high salaries — but coupled with Palin's $150,000 wardrobe, that's a lot of cash spent to look so good. (And, no matter what your political stance, you have to admit, Palin does look polished.) Do you think the makeup artist's fees are fair, or is the campaign overpaying her?Source

Is Sarah Palin Overpaying Her Makeup Artist?

You betcha. There's no reason to spend that kind of cash on makeup.

Nope. The best in the business doesn't come cheap, and the stakes are high.

Other — I'll tell you in a comment.

Are You Buying These Vibrating Mascaras?

bellasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:00:16 -0700

There's a considerable amount of buzz about two mascaras: Ôscillation from Lancôme ($34) and TurboLash ($30) from Estée Lauder. The dueling products both promise to add volume, length and curl to lashes through their vibrating wands. TurboLash sold out immediately upon its July debut, and Ôscillation had 21,000 names on a waiting list before launching this week. Of the two, I've tried only TurboLash. It's a good mascara that delivers natural-looking, long and separate lashes. But it's not as though manually wiggling mascara through my eyelashes is a huge burden, so I doubt I'll replace regular mascaras with vibrating ones permanently. What about you — have you tried these? Are you interested?

Are You Buying These Vibrating Mascaras?

Yep. I think they're cool. We live in the FUTURE.

Maybe. I'm curious, but I need to try them first.

Nope. This is too gimmicky for my tastes.

Who Taught You How to Do Makeup?

bellasugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:00:33 -0700

My mom was never one to wear a whole lot of makeup, except for lots of mascara and a little lipstick (her signature look). So, when my best friend in high school had a Mary Kay makeover, I soon learned that "shadow" was something more than a dark image cast upon a surface in the background."Your look is a little plain-Jane," she told me. Ouch. She whipped out her shiny new makeup bag, and proceeded to instruct me on the ins and outs of applying makeup — complete with drawings and figures. So tell me, who taught you all about makeup? Was it a friend, a family member, or did you do it on your own?Source

Who Taught You How to Do Makeup?

My mom or another relative

A friend

Self-taught

A professional

Other — I'll tell you in the comment section below.

Do You Bring Your Own Polish to the Nail Salon?

bellasugar — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

It’s safe to say that those who wait-list for a $20 nail polish are probably just as meticulous about their manicures. Demanding perfection, they're likely regulars at the polish station and won't settle for just any old color. Still, nail salons often stock multiple brands of professional products, perhaps for those less Type-A of us. Which camp do you fall in?Source

Do You Bring Your Own Polish to the Nail Salon?

Bring my own polish.

Use salon polish.

It depends — I’ll tell you in the comments.

Should Guyliner Be Banned?

bellasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

At the end of last month, a 13-year old boy was told by school officials in Hamilton, OH that he needed to remove his black lipstick and eye liner because his makeup was "extreme and distracting." The boy, Matt, didn't see it that way, saying, "I don't find this distracting at all." His mom felt that the school system was being discriminatory. But administrators claimed that the same rules apply for girls wearing excessive makeup. Do you think the school was right in singling him out? Or should Matt be able to flaunt his WentzPentz with pride?Watch the video, then take the poll and tell me: Should guyliner be banned?

Source

Do You Do Your Makeup in Front of Your Partner?

bellasugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

A friend of mine just moved in with her boyfriend. The other day, she complained to me that she still holes herself up in the bathroom when she's getting ready for work. "It's not that I mind him seeing me without makeup," she said. "I just don't want him to watch me pluck stray hairs and mess up my eyeliner four times before I get it right." Interesting. What's your take?Source

Do You Do Your Makeup in Front of Your Partner?

Yes

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Have a Beauty Bad Habit?

bellasugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

A bad habit is an undesirable behavior pattern, like whipping out the credit card a bit too often during those late night infomercials or spending a mind boggling amount of time on the Wii. But what about beauty — do you have any bad habits you'd like to break? Whether it's pimple popping or nail biting, what's your worst vice? Such a delightful topic, no?Source

Do You Have a Beauty Bad Habit?

Biting my nails

Popping pimples

Picking at split ends

Smoking — horrendous for the skin

Other — I'll explain in the comment section below.

Clash of the Curls, Madonna or Lindsay?

bellasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:11 -0700

Last night at Madonna's directorial premiere of Filth and Wisdom, there was quite a similarity between two sexy ladies, namely the material girl herself and red-headed starlet Lindsay Lohan. Am I sensing a trend with these very distinct "undulating waves," as they are known in the hair biz? So tell me, who rode the hair wave best in this battle of the curly girlies?Source

Clash of the Curls, Madonna or Lindsay?

Madonna

Lindsay Lohan

Neither — I'll tell you in the comments below.

Does The Pill Help Reduce Your Acne?

bellasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

Recently, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer, maker of the birth control pill YAZ, for misleading consumers into thinking the drug can help remedy most, if not all, pre-menstrual symptoms. While YAZ is approved to treat moderate acne vulgaris, the commercials suggest that the drug can treat all acne problems, which is a no-no, says the FDA. So, this got me to thinking about The Pill in general, which helped clear up my case of jawline acne. What says you on this topic?Source

Does The Pill Help Reduce Your Acne?

Yes, significantly

Somewhat

N/A

Do You Buy Professional Products?

bellasugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:00:08 -0700

The allure of professional beauty supplies is hard to pass up. All those products, lines and colors you've never heard of! Industrial size bottles of Jean Nate! Aisles and aisles of nail polish, rhinestones, nail drying sprays that will probably kill your houseplants! And then there are the mannequin heads... Source

Do You Buy Professional Products?

Yes

How Many Times Have You Changed Your Look?

bellasugar — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

According to a recent study, British women change their look an average of 26 times during the span of their lives. That's a lot of makeover action. For fun times, check out this one woman's photo-show trip through the past as she explores her own lifetime of makeovers. But, in the meantime, fill me in on your own experiences of change. Whether to build confidence or keep up with ever-changing trends, what's your magic number? Source

Do You Ever Wonder: How Sanitary Is That Makeup Unit?

bellasugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:00:10 -0700

As you may have guessed, I've spent my fair share of time around makeup counters. The other day I was perusing the lipstick palettes at a large department store and noticed the lady next to me trying on every color from a shimmery glimmery gold to a vixen matte red. The only problem was — Gross! The dreaded double-dip. This got me to thinking about just how many other customers have contributed to any creepy critter action. Are you concerned, or do you let it fly? Source

Do You Ever Wonder: How Sanitary Is That Makeup Unit?

Yes. What germs are lurking in there?

Nope. Germs are everywhere and I can't let that bother me.

Other — I'll tell you in the comment section below.

Do You Use a Blow Dryer?

bellasugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:00:19 -0700

Today, a friend of mine confessed that she has only been using a blow dryer for the last one of her 30 years. Although I am often pressed for time in the morning, I try to do a little heat styling to tame my hair, even if the results aren't perfect. Since I often notice many wet-haired ladies and gents on my morning train ride, I'm wondering how many of you use a blow dryer after washing? Source

Do You Use a Blow Dryer?

Yes — I like a polished style each day.

Occasionally — If I have time or feel like it.

No — I just towel off or air dry.

Do You Get Beauty Buyer's Remorse?

bellasugar — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:00:15 -0700

A friend and I were discussing the new vibrating mascaras yesterday, when she mentioned buying a heated lash curler for $30. Petrified to put something hot and moving near her eye, she still harbors regrets about plunking down her hard-earned cash on something so useless (to her). Of course, I can always chalk it up as "research" - but have you suffered beauty buyer's remorse?Source

Do You Get Beauty Buyer's Remorse?

Yes

Other; I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Buy Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Products?

bellasugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:00:03 -0700

As you may know, October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month. That means it's time to think pink. All sorts of beauty companies typically include some variation of pink products and/or packaging in observance of this devastating disease, usually donating a percentage of the profits to support the cause. Do you purchase BCAM products? If so — or if not — tell me about it.Source

Do You Buy Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Products?

Yes, even if I don't really need the product.

Sometimes, and it's a special bonus if I do actually need the product.

No, I support the cause in other ways.

Do You Recommend Products to Men?

bellasugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 06:00:22 -0700

Last night, my best friend's boyfriend started telling me how his eyes always feel itchy and puffy. Immediately, I found myself rattling off a prescription for products that might work until his insurance kicks in: hypoallergenic pillow liners, Yes to Carrots Cucumber Eye Gel, Rohto V Cooling Eye Drops.When a bachelor has face scrub and some Persa-Gel, I'm impressed, yet by the time I am done with him, he's a Kiehl's devotee and has used up all my Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. Do you recommend products to the man (or men) in your life? And tell me in the comments if they listen.Source

Do You Recommend Products to Men?

Yes

I'll tell you in the comments.

Is Kate Moss's Lipstick Art Worth $60,000?

bellasugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:00:13 -0700

No, this isn't a gothy piece of art from my high school days. (Although, come to think of it, this is the season of black lipstick.) What you're looking at is a Kate Moss original. A few years ago, the supermodel created this drawing by using lipstick as her medium, along with a bit of Pete Doherty's blood to write: "Who needs blood when you've got lipstick?"The drawing recently sold to a private buyer for 33,600 British pounds — a whopping $61,850. While I'm more interested in Kate's priceless makeup secrets, someone out there's certainly a collector. Personally, I'm a bit more impressed by this Gwen Stefani lipstick painting, but do you think Kate's art warranted that high of a price tag?Source

Is Kate Moss's Lipstick Art Worth $60,000?

Yes

Have You Ever Colored Your Hair With Something Other Than Hair Dye?

bellasugar — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:00:18 -0700

My friend and I used to break out the lemon juice in high school to provide a little lightening effect to our hair. Thinking back on it, I'm lucky I even had hair. Sunning with a perm, while squeezing on lemon juice? Could have been a tragic combo.This got me to thinking about the "other" ways in which one can color his or her hair. Aside from traditional dyes, here are some alternative options that come to mind: veggies and spices (beets, carrots, rhubarb, paprika), caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea) and/or extreme methods (Kool-Aid, Jell-O, food coloring).So tell me if you've altered your hair color a non-typical way, whether it's by using a more natural approach or through means of some wacky concoction instead?Source

Have You Ever Colored Your Hair With Something Other Than Hair Dye?

Yes

Other — I'll tell you in the comment section below.

What Was Your Biggest Beauty Blunder?

bellasugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:00:34 -0700

I think we've all committed "crimes of beauty" at one point or another. Not that any of these so-called faux pas hair and makeup missteps were wrong or anything — but perhaps they could have been approached in a slightly different way, that's all. So, tell me: What was your biggest blip on the beauty radar screen?Source and Source

What Was Your Biggest Beauty Blunder?

Overly tweezed brows

Heavy-handed bronzer or blush

Dark lip liner with light lipstick

Poofy bangs — curled up on top and rolled under on the bottom

Other

Would You Live at the Spa?

bellasugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:00:30 -0700

Miraval Resort has opened Miraval Living, a Manhattan apartment complex that includes steam rooms, saunas, a spa and hair salon, a yoga studio, and... life counseling. Not to be outdone, Canyon Ranch Spa also has opened Canyon Ranch Living in Miami Beach, which includes nutrition counseling, daily classes, and "experiences in intimacy and sexual function." Spafinder predicts that there will be 300 such living facilities by the end of 2008. Do you need a spa in your building?Source

Would You Live at the Spa?

Yes

Which Old Insecurity Are You Ready to Release?

bellasugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:00:54 -0700

Hardly anyone I know says that she felt beautiful growing up. (Even supermodels say they felt gawky as children.) I was a confident kid in school and friendships, but I won't lie: The schoolyard taunts of "Bucky Beaver" made me feel insecure about my teeth for years. (You could say that my dental issues turned into mental issues. Zing!)

Looking back at this picture, though, all I can see is a cute, happy-looking girl — hardly the unattractive dork I imagined myself to be. With the passing of time, I've been able to have more compassion for my young self, and that in turn helps me stop picking on my appearance as an adult. (OK, the miracles of orthodontia helped, too, but you get the idea.) So in the spirit of squashing those years-old negative messages that keep echoing in our heads, which ones are you ready to let go of?

Did You Go Above and Beyond for School Picture Day?

bellasugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:00:18 -0700

Cheese! It's picture day at Sugar HQ, and everyone is coming by my desk to see if I have any extra gloss. This got me thinking back to the 13 years of consecutive picture-taking experiences from kindergarten to senior year — from initials embroidered into my peter pan collar (classy!) to my mouth full of metal. Awkwardness aside, each year I took extra special care in hopes of achieving hair and makeup perfection. What was picture day like for you?Source

Did You Go Above and Beyond for School Picture Day?

Yes.

Nope.

Other — I'll tell you in the comment section below.

Bella Poll: Have You Been Watching Tabatha's Salon Takeover?

bellasugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:00:11 -0700

Warning — Tabatha's Salon Takeover is rather addictive. The premise of the show is as follows: Tabatha, a former contestant on Bravo's Sheer Genius, goes into salons, ruffles some feathers, and leaves knowing that she did her best to turn ailing salons into thriving businesses. Psychologists often say that it's human nature to be compelled to watch disasters, and we've seen quite a few already on this show: A salon owner who licks his clients, a styling chair bolstered into place by cement bricks, and a salon staff member who loses it after too much "friendly" advice from the master stylist, Tabatha herself. So, tell me about your own viewing habits. If you've been watching, what do you think?Photo courtesy of Bravo

Bella Poll: Have You Been Watching Tabatha's Salon Takeover?

Yes

Other — I'll tell you in the comment section below.

Bella Poll: Which Fall Makeup Trend Is Your Favorite?

bellasugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:00:22 -0700

Even though I've just returned from Spring 2009 Fashion Week, when it comes to beauty trends, I'm currently looking a little bit more into the near future. I'm all for planning ahead, but first I need to make a few purchases to update my cosmetics bag for Fall 2008. As the change of season approaches, which fall makeup trend do you think will make it in your shopping cart this Fall? Whatever look you choose, how bold will you go: runway style or a more toned down version?Source and Source

Bella Poll: Which Fall Makeup Trend Is Your Favorite?

Pop of color eye shadow (blue, purple, yellow, or orange)

Stained lips (in deep shades like burgundy, berry, or red)

Metallic shadows (bronze, pewter, gold, etc.)

Cat eye "winged" eyeliner

Bold brows

Do You Book Standing Appointments?

bellasugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:00:22 -0700

Having regular scheduled blowout and manicure appointments always seems like the most ladies-who-lunch cosmopolitan dream to me, but I recently discovered a friend of mine — who, um, serves lunch — has a regular Wednesday afternoon date with her manicurist and a standing monthly eyebrow appointment. Do you schedule your appointments months in advance, or are you an impulse salon visitor?

Source

Do You Book Standing Appointments?

Yes

I'll tell you in the comments.