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You Are Way Too Picky

bellasugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:03:18 -0700

There is a somewhat disturbing article in the October issue of Elle about the author's recent battle with a bout of dematillomania, also known as acne excoriée. Call it what you will, but many people pick at their faces. Some of us gently extract in a magnifying mirror, while others perform minor surgery until we draw blood. Dermatologist Frederic Brandt discusses the degrees of the problem, cautioning:

Scarring depends on the severity of infection and how adamantly people go after them. And inflammation, if you break out or do enough extracting, can lead either to a lightening or darkening of skin color.

So there you have it. One false move, and your problem just went from bad to worse. There are multiple things that can be done to try and rehabilitate a picker. Like getting regular manicures to stop nail biting, a newfound devotion to skincare can help (think regular microdermabrasion, treatment with bacteria-killing lasers, Retin-A). Or if it's an OCD or Body Dysmorphic Disorder issue, therapy can help. Have you ever had picking problems, and what has helped you?

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Bella Interview: Gina Brooke

bellasugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:00:27 -0700

I think pretty much everyone can agree that Madonna looks amazing in the May issue of Elle. Her gorgeous makeup look is the work of Gina Brooke, the artistic director of Shu Uemura. As Madonna's personal makeup artist, she's also responsible for those legendary mink-and-diamond lashes from a couple of years ago. Last week, I was lucky enough to chat with her right before she headed off to do Madonna's makeup. Read on.

How do you work with Madonna to come up with makeup looks?
It's definitely a collaboration. She has an idea; I have ideas. Then we combined the two along with hair and styling. It's a collaboration between the hair stylist and makeup artist — and Madonna, of course. She always has an idea of which direction she wants to go in. Usually on certain jobs you walk in and go, "OK, this is my idea." She's like, "No, this is my idea, and then you guys give me what you've got."

What was the idea for the Elle shoot?
For years I've been obsessed with a photographer named Sam Haskins. Every time we have a photo shoot or something big coming up, I always break out my Sam Haskins and I'm like, "Here, what about this?" She's always turned me down. And then finally we actually did a Sam Haskins-inspired shoot for the cover of Elle.

To find out which lipstick color and foundation Gina used for the cover,

Coco Rocha Spritzes Fiercely in Elle Campaign

bellasugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:00:59 -0800

One fragrance I've been meaning to check out is Yves Saint Laurent Elle, but after seeing the commercial for it, I'm expecting something completely different from the fresh, youthful scent I'd anticipated. Check this out:

This commercial is visually gripping, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs song just adds to the cool factor. But I'm a little scared of Coco Rocha's fierceness. She looks like at any moment, she might unleash some sort of pink airborne pathogen, graffiti-style. It's a little intimidating. What do you think?

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Do You Still Follow Lindsay's Hair and Makeup Cues?

bellasugar — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 06:39:24 -0700

The September issue of Elle features some photos of Lindsay Lohan looking sophisticated (and, of course, a dishy interview done right before her recent arrest). Despite her latest legal troubles, she looks great in these Elle, and I love this Gisele-esque hair on her. Yet I'm wondering if her status as a beauty trendsetter may be affected by her constant personal dramas. What do you think? Do you still look to Lindsay for hair and makeup inspiration, or are you over it?Source

Do You Still Follow Lindsay's Hair and Makeup Cues?

Absolutely. She may be down, but she's definitely not out.

Sometimes. Despite her personal problems, she's still on top of all the trends.

Not anymore. I'd rather look to someone else for inspiration.

Nope. I never liked her hair and makeup in the first place.

Other

Coming Soon: Yves Saint Laurent Elle

bellasugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:13:24 -0700

At the risk of sounding like Polly Perfumaniac, I've got even more fragrance news for you. Yves Saint Laurent is preparing a new fragrance called Elle.

WWD reports that this fragrance is meant for the younger YSL fan, and serves as a contrast between the fashion house's tradition and the modern, urban lifestyle. Model Coco Rocha will star in the ads while wearing a tuxedo (YSL, of course!) and writing the fragrance's name in pink spray from the bottle.

The scent is said to be a blend of top notes including cedar, litchi, and peony; mid notes of rose and freesia, and base notes of traditionally masculine vetiver mixed with patchouli and pepper. Elle will debut in Europe and the Middle East in October, followed by a stateside launch next year.

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