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Bella's November 2008 Must Haves

bellasugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:59:55 -0800

Can someone tell me how it got to be November? Now that we're all bright-eyed from our extra hour of sleep over the weekend, it's time to get ready for some exciting upcoming events. With election day tomorrow and Thanksgiving not too far behind, check out my slides for some great November beauty ideas.

Bella's October 2008 Must Haves

bellasugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:00:22 -0700

It's October, and for most of you, the weather has officially changed. In the next few weeks, perhaps you'll be celebrating Halloween, Sweetest Day with your honey, or National Cosmetology Month (yay to all you professionals out there!). So I've compiled a list of tricks and treats to help you get in the mood for the whimsical month ahead.

Bella's September 2008 Must Haves

bellasugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:03:45 -0700

September is one of my favorite months with the intermingling of the warmth of Summer and crisp air of Fall. Now that back-to-school time has finally arrived, you'll be sure to look dapper and refreshed with these assortment of products. I've put together a few must-haves that are right on trend — and your style smarts will wow them all. Source

Bella's August 2008 Must Haves

bellasugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:02:03 -0700

It's the hottest time of year for most of us, but that doesn't mean you have to lose your beauty cool. Check out a few end-of-summer styles and grooming goodies to help you make the most of these days — there's something here for everybody!

Bella's July 2008 Must Haves

bellasugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:00:54 -0700

Is it just me, or is 2008 zooming by? Now that it's July, we're well into Summer — with all of the hot-weather beauty needs that come along with it. I've picked out a few items (some splurgey, some not) to keep you looking good and feeling your best.

Bella's June Beauty Must-Haves

bellasugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:00:21 -0700

Wow, time flies, huh? It's hard to believe that it's June already, but the calendar doesn't lie. For this month's must-have beauty items, I've rounded up a few things to simplify your grooming. From a tiny hair tool to a big ball of oil — you'll love it, promise — there's something in here for everyone.

Bella's May 2008 Must-Haves

bellasugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:15:55 -0700

This is an exciting month for me; BellaSugar's first anniversary is coming up in just a few days! I have some fun things planned to celebrate — more on that next week — but for now, here are some of the month's best beauty finds. There's something in here for every style and every budget, so have a look!

Wedding Makeup Must-Haves

bellasugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:00:49 -0700

There are many ways that you can vary your wedding-day makeup, but quintessential bridal beauty typically encompasses a medium-coverage foundation, a pink lip, warm cheeks, and clean, defined, and bright eyes. Here are some of my favorite tried-and-true beauty products for brushing brides. Take notes, and the next time you are in a department store, test out the best suited colors to match your skin tone. For more fantastic wedding coverage across all of the Sugar sites, check out IDoSugar.

Bella's April 2008 Must-Haves

bellasugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:00:40 -0700

Spring is officially here, and even though some of you are still stuck with weather that's more wintry than warm, that doesn't mean you can't get excited for some of the season's beauty goodies. To get you started, I've compiled a list of products, from pretty to practical, to help bring April flowers a little sooner rather than later.

Bella's March 2008 Must-Haves

bellasugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:00:22 -0800

March is a peculiar month: The weather isn't overly wintry, but it's far from balmy. So to start off the month, I've compiled some essentials that tackle that pre-spring feeling. And if you're looking forward to St. Patrick's Day, wait until you see some of the wacky stuff I've found to get you into the Irish spirit.

Bella's February 2008 Must-Haves

bellasugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:00:11 -0800

Happy February! This month's must-haves are largely inspired by Valentine's Day. What can I say? I'm a romantic. I've included a few sexy splurges that, while you might not buy for yourself, would make a great gift. You never know when you might accidentally slip and send a hint to your sweetie, you know?

The First Must-Haves of 2008

bellasugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:00:39 -0800

The post-holiday doldrums of January can be rough, cold, and not so pretty. That doesn't have to be the case with your beauty routine, though. This month, it's all about hydration: drinking enough water, moisturizing your skin, and avoiding drying products. I've found six items to help you do just that and more.

For a rundown of each product, just

December Must-Haves

bellasugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:55:41 -0800

Even though stores are filled with people seeking gifts for friends and family, let's be realistic: Most people pick up a little something for themselves, too. And why not? It's been a long year, and a bit of pampering won't hurt.

For this month's must-haves, I've found items that will help you primp and prepare for end-of-year festivities—along with a few that'll help you decompress from the stress of the holidays. To see my picks,

November Must-Haves

bellasugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:07:44 -0700

Okay, seriously, how is it November already? It seems like it was just last week when we were gallivanting in warm weather, and now I'm already planning my Thanksgiving shopping list. Sheesh, time flies. But along with the Tofurky shopping, I'm going to be doing some beauty shopping for this chilly month. Here are my picks:

For a description of each,

Must-Have of the Moment: Prescriptives Colorscope Custom Color Shifter

bellasugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:05:00 -0700

These revolutionary Prescriptives Colorscope Custom Color Shifters ($17.50) are not only cool to look at, but they are the new must-have of the moment for your makeup bag!

Why did't anyone think of this idea sooner? These two lipsticks have so many great qualities. They have been created in silver and gold shades to allow you to transform any lipstick that you already have into either a cool or warm shade.

While they look shimmery and tempting enough to wear alone, they work best if you layer the silver over your favorite lipstick for a cooling effect, or the gold for a warming effect. In addition, they contain conditioning properties to moisturize your lips as well as antioxidants to protect, soothe and keep them looking and feeling healthy!

October Must-Haves

bellasugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:00:17 -0700

Another month rolls in, and so I'm rolling out my must-haves for October. I had a little fun this time around, choosing some out-of-the-ordinary styles with Halloween in mind. To take a look at my picks,

Looky-Looky, it's September's Must-Haves!

bellasugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:59:21 -0700

Depending on where you live, September is either still stuck in summer heat or is winding down into cooler weather. Either way, it's a good time to try out some fall trends, and I've rounded up some of my favorites! To find out what they are,

Check Out August's Beauty Must-Haves!

bellasugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:00:50 -0700

Wow, time's flying—it's hard to believe that it's already August! I'm looking forward to this month because it's the last hurrah of summer. It's time to pack as much beach time, alfresco dining and steamy nights as possible into the next four weeks. So I've got this practical/romantic thing going on: I found some great, no-fuss products that will keep you looking and feeling foxy with as little effort as possible.

To explore my picks,

Must-Have of The Moment: Louis Vuitton Vanity GM

bellasugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:01:54 -0700

I am totally kvelling over this incredible travel case! Louis Vuitton has remodeled its classic vanity, the Trouville, and the result is the Vanity GM ($1,800). This gorgeous patent leather piece has a zippered closure, three inside pockets, an inside strap to secure bottles, a four-facet mirror and is embossed with monochromatic LV monograms throughout.

The deep square box measures 11.2" x 7.3" x 7.1", and it is available in two colors: Amarante (aubergine with gold flecks, shown) and Pomme D'Amour (red). It was supposed to debut on July 1st, but it is not yet in stores or online. I suggest placing a pre-order for this item if you have any interest whatsoever. When I spoke with an LV rep, she mentioned there is already a waiting list for this pricey piece. Sheesh, talk about the power of buzz!

BellaSugar's July 4th Picks: America the Beautiful

bellasugar — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:44:20 -0700

Happy Birthday, America! Today is the day to celebrate our country, our independence and relish in what makes us feel beautiful! I'm such a sucker for a holiday—gimme any reason to dress up in theme and I'll jump. So I've come up with a couple of fun ways to show your American spirit and support for July 4th!

Create your own Patriotic Manicure or Pedicure by choosing colors like OPI Nail Polish ($7) in Blue My Mind, Big Apple Red and Alpine Snow.

You can either alternate painting your nails different colors, or you can carefully paint your own stars and stripes on each nail. Have fun and enjoy your creative liberties!

For two more July 4th beauty must-haves

Must-Haves for July

bellasugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:05:05 -0700

Every month on BellaSugar, I present my picks for the top five beauty products, colors, and looks you simply must have right now. July typically has sizzling temperatures, and these items are just as hot! Check out these five buys that will help you look fabulous in July.

To find out about these must-haves, just

Must-Haves for June

bellasugar — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 10:07:41 -0700

Every month on BellaSugar, I'll give you my picks for the top five beauty products, colors, and looks you simply must have right now. There's no denying that Summer is officially upon us, which means it's time to get serious about your fake tan and beach-inspired makeup — even if you're not planning to be anywhere near the water. Check out these five buys that will help you look fabulous in June.

Island-inspired makeup palettes, such as the limited-edition Caribbean Crush Face Palette by LORAC ($30). It includes Summer essentials like bronzer and three metallic eye shadows. (Yes, metallic eyes are still hot.)
Self-tanner plus bronzer. It's time to start showing some skin, so pick up a lotion — such as Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube ($22.50) — that will give you an instant bronze while gradually building your tan.
Coral lips. Dark lipstick is a big no-no in Summer, so why not try this trendy color? Colour Surge Lipstick in Coral Crush by Clinique ($14) is a good starter shade.
Dior Addict 2 Summer Peonies ($50). This just-released fragrance is one of June's hottest scents, with a feminine pink bottle and notes of peony, orange, and violet.
Scarf-inspired headbands. What better way to battle beach hair than with a colorful print headband, like this Voom Polka Dot Silk Tie Headband ($40)?

Must-Have of the Moment: HydraSUNRays Bronzer by Beauty Addicts

bellasugar — Wed, 23 May 2007 16:00:00 -0700

I am a huge fan of Beauty Addicts cosmetics. After meeting the owner, Maria Ashe, at the Jackie Rogers fashion show last season, I knew I'd found someone who was just as passionate about makeup as I am. I was delighted to receive a package from her a couple of days later, and I've been addicted to Addicts products ever since.

The latest launch from Beauty Addicts is the HydraSUNRays Bronzer ($32). It has a lightweight formula and sheer color that delivers an extremely neutral glow to the skin. What sets this bronzer apart is that it contains no shimmer and has build-able coverage, meaning that the color gets darker the more you apply. And since it's matte, it will never streak, no matter how much you pile on!

HydraSUNRays contain pure freshwater pearl powder. Since we know that pearls are great for healthy skin cell growth, this just makes the product even more attractive. It also contains green tea and vitamins A, C, D and B5. HydraSUNRays, which can also be used as an eyeshadow or blush, is available in one neutral color intended for all skin tones.

Must-Have of the Moment: Metallic Liquid Eyeliner

bellasugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 06:00:45 -0700

I wasn't kidding when I said that metallics are the biggest thing for spring and summer. When beauty companies got wind of metallic liners on the Spring fashion runways, they decided to create some sparkling products of their own. You can pick up a chunky glitter pencil, or, for a sleeker look, try one of the new metallic liquid eyeliners featured below.

Luminous Eye Liner by Chantecaille ($22) is the brand's first-ever liquid liner product. These pens are deeply pigmented and contain high levels of pearl for a glittering and glamorous look. The liners are available in four iridescent musical shades: Tempo, Pianissimo, Allegro, and Crescendo.

For two more must-have metallic liquid eyeliners,

Top Five Must-Haves for May

bellasugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 07:30:26 -0700

Every month on BellaSugar, I'll give you my picks for the top five beauty products, colors, and looks you simply must have right now. This month, as we make the transition from springtime to summer, it's all about looking fresh, girly, and a little bit shimmery. Here are five ways to be beautiful in May.

Glitter Eye Pencils: Metallic eyes were all over the Spring runways — particularly thick, sparkly liners.
Lancome Proenza Pink Lipstick: This limited-edition shade is such a must-have that it's already sold out! You can pay a pretty penny on eBay, or try a matte fuchsia shade.
Liquid Luminizers: Perfect for springtime skin, these shimmery highlighters will give you a healthy, bright glow.
Hot-Pink Nail Polish: Bid adieu to the goth-nail look and embrace brights! I particularly like Essie's Bachelorette Bash.
Loose Waves and Center Parts: With all that shimmery, pink stuff, take a page from Jessica Alba and keep your locks on the simple side with this trendy style.