BellaSugar -- You're beautiful.

BellaSugar's Top Five Getting-Ready Beauty Tips

bellasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:03:49 -0700

No, I don't shake up a martini every morning, but I do make a cocktail of sorts during my daily getting-ready routine.

Throughout my time in the beauty scene, I've chatted with hairdressers galore and makeup artists aplenty. So, check out this list to see which professional beauty tidbits become such favorites, I now use them every single day:

Cocktail hour — To get the results I want from my hairstyle, I mix up a "cocktail" of two to three hair products while my hair is damp. One of my favorites is to create a blend of light-hold gel, a shine serum, and a styling lotion. The effect is smooth, healthy-looking hair that stays where I want it.
Magic wand — Instead defining my eyebrows by filling sparse areas in with a brow pencil, I use a disposable mascara wand instead. Lightly apply the brow pencil (or eyeliner) to the wand itself, then brush over brows for a fool-proof, enhanced look.
Warm it up — I add just the slightest amount of liquid bronzer to foundation for a warm, soft, and shimmery glow. This is also a great way to darken foundation that might be just a shade lighter than you'd like.
Splish-splash — After I'm done applying my makeup, I spritz on a little toner. Not only does it feel refreshing, but it sets my makeup, while giving a hint of dewiness. It's also the perfect time to blend any areas that need to be softened with a makeup sponge.
Ready, Steady, Go — To set my eyeliner, I gently use an eyeliner brush to tap an eye shadow of the same color over the liner. The results? Eye makeup that lasts all day.

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Chanel Gets Haute for the Holidays

bellasugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

It seems like the holidays keep getting bumped up earlier with each passing year. (Target's holiday section was out in full force last week.) But when Chanel does it, somehow I'm ready to do eggnog shots if it means I'll get to play with new beauty goodies.

I had a chance to check out this new color collection, and while it's all pretty, these items wound up on my lusting-after list:

Rouge Allure lipstick in Nude, a slightly shimmery, pale nude with just the slightest hint of peach. It gives you that Françoise Hardy look, effortlessly.
Poudre Précieuse, a lightweight loose gold powder that can go on the face, shoulders, and décolletage.
Le Vernis nail polish in Haute Chocolat. This shade was developed by a Wisconsin high-schooler, and if she wants a career in cosmetics, she'll do very well. It's a warm brown shade with subtle gold flecks — nothing flashy, like "It's 1992; I'm going to a rave!" or anything. Just a lovely color, especially if you're tiring of classic reds and trendy blacks.

Doing Drugstore: Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer

bellasugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:20 -0700

As you may know, I often get to chat with makeup artists about what tricks they use to create beautiful makeup palettes. Continually, I hear about primers, primers, primers. And you know what? Those makeup artists know what they are talking about, so I decided to try Revlon's Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer ($12.99).

First off, the smell of this primer is very odd. I can't quite place my finger on it, but it's rather potent, with almost a chemical/outdoorsy scent. Since I tend to get a little oily, I chose the normal/combination formula (also comes available for dry skin), and although it felt lightweight to the touch, within a few hours my skin looked a little more shiny than I would have liked.

Formulated with something called Botafirm to tighten the skin, the best part of my Revlon primer experience was an increased performance in the longevity of my foundation, and my makeup glided on more evenly. I also noticed that the product made my skin look brighter and softer, without causing breakouts — a huge plus.

All-in-all this primer did what it was supposed to do (create a smooth canvas on the skin), but I wasn't wowed by the supposed tightening factor or slightly heavy feel. Plus, the tube didn't dispense the product evenly, and I was disappointed that I seemed to waste so much of this relatively expensive drugstore item.

See reader reviews and add your own here!

Make Your Eye Color Pop With The Right Shadow Shades

bellasugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:25 -0700

Earlier this week I gave you the scoop on how to achieve Hayden Panettiere's Emmy look straight from Amy Oresman, who was responsible for the young star's eye-popping makeup. While we were at it, she shared some tips on how to make the most of your eye color. So if you've ever wondered which shades will make your eyes stand out, read on.

For green eyes: Use a warm, pink, or rose tone on the crease and underneath the eye. "That makes sparkling green eyes shine even brighter," Oresman says. She likes Neutrogena's Nourishing Eye Duo in Fairy Dust ($8.79) eye shadow.

For blue eyes: To make blue eyes sizzle, use warm bronze tones. (This cheapie quad is a great example.)

For brown eyes: "Brown-eyed babes have it made, because any warm tone works to enhance their beguiling dark eyes," Oresman says. To create a dramatic contrast against the color of the pupil and the whiteness of the eye, line the waterline of the eyes with eyeliner. (Here's how.)

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How-To: The Six-Minute Face From Bruce Grayson

bellasugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:00:59 -0700

"I've done full makeup in less than six minutes," Bruce Grayson said when I interviewed the head of the Emmys makeup department. While many among us are used to doing our makeup in under six minutes — sometimes in a car mirror with screaming children — I thought you might like to know how a pro accomplishes such a thing. After all, unless you've got the paparazzi in the car behind you, your rush job isn't getting splashed across weekly tabs like Bruce's.

For a minute-by-minute plan based on his ideas,

New Product Alert: Marimekko for Avon

bellasugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:00:49 -0700

I love beautifully designed makeup (witness Lancôme's elephant-adorned bronzer, for example). But you know what I don't love? After using the item once or twice, the colors blend together and the perfect design is over. In the grand scheme of things, it's not a big deal — but why shell out big bucks just for the design?

That is why I am excited about these Marimekko for Avon palettes, which feature the Finnish textile brand's iconic Unikko print. At $8 for the eye shadow palette and $10 for an all-over face palette, they won't make you too depressed when the design begins to look less crisp. Cute and cheap? CasaSugar will be thrilled.

Coming Soon: Ungaro Meets MAC

bellasugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:45:33 -0700

After last year's collaboration with Alexander McQueen, MAC is getting fashionable yet again. This time, the brand is working with Emanuel Ungaro, the fashion house headed by 24-year-old designer Esteban Cortazar, on a 14-piece makeup collection inspired by the Fall 2008 runway look.

For the show, lead makeup artist Sharon Dowsett created the look with a painter in mind. "Like Monet’s Water Lilies, it looks better the farther back you stand," she said. Available Oct. 9, the collection is a more earthy interpretation of the house's signature hot pink shades, using muted pink and nude tones to create a naturally flushed. (Blue eyeliner and adds a little bit of an edge; it is fashion, after all.)

To see pictures of the entire collection,

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

How-To: Anne Hathaway's Classic Beauty Hair and Makeup

bellasugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:33 -0700

Modernly Classic Beauty. If there was such an entry in the dictionary (and there should be, don't you think?), actress Anne Hathaway would be front and center. At yesterday's Los Angeles premiere of Rachel Getting Married, Hathaway's stained berry lips and shiny 1940s hairstyle were the perfect combo to complete her updated vintage style. I particularly love how she accessorizes with a barrette, unexpectedly placed low and to the side. Does this gal ever have a misstep? Nope — she's gorgeous.

Makeup

Face — For a soft and dewy look, use a tinted moisturizer such as Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer ($7.20). To reduce shine and set makeup, sweep a dusting of powder (only after all makeup has been applied) like Neutrogena Healthy Skin Loose Powder ($9.75).
Cheeks/Lips — Apply a berry colored lipstick such as Urban Decay Lipstick in Voodoo ($22), a dark pink. Blot to remove any shininess, and repeat the process (apply and blot). You should be left with a nice lip stain — very trendy. Next, do the old lipstick-as-a-blush trick, and dot the berry shade to the apples of your cheeks and blend. The effect is a natural, light flush.
Eyes — With a super soft hand, apply dark brown liner like Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil in Black/Brown ($6.20). Finish off with a sweep of matte, soft taupe shadow on the lids. Try the lightest shade in Physician's Formula Matte Collection Quad Eye Shadow in Canyon Classics ($7). Use the darker brown shade over your eyeliner to set.

For tips on how to achieve Anne's retro hairstyle,

Coming Soon: Jill Stuart Cosmetics

bellasugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00:33 -0700

In Asia, Jill Stuart's beauty products have a cult following. Alas, we Americans have only been able to enjoy the fragrance here in the States — until March, when 20 to 30 pieces of the collection launch in America. The 140-piece line, which includes everything from nail polish remover to cleansing oil, hit Japanese shelves in 2005 and has expanded to Taiwan and Hong Kong. In America, prices are expected to range from $15 to $50. From the look of it, this will be a fun line — last April, the brand started releasing monthly limited-edition nail polishes inspired by the month's birthstone. To see the full-size image of that collection (which, sadly, we may miss out on stateside),

Shu Uemura Gets Instinctive For Fall

bellasugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:00:25 -0700

While I was getting my lashes on at Shu Uemura, another Sugar girl was experiencing a new look of her own. Makeup artist Nicky Posley worked his magic, and presented us with the 2008 Fall Mode Collection called Instinct. "This collection is all about femininity, sensuality, and deep rich color," he said. Read on to see how to get the look.

How-To: Molly Sims's Fashion Rocks Makeup

bellasugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:00:11 -0700

At last week's Fashion Rocks event, Cami Vaught, The Balm makeup artist, created a luminous, sun-kissed look for model/actress Molly Sims. "The overall effect was natural, but sexy; dramatic, but not overdone — perfect to go with the gorgeous Donna Karan that she wore," said Vaught.

I'm sure you'll agree that Sims looked fabulous. For a complete how-to on achieving this look right from the makeup artist herself,

A Sensational Senna Makeover

bellasugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:00:42 -0700

A few weeks ago when I was visiting Los Angeles, I had the pleasure of getting a full-face makeover by makeup artist Leesa Dang at Senna Cosmetics in Beverly Hills. The studio is in a posh location and it's set up with lots of mirrors and chairs, so right from the start my expectations were set high. I had no doubts that I'd walk out looking like anything less than a glamorous and red carpet-ready Hollywood star.

The first step was applying a cleanser, moisturizer and a magical, velvety, silicone-based Silky Primer ($36) that virtually evaporates once it touches skin. It made my face feel smooth and look incredibly supple. (If you're looking for a primer, I recommend it based on the incredible texture alone).

Next came the smooth and extremely sheer base, which provides coverage similar to a tinted moisturizer. However, when I looked in the mirror, I was sadly shocked by how pale and lifeless my skin appeared. Leesa eased my fears by explaining that Senna foundations are made from minerals and would only meld into my skin and soften as the night went on.

Finally came the dramatic mix of petal pink and navy eye shadow, deep navy eyeliner, two coats of rich black mascara, and a medium pink lipstick and gloss. At first I thought the cool tones were a bit heavy, but after a little more blending, it looked beautiful. My face looked even and the smoky eye paired with the pink lip was every bit as sexy as I'd hoped. For more about my thoughts on Senna's foundation, my new everyday lip color obsession, and to find out what celebrities wear this brand,

Beauty Mark It Results: Eye-Popping Brighteners

bellasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:00:11 -0700

If you are a fan of What Not to Wear, you'll know that makeup artist Carmindy continually touts the importance of an eye brightener to conceal and lighten up the appearance of darkness around the eyes. Naturally, I've been a firm believer in her theory, but lately, the brand I've been using just doesn't seem to work as well as it used to for my skin.

Last week I asked you to help me in my quest for the perfect brightener — one that will conceal and lighten up darkness around the eyes. Well, a special thanks goes out to team member Marcella for her recommendation of Tarte Rest Assured Brightening Wand ($22). I'll let Marcella take it from here:

I use when I don't get enough sleep. I drop in some Rohto eye drops and line my bottom lid with this wonder product. All of a sudden, I don't look so old and tired anymore.

The cream under eye highlighter is great, too — if used minimally. A little bit goes a long way. Too much and you look like you're ready to go clubbing (which is not such a great day look for the office).

This product has quickly become a staple in my beauty routine and if you try it, you won't be disappointed!

Check out my widget below to see the rest of your wonderful suggestions:

Trend Alert: Blue Eye Accents at the 2008 VMAs

bellasugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:00:11 -0700

Whether it be an icy shadow or a dark navy liner, one thing is for sure — blue was cool at last night's VMAs. I love how Bar Refaeli, Stephanie Pratt, and Pink went for frosty versions to bring brightness to their eyes. Rihanna and Ashlee Simpson opted for a more smoky edge, while Christina Aguilera added her own unique (as usual) take on the trend. Do you think you'll be wearing any of these blue-hued looks?

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Bridesmaid Dilemma! What Makeup Should I Wear?

bellasugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 06:00:11 -0700

Dear Bella,
I am the maid of honor in my friend's wedding and our dresses are chocolate brown. I am very fair with blond hair and green eyes. Brown has never been a good color for me so I have no idea what sort of colors to use on my eyes, etc. Please help! — Sarah

Dear Sarah,

First off, I can understand your dilemma — as I've been in several weddings myself. From burnt sienna to periwinkle, I've worn it all. Look at it this way. The bride's picked a color that's definitely doable. Hello yellow or orange? Now, that could be more of an issue.

The best advice I can give is to keep your colors light, natural, and modern (but not too trendy). In general, while your bridesmaid's dress should complement your makeup — always match your makeup to you, and not the dress. Although your tones are cool, all of us have some elements of peach, pink, and gold to our skin. Using these hues for your makeup will give you a radiant glow, and accentuate your fair coloring nicely. Also, put the focus on your best feature — your pretty green eyes are going to knock'em out! (Without taking any attention away from the bride, of course.)

For some color suggestions and application techniques for the big day,

How-To: Leighton Meester's Cool-Toned Makeup

bellasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:22 -0700

On Sunday, actress Leighton Meester attended the Henri Bendel and YSL Beaute celebration of Gossip Girl, season 2. Leighton keeps her look in the purple color family — and I can't help but love how her light lilac eyeshadow and soft magenta lips complement the color of her dress. The addition of a sun-kissed bronzer and a small burst of turquoise in her earrings complete this cool-toned look.

For a complete how-to, check out my suggestions below:

FACE: Keep the foundation light and illuminating with a tinted moisturizer such as Stila's Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer ($32). To play up the bright-eye area, try a highlighter like Smashbox's Photo Op Under Eye Brightener ($18).
CHEEKS: To achieve a rosy-bronzed look, try a bronzing duo. Use the brown shade to create depth on the cheeks, forehead, and above the brows; and the rosy pink shade on top to create a fresh flush. Try Laura Mercier's Bronzing Duo ($32) in Pink Bronze.
EYES: For your liner, try a rich chocolate brown like CoverGirl's Brow & Eye Makers Brow Shaper and Eyeliner ($3) in Midnight Brown. Lightly line the entire lower lash line. For the top lash line, only line the outer corners, keeping the inner corners free for the application of shadow. For the shadows, I like Vincent Longo's Eyeshadow Trio — One, Two, Three ($30) in Autumn Rhythm, which comes with three shades: pinkish lavender, warm lavender, and warm eggplant purple. Sweep the lightest shade of lavender on your lids. Next, blend the deeper shades together in the crease area, concentrating on the outer lids for depth.
LIPS: For glossy lips with a light magenta pink tone, try Shiseido's The Makeup Automatic Lip Crayon ($22) in LC10.

Source

Easy on the Eyes: A Simpler Way to Apply Shadow

bellasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:25 -0700

Beauty comes in all different forms, and that goes for eye shapes as well. Depending on the shape of your eyes, you can use eye shadow to play up your features in different ways.

With your eyes open, gaze at those beautiful peepers. Do you see the eyelid or not? Take a look at the picture to the right. Notice that the eyes on the top row have little or no lid, while the ladies on the bottom section do have visible lids. If you fall into the first category, we'll call you a contour. If you fall into the latter, you are a hooded beauty. To check out my instructions for an easy way to play up your eyes based on this principle,

Faking Good Jeans: Beauty Launches from Denim Lines

bellasugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:00:51 -0700

Living in your jeans just got a little more literal. Diesel just celebrated the anniversary of Fuel For Life, and this month, Earnest Sewn launches Simple Serum (right, $45-65), an anti-aging skincare product that comes in only three iterations: face, body, and eye. The mini-line includes the active ingredients like Argiraline, a peptide made from natural proteins. For now, it's only available at Earnest Sewn stores, but that's likely to change.

On the opposite end of the simplicity spectrum, next month Rock & Republic is releasing a cosmetics line that was three years in the making and includes a compact bearing the company's logo in 445 Swarovski crystals. If you don't have an extra $225 lying around for this bling-ed out bronzer, there are over 100 other products to choose from, including primers, gel eyeliners, and natural hair makeup brushes. You'll be able to find them at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Get a first look below.

Explore Cool Makeup Shade Choices With Chad Hayduk

bellasugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:00:34 -0700

You've hopefully taken my warm and cool undertones quiz and learned about the basics of color choice selection from Chad Hayduk, Three Custom Color Specialists' makeup artist and co-founder. We've learned all about the warms — and now cools — it's your turn to sparkle in all of your jewel-toned glory.

Cools should feel special, since you account for only 15 percent of the population. So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and bring it all together with some makeup shades picked by Chad himself, along with some other options I found.

Oh, and I should mention — even though your skin coloring may be light, medium, or dark depending on genetics, sun exposure, and changes in season, you will not change in terms of warmth or coolness. With that said, go to town — and check out my chart when you

Explore Warm Makeup Shade Choices With Chad Hayduk

bellasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:00:06 -0700

You've taken my warm and cool undertones quiz and learned about the basics of color choice selection from Chad Hayduk, Three Custom Color Specialists makeup artist and cofounder. So, let's move on to the nitty-gritty and bring it all together with some makeup shades picked by Chad himself, along with some other options I found.

Since a whopping 85 percent of you are fiery warms who look best in shades such as russets, oranges, bronzes, coppers, and golds, let's start with you first. Check back soon, cools — your own customized selections are on the way.

Bella Interview: Chad Hayduk, Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists

bellasugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:01 -0700

Now that you've taken my quiz to determine if your undertones are warm or cool, I thought it would be, er, cool to delve into the topic a bit deeper. In my three-part series, I'll be featuring tips and tricks from Chad Hayduk, co-founder of Three Custom Color Specialists.

Perhaps one of the best services offered by this nifty cosmetics company (see a tour!) is its adeptness in customizing blends — whether to help you recreate a beloved discontinued shade, or whip up a batch of your own perfect hue.

Another one of its specialties? Taking the guesswork out of the oft-posed question, "Am I a warm or a cool?" Look for more color-specific lip, cheek, and eyeshadow choices from Chad later this week. In the meantime, check out some helpful tips from Hayduk below.

How-To: Carmen Electra's Luminous Summertime Tan

bellasugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:02 -0700

This week, at the Disaster Movie party in Cabo San Lucas, actress, model, and fitness buff Carmen Electra played on the beach looking gorgeous and glowing with her quintessential summertime tan.

Besides her electrifying eyes (I wonder how many times she's heard that one), her skin oozed an undeniable radiance. We know that she's been hanging out at the DKNY House soaking up the rays, but something tells me that she's being careful with SPF, because her wrinkles are minimal. Are you interested in learning how to create this luminous look at home? If so,

Makeup: The Best of the Brightest Brands

bellasugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:00:59 -0700

I had dinner with my successful, globe-trotting artist friend last night, and all she wanted to talk about was makeup. She has beautiful, medium-toned skin (she's Turkish) and blue-green hair (yeah!). There are certain brands that just plain don't show up on her, and others that just don't pack the pigment punch someone who is used to acrylic paint and grease pencil desires. I recommended Ben Nye, an insider-y line founded by the makeup artist behind Gone With the Wind and Planet of the Apes, and that she swing by Madina Milano on her next trip abroad.

Looking for more brands that get it bright? Just

Are Your Undertones Warm or Cool?

bellasugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:40 -0700

Many years ago, my aunts went through a major phase/obsession. What season were you? What color palettes would go with said season? Were you a Winter or a Summer? On and on they went — they even had swatch books with fabric samples carefully customized by a color expert so that the guesswork was taken out of each and every shopping trip. At the time I thought it was over the top, but they were definitely on to something!

Have you ever wondered which makeup colors would complement your own skin, hair, and eye colors? Choosing the wrong ones will give you that blah, worn-out look. Choosing the right colors, however, will accentuate your natural features and make you glow. Take my quiz to find out if your undertones are considered a warm or a cool, and I'll give you some helpful tips on how to make your color selections a breeze. Note: It's best to do this test in natural light with a freshly washed face. Also, pull your hair back and keep your shoulders bare so you get a true sense of your natural coloring.

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BellaSugar's Top Five Peach Blush Picks

bellasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:00:50 -0700

A peach blush is a wonderful way to warm up any skin tone. You can wear a pale shade if you have fair skin or a deeper, more coral shade if you have olive or ebony skin. It's a great alternative to pink blush because it's neutral and won't clash with a last-minute change to, say, red lipstick or purple eye shadow. I happen to think that peach blush also looks amazing paired with a teal, blue, or green shadow and/or liner.

My prized peach blush is Lorac Blush for Cheeks in Peach ($18). It's the deepest of the bunch that I've listed below, and the tawny color gives me a healthy-looking and almost bronzed flush.

Becca Soft Touch Blush in Malika ($32) is neutral, so it's my go-to color when I want that no-makeup makeup look. It is a sparkly, semi-matte formula with light pigment that gives your cheeks an ethereal glow. It blends well and looks best when applied to apples of the cheeks.
Benefit Georgia ($28) is a heaven in a box. This gentle peach powder blush contains a soft shimmer that gives you the type of glowing-from-the-inside radiance. It warms up the skin and even comes with a cute square brush that fits neatly inside.
Dior Pro Cheeks Ultra-Radiant Blush in Hip Peach ($30) has a creamy, whipped-mousse consistency. It contains shimmer for a subtle highlighting effect and it blends effortlessly. The color is just right for medium-toned skin, since it's not too dark and not too light.
Shu Uemura Glow on Blush in Peach (#42) ($21) is a pale peach silky powder blush that contains a touch of sparkle. It acts as both a natural color and a highlighter and looks great when applied to your cheeks, nose, chin, and temples — a must have for any complexion!

Product Review: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Duo

bellasugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:14:06 -0700

I think MAC comes out with a new makeup collection more often than I sanitize my shower, but hey, that's not a terrible thing, is it? The latest launch to catch my eye is the Mineralize Skinfinish Duo ($26.50). The compact contains finely milled, baked face powder; about 75% is matte, and the rest is softly shimmery.

The idea is that you can use the matte powder on most of your face, then highlight cheekbones with the light-reflecting, shimmery powder. Swirling a brush around the whole compact leads to a too-shiny look for me, but with a stippling brush, it's easy to apply only the matte or shimmery finish. I like how the matte powder seems to sink into my skin, leaving no telltale trace; it just looks like skin, which is ideal. The shimmer is definitely more dramatic, so use it sparingly. I like to use it under the eyes after applying concealer, because it reflects light and hides puffiness. To find out what doesn't work so well,

Benefit's Full-Finish Lipstick: Fully Pleasing

bellasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:00:10 -0700

At the Fall 2008 fashion shows, lipstick was more popular than lip gloss by far. It's a little early to slip into cool-weather fashion, but a creamy lipstick works any time of year.

Benefit has just launched Full-Finish Lipstick, and the texture is great. You know how some lipsticks pull on your lips a bit, or they just don't go on evenly? Not the case with these; they glide on easily and evenly, leaving my lips feeling smooth and moisturized. If you're looking for a new lipstick, it's worth taking a look at these. To see two colors — including one that is pretty much a dead ringer for Angelina Jolie's signature shade —

Whose Male Rocker Makeup Do You Like Most?

bellasugar — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 06:00:21 -0700

Punk, glam, and goth hit their peak decades ago, but a few rocker dudes still sport makeup today. There's Gerard Way from the band My Chemical Romance, who has worn everything from black to purple to red eye makeup. Then there's Pete Wentz who loves guyliner so much that he created his own line of makeup (kidding — sheesh)! Last but not least is former teen heartthrob Jared Leto, who wears creamy metallic eyeshadow, liner, mascara, and even stripes of bright-pink lipstick on his cheeks.These guys have a style that's all their own, but I gotta say, it reminds me of angsty dudes I knew in high school — so it isn't exactly the sexiest look to me personally. Out of these three rebel rockers, who do you think pulls the look off best? Source and Source

Whose Male Rocker Makeup Do You Like Most?

Gerard Way and his red eyeliner.

Pete Wentz and his dark, heavily lined eyes.

Jared Leto and his lipstick stripes.

Oh, I just can't decide! I'll tell you in a comment.

A Quick Tip For Brighter Eyes

bellasugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:00:21 -0700

I'm sure you've had friends and makeup artists tell you over and over again that an easy way to make your eyes look brighter, wider and whiter is to add a champagne or pearly white shadow just under your brow bone. Not only does this significantly open up your eyes, but it also makes your brows look cleaner and more defined.

A terrific and natural looking product to make your eyes pop in a jiffy is called High Brow from Benefit Cosmetics ( $20). This creamy, pale pink shade doesn't have any shimmer in it (for those of you who aren't a fan of anything overly frosty and showy) and it blends easily. Just sweep a thin line under the arch of your brows and blend for an instant lift and eye-opening effect. Brilliant!

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Coming Soon: Summer 2008 Nouveau Boho From Becca

bellasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:00:42 -0700

At first I thought it was a little strange that Becca was so late in the game to be launching its Summer products now, but I was willing to overlook it because when they do finally decide to crank out new goodies, it's always worth the wait. However, it hit me just a few moments ago that the brand is Australian, and so it all makes sense why the model is wearing a knit hat — their Winter is our Summer!

In two weeks, get ready to check out two brand-new products: a shimmery golden-bronze powder eye shadow called Damask ($24) and a creamy champagne-pink blush called Freesia ($30). Similarly to Flirt! Cosmetics and American Beauty, Becca has created a really pretty, easy-to-achieve look.

The 2008 Nouveau Boho collection has an earthy feel with a modern edge. I haven't tried anything just yet, but from what I've heard (and from checking out the photos) the colors are muted shades of bronze, green, and gold metallics (so pretty!). To find out the rest of the already-existing colors that were used to create this look and for a close-up, peek at the products,

How-To: Mila Kunis's Rockin' VH1 Makeup

bellasugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:00:07 -0700

Saturday night at the 2008 VH1 Rock Honors, Mila Kunis donned a soft, wavy two-toned updo, dark and sexy seductive smoky eyes and icy cool lips. I love this modern dressy makeup look and Miss Mila has just the right amount of mojo to pull it off.

This intricate look is easy to achieve. All you need are a few quality brushes and the right colors. If you're interested in both the product and technique suggestions to create Mila's makeup at home,

Smashbox Gets Wicked Lovely For Fall

bellasugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:00:42 -0700

Smashbox wants us to think of the naughty/nice paradigm with its new collection, Wicked Lovely, but instead, I keep thinking of Boston slang.

Annnnyway: Smashbox's Fall collection is out on the early side, and as you'd expect, the mood is more intense than that of Summer makeup. But don't be fooled by the Siouxsie Sioux bent of the ad campaign; although there are dark cherry lip glosses and sooty eye shadows for smoldering looks, there are plenty of lighter color options for a softer style. I'm looking forward to checking out this cream liner set ($32), which includes three cream liners and a sparkling pewter powder. Sounds promising — if potentially messy. Do you like the looks of this? Or is it too vampy?

Lancôme Goes Subcontinental With the Maharani Jewels Collection

bellasugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:00:51 -0700

If you thought the cherub-imprinted bronzer from Lancôme's Cabana Bronze line was sweet, wait until you see the new Maharani Jewels collection. Inspired by India, it has lots of rich, summer-into-fall shades — but the standout item is this bronzer, whose pretty pachyderm imprint is very cool.

This collection's Juicy Tubes get a minimakeover, too, adding traditional Indian designs to the packaging. These jewel-toned glosses are on my must-try list, especially because some of the richer shades (like Mango Mystere, a chutney-red color) seem like they'll be easy to pull off in slightly sheer formulas. Between this and OPI's India nail polish collection, it seems as though we're all in for an Indian summer.

How-To: Amanda Peet's Hot Hot Hot Hancock Makeup

bellasugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:00:41 -0700

Amanda Peet hit this week's Los Angeles premiere of Hancock with sexy, sultry makeup. Her eyes looked like a feisty feline lined in a coppery brown and highlighted with this season's hottest color, gold. I've broken down her look so that you can recreate this sexy look in a few simple steps.

FACE: Begin with hydrated, clean skin and apply an eye cream as well as a primer to your face. Next, smooth on a tinted moisturizer and apply concealer to any red areas, under your eyes and to any uneven patches of skin. Then, dust a setting powder all over your face and neck.
CHEEKS: Sweep a soft pink powder blush such as Benefit Boxed Powder in Dandelion on the apples of your cheeks and pull the brush outwards towards your ears. Stay right on the cheekbone so that the color remains contained to your "smile zone."

To find out how to create her sexy, coppery eyes and fleshy lips,

How-To: Try to Trump Naomi Watts' Makeup Look

bellasugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:01:09 -0700

Donald Trump has a new hotel in Dubai, and Naomi Watts toasted its launch while wearing beautiful and polished makeup. As usual, she managed to stand out among all of the lovely ladies in attendance. Her skin was creamy, smooth and enhanced with a touch of pink blush.

If you're thinking about re-creating Naomi's makeup look at home, I've got a few great product and application suggestions for you. To find out what they are,

Does Your Relationship Affect Your Beauty Choices?

bellasugar — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 06:00:27 -0700

For my friend's birthday I gave her a beautiful and classic pinky Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. She doesn't wear a ton of makeup, so I knew she'd appreciate its versatility. As it turns out, she loved the idea but asked me for a gift receipt after explaining that she won't wear makeup that contains shimmer. Apparently, her boyfriend feels that sparkly makeup is tacky and it makes people look old. I was so taken aback that I nearly sprayed her with my champagne cosmo. If a guy ever asked me to alter my makeup to suit his tastes, it would be sayonara city — but that's just me. Do you tailor your beauty choices to please your significant other? Source

Does Your Relationship Affect Your Beauty Choices?

I wear what I think looks beautiful, and I don't care what anyone else thinks.

I avoid wearing any type of makeup or hairstyle that my partner doesn't like on me.

Other — I'll tell you in a comment below.

Love It or Hate It? Thalia's Matchy Pink Eye Shadow

bellasugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:00:11 -0700

Tuesday night in New York City, Mexican singer, actress (and clothing designer) Thalia arrived to her Lunada album release party wearing a pink dress, matching pink lipstick and pink eye shadow. She has beautiful skin and a stellar smile but this bright matchy shadow is a little cheesy for my taste. How do you feel about it? Source

Love It or Hate It? Thalia's Matchy Pink Eye Shadow

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

How-To: Nicole Richie's Women in Film Flawless Makeup

bellasugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:00:11 -0700

Any way you slice it, Nicole Richie knows how to do hippie well. She's got everything from the daytime-braided-hair look to this nighttime Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards gala floral dress and accessory ensemble down pat.

I especially loved her makeup. Her eyes were soft, yet still dressy and smoky and her lips were polished, yet neutral so that the focus remained on her eyes. For those of you who are as captivated by her look as I am and are looking for product and application suggestions so that you can re-create her makeup at home,

How-To: Gina Gershon's Sexy Stage Makeup Look

bellasugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:00:14 -0700

Meow. Sex kitten Gina Gershon knows how to turn heads with her killer smile and effortless sex appeal. She looked stunning at the 2008 Tony Awards channeling old Hollywood with a beautiful diamond-brooch hair accessory and hint of edgy New York spark with her two-toned hair.

Her flawlessly smooth skin was contrasted by dramatic eyes and lips. For those of you who are interested in re-creating her beautiful Broadway makeup look at home,

Who's Your Favorite Celebrity Makeup Artist?

bellasugar — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 06:00:10 -0700

Celebrity makeup artists can command upwards of $10,000 a day for their services. Multiply that by all the days in the year, plus double-duty when it comes time for awards seasons, and you've got yourself one outrageous salary. All of these artists have loyal celebrity clients that request their company across the globe, wherever it is they may be working. Can you guess who some of their famous-faced clients are? I think that Paul Starr is a genius, and I love the natural effect that Nick Barose achieves. Who is your favorite celebrity makeup artist? Source

How-To: Molly Sims' Cocktail Party Makeup

bellasugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Despite the heat in New York yesterday, model-turned-actress Molly Sims struck a few flirtatious poses with a cool cocktail at the National Survey of American Cocktail Culture event.

I absolutely love her laid-back Summer braids and her raisin-hued eye shadow. Molly has light hazel eyes, and as we know, purples really make green eyes pop. Since this is a festive daytime look, you don't want to wear too much makeup on your skin. I've gathered a bunch of great product suggestions below for those of you that want to re-create this look on your own.

FACE: Start by applying a creamy concealer to any red or dark areas and follow with a lightweight creamy foundation with a touch of shimmer. One of my favorites is Stila Liquid Illuminating Foundation in 20 Watts. Only use a little bit and blend to a flawless finish (don't forget about your jawline) with a makeup sponge.

For more product and application suggestions for your eyes, lips, and cheeks,

Coming Soon: Nars Bridal Palette

bellasugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:00:11 -0700

Yesterday, I showed you what was coming for Fall, but in just a few short weeks, Nars Cosmetics is going to launch a stunning four-colored eye, three-colored lip, and two-colored cheek Bridal Palette ($65), which will be available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores. The sleek, rubbery black case, looks just like their other famous, artist palettes, only this one is filled with nine of Nars' best-selling shades.

This palette is all you'll need for your honeymoon or even for the big day (well, while you're at it, throw in some foundation and mascara, too). In fact, it reminds me a lot of one of their discontinued palettes, which I used to haul around with me on holiday and to the gym — it's that amazing. There are a few changes in this version that are definitely for the better such as Albatross, a new powder highlighter and a perfect-pink lipstick in Roman Holiday — and trust me when I tell you this is something you won't want to miss. Can't take the suspense? To find out exactly what's inside,