BellaSugar -- You're beautiful.

Use the Hair Dryer on Products, Not Just Your Head

bellasugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

My pals with choppy layers often sing the praises of dense styling products in creating their piecey looks, but don't have as many kind words for the wax itself. When one recently complained that, no matter how vigorously she rubbed her hands ("like I was trying to start a fire between them"), it still clumped when she went to put it on her head. Not so pretty.

If this sticky situation sounds familiar to you, simply hold your blow dryer up to the mouth of the jar a couple inches away and skim the top layer with circular motions for about 10 seconds. This softens the product so you can scoop and smooth easier than ever. Simple!

How-To: Prevent Eye Cream From Stinging

bellasugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:00:37 -0800

A few years ago, I was convinced I had major allergies. My eyes were red and watery, and they stung like hell. My eye makeup? A smudgy disaster by end of day. This is how I solved it.

Over happy hour after work, I was telling my friend Cynthia, an esthetician, about my plight. Is it ragweed? My Marlboro-puffing neighbor? Do I need heavy medication? "It's probably just your eye cream," she said. She was right.

I wasn't actually allergic to the eye cream, I was just applying it wrong. Thinking I would get maximum benefits by thoroughly tapping it in as close as possible to my lash lines, I ended up overdoing it, and I looked like a stoned mess. Cynthia recommended that I apply the product just to my orbital bone area, noting that the heat from my body would help the product travel upwards. Ah, relief — without the drowsiness. . . or munchies.

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How-To: Conceal Under the Eyes

bellasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:00:19 -0800

Whether it was a boozy late night or you inherited them from your Aunt Martha, dark circles under the eyes are often unavoidable. So, if you've been seeing the blues (or purples), I've got some easy directions on how to reduce the appearance of these unwanted tones below:

Choose the right concealer: Pick a color about one-half of a shade to one shade lighter than your foundation. Going too light will only amplify the area you want to conceal. Yellowish shades will work best for masking those bluish-purple tones. Try the cream-based Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer ($22) or Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer ($5.49).
Moisturize: Earlier, I shared with you some of my favorite makeup tips from Robert Jones, and among them, he says to prep the skin before concealing with a generous dollop of eye cream. Concealers are more dense than foundations and are formulated to cover, so you want to make sure that you're nice and hydrated to avoid cakey lines.

To see the rest of my tips,

10 Tips From Celeb Makeup Artist Robert Jones

bellasugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:00:06 -0800

Earlier, I told you that I really enjoyed makeup artist Robert Jones's new book, Looking Younger.

Chock full of application techniques and aha-moment tips, I thought I'd share some of my favorites right from the book. Oh, and lucky us, Robert even provided some quotes just for Bella readers (check out number two and three):

Don't follow brow trends. Embrace the natural shape of your brow.
"It is true, the sun is your enemy, but you can still enjoy it," Jones says. "Sunblock is a must — at least SPF 30."
"Exfoliating at least three times a week will keep your skin constantly regenerating and looking its most youthful," Jones adds.
If you are trying to decide between foundation shades, pick the darker one. Lighter shades can be aging.
Use a bronzer every day. Going without it is like running around naked, Jones says. For a more natural look, he recommends choosing one that's just one to two shades darker than your skin tone.

To see the rest of Robert's advice,

A Little Lining Tip For Dry, Chapped Lips

bellasugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:00:27 -0800

This weekend, I sat in a makeup artist's chair to try a new lipstick. When she pulled out a stick of bright red, I didn't flinch; there is, after all, a red shade for everyone. But when she pulled out a pencil and started filling in my lips over the lipstick, I had questions. "Are you using the same color as the lipstick?" I asked.

"It's a little off," she said. "It gives depth."

"Why would you put on lip pencil over lipstick?" I asked. I expected the response to be about how lip liner is passe and this is the new way to wear it, or that the polymers in the lip pencil make the lipstick adhere better to the lips (which I fully made up).

Instead, she looked me square in the eye and said, "Your lips are dry."

Despite my bruised ego and a certain amount of disappointment that all the balms I've been dutifully slathering on have been for naught, at least I got a good tip to pass on to you: In this lip-chapping weather, apply liner over lipstick for a long-lasting, intense color that won't dry out your skin like some long-wearing formulas. Now you know.
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Easy Tips on Preventing Product Buildup

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

Some — but not all — low-priced products give your hair that silky feeling and light-reflecting gloss by coating the shaft with a wax, which doesn't always wash off completely. The result is a buildup that can keep hair from absorbing color or holding styles, dandruff, and breakage. During this time of year, piling on serum, spray, gel, cream, and mousse to protect hair from the wind and dry air can actually make it even drier.

According to New York City stylist Antonio Prieto, a common cause is using a larger quantity of styling products than recommended, especially if the product has alcohol high on its ingredient list. His solution? Use a clarifying shampoo and higher-quality stylers, especially ones with water soluble ingredients. Try washing hair with Bumble & bumble Sunday Shampoo ($18 for eight ounces), which removes residue, hard water minerals (another cause of dullness), and pollutants, or Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo ($23 for eight ounces), which rinses out buildup while nourishing with apple, verbena, rosemary, and kukui nut oil. Those with color-treated hair might stick to an even more natural shampoo, since it probably won't include stripping sulfates, like EO Clarifying French Lavender Shampoo ($6.59 for eight ounces).

Kate Somerville's Tips on Eating Right For Good Skin

bellasugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:00:54 -0800

Ask A-list actresses who they trust with their skin care, and time after time, you'll hear the name Kate Somerville. As the founder and director of Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts — a seriously gorgeous skin care clinic in Los Angeles — she has become one of the most sought-after complexion experts.

Along with using a thorough skin care regimen (more on this soon!), Somerville says that eating well is key to having healthy, glowy, beautiful skin. "I think it’s huge – it’s almost everything," she says. For a few of her tips on eating right,

Does Self Tanner Clog Your Pores?

bellasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:00:37 -0800

A friend of mine just fessed up to a recent bout of facials. I say "fessed up" not only because she is not making a dent in her student loans, but because she needs these facials to combat a problem she herself has caused. Apparently, some facial self tanners congest pores and are almost impossible to get out. If you've spent a Summer slathering it on only to find yourself breaking out now, this may be why. A sunless summer is the best option for your skin long-term, but a summer of self-tanning can also take a toll on your skin.

"Self tanners themselves do not clog pores however they can be put into formulations that can clog pores," explains Dr. Doris J. Day, a Manhattan dermatologist. "You should exfoliate before applying to make sure the skin is smooth and the product penetrates evenly, and look for products that say non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic on the label. This means they have been tested to not clog pores. Generally this would be gels, lotions, or wipes. "

The best way to remedy the aftermath at home? Once you're close to your normal skin color (because you don't want to end up streaked) try a peel, like Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel ($25.99), to encourage skin cell turnover.

Two Ways to Paint Your Nails Smudge-Free

bellasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:51 -0800

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to paint my nails with the opposite hand. Although I haven't become quite dexterous enough to master painting perfection, I have mastered two smudge-proof techniques just by using my little ol' pinky fingers to help me along the way. Try out these two tips below. They really do work, I pinky swear. (Groan.)

Pinky first — Start polishing your pinky nails first. Then, work inwards toward your thumbs. This way, you won't accidentally smudge over any already-painted nails. Frustration over.
Ready, steady — Ever get shaky hands while polishing? Avoid annoying mess-ups by using your painting finger pinky as an anchor. Just place the pinky finger of your wand-holding hand on the table to steady your strokes — kind of like a little kickstand.

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Mix Up Some Cocktails For Your Hair

bellasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:00:25 -0800

Who doesn't love cocktails? While boozy concoctions will make you feel a little tipsy, I have some other "cocktail" recipes that will make you feel all fuzzy inside — without the crushing hangover.

These cocktails blend a base hair product with one or more products to add maximum oomph to your style. And since it's pretty difficult to find just one hair product to do it all, why not try a little mixology of your own? Just blend the ingredients and they'll make your hair products work even better. Apply the following mixtures to slightly wet hair, starting from the back of your head working forward. Let's say you have a gel on hand — Korres Lime Styling Gel ($15) will do. Now, find out how to create your own super gel when you

Hair Color Dos and Don'ts From Celeb Stylist Johnny Ramirez

bellasugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:00:34 -0700

After chatting with Posh's colorist, Johnny Ramirez, I learned he is a mayjah proponent of soft and natural looks. With high-profile clients such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Mariska Hargitay, and Hilary Swank, it's clear to see that Ramirez's take on hair color certainly lives up to this simply sophisticated approach. Take a look at his tips for having beautiful color.

Pack in the color: After coloring a client, Ramirez coats the hair from the outside with a gloss. "It stays really, really soft and pretty," he says. "This makes the color stay for a long time."
Get a conditioning treatment: "I do Kérastase conditioning treatments afterwards to everyone that walks out of my chair," he says. "When they are due to come back for their color or highlights, their hair is always thick and healthy."

For what not to do,

A Beauty Tip For the Germophobic

bellasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:00:10 -0700

A self-professed beauty nerd friend of mine and I were discussing—what else?—lip gloss, and she mentioned her favorite is MAC Tendertone Lip Balm. "I'm kind of a germaphobe, so I don't like lip gloss that comes in pots, because you have to stick your dirty fingers in them. But I love Tendertone so much that I stick it in my microwave for a minute and a half and pour it into a doe-foot tube," she divulged.

A doe-foot tube, for those of you who don't have a degree in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing (OK, maybe she's a certified beauty nerd), is the container that wand lip gloss comes in, the "doe" part referring to the applicator tip. Another piece of lip gloss trivia I learned from this conversation: the stripe near the mouth of the vial is not there for decorative purposes but to disguise the fact that it's hard to get an even fill, and is aptly called a "cheater band." Now you know.

If you want to order your own empty lip gloss container, find small quantities at craft supply stores and websites like Etsy.com.

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What's Your Irrational Beauty Tip?

bellasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:00:37 -0700

A few years ago, I successfully (and inadvertently) cultivated a fertile field of acne on my chin. It was completely out of control; I'd go to bed, then wake up with five or six new spots on my chin. Over-the-counter creams did nothing, and Retin-A Micro made my skin flaky and red. With no real evidence to back it up, I decided that my body was somehow trying to get rid of random toxins, hence the breakouts. "I've got to let my skin breathe," I thought. "And antiperspirant keeps you from sweating, and it blocks pores, so maybe all of the crap that is supposed to go out when I sweat is somehow turning into pimples."

On the, er, face of things, this makes no sense whatsoever. It's highly illogical. Yet... within a few weeks, my chin started to clear up. (What's more, as it turns out, I don't sweat any more with plain ol' deodorant anyway.) Even though I know this "solution" is probably all in my head, I've sworn off anti-perspirant for good. What about you — any irrational beauty tips that you swear by?

Because No One Carries Around a Bottle of Perfume

bellasugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:00:50 -0700

What to do when you forget your morning spritz of perfume and then get invited to some fabulous after-work fete? According to perfumer Delphine Jelk, who created Bill Blass Couture 7, rubbing fresh flower petals on your pulse points is perfectly effective when you don't have perfume (provided your receptionist isn't looking). Jelk recommends sticking the remaining petals in your bra, which may be a little too Blanche Deveraux for most of us.

If you're worried about staining your clothes with the pollen, pulling out a fragrance strip from a magazine ad and rub it on — just be careful to stick to one scent or you'll give yourself, and your friends, a headache.

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Talking Soft and Natural Hair Color With Posh's Colorist

bellasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The other day, I had a chat with the ultrafriendly celeb colorist Johnny Ramirez, of the Chris McMillan Salon in Beverly Hills, about techniques and products he used for his high-profile client, Victoria Beckham. Ramirez, who trained under famed color guru Michael Canalé (of Jennifer Aniston caramel highlights fame), also talked about where he gets his inspiration, along with color trends for Fall. Here's what he had to say:

On his approach to hair color:

"I look at my 4-year-old daughter's hair. She's got Gisele [Bundchen]'s hair color. It's an illusion. It looks really, really blonde, but when you crack it open, it's dark blond underneath. It's so natural — she's born with it. So I take that (inspiration from my daughter) and do it on someone that's older."
"When someone comes back from vacation, and they have virgin hair (meaning they have no artificial hair color), I always look to see their hairline and how their hair around their face looks. I duplicate that. Sunkissed highlights around the face are so subtle. I'll do (bleached) tips at the bottom, too. . . and comb to blend. When you do this it creates the illusion of soft, beachy hair — like you've been hanging out at the beach all month."

Regarding trends for Fall:

"Soft and natural hair colors just make your skin glow like you were born with it. Soft and natural — you just can't go wrong with that. Anytime you go really light or too dark it just doesn't look right, so just keep it very soft."

Photo courtesy of Johnny Ramirez.

Five Hair Washing-Tips From Bella's Stylist

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

Last night I paid a visit to stylist Sarah Garrity at Remedy Salon in Emeryville, CA, for a little shape-it-up trim. Seeing that I've got beauty on the mind, all the time, I asked the funky stylist for a few tips on washing, and here's what she had to say:

Brush 'em, brush 'em, brush 'em — Brush your hair before shampooing. It might seem obvious, but do you actually do it? Sweeping a comb or brush through your hair before cleansing actually assists in removing tangles, stimulating the scalp, and loosening dirt and/or product buildup.
Less is more — You probably don't need as much shampoo and conditioner as you think. A dime-sized amount should do the trick, plus by using less, you're being quite frugal/environmental in the long run.
Cut back — Sarah recommends washing only three times a week as to not strip the natural oils from your hair. Of course, the frequency of which you shampoo will all depend on your hair texture and/or individual situation. For instance, I worked in a deli back in high school, and although delicious, the bits of ham and cheese loaf stuck in my hair started to stink and look unsightly without my daily Salon Selectives usage.

For the last two tips,

Tips For Mixing Your Own Nail Polish

bellasugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:00:54 -0700

Just as makeup artists mix their own colors for fashion shows, so do nail technicians. If all goes well, the colors hit stores in the following season. Until then, though, you can do as they do and make your own color.

"Everyone has half-empty enamel bottles lying around at home," says Roxanne Valinoti, CND Nail Ambassador. "These make it easy to custom-blend new colors from existing colors already in your collection." The trick? Valinoti recommends starting with a lighter color, then adding a darker shade drop by drop until you get the hue you're hoping for.

Alternatively, you can use a piece of waxed paper as your "palette," blending polishes there for a one-off manicure. (That's what I did for the picture you see here; sorry that my finger looks like Lowly Worm.) When you're done, you'll have a nail color that's uniquely yours — unless, of course, a trend-spotter sees it and decides to put it into production.

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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Eight Tips for Making Fragrance Last Longer

bellasugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:00:14 -0700

You spend a nice chunk of change on your perfume, so you want to make it all worthwhile. The more you spray the longer it will last, right? Wrong and costly, in fact. Nix that over-zealous spraying finger of yours, because I've got some tips on how to make your fragrances stay put. Keep in mind that everyone's skin will react differently according to body chemistry, diet, and health, and check out these tips below:

Potency counts: Go with a better quality, more highly concentrated formula. Eau de parfum has a stronger percentage of essential oils compared to eau de toilette or eau de cologne.
No rub-a-dub-dub: Avoid dabbing your wrists together after spritzing on perfume, which can alter the chemical structure of the fragrance, causing it to not develop properly.
Moisturize: Fragrances don't take to dry skin quite as well. Provide a solid foundation by applying a touch of petroleum jelly, jojoba oil, or an unscented lotion before spraying.
Layer: Many fragrances come with a line of scented soaps, body gels and/or creams under the same brand name. If your fragrance doesn't include these products, you can always make your own with a blend of unscented bases mixed with coordinating essential oils.

To see more tips,

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,

Hair Static Dilemma: Avoid "The Einstein"

bellasugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:00:24 -0700

I love when I get to dabble in the advice-giving role, much like our DearSugar does on a daily basis, so when I got the following question from TeamSugar member hottpink, I just had to help. She writes,

I have very fine hair that's about chin-length. When I wake up every morning, my hair looks like I stuck my finger in a light socket! It literally stands up and out making me look like Albert Einstein. What can I do so that I won't wake up looking like a crazy-haired monster?

I've always had a soft spot for ol' Albert's mane, but I can see why it might not fly all of the time. For my genius advice, just

When Not to Wash Your Hair

bellasugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:00:36 -0700

"Isn't it the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance that you're forbidden to wet your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm at the risk of deactivating the ammonium thioglycolate?" — Elle Woods

That the entire plot of Legally Blonde comes down to someone washing her hair at the wrong time is telling. For those that manipulate their color and texture, timing is everything. Getting your hair wet in salt water after a Keratin treatment can end in disaster, and dipping blonde hair in chlorine can yield unintended punky results. Here, a list of times when you should not wash your hair. Come on, that's what Psssssst is for! For the full list,

How-To: Fake a Brow Wax

bellasugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:00:36 -0700

Sometimes it only takes one glance in the wrong mirror to decide my brows are out of control and something must be done about them immediately. Brow kits are smart, but you may be at a loss about what to do with multiple shades of powder and a pan of wax or not want to mess with those tiny tweezers. Here are some no-pluck tips for the novice using tools you probably already have.

Brush brows up and to the right with a clear brow gel. Don't have any? Use hairspray and a toothbrush (preferably a spare).
Put some concealer on your middle finger and trace around the outline of your brows. You can't conceal an errant hair per se, but increasing the contrast between your skin and your eyebrow hair can work wonders.
Find a shade of shadow the color of your brows with no shimmer. Fill in lightly, ideally with an angled brush. If the color looks too dark, follow by pressing on loose powder with a puff.

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Three Ways to Hide Roots

bellasugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:00:11 -0700

August can be a rough time to get in your colorist's chair because everyone's on vacation. Whether you're keeping up with grown-out Summer highlights or are battling some gray roots, you might be waiting a while — but no one has to know that. Here are some options that don't require plastic gloves, a baseball cap, or a wig:

Change your part. This is an easy solution to many hair dilemmas. If you have highlights only on the top of your head, it can end up making your hair look darker — but the roots will look less severe.
Spray on some hair powder. Usually used like dry shampoo, Bumble and bumble Hair Powder can also touch up roots. Tip: most blondes will actually want to use the white shade, not the "blondish" one.
Use a wash-out color product. ColormarkPro is a marker-type product made to cover gray roots. In a major bind (like, your colorist's work visa got revoked and you're getting married tomorrow), try regular brown or black mascara to cover gray on black hair. Blondes and redheads can try Frederic Fekkai Hair Mascara.

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Baking Soda: An At-Home Beauty Must-Have

bellasugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:00:50 -0700

Who knew that baking soda had so many uses in the beauty world? It can be used as a cleaning product to get out tough household stains and to remove odors, but it's safe enough to use on your skin, hair, and teeth. The best part about these baking soda beauty recipes that the ingredients are accessible and inexpensive. Below are five different ways to incorporate baking soda into your beauty routine.

Cleansing Shampoo: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with your daily shampoo to help wash away build-up from hair products (this works exceptionally well on fine hair).
Face Exfoliator: Mix a half a teaspoon of baking soda with your cleanser to make a scrub. Apply it to your damp skin by massaging in with small circles. Rinse and repeat if necessary. If you are trying to fight acne, you can also mix in one crushed aspirin (which contains bacteria-fighting salicylic acid).
Hairbrush Cleanser: Plug your sink with lukewarm water and add in two or three tablespoons of baking soda. Soak your hairbrushes and combs in the mixture for a few minutes to remove residue. Rinse well and be sure and dry your brushes and combs completely.

For the last two quick and easy baking soda beauty treatments,

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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A Quick Tip About Dandruff

bellasugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:00:11 -0700

Who knew that you’re likely to get dandruff when your hair is oily? I thought it was something that occurred in dry or dirty hair with an unhealthy scalp. Yet, according to Dr. David Kingsley (Ph.D. and trichologist), you can help reduce unsightly flakes by soaking a cotton ball in mint mouthwash and rubbing it on the affected areas. Do this when your hair is dry to absorb white specks and even some of the oil.

It is also a good idea to use a dandruff shampoo once a week until your scalp calms down and re-balances. I never would have thought about this, but hey, why not try it? Do you have any special dandruff-stopping tricks to share?

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DIY Spa Treatment: An Easy Lip Exfoliator

bellasugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:01:28 -0700

If Brad Pitt's favorite lip scrub is out of your financial reach, don't worry — you can banish chapped lips for a lot less scratch.

All you'll need is a teaspoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of white granulated sugar, and a dash of lemon juice. Mix these ingredients together to make a sugary paste. Then use your finger or a toothbrush to gently sweep the mixture back and forth on your lips. The result: Softer, smoother lips for not a lot of money.

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A Quick Tip For Shiny Hair

bellasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:00:51 -0700

Are you searching for fast and easy way to make your hair appear shinier and brighter? Here's a tip from New York City-based hairstylist Tina Cassidy, who tames the manes of famous faces like Liv Tyler. Her suggestion is to take an ice cube and quickly run it over the lengths and ends of your hair.

Apparently, the cold helps your cuticles relax, lie flat and ultimately gives your hair more brilliance. I’ve heard of rinsing your hair with cool water after you condition, but I much prefer this alternative. Nobody likes cold showers, even if it’s just for a few seconds. Who would have thought a solution could be this simple!

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How-To: Healthy Nails

bellasugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:00:20 -0700

I've been a nail-biter for two solid decades and what remains of my once elegant hands are so very sad. My nail beds are short and stumpy and my cuticles are pink, jagged and puffy. Every year I make a resolution to stop gnawing my nubs, and this time I'm going to do it. If you're wondering how to keep your hands healthy and looking their best, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

A nail should ideally have smooth skin folds (the area around your nail), flesh-colored cuticles (not raised or puffy) and a white lunula (half-moon shape at the bottom of your nail bed). Nails should also be consistent in color and free of horizontal ridges and dents. If your nails have any of these conditions, it could be indicative of illness.
White spots on your fingernails are OK. They are caused by injury and will typically grow out. However, red, black, green and yellow spots should be brought to the attention of a physician.
Avoid picking at your cuticles. This can lead to cuts and infection. Have a manicurist push them back manicures with clean tools (you don't want to contract a fungus).
Moisturize your cuticles and nails often. Whenever possible, apply a hydrating cream and wear white, cotton gloves before bed (as a deep conditioning treatment).
Short, square shaped nails (with rounded edges) are the easiest to maintain. Keep them covered with a hardener, polish or treatment that is free of toluene, DPB and formaldehyde. Also, I recommend an acetone-free polish so you don't dry out your nails and cuticles.
Did you know that nails grow around 0.1 millimeters a day? This means that your nails take about four to six months for full re-growth. So be patient if you don't see results instantaneously.

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A Quick Tip About Razor Burn

bellasugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:00:58 -0700

For anyone who has ever nicked themselves shaving or has gotten raised, red razor bumps from shaving, you know it can be uncomfortable (even painful) and remain irritated for days. I learned about an inexpensive and easy fast DIY fix to help reduce redness, inflammation and the pain.

Simply apply a wet tea bag to the area and let it sit for a few minutes. The tea's tannic acid is the active ingredient that should help relieve the symptoms. Tip: Choose a cheapie brand, since it is likely to contain a higher concentration of tannic acid. Just remember to lay a towel down underneath you, as tannic acid stains.

If you're out of tea bags, then try applying a tea tree oil to the area to fight off infection and help soothe the bumps. Aloe vera and hydrocortisone are other topical remedies that help speed up recovery while cooling the skin and controlling the swelling.

For a few helpful shaving tips to help prevent razor burn,

How-To: Repair a Broken Eye Shadow

bellasugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:00:10 -0700

Stila and I have always had a dysfunctional kind of love affair. Their eye shadows are so buildable and blendable that it's hard not to love them, but because they're so soft, they tend to break. Then you're left with tiny bits of Kitten all over the place, which means a lot of product goes to waste.

While at Sephora this weekend, a Stila representative named Pam asked me if I'd tried their shadows. We got talking about the fragility, and Pam showed me a trick. It's one of those no-duh things that I should have tried on my own, but I honestly didn't think it would work so well. In just three steps, you can rehabilitate your broken shadow and make it as good as new. To find out how to do it,

A Quick Tip For Brighter Nails

bellasugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:00:51 -0700

Let's say, hypothetically, that you're a hypochondriac who lives in fear of nail fungus. And hypothetically, you thought you might have it, so you feverishly sought out home remedies. But as it turned out, you didn't have fungus, but one of the cures made your toenails look healthier and more foot-modelesque. Hypothetically, you'd be a genius of cosmetic podiatry.

As it turns out, the cloud of my hypochondria has a silver lining. One folk cure for nail fungus involves cleaning your feet, then slathering your toes with Vicks VapoRub ($4.99) and slipping on socks overnight. I can't attest to whether it works for nail fungus, but it did make my toenails look shinier and whiter after just a few nights. The drawback: With the scent of the ointment wafting from your sock-covered feet, you will feel about as sexy as Tucker Carlson hot-rodding in an AMC Gremlin — which, incidentally, is a hypothetical scene I'd pay good money to see in real life.

A Quick Tip About Manicures

bellasugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:00:56 -0700

Ever get frustrated with your manicure? Whether you do it yourself or have it professionally done, it's a real bummer when your polish starts to chip or peel the very next day. I just picked up a little tip from Neri Ortega, lead manicurist at The Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City, that I'd like to share with you.

After your hands have been massaged or moisturized, clean your nail bed twice with nail polish remover. Doing it twice is important, so that there is no oily or creamy residue left on your nails. I knew that this step was important, but I thought that one sweep of soaked cotton ball would do the trick. Apparently this is where I've gone wrong. An emollient-free and dry nail bed are the keys to a long-lasting manicure.

Now don't be shy. The next time you're at the salon, if they only clean your nails off once, ask them to repeat the process. There's no harm in speaking up if you want your manicure to stay intact.

Source

A Quick Tip About Eyelash Curlers

bellasugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:00:02 -0700

Over the weekend, a reader e-mailed me because she's been losing her eyelashes. She used to have thick, full lashes, but more recently, they'd been falling out. After she explained her beauty routine, I immediately knew what was up. She was using an eyelash curler, but the way she used it was the culprit: She curled her lashes both before and after using mascara.

One of the easiest ways to make your eyes look bigger is to use an eyelash curler, but it's essential to curl your lashes only before applying mascara. (Here's how to use a curler.) If you curl after applying mascara, the curler will stick to the coated lashes. At worst, it breaks the lashes then and there; at best, it will weaken your lashes over time, making them more likely to fall out.

Fortunately, lashes grow back over time, and my reader friend will soon be back to her doe-eyed self. But to avoid lash loss in the first place, curl them only before slicking on your mascara.

How-To: Fresh Hair at the Gym

bellasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:00:27 -0700

Earlier today, TeamSugar member Elynlovesyou posed a good question. She's trying to stay fit, but she often doesn't work out between work and school because of the time-suck that is postgym grooming. "Is there a way to make my hair last through a workout," she asked. "Or a way to revive it without having to wash/wet it and dry it again?"

Yep, absolutely! First, I would suggest wearing your hair in a ponytail or bun. If you have bangs, use a barrette to keep them off of your forehead; this will keep any sweat out of your hair. All of this seems like an obvious choice, but every now and then I see women wearing Gisele-style waves at the gym. (This baffles me.) To find out how to freshen up postworkout hair,

How to Fix a Broken Nail

bellasugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:00:26 -0700

I don't love the gym, so Fit and I joke that it's progress when I merely think about exercising. Well, the other weekend I played soccer and was excited to tell Fit about my burst of fitness — until I noticed that I'd broken the nail of my big toe. ("It's a sign," I told Fit. "Exercise and me are not meant to be.")

There are much worse things in life than breaking a nail, but a bad split can be painful. And in some cases, like mine, there's no way to remove the broken part without exposing your nail bed. Fortunately, there's a pretty simple way to repair your nail. To learn how to do it,

How To Grow Out Bangs

bellasugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:00:24 -0700

There's no doubt about it, bangs can be sophisticated, flirty, and fun — sometimes all at once. There's a bang shape that works for everybody (and if you don't believe me, check out my guide to finding the right fringe for your face). But when it's time to grow them out, they're more of a burden than a beauty boon. To find out how to deal with bangs when they're in that awkward stage,

Dew It Up For Spring

bellasugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:00:55 -0700

Last night at the A Night of a Thousand Lights Benefit for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the women arrived wearing gorgeous Marchesa gowns and subtle springtime makeup — just look at that gorgeous glow on Joy Bryant.

She shows us that this barefaced trend is beautiful for both daytime and evening looks. I really love how her smile shows through her eyes. It seems like all she has on is a great moisturizer and maybe a little lip balm — unfortunately, we know that's not the case. I'm guessing that a brightening pen, some concealer, and a little highlighter had a hand as well.

If you're interested in mimicking Joy's dewy face at home, here are a few tips:

Choose a base with a low powder content and a high water content. This will ensure that your face looks moist. Also, skip any type of mattifying primer.
Assess your skin. This look is best for those with tight pores. If your pores are large and/or clogged, try using a pore-tightening primer and a toner. This will ensure that dew-enhancing products don't accentuate them.
Look for a highlighter that contains light-reflecting particles. You can use this in combination with Vaseline, a brightener, or a creamy highlighter like Nars the Multiple over your cheeks, on the sides of your forehead, and to the tip of your nose.
Gloss is boss. Coat lips with a gloss or shiny lip balm as a finishing touch.

Source

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Pale Eyeliner

bellasugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:00:37 -0700

You know how makeup artists are always saying things like, "A bit of white eyeliner along the rims of your eyelids will perk up tired eyes"? Well, I could never get this trick to work; the white always looked too obvious, so I wound up using my pencils to whiten my nails.

But now I've figured it all out. As it turns out, yes, white eyeliner looks too artificial, but if the eyeliner has just a hint of beigey pink, the trick works wonders. Today, I used Being True dual eyeliner ($1 in Express/Reflect. One side of the pencil is a warm brown shade; the other is a pearly champagne color. I used the brown shade on my upper lash line to define the eye, then used the lighter shade along my lower waterline (the lower lid right above the lower lashes). Magic! The brown gives the illusion of thicker lashes, while the lighter color brings out the whites of my eyes in a natural-looking way. Now I know what these makeup artists have been talking about all this time, as though I've joined a secret cabal of eye-tricking geniuses. To see how it looks,

Makeup Tips to Lift Droopy Eyes

bellasugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:00:38 -0700

It always amazes me how you can create optical illusions with makeup. From watching Eve Pearl's DVD, I learned how to make a nose look more slender and less crooked. Now I've picked up even more makeup tricks about how to lift droopy eyes from my new favorite book, Vogue Make-Up.

Actress Rose McGowan has eyes that are shaped on a downward slope. It's really easy to make eyes like this appear more almond-like, awake and brighter by following these easy makeup tips:

Line your upper lashes in an upward sloping manner by using a liquid liner or a sharp pencil. Extend the line just a little bit farther than the outer corner of each eye. Avoid any heavy eyeliner on the bottom so that you draw more attention to the top of your eyes.
Next, apply a bone-colored eye shadow to the area just above your lashes and to the 'inner v' of your eyes. Blend a medium shade starting in the crease to just under the brow bone; this will make the area seem larger. Add a subtle highlighter just below your brow; this will also help draw attention to the upper part of your eye.
Finish with a few false lash pieces on the outer corner of your eyes. You can curl these and your natural lashes together. Apply two coats of mascara and if you want, add a white or nude eye liner to the inner rims of your lower lashes. Voila, an instant eye lift!

Source

Tips and Tricks for Fine Hair

bellasugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:00:51 -0700

Last week I was lucky enough to interview the talented Ivan Cerquiera of London's swanky Real Hair salon. Ivan works on some of the most renowned international heads, and while I'd love to reveal who they are, he takes his clients' requests for privacy quite seriously.

Ivan did, however, share some insight with me on a few products, tricks and tips to make fine hair seem fuller, thicker and bouncier. I happen to have pretty fine hair and I've found these little adjustments in my styling routine extremely helpful. I hope you will too.

Shampoo: Using a shampoo that doesn't contain lanolin will help to keep hair light and full of life. Lanolin is a common ingredient in most shampoos, but it tends to be too heavy for fine hair. Ivan loves Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo.
Blow-Drying: When you are drying your hair, don't use the nozzle that comes with your hairdryer. This tool is excellent for coarse and thick hair, but it concentrates the heat too much for fine hair and causes irreparable damage that can be easily avoided.

For additional technique and product suggestions for fine hair,

Why You Should Use a Cheap Sunscreen

bellasugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:00:29 -0700

It's no secret that inexpensive products often work as well as (or even better than) pricey ones. But using a low-priced sunscreen may actually be better for your skin.

To understand why, imagine that you're hungry, and you have two jars of jam in front of you. One's your regular old Smuckers variety that you picked up for $2.39. The other is a $12 organic jam made with raspberries, peaches, and champagne. If you're like me, you're likely to smear the Smuckers on your bread with abandon — since, after all, buying another jar isn't expensive — but you might try to make the fancy jam last longer, since it's more costly to replace.

The same psychology works for skin care products. If you buy a pricey sunblock, you may use less of the lotion in an attempt to get your money's worth. But because sunblock needs to be applied generously (and reapplied during the day), you may get less coverage than you need. By buying an inexpensive drugstore sunblock instead of a more expensive one, you're more likely to use enough of it — and therefore, you're also more likely to be adequately protected.

Source

Three Ways To Soften Rough Feet

bellasugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:00:16 -0700

After watching Top Model the other night, Mr. Bella and I headed to bed early like the prematurely geriatric lovebirds we are. But right as we were going to slip under the covers, I started freaking out. "Where are my footie socks?!" I kept saying. Mr. Bella had no idea what I was talking about, but then he realized I was looking for my nighttime moisturizing socks. Without them, my feet feel not like those of a young woman, but like those of a troll with crusty hooves. (Fortunately, a crisis was averted.)

Lots of people have rough feet, but it's an easy fix. I don't recommend buying expensive overnight-treatment socks or potentially dangerous callus shavers. Instead, read on to see the best course of action for your unnecessary roughness.

If your feet aren't too bad...
If you're just dealing with a little bit of dry skin, all you need is moisture. Here's a simple lesson that I'm sure a lot of us learned from our moms: Wash your feet before bed, then slather them with lotion. Slip on a pair of thin cotton socks, and in the morning, you'll have soft feet. Lately I've been using Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil balm ($7.99). For having a relatively thin consistency, it moisturizes wonderfully. And it has a fresh, non-perfumey scent, which I love.

If your feet need a little more help than that,

Two Tricks To Help Take The Red Out

bellasugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:00:16 -0700

Does your eyeliner ever irritate you, or are you someone who suffers from bloodshot eyes? Take a tip from Maybelline makeup pro Troy Surratt. He suggests dipping your eyeliner brush into Visine (instead of water or a transformative shadow solvent) before applying powder eyeliner to your eyes. The Visine will gently migrate in to help take out the sting and lessen the redness.

For another Visine beauty trick,

Heidi Klum Spills Her Red-Carpet Beauty Secrets

bellasugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:24:09 -0800

Even though you and I won't be at the Oscars this weekend, it never hurts to know how to look red-carpet ready. I recently had the chance to chat with the gorgeous Heidi Klum and her team of professionals, including Victoria’s Secret makeup artist Linda Hay, and was able to pick up some great tips and tricks for looking your best at a glamorous event. Heidi also dished about what's in her handbag on the big night and how to photograph like a supermodel, so read on.

How can we cover up blemishes or undereye circles without it looking mask-like?
Linda Hay: My secret to a subtle cover-up starts with a sheer concealer that's one shade lighter than your skin. Apply it directly to the spot and blend with a concealer brush. Add a light sweep of powder to the area and the entire face, but don't pile on too much directly on the spot—otherwise it will look chalky and draw more attention.

To see what Heidi has to say about looking your best on the red carpet,

Spa Gift Certificate Shopping Tips

bellasugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:00:13 -0800

Gift cards sell like crazy this time of year, but I've always preferred to give the gift of spa. Ironically, a lot of times it's the stressed-out people who need a relaxing massage or facial, but they don't have the time or money to make it happen. Giving a spa gift certificate is a way to treat someone right, but there are a few things to take note of.

Service or cash amount? Personally, I like the idea of giving someone a certificate for a particular service, because it keeps the price hidden and is therefore a bit more discreet. But if you're not sure what the person would like, or if you're on a limited budget, give a certificate with a dollar amount.

For three more tips,

A Few Tips for Red Lips

bellasugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:00:38 -0800

Red lips are having a moment right now, but a classic red lip never really goes out of style. I used to be intimidated by wearing them, but now they're in regular rotation—and they're especially festive for this time of year.

So when Molly R. Stern offered some tips on creating the perfect red lip, I jumped at the chance to share them with you. Molly is CoverGirl's celebrity makeup artist, and she's touched the faces of celebrities such as Ellen Barkin, Heather Graham, Renee Zellweger and Kirsten Dunst.

For some straight-from-the-source tips on wearing red lips this holiday,

Makeup Tips for Your Late 20s

bellasugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 07:03:40 -0800

Hey, it's Shakira... looking a lot more vibrant this year than she did nearly six years ago—and it's all because of her hair and makeup choices. In this month's issue of Marie Claire, writer Ning Chao explores a few ways to use makeup to look younger.

It's a well-written story with straightforward tips, but I've gotta tell ya—it makes me a sad that she's only 28 and, in her words, feels like she's going downhill. I like to think of women in their late 20s like this: They might not be spring chickens anymore, but that's okay. They're more like... early-summer chickens. Plenty of cluck left!

With that said, some women do use makeup that's too harsh or too "bubblegum," which does them no favors. I think the best approach is one that makes the most of your youthful looks while acknowledging the fact that you're not 21 anymore. The Marie Claire article has some straightforward, helpful advice, and I'll share some of it with you when you