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How-To: A Fresh-Faced Holiday Look

bellasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:45 -0800

My friend Sabs, the community guru of OnSugar, recently had a wedding banquet. She usually doesn't wear makeup, so she wanted a look that would photograph well and play up her natural beauty while letting her still feel like herself. Mission accomplished. She looked classic yet fresh — just right for a wedding or a holiday party.

Weeks before the banquet, Sabrina and I played around with different looks before settling on this one. She did her own makeup, so to find out how to recreate it at home,

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,

If You Were Asked to Get a Cosmetic Treatment For a Wedding, Would You Do It?

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

Just when you think Bridezillas couldn't get any scarier, the New York Times reports on a gauche new wedding trend: The bridal cosmetic surgery party! Yep, now in addition to spending $300 on a ruffled puce dress, bridesmaids are being asked to have a little Botox, Restylane, and even boob jobs before the big day — and it's not even their big day. “If I were 25 or 26 and getting married, a bracelet, necklace, or matching earrings would be fine,” says a bride-to-be who took her bridesmaids to a medspa. But at the ancient age of 35, it's no good: "As you get older, everyone is more conscientious about their skin and appearance. Giving them something for themselves — as opposed to something that they’ll never wear again — is more meaningful.” The day my friend asks me to slice open my chest or get botulinum toxin jabbed into my forehead is the day I say, "Sorry, toots, but I can't be in your wedding." Do you feel the same way, or is this justifiable? Source

If You Were Asked to Get a Cosmetic Treatment For a Wedding, Would You Do It?

Sure, why not? It's not that much different than getting manicures together.

Are you kidding me? This is lunacy.

Other — I'll tell you in a comment.

BellaSugar's Celebrity Honeymoon Hair Quiz

bellasugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:00:25 -0700

Whether you're rich and famous or not, how you wear your hair when you're on vacation is typically much more relaxed then when you're at work or going about your daily business. I'm not sure if you've been keeping up with your celebrity wedding reading on PopSugar, but you can find the answers to most of the following questions in past posts. Take your best shot at guessing how these famous stars styled their hair while on their honeymoons.

Source

Would You Dye Your Hair Blue? (No, Not The Hair on Your Head.)

bellasugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:00:27 -0700

When Lily Allen dyed her hair pink, it was certainly a style statement. But what about making a more, well, private one? Betty Beauty is a line of pubic hair dye; it's available in natural colors such as black and auburn as well as this bright shade of blue. It's being marketed with a bridal angle — you know, the "something blue" — and it comes with dove and heart stencils. Personally, I wouldn't want to feel like Sexy Grover, but maybe I'm a pube prude? Would you use this product, or is it a no-go?

Would You Dye Your Hair Blue? (No, Not The Hair on Your Head.)

Yes — It's a cute and fun idea.

No — I'm not "dyeing" to try it.

Would You Get a Beauty Treatment on Your Honeymoon?

bellasugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:00:18 -0700

In my experience, the majority of brides see their honeymoons as a chance to unwind and relax with the new hubby. Some prefer a tropical and remote destination where there's not much to do besides soak up the sun and smile. (I think we all know what "smile" is code for.) Others prefer to engage in various activities outside of the bedroom.However, I'm hard-pressed to find a bride that didn't need a little bit of de-stressing after the big day. On your honeymoon, would you treat yourself to a spa treatment — or even get your husband in on a couple's massage? Source

Would You Get a Beauty Treatment on Your Honeymoon?

For sure!

I'd like to, but we'll see. I may be too busy doing . . . other things.

Probably not.

Undecided

Honeymoon-Inspired Beauty Products

bellasugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:00:29 -0700

There's nothing quite like a honeymoon for de-stressing. Finally, the wedding is over and you can start to enjoy married life! First things first: Tear up that wedding checklist and liberate yourself from all of the gritty planning minutiae. Next, get out your makeup bag and gather all of your beauty essentials for your first official vacation as husband and wife. For those of you who are packing up for either a sun-soaked, stylish city or a thrill-seeking adventurous honeymoon, you'll love these romantic, honeymoon-inspired beauty products. Bon voyage!

Bridal Style Throughout the Years

bellasugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:00:13 -0700

Couples have been getting married for centuries — and now same-sex couples are getting that right, too. But weddings haven't always been the lavish, bride-in-white events we're used to seeing. Check out this slideshow to see how bridal style has changed over the last century. (Wait until you see what they wore in the 19th century!)

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,

What to Pack in Your Bridal Beauty Survival Kit

bellasugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:00:19 -0700

Even the most natural bride can encounter beauty mishaps on her wedding day — and with emotions running high, it's important to be prepared to handle whatever life may throw your way on the big day. You've spent so much time getting ready it would be a shame to let all of your hard work crumble in the face of a beauty emergency.

Something to consider is arranging a survival bridal kit to pack with you for the ceremony and the reception. It should include various health items like smelling salts, antacid, aspirin, Band-Aids, breath mints, feminine hygiene, and an array of beauty items for touch-ups or accidents. I've just been introduced to a great company called Just in Cases, which specializes in this sort of thing (and their bridal boxes can be personalized with rhinestones, which also makes for a great gift). Here a few suggestions for your wedding day beauty arsenal:

Blotting papers to battle shiny skin
Hairspray for quick pick-ups
Lip gloss to keep you looking polished
Extra hairpins for updos
No-mess makeup remover pads if you choose not to wear waterproof mascara but get misty eyed
Clear nail polish, if you're wearing stockings, to fix runs
An emery board, to prevent snags in case you get a jagged nail
Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
A sample size of your favorite fragrance

Source

How to Have Hair Like a Princess Bride

bellasugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:00:14 -0700

Over the Memorial Day weekend, Prince Joachim wed Miss Marie Cavallier in a white wedding in Copenhagen, Denmark. The princess bride wore her hair off of her face and neck in a delicate updo. Her curled and pinned hair extensions were secured in the back, and the look was topped off with an elaborate tiara.

While the bride looks relaxed and radiant, this hairdo is actually quite complicated to pull off all by yourself. If you are interested in creating this style on your wedding day, you may want to ask for some assistance from a trusted pal or bridesmaid.

Step 1: Begin with hair that has been washed the night before so that it has just a little bit of oil in it. Mist hair lightly with water and apply a little bit of mousse or styling gel all over. Brush to distribute it evenly, then blow dry your hair back and away from your face until it's dry. Next, brush hair back and part it gently. Then, secure hair with an elastic into a ponytail.

For the remaining step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this intricate, classical updo at home,

Bella Interview: Trae Bodge of Three Custom Color

bellasugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:00:08 -0700

If you're a bride-to-be, chances are you're already thinking about your perfect wedding-day look. A Summer bride has to take a few things into consideration for her big day: the heat, the sun, time of day, formality of the occasion, and what products you'll need to reapply throughout the day.

To find out how to get this easy, warm-weather bridal look, I spoke with Trae Bodge, creative director and co-founder of Three Custom Color. To see what she has to say,

Bachelorette Weekend: A Spa Pampering Party

bellasugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:43 -0700

It's Wedding Party Week on the Sugar network, so I'll be bringing you a few beauty posts related to bridal showers and bachelorette bashes. Traditionally, showers involve gift-giving and cutesy games, while bachelorette weekends are all about getting wild and crazy. For those of you tamer, or less thrill-seeking brides, why not consider another option such as a spa party? This relaxing alternative allows you and your friends to spend some quality time together getting pampered and primped.

I understand that a weekend away or even a day at a spa can be indulgent and costly, so thankfully, there are a number of companies that can bring spa parties to your home. For example, Sparty is billed as a blend of spa treatments and cocktails. Their bachlelorette bash option allows you to choose from an assortment of bridal-themed drinks, food, massages and goodie bags. Prices vary depending on the options, but my best guess is that you'll likely be paying somewhere between $150 – $300 per person. Sparties are available in eleven cities nationwide. For four more options,

Unconventional Celebrity Bridal Beauty

bellasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:00:58 -0700

Traditional pink lipstick is for the conventional bride. These famous faces aren't known for making classical run-of-the-mill beauty choices. Take Christina Aguilera, for example. She didn't actually wear this to her wedding (it was for a costume party), but she did have a distinguishable beauty look on her walk down the aisle. Can you guess what it was? To answer the question and a whole lot more, take my quiz about unorthodox bridal beauty.

Source

Essie's 2008 Spring Bridal Collection

bellasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:01:44 -0700

This 2008 Essie Bridal Collection is just the type of classical peachy, white and muted pale pink polish range that I like to see from time to time. For those of you blushing brides who are interested in attaining the quintessential French manicure, or, for the rest of you who are just looking to paint on a neutral nail, you'll be on Cloud Nine with these colors. My bets are on Happily Ever After on becoming the next cult color, but I'm partial to No Pre-Nup (wink) — how about you?

For a brief description of each of the shades

Tips For a Flawless Wedding Day Face

bellasugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:00:49 -0700

The last thing that you want captured on film on your blissful wedding day are your under-eye circles, open pores and heaven forbid — pimples. It's never too early on your wedding beauty calendar to tackle the issues that keep your skin from looking and feeling its best. The typical bride aims for rosy cheeks, pink lips, lush lashes and radiant skin (although I encourage you to express yourself in your own way). To ensure that your face is as flawless as possible, here are a few tips to help prep your skin for your exciting walk down the aisle.

Acne: If you are prone to acne or cystic acne, you may want to see a dermatologist and try a round of antibiotics to keep breakouts at bay. You can also try a vitamin C or glycolic peel a few months before to see if they will help kill unwanted bacteria.
Sun spots: If you have apparent spots on your face from spending too much time in the sun, there are ways they can be lightened and removed (if necessary), but it can take up to six months. The first step is to exfoliate regularly. If that doesn't help, move onto microdermabrasion in combination with lightening creams.
Large pores: Large pores attract dirt which automatically draws more attention to them. Play around with using a pore minimizing primer or serum, to help shrink them after you have deep cleansed your skin.
Dark circles/bags: For eye bags, restrict your diet to low-salt foods and see if that helps. Apply de-puffing eye creams to help draw out moisture, and use a regular mask. Treatments for dark circles include creams and makeup to help hide them or Restylane injections and laser treatments to completely remove them. Again, this could take a few months so it's something to consider when you still have a good amount of time before the big day.

Source

Free Download: Wedding Beauty Checklist

bellasugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:33:50 -0700

Has being a bride made you feel more busy than blushing? Never fear — this wedding beauty planner will keep you organized from your first tooth whitening appointment to the last sweep of gloss before you walk down the aisle. I've written about bridal timelines before, but this printable planner should help to make things easier. Just download it and go.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.

Wedding Makeup Must-Haves

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

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

Bella Quiz: Celebrity Bridal Hair

bellasugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:00:22 -0700

Whether you're getting inspiration for your own wedding, or just like seeing what creative looks they come up with, celebrity wedding hairstyles are always worth keeping an eye on. You can bet that these looks have been planned to perfection by the best stylists money can buy.

Think you've been paying close attention to celebrity bridal hairstyles? Test your memory with my quiz. To see more wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.

Source

Bridal Beauty Roundup, Part I

bellasugar — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:00:53 -0700

Here's a roundup of all you'll need to plan the beginning stages of your bridal beauty details. If you keep an organized checklist of everything that needs to be done, you'll be buffed, bronzed and beautiful in time to walk down that aisle. For all of our wedding coverage, visit IDoSugar.

The Latest Bridal Beauty Looks

Source

A Week's Worth of Bridal Hair and Makeup

bellasugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:29:17 -0700

This week, designers showed off their latest wedding-gown collections at bridal fashion shows — and of course, they had hair and makeup looks to fulfill their visions. From Vera Wang to Monique Lhuillier, each has his or her own take on bridal beauty. Expect lots of nude makeup and simple hairstyles, some of which can work in real life. Read on to see some of the prettiest (and weirdest) looks of the week, mostly modeled by girls too young to vote, let alone get married. Sigh. To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.

If You're in a Wedding, What Do You Expect the Bride to Pay For?

bellasugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:00:53 -0700

Being a bridesmaid can become a financial burden. Not only are you likely expected to buy a dress and attend multiple pre-wedding events such as an engagement party, a shower, and a bachelorette party, but you are also expected to come bearing gifts. All of these costs add up pretty quickly and you haven't even made it down the aisle yet! I've been in many weddings where the bride has paid for hair, makeup or both for her bridesmaids — and I've been in others where I've been expected to pay these services. When you are included in the wedding party, what beauty costs do you expect the bride to cover?To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.Source

Oh Man: Here Comes the Groomed

bellasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:27 -0700

Anthony Logistics for Men has just come out with a seven-piece beauty kit called Here Comes the Groomed ($50). The collection includes cleanser, face and body scrub, hand and body lotion, shaving oil, shaving cream, and after-shave products. All are two-and-a-half ounces (or smaller) and come neatly packaged in a charcoal grey mesh dopp kit. Not only is this a smart prewedding grooming regimen, but it's all wrapped up and ready for him to take along on the honeymoon.

It's so easy to forget about the groom with all of your wedding beauty preparation to consider, but his skin should be in the best condition possible for his fifteen minutes of fame. If you get him started on this skin-care regimen a few weeks before the wedding, he should definitely be camera ready by go time.

I think this even makes for a great groomsmen gift, especially if you feel like his friends could use a hand in the grooming department. For the details about each of the products in the kit,

Five Things to Start Doing Before Your Wedding Day

bellasugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:00:14 -0700

If you're a bride-to-be, you've probably had this little bit of advice drilled into your head: plan ahead. That goes for bridal beauty as well. Taking a few steps now will help your skin and hair look healthy for your big day. To see five things you should start doing today, read on. And for more wedding-related posts, check out IDoSugar.

Who Wore a Tiara?

bellasugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:08 -0700

A tiara is a quintessential wedding ornament that has been worn on the heads of brides for centuries. These modified crowns are typically encrusted with jewels or pearls.

While Victoria Beckham didn't wear a tiara to her 1999 nuptials to footballer David Beckham, she did wear a mini princess crown as her wedding hair accessory. Take my quiz and test your memory of celebrity bride hairstyles. Try to guess who did and who didn't wear tiaras to their famous weddings.

Source

Bella Quiz: Celebrity Bridal Beauty

bellasugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:00:04 -0700

For those of you blushing brides-to-be, or for anyone else obsessed with wedding-day beauty details, you'll be able to ace this celebrity bridal quiz in a snap. If there were ever a time to pay attention to celebrity beauty, it's on their wedding days. Everything from nails, hair and makeup have been meticulously planned to perfection. All of the answers are encrypted in past posts, so scoring is really just a matter of how closely you've been paying attention. Good luck!

Source, OK! Magazine, Source

Get Going on Hair and Makeup For the Big Day

bellasugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:00:13 -0700

All right, so you're engaged. You might even have your dress and maybe even the cake all picked out, but one of the things most brides put off is deciding what to do about their hair and makeup for the big day. Because, after all, how do you begin to choose? For some tips on how to make sure your hair and makeup are the way you've always dreamed of on the big day,

Guess Who?

bellasugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:00:03 -0700

Guess which blonde sported something blue for a role about a bride? She's about to have a birthday. . .

Wedding Planning: Should You Be Your Own Stylist?

bellasugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:12:01 -0700

If you're getting married, you need to decide whether you'll hire a makeup artist and hair stylist for the big day, or whether you'll go the DIY route. Hiring a professional takes all of the pressure off, but it also doesn't come cheap. And while you may be happy having your best friend provide her services, wedding hair and makeup often requires a little more know-how than the average person has. There isn't a right or wrong decision, of course, but to help you decide, I've come up with some pros and cons.

If you go with a professional: The biggest benefit, of course, is the expertise a professional offers. A hair stylist can create elaborate updos and straight-off-the-runway styles for you and your wedding party. A makeup artist will be able to choose flattering colors that will photograph well; this is a huge benefit, since what looks good in person may not necessarily appear the same in photographs. With both hair and makeup, going with a professional should minimize stress on the big day. The largest drawback, naturally, is the cost. Expect to pay hundreds of dollars for wedding-day services, and if your bridesmaids are included, the price could easily go past $1,000.

For the pros and cons of doing it on your own,

Beauty Gifts For The Newly Engaged

bellasugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:00:11 -0700

If you know anyone who's newly engaged, it's a pretty safe bet that her life has become a whirlwind of planning, preparing, and of course, stressing. And I'm willing to bet the bride-to-be in question has quit paying attention to herself in the process. So why not get the future bride something to encourage some much-needed pampering? Check out this slide show for some great gift ideas, and to see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com!

How to Plan a Budget For Your Bridal Beauty

bellasugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:00:47 -0700

If you're not careful, your wedding budget can get out of hand. While beauty costs a lot less than flowers and feeding your guests, primping indulgences for the big day can add up to big dollars if you aren't careful.

There are several categories to consider if you're going with a professional. The most expensive is hair, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 depending on what look you choose and if you create an intricate wedding hairstyle with an extension or fall. Then there is makeup, which tends to cost anywhere from $65 to $300.

You may also want to plan a skin care regimen with your facialist or dermatologist. Include spa treatments so that you can work them into your budget. A manicure and pedicure shouldn't cost more than usual, unless you opt for acrylic nails or tips.

Other beauty expenses include self-tanning, waxing, and you may even want to get your teeth whitened. Lastly, don't forget to factor in costs for hair and makeup for your mom, your bridesmaids and your soon-to-be mother-in-law.

Consult my ultimate bridal beauty guide for every and all possible wedding-related beauty questions. For a few tips on where you can save some money,

Get Adventurous With Your Engagement Party Makeup

bellasugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:00:51 -0700

Throughout the duration of your wedding-planning period, you are likely going to be taking more pictures of you and your hubby-to-be than you ever thought imaginable. Using events such as your engagement party, bridal shower, and even your bachelorette party are great opportunities to test out potential wedding makeup looks to see which one you like the best in photographs.

Take Kate Moss for example. Rumor has it that she's planning a gypsy-themed engagement party to fiancé Jamie Hince. A costume party isn't exactly what I meant, but hey, why not. It just goes to show that not all brides go for a traditional princess look.

For a few theme-party suggestions, and ideas on how to create appropriate makeup looks,

Beauty Books for the Bride-to-Be

bellasugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:00:35 -0700

Today kicks off all of our wedding coverage on the Sugar network, and over the next couple of months, I'll have tons of tips for looking and feeling your best as you approach the big day. This week, it's all about engagement — and I'm especially excited because one of my best friends just went ring shopping with her beau this past weekend!

It's a little early for her to start picking out the dress and cake, but for now, I'm excited to celebrate with a little geeking out. These books are great options for planning your hair and makeup, particularly if you're going the DIY route. Of all the books, Makeup Makeovers: Weddings is the most helpful. It offers a wide variety of makeup looks, it has easy-to-follow instructions, and it doesn't feature the same old skinny 15-year-old models. Have a look at it, and at a few others, in this widget:

For all of our wedding coverage, visit IDoSugar!

Introducing Wedding Season on IDoSugar!

PopSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Wedding bells are here again! Today we're kicking off our second-annual wedding season bonanza on the Sugar Network! Over the next few months, the Sugar sites will be sharing all sorts of wedding ideas and tips, from fashion and beauty secrets to registry picks and party plans to advice on getting in shape for the big day. Together with our sponsor, Macy’s, we've also created a new site called IDoSugar.com, where you'll be able to find all of our great wedding content in one place.

We're kicking things off with Engagement Week, which will cover everything you need to know from the wedding proposal to budget-planning. Stay tuned all Spring for more wedding coverage, including showers, parties, wedding trends, honeymoons, and more.

BellaSugar's Guide To Married Life After The Honeymoon's Over

bellasugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:08:50 -0700

So now that your feet have finally touched the ground off of cloud nine (where you've happily lived for the duration of your engagement and wedding period), reality is slowly setting in. Life, work, bills, thank-you notes and all the everyday stresses waiting home can definitely put you in a little bit of a funk. But don't sweat it, this is a common feeling that will pass in no time.

Something to remember is that all marriage takes work. Even the most starry-eyed lovebirds admit to putting a little bit of elbow grease into keeping their love lives alive after the honeymoon is over. Here's a round up of BellaSugar's stories, polls anecdotes and tips to help you through this new and exciting newlywed period!

Source

Tips For Maintaining Your Wedding Day Beauty

bellasugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:59:59 -0700

Hey there, Mrs! After all that work buffing, waxing, toning, brightening and beautifying, the ceremony is now over and you're not looking as perfect as you did in the wedding photos. Well, just because you have gazillions of thank-you notes to write, doesn't mean that you can't take a couple of breaks to primp and indulge!

Don't forget all of the little tricks that you used to get beautiful for the big day. I've gathered a checklist of things to remember. What's great about this list is that while you may have gone to a salon to have many of these treatments done professionally, now that the pressure of the big day is off, you can pamper yourself right at home. For the detailed list,

Some Beauty Rituals Are Best Kept Private

bellasugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:05:27 -0700

After the wedding and the honeymoon, it's now The Honeymoon's Over week! I'm sharing all kinds of ideas to keep your married life as beautiful as your courtship.

When you're married (or just in a committed relationship), there are some grooming and beauty rituals you just can't hide from your sweetheart. That's not necessarily a bad thing, since sharing the mundane details of our lives can be healthy. At the same time, though, there's something to be said for keeping the romance alive, right? I always say, "If you wouldn't do it in front of your boss or best friend, don't do it in front of the person you love." Here's my advice on a few beauty secrets you may want to keep to yourself (while keeping yourself as pretty as ever).

The home bikini wax Just trust me on this one: Wait until Hubby is out of the house before getting started. Nobody looks or feels her best while hopping around naked, waving hot wax in the air and ripping out hair from delicate areas. Unless your "sexy time" involves wincing in pain and pulling tiny dried bits of wax off your skin (and hey, if it does, more power to you) it's probably easier to do this routine solo.

For three more beauty secrets best left unshared,

Love It or Hate It? Rebecca Romijn's Wedding Hair

bellasugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:01:00 -0700

Congratulations to Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell who wed over the weekend on the grounds of their gorgeous home. Rebecca has such a killer bod, and her makeup is flawless. How do you feel about this half up, half down wedding hairstyle adorned with white flowers? Flynet

Love It or Hate It? Rebecca Romijn's Wedding Hair

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Oh Man: His and Hers Beauty Products

bellasugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:05:24 -0700

So now that you are officially Mr. and Mrs, that probably means that you are living together for the first time (wink, wink). Okay, so even if you were living in sin, you're now sharing everything—including the small amount of space in the bathroom (remember the 50/50 rule, gals)! So although he may not understand the extent to which you primp, a great way to save some room on your side of the medicine cabinet is to fill up his side with products you love, too. Check out a few of my personal favorite products that work for both men and women.

This nail polish called Essie Cosmetics Man-e-Cure ($16) is a clear matte polish that looks extremely natural. Guys don't want to look like they've put much effort into their appearance, but oftentimes they do care about looking well groomed, neat and professional.

For two more products for the newlyweds to share

Does Your Mate Know the Extent of Your Routine?

bellasugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:00:45 -0700

One day a while back, I woke up early and go ready while Mr. Bella was still sleeping. By the time the alarm went off, I had finished applying my makeup, and I'd taken a little more time than usual. "You're so pretty," said Mr. Bella. "I love the fact that you don't wear a lot of makeup." Aw. (Little did he know that I'd just applied a serum, sunblock, eye cream, primer, tinted moisturizer, concealer, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara and a lip stain.) So I've got to know: Do you think your honey has any idea about how long it takes you to get ready?

Does Your Mate Know the Extent of Your Routine?

Definitely. I have nothing to hide.

Sort of. He knows I'm doing something with all these lotions and potions, he just doesn't know what it is.

Absolutely not. He thinks I'm just naturally this fresh-faced and lovely.

Other

BellaSugar's Guide To Honeymoon Beauty

bellasugar — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:50:53 -0700

Hey newlyweds! Before you say Bon Voyage and jet off to your fabulous and romantic destination, be sure and check with BellaSugar's Guide To Honeymoon Beauty, my six-post list about all the essentials you'll want to pack in your dopp kit or cosmetics case. Have a great time and be safe (and yeah, I meant that in both the clean and dirty sense—after all, you did just get married)!

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Honeymoon Beauty Part IV: Stylish City Slickers

bellasugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:00:07 -0700

It's time for the last installment of honeymoon beauty. To read about what to pack for a tropical trip, an adventurous journey or for insight on what the hottest beauty brands abroad are, click here. For you honeymooners who have set your sights on the cities of the world, you have chosen a fantastic and eye-opening voyage.

Prepare yourself with an open mind, and remember to keep your budget in mind. It's very easy to get caught up in buying souvenirs, clothing, art and extravagant food when you are experiencing a new culture for the first time. Here are some beauty travel must-haves for the chic city slicker couple.

Paint the town red in Red Lipstick! You want to look chic, don't you? The right red lipstick is every woman's secret weapon. It's cutting-edge, it brings out your eyes and it's versatile. You can dab on just a little bit as a natural-looking stain for the day, or you can deepen the color for a more dramatic effect for an evening out. Plus, you can always blend a bit onto your cheeks for an extra splash of color.

For two more stylish city slicker honeymoon beauty essentials,

Honeymoon Beauty, Part III: The Adventure Seekers

bellasugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:03:16 -0700

Welcome back to BellaSugar's series on honeymoon beauty. Don't forget to read the last two parts about for beauty essentials for a tropical trip and the best beauty brands to check out to snatch up vacation. For those of you more natural or daring brides who are planning a thrill-seeking adventure like hiking in the rain forest, heli-skiing or sailing around the world, don't overlook your beauty essentials. Here are three must-haves for an adventurous honeymoon.

I can't stress enough the importance of packing sunscreen. If you are going to be doing activities outside, a bad sunburn can ruin your once-in-a-lifetime vacation!

Lancome has just come out with a new UV Expert SPF 20 Sunscreen ($35) with Mexoryl SX, one of the few ingredients to block harmful and age-accelerating UVA Rays. Pack it, wear it and face the sun with confidence!

For two more outdoorsy honeymoon beauty essentials

Honeymoon Beauty Part I: The Tropical Trip

bellasugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:09:05 -0700

Welcome to Honeymoon Beauty, my series on what types of beauty essentials you need of three different kinds of vacations. There are definitely a few honeymoon essentials that apply to the princess bride, the natural bride and the daring bride—even if you are taking three very different trips. You must pack something sexy, pack things that don't wrinkle and only bring what is necessary. Most likely night after night it's just going to be you two lovebirds, so trust me when I say there's no reason to overpack!

If you are the type of couple that's dreamed of a long, hot warm tropical getaway, then the theme of your vacation is going to be chic and low-maintenance. Things to remember to pack are sunscreen, sunblock sprays for your hair, lip gloss with SPF and a great bronzer to really enhance your tan. Ideally, your makeup should be fuss-free. Take a look at a few of these tropics-inspired makeup palettes perfect for a honeymoon in paradise!

Lisa Watier Palette Honey Moon is a sunny eye palette created to achieve a glowy, bronzed effect. It includes five powder eye shadows, (one of which can also be used as an all-over face illuminator) that can each be worn alone or blended together. The palette costs £24, which is roughly $50 (and yes, this site ships internationally).

For more tantalizing, tropical makeup palettes,

Wedding Roundup: The Ultimate Bridal Beauty Guide

bellasugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 07:30:06 -0700

For Wedding Season on the Sugar Network, I've brought you a bevy of posts about bridal beauty. Before we move onto the honeymoon, I wanted to recap the BellaSugar wedding beauty advice I've offered so far. Here's everything you need to do to make yourself beautiful for your big day.

Six months before the wedding, start planning and pre-primping.
Three months prior, focus on your teeth and your health.
With two weeks to go, get your hair and skin ready.
One day before, worry about the last-minute details.
On the big day, follow this handy timeline.
Finally, keep this beauty survival kit on hand during the ceremony and reception

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Wedding Beauty: A Timeline for the Big Day

bellasugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 16:20:57 -0700

Well, I've told you everything you need to do to get beautiful for the big day. Now let's turn our attention to your beauty timeline on the actual day of the wedding. The most important thing is giving yourself enough time so you don't feel rushed, so follow this step-by-step guide to arranging your day. Good luck!

Wake up on the early side and immediately drink a tall glass of water. Then, do a relaxing wedding day workout that suits your routine.
When you get back around mid-morning, eat something light and high in protein.
About four to five hours in advance of your call time, take a shower. Before getting out of the shower, give yourself a cool rinse to close your pores and hair cuticles.
Next, brush your hair and tie it neatly in a bun before meeting up with your stylist.
At least three hours before your call time, have your hair styled. Allow one to two hours for the process, depending on your 'do.
When your hair is being set or right after it's styled, apply your makeup or start to have it done. Be sure and cover your face when hairspray is being applied so you don't look shiny. Allow up to one hour for your makeup.
When your makeup and hair is done, apply your perfume as a finishing touch. Then, about half an hour before your call time, get into your dress and take a deep breath.

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Get Beautiful for the Big Day, Part IV: One Day to Go

bellasugar — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:30:53 -0700

Since we kicked off wedding season on the Sugar Network, I've been bringing you a multi-part guide guide to Getting Beautiful for the Big Day. Since this is Wedding Weekend week, I'll be offering advice on the last-minute details and finishing touches you should worry about right before the wedding. Now, for the final part of my series: one day to go! Good luck.

Get a manicure and pedicure.
Remember to drink lots of water so your skin is hydrated, and be sure to get get a good night's sleep.
If you are going for a tanned look, make a spa appointment for a total body exfoliation and a self tanner application. Please pay to have this done professionally; now is not the time to risk streaking or splotching.
Do something that makes you feel good. Either schedule a massage, go for a brisk walk, or take a relaxing yoga class.

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Post-Bachelorette Party Beauty

bellasugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 09:55:17 -0700

It's Wedding Season on the Sugar Network, and this week, I've been bringing you a bevy of beauty posts related to wedding parties: namely, wedding showers and bachelorette bashes.

I already told you how to get a great makeup look for the girls' night out. But the day after, you're probably going to look pretty rough. So I've prepared a handy primer on post-party beauty that will help you recover from the bachelorette party — or any party, for that matter.

Everyone has their own hangover remedies, but aside from drinking lots of water, most of the usual tactics won't help you look better. For my suggestions on what will,

Get Beautiful For The Big Day, Part III: Two More Weeks to Go

bellasugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 13:03:30 -0700

Welcome back to the third installment of Get Beautiful For the Big Day, BellaSugar's beauty checklist for brides-to-be. (For more wisdom, check out my posts on what to do six months and three months before the wedding.)

At the two week mark, the wedding is drawing near, you've chosen your hair and makeup styles, your body is toned and strong, and your teeth are bright and white. Now it's time to get buffed, trimmed, and bronzed. Just don't forget to relax, too. For a step-by-step guide to what you should do one to two weeks in advance,

How To: Eva Longoria's Bridal Shower Beauty

bellasugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:44:47 -0700

Lucky Eva Longoria had not one but two bridal showers. Poor gal is going to be stuck at home for the next decade writing thank you notes. (Actually, she probably has someone to do that for her.) One thing I'll say about Longoria is that she is not afraid to wear lots of makeup, and the fresh, polished face she showed off at her Felicity Huffman-hosted shower is no exception.

Did you notice her hairstylist Ken Paves at the shower? I hope that Tony understands just how seriously this gal takes her beauty. (My husband has yet to concede to a dinner with my colorist.) For product recommendations and instructions on how to re-create Eva's gorgeous bridal-shower makeup,