It can be tricky to visualize how to do a hairstyle without actually seeing each step in action — just imagine trying to explain braiding to a pal over the phone! One of my favorite ways to switch up a traditional braid, which uses three strands of hair, is to use a woven, four-strand version. Trust me, it's not as hard as you may think. To help you get started, I created a slideshow and numbered each of the four sections so you could follow along from pictures and numbers. Stepping in as my latest hair model was a Sugar staffer with the longest locks of them all, geeksugar. Grab a pal of your own and get to braidin'.
Should we give credit to the ladies of The Hills for this one or should the props go to Nicole Richie, for creating cool wrap-around styles? You voted, and the results were clear. The Hottest Trend of 2008 is delicate braids. This twisty style adds so much interest to a boring old ponytail, and it's easy to achieve, too. Want to see more favorite goings-on of the year? Check out the rest of our Best of 2008 polls and the outcomes now.
For me, on New Year's Eve there are two things I can't go without: my cheesy champagne purse that's been around for years. . . and well, champagne. When it comes down to it, the bubbly also turns out to be a perfect color in cosmetics. The universally flattering goes-with-everything hue typically pops up in soft pink makeup shades with a bit of shimmer — just like the drink itself.
Seriously, who doesn't look good in a neutral shimmer? When I interviewed Three Custom Color Specialists' Chad Hayduk back in August, he agreed. "Neutral colors have equal parts warm and cool," he said. "Think of true red and champagne, which is equal parts of gold and silver." Pretty nifty.
More on those true reds, here, and in the meantime, take a look at my widget below for some beauty products inspired by champagne — some even made with this delicious fizzy drink. Champagne wishes.
Lately, I've become quite a fan of Perfumer & Flavorist magazine's website. Yeah, I'm not a subscriber so I can't delve into each of their interesting articles about, well —the perfume and flavor industries. But the other day, when I came across the magazine's list of winners from the 2008 Perfumer's Choice Awards, I decided to try out one of their selections. They are the experts, after all.
Best classic fine women's fragrance? Estée Lauder Beautiful. Best Baby/Children Fragrance? Johnson & Johnson Bedtime Bath ($4.99). So, I went and did what any other adult would do. I bought the baby bath. I've been a fan of Johnson's Baby Shampoo ($4.49) for years, particularly as a makeup brush cleaner, with amazing (and sweet smelling) results. As for the bedtime bath? The aroma was fresh and soothing, and I felt very rested that night. And since I really like the gentle nature of baby products, I plan on keeping this one in regular rotation. How about you?
I like soysage, soy milk, and soy "chicken nuggets," so a little soy on the face? Why not? And thanks to our friends at Sephora, you'll be doing some sampling o' the soy if you're chosen winner of this restorative cream. All this week we're giving away Fresh Soy Face Cream, a lightweight moisturizer for all skin types. Full of antioxidants and nourishing oils, this daily cream hydrates the skin, creating a radiant glow. So(y) lovely.
To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PST today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your entry to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!
It was all kind of hush, hush at first and the rumors were swirling like crazy. No, I'm not talking about Heidi and Spencer's big nuptials. I'm talking about the Ellen DeGeneres' CoverGirl deal. And when the news was finally confirmed, it got people talking.
In a forward thinking move, the 50-year-old company paired up with a 50-year-old woman, making the comedic lady its spokesperson. It's so refreshing to see the drugstore cosmetics giant take steps towards showing that beauty comes in all types and ages, for that matter. Kudos, CoverGirl, for your modern take on the beauty biz.
For today's review, let's look at a product by Stila that comes with not just one or two but three of the brand's top-selling smudge pots.
The kit, Stila Eyes & Shine Smudge Pot Trio Gel Eyeliner ($32), contains black, bronze, and gray shades — all must-haves for the ultimate smoky eye. Bella reviewer Scully was a fan, giving the set four out of five stars. And now, take it away, Scully:
"For years I've stayed away from gel/cream eyeliners because my hand is not very steady — boy was I missing out! For me, this was the best purchase I have made lately. You get three colors that are universally flattering and the product stays put. I can apply at 5 a.m. and by 9 p.m. this stuff looks freshly applied and going strong. The texture is creamy and glides on effortlessly. I took one star away only because it is very hard to remove if you make a mistake — but on the flip side — that's why it's so long-lasting. I would recommend this to anyone."
Singer and actress Selena Gomez posed for pictures at the 2009 American Music Awards with a pretty pink smile on her face. She took advantage of the occasion and went glam; wearing a Talbot Runhof sequin dress with black strappy heels.
Sandro
Lipsy
Madeleine Thompson