Over the long weekend, I hunkered down with a new book called Lessons of a Lipstick Queen ($15.64) written by Lipstick Queen creator, Poppy King. The book talks more about her becoming an entrepreneur than it does about makeup, as she takes you through the trials and tribulations of her journey from idea to inception.
Poppy's voice is genuine, and her story is interesting, heartfelt and uplifting. The thought of actually going through with a business plan, finding the right time, niche and the finances to back me has always scared me a little. However, once I finished reading the book I felt inspired.
I especially liked the set-up of the book. She talks about a lesson and then follows each lesson with a personal story and a conclusion at the end of each section. (One of my favorites is Manage your Inner Critic.)
I often let unwarranted negativity get in the way of a good idea and wind up not following through. Her book is a reminder that when you hear a critical voice in your head, ask questions to challenge the pessimism instead of automatically giving it validity. Not only is it a confidence booster, but it allows you to talk through any doubts you may have in your idea or plan.
I really liked this book. It's not a fluffy page-turner, so if you are looking to get swept away in a story about lipstick or royalty, this isn't for you. But, if you are someone with a dream (even if you aren't really into lipstick) you'll enjoy learning from Poppy's experiences about how to successfully develop your own ideas into something fruitful.
A lot of famous faces turned up for the opening of the new Chanel boutique in Los Angeles, and just about everyone was made up in a classic style befitting the fashion house. But model Kirsty Hume pushed things into a more rock-and-roll vibe, letting her long bangs fall into her face. Red lipstick and a shoulder tattoo just add to the look. Even though her bangs could use a trim, I think this is a case of "so wrong it's right." Do you?
"Help, I need somebody. Help, not just anybody." If your skin is singing these Beatles lyrics, then you can certainly benefit from today's giveaway. Luckily, our friends at Sephora and I have just the help your poor pores need.
Today's giveaway is for Philosophy's Help Me retinol treatment. The clinically tested formula has a patented time-release delivery system that works to improve those fine lines, discoloration, and clogged pores. It's the ultimate helper for skin with multiple needs.
Want to enter? Just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT 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 vote to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!
I hope you've enjoyed this series profiling Amy Keller, the beauty director of Allure. Today, she's sharing her best makeup tip and her thoughts on beauty blogging. Read on!
What is the best beauty advice you've ever received?
I always resisted using makeup brushes for some reason. I thought it was an extra step that wasn’t necessary and I was using instead cotton swabs, or the little applicators that come in the packages, but I finally listened to makeup artists. It does make such a difference if you are using a shadow brush or a powder brush or a blush brush. You know when you always read in magazines, “You need to blend this, you need to soften the lines”? That’s what these brushes do, and I have had so much success since [using them].
Matt Damon made a grave grooming mistake on the set of his new movie The Informant yesterday. I can handle a little bit of scruff on a guy, but a full-on mustache is so '80s. Even Tom Selleck did away with his famous 'stache in 2004 for a brief stint. I know it's not Matt's fault, he has to wear it for his role in the film — but I find it so gross. How do you feel about a mustache on a man? Do you think it's sexy or awful?
After last night's screening of Sex and the City, Sugar HQ is swarming with thoughts on the movie. But you'll have to wait until tomorrow to get the review from BuzzSugar. For now, check out some of our hair and makeup looks. Think you can guess who's who? Maybe, but my lips are sealed . . .
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.