sephora

It's been about 10 years since Sephora employees got uniform makeovers, and now they're taking it up a few notches, as Prabal Gurung is creating new uniforms for the beauty retail juggernaut. "My intention was to reflect the style and playfulness of shopping in a Sephora store, but to also make sure they would be functional in such a fast-paced environment," Gurung explained to WWD.

Starting in April (in Sephora's North America locations only), you'll see female beauty advisers decked out in fitted black pantsuits with red detailing or black shift dresses highlighted with red trim. Male employees will don black shirts and pants, along with black sweaters with red accents. "The dress incorporates one of my favorite design elements, offering a flash of vibrant red, while the women's pant suit and the separates for men give a sleeker, more tailored look," Gurung explained. So if you don't already have several reasons to visit a Sephora, soon you'll have a new one: to admire the advisers' haute new ensembles.

Source: Flickr User Mike Saechang

Tomorrow we'll discover which hue Pantone, the authority on all-things pigments, will name as its color of the year for 2012. But until we know exactly what shade will have its moment in the sun, here's something amazing to look forward to: the brand is coming out with an exclusive-to-Sephora Pantone makeup collection. The line ($18 to $80) will feature hues primarily in the orange and tangerine range (could this be a nod to its soon-to-be-announced color of the year?), and will include cosmetics and accessories. So color yourself happy: the limited-edition products are out in March.

The Kaiser strikes again, this time with a holiday capsule collection for Sephora. Unfortunately, this one's only going to be available in Europe and Singapore, although it certainly bodes well for a future stateside collaboration. The line, which launches this Sunday, includes makeup, nail polishes, a Lagerfeld doll, and this extremely cool snow globe with Karl in silhouette. Chanel's head designer has been extremely busy of late. In fact, this news comes on the heels of a just-released fragrance, Karleidescope (mellifluous name, that), which launched in Europe last month. Clearly, there's plenty of interest in what the designer has to offer, but do you think your friends and loved ones would be excited to get Karl-covered merchandise for the holidays?

Matte nail polish had its big moment last year, and half-moon manicures have had a surge in popularity, so what's next? For yours truly, it's a two-toned manicure with matte half moons. The look is subtle enough to fly anywhere, but just unusual enough to warrant a double take. The design is one of dozens of choices available at Sephora Nail Studio Art + Lacquer, a new concept at select Sephora stores in New York and California. At these locations, XpresSpa nail techs provide everything from a quick polish change ($15) to intricate gem-studded nail art designs ($25-$75). To go the DIY route for this look, paint two coats of Nails Inc polish in Porchester Square after base coat, add a clear top coat, then detail each nail with Sephora by OPI matte top coat. It's retro yet modern all at once.

It's hard not to be a sucker for the makeup that Tokidoki has been putting out in collaboration with Sephora, and their new Royal Pride Hercolino Palette ($28) is a prime example of why so many people have a soft spot for the stuff. The packaging is fantastic; it's full of cute little cartoon touches, has a cool foldout design, and comes with both a bag and a Herculino key fob. Then, there's the fact that you get six good-quality shadows for $28, which isn't bad at all coming from a high-end beauty store. Plus, looking at it makes us think of "Only in Kenya," which will never, ever be a bad thing.

Sephora Collection Liquid Eyeliner is a great find for any beauty buff. It's on the low end of the price range of eyeliner you'll find on the shelves of a Sephora store. But does it perform? That all depends on what  you're looking for in a liner.

Lately a bunch of brands have come out with new formulations and colors of liquid eyeliners. I'm not sure exactly how long Sephora's version has been around, but I don't think they're newbies. When I wear these I get lots of compliments on the colors.

To see Lesley's pros and cons, plus more pictures and swatches, read the full eyeliner review. And if you'd like your opinions featured here on Bella, just start an OnSugar blog of your own!

The social tab provides a home for the brand's Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube updates, along with a BeautyTalk feature, where users can get and receive beauty advice ("What foundation will stay on while swimming?" a woman asks.). However it's the interactive catalogue, Beauty Report, where you'll likely spend most of your time. Full of pretty, glossy images, the catalogue includes tips, videos, and suggestions galore on how to re-create the trendiest looks. Of course with a little swipe and tap action, you can shop the picks, too. See more of the app's benefits when you keep reading.

Designer Charlotte Ronson is known for her trendy and playful designs, and now she's extending those concepts to the world of beauty. Charlotte's new lifestyle collection, dubbed Charlotte Ronson Beauty, will launch at Sephora stores come September and includes products for hair, body, and face.

"I've always designed for girls who believe that less is more, and I've stayed true to my aesthetic with this beauty collection," Charlotte told WWD. Offerings will range from a heart-shaped lip gloss ($14) to a vintage-inspired makeup bag ($28).

"The collection was created with my friends and family in mind [including Drea de Matteo, Nicole Richie, and sisters Annabelle and Samantha], and each product is named after their unique style and beauty," Charlotte explained. Are you excited about the new line?