BellaSugar

Succulent Strawberry Scrubs

BellaSugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:01:12 -0800

Having these grainy and sweet body scrubs in the bath and shower is just asking for trouble. After just one whiff, I'll never want to get out. For those of you who want to take a break from the doldrums of January and indulge in a summertime treat, here are three succulent scrubs that'll do the trick. And hey, if you have any Winter strawberries in your fridge that you can't bear to waste, try making this strawberry scrub at home.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($55) is one of those oldies but goodies that you can never say too many great things about. It's made with ground-up wild strawberries and brown sugar, so it's deep cleaning and exfoliating. One of my friends swears by this stuff, and considering the fact that her skin is always soft and clear, it's enough for me.

This Fresh Ripe Wild Strawberry Scrub from Peter Thomas Roth ($35) is more for the body than for the face. It's a sweet-smelling scrub that uses strawberry seeds as exfoliating grains. Not only does it deep clean, it also sloughs away rough, dead skin.

100% Pure Strawberry Butter Body Scrub ($22) is an all-natural, rich, and thick body scrub infused with coconut oil and shea butter to help condition while exfoliating. It also contains antioxidants to help brighten and protect skin. I can't think of a yummier way to scrub-a-dub in the tub.

The First Must-Haves of 2008

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:00:39 -0800

The post-holiday doldrums of January can be rough, cold, and not so pretty. That doesn't have to be the case with your beauty routine, though. This month, it's all about hydration: drinking enough water, moisturizing your skin, and avoiding drying products. I've found six items to help you do just that and more.

For a rundown of each product, just read more.

I'm really excited to try Stila Eye Shadow Duos ($20), which officially launch in February but are available to Sephora Beauty Insiders now. This is the first time that Stila has offered two colors in one pan, and the reformulated shadows are supposed to be smoother than ever.

During winter, look for a body moisturizer with shea butter in it; this will help seal in the moisture of your skin. 100% Pure body butter ($18) looks deceptively small in its packaging, but a jar of this highly-concentrated stuff lasts forever. I've tried the blood orange variety, which has a light citrus scent. Plus, it's free of parabens and chemicals, so it's an eco-friendly vegan treat.

Clinique has just launched a line called Clinique Redness Solutions ($16.50–$39). It's meant to help skin with rosacea, but the gentle formula should help anybody who deals with a ruddy complexion.

Alterna Caviar mask ($40) is an anti-aging hair mask, but I find that it treats my young hair quite nice. Again, this is a highly concentrated conditioning product, so a little goes a long way. I use it every couple of weeks, and it definitely makes my hair softer and seemingly thicker-without leaving a gross residue.

In my quest for reasonably priced tinted lip balms, I came across some by Roxie ($6.50). The vegan formulas use shea butter, cocoa butter, and mineral pigments to keep lips from chapping. Pomegranate, the ruby-tinged shade you see here, has great color, no?

Finally, although you shouldn't, like, live in the bathtub during the winter, a little soak can't hurt too much. I've always loved Claus Porto bath products because of their packaging, and this Ilyria duo of bath salts ($8) is no exception. It smells of honeysuckle, a decidedly non-wintry scent, but it's this time of year when we need flowers most.

New Product Alert: 100% Pure Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:48:29 -0700

I love it when ingredient lists have recognizable words, because then you know exactly what you're putting on your skin. 100% Pure is one company whose formulas are 100% easy to understand. The all-vegan, organic line uses fresh fruits and extracts to create natural, highly concentrated products for your body.

The latest addition to the collection is Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration ($26), a lightweight moisturizer with SPF 15. Here's what's inside:

Organic white tea, organic pomegranate oil, vitamin E, chamomile and lavender wax, extracts of rosemary, oregano, thyme, grapefruit seed, golden seal and cinnamon.

Pretty simple stuff, right? There's nothing there that would give me pause, though I'd still probably use an additional sunscreen if I were going to be in the sun. What about you-do you have faith in all-natural products, or are you more likely to go for a clinically tested product that has chemicals in it?

Giveaway of the Day! Bare Escentuals 100% Pure Moxie Set

BellaSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 23:30:56 -0700

To celebrate the very exciting launch of BellaSugar, we're giving away a different product every day in May, thanks to our very generous friends at Sephora. A big congratulations to Katiey424, who won yesterday's giveaway for the new Guerlain fragrance, Aqua Allegoria Angelique-Lilas.

Today's giveaway is a Bare Escentuals 100% Pure Moxie Set, a nine-piece BareMinerals collection with a $154 value that includes colors for face, eyes, cheeks, and lips, as well as special brushes. This mineral makeup kit is packed with natural-looking shades that will give you a beachy, sun-kissed glow.

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment in the comment section below by 5 p.m. PDT / 8 p.m. EDT Friday, May 18, and we'll announce the winner when we post the next giveaway. Please, only ONE comment per person; duplicate comments will be discarded, so commenting more than once won't up your chances of winning. Also, you must be a TeamSugar member to comment, so if you're not a member, please register here for an account. For all of the rules and regulations, just click here. Good luck!

Save on L'Oreal's Star Products For Their Centennial

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:00:26 -0700

What's a celebration without gifts? Well, for the 100th anniversary of L'Oréal (it's been in the US for 55 years), the company is offering savings on star products. Its founder, French chemist Eugène Schueller, not only developed the first permanent hair color using an oxidation process, he built a beauty empire with goods now sold in over 150 countries. (Unfortunately, it must be noted, he was also an anti-semitic fascist - though L'Oréal is now far removed from his beliefs.)

Here's where your gifts come in: For one week only during June and July, a star product will be featured . . . and offered at a super low price - up to 50 percent off - at local drugstores and other mass market retailers. Find out the items and prices when you read more.

Voluminous Volume Building Mascara ($5)
Colour Riche Lipcolour ($5)
Excellence Haircolor ($6)
True Match Super-Blendable makeup collection ($6)
EverPure haircare collection ($6)
Revitalift skincare collection ($10)

Why would I check it out? Because I'm worth it. Zing!

Coming Soon: Estée Lauder Summer 2009 Bronze Goddess Collection

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:15 -0800

Although it might not seem like it, Summer's really not that far away. Estée Lauder's popular Bronze Goddess Collection is back with limited-edition products in skin care, fragrance, and makeup. As you might expect, the makeup collection includes warm, amber tones with shimmery finishes. Last year, we saw some fuchsia and gold shades in the collection, and this year, expect a few aqua tones and the new ultraglossy Pure Color Gloss Stick Collection, with shades ranging from berry to coral.

Back for '09 is the Bronze Goddess fragrance, with the beachy scent of coconut and citrus. And if that's not enough, the Bronze Goddess Skin Care Collection is infused with amber, coconut, and vetiver. Check out a gallery of pictures below, along with a price list after the jump.

View 5 Photos ›

For a list of products and prices, read more.

Bronze Goddess Makeup Collection:

Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer ($30)
Bronze Goddess Soft Shimmer Bronzer ($30)
Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer ($31)
Pure Color Gloss Stick in Orange Poppy and Pop Pink ($18.50)

Limited-Edition Items:

Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer ($28.50)
New Bronze Goddess SunBlush Illuminator ($32)
New Bronze Goddess Sand and Sea EyeShadow Palette ($40)
New Duo Tone Eye Pencil ($18.50)
Pure Color Lipstick in new Golden Goddess ($18.50)
High Gloss in new Golden Goddess, Coral Goddess, and Rose Goddess ($17)
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in new Golden Goddess ($18)

Bronze Goddess Skincare Collection:

Sun Indulgence Lotion For Face SPF 30 ($22)
Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Lotion For Face ($22.50)
Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Milk For Body ($26.50)
Golden Perfection Tinted Self-Tanning Gelée For Body ($28.50)

Bronze Goddess Fragrance Collection:

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche 100ml ($52)
Bronze Goddess Body Oil 100ml ($32)
Bronze Goddess Luminous Body Lotion 200ml ($32)

How-To: Christina Applegate's Makeup at the Golden Globe Awards

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:05:27 -0800

2008 was a tough year for Christina Applegate, who underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she's now cancer-free, and she's earning kudos for her performance on Samantha Who?. If you loved her red-carpet look, created by makeup artist Joanna Schlip, follow these steps to recreate it at home.

Skin: Before applying any makeup, Schlip applied The Moisturizing Lotion from La Mer on Christina's face to give her smooth, hydrated skin. Then, she used DiorSkin Pure Light foundation in Cameo, covering imperfections with Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen. After applying a self-tanner bronzer, she used Physicians Formula 100% Natural Origin 2-in-1 Bronzer and Blush in Bronzer/Ginger on the apples of Christina's cheeks. She set the makeup with La Mer The Mist. Christina's collarbone and shoulders glowed after an application of MAC Strobe Cream.

For the rest of the steps, read more.

Eyes: On eyes, Schlip used Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Vegas Strip, a collection of shimmery light bronze shades. Use the lightest shade near the brow bone, and use the darker bronze in the crease of the eyelid. Line the upper lash line with a black felt-tip eyeliner, then apply a few coats of mascara. If necessary, define your brows with powder or pencil; Christina wore Dior Powder Brow Pencil in Blonde./LI>
Lips: First, line lips with a red liner. Use a lip brush to fill lips with a red lipstick; Christina wore Rouge Dior Replenishing Lipcolor in Red Premiere. Follow with a bit of shimmery red gloss such as Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in 757.

Source

Coming Soon: Narciso Rodriguez Shares His Essence

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:58:37 -0800

In 2003, designer Narciso Rodriguez successfully launched his gorgeous first fragrance collection, For Her Eau de Toilette ($40 to $87), a seductive, great-for-evening kind of scent. And this Spring, Rodriguez is about to get a little more demure with Essence Eaux de Parfum Collection ($33 to $100), a new fragrance line that also will include a body lotion, shower gel, and deodorant spray.

“Essence is very sexy but has that crisp, clean, pure quality of sunlight,” Rodriguez told WWD. This sunny floral, powdery musk will contain notes of rose, iris powder, benzoin balm, and of course, musk - his signature touch. “I love [musk] so much for its beautiful qualities, its rawness and its sensuality,” said Rodriguez.

Speaking of that sensuality, the rounded and mirrorlike bottle is futuristic looking with an intriguing, "I want to touch that" quality. Want to try out some Essence? Look for Rodriguez's creation in the US on March 1 (with a global introduction in April), where it's set to launch for a seven-month exclusive at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Photo courtesy of WWD

Coming Soon: Estee Lauder Summer 2008 Bronze Goddess Collection

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:00:16 -0800

If you're craving color, consider your needs met. At the end of the month, Estee Lauder is launching its new Summer 2008 Bronze Goddess Collection, a limited-edition group of bronze, gold and fuchsia products. It differs from last year's collection because those colors were more coral and coppery, but the luxe, brown and gold flecked tortoise shell packaging on the specialty items is the same.

The line includes new shades of nail lacquers, lip glosses, lip balms, eye shadows, powder and liquid bronzers, an oil spray, and body lotion. My favorite product in the the bunch is the new Sheer Lip Tint in Fuchsia. It's creamy, subtle, and it contains SPF 15. There's also a new summertime scent in to accompany the collection called Bronze Goddess Fragrance - but more on that later.

View 5 Photos ›

For a list of products and their prices, read more.

Fragrance

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche 100 ml ($49.50)
Bronze Goddess Body Oil 100ml ($29.50)
Bronze Goddess Luminous Body Lotion 200ml ($29.50)

Bronzer

Bronze Goddess Bronzing Pearls ($35)
Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer ($28.50)
Bronze Goddess Tortoise Compact ($85, available in specialty stores only)
Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer ($29.50)
Bronze Goddess Soft Shimmer Bronzer ($29.50)
Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer in Amber Bronze Medium and Rich ($29.50)

Color

Pure Color Gloss in Sugarcane and Fuchsia ($18)
Tender Lip Balm in Tender Berry and Tender Bronze ($14)
Bronze Goddess Sheer Lip Tint SPF 15 in Fuchsia and Bronze ($25, available in specialty stores only)
Pure Color Eye Shadow in Cinnamon and Blushing Goddess ($17.50)
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Fuchsia and Bronzed Goddess ($18)

How to Make Hair Extensions Last Longer

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:00:05 -0800

If you invest in hair extensions, you probably want to keep them looking good as long as possible. Whether your extensions are made from synthetic or real hair, you'll need special products to deal with them. For instance, Kimble Hair Care Systems makes a special shampoo, conditioner and itchy scalp relief product for hair extensions. Styling options include this Wood Flat Iron Brush ($34), a pure boar-bristle brush designed to create a smooth and frizz-free hairstyle without having to use a flat iron. (For those of you who just can't stay away from stick-straight hair, at least this Sedu Ionic Ceramic Flat Iron ($109) is a safer option.)

For essential tips for hair extension maintenance, read more.

Shampoo and conditioner: Gentle shampoos are best, and it's a good idea to wash your hair every other day. Stay away from dandruff shampoos and harsh shampoos that contain sulfates, since they can deteriorate the extension bonds. Keep conditioner away from from the bonds as much as possible; they can actually loosen the bonds and even slip off.
Brush your hair: It is recommended to brush your hair at least twice a day. Don't be afraid to pull the extensions out - it's not going to happen. If you don’t brush your hair, your natural hairs that you normally lose (about 100 a day) can get tangled in your extensions. Also, your hair will become matted and cause a painful removal process.
Keep your hair dry: Extensive periods of wetness can lead to bond breakdown and can also increase your changes of tangles and snarls.
Heat tools: If you are addicted to using heated tools, it's best to use ionic irons and hair dryers. Never place the heat directly on the bonds or you risk irreparable melting.
Bedtime care: Before bed, it's best to brush your hair and then braid or tie it back loosely to avoid tangling.
See your stylist: Checking in with your hair dresser every six to eight weeks is imperative. They will check your hair for product buildup and may even have to replace some of the bonds if you have extensive root growth. Maintenance appointments usually take anywhere from one to two hours, so plan accordingly.