BellaSugar

Some Inspiration For Your Last-Minute Shopping

BellaSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:00:30 -0800

Eeek! We're down to the final days of holiday shopping, but no worries. In case you are wondering what to get your friend, co-worker, or loved one, I've got a multitude of suggestions for you. If you're feeling ambitious, check out the rest of my beauty gift guides. And if you're feeling super ambitious, check out all of the gift guides throughout the Sugar network.

Gifts For Mom	For the Guy's Guy	Vegan Finds
Stocking Stuffers: Complete With Kohl	Wise Gifts: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh	Hurry, Hurry: Last-Minute Gifting

Beauty Gift Ideas For Last-Minute Shoppers

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:02:12 -0800

It's getting down to the wire on holiday shopping and maybe you've been procrastinating. (I know nothing of procrastination! NOTHING!)

We all know we can go the gift card route, whether it's drugstore, department store, or of the beauty emporium type. But in a last-minute jam, I also rely on a few standbys to prevent any shop-'til-you-drop moments: Purchase empty compacts (or bottles, à la Prescriptives) along with a gift certificate so your loved one can fill with colors of their choice. Or think about customizing, whether it's with their initials/monogrammed or color palettes selected specifically to fit their features. Of course, you could just go all out and give a palette with colors galore. Check out my widget below to get the ideas rolling, and be sure to check out all of our Holiday Gift Guides for more inspiration.

Magic Box GiftCard - $1,000.00	Custom Blend Essentials - $115.00
Almay Intense i-Color Powder Shadow Trio,Bring out the Green - $6.99	Nordstrom Holiday Wreath Virtual Gift Card - $25.00
Personalized Pair Soap & Dish Set - $24.00	Only at Bloomingdale's Happy Chanukah Gift Card with Box - $10.00
Prescriptives colorscope custom color shifter - $17.50	Pop Beauty Hello Gorgeous - $24.00
Laura Mercier Custom Eye Compact - $10.00	Smashbox O-Glow - $26.00
Smashbox 'OGLOSS' Intuitive Lip Gloss with Goji BerryC Complex™ - $22.00	Candy cane holiday gift card - $10.00
Sephora Brand Crystallized Palette Collector - $20.00	BeneFit Bad Gal Blue Brightening Blue Mascara - $19.00
Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner, Brown Eyes - $10.99	DuWop - Eyecatcher - Green Eye Intensifier - 3g - $18.50

Gift Ideas For Your Emo Amiga

BellaSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:00:03 -0800

You probably have a friend who is super emo - you know, the gal who cries at phone commercials and gets all welled up at the drop of a hat. So be gentle to your sensitive pal and treat her to some. . . what else? Sensitive-themed products.

No doubt, she'll become overwhelmed with emotion from your touching gift(s). Check out my widget below for some inspiration, like (of course) care package gifts, along with a few luxe items thrown in, too. While you're at it, don't forget to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage and gift guides.

Holiday Gifts to Calm (or Caffeinate) Your Co-Workers

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:45:39 -0800

When it comes to shopping for your co-workers, bath and body products always seem to do the trick. From relaxing and soothing to energizing and invigorating, I've got suggestions with varying price points that will help calm or caffeinate the folks that are so much a part of your daily life. While you're at it, don't forget to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage and gift guides.

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers o' Beauty

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:30:22 -0800

Last night, I hung the stockings with joy - unfortunately, they didn't come pre-embossed with a "Bella" or a "Mr. Bella." Go figure. Eh, it's nothing a little Crayola Glitter Glue Pens ($3.49) and my steady makeup hand can't handle.

So when it comes to stuffing these stockings, I'm thinking all things mini - or travel size, for that matter. The more the merrier, right? And of course, no stocking would be complete without some "kohl," even if you've been good all year long.

Oh, and after you're done perusing this widget, don't forget to visit HolidaySugar for all of our holiday guides.

Source

How-To: Make Your Own Perfume Solid With Tips From Mandy Aftel

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:00:11 -0800

According to Allure, "The trend toward using natural ingredients was pioneered by perfumer and author Mandy Aftel."

Well, guess what? Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with the famed perfumer in her Berkeley, CA studio. We covered everything from beautifully stanky scents to trends in the industry to advice on selecting fragrances. And when I asked her if she had any do-it-yourself ideas for holiday gifting, she definitely delivered.

In her book, Scents & Sensibilities: Creating Solid Perfumes for Well-Being (approximately $5), Aftel provides a "recipe" for creating your own solid perfume. While the talented perfume maker sells her Single Solids, Double Solids, and the ultra-luxe One-of-a-Kind Antique Cases on her website, you can create these thoughtful and easy gifts for your friends and loved ones on your own. Learn how to make these sweet smelling compacts when you read more.

How-To Make 'Em

In a beaker or small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil with 20 drops of essential oil. Example: 7 drops of ylang ylang and 13 drops of grapefruit (see more of Aftel's combos below). She recommends Whole Foods or your local health food store as a go-to place for inexpensive oils.
Melt 1/2 teaspoon of grated beeswax over heat (she used a hot plate).
Mix oils and wax together, then pour into a small container. Aftel recommends using antique cases, small tins, or lip balm jars - basically anything that closes with a latch, is not too deep, and is rounded in shape for easier finger scoopage. Your solid will set in about 10 minutes.

Great Essential Oil Combos

Clary sage and rosewood.
Patchouli with either rose, ylang ylang, or frankincense.
Plain ol' vanilla extract will work, too - imitation not allowed.

Photo courtesy of Mandy Aftel

Grooming Goods For a "Guy's Guy"

BellaSugar — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 06:00:11 -0800

I'd have to say many men I know would be just as happy using a bar of soap on their faces as a fancy skin wash. That being said, when you put the right products in his hand (and load on the compliments), the next thing you know, he's using the word "exfoliation" as easily as he discusses the latest sports scores.

Since I know I'm not the only one who knows one of these types, I've come up with a selection of gift ideas just for him. Nothing too "girly" with some products geared towards him and others you'd love to use, too, starting us off with this Refinery Gift Set to get him hooked on the pampering.

If baby steps are better for your man and your budget, pick a couple of these items and throw them in with other guy friendly gifts on his list and everyone's happy! And don't forget to visit HolidaySugar for all of our holiday guides while you're at it.

Holiday Gifts For Your Gadget-Loving Guy

BellaSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:00:07 -0800

When it comes to beauty, er, grooming products for men, you want to make them feel pampered without any girly excess. So, if the guy in your life isn't really into any type of "frou frou" stuff, why not get him something with a little power behind it?

Most of the men I know like to fiddle around with gizmos and gadgets - basically anything that comes with a battery or plugs into the wall. As Home Improvement's Tim "the tool man" Taylor would say, "grrrr." Oh, and don't forget to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage and gift guides.

Beauty Gifts For Your Fit Friend

BellaSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:02:56 -0800

Here's a dose of recession realism: There are things we need that we'll buy ourselves and there are things we want that we won't. When times get tight, the things we need kinda become the things we want. So, for the latest installment of our Holiday Gift Guide let's treat our sporty pal whose biggest splurge is that gym membership.

Next time you're at her house, check out what products she uses (not in a creepy way). Then, pick a pretty beauty bag (this Kate Spade splurge is on sale for $52) for her gym locker and stock with her fave drugstore deodorant, travel toothbrush and paste, shower cap, and possibly some of her fave makeup. She may not treat herself to a spare set of her essentials, but you can.

Pick one special item, like two- or three-in-one products as a treat, and mix it up with elastics and headbands to keep her hair out of her face. After all, it truly is the thought that counts, right? Right.

Beauty Gifts For Your Frazzled Friend

BellaSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:52 -0800

You probably have that friend. You know, the one who can barely hold a conversation without fidgeting around. The girl who has zero openings on her professional and social calendar, and tries to multitask no less than ten different things at once. Or is it you that's burning the candle at both ends?

So, for the stresses that the holiday season can bring, make your friend (or yourself) take a chill pill. Yeah, it's good to keep busy, but in the immortal words of Frankie Goes to Hollywood: Relax! Oh, and don't forget to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage and gift guides.
Source

Soak scentless for your sensitive side wash - $1.99	Dior waterproof diorshow mascara - $24.00
Heart Soap in Gold Tissue by Gianna Rose - $9.90	Benefit De-Puffing Action Eye Gel, 0.5 fl oz - $28.00
Origins Clean Energy Gentle cleansing oil 6.7 oz. - $18.50	Mason Pearson Sensitive Bristle Hair Brush - $143.00
Bay-Lime Sensitive Care Deo Stick by Tom's of Maine - $7.33	Jurlique Rebalance Sensitivity Kit - $52.00
Frederic Fekkai Sensitive Scalp Shampoo - $22.00	Frederic Fekkai Sensitive Scalp Conditioner - $22.00
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar,Unscented - $7.49

"Aloe Vera" Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser - $16.50	Trish McEvoy Triple Candle Set - $45.00
Smith's Rosebud Salve - $7.00	Total Energy Pulse Point Balm - $16.00
Philosophy Cafè Au Lait Shower Gel - $16.00	Prescriptives 'Flight Mist' Refresher for Dehydrated Skin - $20.00
Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Soap Set - $50.00	Warm Amber Hand Wash - $10.00
Olive Oil Hand Cream by Olivina - $8.15	Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Body Butter - $35.00
Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub¿ Ginger body smoother 8 oz. - $26.00	Fresh Hesperides Soap - $14.00
Honey & Lavender Bonne Mere Gift Set - $20.00

Jillian Dempsey for AVON Professional Kohl Eyeliner - $6.00	Frederic fekkai glossing™ "travel faves" set - $40.00
Shu Uemura Travel Brush Set - $55.00	Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream To Go - $8.00
Bellissima Makeup Tote - $28.00	Essie Winter Mini 4Pack - $17.00
CHI Mini Flat Iron and Dryer Collection - $150.00	Anastasia Mini Brow Kit - $25.00
mark Snap To It Mini Custom Color Palette - $4.00	Too Faced - Mirror Mirror Mini Lip Gloss Set - $25.00
Clarins 'Instant Beauty' Travel Kit - $110.00	Pop Beauty Beauty Goddess Clutch - $16.00
Tweezerman FileMate - $7.99	Bare Escentuals® Eyeshadow Compact Quad 2 - $28.00

Jack Black All-Over Wash for Face, Hair & Body, 33oz - $44.00	Anthony Logistics For Men Exfoliating Mud Scrub Bar - $12.50
Sephora Brand MEN Anti-Fatigue Face Kit - $15.00	Kiehl's Since 1851 Creme de Corps - 8.4 fl oz. - $26.50
Nickel super clean face scrubbing gel - $26.00	Menscience Daily Face Wash - $25.00
Clarins Clarinsmen Active Face Wash - $18.50	Green Tea Men's Soap by Provence Sante - $6.50
Anthony Logistics For Men Shave Cream - $16.00	Dr. Brandt Skincare microdermabrasion exfoliating cream - $75.00
Refinery Travel Kit - $75.50

Violight Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer & Storage System - $29.99	1875 Ionic Styler/ Dryer - $20.99
CLOSEOUT! Conair Gel & Lather Heating System - $25.00	The Art of Shaving & Gillette® Fusion Chrome Collection Manual Razor - $100.00
Zeno Pro Acne Clearing Device - $129.00	Zadro Z Fogless Water-Resistant Radio/Mirror Combo - $24.99
SpaFinder Spinning Shower Brush - $20.00	Wahl Ear, Nose & Brow Wet/Dry Trimmer, Model 5545-300 - $14.99
HoMedics Therapist Select Percussion Massager - $49.99	Philips Norelco All-In-One Grooming Kit - $35.00
Braun 360 Complete Electric Shaver, LCD - $250.00

Philosophy 3-In-1 Ultra Rich Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, Gingerbread - $16.00	Sephora Brand Microfiber Hair Towel - $20.00
MICHAEL Michael Kors Malibu Cosmetics Bag - $21.99	Bare Escentuals Beauty-On-The-Go Kit - $28.00
PUMA Cat Headband - $7.00	SALE! Kitson Cosmetic Bag - Blue Rounded - $8.99
LORAC Multiple Rush Lip and Cheek Stick, Love Rush (Shimmery Pink) - $20.00	Refresh Mini Towelettes by Giovanni - $11.95
Kate Spade 'kate Coal - Large Heddy' Cosmetic Bag - $80.00	Large Cosmetic Case - $30.00
Headband - $6.50	Philosophy 3-In-1 Ultra Rich Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, Cranberry Orange - $16.00
Frankie & Johnny Naughty Kitty Hot Pink Cosmetic Bag - Seen on NBC's In the Loop - $24.95	Colored Elastic Headband Set - $3.80
Nylon Cosmetic Case - $20.00

Origins peace of mind™ cease and de-stress diffuser - $13.50	Sarah Horowitz Parfums - Peace Comes From Within (Mind) - Eau de Parfum - 1.7 oz. - $95.00
Buddha Bathroom Soap with Gift Box by QueenZ - $21.00	Cucumber Eye Pads Jar by Caswell-Massey - $12.00
HoMedics Therapist Select Masseur-In-A-Box - $249.99	Wellbeing Starter Kit - Divine Calm - $32.00
Sponge Lavender Aromatherapy Mist - $45.00	John Masters Organics Lip Calm - $6.00
Ulta Spa Eye Mask W/lavender Beads - $6.00	Space.nk Spa Deluxe - $15.00
Booths Mineral Bath Soak, Lavender - $5.99