BellaSugar

American Dream Gives Dreamy Clip-On Hair

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:00:33 -0800

Yesterday I told you a little bit about professional hair extensions and how costly they can be, so today I wanted to make sure that you can have long, thick and lustrous hair even if you don't have a bulging budget. These easy-to-use American Dream Hair Extensions ($29.42) really are a dream come true!

All you have to do is match the color extension to your own hair color (which is pretty easy, considering there are 85 shades to choose from), and clip them in section by section to the layer of your hair just underneath your crown.

Be warned that it took me three pieces to create a natural-looking full head of hair. I have thin hair, so if yours is thick, you may even want to go for four. You can use less if you are creating an updo, ponytail or half-up half-down look, or you can choose one contrasting shade for a fun touch of color.

The extensions are made from 100% human hair. This is good news because they are soft, they can be cut and they're safe to use with heated styling tools. Each extension comes in 12 inch wide and 18 inch long wefts. So it's a lot easier - and more affordable - to try this trend than you might think.

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Bella Interview: I Heart Daily

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:00:48 -0700

What do you do after you've written for ELLEgirl, Teen Vogue, Teen People, and Glamour? If you're Anne Ichikawa and Melissa Walker, you start your own online publication. I Heart Daily features news on style, beauty, entertainment, and all-around cool stuff. It's meant for teenagers, but you'll like it if you're merely young at heart.

Ichikawa and Walker recently shared their thoughts on why youth culture fascinates them, how Pete Wentz is influencing style, and how to help teenage girls develop a healthy self-image. Read on!

You've both written for teenagers for years. What is it about them that grabs you?
MELISSA: They're so open and honest. Teenagers are going through really high highs and really low lows, and there's something universal about those emotions and the raw excitement of discovering new things to love. They care about what they're reading about-and they're not afraid to tell you when the loooooove something or when they think something sucks. I appreciate that.
ANNE: Teens are still forming their opinions about things, their taste and what they like. Because of that they’re more excited and open to discover what’s out there, whether that’s a new band or a new kind of lip gloss. I mean, my mom has used the same Maybelline eyeliner for the past 20 years in the same exact shade! They have a sense of passion that us jaded adults lose after a while. Haha.

For their thoughts on beauty trends, read more.

Do you think it's easier to be a teenager now than it was, say, 10 years ago? Or harder?
MELISSA: I think it's harder in some ways and easier than others. Seriously, the experience of that age is so universal that I think it all evens out and ends up just being a tough-and-amazing time no matter WHEN you go through it.
ANNE: I agree with Melissa - being a teenager is pretty universal throughout the ages. Sure, now there’s Facebook and MySpace, but you know, at some point TV sets and cordless phones also were new and crazy.

How have teenagers' attitudes toward their appearance changed since you were that age?
MELISSA: I think they have more access to celebrity style and beauty, plus quick-and-easy ways to get the exact products they see celebs using, so there might be a bit more experimentation. But the truth is that teenagers are always trying to find their personal style, and now they can just try on more identities, which is fun.
ANNE: I think it’s a little more accepted and cool to be different now. Being quirky and an individual is a good thing now-that’s partly due to the media. Who ever thought wearing huge nerd glasses (American Apparel style) and guys wearing black eyeliner (Pete Wentz) would ever become mainstream and hip?

For those of us with teenage nieces and sisters, what's the best advice we can give with regard to building their self-image?
MELISSA: Nurture individuality and encourage their passions. There's so much possibility to explore at that age, and the "eh, that's not realistic" line is one of the lamest ones older people pull. Encourage them to dream big-then their identities are defined by how much they rock the world, not how much they weigh.
ANNE: To be comfortable in your own skin. I know, I know…easier said than done, but it’s true! It’s so important to encourage young women to be curious, kind, intelligent and, most of all, to follow their passions. Focus on building a strong sense of self, and the confidence will follow.

For more from Melissa and Anne, check out I Heart Daily.

Coming Soon: A New Fragrance from Tommy Hilfiger

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:00:02 -0700

Now, I've never been a big fan of Tommy Hilfiger's clothing, in part because it's one of those lines that slaps the company logo all over the place. But fragrance is another story, and with his forthcoming scent, Mr. Hilfiger is ditching the All-American theme for a more sophisticated one.

Set to launch in February of next year, Dreaming is intended to reach a customer who's more womanly, less girlish. The ad campaign features Swedish model Mona Johannesson in a throwback to the golden age of Hollywood, using Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe as inspiration. Hilfiger told WWD: "[These actresses] have always been a source of inspiration for me, and Mona in this ad typifies their style - sensuous, yet playful." It reminds me of a softer version of the Christina Aguilera campaign-am I the only one who sees it?

To find out what Dreaming will smell like, read more

Dreaming will be priced from $35-$60 for eaux de parfum, and complementary body-care products will join the scent at launch. The fragrance features notes of peach skin, white hibiscus, tuberose, freesia, white woods, and orris. (Orris is the root of the iris plant.) Obviously, there's no way to know how this stuff smells right now, but it seems like it could be very sweet. I'm hoping that the notes of white woods will balance out the fruits and florals-and that maybe Tommy and I can finally make something work between us.

BellaSugar's Guide to Beauty Products from Around the World

BellaSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:00:28 -0700

Get a load of these beauties from around the world. Famous actresses such as Debbie Matenopolous (Greek-American), Catherine Deneuve (French), Sophia Loren (Italian), Lucy Liu (Chinese-American) and Gisele Bundchen (Brazilian) all epitomize the beauty traits that each of these countries are known for.

Now, it's not like I've trotted the globe trying all of the latest and greatest beauty treatments (although that would be a dream come true) but I have had the opportunity to try out some of the great imports that have crossed oceans to get to the United States. Below is a five post round-up filled with fun facts about global beauty-as well as my top picks for beauty products from Greece, France, Italy, China and Brazil. I hope you've enjoyed this series as much as I have.

BellaSugar's Guide to Hair Extensions

BellaSugar — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 08:30:36 -0800

I hope you've found my series on hair extensions to be interesting and fun. It seems like all of A-list Hollywood is wearing them nowadays, along with some of our favorite young New Yorkers. Professional extensions range anywhere in price from $900 to more than $10,000, so having an "extended" education is helpful before making this kind of investment in your hair. Check out the series highlights:

BellaSugar Interview: Byron Williams, Celebrity Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:00:00 -0700

If you haven't heard of makeup and hairstylist Byron Williams yet, don't worry, you will! Byron, who is originally from Korea, came to the Los Angeles to study fashion and design, but realized his passion lay more in hair and makeup. After attending the Vidal Sassoon Academy and working at Prive Salon (practically a Beverly Hills landmark), he decided to open his own salon on Robertson Boulevard called Byron Studio.

Four years later, he has mentions in every top-tier magazine and blog,not to mention a red-hot celebrity following that includes Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Nicole Richie, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Joy Bryant, Kirsten Dunst, Amanda Peet and Rachel Zoe. He also has a line of all-natural hair care products called BYRON Haircare and recently, he opened a second salon called Byron Williams, which is located in Beverly Hills.

Byron continues to climb the ranks as one of the world's most sought-after beauty technicians. You can now buy his collection of hair products which include shampoos, conditioners and styling products online and in specialty boutiques. I am just totally enamored of this man-he's living the American dream! To read our exclusive BellaSugar interview, and to see images of Byron and his famous clients, read more

BELLASUGAR: When you look at a face you are about to make up, where do you draw your inspiration for a look?
BYRON WILLIAMS: The first thing I look at is their cheekbones, then I assess their eyes and their hair color and hair style.

BELLA: How do you determine the color palette that you are going to use?
BW: You can tell by skin tone, eye color and hair color what colors will look best on them. It is also important to consider what they are wearing and where they're going.

BELLA: Do you have signature look that you like to create?
BW: Yes, I am really inspired by Brigitte Bardot.

BELLA: What are your favorite brands to work with?
BW: For hair, my favorite brand is-of course-my line of shampoos, conditioners and styling products. As for makeup, I really like Vincent Longo.

BELLA: What are your favorite products to work with on the job?
BW: Byron Spirulina Hairspray ($24) and Byron Illuminating Mist ($18). As for makeup, definitely mascara and color for the cheeks.

BELLA: What are the best and worst parts of your job?
BW: The best part of my job is being able to express creativity freely every single day. And so far, there are no "worst" parts!

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