BellaSugar

Do You Know Your Beauty Basics?

BellaSugar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:00:14 -0800

Mr. Bella is charming and sweet. He's also quite the smarty-pants - literally. Because he has an advanced degree in Physics, sometimes he doesn't realize that theories and equations common to him are not so common to the everyday folk. So the other day, when I was teased for failing to know the difference between a parabola and a bell curve, I asked him a few beauty questions from my world to see if Mr. Mensa really does know everything. And that's the inspiration behind this quiz. So, let's see what you know when it comes to some common beauty basics.

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Back to Basics: The Best Bar Soaps

BellaSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:00:20 -0700

Despite the plethora of body washes and fancy-scented soaps that I have in my bathroom cabinet, there's just something about old-school bar soaps that's appealing. Although they can be a bit drying on my face (I know, heaven forbid my face actually touches a bar soap), they make my body feel fresh and clean. Also, call me a sap, but they remind me of my parents' house where I grew up. Below are three of my favorite no-frills body bars that have a long-standing great reputation. What's your favorite bar soap?

Dove Beauty Bar ($1.49) lathers easily and has a refreshing scent, but what I love most is that it washes away completely and leaves my skin feeling smooth without leaving behind any of that oily after-effect. Also, the price really can't be beat - and it gets even lower per bar if you buy it in bulk.

Zum Bar Rosemary Goat's Milk Soap ($5.30) has an amazing and invigorating herbal, spa-like essence. It is made from all-natural ingredients and is super gentle on my skin. It cleanses deep within my pores and never ever makes me feel dry and crackly.

For one last oldie but goodie bar soap, read more.

Ivory soap (3 bars for $1.39) is a classic of its own kind. It's inexpensive, it smells great, and it brings me back full-circle to my childhood. In fact, to this day my mom still showers with Ivory. Unfortunately, this is one product that doesn't bode well on my face (it's just a tad too drying), but my body always responds well. It's never caused any irritations or blotchiness in all these years!

Back to Basics: The Best Shaving Creams

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:13 -0700

These shaving creams worked for my dad, and they still work for me. When I began shaving in my early teens, I used these with a single blade razor. Nowadays, I use a four-blade razor for sensitive skin, and these creams work even better without breaking the bank. I’m a firm believer in splurging in some areas and saving in others, and these drugstore brands have never let me down. Do you have a brand preference when it comes to shaving creams?

Edge Advanced Shaving Gel For Sensitive Skin ($3.23) OK, so this isn't the most feminine product that I own, but I've been using this gel-to-cream formula for ages and I love the texture and the masculine scent. Also, this slightly new and improved formula contains aloe to help soothe even the most sensitive skin.

Barbasol Shaving Cream ($2.49) is the one, the original, the very first shaving cream I ever used. Not only did I love using this thick and creamy formula on my legs, but while at Summer camp, I'd write my bunk number on the lawn outside of the mess hall. I was a happy camper.

To check out another one of my favorite shaving creams, read more.

Wow, I used to love the smell of this Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel For Dry Skin ($3.14). I still use the product because it's gentle and provides a smooth shave that never skips and causes nicks. It also leaves my legs feeling silky smooth and moisturized. It's like I'm wearing pantyhose, when I've got nothing on.

Back to Basics: The Best Zit Zappers

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:00:24 -0700

I've never been one to have consistently gorgeous, glowy skin. It's always either a little bit dry, kind-of blotchy and almost always oily on the nose. Oh, and around that time of the month, you can bank on being able to play a fierce game of connect-the-dots. Having been a connoisseur of spot treatments since puberty, these are three of my go-to products that help pacify my pimples without causing dry patches or added aggravation. Which is your all-time favorite topical zit zapper?

Clearasil Tinted Acne Treatment Cream ($5.79) can be found at most drugstores. It doesn't sting or make you teary-eyed from the strong scent when you have to apply it to your face. The best part about using the tinted version is that it really helps cover up the red without having to pile on potentially bacteria-infested concealer.

Origins Spot Remover ($10) is a minty-smelling, transparent spot treatment gel that contains salicylic acid to dry out sebum and help kill old and new bacteria. It tingles just a touch upon contact, but it's nothing you can't handle. It stays clear and won't dry to an embarrassing flaky finish. Also, the tiny bottle is sure to last you through all twelve bouts of PMS per year, since all you need is a super-small amount.

For one more tried-and-true spot treatment that's slightly pricier, read more.

YonKa Juvenil Purifying Concentrate for Problem Skin ($37.95) is the product I use when my skin is red and irritated all over. I use it if I have excessive swelling and sensitivity since it's so calming and gentle. It contains five essential oils that ward off bacteria, heal, sooth and restore your skin to a calm and balanced state. Also, it has a heavenly botanical smell and doesn't sting in the slightest.

Back to Basics: The Best Base Coats

BellaSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:00:10 -0700

Finding the right base coat is a critical first step in creating the perfect at-home manicure. If you use one that doesn't have a decent adhesive quality, then the color you've just applied is likely to peel off quickly.

An instant peel or chip on your freshly manicured hands feels like a big waste of time. Here are three brilliant base coats that I've been using for years - and as always, if you have a favorite of your own, please tell me what it is in a comment below.

As far as base coats go, I've always considered Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2 ($9.50) a treat because it's fairly expensive. Also, I think it's nothing short of a miracle worker on weak, peeling nails, so if I can muster up the self-control to let some actual white tips grow in, I reward myself with a coat of this keratin enriched base coat. If you're a first-time user, it is recommended to apply one coat every other day for a week without color, and then apply it as a base coat and a top coat to your next manicure.

Borghese Brilliante Base & Top Coat ($6.74) dries quickly while providing a thin, yet adequate base for your manicure. It contains granules of gemstones for added shine, proteins to help your nails grow stronger and it seals in moisture for healthier nails. Also, it's toluene, DBP and formaldehyde free.

For one more drugstore base coat option, read more.

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails ($2.75) is a product that I've been using since high school. It's always worked well to help strengthen my weak, bitten nails and it's so shiny that I often wear it alone. After continued use, my nails feel harder and they have less ridges. You can't beat the price or the super-long brush. If you've never tried this base coat before, I highly recommend it.

Back to Basics: The Best Peach Lip Glosses

BellaSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:00:55 -0700

There's something about peach lip gloss that is universally flattering (but especially on blue-eyed beauties). The challenge is to find the right balance between coral and pink tones.

Kate Hudson wore a frosty coral-peach-colored lipstick to the London premiere of Fool's Gold and just look at how it warms up her skin. Below are my top picks for peach glosses.

Bobbi Brown Brightening Lip Gloss in Peach ($19) is more of a pale, icy shade than a deep creamy color. The shine is incredible, and every time that I pair it with a little bit of bronzer and a champagne eye shadow, it makes my entire face light up. I wish they made the formula a little less tacky, because the only drawback is that I usually have to wear my hair up or else I find that I'm always picking my hair out of my mouth.

For two other pretty peach lip glosses, read more.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Brilliance #05 ($29) is my all-time favorite coral-peach gloss. It has a very thin texture, a fabulously sweet and floral smell, it's not sticky at all and the shine is topnotch. It contains little glitter and mother of pearl particles that seem to catch the light even in a dark room! The clicky-pen applicator also makes it a lot of fun to use.

Benefit Her Glossiness in You Didn't Hear It From Me ($16) is an ultra-shiny, nudish-peach, shimmer-free shade. The sweet smell is alluring, the color is long lasting, and although this gloss is also really sticky, it's gorgeous on your lips.

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Back to Basics: The Best Pale Pink Polishes

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:00:30 -0700

With all the talk about trendy, dark and bright nail polishes in the spotlight these days, it's nice to keep some muted, basic shades in the mix for when you're feeling more conservative. Below are three of my favorite pale, pink polishes. Unfortunately, now that I know that Essie subscribes to the big three, I'll have to rethink my choices. Something tells me that considering all of the attention the subject of safety is getting, things in the nail biz are bound to change. Let's hope so.

OPI Sweet Heart ($7) is the deepest and most opaque pink of the bunch. In my opinion, it also lasts the longest. (Anyone care to dispute this?) Sweet Heart is my go-to color for elegant manicures and pedicures in any given season.

Essie Ballet Slippers ($8) is a classic, tame, sheer pink that doesn't contain any shimmer. It gives a high-gloss finish and happens to be one of the brand's all-time best sellers.

For one last pretty pale pink polish, read more.

Deborah Lippman Sarah Smile ($15) is a sheer, sexy, whisper pink that was created alongside and inspired by Deborah's long-time client, Sarah Jessica Parker. What can I say, pretty much anything SJP creates I love - that woman's all class.

Back To Basics: The Best Face Scrubs

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:00:22 -0700

Back in July, you beauty marked some of your favorite face scrubs, and here are three oldies but goodies that I've adored for ages. Face scrubs are imperative in maintaining a healthy appearance. They work to gently remove dead skin, oil and residue from the daily grind. This helps unclog your pores and smooth out your skin.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($3.99) is likely my absolute favorite exfoliator. Even though the packaging seems to change every couple of years, the product remains the same - a thick, coarse, mild smelling facial scrub that has some of the largest grains of its kind. The oil-free formula is great for acne-prone skin since it contains two percent salicylic acid.

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream ($17.50) is a smooth exfoliator intended for skin that isn't currently experiencing any breakouts. This is more of a maintenance product for when your skin is dry or uneven looking - not so much for acne-prone skin. It works to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores. Simply massage a nickel-sized amount into your wet skin for 15 seconds and rinse off with warm water.

For one last facial scrub, read more.

Clean and Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub ($5.95) is another great acne-fighting scrub since it also contains salicylic acid and a gentle acne medication. This scrub definitely has the strongest scent, and you can feel it tingle as you work it onto your skin. It helps clear away blackheads, sebum and any leftover makeup. However, if you have super-sensitive skin, this may be a little bit harsh for you, especially since it is recommended for daily use.

Back to Basics: The Best Black Eye Shadows

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:00:16 -0800

What makes one black eye shadow stand out from the crowd? For me, it should be pigment rich and easy to blend, so you only need to use a little bit to get the job done. Still, the number one reason why I might choose one black shadow over another is if it can be worn wet and dry - letting it double as an eyeliner without damaging the composition of the shadow.

The following blacks have been my favorites for years. They stay put, so by the end of the night they don't flake or wind up halfway down my cheeks. For those of you who have tried-and-true favorite black shadow as well, by all means let me know about it!

Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeliner in Black Caviar ($22) is categorized as an eyeliner, actually (oh the irony!) but I love to use it as a shadow as well. It's got a more textured consistency than a powder shadow, yet it's not quite a cream consistency either. The best part about it that it will never fall onto your cheeks, and it glides on easily with a brush. If you haven't yet tried it, this is a must-have.

For two more bellissima black eye shadows, read more.

T. Le Clerc Eyeshadow Duo in Noir ($24) actually contains two colors: a golden, shimmery green on one side and the most luxuriously-rich deep-black matte powder shadow on the other.

This duo is a staple for any evening affair. Use the black on the lower part of your lids or as a liner, and use the green in the crease and in the inner corners of your eyes for sparkle.

MAC Eye Shadow in Carbon ($14) is an intense black eye shadow. It contains high pigment and it blends well. What I love about this color is that it's a real black - meaning it's dark and matte. It's always a great product to have on hand if you want to create a smokey eye.

Back to Basics: Curl-Enhancing Sprays

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:00:23 -0800

These oldie-but-goodie products stood close by me during my crazy hair days as a teenager. I find that sometimes the most simple and inexpensive drugstore products can often be better than the expensive designer types. These scrunching sprays are great for those of who have a perm that's on its last leg and they are also great at giving straight and limp hair a little body. I know that at some point you've had to have used at least one of these! Which is your favorite?

L'Oreal Studioline Pumping Curls ($3.52) is a light, curl-boosting spray with a sweet smell and a nonsticky feeling. Also, it helps reduce frizz and you can use it on wet or dry hair. Pumping Curls was my hair product of choice in the '80s and although it's not something I see regularly on the shelves, when I see it around from time to time, I love to reconnect with my old best friend!

For two more curl-enhancing sprays for your hair, read more

Aussie Scrunch Spray ($5.49) is an amazing, grape-smelling curl enhancer that you spray on damp hair to create a big, voluminous look. I used to flip my head over, spray my head in little sections, and then scrunch up my hair to help create curls. I'd scrunch and scrunch until the spray was dry! Now I just spray the roots and then blow-dry to add volume to my straight hair.

TRESemme Curl Activator Spray ($4.79) Just because the packaging on this is new, don't let it fool you. This baby is old school and it works great to protect hair from heat styling while helping to enhance your curls with just a few spritzes. It also has a firmer hold than the rest. The smell on this one doesn't entirely blow me away, but it's not bad, just more potent and not as sweet.