BellaSugar

Beauty Products You Didn't Know Existed

BellaSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:09 PDT

Our beloved beauty brands have secret lives we don't know about. So many products from around the world mean that whenever I travel, I have to hit up the local drugstore. Of course, I have no idea what some of these products actually are for, but they are nonetheless fascinating, as is how a room full of execs decides that Americans don't want to try Nivea Intensive Cream hair mask but Egyptians totally do (it has lotus blossom, so no doubt smells amazing). Garnier's line of "UVSKI" products (which appear to be sun protection for skiiers) for the Netherlands and Maybelline China's Eye Studio palette look so good I could almost travel across multiple continents for them. I'd also hit up Ireland for those adorable tins of Rosy Vaseline and Sephora France for that cool analog-looking face mask. Any global goodies you've fallen in love with?

BellaSugar's Guide to Beauty Products from Around the World

BellaSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:00:28 PDT

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.

Beauty Products From Around The World Part V: Brazil

BellaSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:00:22 PDT

Did you know that Brazil is climbing the ranks in global beauty and by next year it is set to become the third largest beauty market in the world ahead of France and Germany? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the country is home to the world’s biggest rain forest, the Amazon.

Popular Brazilian beauty ingredients include ginseng (tones the skin), guaraná (stimulates production on melanin), buriti oil (rich in fatty acids), and the Brazil nut (high in selenium). Here are three beauty products that allow us to enjoy a little bit of Amazon biodiversity right here in America.

Molton Brown Invigorating Suma Ginseng Bath & Shower Gel ($25) is a lush, rich and fragrant body wash.

It is made from Brazilian suma ginseng which helps boost circulation and juniper berry oil, cinnamon, oakmoss, armoise and geranium revitalise the senses and and stimulate the energy.

For two more amazing Brazilian beauty products,

read more Brazillian Fruit Moisturising Body Lotion Guarana ($14.90) is made from a delicious blend of natual ingredients from the Amazon such as guaraná extract, cupuaca butter, sunflower oil and vitamin E, to invigorate the skin and leave it feeling soft, smooth and protected. Guaraná is also known as an aphrodisiac and metabolic stimulant - ahhh, so that's why Gisele is so thin!
Nunaat Cosmetics is a very popular Brazilian brand that also makes a full range of hair care and bath and body products. They use essential oils and natural ingredients from the Amazon to relax the body through delicate fragrances and textures. The brand is coming to the US in 2008 and I wanted to make sure you were in the know!

Beauty Products From Around the World Part IV: China

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:00:43 PDT

Chinese women have some of the most beautiful skin in the world. This is because many pamper their skin with herbal ingredients-both topically and nutritionally. Among these ingredients are mushrooms, ginger and pearl powder; they are believed to decrease signs of aging, build the immune system and preserve overall health.

The key to understanding Chinese medicine is to take care of not only the skin but the entire body as well. Here are three Chinese beauty products that are currently available in the US. I hope this post will help you gain some insight into the powers of these ingredients.

Wei East Time Delay ($28) is a wrinkle reducer that contains a special ingredient called the Reishi mushroom. This is a rare herb that the Chinese call “the mushroom of immortality” since it works to decrease visible signs of aging.

Reishi mushrooms are believed to reduce inflammation and rejuvenate the skin. Since they are also rich in vitamin B, iron, calcium and magnesium, they are also excellent for the blood, heart and lungs.

For two more amazing Chinese beauty products,

read more Jenju Pearl Cream is a face cream that I told you about a long time ago. It is made with pearl powder (high in amino acid) to calm inflammation, redness and skin irritations. The Chinese royal court used crushed freshwater pearls for centuries because of these special properties, as well as for the glowy after-effects it leaves on your skin. You can purchase the cream online for ($28).
Carol's Daughter Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure In A Jar ($11) is created in Brooklyn, but I'm sneaking it in here because it features ginger. This is a delicious-smelling exfoliator created to slew away stubborn skin cells on your hands and feet (it's great for elbows too). Ginger is a wonderful and natural way to awaken the senses and revitalize the spirit. Its powerful aroma has been known to act as an aphrodisiac and is often blended with calming scents such as mint and lemon to balance out its strength. Once you are finished with your vigorous scrub, sit back, relax and enjoy the sensational cooling effect.

Beauty Products From Around the World, Part III: Italy

BellaSugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:00:00 PDT

I think almost everything from Italy is romantic: the fragrances, the language, the makeup, the men (!), and the skin care. Fresh Italian ingredients such as virgin olive oil, grapefruit, and neroli are often used in beauty products, especially in fragrances. Italians once believed that aside from a wonderful smell, colognes also helped protect you from disease and harm. So it's no wonder that so many of the famous Italian fashion houses (Bulgari, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana...) all have their own fragrances. Here are a few examples of sensational and sweet-smelling Italian beauty products.

Pupa Cosmetics is a Milanese makeup company with chic, compact, rounded packaging and a light and fresh aromatic essence to its products. They are known for their bright colors that work on the runway or red carpet. You can now buy Pupa in more 70 countries, and some products are on sale at Amazon.com.

For two more intriguing Italian beauty products

read more Incanto Charms by Ferragamo ($77 for a 3.4 oz bottle) is an exotic essence of Italian fruits and flowers-namely passion fruit, honeysuckle, ottoman rose and jasmine. The scent makes you feel just as sexy as if a gorgeous Italian man whispered the word "bella" in your ear!
Clèo Body Cream ($6.76) is a star product in this yogurt-based cult brand. Fortunately, it's just arrived in the US! The lactic acid in yogurt soothes, softens and tightens skin. Plus, the fast-absordbbing cream smells delicious, and it's ideal for dry skin.

Beauty Products From Around the World, Part II: France

BellaSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:00:55 PDT

French women are in a constant search for flawless, perfect skin. Some view aging as a a four-letter word and will do everything in their power to seek out preventative, anti-aging treatments. The French describe American women as “vulgaire” for our heavy makeup and cosmetic surgeries and scoff at young Hollywood celebs that prance around with fake tans and fake hair extensions.

In France, if you have the slightest skin condition (anything from eczema to acne) your medical bills for "treatments" can be covered up to as much as 65%. In my recent research there is one thing I've learned about French beauty - despite all of the gorgeous makeup and clothing that hails from France, a glowing complexion is the is the most coveted accessory!

Carita Pearl of Youth Cream ($214) is an anti-aging skincare product that firms, tones, smooths and protects skin from environmental damages that cause premature aging. With continued use, skin should become softer and lines will look more refined. Use one pump on a cleansed skin in the morning and gently massage into the face and neck using moderate pressure.

For two more fabulous French beauty products

read more Lierac Coherènce- Age-Defense Firming Serum ($60) is a light yet intensive collagen enhanced serum formulated to lift, smooth, brighten and tighten skin to create a more youthful appearance. It absorbs quickly and can be used morning and night to cleansed skin under a moisturizer.
Decleor Aromessence Neroli Comforting Concentrate ($63.50) is a fast-absorbing and deep penetrating facial oil made with neroli oil to help normal to sensitve skin look and feel more hydrated, supple and radiant. Apply three drops in the morning and evening to cleansed skin. Decleor products smell amazing, so take deep breaths to benefit from the wonderful aroma.

Beauty Products From Around The World Part I: Greece

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:58:42 PDT

Greek men and women are known for their thick, plentiful and shiny hair. Ingredients such as mint, rosewater, honey and yogurt are some of the most widely found and consumed ingredients in the country. We are lucky enough to now have access to these great Greek hair products in the US. Please let me know what you think and if you have any more Greek products to share with our growing beauty community.

Apivita Propoline Shampoo ($17) is a line of twelve moisturizing shampoos that have remained a cult favorite in Greece for 20+ years. What makes this brand and these shampoos so amazing is that instead of using ordinary water, they use rosemary water as a base.

Rosemary improves circulation, promotes hair growth, stimulates cell renewal to eliminate dandruff, normalize oil secretions. Wow, I had no idea about the powers of rosemary, did you?

For two more great beauty products from Greece,

read more How many times have we heard that healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp? This Korres Green Silt and Corallina Oligoelements Intensive Hair Scrub ($30) is terrific for regulating dandruff and sebum secretion. It's a cranial exfoliator that helps to balance damaged scalps, exfoliate dead skin cells, and regenerate the hair to give it a healthy, shiny lustre. Since it's a treatment, it is recommended for use once a week. Simply apply the scrub on wet hair from roots to hair ends, massage gently and leave on for ten minutes before rinsing.
Hydra Mastic Mask ($24.80) is a hair hydration mask containing a special ingredient called mastic found on the Greek island of Chios. Company founder Dia Scoufaras discovered mastic, a resin that comes from the mastic tree that has anti-bacterial and ant-fungal properties, while on a family vacation in Chios. Now the company has over 175 products that contain lots of good-for-you ingredients such as red wine for its anti-oxidant properties and olive oil as an emollient. Hydra Mastic Mask helps to hydrate, protect and add shine to normal and dry hair. To check out the four Mastic US spa locations online here!

Geeks We Love: Susan Orlean Shares Her Tech Secrets

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:34:14 PST

As a New Yorker staff writer, author of nonfiction books on subjects ranging from Rin Tin Tin to orchids, and woman with an all-around awesome job, Susan Orlean spends a lot of time alone writing from home on her latest reporting venture. So when she wanted to find all the camaraderie of an office no matter where her travels took her, guess where she turned for comfort . . . Twitter.

In an event at this year's Macworld in San Francisco, Susan explained that Twitter changed the way she worked, thanks to conversations with strangers, and helped to solidify her place with the geeks. Here's more of what we learned from our favorite tech-obsessed writer, including how to work efficiently with technology and deal when a loved one won't convert to your favorite gadget brand.

Keep the analog - Though Susan was speaking from her perspective as a writer, her tip to always keep a little part of your work in the offline, analog world can apply to so many other fields. It's a reminder to rely on our wits in the face of fast information. Don't Google every question that pops up, go out into the real world and discover the answer for yourself.
Don't skip the human part - Twitter serves as a natural extension of friendships, but it certainly doesn't replace the subtle nuances that occur in face-to-face interaction. Keep your curiosity (and relationships!) intact by picking up the phone or meeting for a coffee chat.
Download Evernote! - When asked about her favorite app, Susan emphatically responded, "Evernote." Its functionality across desktop, browser, phone, and tablet platforms lets you stay productive from anywhere and never forget the digital content that matters.
A united tech household is key - As someone that's "hopelessly obsessed with new gadgets," Susan understandably is an Apple evangelist, a brand known for its enthusiastic early adopters. The new products and industrial design beauty only goes so far, though, when half of the house is living in a different world - a PC world. After coping with a home office filled with piles of cords and multiple printers for the different operating systems, Susan half-jokingly finally convinced her husband to switch to Apple products when she simply stopped packing the bulky cords for his PC. Now they live in OS harmony.

Are you someone like Susan who has found a way to make social networks help you develop relationships and achieve work goals, rather than let them distract?

Downton Abbey Beauty: No Mascara, Please, We're Edwardians

Allure — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:05:00 PST

We're excited to present this story from our friends at Allure:

Fans of the PBS blockbuster Downton Abbey don't need us to tell them that season two has arrived, ending a painfully long wait for the return of the period drama set in a spectacular English country house stuffed with spoiled aristos and scheming servants. How ever did we survive? One bright spot was the video parody that appeared on YouTube with Joanna Lumley, of Absolutely Fabulous fame, playing an Edwardian housekeeper with Sephora tastes.

"Is that lipstick you're wearing?," a butler asks disapprovingly.

"Just a bit of gloss," replies Lumley. "Her ladyship doesn't mind."

The joke left us wondering what the Crawley sisters of Downton might actually have have in their medicine cabinets; or rather at the mirrored vanities where they seem to linger for hours, as a loyal maid brushes out their hair and listens to their secrets. That part, as it happens, has the ring of truth: Edwardian ladies never (no, never) cut their hair, according to makeup artists who work on the show, which has an on-set historian to police every gesture and costume. Find out what they had to say about Edwardian beauty now.

Meet Our New Guest Writer, Brett Freedman!

Guest Writer — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:03:51 PST

Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman has worked with stars such as Camilla Belle, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emily Blunt, and Selena Gomez, and now he's here to share his best beauty advice with us. So get ready for some insider tips, makeup how-tos, and Brett's infectious personality. We're thrilled to present to you his introductory post! Take it away, Brett.

How fun it will be to write for BellaSugar for the next eight weeks! To ensure you're just as excited as I am, I'm going to give you a rundown on who I am and what I'm about. I'm a LA-based makeup artist, creator of Vanitymark Cosmetics (a boutiquey line of brow products), and all-around awesome guy - at least that's what my assistant says. And if you like my tips and product suggestions, maybe you'll think so, too. Learn more about the man behind the makeup when you read more.