BellaSugar

The Sneaky Gal's Walk of Shame Preparedness Kit

dannysf — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:00 PDT

A wise man once told me that he didn't believe in the walk of shame, because there's nothing for which to be ashamed. And while I agree with his sentiments, sometimes there's no avoiding feeling a little less than put-together after a fun night out. Since "unshowered and stale" isn't the kind of Facebook status update you probably want to have, I've put together a clever kit of products, all in sizes small enough to stay inconspicuous without cluttering up your purse. To find out more about these goods, just wave your cursor over each one.

5 Ways to Prevent Caked-on Foundation

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:00:00 PDT

Reader vally521 posed a great makeup question in the new BellaSugar Q&A Group. She wants to know, "How can I prevent my makeup from getting cakey?"

Thanks for your query, vally521. Nobody wants crinkly, unnatural-looking makeup. Not only does it have a tendency to age the skin, but it also gives the illusion that you're wearing way too much foundation or powder. Find out five ways to keep your cosmetics looking smooth and fresh when you read more.

Hey Slick, These Oil Blotters Will Keep You Under Control

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:01:01 PDT

I remember the first time I ever experienced the magic of an oil-blotting paper. Picture it, Sophia Petrillo-style: It was a steaming hot day in Chicago circa 2000. My friend and I were bridesmaids in a wedding, and our carefully applied makeup was melting more and more by the minute. Out popped her stash of this brand new product she turned me on to, called "blotting sheets." I was hooked from then on. Here we are, several years later and just about every makeup company around has some type of oil-absorbing tissues, linens, papers, and/or films - some even enclosed in their own fancy case. The most recently launched blotter comes to us from Tatcha. Its aburatorigami ($12-30), aka "oil blotting paper" in Japan, also refers to a special kind of paper that's a by-product of the gold leaf manufacturing process. In fact, the beauty benefits of aburatorigami were well-known in the 1800s by geisha. (It looks like these now-mainstream purse staples aren't so "new" after all.)

Doing Drugstore: Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil Absorbing Sheets

BellaSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:00:55 PDT

This is going to sound weird, but I love seeing oil and sebum. I love them most when they are no longer in my face, which is why oil-blotting sheets are so much fun. There's something satisfying about dabbing your skin, then seeing the "oil spill" on the paper. Better there than on my face, right? I've been using Chidoriya blotting papers, which are great, but I recently tried Clean & Clear's new Morning Burst sheets ($4.67).

If you're new to Clean & Clear's version, the thing you need to know is that the sheets are made of plastic, not paper. The plastic is thin and flexible, so it's easy to get into the folds of your nostrils and soak up that oil. I keep these at my desk or in my purse, and a little dabbing throughout the day keeps my skin from getting too shiny. (Remember, if you use these-or designer versions-be sure to blot and dab, not wipe. That way, your makeup will stay in place.)

So what makes the Morning Burst sheets different from the regular Clean & Clear sheets? To find out,

Unlike the regular blotting sheets, the Morning Burst version is citrus-scented. It's supposed to be an "invigorating" fragrance, but honestly, it's too strong for me. The smell, which reminds me of household cleaning products, gives me a headache. Blech! Some people might enjoy the scent, but I find it unnecessary. I love what these sheets do, but next time, I'm sticking with the regular version. I'd give the regular sheets five stars because they're inexpensive and they do what they promise, but the scent of Morning Burst is so bold that a point is being knocked off.

Matte Matters, Part III: Designer Blotting Papers

BellaSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 05:07:19 PDT

Welcome to the final installment of Matte Matters, my three-part series on designer blotting papers. (In case you missed them, here's Part I and Part II.) Oil-absorbing sheets have gone high-end, so you can now maintain a flawless matte face on the go and indulge your designer side, too. Here are three more new additions to the high-end blotting market.

Bourjois Anti-Shine Blotting Sheets ($13.50) are powder-free anti-shine papers that help absorb any excess oils and sebum on your face. And who can resist the stylist animal-print package? Each packet contains 50 sheets.

For two more blotting papers,

Tarte Little Blot Book ($32) is a two-in-one product. One side houses sheets of translucent matte powder, which is great for setting your makeup, while the other side contains powder-free blotting papers. Both are great shine busters and can be used separately or together.

Sephora Stay Matte Blotting Film ($10) has a unique soft and highly absorbent texture, and the 50-sheet pop-up dispenser makes them super easy to access.

Matte Matters, Part II: Designer Blotting Papers

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 May 2007 05:45:32 PDT

Welcome back to Matte Matters, my three-part series on designer blotting papers. (To read part one, click here.) Until now, oil-absorbing blotting papers like the ones from Papier Poudre were available mainly as a budget buy, but now these products are getting an upgrade. Here are three more new additions to the high-end blotting market.

Rodan + Fields Unblemish Oil Absorb Blot Papers ($19) contain a special ingredient called Zincidone, which not only absorbs shine but also promises to reduce the amount of oil your face produces over time. Each box contains 60 blotting sheets.

For two more blotting papers,

Bare Escentuals Shine Control Sheets ($12) will soak up excess oil while leaving your makeup intact and the necessary amount of moisture on your skin. Each package contains 30 sheets.

Paul & Joe Blotting Papers are the biggest bargain of the bunch so far - and probably the cutest product, too. For just $4, you can buy 100 blotting sheets. Although they are a bit smaller than some of the other options, they come in a very cute, mirrored compact for easy touch ups anytime, anyplace.

Matte Matters, Part I: Designer Blotting Papers

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 07:00:18 PDT

Since I discovered the new and luxuriously large Perfecting Powdered Sheets from NARS, I've noticed that more and more designer brands are now making blotting papers. Until now, oil-absorbing sheets like the ones from Papier Poudre were available mainly as a budget buy, but now these products are getting an upgrade. So I've put together a three-part series to introduce the new market for designer blotting papers.

Dior Blotting Papers ($21) help absorb any excess oil on your face. All 150 sheets are folded into a beautiful silver envelope with a mirror inside. Simply blot around your T-Zone for a magnificent matte look.

For two more blotting papers,

Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Papers ($15.50) are powder-coated sheets that help keep your skin dry. They come in a small and flexible plastic pouch that contains 100 sheets.

ModelCo Matte Facial Blotting Paper ($8) is one large continuous roll of blotting paper. You simply tear off a little or a lot depending on how oily you are at that moment. Just press the paper gently over your skin without wiping for a clean, fresh feeling.

New Product Alert: NARS Perfecting Powdered Sheets

BellaSugar — Mon, 21 May 2007 08:11:15 PDT

Just in the nick of time for the hot and humid summertime weather comes the latest launch from NARS Cosmetics. Called Perfecting Powdered Sheets and hitting stores July 1, these blotting sheets are designed to absorb oil and sweat from your face. They help eliminate shine and leave you skin feeling fresh and clean. Each paper contains a light layer of velvety NARS powder that is scented with rosemary - nice!

The powder sheets ($19.50 for 100) come in a thin black plastic case, but what I liked best about them is that they are really big! (I usually need about three of those tiny rose-colored powder papers to do the trick.) It's a perfectly compact solution to keep in your car or your tote for those muggy days ahead.

How to Keep Post-Gym Skin Clear and Blemish-Free

Anna Monette Roberts — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:07:31 PDT

You think you're doing your body good by going to the gym every day, yet your skin is telling you otherwise. If you struggle to keep your skin clear, here are some tried-and-true solutions to help you keep your skin as radiant and healthy as your body.

Use an oil-absorbing sheet. If you tend to work out in the afternoon, blot your face with an oil-absorbing sheet preworkout to remove excess oils. If you don't have a packet handy, use a clean toilet seat cover as an oil-absorbing sheet. It sounds strange, but it works the same way.
Wash your face pre- and post-workout. To avoid clogged pores and acne, remove the makeup off your face before working out as well as wash the salty sweat off your skin after working out.
Bring towelettes with you. Save time and your face from breakouts by using cleansing towelettes.

See more skin solutions here.

How-To: Save on Dry Cleaning

SavvySugar — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 03:05:00 PDT

Do you feel like you've gone on a shopping spree every time you go to the dry cleaners? While it's nice to have shirts and pants hung so crisp, fresh, and clean, dry cleaning service all costs a pretty penny. If you are looking to save some bucks each month on your laundry, consider implementing these tips on how to save on dry cleaning.

Scope the land – Rather than go to the closest dry cleaners out of convenience, do a little research on surrounding stores. Perhaps only a block away, you'll find a better deal that also offers a frequent cleaner punch card.
Limit the clothes you take – You can hand wash most cashmere, wool, satin, silk, and cotton clothes. However, always take suede, velvet, fur, and leather to the professionals.

See more dry cleaning tips here.