BellaSugar

How To: Eva Longoria's Bridal Shower Beauty

BellaSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:44:47 -0700

Lucky Eva Longoria had not one but two bridal showers. Poor gal is going to be stuck at home for the next decade writing thank you notes. (Actually, she probably has someone to do that for her.) One thing I'll say about Longoria is that she is not afraid to wear lots of makeup, and the fresh, polished face she showed off at her Felicity Huffman-hosted shower is no exception.

Did you notice her hairstylist Ken Paves at the shower? I hope that Tony understands just how seriously this gal takes her beauty. (My husband has yet to concede to a dinner with my colorist.) For product recommendations and instructions on how to re-create Eva's gorgeous bridal-shower makeup, read more

Face: To achieve a gorgeous complexion like Longoria's, you'll want a foundation with moderate coverage in a tan-to-medium color. I really like La Bella Donna Compressed Mineral Foundation in Sophia followed by the brand's Loose Mineral Foundation in the same shade. These products also contain SPF, which is great if your shower is outdoors.
Cheeks: To replicate this bronzed glow, start with a matte bronzer (that means sans shimmer) such as Baked Pyramid in Baked Bronze by Physician's Formula. Then add a touch of pinkish-brown blush and highlighter combo, like the one from Beauty Addicts in MotivateCheeks.
Eyes: Eva wears a lot of shadow and always has the most perfect lush lashes. I really love the Beauty Addicts ExpressEyes palette, which can be layered for a dramatic smoky eye for daytime, since the colors are in the brown and gold family. Don't neglect your brows, and I doubt I have to remind you to apply two coats of black or deep brown mascara.
Lips: Longoria gets away with bold eyes because her lips are nude yet polished. Try lining lips with a natural lip liner, then apply Nars Lipstick in Blonde Venus with a lip brush. Top off the look with a sheer gloss such as NARS Lip Lacquer in Baby Doll.

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Preview Your Wedding Look With a Fun Photo Shoot!

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:01:09 -0700

Mr. Bella and I are headed to the wedding of his best friend, Dave, and his fiancée, Liz, in just a few short weeks. Boston, here we come for some wicked awesome times. After snooping around on Liz's Facebook page, I spotted these convivial photos, along with some well-applied makeup and perfectly waved hair on the bride-to-be.
If you're getting married, ask your hairdresser for a makeup artist recommendation. That's how Liz found Shauna Shay, the makeup artist who used MAC products in these photos for Liz's soft bridal palette. Find out how the future Mrs. Dave used her trial run makeup appointment - along with an antique Boston trolley - to create a fun pre-wedding photo shoot when you read more.

Liz said,

A lot of people schedule their hair and/or makeup trial for the day of their shower or some other event they want to look good for. Our photographer includes an engagement shoot with his package, but we had already sent our engagement announcement in to papers and everything, so this shoot was pretty much a freebie, and I used it to see how the makeup would photograph. My cousin helped us get a permit for a trolley line in Boston that has antique cars, and we just had fun taking pics. It was good to work with our photographer before the big day and get comfortable, too.

Looking for some more wedding planning inspiration? Check out my wedding coverage for other beauty-themed posts.

Photos courtesy of Charles Bandes Photography

Bachelorette Weekend: A Spa Pampering Party

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:43 -0700

It's Wedding Party Week on the Sugar network, so I'll be bringing you a few beauty posts related to bridal showers and bachelorette bashes. Traditionally, showers involve gift-giving and cutesy games, while bachelorette weekends are all about getting wild and crazy. For those of you tamer, or less thrill-seeking brides, why not consider another option such as a spa party? This relaxing alternative allows you and your friends to spend some quality time together getting pampered and primped.

I understand that a weekend away or even a day at a spa can be indulgent and costly, so thankfully, there are a number of companies that can bring spa parties to your home. For example, Sparty is billed as a blend of spa treatments and cocktails. Their bachlelorette bash option allows you to choose from an assortment of bridal-themed drinks, food, massages and goodie bags. Prices vary depending on the options, but my best guess is that you'll likely be paying somewhere between $150 – $300 per person. Sparties are available in eleven cities nationwide. For four more options, read more.

MobileSpa Bachelorette Party has a customizable bachelorette spa package that allows you (or the bride) to decide what treatments will be offered. Expect to pay between $150 - $250 per person.
Puur Spa Parties has a lot of fun options for large or small groups, including hair and makeup services and body treatments. I've read up on the Rejuvenate Mini-Spa package which includes a facial, massage, and a hand or foot spa for $140 a pop - not bad.
Spa Lot of Fun Party brings manicurists, masseuses, facialists (or whatever you desire) to your home to perform spa treatments on you and your friends. Prices and locations vary.
For those of you who are especially budget-conscious, you can design a DIY Spa Party. Make a couple of fun cocktails, a few finger noshes and some DIY spa treatments. As an added touch, in the background, play the bride's favorite wedding-themed movie!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.
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Get Adventurous With Your Engagement Party Makeup

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:00:51 -0700

Throughout the duration of your wedding-planning period, you are likely going to be taking more pictures of you and your hubby-to-be than you ever thought imaginable. Using events such as your engagement party, bridal shower, and even your bachelorette party are great opportunities to test out potential wedding makeup looks to see which one you like the best in photographs.

Take Kate Moss for example. Rumor has it that she's planning a gypsy-themed engagement party to fiancé Jamie Hince. A costume party isn't exactly what I meant, but hey, why not. It just goes to show that not all brides go for a traditional princess look.

For a few theme-party suggestions, and ideas on how to create appropriate makeup looks, read more.

Groovy Hippy Party : Take a natural approach to makeup by using a tinted moisturizer, a lip and cheek stain, some mascara, and a tiny hint of highlighter on your cheeks and to the tip if your nose.
Hawaiian Luau : Test out different self-tanners until you find just the right one. Then add a few lime green, pink, or brown shimmery shadows, a cream blush and a bright lip color to match the flower in your hair.
Old Hollywood: Go for dramatic red lips, pale skin, and false lashes. And don't forget your makeup must have: a stenciled faux beauty mark!

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Botox Brunch: Coming Soon to a Hotel Near You?

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:38:37 -0700

The new issue of Marie Claire has a story about Botox parties-namely, those that happen in a hotel. Combined with spa treatments and breakfast, they offer guests a chance to enjoy luxurious surroundings while injecting their wrinkles away. "We think Botox parties might become a fun alternative to bridal showers-or maybe divorce parties," says Neil Sazant, owner of the Sagamore Hotel in South Beach, Florida. The hotel will soon offer "Botox and Lox" parties beginning at $750 per person.

Isn't it funny to think that only a decade or so ago, very few people were getting Botox? Now it's becoming so commonplace that there's a walk-in Botox clinic next to Bloomingdale's, and a Dallas clinic that's in the mall next to Sephora. What do you think about this spread of Botox availability?

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Beauty Mark It! A New Hand Cream

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 10:15:33 -0700

I received this tube of amazing L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Creme, $25, as a hostess gift for throwing my friend a bridal shower. I love it but the problem is I got it two years ago and it has expired.

The once sweet scent is a now a little bit rank. I felt compelled to chuck it even though there was still quite a bit of product left. Can you help me find another thick, rich and moisturizing hand cream?

Let's all go beauty marking! Be sure to come back and tell me when your Beauty Marks are up, or just tag your choices with hand cream. To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here.

To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Saks Beauty Place
Strawberrynet.com
Nordstrom
Sephora
Beauty.com
Drugstore.com
Fred Segal Beauty
Victoria's Secret Beauty