BellaSugar

Doing Drugstore: Studio 35 Spray-On Glow For Legs

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:00:44 -0700

A few weeks ago, I was headed to a cocktail-dress-type event, and I wanted something to give my pasty white legs a bit of a boost, but I didn't have time for a self-tanner. I headed to Walgreens looking to try out Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs ($13.50) but alas, they were sold out of the appropriate shade for my skin tone. Instead, I opted for the less expensive Studio 35 Beauty Glow for Legs ($10), which I found in the underwear, socks, and nylons aisle. "It's like pantyhose in a can!" the label proclaims. Depending on how you view it, that could be a good or bad thing. Tights, I like; hose, I don't. To find out my results, keep reading.

Reader Review of the Day: Bonne Bell Blend 'n' Glow Multitone Powder

BellaSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:02:13 -0700

Earlier today I was feeling nostalgic for Bonne Bell, a brand that is undoubtedly part of your junior-high memories, too. I dug through the archives from last year, and discovered this little gem, Bonne Bell Blend 'n' Glow Multitone Powder ($4.50) reviewed by Itsme3683:

I wanted something to transition me from Summer bronzer to Fall not-so-much bronzer. It doesn't really add a lot of color, and it is a little more shimmer than I expected. (I guess that's what I get for buying a teeny-bopper brand!) I use it as a highlighter on my cheekbones, and it looks really nice. I also use it for a little depth on my chin, nose, and forehead. Be careful on the nose and forehead if you're prone to shininess.

What products are your go-to transition items? Is there a hair product you use exclusively for warmer months? Do you only need a certain conditioner during cooler, crisper weather? Tell us all about it in the Product Reviews pages. We love hearing from you.

The Best Beauty Products . . . Chosen by You!

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:07 -0700

Maybe you're headed back to school, or you're merely looking for some change-of-the-season beauty finds to spruce up your look. Thanks to your reviewing skills, I have tons of suggestions. Over the past few months, I've gathered together some of your best-loved items from the Product Reviews section, from bronzers to brighten your day to concealers that won't let you down. Take a look at some top-rated beauty products all chosen by you. Better yet? Many of these items are very budget-friendly.

Favorite Concealers	Drugstore Mascaras	Low-Cost Shadows
Most Reviewed Items	Beautiful Bronzers	Fabulous Foundations

Back-to-School Beauty: Celebrity Makeup Artist Brett Freedman Shares His Bronzing Tips

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:01:20 -0700

Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman has worked with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Vanessa Hudgens, and Leighton Meester, and as owner of Vanitymark Cosmetics, he's one busy guy. Recently, I chatted with Freedman about simple changes we can all make when it comes to back-to-school beauty.

But who says this post goes out only to those of you headed back for a new semester? These tips apply to everyone who wants to make a few effortless steps when transitioning to cooler weather makeup. Find out how to get your bronze on now.

Make Bronzer Look Natural With These Easy Tips

BellaSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:00:02 -0700

We all know that the only safe tan is a fake one, but if you don't want to commit to self-tanner, it's time to break out the bronzer. The key is to avoid the Malibu Barbie look. "When women want to look tan, a lot of times they will make their entire face tan with bronzer or tinted moisturizer," says Carol Shaw, makeup artist and founder of LORAC cosmetics. "It's too much." What's more, she adds, it can leave the neck white, creating a visible line along the jaw.

For a more natural look, use a shimmer-free powder bronzer. Shaw recommends her LORAC Baked Matte Satin Bronzer, which goes on ultra-sheer but can be built up for more intensity. (On a budget? Try Physicians Formula's version.) Use a brush to dust it where the sun would hit: on your cheekbones, the tip of the nose, your chin, and forehead. "You can dust it on your neck, too, so that your face and neck match," Shaw adds. And don't forget, you can use bronzer on your eyelids for a simple, natural-looking hue, too.

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Get the Look: Lost

BellaSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:00:13 -0700

Hey, you all, everybody. Beauty and the Feast recently talked with Emily Katz, lead makeup artist for Lost. If you're a Lostie, definitely check out the interview to find out how the stars look so good despite being chased by a scary, scary smoke monster. One good tip: Katz uses matte bronzer instead of a shimmery one for a more natural, I'm-stuck-on-this-island look. Dust it on your nose, cheekbones, and anywhere else the sun hits - but don't forget to wear your SPF, because sporting a real sunburn is worse than listening to Drive Shaft on repeat.

Hoola - $28.00	CARGO blu_ray™ Bronzer - $30.00
Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer - $28.00	theBalm Bahama Mama Matte Bronzer, Dark Tan - $19.00
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, .74 oz - $30.00	Bronzing Powder - $22.00
Physicians Formula Bronzing & Matte Finishing Veil - $11.89

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Five Easy Ways to Fake a Sun-Kissed Glow

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:00:19 -0700

If you make frequent stops on the Bella train, then you'll know that I'm all about safe sunning - which means no tanning at all. But that doesn't mean you have to lose the look of a day at the beach. While I love the benefits of a self-tanner, sometimes I don't want to deal with the smell of DHA combining with my skin's chemistry or the affliction of streak-mania all over my body. So, I've come up with a few tricks to fake a tan, all without the sunburn or chemical reaction. Check them out when you read more.

Insta-perk: For an instant perk-me-up, a creamy bronzer gives the best fresh-faced glow. These days, I've been very into Maybelline Dream Mousse Bronzer in Sun Glow ($6), a slightly shimmering warm rosy brown. Just apply where the sun would hit by making an "E" shape along the hairline, into the cheeks, and over the jawline. A small amount on the brow bones and down the nose complete the luminous effect.
Orange you looking tan: All I am saying is give orange a chance - or at least peach. I'm digging Revolution Organics Beauty Balm in Sunkissed ($32), an eco-friendly peachy-toned stick that gives lips, cheeks, and eyes a natural, dewy glow.
Triple the fun: Another multitasker but in a different way. To fake a suntan, go with a blush/bronzer/eye shadow combo that has at least three tones: a light tan, rosy pink, and warm brown. Swirl all of the colors together and apply to the in an "E" motion. Next, apply the lightest shade as a base on your lids, up to the brow bone. Use the rosy shade on the lids and seamlessly blend the darkest shade on the crease. This creates a natural, kissed-by-the-sun look. Try Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Malibu Strip Pink Sand Bronzer ($8) or Aveda Face Accents in Bronze Glow ($20).
Hot pink gloss: Mimic the look of sunned lips with a bright raspberry-toned gloss, such as MAC Tricolor Lip Glass in Tasty ($17.50).
Make a mix: Blend a bronze accent cream with your favorite lotion for an easy wash-away tan. I also like to lightly dunk these type of bronzers on their own on the tips of a complexion brush, stippling onto the "E" zone. Try Bonne Bell Gel Bronze Sheer Translucent Color in Golden Tan ($4) or Aveda Shimmer Accents in Terrastone ($21.50). You'll be a bronzed babe in a flash.

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Eight Bronzers to Brighten Your Day

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:01:26 -0700

Calling all sun goddesses. You know that I'll never advocate baking yourself in the sun, and that's why I'm such a proponent of SPF. 'Tis the season to get your glow on, so let's practice some safe sunning by means of bronzers. I've scoured the Product Reviews section to find the most popularly reviewed bronzing items. Whether your budget is tight or has a little more wiggle room, here are eight top-rated options. Source

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Reader Review of the Day: Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0700

Bronzer can create the perfect sun-kissed look. But it can also look muddy or too obvious if the formulation doesn't work with your skin tone. Reader Treesah recently reviewed Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze ($30), giving it four out of five stars. Here's what she had to say:

This is the best bronzer I have ever purchased. My skin tone is medium to dark tan, depending on the season. I have been on the search for a perfect bronzer all my life. It was hard to find one with enough color, that was the right color, and was not shimmery. The color blends so well onto my face and totally brightens my complexion. [It gets] four stars out of five because of the useless applicator pad that comes with the compact. Really does anyone use these puffs that come with compacts? It's pointless - best used with a full bronzer brush.

Do you love reviewing products? Well, then it's time to head over to our Product Reviews website. In case you haven't heard, we're having an amazing contest right now. For every three quality reviews you submit, you're entered for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from Benefit Cosmetics.

A Winter Bronzer Alternative

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

If you're like me, my regular bronzer is starting to look a little muddy on my lighter features. Dirty-looking face? Um, no thanks. A few weeks ago, I asked you if you wear bronzer in the winter, and the majority of you agreed. It's yes to bronzer all year.

I typically change my foundation to a softer tone in the winter, and from now on, I'll be changing my bronzer, too, after discovering MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Enough Said ($18). It's the perfect shimmery light bronze with gold pearl - wonderful for brightening and giving dimension to the face, without an obvious, "I'm wearing bronzer, people" kind of finish. How about you? Do you have a go-to winter bronzer, too?

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