BellaSugar

Learn How to Polish Like a Pro With This DVD

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:16 -0800

The other day, I told you about the Bring It Home Beauty DVDs, which were produced by a professionally licensed mother-and-daughter team. The premise? To help you save money by teaching you how to do beauty services at home, with the help of their instructional videos, of course.

Much like the Hair Edition Volume 1 DVD ($24.95), the Natural Nail Care DVD ($24.95), has a low-budget feel. However, the hour-long video is quite comprehensive, covering everything from basic (and spa) manicures/pedicures, a men's manicure, a French manicure, polishing, and repairing broken nails.

Is it glamorous? Uh, no. Super close-ups on toes and heel shavings might make you squeamish, but who said beauty is always easy on the eyes, anyway? For me, I suppose the drier nature of the material is somewhat like watching paint dry - literally. While I prefer their hair video much for its content and better overall value, I'd recommend this natural nail care DVD for anyone who really enjoys doing manicures and pedicures on yourself or others, or for anyone who wants a basic grasp on nail care.

Channel Your Inner Stylist With the Bring It Home Beauty DVD

BellaSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:00:34 -0800

Watching your beauty budget due to the rough economy? Didn't have time for that root touch-up appointment? Or maybe you've been thinking about becoming a licensed cosmetologist, and you want to get in a little practice first.

Whatever the case, the licensed professionals over at Bring It Home Beauty have put together a step-by-step instruction video that's easy to follow, with parts filmed in slow motion, so that you can better follow along to recreate salon looks at home. Their Hair Edition Volume 1 ($24.95) is like a crash course in cosmetology, without the weekly blue-hairs or state board tests, of course. To see what I thought of the DVD, read more.

Created by a mother and daughter duo, Angela and Becky Harris, the DVD includes comprehensive chapters on sanitation/safety; styles (French braid, casual/formal updos, blow-drying, and curling); suts (how-to use clippers and shears to cut hair); and color (highlighting and root touch-up). "We believe every woman can look chic for less," they say.

While some techniques are easy to do on yourself (French braid, bang trims), others (like highlighting) are best performed on your guinea pigs. . . er, at-home clients. Although the video itself doesn't have quite a polished feel, with its dated graphics, elevator-style music, and prom-style updos - that's all easy to look past. The ladies dispense great advice on how to DIY at home, particularly when it comes to cutting hair. And for just under $25, you'll get many uses out of their product. And these days, can one even get a decent haircut around that price range?

DVD Review: Plastic Surgery Without The Surgery

BellaSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:00:21 -0700

Emmy-winning makeup artist Eve Pearl has created an instructional and informational book and follow-up DVD called Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery: The Miracle of Make-Up Techniques ($30). She believes that many women who consider plastic surgery could benefit from a makeup tutorial instead.

Last night I watched the 70-minute DVD, and I learned quite a bit. The DVD is broken into six chapters (face, eyes, nose, lips, body, and brushes) and it features several "real women" models. By far the most amazing transformative technique I learned was how to take out the bump in your nose by drawing a straight line with dark foundation on either side of it, blending, and then setting everything with powder. Among many (many) other tips and tricks, she also shows you how to cover up dark circles and make your lipstick last longer.

I walked away learning what brushes to use for what makeup product I was using in conjunction with blending everything to a flawless finish. At the end of each segment she breaks down what tools you need, how to create the look she demonstrated, and she offers even more tips to optimize the result. I also think it's cute how the voice-over calls everything "The Pearl Effect." I highly recommend this to anyone who struggles with technique - you don't have to be interested in plastic surgery to benefit from the DVD.

Bellissima! Makeup Assignment DVD

BellaSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:00:26 -0700

Most people need a little help learning how to apply makeup, and even if you're an expert, a little refresher course can't hurt. That's why I like Makeup Assignment ($29.95), an instructional DVD that shows you how to create a flattering, natural look from start to finish.

The 47-minute DVD is hosted by makeup artist Monique Powers, whose friendly disposition makes her a great host. She's natural in front of the camera, narrating each step in an easy-to-understand manner. Novices will appreciate how she demonstrates the proper way to apply foundation, the best way to camouflage blemishes, how to apply false eyelashes and more. The "lessons" are done in real time, so you won't miss any of the little details.

Is your interest piqued? Check out some of Monique's makeovers to get an idea of her abilities. As you can see, she works with a diverse group of real people, so women of all skin tones are represented in her portfolio and on the DVD.

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This Makeup DVD Will Have You Looking Fine

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00:46 -0700

Team Bella loves Sam Fine, and not just because he's a top makeup artist who's worked with some seriously bold-faced names (Halle, Beyonce, Tyra, among many others). Nope, we love him because he's happy to share his expertise in a friendly, easy-to-digest way. In his just-released DVD, Fine: The Basics of Beauty ($24.99), Fine teaches makeup basics through a series of makeovers and tutorials. Here's a preview.

The DVD is geared toward women of color, but anybody can learn a few things from Fine's advice. If you'd like some of his tips outside of the DVD, check out his advice on choosing the right foundation. And if you want to join the unofficial Sam Fine fan club, I'll see you there.

Get Over It . . . He’s Just Not That Into You

Sponsor — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:45:00 -0700

Join the all-star cast of He’s Just Not That Into You as they look for love and find laughter in this of-the-moment romcom.

Available today on Blu-ray and DVD.

Enter to Win a Smashbox Cosmetics Prize Package From Sephora!

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:30:00 -0800

When it comes to professional-grade cosmetics, Smashbox is on the top of almost every makeup artist's list of go-to products. It was founded by the grandsons of the iconic Max Factor, after all. And thanks to our friends at Sephora you'll be in the know and looking photo-shoot ready if you're chosen winner of this collection of prizes from Smashbox.

This week's giveaway includes the following:

Master's Class Vol. 4 Rescue Beauty: A kit packed with an instructional DVD and a bevy of products, from an illuminating serum to moisture-rich lip gloss.
HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder and Brush Set: A face-perfecting mineral powder and brush duo with a built-in shaver.
O-PLUMP Intuitive Lip Plumper With Goji Berry-C Complex: An intuitive lip plumper that reacts with your skin's chemistry to turn your lips a customized pink shade.
O-Bronze: An intuitive cheek bronzer that changes shade depending on your body's reaction.

To enter, just take the quiz by 9 p.m. PDT on Sunday, March 8, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your entry to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

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2008 Primetime Emmy Awards: Cynthia Nixon

BellaSugar — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:28:36 -0700

Who says short hair isn't versatile? Cynthia Nixon really changes up her hairstyle for the red carpet. Just a few days ago at the release of Sex and the City on DVD, she wore a modified updo that made her hair look much longer. This side-parted flip is sexy and flattering, and the strawberry color with darker roots gives it some dimension. Do you like her hair as much as I do?

Vote on all of my Emmy Awards polls here!

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Sunday Giveaway! Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit

BellaSugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:30:00 -0700

What a way to end the weekend! By now you've probably heard about the amazing benefits of mineral makeup. Smooth, flawless complexion? You can count me in, for sure.

Well, thanks to our friends at Sephora, you could be sporting a radiant, natural complexion (in an instant, nonetheless) if you are chosen winner of this introductory set.

Each day this week, we're giving away a Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit. This must-have set comes with everything you need for a picture perfect appearance, including:

Two shades of bareMinerals foundation - blend to create your perfect match.
bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper - create a smooth surface for makeup application.
Mineral Veil - for the finishing touch.
Warmth All Over Face Color - a sun-kissed glow.
Three brushes - Flawless Application, Full Coverage Kabuki, and Maximum Coverage Concealer.
How-to DVD.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your vote to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

Take the quiz

Saturday Giveaway! Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:30:00 -0700

You know the dreaded makeup line often seen on the jawbone? The one that's created from lack of blending or the wrong color choice? Well, thanks to Bare Escentuals' super blendable mineral makeup, you can kiss that unsightly line goodbye. (Not literally, but you get the idea!)

Now is your chance to start sporting a flawless, streak-free complexion if you are selected as winner of this awesome introductory set - all thanks to our friends at Sephora.

Each day this week, we're giving away a Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit. This must-have set comes with everything you need for a picture perfect appearance, including:

Two shades of bareMinerals foundation - blend to create your perfect match.
bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper - create a smooth surface for makeup application.
Mineral Veil - for the finishing touch.
Warmth All Over Face Color - a sun-kissed glow.
Three brushes - Flawless Application, Full Coverage Kabuki, and Maximum Coverage Concealer.
How-to DVD.

Take the quiz