BellaSugar

Meet Rodarte's Paranoid Androids

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:41 -0700

What do you get when you put together 50 sheets of gold and silver leaf from Paris, MAC Pro Pigment in Acid Orange and a nail polish called "Fashion"? The look at Rodarte, which the designers referred to as "Beautiful Androids."

Using Aveda products, hairstylist Odile Gilbert smoothed models' hair into buns that resembled pin cushions, coated them with gobs of gel and covered them with gold (for blondes) and silver (for brunettes). "It was a conversation between the designers and me, we wanted something really graphic and futuristic," Gilbert joked backstage.

As for the makeup, "We're doing a kind of Ziggy Stardust look but mixing this orange feeling with a very natural feeling, so we're using a really translucent foundation to begin with, so the skin is really luminous," explained James Kaliardos. "We're lightening the eyebrows on some of the girls by brushing some foundation in - you can only do it if you have blonde hair. We're using an orange lip liner on the eye to make a boomerang shape and going over it with the orange pigment. We're also using orange-y peachy blush called Fun & Games high in the cheek bones and a salmon-colored lipstick. Curling lashes, no mascara. The idea is a monochromatic look, but not in brown tones or pinks - something more."

To see all my pics from backstage, read more.

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Back to Basics: The Best Pale Pink Polishes

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:00:30 -0700

With all the talk about trendy, dark and bright nail polishes in the spotlight these days, it's nice to keep some muted, basic shades in the mix for when you're feeling more conservative. Below are three of my favorite pale, pink polishes. Unfortunately, now that I know that Essie subscribes to the big three, I'll have to rethink my choices. Something tells me that considering all of the attention the subject of safety is getting, things in the nail biz are bound to change. Let's hope so.

OPI Sweet Heart ($7) is the deepest and most opaque pink of the bunch. In my opinion, it also lasts the longest. (Anyone care to dispute this?) Sweet Heart is my go-to color for elegant manicures and pedicures in any given season.

Essie Ballet Slippers ($8) is a classic, tame, sheer pink that doesn't contain any shimmer. It gives a high-gloss finish and happens to be one of the brand's all-time best sellers.

For one last pretty pale pink polish, read more.

Deborah Lippman Sarah Smile ($15) is a sheer, sexy, whisper pink that was created alongside and inspired by Deborah's long-time client, Sarah Jessica Parker. What can I say, pretty much anything SJP creates I love - that woman's all class.

Trend Alert: Iridescent Pink Nail Polish

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:00:27 -0800

The 80s called, and they want their nail polish back. Only this time, delicate pinks are not quite as sheer as before. Candy-colored nail polish takes on a new twist for Spring 2008 with three new shades infused with shimmery iridescence to reflect light and add some extra drama to your digits.

Deborah Lippmann Dream a Little Dream of Me ($15) is a medium cotton-candy pink polish. The cool part about the color is that as you move your hands in different lights, the iridescence reveals blue, purple, and yellow tones on your nails.

For two more pretty, iridescent pink nail polishes, read more.

Lancôme Le Vernis in Polished Pink, a part of the new Spring Chateau Garden Party collection. The color is a shiny, iridescent, bubblegum pink that packs a little bit more punch than your average pale nail.

Plus, the new flat sculpted brush covers your nail in one fell swoop and the new formula claims to remain chip-free for up to seven days. I'm interested - what about you?

Essie Secret Affair ($8) is the lightest of the bunch. It's a little less flirty and a lot more classic since it's a creamy opalescent taupey pink.

This shade is perfect for a Spring wedding or for those of you that want to test your toes with iridescence in a more subtle dose.

Trend Alert: Navy Nails

BellaSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:59:00 -0700

Hey there sailor! Navy isn't on reserve for nautical use alone any longer. These deep navy nail polishes are this season's next big "it" nail. Say hello to inks and indigos, which are richer alternatives to ultra dark black and traditional red lacquers. Here are three rich blue hues for the gal who's not afraid to make a statement.

Let your dark side shine through with this Deborah Lippman Color Nail Lacquer in Rehab ($15). Sources say that the Kitson store on Roberston can't even keep it in stock.

I guess with all the young celebs going to rehab this summer the polish would naturally be popular in Los Angeles! Kidding aside, the color is dark yet sheer and looks best with two coats.

For two more trendy navy nail polish suggestions, read more

OPI Nail Lacquer in Russian Navy ($7.50) is a sexy opaque deep sea indigo color that is completely covetable. For a vampish, daring and dark diva...this is the color for you!

Nars Nail Polish in Midnight Express is actually about to get discontinued, so get it while supplies last at the discounted rate of $7.50. This rich and deep blue hue is perfect if you're looking for a bright pop of blue with a little bit of shimmer and lots of sheen.

Break-Up Makeup, Part I: Nail Polish

BellaSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:16:46 -0700

Break-ups are bad news, but they can also be a good excuse to give yourself a makeover, pamper yourself, and come out of the whole ordeal looking fabulous. And lately, I've noticed a number of cosmetics companies making break-up themed makeup to help you along.

So I bring you Part I of my Break-Up Makeup series, which today features a few kitschy nail lacquers to help you polish away your pain. (Thanks to Kiss and Makeup for the tip.) Now stop your whining and pamper yourself with a nice little mani/pedi.

The Essie Starting Over Collection ($7 per bottle) includes six pink and red shades with super-cute and highly appropriate names: E-nuff is E-nuff, Starter Wife, Wife Goes On, My Way, Pinking Up the Pieces, and Red-y-Set Ex.

For two more break-up inspired polish collections, read more

This Lippman Collection I Will Survive Ultimate Treatment Set ($24) is a trio of products that help restore weak, splitting, cracking, and thin nails. The kit includes a 2 Second Nail Primer, a Rehydrating Base Coat, and the super-glossy On A Clear Day Top Coat.

Orly Divorcee Collection ($19.14) is a group of six Spring colors with hysterically cynical names such as Pawn the Ring, It's Not Me It's You, See Yah, Take Him to the Cleaners, One Night Stand, and my personal favorite, 50/50.

Simply Fab: Deborah Lippman's Lady In Red

BellaSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:42:15 -0800

This cute miniature Deborah Lippman Lady in Red nail and lip kit is a collection of the most fabulous reds from the acclaimed nail guru, Deborah Lippman.

Inside of the mini black leather case you will find: My Old Flame classic true red nail lacquer, a base coat/top coat combo, and My Old Flame classic true red Lipp Lacquer.

Hurry up and grab it while supplies last. This limited edition is $24 and makes for a great last minute gift!