BellaSugar

Bella Bargain: Save 40 Percent on Dermalogica

BellaSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:00:17 -0700

What constitutes a bargain, you ask? None of this "10 percent off" stuff - that barely covers the cost of sales tax! My mom never shopped for things unless they were at least 40 percent off, and I've inherited that cheapness. (Er, frugality! Frugality sounds better.) Mom would have approved of this discount from Amazing Face: 40 percent off all Dermalogica products. If you've used this line of skin care, you know that it's gentle but effective; if you haven't, now's your chance to do so at a much lower price. Need to stock up? Shop online, and enter the code 40OFF at checkout to receive your discount.

Inside the International Makeup Artist Trade Show

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:00:14 -0800

Over the weekend, I attended the 2008 International Makeup Artist Trade Show, an event that showcases products, educators, and speakers who are involved in the makeup and skin-care world for television and film. It's also a place where makeup artists can purchase products and tools at a discount.

I didn't know what to expect from the show, but seeing a naked man wearing nothing but a flesh-colored thong and body paint was certainly a shock. I was also surprised to see so many zombies and ghouls walking around in broad daylight - I guess I just never really thought about special-effects makeup as part of the cosmetics genre.

Some of the brands in attendance were MAC Pro (a division of MAC for makeup professionals), Dermalogica, Fuse FX, Dead Sea Premiere, and several air-brush companies. I also checked out offerings from Eve Pearl, a five-time Emmy-winning TV makeup artist who is about to launch her own line of products. Another new discovery was Hakuhodo, a manufacturer of high-quality cosmetic brushes (they make MAC brushes).

Throughout the week I'll be sharing all the insights about new collections, techniques, products, brands, and even an interview from one of MAC Pro's top artists with you. But for now, check out photos from the event below including painted bodies and skin effects!

View 14 Photos ›

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Product Review: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

BellaSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 07:00:47 -0700

An excellent facialist once told me that she uses only Dermalogica products, and so I decided to try out a few samples. Like any other line, Dermalogica is hit or miss. The Special Cleansing Gel wasn't all that special, for instance-at least, it didn't do anything better than Cetaphil cleanser does. Skip that one, but save your pennies for Daily Microfoliant ($47.50). It's not only a soap-free product, it's a non-liquid one, too. It's actually a rice-based powder that you start using by adding the dry product to damp hands. After working it into a paste, you just massage it into skin in small circular motions.

This might sound like a mere novelty, but this paste is actually an excellent exfoliator. It's gentle enough to use every day, and I like the fact that it contains salicylic acid-so it's ideal for dull or acne-prone skin. Another plus is that it's easy to bring along on vacations and trips, because you don't have to worry about the three-ounce rule at airports. My only problem is the packaging. After about a month, the holes of the shaker became clogged, and I had to take a needle and poke through the buildup. So I'm taking a half-star off for that, and another half-star because, well, $47.50 is more than I would normally spend for an exfoliator. Otherwise, this is fantastic stuff.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Back To Basics: The Best Body Exfoliators

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:01:00 -0700

Welcome back to Back To Basics, the Cliff Notes version of my all-time favorite products. Since we've been talking so much about self tanner and body bronzer this week on beach week, I thought I'd give you a friendly reminder that the first step before applying any of these products is exfoliating. Your skin becomes shinier once you remove all of those unnecessary dull and dead cells, and it will feel softer and smoother too. Here's a look at three of my top picks for body exfoliators.

Lancome Resurface Microdermabrasion Body Polishing Treatment ($46) is a favorite among beauty editors. The small exfoliating crystals and pumice stone in the formula effectively buff away dullness, and they don't scratch your skin making it red and sensitive like a lot of other exfoliators can.

Since I've tried it, I can hardly shower without it! Your skin is left polished, radiant and it feels like buttah!.

For two more more of my favorite exfoliators, read more

YonKa Phyto Gel Exfoliant Shower Gel ($42) is the ultimate pampering experience to create a buffed bod! It's an ultra-light foaming shower gel and body exfoliant all in one. I love the aquamarine color, the botanical smell and the unrivaled gentleness of this product.

Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub ($28) is more of a creamy textured body exfoliator. It deeply revitalizes and soothes, creating one heck of a polish on the surface of your skin! Plus, it smells really good and woodsy since it's infused with lavender, orange, sandalwood and rosemary. Even your guy won't be shy to try this one out!

Link Time!

BellaSugar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:00:53 -0800

Get Bar Rafaeli's makeup look with these tips - FabSugar UK
Want to wear the natural look? Wear nothing. - Michelle Phan
The verdict on a new Nars highlighter - Temptalia
The 10 biggest short-hair mistakes - Allure
A trip to Dermalogica's MicroZone - Beauty Blogging Junkie
Makeup artist Tom Pecheux has a swank new gig - Beauty Counter
A curly-hair makeover that's super cute - Naturally Curly

Vivica A. Fox Shares Her Best Beauty Advice

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:43 -0700

There was plenty of pretty to go around at Fashion Rocks, but Vivica A. Fox had one of my favorite looks of the night. It was retro without being costumey, elegant without pretense, and polished without being piled-on. This is how glamour is done!

Strolling with her buddy, fashion stylist Phillip Bloch, she stopped to chat about her look. "I wanted to do a little throwback to Hollywood," she said. "Phillip did my hair; I usually do the pullback with a bun, like classic Elizabeth Taylor, but he said, 'No, let’s have some fun and do a little Dita Von Teese.'"

To find out how Vivica's skin stays so gorgeous (seriously, it was practically poreless!), read more.

Up close, Vivica's complexion has a healthy glow. Her secret? Steam and exfoliation. "I take steam showers twice a day. I’m very fortunate to have a steam shower at my house," she revealed. "Once a month I get microdermabrasion. I use Dermalogica products, I drink lots of water and I try to keep my spirit happy."

To that end, when asked to share the best beauty advice she's ever received, she said:

To get out of my own way. To be a lady. To embrace the joys of life and to get out of my own way. In our twenties, women are fighting to find out who and what we are. Once you accept yourself and like yourself regardless of past mistakes, and you look forward and not backwards, that’s when you’ll really feel beautiful.

Sage advice - although microdermabrasion certainly doesn't hurt, either.

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Fantastic Facial Creams, Part I: Oily Skin

BellaSugar — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:36:39 -0700

Over Memorial Day weekend, I had the pleasure of chatting with acufacialist Shellie Goldstein, who caters to a number of celebrity clients at her Amagansett, NY, practice. We got to talking about skin type versus skin condition - skin type is something you are born with, while your skin condition is determined by your diet, your stress level, and your skin care regimen. There are five types of skin - dry, sensitive, oily, normal, and combination - and basically, you're stuck with the one you've got.

You can, however, change your skin condition by finding the right products for your face. Welcome to Part I of my five-part series on fantastic facial creams for each of the five skin types. Here are three great products best suited to oily skin.

Yon-Ka Creme PG ($43) is a lightweight and non-greasy lotion that helps balance oil production in your skin. It controls shine, tightens the pores, and fights blemishes. Made with retinol, burdock, vitamin A, and climbing ivy, it will give your skin a terrific matte finish. You can use it in the evening or in the morning as a base for makeup.

To see two more fantastic moisturizers for oily skin, read more

Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion ($33) is a light moisturizer intended for super-oily skin. It helps combat shine and tighten up large and inflamed pores, and since it contains salicylic acid, it also helps fight blemishes. It can be used as an all-over facial moisturizer or just in your T-Zone where shine is most apparent.

Peter Thomas Roth Oil-Free Moisturizer ($42) is an oil-free facial cream with a gel-like texture that is great if you're prone to blemishes. It is formulated with azulen and Vitamins A and E and will help soothe and hydrate skin without making it look or feel greasy.

Beauty Byte: Self's 2007 Healthy Beauty Awards

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 16:14:02 -0700

Self magazine just announced the winners of its 2007 Healthy Beauty Awards, which recognize skin-care, makeup, and hair products that are both good and good for you. I love lists like this, because they always give me ideas about new products to try (as if I needed more, but whatever).

The Self awards are a great mix of drugstore treasures and high-end brands. (Thanks to Beauty and the Blog for the tip!) To see the list of winners, read more

FACE

Best Normal-Skin Cleanser
Plank Cor Soap, $125

Best Oily-Skin Cleanser
Care by Stella McCartney Purifying Foaming Cleanser, $35

Best Dry-Skin Cleanser
NIA 24 Gentle Cleansing Cream, $30

Best Sensitive-Skin Cleanser
Skin Effects Redness Control Calming Gel Cleanser, $13

Best Normal-Skin Moisturizer
Skingenic Regenerating Moisturizer, $110

Best Dry-Skin Moisturizer
Lierac Hydra-Chrono, $45

Best Sensitive-Skin Moisturizer
Kinerase Cream With SPF 30, $135

Best Antiaging Moisturizer
Lancôme High Résolution With Fibrelastine Intensive Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $74

Best Night Cream
Roc Protient Fortify Lift and Define Night Cream, $20

Best Serum
Aveeno Positively Ageless Rejuvenating Serum, $18

Best At-Home Peel
Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel, $25

Best Face Scrub
C.O. Bigelow Brown Sugar Crystal Face Polish, $20

Best Acne Treatment
Sephora Face Concealing Blemish Pen, $14

Best Mask
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Firming Facial Mask, $58

Best Eye Cream
Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Eye and Lip Cream, $155

Best Antiaging Eye Cream
Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream, $54

Best Eye-Brightening Cream
Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Creme, $15

BODY

Best Bar Soap
Dove Pro-Age, $4

Best Shower Gel
Boscia Jujube Rejuvenist Amino Body Wash, $22

Best Moisturizing Shower Gel
Caress Cashmere Luxury Silkening Body Wash, $3

Best Body Scrub
Murad Activating Body Scrub, $48

Best Body Treatment
Ahava Pure Spa Energizing Body Mud Mask, $18

Best Body Moisturizer
St. Ives Mineral Therapy Advanced Body Moisturizer, $5

Best Nighttime Body Moisturizer
Johnson's Softlotion Melt Away Stress Moisturizing Lotion, $5

Best Spray Moisturizer
The Healing Garden Sensual Therapy Passion Rose Body Mist, $7

Best Body Cream
Jergens Shea Butter Cream, $7

Best Body Cream for Irritated Skin
Eucerin Calming Itch-Relief Treatment, $9

Best Hand Scrub
Mary Kay Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub, $15

Best Hand Lotion
OPI Avoplex High-Intensity Hand & Nail Cream, $8

Best Nail Product
Revlon No Smudge Dry Oil, $7

Best Foot Scrub
Olay Thermal Pedicure, $9

Best Foot Cream
Earth Therapeutics Intensive Heel Repair, $8

MAKEUP

Best All-Around Foundation
Shiseido The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation SPF 17, $35

Best Tinted Moisturizer
Cosmedicine Honest Face Skin Tint & Treatment SPF 20, $35

Best Oil-Free Foundation
Neutrogena Glow Sheers SPF 30, $12

Best Antiaging Foundation
La Mer The Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF 15, $75

Best Long-Lasting Foundation
Rimmel Cool Matte 16 Hr Foundation, $8

Best Pressed Powder
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, $25

Best Loose Powder
Givenchy Prisme Libre, $63

Best Concealer
Prescriptives Custom Blend Concealer, $32

Best Bronzer
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Matte Bronzing Veil, $12

Best Highlighter
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, $18

Best Powder Blush
Lorac Cheek Stamp, $22

Best Gel Blush
Sue Devitt Beauty Gel to Powder Blush, $20

Best Lipstick
Giorgio Armani ArmaniSilk, $25

Best SPF-Enriched Lipstick
Almay Hydracolor, $9

Best Lip Gloss
Sally Hansen Smile Brightening Lip Treatment, $7

Best Lipliner
Lauren Hutton Lip Liner, $14

Best Powder Eyeshadow
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Mosaic Eye Shadow, $18

Best Cream Eyeshadow
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow, $22

Best Makeup Multitasker
Benefit Rush Hour, $20

Best Eyeliner
L'Oréal Paris Carbon Black Le Kohl Pencil, $7

Best Lengthening Mascara
Clinique High Definition Lashes Brush-Then-Comb Mascara, $14

Best Thickening Mascara
CoverGirl VolumeExact Mascara, $7

Best Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline New York Volum' Express Turbo Mascara, $7

Best Multitasking Mascara
Chanel Inimitable Mascara, $27

Best Eye Makeup Remover
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $20

Best Palette
Sonia Kashuk Face Palette, $17

HAIR

Best All-Around Shampoo
Aura Spa Aromatherapie Balancing Équilibrant Verbena Ginger Shampoo, $8

Best Hydrating Shampoo
Sunsilk ThermaShine, $4

Best Straightening Shampoo
Nexxus SleekTress Sumptuous Smoothing Shampoo, $9

Best Shampoo for Curls
Aveda Be Curly Shampoo, $20

Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
Matrix Logics Color DNA System Color Nourishing Shampoo, $20

Best All-Around Conditioner
Charles Worthington Dream Hair Radiant Shine Glossing Conditioner, $9

Best Hydrating Conditioner
Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Conditioner, $19

Best Straightening Conditioner
Aussie Sydney Smooth Conditioner, $3

Best Conditioner for Curls
Redken Fresh Curls Conditioner, $13

Best Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
Marc Anthony Brilliant Color Color Lock Conditioner, $8

Best Hair Mask
Alberto VO5 Fortify & Repair! Deep Moisturizing 3-Minute Masque, $3

Best Volumizer
Biolage VolumaThérapie Bodifying Crème Gel, $14

Best Shine Serum
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum, $10

Best Gel
Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Cream-Gel, $4

Best Curl Product
Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Anti-Frizz Cream, $2

Best Frizz Fighter
Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness Smoothing Leave-In Crème, $3

Best Mousse
Wella Color Preserve Volumizing Mousse, $14

Best Straightening Product
Tresemmé Thermal Creations Straightening Gel, $4

Best Texturizer
Pantene Pro-V Texturize! Moussing Foam Wax, $7

Best Hairspray
Paul Mitchell Express Style Worked Up Spray, $15

Best At-Home Color Kit
Clairol Natural Instincts, $9

SUN

Best Face Sunscreen
Dermalogica Extra Rich Faceblock SPF 30, $48

Best Body Sunscreen
Banana Boat UltraMist Sport SPF 30 Continuous Clear Spray, $7

Best Face Glow Lotion
Nivea Sun-Kissed Facial Moisturizer, $7

Best Body Glow Lotion
Estée Lauder Body Performance Golden Naturally Radiant Moisturizer, $35

Best Self-Tanner
Lancaster Silk Bronze Moisturizing Milk Face & Body Self Tan SPF 6, $22

Best Body Bronzer
Dior Bronze Gelée de Monoi, $32

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