BellaSugar

Back to Basics: The Best Shaving Creams

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:13 -0700

These shaving creams worked for my dad, and they still work for me. When I began shaving in my early teens, I used these with a single blade razor. Nowadays, I use a four-blade razor for sensitive skin, and these creams work even better without breaking the bank. I’m a firm believer in splurging in some areas and saving in others, and these drugstore brands have never let me down. Do you have a brand preference when it comes to shaving creams?

Edge Advanced Shaving Gel For Sensitive Skin ($3.23) OK, so this isn't the most feminine product that I own, but I've been using this gel-to-cream formula for ages and I love the texture and the masculine scent. Also, this slightly new and improved formula contains aloe to help soothe even the most sensitive skin.

Barbasol Shaving Cream ($2.49) is the one, the original, the very first shaving cream I ever used. Not only did I love using this thick and creamy formula on my legs, but while at Summer camp, I'd write my bunk number on the lawn outside of the mess hall. I was a happy camper.

To check out another one of my favorite shaving creams, read more.

Wow, I used to love the smell of this Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel For Dry Skin ($3.14). I still use the product because it's gentle and provides a smooth shave that never skips and causes nicks. It also leaves my legs feeling silky smooth and moisturized. It's like I'm wearing pantyhose, when I've got nothing on.

Tools of the Trade: Seki Edge Bikini Tweezers

BellaSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 05:19:46 -0700

Wow, this is a very exciting development in tweezers. The latest product from Seki Edge - a Japanese brand with a legacy involving samurai swords - this round-tipped Bikini Tweezer ($12) is right up my alley. Though it goes against a cardinal rule of skin care, I am totally guilty of picking and probing at anything ingrown. And since summer is right around the corner, I'm especially sensitive about unwanted hairs rearing their ugly heads.

In fact, when I first read about this product online, I actually did a double take in disbelief. The device has an easy, no-slip ergonomic handle that is slightly bent for comfort and precision. The tweezers are made from stainless steel, so they won't rust, and the rounded tip lets you safely remove hairs without causing injury. Sounds like the perfect addition to my summer bikini-grooming arsenal.

Tools of the Trade: Eyelash Curler from Seki Edge

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:39:10 -0700

This Folding Eyelash Curler by Seki Edge ($10) is great for those of us who like to travel light. This little plastic gadget folds up into a slender and compact curler that fits in the palm of your hand. Seki Edge is known for creating high-quality products at affordable prices, and this is no exception. (The company, which has a samurai-sword past, recently unveiled a very cool bikini tweezer.)

Better yet, the curler's super-soft silicone pad contains an anti-bacterial agent. I must say, I'm really digging this new anti-bacterial trend in makeup tools these days. The eyelash curler is also extremely easy to clean and closely securely with a snap-in lock.

Love It or Hate It? January Jones's Messy Bouffant

BellaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:11 -0800

Betty Draper on Mad Men is known for her bleeding-edge fashion sense, and the actress who plays her, January Jones, is no slouch herself. Last night at the GQ Men of the Year Awards, she arrived looking stylish (check out her cute dress), with a hairstyle that combines the classic with the risk-taking. Do you think it's another fashion-forward triumph or not?

Sweet Tart: Divine Lemon Beauty Goodies

BellaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:59 -0800

Once, on a trip to Sorrento, I stayed in a beautiful pied a terre that overlooked a lemon and blood orange grove. At night, the fragrance from the blossoms and newly fallen fruit was intoxicatingly heady, and so heavy that it made me dizzy. Combined with the Sorrento moonlight (and the limoncello), well . . . let's just say that since then, real lemon has been one of my favorite scents. It's so refreshing and cool, with the bitter edge that makes it exciting, too. And lemon can be eminently feminine without being floral or cloying, which is part of what makes it such a singular scent. I'm always nostalgic for Italian sojourns long past this time of year, so I've put together some lovely lemon products that have all the yummy tartness of the original. Take a bite out of a couple yourself - and stay away from the limoncello.

How-To: Michelle Trachtenberg's Season-Perfect Look

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:09 -0800

Unlike her Gossip Girl character Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg seems to have a good head on her shoulders, and she showed it off to her best advantage last night at a party hosted by American Eagle. She didn't shy away from her naturally pale skin, and her eye makeup was sexy, fun, and a little retro. This look would be perfect for your upcoming holiday parties, so to find out how to get it, just read more

How-To: Kristen Stewart's Rocking New Moon Hair

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:43:58 -0800

I know what you might be thinking: "Kristen Stewart's hair is too wild for me to pull off." Not so! On the New Moon red carpet tonight, Kristen manages to turn this curly hairstyle, which could easily go more the route of high school-prom, into a funky 'do with plenty of edge. The great thing is, this look is not only wearable for all hair types, but it's both modern and fresh, too. Try it out. You might just surprise yourself.

View 5 Photos ›

To get my tips on recreating this sophisticated style with a twist, just keep reading.

How to Apply Blush on Square Faces

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:48 -0800

Having a square face can be hard - you've got such gorgeous bone structure, but almost none of the application techniques commonly taught play up your features while softening any hard angles you might have. Square girls like Jessica Simpson have stylists on hand to help them, and you deserve assistance, too. So for my how-to, read on.

How-To: Gabby Sidibe's Precious Premiere Makeup

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:51 -0800

Precious is getting all kinds of rave reviews, as is the performance of actress Gabourey Sidibe, who plays the title character. Last night at the film's premiere, she had the most gorgeous semisheer red lip, and her subtle cat eye liner and luminous makeup were classic Hollywood starlet. To get this glam makeup style, just keep reading.

Make Red Lipstick Work For You Like LC

BellaSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:39 -0700

At the Avon Hope Honors Gala, all the celebrity Avon ladies (and the Avon man) were out, including Courteney Cox, Reese Witherspoon, Fergie, and Patrick Dempsey. Of course, no Avon lineup would be complete without Lauren Conrad, the spokeswoman for Mark. To complement her gray cocktail dress, Lauren opted for a 1940s glam makeup look, complete with glowing cheeks, winged-out liner, and warm red lips. To get lipstick tips from last night's look, created by makeup artist Amy Nadine, just keep reading.

Davies Gate Body Lotion - $9.99	philosophy Lemonade Salt Scrub - $25.00
L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance - $46.00	Sexy Peel Soap - $5.40
Darphin Aromatic Bath & Body Oil - $75.00	Citrus Creamy Body Wash by Weleda - $16.00
Fresh Sugarbath Cubes, Sugar Lemon - $34.00	Lemon Made Hand Salve Travel Size by Davies Gate - $15.00
mark Self Sanctuary Lemon Sugar Moisture Milk - $6.00	Citron (Lemon) Perfumed Liquid Soap by Roger & Gallet - $18.00
Lemon Aloe Soap by Smallflower Trading Co. - $4.95	H2O Plus Lemon Lust Shower and Bath Gel - $9.00
Lemon Days and Ginger Beer Bath Bomb - $6.95	Lemon & Neroli Body Wash by Bronnley - $17.00
Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom Solid Perfume - $9.00	Lemon Peel Powder by Hesh Pharma - $2.50
Lemon Soap by Bronnley - $5.00	Get Real Lemon Soap - $4.99