BellaSugar

Do You Wish September Mags Had Non-Blond Cover Models?

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:00:48 -0700

Since the September cover of Marie Claire popped up, it's become increasingly obvious that the glossy mags weren't kidding when they released their cover choices for the first Fall month - generally the biggest and most important issue of the year. As Fashionologie points out, Vogue, Allure, Elle, W, Glamour, and Marie Claire will all have light-haired cover stars. InStyle, which will feature Jennifer Lopez, seems to be the only exception. There's nothing wrong with (or unusual about) having a blonde on the cover, but it's going to look mighty light at the newsstand. What do you think? Are the mags just going with big celebs who happen to be blond, or might editors feel a fair-haired model is the safest way to sell in a tough publishing market? Or could it be that society is having a blonde moment?

Super Styley Beauty Icon: Kate Lanphear

BellaSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:00:55 -0800

Kate Lanphear is the style director of Elle, and she is also the number-one stunner in my book. She reminds me of the coolest girl in high school, the one who listened to Joy Division and drove a crappy vintage car and read The Waste Land at lunchtime. She makes me think of Watts from Some Kind of Wonderful gone fashion.

You'll usually find Kate wearing spiked bracelets with next season's Lanvin and Balmain, but you won't find her wearing much makeup. (Seeing her wear smoky eye makeup in this Stylista clip was a surprise.) Instead, she sports flawless skin, a bit of lip balm, and her signature look - cropped hair in a lightning-shock shade of blonde. It's not a look that everyone can pull off, obviously, but every time I see her at fashion week, it takes all of my composure not to run to the nearest Duane Reade and buy a hair-bleaching kit. Are you crushing on her white-light-white-heat style, too?

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You Are Way Too Picky

BellaSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:03:18 -0700

There is a somewhat disturbing article in the October issue of Elle about the author's recent battle with a bout of dematillomania, also known as acne excoriée. Call it what you will, but many people pick at their faces. Some of us gently extract in a magnifying mirror, while others perform minor surgery until we draw blood. Dermatologist Frederic Brandt discusses the degrees of the problem, cautioning:

Scarring depends on the severity of infection and how adamantly people go after them. And inflammation, if you break out or do enough extracting, can lead either to a lightening or darkening of skin color.

So there you have it. One false move, and your problem just went from bad to worse. There are multiple things that can be done to try and rehabilitate a picker. Like getting regular manicures to stop nail biting, a newfound devotion to skincare can help (think regular microdermabrasion, treatment with bacteria-killing lasers, Retin-A). Or if it's an OCD or Body Dysmorphic Disorder issue, therapy can help. Have you ever had picking problems, and what has helped you?

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Bella Interview: Gina Brooke

BellaSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:00:27 -0700

I think pretty much everyone can agree that Madonna looks amazing in the May issue of Elle. Her gorgeous makeup look is the work of Gina Brooke, the artistic director of Shu Uemura. As Madonna's personal makeup artist, she's also responsible for those legendary mink-and-diamond lashes from a couple of years ago. Last week, I was lucky enough to chat with her right before she headed off to do Madonna's makeup. Read on.

How do you work with Madonna to come up with makeup looks?
It's definitely a collaboration. She has an idea; I have ideas. Then we combined the two along with hair and styling. It's a collaboration between the hair stylist and makeup artist - and Madonna, of course. She always has an idea of which direction she wants to go in. Usually on certain jobs you walk in and go, "OK, this is my idea." She's like, "No, this is my idea, and then you guys give me what you've got."

What was the idea for the Elle shoot?
For years I've been obsessed with a photographer named Sam Haskins. Every time we have a photo shoot or something big coming up, I always break out my Sam Haskins and I'm like, "Here, what about this?" She's always turned me down. And then finally we actually did a Sam Haskins-inspired shoot for the cover of Elle.

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To find out which lipstick color and foundation Gina used for the cover, read more.

I wanted to ask you about that makeup. What is Madonna wearing in that shoot?
I used the new Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine in PK301S from the Shu Uemura collection. I wanted it to be about matte skin, so I used our new Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation, which is water-based. It gives a really flat, beautiful finish.

We at Sugar HQ cannot get over how amazing Madonna looks on the cover of Elle and in her new video.
When you see the next video, I think it's going to be one of the best videos I've ever done with her in terms of hair and makeup and styling. Between her stylist Arianne Phillips, me, and the hair stylist, I think it's going to be one of the best videos. It's something I've always wanted to do with her, and I'm finally able to do it - it's going to be really amazing.

Coco Rocha Spritzes Fiercely in Elle Campaign

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:00:59 -0800

One fragrance I've been meaning to check out is Yves Saint Laurent Elle, but after seeing the commercial for it, I'm expecting something completely different from the fresh, youthful scent I'd anticipated. Check this out:

This commercial is visually gripping, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs song just adds to the cool factor. But I'm a little scared of Coco Rocha's fierceness. She looks like at any moment, she might unleash some sort of pink airborne pathogen, graffiti-style. It's a little intimidating. What do you think?

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Do You Still Follow Lindsay's Hair and Makeup Cues?

BellaSugar — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 06:39:24 -0700

The September issue of Elle features some photos of Lindsay Lohan looking sophisticated (and, of course, a dishy interview done right before her recent arrest).

Despite her latest legal troubles, she looks great in these Elle, and I love this Gisele-esque hair on her. Yet I'm wondering if her status as a beauty trendsetter may be affected by her constant personal dramas. What do you think? Do you still look to Lindsay for hair and makeup inspiration, or are you over it?

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Coming Soon: Yves Saint Laurent Elle

BellaSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:13:24 -0700

At the risk of sounding like Polly Perfumaniac, I've got even more fragrance news for you. Yves Saint Laurent is preparing a new fragrance called Elle.

WWD reports that this fragrance is meant for the younger YSL fan, and serves as a contrast between the fashion house's tradition and the modern, urban lifestyle. Model Coco Rocha will star in the ads while wearing a tuxedo (YSL, of course!) and writing the fragrance's name in pink spray from the bottle.

The scent is said to be a blend of top notes including cedar, litchi, and peony; mid notes of rose and freesia, and base notes of traditionally masculine vetiver mixed with patchouli and pepper. Elle will debut in Europe and the Middle East in October, followed by a stateside launch next year.

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Welcome E. Jean Carroll from Elle Magazine!!

PopSugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 23:40:12 -0700

We are thrilled to announce that Elle Magazine's veteran advice columnist E. Jean Carroll is joining forces with the Sugar Network! She'll be lending her no-nonsense advice and witty sense of humor to our advice site, DearSugar.

Tune in every Thursday to read E. Jean's responses to your burning questions. Check out the first installment here. Your anonymous questions will be chosen at random by E. Jean herself, so ask a question here.

Can't wait for E. Jean to respond? Check out the Ask E. Jean question box located underneath the "Editor's Picks" on DearSugar to get an instant hilarious and fun video response your question!

What Type of Model Are You?

Sponsor — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:15:00 -0800

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to make it in the modeling industry? Maybe you’ve got the looks but lack the fundamental knowledge necessary to achieve your goal. Who can blame you? After all, there’s no grad school geared toward becoming a model. Luckily, now you don’t need a degree to get what you want; you simply need Modeling The No-Nonsense Approach. The first and only how-to kit with 100 percent of the information coming from people who hire the models. The kit includes everything you’ll need to know about making it in the business of modeling. In it, top New York City modeling agency owners along with other industry insiders with representatives from MTV, Union Bay, Elle Girl, Saks Fifth Avenue, Woman’s Day magazine, casting directors, designers, advertising agencies, and many more take you step-by-step through the basics, including learning what type of model you are, finding the right agency, and living your dream. In addition to the kit, you’ll also get a one-year subscription to Elle magazine, a great source to study models. So, do you have what it takes to model? Take our quiz and find out! If you think you've got the goods, be ready sign up for the Elle Girl nationwide model search.

Do you have shiny, healthy hair?

Yes

Sometimes

Never

Do you get enough rest?

Yes

Sometimes

Other

Do you have straight, white teeth? If not, are you willing to do what it takes to get there?

Yes

Do you have a disciplined personality that allows you to focus on your goals?

Yes

Sometimes

Other

Do you have the confidence to sell your self?

Yes

Sometimes

Other

Do you have a good complexion? If not, are you willing to do what it takes to get there?

Yes

Are you fit?

Yes, I work out all the time

I think so; I work out sometimes

No, I don't like to work out

Have people stopped you and told you how beautiful your skin, features, and/or bone structure are?

Yes, all the time

Sometimes

No, never

Which applies to you?

You have a "girl next door" look

Great bone structure (angular features)

Plain old pretty

Character look with exaggerated features

How would you describe your personality?

Bright and bubbly

Stand offish

Quiet confidence

Shy

Do you have shiny, healthy, long hair that has never been color treated?

Yes

Beauty Byte: Revlon Scoops Up Elle Macpherson

BellaSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:00:45 -0700

Here's a little beauty news for today: Aussie supermodel Elle Macpherson will be the next global brand ambassador (a.k.a. spokeswoman) of Revlon. She'll be featured in advertising campaigns and will take part in Revlon-sponsored philanthropic women’s health events.

Elle will join the ranks of other famous Revlon faces, including Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Kate Bosworth.

It seems like Elle is excited to be part of the company, at least in the press-release quote. To read what she has to say about her new gig, read more.

"Revlon is an iconic brand, bringing high quality products to women around the world and is complementary to my values. I am proud to join Revlon in its celebration of women and in its long term commitment and support for education and research to advance women’s health and particularly to fight women’s cancers."

Photo courtesy of Bryan Adams