BellaSugar

Bring Mascara Back From the Dead With This Easy Tip

BellaSugar — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:29 PDT

You know how you're really not supposed to put nail polish remover in nail polish to extend its life, but you end up doing it anyway when you're in a pickle? While it's not ideal, you can apply a similar theory to mascara by using eye makeup remover instead. Two drops or so of eye makeup remover added to mascara that's on its last legs can temporarily bring life back to this makeup standby. Proceed with caution: if you've had said mascara for longer than three months, for safety's sake, it's probably best if you toss it.

And if you're really in a pinch, you can fake thick lashes sans mascara. First, dot on eyeliner in between the lashes to simulate thickness. (Watch a video tutorial here.) Curl the lashes for a few seconds at the base and then again toward the middle. For an even more eye-opening effect, apply clear mascara if you have it on hand.

The Sneaky Gal's Walk of Shame Preparedness Kit

dannysf — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:00 PDT

A wise man once told me that he didn't believe in the walk of shame, because there's nothing for which to be ashamed. And while I agree with his sentiments, sometimes there's no avoiding feeling a little less than put-together after a fun night out. Since "unshowered and stale" isn't the kind of Facebook status update you probably want to have, I've put together a clever kit of products, all in sizes small enough to stay inconspicuous without cluttering up your purse. To find out more about these goods, just wave your cursor over each one.

Store-Brand Products We Love (and One We Don't)

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:00:46 PDT

When it comes to products, sometimes the generic options don't live up to the original. Have you ever actually tried off-brand ketchup? Blech. At team Bella, we're always looking for a bargain, and that's why we've gathered together a few of our favorite generic beauty items - along with one option that just doesn't make the cut. Find out what they are now.

Beauty Mark It! The Best Eye Makeup Remover

BellaSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:00:22 PST

I've got a really important challenge for everyone this week. I recently ran out of my eye makeup remover, and I am desperate for a new one. I've been using my longtime favorite, Lancome Bi-Facil, but I am ready for a change. My requirements are that it must remove every last smudge of mascara and liquid liner, but that it is gentle on my sensitive eyes and not require too much tugging or rubbing to be effective. I'm not partial to oil, water, gel or cream-based removers, as long as it works! So, I'm turning the decision-making process over to you, and I can't wait to share your favorites next Tuesday.

Let me know your suggestions by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase eye makeup remover.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores,

Doing Drugstore: Almay Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Pads

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:00:03 PST

Recently I ran out of my favorite makeup remover, Lancome Bi-Facil, and thought I'd take a more affordable one for a whirl. I picked up a package of Almay Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($4.94), which were reasonably priced considering that you get 80 pads in one container.

Almay makes these pads in oil-free and moisturizing versions, and I hemmed and hawed over which one to choose. In the end, since the pads were going on my eyes, I went with the moisturizing formula. A better name for the product might be Greasy Time Fun Pads, because, lemme tell you, these things are very oily. They'll leave a bit of oil on your eyes, which might be annoying if you wear contacts. I always blot up the excess oil with a cotton pad, because I don't want to have oily eyes.

So why is it that I still like these? To find out,

read more These pads are oily, but I think that's a fair tradeoff, just because they work so well at removing eyeliner, waterproof mascara and shadow. Usually I can get all of my makeup off with just one pad, and I don't need to rub. Because the skin around the eyes is so fragile, I like being able to gently remove any color. Plus, this morning, I used a pad to quickly clean my eyeliner brush-and while that's no substitute for a proper cleaning, it kept my Fluidline from drying on the brush. So, should you buy this? That depends. If you can work with the oiliness, you'll be rewarded with an inexpensive and effective makeup remover. (Just be sure to wash your face afterwards.) If you absolutely hate feeling oily, don't even bother. The oil-free version might be up your alley, but since I haven't yet tried that, I can't speak to its effectiveness. But all in all, these pads are a bargain.

Bellissima! Better Off Fast-Acting Waterproof Makeup Remover

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:00:02 PDT

A couple of weeks ago I told you about 24-hour Mascara from Prescriptives. Frankly, what worried me about this mascara was how to get it off! I understand that it's supposed to stay on for a full day, but to me that just sounds like insurance that it will make it through the night. Come bed time, I want my makeup off-and I don't want to have to scrub my eyes out to remove it, either.

Prescriptives must have been on the same wavelength, because I've just come across a makeup remover solvent to help solve my waterproof mascara problem.

Better Off Fast-Acting Waterproof Makeup Remover ($18) is like pulling out the big guns. It's a dual-phase formula to gently and efficiently lift away long-lasting and waterproof mascaras. There's no oily residual on your skin and it won't irritate your eyes. I wonder if Prescriptives can actually read minds-I think they've just become my favorite beauty brand of the month!

Product Review: Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

BellaSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:35:55 PDT

Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover ($24) seriously takes off anything and everything. I've been using this for years and it has never let me down. It has a dual-phase process to it you can actually see the separation when it's been still for a while) so you need to shake it to activate the formula before each use.

Upon contact, it washes away even the most stubborn water-proof makeup and it also conditions your skin so that the end result is a smooth and soft face.

The only super-small complaint I have is that sometimes I feel like I need to wash my face one more time than usual to get the extra layer of oil off.

Having said that, it's really not that big of a deal. It leaves my face feeling nice and cool, and the best part of all is that it's really light and gentle so never stings my eyes or makes them watery and red.

So there you have it: Sometimes the best products around are the oldies but goodies!

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

No Mess Makeup Remover Pads

BellaSugar — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:50:22 PDT

Challenge #7 in the Beauty Junkies Group was to find your favorite eye makeup remover. Personally, I love using the pads because they are mess free, easy to travel with and they save you a step when you're taking off your makeup! Here are three gentle eye makeup remover pads that I think you'll like just as much as I do.

It looks like atoxicsparkle is also a fan of these super gentle Neutrogena® Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8 - aren't they fab! What I like best about them is that they don't irritate my eyes and the pads are very soft on your skin. They completely remove all traces of makeup and grime and leave my face feeling really good.

It says on the package that there is no need to rinse, but I always do and then I follow with a moisturizer. These pads are also approved for contact lens wearers. One box includes 25 towelettes.

For two more makeup remover pads,

read more Stila Petal Infusions Eye Makeup Dissolver Pads, $20, are a fairly new product from this fab cosmetics brand. It says that the pads are fragrance free, and it's true that there are no perfumes in them, but actually they contain rosewood and lavender oil. This helps to reduce redness and puffiness and also makes them smell really yummy without making eyes sting. That's a plus!. They are very gentle and can be used to remove dirt and makeup on your eyes as well as on the rest of your face.
Joey New York Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $16, are oil-free and safe for those who wear contacts. What's cool about this makeup remover is it's made from an isotonic base that mimics the consistency of your bodies natural tears so it won't cause any stinging or redness. Nice!

Mild Makeup Removers

BellaSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 16:43:04 PST

Now that Beauty Week is over, here are some mild makeup removers to help wipe your makeup slate clean. These makeup removers are strong enough they will thoroughly remove all of the residue on your face from the day, but gentle enough they won't irritate your eyes causing redness and sagging skin. Makeup removers are also great for quick fixes for spot treating messes. Just dip a q-tip on them and you're good to go. Here are my top three choices:

This oldie but goodie has never irritated my eyes or my skin. It's a no frills, oil and fragrance free eye makeup remover that you can use all over your face, day or night. It's also super easy to take off; just rinse with water. This Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent is $14.50.

Napoleon Perdis Foaming Makeup Remover, $25, is so cool! You can put it in the fridge to chill it. This foaming marshmallow-like makeup remover leaves your face feeling fresh and crisp. Use water if you like, or just wipe everything away with a tissue.

For one more,

read more Almay Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $5, have been a drugstore bestseller for eons. These come packaged in a convenient jar filled with remover soaked pads. Just wipe and watch your makeup come right off. They are oil free so they won't clog your pores or blur your contact lenses.

Food For Your Face

FabSugar — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 08:28:13 PDT

We know that one of the best ways to remove eye makeup is with baby oil. Now, a Japanese cosmetics company called DHC Skincare and Makeup is applying the same theory to olive oil.

Its Olive Oil Swabs are like oil-soaked Q-Tips that can be used to correct eye-makeup mishaps, remove eyeliner, or sooth irritated patches on the skin. Plus, they're individually wrapped, so you can carry a few in your purse for touch-ups if your mascara gets smudged. You can buy 50 swabs for $4 here.