BellaSugar

The Look For Less: A Blush and Bronzer Duo

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:00:34 -0800

The buzz around Nars Orgasm blush is huge, so much so that Nars has released multiple products based upon the peachy-pink hue. I've had my eye on the blush and bronzer duo ($37), which packages Orgasm with Laguna bronzer. Both are beautiful colors, but until I finish my full-size Orgasm blush, I can't justify buying it.

Then again, one drugstore brand is hoping you'll "cheat" with their lookalike product. To see the look for less, read more.

Eyes Lips Face clearly took a cue from Nars in creating its Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder ($3). While the shades aren't identical, they're pretty close. And at $34 less than the original, it's a recession-busting option for anyone looking for an affordable "O" glow.

FYI: Nordstrom and E.L.F. Aren't a Couple

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:00:32 -0700

Some of you might have received an email alerting you to a partnership between Nordstrom and Eyes Lip Face cosmetics (E.L.F. for short). The message goes something like this: E.L.F. has been featured on Oprah, Nordstrom just bought the line, and they're having a big ol' clearance (all products marked down to a dollar!) to make room for new makeup.

Trouble is, it's not true. Nordstrom has released a statement calling the emails fraudulent:

We have learned that some of our customers received emails from an unauthorized and unknown source regarding the website eyeslipsface.com. We want you to know that Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com are not affiliated with eyeslipsface.com or the E.L.F. product line, nor with any email regarding that website or product line. Nordstrom does not sell E.L.F. products.

For what it's worth, E.L.F. products are only a dollar in the first place. So if you want to shop, have at it - just think twice before you press that forward button in your email.

User Review: Allyd on E.L.F. Brushes

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:00:16 -0700

You probably know that along with sunscreen, makeup brushes are high on my list of must-haves. If you're new to makeup brushes, check out my guide to different types. And if you're on a budget, you'll definitely want to read this user review from Allyd. While searching for a new foundation brush, she saw E.L.F.'s $1 version. Though she was skeptical, she bought it-and I'll let her take it away from here:

I have to say I was absolutely thrilled at the quality...so much so, in fact, that I've since purchased the total face brush, defining eye brush, and brow comb and brush, and I'm loving them all! The bristles are all smooth and have just the right firmness and since the first use, the brushes haven't lost a single bristle. The handles are a perfect size for my hands and don't get slippery. (Am I officially gushing?)

So for less than the cost of a peppermint latte, I've replaced all my "go-to" brushes, and my makeup presentation is definitely better for it. I'd recommend them for anyone, no matter what your budget is...but if you're pinching pennies, these brushes are a must-have!

Allyd's review has definitely piqued my interest. Share your product reviews
in the Beauty Product Junkies group, and I might post yours on BellaSugar too.

Bella Bargain: Half Off at Eyes Lips Face

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:23:34 -0700

How would you like to get eight lip glosses for just four bucks? Maximumblonde tipped off the Beauty Product Junkies group about this crazy deal from ELF (Eyes Lips Face) cosmetics. Are you ready? Try to contain yourself. With a special code, you can take 50% off all of the line's products. And since the prices are already dirt cheap-such as this lip gloss, which is normally only a dollar-it's worth stocking up! Just enter code CAROLINA as you check out. Happy shopping!

2009 American Music Awards: Selena Gomez

BellaSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:27:32 -0800

Adorable Disney-ite Selena Gomez always looks pretty and age-appropriate when she walks the red carpet. Tonight, she went elegant, wearing her curls in this lovely, loose bun and letting tendrils fall free to frame both sides of her face. I love that her eye makeup was extremely simple and that her lip gloss and blush were both almost sheer. I think she struck a good balance of red carpet glam and young-lady makeup, but what's your opinion? Is this just right for a 17-year-old, or is it too much?

Vote on all of my American Music Awards polls here!

2009 American Music Awards: Kristen Bell

BellaSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:52:04 -0800

Kristen Bell's always got that fresh-faced look going on, and tonight is no exception. We're used to seeing the actress in pink-toned cheeks and lips, but for right now, it's all about heavily lined eyes, a smoky finish, and tousled locks. What do you think? Is her look smoking hot - or not?

Vote on all of my American Music Awards polls here!

DOUBLE WEAR MAKEUP
FOR FACE, EYES AND LIPS

Sponsor — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:01 -0700

Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Collection of high-performance long-wear makeup for face, eyes and lips has 15-hour staying power. The look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day.
Double Wear stays in place, stays fresh and natural. Smooth it on once and don’t think twice about it.

Check out this slideshow to see Estée Lauder’s quick tips for makeup that stays the day.

View Slideshow ›

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

Mally Roncal Shares Workplace-Friendly Makeup Tips

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:11 -0800

There's a time and place for sparkly blue eye shadow, and 9:30 a.m. at work is not it. (Unless, of course, you work at Cirque du Soleil, in which case, have at it.) For most of us, looking professional is about looking polished. But how much makeup is appropriate for the workplace? For makeup artist Mally Roncal's tips on looking professional, read more.

BellaSugar's Guide To Firming Beauty Products

BellaSugar — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:00:28 -0700

I hope that you've enjoyed my series on firming creams for your eyes, lips, face, bust and body. There are excessive amounts of these products on the market now, and truth be told, I am not completely sold on their effectiveness. They generally fall into a more of the anti-aging genre, so perhaps as gravity starts to take its toll, these items will come in more handy to fight the forces of nature. Below is my five-post round up on firming beauty products. If you have experience with any products in this category, please share them in a comment below.