Doing Drugstore: FX Special Effects Texture Dirt Texturizing Paste

BellaSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:59:19 -0700

As I know from firsthand experience, it's easy to spend a small fortune on hairstyling products. After all, salon products are pricey, and it's hard to know if they work unless you try them a few times. One of my stalwarts is Dirt Texturizing Paste by Jonathan Product, which is designed to give your hair a slightly dirty look. Writes stylist Jonathan Antin on the label: "There's something amazing about the way hair looks and behaves the day after - washing that is."

But I have to admit: $26 is a lot to pay for a product that makes my hair look dirty. So I was intrigued when I saw this description of FX Special Effects Texture Dirt Texturizing Paste: "Texture Dirt has been created to easily give you the amazing way your hair looks and behaves the day after washing." And it cost just $5.99! Could it be a budget version of Dirt? Well, sort of, so read more

Though drugstore hairstyling products improved over the years, this is one category where it's usually better to splurge. Having said that, FX Special Effects Texture Dirt is one of the best drugstore styling products I've ever tried. It has a nice, clean smell and a whipped mousse-like texture. Just a little bit of paste adds a lot of texture to even the fullest manes, but it also isn't heavy on your hair.

But while Texture Dirt is perfectly serviceable for people on a budget, it really doesn't come close to approaching the wonderfulness of Dirt. The Jonathan version adds way more texture and lasts longer, too. I'm willing to keep ponying up the $26, but if you're looking for a quality budget hair paste, you won't be disappointed in FX Special Effects Texture Dirt.

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!

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