BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Makeup

BellaSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:49 -0800

We all know that finding the right foundation is a process. Recently reader smesarchik reviewed CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Makeup ($12), praising it for its light coverage and low cost. Here's what else she had to say about this liquid foundation:

It is extremely soft to the touch - almost like velvet. The coverage is light-to-medium depending on how you apply. It smells wonderful and doesn't break my skin out at all. I have dry skin and it makes my face look flawless. I definitely recommend it for someone who doesn't need or want full coverage.

Our Product Reviews section has just about all you need to help you choose a foundation suited for your needs. Read and write reviews, peruse what other readers have to say, and check back here each day to find out which review I'll be featuring.

Doing Drugstore: Maybelline SuperStay 24hr Makeup and Concealer

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:01:52 -0700

For those of you that are fans of Max Factor's Lasting Performance Stay Put Makeup (RIP, old buddy), perhaps you might find somewhat of a replacement in Maybelline's new SuperStay 24hr Makeup ($10). The consistency, which lies somewhere between Revlon's ColorStay and Lasting Performance (see my comparisons here), skews more on the slightly creamy end of the spectrum, so it's quite easy to blend.

As for the wearability factor, SuperStay definitely delivers, although by the end of the day, I did have some slick spots in the t-zone. I guess that's the sacrifice you must make in order to keep the finish on the cake-free side, as this product provides semi-matte to semi-dewy results. Surprisingly, this oil-free formulation provides a light-on-the skin feel, all while giving pretty strong coverage. Speaking of bargains . . . read more.

Reader Review of the Day: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Makeup

BellaSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:02 -0700

L'Oreal is always coming out with new products for its Infallible line, and while I'm not sure if L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Makeup ($13) would be good for my skin type, reader ohmarie has had a great experience with it on her oily skin. She says:

"I have very oily skin, and this stuff works so well. It gives me great coverage, and I don't even need concealer. I do touch up at least once per day, but it really does last a long time. The only negative I have about this product is the container: the little spout gets clogged pretty easily, and it's a pain to try and clean. Also, you do have to work fast with this liquid, as it dries quickly. Overall, great product, great price."

Found something that works like a dream (or a nightmare)? Let everybody know by writing about it on our Product Reviews pages. There are more than 50,000 products up for review, and a ton of info on everything from Aveda to Z Bigatti.

Reader Review of the Day: Almay Pure Blends Makeup

BellaSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:00:58 -0700

Almay Pure Blends Makeup ($12) is part of Almay's recently launched eco-friendly line. I'm usually a little bit cautious about drugstore stuff that says it's "natural," especially when it comes to skin care, because it sometimes means essential oils that irritate my skin, but reader longhornlass04 has had a great experience with this one. She says:

"I actually bought this on clearance, because I think they just updated the packaging. I'm big on spending very little on foundation if I've never tried it before. I got nervous when I first put it on, because I sometimes have a reaction to lavender, and the smell is lavender-heavy. However, my skin didn't flare up and it left it even-toned. After a week or so of using it, I noticed my pores began to look smaller. Wasn't expecting that. It's also very dewy, which I love on my combination skin. I just brush a little mineral powder on my t-zone and it's pitch perfect."

Found a foundation you adore? Or in the market for a new one and need the lowdown on what's hot? Pop over to the Product Reviews pages, where there are over 50,000 products for review, and a whole lot of info from other readers who've tried just about everything out there.

Doing Drugstore: L'Oréal True Match Liquid Makeup

BellaSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 -0700

My Summery (fake) tan look can't last me past next month, so last week I started hunting for a paler shade that would give me good coverage with a reasonable SPF. I picked up this L'Oréal True Match Liquid Makeup ($11) at Walgreens, and I've been pleased so far. The texture is nice, the shade matching really is as good as Beyonce says, and it doesn't darken or yellow as it dries like most drugstore foundations. It also didn't break me out, which is rare.

It definitely stays on all day, and while I wish it had a higher SPF, the protection factor of 17 that it does have isn't half bad. I love my Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation, but this one is pretty good for 11 bucks. The only place I give it a thumbs down is around my eyes. Within minutes of putting it on, I had crow's feet I'd never seen before, weird white lines under my eyes, and stripes on my lids. The stuff stays, but it settles really deep, so substitute some concealer on your more delicate, line-prone spots.

How Much Do You Spend Before Finding the Right Foundation?

BellaSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:59:54 -0700

How many foundations do you try before you hit the right one? Is it two, five, or even 10? Bobbi Brown Cosmetics recently commissioned a study of 1,000 makeup-wearing residents of the UK to find out. And if you're constantly on a foundation quest like me, the results probably won't surprise you.

British women try about seven different foundations before finding the perfect one, costing a whopping £125, or approximately $200 USD. The study also concluded that 42 percent of those women find that the dreaded "tide line," aka jawline demarcation, is their worst nightmare. (Their worst!) To find out some of Bobbi Brown's tips on ending your foundation search for good, read more.

The Best Beauty Products . . . Chosen by You!

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:07 -0700

Maybe you're headed back to school, or you're merely looking for some change-of-the-season beauty finds to spruce up your look. Thanks to your reviewing skills, I have tons of suggestions. Over the past few months, I've gathered together some of your best-loved items from the Product Reviews section, from bronzers to brighten your day to concealers that won't let you down. Take a look at some top-rated beauty products all chosen by you. Better yet? Many of these items are very budget-friendly.

Favorite Concealers	Drugstore Mascaras	Low-Cost Shadows
Most Reviewed Items	Beautiful Bronzers	Fabulous Foundations

Reader Review of the Day: Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:39 -0700

Everybody loves finding a foundation that matches their skin tone to a T, and it's even more satisfying when that faultless shade is just under the $10 mark. Recently reader Autumns_Elegy reviewed Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation ($10) with a SPF of 18. Here's why she liked it:

It matches my skin tone almost perfectly so I don't need to wear a lot to even out my skin. Being perfume-free means I don't get the midday itchies when I wear it for long periods of time, which is awesome when I'm at work. The only downside is that sometimes the foundation erupts out of the bottle when you open it. It's fairly wasteful, as I don't want to wear quite that much.

Do you have a shade of makeup that is stunning for your complexion? Tell us more about it on our Product Reviews pages.

Reader Review of the Day: Cover Girl TruBlend Whipped Foundation

BellaSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:00:10 -0700

Reader Pepermint179 had so many positive things to say about Cover Girl TruBlend Whipped Foundation ($8) that I think I'll just let her take it from here:

This is perhaps the best foundation I've used to date. My old favorite was Max Factor's Colour Adapt which was unfortunately discontinued, and I am convinced these two are the same product. The ingredients are almost identical and the two smell the same. I have also found my perfect shade - Classic Ivory. I am about an NC20 in MAC, and the color is match is excellent . . . Once applied, I just use my fingers, and only a small amount is needed. My skin is glowing! The coverage covers up all redness in my skin and any imperfections at all . . I must say this one is hands-down perfection!"

Have you had a favorite product get discontinued only to go on a full-throttle search for a decent replacement? We would love to hear all about it. Head to the Product Reviews section and you just might be the next featured reader on this daily post.

Is Your Makeup Aging You? Part One

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:01:08 -0700

We all know that smoking and unprotected sun exposure can age you. But can your makeup techniques be making you look older as well? After noticing that my under-eye concealer was providing a more cakey, wrinkled effect than smooth and clean coverage, I took note.

So, over the next few days, let's delve deeper into what tips you can use to make sure your face is looking fresh, not frumpy. Let's start with the complexion. See what I mean when you read more.

The finish: When it comes to finishes, pick dewy for a softer look. Matte can come off as dull, accentuating fine lines and wrinkles.
The intensity: Less is more when it comes to looking fresh-faced. Make it sheer for a subtle coverage, focusing on laying off the foundation.
Keep it in the zone: Powder can have a tendency to settle in fine lines. If you get oily, powder only your t-zone, and consider blotting papers if you need to absorb any slick spots.
Conceal with zeal: Try skipping foundation altogether, using spot concealer only where needed. Some makeup artists even recommend avoiding concealer under the eyes, as it can settle into crow's feet and wrinkles. Yves St. Laurent national makeup artist, Dell Ashley suggests applying under-eye concealer to the inner corners of the eyes, along the bridge of the nose, for a brightening, lifting effect.
Choose wisely: Too-pale foundation can wash you out. When in doubt, go darker and blend.
Just blush: A peach shade will add warmth and brightness to the face. Apply at a 45-degree angle on the cheek to create an uplifted appearance. Avoid going under cheekbones, which can bring the face down.

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