BellaSugar

Definition: Disconnected Haircut

Jaime Richards — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:00:00 PST

The next time you're feeling particularly edgy, why not consider getting a disconnected haircut? A disconnected cut can be short, long, or a combination thereof, and can vary in shape - but its distinguishing characteristic is the step (or steps) in extreme lengths that occur within the style.

It's almost like two cuts (or more) in one, since the different lengths are not blended together. Because of this, disconnected cuts also typically have lots of texture and movement. Hairstylists often use disconnection to show off a certain element of the haircut or to highlight a cool color. Are you feeling bold?

Definition: Browtox

BellaSugar — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 08:00:00 PST

According to some, getting your brows done is more effective for lifting your face than Botox, hence the name "Browtox." Browtox is slang for using shadow, pencils, or especially tattooing to make your brows look full and thick. Supposedly, thick brows read as more youthful, and thin, high brows are out of fashion right now, so many women are turning to makeup and ink to get chic. Given how many people overpluck their brows until the hair doesn't grow back, it's understandable that the procedure is now popular enough to merit its own colloquialism.

Definition: High-Definition Makeup

BellaSugar — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:00:00 PDT

As high-definition (HD) TV becomes more commonplace in homes across the world, makeup artists are faced with the challenge of giving flawless finishes to famous faces (say that fast three times). HD TV projects larger images with two to five times the resolution, so it's no wonder that HD makeup is increasingly popular.

But even those of us who are not actors or newscasters can utilize the benefits of HD cosmetics. (Recall Team Bella's test of Temptu Airbrush Foundation.) HD makeup contains light deflectors and pigments that give the appearance of smooth, even complexion - without a cakey buildup. The light texture gives a more natural look, while the pigments blend with the skin. To try out HD yourself, look for lines from Smashbox and Make Up For Ever, which include everything from concealers to foundations to blushers. There are even specially-shaped brushes to make application all the more smooth.

Definition: Integrity

BellaSugar — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:00:00 PDT

Outside the beauty biz, the word integrity deals with moral and ethical principles. (Or a hardcore band from Cleveland.) But inside the industry, integrity is a whole other beast. In stylist speak, integrity deals with the condition, strength, and overall healthiness of the hair.

Locks that have been overprocessed through services like perms, relaxers, or bleaching can become brittle and porous. Think of those wonderfully dry and frizzy '80s-style curls with bleach blond highlights. If the integrity of your hair seems to be poor, be sure to get regular trims, deep condition, and lay off on the chemical services. If you do want to lighten or color your hair but it's in bad shape, your stylist will know exactly what pretreatments and color formulations to use on your delicate mane.

So the next time you're headed out for a chemical service, be sure to tell your stylist that you wouldn't do anything to compromise the integrity of your hair. As for soundness of character, that's up to you.

Elastin

BellaSugar — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:00:13 PDT

Much like its name implies, elastin gives skin its elasticity, but that's not all. Working hand-in-hand with collagen, elastin also helps to keep skin looking soft and supple.

A protein, elastin is found in the top portion of the dermis - aka the layer right under the epidermis, or outermost part of the skin - and helps the skin stretch and contract. To combat the wrinkles and sagging that come with decreased elastin production, follow these tips: don't smoke, wear sunscreen, and be sure to eat a balanced diet that includes proteins, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

Definition: Pin Curls

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:00:47 PDT

Pin curls are having a resurgence, but not in the traditional 1930s-inspired manner. Whereas spit curls are a form of pin curls, they're actually worn purposefully shaped against the face à la Diane Kruger. However, you can also use a pin curl as a way to coerce the hair to wave or curl in a less structured way.

For the Jonah Hex premiere, for instance, Megan Fox's stylist first used pin curls to create undulating waves in her hairstyle. Kristen Stewart's stylist also used them as a way to make a textured base before pulling her hair back into this pompadour updo. In essence, while pin curls can be slick and worn tightly pinned into a rolled shape, they can also be used kind of like a brushed-out roller set. Find out some pin-curling tips when you read more.

Definition: Animalic

BellaSugar — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:00:00 PDT

The majority of fragrances are formulated using plant-based or synthetic aromas. However, some perfume houses and manufacturers still use animal-derived notes. These animalic scents can feature ingredients like civet, obtained from the African civet cat; ambergris, a secretion from the sperm whale; and castoreum, a secretion from the Castor beaver. Feeling squeamish yet?

Animalic fragrances, which are often rather pricey because they are more difficult to resource, can range in smell from sweet and woody to furry and leathery to stanky or dirty. As unappealing as that all may sound, when used in small quantities, these types of scents can be described as providing depth, sensuality, and warmth to a scent.

If you're opposed to the use of animal byproducts for whatever reason(s), or the thought of them makes you nauseated, modern fragrances include nods to these sensual, exotic scents, without the real deal. For instance, in lieu of obtaining scent from the musk sacs of the Asian musk deer, synthetic musk, often known as white musk, is used. And while animalic scents are known for being excellent fixatives, or scent boosters, there are other natural ingredients, like resins and woody notes, available to provide a similar effect. For the hard-core animalic lover, try Animalic Comprehensive Sampler ($56), and for a nonanimal option, try The Body Shop's White Musk Eau de Parfum ($24).

Definition: Fascinator

BellaSugar — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:00:00 PDT

Chances are, you've seen people wearing fascinators. These hair accessories, usually clips or pins with feathers, flowers, or lace, are everywhere these days, gracing the heads of celebrities, brides, and girls who love a little vintage flair on Saturday nights. Although they're cool and trendy now, they've actually been around since at least the 18th century, when large feathered and beaded hair accessories were the height of fashion. Funnily enough, a "fascinator" initially meant a lacy, fancy head covering for ladies to wear with their evening clothes. However, the meaning has evolved over the centuries to encompass the fun, flirty confections we wear in our hair now, like this 2adorn Brown Feather Fascinator ($59).

Definition: Tiare

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:00:35 PDT

Now that Summer's upon us, tropical scents that smell of suntan oil, breezy nights, and fresh flowers might be on your mind. The tiare flower, also known as the Tahitian gardenia, possesses a rich, creamy, sweet perfume, reminiscent of tuberose and warmer-weathered months. Traditionally worn by Polynesian women, when tucked behind the right ear, the flower acts as a symbol of being single. When worn behind the left ear, it's a sign that one is taken or married.

The ultrafragrant oil tiare produces is believed to help quell migraines, heal wounds, and add luster to hair. Find the exotic, aromatic note in: Vera Wang's Princess ($57), Lavanila's Vanilla Coconut ($18-$58), and Monoi Tiare Coconut Oil ($6).

Source: Flickr User troymckaskle

Definition: Reflexology

BellaSugar — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 06:00:19 PDT

Reflexology is a natural, alternative treatment that involves applying pressure and massage techniques to parts of the body (most often the feet and sometimes the hands). Not only does this type of therapy relieve stress, it also helps to boost circulation and improve body functions. (Psst: SJP is a fan.)

In reflexology, specific parts of the feet or hands are massaged to correspond with different glands, body parts, or organs. The idea is that by manipulating these precise points, which are mapped out in reflexology charts, the body will come back into balance. While reflexology shouldn't be considered a replacement for medical treatment, a relaxing massage is always good for the soul. To learn more, try Reflexology Massage DVD With Socks Set ($33), Total Reflexology: Everything You Need to Unlock the Healing Power of Your Body ($15), or Sexy Love Sox ($20).