BellaSugar

Do You Ever Go Grocery Shopping Without Makeup?

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:02:11 -0700

Yesterday, the paparazzi caught Heidi Klum cheese shopping sans makeup. And in June, a very low-maintenance Jessica Simpson took a trip to her local grocery. To me, this doesn't seem like a big deal at all, but if you live in a fancy-schmancy place, going food shopping can be just as big of a deal as a Saturday night out. So tell me, do you go barefaced to your local grocery store?

Flynet

Is Light-Up Packaging a Brilliant Idea?

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:00:07 -0700

As if the fluorescent lights at megamarts weren't lovely enough, soon you'll see flashing lights while you shop. NXT, a new line of paraben-free men's grooming goods, isn't spending its money on a huge advertising budget. Instead, it's relying on innovative packaging to draw shoppers in. Each container has an LED light at its base, and the light illuminates the gel within. The New York Times explains:

Every 15 seconds, a light-emitting diode (LED) in the bottom of the container flares on, stays lighted for a few seconds, then fades out. . . . Each NXT light is powered by two or three AAA batteries, and a rolling switch turns off the contraption when it’s upside down or sideways. The light will flash for about a year, so the product is shipped upside-down from its plant in China in boxes that say “This Side Up” in five languages.

From a marketing standpoint, it's pretty smart - who wouldn't pause in the shaving-cream aisle to investigate the flashing lights? And yet, I hope it doesn't kick off a trend; those blinking red coupon dispensers always annoy me at the grocery store, and the idea of an entire wall of flashing (or worse, musical) products makes me anxious. What do you think of this concept? Would you be more likely buy a product if it would light up your life? Or are you ready to hide away in Bella's Dark Bunker of Non-Illuminated Products if the trend gets bigger?

Model of the Week: Hana Soukupova

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:23:33 -0800

Welcome to the fourth installment of Model of the Week. I've written a five question interview that I have conducted with several high profile models to share with you. The questions are both fun and beauty related and will always remain the same. Don't forget to check out the past three installments featuring Jessica Stam, Caroline Winberg and Carolyn Murphy.

Here's a little about the up and coming runway model Hana Soukupova. Hana was born in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, on December 18th, 1985. She was a competitive basketball player until she entered the modeling arena through a Prague agency at the age of 15.

Hana has extremely long limbs and a delicate look about her. She has become a huge success over the last five years and continues to work incessantly.

You may recognize her from her campaigns for: Gucci, Jill Stuart, Tse, Carolina Herrera and Versace or from her Vogue, Elle and Bazaar covers. She has also graced the catwalk of many couture runways.

Hana stays in shape and gets rid of stress by hitting a punching bag she had installed in her apartment and she connects with her creative side by taking pottery classes in NYC.

To read her interview, and to see more runway pictures, read more

BELLA: What is your secret to beautiful skin and hair?
HS: The best secret for a healthy complexion is an egg white face mask which firms the skin and replenishes your pores. My favorite home made secret for shiny hair is a conditioner made from a spoonful of yogurt, olive oil & lemon. It may seem crazy but I swear it works!

BELLA: What is the one product that you can't live without?
HS: I can't live without my special face cream from Avene which I put on my skin several times a day (probably too often). It can only be purchased in France. Whenever I come back from Paris my bag is full of nothing but the little glass bottles of the cream.

BELLA: What is your guilty pleasure?
HS: Bags! Big or small, new or vintage, you can never have enough purses. They last forever and even after a few seasons you can break them out and re-introduce them.

BELLA: What is your favorite drugstore product?
HS: I love the European beauty and body product shops as they have some things that you cannot buy in a local New York pharmacy. Whenever I am abroad I buy all kinds of different cool products from head to toe they always have something I can’t resist trying.

BELLA: Happiness is...
HS: Happiness is leaving the gym after a great work out, a big breakfast followed by grocery shopping which is truly my favorite hobby. I can spend hours in Whole Foods and do more damage there than in Prada.

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Model of the Week: Izabel Goulart

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:55:22 -0700

This week I am featuring one more stunning Victoria's Secret Angel. I've asked her the same five questions as I have in the past to reveal her best beauty secrets!

Here's a little bit of history about Izabel. She was born October 23, 1984 in São Carlos (a part of São Paulo), Brazil. She comes from a large family of five brothers and one sister. She was discovered when a hairdresser saw her shopping for groceries with her mother and encouraged her to model. She then moved to São Paulo to pursue modeling more seriously.

However, during her first ever runway appearance modeling swim suits, her bikini top fell off and the audience caught a peep show! Izabel exhibited composure and maturity and this incident actually helped jump start her career.

You may recognize her from her pictures in French and Japanese Vogue, Numero, Marie Claire, and Elle. She has also starred in ad campaigns for La Senza, Poko Pano, Valfrance, Express, Cori, Forum, Pollini and Pura Mania.

She just shot a campaign for Iodice and next week, she will have her first real acting cameo on the HBO show Entourage. Also, Izabel was named #18 in Esquire Magazine's annual list of 100 things, people, ideas, and trends you need to know. This model is here to stay!

To read the interview, read more.

What is your secret to beautiful skin?
Never sleep with makeup on; you've always got to wash it off with something gentle. Also, every three to four days I do a deep conditioning hair mask and a face mask.

What is the one product that you can't live without?
Black mascara.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Sleep! I love to sleep late, and I rarely have the chance to.

What is your favorite drugstore product?
Smiths Rosebud Salve. It's a cure-all for anything that ever feels dry, especially my lips.

Happiness is...
IG: Having time to spend with my family and my dog Peter Pan.

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