BellaSugar

Get the Look

Sponsor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:23 -0800

No new look is complete without the ultimate accessory - gorgeous hair color that flatters your looks and expresses your personality. Discover how these Hollywood starlets get their unforgettable tresses.

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Doing Drugstore: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:10 -0700

As far as waterproof eyeliner goes, my current loves are the Bourbon and Zero Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On pencils ($17). But 24/7s are expensive, and they do smudge after a few hours, so I set out to find something a little less movable.

The best of the pencils I've tried so far has been L'Oreal Infallible eyeliner ($8). I tried the Black 511 shade, and although it wasn't the prettiest or most pigmented color by a long shot, the stuff sure did stay in place. Even after I washed my face before bed, it didn't move, which is impressive (if a little annoying). And I was very happy not to have little dark creases under my eyes. It's also got a built-in sharpener and a smudger, which just seems kind of tacked on. I also tried the Cinnabar shade, but I can't give it the same thumbs up because it was too light for me and the shade just made my eyes look irritated. Overall, I'd say for work or days you know you need to look nice but aren't going to be doing touch-ups, this is a good option. Have you had an experience with any of the other shades in this line? If so, what did you think?

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: L'Oreal Hair Expertise Ever Pure Smooth Shampoo

BellaSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:11 -0700

It's hard to keep up with all the "green" products on the market right now, so I haven't had the chance to try L'Oreal Hair Expertise Ever Pure Smooth Shampoo ($7). It's supposed to be gentle and sulfate-free, and although those are both good things, that doesn't mean that it's the right one for you. Reader xholdxmexunderx took it for a test-drive and wasn't terribly impressed, saying:

"I got this after dying my hair dark, and it didn't rinse out my color like most other shampoos do. However, I couldn't get pass the smell of it - a weird herbal scent - and it did not do a good job of actually cleaning the product out of my hair."

Looking for a gentle but effective shampoo? Want to tell everybody about a beauty product experience you've had recently? Hit up our Product Reviews pages, then. They're chock-a-block with info, and there are more than 50,000 products up for review.

The Look For Less: Nars' Hot Fall Nail Polish

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:00:18 -0700

Every time I hit Sephora, I gaze longingly at Nars Tokaido Express nail polish ($16). It's a deep, sophisticated purple with subtle gold flecks that a cool girl like Kim Gordon might wear if she were invited to a fancy-pants brunch. If you're looking for a similar shade at a smaller price, you're in luck. I've found a drugstore dupe that's pretty close to this shade. To hop aboard that train, just keep reading.

Switch Up Your Color: Look Fabulous With a Radiant New Shade

Sponsor — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:00:01 -0700

Stuck in a hair-color rut? Thinking of trying a fresh shade on for size? Here are some great reasons to treat your locks to an exciting new hue.

Transform your image. New hair color lets you explore an alter ego, whether you’re looking for a dramatic change or just want to rev up your current hue. Always wanted to go platinum blond? Longing for fiery auburn locks? Think you should have been born a brunette? Now’s the time to try your dream shade.

Look 10 years younger. A hot new hair color can banish gray and take years off your looks. Make sure to pick a product that’s specifically formulated to cover gray. Superior Preference® offers fade-defying color that covers gray beautifully.

Update your style. You may keep an eye out for the latest fashion trends, but no stylish wardrobe is complete without the ultimate accessory - gorgeous hair color that flatters your looks and expresses your personality.

Go for the gloss. Nothing restores shine to lackluster locks like fresh hair color. Regularly coloring smooths hair’s surface, keeping it glossy, healthy looking, and vibrant.

Unleash your inner diva. Why settle for mousy, plain, or understated when you can be bold, vibrant, and outrageously stunning? Express your spotlight-stealing side with shades like luminous blond, rich brunette, radiant red, or warm cinnamon.

Doing Drugstore: L'Oréal HIP Color Rich Cream Eyeliner

BellaSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0700

I'm a big fan of Bobbi Brown's great Long Wear Gel Eyeliner ($21) for waterlining and intense pigment, but Bobbi doesn't make bright teal, which is one of my favorite shades to wear, so I turned to HIP Color Rich Cream Eyeliner ($12). I like it because it sticks nicely on the rims of my eyes, and therefore I don't have any trouble with bright blue smudges. If you're a fan of waterlining, I highly recommend this one. Just make sure you apply your eyeliner before your under eye concealer, so that you can clean up any inadvertent slip-ups. Bonus: Something about the blue-green shade will make you feel extra runway-ready. That, and it's totally '80s cool, without the dated, neon quality.

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.

Reader Review of the Day: L'Oreal Kids Bounce 2-in-1 Gentle Volumizing Shampoo

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:00:57 -0700

Well, my secret's clearly out: the L'Oreal Kids Shampoo ($3) that I've loved since high school is getting rave reader reviews.

Reader pineapple217 tried some for herself, and while she says it's great for kids, I say it's really great for those of us who prefer our hair to smell like watermelon. But I digress; here's what she has to say:

"You save money [with the shampoo] because you only buy one product (it's a 2-in-1), and you get a great smell and lovely, soft hair in the end. The L'Oreal Kids line also has separate shampoos and conditioners, as well as hair de-tangler spray - it's a must have for kids."

Absolutely love something you just tried (or absolutely hate it)? Want to know what people who've tried the newest products think about them? Head over to our Product Review section to write reviews of your own, and see how other people rate the beauty goodies you're interested in.

Why Milla Needs a Hand Model

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:00:09 -0700

Whether you're paranoid or not about your less-than-perfect pedicure or even manicure, for that matter, keep Milla Jovovich in mind. The multitalented model and actress never seems to have a bad hair, makeup, or anything else kind of day. But with all of the punching, gun-toting, and sword-carrying she's done in many of her action-packed films, her hands have taken a beating.

As a result, directors even have to shoot around them in L'Oréal commercials. Of her knuckles, Milla said, "They're all cut up. They used to be really soft, but they can't use them any more. They use someone else's." While most of us don't have the luxury of having a hand model step in when needed, and most of our nicks and cuts don't come from pistols and daggers, the next time you feel embarrassed by your mangled mani, don't. Chalk it up to life experience.