BellaSugar

Hair Color Dos and Don'ts: Must-Have Tips For Perfect Results

Sponsor — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:30:01 -0700

When it comes to at-home hair color, all products are NOT created equal. Knowing what to look for can make the difference between so-so and stunning. Here are some secrets, including special tips from celebrity hair colorist and L’Oréal Paris expert Christophe Robin, for achieving beautiful, professional-looking results on your own.

DO choose a shade that complements your skin tone and eyes. “If you have fair skin and blue, green or gray eyes, your complementary shades will have ash or beige tones,” Christophe advises. “If your skin tone is golden, olive or dark and you have dark eyes, your complementary shades will have gold or red hues.” Have characteristics of both warm and cool tones? “Go with whichever is your preference.”

DO stick close to your own hair color if you want a subtle change. “If you’re not sure which shade to choose, go just 1 or 2 levels lighter or darker than your natural color,” says Christophe. “This will give you a noticeable change that’s not too dramatic and is easy to maintain.”

DO pick a product that’s specifically formulated to cover gray hair, which can resist coloring.

DO use products specifically designed to preserve your color, like Vive Pro Color Vive Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair.

DO choose a gentle formulation and indulge in regular deep-conditioning treatments.

DON’T be afraid to take a risk. Hair color offers a fun way to express your personality and experiment with a new style or attitude. “When a woman goes darker with her color, she’ll feel stronger,” Christophe notes. “When she goes lighter, she’ll feel more sexy and sensual.”

DON’T skimp on time. You might be tempted to cut corners to save a few minutes, but resist the urge. It’s crucial to allow the proper amount of time for each step - especially when you are going for a dramatic color change “You can’t rush hair color,” Christophe cautions.

DON’T judge a box by its cover. Although it’s a common misconception, you shouldn’t expect your hair color to turn out exactly like the model’s on the box. “Your personal result will be determined by the condition of your hair, your current hair color and the shade you’ve selected,” says Christophe.

DON’T overdo it. Coloring too often can compromise hair’s health and yield uneven results. A touch-up every four to six weeks is all that’s required to keep your shade looking fresh and vibrant.

DON’T forget the SPF. You protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, so why let your hair take the heat? “The sun is the number one enemy of color-treated hair,” says Christophe. Use shampoos and conditioners that contain UV filters to block damaging rays and prevent fade-out.

L'Oréal Debuts Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Dye

BellaSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:59:15 -0800

L'Oréal's new INOA (Innovation No Ammonia) permanent dye is debuting to a lot of fanfare, since ammonia is not only damaging to your hair shaft, but it's bad for your health as well. Only thing is, ammonia-free permanent colors have existed for years already - they just never caught on in most salons. And L'Oreal's even put out an ammonia-free permanent color before: Natural Match, which was available cheaply for home coloring and got discontinued just before INOA's debut. INOA, like Natural Match, is supposed to provide full, even coverage without damaging the hair shaft. Unlike its predecessor, which retailed for about $12, INOA costs about 15 percent more than traditional salon hair color - so expect already pricey salon coloring to get more expensive.

If you want ammonia-free permanent color at the salon but don't want to go the INOA route, there are two other brands, Organic Color Systems and Teinture, already available at some salons. If you could choose to go ammonia-free, would you?

CelebStyle Giveaway: Win The L Word Look

PopSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:55:31 -0800

With the series finale this Sunday, we're getting ready to say goodbye to the lovely ladies of The L Word. After six dynamic seasons, the characters have gone through so many ups and downs, but one thing has remained constant: their amazing clothes. Sexy, daring, and always fashionable. To celebrate the ladies' amazing wardrobes, we're giving away some of the actual clothes from The L Word!

From now until Sunday, March 15, you can enter to win one of four dresses worn by one of your favorite actresses from The L Word. There's a gorgeous Gucci number worn by Marlee Matlin, a strapless Dolce and Gabbana dress seen on Malaya Rivera Drew, a Tory Burch sequined dress that shimmered on Pam Grier, and a Paul Smith swing dress, which Leisha Hailey wore. To enter, all you have to do is log in to TeamSugar (if you're not a member, register now) and add a look of your own to any post on CelebStyle (see how after the jump). You'll be entered for every look you create, so there are plenty of chances to win! Be creative and check out the official rules here.

To learn how to add a look, read more.

Click into any story ("look") on CelebStyle.com.
Once there, under the picture, you'll find a series of tags and several ways to play: You can comment, send an email, become a fan of the look ("love this"), or add a look of your own. Click either "add a look" link to get started.

On the next screen you'll be prompted to create a look. First, click on the "add image" button.

Now a new window will pop up. Leave the tab in "Search ShopStyle" and type in a product description for the item you're looking for (e.g. if you're looking for a black turtleneck, type in "black turtleneck.").

Once you've found the perfect item, click on the product and it will show up on your look page.

Repeat for every item that you'd like to include in your look.
When you're done, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "save look." Your look will now show up with the editor's look on the CelebStyle story (and you'll be entered into the contest!).

Photo courtesy of Showtime

Product Review: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base

OnSugar Blog — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:00:51 -0800

Here's an excerpt from OnSugar blog Beauty Bag 411.

In a previous post I mentioned how excited I was to try this since I have been looking for a new face primer. To refresh your memory in case you missed my previous post, L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base ($13) is the product that I am reviewing. So I have finally tried it out... and I hate it! Okay, hate is a strong word, but I am seriously disappointed in this. Why? Let me count the ways.

Beauty Review: L'Oréal Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser

OnSugar Blog — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:00:00 -0800

Here's an excerpt from OnSugar blog Kiss and Tell:

When it comes to new and innovative products, I somehow always get sucked into trying them. It's not that I'm not totally satisfied with my current skincare system, but trying a new product for me is like opening up a new toy on Christmas morning; I just get excited. Maybe that's what makes me a beauty addict? Anywho. . . L'Oréal Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser ($7) is a foaming cleanser that comes with an added bonus: a scrublet which fits right in the bottle. The oil-free cleanser is a high-foaming gel, which L'Oréal claims unclogs pores as it removes oil, dirt, and makeup. The cleanser contains notes of naranji, orange flower, and mint, which feels really refreshing on the skin. (For the pros and cons, just read more.

Reader Review of the Day: L'Oréal Sublime Slim Tightening and Toning Treatment Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:00:54 -0800

For all the highest rated products on our Product Reviews website, there are also plenty of beauty goods that haven't received the most wonderful of ratings. Take the L'Oréal Sublime Slim Tightening and Toning Treatment Gel ($12), for instance, which claims to both tighten and tone the skin around the abs. Here's what reader Jen4 had to say:

I do not like this product for two reasons. The first, and also the major reason, is that it does not work at all. I do not expect this product to flatten my abs in a short of period of time, but I think at least it should be able to keep them tighter. Second, it smells like cough syrup or some kind of mint ointment. The scent does not bring me any pleasant feeling.

Have you tried any products that make certain claims, only to be disappointed? Or perhaps you've been pleasantly surprised by a product for which you had low expectations. Tell us all about it on the Product Reviews website. We love to hear your unbiased opinions!

Fragrance Review: Guerlain's L'instant Magic

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:00:05 -0800

Last weekend I had to kill some time at the airport, so I spent almost an hour checking out holiday gift sets and fragrances at the duty-free beauty shop. L’instant Magic by Guerlain isn't totally brand new-it launched in September-but as soon as I smelled it, I was really taken in by its pleasant and warm subtlety.

It's something that I immediately thought would be a great gift for a young woman as well as someone older who is looking for a lighter woody and floral scent.

Apparently it's been getting confused a lot for its predecessor, L'Instant fragrance. This version is much softer than the strong and spicy original. Also, the bottles are slightly different - the L'instant Magic base and top are tinted black, while the original bottle is all pink.

L'instant Magic is made from bergamot, rose, freesia, sandalwood, cedar almond accord and musk. It's available in a 1.7 oz EDP for $74, a 2.7 oz EDP for $100, a .25 oz perfume for $115 and in a scented body lotion for $50.

Fragrance Review: L'Eau de Jatamansi

BellaSugar — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:00:00 -0700

If you think eating organic is good, wait until you smell it. French fragrance house L'Artisan Parfumeur has released Jatamansi, a light and summery scent. Named after the Sanskrit word for Himalayan nard (a flowering plant), the certified-organic fragrance includes grapefruit, ylang ylang, rose, cardamom and other unusual plants.

The official description of L'Eau de Jatamansi ($145) says that it smells like iced tea. In a way it does, but the scent is far more complex than a simple Lipton blend. The relaxing notes of Jatamansi evoke a leisurely summer day, so it's perfect for warm weather. I generally can't stand the taste of iced tea, but after smelling this light, clean fragrance, I may have to rethink that! To find out the only drawback about this scent, read more

Unfortunately, L'Eau de Jatamansi is so light that it doesn't last all day. I needed to refresh every three or four hours, which means the $145 bottle might not last for more than three or four months. Then again, this summery scent is best for June, July and August-so when Autumn rolls around, it'll be time for a richer, darker scent anyway.

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.

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.