BellaSugar

BellaSugar's Top Five Loose Powder Picks

BellaSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:00:07 PDT

Loose powders are a fantastic way to provide light to medium coverage on your skin without having to apply a heavy or greasy fluid foundation. They help control shine, cover blemishes, red, spots, broken capillaries and under-eye circles - all without caking. Some of my favorite new loose powders also happen to be made from minerals, which also makes them good for your skin. Below are my top five favorites. Do you have a love for one loose powder in particular?

La Bella Donna Loose Mineral Foundation ($50) is a soft mineral face powder that contains SPF 20 and doesn't clog your pores. I've been using the shade Nicoletta for the past year (plus) and love how it gives my face flawless-looking coverage.
Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder ($45) is a customized, mixture of lightweight powder created to match your skin tone. You leave the store with a large jar and a mini travel jar which both include a puff. You can also pay an additional $15 for an extra container of pressed powder. Although it's costly, I think it's worth the splurge.
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder ($10.95) is a relatively new product that has been designed for sensitive and pimple-prone skin. It's non-irritating, it blends easily and has a natural finish. It comes with a brush, and I love the security of the snap-top close.
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation ($25) is one of the smoothest blending mineral loose powders that I've ever tried. You voted it your favorite foundation of 2007 because of its silky texture, non-irritating formula and fabulous coverage.
Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 ($35) is a super-fine, oil-free loose powder that contains 15 amino acids that help achieve clear skin while providing a smooth finish. Not only do I love the tinted powder, but the translucent powder is essential for setting foundation, lipstick ... you name it.

New Product Alert: La Bella Donna Complete Brow Kit

BellaSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:00:32 PDT

Brand-new for Spring is the Complete Brow Kit ($40) from La Bella Donna. Inside of the chic, sleek silver compact you'll find two powder shadows to fill in your brows, a slick (yet totally nonsticky) pomade to help keep unruly hairs in line, and a creamy highlighter to accent the brow bone.

There are three suggested brushes to go along with the kit: the Lash and Brow Brush, Eyeliner Brush, and Angel–Brow Brush. However, these are not included and cost between $16-$18 each - so it's not as "complete" as the name would suggest. The powder shades are made from blendable minerals and are available in auburn, brunette, and blonde. I really like this kit because you can mix and match the powders to create the right shade, and the pomade is awesome.

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New Product Alert: La Bella Donna Mineral Eye Shadow in Montagna

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:01:56 PST

La Bella Donna goes green! While other brands get tons of attention for coming out with a whole new collection each season, La Bella Donna creates buzz by coming out with a single new color in their carefully created line.

This season's shade is an eco-inspired forest green eye shadow called Montagna ($19). It can be worn dry as an all over lid or crease color, or it can be used wet as a sultry eyeliner. Paired with a brown mascara, this is a wonderful way to create an earthy-looking eye.

And here's a little fun fact for you. La Bella Donna has undergone research on those who love the color green. They have found that these people are meticulous about details and are seekers of balance and harmony. Do you love green-and if so, do you fit this description?

Coming Soon: La Bella Donna Cosmic Colour Triad

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:00:04 PST

La Bella Donna is getting ready to launch an eye shadow triad called Cosmic Colour ($35). This itty bitty treat has been designed to appeal to your sexy side this holiday season. The shadows are made from minerals (as are all of this line's products), and they provide a great way to create an easy day-to-night look.

I am definitely intrigued by these color choices. While I love the pink and purple colors, which would look amazing on green eyes, I'm not so sure about the matte chartreuse shade. Does this shadow trio pique your interest at all?

TV Look-Alikes Summer and Blair: How To Get Their TRL Makeup

BellaSugar — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:00:41 PDT

Yesterday, Leighton Meester (a.k.a. Blair Waldorf from the show Gossip Girl) made an appearance on TRL looking totally cute and put together. Just over a year ago, we saw Rachel Bilson on TRL looking undeniably similar. The hair, the makeup, the black and white outfits... C'mon, are these two long-lost twins?

For product suggestions and step-by-step instructions on how to get their sweet and sassy polished makeup look,

Step 1: Face With complexions like theirs, all you really need is something to even out the skin and create a semi-matte canvas. I recommend a light mineral foundation like Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation in Light. Using a big fluffy brush, dust the powder all over your face right on top of your concealer. Concentrate on any red areas under your eyes or around your nose as well as on your t-zone.
Step 2: Cheeks For this look, a little bit of blush will go a long way. By using something like a cheek stamp, you can get high-impact results. Try Philosophy the Supernatural Airbrush Blush in Pink. Start at the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards along your cheekbones only. Finish with a touch of highlighter for that dewy effect.
Step 3: Eyes Stick mostly with neutrals and pinks for this daytime sultry eye. Shades such as Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Bellissima mixed with a little bit of Nars Single Eye Shadow in Nepal (a rose color) swept right about your lid or right under your brow bone will really warm up brown eyes. Finish with black liner and a dark brown mascara like La Bella Donna Earth Mineral Mascara.
Step 4: Lips Apply a generous amount of Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect Lip Gloss in Organza Pink for lots of shimmer and shine. No liner or lipstick is necessary-gloss is all you need. Just look at those sexy pouts!

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Matters-of-the-Heart Makeup

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:59:15 PDT

Sometimes it's all about first impressions. Just like a name can make a guy more attractive, it can also add allure to your makeup. If cosmetics are considered art, then it's correct to think that they elicit emotion. For those of you who have been tagged by Cupid's arrow, here are three products you'll be sure to fall madly in love with.

La Bella Donna Mineral Light Lip Color in Beloved ($22) is a sweet and seductive high pigment natural looking pink lipstick that contains vitamin C and sun protection. It also keep lips smooth, supple and smooch-able.

For two more matters-of-the-heart makeup products,

read more MAC LIpstick in Cherish ($14) is a soft muted peachy-beige satin lipstick that feels super-creamy on your lips. It looks best with a neutral lip liner and dab of silvery gloss right in the center of your lower lip.
Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Be Mine ($17.50) is an intense, yet lightweight eye shadow duo containing taupe and a light pink shade.

New Product Alert: La Bella Donna Dark Earth Mineral Mascara

BellaSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 09:00:34 PDT

Calling all fair-skinned, environmentally friendly Bella Donnas! The cosmetics company La Bella Donna has just come out with a fabulous new Dark Earth Mineral Mascara ($22).

Not only is it a warmer shade than black (which often is too severe on those with fair skin), but the rich, deep brown color is to die for! It's made from eco-friendly mineral pigments that have been formulated with tubular polymers and Ceramide 2 to volumize, lift, condition, lengthen and curl.

Also, due to the natural brown shade, it can double as a brow enhancer. Simply lay the brush off to the side and stroke outwards to enhance, fill and set your brows. Want to see how this technique looks? Come back in about an hour-I've got a special treat for you!

How To: Get Jessica Alba's Look at the Teen Choice Awards

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:00:30 PDT

Jessica Alba decided to go with a minimalist makeup look for the 2007 Teen Choice Awards last night. And with skin like that and a gorgeous glow, who could blame her? The key to her look is a flawless face.

If you notice, she's barely wearing any makeup. I detect a lined upper lash, some bronzer, blush, lipstick and definitely mascara. Besides that, she either has great genes or some secret camouflaging techniques.

To find out my best guess at Jessica's perfect-looking makeup products,

Primer: Since Jessica's pores are clear and she's got no unwanted shine to her skin, it leads me to believe that's she's wearing a mattifying primer. These products are great and they are easy to use. Before applying any makeup, use a small amount of something like Lola Refine Shine Anti-Shine Gel to fight greasy sweat and sebum. Wait a minute for it to absorb and then begin with your concealer.
Face: Jessica's look is very natural. She is wearing a light concealer like DuWop Surface Concealer in Shell mostly just to brighten up the area under and around her eyes. She is also wearing a lightweight concealer such as Giorgio Armani Matte Silk Foundation in Natural Beige followed by a light dusting of Giorgio Armani Sheer Powder in shade 3 to set her skin.
Cheeks: Jessica has a super-tan look. To get it, apply a powder bronzer such as Beauty Addicts HydraSUNRays Bronzer to your temple area, the sides of your cheeks, on the underside of your cheekbone and dust it lightly over your chin. Then add a pinky-apricot shimmer blush along your cheekbones for warmth.
Eyes: Since her skin is the focal point of this look, her eyes are definitely downplayed. You can sweep a suede-colored shadow from lid to lash line and highlight under your brow bone with a touch of off white-or you can leave it alone altogether. However, lining your lashes is a must. Jessica's upper lashes are lined only from the middle to the outer corners to create an eye-opening effect. For this look, you can use a liquid, cream, powder, felt-tip or pencil eyeliner - whatever you like best. Lastly, curl your lashes and apply two coats of black mascara to your upper lashes and one coat to your lower lashes.
Brows: For this look, a groomed brow is essential. Jessica appears to be free of brow gels or heavy color. I would just fill them in with a little bit of Bourjois Precision Eyebrow Pencil and then brush them back into place.
Lips: I love how easy Jessica's lips look. There are no traces of lip liner or even of gloss, just some nude, ultra-creamy lipstick. Try this shade of La Bella Donna Mineral Lipstick in Beloved to mimic her look!

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Pink Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

BellaSugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:00:00 PDT

Two things that women seem to adore are diamonds and lip gloss! These pink diamond shades are perfect for all seasons. They are sheer, sparkly, seductive and they make you feel like a million bucks. So add some more snazz to your smile and wear a coat of pink diamond lip gloss alone or over any of your favorite lipsticks!

La Bella Donna Pink Diamond Shimmer Lip Sheer ($22) is a soft, sweet smelling and smooth feeling mineral lip gloss. It has a universally flattering light feminine sheen and adds a hint of shimmer to any lip look.

Too Faced Diamond Gloss in Pink Diamonds ($14) is a juicy, sheer lip gloss that contains jojoba, vitamin A and violet extract to nourish and moisturize lips. The color lasts long and the formula is ultra shimmery to help create a gorgeous and glamorous look.

For two more pink diamond lip glosses,

read more Mary Kay Signature® NouriShine Lip Gloss in Pink Diamonds ($13) is a lightweight lip gloss that softens, smooths and isn't sticky! About 80% of the formula has conditioners so that your lips always feel soft, and the color is fantastic; it's sheer and full of sparkle!
Ah, and we mustn't forget the new Besame Cosmetics Pink Diamond Lip Glaze ($23) that was posted yesterday. This gloss is nothing short of amazing! It has a rich and creamy formula, it is enhanced with apricot seed, macadamia, collagen, sweet almond, Vitamins A, C, and E and jojoba oils to create a shiny, moisturized lip and it's also got that yummy vanilla scent and taste-so go on, lick your lips!

Trend Alert: Natural Makeup and Glowing Skin

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:30:03 PDT

Summertime means increased humidity and low-maintenance makeup. So it's no surprise that so many celebrities were stepping out this week wearing very natural, dewy looks. First, there was Jessica Biel at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards, then Kate Bosworth glowed at the Whitney art benefit, and Helena Christensen showed up at Cartier's LoveCharity event looking shiny and new.

It's easy to get the look using multi-purpose face highlighters. Here are a couple of my favorite products to help create a dewy glow.

Candlelight Cream Colour by La Bella Donna ($65) is an all-over face gloss that creates a beautiful illuminating look. You can apply it on your eyes, cheeks, lips, or decolletage for a little bit of sexy glimmer.

For one more multi-purpose highlighter,

read more Birds of Paradise Gloss by Becca ($26) is an iridescent cream that gives your skin a dewy hint of sheen. It is fragrance-free and non-sticky, so it feels virtually weightless on your skin.
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