BellaSugar

What We're Sweet On: Great Lip Stuff, Weird Names

Miriam Lacey — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:05:00 PST

Nobody would ever really be keen on the idea of putting blood or tears on our lips, so Rain Cosmetics is really lucky that its new lip stain, Blood ($12), and gloss, Tears ($12), are so superlatively great. Blood is a deep pink gel-based stain that's like a thicker, less-red Benetint. The lasting power is excellent when applied on the lips, but it works well on cheeks, too - even though it's not strictly for use as rouge. And thanks to the gel texture, the product spreads on wonderfully, allowing you plenty of time to blend away splotches.

Tears, the less eccentrically named of the two, is perfect if you're tired of supershiny, goopy gloss that makes you look like you just freshened up your makeup before eighth grade science class. Tears isn't sticky, the shine is so subtle that it almost looks more like balm, and it goes over stain or lipstick beautifully. So don't judge a gloss by its slightly creepy packaging; this stuff is much better than your average bodily fluid.

What We're Sweet On: The Anti-Junior High Roll-On Gloss

Jaime Richards — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:04:00 PST

Back in the junior high days in gym lockers across the country, 'tween girls could be found dousing their hair in Rave hair spray and gobbing their lips up with sugary-sweet, ultrasticky roll-on lip gloss. Well, times have changed. Rave is still making its hair spray, but the lip gloss look is a bit less cloying in taste and blinding in appearance. Enter: The Body Shop's new 100% Natural Lip Roll-On in Rose ($6). Although a liquid formula, it glides on somewhat like a light balm and traditional gloss in one. Lips are left softened and moisturized, without a tacky or waxy feel; grown-ups will love how its finish is more silky than slick. So roll with it: this lip-enhancing sheen is also available in orange, mint, berry, and coconut.

What We're Sweet On: Larger Than Life Lip Gloss

Jaime Richards — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:05:00 PDT

Flirt Cosmetics' Big Flirt lip gloss ($16) is not for those who like a light-on-color, light-on-texture gloss. Not only is the tube, wand, and applicator much larger than your average gloss, but the shine factor is off the charts as well. But this isn't the superslick, full-on wet look that dominated red carpets, magazines, and just about everywhere else circa 2000.

Instead, it's all about a lustrous finish. (No chunky glitter particles here!) And because it's so rich, it lasts forever, with the wand dispensing just the right amount of product and sheer color. For a flattering option that will have you receiving compliments just as colossal as the product itself, try Coral Me Fabulous.

What We're Sweet On: Hot Pink (but Not Too Hot) Lip Gloss

Jaime Richards — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 08:12:19 PDT

Back in August, Ciaté's Ibiza lip gloss ($14) was included as a free gift with the purchase of a Marie Claire UK magazine, and ever since then I've been hooked on the pink shade. But what makes this hue perfect is that it's neither too pink nor too hot (as in bold).

Instead, it's a gorgeous raspberry that has plenty of pigment without being too over the top. This is one serious product; it's shinier, thicker, and more intensely colored than your average lip gloss. Plus, it's the perfect choice for keeping that post-warm-weather glow going. Just add a bronzer, rose-toned blush and shadow, and a warm brown eyeliner for a sun-kissed effect.

What We're Sweet On: Lips Like Candy (Corn)

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:15:00 PDT

For all our fellow candy corn fanatics - and just in time for Halloween - comes a supersweet treat for your lips: Philosophy's I Love Candy Corn Lip Shine ($10). Joining the brand's line of Fall-flavored lip glosses like Caramel Apple, Sparkling Cranberry, and Cinnamon Buns, the sugary, sheer gloss is a must have for those with a sweet tooth.

Besides the spot-on candy corn flavor, the gloss contains a rich, natural emollient formula containing vitamin E and beeswax to soothe and soften your lips. The consistency is thick enough to hydrate without being overly goopy (because the last thing you want come Fall's windy days is hair sticking to your lips).

Purple Lip Gloss Is Fashionable, But Is It Wearable, Too?

Miriam Lacey — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 07:01:33 PDT

Rich purple is one of this season's hottest shades, and you'll find it all over nail polishes, eye shadows, and handbags. But what about on lips? In their new collections, MAC, Illamasqua, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others, have launched lip colors that run the gamut from aubergine to lilac and magenta. Plum lipstick is a perennial favorite, but traditionally other shades of purple haven't gotten much play.

I tried wearing Nyx Brush On Gloss in Golden Mauve ($6) and liked the color; although, I didn't find other people as responsive. Would you give grape-hued gloss or lipstick a chance, or is this color, like black lipstick before it, likely to remain popular on the runway and not-so-hot in real life?

5 Ways to Wear Bold and Bright Lip Colors For Spring

Jaime Richards — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:10:17 PDT

Bold, bright lip colors are staples for warmer-weathered seasons, and best of all, they're easy to wear. From hot pink to sparkling red, here are a few ways you can play up one of this season's hottest trends.

From Cheesy to Classy: 10 Royal Wedding-Inspired Beauty Goods

Jaime Richards — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:00:00 PDT

The nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton are still over a month away, but there's no shortage of royal wedding merchandise and memorabilia to get you ready for their big day. From Kate Middleton-inspired nail polish and engagement nail decals to a fragrance formulated just for the imperial pair, check out some of the regalia manufacturers have to offer.

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5 Fun Ways to Get Into the Mardi Gras Spirit

Jaime Richards — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 PST

Mardi Gras is one of the few times of the year where excess reigns supreme. Besides Halloween, there's never a more perfect time than now to show off your adventurous spirit. From some beautifully tame options to some wilder, glimmery finds, here are five ways you can get your Mardi Gras on right now:

With a royal purple eye shadow: The best part about Paula Dorf's Eye Color in Mardi Gras ($20) is that its flattering plum color will also look gorgeous the other 364 days of the year.
With some flashy lashes: They're a bit kitschy, but once these metallic Mardi Gras false lashes ($13) hit your eyes, it'll feel so good.
With sequined masks: Nothing screams Mardi Gras quite like a mask of green, gold, and purple, and these cat-eye masks ($3) fit the bill nicely.
With a pleasing perfume holder: Dale Tiffany's swirly Mardi Gras perfume bottle ($63) is not just pretty to look at, but it would make an excellent gift/temporary booze container, too.
With the a trifecta of New Orleans-inspired makeup: Bare Escentuals' Leslie Blodgett was inspired to create BareMinerals Where It's at: The Royal Treatment ($28) after visiting the Big Easy. The three-piece makeup kit comes with: King Eye Color, a peachy sheen; Crown Eye Color, a deep sea teal; and Lip Gloss in Beignet, and opal peach.

Cheap Thrills: Metallic Fire-Engine Red Lip Color For $7

Miriam Lacey — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:00:00 PST

If you're looking for statement-making Valentine's Day lipstick that's still wearable (unlike these looks), may I suggest Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil in Hot Flash ($7)? It's a primary red that should work on most skin tones, and because of its texture, it looks like you used several products when you actually just swiped on one. There's more to say about it, so to see a picture of the color on and to get my full review, just keep reading.