BellaSugar

New Product Alert: MAC Matte² Eye Shadow Collection

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:01:13 -0700

Just when you think shimmering makeup is the be-all and end-all of makeup, here comes MAC with a completely different concept. Its new eye shadow collection, Matte², proves it's hip to be squared. (Oh, you know I love the puns.)

As you'd guess from the name, Matte² is a powder shadow with a matte finish. If you enjoy highly pigmented colors, it'll be a good fit for you-the 16 shades are intense. I haven't tried any of these shadows yet, but I'm curious to see how they work. My girl Temptalia has helpfully put some swatches on her skin so you can see how they look. The bold colors are a little too much for me, but the lighter ones, like Pen 'N' Pink, look beautiful! Matte² is available online and in stores now, so if you're not a fan of the shimmer, go forth and shop.

Goodbye, Old Friend: MAC Sundressing

BellaSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:00:57 -0700

Don't you hate it when one of your favorite products gets discontinued? Obviously, it's not feasible to buy three of everything you love just in case there is an unexpected halt in production. But I will say, if you think you can't live without something, stock up!

I am sure by now you have heard of MAC Sundressing. It's an unbelievable tanning cream with a mousse-like texture that glides on as weightless and as airy as it dispenses. It's intended for your body, but I love it on my face too. So far, it hasn't made my sensitive skin break out. Also, it never ever leaves me looking the least bit orange or unnaturally peach.

When I wear it, I feel great. The color is so perfect that all I need is a little pop of pink blush, and I swear I see Brigitte Bardot looking back at me in the mirror! It comes in four shades and washes off easily with soap and water. When the limited-edition product was sold at MAC, it cost $22, but I see it selling here on the "grey market" for $28.99!

This leads me to a question I've been wanting to ask you for some time now: What are some of your favorite sites for finding discontinued products?

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New Product Alert: MAC Painterly Collection

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 09:00:59 -0700

Okay, so I know I sound like I've reverted to sixth-grade Bella, but seriously, you guys: This is so cool. MAC has just released a line of new eye shadows called Paint Pots. The highly pigmented shadows go on creamy, but dry to a vibrant matte or pearlized finish. You'll need a makeup brush to apply it, but with these colors, I think it's worth it!

MAC has also introduced Technakohl (yuk yuk), a mechanical pencil liner, and I'm completely crazy about these Featherette lashes. Practical? No. Fabulously fantastical? Absolutely!

Easy-To-Use Eye Shadow Sticks, Part I

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:00:08 -0700

Judging from what I've seen so far, these eye shadow sticks are going to be all over the place next season. Not only are they easy to use, but they are mess-free and you don't need a brush to apply them-which makes them great for the gal on the go. Here is the first post of a two-part series on eyeliner sticks, I dig this new invention (then again, I appreciate anything that doesn't cause a mess). How do you feel about it?

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place ShadowStick ($17.50) are part of the Estee Lauder Fall 2007 Collection (more to come on this line later)! These shadows last up to eight hours and come in four shades of pale pinks, grey and silver to add shimmer and depth to your eyes.

Their claim to fame is that they set on your skin in just 15 seconds and won't crease or smudge... haven't we heard this time and time again? I say, let's put these products to the test. Who's in?

For two more easy-to-use eye shadow sticks, read more

MAC Shadestick ($16.50) is a cream eye shadow packed in the form of a stick. The color is rich, bright and shiny. It can be worn either as a shadow or a liner, and it's available in fifteen colors.

Stila Eyeshadow Stick ($16) is a concentrated version of Stila's awards winning pan eye shadows. Unfortunately, this product is discontinued, but there is plenty of inventory still left online, so if you are interested, stock up now!

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User Review: Trendyindc on MAC Prep & Prime

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:01:20 -0700

When I posted about MAC Prep & Prime, I hadn't yet tried it out. I still haven't, but after reading Trendyindc's review, I know what's next on my shopping list. Her user review makes it nearly impossible to keep from rushing out to buy it this minute. Here's her review:

As with most MAC products, you can tell the difference right away. I only had to use two tiny dabs to cover my face and got great coverage. I love that it is all one easy step (moisturizer and SPF) plus the oil control that doesn't interfere with my foundation.

I'm on my second day of using it, and for someone who lives in a humid climate, with oily skin, I now can go the whole work day without worrying about major ruboff and turning into a puddle. Great product, and I have a feeling the tube will last me through the summer!

Sounds good, yes? I want to hear about which products you love and don't love. Write your own reviews in the Beauty Product Junkies group, and I might post yours on BellaSugar too.

Live Chat with Eve and her Makeup Artist!

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:10:34 -0700

Clear your schedule for this afternoon, because MAC is hosting a chat with Viva Glam spokeswoman Eve and her makeup artist, JJ. JJ's the makeup genius who used MAC's C-Shock collection on Eve in her video for "Tambourine." MAC's site provides a listing of the products used on Eve, so this is your chance to ask JJ exactly how she worked her magic! The chat is happening between 5–6pm EST, but it opens up for questions at 4:30pm. Head to MAC to "talk" with Eve and JJ, and let me know if you've played around with any of the C-Shock colors!

The Best Red Lipsticks

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 13:30:24 -0800

The ultimate pin-up girl has gone mainstream, and red lips are red-hotter than ever before. All of the young Hollywood celebs, including Lindsay Lohan and Christina Aguilera are wearing these very adult lips, but to get the look, you'll need good materials. (Tune in later today to learn how to find and apply the right color for you.) Here are some of my favorite red lipsticks.

Clinique Different Lipstick in Angel Red is amazing. It deliciously smooth and comfortable with medium coverage that won't stain your lips. (Fun fact: Nicole Kidman actually wore this shade in the movie Moulin Rouge.) Buy it here for $14.

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Ruby Woo has been reviewed on countless blogs as hands-down the best vivid bluish-red lipstick on the market. It stays on forever and won't feather or cake. Runner up to Ruby Woo is Russian Red, an intense matte bluish red that was specifically designed for Madonna. Buy them here for $14.

To see the rest, read more

Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick in Red N°5 is an East Coast cult classic. It's got a satiny, creamy feel and moderate coverage that will last a long time without needing to re-apply. Buy it here for $24.50.

Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below is a darker, semi-matte blood-red color. It's a rich and creamy deep shade that will add a dramatic flair to your look. Also popular is a bluish-red hue in Scarlet Empress. Buy them here for $23.

Armani Cosmetics Matte Silk Lipstick No. 9has a velvety finish and is very luxurious to wear. This color is a powerful bright and fruity red with a highly pigmented, long-lasting coverage. It is recommended that you apply this lipstick with a lip brush. Buy it here for $25.

How to Spot Fake Cosmetics

BellaSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:12:07 -0800

Since many of you had questions after my first post about counterfeit cosmetics, I created a guide to spotting the fakes. Although you can find some good deals on eBay, fake goods are extremely prevalent. Watch out for phony MAC, Nars, and Bobbi Brown - although a few other brands pop up as well. Use this guide to protect yourself from bogus beauty, and be prepared to laugh and cringe while you browse through these fakes.

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Beauty Byte: Paulina Rubio and M.A.C. Strike Gold

BellaSugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 11:25:44 -0800

Paulina Rubio a.k.a. "la chica dorada," or "the golden girl," is a gorgeous, latina multi-platinum international pop star.

She and M.A.C. Cosmetics have joined forces to create a brand new lipstick together called, Rubia.

The lip color is a golden, bright, metallic matte shade that glides on ultra smooth. It is targeted to be available in stores and online on Tuesday, March 20th. Paulina plans to make a guest appearance at the LA based M.A.C store on Robertson Blvd - if you are in the area, check it out!

To find out what Paulina has to say about her newest cosmetic venture, read more

Paulina said,

"I love wearing make-up and use MAC products on stage and off, it's suitable for all occasions. I was thrilled when M.A.C approached me to create a new shade of lipstick and I instantly thought it should be a bold, vibrant matte lipstick that will look sexy on all women."

To read the rest of my Beauty Bytes click here.

BellaSugar's Top Five Sex Kitten Lip Glosses

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:40 -0700

Below are my top five favorite lip gloss options for sultry, sex-kitten lips. These pale pinks and peaches (sans shimmer, glitter or any kind of opalescence for that matter) cool down the natural flesh tone of your lips to an icy finish and look the hottest when paired with a smoky eye. Which of your lip glosses makes you feel the sexiest?

Scott Barnes Flossy Glossy in Meow ($22) is a peachy-pinky gloss that has a little bit of a chalky effect without the matte finish. It blends easily and looks amazing alone or over a nude lipstick.
MAC Lip Glass in Underage ($14) is a soft, pale-pink, high-shine lip gloss. Rumor has it that it's also Carmen Electra's fave (talk about a sex kitten personified)!

For two other glosses to make you purr, read more.

Nars Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight ($24) is a creamy, cheeky pink that imparts semisheer color and a high-shine finish.
Flirt! Cosmetics Plushious Lip Gloss in Nude Kiss ($10) is the ultimate nearly sheer peach gloss. It feels light on your lips, has a sweet, subtle scent and leaves lips looking bright and without feeling too tacky.
Benefit Her Glossiness in Didn't Hear It From Me ($16) is a wear-anywhere nude that leaves lips looking shiny and sexy and feeling moisturized and soft.