BellaSugar

Alicia Silverstone Is Launching Eco Bags and Brushes

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:00:25 -0700

Alicia Silverstone has long been an environmental activist, working to support PETA, and a vegan lifestyle. (Her new book, The Kind Diet, which focuses on veganism, hits stores in a couple of months.) Now, the actress is slated to launch an eco-friendly line of makeup brushes and bags for EcoTools this December. The collection features designs of lavender, thyme, rose, and chrysanthemum - all favorites of Alicia's. The bags are made with natural hemp and recycled linings. "I only wanted to do something that hadn’t been done before. This is a conscious product line that is good for the planet," she told WWD. "Unless you need it, it’s just stuff," she added. Along with a five-piece brush set and bag ($16), Alicia's beauty tools, which will be sold in drugstores, will also feature a cosmetic bag ($9); a cosmetics brush bag ($13); a train case ($15); and an overnight bag ($20).

Nordstrom Lets You Visit Toledo

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:01:49 -0700

Ruben Toledo is an illustrator and painter whose work appears in style magazines and art museums alike. He's also one of the fashion world's most celebrated artists (and not just because his wife, Isabel Toledo, is one of Michelle Obama's favorite designers), counting Nordstrom as one of his clients. Last year, he created murals for a set used in the store's advertising; this year, he's bringing his work one step closer to shoppers with this makeup bag.

The bag is a gift with purchase when you spend $100 in Nordstrom's beauty department, while supplies last. Inside are 13 samples from brands ranging from Kate Somerville to Bare Escentuals. I'm normally lukewarm on the whole GWP thing, but as a fan of Toledo's work, I can't help but think this is kinda cool.

Members Only Launches Makeup Bag Collection

BellaSugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:00:16 -0800

I have a soft spot for Members Only. Back in the day, I rocked the Midwest in my khaki Members Only jacket. In recent times, my nostalgic nature got the best of me, and I strolled on over to eBay to purchase a larger version of the jacket to fit my adult body. I still love it, and wear it often. And now, the iconic brand, who recently launched a denim collection is now coming out with a line of brightly colored accessories, including some fun beauty bags ($28). The bags, just out now, include Turquoise, Fuchsia, Black Mock Crocodile, Metallic Snake, and Leopard Patent. There's no denying the '80s throwback style. Just add Journey and you're all set.

Love It or Hate It? Candy Wrapper Makeup Bag

BellaSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:00:08 -0800

This Nahui Ollin makeup bag ($45) reminds me of a funky, low-fi cousin of the famed Bottega Veneta woven bags. But this one is made of Tootsie Roll wrappers. It's an unusual idea for storage, but do you think it's unusual and cool?

Sunny, Cheery Makeup Bags to Brighten the Winter

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Winter is a lot of fun - at first. But after a month or two, the gray skies and slush tend to bring a girl down. One easy pick-me-up? Surround yourself with cheery colors that will provide a burst of sunshine even if it's cloudy outside. Since the color of 2009 fits the bill, it's a great place to start. I rounded up a few bright and happy makeup bags to help you kick off the new year. And as a bonus, they'll pop in the cavernous depths of your handbag - no more rummaging around to find what you're looking for.

Benefit Cosmetics Lana Makeup Bag - $38.00	Rebecca Minkoff papaya patent 'Kiss & Makeup' cosmetics case - $75.00
Floral Print Toiletry Bag - $20.00	Large Cosmetic Case - $30.00
Flowie Sweet Candy Makeup Bag - Orange - $26.00	Burt's Bees Shimmer Clutch - $12.74
M·A·C 'Monogram' Clutch - $65.00	Mini Take Charge Case in Gold - $10.00
Shih by Stephanie Lin yellow patent 'Diego Toto' makeup bag - $66.00

Wrap Your Cosmetics in a Faux Kimono

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:00:40 -0700

Traditional Japanese patterns are so beautiful, especially when they're part of kimono and yukata garments. For instance, this maiko (an apprentice geisha) is wearing a vibrant kimono with an obi - and though they don't strictly match, they go together wonderfully.

Inspired by these patterns, I've found a few makeup bags adorned with plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and other Japanese flora. Just load yours up with some Shiseido, and you'll be halfway to Japan (figuratively, at least) before you know it.

Beauty Marked! Marvelous Makeup Bags

BellaSugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:59:46 -0700

Last week's Beauty Mark It challenge asked you to find cute and cool makeup bags. Boy, did you ever! Tdamji pointed out this punky, graffiti-inspired bag, which also happens to be a free-trade product. I also love this blue and brown tote that Kallek1116 unearthed. For something with retro appeal, look at Samida18's find, a Marilyn Monroe bag. To see everyone's suggestions, browse through the widget below!

Beauty Mark It! Marvelous Makeup Bags

BellaSugar — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:28:46 -0700

Having a compact makeup bag is important for any beauty maven. When you have limited space, you'll pack only the essentials. And of course, it's always nice when you have a cute container for your stuff! I like this mini makeup bag ($10), which is small enough to toss in a purse.

For this week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I thought it would be fun to share our favorite makeup bags. From little ones to larger toiletry cases, there are literally hundreds of choices out there! Tell me which ones you like by Beauty Marking your favorites and tagging your choices with the phrase "makeup bag." I'll feature the readers' favorites on BellaSugar next Tuesday, August 21.

To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Saks Beauty Place
Victoria's Secret Beauty
Sephora
Drugstore.com
Fred Segal Beauty
Folica
Strawberrynet.com
Nordstrom
Bergdorf Goodman
Beauty.com

Must-Have of The Moment: Louis Vuitton Vanity GM

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:01:54 -0700

I am totally kvelling over this incredible travel case! Louis Vuitton has remodeled its classic vanity, the Trouville, and the result is the Vanity GM ($1,800). This gorgeous patent leather piece has a zippered closure, three inside pockets, an inside strap to secure bottles, a four-facet mirror and is embossed with monochromatic LV monograms throughout.

The deep square box measures 11.2" x 7.3" x 7.1", and it is available in two colors: Amarante (aubergine with gold flecks, shown) and Pomme D'Amour (red). It was supposed to debut on July 1st, but it is not yet in stores or online. I suggest placing a pre-order for this item if you have any interest whatsoever. When I spoke with an LV rep, she mentioned there is already a waiting list for this pricey piece. Sheesh, talk about the power of buzz!

Coming Soon: Metallic Makeup Bags from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

BellaSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 05:00:42 -0700

We just can't get away from metallics (not that I'm complaining). First we thought it was just a spring trend, but then it carried through to summer and now we see it again for fall. So if you are going to tote around a metallic handbag, why not carry a metallic makeup case as well? Here's a peek at three great ones from Nordstrom's Anniversary Pre-Sale Event. And don't forget to check out my first beauty pick from the pre-sale here.

This Shu Uemura Silver Cosmetics Bag ($65) is a chic and compact zippered pouch packed with the company's best-selling eyelash curler (which is reason enough to buy this set), and three full-sized products including a black mascara, a red lipstick and a silvery-taupe powder eye shadow.

For three more metallic makeup bags from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, read more

The Laura Mercier Nordstrom Anniversary Set ($65) includes a shimmery crème brulee soufflé body crème, a plumping lip gloss in latte, a mini coral red quad face powder and a mini finishing makeup brush-all of which come in a deep bronze metallic cosmetic bag. What a deal!

Smashbox After Party Beauty and Brush Kits ($38, or $58) come inside a gorgeous and soft ultra suede and leatherette metallic makeup case. It has three different compartments (the center has a zipper closure and the sides have a snap closure). I've been using mine for a week now and I love it!