BellaSugar

Doing Drugstore: Revlon Universal Points Sharpener

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:15 -0700

Some were just too ill equipped for the job - like the one that was too small. Others were just dull and made an unnecessary mess. Then, there was the poor one that suffered "accidental death by stiletto" during one particular mad morning gotta get to work rush. The latest victim pulled a Houdini, and I'm still trying to figure that one out.

I'm referring to pencil sharpeners, of course. (Wasn't it obvious?) As I sit here contemplating the many cosmetic pencil sharpeners that have come and gone in my days, from one apartment move to the next, and one vanity set to another, I think I have found a new love.

When it comes to sharpeners, Revlon's Universal Points Sharpener ($3.49) is right on - it fits all the pencils, both chunky and skinny. It produces a precise cut, which after all is the whole, uh, point. Shavings and gunky pencil contents? Not a problem, as it comes with a detachable cover for easy clean up. If only it could withstand the crush of a high-heeled woman - now that would be a sharp improvement.

BellaSugar's Guide To Makeup Sharpeners

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:02:42 -0700

I hope that you've all enjoyed this mini-series on make up sharpeners. Although tools of the trade aren't as exciting as new colors or collections, these little gadgets are what helps make makeup application and beautiful. Check out my four-post list of makeup sharpeners that have been created to fit the range of jumbo to standard eye, lip, brow, and cheek pencils on the market. Enjoy!

Tools of the Trade, Part III: Estee Lauder Triple Chambered Pencil Sharpener

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:39:13 -0700

We've now seen some really cool dual makeup pencil sharpeners in square and round shapes, but this sharpener is a cut above the rest! Estee Lauder recently created this Triple Chamber Pencil Sharpener ($5) to fit any and all sizes of makeup pencils.

It's got all the features of the products we love and more. It comes with a lid to contain debris, it's super-sharp so a few twists are all you need for a perfect point, it comes with a tool to facilitate cleaning those hard-to-reach shavings, and it's inexpensive. If only you could find this kind of perfection in a life partner!

Tools of the Trade, Part II: Square Dual Pencil Sharpeners

BellaSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:25:36 -0700

Welcome back to my series on dual chambered makeup pencil sharpeners. Yesterday we looked conical shaped sharpeners, and today we are checking out some of the new square shaped sharpeners on the market. These sharpeners are great for the wide assortment of standard and thick makeup pencils. They also contain caps so that your shaving activities are pleasant and mess-free!

This Nars Pencil Sharpener ($6) is both sleek looking and affordable. This is one tool of the trade worth investing in. It also contains a removable adapter so that you can customize it to fit any size pencil. It includes a blade cleaner and a cool black attached cover.

To see more square dual makeup sharpeners, read more

Benefit Cosmetics Dual Sharpener ($4) is even less expensive than the Nars one! It's got two chambers to fit all sizes of pencil to let you get your point across clearly and with ease!

Most affordable of all is Sephora Professional Dual Pencil Sharpener ($3), which comes with a snap-on cap that flips up to store shavings. It fits any size pencil, it's great for travel and it creates a super-fine point for any and all makeup pencils.

Tools of the Trade, Part I: Conical Dual Pencil Sharpeners

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:38:20 -0700

Here's a market I've bet you've never tapped into: dual makeup pencil sharpeners. There are tons of 'em out there! In fact, I was astonished to see different shapes, sizes and prices on these basic little gadgets. My first introduction to a unique sharpener was when I read about DuWop's Beauty Blade, a self-cleaning sharpener that has a little flap on top to contain shavings.

Since then, I've come across more of these dual-chambered, conical shaped sharpeners that accommodate both traditional-sized pencils and chunky ones. Stay tuned for more dual-chambered makeup pencil sharpeners this week. To check out more posts on tools of the trade, click here.

Becca Pencil Sharpener ($10) is a sleek chocolate brown dual-ended makeup pencil sharpener made for skinny and fat pencils. It's a cool updated version of the old-style sharpener, with a central barrel where shavings can be neatly captured!

For one more conical dual makeup sharpener, read more

Japonesque Dual Pencil Sharpener ($6) is mess free! It is designed to fit both traditional and chubby makeup pencils. It has sturdy and unique construction with an interlocking chamber that neatly stores shavings.

Bellissima! DuWop's Beauty Blade

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 08:00:35 -0700

To look great, you've got to have the right tools of the trade. Consider the latest creation from DuWop, the Beauty Blade ($11).

Not only does this chic-looking sharpener help create cutting-edge eye and lip lines, but it's also the world's first sharpener with anti-bacterial polymers built into the hardware. That means this gadget cleans itself! It also means that your eyes are protected against unwanted germs and bacteria. After each twist of your wrist, your pencil is more sanitary than ever.

The sharpener fits classic thin pencils as well as the new chunky pencils. It also has a flip-tip Lucite hatch that covers the blade and helps contain your shavings. Nice and neat - how sweet!

How to Wear Glittery Liner in a Classy Way

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:04:03 -0700

Who ever said that glittery makeup is only reserved for the middle-school crowd? At last night's New York premiere of Amelia, it definitely wasn't Hilary Swank. Wearing an unexpected silvery-blue shadow on both her upper and lower lash lines to coordinate with her steely blue-green gown, Hilary proves that sparkling, shimmery finishes don't have to look cheesy. In fact, the cool-based shade complements her brown eyes nicely. While the general rule of thumb is to pair a bold eye with a subdued lip, I'm all for breaking rules, but when glitter is involved, less is better. To find out some of my tips for wearing glittery liner when you read more.

These Glosses Give You the Thrill(er) of the Chase

BellaSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:00:11 -0700

Here's a new weapon for your beauty arsenal - Poppy King's pencils packing punchy hues for her Lipstick Queen collection. The Chinatown line was inspired both by the NYC neighborhood housing their offices and the Roman Polanski mystery of the same name.

Instead of a standard tube or pot, they're thick pencils ($20 each) with draw-on gloss. Choose your own fighting words - from left to right: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Genre, and Chase - and use the included sharpener to keep things on point. Each offers a super-sheer shade (with moisturizing vitamin E, shea butter, and more) when you color within the lines. No matter what town you're in, pack this pretty ammunition in your makeup bag . . . even if the only crime you're battling is chapped, colorless lips!

Battle of the Drugstore Eyeliners: Almay Vs. Revlon's ColorStay

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:00:22 -0800

Faced with similar products and similar promises, what's a bargain hunter to do? For the sake of comparing apples to apples (instead of a splurge with a steal), I picked up both the Almay and Revlon long-wear eye liners each promising to last 16 hours. I planned a couple days to test these out but, at the end, I'm still undecided. Since everyone has different expectations with makeup, I noted key points about each. To hear my thoughts, read more.

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner ($7.50)

Product: Black retractable pencil with a sharpener in the base.
At application: Flatter, fatter point (even at its sharpest) that glided on well but smudged easily.
By bedtime: A bit smudged but still very visible.

Almay Eye Liner ($7.50)

Product: Black retractable pencil with a sharpener in the base
At application: Smaller point required a steadier hand but allowed to get a smaller line super close to the lash line.
By bedtime: Less smudged, but also less visible.

My conclusion – If you're going for a smoky eye, I think the Revlon gives a more dramatic smudgeworthy appearance but for day-to-day simple lines, Almay may be the better bet for you.

Oh Dear! Another Sugar Girl Beauty Interview

BellaSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:00:42 -0700

So I'll let you in on a little secret. I'm the beauty-obsessed one here, but DearSugar often shows me up. Her long hair always looks perfect, and she can do a smoky eye like a professional makeup artist. To find out how she gets her everyday-glam look, read on.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Diorshow mascara in black, MAC tinted moisturizer, and Chanel black eyeliner pencil.

What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
I never wash my hair or wear makeup on Fridays so I feel extra pretty on Friday night when I get all dolled up.

For the rest of the interview, read more.

What’s your go-to lip product?
Chanel lip gloss in Syrup and my new favorite NARS lip pencil in Bettina.

What is your morning beauty routine?
Low-key! Moisturize, tinted moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss.

What’s your signature fragrance?
An oil called Faith from Madison LA.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
To wash your face before you go to bed - and I do it every night without fail!

And the worst advice?
No one told me when I was younger to wear sunscreen. My dad is very dark-skinned and has never worn it before in his life, so they never forced me to either since we have similar skin.

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
Always keep your eyeliner sharpened, not to a point, but if it’s in need of a sharpen, it will smear all over your eyes. Not a good look!

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
Aquaphor

When do you feel the most beautiful?
In the morning while on vacation anywhere tropical. Being sun-kissed and relaxed makes me feel beautiful.