BellaSugar

What We're Sweet On: A Highlighting Concealer With a Satiny Finish

Jaime Richards — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:30:00 PST

The problem with many concealer-highlighter hybrids is that one seems to overpower the other. But with Maybelline's new Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer ($8), the pairing is more complementary than competitive. The gel-based formula glides on like a light concealer, but still provides a medium-range coverage. And instead of an ultraflat appearance products of this sort often leave behind, it has just a touch of luminosity for a subtly satiny finish. Each shade intonation has a lot of leeway as well, so you're not looking too ashy or too orange - as long as you stay within a level or two of your skin tone. So lighten up, sans the chalky, ghostly effects. Available in: Ivory, Radiant, Buff, Nude, Beige, and Honey.

5 Reasons to Be a Fan of the Fan Brush

Jaime Richards — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:52:00 PST

A fan brush is one of the most practical makeup tool essentials around. It's often used to apply a setting powder for a soft-focus, weightless kind of finish. But that's not the only reason this multitasking makeup brush is so great. Click on any of the products above for more information, and to see five other reasons you might want to become a fan of the fan brush, just keep reading.

Keep It Real With These Back-to-Basics Beauty Gifts

Jaime Richards — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:00:17 PST

When you care enough to gift the very best, sometimes going back to the basics is all it takes. From shampoo and conditioner to the always appreciated makeup brush set, here are five gift options that any beauty aficionado in your life will love.

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Link Time: Natalie Portman on the Pitfalls of Being Pretty

BellaSugar — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:00:00 PST

Natalie Portman explains why being pretty can be a hindrance - Allure
American Apparel launches 12 new LA-inspired polishes - StyleList
Ten great drugstore foundations - StyleCaster
Get Gwen Stefani's faux pixie cut - InStyle
Justin Timberlake invites the ladies to play with his new fragrance - People StyleWatch
Ten work-appropriate hairstyles for curly-haired beauties - Naturally Curly
The marvelous multitasking makeup brush - Makeup and Beauty Blog
Inexpensive beauty bag essentials for under $25 - Glo

Today's The Day To Get Your Left-Handed Beauty On

BellaSugar — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:00:00 PDT

Today is Left-Handers' Day, the official celebration for those among us who are sinistra, but not sinister. Two members of Team Bella are proud southpaws ourselves, so in honor of all our lovely lefties, we've put together a few fun beauty facts to help the right-minded get gorgeous. To check them out, just keep reading.

Create Smokin' Effects (and More) With This Must-Have Tool

BellaSugar — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:00:00 PDT

Let me introduce you to your new best friend - the smudger brush. Thanks to its tightly-packed, dome-shaped bristles, you can easily blend out cream, pencil, or powder liners to softly diffuse harsh lines on the crease and lash lines. You can also use it to create a dramatic and sultry smoky eye.

Try dipping your smudger brush into a similarly-hued powder shadow to set after applying a creamy pencil liner. And since it's so easy to control, another way to use it is to dab on a fun shimmery color or glitter to the inner corners of the eyes. I even use it in a pinch to correct slip-ups. Check out my widget below to see a variety of smudging brushes. And if you happen to have one, be sure to tell us how you use it.

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Solve the Mystery of the Two-Sided Brow and Lash Brush

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:00:11 PDT

Ever been stumped by how those dual-sided eyebrow/eyelash brushes are meant to be used? Well, bat those lashes in confusion no more. Check out my guide below to discover what these multifunctional makeup tools can do for you, along with a few product suggestions.

The flexible brush side: This bristled brush shapes and grooms eyebrow hair into place, creating a volumized, bushy effect. It's also useful for blending in previously applied brow color or prepping for gels.
The solid comb side: This comb separates lashes and removes mascara clumps after application. It can also be used on the brows to give them a meticulously polished look.

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You'll Love This Tip For Applying Cream Blush

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:00:00 PDT

Remember that trick about using a blush brush with foundation for a faux airbrushed makeup look? It turns out, the blush brush is more versatile than you might imagine, especially when it comes to cream blushes. Cream formulations, which are perfect for creating a dewy glow (and also work well on dryer complexions), are typically applied with a sponge or fingers.

However, by lightly dunking your blush brush into a cream blush or bronzer, and then gently stippling the product onto the face, you'll get a beautifully even application. Layer on more color for a dramatic finish, or use this technique to get the faintest of color. Best of all, this stippling method won't disturb your foundation or concealer beneath.

Fake an Airbrushed Makeup Look With This Easy Tip

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:44 PDT

Perhaps you love the concept of airbrush foundation, but you don't want to fork over hundreds of dollars to purchase the tools to achieve the effect. Luckily, you don't have to look any farther than what's in your makeup bag to mimic that flawless finish.

First, just dot your liquid foundation on the following areas: the forehead, chin, cheeks, and tip of the nose. Next, using circular motions, simply blend in the foundation with a blush brush. The tightly packed bristles help provide coverage but still remain pouffy enough to give a soft application. For a similar option, try Sephora's Professionnel Platinum Air Brush #55 ($34) or Philosophy Supernatural Airbrush Brush ($25).

Go Green With These Eco-Friendly Beauty Tools

BellaSugar — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 07:00:01 PDT

With Earth Month in full swing, I've been thinking more and more about what materials make up the beauty tools I use. From a compact mirror to emery boards to makeup brushes, here are a few tools made with recycled, organic, or natural material that are all a bit friendlier to the environment. Do you have any eco-tool favorites?

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