BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: CoverGirl Makeup Masters 3-in-1 Sharpener

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:00:00 PST

I don't know why, but my experiences with lip liner and eyeliner sharpeners have never been what one would call lucky. Are you in the market for a new sharpener like me, but don't want to spend lots of money to replace your old, beat-up, or gone-missing one? Reader coachluvr33 has the solution, then. Check out her review of CoverGirl Makeup Masters 3-in-1 Sharpener ($3) below:

I really like this sharpener. It works well, was cheap and makes my eye pencils very defined. [I'm] very pleased.

That's all you can ask for, no? Now, it's your turn to share your most liked and disliked cosmetic items with us. Just head to our Product Reviews website and give us your opinions. Perhaps you might be featured right here on this post.

Doing Drugstore: Revlon Universal Points Sharpener

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:15 PDT

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 PDT

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 PDT

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 PDT

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 PDT

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 PDT

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!

5 Single Gal Traits to Relearn After a Breakup

Tara Sharp — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:53:20 PDT

When you are in a long-term, serious relationship, you train yourself to behave a certain way - you're always in couple mode. So when the relationship ends, you have to relearn how to be single again. Things like flirting and giving off that "I'm available" vibe are no longer instinctual. To help you out, here are some of the solo gal behaviors that are tricky to pull off when you're getting back into the dating game. Hey, it's National Singles Week after all, so now's the time to step up your single woman A-game.

Turning that frown upside down: Do you walk around with a face that says, "I have a boyfriend, so don't even think about it"? I know that look well, and from experience, it takes daily reminders to keep smiling. I've also found that listening to upbeat tunes on my iPhone helps the cause. Bonus: it improves your mood from the outside in!
Saying yes: When you have a significant other, you may be used to turning down happy hours and girls nights out in favor of cuddling with your honey at home or date nights. Retrain yourself to start accepting those invites! You're not going to meet a rebound guy in your living room.

See more single lady actions to aspire to.

Punk's Not Dead, at Least Not at Mandy Coon

Annie Tomlin — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:27:50 PST

Drawing on references ranging from Art Deco to punk rock, Mandy Coon's makeup look is certain to be among the season's most unusual. Lead makeup artist Francelle created intensity through a boldly lined eye, using Nars's Larger Than Life eyeliner in black and white shades. We previewed the mechanical pencil backstage, and we're pretty much counting down the days until it's out this fall. "It doesn't budge," Francelle said. "And it sharpens to a point, so you get a precise line." (All true.)

Hair, created by Pasquale Ferrante of Ion Studio, echoed the designer's own short, fruit punch-red style. After applying generous amounts of Rene Furterer Mousse Stylisante, he affixed hair extensions to cover models' right eyes. Since only one eye was visible on the runway, only one needed makeup - just the kind of off-kilter concept that made the show so much fun to see.

Keep Your Cosmetics Fresh (and Prevent Infections)

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:00:12 PDT

I must confess: I don't wear a ton of makeup, but I don't go completely bare either. A little powder, some mascara, a touch of lip gloss, and I am good to go.

Regardless of your daily beauty regimen, cosmetics can be pricey, so I don't blame you for not replacing your products regularly. But makeup does have shelf life after all. Beauty products should be tossed on a regular basis because bacteria can grow in all those slick-looking containers and tubes, which can lead to nasty infections like pink eye, rashes, and cold sores - these blemishes are definitely not attractive. Check out the handy little chart below to see how long your makeup and beauty essentials should last before replacing them.

Product	Shelf life
Eyeliner (pencil)	Sharpened regularly, will last up to three years.
Eyeliner (liquid)	Three to six months
Eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer (powder)	Two years
Cream blush or eyeshadow	12 to 18 months

To see the shelf life of other products

Product	Shelf life
Liquid concealer	Up to 12 months
Loose powder	Two years
Cream or compact foundation	12 to 18 months
Liquid foundation	12 months for a water-based product, 18 months for one that's oil-based.
Lipstick	One to two years. If it smells rancid before then, throw it out.
Lip gloss	18 to 24 months
Lip liner	Three years
Mascara	Three to four months
Makeup brushes	Wash every two to three months in mild soap.
Sunscreen	Check the expiration date, or throw out if it's lumpy, runny, or smells bad.