BellaSugar

Do You Wish September Mags Had Non-Blond Cover Models?

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:00:48 -0700

Since the September cover of Marie Claire popped up, it's become increasingly obvious that the glossy mags weren't kidding when they released their cover choices for the first Fall month - generally the biggest and most important issue of the year. As Fashionologie points out, Vogue, Allure, Elle, W, Glamour, and Marie Claire will all have light-haired cover stars. InStyle, which will feature Jennifer Lopez, seems to be the only exception. There's nothing wrong with (or unusual about) having a blonde on the cover, but it's going to look mighty light at the newsstand. What do you think? Are the mags just going with big celebs who happen to be blond, or might editors feel a fair-haired model is the safest way to sell in a tough publishing market? Or could it be that society is having a blonde moment?

Courteney Cox Talks Botox

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:00:32 -0700

Courteney Cox has always been known for her creamy, smooth, and clear complexion. And guess what? While other celebs, such as Nicole Kidman adamantly deny any needle-to-face contact, Courteney actually admits to Marie Claire that she's dabbled with a little Botox herself.

Courteney, who'll be gracing the cover of the magazine's November issue, chats about her acceptance of the natural aging process, while dishing about her experience with the ever-popular cosmetic procedure. Here's what she had to say:

On her thoughts regarding Botox -
"Botox? I think it's fantastic and also horrible. I mean, they've come up with this stuff that can make you not look angry. But you have to use it sparingly. I went to this doctor once, and he was like, 'Oh, let me do it just here and here and here.' And I was miserable. I mean, I'm an actor, I've got to be able to move my face. When people start messing with their foreheads and can't life their eyebrows, that's weird. It's not that I haven't tried Botox - but I hated it."

To find out what her husband, David Arquette, thinks of her aging process, read more.
On the topic of her husband opposing plastic surgery -
"It's really important to him," she says. "He loves the aging process. He thinks it's beautiful." Not only is Courteney under pressure from him to not do too much, "I'm under pressure to not do anything," she says to the magazine.

I, for one, find it refreshing when celebrities are honest about cosmetic procedures. What do you think? (And while you're at it, see if you can guess which celebrities, like Courteney, have copped to the 'tox.)

Photo courtesy of Marie Claire.

Would You Pose Without Makeup?

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

This is pretty cool: Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins is on the cover of Australian Marie Claire, and she's not wearing any makeup. Okay, okay, so she's had the benefit of professional Photoshopping, but still: How often does this happen, and how many pageant queens would say that such an act is "no big deal"?

She's a braver soul than I am, that's for sure. If I know I'm getting my picture taken, I definitely put on a little mascara and tinted moisturizer. (Without it, I look about as alluring as Uncle Fester.) So I'm wondering: If you were in Jennifer Hawkins' place, would you want to pose without makeup?

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Nicole Kidman Says She Hasn't Had Botox

BellaSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:00:32 -0800

While at the grocery store this weekend, I became momentarily transfixed by the December cover of Marie Claire. Nicole Kidman is on it, looking as flawless as ever. My guess is that the art department gave her a Photoshop makeover, but I am also constantly flummoxed by the lack of movement in Nicole's forehead.

A lot of you think she's had Botox, and well, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. But in the Marie Claire article, she says the rumors are false. Here's an excerpt:

So she hasn't used Botox? "No," she replies, exasperated. "Anybody can do anything to themselves, their bodies. I have no judgment on it. I personally believe in physical health because of the way I was raised. I can't go in the sun; I'm fair skinned. That was a nightmare when I was a kid, but it has some benefits now. It's that simple. I still had one skin cancer on my leg, because I put my legs in the sun."

Nicole is right: Avoiding the sun will prevent wrinkles and cancer, so she's smart to keep her ultra-fair skin out of its rays. But regarding Botox, doth the lady protest too much? I'm not sure if she's gone under the needle, but if she has, I doubt people would jump down her throat. After all, is getting Botox really that big of a deal among famous women these days?

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Makeup Tips for Your Late 20s

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 07:03:40 -0800

Hey, it's Shakira... looking a lot more vibrant this year than she did nearly six years ago-and it's all because of her hair and makeup choices. In this month's issue of Marie Claire, writer Ning Chao explores a few ways to use makeup to look younger.

It's a well-written story with straightforward tips, but I've gotta tell ya-it makes me a sad that she's only 28 and, in her words, feels like she's going downhill. I like to think of women in their late 20s like this: They might not be spring chickens anymore, but that's okay. They're more like... early-summer chickens. Plenty of cluck left!

With that said, some women do use makeup that's too harsh or too "bubblegum," which does them no favors. I think the best approach is one that makes the most of your youthful looks while acknowledging the fact that you're not 21 anymore. The Marie Claire article has some straightforward, helpful advice, and I'll share some of it with you when you read more

Go light on the powder. A little bit is fine, but stay away from an powdery matte foundation. “Too much powder can make a person look older," says Patrick McMullan, who has shot countless celebrities and models. “It’s particularly hideous at the end of the night. Heroin chic [heavy black liner and powdery white skin] might have looked very cool on a 19- or 16-year-old model, but on a 30-year-old woman, it just looked worn out.”
Use spot concealer. Instead of covering your whole face with foundation and concealer, use it only where you need it. (Be sure to find the right shade, like I did with Prescriptives Custom Blend.)
All-over shimmer is not your friend. “Formulas with shiny particles act like airport runway lights, illuminating every line, wrinkle, and pore,” says Lauren Hutton. She recommends it for the under-25 crowd, but I think it's difficult for anybody to pull it off. No matter what your age, use it sparingly, and only to highlight. Nobody needs a sparkly forehead.

These are only three tips, so check out the magazine story if you want more, my summer chickens.

Botox Brunch: Coming Soon to a Hotel Near You?

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:38:37 -0700

The new issue of Marie Claire has a story about Botox parties-namely, those that happen in a hotel. Combined with spa treatments and breakfast, they offer guests a chance to enjoy luxurious surroundings while injecting their wrinkles away. "We think Botox parties might become a fun alternative to bridal showers-or maybe divorce parties," says Neil Sazant, owner of the Sagamore Hotel in South Beach, Florida. The hotel will soon offer "Botox and Lox" parties beginning at $750 per person.

Isn't it funny to think that only a decade or so ago, very few people were getting Botox? Now it's becoming so commonplace that there's a walk-in Botox clinic next to Bloomingdale's, and a Dallas clinic that's in the mall next to Sephora. What do you think about this spread of Botox availability?

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Ads Finally Just Replace Content in a New Beauty Mag

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:10 -0700

In a story that, in another era, would perhaps have been a piece in The Onion instead of one in real life, Procter & Gamble is starting its own health and beauty mag called Rouge. Along with offering coupons, the magazine will be about 60 percent P&G "branded editorial coverage," meaning stories that advise you while also endorsing brands such as Cover Girl and Olay.

The surprising twist on this news is that when P&G was researching the viability of the idea, their studies showed that "80 percent of readers found Rouge to be comparable to fashion titles such as Marie Claire and Allure in 'quality and design.'" That's great news for Rouge, but yikes, what does that say about people's opinions of regular magazines these days? Some of you think advertisers influence editorial coverage anyway, but Rouge doesn't try to be objective. Will you check this advertorial mag out, or take a pass?

Get Fergie's Gorgeous Hair Color, Straight From Her Colorist

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:00:45 -0700

As you can see, Fergie's hair is the perfect shade of golden brown on the cover of August's Marie Claire. Luckily enough, the colorist who made it happen, Tracey Cunningham, has shared her formula and tips for making it work on those of us who aren't Mrs. Josh Duhamel. To find out how to get this honeyed hue, read more.

Take a Peek at the Models of ProjRun's New Sister Show

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:32:20 -0700

If you're a Project Runway fan, you might just want to tune into Lifetime Television's upcoming sister show, Models of the Runway. The program, which shows the behind-the-scenes antics of the actual models from Project Runway, makes its debut on Lifetime on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 11 p.m.
Sixteen women will vie for a cash prize and a fashion spread in Marie Claire. Take a look at the models' previous work, and tell me, will you watch? Check out Buzz for even more photos. Photos courtesy of Lifetime

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Recession-Proof Hair Color Tips From Stylist Kevin Mancuso

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:00:12 -0800

Everybody is looking to save money these days, especially when it comes to pricey treatments such as hair color. But Nexxus Creative Director Kevin Mancuso, whose hairstyling mastery has appeared in magazines such as BlackBook, Marie Claire, Glamour, and Bazaar, has a few ideas for extending the life of your cut and color. I'll share a few of his tips over the next week - so read on to find out how to keep your hair looking its best while sticking to your budget.

To find out how to make your color last longer, read more.

How can women maintain their color longer? Any tips or tricks to postpone the next expensive salon appointment?

Hair that has been color treated always requires special attention. Well-conditioned hair is essential for vibrant color but that alone won’t keep your hair from fading. The best way to maintain color longer is by using a color-preserving shampoo/conditioner with water protection. Many people think UV rays are mainly responsible for fading hair color, but water is the real culprit. Water penetrates the hair shaft causing it to expand. As a result, the hair cuticle is lifted slightly, making it easier for dye molecules to escape. Water can also cause dye molecules to break into smaller pieces, making them even easier to escape the shaft. The next time you’re in the shower, try using the new Nexxus Dualiste line to keep your hair both vibrant and beautiful. One side of the dual chamber is optimized for color protection, the other side for added moisture, anti-breakage or volume. It delivers 40% better color protection…you will be amazed with the results!

Come back tomorrow for more expert tips!