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Doing Drugstore: Maybelline SuperStay 24hr Makeup and Concealer

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:01:52 -0700

For those of you that are fans of Max Factor's Lasting Performance Stay Put Makeup (RIP, old buddy), perhaps you might find somewhat of a replacement in Maybelline's new SuperStay 24hr Makeup ($10). The consistency, which lies somewhere between Revlon's ColorStay and Lasting Performance (see my comparisons here), skews more on the slightly creamy end of the spectrum, so it's quite easy to blend.

As for the wearability factor, SuperStay definitely delivers, although by the end of the day, I did have some slick spots in the t-zone. I guess that's the sacrifice you must make in order to keep the finish on the cake-free side, as this product provides semi-matte to semi-dewy results. Surprisingly, this oil-free formulation provides a light-on-the skin feel, all while giving pretty strong coverage. Speaking of bargains . . . read more.

Back to Basics: Get Perfectly Pink Cheeks and Lips Like Emma Roberts

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:00:05 -0700

A more intense eye makeup look is almost always coupled with nude or pink-toned cheeks and lips. Since it's always those intense eye makeup tutorials we're focused on, today, let's focus on the basics. At the book launch party for Who What Wear's new book, Celebrity and Runway Style For Real Life, Emma Roberts's pretty-in-pink gloss and blush complemented her slightly smoky, lots-of-lashes eye makeup. Looking for some inexpensive makeup staples for your cheeks and lips? I've got the details straight from Kerry Malouf of Maybelline on what shades she used on the young actress. To find out what they are, just keep reading.

Reader Review of the Day: Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:39 -0700

Everybody loves finding a foundation that matches their skin tone to a T, and it's even more satisfying when that faultless shade is just under the $10 mark. Recently reader Autumns_Elegy reviewed Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Foundation ($10) with a SPF of 18. Here's why she liked it:

It matches my skin tone almost perfectly so I don't need to wear a lot to even out my skin. Being perfume-free means I don't get the midday itchies when I wear it for long periods of time, which is awesome when I'm at work. The only downside is that sometimes the foundation erupts out of the bottle when you open it. It's fairly wasteful, as I don't want to wear quite that much.

Do you have a shade of makeup that is stunning for your complexion? Tell us more about it on our Product Reviews pages.

Maybe It's Fashion Week . . . Maybe It's Maybelline

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:23 -0700

This September, New York Fashion Week's cosmetic sponsor will not, as it was last year, be MAC. Instead, the tents will be sponsored by the much less expensive and considerably less edgy Maybelline brand. Will it be a new beginning or a big letdown? To hear the whole story and weigh in, just keep reading.

Beauty Flashback: Disco Divas Plug Maybelline's Kissing Stick

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:55:00 -0700

In this disco-centric Maybelline gloss commercial of the late-1970s, we're asked dippy riddles, like "What kisses your lips, but isn't human?" "What tastes great, but adds no weight?" and "What's a sweet treat you can't eat?" Riddle me amused, albeit slightly disturbed by the sugary-sweetness.

What Women Are Buying at Sephora France

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:01:31 -0700

How do you make a beauty product seem fancier than it is? Put a little French on its packaging - an elle suffix, a superfluous é - and some people automatically think it's a little better. Whether that's true is up for discussion, but the psychology often works.

As it turns out, the opposite is also true. While browsing a Sephora in Paris last month, I spotted a few differences from American Sephora. The stores look alike, but French Sephora has a few brands not carried in its American counterparts: Chanel, Sampar, Leonor Greyl, and so forth. What was more surprising, though, is that makeup from L'Oréal and Maybelline was also stocked, and they cost nearly twice as much as they do in the States. I spotted French women lingering over those eye shadows longer than they did while looking at offerings from French beauty brands - which just goes to show you, the allure of foreign beauty goods is universal.

Source

Coming Soon: Maybelline Vibrating Mascara

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:05:21 -0700

Vibrating mascaras are all the buzz. And now, Maybelline's entering the growing segment of unique lash-enhancing products with the upcoming release of its newest product, Define-a-Lash Pulse Perfection ($15). The battery-powered mascara is the first of its kind in the drugstore category, and will officially debut in July. At 7,000 vibrations per minute, the movement of the brush is designed to mimic the zig-zag motion that a professional makeup artist might use.

Available in two washable shades (Very Black and Blackest Black) and one waterproof shade (Very Black), this mascara carries with it a battery life lasting for a minimum of 130 applications, or over four months. That's just in time to make it under the three-month expiration mark, eh? To see what I thought of the new product, just read more.

Much like our Sugar intern's take on Spinlash ($20 for two), I found Pulse Perfection somewhat awkward to use. You don't need an extremely skillful, steady hand to use the brush properly, but you do need to move quickly and lightly, as a slow, deliberate application provided too much product on the lashes and lids, creating clumpy results.

While my under-eye area remained flake-free with practically no smudging by the end of the day, the product created very long, spindly lashes with a slightly shiny finish, similar to the brand's newer Lash Stiletto Mascara. If you're going more for length than volume, and if you're intrigued by the novelty of it all, you might like this mascara. However, I'm sure you're perfectly capable of creating that zig-zag action sans batteries. What's your take?

Preview Maybelline's New Vibrating Mascara Today - But Hurry!

BellaSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:00:11 -0700

Perhaps you've heard the buzz. Maybelline is joining the vibrating mascara craze with the release of its newest mascara, called Pulse Perfection ($15). The latest addition, the first of its kind in the drugstore variety, won't be available until July. However, Maybelline's offering up a chance for you to preview the battery-powered mascara for today only. Just follow this link to be one of the first people to give the Maybelline Pulse Perfection a spin; and be sure to look for my review on the new product tomorrow.

Reader Review of the Day: Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:00:11 -0700

While Maybelline's Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation ($9.50) didn't make our top seven list of drugstore foundations, I'm sure it's well on its way. This newer product has a whipped formula perfect for creating airbrushed quality coverage. Reader Mydiadem calls it an excellent foundation. Here's what else she had to say:

I was looking for a new foundation when I forgot mine on a weekend trip. The commercials for the Liquid Mousse were interesting, especially since they claim to give you poreless skin (and I have big ol' pores). I thought I'd give this a try and I'm glad I did. It is so light and airy you don't feel it on your skin at all. It is very hydrating and the coverage is very good. While my skin doesn't look completely "airbrushed," it looks better than with my Clinique or Lorac foundation at home. My verdict: best drugstore foundation I've tried and better than a lot of department store brands.

Now it's time for you to dish on what you've been using these days. Head to our Product Reviews website and tell us what products have you singing their praises. Perhaps you'll be featured on this daily post.

Reader Review of the Day: Maybelline Eye Shadow Single

BellaSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:59:37 -0700

Finding a great drugstore eye shadow is one of those "score!" moments. Reviewer JaimeLeah526 calls Maybelline Eye Shadow Singles ($3.50) her favorite drugstore shadow. Here's why:

I love the color range and the shimmer is perfect, since I prefer a shimmer to a matte any day. The darker colors are awesome for a smoky eye look and the lighter shades look great all the way around the eye. Nothing else this cheap works this well. I've had no problems with creasing or fading.

To get your beauty opinions heard, it's time for a little Product Reviews action. Write up what you like or dislike, and I might just feature you on BellaSugar!