BellaSugar

Try This: A Quick and Easy Ombré Manicure

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:55:00 PDT

Spice up an ordinary manicure by creating an ombré look! It's eye-catching and on-trend, and the best part is that anyone can do it easily. See how simple it is with our step-by-step tutorial. (Mixing and matching polishes is highly encouraged.)

The Beauty Detail Kristen Stewart and January Jones Have in Common

Annie Tomlin — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:40:06 PDT

On first glance, Kristen Stewart and January Jones had little in common for their Met Gala style. The On the Road star chose a snakeskin-bodice Balenciaga dress, while January slipped into a yellow Versace gown. Kristen's hair was wavy and loose; January's was straight and precise. Couldn't be more different, unless you looked at their manicures. Both actresses were sporting a neutral nail polish, a not-yet-released Chanel shade called - what else? - Beige. The goes-with-everything color has a hint of shimmer, and it's being released online on May 16. And in case you're looking for a new lacquer for sandal season, one other Met Gala attendee is a step ahead of you: actress Greta Gerwig chose it for her pedicure before slipping into her Nicholas Kirkwood shoes.

How to Get a Graffiti Nail Art Look

BellaSugar — Sun, 06 May 2012 05:03:00 PDT

Celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees creates gorgeous nail art designs on the famous fingers of Katy Perry, Rihanna, Pink, and many other stars who dress up their digits. So we asked her to show us how to create a cool look that we could do at home. See how she created a graffiti-inspired look, and let us know what you think.

The Very Best of May's New Nail Polishes

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 02 May 2012 06:03:00 PDT

What do burnout pastels, sultry sheers, and ultrabrights all have in common? They're hot polish trends for May, a time when soft Spring shades and Summer's fun colors get together to render some truly lovely combinations. This month, the selection varies from polishes that resemble (very pretty) lizard scales, cupcake sprinkles, red chili peppers, and more. They're a can't-miss crop of colors, so check them out now.

Source: Flickr User Dan Queiroz

4 Must-Wear Shades From The Amazing Spider-Man Collection

BellaSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:29:00 PDT

The Amazing Spider-Man isn't in theaters until July, but to keep the anticipation going, OPI is about to debut a six-shade lineup inspired by the upcoming film. Not only does the collaboration include polishes that pay homage to Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield's characters in the movie, but there's also a shimmery shatter topcoat that we can't get enough of. Watch to see which colors are our top heroes from the collection.

22 Awesome Manicure Ideas to Try Now

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:34:00 PDT

Warm weather is on it's way, and it's time to celebrate with new, creative nails. A cool manicure is one of the fastest ways to transition your look, and it's an excellent way to show off your creativity as well. Check out these 22 brilliant nail art ideas and get started on your next manicure masterpiece.

Source: Flickr User Kat...B

10 Fresh, Gorgeous Pastel Polishes

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:55:00 PDT

It wouldn't be Spring without pastels, and this year some very chic (and unexpected) colors have gone creamy. With shades this fashion forward and smart, there's no reason not to heed pastels' siren call. Check our picks out now.

Source: Flickr User Krystal T

How to Pick a Red Nail Polish For Spring

Miriam Lacey — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:04:00 PDT

When bright blossoms abound and the days are getting longer, there's nothing as retro-fab as red nail polish. Back in the days before shades like purple, green, and tangerine were de rigueur for the season, there were reds meant just for this time of year. And this season, bright reds have made a huge comeback. They're a chic choice for those who want a pop of juicy color, and if you pick the right shade, your hands and skin will positively glow. So to find out how to get the right warm-weather red for you, just keep reading.

California Inspection Finds Toxins in Nail Polish Labeled Toxic-Free

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:44:00 PDT

California is throwing down the gauntlet on toxic beauty once again. First it was Brazilian blowouts, and now it's nail polish. The state's Department of Toxic Substances Control announced that some of the lacquers used in California salons are guilty of false advertising. In fact, of the 25 products gathered in the group's recent investigation, 12 claimed to be free of toluene. Ten of these, however, were found to contain the toxic ingredient. In addition, of the seven products that claimed to be completely three-free (void of toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde), five were discovered to have one or more of these dangerous substances.

The problem is, these ingredients have been linked to birth defects, asthma, and developmental disorders when inhaled. "We know there are exposures at salons, both to workers and customers, and we're concerned about potential harm," Karl Palmer of the DTSC told the AP. "Our strategy first and foremost is to shed light on the reality of what's in these products and put this information out to everyone."

The list of culprits includes salon-only brands Sation, Dare to Wear (for which the owner refutes the claim), Chelsea Nail Lacquer, New York Nail Polish, Sunshine Nail Lacquer, Cacie, and Golden Girl. The decision to take legal action against the offenders is up to the California attorney general. The companies would be in violation of Proposition 65, which states that all harmful chemicals must be revealed by the manufacturer with warning signs.

10 Pretty, Fun Wedding Manicure Ideas

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:00:00 PDT

A French manicure is standard for weddings, but why not switch it up with something more unique and memorable? Check out these 10 exceptional ideas now and get inspired.

Source: Thinkstock