BellaSugar

Should This YSL Commercial Really Have Been Banned?

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:10:00 PST

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a commercial for YSL's Belle D'Opium fragrance for "appearing to simulate injecting drugs." All because the model in the commercial runs her finger up one arm and eventually seizes her body, actions the ASA says could be interpreted as drug related.

YSL, of course, says the choreography is simply meant to seduce the viewer and showcase the perfume's intense nature. Maybe I'm blind, but the most objectionable thing I see in this commercial is some major sexyface. Plus, if they think that the motion from the video is really what injecting drugs looks like, I think maybe it's time for a private screening of either Trainspotting or Requiem For a Dream. Should this ad have been banned? Check out the commercial (no sound needed) after the jump.

A Peek Into Afghan War Front: Operation Southern Beast

LibertySugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:20 PDT

British Army soldiers conducted operation Southern Beast this week in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan. Led by the Parachute Regiment of the Third Battalion, the troops worked to create conditions for a permanent NATO presence, intended to bolster the Afghan National Government's fight against the Taliban. While operating in Kandahar, one of Afghanistan's largest opium producing regions, the Brits seized 70 kilograms of the drug.

Check out these revealing and breathtaking photos of the operation. It's not all guns and camo - the cameras also captured scenes of the Afghan people, along with shots of the soldiers interacting with the locals and catching some down time. Take a peek into the battle in Afghanistan.

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Beauty Companies Celebrate With Vintage Packaging

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 06:40:20 PST

This year marks the 70th birthday of Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream, the 40th birthday of Dr. Hauschka's Rose Day Cream, and the 30th birthday of Yves Saint Laurent's Opium fragrance. To celebrate these products, the companies have re-created the original packaging for a limited time. Here are the details on these three retro-cool items.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Gift Set ($25) contains a lip protectant and the famous cream that treats different ailments on the hands, legs, elbows, and cuticles.

The set isn't available online at the moment, but you can pick it up at Elizabeth Arden counters in Macy's stores.

For two more vintagey beauty products,

read more Yves Saint Laurent Limited-Edition Opium Luxury Anniversary Palette ($57) comes in a red lacquered case decorated with a gold phoenix and gold flowers.
Dr. Hauschka's 40th Anniversary Kit ($59.95) includes a one-ounce cleansing cream, a one-ounce facial toner, and a one-ounce tube of its famous and rose day facial cream. It all comes in a replica the original 1967 packaging inside a gold-tinted tin. The products are suitable for all skin types, but it's especially good for sensitive skin since roses help calm and soothe irritation. Here's a fun fact: Did you know that 30 roses go into each tube of cream? I hear Madonna is a big fan, and considering this cute packaging, I may need to become a "material girl" myself.

Quick Quiz: What is the Best-Selling Perfume in the World?

BellaSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:00:42 PDT

Have you been keeping up to speed on BellaSugar? The answer to this question is in a series from the last couple of weeks. Here's a hint: Fragrance sales dramatically increased when Marilyn Monroe was quoted saying, "All I wear to bed are two drops of ...." Can you guess which of these perfumes is the world's best-selling fragrance?

Take the Quiz

Charlize Theron's High School Style

FabSugar — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:00:28 PST

Link Time: Liv Tyler Returns As the Face of Pantene

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:20:00 PDT

Liv Tyler is back as the face of Pantene - Beauty High
Milla Jovovich thinks male models should be ashamed of themselves - The Cut
Study finds that makeup does indeed affect people's perceptions - Jezebel
Looking your best after a breakup: get the best revenge beauty look - StyleList
Watch the teaser video for Emily Blunt's YSL Opium fragrance campaign - InStyle
3 must-try Fall beauty trends - College Fashion
Manic Panic launches a collection of wigs - Nylon Blog
A handy guide to beauty product labels - Real Simple
Even Audrey Hepburn "needed" to get airbrushed - Refinery29
Are navy nails the new black? - Beauty Sweet Spot

John Krasinski and Emily Blunt Land at LAX Hand in Hand

Lauren Turner — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:49:25 PDT

John Krasinski and Emily Blunt stayed close as they exited LAX yesterday. They took a quick trip out of town over the weekend after spending the previous Sunday in the spotlight at the Emmys. John and Emily were one of the cutest couples at the Emmys, where The Office was up for outstanding comedy. Steve Carell was also nominated for his work on the series, though he lost out to The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons. It was Steve's last chance to be honored for his Michael Scott character since he left the cast, though the show is continuing on without him. John and his costars got lots of laughs during the season premiere last week, which revealed that Ed Helms's Andy would be filling the regional manager position. John's wife, Emily, has her own new role as the face of the YSL Opium campaign and the ads, shot by Patrick Demarchelier, will debut next month.

Perfume Commercials So Provocative, They Got Banned

Jaime Richards — Tue, 24 May 2011 05:14:48 PDT

Some perfume commercials are so risqué, they've been banned as a result. See a few of the steamiest ones below, and tell us whether or not each of them gets you a little bit too hot and bothered. (But be warned, some are NSFW.) To view the ads, just keep reading.

See the 2011 FiFi Awards Nominees

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:50:00 PDT

Perfume-ophiles everywhere have been waiting with bated breath for the official announcement of the 2011 FiFi Awards nominees, and now they're here. Each year, The Fragrance Foundation holds its equivalent of the Oscars, awarding the best in perfumery in categories ranging from luxury to indie to mass market.

This year, my picks are Candide, a gorgeous jasmine fragrance from the amazing Mandy Aftel, and Anthropologie's beautiful collaboration with Le Labo, but there are several great scents competing. Want to see if your favorite scored a nomination? Then just keep reading.

Street Drug Slang or Fancy Fragrance?

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:01:55 PDT

Worn by the right person, perfume can be absolutely narcotic, but it's surprising just how close to the real thing some fragrances' names are getting - to the point where YSL Opium seems innocent in comparison. Can you tell which of these names is inscribed on a beautiful glass bottle and which one is more likely being used somewhere near a glass bong? Take the quiz to find out.

Take the Quiz