BellaSugar

Coming Soon: The Possibilities Are Endless for Ann Taylor

BellaSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:00:05 -0700

Ann Taylor will be launching a November fragrance called Possibilities. An airy, floral scent, it has notes of Bulgarian rose, blue rose, water lily, peach musk and exotic woods. The bottle has a prismatic, "cut crystal" design, with pink juice inside.

The face of the new fragrance is model Petra Nemcova. The model was attracted to the deal because $2 of each Possibilities product sold from Thanksgiving until year's end will be donated to her Happy Hearts Fund, which aids children who have suffered from the 2004 tsunami. The ad, shot in the Hamptons, features Petra wearing Ann Taylor (of course) and wearing her hair in its natural brunette color.

Pardon the pun, but you have many possibilities with this range. It will be available in three sizes of eau de parfum ($42–$62), a EDP purse spray ($25), a body lotion ($20), and a gift set ($59).

Source

Reader Review of the Day: Estée Lauder Foundation Brush

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:55 -0800

Zoot alors! My favorite foundation brush recently bit the dust. After searching through the Product Reviews pages, I think I might just have to give Estée Lauder Foundation Brush 1F ($30) a try. Reader brandysbug had nothing but positive things to say about this makeup brush, and here's why:

When I purchased this brush, it was a huge splurge for me. I just don't usually drop $30 on something like a brush, but I was pregnant, having major acne problems, was totally into the Estée Lauder Resilience Lift makeup line, and the saleslady talked me right into it. For liquid foundation, this is absolutely a wonderful brush. It helps to get the most from your bottle as it provides better coverage with less makeup than possible with other methods (sponge/fingers). This brush definitely helped me out covering up some very bad acne. It provided the full coverage I needed without piling too much makeup on. The results of using this brush with liquid foundation were astounding. My face almost looked airbrushed. I would recommend this to anyone who is considering buying a new foundation brush. It's worth the $30.

What makeup brushes can you not live without? What brushes went straight to returns? Tell us all about it on our Product Reviews pages. We love to hear your opinions - good, bad, and everywhere in between.

Have Scientists Found a Way to Turn Back the Gray?

BellaSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Did you ever think it might be possible to actually reverse gray hair, turning it back into the natural color it once was? It does sound rather outlandish - even fantastical - but according to scientists at L'Oréal's research and development center near Paris, the treatment could be just about 10 years away from coming to fruition.

"When hair goes gray, there is a progressive disappearance of the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) from the hair. While there are still melanocytes in the hair, there is still hope that it could be re-pigmented," L'Oréal's Patricia Pineau told the Daily Mail. Supposedly, the process would involve some type of oral component, along the use of specially formulated haircare products. What do you think of this treatment in the works? Is it just messing with Mother Nature, or do you welcome what science has to offer when it comes to antiaging developments?

What Are Your Favorite Makeup "Dupes?"

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:04 -0700

The economy might (might) be on its way to recovery, but that doesn't mean I'll stop saving my pennies as much as possible. I'm always in the pursuit of looks for less, and over the weekend, I picked up Milani Blush Compact in Luminous ($3.50) - a pretty decent lookalike of the classic gold-toned peachy pink Nars blush in Orgasm ($25). While Milani's Luminous is not an exact replica of the famous afterglow shade, as it's not quite as pigmented, since it's about $20 less, I'm a happy lady.

Now I need your help. Whether it's a trendy new nail polish shade or an old-school lipstick favorite, share your favorite affordable alternative in the Beauty Dupes group.

Ask Bella: How Do I Lift Black Hair Dye?

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:01:19 -0700

Recently, a distressed reader contacted me about an unfortunate incident regarding a box of black hair color and the subsequent regretful results. Here's her story:

Three months ago I had an adult identity crisis and dumped a box of jet black dye on my naturally medium brown hair. Now I can't get it to lift out for anything - professionally or at home. Can you make a suggestion? I'm a 25-year-old woman and I look like a scene kid. It's rough.

There's no excuse for looking like a Brokencyde groupie. Lifting pigment can be a tricky endeavor, though, so you have to be careful. For my advice on helping this reader to lighten up, just read more.

News From New Moon, JT Jokes About In-Laws, and Oprah Asked to Apologize For Making Dr. Phil Famous

Molly — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:47:08 -0700

We've got the latest from New Moon, including sexy Kristen, the soundtrack's new release date, and Summit on Twitter. Plus, check out what Justin TImberlake has to say about his possible future in-laws and how Oprah responded when she was asked to apologize for introducing the world to Dr. Phil. All that and some Sex and the City 2 and Gossip Girl news, too! Watch PopSugar Rush now!

Recreate LC's Double Braids With Tips From Her Stylist!

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:15:56 -0700

Just when we thought there couldn't possibly be any more ways to wear braids, who better than trend-setting Lauren Conrad to bring us back in? At the Hollywood Style Awards last night in LA, the former reality show star styled her signature waist-length extensions in not just one side-braid, but two intersecting plaits. Celebrity stylist Byron Williams of the Byron and Tracey Salon created the look for Lauren, using her multihued frock as inspiration.

"We wanted to get it as narrow as possible because we didn’t want to overwhelm the dress," Williams said. "It was side-parted, and we French braided both sides. It’s kind of half-up, half-down." To finish off the look, he combined the two braids to create a "headband" in the back. Want some tips on getting the overlapping braids for yourself? Follow the link after the gallery.

View 5 Photos ›

To get Williams's advice, just keep reading.

Get Bright, Colorful Hair (If Only For a Day)

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:00:53 -0700

When I was a teenager, I was a loner, Dottie. A rebel. And like any self-styled outsider, I dyed my hair. Only through the world of Manic Panic could I possibly express my teen angst! Fast-forward to now, and while I love colorful hair - pink, purple, whatever - I stick to variations of my natural shade.

That's where these clip-in extensions ($10) come in. Whether used for Halloween or for feeling like a Hot Topic shopper for a day, they're an affordable and commitment-free way to bring more hue to your head. Or you could do it yourself, but considering the cost of supplies, it might be cheaper to just order online for the next time you need to express yourself through colorful hair.

Men in Makeup: Hot Trend, or Just a Vague Possibility?

BellaSugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:00:27 -0700

Today's edition of Salon has a thought-provoking story about men who wear makeup. Using Zac Efron's deeply bronzed face as a launchpad, the story discusses the makeup use of other "pretty boys" such as John Mayer, Ryan Seacrest and Pete Wentz.

But just because a few male celebrities are wearing makeup, does that mean that your average Joe will follow suit? Salon uncovers a kernel of possibility when examining the international trend:

If foreign markets are any indication, we may be slathering on foundation soon enough. The U.K. drugstore giant Boots has started carrying a men's makeup line, and H&M in London stocks mascara in its men's section. In Asia, Japan's Gatsby line of men's makeup and South Korea's Man Holding Flower line by Somang featuring "Color Lotion" are doing brisk business.

I've already talked about the preference for pretty in Japan, and Clinique includes a bronzer and concealer in its men's grooming line. (It sells better in Europe than in the States.) Despite these signs of change on an international level, most American guys aren't yet ready to become a frequent shopper at Sephora. A 2005 GQ survey reported that "92 percent of men would not wear makeup even if it guaranteed them a more fulfilling sex life." (And if a little hotsy-totsy won't motivate them, then I don't know what will.)

Most guys I know are more interested in being well-groomed than they were five years ago, but I think it'll be a loooong time until the average dude is powdering his nose-if that ever happens. (Gender roles, anyone?) So I'm curious: Do you think we'll ever see the day when most guys wear makeup on a regular basis? Are younger guys more open to the idea? And why, oh, why, does Zac use such a heavy hand with his bronzer?

Source

Reader Review of the Day: Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage Daily Eye Cream

BellaSugar — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:00:26 -0700

When it comes to product reviews, enthusiasm counts for a lot, so reader gilfill1's experience with Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage Daily Eye Cream ($13.50) caught my eye. She says:

"I'm a total product junkie and was going to use Bare Minerals face lotion 'til the last possible drop (or until I got my next paycheck to afford yet another pricey moisturizer). Anyway, I went to Walgreens totally bummed, because I figured that whatever I did choose would probably suck, not work, or give me an allergic reaction. I chose this moisturizer because it was the cheapest, but it has delivered like no other. It totally revitalizes my face, and I can't help but take a second look every time after I put it on. how can I possibly glow and look so healthy that quickly, I think? but I do! I'm so happy I've fallen in love with a cheaper product, because my wallet is much heavier these days. Highly, highly recommended from a combo skin girl."

Absolutely head over heels with something new? Want to find out which recently introduced products other readers like? Visit our Product Reviews pages, then. We have more than 50,000 products for review, and more info than you can shake a stick at.