BellaSugar

Powder Power: 7 Unconventional Ways to Use It

BellaSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:00:24 -0700

You already know that powder can mattify oily skin or create a sudsy bubble bath. Those uses are easy. But powders have other, more unusual beauty uses that might surprise you. Read on to see seven items I've tried that get their jobs done. There's, if you'll pardon the pun, a whole lotta shakin' goin' on with these.

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Reader Review of the Day: Wet 'n' Wild Natural Wear 100% Natural Pressed Powder

BellaSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:00:02 -0700

To find a product that works and costs under $5 is pretty amazing. Add natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging to the mix, and it's even better. That's just what reader Sarasonne has found in Wet 'n' Wild Natural Wear 100 Percent Natural Pressed Powder. Here's what she had to say about the product:

I haven't tried a Wet 'n' Wild product in years. And given the price of many cosmetics are these days, why not? I really liked this. It's got a nice medium/sheer coverage that feels silky. I was most impressed with the shades as they offer different tones (warm vs. cool). I took off a star because it doesn't last that long and also because I didn't notice any "light diffusing." It's actually quite matte. I appreciate the eco-friendly packaging, but would be afraid if the cardboard ever got exposed to moisture.

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Reader Review of the Day: Clinique Blended Face Powder and Brush

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:01:00 -0700

Are you leery of loose powders? Perhaps Ineedcaffeine can assist, as she loves Clinique's Blended Face Powder and Brush ($19). Here's why:

For the price and the sheer amount that is in the jar, you cannot go wrong with this powder. I find that during Summer, like most girls, my face gets super oily. This powder soaks everything up and leaves a nice dewy look, but not oily. . . I have red undertones so the Transparency 2 shade is beyond perfect for me. Plus, I feel with Clinique, that this product is actually helping my skin rather than hurting.

What's your latest beauty discovery? Fill us in by heading to the Product Reviews section. Who knows? You might be the next featured reviewer.

How to Fix a Broken Compact

BellaSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:01:03 -0700

Whether it's been dropped, unintentionally stepped on, or is nearing the end of its lifespan, a broken compact is messy business. I've had success giving these crumbly powders a quick fix with a tissue, and recently, I learned a new tip from Woman's World's Stephanie Prommer on Kathy Lee and Hoda. It's time to pick up the pieces.

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Have You Had a Mean Beauty Trick Played on You?

BellaSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:00:11 -0700

Watch and chuckle, or scoff - or both - as this guy records his gal pal unintentionally blanketing herself in a cloud of baby powder. The white substance, which was placed deliberately in a blow-dryer by her "friend," was all set to go for a dramatic release once that button was switched into the "on" position. A cruel joke, or a harmless antic? Whatever the case, have you ever had a mean beauty trick played on you? Warning: the video lags a bit at the beginning, and if you're opposed to f-bombs (and immaturity), I suggest you don't take a peek.

Coming Soon: Estée Lauder Nutritious Makeup

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:00:28 -0800

When a product contains ingredients to provide environmental protection and radiant skin, along with an SPF, my attention is definitely captured. And as Estée Lauder is set to launch two new nutrient-rich makeup items next month, I'm curious to see how these wonder products will deliver. With six shades each, Nutritious Vita-Mineral Loose Powder SPF 15 ($33.50) and Nutritious Vita-Mineral Liquid SPF 10 ($33.50) are formulated with ingredients to help erase fatigue and absorb oil. Pomegranate helps to neutralize free radicals; and antioxidants, iron, and potassium create a healthy glow. Flawless finish? It's a lot to promise, but I'm willing to give it a try.

Reader Review of the Day: Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Pressed Mineral Powder

BellaSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:01:32 -0800

When you spend beaucoup bucks on a beauty item, you want to be overjoyed, elated . . . even giddy about your purchase. So when I saw that MissTiffany reviewed a $48 powder, I took notice. She even thinks that Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Pressed Mineral Powder in Autumn is the best mineral makeup around. I'm glad she's found a product that works. So now, take it away, MissTiffany:

"I think Jane Iredale is the best mineral makeup out there. This PurePressed Base is wonderful. It blends beautifully with my skin. I haven't experienced any breakouts and my makeup lasts through the whole entire day. I can't say enough."

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How-To: Choose a Powder

BellaSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:00:43 -0700

These days, buying a neutral powder comes with many, many decisions. Mineral or regular? Loose or pressed? Oil absorbing or luminizing? Translucent? Sheer? SPF? Talc-free?

Really, the most important thing is that the powder does what you want it to: set foundation or concealer without caking, keep grease at bay and not break you out (or aggravate any other skin problems). Oh, and actually match the color of your face. Here are some tips for choosing:

White and translucent powder can even make the palest complexions look grayish - so stay away.
Pressed powder is great to carry around for touch-ups, while loose powder usually offers more coverage.
Don't use the applicator that your pressed powder compact comes with for as long as the powder lasts. The grease you're blotting away is getting soaked up in there and could cause breakouts.
Use a powder brush for a sheer finish (tap out excess before you use it) and a big puff for a smooth finish.
If your skin is combination, use oil-blotting papers before powder.
If you have very dry skin, you may only want to use powder to set under eye concealer.
Sometimes your skin's oils or other products you use can change the color of a powder. If you're buying an expensive kind, you should test it in daylight before you buy (and give it some time to settle on your face).

Source

Product Review: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Duo

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:14:06 -0700

I think MAC comes out with a new makeup collection more often than I sanitize my shower, but hey, that's not a terrible thing, is it? The latest launch to catch my eye is the Mineralize Skinfinish Duo ($26.50). The compact contains finely milled, baked face powder; about 75% is matte, and the rest is softly shimmery.

The idea is that you can use the matte powder on most of your face, then highlight cheekbones with the light-reflecting, shimmery powder. Swirling a brush around the whole compact leads to a too-shiny look for me, but with a stippling brush, it's easy to apply only the matte or shimmery finish. I like how the matte powder seems to sink into my skin, leaving no telltale trace; it just looks like skin, which is ideal. The shimmer is definitely more dramatic, so use it sparingly. I like to use it under the eyes after applying concealer, because it reflects light and hides puffiness. To find out what doesn't work so well, read more.

The pigment particles are so fine that they blend into skin easily, but there's a drawback: Whenever I wear dark clothing with this powder, I inevitably look down and see a subtle glimmer on my hands and outfits. It's not super-flashy, but - well, you know I like to tell you these things.

Product Review: Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:00:26 -0700

There aren't many makeup products that leave me feeling totally ickified, but Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder ($28) is one of them. Everything from the application method to the way it looks and feels on your face is a colossal disaster.

The hard-pressed light lavender (although it claims to be translucent) powder is difficult to get onto your brush, so you are pretty much forced to use the puff that comes inside. The powder feels chalky to the touch and doesn't spread well. In fact, because it's so oil-absorbent, it makes your skin feel dry, almost like it's cracking.

I was really bummed with the results, because I like a mattifier for my T-zone from time to time, and a powder compact in a cute purple case seemed like a great solution. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that unless you are going for a Bride of Dracula, Dita Von Teese, super-matte, pale face look (or if you happen to be someone with extremely oily skin), I'd steer clear of this powder.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!