BellaSugar

Happy Hues: Everything You Need to Know About Color-Correcting Makeup

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:34:00 PDT

Over the last few weeks, we've featured five happy hues with tips and tricks to make the most of each color option. Missed out on all the action? Have no fear. Click through to get your fix on how five different-colored concealers and primer shades will make a world of difference in your beauty routine.

Source: Thinkstock

Why You'll Love to Use the Color Wheel in Your Makeup Routine

Jessica Cruel — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:10:00 PDT

The color wheel is used by professional makeup artists time and time again to help disguise discoloration on the skin, as well as find the best shadows for any eye color. Learn how to use this tool at home to raise your application skills to megastar status.

Emphasis: Color theory can be used to bring out your best colorful feature - your eyes. When you arrange two colors from the opposite side of the wheel next to each other, it makes them both pop. So blue-eyed beauties should look to orange and golden-toned shadows and liners. Green-eyed girls look to purple or rosy shades for an extra bright look. And for the brown-eyed babes, practically every color can work for you.
Corrections: If you're looking to reduce the appearance of a mark, dark spot, or pimple, turn to a colored primer or concealer to balance out the area. So, if you're attempting to shade in visible blue under-eye veins, reach for an orange concealer. Have rosacea or a red-toned pimple? Dab on a bit of green primer to erase it. Just remember: put an unwanted color in its place by looking to the opposite side of the wheel to find its balancing match.

Source: Flickr User glovsky225

Orange You Glad? 5 Ways to Use a Carrot-Colored Concealer

BellaSugar — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:30:00 PDT

Orange might not look good when it's streaked across your skin à la a bad self-tanner incident. But when used for color-correcting the complexion, the warm hue is perfect for balancing out unwanted cool tones in the skin. There's more to this carrot-y shade than that, though; find out more when you keep reading.

Feelin' Blue: When to Use a Cool-Toned Concealer

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:35:00 PDT

You can try to grasp the purpose of each and every shade of color-correcting concealer on the market until you're blue in the face. But why do that to yourself? Speaking of blue, it turns out the icy hue doesn't have to leave you looking like an extra on The Smurfs. So what can blue do for you? Let's first look to the color wheel for guidance. Oh color wheel, tell us your magic ways.

Not only does blue add radiance to the complexion, but it also assists in reducing the appearance of minor imperfections. And if you have deeper skin tones, blue might be your cure to quelling under-eye circles. Another cool tip is that blue, the opposite of orange, can also help to neutralize overly Oompa Loompa-esque pigments caused from self-tanners.

In addition, purple, lilac, and mauve shades (which are somewhat close to the blue color family) can neutralize sallow, yellow tones. Hues of purple also can brighten olive skin and balance out yellowish blemishes on most skin tones. Try: Make Up For Ever's HD Microperfecting Primer in Blue or Mauve ($34), Givenchy's Mister Mat Mattifying Foundation Primer ($33), or Signature Club A by Adrienne's Anchorwoman Blue Dark Circle Cover ($16).

Source: Flickr User Linzi Clark /

How to Make Yellow Concealer Work For You

Jaime Richards — Sun, 06 May 2012 06:00:00 PDT

A few weeks ago, Kim Kardashian posted an Instagram of herself getting her makeup done, complete with yellow streaks over her entire face. The reason? Yellow primer is a complexion-brightening corrector that helps even out the tone of the skin prefoundation. But that's not all. Now that we have you covered (heh) on the benefits of green correctors and pink correctors tones, let's take a closer look at the warming, brightening capabilities of yellow.

You glow, girl: A yellow powder or primer can add an instant glow to the skin, create a lightening effect, and help to erase the signs of fatigue. How can you not love that?
Get the red out: Yellow helps to soften and balance out pink tones, and it's also great to use for neutralizing pink-toned blemishes and fading out under-eye circles. Yellow correctors, when blended onto the eyelids, create a clean slate on which you can apply your eye makeup.
Try: Benefit's Lemon-Aid ($20), Nyx's Hi Definition Photo Concealer Wand in Yellow ($5), or Napoleon Perdis's Mighty Concealer Pen in Mellow Yellow ($29).

Source: Flickr User Linda Cronin

Pretty in Pink: When to Use a Pink Concealer

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:00:00 PDT

When it comes to makeup shades, pink is one of the most flattering hues on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. But when it's a pink concealer or corrector palette, however, just how does it fit into the mix exactly? Get the scoop when you read more.

It's Easy Being Green (If You're Talking Concealer)

Jaime Richards — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:59:00 PDT

Ever been confused by the multicolored concealer palettes you see at the stores? The confusion stops here. Over the next few days, let's explore the art of these color-correcting concealers, starting with green. Wicked Witch of the West? Don't think so, my pretties. When it comes to color correcting, it's all about using the color wheel to figure out a balance.

Green, for instance, is opposite of red on the color wheel. In theory, it will neutralize any unwanted red hues from things like acne, rosacea, birthmarks, port-wine stains, ruddiness, pimples, and even scars. But do green correcting sticks, powders, and primers work? When it comes down to it, yes, but to find out a few ways to avoid looking as if you've been hit with a bad case of food poisoning, just read more.

Fresh Flavor: A Spanish Food Primer

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:25:02 PST

I constantly crave the flavors of Spain. Though Spanish cuisine varies tremendously across the different regions, they all have one thing in common: the use of fresh, local flavors. Spanish cuisine is heavily influenced by its climate and geography.

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the best way to describe Spanish food is the generous use of olive oil and garlic in dishes. Spain is the number one producer of olive oil, so it seems fitting that this ingredient brings together so many delicious elements. Spain has direct and abundant access to some of the best seafood in the world, and the cuisine offers everything from octopus to razor clams. Meat is also an important part of the Spanish diet and culture, specifically cured pork like jamón serrano and beef (eaten more rarely). Wine is a regular part of mealtime, similar to other Mediterranean countries. Fresh ingredients are of the utmost importance in Spanish cuisine, and because of this, dishes tend to be on the healthier side.

In Spain, dinner is typically eaten late at night (beginning around 10 p.m., but some even sit down to eat as late as midnight), which explains why tapas are a very significant part of Spanish culture. Tapas are small little meals, usually packed full of flavor, meant to be enjoyed while slowly sipping wine and conversing with friends. The cultural phenomenon of tapas is an important reminder to slow down and savor all of the flavors of life.

As I mentioned before, regionality is hugely important when it comes to Spanish cuisine. Typical meals in Galicia are vastly different from those in the Basque region or Andalusia. Still, there are a few common dishes and terms you should know about. Keep reading to learn more!

6 Things You Didn't Know About Tequila

Susannah Chen — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:14:03 PDT

If you hadn't noticed already, I'm a little obsessed with tequila these days. During San Francisco's Cocktail Week, I got educated on the basics of tequila by expert Ryan Fitzgerald and was swiftly convinced that there were numerous reasons why America should be drinking more tequila. But beyond that, I also garnered a number of surprising facts about the Mexican spirit. See the shocking facts - I guarantee they'll surprise you, too - when you read on.

Tequila 101: A Basic Primer

Susannah Chen — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:44:03 PDT

From margaritas to body shots, tequila has played an unforgettable role in America's drinking history. But let's face it: how much do you really know about this spirit? I'll be the first one to admit: I knew nada. So, instead of opting for one of the more advanced seminars on craft cocktail tools or artisanal gin cocktails at San Francisco Cocktail Week, I opted for a crash course on tequila instead. Thankfully, Ryan Fitzgerald, tequila expert and bar manager at Beretta, took no issue with our lack of tequila knowledge, and had no qualms answering any of our questions. Two hours later, I felt equipped with all the knowledge I needed to dive right into tequila appreciation. The basics of tequila - where it comes from, the way it's made, and how to taste it - when you read more.