BellaSugar

This Makeup DVD Will Have You Looking Fine

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:00:46 -0700

Team Bella loves Sam Fine, and not just because he's a top makeup artist who's worked with some seriously bold-faced names (Halle, Beyonce, Tyra, among many others). Nope, we love him because he's happy to share his expertise in a friendly, easy-to-digest way. In his just-released DVD, Fine: The Basics of Beauty ($24.99), Fine teaches makeup basics through a series of makeovers and tutorials. Here's a preview.

The DVD is geared toward women of color, but anybody can learn a few things from Fine's advice. If you'd like some of his tips outside of the DVD, check out his advice on choosing the right foundation. And if you want to join the unofficial Sam Fine fan club, I'll see you there.

How-To: Queen Latifah's Makeup at the 2009 People's Choice Awards

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:10:53 -0800

At last night's People's Choice Awards Queen Latifah was a fabulous hostess. And, of course, no queen would be complete without a regal purple silk chiffon gown with multidimensional sparkles. As for her makeup? The majority of you loved it. Her look was a hit, and now I've got the details on how to be luminous like Latifah.

Seeing that the star is the spokesperson for CoverGirl, it's no surprise that celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine created her classic look with products from this iconic drugstore line. To see color selections and techniques straight from Fine himself, check out the how-to below:

Eyes: Fine applied an eggplant shade (which is easier to wear than lilac since it's closer to brown/mahogany tones) on the crease and underneath the lower lash line using Eye Enhancers Quad Eye Shadow in Ice Princess ($4.99). He also used an opalescent beige shadow on the eyelid to open up the eye. Next, he lined the top lash line for definition, applied false lashes, and some Volume Exact Mascara in Very Black ($7.29). "Mascara helps to fuse Queen's lashes to the fake lashes," he said. Great tip.

To see the rest of the how-to, along with Fine's instructions on what he did to add drama to her lips during a costume change, read more.

Cheeks: Since Queen Latifah had just come back from the holidays, Fine applied a dusting of Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Brown Bronze ($8.18) to keep that glow going. Then, he added some rosy blush on top for a subtle effect.
Lip: First, Fine used a liner to define the lip - a step he never skips. He chose a lipstick in a neutral, mauve tone and a complementary gloss called Wetslicks AmazeMint in Pink Positive ($6.25).
Costume change: When Queen Latifah changed into her green dress at the show, Fine created a completely different look just by switching up her lips. He applied Vibrant Hue Color Lipstick in Cherrylicious ($6.21), a cranberry shade, along with a matching gloss for a fast and easy metamorphosis.

Source

Makeup Artist Sam Fine Shares Shopping Tips

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:00:18 -0700

When Vanessa Williams, Iman, Halle Berry, Brandy, Beyonce, Veronica Webb, and Tyra Banks have you on speed dial, you know you're good. Such is the case with makeup artist Sam Fine, who's worked with these (among other) celebrities. The Chicago native began his career by working at a cosmetics counter, then worked his way up to be one of the most sought-after makeup artists.

He also maintains his own blog, which provides shade-specific, step-by-step tutorials. In between appearances for MAC, I talked with him about a few makeup tips for women of every color.

On his makeup philosophy:
"Makeup is about personality. I'm not a big rule-maker. If you want to wear red lipstick morning, noon and evening, why not?"

On the most flattering hues for women of color:
"There are a few shades that I don't use as much with women of color, like pink shades. Pink is not in the undertones of women of color, so I use bronzer instead. For me, it's all about the basics: Orange, coral, and golden shades look beautiful. But pinks are tricky, as are really pale colors."

For Sam Fine's tips on choosing color cosmetics and foundation, read more.

His foundation-shopping tips:
"Be savvy; shop around. Nowadays, you have lines like Bobbi Brown and MAC that have more than two or three shades. These lines may not be dedicated to women of color, but they have some wonderful options. You have to go from line to line. It's really trial and error. Don't think it terms of, 'This one line is my everything.' You'll have to pick and choose from different lines. Women of color are always going to have to do more work to find the right foundation color for their skin tones."

On finding the most flattering color cosmetics:
"For women of color, there's already color in the skin, so you need more pigment. Nars, Iman, and Fashion Fair are some lines that have truer colors. What you see in the tube is going to be the same on skin. You have to be careful in your color choice - that's true not just for women of color, but for all women. There's nothing you can't do, but you have to switch up the shade, not the color, to make it complement your complexion. For instance, the right blue for Vanessa Williams might be a different shade than the one that looks right on Patti LaBelle."

Best of Bella, 4/27

BellaSugar — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:20:31 -0700

See how to get long, lovely ringlets just like Mischa.
Think you know the truth about Hollywood's hottest heads of hair? Then take my celebrity hair extensions quiz.
Catherine Zeta Jones is lovely, but in her new Elizabeth Arden ads she looks nothing like herself.
Here's how to get the glamorous look of sultry, glossy eyes.
What do you think: Does Kim Kardashian look better bare-faced, or in full makeup?
Oh-so-fine makeup artist Sam Fine shares his makeup tips for women of color. (See my pun? See what I did there?)
If you're a fan of lip plumpers, check out this reader's story.
I scoped out the Cosmetics Outlet, so you don't have to. (You may not want to.)
See what Dr. Murad himself told me about how to care for your skin.
Would you rather be a beauty or a brain?
Ready to bid adieu to bangs? Here's how to grow them out in style.
If you're engaged, download this free bridal beauty planner.

Source