BellaSugar

The Hottest Summer Romances of 2008

PopSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:30:11 PDT

As we get ready to bid farewell to another Summer, we thought it would be fun to look back at all the couples that took advantage of those steamy nights. There were old favorites, hot hookups that quickly fizzled, and one very exciting reunion - so take a look through our photos of the hottest Summer romances of 2008.

Coming Soon: Summer 2008 Nouveau Boho From Becca

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:00:42 PDT

At first I thought it was a little strange that Becca was so late in the game to be launching its Summer products now, but I was willing to overlook it because when they do finally decide to crank out new goodies, it's always worth the wait. However, it hit me just a few moments ago that the brand is Australian, and so it all makes sense why the model is wearing a knit hat - their Winter is our Summer!

In two weeks, get ready to check out two brand-new products: a shimmery golden-bronze powder eye shadow called Damask ($24) and a creamy champagne-pink blush called Freesia ($30). Similarly to Flirt! Cosmetics and American Beauty, Becca has created a really pretty, easy-to-achieve look.

The 2008 Nouveau Boho collection has an earthy feel with a modern edge. I haven't tried anything just yet, but from what I've heard (and from checking out the photos) the colors are muted shades of bronze, green, and gold metallics (so pretty!). To find out the rest of the already-existing colors that were used to create this look and for a close-up, peek at the products,

Use a little bit of Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz along the bridge of the nose, on the bow of your upper lip, under your brow bone, and on the top of your cheekbones.
Once you add Damask all over your lids and under your lash line, apply the brown side of Line + Illuminate Pencil in Mustique to your upper lash line, the shimmery shade to your inner rims, and top off the look with The Ultimate Mascara in Bronze.
Create subtle, nude lips by lining them in Biscotti Nude Liner and then top them off with Glossy Lip Tint in Caipirinha (a nude, beige shade) to add shine.

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How-To: Handle Chlorinated "Green" Hair

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:00:53 PDT

OK, it's time to get something straight right off the bat. The chlorine in pools isn't what is causing your hair to turn green; it's the copper in the water that's making you look like you've just been slimed.

Chlorine is a chemical that kills germs, and when mixed with the natural copper in the water, it can turn dark blonde hair yellow, make highlights brassy, or turn light blonde hair green. Even if your hair isn't light or chemically treated, chlorine can dry it out. Below are a few quick and easy precautions you can take to protect your hair's texture and color.

Before you get into the pool, rinse your hair with water from the shower or the tap and apply a conditioner to help coat your hair. This will act as a shield against the damaging chemical/metal mixture.
If possible, don't stay in the pool for more than a few hours. If you are planning to swim for an extended period of time, then it's a good idea to wear a swim cap.
As soon as you get out of the pool, shampoo and condition your hair immediately. A great suggestion is Swimmer's Normalizing Conditioner and Swimmer's Normalizing Shampoo ($7.70-$7.98 each) from Aubrey Organics. Work the shampoo into your hair, rinse well and repeat the process for optimal results.
Deep-condition more regularly to avoid brittleness and breakage. Shiny, hydrated, healthy hair is less likely to be affected.

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Kissable Couture's Bare Your Soul Summer Nudes Collection

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:01:35 PDT

Summertime is all about flaunting your sexy skin. What better way to enhance it with than a collection of sultry nude lip glosses? Kissable Couture has just released The Nudes Collection, three shiny new shades to bring the total number of glosses to 13.

Each of the glosses have a light, nontacky texture, a sweet (but not overbearingly so) scent and retail for $22. The colors are deeper than the original collection: they all have shimmer, and they are all members of the golden toffee-colored family.

Innocence, the lightest of the bunch, is a champagne-creme brulee color. It goes on sheer and would look great alone or on top of any of your favorite lipstick.
Honesty is a creamy, rich caramel shade that has a slight glimmer of shimmer.
Exposed is a dark, metallic bronzey-brown that is charged with oodles of shimmer.

To see close-up shots of each of the shades,

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A Little Slice of the Italian Riviera Right Here at Home

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:00:11 PDT

Recently, I introduced you to the new world of Borghese nail lacquers and their awesome double brushes. Since I'm such a fan, I thought you'd like to hear about the most recent Summer 2008 launch called Portofino Del Sole. The collection includes six shimmery shades that were inspired by the breathtaking landscape in Portofino, Italy - a Mediterranean port and destination for the rich and lavish.

I'm not much of a shimmer fan when it comes to my nails (especially reds or lavenders), but I'll rock just about anything on my toes. After trying out Florentine Gold, I'm smitten. Not only do I love the authentic, yellowy pale gold color, but I gave myself a quickie pedicure last night and was pleased that it didn't streak at all and that the polish dried relatively quickly. Also, I'll remind you again that the lacquers are free of DBPs, toluene, and formaldehyde - and they leave you with a long-lasting shine. What else is there to say besides, bellissima!

To read a description of each of the shades in the collection,

Florentine Gold is a medium-toned, frosty gold.
Portofino Gold is a shimmery pinky-gold.
Bronzatta Gold is a pale bronze.
Siena Gold is a gingery, pink-copper.
Rubioso Gold is an icy, frosted ruby shade.
Amethysta Gold is a mauvey-lilac.

Coming Soon: Wei East Golden Root Renewal Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:00:21 PDT

Due out this July is the first SPF product from Wei East: Golden Root Renewal Cream SPF 15 ($37.50). Golden root is a vibrant red Chinese herb that has been used for ages to prevent visible signs of aging. Small quantities of golden root have been added to this cream to help promote the re-growth of dead skin cells, resulting in a new and smooth surface to your skin. This 'multitasking day cream' claims to firm, hydrate and make your skin look and feel more resilient.

The moisturizer also contains white tea (a strong antioxidant), reishi mushroom (an anti-inflammatory) and Licorice (to revitalize the skin). I've tried it once and am impressed with the way the SPF scent is masked with a cinnamony-herbal essence. Also, it has a thin, spreadable texture that goes on smooth and absorbs quickly.

I was thinking that it was definitely more of a moisturizer, but the impression I get from the packaging is that it's actually more like a sunscreen. Either way, I am really excited about being able to use such a great smelling product this summer that will protect my skin, improve its appearance and above all, it won't clog my pores.

Coming Soon: American Beauty 2008 Summer Bouquet Collection

BellaSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:00:27 PDT

This June, American Beauty Cosmetics will launch its Summer Bouquet color story. Much like Flirt! Cosmetics (both are owned by the same company), the brand typically launches a new product or two every few months and then creates a seasonal look by blending the new products in with the old.

The inspiration for Summer Bouquet is all about florals, specifically perky pink roses. The new product for Summer is a peachy pink powder blush called Nectar Blossom. The face of the campaign is Ashley Judd, as usual, and this particular photo also doubles as an ad for its new Beloved fragrance.

For a description of each of the items in the Summer Bouquet color story,

New, Beloved Rose Powder Blush in Nectar Blossom ($18) is a peachy, pink powder blush that blends easily and gives cheeks a warm, natural-looking flush.
Luxury for Lids Eyeshadow Duo in Afternoon Tea ($14.50) are two soft, matte taupe shades that can be applied all over the lids, to the crease and eyebrows.
Ultra-Easy Automatic Eyeliner in Mocha ($11) is a warm, creamy chocolate brown pencil eye liner.
Softy Shaping Mascara in Black Velvet ($11) is a rich, long-lasting jet black mascara that separates, elongates, and leaves lashes with a bit of a glossy finish.
Enduring Beauty Longwear Lipcolor in Candy Rose ($12.50) is a bright, medium-colored coral-pink, long-wearing creamy lipstick.
Pretty Glossy Luscious Lipshine in Strawberry Pop and Sugar Fizz ($12.50 each) is a high-shine, sheer lip gloss. Strawberry Fizz is a bold red shade and Sugar Fizz is a pale, cotton-candy pink color.
Fabulous Feel Liquid Lipcolor in Party Pink ($12.50) is a true, shiny, baby pink lip color that has the coverage of a lipstick and the texture of a lip gloss minus the stickiness.

Hot In The City: Prescriptives Urban Heat Summer Collection

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:00:23 PDT

The new Urban Heat Collection from Prescriptives is a beautiful summer product range. It contains a total of 14 items in five categories. They include two limited-edition kohl eye pencils (which have been formulated extra soft for smudging), eight vivid Colorscope lip glosses, one new Colorscope creamy eye shadow, two Colorscope eye colors and one neutral-colored Colorscope lipstick.

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Overall, it is a sexy, but clean and vibrant line. It contains pale metallics and bright accent shades that can be worn in the daytime and then darkened for a more sultry evening effect. I've got all of the info on each of the new products, so if you are interested in the prices and a brief color description,

Colorscope Lipcolor in Majorcan Sand ($17.50) is a natural looking cool, creamy brown that looks amazing under the new Sporty lip gloss.
Kohl Eye Pencil in Blue Grotto ($18.50) is a long-wearing, water-resistant deep teal eye liner.
Kohl Eye Pencil in Purple Rain ($18.50) is a brown, aubergine eye liner.
Colorscope Creamy Eye Color in Lychee ($18.00) is a sparkling, crease-resistant eye shadow in a pale gold shade.
Colorscope Eye Color in Plum Noir ($18.50) is a long-wearing, silky powder eye shadow in a new, dark, purple shade that can be worn in the crease or used as an eye liner.
Colorscope Eye Color in Aegean ($18.50) is a bright, sheer and shimmery turquoise accent shadow.

Colorscope Lip Glosses

Trendy is a soft, muted beige.
Sporty is a sparkling bronzed copper.
Gutsy is a bright, sheer coral.
Giggly is an opaque, poppy pink.
Feisty is a deep rosy, henna brown.
Sassy is a dense, dusty rose.
Stylish is a lighter, lilac rosy shade.
Edgy is a deep, glossy wine.

Victoria's Secret Dazzling Diamonds Collection

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:00:13 PDT

Who said that glitter and sparkles are just for the Winter holidays? Victoria's Secret has created a special limited-edition makeup collection called Very Sexy Diamonds for Summer 2008. The product range includes three eyeshadow duos ($14 each), three lip glimmers ($12 each), and an illuminating, jewel-embossed face powder ($22). All of the products are formulated with crushed diamond particles that create a gorgeous light-reflecting intense shimmer to your eyes, lips and face.

I'm totally bonkers for the glosses. They are available in champagne, pink, and fiery (coral) and come in a clear tube that houses three graduated shades. The darkest color is on the bottom and the lightest shade is on the top so when you pull out the wand, you get dense color with a little bit of glitter and a lot of shine.

Victoria's Secret is sure to score a home run with this diamond makeup collection. I like mine so much that I've already purchased a set for my best friend's birthday.

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Coming Soon: Flirt! Cosmetics Bright on Summer 2008 Collection

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:00:36 PDT

Every season Flirt! Cosmetics gathers a few old and a few new items to create a themed color story of the season. For Summer 2008, the look is called Bright On! This four-product combination includes a creamy eye shadow, a deep-violet mascara, a dark-purple eyeliner pencil (in my absolute favorite color, Purple Rain - it's so dark it looks almost black) and a brand-new lip balm with SPF 12 called Flirt-Tinis.

Flirt-Tinis are sheer, conditioning, limited-edition glossy balms that moisturize lips while providing a little bit of shimmer. I love that they glide on smooth without any of the tackiness of a goopy lip gloss. Including Fizzy Pink (the featured color), three additional shades will also be available in June online and in Kohl's department stores.

The inspiration for Bright On! comes from the pop color runway trend. These shades are vibrant, but they're also wearable since they can be layered to create anything from understated to bold. They also touch on the purple trend that is apparently carrying over from Fall and Spring. To read more about each of the items in the Bright On! color story,

I’m Whipped Eyeshadow Mousse in Mystical ($12) is a smooth and creamy, shimmery bright-lavender shadow.
Big Flirt Thickening Mascara in Violet Vixen ($10) is a dark aubergine mascara that adds volume and length to your lashes.
Look of Love Eye Pencil in Purple Rain ($10) is a deep, rich purple creamy eyeliner pencil with a tiny bit of sparkle (it looks especially amazing on anyone with green or hazel eyes).
New Flirt-Tinis Protective Tinted Lip Balm SPF 12 in Fizzy Pink ($10) is a creamy, sheer baby-pink lip balm that comes in a pocket-sized pot that can be applied with a brush or with your fingertip.