BellaSugar

Did Ugly Betty Really Need a Makeover?

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:00:43 -0700

Ever since news of Betty's "prettier" look next season broke, I have to admit that I've been a little bummed. It's not that I don't understand that characters evolve, it's just that Betty has always been so heroic because she's a person of substance, one who doesn't depend on her looks to make her life full. Ugly Betty is an import, a rewrite of a hit telenovela from Colombia, Betty La Fea. And in the original series, Betty suddenly lost her braces, got great hair, turned out to be gorgeous, and promptly married the Daniel character. It was a complete betrayal of everything that had been good about the show, and totally reconfirmed that the only way to be loved is by achieving the fashion world's most unrealistic beauty ideals. Never mind that Betty had proven herself a million times over - she was hot now, so she could be happy. I'm just hoping that our version doesn't fall into the same trap. I love Betty for who she is, and I think a great, cute guy should, too.

How-To: America Ferrera's TRL Look

BellaSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:59:05 -0700

YumSugar and I saw this picture of America Ferrara at TRL, and we've been reduced to saying things like, "Wow, she sure is pretty!" I like her look here because it's simple, and it lets her beautiful complexion take center stage. It's a good example of makeup that just makes you look fresh and natural, not like you're wearing makeup.

Check out Fab's guide to America's outfit, and for instructions on how to get this makeup look, read more

America's Makeup:

Foundation: America has beautiful freckles, and if you're similarly blessed, let them show through. Cover any blemishes and under-eye circles with a concealer, but leave the rest of your face bare. If you do decide to use a foundation, try a tinted moisturizer or a mineral makeup foundation-stay away from anything matte. Dust a powder highlighter on places where the sun would hit your face-the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones, and temples.
Lips: Apply a semi-sheer pink lip gloss to lips.
Cheeks: Choose a peach-pink or bronze-pink blush. (If your skin color is close to America's or darker, go with bronze pinks; if it's lighter, stick with the peachy pinks.) Smile, then use a blush brush to apply a light dusting of blush on the apples of cheeks.
Eyes: Apply a neutral beige shadow to the eyelid, then a slightly lighter one just below the orbital bone. Line the inner eyelid (below your upper lashes) with a brown-black eyeliner. Be sure to use one with a soft edge, not a sharp pencil point. Repeat the process on the bottom eyelid, but this time, use a mossy green liner on the lower lash line. Curl your lashes, then apply a coat of black mascara.
Brows: Use a non-shimmery eye shadow or brow powder that matches your hair color. Dip a brow brush into the powder, then tap it to remove excess powder. Brush the powder through your brows to define them.

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How-To: Becki Newton's Dazzling Eye Makeup

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:00:31 -0700

Ugly Betty's Becki Newton looked lovely at the Elle Women in Hollywood Tribute, no? While her skin looks rosy and flawless, the focus is all on the eyes. Using just a bit of shimmer is an easy way to draw attention to your eyes, and as Becki's makeup artist Jamie Greenberg explains, it's easy to do. Get her step-by-step instructions on creating this look when you read more.

2009 Primetime Emmy Awards: Vanessa Williams

BellaSugar — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:28:59 -0700

Back in July, when I had the chance to interview Vanessa Williams, I couldn't help but notice the actress's stunning, steely, blue-gray eyes. And tonight, she put the focus on those famous peepers with a shimmery champagne shadow on the lids and a deep smoky brown in the creases. As for her hair, she wears it down in a cascade of curls, her warm-toned highlights peeking through. She's up for an award for her work on Ugly Betty this evening, and I'm sure many of you are hoping for a win for the longtime actress. But when it comes to Vanessa's hair and makeup tonight, do you give it a winning review?

Vote on all of my Primetime Emmy Awards polls here!

Best of Bella

BellaSugar — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Learn how to do Zooey Deschanel's makeup from 500 Days of Summer.
Get tips on achieving Fergie's hair color, straight from her stylist.
It's trivia time! Test your knowledge on odd hair facts and beauty in numbers.
Have scars? Learn to love 'em.
What do you think of this shorter cut on Freida Pinto?
Find out if you can you tell if it's a sexy perfume or soap character.
See what affordable finds made our August list of must haves.
Ugly Betty's makeover: Is it a good thing?
Watch Leighton Meester age right before your eyes.
If humidity's got you experiencing the frizzies, I've got the tips to cure it.

Vanessa Williams on Aging and Fish Pedicures

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:00:25 -0700

You might have caught a glimpse of Vanessa Williams's sense of humor in the first installment of my interview with her, in which we discussed her use of Botox, along with her love of cars, Irish music, and baking carrot cakes.

Currently, in conjunction with the Dress For Success organization, Vanessa is making a few appearances for the Botox Cosmetic: Express Success Campaign, and in October, we'll be seeing her back on the air as the villainous Wilhelmina Slater on the much-loved Ugly Betty. And now, as promised, there's more from Vanessa after the jump.

Vanessa Williams Dishes on Botox and More

BellaSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:00:06 -0700

On Tuesday, I met with Vanessa Williams to talk about her recent Emmy nomination for Ugly Betty, fish pedicures, and Botox. Vanessa, who has always been very open about her use of the wrinkle-fighting drug, is currently making a few stops throughout the country for the Botox Cosmetic: Express Success Campaign, an educational tour that benefits the Dress For Success organization.

Have you ever wondered why Vanessa took the leap and admitted she uses Botox, or how it affects her ability to act? Find the answers and learn about some of her unexpected hobbies after the jump.

2009 Screen Actors Guild Awards: America Ferrera

BellaSugar — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:39:07 -0800

This Betty is definitely not ugly, as America Ferrera looks lovely walking down the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her dark hair is parted with long layers swept across her face and pulled back into a loose, low ponytail resting over one shoulder. It offsets the gown's embellishment on the opposite side, wouldn't you say?

On the makeup front, she has dark liner – with reflective white shadow on inner corners – to make eyes pop and a touch of blush swept across her cheeks. Plus it's hard not to notice how those bold red lips contrast with her bright white smile. Does this look give you something to grin about, too?

Vote on all of my
Screen Actors Guild Awards polls here!

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How-To: America Ferrera's Emmys Hairstyle

BellaSugar — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:16:47 -0700

Did you love America Ferrera's hairstyle at the Emmys? You're in luck, because hairstylist Daniel Howell of Frédéric Fekkai salon is sharing how he came up with this gorgeous 'do for the Ugly Betty star. "Normally, the dress will start to dictate the hairstyle," he says of America's vintage gown. "Even though this is a vintage dress, it has a modern feel to it. That dictated a slightly vintage hairstyle, but we made it a bit softer."

Want to get this look at home? For the full tutorial, read more.

Step one: Beginning with wet hair, use a heat-protecting product such as Fekkai Coiff Défense ($25), which Daniel used on America. Rough-dry hair without pulling on it, and mist before and after with a texturizing spray to add volume; Daniel used Fekkai Coiff Bouffant ($23), a spray-on styling gel.
Step two: Starting from the nape of the neck, section off pieces of hair approximately 1.5" thick and 1" wide. Wrap each piece around a small curling iron from the middle of the section to the root. The curls should all go in the same direction.
Step three: Now take the uncurled half of your hair and wrap it around a larger curling iron. "If you use only one size of curling iron," Daniel explains, "The weight of the hair is loose at the root and tighter at the end. This is the reverse; it's tighter by the root, loose and softer at the end."
Step four: Gently brush the curls out to create a pattern and defined wave. Using a clip, set the curls with hair spray. Follow with a shine spray if you like.

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2008 Primetime Emmy Awards: Vanessa Williams

BellaSugar — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:59:52 -0700

Vanessa Williams is definitely no Ugly Betty, and her classy look this evening proves it. Check out those long lashes, accentuated with dark mascara. She keeps her lips pretty in pink, and adds a touch of blush to top it all off. What do you think of Vanessa's light makeup and volumized-in-the-front/curly-in-the-back updo?

Vote on all of my Emmy Awards polls here!

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