BellaSugar

The First Must-Haves of 2008

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:00:39 -0800

The post-holiday doldrums of January can be rough, cold, and not so pretty. That doesn't have to be the case with your beauty routine, though. This month, it's all about hydration: drinking enough water, moisturizing your skin, and avoiding drying products. I've found six items to help you do just that and more.

For a rundown of each product, just read more.

I'm really excited to try Stila Eye Shadow Duos ($20), which officially launch in February but are available to Sephora Beauty Insiders now. This is the first time that Stila has offered two colors in one pan, and the reformulated shadows are supposed to be smoother than ever.

During winter, look for a body moisturizer with shea butter in it; this will help seal in the moisture of your skin. 100% Pure body butter ($18) looks deceptively small in its packaging, but a jar of this highly-concentrated stuff lasts forever. I've tried the blood orange variety, which has a light citrus scent. Plus, it's free of parabens and chemicals, so it's an eco-friendly vegan treat.

Clinique has just launched a line called Clinique Redness Solutions ($16.50–$39). It's meant to help skin with rosacea, but the gentle formula should help anybody who deals with a ruddy complexion.

Alterna Caviar mask ($40) is an anti-aging hair mask, but I find that it treats my young hair quite nice. Again, this is a highly concentrated conditioning product, so a little goes a long way. I use it every couple of weeks, and it definitely makes my hair softer and seemingly thicker-without leaving a gross residue.

In my quest for reasonably priced tinted lip balms, I came across some by Roxie ($6.50). The vegan formulas use shea butter, cocoa butter, and mineral pigments to keep lips from chapping. Pomegranate, the ruby-tinged shade you see here, has great color, no?

Finally, although you shouldn't, like, live in the bathtub during the winter, a little soak can't hurt too much. I've always loved Claus Porto bath products because of their packaging, and this Ilyria duo of bath salts ($8) is no exception. It smells of honeysuckle, a decidedly non-wintry scent, but it's this time of year when we need flowers most.

New Product Alert: Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Masque

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:00:37 -0800

With the season changing at warp speed, hair is at serious risk of moisture loss. This can lead to dull strands and brittle split ends. Now is a good time to start giving yourself a hair treatment anywhere from once to twice a week, depending on the condition of your hair. If you are looking for a new product to try, Alterna has just come out with a Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Masque ($40).

This color-safe treatment is made with seasilk, a patented group of marine botanicals. Together, they promise to prevent breakage and combat dryness by delivering moisture to your hair and scalp. I've used it once already, but I want to give it one more whirl before sharing my review. So stay tuned, because I'll have plenty to say about it soon!

Oh Man: His and Hers Beauty Products

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:05:24 -0700

So now that you are officially Mr. and Mrs, that probably means that you are living together for the first time (wink, wink). Okay, so even if you were living in sin, you're now sharing everything-including the small amount of space in the bathroom (remember the 50/50 rule, gals)! So although he may not understand the extent to which you primp, a great way to save some room on your side of the medicine cabinet is to fill up his side with products you love, too. Check out a few of my personal favorite products that work for both men and women.

This nail polish called Essie Cosmetics Man-e-Cure ($16) is a clear matte polish that looks extremely natural. Guys don't want to look like they've put much effort into their appearance, but oftentimes they do care about looking well groomed, neat and professional.

For two more products for the newlyweds to share read more

Clearasil Tinted Acne Treatment Cream ($5.79) may not be as fancy as some of your other more girly spot treatments but it's a great product that works on blemishes, whiteheads and oily areas.

The color is tinted ever so slightly, which I've learned that guys love because it blends right into the color of your skin and it acts doubly as a concealer to diminish the look of red marks.

Alterna Hemp Seed Sheer Pomade ($16.75) is another great product for the both of you. And as long as it doesn't smell too perfumey or floral, your guy will go for it. This particular pomade is lightweight and is great for smoothing, texturizing and providing 'touchable' results-nothing too sticky or firm.

Actually, anything like a pomade or a hair wax will also do the trick. And don't forget that there are a slew of other products out there guys will be happy to share with you too such as lip balm, body wash and SPF. Enjoy!

New Product Alert: Alterna Caviar Seasilk Shampoo and Conditioner

BellaSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 07:33:27 -0700

I love Alterna products, and the hair-care brand's newest invention sounds especially luxe. Called Caviar Anti-Aging Seasilk Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, this combo contains caviar extract, vitamin C, and seasilk, an ingredient previously available only in skincare products. It's an anti-aging agent that increases elasticity and shine while also hydrating and nourishing unbalanced or dry hair.

Yes, hair does age. Not only does it get thinner as the years ago by, but hair follicles also suffer from environmental, sun, and chemical damage. This shampoo ($30) and conditioner ($32) duo, which comes in volumizing and moisturizing varieties, shields hair from further damage, helps to refine the texture of damaged hair strands, and protects color from oxidization and fading.

I haven't tried it out on my locks yet, but I have taken a whiff of the substantial green tea and bergamot aroma, and it's quite nice. Want to try it yourself? You can buy the Caviar line at any salon that carries Alterna products; call 1-888-4-ALTERNA for details.

Big Is Back! Volumizers We Love, Part II

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:21:22 -0700

Remember yesterday I told you that I had three favorite volumizers? Well, after poking around a little bit more in the store, I realized there were still a few more to introduce you to. Big hair is really in for Spring and these trusty products help give your limp locks some life. Spray them directly at the roots of your hair followed by styling with a round brush (to create lift) and heat. Enjoy!

Jonathan Product® Create Root Volume™ Brushable Lifting Spray, $28, is what every Brigitte Bardot wanna be must buy! This volumizer will give you seriously sexy hair without a gross sticky feeling.

Since it is made from lemongrass water and plant botanicals, it smells light and citrusy, and it is also great for your hair. The formula includes: sweet almond protein, Pathenol Vitamin Complex and UV filters to protect your hair against sun damage and fading.

For two more volumizers, read more

Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray for Fine Limp Hair, $24, is a keratin infused concentrated spritzer that contains that extra boost of protein to give your lackluster and limp hair a boost. Spray generously at the roots of your hair and style with heat as usual.

Alterna® - LIFE Volumizing Spray Gel for Fine and Thin Hair, $19, is a lightweight spray gel that helps control, hold and give your hair definition with move ability. It smells really good too since it's made from floral extracts. It's also formulated with silk amino acids (proteins) to strengthen hair and increase shine.

Beauty Spring Peek: Loose Waves & Center Parts

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 12:40:08 -0800

Here's a look at another one of our Spring Peeks. All the starlets, models and singers are wearing the universally flattering look of loose waves & center parts. No more straight irons and no more stressing about perfect looking hair - yay!

This Spring, just relax and let your natural waves come out. Dare to wear your hair with a little bit of volume and some body. Here's how to get this great look that appeared on the recent runways of Bill Blass, Chloe and Victoria's Secret.

For do it yourself products and instructions, read more

Apply a volumizing solution to your roots such as Bumble & Bumble Tonic Spray Lotion, $22.99 Aveda Volumizing Tonic, $16.99 or Alterna Life Volumizing Spray Mousse,$21 if you have thin or fine hair.
Next, divide your hair into many different sections and secure each section with clips. Be sure and create a straight center part from the get-go.
Dry your hair until it's only a little bit damp. Hold the dryer facing downward (from roots to ends), to create a smoother finished product.
Take a large barrelled curling iron on the lowest heat setting and begin curling with the underneath pieces of hair. Skinny curling irons will give you tight curls while a larger barrelled iron will create loose waves. Take one section of hair and wrap it around the iron working your way up toward your roots. Tip: Don't open the iron; just wind your hair around the barrel.
Hold the hair around the iron for about 30 seconds and unwind it manually. Repeat this action for each section of your hair.
When you are finished, you will be tempted to take a brush or a comb to your hair, but don't do it! Allow your fingers to separate and relax the curls into waves.
Lastly, shake your hair out gently and then spritz it with one of these fabulous hairsprays.

Get Sexy Beach Hair in the City, Part II

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 07:11:22 -0700

Welcome to part two of Sexy Beach Hair in the City. You all seemed to have enjoyed the first installment so much, I thought that I'd bring you more! Here are three more fab hair products that can help create the sexy tousled waves that happen naturally at the beach. Please let me know what you think of them!

Alterna Hemp Sculpting Putty, $18, is a tad bit unconventional because it's not a spray, but I am telling you - this is the perfect product for a beachy, messy, texturized look. It adds shine while giving hair a pliable, piecey look. It also sculpts, molds and spikes if you are looking for something that you can use on many other looks too.

Made with powerful hemp seed oil, it's rich in proteins to really help restore your hair’s strength and moisture from the inside out. Just apply to wet or dry hair and style without the need of heat.

To find a salon nearby that sells this product, go to Alterna.com and type in your zip code. Enjoy!

To see more, read more

Fekkai Summer Hair Beach Waves, $20, is a heat-activated spritz that helps create summer beachy looking waves. It also provides a UV shield to your hair and has a conditioning agent in it to keep it feeling soft and healthy.

Spray on dry or damp hair and then shape your waves by scrunching. Thanks for the suggestion quietriott!

Wella Liquid Hair Body Surf Beach Hair Styler, $16, is a non-aerosol spray that helps to add volume, body and a salty- texture to fine/normal hair. Work into dry or damp hair and then mold into waves using your fingers.

Alterna

Intern — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:38:09 -0700

Link Time!

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:00:34 -0700

Trend alert: Poppy lipstick - FabSugar UK
Supercute travel brushes from Target - Makeup and Beauty Blog
ICYMI, Kim Kardashian wears wigs - Allure
Hair tips for black alterna-girls - Mookychick
Dubious body-image wisdom from an underweight pageant queen - The Cut
New Yorkers can get a free consultation with the Fréderic Fekkai - Fashionista
How to wear a smoky silver eye - In Style
Make like MacGyver with these double-duty ideas - Stylelist

Happening Hair: The Modern Half Up, Half Down

BellaSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:43:22 -0800

Here is a happening do that is a modern take on the old half up, half down style. This look is great for those of you with long layers or one solid length - so basically anyone, but you have to have some substantial length to pull this off. This is also a quick style for women on the go. It keeps your hair out of your eyes, but won't take it completely off of your face. Ultimately, this is a super sexy hair style, hence it being modeled here on some of the world's sexiest women. You can wear this hair on the third day of a blowout too, just as the crown is getting greasy. This look is also a great way to add volume to a round shaped face.

To create this look for yourself at home, read more

Choose a shampoo and conditioner with volumizing agents in it. I happen to really love Alterna's Life Volumizing Shampoo,, $17.10, as well as their Life Volumizing Conditioner, $18.30.
Blow dry hair and set with rollers for additional volume. If you want stick straight hair like Heidi Klum's hair shown above, then before blow drying add a drop of Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm to add shine, protect hair from heat and control frizz. Wait 20 minutes in the rollers for hair to set.
Gently take out the rollers and begin to lightly backcomb the crown of your hair. Then, smooth it over with a soft brush, I like the Mason Pearson all boar bristle brush. Keep in mind, don't tease your hair too much. You don't want to have extreme lift at the crown, just a little is perfect.
Next, secure just the middle section of the crown with a skinny barrette or two bobby pins. Overlap the pins so they create an "X". Smooth the rest of your hair.
Lastly, spray your entire head with a fine mist of hairspray to keep all of your hard work in place! A new hairspray that I've just discovered is called Masterpiece Massive Shine Hairspray by Tigi, $15.75. Try it and let me know what you think!