BellaSugar

2010 Spring New York Fashion Week: Christian Siriano

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0700

You can't get anymore classic than your basic ponytail. It's an easy way to add a little flair to any style; and at Christian Siriano's show at 2010 New York Fashion Week, the designer worked with Aveda's Antoinette Beenders to create a ponytail with a little something extra. When it comes to Christian and hair, would you expect anything less? Beenders version is low and sleek, featuring both rough and smooth textures. "Christian and I worked together to create a hair look that reflects the inspiration behind his collection - waves and the ocean, with shimmering silks, silvers, and blues," she said. Looking for something a little different when it comes to your tried-and-true ponys? Catch the wave, and get the how-to after the gallery images.

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To get the look, just keep reading.

Treat Yourself to a Free Mini Facial at Aveda This Friday and Saturday

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:00:49 -0800

Whenever I step into an Aveda store, I always feel relaxed and pampered. And in the spirit of Valentine's Day, this Friday and Saturday (Feb. 13 and 14) the environmentally friendly company is inviting you to pop into any Aveda Experience Center for a complimentary Valentine's Day "masque-rade."

The free service will include a skin care consultation, mini facial, guided self facial massage, makeup finishing touch, and a mask sample to take home. Not too shabby. Will you be attending this masquerade? It sounds like a ball.

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"Free" Birthday Gifts From Beauty Companies

BellaSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:00:36 -0800

Ringing in 2009 got me thinking, "Now, just how old am I going to be this year?" That reminded me of the goodies beauty companies send out in honor of my birthday. (I don't sound too greedy, do I?)

To help you prepare for your big day, I've compiled a short list of companies that provide complimentary b-day gifts, so you can sign up if you'd like. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section and share your favorites. And a Happy (early) Birthday to you!

The Body Shop: As a member of the Love Your Body card program, you pay $10 to join, accumulate points, receive rewards, get 10% off all year long, and receive a gift during your birthday month, too.
Aveda: The environmentally-friendly beauty company's Pure Privilege card also costs $10 to join. You earn points with each purchase, and every year when you're birthday rolls around, you'll receive a certificate for a $20 gift. Psst. It's usually a customized Pure-Fume Spirit blend.
Sephora: The beauty megastore's Beauty Insider Card is free. As a member, pop into a Sephora store within 14 days of your birthday to redeem your gift. See the site for more details about redeeming online.

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Alexander Wang Takes a (Cat)walk of Shame

BellaSugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:20:23 -0700

Backstage at Alexander Wang, the designer told me his inspiration for the hair and makeup was "sweat." Well, he couldn't have picked a more humid and rainy day to show.

Just as hot-and-bothered was the beauty look. Makeup artist Dick Page described it as "the walk of shame - when you have to go into the subway station, everyone is going to work, and you're going home."

To that end, models' hair and faces were sprayed with Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray before they hit the runway. "The girls look very hot, like they've been exerting themselves," explained head hairstylist Eugene Souleiman, who used Aveda products. "It's about action, sporty, really cool-looking girls that are tough. Really cool girls don't do too much with their hair because they don't need to. Fast life, no time to do her hair!" The result? Models who looked like they got caught in the same 90-degree downpour the audience did, only infinitely more glamorous. Real cool girls indeed.

For the specifics on the hair and makeup, plus backstage photos, read more.

Hairstylist Souleiman created a deconstructed half-ponytail. He said:
"We're wetting the front of the hair and just grabbing the hair and pulling it back; we're not even combing it. Then we're using Air Control hair spray and just twisting it. It kind of dries the hair out and makes it dull, and makes the back look quite full and very raw."

Dick Page, who used Shiseido products, outlined the makeup look. Eyelids had a glossy, coppery cream shadow over dark gray shadow (with black eyeliner, of course). "Go all the way, really kind of murky, about the eyes," he advises. "It makes the eye look very wet." On the lips, beige lipstick and a bit of berry gloss on the middle of the lower lip gives a fresh, just-been-snogged look that's very sexy - whether you're doing a walk of shame or not.

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New Product Alert: Aveda Dry Remedy System

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0700

When Aveda launches a new concept, the company tends to do it in bulk. Such was the case with its Outer Peace acne-treatment regimen (and the subsequent men's hair-care line), and the same rings true with the just launched Dry Remedy. There's the requisite shampoo and conditioner, plus a hair mask (and a free comb if you buy the three as a set).

The system also follows the company's tradition of using plant and flower essences in its products. It does this, primarily, with its use of buriti oil and pomegranate, which Aveda claims help penetrate the hair with moisture; and, secondarily, with meadowfoam, soybean, and sunflower seed oils, used to help seal in the moisture.

I haven't tried this particular line, but I'm glad to see Aveda moving in this direction since I've found some of their shampoos, specifically Brilliant and Shampure, to be very drying, especially with daily use. Have you had a similar issue with Aveda shampoo, and, if so, will you try Dry Remedy?

Backstage Beauty: Rag & Bone

BellaSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:00:09 -0800

The hair and makeup at Friday's Rag & Bone show worked 100% seamlessly with the clothing. That makes sense, since lead makeup artist Gucci Westman is married to one of the designers of the line. Like the clothing that came down the runway, the makeup used gray, black, and blue tones to create an edgy cool-girl look.

"It's a Blade Runner '40s girl," Gucci explained as she dabbed navy eye shadow on model Coco Rocha. "The collection is very monochromatic and futuristic, so we wanted something a little more futuristic and unexpected in the makeup. The girl still looks gorgeous-it's always important that she looks sexy and cool."

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Quick Quiz: Can Stress Really Cause Blemishes?

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:00:46 -0800

I've often heard that blemishes can bloom from diet changes, hormonal fluctuation, and from changing skincare products. All of these factors may contribute in some way to the outbreak of spots, but one thing I know for sure is that when I am stressed, I always suffer a breakout.

I decided to do a little bit of research to find out why, if in fact it is stress that is such a traumatic trigger for my skin. Who better to turn to for advice than to the Aveda Research Team. After all, they've just spent tons of time developing a line of Ayurvedic products called Outer Peace, which are designed to achieve clear and balanced skin. Take this quick quiz to find out if stress is really a cause of blemishes, or if it's all in your head.

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Take the quiz

Bella Brand: Aveda Outer Peace

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:00:50 -0800

Launched earlier this year, Aveda's latest skin care collection is called Outer Peace. This four-step skin care line uses modern Ayurvedic botanicals to achieve balanced, clear skin. Some key ingredients in these products include salicylic acid, the anti-irritant saw palmetto, ambla (a popular Ayurvedic berry that helps heal) and a blend of organic essential oils such as lemon, tea tree and rose geranium.

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For a detailed list of each of the products and their prices, read more

STEP 1: Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser ($24) is a mild cleanser. Use morning and night.
STEP 2: Outer Peace Anti Blemish Relief Pads ($30) are gentle exfoliating pads. Think of them like a grown-up version of Clearasil pads. While they similarly provide a post-cleansing punch to blackheads, they don't sting. Plus, they smell slightly woodsy and fresh.
STEP 3: Outer Peace Spot Relief ($28) is a spot treatment that can be dabbed on pimples.
STEP 4: Outer Peace Anti Blemish Relief Lotion ($38) is a lightweight lotion that helps to clear blemishes, control oil and minimize the appearance of pores.

Tea Tree Oil Products, Part I: Face Care

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:00:08 -0700

After learning about the many many first-aid and household uses for tea tree oil, I decided to do a little bit of research to see what kinds of beauty products exist with this ingredient. I found out that there are way too many to count, so I've decided to create a three-part series highlighting some of my favorite brands that use this fabulous essential oil in their hair, face and skin care products. I can't wait to hear what you think - and of course if you have any tea tree-infused products of your own to share, please leave a comment.

Liz Earle Spot On Roller Ball (around $15) is an amazing treatment for blemishes bites and cuts. It's made from pure tea tree oil, melissa and lavender (it's got that really strong tea tree oil smell). I've been using it for about a week now on my pimples and it's been extremely effective in fighting off bacteria.

I love the easy roller-ball application, and it doesn't sting like many other spot treatments often do. Unfortunately right now it's only available in the UK, but-shh!-there are tons of gray markets online that will deliver overseas.

For two more tea tree oil products for your skin, read more

Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask ($14) is a fantastic weekly treatment to help draw out impurities that reside on the surface of your skin. It refines skin, absorbs excess oil, and deep cleans. Plus it's got a great, natural and invigorating scent.

Aveda Tea Tree Oil ($12) is an amazing multi-purpose skin care product to have at home. It makes you feel exhilarated and revived and refreshed. This product is labeled as a natural fragrance, yet it is also extremely beneficial to use on your face after a shower to help ward off bacteria, fungi and blemishes as well as helping to purify oily skin. Once you try it, I know you'll love it!

Oh Man: Medium-Hold Hair Gels for Dapper Dudes

BellaSugar — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:00:47 -0700

Just look at Leonardo DiCaprio, all smart and dapper. His dirty blond hair is brushed back and firmly held back in place, yet it still looks soft enough to run your fingers through ... wake up Bella! (Sorry about that little daydream, I was long gone in Leo-land for a sec.)

This photo from the 11th Hour premiere last week got me thinking of all my favorite medium-hold hair gels for men. Take a peek at this post so that the next time your guy asks you what to buy, you'll be prepared!

Frederic Fekkai Hair Gel for Men ($18.50) is a medium-hold hair gel that also provides texture, definition and shape to long or short hair. It smells great (I actually love it too, even though it's for guys) and it leaves hair shiny, soft and manageable.

For two more medium-hold hair gels for men, read more

Aveda Brilliant Retexturizing Gel ($5.50) is a great product for guys with medium to coarse hair who want some help with styling, but are also looking for something that allows hair to stay soft and shiny. It's made from nourishing plant proteins like aloe, calendula and chamomile-but no alcohol, so it won't have any kind of a drying effect. Love it!

Kiehl's Just-Out-Of-The-Shower Hair Gel ($13.50) is a unisex gel for all hair types that creates a wet look. It leaves hair shiny and manageable, and it won't ever dry and leave little white flakes in your hair. It is enriched with sunflower, sesame, and soy, so it smells wonderful!

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