BellaSugar

BellaSugar's Gift Guide: Bro Down

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:05:40 -0800

The good thing about holiday shopping for your brother is that you can give him the sort of grooming goodies that he might not buy on his own. For instance, while he might pick up Whitestrips at Target, you could treat him to a luxurious GoSmile whitening kit. Or if he's the furthest thing from a metrosexual, you could ease him into it with a beer-infused shampoo. Have a look through my brotherly-love picks, and don't miss my other holiday shopping suggestions, either!

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Body Vitamin Body Wash, $12	GoSMILE: Advanced Formula B1 Tooth Whitening Kit, $89
Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo, $7.95 and up	The Art of Shaving Shave Cream, $32
Bald Guyz Head Wipes, $4.39	Origins Save the Males, $32.50	Billy Jealousy Lunatic Fringe Hair Pomade, $16

Let's Tackle that Hairy Question: Are Brazilian Waxes Necessary?

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:27 -0800

Do you really need a Brazilian wax these days? That's the question a woman posed to the Times of London, after a new beau was "shocked" by her presence of pubic hair. In her letter, she says, "I don’t think that a permanent tan and Brazilian wax should be dealbreakers in a relationship. Or am I just hopelessly outdated?"

Long story short, advice columnist Suzi Godson tells the woman to let 'er rip. "Grooming down there is now considered to be normal, on a par with manicures, blow-drying, and eyebrow waxing," she says. "There is something hugely irritating about being forced to conform to an aesthetic ideal instigated and perpetuated by the porn industry, but, like keeping one’s armpits and legs smooth, it is now expected."

Oh brother. You already know that I hate, hate, hate the whole "wax, or else you are gross and undesirable!" standpoint, but I wanted to get a professional opinion on the matter. So I turned to sex educator Debby Herbenick, Ph.D., MPH, author of Because It Feels Good. Her advice is about 10 times better than Godson's, so read more.

Love It or Hate It? Rachel Weisz's Bloomin' Look

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:01:21 -0700

There hasn't been much buzz about The Brothers Bloom, though I can't figure out why. Not only does it have a fantastic cast (including the dreamy Mark Ruffalo), the plot looks pretty clever. At the movie's press conference, Rachel Weisz looked simple and classic. Is it too safe? For the red carpet, I might think so, but it's polished and perfect for a press conference. (Plus, we know Rachel likes a dramatic look now and then.) Are you liking this everyday style or not?

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Gossip Girl Beauty Quiz, Episode 13: "O Brother, Where Bart Thou?"

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:00:11 -0800

I've gotta give them credit 'cause Gossip Girl always keeps me guessing. This week's episode packed in such a punch – a wedding and a funeral! – that I'm not sure how I can last until the new year to see the plot ends all tied up. With the return of Serena's grandmother (groan) and the change of heart in Chuck (swoon), I was busy oohing, ahhing, . . . and taking note of those beauty details. Take my quiz and see how you do.

When you're done be sure to take geek's gadget quiz and Fab's fashion quiz while you're at it.

Photo courtesy of The CW

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Put Your Guy on a Pocket Rocket

BellaSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:59:32 -0700

If you recall, Urban Decay recently launched its Pocket Rocket lip glosses ($19 each), which feature hunky men that are clothed, and then not-so-clothed, with a tip of the, uh, packaging. The majority of you were loving the idea, and now, in celebration of next year's launch of two new shades, Urban Decay is asking you to help choose two new guys to feature in the collection.

You can nominate your boyfriend, husband, brother, or anyone you deem appropriate from now until July 17 by heading to the contest website. Don't have anyone to suggest? No worries. The winners will be chosen based on votes, and there are plenty handsome fellows from which to choose. Bonus? If the guy you nominate wins, you're off to the photo shoot in southern California, too.

Street Drug Slang or Makeup Shade?

BellaSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:00:20 -0800

When it comes to street drug terminology, my knowledge is limited to the “chronic" (thank you, Dr. Dre) and "Mary Jane" (thank you, ex-boyfriend who took me to an Allman Brothers concert back in the day).

Sometimes street drug slang sounds downright pleasant - although it's not, kiddies! You might even say that some of the lingo could pass for a shade of makeup readily available at a department store. Do you see where I'm headed with this? Yep, it's time for something different - but still legal, for that matter. Without further ado. . . makeup shade or street drug slang?

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Beauty Flashback: Sweet Secrets

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:00:28 -0700

In the '80s, Transformers and Go-Bots were king. I loved playing with those toys, shifting them from one thing to the other. But toy companies must have thought that girls wouldn't want to play with race-car robots. So instead, we were offered toys like Sweet Secrets, a collection of kiddy grooming products that turned into dolls. Check this old commercial, which features an oppressive brother who, inexplicably leaves and returns with the world's longest mullet.

How Do You Feel About Botox For Men?

BellaSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:22 -0700

An article in today's New York Times discusses the use of Botox among the less fair sex. Allergan has started marketing Botox to men, with the help of Olympic gold medal swimmer Mark Spitz. According to plastic surgeons, men often require higher doses because of the structure of their faces and skin and usually target brows and forehead lines.

One of the most interesting points the article brings up is that even men that do get injections wait longer between appointments than their female counterparts. “Men tolerate the return of wrinkles better,” says Dr. Alan Gold, the president of the American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. “They’re not as bothered as quickly. Women sit in front of a mirror putting on makeup every day and are acutely aware of changes.”

How would you feel if your brother, father, or significant other wanted to get 'toxed?

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Product Review: Shu Uemura Face Architect Remodeling Cream Foundation

BellaSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:00:11 -0700

The words "architect," "remodeling," and "foundation" don't really bring makeup to my mind. So by its name, you might expect Shu Uemura's new Face Architect Remodeling Cream Foundation ($45) to literally rearrange your face (but not in the way your big brother threatened to). While it may not do that it certainly does more than the average foundation (with its price tag, it ought to).

With SPF 10 and antioxidant rich Jasmine extract, the creamy, lightly scented formula feels like it's good for your skin. The company materials describe the coverage as "medium to full," but when I put it on I was reminded of the time when my best friend thought my Amazing Concealer was foundation - meaning a little goes a looooooong way. I mean, when a foundation comes with an applicator spatula, it means business.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Where Does the Man in Your Life Get His Hair Cut?

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:00:22 -0700

Over the past 10 years or so, upscale men’s-only type salons have popped up all across the country with luxury services dominating the menus. Now, big-time salon player Regis is joining the trend. According to WWD, the company recently debuted its first men’s concept salon just last month.

This got me to thinking about Mr. Bella’s primping ways. He can often be seen at a local beauty shop or sometimes in the ultra-posh and exclusive “chair in my kitchen" salon. Whether it’s your boyfriend, husband, brother, dad, or best pal, where does the main man in your life go to get his “ears lowered,” if you will?

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