BellaSugar

Doing Drugstore: Maybelline SuperStay 24hr Makeup and Concealer

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:01:52 -0700

For those of you that are fans of Max Factor's Lasting Performance Stay Put Makeup (RIP, old buddy), perhaps you might find somewhat of a replacement in Maybelline's new SuperStay 24hr Makeup ($10). The consistency, which lies somewhere between Revlon's ColorStay and Lasting Performance (see my comparisons here), skews more on the slightly creamy end of the spectrum, so it's quite easy to blend.

As for the wearability factor, SuperStay definitely delivers, although by the end of the day, I did have some slick spots in the t-zone. I guess that's the sacrifice you must make in order to keep the finish on the cake-free side, as this product provides semi-matte to semi-dewy results. Surprisingly, this oil-free formulation provides a light-on-the skin feel, all while giving pretty strong coverage. Speaking of bargains . . . read more.

Four Makeup Tips You Won't Forget

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:00:23 -0700

After chatting with La Prairie's color ambassador, Raychel Wade, I was impressed with her simple makeup tips. Earlier, I shared with you her advice on lip-color essentials for your purse and her foolproof way to wear a dark lip; today, it's all about her blush and concealer how-tos. They struck a chord with me, and I think they will with you, too. To check them out, keep reading.

Reader Review of the Day: CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Concealer

BellaSugar — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:00:59 -0700

CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Concealer ($5.29) is a liquid concealer that many of you like. However, not every product, even one that generally gets raves, is for every person, as reader Bplasters's experience shows. She says:

"I really did not like this product whatsoever. It is very sheer, almost to the point of being watery. The color seemed a bit off for me, and had a lot of yellowish undertones. I'm extremely pale, so I have to be very careful with colors. Also, it seemed to sit on my skin, and after a few hours just looked like I'd painted over blemishes and under eye circles."

Got a different opinion about a product, and an experience you think other people should hear about? Want to know how well that popular new concealer works on someone with your skin tone and type? Then our Product Reviews pages are the place for you. There are over 50,000 products for review, and tons of helpful info.

The Best Beauty Products . . . Chosen by You!

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:07 -0700

Maybe you're headed back to school, or you're merely looking for some change-of-the-season beauty finds to spruce up your look. Thanks to your reviewing skills, I have tons of suggestions. Over the past few months, I've gathered together some of your best-loved items from the Product Reviews section, from bronzers to brighten your day to concealers that won't let you down. Take a look at some top-rated beauty products all chosen by you. Better yet? Many of these items are very budget-friendly.

Favorite Concealers	Drugstore Mascaras	Low-Cost Shadows
Most Reviewed Items	Beautiful Bronzers	Fabulous Foundations

Perk Up Tired Eyes With These Four Tips

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:00:31 -0700

When you're feeling less than perky, those dark under-eye circles that show the telltale signs of fatigue sure don't make it any better, now do they? Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman is here to help. He's already shared with us his tips for perking up those tired eyes with concealer - and a chilled spoon - and now, he's got some more ideas for creating an instant "face-lift." Check them out when you keep reading

Perk Up Tired Eyes With These Easy Tips

BellaSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:01:09 -0700

We all look a little tired from time to time, whether it's after an all-nighter of working, studying, or partying. Also, does anyone notice that with each advancing year, it's just harder and harder to hide those drooping eyes? That's exactly why I consulted celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman on said topic.

Before applying makeup, and after a nice, long shower, Brett says you should chill - literally. Brett keeps both a spoon and aloe in his fridge to reduce the appearance of circles and puffiness. Just hold the chilled spoon under each eye for a few minutes and then apply the aloe. "It's like a jumper cable for the skin," he adds. To find out more perking-up-those-tired-eyes tips with concealer, keep reading.

Reader Review of the Day: Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer For Eyes

BellaSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:58 -0700

If you have dark circles under your eyes and fine lines, perhaps Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer For Eyes ($10.50) could be your solution. The multitasking product also has an SPF of 20, so you can rest assured that your sun protection needs are covered. Here's what reader Misslilad had to say:

It's not only a concealer, but also a moisturizer and sunscreen for that delicate eye area. I use this every morning and it instantly brightens my eyes. I'm knocking on wood as I write this, but I have been using this product for years in combination with a nighttime eye cream and I still have kept those crow's feet at bay. I have a sneaking suspicion that the combination of the SPF with the moisturizer has done its job.

Do you have some excellent (or not so excellent) SPF products to tell us about? Please head over to our Product Reviews section and submit your opinion. You just might be the next reader featured on this daily post!

Mellow Yellows: The Best Under-Eye Color Correctors

BellaSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:35 -0700

Raccoon eyes are the bane of many a woman’s existence, but luckily there are some tried-and-true products that provide great results with very little effort. See the best of the bunch.

Would You Wear Foot Concealer?

BellaSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:08 -0700

There's a great Mr. T Experience love song called "We Hate All the Same Things," and in my case, it's so true. Mr. Bella and I have bonded over, among other things, our deep dislike of feet. (Some people have fetishes; we have podiatry nightmares.) So keep that in mind as I reveal my confusion over Tintalize, a new concealer . . . for your feet. Egads!

Developed to hide scars, blisters, and any other foot faux pas, the gel-based concealer is waterproof and sweat-proof. It comes in seven shades to match light to dark skin tones, and although it's highly pigmented and blends well, I can't imagine needing this unless you were seriously self-conscious about your feet. Which I'm not, because, well, I avoid looking at feet at all costs. So tell me: Would you wear foot concealer?

Is Your Makeup Aging You? Part One

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:01:08 -0700

We all know that smoking and unprotected sun exposure can age you. But can your makeup techniques be making you look older as well? After noticing that my under-eye concealer was providing a more cakey, wrinkled effect than smooth and clean coverage, I took note.

So, over the next few days, let's delve deeper into what tips you can use to make sure your face is looking fresh, not frumpy. Let's start with the complexion. See what I mean when you read more.

The finish: When it comes to finishes, pick dewy for a softer look. Matte can come off as dull, accentuating fine lines and wrinkles.
The intensity: Less is more when it comes to looking fresh-faced. Make it sheer for a subtle coverage, focusing on laying off the foundation.
Keep it in the zone: Powder can have a tendency to settle in fine lines. If you get oily, powder only your t-zone, and consider blotting papers if you need to absorb any slick spots.
Conceal with zeal: Try skipping foundation altogether, using spot concealer only where needed. Some makeup artists even recommend avoiding concealer under the eyes, as it can settle into crow's feet and wrinkles. Yves St. Laurent national makeup artist, Dell Ashley suggests applying under-eye concealer to the inner corners of the eyes, along the bridge of the nose, for a brightening, lifting effect.
Choose wisely: Too-pale foundation can wash you out. When in doubt, go darker and blend.
Just blush: A peach shade will add warmth and brightness to the face. Apply at a 45-degree angle on the cheek to create an uplifted appearance. Avoid going under cheekbones, which can bring the face down.

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