BellaSugar

Stella McCartney and LeSportsac Create Eco-Friendly Cosmetics Cases

BellaSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:05:11 PST

If ever there was an example of how fashion and beauty go hand-in-hand, this is it. New, from organic skin care developer and clothing and accessories designer Stella McCartney, is a brand-new line of chic, eco-friendly cosmetic and travel cases. Stella partnered with the king of lightweight carry-alls, LeSportssac to bring us two functional and practical toiletry totes made from 100% recycled eco-polyester.

The items aren't cheap, but they aren't over-the-top either. The Cosmetics Case ($98) contains front and interior easy to access over sized-zip pockets and an interior envelope pocket to maximize organization and space. It is available in a solid cream or grey quilt style or in two floral star patters.

The Hanging Travel Kit ($150) contains a removable inside pocket (where you can store valuables), a mesh pocket and a larger compartment that can fit bottles. It is available in two floral star patterns and one light pink/pale pink color-block variation.

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Bellissima! A Stay-Cool Cosmetics Bag

BellaSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 07:00:44 PDT

Forget crying over spilled milk; it's melted makeup that makes me weep. If you live in a warm climate or plan to travel to hot destinations this summer, keeping your makeup cool is a major concern.

As someone who's been known to sneak my makeup to the beach, I'm loving this IcyBag Cosmetic Bag ($14.99). The roomy pink-and-tan pouch comes with an ice pack in the bottom (like a lunch tote). Just store the cool pack in the freezer and slip it into the insulated bag before you leave; it's waterproof, so it won't soak your stuff even as it warms up.

Thanks to Elke Von Freudenberg's blog for the tip.

11 Things You Need to Throw Away

Emily Co — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:05:07 PST

The first step to taking care of yourself and de-stressing is to make sure that your environment is in order. Seeing your house full of clutter can affect your mood negatively and make your personal space seem like a place you want to escape from, rather than something to look forward to coming home to. Organize a "throwing out" day every month to make sure that you don't have clutter building up. Here are some things you should consider purging from your home:

Old magazines. Get rid of old magazines you have lying around because chances are, you aren't going to read them again. Find places where you can donate your magazines to such as child care centers, doctor's offices, nail salons, nursing homes, and libraries. If there's an article that really speaks to you, scan a digital image of it and keep it in your computer. Or keep a folder of magazine clippings if you like saving magazine articles.
Receipts, bills, and documents. Throw away receipts for items that you aren't planning on returning, and ones that you won't need to use come tax time. If you're wary of throwing away receipts, you can make a digital copy of them with a basic scanner, a pricey specialized receipt scanner ($174), or a smartphone app ($2). See here for a full list of documents you should keep forever or temporarily.
Clothes. Use the two-year-rule for clothes - get rid of apparel that you haven't worn in two years. Sell them to a thrift store (find a thrift store at thethriftshopper.com) or donate them to the needy.
Books. Go through your bookshelf and gather together books you haven't touched in months and ones that you aren't planning on rereading. Be realistic and make sure you're ruthless. If you haven't touched it in a year, you're most likely not going to read it again. Sell the books on Amazon, Craigslist, or eBay. You can even trade them for something else on swap.com. You can always donate them as well!
Medicine and vitamins. Take a look at your medicine closet and clear out drugs that have expired, medicine that has sat on your shelf for too long, or ones that you no longer use. First, check to see what the proper disposal methods are for the medication, and if you can't find any, check to see if your community has a drug take-back program. If there isn't a program near you, then the FDA advises mixing medicine with "used coffee grounds or kitty litter" in a container or sealable bag before throwing it away to make the drugs less appealing.

For more things to throw away, read on.

How to Organize Your Beauty Products

Real Beauty — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

If you have to dig though drawers and rummage through an overstuffed makeup bag to get ready every morning, then it's time to bring order to your beauty stash.

For more great tips check out: How to Clean Out Your Makeup Bag.

These expert tips will help you de-clutter your loot and streamline your storage space. See what they are now.

How to Work Bright Hues Into Your Makeup Routine (And Wardrobe, Too)

Guest Writer — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:02:00 PST

We're thrilled to present the following post, written by celebrity makeup artist and Vanitymark Cosmetics founder, Brett Freedman!

Bold colors in clothing can make your makeup choices a little dicey. Should you balance a vivid shade with pops of color in the eyes and lips, or go neutral, as not to look too silly? Recently I styled starlet Camilla Belle's makeup for the Art of Elysium event. She wore a beautiful, bright yellow dress that gave me pause in terms of makeup. My first instinct was to do a bright lip and pale skin. I then decided that the yellow should be the only color, and that everything else should be crisp, but neutral.

For the cheeks and lips I wanted to go with Camilla's natural lip color, just a little more vivid: too pink and it would be too sweet/little girl, and too plum it would be kind of Easter-y. To accomplish this, I used Maybelline Dream Mousse in Soft Plum on the cheeks, and Tarte LipSurgence in Enchanted on the lips. It was the perfect way to let the yellow dress take center stage, all while keeping the face from looking low-watt. Want to play with color, too? Be sure to check out Brett's no-fail guide to punching things up when you read more.

Hollywood Makeup Artist Brett Freedman's Top 5 Drugstore Picks

Guest Writer — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:02:00 PST

We're proud to present the following post by celebrity makeup artist and Vanitymark Cosmetics founder, Brett Freedman.

I don't know anyone that doesn't have a mix of department store and drugstore cosmetics in her bag. Makeup artists, too, pull from both sources for their arsenal. It used to be that drugstore brands were obviously lower-watt than their larger price-tagged friends. These days the line is blurred. With many higher- and lower-priced brands owned by the same companies, the drugstore lines have benefited from creamier textures, higher pigment count, and of-the-moment shades.

For me, I generally stumble on a drugstore product when I'm traveling and need to grab something quick. What keeps me coming back for more? A unique shade, usually. A fab finish runs a quick second, and third is texture. Here are some of my favorites, all under $10.

Photo courtesy of Vanitymark Cosmetics

Sophie Theallet Designs a Stylishly Whimsical Makeup Bag

Jaime Richards — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:24:00 PST

Lancôme's gifts with purchase offers are always a best bet, and this time around is no exception. From now until Jan. 28 at Saks Fifth Avenue, a $65 Lancôme purchase will get you a Sophie Theallet-designed cosmetics case - apparently she got the memo on the whole put-a-bird-on-it movement - full of beauty loot. The fashionably playful bag comes brimming with the following seven products: Visionnaire, Bi-Facil, La Base Pro, Hypnôse Doll Lashes mascara, and your choice of a moisturizer, lip color, and four-pan eye shadow compact. And as if that's not enough, you can stop by any of the beauty brand's Saks counters during the promotion and enter to win a fashion- and beauty-packed trip to NYC. A cute bag with even cooler products: it's a win-win with this deal.

When Beauty and Fashion Collide (Fabulous Things Happen)!

Sponsor — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:00:00 PST

Macy's has always been your go-to store for all merriment, miracles, and holiday shopping, and this year is no different! Don't miss this: the Estée Lauder Michael Kors Collection, an exclusive cosmetic bag filled with makeup favorites. How do you get this fabulous must have? It's yours for $39.50 with any Estée Lauder fragrance purchase.

Now when fashion and beauty collide, you KNOW it's going to be amazing. And this collection delivers! The signature Michael Kors metallic cosmetic bag is filled with the season's best colors and more. Enjoy six eye shadows and bronzer in a golden compact and lipstick, gloss, brushes, and more.

Get yourself to Macy's today (or visit macys.com) to purchase your new holiday fragrance and snag the limited-edition Estée Lauder Michael Kors Collection before it's gone for good.

Learning More About Tangerine Tango, Pantone's Color of the Year: An Interview With Leatrice Eiseman

CasaSugar — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:01:15 PST

Each year Pantone, the global authority on color, reveals its choice for the color of the year, signaling the color direction for interior design, fashion, cosmetics, and graphic design. This year, the color is Tangerine Tango, a vibrant shade that will breathe new life into 2012's color palettes. I recently chatted with Pantone's resident color guru, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, about what the color means for the new year. Let's learn more about Tangerine Tango!

CasaSugar: Were there any major influences that contributed to Pantone's decision on Tangerine Tango for 2012?
Leatrice Eiseman: The Color of the Year selection process is very thoughtful and time consuming. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations, and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

CS: What colors do you suggest pairing Tangerine Tango with?
LE: It goes well with many colors that make for unexpected combinations. For example, pair it with an elegant wine color, such as Syrah or a Rhubarb Red. It's great with a slightly greenish blue, like Vallarta, or a hot pink called Cabaret for a retro look. Of course, it's always great with warm taupey tans like Tiger's Eye, and a special favorite of mine is a deep yellow green called Winter Moss. And there is the summertime staple of White Alyssum and Tangerine Tango.

Keep reading for more tips on decorating with Tangerine Tango and more gorgeous photos!

Cyber Monday Beauty Deals From A to Z

Miriam Lacey — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:49:41 PST

Cyber Monday is the savvy, 120 word-per-minute typer's day to shine in the same way that Black Friday is the former roller derby champion's. Both require speed and cunning, but one is far, far more civilized than the other. There are plenty of amazing beauty deals to be had without leaving your armchair, so to see our big list of guaranteed deals and top-secret promotional codes, just keep reading.