BellaSugar

User Review: Allyd on E.L.F. Brushes

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:00:16 PDT

You probably know that along with sunscreen, makeup brushes are high on my list of must-haves. If you're new to makeup brushes, check out my guide to different types. And if you're on a budget, you'll definitely want to read this user review from Allyd. While searching for a new foundation brush, she saw E.L.F.'s $1 version. Though she was skeptical, she bought it-and I'll let her take it away from here:

I have to say I was absolutely thrilled at the quality...so much so, in fact, that I've since purchased the total face brush, defining eye brush, and brow comb and brush, and I'm loving them all! The bristles are all smooth and have just the right firmness and since the first use, the brushes haven't lost a single bristle. The handles are a perfect size for my hands and don't get slippery. (Am I officially gushing?)

So for less than the cost of a peppermint latte, I've replaced all my "go-to" brushes, and my makeup presentation is definitely better for it. I'd recommend them for anyone, no matter what your budget is...but if you're pinching pennies, these brushes are a must-have!

Allyd's review has definitely piqued my interest. Share your product reviews
in the Beauty Product Junkies group, and I might post yours on BellaSugar too.

Bella Bargain: Half Off at Eyes Lips Face

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:23:34 PDT

How would you like to get eight lip glosses for just four bucks? Maximumblonde tipped off the Beauty Product Junkies group about this crazy deal from ELF (Eyes Lips Face) cosmetics. Are you ready? Try to contain yourself. With a special code, you can take 50% off all of the line's products. And since the prices are already dirt cheap-such as this lip gloss, which is normally only a dollar-it's worth stocking up! Just enter code CAROLINA as you check out. Happy shopping!

A Mother's Day Bargain from E.L.F.

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 16:43:53 PDT

Ok, now you've got no excuse not to make your mom smile this Mother's Day, even if your cash flow is running low. This cutesy I Love Mom Hypershine Gloss and Card by E.L.F. costs just $1 and includes a sheer nude lip gloss and a card that reminds me of an elementary-school valentine. (The card is part of the packaging.)

This shiny, glass-like gloss is E.L.F.'s most popular product. The cotton-candy-scented coating conditions your lips and tastes yummy too.

Pucker Up: Sexy Lip Glosses

FabSugar — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:47:19 PST

Woo-hoo, these super sexy lip glosses are too hot to handle. This Valentine's Day pucker up with these luscious lip treats. You won't believe what their gloss given names are! They will ensure you have the shiniest, softest and ready to kiss lips around. Smooches.

There is nothing subliminal in the message of this gloss! Imagine taking your Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Just Kiss Me! Glossy Lip Balm, $12, out at the dinner table just as you and your date are getting ready to decide what's for dessert? Available in little devil and sexy bomb.

For more uber sexy lip glosses,

read more e.l.f. Hypershine Gloss in Vixen, $1, is a wet, glass-like, sweet and juicy scented lip gloss. It has a smooth brush applicator that makes sure the sheer color won't clump and it conditions while you wear it. Just twist the bottom to activate the brush and apply. You can wear it alone or atop any lipstick.
Virgin Lux Lip Gloss by Vincent Longo, $22, is a high shine, full-coverage lip gloss created to spotlight your mouth! It has an alluring pearly opalescent sparkle and a silky texture to easily glide over your lips. Your mouth will appear fuller and brighter. Isn't the name kind of ironic? Available in four shades.

Simply Fab: e.l.f. Expert Eyes Kit

FabSugar — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 10:05:04 PST

e.l.f. Expert Eyes Kit, $5, is the ultimate kit to help catch a guy's eye! This is the all-in-one to help you create either a dramatic smokey eye or a subtle, more approachable look.

The kit includes: a box of eye makeup remover pads, brightening eye shadow in drama, an eye lash curler, earth & water mascara (designed for both wet and dry conditions) and an eye widener (white eye liner pencil).

It also makes for a fabulous holiday gift for yourself or someone special since it's such a great value.

Fabulous Beauty Look-a-Likes

BellaSugar — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:51:17 PST

There are knock-offs out there for almost everything on the designer market, so why shouldn't that include beauty products too? Since imitation is the highest form of flattery, it doesn't surprise me at all that a number of budget beauty brands have started releasing products have a striking similarity to higher-end items. Now we can stock up and experiment more since we're paying less! Here's a look at some of the less expensive versions of designer originals.

e.l.f. Hypershine Lip Glosses look a lot like Stila's Lip Glaze. They provide a similar super-bright, glass-like shine and condition your lips for hours. Both have a yummy scent, as well as that fun twist-and-click feature that brings the gloss to the applicator. You can buy e.l.f's glosses in 10 colors here for $1. Or you can buy Stila's version in 33 colors here for $20.

The Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips palette is very similar to the fabulous Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. Both can be blended together as a bronzer if you sweep your brush across the entire brick or used as individual shimmery colors for your eyes and cheeks. Buy the Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in the light-bronze Vegas Strip or the darker Sunset Strip here for $11.95. Or, buy the Bobbi Brown Simmer Bricks here for $38; available in Apricot, Pink, Gold, Beige, Rose, Brownie, Bronze, and Peony.

To see the last look a like

read more The new Max Factor MAXwear Lip Color really reminds me of the doubled-ended Benefit VIP Glosses. These gorgeous glosses are an easy two-step process, with a darker shade you apply first and a more sheer shade you can layer over. Or, wear them separately for even more variety. Buy the Max Factor brand in 26 shades here for $8.79. You can buy the three-wand Benefit set in six shades here for $26.

Superior Slanted Tweezers

FabSugar — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 13:43:22 PDT

Tweezers are hands-down the most addictive tool I've got in my beauty bag. But tweezing is a laborious process if you aren't using good tweezers. To really groom your eyebrows properly, you need a great pair of slanted tweezers.

To avoid infection and ingrown hairs, it's important to use your tweezers properly. Always tweeze when your pores are open-for instance, after a hot shower-and pull the hairs one-by-one in the direction of your hair growth. Wash your face with cool water when you are done, so as to successfully close your pores. When you're finished, be sure to clean the tweezers with astringent or rubbing alcohol. Here are the slanted tweezers likely to give you the best results.

The favorite tool of both Oprah and Kevyn Aucoin, the Tweezerman Slanted Tweezer rules! This stainless-steel tool has a hand-polished tip that works with high-precision. You can buy these cute pink, lavender, or plain tweezers here for $20 and help support the Breast Cancer Awareness Program.

The budget-friendly e.l.f. Professional Slant Tweezer is constructed from stainless steel and has a great grip, so you can really latch on and remove those unwanted hairs. Buy it here for $1.

To see the rest,

read more These Sephora Slanted Tweezers are the tweezer of choice in many European and U.S. salons. They are crafted in Switzerland from the highest-quality stainless steel. Buy them here for $40.
This Esthetic Plus Slanted Tweezer is also made from stainless steel and has been created with a special ergonomic design to ensure a sturdy, non-slip grip. Buy it here in eight colors or stainless steel for $22.

Fall Beauty Trend: White Pencil Eyeliner

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 00:53:27 PDT

I guess since Black Nail Polish is all the rage, it only makes sense that white eyeliner would be in style as well. (well maybe not, but bear with me here). Anyway, that's right, white pencil eyeliner was all over the runways at all the Fall fashion shows from Oscar de la Renta to Dolce & Gabanna.

Of course, with any dramatic makeup trend, there are do's and don'ts to wearing it correctly. According to makeup artist Mally Roncal:

[White eyelinter] can be applied in a thin matte line about 1/3" along upper lash lines, around eyes' inner corners, inside the inner lower rim and just along the lower lash lines. Don't go any lower or it starts looking alien-like

Here are a couple of ones to try that require minimal investment.

Bourjois 2-in-1 Noir & Blanc Eye Pencile, $12, Available here. This one is great because it allows you to try the white eyeliner trend, but if you decide you hate it, you can still use the black side.

One more pick, so

read more Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in Pure White, $3.19, Available here. This pick is great because the price allows you to try the white liner trend guilt-free!

Beauty Must Reads From the Bella Community

BellaSugar — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 06:25:00 PDT

Check out this colorful leopard-print manicure - Beautopia
Beauty on a Shoestring: E.L.F. Lilac Petal Shimmering Facial Whip - LesleyKat
How vitamins really can do wonders for your nails - Breaking Into Beauty
Does Remington's Wet2Straight flat iron really work? - Kiss and Tell
Get this sexy side twist hairstyle - The BrownFace B.E.E.