BellaSugar

How Much Do You Think You'll Spend on Makeup in Your Lifetime?

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:46 -0800

Are you ready for this? A recent poll by UK retailer Superdrug showed that the average woman spends approximately $13,000 on makeup in her lifetime. Does that seem possible? Check out the breakdown below:

The stats:

The results concluded that a woman spends about 20 minutes doing her makeup each day, or approximately 330 days over her lifetime.
According to the study, from the ages of 16 to 65, a woman shops for cosmetics about five times a year. Each time, she spends approximately $39 each time, equaling about $196 a year.
To break it down further, that's about $2,500 on eye shadow, $1,600 on lipstick, and $3,400 on mascara in total.

Does it sound less crazy now, or not so much? How much do you think you spend on cosmetics over the course of a year - let alone your lifetime?

Stila and Philosophy Whip Up New Paraben-Free Foundations

BellaSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:01:34 -0800

For many women, parabens is becoming a four-letter word. Used as preservatives, parabens have come under fire for a possible link to health problems. While many cosmetic companies and chemists assure consumers that parabens are safe, some brands are adding paraben-free products into their lineup. The latest to introduce paraben-free foundations: Stila and Philosophy. I've been wearing both (no, not at the same time) for the past few weeks. So to get my thoughts, read more.

What Do You Know About the History of Foundation?

BellaSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:01:38 -0800

Whether you're a fan of tinted moisturizers, powdered formulations, or liquid makeup, you've got lots of options when it comes to choosing a foundation. But have you ever given much thought to how this standard cosmetic item came to be? Let's see whether you know the basics about bases.

Take the quiz

Make Foundation Work Better on Winter-Dry Skin

BellaSugar — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:00:56 -0800

Winter presents all sorts of skin problems, including the dreaded flake face. Since wearing makeup on dry skin can be challenging, we turned to Chad Hayduk, co-founder of Three Custom Color Specialists, for advice. To get the lowdown on keeping your skin smooth and your makeup looking good no matter how inclement the weather, just keep reading.

Product Comparison: Revlon Photo Ready Foundation & Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

OnSugar Blog — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0800

Here is an excerpt from OnSugar blog Beauty Bag 411:

For my first product comparison, what better to start with than two of the most talked about items to come out recently: Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation ($40) and Revlon's Photo Ready Foundation ($14)? Granted, MUFE's Foundation has been out longer than Revlon's, but I still thought I would compare them since there is still so much hype about them.

I have MUFE in Dark Sand and the Revlon in Golden Beige. While they are both golden-yellow based, the Revlon seems to match my skin tone a little better because the MUFE is just a little too dark.

Each foundation comes with 30ml of product. Even though it may seem like there is more in the MUFE bottle, it is just because it is taller and skinnier. Both bottles have a pump dispenser which is very handy and sanitary, but Revlon's pump is way better in my opinion. You barely have to push down on the pump and you can get as much or as little as you want; whereas with the MUFE pump, you have to push harder and way too much product comes out, even if you only want a tiny bit.

View 5 Photos ›

Get the results of her comparison when you read more.

BellaTV: Our Mineral Makeup Must Haves!

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0800

In this week's Bella Beauty Tip, we learn how to apply mineral makeup with ease, and our editor, Annie, recommends some of her favorite mineral makeup brands: Lancôme, Alima Pure, and Youngblood. Now, go forth and powder!

Finally, an Organic Foundation to Love

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:59:36 -0800

I am predisposed to like Vapour Organic Beauty, if only because this makeup line makes me think of one of my favorite songs. Fortunately, there are nondream pop reasons to love this new eco-friendly brand, too.

Developed under the guidance of cosmetic-industry expert Eric Sakas, who spent years working with brands like Philosophy and famed makeup artist Kevin Aucoin, Vapour features 100 percent natural products with a minimum of 70 percent certified organic ingredients. As you know, the word "natural" isn't regulated when applied to cosmetics, but Vapour really lives up to its claims. The line is completely free of synthetic chemicals - no petroleum, parabens, or artificial dyes. Instead, the line gets its color and scent from mineral pigments, essential oils, and fruit extracts.

To find out why you might want to get on the Vapour trail, read my full review.

4 Tips For Flawless Foundation

BellaSugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:10 -0800

Lucy Liu never looks anything but impeccable, and at last night's Museum of Chinese in America 30th Anniversary Gala, her complexion was enviably flawless and radiant. Of course, taking care of your skin is the first step in creating that glowing, healthy-from-within look, but some strategically placed makeup doesn't hurt, either. Do you ever feel like your foundation looks fake, or just isn't giving you the effect you're wanting to achieve? Get my tips to get flawless foundation when you read more.

Reader Review of the Day: Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:02:00 -0800

I really love Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder, but I hadn't tried the brand's Duo Mat Powder Foundation ($32). It sounds pretty good from reader nikkecole's experience with it, though. She says:

"I bought this product to get medium coverage on days I need something more than just a light mineral powder foundation. This product is pretty good. It gives good coverage and lasts pretty well through the day. I tend to have dry skin, and this does still show some of the dry areas (I think because it's a powder). The coverage is great, though, and I like that the closure is magnetic and easy to use. Overall, I would recommend this product."

Found something pretty darn good? Tell everyone on our Product Reviews pages (your review might end up here). And when you're done with your write up, be sure to check out the tens of thousands of other reviews we have.

Yes, You Can Still Get Prescriptives Custom Blend

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:03:45 -0800

If you were a Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation or Powder devotee devastated by the brand's shuttering, take heart. You can get at least a couple more bottles of your favorite product. For the time being, the Custom Blend Replenishment Program is still available online. You just have to get your Custom Blend recipe from the Prescriptives counter, then go online and register it on the website. Orders should be ready by January.

I'm pretty sad about the loss of this foundation - it was one of my staples - but I guess all good things must end. It's not all broken rainbows and rainy days, though. Remember: one foundation lost means six fun new products to try. So go out there, get your last bottles, and then let the testing begin.