BellaSugar

geeksugar Is All About Natural Beauty

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:00:17 -0700

You know how in bad movies, the scientist or techie girl lets her hair down and it tumbles into beautiful, perfect curls? geeksugar is that girl. Seriously, she knows her technology inside and out, and on top of that, she is intimidatingly pretty. In fact, after finding out about her natural, no-fuss approach to beauty, I almost want to dislike her for being so effortlessly put-together. But she's so nice that I can't. Read on for her easy beauty tips.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Five products that I absolutely cannot live without include Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile deep cleansing cream, Aubrey Organics sea buckthorn and cucumber moisturizing cream for combination dry skin, Bobbi Brown's bronzing powder, MAC Studio Stick concealer, and Shikai's Color Reflect Mist and Go conditioning spray with soy protein and panthenol - my detangling savior!

What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
Although I don't do this as often as I would like, I love doing a deep conditioning homemade treatment on my hair (the egg/mayo/olive oil combo). I then slather a nice rejuvenating deep pore-cleansing mask on my face and soak in a bubble bath for a half hour or so. Totally relaxing, therapeutic and good for the mind, body and soul. Some soft Zen music playing in the background helps as well!

For Geek's advice on the unusual cream that works as lip gloss, read more.

What’s your go-to lip product?
I've used this for way too many years but it's so awesome I just can't part with it! My go-to lip product is The Body Shop's lip and cheek stain in rose pink. When you first put it on it looks like something Barbie would wear, but trust me, with a little shimmery gloss, it looks divine (and less eighties!), plus it will keep your lips a nice hue of pink for hours!

What is your morning beauty routine?
I like keeping things simple as I believe less is definitely more when it comes to makeup! Some concealer, bronzer, mascara and gloss usually does the trick for me.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Since I'm super-sensitive when it comes to perfumes, I tend to stay away from products that contain chemicals and harsh ingredients. I usually just stick with wearing a dab or two of sandalwood or rose essential oils on my wrists.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
To always wash off your make-up before you go to bed. Thanks, Mom!

And the worst advice?
That you must use liquid foundation before applying your makeup. I've always looked hideous wearing liquid foundation! UGH!

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
If you tend to use lots of hair products, I suggest using a deep cleansing shampoo once in a while to remove all the excess residue, pollutants and dirt from your hair. Mop's basil mint shampoo will do just the trick. Also, instead of covering your body in lotion filled with harmful chemicals, try using something like Alba's Kukui nut organic body oil, which is an excellent moisturizer and safe for your body. Finally, lanolin nipple cream (for breastfeeding mothers) is a fantastic lip gloss – so shiny and thick and hardly wears off! Definitely great for chapped lips. My friend introduced me to it and I’ve been addicted ever since!

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
Witch Hazel! Witch Hazel is a great all-natural astringent that gently cleanses the skin without removing essential moisture. It also reduces pore size and helps to combat break-outs.

When do you feel the most beautiful?
After I get back from a long brisk walk in the evening. I love filling my lungs with fresh air and getting my heart rate up - my skin always glows afterwards!

PopSugar's Beauty Tips For Curly-Haired Girls

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:00:27 -0700

So many of the Sugar girls have been sharing their favorite beauty tips and tricks. (If you missed any, they're here.) Today's profile is one a lot of you have been waiting for: PopSugar! She's a blue-eyed beauty, and she has tons of tips for curly hair. Read on.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Prada lip balm [Bella's note: You have no idea how unhappy Pop was when it was discontinued], Physicians Formula Solar Powder, and Chantecaille concealer. I'm seriously loyal to my haircare products - I've been using Vavoom since I was 13! I love Biolage mousse, Vavoom forming gel, and TIGI Bedhead Control Freak gel.

What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
A long shower, which I know isn’t good for the environment, but I can’t help it.

What’s your go-to lip product?
Can’t express enough how in love I am with this Prada lip balm. I seriously can’t go a day without it.

For Pop's easy tricks for curly hair, read more.

What is your morning beauty routine?
I'm low-key. I take a nice long shower, throw in my three hair products, moisturize. For my face, I use concealer followed by powder, barely-there eye shadow, and then I must have mascara and lip balm.

What’s your signature fragrance?
It used to be Bob Mackie, then the original Marc Jacobs. But since Katie, I don’t really do perfume anymore. Something about scents when you're pregnant doesn’t mix. Since then I have not loved wearing anything more than a scented lotion.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t overtweeze your eyebrows - the results can be hazardous. Oh, and never ever cut bangs with my kind of hair.

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
Lots for curly-haired girls! Brush your hair in the shower with conditioner in, but once you're out of the shower, don’t dare brush. Also, let your hair air dry if possible and touch it as little as possible. For more defined curls, put in mousse/gel after the shower while hair is wet then curl sections around your finger. Once they're curled, don’t touch again.

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
I am surprised how much I like Physicians Formula. I also love Dove soap and Pantene shampoo and conditioner.

When do you feel the most beautiful?
Bella, you'll kill me but it's when I get back from a vacation with my family: relaxed, well rested, and with a healthy, nice tan/glow. Of course I was still wearing SPF the whole time, I swear!

PartySugar Dishes Out Beauty Tips

BellaSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:57 -0700

Frequent readers of YumSugar are no doubt familiar with PartySugar. She really is the hostess with the mostest, and not only does she throw the best bashes, she always looks enviably polished while doing so. Read on to find out what's in her makeup bag.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Spanish Dove spray can deodorant. Yes, I purchase my deodorant in bulk while traveling in Spain. It never leaves any white residue and is simply my fave. St. Ives Oatmeal scented body wash, Dove tanning lotion, MAC and Nars eye shadows, Dior mascara, Lancome lip glosses. The Venus Vibrance razor in pink; I use two to make my shaving super fast.

What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
Painting my nails. I paint them once a week, almost always on Wednesday nights. I have been doing this for the past 10 years. Painting my nails is like therapy. The color I choose affects the outlook on the upcoming week.

To see what product PartySugar calls a "huge waste of money," read more.
What’s your go-to lip product?
Gloss, always lip gloss. I have 4 in my purse right now and about 10 colors that are in my current rotation. I like Lancome Juicy Tubes, MAC lipglass, and Dior lip gloss. I once won a contest at a party for being the girl with the most lip gloss in her purse. It was very exciting.

What is your morning beauty routine?
For being a beauty lover and a super girlie girl, I consider myself pretty low key. I always put on face cream with SPF, a neutral-colored shadow, and mascara. I sit in front of a computer all day so an overly glam look is a waste of makeup. My hair depends on if its curly, wavy, straight, or just washed.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb. Love it.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
A cold rinse. To make your hair shiny, wash out conditioner with cold water.

And the worst advice?
I bought one of those expensive treatments to help get rid of bikini waxing breakouts. Huge waste of money. Tried it once and wasn’t convinced.

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
If you see a look you like in a picture or magazine, rip it out, take it home, and try to recreate it. Also, apparently for every six used eye shadows you bring into MAC, they’ll give you a free lip gloss. I’m not sure if they really do it, though, I have one more shadow to go until I have six. [Bella's note: It's true! Take six empty MAC containers to the store and you get a free lip gloss or lipstick.]

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
Revlon nail polish and Lip Smackers Dr. Pepper lip gloss.

When do you feel the most beautiful?
After a day at the beach, when I’m sitting watching the sunset with fabulous company and a refreshing cocktail. Oh and when I leave the hair salon, of course - but who doesn’t feel gorgeous after Champagne and a great, styled haircut?

FitSugar's Workout-Friendly Beauty Secret

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 10:00:05 -0700

Estheticians often try to cajole me into getting my eyelashes tinted, but I'm often a lazy wuss. Funnily enough, this is also how I am when it comes to working out - so when FitSugar let me in on her beauty secret, I suddenly realized that eyelash tinting makes sense for a lot of busy women. Here's what Fit says:

As a fitness fanatic, the thing that regularly makes my mascara run faster than my legs is the simple act of sweating that accompanies cardio and swimming. While I admire Alice Cooper, I don’t really want to project that smeary look while working out, but I do like my eyes to be fringed with long, dark lashes. For me, the simplest solution is not waterproof mascara, but a monthly eyelash tint where I have blackest-black dye gently painted onto my lashes. It is not the most comfortable process; it stings a bit, and sitting still for 12 to 15 minutes can be a challenge for me. But I love stepping out of the pool or ocean knowing I have long lashes framing my eyes, even though they might be lost behind foggy goggles.

Fit is the mom of two adorable little girls, she works outside of the house, and she really is the most in-shape person I know. If anyone is busy, it's her - which is why I now get it. A little time in the beauty salon saves her a ton of hassle. Stay tuned for more Sugar Girl beauty know-how...

Oh Dear! Another Sugar Girl Beauty Interview

BellaSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:00:42 -0700

So I'll let you in on a little secret. I'm the beauty-obsessed one here, but DearSugar often shows me up. Her long hair always looks perfect, and she can do a smoky eye like a professional makeup artist. To find out how she gets her everyday-glam look, read on.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Diorshow mascara in black, MAC tinted moisturizer, and Chanel black eyeliner pencil.

What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
I never wash my hair or wear makeup on Fridays so I feel extra pretty on Friday night when I get all dolled up.

For the rest of the interview, read more.

What’s your go-to lip product?
Chanel lip gloss in Syrup and my new favorite NARS lip pencil in Bettina.

What is your morning beauty routine?
Low-key! Moisturize, tinted moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss.

What’s your signature fragrance?
An oil called Faith from Madison LA.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
To wash your face before you go to bed - and I do it every night without fail!

And the worst advice?
No one told me when I was younger to wear sunscreen. My dad is very dark-skinned and has never worn it before in his life, so they never forced me to either since we have similar skin.

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
Always keep your eyeliner sharpened, not to a point, but if it’s in need of a sharpen, it will smear all over your eyes. Not a good look!

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
Aquaphor

When do you feel the most beautiful?
In the morning while on vacation anywhere tropical. Being sun-kissed and relaxed makes me feel beautiful.

'Ello, FabSugarUK! Fancy Sharing Your Beauty Thoughts?

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:00:52 -0700

Straight from Merry Olde, FabSugarUK is giving out some of her best British beauty advice. (I also hope she does not hate me for the dorky title of this post.)The London lass is a fan of both high- and low-end brands, so there's something here for everybody. Missed one of the Sugar girls' beauty profiles? They're all here if you'd like to read them.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream, cherry Carmex, Clinique three-step skincare, Chanel navy blue nail polish.

What’s your go-to lip product?
Lancome Juicy Tubes.

To find out the best beauty advice she's ever received, read more.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Loving the new Chloe fragarance right now.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Apply foundation with a brush for an airbrush finish.

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
Not sure whether it’s a trick, but use a primer as well as moisturizer - you will be amazed how much longer your foundation lasts.

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
Can I say Carmex again?!

When do you feel the most beautiful?
When dressed/made up for a big night out.

SavvySugar Shows You How to Look Like a Million Bucks

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:00:01 -0700

Even though we write about disparate topics, Savvy and I always find ourselves chatting about career and money issues. One of these days, I'm going to reveal the depth of my crush on economist Paul Krugman, and then we'll be BFFs. Fortunately, Savvy was kind enough to reveal her beauty and grooming secrets, and she's quite generous with her advice. Read on.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Kanebo Sensai Silk Emulsion, bare minerals foundation, and Kiehl’s lip gloss.

What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
I generally don’t ‘do’ my hair during the week and just let it dry on its own. But I love taking the time on my hair on Friday or Saturday night. A little mousse, a long blow-dry, and we’re talking volume that I absolutely love! It gets me excited to go out and celebrate the weekend.

To find out where Savvy splurges and saves, read more.

What’s your go-to lip product?
It’s Kiehl’s lip gloss in Berry 1851. It’s not sticky at all, which is my glossy pet peeve - hair stuck on lips is not cute or comfortable! And the color is subtle but rich.

What is your morning beauty routine?
I start most days before 5am, so it’s definitely low-key. I call it my five-minute face, and it’s enough to make me appear more awake but it’s a totally natural look.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Bryant Park by Bond no. 9. My sister gave it to me as a gift for being her Maid of Honor, and she was spot on with her choice for me. You may even catch me sniffing my own wrist!

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t forget about your cheekbones. Some foundation can really drown them out, and just a pop of blush makes a world of difference.

And the worst advice?
The more bronze, the better!

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
Beauty-wise, I spend the most money on my eyebrows. I have a professional pluck them for me, because having perfectly-shaped brows for my face makes a big difference. I had to grow them out before I started going to get them done but those shaggy weeks were well worth it.

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
Does Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner count? I usually don’t buy drugstore makeup, simply because I use so little makeup that it lasts forever.

When do you feel the most beautiful?
After a hard workout. I love the natural flush it gives me and the endorphins released give my mood a huge boost.

PetSugar's Groovy Grooming Goods

BellaSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:30 -0700

All week long, we're celebrating the anniversary of BellaSugar by profiling the beauty routines of the Sugar girls. (If you missed some, check them out.) This morning, it's all about PetSugar, who tells us about the beauty product she uses while taking the cable car to Sugar HQ each morning.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Sticking with the traditional five must-haves, I’d say: bareMinerals foundation in medium tan, Revlon ColorStay liquid liner in black shimmer, Dior Diorshow mascara in black, Bourjois multishimmer loose eye shadow in Ambre, and Lancome Juicy Tubes in Toffee Pop. I have mostly eye makeup – tons of shimmery shadows (with a couple of matte ones thrown in), all different brands. Like I commented on that sparkly poll, I like sparkles/shimmer a lot, but less than glitter though. But I’ve got Urban Decay shimmer glitter, and a sparkly MAC eyeliner pencil. My last beauty purchase was Lancome Cils Booster over the weekend.

For the full interview, read more.
What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
Ritual sounds like something that takes lots of patience . . . Much more than I have. I like bubble baths - does that count? I’m obsessed with this bath care store Sabon from New York. Every time I visit, I ship stuff back to myself. So I’ve got quite the collection of bath mineral powders and scrubs. I learned it’s bad to use those exfoliators every day, so whenever I use those, that’s a good day. I think North likes it when I take bubble baths too so he can be naughty and jump on the couch while I’m not around to tell him off. Every once in a while, I’ll shout “off” and I hear him jump down. But that’s the best I can do.

What’s your go-to lip product?
Aruba Aloe lip balm: Pure Aruba aloe, vitamin E, cocoa butter, and beeswax. The cocoa butter gives it a slight chocolatey flavor . . . Yum. I haven't been back in a couple years but my parents go several times a year and always send me tubes each time ‘cause I like to scatter them all over in my desk drawer, gym bag, car, several purses, etc.

What is your morning beauty routine?
Um, I like sleep A LOT (and I have to walk North, too) so very, very low-key. I love eye makeup so the only variation between day and night is the amount of sparkles! Off the top of my head, all the “beauty” things I do in the morning: wash face with Philosophy Purity Made Simple, add moisturizer, sometimes some foundation primer (but I usually forget), then the five products I mentioned above with a darker eye color shade on top which varies from day to day (today it’s bareMinerals pussycat) and then Urban Decay Urban Cowgirl on inner eyes and under brows. Lip stuff I put on during my cable car ride because I keep those in my purse (usually some combination of the Aruba Aloe, Juicy Tubes, and C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine).

What’s your signature fragrance?
It doesn’t count if you got it free or as a gift, right? In college I was obsessed with Bath and Body Works freesia. Obsessed. I grew out of that before they discontinued it, thankfully! I think that killed my love for anything too flowery (and nothing that smells too fruity either). I prefer tropical or earthy scents like coconut, eucalyptus, verbena, amber, tea, etc.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Definitely when the employees at Sabon told me keep my body sorbet in the fridge. It feels so much better after a hot shower to put on this coooool lightweight gel. I guess the advice would work with any lotion, but the consistency of this product is super-smooth and non-greasy and chills nicely.

And the worst advice?
The lady at Sephora telling me that I would be able to figure out how to put on fake eyelashes in 10 minutes before the LA party! I still have flashbacks and it took a couple days before I felt like all the glue was out of my lashes!

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
OK, I am beginning to get a complex about this. I don’t have any tips or tricks. Don’t pick up your dog if you have flavored lip gloss on ‘cause he’ll probably try to give you a taste. If you don’t have the patience to paint your own nails, you probably shouldn’t be painting your dog’s either. Also dogs can’t tell the difference between fruity lip gloss tubes . . . and actual fruit so keep them out of paws’ reach. On a more practical level I always want to tell people to have a blast/ drink enough when you go out to not care about rushing to the bathroom to reapply makeup every hour. Oh, and everything's better with a touch of shimmer.

What's your favorite drugstore beauty product?
Revlon ColorStay liquid liner – I've used it since junior high and no pricey brand ever comes close! Hands down, if I could only take one product to a desert island, it would be this liner . . . but for the island, I’d take the waterproof one!

When do you feel the most beautiful?
My hair is the trickiest thing for me to handle and usually the source of my frustration. So I’d have to say after getting a blowout and flat iron.

BuzzSugar's Beauty Secrets Are Entertaining

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 09:00:59 -0700

Continuing on with the Sugar girls' beauty routines - check out Giggle's fave products and Fab's favorite tips if you missed them - I've checked in with Buzz. She always looks fresh and healthy with her minimal-makeup look, but when she gets dressed up for a special occasion, she's a classic beauty. Read on to see how she primps in between the movie premieres and CD release parties.

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
H2O+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment, gel blush, foundation primer, and Clean & Clear facial wipes - they're excellent for traveling, especially with the liquids ban on airlines.

What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
Getting a haircut. It’s so refreshing and there’s usually a neck massage involved. It’s such a great way to feel beautiful and make a brand new start.

For the rest of Buzz's answers, read more.

What’s your go-to lip product?
Dr. Pepper LipSmackers! Also, C.O. Bigelow Lip Care products (specifically the Mentha Lip Shine).

What is your morning beauty routine like?
SUPER low-key! Basically wash-n-go.

What’s your signature fragrance?
Hmm... I’m kind of all over the place with fragrances. I used to use Clinique’s Happy, though not so much anymore. Probably my go-to fragrance is the eau de toilette from Banana Republic called Classic.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Well, my mom always refused to let me get my hair permed when I begged her to let me do that, and I’m eternally grateful to her for never relenting! Also, BellaSugar’s advice about putting on moisturizer with SPF is some of the most important beauty advice I think I’ve ever gotten.

And the worst advice?
I used to hear that tanning beds were “better for you” than the actual sun, which now seems slightly preposterous. Tanning advice in general often seems just wrong to me, like the advice that people should get “a base tan.” Hey, for some of us, there IS no base tan! It’s just ivory to scarlet in 15 minutes.

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
Save the blow-drying, hair irons, curling irons, what-have-you for special occasions or else your hair will live to regret it. There’s really no need to use those things if you’re just going to be sitting in your cubicle all day! Also: Avoid using mineral products when you know there’ll be photo opportunities in the near future.

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
I really like most Dove products (deodorant, moisturizer, etc.). It’s just a reliable brand.

When do you feel the most beautiful?
I feel the most beautiful in those first few minutes right when I get out of the shower. It’s just such a wonderful feeling of refreshment and rejuvenation, and my face is often a little flushed from the steam. My skin looks great, and I feel clean and lovely!

FabSugar Dishes on Her Beauty Routine

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:00:01 -0700

All this week, the Sugar girls are getting in touch with their inner Bella to share their beauty advice with all of us. Earlier today, Giggle talked about her beloved discontinued lipstick, and now Fab switches gears from fashion to beauty. Here are all of her best tips:

Which beauty products are your must-haves?
Softlips chapstick, Bare Escentuals mineral powder, Urban Decay glitter liquid eyeliner, Bumble & Bumble leave-in conditioner, Art Textureline volume gel, YSL Touche Éclat – love! Kiehls is my go-to brand.

What’s your favorite beauty ritual?
Getting monthly pedicures; I especially love when they massage my legs.

For the rest of Fab's get-pretty guide, read more.
What’s your go-to lip product?
Softlips, MAC gloss, and Stila's convertible color for lips and cheeks in Gerbera; Kiehl's lip balm at bedtime.

What is your morning beauty routine?
Low-key (Moisturizer, sunscreen, powder, eyeliner, blue mascara, blush, and gloss)

What’s your signature fragrance?
Tom Ford Black Orchid - so musky and sexy.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Wear sunscreen, 24/7.

And the worst advice?
You have to wash your hair every day.

Any tips or tricks you want to share with readers?
A little blush goes a long way. If you want to look dramatic, like you just stepped off a runway, fill in your eyebrows to make them thicker. Rub Vaseline into your cuticles after you wash your hands, it works wonders.

Your favorite drugstore beauty product?
OPI nail polish, L'Oreal liquid eyeliner (better than any other I've tried), Dove soap.

When do you feel the most beautiful?
Glittering eyes, a healthy glow, and an eccentrically glamorous outfit!