BellaSugar

Bella Brand: Haute Face

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:00:55 -0800

If you're a Savvy working woman, it can be challenging to always look fresh and polished when you are constantly running around. That's how Cassandra Mills felt. Formerly a high-powered record exec, she's now the founder and CEO of Haute Face. Not only did she have limited time for beauty, she became increasingly frustrated in the lack of shade-appropriate foundations available for women with ebony skin.

After talking with other women of color, she realized that they were also having similar struggles, so she decided to change careers and create her own makeup line for women of all races. I've tested out some of the bold and neutral shades and I'm impressed. I especially like the color palette ($69) since it includes lip shades, blush, eye shadows, foundation, concealer, and a powder. This is a score since we all know how difficult finding an all-inclusive palette can be.

The color palette is available in seven shades to match seven different skin tones. On the website, just click on the girl whose skin looks most like yours to see the colors that suit you best. I found that the creamy products glide on smoothly and the powder shadows blend well.

And I really love the sheer, matte Blonde Ambition face powder since it's a dead match to my skin tone. Not only that, but it also doesn't make my face look old and wrinkly like some powders can. Haute skin currently contains foundations, face powders, concealers, eye shadows, lipsticks in three different textures, lip glosses, and brushes ranging in price range from $15 to $69.

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How Do You Prefer Keira Knightley's Bangs?

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:00:27 -0800

Actress Keira Knightley has been the face of Chanel for several years, so it's no surprise that she attended the house's haute couture show. Her Jane Birkin-style bangs and sultry makeup did not disappoint. To contrast with her traditional clothing and play up her blunt fringe, makeup artist Kay Montano focused on Keira's eyes for a smoky effect. (Try layering the chocolate plum shade from Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Mystic Eyes over Chanel Intense Eye Pencil in Ambre for the same effect.) So what do you think about Keira's new face-framing bangs? Do they play up her brown eyes and dark features, or do you prefer her in a more side-swept style?

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Chanel Gets Haute for the Holidays

BellaSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

It seems like the holidays keep getting bumped up earlier with each passing year. (Target's holiday section was out in full force last week.) But when Chanel does it, somehow I'm ready to do eggnog shots if it means I'll get to play with new beauty goodies.

I had a chance to check out this new color collection, and while it's all pretty, these items wound up on my lusting-after list:

Rouge Allure lipstick in Nude, a slightly shimmery, pale nude with just the slightest hint of peach. It gives you that Françoise Hardy look, effortlessly.
Poudre Précieuse, a lightweight loose gold powder that can go on the face, shoulders, and décolletage.
Le Vernis nail polish in Haute Chocolat. This shade was developed by a Wisconsin high-schooler, and if she wants a career in cosmetics, she'll do very well. It's a warm brown shade with subtle gold flecks - nothing flashy, like "It's 1992; I'm going to a rave!" or anything. Just a lovely color, especially if you're tiring of classic reds and trendy blacks.

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Best of Bella, 2/3

BellaSugar — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 08:00:22 -0800

While cosmetic surgery is a personal choice, this is undeniably ridiculous.
Wild and crazy makeup takes on a whole new meaning at the 2008 International Makeup Artist Trade Show.
We have the scoop on what's haute for hair this spring.
Luckily, the perfect palette doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Check out how to recreate Becki Newton's fresh face from the SAG awards show.
Haute Face gives us a refreshingly innovative take on women's cosmetics.
The battle of the blues rages on. Do you know what side you're on?
Check out out exclusive makeup tips from top MAC Pro artist, James Malloy.
Get a glow like the beautiful Ali Larter with these shine-boosting products.
Follow our tips for an at-home manicure to recreate a salon-worthy look in the comfort of your home.
Gloss with a cause! Save pugs while you pamper your lips.
Stock your beauty cabinet for the month of February with our list of must-haves.
Kick off Fashion Week with these pretty, feminine looks at Erin Fetherston.

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BellaSugar's Insider Look Into Chanel, Part IV: Coco's Apartment

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:59:38 -0700

If ever I've experienced an a-ha moment, it was standing outside of 31 Rue Cambon, the home of Mademoiselle Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. This is where the creative genius of one of the world's most luxurious brands dwelled, and I couldn't wait to take it all in. What many of you might not know is that Mademoiselle Chanel was a very superstitious woman. All of the knick-knacks in her apartment are in pairs, and she never liked to be alone. Because of this, she only used her apartment for entertaining and conducting interviews, and she slept in a suite at the Hôtel Ritz across the street.

I entered the ground floor of the building, not through the public store entrance, but through the private entrance to her home. The first thing you see is a giant framed black and white photograph of Coco Chanel. What struck me the most was that the employees that we were greeted by were so in tune with Coco's life and the symbolism behind every single tiny detail in her home.

The first stop in the House of Chanel was the stunning, modern and spacious haute couture fitting rooms. We were told that anything we saw was of utmost secrecy since Karl Lagerfeld was busy on the fourth floor with the couturiers, getting ready for the Emmy Awards and the spring 2008 fashion show.

Next, we went up the famous winding, mirrored staircase to the apartment. The staircase itself is where Coco would sit from high above to make sure that everyone was on top of their daily tasks. She could also watch the faces and reactions of editors without them ever being the wiser.

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To read about all of the secret symbolic details of the apartment, read more

As the doors to the exquisite apartment open, I must say that I was surprised by all of the ornate Baroque detailing. Her fashions are so modern, yet her home was full of antiques and lavish collectibles. A notable and symbolic fixture was the mirror in her reception room. She loved it so much that it eventually inspired the stopper for the world's best-selling fragrance, Chanel No.5.

There are camellias (the flower of Chanel) all over the wall screens, and who knew that her quilted brown couch was the inspiration for the classic 2.55 handbag. And remember the 1992 ads for Coco Chanel where Vanessa Paradis swings from a a tiny gold birdcage? The original (and very tiny) version sits beside the couch on a table.

The two black lacquer tables in her dining room served as the source of inspiration for all of the sleek black packaging of Chanel Beauté. The last piece I will mention is the massive chandelier in the living room that is constructed of iron shaped by hidden "G's" (for Gabrielle), "5's" for Chanel No. 5 and "CC's" as in her initials (and of course, the Chanel logo.)

It made me think: If only everyone had this much symbolism and meaning in the tiny details. It is truly remarkable how the brand is still inspired by her even though she has been gone for over 36 years. To see the new Coco Mademoiselle movie starring Keira Knightley, come back again tomorrow!