BellaSugar

A Few More Words With the Captivating Coco Rocha

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:00:05 -0700

I've been lucky enough to interview model Coco Rocha twice over the past four months. Our first encounter was back in February just before the Rag & Bone show. This time I had a few more personal questions to ask. Do you want to find out just what's inside the travel bag of a supermodel and how she keeps those pouty lips of hers from drying out? Check it out, and don't miss Fab's Q&A as well.

What's inside of your makeup bag?
During the day I like to keep my look simple and keep my skin fresh. I use Yves Saint Laurent mascara and I love their Touche Brilliance Gloss for the lips. Also the Yves Saint Laurent Elle fragrance is a fresh, floral scent which I really like. The floral notes are my favorite, especially for summer. [Coco is the face of the fragrance.]

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For all of this and then some, read more.

What skin care products do you take with you when you travel?
I am careful to take care of my face as a model. I take my face wash and moisturizer to apply morning and evening.

How do you keep your hair looking shiny and healthy?
I really try to get a trim at least every two months to keep my hair, especially my ends, healthy. It makes a big difference.

What was your favorite beauty look from any fashion show or ad campaign?
I love anything with dark smoky eyes and pale lips. If I had to name one, I'd say the Versace show was a favorite this past season.

You are well-known for your pouty lips. Are you into lip plumping products or are you more of a lip balm, lipstick or lip stain kind of girl?
I am more of a lip gloss or lipstick girl, depending if it's day or night. During the day, I like to wear a lip gloss or shine that adds shimmer.

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Bella Interview: Chandler Burr, Perfume Critic

BellaSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:00:50 -0700

Yesterday I wrote about The Perfect Scent, Chandler Burr's fascinating book about a year in the perfume industry. (You can read an excerpt to find out why I'm so smitten with his prose.) When it comes to fragrance, Burr is one of the world's most knowledgeable experts. That's why I was so excited to speak with him about everything from celebrity scents to perfume shopping. Check out the first part of our interview, and be sure to come back tomorrow for more.

Both fragrances that you wrote about - Un Jardin Sur Le Nil and Lovely - have been successful. But what kind of story might have happened if they hadn't been?
I thought about that a lot, actually. I was very, very happy to be able to write about two perfumes that I really liked, two perfumes that were commercially successful. Had they not been, I really don't know. Julie Salamon was invited to follow the making of a movie. She did the same thing I did, but with The Bonfire of the Vanities. The novel was called The Devil's Candy. It was about the making of an absolutely disastrous movie. If that had happened to me, I would have done the same thing.

For Chandler's thoughts on celebrity fragrance, read more.

You wrote about Lovely, and it was a phenomenal hit. When a celebrity-backed fragrance does well, is it usually because of the scent itself or the celebrity factor?
The first three months is entirely the celebrity, and then the juice kicks in. If you create a juice that's a piece of crap, then people simply are not going to buy the second bottle. It's the second-bottle phenomenon. The second bottle is about the juice - virtually always. It doesn't matter who the star is or how much you love him or her; people are simply not going to buy that second bottle if the juice isn't good.

I think Britney Spears Curious is a good scent. Jennifer Lopez Glow is a good scent. Paris Hilton's first perfume, made by Steven DeMercado, is a good scent-not great, but it's a good standard, commercial, competent perfume.

Come back tomorrow for more of our interview!

How-To: Sarah Michelle Gellar's Hair-With-a-Twist

BellaSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:47:16 -0800

When you all went wild for that gorgeous hair seen on Sarah Michelle Gellar at The Air I Breathe premiere, I got in touch with Mara Roszak, the stylist who created the look for Sarah. Mara, who has been styling celebrities since she was 17, has worked with other famous women including Halle Berry and Elisha Cuthbert. She predicts that "fresh skin, and fresh natural textured hair with pops of color" will be hot for Spring.

For Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mara was going for a bohemian look, inspired by Sarah's stunning turquoise gown.

To learn how you can recreate this look at home, read more.

STEP 1: Spray clean, wet hair with a texturizing styling spray. Mara used Bumble and bumble Surf Spray.
STEP 2: Blow-dry hair gently and loosely, encouraging any natural curl or wave to form. No need for a pin-straight blowout for this look.
STEP 3: Part hair on the side and start twisting in the direction away from your face. Start at the top front of the head and add more hair from each side of the existing hair as you twist back, until all the hair in front of your ear is pulled back. Connect the twists in the back of the head, and then the remaining hair can be pulled up into a messy twisted bun.
STEP 4: Finish off the look with a light hold hairspray. Mara used Renee Furterer hair spray to set Sarah's hair.

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Bella Interview: Janjay Sherman, Star of The Fashionista Diaries

BellaSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:00:13 -0700

Meet Janjay Sherman, star of SOAPnet's The Fashionista Diaries. The show is about six twenty-something ambitious grads competing with each other for jobs in fashion, beauty and magazine publishing. They are sent to three different companies and their days are recorded in a documentary-reality style.

In the final episode, after New York Fashion Week is over, we learn that Janjay Sherman lands a job at Flirt! Cosmetics. Through hard work, sincerity and a strong personality, she won over the heart of her boss Kathleen Pierce. Yesterday I was lucky enough to score an interview with her.

To learn more about Janjay's beauty secrets, and to get the scoop on Bridget's very trendy and favorite new nail color, read more

What does your everyday beauty routine consist of?
I make eyebrow maintenance a definite priority! I've always thought that well-groomed eyebrows can make or break how your overall makeup look comes together.

What is your secret to beautiful skin and hair?
I wish I had beautiful skin. I try my best to exfoliate and moisturize regularly. I faithfully use Good Skin Oil Free Lotion which helps keep my face hydrated and soft. As for my hair, I try my best to avoid every girl's worst nightmare -split ends - so I don't use a lot of heat on my hair, and I always use a shine serum for extra luster.

What trusty go-to colors from Flirt! always remain in your makeup case?
I love Flirt! Plushious Liquid Velvet Lipcolor in Nude Kiss, and my go-to eye color that I can't live without is Dreamy Eyeshadow in Bronze Splash - it's amazing!

What is your guilty pleasure?
I’m kind of embarrassed to admit it, but my favorite secret behavior is pushing back and picking at my cuticles before I give myself a mani/pedi.

Do you trade beauty secrets with any of the other girls on the show? If so, can you share some of them?
LOL- we actually do share beauty secrets with each other. Tina and I talk just about every day, and we are always gabbing about new fabulous beauty finds and discoveries. And just the other day Bridget told me how she has become OBSESSED with OPI’s Russian Navy polish, which I think is gorgeous!

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Bella Interview: Liz Earle, Founder of Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

BellaSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:01:22 -0700

Welcome back to another exclusive BellaSugar interview. Last week I had the opportunity to meet Liz Earle, author of over 30 beauty-related books as well as the co-founder and face behind the Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare brand.

Before Liz and her partner Kim Buckland decided to turn their friendship into a working relationship in 1995, Liz was a successful health and beauty editor, beauty journalist and TV broadcaster. She became well known in the world of botanical ingredients, natural health and well being. Kim was a beauty industry marketing expert and they both shared a great passion for organic beauty.

They set out on a mission to develop fuss-free, natural products at affordable prices that delivered great results. The line launched on QVC, followed by a store on the Isle of Wight; recently, a new boutique opened in the heart of London. Based on astounding success of the company, plans are in place for international expansion with a focus on the US. Liz is an inspiration that made me want to overachieve (she's also got four children)! To read the interview, read more

How do you come up with your products?
LIZ EARLE: I am very ingredient driven, so if I find something new or something that really works on all skin types - even sensitive skin, I exlore it.

What is the most difficult part of your job?
Not having enough hours in the day to fit everything in! I was recently in Grasse, France for the jasmine harvest and I've been doing a lot of lectures as well.

What challenges have you faced that you didn't expect?
The constant changes in legislation is difficult. FDA requirements in the United States, Europe and Japan always have me on my toes.

What's the most fun part of your job?
I love to travel, but most of all, I feel lucky that I am in a position to offer practical help to others. I am able to enter communities where I can make a difference in people's lives. For example, I can buy avocado oil, rose, melissa and eucalyptus in many different locations, but I chose Kenya because I know the country is struggling financially. It's wonderful to know that we can help save lives.

What's next for the company?
More in America!

BellaSugar Interview: Carlos Rodriguez, Celebrity Colorist at Privé Salon

BellaSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:00:46 -0700

You know those amazing cuts and colors that make you stop and go, "Oh my gosh, I have to know-who does her hair?!"? Well, take a look at Kristin Chenoweth, who's starring in the fall show Pushing Daisies. I love this modern cut, and the depth of the color is beautiful. The man behind Kristin's new hue is Carlos Rodriguez of Privé Salon in Los Angeles. With 23 years in the business, he knows how to create contemporary, beautiful color. Along with coloring Kristin's hair, he's worked with Paulina Rubio, Kim Raver (you know, Audrey from 24), Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster.

I spoke with Carlos this week, and he was nice enough to share the details of Kristin's hair color-along with his thoughts on hair trends for fall. There's a wealth of expert information, so read on!

I love Kristin’s color-it looks really fresh and contemporary. Did you come up with the idea for the color, or did she?
It was a co-collaboration. We wanted to create a current, modern feel and look to the hair, while keeping in mind her new role. We started with a blonde base. I wanted to warm it up by using caramel and honey tones to create dimension. Then I went back in and painted some face-framing highlights in baby blonde tones. They draw out Kristin’s beautiful blue eyes. It shows off the shape of the cut, too.

For more about Kristin's color, along with Carlos' advice on avoiding the biggest mistake you can make with your colorist, read more

Short of going to see you at Privé, of course, if people want to get Kristin’s hair at their own salon, what should they tell their stylist?
I recommend warming your base all over. Create a nice, light, caramelly honey-ish tone. Go back and do some face-framing highlights.

What’s the best way to find a colorist?
I think the best thing is to not be fearful. Go in and interview hair colorists. Show them the images and tones you like, and moreso, what you don’t like. The number-one mistake a client can make is not communicating. Of course, it takes two parties-but being able to communicate about what clients like and don’t like is essential to create synergy.

What are some of the color trends this fall?
As we’re approaching fall, for brunettes, I like rich chocolate hair that shines and has that magazine-cover polish to it. I think for someone who’s more daring, why not play with auburn tones? I’m creating nice auburn tones and adding moments of cinnamon to create dimension.

And how do you get that kind of shiny hair?
I do a tone-on-tone color. I recommend having hair color professionally done and following up with a rich gloss. But honestly, for the individual who wants to play at home, there are some great gloss products on the market. I think for someone who wants to experiment without any serious damage, use a type of product very close to what your natural color is. If you’re going to experiment at home, make sure you stay within the range of your natural color.

What about fall shades for redheads and blondes?
Fiery copper with honey added to it to break it up is definitely “now” for fall. For a dark blonde who wants to brighten up her hair, try a couple tones in hand-painted highlights. They draw out the tones in the hair.

You work in Los Angeles. Do most of your clients want to go blonde?
I think we get a nice mix. More than anything, the client I have wants her hair to look beautiful. It’s about shine and maintaining the integrity of the hair. I’d rather have clients hear, “Gosh, you look great!” rather than, “Oh, you colored your hair.”

Is there any hair color that is terribly dated, that definitely needs to change?
Absolutely. Eggplant-that purple tone. It went out in the early ‘80s. The other one is having white-ish streaks on brown hair. Those are the hair color jobs you know were done at the mall. That gets me even more than eggplant.

You’ve been in the business for 23 years. How did you get your start?
I took a cosmetology course in high school on the advice of a friend because I needed electives. It worked out very well!

Privé Salon is at 7373 Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles (323-931-5559).

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BellaSugar Interview: Byron Williams, Celebrity Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:00:00 -0700

If you haven't heard of makeup and hairstylist Byron Williams yet, don't worry, you will! Byron, who is originally from Korea, came to the Los Angeles to study fashion and design, but realized his passion lay more in hair and makeup. After attending the Vidal Sassoon Academy and working at Prive Salon (practically a Beverly Hills landmark), he decided to open his own salon on Robertson Boulevard called Byron Studio.

Four years later, he has mentions in every top-tier magazine and blog,not to mention a red-hot celebrity following that includes Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Nicole Richie, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Joy Bryant, Kirsten Dunst, Amanda Peet and Rachel Zoe. He also has a line of all-natural hair care products called BYRON Haircare and recently, he opened a second salon called Byron Williams, which is located in Beverly Hills.

Byron continues to climb the ranks as one of the world's most sought-after beauty technicians. You can now buy his collection of hair products which include shampoos, conditioners and styling products online and in specialty boutiques. I am just totally enamored of this man-he's living the American dream! To read our exclusive BellaSugar interview, and to see images of Byron and his famous clients, read more

BELLASUGAR: When you look at a face you are about to make up, where do you draw your inspiration for a look?
BYRON WILLIAMS: The first thing I look at is their cheekbones, then I assess their eyes and their hair color and hair style.

BELLA: How do you determine the color palette that you are going to use?
BW: You can tell by skin tone, eye color and hair color what colors will look best on them. It is also important to consider what they are wearing and where they're going.

BELLA: Do you have signature look that you like to create?
BW: Yes, I am really inspired by Brigitte Bardot.

BELLA: What are your favorite brands to work with?
BW: For hair, my favorite brand is-of course-my line of shampoos, conditioners and styling products. As for makeup, I really like Vincent Longo.

BELLA: What are your favorite products to work with on the job?
BW: Byron Spirulina Hairspray ($24) and Byron Illuminating Mist ($18). As for makeup, definitely mascara and color for the cheeks.

BELLA: What are the best and worst parts of your job?
BW: The best part of my job is being able to express creativity freely every single day. And so far, there are no "worst" parts!

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Exclusive Interview: Rachel Zoe at the 2007 Webby Awards

BellaSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 14:52:28 -0700

Last night at the 2007 Webby Awards at Cipriani Wall Street in New York, PR Sugar and I spotted celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Who would have guessed that we'd find Zoe in a roomful of techies? (Her husband, Roger Berman, was actually the producer of the show.)

Zoe is responsible for dressing young Hollywood stars like Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Garner, Salma Hayek, Kate Hudson, and Brittany Murphy, although she's probably best known for her love-hate relationship with ex-client Nicole Richie. She was more than happy to answer a few of our most pressing fashion and beauty questions. Check out our exclusive video where Zoe reveals her beauty secrets when you read more

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Interview: Marissa Shipman, Founder of The Balm

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 13:55:15 -0700

Here on BellaSugar, I'll be bringing you interviews with the faces behind some of my favorite beauty brands, and I thought I'd kick things off by chatting with Marissa Shipman, the founder and CEO of makeup company The Balm.

I recently lunched with Shipman in San Francisco, where her company is based, and we gabbed about how she got her start in the beauty biz, as well as her current and future products. After a number of years working in TV, the ingenue decided that she wanted to move from New York to the West Coast and start her own makeup company.

Shipman bought eleven makeup recipe books and began concocting her own potions in her kitchen. Her first product was a lip balm, and the name "The Balm" was born. The brand now has more than 10 products in more than 50 wearable and practical colors, and Shipman is humble, beautiful, and an extremely hard worker. To read the interview and get to know her better, read more

BELLA: How do you come up with your products?
MS: There is a story behind everything that I make. For example, I am obsessed with Crayola Crayons and their packaging. When I created my Pick-Up Liners, I put a pencil sharpener on the side of the box just like they used to!

Also, the liners are small because my grandmother used to snap her makeup pencils in half so that she would have one for her day bag and one for her evening bag.

BELLA: What is the most difficult part of your job?
MS: I find it very difficult to stop working. The Balm is my baby, and I always want to nurture it. It's not even a complaint; I love what I do!

BELLA: What challenges have you faced that you didn't expect?
MS: Everything! (laughs) Everything that can go wrong does. It's Murphy's Law, and you just have to go with it.

BELLA: What's the most fun part about your job?
MS: I am living a dream. It doesn't even feel like I have a job; it's all fun. But my favorite part is product development.

BELLA: What's next for the company?
MS: We have several new products coming out later this year and in 2008. We have recently just launched Balm Shelter, which is our newest SPF tinted moisturizer.

Tune in to BellaSugar later for the full scoop on Balm Shelter!

Bella Interview: Cristina Samuels, Co-Founder of Mode Cosmetics

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:02:36 -0800

When you're raised around the family business, it only makes sense that you'd follow suit. And for Cristina Samuels and Jennifer Isaac, doing so has been a beautiful endeavor. From the time they were girls, they learned by watching their father, a cosmetic-industry veteran. Now, they're the co-founders and co-owners of Mode Cosmetics, a line of cruelty-free (and reasonably priced!) makeup made in New York.

Just a few minutes with the sisters is inspiring - they're incredibly passionate about their work, and they know their business. If you're interested in a cosmetics-biz career, get some advice from Cristina when you read more.