BellaSugar

Jemma Kidd Has Easy Eye Makeup Basics

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:00:18 -0700

When it comes to applying your makeup, what area do you find to be the trickiest? If you're like me, it's all about the eye area. While I love trying trendy shades and techniques, sometimes I just want a quick and easy routine. And since I can never get enough eye makeup tips, when I came across five suggestions from makeup artist Jemma Kidd on going back to the basics with your eye makeup application, I took notice. To find out her easy-to-follow tips, read more.

Prevent Mascara From Smudging With These Easy Tips

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:00:39 -0700

We've all had times when we've woken up after a particularly fun night, when the raccoon look is in full effect. Smudgy mascara happens, and unless you're intentionally applying face paint under your eyes to shield out the sun during your Saturday morning flag football games, I don't know many people who appreciate mascara gone south. But with a few simple tips, you can keep those product slips at bay. Besides the obvious - waterproof mascara - here are some other ways to keep your mascara on the lashes, not on your skin. Check out some suggestions for staying in the clear when you read more.

Reader Review of the Day: Shu Uemura Fiber Xtension Lengthening Mascara

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:01:59 -0700

I really like fiber mascaras, because they don't smudge and come off so nicely, so I was interested to see what people would have to say about Shu Uemura Fiber Xtension Lengthening Mascara ($23). Reader Georgia S, though, isn't so much, and she has some observations about the product's hypoallergenic claims, too, saying:

This might be a great product if you don't have sensitive eyes, or if you don't wear contact lenses like I do. I have another Shu mascara that I adore, but this is just a mess on me. It stings my eyes and is too clumpy for my taste. Keep in mind, though, that I'm not a fan of fiber mascaras because I end up with spidery eyelashes. If you are a fan, give it a try.

Not loving your latest buy? Want to know what products other people are having trouble with? Head on over to our Product Reviews pages, then, where you can read up on reviews of over 50,000 products, and even write one of your own.

Reader Review of the Day: MAC Zoom Lash Mascara

BellaSugar — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0700

What do you look for in a mascara? Is it thickening power, the ability to lengthen, or a little of both? Whatever the case, I'm sure you're also looking for smudge- and flake-free results. That's exactly what reader Soapbox found in MAC's Zoom Lash Mascara ($13):

This is my go-to mascara nowadays. I do a lot of air travel - mainly flights over six hours. I apply this in the morning, roughly six-plus hours before the flight, and it doesn't smudge or flake. And I even sleep on the plane. It gives my lashes a lot length and friends/family used to ask if I was wearing falsies. The only issue I have with this mascara is that too much gets on the brush, which causes it to clump up. So you have to brush a little off on the inside of the tube and hold it a certain way when you use it. But once you get past this, it's smooth sailing.

What products have you excited these days? What products aren't working out so well? Tell us all about them on our Product Reviews website. We love hearing what you have to say!

Reader Review of the Day: Maybelline Pulse Perfection Define-a-Lash Vibrating Mascara

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:00:49 -0700

Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara ($15) wasn't my absolute favorite when I tried it out, but reader Adriall Rose had an accident with hers that actually made it work like a dream, and she also has some good application pointers. I'll let her take it from here:

"Okay, I love mascara, so i had to try this one; it's so much cheaper than Lancome's. So I bought it, got to my house and opened it. Immediately, I was disappointed because the wand was bent at such an odd angle, like a question mark. I was worried it wouldn't work. But I tried it and it was amazing! The odd angle is like an eyelash curler, and pushes the lashes into a nice curve with each stroke. My tip is to keep the motor off at first, coat lashes normally, and then turn it on and do it again. It really plumps them up!"

Got any tips for using certain products, or something that you really love (or hate)? Want to read up on what other people think about the products you're coveting? Our Product Reviews section is a great place to write a review of your own, and we have more than 50,000 products listed, so that new eyeliner you're curious about is almost certain to be there.

The Best Beauty Products . . . Chosen by You!

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:07 -0700

Maybe you're headed back to school, or you're merely looking for some change-of-the-season beauty finds to spruce up your look. Thanks to your reviewing skills, I have tons of suggestions. Over the past few months, I've gathered together some of your best-loved items from the Product Reviews section, from bronzers to brighten your day to concealers that won't let you down. Take a look at some top-rated beauty products all chosen by you. Better yet? Many of these items are very budget-friendly.

Favorite Concealers	Drugstore Mascaras	Low-Cost Shadows
Most Reviewed Items	Beautiful Bronzers	Fabulous Foundations

Reader Review of the Day: Rimmel Eye Magnifier Eye-Opening Mascara

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Have you ever strayed from your usual product because a sale on a similar item caught your attention? That's exactly what happened to Autumns_Elegy, who recently tried out Rimmel Eye Magnifier Eye Opening Mascara ($4) with just OK results. Here's the scoop:

I got this mascara instead of Maybelline Define-A-Lash, as it was a couple of bucks cheaper and I was a bit short of cash at the time. I can't say I'm overly impressed. I don't get the nice long and lifted lashes that the product promised. Half the problem is the dinky little brush. I used an old Maybelline brush to apply the mascara and it came out loads better. It's still not the same lovely effect as Define-A-Lash, but not overly disappointing. This mascara works in a pinch, but I think I'll fork out the extra couple of bucks next time for something a little better.

If you've recently tried a product mainly because it was on sale, let us know what you thought. Was your venture a pleasant surprise, or were you disappointed with the results? Tell us all about it on our Product Reviews section.

Reader Review of the Day: Rimmel London Glam Eyes Mascara

BellaSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:00:46 -0700

Rimmel's London Glam Eyes Mascara ($7) has a flexible brush for creating volume, along with pink bristles for that certain "sexy boudoir glamour." Oh, my. Reader LeahLiddell thinks it's pretty special, and here's why:

I really like this product. It's one of the better mascaras I've tried. It's just a great everyday staple. It adds some length and volume to lashes without being overdramatic. And it never clumps.

Have anything you'd like to add regarding mascaras? Of course you do. Our Product Reviews section is the perfect place to go, as we have more than 1,100 mascaras from which to choose. You never know. Perhaps you'll see your next review featured right here on this daily post.

Mascara Gets Delightfully Nerdy

BellaSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Forget Mr. Wizard - it's all about Professor Joanne Manaster. A former model who worked around the world, she now teaches molecular biology at the University of Illinois. Proving that you don't need to choose between brains and beauty, she reveals the science behind some of your favorite cosmetics at her website. Here, she goes in-depth into the chemistry behind mascara. I'm willing to wager that you'll learn something you never did in science class.

Reader Review of the Day: Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:02:05 -0700

Now that warm weather is here, you might be frequenting pools and/or beaches a little more often. That's when waterproof and humidity-resistant products can be most helpful. Recently, reader Telane reviewed Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara ($10). Testify!

I have been using this mascara for about a month, and I have to say I am pretty impressed. I wasn't really expecting anything other than natural looking, voluminous lashes from Neutrogena, and I haven't been disappointed at all. I haven't had the problems that others have had with streaking and running, though I am sure it depends a lot on skin type and whatnot. I even wear it when I run my three-mile route after work and I haven't had a problem yet. I do have to agree that I wouldn't say it gives me "400 percent" thicker lashes, but I would say it does a good job for a drugstore brand.

What waterproof products are floating your boat these days? Groan. Head to the Product Reviews section and tell us all about it.