BellaSugar

How-To: Get Ashley Greene's Big, Glam VMAs Hair

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:28:30 -0700

Ashley Greene's bouffant hair, which was styled by Danilo, was one of the best high-volume looks in a night that was replete with big hair and Bumpits. Ashley was obviously rocking the extensions, but this look is surprisingly easy to get with natural hair, too. To find out some tips on replicating her VMAs style, keep reading

How-To: Kristen Stewart's Faux Bowl Cut at the 2009 VMAs

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:38:12 -0700

It's pretty safe to say that last night's 2009 MTV VMAs were one of the most entertaining in recent history. You had your Kanye outburst, Pink's Cirque du Soleil-style act, Lady Gaga's bloody performance, and cast members from Twilight taking the stage to premiere the New Moon trailer. (And in case you didn't hear the buzz, it was also a night for Kristen Stewart to cozy up with costar Robert Pattinson backstage.) At first, it looked like Kristen had chopped her Joan Jett-esque locks, but alas, it was just the mastery of Pantetne celebrity stylist Hallie Bowman, who created this edgy, faux-bowl-cut style with a modern feel. Now, I know many of you might not be fans of the throwback look, but if you're bored with your style and don't want to cut several inches to achieve a new look, this technique might just work for you.
To find out what magic Bowman performed on Kristen, read more.

The Votes Are In: Best Shampoo Is Pantene

BellaSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:00:29 -0800

Whoa, who knew that this year's Best Shampoo of 2008 would only win by a hair? Oh dear. Seeing that Frédéric Fekkai was just four votes under, we'll give the brand an honorable mention. And as for the official winner? Let's give Pantene some kudos for delivering good-smelling, feel-nice products that don't break the bank.

What's my favorite? I'm with you on the drugstore shampoo. My pick is Cristophe Beverly Hills, a natural, fragrance-free line, available at CVS, that makes my hair - and the beau's - feel fantastic. Now that you know this year's top shampoos, check out the rest of our Best of 2008 polls and outcomes now.

Beauty Flashback: Pantene

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0800

Don't you just love how commercials attribute awesomely vague life-changing experiences to a particular product? "It won't happen overnight, but it will happen." But when, when will it happen? After a week, a month . . . or after you switch back to your old product? I guess skeptical ol' Bella won't ever know but I'll take Kelly LeBrock's word for it. Decades later, Pantene's still pushing its provitamin formula. So don't hate me because I'm beautiful, love me because I've uncovered this retro ad for you. Enjoy!

Product Review: Pantene Beautiful Lengths Conditioner

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:00:22 -0700

The insane amount of traveling I've done this Summer has started to take its toll on my appearance (I've crossed the coasts twice in the last three weeks). Strict airline regulations have me carting around trial-sized samples of products that, while fun to try, are not my actual favorites. I always find solace in the fact that one of my top conditioners, Pantene Pro-V Fortifying Deep Fortifying Treatment ($5), is cheap enough to repurchase in every city. But one recent jet-lagged night, I couldn't find it in the drugstore and instead picked up the brand's new Beautiful Lengths Conditioner, partly because it supports Pantene's great anticancer campaign, and partly because I'm curious if I really need to add a new qualifier to my hair type: color-treated, wavy, dry, and . . . long?

For the full review, read more.

Short answer: Not really. Pantene Beautiful Lengths Conditioner is fine, but it's no Deep Fortifying Treatment, and it certainly doesn't seem to be doing anything for my split ends. The Beautiful Lengths line uses Aquacurrent Science, inspired by the Nobel-prize winning discovery of aquaporins, which purport to prevent the hair shaft from swelling with water (which can cause breakage). There are plenty of other ingredients that may help keep long hair healthy (polymers, silicones, a surfactant called BT-MAC), but nothing that wouldn't also help keep shorter hair healthy, too. The scent is inoffensive and the creamy texture is average for those with dry hair (the fine-haired often complain that Pantene products sometimes leave buildup). But even for my parched hair, Beautiful Lengths Conditioner was so unremarkable that after a few days, I absently reverted back to my free hotel conditioner.

I love Hilary Swank (the line's celebrity spokesperson, who herself donated eight inches of hair on national television), I looooooove Danillo (Pantene's rocker celebrity hairstylist who works with Beautiful Lengths), and I love supporting a good cause like cancer research and providing free wigs to women who have so courageously fought for their lives. But for now, I'm going to keep saving up for October - Breast Cancer Awareness month - when every line comes out with limited-edition irresistible pink packaging. And I'll still be searching every town from Toledo to Tel Aviv for Deep Fortifying Treatment. Why mess with a good thing?

Doing Drugstore: Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo

BellaSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:00:35 -0800

Don't hate me because I'm reviewing this.

It had been more than 10 years since I last used a Pantene product, so when I crashed at a friend's house a few weeks ago, I was excited to try her Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo. It promises stronger, shinier hair, and so I immediately imagined myself having that glimmering hair that always shows up in the commercials.

Unfortunately, that is not what I got. Instead, after blow-drying my hair, I had a flat mess on my hands. And even though I'd rinsed well in the shower and skipped the conditioner, my hair just didn't feel clean-there was a slight coating on it. Oh, but that was only the beginning. As the day wore on, my scalp started to itch. During my flight home, I had to discreetly scratch the heck out of it, and-yech, this could be TMI-I had a waxy residue on my scalp. The next day, I used my regular shampoo, and the itching was gone. Sadly, this is not a product I'll be trying again.

Model of the Week: Yoanna House

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 08:00:00 -0700

We are so excited to bring back Model of the Week! This time, we take a closer look at American model Yoanna House. Yoanna was born on April 9, 1980 in Jacksonville, Florida. She can credit her amazing looks from her Mexican mother and her Canadian father. (She is also very close to her grandmother-who's actually the one who got her interested in fashion and modeling!)

After losing 50 lbs, Yoanna decided to try out for America's Next Top Model, and her big break in the industry was winning season two! Her prizes included a cover of the Sephora catalog, a contract with IMG and a photo spread for Jane magazine. Since then, she has modeled around the world and is the host of "The Look for Less" on the Style Network.

Other Top Model players that have been featured as Models of the Week are "Holland's Next Top Model" host Yfke Sturm and Caridee English, the winner of "America's Next Top Model" season seven.

To read FabSugar's fashion interview with Yoanna click here, and to discover her best beauty secrets, read more

What is your secret to beautiful skin and hair?
For beautiful skin, I've come to the conclusion that less is more! I've quit wasting time and spending bundles of cash on super fancy and complicated regimens. I keep my beauty regimen simple with a light cleansing gel, Lancôme Microdermabrasion Scrubs once a week, alcohol-free toner and vitamin C organic moisturizer. I book facials sporadically to get extractions and I do mini peels at home. For beautiful hair, I maintain shine by using deep conditioners. Also, I get blowouts twice a week.

What is the one product that you can't live without?
The product I absolutely love is mascara!

What is your guilty pleasure?
Enjoying a vegan oatmeal cookie from my favorite vegan bakery. I love French and Spanish Vogue and shopping for vintage clothes with my sister Alex. I especially love vintage YSL and Chanel pieces.

What are your favorite drugstore products?
L'Oreal Sublime Bronzer Self-Tanning Lotion, Pantene Pro-V Serum, Pantene Detangler Light Spray Conditioner, Mason Pearson Brushes and Mentadent whitening toothpaste, individual false eyelashes for nights out on the town, black mascara, Neutrogena Micro Scrubs and clear lip gloss with a little bit of sparkle.

Happiness is...
Driving in my car-I just got a shiny silver Mercedes station wagon-blaring old classics like Guns 'N Roses' "November Rain" or John Lennon's "Instant Karma," singing at the top of my lungs with my best friend and manager and celebrating mass in our favorite cathedral downtown. Afterwards, going out for brunch and shopping for antiques and vintage clothing.

View 3 Photos ›

Source

Hilary Swank Is the New Face of Pantene Beautiful Lengths

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:00:47 -0700

She's already a model for Guerlain, and now Hilary Swank has signed with Pantene. She'll be promoting Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a campaign that encourages people to grow, cut and donate their hair to create wigs for women who've lost their hair due to cancer. But her involvement goes beyond appearing in print PSAs; she'll be growing and donating her hair, too.

In a statement, Swank commented on how cancer has touched her life:

"I have lost multiple family members to cancer and witnessed their struggle firsthand. I've never heard of anything quite like Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and I'm proud to be asked to promote the goals of such a unique and heartfelt program... I just hope that my contribution will help to inspire others to get involved in whatever way they can."

Talk about the kindest cut! I already thought Hilary Swank was a tremendous actress, but now I have even more respect for her. Growing her hair and donating it is a relatively small gesture, but it's one that will make a huge difference for one woman. Have you ever grown your hair to donate it?

Source

Shape Up! Hairstyling Hair Waxes

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 07:00:30 -0700

Hair waxes are the greatest invention for those of you with short hair that like to go for the chunky, piecey look. They are a cross between gel, mousse, and hairspray, allowing hair a medium hold with pliability. Genius, I say. Let me know what you think of these three styling hair waxes.

Bumble and Bumble Styling Wax ($23) is a styling product that helps separate and hold. Since it contains silicone, it also adds a fair amount of sheen to the hair. Because the wax stays moist, your hair will be more malleable than if you applied a hairspray or gel.

It also rinses out easily in just one washing and won't cause build up. Just click on Bumble's website to find a retailer nearest you that carries this product.

For two more styling waxes, read more

Pantene Pro-V Texturize! Spray Wax ($3.33) adds definition to your 'do, while still allowing movement and shine. You can use it on either dry or damp hair: Simply shake well, spritz, and mold hair any way you like!

Paul Mitchell Spray Wax ($18.35) is made from all-natural beeswax, which provides a satiny and soft finish while still creating a soft hold. Hair is left feeling pliable and texturized. It also smells really great!

Hold It! Firm Hold Hairsprays

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:38:44 -0700

Welcome back to my hairspray series! Firm hold hairsprays are must haves for severe updos, slicked back pony tails and ballet buns. They are also great if you have layered hair or bangs that you need to mold into place. Here are three of my top picks for firm hold hairsprays.

Logics Color DNA Creative Styling Spray, $18, is a quick drying hairspray with an adjustable hold. This spray is actually a jack of all trades. Unlike most sprays, it has build-able hold to it starting off from light to super firm. Additionally, it leaves hair with an element of shine and I happen to love the sweet smell of it which is something I never thought I'd say about a hairspray! Since Matrix products are only sold at specialty stores or salons, just click on the homepage to find a retailer closest to you.

To see two more firm hold hairsprays, read more

Bumble and Bumble Does It All, $23, is a terrific styling tool. It allows you to mold your hair just the way you like it and will ensure that it stays put all day long! Be sure and hold the can about a foot away from your dry hair and spray fluidly. Let it dry for a few seconds too before applying any heat to it. This spray won't feel sticky or leave a gross residue on your hair either - yay!

Pantene TEXTURIZE! Ultimate Texture Hairspray, $4, is a firm hold, aerosol hairspray designed to keep your hair in place. It's quick drying, so it's best to style your hair first and then spray. Wait a few seconds and then you can forget about your hair for the rest of the day. This baby will hold everything in place without worry.