BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Almay Bright Eyes Duo Eye Base and Concealer

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:54 -0700

If you're a regular Bella reader, then you'll know that I'm all about the multitasking products. Reader Supercoolnat really likes her Almay Bright Eyes Duo Eye Base and Concealer ($9), which works to mask undereye circles, as well as prime the lids for makeup. Here's what she had to say about it:

While I've successfully used other concealers for other parts of my face, I've never been satisfied with how they work under my eyes. They usually emphasize the unevenness rather than hide it - until this one! It's easy to use, and really does lighten under my eyes without emphasizing the uneven skin texture. I also like that it is liquid rather than cream, which lets me put a light layer without pulling on my skin or getting caked on.

Do you like what you see? Then go ahead and submit your own review on our Product Reviews site. Do it! Do it now.

How-To: Seven Ways to Lay Off the Foundation

BellaSugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:24 -0800

With warm weather just around the corner, perhaps you're thinking about laying off the foundation to let your skin shine through. So, how can you make your complexion look nice and even - without a cakey effect - while allowing your natural skin to peep through? It's all about formulation and technique, my friend. Find out my tips on achieving a sheer finish when you read more.

Sheer genius: It might seem obvious, but try a sheer finish foundation. If you're in the market for a new one, try Jemma Kidd Light-as-Air Liquid Foundation ($40) or Mark C-Thru-U Beautifying Sheer Tint ($8).
Brush it on: In a technique straight from Kristen Stewart's makeup artist, apply foundation with a brush for a softer effect. Monika Blunder, who did Kristen's Twilight premiere makeup, used Dior Airflash Spray Makeup ($60) with a brush.
Thin it out: Do the old standby trick of diluting your foundation by mixing it with moisturizer to create your own sheer, tinted moisturizer.
Water it down: Spritz a makeup applicator wedge (the sponge kind) with water or toner, then use it to apply your foundation. This gives a lighter application, and refreshes the face, too.
Make a mist: Apply makeup as you normally would. Next, spritz a makeup applicator wedge with water or a toner, and lightly dab all over the face. This helps soften the appearance of your makeup, and is great for fixing mistakes.
Apply only where needed: Simply use concealer or foundation only where needed, as opposed to all over the face.
Tinted primer: For minimal coverage with a natural, smooth looking finish, you can always go with a tinted primer, such as Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer ($23).

Source

Dear Bella: Can I Use a Primer With Tinted Moisturizer?

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:22 -0800

Earlier today, I received the following email from a reader:

"I've recently discovered the wonders of makeup primer. I love the soft, silky way it makes my skin feel, and my powder foundation glides on effortlessly. But before shelling out the bucks for a full size bottle of primer, I wanted to know if it would also work with my alternate form of foundation - those tinted ones that are part moisturizer? Would the primer block the moisturizer from sinking into my skin? I'm having visions of ending up with a layer of globby muck on my face."

I love makeup primer. It's typically formulated with silicones (aka dimethicones) that work to fill in and smooth out lines and scars. It also has the benefit of helping your makeup last longer. As far as wearing primer with tinted moisturizer, I don't see a problem with that at all. Just keep in mind that applying each product in light layers will give you the best, most natural results. Find out more tips, along with some ways to break the rules, when you read more.

If you are going full out with your routine: For best results, apply a light layer of facial moisturizer and allow to dry. Then apply a thin coating of primer and let that dry. Next, apply foundation or tinted moisturizer where needed. Even better? If your foundation or tinted moisturizer has silicones, too, they will work favorably with your primer.
If you feel like it's all too heavy: I tend to get oily, but I like the benefit of a facial moisturizer, primer, and foundation. Thus, I go oil-free all the way.
If you feel like skipping a few steps: Just use a tinted moisturizer with silicones (which most have), like Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($42).
If you don't like foundation: Consider using a tinted primer such as Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer ($23) or Philosophy The Supernatural Flawless Tinted SPF 15 ($30).

Doing Drugstore: Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer

BellaSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:20 -0700

As you may know, I often get to chat with makeup artists about what tricks they use to create beautiful makeup palettes. Continually, I hear about primers, primers, primers. And you know what? Those makeup artists know what they are talking about, so I decided to try Revlon's Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer ($12.99).

First off, the smell of this primer is very odd. I can't quite place my finger on it, but it's rather potent, with almost a chemical/outdoorsy scent. Since I tend to get a little oily, I chose the normal/combination formula (also comes available for dry skin), and although it felt lightweight to the touch, within a few hours my skin looked a little more shiny than I would have liked.

Formulated with something called Botafirm to tighten the skin, the best part of my Revlon primer experience was an increased performance in the longevity of my foundation, and my makeup glided on more evenly. I also noticed that the product made my skin look brighter and softer, without causing breakouts - a huge plus.

All-in-all this primer did what it was supposed to do (create a smooth canvas on the skin), but I wasn't wowed by the supposed tightening factor or slightly heavy feel. Plus, the tube didn't dispense the product evenly, and I was disappointed that I seemed to waste so much of this relatively expensive drugstore item.

See reader reviews and add your own here!

A Philosophical Approach To Shine-Free Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:00:20 -0700

Brand-new from Philosophy is a range of mattifying skincare products called Never Let Them See You Shine. Each of the three items aim to cut down sebum production and reduce the look of oily skin, while leaving your face feeling refreshed. The light blue formulas have a minty, sea-inspired scent and are best suited for those with oily and acne-prone sensitive skin.

After trying everything out, I really liked the way my face reacted to the scrub the best. It's thick, but it spreads easily and the beads are smooth as opposed to feeling grainy and rough - so they don't irritate your skin. Plus, the menthol is the strongest in the scrub; after you wash it off, your face feels soft, smooth and cool.

For an up-close look at each of the products, read more.
Oil And Shine Control Cleanser ($20) gently breaks down deep-seeded dirt and grime in your pores without drying out your skin. It leaves your face feeling moisturized, clean and thanks to some added menthol, also a little bit tingly (in a good way).

Oil And Shine Control Scrub ($20) helps remove dead skin cells with the help from small blue polishing beads. To use, simply massage a little bit into your skin in small circles for one minute and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Oil And Shine Control Velvet Touch Primer ($20) is a mattifying pre-foundation, pre-powder primer that helps keep your face looking dry and oil-free all day long. It also calms, soothes and eases any redness and inflammation. It has a super-soft texture that leaves skin ultra smooth and helps reduce the look of large pores.

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Do You Use Makeup Primers?

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:00:49 -0700

Makeup primers are a relatively recent invention, but they've become indispensable for some women. They create an even base for foundation, creating the illusion of smoother skin. Then again, they're one more step in an already lengthy routine. If I know I'll be having my picture taken, I use Smashbox Photo Finish to help my foundation look a little better. On an average day, though? I'm too lazy. Do you use primer?

Bellissima! Face & Body Mixing Medium

BellaSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:22 -0800

During my brief, but chock full 'o informational interview with MAC Pro makeup artist James Molloy, last weekend at the IMATS he told me about an awesome professional product from MAC Pro called Face & Body Mixing Medium. This is the same formula as MAC's most popular milky and semi-opaque liquid foundation, however, this version doesn't contain any pigment.

It provides the skin with sheer and even coverage and is a great way to help you mimic the look of natural skin because of its satin sheen sans-shimmer finish. I didn't even know a product like this existed.

You can also use it alone, add it to any luminizer, or use it to thin out liquid foundations. James said it is often used to create hydrated, dewy looks and is a product commonly found backstage during fashion shows. Don't you just love learning secrets from the pros!

Product Review: Chanel Blanc Universal Sheer Illuminator

BellaSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:00:51 -0800

I'm thrilled with Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base ($45), which is part of Chanel's spring collection. In essence, this is a skin primer, but somehow it feels like so much more!

The texture of this silicon-based formula is unique. The creamy white liquid goes on silky-smooth and has the consistency of a foundation, yet once you start to rub it in, it has similar qualities as a balm. All you need to do is put a little bit on a sponge or your fingertips and then spread it evenly in small circles.

I'll be honest: At first it looks a little scary because it's so white, but almost immediately, it absorbs into your skin and the color completely fades. All that's left is a velvety feeling that minimizes the look of your pores and leaves a bright and even finish on your face.

You can also use it just under your eyes or on the corners of your mouth for a soft dewy effect or you can mix it with your foundation for a really flawless, semi-matte looking face. And it wouldn't be right not to share the fresh floral smell with you. I'm not sure why it makes me feel so clean when I put it on, but the scent is really happy and refreshing.

Product Review: Urban Decay Lingerie & Galoshes

BellaSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:59:00 -0800

If this name doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will. This relatively new eyelash primer and waterproofing product from Urban Decay is called Lingerie & Galoshes ($17). One side of the tube contains a fiber-enriched lash primer to lift and lengthen. The other side houses a waterproofing solution so that your mascara won't run or flake.

Using it is easy. After you swipe a generous coat on all of your lashes, simply apply your mascara and let it dry for about two minutes. Then, apply the galoshes solvent on top of your mascara. Not only does waterproofing your eyelashes add shine, but now you can swim, cry and walk in the rain without worry.

While I love the idea of this product, there are two drawbacks. First, the smell of the waterproofing side is reminiscent of glue. And then, the idea and the gimmick of this product is really cute, but if you bought a plumping waterproof mascara you wouldn't really need it at all.

Having pointed this out, I like the cute lingerie and wellie logos on the tube, I appreciate the feeling of the flexible applicators, and I splashed some water on my face to see if the stuff really works - and it does! So you decide: Is Lingerie & Galoshes something you think you would be interested in buying?

See reader reviews of this product and add your own ">here!

Product Review: Laura Geller Spackle Trio

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:00:49 -0800

One of the biggest developments in makeup over the last few years is the popularity of primer. Think of primers as a base coat for "painting" your skin: They help makeup go on smoothly and last longer.

On that note, I've just picked up Laura Geller Spackle Trio ($30). It contains three primers - one each for face, lips, and eyes - in one container. Having everything packaged together makes a lot of sense, especially for people who travel frequently. Unfortunately, not every part of this product is worth packing.

Earlier this year, Whiplashgirlchild reviewed Spackle for the face. Her review praises the product for reducing the appearance of pores and helping makeup glide on evenly. I agree; it creates a very smooth canvas on which to put foundation. But I also agree with her other opinion: It's a good product, but there are less-expensive options that work nearly as well.

To find out which Spackle product worked well and which was a stinker, read more

I tested the eye Spackle twice, using light and dark shadows. The primer goes on as a beigey white, which provided a good base for the deep colors of the Nars Blade Runner duo. The colors blended well and stayed on well, too. Today, I repeated the process using True shadow in Rosewood (a dark mauve); Benefit Silky Matte shadow in Low Profile, a neutral cream; and finally, Stila Kitten. Because of the white base, the colors looked a lot lighter than usual. It isn't a bad thing, but I definitely had a different look.

Eye Spackle does provide a better base and helps the shadow last longer, and it mostly gets the thumbs-up. But it would be ten times better if it were clear. What are women of color supposed to do with this stuff, for instance?

Take a pass on Lip Spackle completely. I've tried making this stuff work, but it just doesn't do anything but change the color of my lipstick. It goes on beige (effectively erasing my lips) and even after letting it sit for a few minutes, I find that it still mixes with my lipstick too much. Red becomes pink; pink becomes that creepy, dead-ish noncolor. I just couldn't make it work.

Individually, the face Spackle is a four-star product; the eye Spackle is a three-star product, and the lip Spackle is a no-star product. If you're dying to try all three, this product might work for you, but I'd test it out in Sephora first - before you drop the $30.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!