BellaSugar

The Look For Less: 10 of Your Favorite Dupes

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:20 -0800

Once a makeup item has achieved cult status, we can almost assuredly expect replicas to pop up anywhere from drugstore brands to competing department store collections. Recently, I mentioned that I had found a great dupe for Nars's famous Orgasm blush in Milani's Luminous. Thanks to input from readers Baby Girl, yajairab, JessRose, and SnufaLuffaGus143, I've gathered together 10 products that could easily pass for the original. To join in on the fun, why not become part of our Beauty Dupes Group? And for more lookalike cosmetic items, check out some of my Look For Less coverage, too.

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What Are Your Favorite Makeup "Dupes?"

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:04 -0700

The economy might (might) be on its way to recovery, but that doesn't mean I'll stop saving my pennies as much as possible. I'm always in the pursuit of looks for less, and over the weekend, I picked up Milani Blush Compact in Luminous ($3.50) - a pretty decent lookalike of the classic gold-toned peachy pink Nars blush in Orgasm ($25). While Milani's Luminous is not an exact replica of the famous afterglow shade, as it's not quite as pigmented, since it's about $20 less, I'm a happy lady.

Now I need your help. Whether it's a trendy new nail polish shade or an old-school lipstick favorite, share your favorite affordable alternative in the Beauty Dupes group.

This Saturday, Head to Empire For a Cut and Contribution

BellaSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:02:36 -0700

Whether you've never been to a beauty school for a service, or you're a frequent patron, this Saturday (Oct. 24) is the day to go. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., head out to one of Empire Beauty School's 88 locations, and not only will you get a service for only $5, but all of the proceeds from each haircut, nail treatment, or skin appointment will go to local women's shelters. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and over the past four years, Empire has raised almost $500,000 to support the cause through its anti-domestic violence program, Empire Gives Back. A light-on-the-pocketbook service, along with supporting a worthwhile cause? What a great way to spend a lazy Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Empire Beauty School

DIY Spa Treatment: Honey and Yogurt Acne Mask

BellaSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:00:53 -0700

When it's warm outside, my face tends to be more apt to breakout. Do you hear me on that one? I've shared with you dermatologist Dr. Hema Sundaram's recipe for her Sweet Tea Antioxidant Facial Exfoliator, and now she's got something else for us to help beat the early Autumn heat - and the pimples. Better yet? Most ingredients are probably already in your pantry or refrigerator. Her latest recipe both hydrates and exfoliates the skin, while providing antibacterial properties.

"Neem oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help heal breakout-prone Summer skin," said Dr. Sundaram. But that's not all. "The fatty acids in neem oil build collagen and maintain skin’s elasticity while plain yogurt works to soothe, nourish, and tighten skin," she added. Get the easy-to-make recipe after the jump.

Which Gives You More of a Lift - Buying Makeup or Clothes?

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:00:59 -0700

Last week, I saw something on the Today show that caught my attention. Lesley Rotchford of Women's Health talked about five ways that money can help bring in more lasting happiness. Among the magazine's findings? Spend more money on your bedroom than living room; opt for a vacation in lieu of a treatment at a spa; go for the gym membership instead of using at-home equipment; and spend your dough on other people rather than yourself.

But when it comes down to spending on either makeup or clothes, which option wins out? According to BuzzBack Market Research, it's cosmetics that people turn to more frequently for a pick-me-up. It could be that something as simple as buying a drugstore lipstick, which adds a little luxury to your life each day, brings on more lasting happiness than a clothing item that you would wear infrequently. What about you? Do you get more of a boost from a clothing purchase, or does a beauty acquisition give you the better lift?

5 Ways to Use Coffee Filters For Beauty

BellaSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:44 -0700

You heard me right. Sure they help provide you with a daily dose of caffeine, but did you know that coffee filters can give you more than just a java jolt? I never thought of these everyday household items as more than just a basic way to assist in the preparation of drip coffee, so I was happy to discover other uses, particularly because they involve beauty. Here are a few:

Blot it out: Oil slicks be damned. Simply use a filter to blot excess shininess on the face.
Wax on: Cut into small rectangles, filters make a great substitute for waxing strips.
Nick of time: Got a bleeding nick from shaving? A little dab of the coffee filter will do ya.
Fogged up: Clean up a vanity or bathroom mirror with lint-free results.
Freshen up: Create a makeshift deodorizer by placing baking soda in a filter. Secure with a rubber band or twist tie. Simply place anywhere odor control is needed, like a drawer, trash bin, or pile of bathroom towels.

More Tips For Stretching Out a Haircut

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:00:42 -0700

Are you in between haircut appointments? Or maybe you're like me, and you're looking to save money by going to your stylist less often. While we're on the topic, be sure to check out some recession-proof hair color tips for low-cost ideas on keeping color looking fresh. Earlier, I shared with you a few tips on stretching out a haircut, and here are some more:

Protect yourself: Sunlight and damage from heat can result in unhealthy, fried-looking hair. Keep your hair on track by using heat protection before plugging in that flat iron or curling iron. Also, consider using a spray-in sunscreen on your locks, like Aveda Sun Care Protective Veil ($20).
Big bang theory: Take up those offers on complimentary bang trims. You'll look instantly more polished. Better yet, give yourself the DIY treatment.
Fake it: Frustrated? Try fake-it style to experiment with different lengths. Bobby pins are always your friend, especially when they have a little something extra special, like these Gem Bobby Pins ($10) from Free People.
Time crunch: If you don't have lots of time for regular trips to the stylist, consider a medium to long style with subtle layers. It should grow out nicely and leave you with lots of room for styling options.

Or you could always jump on the latest Summer trend and shave it, right?

When It Comes to Services, How Much Is Too Much?

BellaSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:34 -0700

About 10 years ago, I used to save up money for a haircut at Orbit in Ann Arbor, MI. (Go see Chuck if you're in town; he's great.) A trim cost $35, which was a princely sum to my working-three-jobs-at-once self. Surprisingly, the salon's prices for a haircut have gone up only $5 to $15 - which isn't too crazy, considering how much time has passed.

Meanwhile, in the last year and a half, my hair-removal esthetician's prices have jumped twice. First it was $40 for a bikini wax, then $45, and on July 1, it just increased to $55 - which means that when I'm not going the DIY route, I'll have to find someone more affordable. Especially considering the rough economy, I'm all for people earning a fair wage for their work, but at what point do you move on because of pricing?

Photo by dborman2

DIY Spa Treatment: Sweet Tea Antioxidant Facial Exfoliator

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:05:41 -0700

No matter the season, exfoliators help rejuvenate dull-looking skin. Plus, they help lay the foundation for creating a nice, even surface - perfect for smoother makeup applications. Are these warmer-weathered days wreaking havoc on your appearance? "The green tea in the Sweet Tea Antioxidant Exfoliator is full of antioxidants, which boost health and resilience and can even soothe Summer sunburns," says dermatologist Dr. Hema Sundaram. "Brown sugar is a natural exfoliant that scrubs away dirt and impurities without being too harsh on skin."

Get Dr. Sundaram's recipe, along with application tips, when you read more.

Ulta Offers Hairstyling Workshops. . . For Free!

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:02:43 -0700

It's not uncommon for salons to charge $250 for blowout classes, but beauty store powerhouse Ulta is changing that by offering up two free (yes, free) hairstyling workshops throughout the month. To reserve your spot, call 1-800-968-5823 or head to the company's location finder. What's more, first-time guests will receive 30 percent off hair color or a $30 haircut at the salon. Interested? Check out the schedule for dates and times:

Turn Up the Volume

July 11: 10 p.m.–12 p.m.
July 12: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
July 18: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Tame Your Mane

July 19: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
July 25: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
July 26: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
August 1: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.