BellaSugar

Bella Donna: Diana, Princess of Wales

BellaSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:17:29 -0700

A Bella Donna is more than just a pretty face. Sometimes she starts a trend, other times her impact isn't realized until decades after her debut. And then there are a few who become legendary, like this week's choice, Diana, Princess of Wales. Born Diana Spencer, she was not the "commoner" many people initially imagined her to be; she was born into an aristocratic family, which was a requirement for her to marry Charles, Prince of Wales. Their 1981 wedding was watched by almost one billion people, and their divorce was a hot tabloid topic. But Diana's charity work showed her great compassion, and her death-which happened ten years ago tomorrow-plunged the world into sorrow.

From her early days in the media spotlight to her unexpected death, Diana's personal style inspired countless women to copy her look. Most women couldn't afford her luxurious ballgowns, but they could manage to mimic her short blonde hairstyle. In the early '80s, she favored a feathered look, but it always kept up with the times-often setting off trends with a snip of the scissors. She didn't have a perfect life; she struggled with depression, bulimia and a failed marriage. Still-and maybe partly because of her resilience-she remains one of the 20th century's most influential beauties. Diana would have been 46 this past July.

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A Fragrance Fit For Royalty: Cleopatra By Tocca

BellaSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 06:00:00 -0700

From Tocca, the queen company of sweetly scented candles and ladylike clothing comes a new fragrance called Cleopatra Eau de Parfum ($68). It is indeed inspired by the best-selling candle scent and, of course, it's named after the feminine Egyptian royal.

Cleopatra was effervescent, powerful and seductive, and so is the fragrance. It is made from grapefruit, tuberose, cassis, jasmine, peach nectar, greens, patchouli and vanilla musk. I've got to get this, since I'm a sucker for anything tuberose. It won't be available in stores until July, but you can purchase it online now.

Jay-Z Inks a Fragrance Deal

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:01:29 -0700

Big news in the celebrity fragrance world: Jay-Z just signed a multi-fragrance deal with Parlux, the company behind scents from stars such as Paris Hilton and Queen Latifah. Through Iconic Fragrances, a company with which Jay-Z has a licensing agreement, he signed a contract that outlines profit sharing and royalties from any fragrances that will be developed.

While there's no news on actual scents yet, the agreement mentions the possibility of scents for Rihanna and Kanye West - so keep an eye out for that. Separately, Jay-Z is close to sealing a deal for his own scent as well as one with what WWD calls a "well-established female artist." (Hmm, wonder who that might be.) Until more details emerge, let's content ourselves with this excellent and not-at-all-corny artist's rendition of a possible Jay-Z fragrance design.

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2008 American Music Awards: Queen Latifah

BellaSugar — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:01:13 -0800

You probably already know that Queen Latifah is music industry royalty. But did you know that she's a bronze goddess, too? By featuring this shimmery tan shade on her lips, cheeks, and eyes, the look is cohesive and natural, with a chic twist.

The singer/actress stacks her bangs high, and since her hair's normally quite short, I'm guessing she's sporting some extensions somewhere in that multi-toned 'do. Her signature fragrance will be out in a year, and until then, I'll keep my eye on her - she's definitely a beauty icon in the making.

Vote on all of my href="http://bellasugar.com/slides/tags/2008+American+Music+Awards+Poll">American Music Awards polls here!

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In NYC? Meet Leslie Blodgett, Founder of Bare Escentuals

BellaSugar — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

Tour buses aren't just for rock royalty: Bare Escentuals is running one of their own right now. I caught up with founder Leslie Blodgett recently, who told me she loves meeting with fans of the brand. "I use it for my market research," later adding that she polled a room full of Bare Escentuals enthusiasts about the packaging of the brand's forthcoming moisturizer (they wanted a pump, not a tube). Stay tuned next week for more of my interview with her, including her desert island beauty products, and her new favorite fragrance.

If you're in the New York area, today's appearance will be at the Times Square Sephora from 2-4 p.m.!

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Bella Book: Lessons of a Lipstick Queen

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 07:00:52 -0700

Over the long weekend, I hunkered down with a new book called Lessons of a Lipstick Queen ($15.64) written by Lipstick Queen creator, Poppy King. The book talks more about her becoming an entrepreneur than it does about makeup, as she takes you through the trials and tribulations of her journey from idea to inception.

Poppy's voice is genuine, and her story is interesting, heartfelt and uplifting. The thought of actually going through with a business plan, finding the right time, niche and the finances to back me has always scared me a little. However, once I finished reading the book I felt inspired.

I especially liked the set-up of the book. She talks about a lesson and then follows each lesson with a personal story and a conclusion at the end of each section. (One of my favorites is Manage your Inner Critic.)

I often let unwarranted negativity get in the way of a good idea and wind up not following through. Her book is a reminder that when you hear a critical voice in your head, ask questions to challenge the pessimism instead of automatically giving it validity. Not only is it a confidence booster, but it allows you to talk through any doubts you may have in your idea or plan.

I really liked this book. It's not a fluffy page-turner, so if you are looking to get swept away in a story about lipstick or royalty, this isn't for you. But, if you are someone with a dream (even if you aren't really into lipstick) you'll enjoy learning from Poppy's experiences about how to successfully develop your own ideas into something fruitful.

Love It or Hate It? Liv Tyler's Costume Institute Gala Look

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:03:40 -0700

Lovely Liv completely changed things up compared to her look at last year's event. This time around, she looks like rock and roll royalty - all black eyeliner, creamy complexion, and tousled hair. Some might say it's too casual, but I think she pulls it off beautifully.

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Bella Donna: Grace Kelly

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:00:55 -0700

Born in Philadelphia in 1929, Grace Kelly knew she wanted to act by the time she was 12. She moved to Manhattan to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she worked as a model and appeared in ads for Max Factor Colorfast Lipstick, Lux Toilet Soap, and Old Gold cigarettes.

Kelly's approachable, innocent beauty earned her a seven-year contract with MGM, where she took on many movie roles in a short period of time. Directors favored her regal looks, but she was stubborn when it came to making any alteration to her appearance, famously refusing to don falsies to fill out her dress during the filming of Rear Window.

In 1956, Grace Kelly became an actual princess when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco. Even as royalty, Kelly managed to maintain an elegant yet approachable quality. She kept her look simple by wearing minimal makeup and by keeping her hair in short waves for the majority of her career. The key to getting her look is keeping brows bold, yet cleanly groomed, dusting on the faintest hint of blush, and finishing with a pop of bold color on the lips. Give hair extra body and shine by setting it in all-over rollers and misting with a shine boosting holding spray like Phytospecific Extreme Shine Spray.

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