BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener

BellaSugar — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 07:00:00 -0700

I get darkness under my eyes, so I'm a fan of brighteners, which liven up the under-eye area in a flash. Instant refreshment. Reader Laratf highly recommends Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, and here's why:

It's by far the best brightener/concealer I've used. It's not just sheer shimmer that makes you look like a freak in photos (anyone else face that problem?), it provides good coverage, stays in place, and brightens without making you look sick. I'm really pleased with it.

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Reader Review of the Day: Smashbox O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:00:10 -0800

Over the past few years, both lip plumpers and products that change color based on your skin chemistry seem to be all the rage. Smashbox's O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper ($24) includes a Goji Berry-C Complex and promises to turn your lips into a customized sheer pink shade. Reader Laratf wasn't completely feeling it, though. Here's what she had to say:

"I am one of the ones who experiences neon pink lips with O-Gloss. However, I met Dean Factor (Co-Founder and CEO of Smashbox) this fall, and he assured me that the formula had been improved for O-Plump. The thought of a personalized gloss that also boosts the fullness of my pucker was too intriguing to pass up. The plumping result was less than desired and the taste is super spicy cinnamon which is a bit of a turn off. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the color situation had improved and for that reason alone, O-Plump is worth hanging on to. This one is a mixed bag for me."

If you like writing reviews for beauty products, head over to our Product Reviews website, and maybe I'll share your opinion on this daily post.

Bella Bargain: Beauty Blowout Sale at Smashbox

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:03:58 -0800

When it comes to quality makeup with a sleek image, Smashbox can stand on its own, well . . . soap box. And guess what? The line, which has been cranking out professional-style products since the mid-1990s, is having a sale. Just head over to Smashbox.com and follow the link to the Beauty Blowout Sale, where you can save anywhere from 25 to 50 percent off. While you're at it, don't forget to score some free Suave today, either.

Get the Look of Twilight's Bella Swan

BellaSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:13 -0800

There's always been something magnetic about vampires, and with the upcoming release of Twilight, you can expect fang fever to hit a high not seen since the days of my beloved Buffy. Bella Swan, the heroine played by Kristen Stewart, has a fresh, natural look that's simply gorgeous.

"Bella’s description in the novel is very pale and extremely beautiful with large chocolate brown eyes, so she wore colored lenses every day," says Jeanne Van Phue, the movie's head makeup artist. "I also pictured her as a natural beauty, which is exactly what Kristen is. I used a light hand while applying all neutral colors to make her look as though she had no makeup on."

Want to know the items used to get Bella's look? For the straight-from-the-set scoop, read more.

Lips: Look for a brownish plum lipstick with a creamy finish; Benefit Silky-Finish lipstick in Good-to-Go was used on the set.
Blush: Bella wears Visiora compact powder in PC 103.
Face: Van Phue kept shine at bay by using MAC Blot Powder/Pressed in Light on Bella as well as on Edward, played by the dreamy Robert Pattinson.
Eyes: After preparing eyelids with Smashbox Lip and Lid Primer, Van Phue swept on three neutral shades of MAC eye shadow: Blanc Type, Phloof! and Wedge.

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Beauty Mark It Results: First Date Fabulous

BellaSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:00:11 -0700

Last week I told you about my newly single friend who was looking for some advice. She's back in the dating scene and wanted some guidance on how to present herself as the complete package - both brains and beauty.

My pal didn't want to come across as overly done up, but she didn't want to look like she made no effort at all. I asked you to recommend some products, and now thanks to your work, I'm sure second dates will be no problem whatsoever.

Thanks to Team member Baby Girl for suggesting Smashbox's Compact Anti-Shine ($28), an oil free mattifying product that ensures your makeup will remain intact. As she so humorously articulates, "No one wants to look like they just wiped their face with a pork chop." I couldn't agree more.

Check out my widget below for some more great first date looks:

Smashbox Gets Wicked Lovely For Fall

BellaSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:00:42 -0700

Smashbox wants us to think of the naughty/nice paradigm with its new collection, Wicked Lovely, but instead, I keep thinking of Boston slang.

Annnnyway: Smashbox's Fall collection is out on the early side, and as you'd expect, the mood is more intense than that of Summer makeup. But don't be fooled by the Siouxsie Sioux bent of the ad campaign; although there are dark cherry lip glosses and sooty eye shadows for smoldering looks, there are plenty of lighter color options for a softer style. I'm looking forward to checking out this cream liner set ($32), which includes three cream liners and a sparkling pewter powder. Sounds promising - if potentially messy. Do you like the looks of this? Or is it too vampy?

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How-To: Gina Gershon's Sexy Stage Makeup Look

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:00:14 -0700

Meow. Sex kitten Gina Gershon knows how to turn heads with her killer smile and effortless sex appeal. She looked stunning at the 2008 Tony Awards channeling old Hollywood with a beautiful diamond-brooch hair accessory and hint of edgy New York spark with her two-toned hair.

Her flawlessly smooth skin was contrasted by dramatic eyes and lips. For those of you who are interested in re-creating her beautiful Broadway makeup look at home, read more.

FACE: Blend a medium-colored ivory foundation all over your face and neck and smooth using your fingers. Tip: Remember to match your foundation with your skin. If you look at Gina's neck and chest, it's slightly darker than her face (oops).
CHEEKS: Apply a soft pink powder blush such as Yves Saint Laurent Touche Blush in Rose to the apples of your cheeks and along your cheekbones. Follow with a dab of creamy luminizer and blend with a makeup sponge for a subtle effect.
EYES: Try using an eye shadow palette like this Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Evening Star from Lorac. Begin by sweeping a shimmery, silvery shadow all over the lid, then apply a deeper gray color to the crease. Line your upper- and lower-lash line with a metallic charcoal shadow and finish with two coats of mascara. It looks like Gina skipped using false lashes, but I think a few corner lashes would look fantastic.
LIPS: Lastly, line lips with a nude lip liner and using a lip brush, apply a creamy peach-colored lipstick such as Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick in Beautiful all over your lips. Lastly, dab an ultrashiny translucent lip gloss in the center of your lower lip for a sexy, attention-getting finish.

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Trend Alert: Multi-Color Powder Bronzers

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:00:16 -0700

Summertime always breeds safe, fun, sunless bronzing products and I've noticed that a few of the new bronzing-powder compacts contain more than one shade in them. The idea is to create a healthy-looking glow, and I suppose the gradation of colors is a way to achieve that look. Instead of having a flat tan all over your face, the variation of shades creates a more natural effect. Here are five new multicolor powder bronzers on the market for Summer 2008 for you to check out.

Shiseido The Makeup Multi-Shade Enhancer ($35) contains five shades of shimmery bronzer. Blended together, it can be worn on your face and body and used separately it can double as eye shadows or a highlighter. Also, it is available in two shades.
Caribbean in a Compact in Sun Bunny ($25) is a dual-shaded bronzer made from silky, light-reflecting powders. Each of the colors can be worn individually or layered together.
Lorac TANtalizer Baked Bronzer ($28) is a multishaded terracotta baked bronzer that can be used on your face or your body. This marbelized makeup also contains a brush and mirror on the lower level of the compact.
Sephora Summer Safari Bronzer ($16) is a powder bronzer available in two animal prints depending on your skin tone. Giraffe is light and zebra is dark and coppery. Blend the shades together for a bright, glowy complexion.
Smashbox Desert Chic Fusion Body Bronzing Powder and Brush Set ($55) contains four tan and bronze shades and comes with a mini-kabuki brush. This oversized bronzer can be worn on your face and body for a healthy, glowing tan.

Bella Bargain: Smashbox Let's Do Lunch

BellaSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:00:26 -0800

Here's a lovely way to spend your lunch hour today. Smashbox is offering a free gift with any purchase made between the hours of 9am and 2pm PST. Not only that, but right now shipping is free for for all orders. Since there's still an amazing clearance sale going on, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the great deals. I'm a fan of the cult favorite Photo Finish Foundation Primer, but Buzz is raving about O-Glow lip gloss lately. Happy shopping!

Bella Bargain: Smashbox Clearance Sale!

BellaSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:15:22 -0800

I'm not a big fan of cold weather, especially when I'm outside so much at New York Fashion Week. But I do love this season for its great Winter sales! I live for a great deal, and there is nothing better than scoring some loot from my favorite brands at a great discount. Right now Smashbox is having its Curtain Call sale where you can snap up great staples like the Seamless Liquid Foundation or a honey-scented Lip Gel. It's also a great opportunity to experiment with a new shade or a trend that you wouldn't want to pay full price for, like the bold, jewel-toned eye shadows in the Electric Quad, or a highlighting powder like this pretty pink one. Standard shipping is free in the US, so you don't even have to brave the elements to enjoy a little Smashbox.