BellaSugar

Tools of the Trade: What's This?

BellaSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00:14 -0700

Can you guess what this kooky-looking cosmetic tool is used for?

Tools of the Trade: Portable Eyelash Combs

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:00:34 -0700

This is definitely not the age of Tammy Faye Bakker - and although long, lush, and voluminous lashes are sought after, so is a clean, defined, no-makeup makeup look. These contrasting worlds have no room for clumpy, lumpy lashes. With these relatively inexpensive and super-small lash combs, you won't have to worry about your lashes being a beauty faux pas.

Tweezerman Folding Eye Lash Comb ($6.99) is a thin and tapered gold-plated comb that has been designed to painlessly glide through your mascara-coated lashes and remove anything that is stuck together or clumpy. Use it when your lashes are still a little wet in gentle, upward motions (away from your eyes).

Eco Tools Bamboo Lash and Brow Groomer (on sale for $2.99) is a long and slender environmentally-friendly eyelash comb and eyebrow brush. It is made from synthetic bristles and the ferule is made from recycled aluminum. Check out the cost, too. At $2.99 a pop, you can keep one stashed in all of your primping locations.

For one more eyelash comb, read more.

Sephora Duo Eyelash/Brow Comb ($5) is a clear plastic, double-sided lash and brow comb. This one is also purse friendly since it's really light and the ends fold neatly inward so they won't catch on anything.

What Is the One Makeup Accessory You Can't Live Without?

BellaSugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:33 -0700

If there were only one makeup accessory that you were allowed to have, which one would it be? Is it your trusty makeup pencil sharpener, a fluffy powder puff, magnifying mirror, a favorite makeup brush, or how about your eyelash curler? When I've posed this question to friends, they've all come back to me with eyelash curler. Out of all your makeup accessories, which one do you deem most important?

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Tools of the Trade: Stretchrite Elastic Cord

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:00:06 -0800

Paul Hanlon, the talented and insightful lead hairstylist that I met backstage at the Armand Basi fashion show, gave me a great professional tip on how to prevent your ponytail from drooping. He often uses Stretchrite Round Cord Elastic ($1.10), a five-yard piece of elastic that allows you to secure your hair tightly. Just snip off the pieces as needed, wrap it around your hair a couple of times and then knot it.

Paul claims that this thin elastic cord works better than a regular hair tie because you can create more tension; the result is that your ponytail stays perky. I can attest that all of the models did indeed have sprightly ponytails throughout the show, despite all of the product in their long hair that could have weighed it down.

Stretchrite products are sold in most crafts or sewing stores, and they're inexpensive. Think you'll give it a try?

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Get the Most From Your Makeup: Your Fingers

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:00:22 -0800

Have you ever been on a trip and realized that all of your makeup is packed, but you've forgotten your brushes? This has happened to me one too many times, so now as a precaution, I always keep a few cream-based options on hand. But if you ever find yourself alone with a bag full of powder products, here are a few makeup application survival techniques that require nothing but your fingers and some toilet tissue.

If you have a red or rosy colored lipstick, use that on your cheeks as well as your lips. Dab three dots on the apples of your cheeks. Using your index and middle fingers, blend the color upwards and outwards in small circular motions.
Your eyes, however are a little bit trickier since they require more precise application. Place a square of toilet tissue on top of your pinky finger and secure it with a hair elastic or rubber band. Dampen your pinky and then dip it into your dark powder shadow. Next, rest the side of your hand on your cheek (for more stability) and begin to tap the shadow onto your upper and lower lashes with the side of your pinky (if you have a pinky nail that's even better). Repeat the process each time you approach a new lash line (so you will need to change the TP a total of four times).

For one more makeshift way to apply makeup without brushes, read more.

Don't wet your eye shadow if you want to be able to apply it to your lids. Make sure your hands are clean, and then dip your ring finger into the powder. Tap your finger (so no excess falls into your creamy lipstick-stained cheeks) and apply it onto your lids by pressing your finger into your skin. Once you have enough shadow to cover the area, blend with the same finger using small circles.

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Tools of the Trade: TweezLight

BellaSugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:00:05 -0800

I came upon this odd-looking little invention called TweezLight ($9.99) in a small, off-the-strip apothecary the other day and it gave me a good chuckle. Doesn't it look like something a doctor would pull out of her bag?

I make fun, but actually, I think this tool is cool. The hardware is made of water-resistant stainless steel and has a built-in LED light centered between the prongs for optimal visibility and accuracy. Also, the package said that you can get about 50,000 on-and-off clicks from the battery, so as you can see, this gimmick is made to last!

I like the shiny gold one best, but if you have a favorite color, there are many shades to choose from. And for just $10, it's a fun little gadget.

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Tools of the Trade: Marvelous Magnifying Makeup Mirrors

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:00:01 -0800

Raise your hand if you love those super magnifying mirrors that come out of the wall in hotel bathrooms. I consider then the ultimate treat. While CasaSugar has more household mirrors for you to explore, here are a few amazing magnifying mirrors for your vanity or bathroom that I think you'll love as much as I do.

Before you scream when you see how much this pricey piece costs, take notice of all of the gorgeous hand-done gold and detail. So yes, this is definitely a grooming mirror for the Ivanka Trumps of the world, but we can all appreciate beauty when we see it, can't we?

The Sophia Vanity Flip Mirror ($3,200) is apparently from the Winter Rose collection. I just love all of the multicolor Swarovski crystals that have been added as an elegant touch.

For two more makeup mirrors-including one for less than $20-read more

Conair Chrome Double-Sided Lighted Make-up Mirror ($19.99) is thankfully a lot more affordable and gets the job done just as well. Actually, it may work even better for spotting whiteheads, unwanted hairs, taking out your contacts, applying makeup and for whatever else you like to examine since it also features circular lighting. All you'll need is three AA batteries.

And I thought that this Irving Rice Rimless Makeup Mirror ($88) was on the fancy end of the magnifying mirror spectrum! This classy, stand-alone vanity mirror is made from brushed stainless steel or brushed brass (your choice) and allows for up to seven times magnification.

The World's Glitziest Nail File

BellaSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 07:00:59 -0800

Talk about sparkles and glitter for the 2007 holiday season! New from London's famous chain of neighborhood nail spas, nails inc., comes the most dazzling and decadent nail file you've ever laid your eyes on. Each Diamond File contains 20 diamonds and is set on a glass emery board with a textured surface that is renewable by soaking it in warm water (which won't damage the bling).

The best part is that each file is custom made, so you get to design it yourself. The file was inspired by Bella Donna Marilyn Monroe's song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." For the woman who's got it all, this would make the most magnificent gift - that is, if you are in the market to throw down £1000 (which, at the current exchange rate, is approximately $2.000)!

While it comes packaged in a luxurious velvet box lined with black satin, still, that's a hefty price tag. If you had the money, would you spend two grand on a nail-shaping tool?

Bellissima! Ted Gibson Bandostick

BellaSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:00:51 -0700

Sometimes the old stuff is still the best! Bandostick ($25–$65) is the first product that hair gurus Ted Gibson and Jason Backe ever created. These sleek hair sticks have a hole at the top where a rubber band is threaded through so that you can easily create chignons, french twists and buns that stay in place all day.

The testimonials I've read are fantastic, and this product is very popular in Ted's salon. So far the only complaint is that eventually when the elastic stretches out, you've really got to stretch it to the max so that you can get it around your hair two or three times if necessary.

Fortunately for those of us on a budget, Ted has also created a less expensive version of his designer hair stick. Working with drugstore brand Scunci, he has launched the Hairdostick ($3). For ideas and instructions on how to use Bandostick to secure a french twist, chignon or bun, check out these pictures:

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For a complete price list and color selection, read more

Red lacquer ($25)
Black lacquer ($25)
Natural wood ($25)
Black mother of pearl ($65)
White mother of pearl ($65)

Cool New Kabuki Brushes

BellaSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:00:50 -0700

Kabuki brushes originated in Japanese rituals of geisha and kabuki theater, because makeup is an integral part of both. Kabuki brushes are great for blending, contouring and highlighting-and they're popular because they provide great coverage. In general, kabuki brushes are soft and strong, making them excellent tools for creating a buffed, glowy look.

The Nars Ita Brush ($38.50) is made from extremely soft black goat hair. It has a small, flat and angular design ideal for blending and contouring. Any intermediate or advanced level makeup junkie will know what to do with this brush once they see it, since it lies perfectly flat along your upper cheekbones.

For two more cool new kabuki brushes, read more

Adesign Flat Top Foundation Kabuki Brush ($26) is a new and innovative shaped brush designed for wet-to-dry foundation. It's ideal for buffing, and the texture of the brush stimulates your skin when applying makeup.

Aromaleigh Silky Smooth Taklon Kabuki ($17.50) is a baby sized version of the original kabuki. This soft, smooth, and adorable brush is great for a compact makeup bag. It's also great for touch-ups in the small areas around your eye and nose. It is made from synthetic taklon (which is cruelty-free) and won't shed.