BellaSugar -- You're beautiful.

Win a Set of Juicy Tubes Chic Delights Lip Gloss!

bellasugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:00:33 -0800

Lipstick may have dominated the runways at fashion week, but gloss remains a perennial favorite. One of the biggest launches in the past decade is Lancôme's Juicy Tubes. Eleven of the cult-classic lip glosses are sold around the world every minute. Who knew one gloss could be so popular?

Mollie Winerock of Lancôme shared a few details about how the glosses are developed — plus, just in time for the holidays, Juicy Tubes Chic Delights, we're giving away a set of eight glosses. For a quick Q&A and the scoop on entering the giveaway,

Are You Buying These Vibrating Mascaras?

bellasugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:00:16 -0700

There's a considerable amount of buzz about two mascaras: Ôscillation from Lancôme ($34) and TurboLash ($30) from Estée Lauder. The dueling products both promise to add volume, length and curl to lashes through their vibrating wands. TurboLash sold out immediately upon its July debut, and Ôscillation had 21,000 names on a waiting list before launching this week. Of the two, I've tried only TurboLash. It's a good mascara that delivers natural-looking, long and separate lashes. But it's not as though manually wiggling mascara through my eyelashes is a huge burden, so I doubt I'll replace regular mascaras with vibrating ones permanently. What about you — have you tried these? Are you interested?

Are You Buying These Vibrating Mascaras?

Yep. I think they're cool. We live in the FUTURE.

Maybe. I'm curious, but I need to try them first.

Nope. This is too gimmicky for my tastes.

Trend Alert: Black Lips

bellasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:00:04 -0700

Black lipstick: It's not just for goths anymore. This stark look showed up on the Yves Saint Laurent runway, and if cosmetics companies have their way, you'll be craving inky color for fall.

But can I level with you? Even though this is the hot trend, I just can't see this looking good in real life. I like Joy Division just as much as the next girl, but I fear this look would make me look like an overgrown Avril Lavigne groupie.

And yet, it's big for Fall, so I'd be a bad Bella for not keeping you in the trend-spotting loop. I report, you decide! If you're braver than I am and want some ways to try this trend,

Anne Hathaway's "Magnifique" New Role: Chic or Cheesy?

bellasugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:32:20 -0700

Wouldn't it be nice to wear a gorgeous dress and have a foxy Frenchman follow you? Lucky Anne Hathaway gets paid to do it! She stars in the ad campaign for Magnifique, the newest fragrance from Lancôme. It's a woodsy floral (with some unusual ingredients). Here's Anne looking as French as possible while the Brand New Heavies provide the backing tune. I still say the tagline is corny, and Fab thinks the hand-smooching is silly — but wearing a beautiful gown in the world's most beautiful city? Chic as can be. What's your take?

Anne Hathaway's "Magnifique" New Role: Chic or Cheesy?

Chic

Cheesy

BellaSugar's Top Five Hot Pink Lip Gloss Picks

bellasugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:00:28 -0700

Hot pink lip glosses are a summertime must have. They're flirtier than a classic red and pack more punch than a pastel. Plus, they match all of this season's trendiest neon pink nail polishes. If you're willing to try wearing a bright and daring hot pink pout, below are five of my favorites for you to check out! (I'm a poet and didn't know it.)

Sephora Brand Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss in Hot Pink ($15) is a semi-sheer, shimmery gloss with a sweet taste that glides on smooth and has a doe-foot applicator.
Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Gloss in Brighten Pink ($25) is a sugary, sheer yet bright and smooth gloss that doesn't have an overbearing, synthetic scent.
Stila It Gloss in Smashing ($18) is a creamy, not too bright punch of pink gloss that goes on more opaque than their famous click glosses, but is more sheer than a lipstick.
Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Pink Popsicle ($19) is a bright pink shade that doesn't contain any shimmer. This gloss creates tons of shine, but the only drawback is the icky sticky factor (just warning you). It was a limited-edition color, but I've found some in stock if you act fast!
Lancome Color Fever Lip Gloss in Volcanic Pink ($23) is by far the brightest and boldest pink I've ever worn. And although it looks shocking in the tube it goes on quite sheer. I like to pair it with a champagne shadow and black liquid eyeliner.

Coming Soon: L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick by Lancôme

bellasugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:11 -0700

Due out this August is a brand-new, sexy and smooth lipstick from Lancôme called L'Absolu Rouge ($29). This unbelievably hydrating formula contains Pro-XylaneTM, an award-winning molecule that is typically found in skincare products to help seal in moisture. The consistency is silky and glossy without leaving behind any stickiness or tackiness. It also contains vitamin E for added moisture and SPF 12 sunscreen for protection. The result is rich color atop luscious, soft, and conditioned lips.

The packaging is sleek, black, and pays homage to a 1957 lipstick that was originally created by Lancôme founder Arman Petijean. Something else to note is its cool "click closure" (thanks to a magnet in the tube and cap) that assures me my lipstick will only be seen on my lips and not on the inside of my purse.

It will be available in 15 shades and two finishes (pearl or satin cream). Are you excited for the launch of this luxurious new lipstick?

Lancôme Goes Subcontinental With the Maharani Jewels Collection

bellasugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:00:51 -0700

If you thought the cherub-imprinted bronzer from Lancôme's Cabana Bronze line was sweet, wait until you see the new Maharani Jewels collection. Inspired by India, it has lots of rich, summer-into-fall shades — but the standout item is this bronzer, whose pretty pachyderm imprint is very cool.

This collection's Juicy Tubes get a minimakeover, too, adding traditional Indian designs to the packaging. These jewel-toned glosses are on my must-try list, especially because some of the richer shades (like Mango Mystere, a chutney-red color) seem like they'll be easy to pull off in slightly sheer formulas. Between this and OPI's India nail polish collection, it seems as though we're all in for an Indian summer.

Product Review: Lancôme Defining & Brightening Eyeliner Duo

bellasugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:00:07 -0700

I'm always on the hunt for a great purple eyeliner. A makeup artist recommended a Defining & Brightening Eye Pencil Duo ($28) by Lancôme because it's not too dark and not too bright or shimmery. It's a subtle deep eggplant that completely passes for a neutral. It looks amazing on green eyes, but my best friend who has brown eyes is now also an obsessed and loyal fan.

The twist is that the other end of the pencil contains the lightest shade of iridescent lilac that has an illuminating effect. The color isn't dramatic, but it creates a halo effect when you apply it just above your brow, to the inner rim of your eyes and just under the purple eyeliner. It goes on smooth without having to be warmed up, and it has a creamy, high-quality texture.

The only drawback is that you might still be wearing it the next morning when you wake up. Even when you wash and Q-tip, somehow a few stubborn remnants seem to stick around in your lash line.

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

BellaSugar’s Top Picks For Coral Lipstick

bellasugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:00:06 -0700

Even if you’re not typically a coral kind of gal, trust me when I say that you’ll love the way they look with a little bit of mascara and some bronzer in the summertime. Coral has that je ne sais quoi to make tanned skin look all the more radiant. Below are my favorite coral lipsticks, They are a little deeper than peach lipgloss without being overly orange. Do you prefer one lipstick color over another in certain seasons?

Stila Lip Color in Miranda ($17) is a shiny, creamy and super-sheer everyday coral lipstick. Last year, it was so popular that it was honored as one of In Style's Best of Beauty Buys. It's a good choice if you want to ease into the color trend.
Chantecaille Lip Chic in Geranium ($30) is a sheer, rich nudey-coral. This creamy formula stays moist for hours and looks great worn alone or with a sheer gloss on top.
I've already told you how gorgeous the new, creamy Diane Von Furstenberg Volcano Lipstick ($18) is. This golden, pale coral-peach shade looks killer paired with black mascara and bronzer.
Guerlain KissKiss Stick Gloss in Mango Fizz ($30) is a sheer and shiny hydrating lipstick that contains just a little bit of maxi-lip for plumpness without having too much of a tingle.
Lancome Le Rouge Absolou in Coral Gossamer ($26) is a creamy textured, medium-coral colored lipstick that contains a touch of shimmer for a pearlized, glowy finish and SPF 15 for sun protection.

Bella's Hamptons Beach Bag Beauty Essentials

bellasugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:00:51 -0700

During the Summer, every fabulous New Yorker wants to head to the Hamptons — and why wouldn't they? The eastern end of Long Island is filled with beautiful mansions, adorable cottages, and all of the other perks of a resort lifestyle. If you're heading there this Summer — or if you're just looking for a piece of the good life — then browse my picks for a Hamptons-ready bag of beach beauty.

Coming Soon: Magnifique Fragrance by Lancôme

bellasugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:30 -0700

"You are unique, you are Magnifique." That's the tagline for the new Lancôme fragrance that ambassador Anne Hathaway unveiled in Paris last week. The woodsy, floral perfume won't be available until September, but we're hoping to get a sneak peek at the ad campaign very soon. For now, I can fill you in on the ingredients and concept behind Magnifique.

Inside of the faceted ruby-red glass bottle you'll find a blend of spicy floral woods that, according to creators Olivier Cresp and Jacques Cavallier, is supposed to be an interpretation of the color red. Specifically, there are essences of saffron, cumin, rose, rose absolute, jasmine, sandalwood, and vetiver. Perhaps the most notable ingredient is the woodsy nagarmota essential oil. Cavallier says, "As far as I know, it's never been used before in feminine fragrance."

The Magnifique product range will include two eau de parfums ($65-$85), body lotion ($46) and shower gel ($46). Aside from the tagline, which is a bit Zoolander, it's as promising as it is intriguing.

Source

Trend Alert: Vibrating Mascara

bellasugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Purses everywhere will soon be abuzz with vibrating mascaras — or so two beauty companies hope. WWD reported on a new Estée Lauder lash-builder this morning. Shortly thereafter, Lancôme announced the upcoming launch of its competing product. I guess the race is on to introduce the first genre of vibrating mascaras to the masses. So far, it's Estée Lauder 1, Lancôme 0. I'll score round two as soon as I can take them out for a spin.

In July, Estée Lauder will launch TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara ($30) exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue. The vibration of this battery-operated brush promises to separate lashes to avoid clumping.

Lancôme's version, Ôscillation, is due out in stores this Fall. The brush vibrates 7,000 times per minute, claiming to provide 360-degree coverage around each lash. It was created by Jean-Louis Guéret, who has developed almost 400 (!) mascaras in his lifetime. Lancôme is still working out an exact launch date and a price, so we'll all have to wait with bated breath before we buzz.

Are you excited or a little bit scared to test out these new vibrating mascaras?

SPF Beauty Bonanza, Part I: Facial Moisturizers

bellasugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:00:22 -0700

In honor of Sun Safety Week (June 8th-14th), I've decided to bring you a five-post series on beauty products that contain SPF. And I'm not talking SPF 4, 6, or 8, I'm talking the big numbers to keep your looks preserved, your skin protected and your body healthy and happy. Today's topic is facial moisturizers and below are three great products that have piqued my interest. What's your favorite SPF lotion?

I haven't tried anything from Ahava except for their Purifying Dead Sea Mask and I loved it, so when I heard that they launched a line of Mineral Sun Care products I was intrigued, especially with the Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF 50 ($25). It claims to guard your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and it's formulated for sensitive skin.

Last Summer, Kiehl's launched the UV Protective Face and Body Sunscreens with SPF 20 ($32.50), which I love. The big news is that they've already released the same version but with SPF 50 overseas and plan to launch it in the US next year — how's that for early buzz!

The sun creams are formulated with Mexoryl technology to ensure that UVA and UVB rays are blocked from penetrating your skin. They are photostable, non-greasy, fragrance-free and sweat resistant, however, they are lightweight in texture so they won't clog your pores.

For one more facial moisturizer with SPF,

Bella's June Beauty Must-Haves

bellasugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:00:21 -0700

Wow, time flies, huh? It's hard to believe that it's June already, but the calendar doesn't lie. For this month's must-have beauty items, I've rounded up a few things to simplify your grooming. From a tiny hair tool to a big ball of oil — you'll love it, promise — there's something in here for everyone.

BellaSugar's Top Five Mascara Picks

bellasugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:00:18 -0700

Over the past year, I've talked in great detail about many different types of volumizing, lengthening, curling, separating, and glossing mascaras. There's even a new one from Besame that smells just like gingerbread. I've tried them all, and while most of them are great at the beginning, I find that they generally don't live up to the hype about remaining clump and flake-free for more than a month.

That's why I'm partial to these five mascaras. I know that I can always turn to them to separate, define, and darken my lashes and make them look flirty and fluttery in the most natural-yet-enhanced possible way. What's your tried and true mascara?

Lancome Courbe Virtuose ($23) helps gives lashes that extra curl they need to look longer and sexier. The brush is amazing, it never clumps, and the color isn't too light nor too dark.
Lash Blast by Cover Girl ($6.99) is awesome. It's inexpensive and it effectively gives you a sexy, false-lash look.
The Balm Two-Timer ($19) is great because you can use the fine brush for a natural daytime look and the thick brush for a dramatic, curled, and elongated evening look.
Mirenesse Secret Weapon ($27, but deals abound) separates and lengthens lashes like crazy. It doesn't look too over-the-top, and although it stays all day, it comes off with just a bit of warm water.
Beauty Addicts Lash Galore ($22) is silky, rich, conditioning, and volumizing. It creates full, separated, long lashes with a touch of glamorous shine.

Uma Sues Lancôme. Whose Side Are You On?

bellasugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:02:15 -0700

Uma Thurman is having a litigious year. It wasn't long ago that her stalker fan was found guilty, but now she's suing Lancôme — to the tune of $20,000,000.Uma's beef? As a former Lancôme spokesmodel, she complains that the French brand continued to use her likeness to sell products even after her contract had expired. For instance, Thurman's image showed up on Canadian billboards and Asian web sites after the contract expired. Lancôme, who filed suit against Uma earlier this week to beat her to the legal punch, claims that those were accidents. "The use of Ms. Thurman's image after her contract expired, however minor, was neither deliberate nor intentional," a spokeswoman said. Uma is asking for at least $5 million for four separate claims, which could net her $20 million. Now, I'm no Matlock, but I think someone is asking for a pretty big payday, especially considering she was likely paid a few million dollars for her endorsement in the first place. Whose side are you on, Uma's or Lancôme's?Source

Uma Sues Lancôme. Whose Side Are You On?

I'm with Uma. If Lancôme wants to use her image, they need to pay.

Lancôme all the way. Uma is just trying to cash in on an oversight.

Other — I'll tell you in a comment.

BellaSugar's Insider Look Into Celebrity Makeup Bags: Veronica Webb

bellasugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:04:48 -0700

We just found out the contents of Noemie Lenoir's and Selita Ebanks' makeup bags, and now I've got insight into what cosmetics supermodel Veronica Webb can't live without. On Tuesday evening, Veronica auctioned off pieces from her jewelry collection at an event (sponsored by Lancôme) to benefit her charity The Macedonia Fund. Veronica started the fund a year ago in memory of her mother; it helps disadvantaged children attend the Key West Montessori School for free. Not only am I pleased to see her using her celebrity for a good cause (now that's model behavior), but I also learned about her favorite beauty products.

My initial instinct is that she had some type of affiliation with Lancôme, but actually, she doesn't. A makeup artist simply turned her onto a few treats and now she's smitten. If you want to know what they are (and they're not all Lancôme, either),

BellaSugar's Top Five Lip Balm Picks

bellasugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:00:07 -0700

I've written about my favorite lip balms before, but a year and a half has passed and I've got some newbies in the mix that I seriously can't live without. Lip balms are one of my all-time favorite products because they feel good and they provide instant relief all year round. Here are my top five picks (for now). What's your favorite?

This small, silver Molton Brown Vitamin Lip Saver ($1 is odorless and flavorless. It spreads easily, penetrates deeply and I often find it missing in my guy's dopp kit!
Some drugstore brands have got it right! This cool, roller-ball Blistex Cherry Splash ($2.89) is sweet, thin-textured and fast absorbing to correct dryness and chapping.
Bobbi Brown Extra ($55) is the most expensive salve of the bunch, but it works wonders on my cuticles, elbows hands and on my lips. I can't seem to stay away from the subtle geranium smell and thick shea butter formula.
Lancome's Baume Baiser ($25) came out as part of the Mystery Game collection. Although it's no longer in stock, you can still find a few of these indulgent padded soft rose-marshmallow scented lip balms online in the UK (and have it shipped).
A year and a half later, one of my faves is still the amazingly nourishing Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50). It lasts long, it's thick, it smells amazing, and I'm the first to admit that I'm a sucker for the cool screw-top cover.

Cozy Up With Lancôme's Cabana Bronze Collection

bellasugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:00:48 -0700

Although Lancôme's Cabana Bronze collection isn't due in stores for a couple of weeks, the new Cherub Star Bronzer ($50) and Star Eye Shadow Palettes ($43) are already available online — goodie! Last Summer, they stunned us with the launch of a huge face and body-bronzer compact embellished with a bamboo and sunset image. This year they've decided to bring back the popular over-sized bronzer but instead of a glittery sunset, it features a more subdued cherub imprint.

Leave the glimmering golds and bronzes up to the new quad eye-shadow palettes. The first, Cabana Sunset, contains champagne, true gold, taupe, and deep brown shadows. Its counterpart, Cabana Sunrise, contains a pale shimmery shell pink, a sparkling mauve, a neutral taupe (which I also use on my brows) and a dark brownish-aubergine (which can double as a liner). I'm pretty hooked on Cabana Sunrise — I think it's all I'll need on my next tropical vacay. Which item interests you the most?

What A Pair: Dual-Ended Mascara

bellasugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:00:55 -0700

OK, so the concept of double-sided mascara isn't entirely novel. But after checking out Two-Timer Mascara from The Balm, I thoroughly enjoy having two options in one product to choose from. After a shopping trip, I noticed that more and more of these mascara pairs are being developed and I'm pretty stoked about it. If you share my enthusiasm, you'll love these three dual-sided mascaras too. And of course, if you know of any others — do tell!

Le 2 de Guerlain Mascara ($35) is a mascara that houses two different brushes on either side of the tube. The first brush curls, adds volume and length, while the second (mini-sized) brush gets to those tiny, hard-to-reach lashes on the inner and outer corners of the eye. I haven't tried it yet, but it sure looks supafly.

Elizabeth Arden Two Brush Mascara ($1 is a multi-functional, conditioning mascara that is available only in a deep black shade (however, I hear there are more to come). One side thickens, separates and elongates and the other brush is smaller to ensure that no lash will ever go naked.

For one other double-ended mascara,

Product Review: Lancôme Tonique Confort

bellasugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:00:38 -0700

Since I love Lancôme Bi-Facil eye makeup remover, I thought I'd check out the brand's Tonique Confort ($21) moisturizing toner.

The toner itself is more of a thick, creamy gel than a liquid. Lancôme gets it right by making their products smell fabulous and inviting without being even a hint overpowering. Smell and appearance aside, this stuff is good. The thicker consistency worked double-time to remove all leftover traces of dirt and makeup on my face. I was worried that it would make my skin feel a little greasy because of the consistency, but my face felt smooth, refreshed, and clean.

Since it is a moisturizing toner, it is not meant for oily or acne-prone skin. But if you have normal or combination skin, I would recommend giving this one a try.

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

Coming Soon: Daria Werbowy for Lancôme

bellasugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:00:59 -0700

As I reported earlier, model Daria Werbowy has created a three-piece makeup collection for Lancôme. But unlike some famous collaborations, this one has a few cool details that make it stand out. First, Daria didn't just sit around choosing pre-made suggestions for color. Instead, she went to Lancôme's laboratory and mixed the pigments herself. Secondly, proceeds from the collection go to a great cause: Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, a children’s art center in Rio de Janeiro.

The three-piece collection launches at Sephora this month, but I have a sneak preview of the collection. Maybe it's because my coloring is similar to Daria's, but I'm excited about it. The chestnut browns of the eye shadow quad ($42) are great for blue-eyed women, and both the lip gloss ($24) and lipstick ($26) are spot-on for the season's bare-faced trend. I haven't been able to play around with these yet — they're not in stores at this point, after all! — but I'll keep you posted on any other news.

Source

Are L'Oreal and Lancôme Makeup Removers the Same?

bellasugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:00:01 -0800

If you took my quiz on who owns what yesterday, you already know that L'Oreal and Lancôme have the same corporate owner. Even though each brand operates independently, my inner bargain hunter was wondering if the same products are merely being packaged and marketed differently. So I decided to compare my beloved Lancôme Bi-Facil makeup remover to the L'Oreal version.

At first, I was excited; both products come in blue-tinted bottles. "Ooh, maybe it's the same excellent stuff, just much cheaper," I thought. So I put on about three pounds of eye shadow on each eye, and then went to town taking it off. My results are below.

	Lancôme	L'Oreal	And the winner is...
Price	$26/4.2 ounces	$5.99/4 ounces	L'Oreal costs 75% less than Lancome.
Packaging	The sleek, child-proof bottle looks elegant. A narrow hole dispenses only what you need.	Surprisingly sleek for a drugstore product, the bottle is nonetheless devoid of any fancy bells and whistles. Unfortunately, Junior will have no problem opening it and guzzling it down.	Lancôme's packaging is more user-friendly, if you care about this sort of thing.
The formula itself	Non-greasy texture, but feels smooth on eyelids.	The oil-free remover is similarly smooth, but Lancôme's version is slightly more so.	Lancôme, but just barely.
How well does it work?	Bi-Facil removed heavy eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara with just swipe — no tugging required.	Removed shadow easily, but required a little more work to wipe away eyeliner and mascara.	Bi-Facil. It's quick and effective, whereas the L'Oreal version required more product.

Both products are good makeup removers, but they certainly aren't twins. In this case, having the same parent company doesn't matter — they're different formulas. I'm sticking with Bi-Facil because of its effective and gentle formula, but L'Oreal's version isn't too shabby, either.

Christopher Kane's Juicy Tubes are Quite Worldly

bellasugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:00:30 -0800

Fab is a fan of London designer Christopher Kane, so I have a feeling she's going to love his collaboration with Lancome. He's created a limited-edition set of Juicy Tubes lip glosses ($18 each), each inspired by New York, Paris, Tokyo, or Rio de Janeiro. Check out Christopher's Art Nouveau-inspired illustrations on the packaging; they are so dreamy and fanciful.

If you're interested in the glosses, you should check out Red Hot New York, a slightly blue-toned red shade. Don't be scared by the bold hue — slightly sheer red glosses are a lot easier to wear than you might imagine, and it's a good way to ease into red without looking like the Joker.

Trend Alert: Iridescent Pink Nail Polish

bellasugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:00:27 -0800

The 80s called, and they want their nail polish back. Only this time, delicate pinks are not quite as sheer as before. Candy-colored nail polish takes on a new twist for Spring 2008 with three new shades infused with shimmery iridescence to reflect light and add some extra drama to your digits.

Deborah Lippmann Dream a Little Dream of Me ($15) is a medium cotton-candy pink polish. The cool part about the color is that as you move your hands in different lights, the iridescence reveals blue, purple, and yellow tones on your nails.

For two more pretty, iridescent pink nail polishes,

Look Your Best, Even If You Didn't Get Your Beauty Sleep

bellasugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:00:04 -0800

Long weekend? Here are some great night-time skin products to ensure that you'll look bright-eyed and refreshed even if you've just come off of a sleepless night. I've already told you about the newest rage in overnight hair care from Kerastase as well as the fabulous Talika Eye Decompress Masks, so here are some soothing and rejuvenating night creams that will make your skin look revived and renewed.

Soothe. Guerlain Issima Midnight Secret ($106) is an oxygenating treatment designed to help you look refreshed when you're suffering from lack of sleep. It works to speed up the exfoliation process so that you don't wake up looking gray, tired or lackluster. Just slather it on and try and catch as many Z's as possible!

For two more restorative night creams,

What Do You Think of Designer Beauty Collaborations?

bellasugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:36:25 -0800

This beautifully packaged lipstick is Pixel Pink, the shade created for Thakoon's spring 2008 runway show. As of today, it's available from Lancôme, and in just about a month, the brand will release limited-edition glosses from designer Christopher Kane. Then, in late March, the Heatherette boys are launching a huge collection for MAC. And Avon has a cute Cynthia Rowley beauty line. Phew!What do you think about fashion designers creating beauty products? And if you made the big cosmetic-executive decisions, who would you tap for the next designer collection?

What Do You Think of Designer Beauty Collaborations?

I love the idea—it's so fashionable and fun.

Cool concept, but the colors have to be good for me to bite.

Enh, I don't see what the big fuss is at all.

Other—I'll tell you in the comments.

Product Review: Lancôme High Définicils Mascara

bellasugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:00:22 -0800

Move over Inimitable; here comes High Dèfinicils ($23.50). Back In 1991, Lancôme released its first-ever luxury mascara, called Définicils. Sixteen years later and after much success (more than 25 million tubes sold), it launched Dèfinicils Pro. This year Lancôme has expanded the line again with High Définicils, which joined the family in late January. Having used all three mascaras, I can say they are each wonderful for different reasons.

The original Définicils is a firm, straight brush that does a fantastic job of separating lashes. It's best suited for a polished, daytime look.

Définicils Pro has a curved brush that deposits more color at the base for a fuller, thicker look, and High Définicils has a bendy, rubber applicator to lengthen lashes and even give them a little bit of sheen. When Courbe Virtuose came out, I thought it was the be-all-end-all, but Lancôme is certainly providing steep competition. Are you interested in checking it out?

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

Shine vs. Sheen: Mimic the Look of Natural Skin

bellasugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:10:22 -0800

These pictures of actress Ali Larter are stunning; it looks like she drank the fountain of youth! I love the way her skin has a natural sheen without having any kind of glitter or shimmer to it. MAC Pro artist James Molloy was just telling me that great makeup mimics skin's natural texture, and we all know that skin has a little bit of shine to it.

I thought I'd introduce two shine-enhancing products that are must-haves among makeup artists to help you recreate this look at home.

Lancôme Ombre Glacée ($22) is a light-reflecting illuminator for the eyes and face. When I first saw it, I practically jumped out of my skin from its powerful iridescence, but as played with it more and more, I realized that if you use a little bit (you only need one to two dots for your whole face) it can transform your complexion.

Ombre Glacée was originally created in a colored eye shadow, but the latest variation is part of the L.U.C.I Collection and can be used on your eyes, face, and decolletage.

For one more shine-enhancing product

How-To: Ugly Betty's Beautiful SAG Awards Makeup Look

bellasugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:00:14 -0800

God bless America. On Sunday evening, America Ferrera positively glowed on the red carpet — and not just because she has such amazing skin.

Her Monique Lhullier dress was demure, feminine, and fit all of her curves in the right places. Her hair was soft and her fresh and glamorous makeup look was created with Lancôme products by celebrity makeup artist Vanessa Scali.

To find out about all of the products that Vanessa Scali used to put America's award-winning makeup look together,

Valentine's Day Beauty Part I: Luscious Lips

bellasugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:00:05 -0800

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you'll want to prepare your pout with some provocative products to pucker up with! These love-inspired lip treats are perfect for the big day. This marks the first part of my four-post series on Valentine's Day makeup, so come back tomorrow for more lovey ideas.

Benefit Cupid's Bow Lovely Lip Shaping Set ($2 contains all the goodies you need to create a dead-sexy mouth. Your cupid's bow is the little area on your upper lip that dips down. You can play it up for a widening effect or add a highlighter and shine for fullness. Inside you'll find a dual-ended lip liner and highlighter, a dual-sided blending and shaping tool.

For two more very alluring lip products,

Christopher Kane for Lancome Juicy Tubes

bellasugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:55:15 -0800

Kiss Me, Kane! Faran of Nylon tipped me off on these Lancome Juicy Tubes from Christopher Kane. Due out in March, the limited-edition glosses feature fruit-punch hues to go with his spring collection. I'm loving the design of these—can't wait to see them in person!

Wonderful Ways to Warm Winter Skin

bellasugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:00:08 -0800

Take a break from the cold and indulge yourself with a warm and wonderful at-home spa treatment. Both of these products contain ingredients that self heat when applied to the skin to help draw out impurities and detoxify. Not only do they feel divine when there's a chill in the air, but they also smell delicious.

My interest in warming treatments began when I tried the Retexturizing Thermal Exfoliator from Cornelia and ever since then, I've been hooked on thermal products. So go on and pamper yourself — baby, it's cold outside!

L'Occitane En Provence Grape Warming Body Wrap ($30) is a moist pink and white mud mask that helps absorb excess toxins in the body. The result is unclogged pores, soft skin, and overall improved in skin tone.

Upon contact, the mud heats up and stimulates circulation, which also helps promote cellular metabolism as well as relaxation — doesn't this sound fab!

For another wonderful, Winter warming product,

Beauty Byte: Anne Hathaway Loves Lancôme

bellasugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:05:58 -0800

After some earlier hints, it's official: Anne Hathaway is the new face of Lancôme. Make that "brand ambassador," which is a fancy way of saying that she's, well, the brand's spokesperson.

Anne hasn't made a statement yet, but Lancôme president Odile Roujol said, "Anne Hathaway is a radiant young woman who perfectly embodies modern femininity. We know she will portray all the passion and excitement of our new fragrance, to be launched throughout the world in September 2008."

So what does this mean? More likely than not, you'll see a lot of ad campaigns and commercials featuring Anne—and if her fans are lucky, she'll do some in-store meet-and-greets. I think she's a good fit. What about you?

Source

Coming Soon: Lancôme L.U.C.I. Collection

bellasugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:00:20 -0800

Could L.U.C.I. be the G.O.A.T. for Lancôme? Gucci Westman's last color collection for Lancôme stands for Luminous Colorless Color Intelligence, and she's going out with a bang when it launches next month. Check out the design of this collection. I love how the shape of the packaging feels futuristic yet organic — especially that shell-shaped compact.

The products incorporate iridescent color, which looks white to the naked eye. When it's applied to skin, though, it captures and reflects light. This photonic effect varies, depending on the skin tone. If your skin is fair, the color looks pastel, and it appears deep and more intense on darker skin. Gucci tried some of the colors out on the Peter Som runway this past Fall. (Check out the gallery below to get a feel for how they wear.) "I wanted the models’ makeup to look easy and sexy,” she explained. "I gave the eyes a bit of a pop with Ombre Glacée for a sultry effect.”

For full descriptions of all of the products,

Beauty Byte: Gucci Westman to Leave Lancôme

bellasugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:00:22 -0800

Of all the makeup artists out there, one of the best known is Gucci Westman. Since 2003, she's been the international artistic director of Lancôme. But that's about to change. Through a press release, Lancôme announced that this Spring's color collections will be her final contributions to the brand.

In early Spring, the Pout-á-Porter lipstick that she created with Thakoon will be out. And then it's the L.U.C.I. color collection, which will be out in January. Now, this is just speculation, but considering Gucci's star power, I'm wondering if she could be cooking up her own line. Considering how successful makeup artists such as François Nars and Jeanine Lobell of Stila have been with their own brands, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

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Beautiful Brightening Foundations

bellasugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:00:26 -0800

Now that we've taken a closer look at brightening eye creams, under-eye makeup pens, primers and skin creams, the last genre to cover is brightening foundations. These three products below are the perfect pick-me-ups for your skin, especially during the dreary winter months. Not only do they create an illuminating effect, they also provide excellent coverage and will make you look picture-perfect for all of your holiday parties!

Physician's Formula Brightening Foundation ($9.99) contains pearlescent pigments to provide you with a subtle brightening effect, a soft skin tone and an overall healthier look. It is formulated with vitamins A, C, and E to help protect the skin from environmental damage, and the formula is non-comedogenic.

For two more beautiful brightening foundations,

New Product Alert: Lancome Color Design Eye Palettes

bellasugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 08:00:33 -0800

Lancome has recently released two beautiful and classic-colored powder eye shadow palettes for the holidays called Topaz Kisses and Diamond Studs. What I love about these palettes is that they contain traditional colors, yet are modernized with a mix of shimmer, matte and metallic textures that can easily take you from day to night.

Also, they are packaged in slender and pretty quilted clutch-looking cases — striking red satin for Topaz Kisses and sexy black satin for Diamond Studs. Both of the palettes sell for $45 and include a travel-sized shadow brush that fits neatly inside.

For a list of the colors in each of the palettes,

Bella Bargain: 20 Percent Off at Lancôme

bellasugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:00:35 -0800

Sick of battling the crowds while shopping for yams, stuffing, and turkey? I have a feeling you might find this shopping expedition a lot less stressful. Shop online at Lancôme, and you can save 20 percent off everything. Now's the chance to save on treats such as Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinté and Precious Carat Lip Gloss Jewel — or the Goyard train case, which is now a relative bargain at $14,400. (Ha.) Plus, you'll get free shipping on your order. For the code you'll need to shop on sale, just

Product Review: Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinté

bellasugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:00:14 -0800

I am totally in love with this Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinté from Lancôme. That's a fancy French name for tinted moisturizer. I heard about it from a girlfriend of mine and so I decided to sample it at a department store a few months ago. I didn't even buy it that day; I went home like a good, nonimpulsive shopper and checked myself out in a few different light sources before deciding that I had to have it.

Not only does it blend into your skin really well, but it's got this great moisturizing capacity that leaves your face feeling hydrated, soft, and smooth. I often find that even though a product calls itself a tinted moisturizer, you can't use very much of it or else it leaves a foundation line. This doesn't do that.

Also, it contains antioxidants as well as SPF 30 to help protect your skin. So let's recap: For $42, you get a moisturizer with slight coverage and SPF. This may even qualify as a bang-for-your-buck product!

The only drawback is that it's available in only four shades. So if it doesn't match your skin tone, you're outta luck. Have any of you tried this? If so, please share your thoughts below!

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

Beauty Byte: Daria Werbowy Does A Collection for Lancome

bellasugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:07:37 -0800

Model Daria Werbowy has been the face of Lancome for a while, but now her involvement goes beyond just looking pretty. She's created three items for Lancome, the proceeds of which will help Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, a children’s art center in Rio de Janeiro.

The collection consists of an eye shadow quad ($42), a lip gloss ($24) and a lipstick ($26). The colors, inspired by a trip to Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, are neutrals (the lip gloss, for instance, is a sueded rose). Daria didn't just consult on the colors; she actually mixed pigments herself. As she told WWD:

"I started to appreciate red lipstick and other makeup colors I generally don't wear. You can spend days creating one shade — I didn't really realize the extent of color creation before. But I loved the immediacy of being able to mix and then try things right away, and I got to keep mixing and changing them until they were perfect."

Housed in silver packaging with a "DW" insignia, the collection will launch exclusively at Sephora in April. Between the Pout-a-Porter lipsticks and this collection, it seems like Lancome is aiming to become known as the go-to beauty brand for fashion fiends.

Source

Bellissima! Lancome Precious Carat Lip Gloss Jewel

bellasugar — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:02:42 -0800

If lip gloss is a little of what you fancy, then you are going to love this Precious Carat Lip Gloss Jewel in Diamond Splendor from Lancome. This diamond shaped paperweight is filled with clear, sparkly lip gloss. I have a feeling it's going to give you more butterflies than getting an actual diamond!

At first when I heard about it I thought, "Eh, this is probably just another holiday marketing ploy. Take an already existing product, throw a crystal on it and jack up the price." But I was wrong: this is really adorable. And the $40 price tag makes it a terrific present for anyone who goes gaga over beauty products and bling!

The case is made from shiny (and heavy) silver metal and crowned with a giant Swarovski Crystal that has the trademark Lancome flower embossed at the bottom. Inside is home to a less-sticky, less goupy version of their Color Fever Lip Gloss. Also, it contains flecks of gold glitter! If chic is what you seek, this is the gloss for you!