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Last-Minute Valentine's Day Beauty Tricks

bellasugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:00:14 -0800

Got a big date tonight but no time to stop off at home and primp beforehand? Don't sweat it. Here are three products you can throw in your purse to help you create a red-hot Valentine's Day look that will take you from day to night.

Red lipstick: If there's any day to wear red, this is it. I like Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Autumn, a slightly shimmery blue-red shade that you can use to stain your lips and cheeks during the day and then layer in the evening for an intensified, seductive look .
Liquid luminizer: Benefit Hollywood Glo highlighting lotion has golden undertones as opposed to pink or peach, so it will give you a natural-looking radiance. Apply a small amount to your nose, temples and cheekbones — and to super-size your sex appeal, smooth some along your collarbones, shoulders and cleavage.
Scented body lotion:Try something obviously seductive like Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion. Not only will help to smooth out your skin at the eleventh hour, but it will also double as a fragrance. A scented moisturizer dilutes the strong smell of perfume and gives off the illusion that your body smells good all over.

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

Luxurious Liquid Luminizers, Part III: Drugstore Brands

bellasugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 12:21:33 -0800

Welcome to the third and final installment of Luxurious Liquid Luminizers. This segment features my favorite drugstore brands which give you the same type of gorgeous glow at a fraction of the cost!

Bare It All Lustrous Lotion by Revlon, $13, is a limited edition with its own special carved out area in the Revlon section of your drugstore. It is a unique formula made from ultra refined pearls that is easily blend-able. You can either use it alone, or mix it into your foundation for all over illumination. Available in four shades; peachy tease, buff love, pinkaboo and goldilooks.

For more luxurious liquid luminizer drugstore brands,

Luxurious Liquid Luminizers, Part II

bellasugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:45:55 -0800

Welcome to the second installment of Luxurious Liquid Luminizers. Luminizers are the secret weapon that makeup artists use to create a healthy, glowing and bright complexion. They last longer than traditional powders or cream shimmers and can be applied all over your face or just to your eyes, cheeks, lips and collarbone. Here are three bellisima products that will make you look like you too are glowing from the inside out!

Oil-Free Luminizer by LORAC, $28, is a fragrance and oil-free luminizer that gives your face a radiant sheen. You can either mix a little bit with your foundation or wear it alone to highlight specific areas. Available in two shades; pearl and gold.

For more luxurious liquid luminizers,

Luxurious Liquid Luminizers, Part I

bellasugar — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:35:55 -0800

Step out and dazzle 'em with a glowing and bright complexion. Welcome to the first installment of liquid luminizers. These are the "secret" products that makeup artists use to make celebs appear like they are glowing from the inside out.

Liquid luminizers last longer than traditional powders or cream shimmers and can be applied all over your face or just to your eyes, cheeks, lips and collarbone. Here are three bellisima products that will make you look like you are oozing with radiance!

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer, $20, is a universal gold shimmer color than can be used on any complexion to brighten up your face.

It is lightweight, it won't clog your pores, and with its built in, nail polish-like brush, application is fool proof. You can either mix a few drops into your foundation, or apply it just to specific areas. Have fun!

Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion by Smashbox, $30, is an oil free lotion that you blend right into your fave foundation. It contains ginkgo biloba and Japanese green tea to help your skin stay healthy and glowing. It is currently available in four shades.

For two more luxurious luminizers,