Sometimes it's the student who teaches the teacher, and in the world of beauty analogies — and in this particular case — it's the celebrity client teaching the makeup artist. Here, our guest writer, Vanitymark Cosmetics founder, and celebrity makeup artist, Brett Freedman, shares with us his role-reversing experiences.

In my career as a makeup artist I've been turned on to some really great beauty tricks. Some are self-learned from trial and error, some are from other makeup artists, and more than a few have come from the subject themselves. There's a difference between doing makeup on a gal that's not in the entertainment industry (or as I term them, "civilian") and someone who gets made up as part of their job. Civilians are excited to try new colors, textures, and see their faces through the eyes of a pro; whereas actresses, singers, and models have seen their faces made up many different ways, making them hyperkeen on how products feel, wear, and photograph. Who better to give insight into glam than the canvas themselves?

To see Brett's favorite celebrity-given tips, just keep reading.

Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman has worked with stars such as Camilla Belle, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emily Blunt, and Selena Gomez, and now he's here to share his best beauty advice with us. So get ready for some insider tips, makeup how-tos, and Brett's infectious personality. We're thrilled to present to you his introductory post! Take it away, Brett.

How fun it will be to write for BellaSugar for the next eight weeks! To ensure you're just as excited as I am, I'm going to give you a rundown on who I am and what I'm about. I'm a LA-based makeup artist, creator of Vanitymark Cosmetics (a boutiquey line of brow products), and all-around awesome guy — at least that's what my assistant says. And if you like my tips and product suggestions, maybe you'll think so, too. Learn more about the man behind the makeup when you read more.

Editor's note: This is the final blog post from our amazing guest writer, Gina Brooke, who created the makeup look seen here on Madonna.

As a beauty expert and as a makeup artist, I depend on the skill of application and technique. That's why it is essential to use the right tools to achieve my artistic vision.

One of the most exciting parts of consulting for a makeup brand is the product development process. At Hourglass, we plan our lineup a year in advance — scouting new ingredients that are unique and focusing on products that women really want. I love working with Carisa Janes, Hourglass’s CEO and founder. She is an absolute perfectionist and truly understands the need for creating quality products that are innovative and effective. See Gina's favorite new products when you keep reading.

Editor's note: The following post is written by our guest writer, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke. Here, she shares her tips for achieving the perfect sunless glow.

As the mercury rises, so does our desire for sun-kissed skin. In the Summer months I advocate tanning for all my clients — as long as it's the type that comes from a bottle. We're all aware of the dangers of roasting in the sun, or exposing your skin to a tanning bed. Thankfully, sunless tanning has become more convenient in recent years. It's now easier to avoid the pitfalls of the past, like streaked skin or the noxious scents so often associated with tanning products. Here's my recipe for healthy, glowing-looking skin. See Gina's advice when you keep reading.

Editor's note: The following post is written by our guest writer, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke. Here, she shares her tips for enhancing and appreciating your natural beauty:

Many people look in the mirror and focus on the things they dislike about themselves. As a makeup artist for both celebrities and civilians, I continuously hear: My nose is too big. My lips are too small. My eyes are too far apart. And the list goes on. I’m no psychologist but it seems to me that we castigate ourselves unfairly at the risk of the bigger picture. The truth is, no one is perfect and we all have a feature that is unique and beautiful. At any rate I believe that imperfection is far more intriguing than symmetry. By embracing your own unique beauty, and enhancing the features you actually like, it’s possible to break free from this self-esteem trap. It’s an approach I use every single day. See Gina's advice when you keep reading.

Editor's note: The following post is written by our new guest writer, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke. Whether you're looking to break into the beauty business or simply want to improve your application skills, Gina's advice is bound to help:

When it comes to excelling at beauty, practice makes perfect. Some people do courses, others pick up a makeup brush after years of doing hair, but my start in beauty came via the fashion world. Back then, after having studied design and photography in New York, I thought I would be a fashion designer. At a test shoot with a photographer, I was asked to do the model's makeup. I'd always enjoyed doing my own makeup but, up until then, I hadn't thought of the profession as a career. I was immediately hooked, and did what anyone breaking into a new field would do. I studied. I read. I practiced — on myself and my friends.

See Gina's tips for becoming a makeup expert when you keep reading.

Gina Brooke is the Artistic Director for Hourglass Cosmetics, and works with gorgeous A-listers like Madonna, Anne Hathaway, Naomi Campbell, and Gwen Stefani. She has a wealth of beauty knowledge, and for the next few weeks, Gina will be sharing her expertise as our new guest blogger. We can't wait to read her amazing content! Take it away, Gina:

I’m thrilled to be guest blogging for BellaSugar. Beauty has been a longtime obsession of mine. According to my mother, I showed an early affinity for makeup. At the age of four I borrowed her lipstick, scrawled on the living room walls, and then attempted to eat it. A little too enthusiastic, admittedly.

My philosophy is that there are no rules when it comes to makeup. Experimentation is key, and it helps build confidence. After that the possibilities are endless. Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing insider tricks, key products in my kit, and the secret to glowing skin. I hope you find the posts informative, educational and inspiring.

— Gina

Editor's note: We hate goodbyes, but as you know, all good things must come to an end. Over the past few weeks, celebrity stylist, reality TV star, and author Tabatha Coffey has been blogging her expert hair advice, and the following post is her last. It's been wonderful having you write for us, Tabatha. We learned a great deal and will miss you!

So the time has finally come for me to wrap up here and continue on with a crazy multicity tour for my new book, It's Not Really About the Hair. This was my first stint as a blogger, and I have to say that I have enjoyed everything about it, from sharing my experiences to hearing from you on here and Facebook. I hope you all enjoyed my tips and tricks as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you. To see more details on how you can stay in touch with Tabatha, just keep reading.

Editor's note: For the past few weeks, hairstylist Tabatha Coffey, of Shear Genius and Tabatha's Salon Takeover fame, has been sharing her professional expertise with us. For this week's post, Coffey gives her top tips for growing out your hair:

Want to grow out your hair or bangs? Well, as the Guns N' Roses song says, you're going to "need just a little patience." Patience, or rather a lack of it, is what keeps us from growing out our hair; because let's face it, there are a lot of awkward in-between stages that we have to pass through on the way to the length you want.

However, there are a few things you can do to facilitate growing out your hair that will help time pass quickly and ensure you look great at every stage of the growing-out process. So, with that said, here are my top tips for growing out your hair or bangs the right way! To see Coffey's four tips, just keep reading.

Editor's note: The following post is by guest writer Tabatha Coffey, hairstylist, star of Shear Genius and Tabatha's Salon Takeover, and author of the new book It's Not Really About the Hair.

Ever hear of the saying "honesty is the best policy"? Well, nowhere is this truer than in the salon. To get the very most out of your stylist and salon experience, open and honest communication is an absolute must! Like women who buy jeans four sizes too small in the hopes that it'll inspire them to shed those extra pounds (and often end up with a closet full of clothes they can't wear), salon clients are too often unrealistic about their hair type/hair color, ability as at-home stylists, and commitment to upkeep; resulting in dissatisfaction with a particular haircut/hair color or unfair assessment of a stylist’s
skill. See the rest of Tabatha's tips when you read more.

You've seen her on hit shows like Shear Genius and Tabatha's Salon Takeover, and over the next few weeks, you'll also be seeing Tabatha Coffey right here on BellaSugar. Tabatha has just penned a new book, It's Not Really About the Hair, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the site as a guest writer. Take it away, Tabatha:

I can never remember a time that I didn't love hair. Whether it was setting wigs for the drag queens at my parents' clubs or cutting my dolls' hair, it is and always has been my passion. I believe hair is your best accessory, and I love helping people feel good about themselves and sharing tips, tricks, and trends that will always keep you looking and feeling great. You all also know that I am all about the business of hair too, so . . .

I am so excited to tell you that for the next few weeks I am going to be blogging for BellaSugar! To address some of your hair care needs: from how to find a good salon and stylist, to some of my favorite product combinations, to some tips and tricks to spice up your hair at home — and if you want to join the biz, the best way to do it!

It will be honest (imagine that!), fun, and helpful.
— Tabatha

Editor’s note: The following is a guest post written by dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, founders of Proactiv.

When it comes to acne, there are many myths and confusion, and we cannot stress this enough — though acne is not curable, it is treatable and controllable. In today’s world there are lots of different options from topical treatments to low-dose oral contraceptives, all of which will treat, control and prevent future acne breakouts. But keep in mind that there are no quick fixes. Once you get your acne under control, it may take several years of ongoing preventative treatment to keep your breakouts from resurfacing.

This is exactly why spot treating acne makes about as much sense as only brushing the one tooth with the cavity while ignoring the rest of your mouth. However, occasionally, when you have a really bad pimple, spot treating is necessary to try to bring down the breakout quickly.

The basic principles of treatment are: unclog the pores, kill the bacteria, and calm the inflammation.

Step one: Wash your hands and face. If your hands and face aren’t clean, you’ll just spread more bacteria around and risk infection (and even more breakouts!).

Step two: Apply ice buffered by a napkin for 10 minutes to reduce redness and telltale swelling.

Step three: Apply a treatment lotion containing antibacterial sulfur. Sulfur helps reduce skin oiliness and prevents pore blockages from forming. Proactiv Refining Mask contains a six percent concentration and can be used as either a full facial mask or a spot treatment.

Step four: Apply a thin layer of medicated concealer to hide the discoloration.

Step five: If time permits, get a cortisone shot from your dermatologist. The results from these shots are miraculous, fast, and effective.