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How To: Applying Your Blush

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:00:59 -0700

Blush is a quick and easy way to impart a healthy and vibrant glow to your skin, plus it creates depth and contour to your cheekbones. For those of you who are intimidated by cream blushes, cheek sweeps, liquid tints and even standard powder blush application, fear no more. Blush application can be really simple. Once you find the best blushers for your skin tone, half the battle is already won!

According to Jane Richardson, a makeup artist with Nars Cosmetics, "The most important thing to remember is to follow the natural shape of your face and place the blusher where it is most flattering. Never apply color below the mid-line of your face (place a pen from your nose to your ear as a guide) or too close to the nose."

For four easy steps to follow for foolproof blush application, read more

Step 1: First, you need the right tools. If you are using a powder blush, use a full, round blush brush for your application. This will make blending much easier.
Step 2: Swirl the brush over your powder blush and tap of the excess blush. Now, take a look in the mirror and smile. Start by placing the brush on the apples of your cheeks and sweeping it up your cheekbones towards your hairline. This will give you an instant face lift! If you are using cream blush, lightly dot the blush on the apples of your cheeks first and blend upwards along the same route as with a powder blush.
Step 3: For daytime, apply your blush a little bit lighter and focus more on the apples of your cheeks than on the upwards sweep. For evening, dramatize the sweep and highlight the tops of your cheekbones with a little bit of shimmer. Tip: if your face is full, concentrate the blush more on the outside of your face near your hairline. If your face is long, accentuate the apples of your cheeks and the beginning of the sweep.
Step 4: To make your blush perfect and symmetrical, use whatever blush is left on your brush and blend down the sides of your cheeks and across your nose for a natural looking flush. Just be sure to avoid following the bottom of your cheekbones (in other words, don't go below the round apple-part of your cheeks). It's unnatural and negates your contouring.

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The Best Blusher For Your Skin Tone: Fair Skin

BellaSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:00:40 -0700

Thanks to the help of Jane Richardson, an expert makeup artist for Nars, I've created another great BellaSugar series on the various shades of blush that are best suited for fair, medium, yellow-toned, olive and ebony skin.

The first thing to consider when choosing a blush is to try and match it with your natural flush. So after you've gotten out of the shower, or after you've just exercised, take a long look at your face. Next, look at the undertones of your skin. If they are rosy or pink, you'll want to err on the side of neutrals so that your blush isn't too overpowering.

Nars Blush in Amour ($25) is made from very sheer pigments that create a soft look. The blush can be layered for depth and contouring. Amour is a a peachy-pink hue that will give skin an innocent flush. It creates a warm and healthy glow that won't look too heavy or cakey on your cheeks.

For two more blushes for fair skin, read more

Aloette Cheek Color Powder & Compact in Stardust ($18.50) is a pink hue with a matte finish to control shine for a polished result. The long-lasting formula comes in a deep compact for added protection from breakage!

Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Cupid ($18.50) is a silky soft formula that blends well and creates a really natural finish. It's oil-free, the color is true to the packaging and it even comes with a mini brush for quick and easy application. Cupid is a soft pinky brown-a terrific neutral for those with a light complexion with rosy undertones.

BellaSugar's Guide To The Best Blushers For Your Skin Tone

BellaSugar — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 10:10:34 -0700

I've been getting asked a lot of questions lately about how to find the right shade of blush for your skin tone. I admit, even I get distracted by playful pinks and oranges at the makeup counter, but then when I get home, they look way too bright on me.

As a general rule, blush is the most flattering when it looks natural. The shade you choose should resemble your natural flush and looks best when applied to the apples of your cheeks, your cheekbones and the sides of your face, but never underneath your cheekbone area. I hope that within this nine-post round up, you can find the perfect blush that best suits your skin tone!

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The Best Blusher For Your Skin Tone: Ebony Skin

BellaSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:00:16 -0700

To conclude my series, The Best Blush For Your Skin Tone, l've explored the market for bright plums, oranges, deep auburns, bronzes and burn reds that flatter ebony skin tones. You gals can get away with a lot of color, and the good news is that these shades can significantly brighten your complexion. So don't be shy! Go for the bold, but remember to blend, blend, blend-or you'll risk looking like a clown!

Guerlain Divinora Bubble Blush in Rouge Lollipop ($38) is a super-smooth creamy mouse blush/tint that blends really well into skin. Its bright red-orange color gives you a radiant glow. It's formulated to have a silky feel and a velvet finish. Simply dip your fingertip into the pot and blend onto your cheekbones.

For two more blushes for dark skin, read more

Becca Creme Blush in Dahlia ($27) is a rich, burnt orange color that will instantly brighten up your whole face. A little of this highly pigmented product goes a long way, so start off with a gentle touch and build your blush until your reach your desired effect. These blushers are deliciously creamy, long-lasting and work well with all skin types with the exception of oily skin.

Mode Cosmetics Gleam 601 Blush Stick ($4) is a deep berry rose color that complements medium, olive and dark/ebony skin tones. What makes these blusher sticks awesome is that the color is build-able, so you can create your cheek coverage to your liking. They blend seamlessly, they feel weightless on your skin and they are made with minerals and mica to give you a gorgeous, natural-looking glow.

The Best Blusher For Your Skin Tone: Yellow-Undertoned Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:00:11 -0700

For the third installment of The Best Blushers For Your Skin Tone, let's take a closer look at appropriate blush colors for skin with yellow undertones. For this type of skin, corals and coppers are complimentary. You can either got for a matte shade, or wear something with a little bit of gold sparkle which will enhance your natural undertones.

Pout Coral Nymph/Bronze Siren Cream Cheek Duo ($22) is a cream duo that houses a coral shimmer blush on one side and and a golden shimmer bronzer on the other. This is a great double-duty compact that provides a sheer glowing and dewy, natural finish. The shades can be worn separately or blended together for a customized look.

For two more blushes for yellow skin, read more

T. LeClerc Powder Blush in Orange Perlee ($27) imparts a generous, healthy glow on yellow-toned skin. You can gently dust the powder over your cheekbones for a natural radiance, or blend small circles on the apples of your cheeks for a pop of refreshing color that brightens your skin.

Lancome Blush Subtil Shimmer in Shimmer Coral Sunset (28.50) is an oil-free, sparkly powder blush with a high-impact result. The powder glides on smoothly and evenly and the color is richly pigmented so it really warms and brightens at first touch.

The Best Blusher For Your Skin Tone: Medium Skin

BellaSugar — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:00:55 -0700

Welcome back to part two of The Best Blusher For Your Skin Tone. Yesterday we looked at some fabulous colors for fair skin. Today, we'll warm things up just a little bit with more neutral, brownish pinks and golden tawny colors that highlight the lightness of medium toned skin. Enjoy!

Bobbi Brown Blush in Tawny ($20) is a medium pinky-brown blush that goes on silky and lasts all day. It looks fresh and natural and has been one of my all time faves for many years now. This is great color because it's so versatile. You can use it for contouring or for a pop of color right on the apples of your cheeks.

For two more blushers for medium skin, read more

Body and Soul Cream Rouge in Luxury ($28) is a cream blush that leaves a soft, dewy finish on your cheeks. This color isn't going to really pop and brighten your face a whole lot, it's just going to give you a natural-looking warmth and radiance. I know that toning down your blush can take some getting used to, but this is an ideal look for cheek color.

Laura Mercier Cheek Colour in Wild Bouquet ($22) is a silky, smooth powder blush that blends easily and looks natural and warm on medium skin tones. It's made with French cashmere talc, so it feels velvety soft and will never look blotchy. I've been wearing this color off and on again for years and it looks great all year round.

The Best Blusher For Your Skin Tone: Olive Skin

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:40:10 -0700

Welcome to part four of The Best Blusher For Your Skin Tone. In this installment, we are exploring blush for olive-colored skin. You lucky girls are the ones with the gorgeous and natural golden glow all year round! For this type of skin, petal pinks and deep peachy apricots give you a subtle warmth. Here are a few of my suggestions-and by all means, please leave comments and share your own favorites with everyone!

Pantina Cheek Sweeps ($5.50) aren't out yet, but you can expect to see these shimmery and mess-free blushers this fall in two shades: Tru Bliss and Radiance.

For olive skin tones, I'd go with Tru Bliss. It's a bright pink/coral hue that glides on easily and blends flawlessly into the skin, leaving a slight iridescent trail and a gorgeous flush to your cheeks.

For two more blushes for olive skin, read more

Benefit Sheer Cream Blusher in Hush ($18) is an ultra-smooth, creamy, bright yet sheer pinky-apricot color suitable for olive skin.

With just a little bit applied right to the apples of your cheeks, you can create a very warm effect. With a touch more, you can really give your face some pizzazz! Blend upwards and outwards (towards your hairline) using your fingertips.

DuWop Blushbooster in Mango ($22) is a powder blush with a little bit of shimmer for a natural and radiant glow. You can either wear it alone or on top of another blush for a highlighting effect. It is available in four shades, but Mango (pictured) is a shimmery apricot which would look fantastic on olive skin tones.

How-To: Michelle Trachtenberg's Season-Perfect Look

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:09 -0800

Unlike her Gossip Girl character Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg seems to have a good head on her shoulders, and she showed it off to her best advantage last night at a party hosted by American Eagle. She didn't shy away from her naturally pale skin, and her eye makeup was sexy, fun, and a little retro. This look would be perfect for your upcoming holiday parties, so to find out how to get it, just read more

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:30:19 -0800

The Tuesday night CW block made a particularly strong showing this week. Personally, I thought 90210 had one of its best episodes of the season - nice character development, a few teary moments, and some "oh no she didn't" disses. And as for Melrose Place, I've got two words for you: Heather Locklear. Yes, Amanda Woodward is back, and it's quickly becoming clear that the residents aren't going to have it easy any time soon.

So with plenty of drama to go around, which show shocked more? Let's break down all the juicy tidbits and decide the victor when you read more.

90210 point: Well, Annie sleeps with Jasper, and she skips into the kitchen in the morning to tell her parents about her new boyfriend. Debbie invites him for dinner - but once Dixon warns about his druggie reputation, Deb and Harry are less than enthused and forbid Annie from seeing him. She, of course, gets defensive, and as for Jasper's reaction? He tries to kill Navid by pushing him down the stairs at school.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Speaking of crazy murderers, did Michael off Sydney? Sure seems like it after David ransacks his car and finds her bloody necklace in a plastic bag. Now, he's determined to clear Auggie's name (who has since been shunned by all of his friends) and get payback by putting Michael behind bars.

90210 point: Richard and his mom walk in on Naomi with Jamie. (How about the Dean sarcastically calling Naomi "classy?" Ouch.) Naomi admits to Jamie that she was dating Richard for the wrong reasons, and he breaks up with her over it. Her guilty conscience getting the best of her, Naomi then confesses to Richard, too. Jamie finds out and asks to get back together, but unfortunately for him, Naomi had an epiphany during their 24 hours apart - she's still not over Liam.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Like I said, Amanda Woodward is back, and she's out to make Ella's life hell. First she fires Caleb, and then she sends in an agent named Melissa to lure Ella away from WPK as a "test." Oh, and did I mention that Melissa comes on to Ella and the two women make out in a back room? That part totally came out of nowhere - talk about scandalous.

90210 point: Last week Silver's mom Jackie wasn't waking up, and this week starts with her being rushed to the hospital. The doctor tells Silver and Kelly to say their goodbyes, but Kelly refuses after all the years her mother mistreated her. She regrets that decision later, so she finally makes amends and tells Jackie that she forgives her. Jackie passes soon after, and I admittedly got a bit choked up.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Things are looking up for Riley - her jeans campaign is all over magazines - but once Amanda Woodward steps in, she concocts a rags-to-riches fake bio for Riley for PR purposes. Once the press starts asking questions, Riley admits to the lie and things blow up in WPR's face. Amanda seeks revenge by asking Ella to rat on Riley for abusing her sick days for the photo shoots. When Ella won't agree, ruthless Amanda does it herself, and Riley gets fired.

90210 point: Adrianna tells Navid that he was easy to get over because she was never really in love with him. Brutal. Then Naomi discovers Adrianna's stash, and she says good riddance to Adrianna, too. This can't be good for her substance problem.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Can we talk about Violet and Auggie's sex scene on the kitchen counter? Lauren's stripteases make me blush enough already, but this may have even topped that.

90210 point: I still can't stand Jen, but we're slowly starting to see her softer side. Ryan suggests going camping, and she packs a fondue set and a Burberry rain coat - not exactly low-maintenance is she? After she complains a lot, Ryan tells her he's disappointed since he's always bending over backwards for her. She takes his words to heart - even builds a fire! - and opens up about being broke . . . and still married.
Melrose Place counterpoint: In other couple news, David woos Lauren by decorating her apartment like Autumn, complete with falling leaves. But just as things get hot and heavy, she puts on the brakes, because of her "issues" with intimacy. How long are they going to drag this out?

While I really enjoyed 90210, we're talking about scandal here, so I'm going to give this week to Melrose Place. Having Amanda Woodward on your side already makes you a lock, but then throw in the borderline porno - Auggie and Violet, Lauren and David, Ella and Melissa - and it's a no-brainer. Plus, we had a great MP cliffhanger - what exactly is Sydney is referencing in her letter to Amanda that says, "You'll never find it?" You'll never find what?!

Tell me your theories (and what you thought about the episodes) in the comments! And don't forget that if you're a 90210 follower, you can always join the 90210 Superfans group in the Buzz Community.

Photos courtesy of The CW

Mally Roncal Shares Workplace-Friendly Makeup Tips

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:11 -0800

There's a time and place for sparkly blue eye shadow, and 9:30 a.m. at work is not it. (Unless, of course, you work at Cirque du Soleil, in which case, have at it.) For most of us, looking professional is about looking polished. But how much makeup is appropriate for the workplace? For makeup artist Mally Roncal's tips on looking professional, read more.