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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.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying Hiking Boots

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:34 -0800

If you choose your hiking boots carefully, you can wear the same pair for years. But tracking down the perfect pair is easier said than done. I recently purchased a new pair of hikers, and they seem promising; I'll know after I break them in!

If you're gearing up for some cold-weather hikes, don't forget to bring these questions along when you head into the store.

Will you be hiking on wet ground? If so, it's worth investing in a pair of waterproof boots; they are more expensive but essential for preventing moisture-based blisters.
Do you need a heavy or light shoe? The heavier the boot, the tougher your hiking will be. For day hikes, a lighter boot is best, but if you're scaling inclines and/or carrying a heavy pack, you need the extra support of a heavier shoe.
Do you need ankle support? If you are going to be hiking on steep inclines or uneven terrain, get a boot that covers the ankles, rather than a low shoe such as an approach shoe. This will help prevent injury.

Three more tips, so keep reading.

Reader Review of the Day: Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer

BellaSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:01:41 -0700

Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer ($35) is a product that I've tried before. But I was really only reviewing it as a sunscreen. Reader laratf, on the other hand, likes it as a lightweight moisturizer and has a whole different perspective on its powers. She says:

This moisturizer is delightfully light but cushiony thick at the same time, without being at all greasy (perhaps thanks to its SPF). I purposefully test-drove it on a day when I didn't wash my face (just exfoliated with a washcloth) - it's now 9:35 p.m. and I'm still shine-free. The formula is orange-scented (yum!) and the SPF is icing on the cake.

Dying to write an awesome product review so you can snag a little Internet fame yourself? Just head over to our Product Reviews pages - there are over 50,000 beauty goodies up for you to review, and a ton of helpful insights from other readers.

Tuesday Giveaway! Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer

BellaSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:30:00 -0700

What's not to love about Bliss's cheeky product names, along with those spa treatments with the clever puns? Well, I have great news. You know our friends at Sephora always have your best intentions in mind, and now they've got some great items to give away throughout the week. For the next seven days, we're featuring soothing and relaxing products from Bliss, and today's is Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer. This SPF 15 hydrator is packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, so your skin will feel soft and smooth.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your entry to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

Take the quiz

Monday Giveaway! Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer

BellaSugar — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:30:00 -0700

What's not to love about Bliss's cheeky product names, along with those snazzy spa treatments with the clever puns? Well, I've got great news. You know our friends at Sephora always have your best intentions in mind, and now they've got some great items to give away throughout the week. For the next seven days, we're featuring soothing and relaxing products from Bliss, starting with the Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer. This SPF 15 hydrator is packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, so your skin will feel soft and smooth.

Take the quiz

DIY Spa Treatment: Good Smellin' Fall Cranberry Apple Mask

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I love the cool weather smells of the season, and what can be more warm and enticing than cranberries and apples? The combo is also, incidentally, an excellent exfoliant for dry Fall skin, and I've got a DIY recipe featuring these two ingredients, to give you the best of both worlds. For a divinely scented kitchen and naturally glowing skin, check out this easy, three-ingredient mask from Narine Nikogosian's new beauty home remedy book Return to Beauty ($25), due out next month. To get the directions, just read more.

2007 Sugar Awards: Best Body Moisturizer

BellaSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:00:35 -0800

Wowsers! The tallies of this year's best body moisturizer were close. At 12 percent was The Body Shop Body Butter, at 11 percent was Vaseline Cocoa Butter, and at 10 percent was Nivea Body Original Moisture Daily Lotion.

My favorite body lotion of all time is Kiehl's Creme de Corps, but I really trust you guys, so perhaps it's time I ditch my luxurious-but-expensive designer cream for a drugstore brand. Walgreens, here I come.

Got Kinky, Curly, or Wavy Hair? Read This.

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:00:16 -0700

As owner of Atlanta's Urbanbella salon and apothecary-style store, Keneesha Hudson has learned a thing or two about hair - particularly when it comes to kinky, curly, and wavy textures. That's why I consulted with the leading expert in the category on how to tame those unruly curls; and now, I have more of her helpful tips. No matter what kind of curl texture you've got, if your hair has some type of wave to it, this post is for you. Just read more.

Behind The Scenes at the 2009 Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:30:00 -0700

On Tuesday morning, at the Kensington Roof Gardens in London, Cosmopolitan UK threw the 7th annual beauty awards bash of the year! Besides the flowing array of nibbles, coffee and tea, 82 products (and their trophy's) were showcased around the room for editors, PR's and guests to admire and test. Justine Southall (pictured on the far right), Cosmo's Publishing Director spoke about the state of affairs at the magazine whilst Ingborg Van Lotringen, Cosmo's Beauty Director presented the two newest awards for Breakthrough Product to Clairol Perfect 10 and the Classic Award to The Body Shop Body Butters.

This year’s panel of judges included Alesha Dixon, Rachel Stevens, facialist Anastasia Achilleos, makeup artists Caroline Barnes and Lee Pycroft, hairstylist Errol Douglas, Cosmo Editor Louise Court and Cosmo Beauty Director (pictured in the grey dress) and Ingeborg van Lotringen (kneeling). There were a total of 13 categories ranging from hair styling and treatments, to skincare, makeup and suncare and, 16 products were granted the 'Readers' Kiss Of Approval' award by those who voted via the magazine or online.

View 5 Photos ›

To check out the exciting full list of winners, read more.

Cosmo Beauty Classic Award:The Body Shop Body Butters
Cosmo Beauty Breakthrough Award: Clairol Perfect 10

Lips

Best Colour-Rich Lipstick: YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick
Best Sheer Lipstick: Chanel Aqualumière Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF15
Best Lip Gloss: Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect
Best Lip Balm: Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Lipstick: MAC Lipstick

Eyes

Best Mascara: Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara
Best Eyeshadow: Rimmel London Colour Mousse Eyeshadow
Best Eyeliner: Clinique Cream Shaper For Eyes
Best Eye-Colour Palette: Givenchy Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Mascara: Maybelline New York Great Lash

Cleanser

Best Cleanser: Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash
Best Facial Refresher:Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist
Best Eye Makeup-Remover: Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover
Best Facial Scrub: Olay Regenerist Daily Thermal Skin Polisher
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Cleansing Wipes: Simple Skincare

Face

Best Foundation: Chanel Mat Lumière Long Lasting Makeup SPF15
Best Blemish Concealer: Bobbi Brown Face Touch-Up Stick
Best Tinted Moisturiser: Olay Complete Care Touch of Foundation
Best Face Powder: MAC Blot Pressed Powder
Best Cream/Liquid/Gel Blush: Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush
Best Powder Blush: MAC Mineralize Blush
Best Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder
Best Under-Eye Brightener: La Prairie
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Blusher: Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Foundation: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

Skin

Best Everyday Moisturiser: Chanel Hydramax + Active Moisture Cream
Best ‘Green’ Skincare: REN Rose Synergy 012 Restoring Facial Serum
Best Face Mask: Chanel Sublimage Hydrating Masque
Best Blemish Buster: La Roche-Posay Effaclar K
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Moisturiser: Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Day Cream SPF15
Best Anti-Ageing Moisturiser: Dior Capture R60/80 XP Ultimate Wrinkle Restoring Crème
Best Age-Defying Serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex
Best Line-Fading Eye Cream: Givenchy Radically No Surgetics Day & Night Eye Treatment
Best Age-Busting Night Cream: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Anti-Ageing Product: No7 Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum
Best Body Cleanser: Good Works Good Karma Shower Gel
Best Body Scrub: Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub
Best Bath Bubbles or Milk: Philosophy Field of Flowers
Best Bath and Body Oil: Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil
Best Hair Removal Product: Gillette Venus Breeze
Best Body Moisturiser: Lancôme Nutrix Royal Body Butter
Best Deodorant: Dove Hair Minimising Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Best Body-Firming Potion: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Body Lotion: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hair-Removal Product: Gillette Venus

Hair

Best Hairspray: L’Oreal Paris Elnett
Best Volumiser: Shockwaves Styling Plus Gloss & Body Mousse
Best Frizz Controller: John Frieda Weather Works Style Sealant Crème
Best Home Colourant: Clairol Perfect 10
Best Shampoo: Charles Worthington Time Defy Moisture Renew Shampoo
Best Conditioner: Paul Labrecque Daily Condition Moisture Mud Instant Repair
Best Leave-In Treatment: TRESemmé Curl Hydration Leave-In Cream
Best Hair Mask: Kérastase Masque Chroma Riche
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hair Colourant: L’Oreal Paris Excell 10’
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Shampoo & Conditioner: Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Hairbrush: Goody Gel Handled Brushes
Best Make-Up Brushes: Daniel Sandler
Best Heat Styler: GHD IV Styler
Best Beauty Gadget: Neutrogena Wave
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hairstyling Gadget:GHD IV Styler

Suncare

Best Facial Sun Protection: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Extreme Fluid SPF50
Best All-Over Sun Protection: Lancaster Suncare Tanning Lotion SPF15
Best Anti-Ageing Sun Protection: Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream High Protection
Best After Sun: Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturizer
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Suntan Lotion: Nivea Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF15

Self Tanning and Bronzing

Best Facial Self-Tan: Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Dry Face Mist
Best Body Self-Tan: St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
Best Gradual Self-Tan: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion
Best Wash-Off Body Tanner: Guerlain Terracotta Teint Doré Bronzing Spray for Body
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Self Tanner:St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray

Men

Best Hair Texturiser: Fudge Matte Hed
Best Face Cream: Biotherm Homme Force Supreme Neutralizer
Best Shaving Lotion: Clinique Skin Supplies for Men M Shave Aloe Gel
Best Eye Cream: Lab Series Instant Moisture Eye Gel
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Aftershave: Boss Aftershave Lotion

Hands and Feet

Best Nail polish: Revlon Nail Enamel
Best Hand Cream: Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream
Best Foot Treat: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Cracked Heel Foot Cream
Best Nail Rescuer:Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Nail Polish: OPI Nail Lacquer

Photos Courtesy of Jessica Long

10 Important Things to Know About Retinoids

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:00:07 -0700

Retinoids have been used for decades, but oddly, they don't get much buzz. These underpraised and often overlooked topical treatments could help your skin in more ways than one, though. Not only do they effectively treat acne by unclogging pores, they can also slow signs of aging while keeping your complexion healthier. Retinoids - including drugs like tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene - are topical forms of vitamin A, and they're available only by prescription.

The good news is that retinoid medications can work wonders for your complexion. Unlike over-the-counter treatments, though, they require a little more attention. To find out what you need to know before considering retinoids like Retin-A, Tazorac, and Differin, just keep reading.