PopSugar

Add a Little Shimmer To Your Summertime Shimmy

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:30:00 -0700

I was never a big endorser of body bronzers in year's past, but with the launch of this over-sized, dazzling and just the right amount of sparkly Shimmer Brick For Body from Bobbi Brown (£50), I'm totally addicted.

You apply it with the biggest, fluffiest brush that you can find and go to town on your legs, abs, face, decolletage and shoulders. It gives you a gorgeous tinge of tan, with a generous amount of radiance and no traces of orange or glitter whatsoever. It's sublte, sexy and the ultimate body must-have product for Summer.

I'm also a fan of Model Co's Airbrush Illuminiser (£28) because it provides a touch of twinkle with an easy and fun to use mess-free mist applicator. Below are a few other body illumisers that I also think you'll enjoy. Shop away and don't forget to leave a comment letting all of us beauty junkies what your preferred shimmer-enhancing body product is!

Oversized Face & Body Bronzer Duos

BellaSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:30:22 -0700

Have you guys noticed this new trend of humongo bronzers? They are intended to be applied with a giant kabuki brush for your face and your body, for all over glow, but my goodness, I am not sure who's going to be schlepping those babies around in their cosmetics cases! They are great to help enhance a summer tan and contour your cheekbones, jaw line and decolletage. Enjoy!

Sugar Cosmetics Tropic Tan Bronze/Shimmer Duo, $28, is a large powder compact that contains a medium bronzer on one side and a golden shimmer bronze highlighter on the other side. You can wear each one separately or blend together for a radiant tan!

To see two more huge face and body bronzing duos, read more

Lancaster Infinite Bronze Carrousel Compact Powder, $38. Ok, I lied. This one isn't a duo, it's actually a bronzing palette! It includes six gorgeous bronze shades that range from light to intense. Simply swirl your brush over all of the colors for a natural sun kissed look. And if you feel like accentuating certain areas, just use a smaller brush over the highlighter shade.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer, $30, is a luxurious powder bronzer duo that has an oil-control complex in the formula to help keep your skin shine-free. Blend these silky shades together to create a sexy bronze goddess glow!

Beauty Mark It! An Unbeatable Body Bronzer

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:50:22 -0700

If companies could understand that by creating just one awesome body bronzer that blends flawlessly into your skin and transforms you into a gorgeous golden goddess as opposed to an orange one, then you will be loyal for life. I've found a few facial self tanners that I love, but I have yet to find a body bronzer that makes me brand loyal.

Lately, I've been using Ban de Soleil's Streakguard Self Tanning Creme, $9, because I really like so many of their other products, but this time around I wouldn't say that it was love at first bronze. I think it's just eh - and I'm on a quest for something better.

I'd love it if you would all come beauty marking with me to help me find a new self tanner for my body! Be sure to come back and tell me when your Beauty Marks are up, and just tag your choices with self tanner for the body. To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here.

To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Saks Beauty Place
Folica
Strawberrynet.com
Nordstrom
Sephora
Victoria's Secret Beauty
Beauty.com
Drugstore.com
Fred Segal Beauty
Bergdorf Goodman

Oversized Face & Body Bronzer Duos, Part II

BellaSugar — Tue, 01 May 2007 10:50:33 -0700

This super-size it beauty trend is really taking off. Over the past couple of weeks, I've found even more over-sized bronzers for you! Not only can these be used on your face to create a safe, sunless tan but they can be used on your body too. To cover large areas like your shoulders and chest, apply these bronzers using a kabuki brush. For smaller areas like your cheekbones and decolletage, apply using an angled contour brush.

The Big Bronzer by Cargo, $32, is a ginormous face and body bronzer with a sun emblazoned on the inside. It is available in the same medium color that Cargo is noted for and it comes in a cool copper compact.

For two more over-sized bronzers, read more

SoCal Glow by Hard Candy Bronzer, $22, brings you over four inches of bronzer love! This super soft, powder is great for warming up a pale, wintery white skin. Use it all over your face and body to get a California caramel glow.

It is coconut scented and the packaging features Southern Cali's cities and landmark sites. Made from pure mineral, SoCal is gentle on your skin and shouldn't cause any irritation or redness.

Fusion Bronzing Body Powder Set by Smashbox, $54, is a little bit more expensive because it includes a bronzer and a super soft kabuki brush. This over-sized medium bronzer, highlighter and soft pink blush adds a sun-kissed radiance to any complexion. It also has a soft tropical scent to it and will last you all summer long!

Beauty Marked! An Unbeatable Body Bronzer

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:02:22 -0700

Last week I asked you guys to come beauty marking with me to help me find a new self tanner for my body. I bought this Ban De Soleil Streakguard Self Tanning Creme, $9, but I am not in love with it. It's not awful, but it streaks a bit and I'm not crazy about the color on my skin tone. Your mission was to help find me something that would turn me into a gorgeous golden color as opposed to an icky orange one. To see all of the beauty marks for a self tanner for the body, click here. You guys all had great picks so thanks very much for participating!

Beauty Mark #1 found by foreverdizzy is called Decleor Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self-Tan Spray, $36. Within one to two hours, this light, non-oily spray turns into a deep and natural looking tan. There is no sunscreen in this product though - so you can not wear it at the beach, but it's a great after sun lotion because it keeps your skin supple, glowing and hydrated!

To see the rest, read more

Beauty Mark #2 found by atripp is called GlowFusion Micro-Nutrient Face & Body Natural Protein Tan, $58, is a self-tanning technology lotion that starts off light and can be layered until you reach the level of tan you desire.

This mist form allows for smooth application, there is no odor, no streaking and it won't stain. The formula contains vitamins, antioxidants and a special ingredient simply known as sugarcane which has been proven to work well with the natural keratin already in your skin. Available in light and medium shades.

Beauty Mark #3 found by missixty02 is called St. Tropez Tinted Self Tanning Lotion - Step 3, $37.50, is an aloe vera based lotion that isn't oily and is fast drying. It says that it smells great too, which is awesome because most self tanners smell terrible.

It's funny how you all found these products at Sephora. I have never tried this one but I am very anxious to - this brand has a great reputation! Available in one universal shade.

BellaSugarUK's Top Picks: Best Self Tanning Body Lotions

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:30:00 -0700

I'm pretty picky when it comes to self tanners. I like to make it look as though I'm glowing from within and have a light bronzey tone my skin tone as opposed to pasty, white and lifeless. This means that if a tanning product even remotely streaks or makes me look yellow or orange, it gets binned immediately. I tend to go for products for fair to light skin tones that build to a natural looking tan. My favourites (along with a little input from my buddy FabSugar UK) are listed below. The two of us have been switching off between these body bronzers for the past few weeks and are finally ready to share our reviews with you!

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (£7.49) goes on smooth and doesn't streak. A little goes a long way too, so the tube will last you a good part of the summer. It comes in three shades fair, medium and medium/tan and has a sweet, non-offensive scent.
Dove Energy Glow Beauty Body Lotion with Self Tanner (£7.38) is heavenly to apply due to its rich consistency. The smell is one of the best as it's light and floral. Also, because it produces a natural looking tan so gradually, it's difficult to mess it up!

For my thoughts on the last three self tanning body lotions in the bunch, read more.

Lancôme Flash Bronzer Anti-Age Golden (£22.50) gives you a gorgeous looking glow, plus an even tan. The formula also includes firming and anti-ageing properties to keep your skin soft, nourished and hydrated while you tan safely without the sun.
Johnson and Johnson Holiday Skin Medium Tan Body Lotion (£6.50) generates a gradual, gentle-looking tan, when applied evenly. The only drawback is the harsh scent, so I tend only to save this one for nighttime when I'm in the privacy of my own home.
Avon Skin So Soft Ultimate Body Moisturiser Soft and Glow SPF15 (£5) is what I decided to stick with even after I finished my testing period. I adore the subtle shimmer that it leaves on my skin, and a subtle light brown colour appears after three days of use. Also, it claims to tone and firm (I haven't really noticed that), however since it also has SPF 15 in the formula, I love how it saves me one extra prep step!

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.

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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

Bobbi Brown Just Keeps Reinventing The Basics

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Far from the MAC's and the Shu Uemura's of the world, Bobbi Brown's neutral makeup palettes have made and kept her famous for nearly two decades. Every once and again she'll veer into bright colours or punchy sheers, but for the most part, modernising her trusty camouflage browns, greens and creams are her signature. Bobbi says, "Nude doesn't mean monochromatic, barely-there makeup. It means makeup that's right for your skin. Nude makeup never goes out of style - it's polished, sophisticated and always looks modern."

That's why her latest launch, the New Nude Collection for Autumn 2009 is a collection of perfection. It's comprised of a six shadow eye palette, four creamy lipsticks (one is even called Twilight - how funny) and a dark brown cream liner. However, perhaps the star product is the Nude Shimmer Brick. We've seen this long-time fave in an array of shades before, but this nude version acts like bronzer/highlighter all in one. It's beautiful and can be worn on the eyes, cheeks, over blusher and even on your body for a touch of sparkle. For more pictures of the New Nudes Collection, plus pricing and a description of each of the items, read more.

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Nude Eye Palette: (£42) is an Autumn must-have. It's sleek and easy to travel with. Inside it contains six neutral shades of creams, champagnes and browns that can be worn day or night. There are three textures; soft matte, lightly pearlized, and metallic.
Nude Shimmer Brick: (£29) is now available in an array of nudes. It's stunning as it contains five pearlized colours of pink, gold, bronze, beige, and caramel. Each of the colours can be worn alone or blended together for a soft glow.
Creamy Lip Colour: (£15) is an old formula with four new moist and rich shades in Soft Blush, Rose Bud, Rose Garden and Twilight - a brown nude. I wonder if Robert Pattinson was Bobbi's inspiration?
Caviar Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner: (£15) is a brand-new, deep, dark brown shade that can be applied with a brush.

Esteè Lauder Wants Us To Channel Our Inner Goddess

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Last week, Esteè Lauder previewed their newest Summer collection at House of Fraser called Bronze Goddess. This exquisite line of makeup, UVA/UVB protection-enhanced skincare, (and there's even a fragrance) will be available on 4th May. The textures are phenomenal, and the sun-kissed colours are absolutely breathtaking. They range from corals to roses, teals and aquas, and of course an array of savage to light bronzers for all skin tones.

The star products include a Sun Blush Illuminator (both a glittery bronzer and pinky blusher for £25) and a Sand and Sea EyeShadow Palette (six shades of powder shadows plus an applicator for £26). Whilst those are the biggies for makeup, if I had to take my pick for best skincare product, my vote goes with the Decadent Moisture Tan Enhancer for Body (£20). This silky smooth self tanning lotion doesn't streak, it's extremely gradual and it has more of a sweet, amber and coconut fragrance than a typical icky self tanner scent.

For a full list of products, prices and to see more images from the collection, read more.

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Bronze Goddess Skincare Collection

Sun Indulgence Lotion For Face SPF 15 (£20)
Sun Indulgence Lotion for Face SPF 30 (£22)
Sun Indulgence Lotion for Body SPF 15 (£20.00)
Sun Indulgence Lotion for Body SPF 30 (£20)
Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Lotion For Face (£20)
Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Spray for Body (£20)
Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Milk For Body (£20)
Golden Perfection Tinted Self-Tanning Gelée For Body (£20)
Radiant Perfection Firming Body Crème (£22)
Decadent Moisture Tan Enhancer for Body (£20)

Bronze Goddess Fragrance Collection

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche 100ml (£36)
Bronze Goddess Body Oil 100ml (£25)
Bronze Goddess Luminous Body Lotion 200ml (£26)

Bronze Goddess Color Collection

Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer (£25)
Bronze Goddess Soft Shimmer Bronzer (£25)
Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer (£25)
Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer (£20)
Pure Color Gloss Stick in Pop Pink and Orange Poppy (£15)

Limited Edition Items

Bronze Goddess SunBlush Illuminator (£25)
Bronze Goddess Sand and Sea EyeShadow Palette (£26)
Duo Tone Eye Pencil (£14)
High Gloss in three new shades: Coral Goddess, Golden Goddess, and Rose Goddess (£13 each)
Pure Color Lipstick in Golden Goddess (£15 )
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Golden Goddess (£12)

Givenchy Summer 2009: Le Makeup Collection

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:30:00 -0700

New from Givenchy is it's Summer 2009 Le Makeup Collection inspired from a post-rainstorm on a paradise island when the golden light makes your skin glisten. The collection contains eleven items, with the star being the Glow To Wear Satiny Body Enhancer (£21.13), which basically is a liquid gel bronzer with a copper tinge that creates a shimmery tanned glow. It's scented with the new Givenchy fragrance too (Radiant Blossom) which contains notes of orange, bergamot, peony, iris, jasmine, rose, vanilla and musk. Yep, you guessed it, this product, in fact the entire collection is a keeper. It's elegant, decadent and pampering.

My personal favourite product is the nudey-pink lip gloss in Sun Rose. It's the perfect daytime colour with a little bit of bronzer, blush and brown shadow. For individual product shots and for pricing information and a description of each of the products, just read more.

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Glow To Wear Satiny Body Enhancer: (£21.13) is a scented liquid body bronzer.
Prismissime Mat & Glow: (£27.73) is a nine-colour face powder that contains matte and shimmery textures. Also, the packaging has been enhanced with a giant gold logo intended to create the effect of the sun.
Prisme Again! Blush Glow Powder Blush Quartet: (£22.46) is a limited edition powder blusher palette created to look like warm sand. The new pearly, texture also adds a glowy element to the cheeks.
Prisme Again! Visage Compact Powder Quartet: (£24.66) are limited edition powders that contain four different colours of pinks, browns and golds and they are available in two shades: Sun Mango (for lighter complexions) and Sun Cinnamon (for darker skin). They are scented and can be used as an all-in-one blusher and bronzer.
Mister Bright Sun Touch of Light Pen: (£16.73) is a light enhancing pen that helps you contour and brighten your face and decolletage.
Vernis Please! Nail Lacquer: (£10.57 each) comes in two new limied-edition shades: siler and gold. Both contain aluminium in them for extra shimmer.
Pop Gloss Crystal Lip Gloss: (£14.10 each) also comes in two new shades: Sun Rose (a coraly-pink with white shimmer) and Sun Coral (a warm orange with flecks of white and red sparkles).
Prisme Again! Eyes Eyeshadow Quartet: (£26.43) is a limited edition powder eye shadow quad that contains shades of blue, gold, silver and pewter. The shadows can be worn alone, blended together and worn wet or dry.

L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Shimmering Body Lotion - £17.25	Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube - £15.66
ModelCo Shimmer - Airbrush Illuminiser - £28.00	Nars Sparkling Loose Powder - £27.00
Kitten Classic - £19.50	Playboy Velvet Body Balm Shell - £5.00
Rich Plum Shimmer Lotion - £3.00	Givenchy Poudre du Soir caressing loose powder - £37.00
Nefertiti Honey Shimmering Body Milk 200ml - £6.19	Ruby & Millie Face & Body Metal - £11.00