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Perk Up Tired Eyes With These Four Tips

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:00:31 -0700

When you're feeling less than perky, those dark under-eye circles that show the telltale signs of fatigue sure don't make it any better, now do they? Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman is here to help. He's already shared with us his tips for perking up those tired eyes with concealer - and a chilled spoon - and now, he's got some more ideas for creating an instant "face-lift." Check them out when you keep reading

Is Your Makeup Aging You? Part One

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:01:08 -0700

We all know that smoking and unprotected sun exposure can age you. But can your makeup techniques be making you look older as well? After noticing that my under-eye concealer was providing a more cakey, wrinkled effect than smooth and clean coverage, I took note.

So, over the next few days, let's delve deeper into what tips you can use to make sure your face is looking fresh, not frumpy. Let's start with the complexion. See what I mean when you read more.

The finish: When it comes to finishes, pick dewy for a softer look. Matte can come off as dull, accentuating fine lines and wrinkles.
The intensity: Less is more when it comes to looking fresh-faced. Make it sheer for a subtle coverage, focusing on laying off the foundation.
Keep it in the zone: Powder can have a tendency to settle in fine lines. If you get oily, powder only your t-zone, and consider blotting papers if you need to absorb any slick spots.
Conceal with zeal: Try skipping foundation altogether, using spot concealer only where needed. Some makeup artists even recommend avoiding concealer under the eyes, as it can settle into crow's feet and wrinkles. Yves St. Laurent national makeup artist, Dell Ashley suggests applying under-eye concealer to the inner corners of the eyes, along the bridge of the nose, for a brightening, lifting effect.
Choose wisely: Too-pale foundation can wash you out. When in doubt, go darker and blend.
Just blush: A peach shade will add warmth and brightness to the face. Apply at a 45-degree angle on the cheek to create an uplifted appearance. Avoid going under cheekbones, which can bring the face down.

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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

Eight Great Tips From the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:00:53 -0800

As a long-time admirer of Bobbi Brown's no-nonsense approach to makeup, I knew I was in for some serious beauty education when I opened the bright fuchsia-colored cover of her fifth book, the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual.

Chock full of tips, the book proves that Brown knows her stuff. You'll have to pick up a copy to truly get a sense of her style and approach to beauty, but in the meantime, I've put together a list of my top eight favorites below:

ACE it - Don't forget your antioxidant vitamins: A for aging, C for clarity, and E for environmental protection.
Go lighter - When it comes to under-eye concealers, go one to two shades lighter than your foundation. If your under eye circles are rather dark, use a corrector before. Depending on your skin tone, pick a pale pink for the fairest skin to dark peach for the deepest toned skin.
Set and forget - Set your concealer with powder (yellow toned for most, white for very fair) to actually prevent under-eye caking.

To see the rest, read more.

Bye-bye blemish - Don't use your under-eye concealer to cover pimples. Dab on an oil-free cover stick in the same color as your foundation instead.
Pop of blush - We all know to choose a blush shade that's the natural color of your flushed skin. so, if you find that your blush is fading too fast, perk it up by applying a bright pop of color over it.
Choose your color - The best lip color will be about a shade deeper than your natural lip tone. You'll know it when you see it because your face will look brighter.
Out of line - If you have dark under-eye circles, don't line them. Just conceal up to the lash line and apply mascara
Black eye - Layer black liner on top of your everyday liner for a sexier look.

Doing Drugstore: Physicians Formula Wrinkle Therapy Wrinkle Therapy Concealer in Soft Yellow

BellaSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:00:38 -0800

In my quest to find the ultimate concealer, I always look for something a little more than just under-eye circle coverage. My criteria: It has to be hydrating, non-caking, and able to neutralize unwanted bluish/purple tones. So, when I discovered Physicians Formula Wrinkle Therapy Wrinkle Therapy Concealer in Soft Yellow ($9) I thought I might have just hit the jackpot. Yellow tones are great for camouflaging pesky dark circles, but did this correcting concealer work?

Find out after the jump, and don't forget that you can review products, too. Even better? Enter our Product Reviews contest for the chance to win a $500 gift certificate from Benefit Cosmetics! And now, to see what I thought about this multitasking concealer, read more.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed. It's not because this concealer didn't neutralize my darkest of areas, because it did. It wasn't even the texture that was the problem since the formulation was lightweight, and didn't seem to settle into my fine lines and wrinkles (yeah, I have some). However, it was the dispensing mechanism that's to blame. The concealer comes in a tube with a brush at the end, and as I never could seem to regulate the flow when squeezing the tube, I always ended up with way too much product that tended to clump - not ideal for my perfect concealer criteria. Bummer. It had so much potential.

How-To: Conceal Under the Eyes

BellaSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:00:19 -0800

Whether it was a boozy late night or you inherited them from your Aunt Martha, dark circles under the eyes are often unavoidable. So, if you've been seeing the blues (or purples), I've got some easy directions on how to reduce the appearance of these unwanted tones below:

Choose the right concealer: Pick a color about one-half of a shade to one shade lighter than your foundation. Going too light will only amplify the area you want to conceal. Yellowish shades will work best for masking those bluish-purple tones. Try the cream-based Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer ($22) or Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer ($5.49).
Moisturize: Earlier, I shared with you some of my favorite makeup tips from Robert Jones, and among them, he says to prep the skin before concealing with a generous dollop of eye cream. Concealers are more dense than foundations and are formulated to cover, so you want to make sure that you're nice and hydrated to avoid cakey lines.

To see the rest of my tips, read more.

Apply: After your eye cream absorbs and your foundation is done, it's concealer time. With a light hand, apply a few dots of product only on the dark areas (usually in the inner corners and the areas right around your orbital bone). Keeping in mind that less is more, gently "stipple" with your ring finger or a concealer brush to blend, and then blend some more.
Smile test: If you're happy with the results, then smile. If any product has shifted or moved into some fine lines, lightly tap with a tissue to remove.
Optional highlighting: If you want to add a bit more brightness to your eye area, add a eye brightener on the inner and outer Vs with a brightening product such as Benefit Cosmetics Eye Bright ($20).
Set it: Give your hard work some lasting power with a light dusting of translucent powder. Try Physicians Formula Pearls of Perfection Multi-Colored Powder ($10.95).
In a pinch?: If you're out of concealer, apply a thin layer of foundation all over your face and then go back and apply another layer just to your under-eye area. You can also use the thicker residue from your foundation's bottle cap as a concealer substitute. Concealer not the right shade? Add a little yellow eye shadow to help.

Do You Use More Than One Concealer?

BellaSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:00:37 -0800

A few weeks ago, I listed out some of my favorite tips from Bobbi Brown's new book. Among them? Brown advises using a concealer a shade or two lighter than your foundation for under-eye circles, and a separate concealer for blemishes. This got me to thinking. Lately, I've been following Brown's advice, with some pretty amazing results.

So, whether it's a peachy concealer for under-eye circles, a green toned corrector for red spots, or just a regular old do-everything kind of concealer, do you use more than one each day?

Product Review: Philosophy The Supernatural Concealer

BellaSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:00:59 -0700

No matter how good your genes or how much beauty sleep you get, the time will come when you need an undereye concealer. (And yes, I know some of you are 18 and bright-eyed and you don't need it. I was once one of you. Just you wait.) In my view, a good concealer should cover dark circles without looking masklike, it should go on without tugging skin, and it shouldn't settle into fine lines.

I've tried many concealers, and only a few live up to these expectations. That's why I'm so excited about Philosophy's The Supernatural concealer ($25). It's technically called "airbrushed color corrector," which accurately describes the look it provides. Three shades are available (light, medium, dark), and there are three colors within each compact. Now, this might seem unnecessary, but it's actually the thing that makes this stuff so brilliant.

The key to making The Supernatural concealer work for you is to use the included brush to apply color where you need it. For instance, I started by using the lightest shade on my undereye area, which evened out my skin tone but still left a little bit of my purple circles visible. Then, I dabbed a bit of the medium shade wherever I still saw the circles. A little blending, a tiny bit of the dark shade near the inner corners of my eye, and voila! Perfect coverage. The kind that makes you look naturally well-rested, like you're not wearing a lick of makeup. And it didn't take more time than my usual concealer routine.

To see a photo of the concealer in action, read more.

So, not to go all Two-Face on you, but here's a photo that illustrates just how well this works. I'm not wearing any makeup except for The Supernatural under my right eye (which is at your left, of course).

Yum took the picture, and when she saw me without concealer, she said I looked like a panda. Sadly, she is right. But would you look at the coverage on the eye that does have concealer? Totally natural-looking, soft, and effective. I love this stuff.

(Also, every time I take one of these pictures to post, I am reminded that it's time for a brow-shaping appointment. Ugh!)

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Quick Fixes For Under-Eye Circles

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 08:05:54 -0800

Help fight dark and dreary under-eye circles while wearing your makeup - these amazing products are two in one! They act as a concealer but do double duty as an eye cream with prevention power. So after a long night of studying, partying or working, give your eyes the break they deserve. Here are three new revolutionary products.

Circle Rx Circle Control Concealer by Physician's Formula, $8.95, is part of a group of products that help combat under-eye circles in just a month. It contains Haloxyl, an ingredient proven to reduce the dark shadowing beneath your eyes.

You will start to see results within two weeks, when about 70% of your visible dark circles with vanish. By week four, they will be 90% gone! This medium to high coverage concealer helps nourish and soothe the delicate area around your eyes. It is available in four shades.

For two more quick fixes for under-eye circles, read more

TimeBalm Concealer by TheBalm, $16, is an extremely smooth concealer that helps combat ghastly under-eye circles. It is great for daytime but you can also use it at nighttime so when you wake up your eyes look great!

It contains: beeswax, vitamins A, E, C, soybean oil, panthenol, linoleic acid and phospholipids to help soothe and correct wrinkles, circles and sagging skin. Just dot it on gently with your fingertips or the sponge that is included with purchase and blend. Available in four shades.

All About Eyes by Clinique, $15.50, is both a concealer and a treatment that helps reduce the look of puffy eyes and dark circles. The formula is oil free, long wearing and it won't crease or feather. Available in seven shades.

Reader Review of the Day: Almay Bright Eyes Duo Eye Base and Concealer

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:54 -0700

If you're a regular Bella reader, then you'll know that I'm all about the multitasking products. Reader Supercoolnat really likes her Almay Bright Eyes Duo Eye Base and Concealer ($9), which works to mask undereye circles, as well as prime the lids for makeup. Here's what she had to say about it:

While I've successfully used other concealers for other parts of my face, I've never been satisfied with how they work under my eyes. They usually emphasize the unevenness rather than hide it - until this one! It's easy to use, and really does lighten under my eyes without emphasizing the uneven skin texture. I also like that it is liquid rather than cream, which lets me put a light layer without pulling on my skin or getting caked on.

Do you like what you see? Then go ahead and submit your own review on our Product Reviews site. Do it! Do it now.