Blog Posts by BellaSugar

Source: What We're Sweet On: Multitasking Cleanser, No Water Needed

It's time to come clean. If you're the type that falls asleep in makeup (no judgments here), La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution ($21) is your new bedside companion. While the product carries a rather scientific name, what it boils down to is that it's one-third makeup remover, one-third cleanser, and one-third toner.

Micellar waters are popular in France, but in recent years they've crossed the pond to the American beauty market. Micelles are minuscule oil molecules suspended in water that gently remove dirt and makeup; no extra H2O is needed for use. And unlike many toners, these types of solutions are devoid of drying effects because they're developed sans sulfates, soaps, and alcohol. Keep multiple cotton pads along with this product near the bed for late-night cleansing - or wait until the morning for a quick, multitasking, low-maintenance wash.


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Source: Why You Might Not Want to Wash Your Face With Soap

Sure, your mother always demanded you wash your face with soap, but bar soap might not be the best option for daily cleansing. The average soap has an alkaline pH of seven, while balanced skin is about 4.5. Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate create the foam the gives you that clean (or tight) feeling. Soap, however, can strip away the natural oils your skin needs, therefore leading to a misbehaving complexion.

For oily/acne-prone skin: Choose a gel wash to help eliminate oil. You can also try an oil cleanser, like Boscia Cool Cleansing Oil ($26), which will work to dissolve the oil on your face. Toners are another option to clear up shiny skin, but the astringent properties can be very drying, so use them in moderation.
For normal/combination skin: Reach for a beauty bar (which is not soap) such as Dove Beauty Bar ($11). There are also castile- and vegetable-based cleansers that come in bar form. If you're on the go,

Source: Find the Most Flattering False Lashes For Your Eye Shape

Wearing false eyelashes is one of the easiest ways to give your face a lift. But with all the different shapes and lengths to choose, it can be daunting to find the right pair. Just let your eye shape be your guide.

For round or close-set eyes: Apply individual or corner lashes to the outer edges only to create the illusion of elongation. By putting the emphasis on the corners, you can also add lift to down-turned eyes.
For wide-set or hooded (where the lid isn't visible) eyes: Bring the attention inward by buying lashes with the longest fringe towards the center. Finish with an eyelash curler to open up the eyes even more.
For single-lidded (aka little to no crease) eyes: Try full, crisscross lashes to add volume and curl, and top off by waterlining the upper lash lines for even more fullness.
For deep-set eyes: Go for ultralong strips to bring the lashes out and away from the face.
For almond-shaped eyes: Most

Source: The 2 Products You Need to Update Your Makeup For Fall

It's time to start swapping out sandals for closed-toe booties and brighter makeup shades for richer, darker palettes. And when it comes to the seasonal makeup transition, there are two quick, easy things you can do to update your look without poring over all the cosmetics lookbooks.

1. Reevaluate Your Complexion Products: "A lot of times for Summer, we go with a light foundation or tinted moisturizer, but for Winter and Fall, you'll want medium- to full-coverage," says Jodi Risley, education and artistry executive at Make Up For Ever. This is in part to help diffuse any damage that may have occurred to your skin during the warmer-weather months, but in addition, these richer bases pair well with Fall's headier, more rustic tones. "It's also best to go with something that's more hydrating to skin overall," Risley adds.

2. Intensify Your Lipsticks: "You can change your entire makeup look just by changing out your lip

Source: What We're Sweet On: A Matte Foundation That Doesn't Fall Flat

Fall and matte foundation go hand in hand, but shine-free makeup can often fall a little flat. Not so with the new Jouer Cosmetics Matte Moisture Tint ($38). The lightweight base goes on smoothly and evenly just like a tinted moisturizer, but stays put and puddle-free just like a matte foundation does. This means you get buildable, noncakey coverage with a semisatin finish. Vitamins A, C, and E give a boost of antioxidant protection, too. So say goodbye to shiny T-zones, and save the matte complexion look for your Bella Cullen costume this Halloween.


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Source: A No-Makeup Look For Women With Medium Skin Tones

Creating a neutral makeup look for medium skin can be a little tricky because it's necessary to play with color combinations. Unlike fair skin, which can wear a bevy of light colors and still look natural, what may work for one woman with medium tone may not work for another. Dusty pinks and bronzes will be your go-to hues if you have medium or olive skin tone:

• Grab a concealer with a yellow tint to neutralize blemishes and use it only where it's needed. Set with a powder a shade lighter than your skin color.
• Blush will look a little obvious on medium tones, so opt for bronzer instead. Sweep it along your hairline, under your cheekbones, and along your jawline.
• Swipe on an eye shadow with a light bronze color. Line your upper waterline, curl your eyelashes, and apply just one coat of mascara.
• A dusty rose lipstick will look best paired with medium tones. Dab some on, focusing on the fullest part of your lip.

Source: Spotted: Shimmery Blue Eye Makeup at the Emmy Awards

The Spring 2013 blue eye shadow trend from the NYFW runways made its big red-carpet debut at the 2012 Emmy Awards. To translate this bright look for Fall, try a daring cobalt like January Jones, or opt for a more tame touch of turquoise, à la Leslie Mann and Nicole Kidman.

Get January's high-fashion look with Chanel D'Ombre Eye Shadow in Apparition ($36), a dark denim shade, applied from the lash line to the crease, adding an upswept stroke on the corners. Copy Leslie's turquoise accent with Lancôme Gel Eyeliner Dress-Up Teal ($25), followed by a coppery shimmer on the lid. And to achieve Nicole's chic and classy style, use a black liner on the upper lash line and sky-blue liner on the lower lash line, Chanel Waterproof Eyeliner in Jade ($30). It's clear for these leading ladies Spring has come early, and it's all about those baby blues . . . shadow shades, that is.


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Source: Dermatologist-Approved Skin Care Tips For Hands and Feet

Your hands and feet are arguably the most important of all body parts, yet we often forget to give them the TLC they deserve. But when armed (or legged, perhaps?) with these dermatologist-approved skin care tips, your digits will never feel neglected again.

Hands: Despite the myth that petroleum jelly can clog pores, it is one of the best moisturizers around for chapped knuckles and dried cuticles. "While I'm cooking, I take a bit of Vaseline ($4 to $7) on my cuticles and cover them with Saran wrap so I can still work," explains La Roche-Posay dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla. You can even use Vaseline on open wounds, so it's safe to use on cuts and scrapes around the nail bed, too.

Feet: "Once a month at night, I use AmLactin ($10) or Lac-Hydrin Five ($12) on my heels," says Mariwalla. "In the morning, it feels slick, but that's because it gets rid of all the dead skin." In terms of physical exfoliants, Mariwalla