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A Quick Tip For Beautifully Flushed Cheeks

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Recently I switched sides on the great cream versus powder blush debate. This summer I got into the habit of swapping my faithful shimmery Bourjois blush for the gorgeous creamy Becca shades. The dewy fresh look that you only seem to get from a cream blush is a hard addiction to break so I was thrilled to hear about the latest backstage makeup artist trick.

Apparently there's now no need to be a die-hard powder fan or a team cream member only. At the 2009 Spring catwalk shows makeup pros applied both to the models' cheeks for a natural flush. It's all about layering different textures for a look that has a three-dimensional effect.

For how to get the perfect just-in-love colour, simply

How To: Kylie's Breezy Beauty

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Pop sensation Kylie Minogue rivals Madonna with her penchant for transformation, whether she's showgirl glamorous or demure and ladylike. Beauty wise she always looks gorgeous, partly due to her wide smile but also because of her glowing skin and huge eyes.

Yesterday, Kylie dressed casual but kept her makeup polished for a shopping trip in London, in preparation for the BT Digital Music Awards. Subtle smoky eyes in soft grey, a natural peach blush and warm rose lip colour made for a pretty look that flattered her features.

Here's how to get Kylie's breezy beauty look at home, just

BellaSugar's Top Five Peach Blush Picks

bellasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:00:50 -0700

A peach blush is a wonderful way to warm up any skin tone. You can wear a pale shade if you have fair skin or a deeper, more coral shade if you have olive or ebony skin. It's a great alternative to pink blush because it's neutral and won't clash with a last-minute change to, say, red lipstick or purple eye shadow. I happen to think that peach blush also looks amazing paired with a teal, blue, or green shadow and/or liner.

My prized peach blush is Lorac Blush for Cheeks in Peach ($18). It's the deepest of the bunch that I've listed below, and the tawny color gives me a healthy-looking and almost bronzed flush.

Becca Soft Touch Blush in Malika ($32) is neutral, so it's my go-to color when I want that no-makeup makeup look. It is a sparkly, semi-matte formula with light pigment that gives your cheeks an ethereal glow. It blends well and looks best when applied to apples of the cheeks.
Benefit Georgia ($28) is a heaven in a box. This gentle peach powder blush contains a soft shimmer that gives you the type of glowing-from-the-inside radiance. It warms up the skin and even comes with a cute square brush that fits neatly inside.
Dior Pro Cheeks Ultra-Radiant Blush in Hip Peach ($30) has a creamy, whipped-mousse consistency. It contains shimmer for a subtle highlighting effect and it blends effortlessly. The color is just right for medium-toned skin, since it's not too dark and not too light.
Shu Uemura Glow on Blush in Peach (#42) ($21) is a pale peach silky powder blush that contains a touch of sparkle. It acts as both a natural color and a highlighter and looks great when applied to your cheeks, nose, chin, and temples — a must have for any complexion!

Coming Soon: Summer 2008 Nouveau Boho From Becca

bellasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:00:42 -0700

At first I thought it was a little strange that Becca was so late in the game to be launching its Summer products now, but I was willing to overlook it because when they do finally decide to crank out new goodies, it's always worth the wait. However, it hit me just a few moments ago that the brand is Australian, and so it all makes sense why the model is wearing a knit hat — their Winter is our Summer!

In two weeks, get ready to check out two brand-new products: a shimmery golden-bronze powder eye shadow called Damask ($24) and a creamy champagne-pink blush called Freesia ($30). Similarly to Flirt! Cosmetics and American Beauty, Becca has created a really pretty, easy-to-achieve look.

The 2008 Nouveau Boho collection has an earthy feel with a modern edge. I haven't tried anything just yet, but from what I've heard (and from checking out the photos) the colors are muted shades of bronze, green, and gold metallics (so pretty!). To find out the rest of the already-existing colors that were used to create this look and for a close-up, peek at the products,

Wedding Survival Guide: Part 2: Clutch Control

BellaSugarUK — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:24:00 -0700

Here's the second part of my crib notes for surviving the Wedding Season in style. So you've mastered the basic beauty dos and dont's – now it's time to talk clutch kits.

Space is paramount here as it's likely you'll only be carrying an eeny weeny bag, preferably metallic or snakeskin for this season. However, it is going to be a long day (and night) so think carefully about what you're going to need to stay beautiful.

Here's my clutch kit:

First off, the sensible stuff. Plasters in case of blisters, safety pins for fashion emergencies and hair grips and bobble in the likely event that you'll have to do a last-minute up do, mid-conga.
Blotting papers take up hardly any room and will keep you looking shine free. Also take a sample size (ask at a department store) mini bottle of your foundation.
Lipstick and lip balm are essentials. I like a slightly tinted lip balm like Kiehl's, lip gloss in Goldenberry, (£12), that can be worn under and over lipstick.
A travel kit or makeup compact is a great space-saver. At the moment I'm using an Estée Lauder one I got free with two purchases. Or try the Ruby & Millie Eye Kit, (£12).
A light-reflecting concealer will keep you looking fresh. Try Givenchy Mister Light, (£19), a brightening and concealing corrective pen.
A cream blusher, in a thin container, such as Becca's Lip & Cheek Creme, (£22), in Tuberose, will fit snugly in your clutch and keep you looking pretty.

Source

New Product Alert! Becca Mascara

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Now we're all craving that effortless summer, no makeup makeup look, this is the week to start thinking about ditching the heavy black mascara in favour of a brown. Ok, so the weather is unpredictable, but that doesn't mean your makeup should be.

Cue Becca's new Ultimate Mascara in bronze (£17). It's a tawny brown bronze-ish colour, available from 1st July, that brings to mind rich blondes partying in St Tropez. Though, Becca assure me that it's much more subtle on. Makeup artist, Jenna Lees, recommends using it for a natural daytime look.

"Brown mascara lets more light into the eyes" she says "so it has a softening, anti-ageing effect. For extra definition and lift, always coat the top of the lashes first, brushing downwards then wiggle the wand from the root of the lashes in an upward motion."

Designed for an easy sweep-and-go effect, the mascara boasts a lengthening and thickening formula, whilst the conical shaped brush purports to curl, lift and separate lashes with minimal fuss. The almost-metallic pigments, combined with marine silicones and minerals aim to give a shinier, glossier lash at the same time as repairing and conditioning. Quite a promise.

Best for blondes and redheads, who sometimes look overdone with black mascara - I have dispatched this to the ultra pale-haired Femme Fatale to report back. She's not only French, and surprisingly low-maintenance, but also calls St Tropez, St Trop. Classy, huh?

Backstage Beauty: Aquascutum

FabSugarUK — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:40:41 -0800

Yesterday, the 2008 Autumn Aquascutum fashion show took place in London. There were 24 models, bustling around getting primed and primped by a hair-styling team lead by Malcolm Edwards and a makeup team lead by Val Garland. All hair-styling products were L'Oreal and all tools were Babyliss Pro.

Bella spoke with Val about the inspiration for the outdoorsy look. She walked through each of the YSL, Elizabeth Arden, and Becca cosmetics used to create this "done yet undone, perfect but imperfect, very equestrian, very English countryside feel." She imagined the women walking in fresh from a brisk walk in a rose garden or a horse ride and having a natural flush to their cheeks and lips.

To find out all about all of the products used and how you can create this look at home,

Backstage Beauty: Aquascutum

bellasugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:00:29 -0800

Yesterday, the 2008 Fall Aquascutum fashion show took place in London. There were 24 models, bustling around getting primed and primped by a hair-styling team lead by Malcolm Edwards and a makeup team lead by Val Garland. All hair-styling products were L'Oreal and all tools were Babyliss Pro.

After speaking with Val about the inspiration for the outdoorsy look, she walked me through each of the YSL, Elizabeth Arden, and Becca cosmetics used to create this "done yet undone, perfect but imperfect, very equestrian, very English countryside feel." She imagined the women walking in fresh from a brisk walk in a rose garden or a horse ride and having a natural flush to their cheeks and lips.

To find out all about all of the products used and how you can create this look at home,

Perfect Palettes at Every Price

bellasugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:00:21 -0800

This weekend I stumbled across this gorgeous palette from Aussie brand Becca, and I had to do a double-take. The "Best of Becca" palette is a worthy addition to any makeup collection. Unlike most palettes that only have one or two useful colors, this one contains colors that are all flattering on almost every skin tone. Inside are two earthy eye shadows, a subtle yet flattering rosy nude blush, a pinkish caramel lip/cheek cream, and a shimmery gloss to polish off the look. You can literally do your entire face with this palette. Throw on some mascara, and you're all set! If the $59 price tag is a little steep, check out some more affordable options when you

Bella Bargain: Super Sale on Becca Cosmetics

bellasugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:00:12 -0800

If you're serious about getting a perfect match for your foundation, Becca is a brand you should check out. The Australian cosmetics line has almost three dozen shades of concealer, foundation, and tinted moisturizer. But there are some great color cosmetics, too — I'm particularly fond of the cream blush. Normally, Becca is a little pricey, but I just found a huge sale filled with bargains.

Although the selection is pretty picked over, there are still some fantastic deals, like this cream eye shadow ($6.25). To save you the hassle of clicking through everything, I've assembled this widget so you can go straight to the goods.