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New Product Alert: Lancome Colour Ideal Powder

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:00:00 -0800

This season's perfect skin is all about a matte complexion that still glows. Banish any thoughts of a shiny face and follow the lead on the catwalks for super flawless skin that's the ideal canvas for some of this autumn's more dramatic trends. To make it a little easier Lancome have just launched Colour Ideal Powder, (£24) which is a silky pressed powder with jaw-droppingly natural results.

The powder contains translucent fillers which enhance the luminosity of the skin and even out the skin tone. Expect a natural film of coverage that feels light on the face and hides any imperfections or discolouration. The product actually adapts to your skin tone, making it look like you have naturally perfect skin.

For my verdict on the powder, just

New Product Alert: Credit Crunch Friendly Eco Hairdryer

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

At a time of soaring energy bills, sky high mortgage re-payments and general economising, it’s time to invest in products that give genuine value for money. The revolutionary new Eco Dry from BaByliss (£19) is not only kind to the environment, it’s also good for your pocket too!

The Eco Dry uses half the energy of a standard 2000W hairdryer, whilst drying your hair just as fast — saving electricity and therefore saving you money on your electricity bill. Recent research conducted by BaByliss indicates that by using the Eco Dry for 10 minutes everyday, instead of your regular 2000W home hair dryer, saves approximately £10 per year on energy bills. This means the £19 eco-friendly hair dryer pays for itself in less than two years.

I was very impressed with the dryer too. It might not look as fancy as some high-end dryers, but it was certainly up to the job. Plus anything that makes you look more beautiful without costing the earth is good by me. How about you, would you be willing to make the switch to using this product?

Bella Brand: ZO Skin Health

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0800

Recently I was lucky enough to meet with skincare guru and expert dermatologist Dr Zein Obagi to talk about how to prevent skin ageing. Dr Obagi is often referred to as a maverick and a visionary; with a vast array of experience working with plastic surgeons, doctors and dermatologists he is undoubtedly one of the leading experts in skin health. Dr Obagi is also a charismatic lecturer and teacher, as well as having successfully corrected a wide range of skin conditions for his clients, which range from facial melasma and acne scars to deep wrinkles and unsightly age spots.

This month he has launched ZO Skin Health, which is available in the UK exclusively at Harrods and Selfridges. Unlike traditional anti-ageing brands, ZO Skin Health aims to set off a reaction whereby the skin nourishes, repairs and maintains itself. For what to expect from the line plus Dr Obagi's philosophy behind the range, just

Little Black Book: Ritz Carlton's Give Back Getaways

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:00:00 -0800

For far-flung spa trips look no further than the Ritz-Carlton hotels. This five star chain boasts spas to die for, with a whole host of signature beauty treatments to the highest standard. I've visited quite a few of these around the world and if you're looking for a luxury treat with that home-from-home attention to detail then I can't recommend them highly enough.

This year the chain have launched a fantastic initiative called Give Back Getaways which combines all the pampering of a spa treat with the chance to actually help the local community and environment. The opportunities are varied and are ideal to offset that 'me me me' guilt that I know I sometimes feel when basking in a spa break. From building a library for the young children of migrant workers at the Dandelion School in Beijing, to helping with renovations and landscaping at the Children Hospice SONNENHOF in Berlin, the scheme allows you to make the move to being beautiful on the inside, as well as outside.

For what initiatives you can get involved in and the lowdown on some of the great treatments, plus all the photos of the spas, just

Love It or Hate It? Emma Watson's Ice Beauty

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0800

Last night was this winter's opening of the Somerset House ice rink in London. Actress Emma Watson turned on the Christmas tree lights looking ultra pretty. She went for a fresh-faced effect with flushed cheeks and glossy lips in a flatteringly nude shade. The Harry Potter star vamped up her look with smoky black eye makeup and bold brows.
It's heartening to see a starlet like Emma not going over the top with her makeup. Her shiny blonde hair was tied up in a simple pony to keep the look laid back. What's your opinion of her ice rink look?
Michael Jaworski/BigPicturesPhoto.com

Love It or Hate It? Emma Watson's Ice Beauty

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BellaSugar's Gift Guide: Little Tween Sister

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:00:00 -0800

For the next part of mine and Fab UK's Christmas gift guides, we're shopping for tween or young teenage girls. This could be a little sister, niece, cousin or even a friend's daughter but if you give them these cute beauty goodies you're certain to become their absolute favourite person.

If your recipient is already starting to wear a touch of makeup, indulge her diva side with Benefit Gabbi Gift Set. (£38.50) It contains a mini blue mascara, lip gloss and concealer for putting on the glitz. Alternatively treat her to Ted Baker Divine Pink Lip Colour (£5.95) for a shimmery party look.

I also love these Sweet Bath Fizzes (£6) from La Senza. Shaped like multicoloured cup cakes they're a fun bath treat for a younger sibling or niece. Meanwhile Kylie Sweet Darling Body Lotion (£12.50) is grown-up enough to appeal to her starlet yearnings, yet still smells sweet for little girls.

Beehive vs. Perm: Which Amy Winehouse Hairstyle Do You Prefer?

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

Amy Winehouse was snapped yesterday on her way to the pub sporting yet another enormous beehive. It looks like she's wearing a hair piece attached to her new short hair do. Only last week, Amy debuted her new curly perm but it appears like she's already having nostalgia for her trademark big retro hair style. Which of these looks do you prefer on the singer?
Mark Miilan/BigPicturesPhoto.com

Beehive vs. Perm: Which Amy Winehouse Hairstyle Do You Prefer?

Curly short do

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Love It or Hate It? Lily's Sleek Chic

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0800

Lily Allen looked super chic at the Groucho nightclub last night in London. The singer wore thick dark black hair extensions to give her mane a full, sexy look. It's a far cry from the short quirky style we saw her sporting recently. Lily straightened her fringe too for a sleek effect that is certainly very feminine.
I like how Lily has complemented her newly sophisticated hair style with dark liquid eyeliner and glowing skin. Her nude lip gloss is on-trend for this season too. How about you, what's your opinion of her look? Eddie Van Der Walt/BigPicturesPhoto.com

Love It or Hate It? Lily's Sleek Chic

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Bella Brand: Organic Pharmacy

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Recently I was lucky enough to meet with Margo and Francesco Marrone; the founders of Oraganic Pharmacy. The Organic Pharmacy is the first and only pharmacy in the world dedicated to health and beauty using organic products and treatments. They offer a unique service — custom blending herbs and homeopathic remedies to suit your needs.

The shops are a mecca to organic beauty with all products free from any toxins and carcinogenics. Plus their tailor-made treatments and health assessments with expert homeopaths and beauty therapists are a must if you feel like your lifestyle is starting to slip down the unhealthy route. I spoke to Margo about how to stay beautiful the natural way in this exclusive interview.

What's the ethos behind the company?
I wanted to create a purely homeopathic pharmacy. I wanted it to have the service-orientated focus of a traditional pharmacy using only homeopathic and natural remedies.
What is your background?
I did a degree in pharmaceuticals and fell in love with it. But when I started working in pharmacies I felt like the tradition of providing a great personal service had disappeared. It also felt like all we were doing was counter acting the side effects of illness without looking at the root causes. I started to become interested in herbal remedies and decided to go back and study homeopathy.

For Margo's top winter beauty tips and why organic is so important, just

Sarah Jessica Parker Sparkles This Christmas

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:00:00 -0800

Personally I can never resist a little bit of shimmer and sparkle, especially in the run up to Christmas. No wonder then that I'm head over heels about Sarah Jessica Parker's Winter Sparkle collection. If you've got your LBD sorted and picked out some suitably glittery footwear then this beautiful set will add the finishing touch to your look.

The Winter Sparkle collection comprises of SJP's Lovely fragrance (£39) as well as two brand new products. The Shimmer Fragrance Stick (£13) is ideal for popping in your tote to ensure you smell sweet all night long. Meanwhile I love the Eau de Parfum Shimmer Spray (£33). Not only does it leave you smelling good enough to eat, it also coats your skin with a subtle sheen. Personally I don't want to go all out on the glitter but this adds just a touch of shimmer that leaves you looking iridescent and glowing.

Think of the party season as a great excuse to channel your very own red-carpet beauty look. So why have just perfume when you can have a scent with shimmer? These also make fantastic stocking fillers for glamorous friends who like their products to be fun and youthful.

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