Makeup Brush Hair Types, Part VI: Synthetic


Updated 04/01/10 7:10 AM · Posted by BellaSugar · 12 comments

Makeup Brush Hair Types, Part VI: Synthetic

Welcome to my final installment on makeup brush hair types. Today's topic is synthetic hair. Sometimes faux is the way to go! Cosmetics companies make makeup brushes from a synthetic material like nylon as opposed to natural hair because this type of bristle is less expensive, and it provides a smooth and even finish for cream products. (Since it lacks a cuticle, it can't trap makeup.) A Read more

10 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid


Updated 03/26/12 3:15 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 8 comments

10 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid

What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it absorbs everything including toxins. If you are concerned about not eating unhealthy foods like trans fat, then you'll definitely want to know which synthetic ingredients you should watch out for in the products you use. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens: Used as a Read more

Vitamins: Natural vs. Synthetic


Updated 02/20/07 10:10 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Vitamins:  Natural vs. Synthetic

Many of today's vitamin and mineral supplements are made synthetically through chemical processes, rather than derived directly from plants or other foods. Some manufacturers do make supplements directly from natural sources, and claim that these vitamins are superior in quality to their synthetic cousins. So which ones are better for you? Basically, it comes down to science. If the molecular Read more

What We're Sweet On: The Gloss That Looks Good on Everyone


Updated 05/21/12 10:53 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Review of Intelligent Nutrients Lip Gloss

Some lip glosses are so waxy, your lips feel as if they're suffocating, while others are so shiny, they practically blind the person standing next to you. Such is not the case with Intelligent Nutrients' Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss in Pink Hibiscus ($24). Free of synthetic waxes and oils (and fragrance and colorants), the subtly tinted gloss lends just a hint of sheen to the lips. And the Read more

Beauty Debate: Synthetic vs. Authentic Brushes


Updated 05/01/12 3:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Differences Between Authentic and Synthetic Makeup Brushes

YouTube star and beauty guru Michelle Phan always has a new tip or two for making life easier. This week, Michelle tells us how we can choose the right makeup brush: Hi everyone, There are some key differences between synthetic and authentic hair makeup brushes, not just in terms of where the hair originates, but in terms of how the hair functions. It's a really fascinating topic and one that Read more

A Mess-Free Paintbrush: Introducing the Sensu Brush


Updated 04/29/12 9:45 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Paintbrush Stylus For iPad

Artists and Draw Something fanatics alike will enjoy the Sensu Brush ($40), a two-in-one paintbrush and stylus ready to revolutionize your tablet "paintings." Designers carefully selected the best synthetic hair to give the Sensu the look and feel of a normal paintbrush. Create digital artwork rich with textured brushstrokes, watercoloresque style, and detailed shading. It's compatible with Read more

What We're Sweet On: The Feel-Good, Look-Good Serum


Updated 04/27/12 3:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Review of Linda Hanson Global Face Serum

When a product makes you feel good not only because of the skin-enhancing benefits it provides, you know you've hit the so-called beauty jackpot. Such is the case with celebrity makeup artist Lina Hanson's new Global Face Serum ($85). The feel-good part? Several of the ingredients used in the oil blend are harvested by women all over the world to help support their economies. Free of parabens, Read more

Make Your Eating Habits More Sustainable


Updated 04/22/12 10:20 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Eat Sustainably

Earth Day is today, and it always serves as a good reminder to rethink our eating habits and cooking practices. There are so many small changes that we all can make in our everyday lives that, over time, significantly impact the world that we live in. While we may not be able to implement all of these changes all of the time, it is important to consider how our actions affect the bigger picture. Read more

7 Basic Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Engagement Bling


Updated 04/23/12 2:29 PM · Posted by · 5 comments

Buying an Engagement Ring Guide

The engagement ring may be one of the biggest expenses of your wedding, and as with buying any big-ticket item, you need to do your homework. We tapped Jerry Ehrenwald, the president of the International Gemological Institute, for some quick guidelines on what couples need to do when they're buying an engagement ring. Learn about the four Cs. "Before purchasing a diamond, learn all about the Read more

3 Ways to Eco-fy Your Beauty Routine


Updated 04/05/12 6:00 AM · Posted by BellaSugar · 0 comments

Eco-Friendly Beauty Tips For Earth Month

In honor of Earth Month, Josie Maran (pictured left) is rereleasing her eponymous brand's cult favorite argan oil with an added charitable element. The beauty entrepreneur even recruited some of her model pals, Petra Nemcova (pictured right) and Angela Lindvall, to design the limited-edition bottles ($52 each) for the line's Model Citizen campaign. Available at Sephora, through QVC, or on Read more