FabSugar

A Drugstore Version of Dirt

FabSugar — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 16:49:00 PDT

I've already waxed poetic about the magical, sweet-smelling hair styling paste that is Dirt by Jonathan Product. As Jonathan (from the reality show Blowout) explains on the label: “There’s something amazing about the way hair looks and behaves the day after - washing, that is." Seeing as how I'm obsessed with Dirt, I couldn't help but notice a suspiciously similar product while browsing the aisles the other day at Walgreens. Called FX Special Effects Texture Dirt Texturizing Paste, this styling paste proclaims: "Texture Dirt has been created to easily give you the amazing way your hair looks and behaves the day after washing."

Sound familiar? Since the FX brand has obviously been paying attention to Dirt's copy-writing, I bought a jar to see if it had replicated the styling effect, too. Plus, the Texture Dirt, available here costs just $5.99, versus $26 for the Jonathan product. However, after trying the FX brand, I think I'm going to stay loyal to Jonathan. The drugstore stuff wasn't terrible for a budget buy, but it had a more glue-like texture that made it hard to disperse though my hair. Although it gave my hair similar piece-y results, it didn't leave my locks looking or feeling nearly as smooth and silky as the Dirt by Jonathan does. I guess you get what you pay for.

Team Zoe's Joey Maalouf Answers Your Most Hair-Raising Questions

Jaime Richards — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 PST

You've learned how he creates Rachel Zoe's signature beachy waves, and you've likely admired his other work from afar (Jessica Alba's soft and pretty Golden Globes makeup, anyone?). And most recently, celebrity stylist Joey Maalouf has signed on as a beauty advisor for Slim Fast's Studio Wow! campaign, which he explains, is a way to help people be at their most confident for a big, upcoming life event.

"You know, there's no one big step that does it; it's a lot of little steps," Joey says. "First the tricks of dieting, then you start to think about your external look: styling, hair and makeup. I love making people feel like they can just do it at home - and they can," Joey adds. And that's why he's answering your most hair-raising questions. From keeping curls bouncy to Spring 2012's hottest trends, see Joey's expert advice on how you can wow the crowd when you read more.

This Week: Downton Abbey, Fake Eyelashes, and The Hunger Games

BellaSugar — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:39:49 PST

Check out our latest BellaTV episode and some of our favorite stories from the week:

The secrets of Downton Abbey style.
Our editors' must-have new products for February.
Stop washing your hair so much!
Rachel Weisz's latest L'Oreal ad gets banned.
The easy way to find perfume.
The nail polishes you need now.
All the SAG Awards star beauty secrets.
The best products for applying false lashes with ease.

5 Tips From a Pro: How to Create a Beautiful Bronzed Glow

Real Beauty — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:07:27 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

When trying to create a natural, sunless tan on your body, mistakes are expected and accepted. If things go too awry, you can just opt to wear pants until the color wears off.

Bronzer or self tanner: which is right for you?

But a botched fake tan on your face? Completely out of the question. Here, five foolproof tips on how to get gorgeous bronzed skin.

February's Best New Beauty Products

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:38:18 PST

April may be the cruelest month, but February is certainly the coldest. We hope you're wrapped up, out of the wind, and ready to see the best of what the shortest month has to offer. In the next 29 days, we'll be using the hottest new products to nurse dry skin back to health, give ourselves the shiniest hair imaginable, and brighten things up a bit in anticipation of sunnier days to come. So come on in, and bring your snowman friend, too.

Source: Flickr User carlitosway85

Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue Makes Waves

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:43:00 PST

See who made the Vanity Fair Hollywood issue - Styleite
The coolest nail art of the week - Stylelist
Seven products that will make your eyes pop - Real Simple
The next big hair accessory? Cat ears made of flowers - The Cut
The latest and greatest in antiaging technology - Glo
What it's like to get an eyelash perm - Beauty High
Gwyneth Paltrow covers Harper's Bazaar - Huffington Post
Six ultra-cool hairstyles that are easy, too - Refinery 29

Why You Should Break That Hair-Washing Addiction

Jaime Richards — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:50 PST

If your hair has been less than lustrous as of late, factors such as cold weather and excess toweling can be the culprits. Daily shampooing, however, can also be the cause of dull, dry-looking strands. That's why John Ryan, hairstylist and owner of Festoon Salon in San Francisco, advises his clients to skip the washing every single day.

The reason? Natural oils provide shine and protection, therefore making the hair look healthier and more radiant. And by busting out of the shampoo-each-day routine, you'll likely even notice that your hair styles even better with its natural oils intact. Additionally, since oil production reduces with aging, you'll also likely notice you won't even have to wash nearly as often with each passing birthday.

Skipping the shampoo step every day, however, "doesn't mean you have to be unhygienic," Ryan explains. In fact, you can still get it wet and add styling products as needed. "I sell a lot of dry shampoo," he quips. So just think: a few weeks back we all scoffed after discovering a video from the 1950s suggesting that women wash their hair every other week. Although that may be a tad extreme, maybe they were on to something with their anti-rinse, -lather, and -repeat mantra.

Get to Know the Types and Benefits of White Tea

YumSugar — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:32:48 PST

As National Tea Month wraps up, we're still filling you in on all things white tea. Although green tea tends to get most of the credit when it comes to health benefits, white tea is actually the least processed form of tea. Translation: it contains even more nutrients than the black or green varieties. Curious? Keep reading to learn more about white tea.

Anyone Can Wear Bright Yellow

BellaSugar — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:13:33 PST

Make bright yellow easy to wear - Stylelist
What those fox-fur bikini-line decorations look like on - Styleite
Guess how much it costs to send a celebrity down the red carpet - The Cut
The top-knot updo made easy - Real Simple
Young celebrities who've gone gray - The Daily Beast
Bloggers reveal their drugstore beauty favorites - Refinery 29
Hollywood movies where the wigs weren't doing people any favors - Huffington Post
Are geometric hair and makeup hot or not? - Beautylish
The five most misused beauty products - The Fashion Spot

How to Organize Your Beauty Products

Real Beauty — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

If you have to dig though drawers and rummage through an overstuffed makeup bag to get ready every morning, then it's time to bring order to your beauty stash.

For more great tips check out: How to Clean Out Your Makeup Bag.

These expert tips will help you de-clutter your loot and streamline your storage space. See what they are now.