Beauty Belle - Fashion and Beauty

What is a BB Cream and Why Is It So Popular

2013-11-09T14:14:00.002-08:00

image from: putinstyle.com

What is a BB Cream and why is it so famous not only in asia, but around the world? BB stands for “Blemish Balm” which literally explains the use of this cream. It is a tinted, moisturizing balm that provides care for the skin as well as light coverage.

BB Creams are often referred to as Magic cream which promises to brighten and whiten one’s skin tone, as well as reduce blemishes and wrinkles. It is also used to cover imperfections and provide sun protection for the skin. However, like all other beauty cosmetics, the results will vary from each person. BB creams are often used after a regular skin regimen.

Though it was said that BB creams first started in Germany, the craze about it started in Korea, then it slowly spread to Japan, China and other Asian countries. The sudden rose of fame for BB Creams can be seen as the effect of Hallyu or the Korean Wave spreading across the globe. Since Korean actresses began using BB Creams for beauty purposes, it has become huge in the market. It is now common to see big and famous idol stars and celebrities promoting these BB creams as the brands’ ambassadors.

A report by Korea Times said it is now normal to see foreigners hoarding and buying bulks of BB Creams from Korean cosmetics chains in Seoul. In 2010, Missha sold 1 million tubes of its M Signature Real Complete B.B. Cream in only eight months since it was released.

Prices of BB creams usually range from low 10,000 Korean Won (Approx. $10) to 40,000 Korean Won (Approx. $40) depending on the brand and the size of the bottle.

BB Creams can be considered as one of Asia’s hottest beauty products right now. There are now a lot of brands producing BB Creams, South Korean and global brands alike. Although there are already global brands producing BB Creams, most people still prefer the South Korean Brands. Some current top South Korean BB Cream brands are Missha, Hanskin, Skin79, Etude House and The Face Shop.

Be Fashionable On A Rainy Day

2013-10-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants to look fashionable even on the worst weathers. We all want to look our best even when the rain is pouring hard, or even when the sun is scorching hot. Here's a fun guide to what's hot and what is not on rainy days.

1. Remember to bring an umbrella
If the weather news says there's going to be rain today, do not think twice and get your umbrellas ready! They will be your life's biggest life-saver on a rainy day.
Umbrellas need not to be boring as there are many fun, colorful prints out in the market.

2. Rain Coats
So long was when rain coats are just for homes, or for kids. Now raincoats has become a hot thing in the fashion world. There are so many stylish raincoats out there which you can choose of. You need not to worry about getting soaked with a good ol' rain coat.

3. Rain Boots
Like rain coats, rain boots has also evolved. The fashion world does really has it ways to influence a certain product. These 'unfashionable' things before are not hot and trendy now! There's a lot of boots out there with stylish, cool, quirky prints to choose from.

4. DO NOT wear white jeans
Do not wear white jeans on a rainy day if you decided to go walking - Mud puddles anyone? However, if you don't really have to do any walking, then it is just absolutely fine.

5. Experiment with Colors
Experiment with colors for your rainy day outfit. It doesn't have to be all boring and gloomy just like the weather. Playful colors on a rainy day can lift up your mood. ;)

6. MATERIALS
It all comes down to materials - yes, materials of our clothes matter during a rainy day. Like for example, wearing suede shoes on a rainy day is a no-no as water can ruin it, or wearing a leather without protectant. Learn to choose clothes for the rainy day wisely. There are a lot of tips out there which you can read. Do your research and don't hold back on being fashionable.

The weasel abides.

Korean Fashionista Favorite

2013-10-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

If I were to choose my favorite Korean Fashionistas, I would definitely choose the Korean boy group Big Bang.
Even before, I admired Big Bang's taste in fashion. They are always up-to-date and always in trend. Sometimes you may see them in not-so-likeable clothes but it's cool how they can pull it off.
And not to mention their clothes are reallt expensive. I wanted to see their wardrobe so much - I believe it's amazing!

Infinite's L for Nylon Korea November 2013

2013-10-24T17:36:00.002-07:00

Infinite's visual Myungsoo or known as L is featured in Nylon Korea's November 2013 issue. L looks hot in these photos. Check more of them below!

Christina Aguilera Reveals New Sexy Body On 'Tonight Show With Jay Leno'

2013-09-21T16:20:00.001-07:00

Christina Aguilera looked sexy and stunning as she appeared on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" on Wednesday night. The 32-year old wore a low-neckline little black dress that displayed her beautiful curves.

Nina Davuluri is Miss America 2013

2013-09-17T03:04:00.000-07:00

Photograph: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Nina Davuluri has been crowned Miss America for this year. She is the first winner from an Indian background. Nina is an aspiring doctor and said she plans to use the $50,000 (£31,000) prize money to fund her studies.

Free People "Dark Rose" March 2013 Lookbook

2013-03-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Free People has just released their March 2013 lookbook under the moniker of "Dark Rose." This month's lookbook features fashion model Elsa Hosk in a dark,sexy and mysterious shots and wearing clothing made of laces, florals, satins; elements that are just perfect for Free People's signature bohemian and indie style. More photos after the cut.

Images: Free People

Miranda Kerr on the Cover of Vogue Australia April 2013 Issue

2013-03-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hot Mama and Supermodel Miranda Kerr is the cover girl for Vogue Australia's April 2013 issue. Miranda is looking gorgeous as always in this photo shot by Miguel Reveriego. Just lately, she was involved in a car accident but I am glad she's okay now and she's back to work as reports said ;)

Ashley Greene In Donna Karan Atelier for the 2012 Met Gala

2012-05-08T04:42:00.000-07:00

Twilight Saga actress, Ashley Greene is nothing less than a goddess in a Grecian gown for the 2012 Met Gala. The white off shoulder gown is from Donna Karan Atelier and is especially designed for her. She looks so stunning, don't you think so too?

photo: justjared.com

Aeropostale Band Tees

2012-04-21T07:01:00.001-07:00

Band Tees have become extremely popular over the last few months. Joining the band tees bandwagon, Aeropostale, one of the popular clothing brands, has released their new line of band tees. This collection features band such as Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and many more! Check out the collection below!

Images courtesy of: Aeropostale.com

Jun Ji Hyun Ties the Knot

2012-04-16T19:30:00.003-07:00

Actress Jun Jihyun (My Sassy Girl, Windstruck) has finally tied the knot with her childhood friend, banker and grandson of a Korean fashion designer Lee Young Hee, Choi Jun Hyuk in a grand and lavish wedding ceremony held at Seoul's Shilla Hotel on Friday. The 30-year-old actress and her husband will be pushing back the date of their honeymoon due to the filming of Jihyun's new film, Berlin. Check out another photo of the beautiful bride after the cut

Images: Star N News / TV Daily

NARS x Thakoon Panichgul Nail Polish Collection

2012-04-11T09:27:00.002-07:00

NARS collaborated with designer Thakoon Panichgul to release a limited-edition, six-color nail polish collection. This will be the first nail collaboration of NARS with a fashion designer. This collection was inspired by the vibrant and bold colors of the Indian Spice Markets.

Each shade of the 6 nail polishes is named after a medicinal spice or plant such as Koliary which is cyan blue and Anardana, the shade of azalea pink. The nail polish collection will be made available in narscosmetics.com starting May 1st.

Toxin-free Nail Candies for the Spring 2012

2012-03-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of nail polishes. I love expressing myself through what I wear and use and nail polishes never fail to let me express my mood through their variety of colors. I love all kinds of colors; from bright, pastels, bold to neon.

Even though I have been a fan of nail polishes for a long time now, I was not aware of toxins in nail polishes or should I say I didn’t paid attention to that fact until last year when I read terrible news about them. From then on, I’ve always been picky about choosing my nail polishes. I always make sure the ones I use are toxin-free.

And so in my search of toxin-free nail polishes I found Julep, which is really amazing. Check out some of my favorite from their nail polishes collection.

You can pick out nail polishes suited for each season using their ‘Color Stylist.’ They also have a very cool program called julep maven which gives customers access to a beauty editor Sneak Peek Box which they create every month.

You know that beauty editors are always updated about the new trends in beauty right? Like it’s so cool that they have products delivered right to their doorsteps. Their julep maven program will give you an opportunity similar to that. That is so cool isn’t it?

It's very important that we pay attention to the products we use. We should always be careful and get ourselves updated with the latest health and beauty news.

Anyway, I think it’s time that I get my nails some new colors. But before that, I need to make sure that I get spa pedicure first!

Brian Atwood Handbags for Gilt

2012-03-30T11:42:00.002-07:00

Celebrity-favorite designer Brian Atwood launches his first collection of beautiful handbags exclusively on Gilt.com on Thursday. Gilt.com will be the exclusive retailer for this new line of handbags.

Gilt.com will feature 4 main styles from the collection – the Carla is a basic envelope clutch, Theodora - a round hard-case minaudiere clutch, Kate - a clutch which features a leopard-print design and the Iside - boxy-type minaudiere.

The clutches which are priced from $1,050 to $1,850 are available at gilt.com.

Images courtesy of: Brian Atwood

Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Collection

2012-03-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Pantone Universe in partnertship with Sephora released 'Color of the Year Collection' that translates the color of the year, Tangerine Tango, to beauty essentials.The collection includes The Color of the Year Eyeshadow Quad and Eyeliner Set, Faux Lash Set, The Prisma Chrome Blush and the Blush Duo, The Crème Lipstick, Lip Gloss Set, Nail Color Set, Eyelash Curler and Brush Set and put everything in one pretty Makeup Bag.- Basically everything you need from eyes to cheeks to nails! The collection is available at Sephora.com for $18 – $68.

Natural Beauty Tips

2012-03-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

Most people rely on commercial beauty products and services to enhance beauty that we sometimes forget there are natural ways to do this. Maybe these natural beauty products and routines are always around us and are a common activity making us think they are just common to our everyday lives. And when it is common to us, most of the time we just disregard it. Check out some of my natural beauty tips below.

Less make-up makes you look younger.
Being angry and stressed does nothing good to the body. It will result in more wrinkles.
Drink plenty of water.
Get eight hours of sleep every day.
Avoid touching your face.
Avoid too oily foods.
Exercise regularly.
Keep a balanced diet.

You might probably say those natural beauty tips are way too common. But these beauty tips are what most of people disregard and yet they are the most effective ones.

My Top 5 Favorite Oscars 2012 Gowns

2012-03-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

This post is overdue! Should have posted this days ago. Anyways, here are my top 5 favorite gowns from the recent Oscars 2012 Awards.

Natalie Portman in vintage Christian Dior Couture from Spring 1954 & Harry Winston

This is just lovely! It is simple, but looks really elegant. Definitely one of the best I have seen for this year's Oscars.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

I love white! and the clean and structured style of this ensemble is just perfect.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Love the dress, but not much with the showing of legs (but let's make an exception since it's the Jolie.)

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

I love the gold and black. Looks lovely on Jessica.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli

This gown has mixed reviews everywhere. Some liked it, some hated it - because of the big neck ribbon. I also think it's better off without that ribbon. But anyways, it looks lovely still with Emma wearing it. The color just compliments her skin tone.

PHOTOS: Getty photo

Choosing Your Fragrance

2012-02-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

As a woman myself, I am very keen towards choosing my perfume. Whenever I buy one, I always think of things like where am I going to wear this perfume, what time, how much I want to spend for your perfume – which are, I think things that should be considered in choosing. It is very important that you choose the right fragrance for the right occasion. Most people choose a lighter scent for the morning wear and an intense one for evening events.

Some people also choose perfumes based on their age. Like example, my grandmother loves the musky tones in a perfume while my young sister loves something light, sweet, something like candy. Another thing I do before I hit the markets and stores to buy the perfume, I also make sure to check posts about top women fragrances on the internet. This keeps me updated what’s new in the perfume market.

Choosing a perfume that will fit your personality or what we call the ‘signature perfume/fragrance’ is not easy. It requires more than a spray to know if a perfume is right for you. We should know ourselves a little bit and think what exactly fits our personality. For this, there are a lot of online quizzes that might help. Try to google ‘What Is Your Perfume Personality?’ and you’ll find some.

Taylor Swift Wears Gown By Zuhair Murad At 2012 Grammy Red Carpet

2012-02-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous, glamorous, stunning and beautiful - the words that came into my mind when I saw Taylor Swift in this lovely 2011 Couture mermaid gown by Zuhair Murad At 2012 Grammy Red Carpet.

What do you think?

Love Lea Michele's Gown for the "69th Annual Golden Globes"

2012-01-22T00:23:00.000-08:00

I am in love with Lea Michele's gown during The 69th Annual Golden Globes. A beautiful floor-length gown, in a metallic color by Marchesa. Check out the lovely details of the gown!

Olivia Wilde - Newest Brand Ambassador for Revlon

2011-12-07T05:23:00.001-08:00

It has been announced that Olivia Wilde is Revlon's newest brand ambassador. She will front the campaign for Revlon's PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara and of ColorStay Eyeshadow Quads, both hitting stores in January.

Source: Backseatcuddler.com

The Kardashian Sisters Covers Glamour Magazine

2011-12-02T17:01:00.001-08:00

Kardashian sisters Kim, Khloe and Kourtney graced the cover of Glamour Magazine's December issue.

They look so pretty! The December issue of Glamour is on stands now!

Choosing a good AV Receiver

2011-11-11T01:53:00.000-08:00

AV Receivers or audio-video receivers are one of the many components usually found within a home theatre system. They are also considered as the “nerve center” of the system as they perform many essential functions such as decoding your DVD's surround sound formats, switching between video and audio components and controlling your loudspeakers.

Through the years, electronics company find ways to make AV receivers achieve perfection. They make sure that their customer gets the satisfaction they are looking for. Brands such as Denon, Sony and Yamaha have established solid names when it comes to good producers of AV Receivers. You might wonder how much a good receiver costs. Most people I know will pay between $200 and a thousand dollars for an av receiver. If you want to buy one, I suggest you read reviews about your target receiver first. I also suggest that you buy from trusted brands like the ones I mentioned earlier.

Hair Loss Treatments

2011-11-11T01:24:00.000-08:00

Hair loss is a worldwide problem not only women but also to men and this can also affect anyone regardless of their age. Experts say there are a lot of factors why hair loss happen. One of them could be heredity: hair loss could be an inherited trait from parents and this is also known as Pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. Other factors include poor nutrition, medications, diseases (like diabetes and lupus), medical treatments, change in hormones and stress.

A lot of hair loss treatments are out there in the market but some of these just bring false promises. Aside from medicine and topical treatments, experts in hair loss have found new cures. One of it is called the Follicular Unit Transplantation – a surgical hair replacement and could be only permanent solution for hair loss. Cloning and gene therapy are also two possible cure for hair loss. Gene therapy can be used to “turn off” or “deactivate” the gene that causes hair loss. These could be the best hair loss solution but they are yet to be perfected. And if they do get perfected, they will surely help many people.

Sofia Vergara For Vanity Fair October

2011-09-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is one of Sofia Vergara's photo from her Vanity Fair October photo shoot. The October 2011 issue will have Angelina Jolie on its cover.