BellaSugar

Product Review: Arcona White Tea Cleanser

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:47 -0700

A couple of weeks ago, I talked to you about my new Arcona Kiwi Clarifying Peel and how much of a disappointment it turned out to be. Thank goodness the brand has redeemed itself, because I was starting to wonder what Lindsay Lohan ever saw in them. Over the last three weeks I've also been using their White Tea Purifying Cleanser ($42) and I have some great things to report.

By far, the best part about this cleanser is the scent. I've actually never smelled a beauty product quite this natural (and that's saying a lot). It has an inviting essence reminiscent of lightly brewed white tea mixed with sugar. It goes on smoothly and has excellent foaming action. All you need is a dime-sized amount for your face and neck. Gently rub in small circles to remove, dirt, makeup, and excess oil. It's even gentle on your eyes and doesn't sting in the slightest.

Your face is left feeling tight and shiny, but not dry. The best part is that my skin looks and feels smoother, plus, it has a little bit of a glow. It's got me thinking that there's something inside that also exfoliates, but I can't figure out what that is. All in all, this is a product that I'll be sticking with throughout the Summer. Since my skin is so sensitive, I wanted to be sure that I shared my fabulous find with the rest of you.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Product Review: Arcona Kiwi Clarifying Peel

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:00:01 -0700

A few weeks ago I talked to you about the Los Angeles based skin care brand Arcona. I've now had the opportunity to spend some time with the products and really get a feeling for how they affect my skin. One item that I've found noteworthy is the Kiwi Clarifying Peel ($85).

First of all, the smell is divine. It has a strong kiwi aroma and it even has the little black fruit seeds right there in the pot. The color is light green, but when you spread it on your face, it looks clear. The texture is thick and gooey and upon contact with your skin, you'll feel an instant tightening and cooling. The directions say to leave it on for ten minutes, but I ran to the bathroom after five. My face began to itch terribly from the fruit acids and I couldn't help but panic.

Thank goodness no damage was done. My face was pink for only ten minutes and I didn't suffer any burns or peeling, but my oh my, was that scary. Also, and I feel this is pretty important - I've had the peel for a few weeks now and have noticed that it's already beginning to smell rancid. Arcona suggests keeping their products for six months, and now I know why. The lack of preservatives must mean that they have a short shelf life.

I can understand why people love these products (they smell amazing and have a celebrity following), but I just don't think they are right for me. Does anyone else have any stories about disappointing skin care products they have tried?

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Bella Brand: Arcona

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:00:11 -0700

Some girlfriends and I were talking about skin care products over dinner, and one of them, who recently moved from Los Angeles, was cooing over the brand Arcona. She swears by the cranberry gommage, kiwi resurfacing peel and white tea daily face cleanser and credits her shiny, taught skin to being brand-loyal for the past year.

Another one of the girls has been using the products (based on her recommendation) for the past few weeks and her skin looks so revived, that I thought I'd research the brand myself. Hey, if my friends love it, and Lindsay Lohan does too - it must be fab!

Arcona was developed in Hollywood 19 years ago by a former chemist and holistic skin care practitioner. The 92 product-range is formulated with natural, cosmeceutical-grade ingredients containing high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins, plant extracts, marine vegetables and essential oils that penetrate the deep layers of the skin. The ingredients are cold-pressed (key for keeping the nutrients active and effective), and are free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate and fragrance. The brand promotes a five-step program tailored to the needs of your skin.

I tried a sample of the peptide moisturizer and really liked the light smell. It's not too thick, not too milky, it absorbs into the skin well and it works great for day and night. I haven't tried anything else yet, but I can't wait for my next trip to LA to check out the studio. Are you interested in trying Arcona?

Shoshanna's Bag Makes Spring Come Early

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:00:02 -0800

Do you love Beauty.com as much as I do? Well, they've got an offer that's definitely worth checking out. From now until supplies are gone, receive this vintage-y floral travel case by designer Shoshanna Gruss with the purchase of $100 or more at Beauty.com. This bright travel bag is valued at more than $120, and it comes packed with deluxe and full-sized products. "I chose to re-create a floral print from our Spring line that really personified the Shoshanna collection," said Gruss. "It is pretty, bright, and fun, with a 1960s Palm Beach vintage feeling. It's what every girl on the go needs; a cute makeup bag to fit all of her beauty essentials," she added. To find out what's included in the bag, baby - read more.

Lorac Breakthrough Performance Foundation
Arcona Booster Defense Serum
Stila High Shine Lip Color in Amber
Tarte Blushing Bride Cheek Stain
Frederic Fekkai Coiff Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel
Skyn Iceland Glacial Face Wash
Malin and Goetz Assorted Hair Care
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Jane Iredale Eye Gloss in Champagne Silk
Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara
Ken Paves Healthy Hair Shine Serum
Bliss Lemon and Sage Soapy Soap
DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer