BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Eucerin Facial Lotion

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:00:11 -0800

Finding a moisturizer that works for your skin type can be tricky, and nobody wants to end up with a sprinkling of acne as a result. When reader Malu purchased the reasonably priced Eucerin Facial Lotion ($8.50), she wasn't disappointed. Here's what she had to say:

"I've been looking for a long time the perfect moisturizer that will moisturize well without being greasy; offer sun protection but won't smell like sunscreen; and will not break my wallet. This is the one! Also, it doesn't cause breakouts. What more can you ask for?"

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Reader Review of the Day: The Body Shop Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 15

BellaSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:00:48 -0800

Maybe you know that vitamin C is an antioxidant responsible for fighting the signs of aging or that this essential nutrient helps burn fat. But, when reader Brig482 tried out The Body Shop Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 15 ($15), she was disappointed by the paltry amount of actual vitamin C in the list of ingredients. Here's what she had to say:

I was on a mission to find a good vitamin C product for my face, and before I did my research I was talked into buying this from The Body Shop. Bad idea. It's a decent moisturizer, but the actual amount of vitamin C is less than 1 percent! For a vitamin C product to work effectively, you need at least 10 percent.

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Product Review: Skinceuticals Emollience

BellaSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:00:58 -0700

A friend of mine got a facial in Boston and fell head over heels for a moisturizer from SkinCeuticals called Emollience ($50). Her rave reviews about how her skin looked even, supple and hydrated after just one month made me run faster than Forrest Gump to the store. So far I've been using it for two weeks and here are my thoughts:

Emollience has a thin, slip-like texture, but it delivers heavy moisture. It has a light and clean scent that feels refreshing on your face and makes your skin look dewy and smooth. Also, I love that it is reasonably priced for such a large jar. It lasts long too. All you really need is a pinky nail bed-sized dollop for your entire face and neck.

The texture aside, the results are really what make this such a solid purchase. I apply it in the morning and my face doesn't dry out even the slightest bit all day. It absorbs quickly so I can put my makeup on right away without any base or powder sliding off. I use a little bit extra in the evenings, along with an eye cream and when I wake up, my skin looks splotch-free and feels like buttah.

It's recommended for those with dry skin since it contains restorative oils (grapeseed, rose hip and macadamia), but my skin is combination and it seems to be responding well to the formula (meaning, it's not too oily, even around my t-zone). Is this the best face cream in the whole wide world? No, but it definitely ranks high, and I can confidently recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle cream that will give your thirsty complexion a tall drink of water.

Product Review: Nars Skin Potent EFA Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:00:40 -0700

About a month ago, Nars released a new, highly concentrated, skin-restoring face moisturizer called Lipid Support Potent EFA Cream ($70 for 1.7 oz). This thick, lightly scented lotion is formulated with lipids (Omega-3 fatty acids and ceramides), acai and hyaluronic acid to replenish your skin and to create a more hydrated texture. In turn, this helps aid in skin-cell regeneration and decrease wrinkles and create an overall more supple appearance.

Now, I don't know if you're aware of this, but some ingredients can break down when exposed to the air - and that means your skin isn't getting all of the ingredients it should. I like this container aesthetically, but I love how the airtight seal protects the cream's active ingredients from overexposure to sunlight, germs, and oxygen.

I really like the cream, especially for nighttime, but the one drawback is that has a slightly heavy and greasy texture. It claims to be suitable for all skin types, but due to its intensely hydrating formula, I would suggest it for those with dry skin.

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

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How Many Facial Moisturizers Do You Own?

BellaSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:00:22 -0700

I was astonished when I walked into my friend's bathroom to find an entire shelf lined in face creams alone. I counted thirteen in plain sight and another six when I opened up her medicine cabinet. Holy Batman! That's 18 face lotions!

Before I entered the wonderful world of beauty product testing as a career, I had four different face lotions: two for daytime and two for the evening (and no, I'm not including eye creams). How many facial moisturizers do you own?

Source

BellaSugar's Guide to SPF Beauty Products

BellaSugar — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Sunshine is a natural source of vitamin D, which is great for your bones, your organs, and your mental health. (It's true, the sun makes people happy.) But as you well know, it's also dangerous, and it's a top cause of skin aging. Below is my seven-post roundup on noteworthy SPF-enhanced beauty products (there's even a DIY recipe in there too) so that you can safeguard your skin, your hair, and your lips at all times.

Product Review: Omorovicza Plumping Cream

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:00:27 -0700

Everyone has days when work feels like a labor of love, but then there are the days when I come home to a shiny package filled with a jar of Omorovicza Plumping Cream ($260) - and suddenly I remember how lucky I am! I first informed you about the amazing wonders of Hungarian skin care products in December and about a month ago, I talked to you in more detail about the Budapest-based brand Omorovicza.

After using the cream for almost a month straight, I am grateful to find something that has noticeably improved the overall tone of my skin. Maybe it's the hyaluronic acid, omega-6 ceramides, the elastins, or the special Hungarian healing minerals, but my skin feels smooth, hydrated, and far less blotchy.

Just a small dab for your entire face and neck will do ya, which I think is great since it's so expensive. The ultrathick cream has a soothing and subtle rosy, lavender scent. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and even a little bit brighter. And here's a tip for those of you who don't have almost $300 to burn: ask for a sample. It will last you over a week and you can see for yourself if you think it's worth the investment.

SPF Beauty Bonanza, Part I: Facial Moisturizers

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:00:22 -0700

In honor of Sun Safety Week (June 8th-14th), I've decided to bring you a five-post series on beauty products that contain SPF. And I'm not talking SPF 4, 6, or 8, I'm talking the big numbers to keep your looks preserved, your skin protected and your body healthy and happy. Today's topic is facial moisturizers and below are three great products that have piqued my interest. What's your favorite SPF lotion?

I haven't tried anything from Ahava except for their Purifying Dead Sea Mask and I loved it, so when I heard that they launched a line of Mineral Sun Care products I was intrigued, especially with the Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF 50 ($25). It claims to guard your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and it's formulated for sensitive skin.

Last Summer, Kiehl's launched the UV Protective Face and Body Sunscreens with SPF 20 ($32.50), which I love. The big news is that they've already released the same version but with SPF 50 overseas and plan to launch it in the US next year - how's that for early buzz!

The sun creams are formulated with Mexoryl technology to ensure that UVA and UVB rays are blocked from penetrating your skin. They are photostable, non-greasy, fragrance-free and sweat resistant, however, they are lightweight in texture so they won't clog your pores.

For one more facial moisturizer with SPF, read more.

This Protect & Glow Sun Kit from Lancome ($55) is all you'll need for gorgeous and sun-safe skin this summer. Inside of the plastic beach-friendly bag you'll find three products - an SPF 50 Sunscreen for Face and Body, an illuminating body butter (great for after sun) and best of all, a Sôleil Ultra Expert Sun Care SPF 50 Sunscreen for the Face. This gentle moisturizer hydrates, firms, soothes and protects skin for up to eight hours. Also, you're getting a great value since the products actually add up to $75 if you were to buy them separately.

Coming Soon: Wei East Golden Root Renewal Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:00:21 -0700

Due out this July is the first SPF product from Wei East: Golden Root Renewal Cream SPF 15 ($37.50). Golden root is a vibrant red Chinese herb that has been used for ages to prevent visible signs of aging. Small quantities of golden root have been added to this cream to help promote the re-growth of dead skin cells, resulting in a new and smooth surface to your skin. This 'multitasking day cream' claims to firm, hydrate and make your skin look and feel more resilient.

The moisturizer also contains white tea (a strong antioxidant), reishi mushroom (an anti-inflammatory) and Licorice (to revitalize the skin). I've tried it once and am impressed with the way the SPF scent is masked with a cinnamony-herbal essence. Also, it has a thin, spreadable texture that goes on smooth and absorbs quickly.

I was thinking that it was definitely more of a moisturizer, but the impression I get from the packaging is that it's actually more like a sunscreen. Either way, I am really excited about being able to use such a great smelling product this summer that will protect my skin, improve its appearance and above all, it won't clog my pores.

Product Review: Thalgo Delicious Comfort Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 07:00:20 -0700

I hadn't heard about Thalgo until a friend of came to town and brought the Delicious Comfort Cream ($56) along with her. She bought the lotion based on a recommendation from her facialist and swears that after just three weeks of daily use, it has transformed her skin from dull and flat into a creamy, enviable, smooth, even and supple texture.

I've been hoarding it for just under a week now and at first, I found the yellowish color to be off-putting (it looks like a jar of sebum), but the rose oil and clean spa smell instantly allayed my fears. It is intended for dry skin, so it's a powerful way to nourish, hydrate and plump up your face. It's fantastically rich because it contains shea butter, and to ensure that the ingredients are properly released, you're supposed to warm a dime-sized amount between your fingertips before patting it onto your face and neck - much like how you would apply Crème de La Mer.

The result is comfortable, cool, soothed and slightly dewy skin. The plastic jar is lightweight and since all you need is a little bit, the 50 milliliters should last you six months. I've asked my friend to leave me with a sample because even though it's only been a few days, I'm undeniably hooked. All of the icky gray flakes on my face are already gone - it's unbelievable.