BellaSugar

What We're Sweet On: A Serum That Makes Foundation Optional

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:32:00 PDT

Forget all those scrubs out of your kitchen cabinet, there's another type of facial exfoliator on the block: Rx for Brown Skin's Absolute Radiance Exfoliating Serum ($35). Developed by dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, the skin care line, including the serum, is formulated specifically for women with medium to dark skin tones. And as for this serum in particular, it brightens the complexion without beads or harsh granules. In just one week, it reveals a luminous complexion void of discoloration (but the best results are seen within six weeks).

The key ingredient is glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin cells. This gentle ingredient also helps remedy acne, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture. Just remember to wear sunscreen on top of this product because the acidic components increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Finally, apply foundation - but when you discover a more even and beautified skin tone, you may opt to go nude.

What We're Sweet On: The Mother of All Facial Serums

Jaime Richards — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:25:51 PST

As an esthetician friend once explained, "Serums are like vitamins for the skin." And while that may be the case, for Yves Saint Laurent Beaute, they're more like the Fountain of Youth. The luxury brand has just come out with a new line of antiaging products, including the Forever Youth Liberator Serum ($150 to $200) that use synthetic saccharides to stimulate the skin's regeneration. (Editor's note: YSL's serum was sent to us by Neiman Marcus for review.)

Once applied using the perfect-amount-every-time dropper, you'll love the way this serum sinks luxuriously into the skin. The complexion is instantly brightened and plumped. After several uses, the face feels more smoothed out and even, but not tight or tacky. Perfumed skincare haters beware, though. This serum, while not overly strong in scent, still contains that perfumed essence many high-end department store brands possess. And unlike other premoisturizers of its ilk, Forever Youth is not sticky, won't cause pilling, and doesn't leave an oily residue on skin. But is it worth the price tag? If you have the cash to spend and are looking for a bit of luxury, then yes. The Fountain of Youth may not actually exist, per se, but today's technology might just be bringing us closer.

Everyone Needs Serums, Says This Skincare Guru

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:44 PST

During his career as an esthetician, Marc Edward has performed literally thousands of facials. No surprise, then, that he has great advice on what kind of skin care actually works, and smart tips for soothing skin sensitized by cold weather. To check out his tips, just keep reading.

An LA Skin Guru Explains Which Facial Is Best

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:00:25 PST

Marc Edward is one of skin care's rising stars. His facials have been voted Los Angeles's best, and he's scored features in magazines like Glamour and New Beauty; he even has his own product line. So I was glad to get a few minutes to pick his brain about spa care. He let me in on the newest skin care tech, what facials actually work best, and what kind of treatments you absolutely shouldn't try at home. To get the scoop, just keep reading.

This Skincare Product Could Make Things Worse

BellaSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:01:20 PST

Marc Edward has been voted top facialist in LA, his skincare line is in all the award shows' goody bags this year, and he'll be making appearances in next month's issues of both Glamour and Allure. Busy guy. Marc has the professional's take on what you can do to head a zit off before it becomes a big, gross problem, and he told me what supposedly "helpful" product that we're all using is actually a nightmare for your skin. For his acne advice, just keep reading.

Serums, Serums Everywhere! Part III: Hydrating Serums

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 04:27:10 PST

Welcome to the third and final installment of Serums, Serums Everywhere! Part III will focus on facial serums intended to hydrate your skin. Part I was about Lifting & Energizing serums and Part II showed some Vitamin C based serums.

Many of us suffer from dehydrated skin. Symptoms include: scaly, taut, dry and superfine lines that lead to wrinkles in time. Dehydrated skin is a result of the failure to drink sufficient amounts of water, not using adequate moisturizers, cigarette smoking and overexposure to the sun.

Skin dehydration can cause premature aging if you don't start nurturing it. Start now so you don't lose collagen fibers and the necessary elasticity in your skin to maintain your youthful appearance. Begin by taking this quiz to find out if you are drinking enough fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Then, take a look at my top three picks for pick-me-up hydrating facial serums.

I hope you have found a serum to best suit your skin's needs as well as learned a little something about the overall well being of your precious and delicate face!

Chanel Hydramax + Serum Intense Moisture Boost, $95 for 1.7 oz. and $68.50 for 1 oz., is a highly concentrated, ultra light, grease-less facial treatment. This is a powerful remedy for dry and lifeless skin. It helps control the hydration of your face by attracting and releasing water on the surface of your skin depending on the amount of humidity. It is made with Vitamins B5 and E as well as proteins and enzymes that act as traps to seal in moisture.

Darphin Hydraskin Serum, $90 for 1 oz., is a pale blue serum that is formulated to hydrate your skin. Along with restoring smoothness, softness, and suppleness, it will also leave your skin dewy and glowing! Suitable for all skin types.

To see the final serum,

Dior Hydraction Serum, $65 for 1.7 oz. is a deep hydration radical serum intended to instantly penetrate and quench thirsty skin. It's an ultra concentrated formula that has been developed to increase your skin's water reserve. It promotes circulation for long-lasting hydration and results in a more youthful-looking and radiant complexion.

Serums, Serums Everywhere! Part I: Lifting & Energizing

FabSugar — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 09:18:27 PST

I have recently written about hair smoothing serums, but serums for the face are entirely different. Facial serums have invaded the beauty market and with all the product overload I thought I'd break them down into categories for you to make your next beauty counter visit less overwhelming.

You may recall a post last week about the La Prairie Gold Face Serum and that was just the tip of the iceberg. This first installment of Serums, Serums Everywhere! will focus on lifting and energizing your dry winter skin.

Facial serums in general are intended to: firm and tighten skin, normalize oil production, prevent breakouts, help reduce the signs of aging, and increase your skin's ability to regenerate cells faster resulting in elasticity and more youthful and brighter looking skin. They are definitely on the pricier side of beauty products since they are so concentrated and full of vitamins, so finding the right one for your skin should be treated like an investment. Here are my top three picks for lifting and energizing serums. Enjoy!

La Mer Lifting Face Serum, $210 for a 1 oz. pump. This is a top of the line serum that Madonna and Jennifer Lopez are fans of. It trains your skin to maintain a softer, and smoother appearance by infusing your skin with energy. You will notice your skin looks brighter, clearer and firmer.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Serum, $175. This addictive serum is made from rare ingredients paired with technology to provide serious results. It repairs your skin from the get go and provides protection from free radicals and other damagers. You will feel it working because of the light, tingly sensation when you apply it.

After some time, you will notice less fine lines and a more supple skin appearance. Also, dark spots on your face should fade. Just use one pump in the morning and in the evening and then follow with a hydrating facial moisturizer.

To see one more serum,

(MALIN+GOETZ) Replenishing Face Serum, $65, is intended for all skin types, even sensitive skin. This serum's claim to fame is its amino acid hydration technology that mixes proteins with plant extracts to help improve moisture, clarity and aging in your skin. It contains calming agents to even out your skin tone as well as fight redness and irritation. Vitamin E (an antioxidant) and Sodium PCA help nourish and hydrate the skin.

This serum is also oil free so it won't clog your pores. It is great for when you get off a long flight and it's also ideal for prepping your skin for makeup. Just use two to three pumps all over your face, under your eyes and on your neck after you cleanse; follow with a facial moisturizer.

6 Things to Expect During a Facial

Jaime Richards — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:05:00 PDT

Going to the dermatologist's office can be quite intimate, but so can a trip to the esthetician, as well. While a doctor's office is more stark and sterile by design, a spa room is dark and soothing, making for an entirely different experience. So whether you're apprehensive about getting a facial or you're just looking for tips to get in the facial mindset, just keep reading to see how you can better prepare.

Got Bangs? 3 Ways to Avoid Unwanted Forehead Acne

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:43:00 PDT

Yes, bangs elevate your Spring hair hotness level to the umpteenth degree, but are you paying the price with unwanted forehead blemishes? Hairline acne (street name "pomade acne") can be caused by the constant contact between hair and skin, which deposits debris from your styling products onto your face. Sure, your bangs are the perfect cover-up, but clear skin is the better choice. Get tips for keeping your skin clear underneath the fringe when you read more.

Beautiful Skin: It's in Your DNA

Sponsor — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:00:00 PST

You've taken good care of your skin over the years, buying all the right products and getting regular facials, but you still have those inevitable lines and wrinkles that you wish would just disappear. Fortunately, Estée Lauder spent 30 years studying groundbreaking DNA research to bring us its Advanced Night Repair serum with over 20 patents worldwide. This serum is clinically proven to dramatically reduce the major signs of visible aging. In an unprecedented year-long study, women found that with continued use of the serum, their skin looked smoother, younger, and more radiant.

Join the millions of women who have experienced healthier-looking skin thanks to Advanced Night Repair and see what a difference it can make for your skin. Some things really do get better with time!