BellaSugar

How to Make an At-Home Facial Mask With Kate Somerville

BellaTV — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:00:00 PDT

Kate Somerville has helped Hollywood celebrities like Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, and Demi Moore get glowing skin, and even if you can’t rush into her clinic, you can still get the same treatment at home. Watch our video as Kate shows you how to make a hydrating mask using yogurt, flax seeds and honey.

Two Easy, Affordable DIY Masks For All Skin Types

BellaSugar — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:00:43 PDT

Marie Veronique Nadeau is the kind of woman you want to chat up for hours. Not only is the former chemistry teacher practically (and naturally) wrinkle-free in her early 60s, but she's also a licensed esthetician and founder of Marie Veronique Organics, an eco-friendly line free of toxins, nanoparticles, and petroleum-based ingredients. And when I asked Marie for a few quick, easy, and natural masks to do at home, she delivered. Find out two great recipes when you read more.

3 Ways to Flawless-Looking, Cake-Free Makeup

BellaSugar — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:00:00 PDT

Cakey makeup does not a happy woman make. And that's why I asked Debbie Zoller, Castle's makeup artist (and former makeup artist on Mad Men), how she manages to make the characters on the show look like they're not even wearing makeup at all - even though they're often wearing loads of it. While Debbie's tips focus mainly on her methods for TV, her steps apply to real life just as much. Find out her helpful pieces of advice on staying smooth when you read more.

6 Tips and Tricks to Raise Your Acne Awareness

BellaSugar — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:00:00 PDT

In honor of Acne Awareness Month, we're all about keeping our skin healthy, protected, and in the clear. So this month we're getting to the bottom of our breakouts by tackling acne with a few of our favorite ways to treat and prevent breakouts - along with what works and doesn't. Check out my roundup to learn a few things about acne. Here's to gorgeous skin.

Honey and Yogurt Acne Mask	How to Tell If It's Acne or Rosacea?	5 Great Cleansers That Put Acne in Its Place
Your Top 10 Acne Tips Revealed	Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid	Follow This Easy Tip to Beat Backne

15 Sleep Masks For All Occasions

BellaSugar — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

Last month, I asked you whether or not you wear sleep masks to bed, and while the majority of you said you snooze mask-free, perhaps with the right gear, you'd try out a new way to catch your heavy zs. From therapeutic options to just plain cute, here are 15 masks that might help make your slumber all the more tranquil.

How to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers - on Your Face!

BellaTV — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:17:55 PST

This holiday season, find out how your skin can benefit from a Thanksgiving feast. Watch our video to see which fall ingredients make the best beauty boosters, and how to make a facial mask at home using a pumpkin. Finally, learn the benefits of swapping out your cucumber eye mask for sweet potatoes.

Preventing Swine Flu With Flair

TresSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:30:00 PDT

I'm not a germaphobe, so all this news about swine flu doesn't have me reaching for more antibacterial soap or washing my hands any more than I already do. I may be persuaded, however, to don one of these lovely made-to-order surgical masks. Especially the one that says, "OINK!"

Product Review: Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:00:11 PDT

Would you ever consider spreading mashed potatoes on your face? That's exactly what the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask ($85) from Fresh feels like. But, alas, starch it is not. It's actually made from cucumber, black tea, sake, lychee seed, jicama root juice, and hyaluronic acid, the big guns when it comes to cell hydration.

My favorite parts are twofold. The first is the light and fresh natural tea and cucumber aroma that is both calming and refreshing. The second part is that it never dries so you don't have to deal with that uncomfortable cracking and stiff sensation. It just sort of absorbs and looks shiny.

It's recommended to leave on for at least five-to-eight minutes, but after speaking with Lev Glazman (one of the co-creators of Fresh), he recommends leaving it on overnight two-to-three times a week for an enhanced effect.

When you wash it off, your face has a glowy and smooth look. My biggest beef with the product, besides the slightly funny feeling that occurs when you rub it in, is the price tag. But, if you've got the extra cash lying around, I recommend giving it a whirl.

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

Coming Soon: Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Masque

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:00:46 PDT

The last launch from Bumble and Bumble was the malleable Spray de Mode Hairspray, and now they're getting ready to release a deep-conditioning treatment called Creme de Coco Masque. The mask was created as an extension to the popular Creme de Coco shampoo and conditioner, which is designed for dull, dry and color-treated hair. It's extremely thick and rich with a powerful coconut scent.

I've tried it once and found that the sweet blend of coconut oil, mango, shea butter, murumuru butter, avocado oil and plant extracts made the extra seven minutes in the shower feel like heaven (that's the recommended amount of time to let it set before rinsing). Afterwards, my hair felt softer and smoother (I definitely had less fly-aways and frizz), but I think I used too much, so it also left my hair more limp than I like.

I recommend this product to anyone with thick, coarse and/or curly hair who is looking to boost shine and re-hydrate. It's a terrific way to beef up your hair before the summer sun takes its toll. Tip: For extra conditioning, put on a plastic shower cap and apply heat. Your hair will be left smoother than ever.

Product Review: Dead Sea Premier Mask Miracle Noir

BellaSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:00:22 PST

Dead Sea Premier is a skincare brand I learned about during my visit to the IMATS. Its products are made from minerals, water, and mud from the Dead Sea that have been extracted and purified to help restore elasticity to the skin. The ingredients are natural and contain Vitamins A and E, antioxidants, SPF 17, and eight components that individually decompose hourly to ensure that every application lasts for eight hours.

The product I tested out (on my arm, since it's not recommended for those with sensitive skin), Mask Miracle Noir ($99.99) is an antiaging, deep cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing face mask recommended for ages 30 and over.

It has a fresh eucalyptus scent and a black color (something you don't see everyday). But what really makes this product unique is the removal process. Inside of the cap is a mud block with magnetic properties. Begin by smoothing the mask over your face and neck and allow it to penetrate for 10 minutes. Then, wrap the mud block in a tissue and streak it along your face in sections. The block attracts to the mask (you may even feel a slight shock) and instantly sweeps all traces of the mask away.

What's left on your face is a shiny and smooth film; these are minerals. Don't rub them off, rather massage them into your skin and leave it on overnight. Dead Sea Premier Mask Miracle Noir is recommended for use once a week. Does this sound interesting enough for you to try?