Featured
Menthol
Sugar Editorial Picks
Definition: Menthol
The menthol found in lip gel, balm, and even soap is a crystalline alcohol derived from mint oils thus shares the odor and properties of peppermint. Application stimulates your cold-sensing nerve endings, and the cool feeling is from the activation of those senses. (If you don't believe me, put on a mentholated product outdoors on a crisp day – you'll feel other cold sensations as even colder!)
In addition to soothing dry skin, it's also a common active ingredient in topical anesthetics and anti-itch creams since it relieves pains from burns and stings.
Other Search Results
A Philosophical Approach To Shine-Free Skin
Brand-new from Philosophy is a range of mattifying skincare products called Never Let Them See You Shine. Each of the three items aim to cut down sebum production and reduce the look of oily skin, while leaving your face feeling refreshed. The light blue formulas have a minty, sea-inspired scent and are best suited for those with oily and acne-prone sensitive skin.
Product Review: Anthony Logistics Shave Cream
With Father's Day just three weeks away, there's no time like the present to start thinking about gifts for dear old dad. I was given a tube of Anthony Logistics Shave Cream ($16) to test out, but I thought it was a little bit silly for a gal to review such an important grooming staple for a guy. So I decided to give it to my better half to report back more accurate, male-minded findings.
DIY Spa Treatment: Peppermint Aftershave
I've polled the guys in my circle of friends and they all agree that shaving creams or aftershave products that contain some kind of minty, menthol ingredient feel the best on their face. An aftershave splash is cooling, soothing, and it serves as an antiseptic against dirt and germs as the pores begin to close.
For those of you looking for a homemade Father's Day gift, this peppermint aftershave recipe (tweaked from this one) is thoughtful, inexpensive and easy to create.
Lovely Links, 3/20
- This compact makes Beauty Blogging Junkie feel like a million bucks, without spending it.
- Fashionista has the scoop on the latest hair trends from across the pond.
- Does she or doesn't she? Jezebel weighs in on Renée Zellweger's facial expressions.
- Blogdorf Goodman and I are both obsessed this perfect shade of red polish from Butter London.
- See which fragrance The Moment's Chandler Burr calls "a glow of sweet sugary fruit that blooms on your skin."
- If you're looking to conceal a scar, birthmark, or severely uneven skin tone, Beauty Snob has found the cosmetics line for you.
- Spoiled Pretty perfects her unruly brows with this great kit.
- What is that tingling sensation in menthol, anyway? Beauty Brains clears its up (and it's not what you think).
- See where Specktra had a euphoric haircut experience.
- Shake Your Beauty discovers a mascara color that's surprisingly better than jet-black.
- Makeup Bag gets up close and personal with the creator of the cult-classic Child Perfume.
- The New York Times finds out that some makeup artists are famous.
Make-You-Laugh Makeup: Suggestive Names
Part of the fun of shopping for makeup is checking out some of the creative, sexy and funny names that companies come up with for new products. While something like Thrrrob is outwardly sexy, some names are more discreetly suggestive. These in particular made me laugh, so I thought you might enjoy them too.
Love Your Lips: Lip Balms For Winter Weather
Lip balms are practically a necessity in this blustery, cold winter weather. Here are three brands of super-strength lip balms that I had never heard of, yet they seem to be cult favorites around the world. (Gosh, I hate feeling left out.) Thought you'd be keen on reading about more of these as well.
Product Review: Astara Activated Sea Mineral Mask
Yeow! My face feels like it's on fire. Okay, maybe not a full-blown blaze, but there's definitely some tingly heat going on thanks to the Astara Activated Sea Mineral Mask ($25–$42) I just applied.
Doing Drugstore: Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser
Last week I told you a bit about the new Neutrogena Wave power cleanser ($13.99), a handheld vibrating cleanser. The kit comes with 14 single-dose cleansing pads, the Wave unit itself, and a postcard for an online coupon.
The Wave is designed well; it's easy to grip in hands, even when a little bit of water splashes on it.
Cleanse Your Way to a Clearer Face
The Murad name is synonymous with clear skin, and for good reason: Not only has Murad's Acne Complex Kit proven to decrease breakouts of more than 90 percent of the participants in an independent study, but more than two million have been sold. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding (if the pudding looked like your flawlessly clear face)! Luckily for you, fair reader, Murad is giving you an opportunity to try the first step in the regimen, the Clarifying Cleanser, for free.
More on BellaSugar
Fall Award Season
Top Brands
Lee
David & Scotti
Burton