BellaSugar

What Everyone Should Know About Wearing SPF and Makeup

BellaSugar — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:00:00 PDT

If you've ever been confused about the ins and outs of SPF for the face, especially while wearing makeup at the same time, I've got you covered - literally. Recently, reader isahrangme posed a question in the Bella Sugar Q and A group, wondering about the best way to reapply face sunblock while wearing makeup.

To find out the answer, I asked Dr. Neil Sadick of Sadick Dermatology in New York to provide us with some clarification on the topic, along with a few tips on what we should be doing to make our SPF all the more effective. Find out his advice when you read more.

SPF For Your Skin Type: Combination Skin

BellaSugar — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:44:00 PDT

Welcome to the final installment of SPF For Your Skin Type. For the culmination of this series, I've isolated a few sunscreens that work best for combination skin. This is skin that most commonly has an oily T-Zone, yet has patches of dry skin on the areas of the face as well. Ideally, two types of sunscreens would work best on this skin type, but not only is that unrealistic, but you can't risk missing a spot by complicating the application! For the rest of you who don't have combination skin, you can find the best sunscreen for your skin type here.

MD Skincare Auto-Balancing Moisture Sunscreen SPF 10 ($42) is a moisturizer that also includes SPF. What's special about this sunscreen is its ability to adjust the level of hydration on certain areas of your skin, making it great for normal to oily or combination skin. The non-greasy formula also firms and tightens skin.

For two more sunscreens for combination skin,

Jan Marini Skin Research Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 ($49.50) is a powerful sunscreen that provides all-day protection for your skin. It is also waterproof, sweaproof and it will never leave your face feeling oily. Since it has invisible microscopic sponges, it hydrates the skin as it absorbs grease, and it leaves your skin with a beautuful matte finish now that's pretty fantastic!

Kiehl's Ultra Protection Water-Based Sunscreen SPF 25 ($27) is a great sunscreen for combination, since it is water-based. Not only is it super light, it's also a great primer for under makeup since it absorbs quickly and easily.

SPF For Your Skin Type: Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:02:10 PDT

Welcome back to part three of SPF For Your Skin Type. In this installment, we take a closer look at sunscreen for sensitive skin. Many sunscreens tend to clog pores, and they often contain parabens, fragrances and oils that can aggravate sensitive skin. Throw some sweat and strong sunshine into the mix, and you could be faced with an unpleasant reaction. Here are a few sunscreens that block out harmful sun rays but are so gentle that they can even be used on babies and children.

Luzern La Defense SPF 30 ($38) is a gentle and 100% mineral sunscreen created for those with sensitive or rosacea-afflicted skin. But what makes this sunscreen even more special is that it protects the collagen in your skin from breaking down-a common activity from sun exposure that leads to lines, wrinkles and age spots.

Apply before sun exposure, and allow 20 seconds for it to dry before you apply any other products to your face or body.

For two more sunscreens for sensitive skin

Jason Natural Sunbrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock SPF 30+ ($14.91) is a mild botanical, hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free and paraben-free mineral based sunblock safe enough for even the most highly sensitive skin. It is formulated with chamomile and marigold extracts to both protect skin from the sun as well as soothe and calm sensitive, irritated skin.

Lancome UV Expert SPF 20 Sunscreen ($35) has Mexoryl SX, the first new filter that has been approved by the FDA in more than 18 years. It protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays and it is gentle enough so that it won't even the most sensitive skin.

Bellissima! Lumene Sun On The Go For Face & Lips SPF 40

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:00:05 PDT

This cute little two-in-one Lumene Sun on the Go Protective Sun Care For Face & Lips SPF 40 ($15.19) is a must-have product for a weekend away at the beach. In one shot, you get a tube of SPF 40 for your face as well as an SPF 40 lip balm.

The lotion is made with cloudberry seed to strengthen and protect your skin, carotenoids and omega 3 acids to reduce skin damage and antioxidants to fight off free radicals. So your skin will feel soft, smooth and protected from both UVA and UVB scary sun rays.

The creamy vanilla lip balm is the coolest part of the package. It's housed in its own area in the cap of the tube. And since it is infused with macadamia nut oil, it feels ultra soothing on your smackers!

Apply liberally anywhere from 20-40 minutes before going in the sun and since this formula isn't waterproof, you'll need to reapply immediately after being in the water.

Sensitive SPF 30 For Your Face, Part II

BellaSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:03:33 PDT

Welcome to Part II of Sensitive SPF 30 For Your Face. Since there were just too many yummy and safe SPF 30s for sensitive skin out there, I couldn't help but write about a few more. Here are three additional sunscreens to help prevent premature aging and skin damage for all of you sun worshippers.

Estee Lauder Multi-Protection Sun Lotion for Face SPF 30, $22, is new and not only water resistant, but also combats the appearance of dark spots on your skin with its new ASP (anti-spot protection) formula.

ASP ensures that you tan evenly without getting any of those blotchy, patchy sun spots. This formula also helps protect your skin from environmental damage that can occur while you're in the sun.

In addition, special hydrators to guard your skin against unwanted and dangerous peeling and anti-oxidants have also been incorporated to ward off free radicals. This sunscreen is great for delicate, sensitive skin. It won't clog your pores and it smells fresh and beachy.

A couple more, so

Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30, $34, is great for those of you with hypersensitive skin. It's so gentle, it's even ok for children. I love the sleek silver tube, as well as the fact that it doesn't whiten on your face when you apply it.

This special sunscreen contains moisturizing and healing properties and is also PABA, oil and fragrance free. You can apply it under your makeup or for a day at the beach!

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream with SPF 30 , $27.50, is a lightweight, oil-free sun cream with the most incredible texture. It is heat resistant so it won't drip into your eyes, contains UVA, UVB and infra red sun protection all the while hydrating and nourishing your skin.

Sensitive SPF 30 For Your Face, Part I

BellaSugar — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:24:33 PDT

Indulgences usually come with a price. Envision your body getting toasty warm and turning a gorgeous golden color. While that used to be fun as a child, if you haven't already learned by now - exposure to the sun without sunscreen can result in premature aging as well as skin damage and skin cancer.

The summer months are soon approaching and now is the time to respect and protect yourself. As I am sure you already know (but reminders never hurt), sunscreen should be applied evenly to your skin 30 minutes before exposure. Re-apply throughout the day and especially after swimming. Here are three of my favorite sensitive sunscreens for your face:

Apivita's Propoline High Protection Face Cream SPF 30 , $21, is suitable for those with sensitive/dry skin. It uses organic filters and is water resistant.

Its special ingredient is grape seed which is a natural botanical that helps fight aging by neutralizing free radicals. This sunscreen will help block out harmful UVA and UVB rays, hydrate your skin as well as strengthen your skin's natural defense system. Oh, and it smells amazing!

To see more facial sunscreens with SPF 30,

Lancaster Ultra Soothing Lotion for Delicate Skin, $24, is a very gentle, luxurious light cream formulated to offer high sun protection (blocks both UVA and UVB rays) without clogging your pores.

It combines moisturizing and sunscreen which is ideal for those times where you are going to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time and is also water resistant. This product will be available online for purchase on May 1st but is currently already in specialty stores.

Clinique UV-Response Face SPF 30, $14.50, is a water resistant, broad spectrum sun protection lotion that helps fight early signs of aging. It is also formulated to provide antioxidant protection that increases with the intensity of the sun. It's oil free and is great for those with sensitive skin.

Be Wary of Chemicals: The Safest Sunscreens on the Market

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:42:05 PDT

It's hard enough to remember to put on sunscreen when you leave the house, but now you also need to make sure your sunscreen is safe to use. The Environmental Working Group has just released its 2012 Sunscreen Guide, and in order to make the list, a sunscreen must be free of oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, not have an SPF above 50, and must be broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays).

What's wrong with oxybenzone? Although it does a great job of absorbing ultraviolet rays, some studies show that it can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. The Environmental Working Group and toxicology experts believe this can disrupt hormones, damage cells, and potentially lead to skin cancer. Other experts disagree, like the American Academy of Dermatology, and oxybenzone has been FDA-approved since 1978 for use in children older than 6 months.

Keep reading to find out what else you need to consider when buying sunscreen, and for a list of the safest sunscreens on the market.

Christine Taylor on Organic Beauty, Her Must Haves, and Nighttime Hair Routine

Jessica Cruel — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 PDT

Actress Christine Taylor has signed on to be the spokeswoman for organic skin care line Nourish, and as a vegan and mother, her partnership with the brand seems like kismet. "A lot of times products will say 100 percent natural, but this one actually works," Christine explains. "Every person in my family has different favorites, and it's in every bathroom."

Not only does she love the idea of USDA-certified organic beauty (the fresh fig body butter is her top product in the line), but Christine also has plenty of tricks for getting the best results. "You can use the body butter during the day, but you can also load it on at night and wake up with really smooth skin," she explains. Look for Nourish at Whole Foods, and get more of Christine's beauty tips and advice when you read more.

3 Beauty Tips For Battling Rosacea

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:55:00 PDT

April is Rosacea Awareness Month, a perfect time to understand more about the inflammatory condition that, according to the National Rosacea Society, affects 16 million Americans. Many mistake the facial redness or bumps for acne, but there are tell-tale signs you may be dealing with rosacea instead. And although there is no cure, dermatologists can provide treatment (find one through rosaceafacts.com). There are even some beauty tricks you can employ to diminish the appearance of rosacea. Find them out when you continue reading.

Beauty Icon Iman Reveals Her Secret For Looking (and Doing) Good

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:01:00 PDT

Supermodel, brilliant entrepreneur, passionate activist . . . there are so many reasons that Iman is the recipient of our first-ever Beauty Icon award. As one of the world's best-known models, the 56-year-old Somali stunner shows no signs of slowing down as she continues influence the world of style. Watch our video to find out why she's as inspiring as she is gorgeous, and keep reading for an exclusive Q&A with Iman.