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What We're Sweet On: Radiance and Clarity, All in 10 Minutes

Jaime Richards — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:09:00 PDT

If you're one who doesn't like to fuss with a lot of products, then you'll love Murad's Intensive - C Radiance Peel ($50), from the brand's new Environmental Shield line. Use it just once or twice a week (at 10 minutes each application), and skin is left with just about every adjective you want it to be: bright, smooth, luminous, and supple.

The reasons? Glycolic acid helps to exfoliate, while vitamin C and Indian fig free help protect the complexion from free radicals. And thanks to the addition of collagen-boosting myrtle extract, skin gets a surge of rejuvenation. The peel smells amazing, too, like an orange and grapefruit stand on a warm, sunny day. Don't be frightened by the tingling sensation that occurs almost immediately after application, though. It's just the ingredients doing what they're supposed to be doing. How's that for a little clarity?

Key Skin Care Products Every Woman Should Own

Jaime Richards — Sun, 20 May 2012 05:10:00 PDT

A trip to the skin care aisle can be a dizzying experience, but it doesn't have to be so complicated. And while it's obviously important to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, there are a few key items every woman should include on her must-have list, explains Suki Kramer, founder and president of Suki skin care. They are . . .

A great exfoliator: "From jump-starting collagen to purifying pores to removing dryness and blemishing to making us feel great because of the immediate way an exfoliator takes care of business, this product is a can't-live-without product," Kramer explains.
The right moisturizer: "Even if your skin type tends to be normal to oily, using a high-quality moisturizer with good oils on a regular basis can be the key to improving the way your skin functions, looks, and feels," she adds.
A great lip balm: Everybody gets dry, chapped lips at some point or has problems with flaking and/or dryness. A lip repair product will help keep the lips smooth, supple, and kissable. Bonus? It also provides an excellent base for your lipsticks, glosses, and liners, keeping them fresher- and purer-looking all day (or night) long.

What We're Sweet On: A Brush For the Blemished

Annie Tomlin — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:30:00 PDT

Countless praises have been sung for Clarisonic, the cult-favorite sonic skin cleansing brush. But until now, the acne-addled haven't had a version that targets their complexion condition. Enter the newest incarnation of the Mia 2 brush and salicylic acid-infused cleanser ($169), which aims to keep blemishes at bay. We gave the brush a spin (courtesy of public relations), and like the original, it removes the dirt and makeup that doesn't always come off through washing by hands alone. The new brush head ($25) is softer than the original, though, and it's especially gentle for anyone who's experiencing stubborn blackheads or painful nodules. While no product will produce flawless skin overnight, with consistent use, having clearer skin may only be a matter of time.

Soothe Sunburn With This DIY Recipe

Michelle Phan — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:25:00 PDT

YouTube star and beauty guru Michelle Phan always has a new tip or two for making life easier. It happens to the best of us, even with the best of intentions, and this week, Michelle tells us how we can alleviate a painful sunburn:

Hi everyone,

Each day it's getting a little sunnier and little warmer outside. It's nice to spend this time outdoors, and while it's also nice to get a little vitamin D for your skin from Mr. Sun, what's not nice are those painful sunburns you're often left with as souvenirs.

Great makeup starts with a good foundation . . . brush, that is

Sunburns can be annoying, painful, and peel-y, and once you have one, they tend to be hard to forget about until they fade away. Your skin needs a little TLC when it's burned. Find out some of my sunburn soothing tips to help out when your golden glow is more of rosy red when you read more:

5 Foods (and 1 Supplement) That Help Banish Acne

Jaime Richards — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:39:00 PDT

There are topical home remedies to blast away acne, but certain foods can assist in putting blemishes, breakouts, and inflammation in their place, as well. Stay tuned for more information on superfoods and their skin-enhancing benefits, but for the acne-specific ones, just keep reading.

What We're Sweet On: The Cedar Soap That Makes You Stronger

Jaime Richards — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:30:00 PDT

If you love rich, woodsy scents, here's your new shower buddy: Indigo Wild Cedar Zum Bar ($4). Don't let its tough-guy exterior fool you, though. Behind the swirls of the black and white bar exist skin-softening olive, palm, and coconut oils. There's also goat's milk in the formulation, which is neither too alkaline or acidic, playing nicely with the natural pH balance of skin. And speaking of skin, what's left behind (besides a clean body, of course) is the lingering scent of subtly smoky cedarwood. Known for its relaxing properties, cedar is even said to bring you emotional strength. Can your regular bar soap do all that? Bonus: after you use it, your house/apartment will have a nice, fresh, balsamic scent permeating throughout.

3 Easy Steps For Treating Dry, Cracked Heels

Jaime Richards — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:30:00 PDT

Cracked heels can be a problem, especially coming out of the colder months when the air lends itself to dry skin. On top of that, these fissures can worsen as a result of the pressure put on your heels throughout the day - particularly if you're a fan of foot-imbalancing stilettos. Along with being less-than-aethestically-pleasing, untreated cracked heels can split even further, causing pain (and in some cases, infection). Prevention is key: moisturize daily, get pedicures as needed, and drink plenty of water to save your feet. But what do you do when your cracks are already out of whack? Find out how to do your own at-home treatment when you read more.

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.

What Do You Know About the Ins and Outs of Self-Tanner?

Jaime Richards — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:05:00 PDT

Self-tanners are a safe staple of warm-weather beauty regimens, but you may be surprised to hear that the formula for self-tanners has remained relatively unchanged over the past 40 years. With that said, they certainly don't have a boring history. When it comes to the ins and outs of faux tans, is your knowledge golden or is it all a bit streaky? Take this quiz to find out.

Take the Quiz

Melanoma Risk Factors: What You Need to Know

Jaime Richards — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:07 PDT

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and unfortunately, it's a disease that's on the rise. However, melanoma, which can be described as the uncontrolled spread of pigment-producing cells, can be easily cured when detected early enough.

It's National Skin Cancer Awareness month, so for more tips on prevention, stay tuned. But first, discover more about this type of cancer and who has a greater risk for developing it, when you keep reading.