BellaSugar

Back to Basics: The Best Shaving Creams

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:13 -0700

These shaving creams worked for my dad, and they still work for me. When I began shaving in my early teens, I used these with a single blade razor. Nowadays, I use a four-blade razor for sensitive skin, and these creams work even better without breaking the bank. I’m a firm believer in splurging in some areas and saving in others, and these drugstore brands have never let me down. Do you have a brand preference when it comes to shaving creams?

Edge Advanced Shaving Gel For Sensitive Skin ($3.23) OK, so this isn't the most feminine product that I own, but I've been using this gel-to-cream formula for ages and I love the texture and the masculine scent. Also, this slightly new and improved formula contains aloe to help soothe even the most sensitive skin.

Barbasol Shaving Cream ($2.49) is the one, the original, the very first shaving cream I ever used. Not only did I love using this thick and creamy formula on my legs, but while at Summer camp, I'd write my bunk number on the lawn outside of the mess hall. I was a happy camper.

To check out another one of my favorite shaving creams, read more.

Wow, I used to love the smell of this Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel For Dry Skin ($3.14). I still use the product because it's gentle and provides a smooth shave that never skips and causes nicks. It also leaves my legs feeling silky smooth and moisturized. It's like I'm wearing pantyhose, when I've got nothing on.

How-To: Prevent Red Bumps in the Bikini Area

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:48 -0700

As we all know, hot weather is just around the corner. Whether you prefer a one-piece or two - or perhaps no swimsuit at all - there's nothing worse than calling attention to "down there" (as Mr. Bella's grandma would point and whisper) than with red, splotchy bumps caused by shaving.

But, the good news is that these bumps, aka pseudofolliculitis barbae, can be avoided. If you're looking for smooth skin with irritation-free results, I've got the answers. Check them out when you read more.

Before breaking out the razor, wash skin with a gentle antibacterial soap to keep germs at bay, exfoliating with a washcloth to create a smooth surface.
Before shaving, rinse or soak in warm water for several minutes to soften the hair.
Next, apply a conditioning shaving gel or cream to the area, such as Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Soothing Lavender ($3.50) or Bikini Zone Anti-Irritation Shave Gel ($4.30).
It should go without saying, but dull blades make for bumpy results. Always use a sharp razor. I like Gillette Venus Divine Razor For Women ($11).
Shaving tips: While you can shave in the opposite direction of hair growth, if you are prone to ingrowns, go with the grain. Try not to go over the same area multiple times or shave each day, as this can cause unnecessary irritation. Also, rinse the razor after each swipe to prevent clogging, and pull the skin taut to get a nice, close shave.
Splash on some cool water when you are done, and pat dry with a towel. For added protection against bumps, apply a postshaving product to reduce inflammation, like Tend Skin ($16) or Bikini Zone Anti-Bumps, Medicated Bikini Pads ($8).

What are your favorite tips?

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Lovely Links, 10/2

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:05:22 -0700

Skintimate's got beauty and shaving tips from Whitney Port.
Go behind the scenes with this Spring/Summer 2009 Christian Dior video from The New York Times.
Over at The Huffington Post, they’re wondering whether Sarah Palin's lipliner is a tattoo.
Stylelist has got the fix for self-tanner disasters - from splotchy color to rub off on clothes.
The Moment features one model, 12 different looks.
See what a nail protecting clip looks like at Kiss and Makeup.
BellaSugar UK has a picture of Kate Moss's pink hair from last weekend. Was it permanent? Turns out, it's not.
Now Smell This has the buzz on a beeswax-scented fragrance.
Shake Your Beauty shares a beauty editor secret regarding pre-natal vitamins with her post "An Alternative to Flintstones."

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Doing Drugstore: Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel

BellaSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:00:20 -0700

When it comes to shaving my legs, I tend to switch between high-end shaving potions and drugstore brands, since the latter are just easier to buy on short notice. But while Gillette Satin Care doesn't totally suck, the Walgreen's offering does, and in general, drugstore brands don't give me the silky-smooth shave I want.

The exception, I've just discovered, is Aveeno Positively Smooth Shaving Gel ($3.99). This product gave me one of the closest, most moisturizing shaves I've ever gotten from a drugstore gel, so read more

It would be unfair to compare Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel only to its drugstore cousins, because it also holds its own against the higher-end stuff. You need just a small amount of gel to produce a substantially velvety lather, and its light scent is cleanly pleasant, unlike offerings from Gillette or Skintimate.

But while the shaving process is the same as with other drugstore gels, the results are leaps and bounds away. Afterwards, my legs were as silky as the soft Aveeno lather, and even on my sensitive skin, there wasn't a hint of irritation or stubble. This may be my new standby.