BellaSugar

The Sunscreen in Your Foundation May Not Actually Work

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:26:22 -0700

A lot of us rely on the sunscreen in our makeup to protect us during the day, but the Daily Mail is reporting that, in the UK at least, one in five cosmetics with SPF isn't up to par with the EU sunscreen guidelines and doesn't give any protection against UVA rays - the ones responsible for aging. Even more worrisome, the researchers also found that three out of four products weren't completely effective just two hours after application - meaning that if you put your foundation on in the morning, you're no longer protected by the time you take your lunchtime stroll. That also means reapplying your foundation four times in the course of a normal workday, which I think is just absurd. Do you think American products would fare any better in a trial like this? Until we know, I'll be wearing zinc oxide and a hat.

Powder Power: 7 Unconventional Ways to Use It

BellaSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:00:24 -0700

You already know that powder can mattify oily skin or create a sudsy bubble bath. Those uses are easy. But powders have other, more unusual beauty uses that might surprise you. Read on to see seven items I've tried that get their jobs done. There's, if you'll pardon the pun, a whole lotta shakin' goin' on with these.

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Beauty Byte: Sun Exposure Causes Increased Genetic Mutations

BellaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:01:00 -0700

Do you ever wonder why some people seem to age at a rapid pace, while others look years younger than what their birth certificate might suggest? That's just what P&G Beauty scientists recently sought to discover, using genomics to learn more about the aging of skin.

While lower levels of collagen, increased inflammation, and a decrease in hydration-enhancing molecules in the skin all contribute to aging, there's one other factor that might surprise you. You know that sun isn't great for your skin, but as it turns out, it's really not great for your skin. Shockingly, skin that had not been exposed to the sun had around 3,000 genetic mutations, but skin with exposure had - are you ready for this? - nearly 10,000 genetic mutations. So if that's not another reason for you to run and grab the sunscreen, I don't know what is.

Reader Review of the Day: Anew Advanced All-on-One UVA/UVB

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:19 -0700

Avon's Anew Advanced All-in-One Cream ($16.50) provides both UVA and UVB protection. Plus, it has antioxidant protection with a SPF of 15. But, with all that it claims to do, does this hydrating product work? Take it away, Stef42678:

I really love this product because it is so creamy, but doesn't feel greasy. Not only does it do a great job at moisturizing my skin and keeping it from getting dry, but it adds a little color and makes my skin look healthier and more alive. I really like this product, and it is great for combination dry/oily skin like mine.

Please let us know what products you'd recommend to friends, family, and fellow Bella readers. Head over to the Product Reviews section and tell us what you think. There are over 50,000 beauty items from which to choose!

Will Ferrell Promises a Sexy Hot Tan . . . or Sunstroke

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:29 -0700

This cleverly marketed Will Ferrell Sunscreen comes with all sorts of jokes about streaking strength. But don't worry, it's the real deal. Before you start kicking and screaming, notice that both bottles are SPF 30, so they've actually got you covered despite the goofy names. The formula is packed with UVA/UVB protection - and PABA free, alcohol free, mineral oil free, and fragrance free! - and it slips on better than the stranger-than-fiction names may imply.

At $12 a pop, bottles don't come as cheap as a drugstore variety, but proceeds for this product go toward Cancer For College, a nonprofit offering scholarships for cancer survivors. I'm bewitched by the idea. Are you?

Seven Places You Might Forget to Apply Sunscreen - but Shouldn't

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:43 -0700

Recently I attended a wedding where the bride wore a strapless gown, showing off her gorgeous décolleté and delicate features. Unfortunately for her, it also showed off a unique sports bra tan line, complete with red splotches showing the telltale signs where exposed skin had accidentally been passed over by a swipe of SPF.

Even the most careful of sun protection applications can result in unwanted burns. I myself have been a victim of inadvertent scorched skin, and have vowed to never (ever, ever) let that happen again. It probably goes without saying that most of us are thorough with our shoulders, backs, necks, arms, and legs, but here are a few places you might want to double check before heading out into the intense heat. Discover them after the jump.

What Happens When You Skip the Sunscreen? More Than You'd Think.

BellaSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:07 -0700

As if I didn't reiterate it enough, sunscreen should be a daily essential. Horrifying sunburns, anyone? Besides lobster-red tones from head to toe, what would happen to your skin if you skipped the 'screen? I've consulted with Dr. Adrienne Denese, a dermatologist who specializes in antiaging techniques, to find out what measures we can take to prevent skin damage. As expected, SPF is key. "The most important step a young woman needs to take is to use sun protection 365 days a year," Dr. Denese says.

The reason? "Over 90 percent of aging of the skin is sun-induced," she adds. "Nearly everything you do not like about your skin - lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun spots, enlarged pores, red capillaries around the nose, loss of tone, and firmness - all have to do with sun exposure." Plus, don't forget that you can get damage from the sun even when the sun is not visible. "It can be overcast. It can be raining or snowing. The UVA rays are present even under these circumstances, undermining the integrity of your skin," advised Dr. Denese. Lesson learned.

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Are You Too Lazy For SPF? Not Anymore . . .

BellaSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:21 -0700

If you're forgetful when it comes to applying sunscreen, here's a simple way to get a little bit of protection: wash up. These days, sunscreen comes in cleanser form, leaving an invisible shield on your skin after you wash the soap off. And while it doesn't offer maximum shield from the sun, it's better than nothing.

The latest of these products to catch my eye is the Betheseda sunscreen soap ($8). Like St. Ives Elements Protective Cleanser, it provides SPF 10 protection, but in bar-soap form. What's notable, though, is the company's "Melanie Policy," named in honor of the founder's sister, who is battling colon and liver cancer. Bethesda is giving away a free bar of the soap to anybody who is fighting cancer or knows someone who has the disease. Generous - and good karma, too.

Reader Review of the Day: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:00:11 -0700

In a few short weeks, I'm off to visit some friends who live right along the waters of Lake Erie, so I've got beach gear on the brain. After searching facial moisturizers with SPF protection, I came across Jennipoo's review of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 ($18.50), for which she calls an "excellent moisturizer for normal to oily skin." Here's what else she had to say:

I'm a huge fan of Kiehl's, especially their moisturizers. It's perfect, super lightweight, absorbs very quickly into the skin, and my skin hasn't had any reaction/break outs to it! If you have super dry skin, I'd get the Ultra Facial Cream, which I used in the Winter. It's nongreasy and moisturized for 24 hours (and that's a real 24 hours - not a gimmick they stick on the label).

Now it's your turn to add to our ever-expanding Product Review website. Do you have any beach-going favorites you'd like to share? Let us know about it.

Sun Care Doesn't Stop With Your Skin - Shield Your Hair, Too

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:00:17 -0700

Sunshiny beach, here I come! Maybe just in my dreams for now, but if you're planning a Summer vacay (or you're lucky enough to live year-round in a hot place), let's remember protection, mmmkay? Yes, it's Bella on a sunscreen podium again with a tip to treat your tresses, too. Keep hair shielded from sun, salt, and sand - especially if you have fragile, chemically treated or colored hair - since a green 'do is a definite do not do.

It can be as simple as adding a sun spray before you head out, or switching up a product for this season, so peep my picks for chlorine and UV protection before you hit the waves. Beachy.

Oscar Blandi Capri Sun Shield Spray - $20.00	Barex - Sun Essential Hair and Body Shampoo - 150ml - $23.00
BB Olive Oil Hair Strengthener - $5.49	Shiseido refreshing sun protection spray for body/hair spf 16 - $28.00
Colorgen Professional Colorgen Protective Hair Shine Mist - $3.99	Tela Guardian SPF 18 - $40.00
Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil - Strong Sun Protection - $22.00	Kerastase Soleil Masque UV Defence Active 6.8 oz. - $39.95
Frederic Fekkai Defense Thermal/UV Protectant - $25.00

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