BellaSugar

Bellissima! TePe Tongue Detox

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:00:00 -0800

This new Tongue Detox Device from Tepe ($9.18) is all the rage in Europe and l've finally been able to find an online retailer that will ship it to America. When I first read about it, it reminded me a lot of the Breath Rx anti-bacterial tongue spray and tongue scraper, and as I researched it more and more, I came upon a dozen or so tongue devices created to kill bacteria and scrape away the white scummy film that causes bacteria build-up and bad breath.

Who knew this was such a diverse market? Apparently, tongue cleaning devices have been around for centuries. They help control plaque, bad breath and unwanted bacteria that can cause tooth decay and mouth and throat infections.

Tongue Detox stands apart from the crowd for several reasons. Not only is it double-sided, dishwasher safe and coated with mint to help with fresh breath, but it also comes in four bright colors, it is made from recyclable plastic, and has a slim design to help avoid the dreaded gag reflex.

Sounds to me like they've thought of everything. Are you even aware of the smell of your breath? To find out if Tongue Detox is something you should consider, lick the back of your hand, wait a few seconds and then smell your hand. If you sense any kind of an unpleasant odor, chances are you have bad breath.

Gossip Girl Beauty Quiz: Episode 7, "How to Succeed in Bassness"

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:51 -0700

Whoa, there, Serena. I love that star barrette you're wearing, but you best slow your roll. Seriously, last night's episode was pretty ridiculous for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the tongue-in-cheek Endless Knights bodice-ripping. On the other hand, though, the hair and makeup at the speakeasy were divine. Were you too busy watching Jenny act like a juvenile in the worst sense while Rufus and Lily made extra-cute, or is your beauty sense too keen to be distracted by the daily Greek tragedies on the Upper East Side? Take the quiz and find out!

Photo courtesy of The CW

Take the quiz

Bellissima! Breath RX Daily Tongue Care Kit

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:57:45 -0700

Bad breath happens to be something of a sticking point for me. I know it's terrible, but if I am talking to someone who has it, I can't seem to concentrate at all. From the moment I realize it all I can think of is how to get out of the conversation. It immediately makes me thing of germs and poor hygiene.

I know what you're thinking: relax, girl. Sixty million Americans suffer from bad breath and, really, it can happen to anyone. Bad breath is caused by a buildup of bacteria that gets caught in your tongue.

When I discovered this Daily Tongue Care Kit from Breath RX ($9.99) I thought I had found gold. They should really start passing this stuff out in schools at a young age so that people get into the habit of buying it as commonly as they buy toilet paper, tampons and Q-tips!

The kit includes an anti-bacterial tongue spray and two tongue scrapers. These tongue scrapers are gentle, flexible and have a gag-proof slim structure. The spray kills bacteria on contact and helps combat bad breath. Hallelujah!

A Simple Tip For Preventing the "Photo Double Chin"

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:40:22 -0700

It's a close call on whether or not you like your driver's license photo. Perhaps you blinked, didn't hear your cue, or could it be that a double chin just appeared out of nowhere? These mishaps can happen in any type of photo, not just the ones that prove you can legally operate heavy machinery.

To avoid the photo double chin, stand tall, hold your shoulders back, and stick your chin up just slightly. Better yet? Use this technique that my mom taught me.

Simply touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth and smile. This action helps muscles tighten around the neck area. That, and, it instantly makes you more aware of any inadvertent slouching. Say cheese - hold the extra chin.

Six Smart Tips For Better Wedding and Engagement Photos

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:42 -0700

Are you having a wedding on a budget? Or do you just want to preserve a few before-the-big-day moments in a photo session? Either way, going the DIY route is a totally do-able option - as long as you follow a few guidelines. We asked Meg Messina, a San Francisco-based photographer, to share her secrets for going behind the lens.

For six of her best tips, read more.

Photograph at the Right Time of Day
"This is the simplest tip, because it lets natural light do most of the work for you. When the sun is directly overhead or high in the sky - say from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - it creates harsh, unflattering shadows. Shooting before or after will give you fewer shadows and a more even glow. Use morning light for a beautiful cool tone and late-afternoon light for a look that’s warm and soft. If you have to shoot mid-day, make sure it’s cloudy or overcast - or find a big spot of shade."

Pick Your Wardrobe Wisely
"His-and-her sweaters? All-denim outfits? Bad ideas. The goal here is not to match but to coordinate your clothing. Choose colors that complement each other and avoid patterns that clash. And most importantly, stay away from logo tees. You might love a band, but your engagement photo is not the place to advertise."

Use Flash to Make Your Photos Pop
"It’s very common for flash to be too strong - wiping out details and creating ugly red-eye. But when used correctly, your on-camera flash can add a nice glint to your photos. The surrounding light may cause your flash not to trigger, so first, set your flash to 'on' instead of 'auto.' Next, tape a small piece of tissue paper over the flash. The paper will act as a diffuser, softening the light just a bit before it hits your face. Make sure the tape itself does not cover the flash or you’ll be left with weird shadows. Now take a few test shots to determine how close to stand to the camera. Find the correct distance and angle and this little burst of light will add a beautiful glint to your eye."

Use a Digital Camera With a Self-Timer
"If you have a friend willing to press the shutter button, that’s great. But a self-timer and a tripod (or a safe flat surface) will work just fine. Unless you’re more experienced, stick with digital so you can see what you’re getting and make adjustments as you go along. The first step is to frame the shot on your fiancé from behind the camera, leaving room to one side for you to jump in. Set the self-timer and be ready to get in place as soon as you press the shutter button. A self-timer is a great way to eliminate the stiff posed look some photos have. There’s no time to pose because you’re running into the frame!"

Don’t Skimp on Printing
"If you want high-quality prints of your photos, take the files to a high-quality printer. There’s a huge continuum of photo printers, from drug stores to high-end labs, and something in the mid-to-high range is the way to go. Drugstore printers use machines and lower quality ink and paper. Since they’re dealing with a larger volume of customers, your prints may lack the attention to detail that make them look great. A high-quality printer will use better materials and trained professionals who make adjustments to the image before running it through the machine. They may also offer retouching services, if you need to remove a blemish, an under-eye circle, or whiten your fiancé’s teeth. Even if you decide not to have prints made, labs can improve photos before you email them out or post them online. "

Have Some Fun and Show Your Personality
"This is the most important tip of all. Your engagement photos are meant to capture your personalities as individuals and as a couple. Find a way to show that in your setting, activities, or expressions. For example: was your first date in a photogenic spot? Use that spot as your background. Do you love backpacking or camping together? Photograph yourselves in a tent. Are you both complete goofballs? Take a photo with your eyes crossed and tongues sticking out. Whatever your version is, know that you’re not confined to a perfectly posed smiley photo. So create a photo that is unique to you!"

Photograph courtesy of Meg Messina Photography

What to Do If You Run Out of Toothpaste

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:01:12 -0700

A few weeks ago, I ran out of toothpaste. I'm not sure how it happened, but when I went to grab a new box from my toothpaste stash, it turned up empty. (I'll blame it all on Mr. Bella.)

Whatever the case, I didn't have time to go out and buy a new tube right then and there, and I had already cut it open to squeeze out the last remnants the night before. I ended up making a homemade paste from basic ingredients in the kitchen. Find out what I used, along with some more ideas for cleaning and freshening sans paste, when you read more.

Do what I did: Blend two parts of baking soda with one part salt and sprinkle over a toothbrush that's been moistened with water. This mixture helps whiten teeth and freshen breath. The flavor takes some getting used to, but it's pretty effective and super easy.

Raid the fridge: Chewing on mint or parsley will help neutralize odors until you can make your way to the store to restock on the toothpaste. FitSugar has more foods that help freshen breath, like carrots and yogurt. Apples act as great natural teeth cleansers, too.

Hit up the pantry: Chew on anise, dill, sesame, or fennel seeds; cardamom pods; cloves; or cinnamon sticks, which all help clean and polish teeth.

Peroxide: In a jam, you can also tip your toothbrush in germ-fighting hydrogen peroxide and brush your teeth like "normal."

Scrape your tongue: Using a spoon, scrape your tongue to help remove bacteria. I do this trick even when I have a supply of toothpaste readily available. It works amazingly well to keep bad breath at bay.

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Behold the Wackiest Hair at Fashion Week (So Far)

BellaSugar — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Haven't heard of Gerlan Jeans? Neither had I, but something tells me you won't soon forget the name. Textile designer Gerlan Marcel, who graduated from Central St. Martins a few years ago, has created a bright, bold collection that makes early TLC's style look like Grace Kelly's in comparison. (She showed her collection at Patricia Fields' home.) Subtle they're not, but these hairstyles definitely capture your attention.

Obviously, Gerlan Jeans is an artsy, funky, youthful line. It's meant to be out-there. But while I dig some of the patterns she's created, the beauty look is too much of an out-there thing for my tastes. What do you think - is this wacky fun, or is it too over-the-top even for a fashion presentation? (And doesn't the tongue-pierced model look like Elina from ANTM?)

View 12 Photos ›

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Flavored Body Products, Tasty or Tasteless?

BellaSugar — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:00:11 -0800

Since Valentine's Day is not quite a distant memory, I thought we'd tackle the tasty (or tasteless) topic of lick-able lotions and palatable powders. Have you ever tried a flavored body product or did you receive something like this for V-Day? If so, let us know which types tickled your tongue in the comments below.

How-To: Eliza Dushku's Natural Waves

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:00:17 -0800

The Sundance Film Festival is in full effect, as were Eliza Dushku's tousled, natural curls, styled courtesy of Living Proof, a humidity-resistant line created by a MIT professor. While I love the classy, structured retro waves that were hot at this year's Golden Globes, I'm liking Dushku's more everyday version. And I've got the how-to on creating these shiny, natural curls at home:

Depending on the length of your hair, apply 10-15 sprays of No Frizz Wave Shaping Spray ($24) and 10-15 sprays of No Frizz Straight Making Spray ($24). Distribute evenly by combing through the hair. The theory behind using a seemingly contradictory set of products (straightening and waving) is that the Wave Shaping Spray will help hold the curl, and the Straight Making Spray will help prolong the blow-dry.
Blow-dry hair with a large round brush, rolling it around the brush to give it body. Focus on heating around the rolled hair and roots for maximum results.
Finish by curling the ends for a more defined look. Pretty easy, and modern, too.

If you're as much of a Buffy fan as I am, you shouldn't miss Dushku in the preview of Dollhouse, Joss Whedon's new show. I know I'll be watching, if only because I just love saying Dushku over and over again. Just rolls off the tongue.
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One More Use For Your Toothbrush

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

I regularly brush my tongue and roof of my mouth at the advice of the dentist but I've taken to brushing another part of my mouth . . . without toothpaste, that is. Using a clean and dry toothbrush, you can buff your lips by gently brushing them, too. Not only will this remove flaky skin, it also helps smooth the surface. Just like exfoliation primes your face for makeup, removing dead skin from your lips will help lipstick glide on more evenly for a smooth-looking smile.

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