BellaSugar

Wine and Chocolate For the Holidays? Oh Yes, and Here's Why!

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:59 -0800

Dropping temperatures often equate to a less than glowing appearance of the skin. But you don't have to look like a poor turkey on Thanksgiving day during these cold-weathered months. In fact, this year, I'm giving my thanks to dermatologist/psychiatrist Dr. Amy Wechsler, who has not only provided us with her adult acne tips, but now she's got some helpful advice on banishing dry, wintry skin, along with suggestions for beauty-friendly gifts this holiday season. Find out what she has to say when you read more.

Oh, Stormy: 5 Ways to Weather-Proof That Hair

BellaSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:38 -0700

Ugh. The weather over the last week has been crappy, and my hair has totally rolled over into submission. Welcome to the grossest season, I guess. There are so many great things about this time of year, but the inclement transitional weather isn't one of them. To keep myself from giving up hope, I've decided to rally and find some ways to keep my hair looking good in spite of the gray mess outside. I've put together five solid ideas for keeping things smooth and pretty, whether the humidity's giving you crazy curls or sad, lank locks. To storm-proof your crowning glory, just keep reading

Ultra Rich Skin Relief with Biotherm's Baume Ultra Riche

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:00:39 -0800

I'm sometimes flaky (my skin, that is). Winter can cause peeling patches on my legs so, for the past three weeks, I've been testing a new product for extremely dry skin – Biotherm Baume Ultra Riche.

When squeezing the tube, I was first surprised how thick the cream felt (a dime-sized amount covered my entire leg and foot). It's rich with omega fats – which cut inflammation and irritation – and nourishing shea butter. I can definitely notice a difference in looks and appearance. This body balm lives up to its claim of intensive repairing and nourishment, but, be forewarned, it also includes apricot oil and pulp. This helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness with an accompanying fruity aroma. At $23, the lotion's on the pricier side for this economy. But, since a little goes such a long way, I'd say it's worth the investment.

Don't Take a Hot Shower This Winter

BellaSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:00:46 -0800

It's no fun stepping out of a warm bed into a less warm bathroom – am I the only one with freezing floor tiles year-round?! Sadly, hot showers aren't your best Winter bet . . . for your skin, anyway.

As refreshing as hot water can be, it dries out skin quickly. With the increased risk cold weather already brings, your best bet is to take a lukewarm shower and apply moisturizer as your second step after drying off. Adding lotion immediately will lock in your skin's moisture even when you get to the truly frigid air.

This season it's also especially important to read the labels on your bath and beauty products. To keep skin well-nourished, look for lotions or creams with oils (e.g., coconut, almond, etc.) and butters (e.g., shea, cocoa, etc.) to provide moisture. Avoid shower gels with alcohols as one of the top ingredients because that'll steal extra moisture even before you step out of the shower.

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Product Review: YonKa Lait Auto Bronzant

BellaSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:00:35 -0800

For those of you who are considering a quickie tanning bed session after giving yourself a Winter vacation from the sun, hold up for a second. Instead of frying your skin, go with a self-tanner like Lait Auto Bronzant from YonKa ($34). It has a milky texture that spreads evenly, it isn't greasy, and best of all, it smells great. It is made with natural botanicals and fruit extracts so it has a slightly floral, slightly spa essence.

What distinguishes this self-tanner from others is that it has a natural and gradual effect. Even after I've used it for a week straight, the result is more bronzey and sun-kissed than anything else. I've never been accused of looking orange or yellow - however, that's not to say I haven't turned a few girlfriends green with envy.

The only drawback is that you have to wait four hours before seeing any results, and let's just say that patience isn't my strongest virtue. But if you're looking for a Winter self-tanner to give your face a little boost of color, this is tops.

Doing Drugstore: Sunsilk Winter Collection

BellaSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 07:00:12 -0800

New from Sunsilk is an affordable hair care range that consists of a Shampoo, Conditioner and Anti-Static Mist that helps prevent the dryness that causes breakage and split ends.

Winter Collection (which has adorable snowflakes on each of the bottles) not only gets you in the cold weather spirit, but it helps to nourish, moisturize and fortify hair during the cold winter months that are especially harsh on your hair and skin.

It is made with Vitamin D, silicone and silk that work together to help lubricate your hair to keep it smooth, shiny and controlled. Each of the products cost $3.50 and are available at Target.

For more on each of the three products in the Sunsilk Winter Collection, read more.

Sunsilk Winter Shampoo is a hydrating shampoo that fights away static and breakage to result in a smooth and soft hair.
Sunsilk Winter Conditioner penetrates deeply to protect hair from drying out.
Sunsilk Winter Mist is a light and spicy smelling styling product that shields hair from the damaging effects of the cold. It can be used on wet or dry hair.

Wonderful Ways to Warm Winter Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:00:08 -0800

Take a break from the cold and indulge yourself with a warm and wonderful at-home spa treatment. Both of these products contain ingredients that self heat when applied to the skin to help draw out impurities and detoxify. Not only do they feel divine when there's a chill in the air, but they also smell delicious.

My interest in warming treatments began when I tried the Retexturizing Thermal Exfoliator from Cornelia and ever since then, I've been hooked on thermal products. So go on and pamper yourself - baby, it's cold outside!

L'Occitane En Provence Grape Warming Body Wrap ($30) is a moist pink and white mud mask that helps absorb excess toxins in the body. The result is unclogged pores, soft skin, and overall improved in skin tone.

Upon contact, the mud heats up and stimulates circulation, which also helps promote cellular metabolism as well as relaxation - doesn't this sound fab!

For another wonderful, Winter warming product, read more

Lancôme Pure Focus Masque ($28) is a self-heating face mask made with marine extract, salicylic acid, and zinc glutonate to help control oil and shine, deep clean, and prevent new breakouts.

It will also tighten and refine your pores as well as soften your skin and create an overall matte finish.

Re-Balancing and Rejuvenating Facial Oils, Part II

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:00:58 -0800

Yesterday I brought you the first installment of my series on face oils. These gentle and fast-absorbing products are a relatively new way to increase hydration as well as re-balance and rejuvenate dry winter skin. Here are three more products to check out.

Neal's Yard Organic Orange Flower Facial Oil ($60) helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, eliminate toxins as well as balance the moisture levels in the skin. It is made from mandarin, pomegranate, primrose, ylang ylang, neroli and macadamia seed oil. After continued use, the result is soft, supple and balanced skin. Use morning and/or evening and massage into the face and neck.

For two more re-balancing and rejuvenating facial oils, read more

Clarins Santal Fave Treatment Oil ($45) is nourishing oil that helps calm redness and promotes radiance. Apply in the evening followed by a moisturizer.

Awake Aroma Facial Oil ($40) is a bedtime treatment that works wonders to soothe dehydrated and malnourished skin. Made from Vitamin E, herbs and macadamia oil, it penetrates the deep layers of your skin to protect skin without clogging your pores.

Re-Balancing and Rejuvenating Facial Oils, Part I

BellaSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:00:32 -0800

I can understand why the thought of applying oil directly to your face might seem a little bit scary. After all, we've been told that oil-free products work best to keep your pores clear and to help keep oily skin matte. But try to strike this information from the record for a moment so that you can learn a little bit about a few non-comedogenic facial oils. These nighttime treatments are a great way to help replenish the moisture level of your skin during these dehydrating winter months.

A little while back I talked to you about Darphin's Tangerine Aromatic Care Oil. I've been using it religiously and the stuff is so amazing that I wish I could drink it! Here are a few more facial oils that are suitable for all skin types. While they are especially fab for those of you with dry skin, they won't make oily skin greasier. They work to hydrate the deeper levels of your skin with brilliant results.

Ole Henriksen Black Currant Complexion Oil ($32) helps calm red/irritated skin as well as shield skin from the drying effects of cold weather and wind. It contains vitamin E to moisturize; lemon, cypress and clary sage to energize; and tea tree oil to fight off bacteria that can lead to blemishes.

To use, cleanse and tone skin and then apply a light layer to the face and neck in the evening before bed. Massage into your skin and follow with a lotion of your choice.

For two more re-balancing and rejuvenating facial oils, read more

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate ($68.25) is an absorbent facial oil that gets applied in the evening. It works to restore, soften and re-balance your skin as well as deeply moisturize. Make sure that you rub this in well so that none of the yellow color gets onto your pillow. Then simply breathe in to enjoy the wonderful and calming scent.

Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil ($55) is a highly concentrated facial oil that provides intense moisture to help soothe dry, chapped or cracked skin. It is made from a blend of sesame, sweet almond, olive, jojoba, neroli, patchouli, lavender and sandalwood oils as well as Vitamin E which contains healing properties. Use in the evening and follow with a moisturizer.

Overcome the Woes of Winter Hair and Skin

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:00:08 -0800

During the winter months our skin gets flaky and dry, our hair becomes more brittle, and because our nails aren't exposed to as much vitamin D from the sun as they are in the summer, they tend to weaken and grow more slowly. So before the temperature plunges below zero and any moisture that's left gets sucked right out of you, take a moment to read about a few simple ways to ensure that your hair and body stay healthy all winter long.

Pamper your senses in the shower Showers are your special time to breathe in the stimulating aromas from a shampoo, body scrub, or soap. Choose a fragrance that makes you feel alive and soak it all in! Try not to linger too long, though, because hot water can dry your skin.
Face the music It's important to apply a face mask every week to clear out your pores and re-hydrate skin. You should really begin to notice the suppleness and brightness of your skin after each treatment.

For three more tips to help overcome the woes of Winter hair and skin, read more

Lotion up with a thick body lotion so that you don't get flaky hands, legs, and feet. Indulge in products that contain shea butter since it is especially hydrating and protective.
Refresh and exfoliate your skin at least twice a week. If you want all of that bright and shiny baby skin to resurface, you've got to get rid of the gray, lackluster, and dead skin first. You can exfoliate in the shower or bath, or just do a quick face exfoliation at your bathroom sink.
Take special care of your hair Apply a hair mask at least once a week. Pay attention to the ingredients to make sure it's rich in nutrients and essential oils.

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