BellaSugar

Beauty Mark It Results: Tingly Toothpaste

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:30:11 -0800

Instead of makeup, shampoos, or hair removal devices, for this week's Beauty Mark It Challenge we're talking teeth. I wanted to know which toothpastes got those pearlies all sparkly and which ones didn't freshen as nicely. Thanks to all of your reviewing efforts, and here are my favorites below:

Elle 07 reviewed Crest Pro-Health Fluoride Toothpaste for Anticavity, Antigingivitis, and Sensitive Teeth ($4.29) - "This is my favorite toothpaste. Taste is minty, makes my teeth feel clean, and no problem with sensitivity. (Oh and my dad's a dentist.)"
Nals33 liked Crest Pro-Health Night Fluoride Toothpaste ($4.29) - "When you use it at night, it feels like a normal toothpaste except for there's this smoothness to your teeth. I didn't pay much attention to it the first night I used it. But the next morning, I noticed that I still had that smoothness and clean-feeling mouth. Also, it definitely made my teeth whiter (though, not as much as with whitening strips), and it hasn't made my teeth sensitive. I will definitely be buying this toothpaste again."
Righteothen said Peppermint Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste by Tom's of Maine ($6.15) takes some getting used to - "This is not typical toothpaste. It's not as sweet, it doesn't foam as much, and the flavor is not as strong. The xylitol in this is the only sweetener, but it doesn't make you think 'sweet.' For those that think it doesn't taste as strong as your typical toothpaste, that is because it uses natural oils for the flavor, and those take a little to get used to. Once you are, it is quite flavorful."

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Beauty Mark It Results: Blemish Blasters

BellaSugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:00:29 -0800

We've all been there. The dreaded moment when that dreaded pimple appears from what seems like out of nowhere. Whatever you call these pesky bumps (zits, blemishes, spots, comedones), they're always unwanted.

So, for last week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I asked you to review blemish controllers. I wondered which anti-acne products and oil-free creams help to keep your bumps at bay. You had some great input in the comments section from the original post, and here are my favorite from our Product Reviews page:

Witchy Ways reviewed Avene Acne Spot Treatment ($16). "I used this for a while in combination with the Avene moisturizer for people who undergo acne treatment and it worked perfectly. Unfortunately, once I stopped the really heavy acne treatment, the moisturizer was too much for me and I only use it once a week now. It still worked and I was thankful for that."
Nals33 reviewed Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment ($35). "I used this for a few months. I find that my skin reacts better to products that are all natural. This product didn't dry my skin out very much, which is always great! The only reason I've stopped using this product is because my skin gets use to products fairly quickly. But I definitely recommend this to those who need a blemish fighter that is on the gentle side."
Stef42678 reviewed M·A·C Oil Control Lotion ($28). "I really like this moisturizer because it is great for oily and dry skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and doesn't feel heavy or greasy. It is good for using everyday and doesn't clog your pores."

Beauty Mark It Results: Luscious Lip Plumpers

BellaSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:01:25 -0800

When it comes to plump lips, Angelina Jolie's a lucky one. While we all might not be blessed with a naturally luscious pout, there's an easy way to fake it - injection-free.

And since I'm sure you'll be caught under a mistletoe or two in the next few weeks, I asked you to voice your opinion. Which lip plumpers leave you with a kissable mouth and which ones are just a bunch of baloney? This week was tough to narrow down, and here are a few of my favorites:

Brandysbug reviewed Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Plumping Treatment ($18.50) - "I put it on and OUCH! My lips stung for about an hour. However, they did look very pretty - plump, shiny, and pink (probably because they were burning). After about a week, there was no pain after applying it. If I skip it for a while, though, the next time I put it on it burns again. I guess you just have to build up a resistance. Lip plumper resistance training."
On the other hand, Seka21 wasn't thrilled about it. She says, "My boyfriend turned to me and started freaking out because my lips were (and I joke not) two times their normal size and all blistery at the bit where the skin and lips meet. Not only that, one side was bigger than the other so I literally looked like I had bad collagen! A week later my lips are suffering - all chapped and dry as a result of this stuff."
Bella Donna didn't like Sally Hansen Lip Blush Plumping Balm ($9.99) - "You have: Thin, pale lips. You get: Glossy, but sticky, irritated and itchy lips. I didn't notice the slightest plumping of my lips and the pink shade doesn't suit my dark olive skin. The product, including its claim, is totally tacky. After typing out this review, I'm running back to my drugstore for my refund."

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Beauty Mark It Results: Bubble Baths

BellaSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:00:21 -0800

Bubble baths are the ultimate luxury. All you need is some suds, water, and a glass of Riunite on Ice - and all is good with the world. Lately, I've been on a bubble bath kick and I'm looking for some new products. So, for last week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I asked you to share with us which bubble baths were extra foamy and which ones fell flat.

Thanks to all of you who reviewed and here are some of my favorites below:

Tngirly was apprehensive about purchasing Juniper Spruce Herbal Bath by Dresdner ($3.30): "Juniper? It did not make me think of a relaxing time - but once I poured it into the bath and I sunk in, I felt like I was bathing in the middle of a pine forest! It is a heavenly scent and leaves your skin feeling great once you are done."
MandyWH reviewed Origins Ginger Float ($26): "Origins Ginger Float bubble bath is totally luxurious and soothing - if you can hold back from eating the contents of the jar before you have a chance to dump it in your bath. Seriously, how do they make this smell so good?"
Angelica declared that Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Wish Softening Body Wash ($15) was "not heavenly for me!": "I used this at a friend's house and developed a decidedly heavenly rash. If you don't have sensitive skin and like the scent you might fare better, but it didn't go over well with my skin."

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Beauty Mark It Results: Fragrances Under $25

BellaSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:00:48 -0800

Cheap perfume - doesn't exactly conjure up pleasant images, now does it? But, there are several on-the-cheap perfumes available that are actually quite low on the funk factor. For last week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I asked you to share your opinions on perfumes under the $25 mark. Thanks to all who submitted their reviews, and here are my three favorites:

Team member Ranksubjugation gave Aquolina Pink Sugar Rollerball ($19) five stars - "Floral perfumes give me headaches for days, but I swoon at the gourmands. This smells like yummy cotton candy, and somehow communicates a sense of warmth, too. Very comforting, sweet, fun, cozy!"
Saucymerlot was a fan of Fresh Sugar Lemon To Go ($24.50) - "The lemon top note is a bit too intense initially, but after a couple hours, it is subtly sweet and citrus-y, though complex. . . You definitely think sugar and sweetness when smelling this, though it actually smells nothing like sugar. I also use in a pinch as a home fragrance. That being said, my boyfriend thinks I smell like lemon dish soap when I wear it."
It was a great "accidental find" for Smashedpotatoe13, who reviewed Lucky You Perfume ($21.89) - "A friend left her sample-sized Lucky You in my makeup bag a while back. . . let's just say I 'forgot' to give it back to her. I like that I can buy it at any Target in case I forget to pack my everyday perfume when I'm going out of town."

Beauty Mark It Results: Volumizing Shampoo

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:00:07 -0800

Pump, pump, pump it up. Did you clap and shout to the beat of that cheer back in high school, too? Rah-rah ways aside, for last week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I asked you to show me how you pump up your hair's volume by reviewing your favorite/not-so-favorite volumizing shampoos.

I loved reading about your picks, and here are three featured reviews:

Team member Myystque wasn't feeling the love for Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Daily Shampoo ($8.49). "I hate to say this, since I love the Paul Mitchell brand's ethics," she confesses. "But this shampoo was horrible. It made my hair feel clumpy and thick, not voluminous. If anything, it felt worse when dry. The product was so disappointing I took it back to the store for a refund."
A few of you really liked Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo ($13.99). Luluroller says, "I've tried a ton of volumizing shampoos and this is always my go-to. Paired with the conditioner of the same name, this is guaranteed volume."
Bumble & Bumble's Thickening Shampoo ($18.99) was a hands-down favorite. "This is sort of my standard for thickening shampoo for fine hair," says Lscrabtr. "After using it, my hair hangs better, even without blow-drying or styling. If you do choose to use a blow-dryer or other styling tools, the results are dynamite. While I wouldn't expect miracles from a shampoo, this definitely delivers, without that static-y lightheadedness you can get from other products. A major drawback is the price and the availability."

Beauty Mark It Results: Hair Removal

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:00:18 -0700

Nobody really needs to remove body hair. (OK, maybe surgeons do, but aside from that, no.) Still, most of us defuzz here and there. Last week I asked you to share some reviews - both good and bad - of products you've been using. Here are some of the standouts:

Venus Embrace was a big winner. Hippiecowgirl says, "These razor blades give me the best shaving experience. The ribbons of moisture add an extra layer of protection. The result is a close shave without nicks or cuts. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is the astronomical price."
Missmegs825 dissed Veet Rasera, saying, "I thought it smelled funny, it irritated my skin, and while the areas where the hair actually came off were in fact smooth, those were few and far between."
The Nads facial wand gets points from KansasNutmeg, who has a rave review: "All you do is take the pen and place it in the spots you want waxed. Then take the cloth pieces they provide, and wax away. The cloth pieces are reusable, simply put them under hot water, dry them out, and they are good to go. The pen makes it easy."

Thanks to everyone who shared reviews. Don't forget to enter Bella's Ultimate Beauty Getaway, where you can enter for a chance to win a few days of pampering in my hometown of San Francisco, all by reviewing products. There are only a few days left, so have at it!

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Beauty Mark It Results: Eyeliner

BellaSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:00:43 -0700

You probably know that Cleopatra was a big fan of the heavy-handed dark eyeliner, and with Halloween looming right around the corner, now’s a perfect time to do a little experimenting with eye makeup yourself. How bold will you go?

For last week’s Beauty Mark It challenge, I asked you to share your opinions about eyeliner. Whether it be a pencil, liquid, or gel formulation - what's your take? Thanks to all who took the time to add to our ever-expanding Product Reviews site. I'm highlighting a few of my favorites below, and don't forget to enter for a chance to win Bella's Ultimate Beauty Getaway in San Francisco. Take it away, steen:

Steen reviewed CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Self Sharpening Eye Pencil ($4.99) -
"It's no lie that I absolutely LOVE Blacktrack Fluidline by MAC ($15) for a crisp cat eye. But when I want a softer look, I won't use anything but the Perfect Point pencil. I have this pencil in three different colors and have yet to find anything better. The smudge tip is very handy . . . and the liner stays put throughout the day. What more could you need? A huge bonus for me is that I can easily go to any drugstore and pick it up."

See the rest of the reviews when you read more.

Gabiushka reviewed Maybelline Expert Eyes Twin Brow & Eye Pencils ($3.49) - "Great texture that is soft on the delicate skin around the eyes but feels firm on the pencil and manages to stay wherever it is that you want it! I have been using this for years in its brown color and always end with an effortlessly natural look."
ElisabethR reviewed Laura Mercier Eye Pencil ($19): "Laura Mercier's eyeliner is soft, and the color is intense. My favorite is her Wild Violet - it looks so fabulous on my blue eyes, and adds a perfect touch to a purple smoky eye!"

Beauty Mark It Results: Foundation

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I recall a makeup artist once telling me something like, "Once you get a client hooked on a foundation, they're yours forever." You know, I'm thinking she was right, because when it comes down to it - once you find your ultimate foundation, it's like you've hit the beauty jackpot.

For this week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I asked you to share your foundation choices on our ever-expanding Product Reviews page. The best part about reviewing? You could be entered for a chance to receive Bella's Ultimate Beauty Getaway! So, why not give it a try - a few days of beauty pampering in San Francisco is worth it.

As for the top three reviews for this challenge, check out my favorites below - and have some fun with your newly boosted point balance, too:

duckiesandie reviewed Neutrogena Liquid Makeup ($8.29) - "I have been using the Neutrogena's Healthy Skin liquid makeup for probably over a year now. I live and die by this product. It's one of the best liquid foundations I've ever used. Honestly, I have the worst skin at times. I suffered from acne when I was a teen and I still have some acne scars. It was always hard to find a product that I could use to cover up but not look too cakey. This product is perfect. . . All in all, I'm going to keep using this foundation for as long as they'll keep making it. Definite 5 stars, no doubt."

To see more reader reviews, read more.

mrs sonshine reviewed Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation ($32) - "A wonderful product to have on hand for glamorous nights out. It provides full coverage but without looking "fake" or overly done. I find that most full coverage foundations make people appear older or more tired because the skin starts looking artificial. But Silk Creme Foundation provides the desired coverage, maintaining the dewy look Laura Mercier is so famous for. Apply with a foundation brush or sponge and follow up with a setting powder for best results!"
coachluvr33 reviewed Revlon Colorstay For Normal/Dry Skin Makeup ($12.99) - "Nice foundation that stays on for a long time and looks very natural. This was my go-to for a while and then I switched things up and am trying different stuff now. I was perfectly happy with it. It isn't too heavy and is not heavy or cakey - nice."

Beauty Mark It Results: Marvelous Masks

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:00:15 -0700

One of my simple pleasures in life is a weekly facial mask ritual, and so for last week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I asked you to review your favorite/not so favorite masks on our awesome new Product Review Site. Whether they be gels, creams, acne reducers, or firming enhancers, luxurious facial masks make me feel like a queen - well, for a few minutes, at least.

I loved reading everybody's opinions, and the following three reviews really stood out:

Mrs sonshine reviewed Clarins Truly Matte Pure and Radiant Mask ($27) - "Clarins is known for their gentle yet effective natural skincare. This Truly Matte Pure and Radiant Mask is one of their best products. Gentle enough for my dry and sensitive skin, it works like a vacuum to clean out yucky pores. I love applying it with a brush after a hot steamy shower."

To see the other two reviews, read more.

Bailaoragaditana reviewed The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask ($15.50) - "Fantabulous, this is! It smells strong and makes your face bright green, yes, but it also sucks the oil out of your skin like no other. It's a bit difficult to remove, so I use a washcloth or exfoliating cloth to scrub it off. It can be kind of drying, but it's great as a weekly or twice-weekly mask for oily or blemish-prone skin."
Sofi reviewed Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser / Mask ($7.00) - "The benzoyl peroxide in this works well when you leave it on as a mask, but watch out for lots of dryness afterwards. Slightly irritating if you are sensitive. If you need a quick fix for some breakouts, this may work but be ready for a bit of flakiness for a few days."

Thanks to all of you who added your two cents with your fabulous star ratings, particularly our three readers - check your inboxes for a Sugar gift! So, go on over to the product reviews site, and do a little perusin' and reviewin' of your own. And don't forget to enter to win a trip to San Francisco!