BellaSugar

Hydration Without Greasification

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:00:00 PDT

Since I have dry skin, I'm usually a fan of oils and creams. However, I've recently been testing KC Kang Hydrating Rejuvenation Lotion ($70), and although it's a lightweight gel, it's also extremely hydrating.

The KC Kang brand's claim to fame is that it's made from sea water from 2,400 feet under the ocean, but I think what actually makes this stuff work is that it contains marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, both of which are excellent humectants. While it's not cheap, it does work better than lots of equally expensive products, and the bottle is huge (almost seven ounces), so the high price point is a little deceptive.

Still, I'd love to see this product come in a more standard two or three ounce version, because at price per ounce it's much cheaper than Clinique's similar Moisture Surge Gel-Creme ($34), and actually hydrates more satisfactorily.

Hyaluronic Acid: Treatment For Thirsty Skin

BellaSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:00:33 PST

You ask, Bella delivers! Last week we talked about Hyaluronic Acid, a component in your skin that can absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water. It helps the skin stay plump and smooth until our early twenties, when the moisture level begins to gradually deplete. Luckily, many skin care lines have recognized the potential of hyaluronic acid and are including it in their products. Here are three topical options you might like to try.

Cellex C's Hydra B-5 Complex ($73) feels like water on your face and it works to maximize your skin's hydration without clogging your pores. Although the cost is a little steep, I can attest that it's definitely worth the splurge for anyone with sensitive, oily or really dry skin.

To see two other options for hyaluronic acid-based skin quenchers,

A slightly more affordable option is this Acne Treatment Clarifying Hydrator by PH Advantage ($35). It packs a one-two punch: it delivers the benefit of the hyaluronic acid, plus salicylic acid to help kill acne bacteria, making it a great option for those of you with acne-prone skin.

Avalon Organics Daily Moisturizer ($16.99) contains not only hyaluronic acid, but also lavender to calm redness in your skin. However, it's not oil-free, so for those of you with oily skin, be warned.

Definition: Hyaluronic Acid

BellaSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:00:22 PST

Hyaluronic acid is a natural and essential moisture component of your skin. It lies within your connective tissue layers and acts as a support to your collagen and elastin fibers. It helps your skin stay plump and smooth because of its ability to absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water.

Starting at around age 20, our skin progressively loses its ability to retain moisture and we start to see the formation of fine lines. Using skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid can help your skin absorb moisture more effectively. In fact, the injectable wrinkle-filler Restylane, is comprised of mostly hyaluronic acid.

Source

5 Ways to Beautify While You Sleep

Jessica Cruel — Fri, 11 May 2012 03:28:00 PDT

Sometimes there isn't enough time in the day to do all the steps in your beauty routine - cleansing, exfoliating, toning, masking, moisturizing, (whew). So why not maximize your schedule and let the products do all the heavy lifting while you snooze? Just add these simple steps and products to your nighttime regimen, and you can wake up one step closer to a more polished look. Discover which overnight treatments are so easy you can do them with your eyes closed when you keep reading

What We're Sweet On: Eye Gel That Makes You Feel So Alive

Jaime Richards — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:06:00 PDT

Pevonia's C Évolutive Eye Gel ($70) pulls triple-duty, acting as a depuffer, dark circle reducer, and even a makeup primer. Thanks to its gel base formula - teeming with do-good ingredients like vitamin C, ginkgo biloba, and hyaluronic acid - the product soaks right in, and provides instant radiance to the complexion. Fine lines look smoother and the face looks refreshed overall: a true lifesaver for mornings you wake up cursing that last cocktail you consumed. The lightweight gel also happens to glide seamlessly over under-eye makeup for quick, easy touch-ups as needed. You can even put it in your fridge and bring it out midday for an afternoon refresher. How cool is that?

What We're Sweet On: A Serum That Makes Foundation Optional

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:32:00 PDT

Forget all those scrubs out of your kitchen cabinet, there's another type of facial exfoliator on the block: Rx for Brown Skin's Absolute Radiance Exfoliating Serum ($35). Developed by dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, the skin care line, including the serum, is formulated specifically for women with medium to dark skin tones. And as for this serum in particular, it brightens the complexion without beads or harsh granules. In just one week, it reveals a luminous complexion void of discoloration (but the best results are seen within six weeks).

The key ingredient is glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin cells. This gentle ingredient also helps remedy acne, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture. Just remember to wear sunscreen on top of this product because the acidic components increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Finally, apply foundation - but when you discover a more even and beautified skin tone, you may opt to go nude.

What We're Sweet On: A Refreshing Toner That Does More Than Just Tone

Jaime Richards — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:00:56 PDT

Gone are the toners of junior high days, when ingredients were so harsh and aggressive, pimple-laden faces were left as tight as the Joker's. But with Fresh's new Crème Ancienne Infusion ($90), a conditioning treatment toner, all the smiling you'll be doing is of the happy, decidedly nonsinister variety.

Formulated with rose flower, lavender, and bamboo waters to balance and soothe, this toner does more than just draw out impurities. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and meadowfoam oil adds nourishment. And because the infusion first clears away excess debris and oil, the rest of the do-good ingredients are then more able to penetrate deeper into the skin. At $90 a pop, clear, radiant skin doesn't come cheap. But during the warmer months when fuss-free reigns supreme, it's the perfect multitasking product that cleanses, tones, and hydrates.

2 Easy Steps For Curing Tired, Puffy Eyes

Jaime Richards — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:04:00 PST

In the spoofy song, "The 12 Pains of Christmas," the singer explores all sorts of holiday-related issues: hangovers (which we have you covered on), rigging up the lights, and batteries-not-included - just to name a few. But one thing he doesn't mention is the puffy, tired-looking eyes that often come from not just overdoing it with rich foods and a packed schedule, but flying, as well. While the exclusion was probably just an oversight, it turns out puffy eyes don't have to be such a problem, after all. Luckily, it's an easy cure:

Step one: "I think the best thing is to use cool, cloth compresses," explains celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer. He recommends applying them for about a minute or two and then repeating after about an hour.
Step two: Then, apply a touch of eye cream with hyaluronic acid in it, and it's as easy as that.

4 Skin Care Ingredients to Try (and What to Avoid)

Jaime Richards — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:07:14 PST

Every year it seems like there's some beauty ingredient that promises a perfect complexion. When it comes down to it, however, which product components are actually good, and which ones should we be avoiding? "The majority of over-the-counter products are all pretty safe," explains celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer. "It's just a matter of how they are used. If a product is misused, that's a different story." But there are a few ingredients, when used correctly, of course, Dr. Lancer puts on his must-have list. Find out more when you keep reading.

Link Time: Leighton Meester's Drugstore Beauty Must Haves

BellaSugar — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:10:00 PDT

Leighton Meester on her drugstore beauty must haves - StyleList
Best bet: Dior Addict lipstick - The Cut
Reese Witherspoon introduces "moody" new scents for Avon - People StyleWatch
Get a sneak peek at MAC's Prep + Prime highlighters - Temptalia
Tyra Banks's makeup evolution - Essence
A revolution in hair dryer design - The Hairpin
Hair products that won't weigh you down - Glo
How to look great when you've had no sleep - The Gloss
New skincare brand Eraclea is hyaluronic acid gone wild - FabSugar UK