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,

read more. 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

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.

Will This Gizmo Rejuvenate and Refresh My Skin?

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:30:37 PDT

Behold: a Biobliss patch, the latest newfangled product designed to give you smoother, rejuvenated skin. Sure, it looks silly, but the promises it makes definitely aren't. Biobliss guarantees that users will "enjoy smooth, healthy-looking skin," and says the patch is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since all you have to do is slap the patch on and leave it there for an hour, we decided to test it out and let you decide whether it worked. So to see the before and after photos, just 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

Zeno's New Line Rewind System Smooths, Tones Tired-Looking Skin

Jaime Richards — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:20:36 PDT

You might know Zeno as the brand with various acne-reducing gadgets in its arsenal, and now it's branched out to the antiaging category, with the recent release of the Line Rewind Wrinkle Reduction Kit ($40).

The two-piece set includes a Wrinkle Reduction Serum formulated with ingredients like antioxidant-rich Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid to help plump the skin, and a peptide complex to rejuvenate. Also included is an asymmetrically shaped hand-held device that uses red light therapy to assist in eliminating fine lines and improve the skin's tone. One thing that makes it a bit different from similar gadgets, however, is that it vibrates and heats to provide a soothing experience, all while increasing the effectiveness of the serum. To see what I thought of the Line Rewind, just keep reading.