BellaSugar

Three New(ish) Sunscreens Worth Your Time

BellaSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:00:40 -0700

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to wear sunblock every day. But with warm weather around the corner, even the SPF slackers will want to wear sunscreen to protect their skin. Here are three that I've tried recently.

If you want ultra-light texture...
La Mer's SPF 30 UV Protection Fluid ($65) isn't a traditional sunscreen. Sure, it blocks UVA and UVB rays, but true to La Mer's heritage, it's high on the luxury factor. The mint-colored fluid is incredibly lightweight, and it sinks into skin right away; small reflective particles give skin a light-catching glow. A friend of mine spied my sample, tried it out, and tried to sweet-talk me into surrendering it. Fat chance.

If you need reassurance of the age-fighting factor...
You probably know that SPF stands for sun protection factor, but do you know what PA means? Well, it's big in Japan - really! The PA rating describes how well a sunscreen blocks UVA rays, which cause skin discoloration. Bliss Best of Skintentions ($35) is rated PA++, the medium rating. While I generally go for SPF 30, the light citrus scent and lack of greasiness make this one a winner for rainy days. (Yes, I wear sunscreen even when I'm staying inside.)

If you're concerned about anti-aging
Sunblock generally helps prevent signs of aging, but to get full protection, look for a broad-spectrum product that filters both UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays. L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise Revitalift UV ($13.99) is one of the few American sunscreens to feature Mexoryl SX, a photostable ingredient that won't break down in the sun. It's lightweight enough to wear under makeup, and it doesn't leave white streaks. The only drawback is the miniscule pump opening; it doesn't dispense as much as I'd like, so I wind up pumping like crazy.

Coming Soon: La Mer Hydrating Infusion

BellaSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:00:08 -0700

La lovely La Mer is getting ready to release a brand-new skin care genre for Fall 2008. This September, the brand introduces Hydrating Infusion ($95), a prepping base (think of it as using double the lotion) that wets the skin and locks in moisture so that you can fully receive even more of the moisture benefits from Crème de la Mer.

I know what you're thinking - are they serious with this? Why is this even necessary? I thought the same thing until I read an interview with Paul Tchinnis, the Director of R and D for La Mer, and he makes a strong case. He explains that:

"There are two ways to hydrate and moisturize the skin. One is to trap the moisture that already exists in your skin, and the other is to add moisture to your skin through creams. Some consumers want even more moisture. You can’t just apply double the amount because your skin can only absorb so much. So, part of the reason we’ve invented Infusion is to approach moisture using a different delivery system."

I'm all for having a fresh looking, well hydrated face, but I don't suffer from super-dry skin to the point where I need twice the amount of moisturizer. However, I have tried "The Infusion" and it's not something I'd totally turn my back on, either. It has a silky texture (thicker than water, thinner than a gel) and when used under Crème de la Mer, it creates a heavenly, rich and dewy effect. I love it for nighttime, but for day, it makes me look a bit oily.

Come September, would you be interested in doubling your pleasure with La Mer's new Hydrating Infusion? Or are you as moisturized as you'd like to be?

SPF Beauty Bonanza, Part II: Tinted Moisturizers

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:11 -0700

Last Summer, we featured scores of SPF-enhanced tinted moisturizers, and a year later there's a new gaggle of goodies to explore! What I love about tinted moisturizers is that they serve three purposes. They simplify your prep time, since they act as a foundation and a moisturizer; they offer SPF so now you don't have to apply (or worry about) sun protection; and they help even out your skin tone. Below are three SPF tinted moisturizers that I'll think you'll fall madly in love with this Summer.

Just a few weeks ago Chanel launched Hydramax + Active Tinted Lotion SPF 15 ($55), a great alternative to wearing foundation in the heat of the Summer sun. It contains UVA and UVB protection while providing even coverage, a non-greasy feel and a healthy, radiant, almost dewy finish on my skin. I use #15 Sunlit (the medium shade out of the three) and not only do I find it moisturizing and extremely blendable, but I also really like the sweet scent.

La Mer has created The SPF 18 Fluid Tint ($65) in three shades of light, medium, and dark. It's moisturizing, it absorbs quickly, the formula is water-based so it's not oily whatsoever, it contains UVA and UVB protection, plus it's made with crushed gemstones (tourmaline and Brazilian malachite), so it helps give skin a radiant glow.

For one more tinted moisturizer with SPF, read more.

Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($32) is an SPF-enriched moisturizer that feels light yet nourishing on your face. All 10 of the colors are sheer, they blend flawlessly without streaking, and they leave you with an illuminated finish.

Product Review: La Mer The Eye Balm

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:32 -0700

I've already tried the La Mer Eye Concentrate, but a few weeks ago, I learned about The Eye Balm ($130) and decided to test it out. What I really liked is that it is especially suited for younger skin. It's not nearly as heavy or greasy, it spreads easily and it absorbs almost immediately.

Also, it feels slightly cooling and it has a lighter, almost cleaner version of that well known La Mer smell, which I find interesting since it actually contains triple the concentration of their famous miracle broth.

After using for about a week, I've noticed that the skin around my eyes is softer, and less red. This is because it contains Brazilian Malachite, which not only makes your eyes brighter (it has an illuminating quality), but it also has a light green tint to help dilute the redness - genius! I realize that it's going to take longer than a week to see any dramatic results, but so far, I like what I see. If only we could do something to adjust the cost.

Product Review: La Mer Body Cream

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:00:17 -0700

Talk about at-home spa treatments. This La Mer Body Cream is so unbelievably thick and creamy, the folks at La Mer HQ call it a "seaweed wrap in a jar." Lucky for me, I was sent a sample because $195 for body cream is holy outrageous, Batman!

The lotion comes packaged in a pale green celery jar and smells exactly like the face cream and the hand treatment. That's probably because it contains all kinds of ingredients from the sea along with four kinds of algae, omega 3, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Funny enough, it doesn't contain the company's most famous Miracle Broth, which I thought was their secret weapon.

I'll level with you: If this became your guilty pleasure, you'd need to take another mortgage out on your house, but for anyone who's got some cash to burn, I'd put this at the top of my list. It really is that fabulous. The cream comforts and seriously moisturizes dry, damaged skin. For everybody else who is looking for a less expensive option, check out my drugstore pick for body lotion.

Product Review: La Mer Lip Balm

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:00:02 -0700

Within the past month, two girlfriends have separately claimed that the La Mer Lip Balm is the cat's pajamas. With rave reviews like this, I naturally couldn't help but satisfy my curiosity and check it out for myself. There's pretty much one word I can think to best describe this product and it's ohmig-d! As expected, it contains the famous La Mer Miracle Broth, vitamins, mint, and plant extracts to help regenerate, hydrate, and insulate your lips from extreme temperatures - hot and cold.

You first notice the refreshing cooling sensation followed by a sweet and minty scent (the taste is equally pleasant). It is incredibly moisturizing without being sticky whatsoever and the texture is light, so your ring finger only needs to take one lap around the edge to cover both of your lips.

While I am painting this product picture perfect, it wouldn't be fair to withhold its two drawbacks. First, where's the SPF? It claims to protect your lips from hot and cold, all the while dismissing sun protection. And lastly, any way you slice it, 45 bones for a lip balm is steep. That being said, I feel strongly enough about it that I'm still willing to recommend it despite the cost.

Too bad for my other friends that I'm a little bit of a germaphobe. If this was the kind of thing you could share - like body lotion - I'd be more than happy to let them have at it, but no can do. Sorry girls, get your own.

Coming Soon: La Mer Cleansing Foam

BellaSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:16 -0800

Leave it to La Mer to come up with a luxurious way to clean your face. Its new Foaming Cleanser ($65) contains jade and crushed pearls, deep sea algae fibers and magnetized tourmaline to help break down debris, dirt and makeup. The ingredient that's really getting attention is really the pearl powder, which contains restorative minerals and amino acids essential for healthy and bright skin.

La Mer Cleansing Foam is suitable for all skin types and is recommended to be followed by none other than Crème de la Mer. When it becomes available for purchase in January, do you think this is something you would buy? Or is $65 way too steep for a cleanser?

New Product Alert: Crème de la Mer Cosmetics

BellaSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:00:32 -0800

Relatively new to La Mer are its three first-ever cosmetic products. The product with heaviest coverage, The Treatment Crème Foundation SPF 15, is intended for dry skin. The Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF 15, a lighter version of the crème foundation, is meant for for normal to oily skin. Lastly, The Powder has been created with a sheer veil finish to wear alone or to set either of the foundations.

All of the items contain the same antiaging ingredients as the crème, yet also provide coverage to produce a flawless finish! I was really excited to learn about these new products because like most people, I only knew about their skincare.

Also, La Mer has some juicy gossip for you. Apparently the makeup artist for Blake Lively and Leighton Meester, the gorgeous stars of Gossip Girl also use these products on set! I can't wait to try them - are you interested in checking them out, too?

View 5 Photos ›

For a detailed description of each of the products, read more

The Treatment Crème Foundation SPF 15 ($85) is great for hiding and reducing fine lines and redness. It promises to leave skin looking soft, radiant, and even-toned.
The Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF 15 ($75) is a lighter, airier textured version of the crème foundation and is suitable for those with normal to oily skin.
The Powder ($65) is a light finishing powder that has been developed with symmetrically shaped particles for an extremely natural-looking finish. The coverage is translucent, works well on any skin type, and can be worn alone or over either of the foundations.

Flynet and Source

Product Review: La Mer The Hand Treatment

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:00:15 -0700

I love all things La Mer. I love the smell, I love the story behind the miracle broth, and I'll admit, I am totally into its huge celeb following. Let's face it, famous faces can use whatever they please and La Mer consistently draws the A-list crowd. So when I discovered they had a hand cream, I was all over it like white on rice.

I'm not sure what it is with me and hand creams, but recently I've been writing a lot of reviews on different hand treatments in search of the crème de la crème. (Heh!) I'm not quite a connoisseur just yet, but I'm on my way.

Here's what I have to say about the La Mer The Hand Treatment ($70). I was pleased to find out that it definitely softens your hands, soothes any dryness or chapped skin-and not only does it smell like the crème, but the fragrance is even more potent. The texture is nice and silky and it spreads evenly and easily. It makes your skin look plump and hydrated and it's really only greasy for about one minute until it fully absorbs.

Having said all of that, you do need a good amount of product to coat your paws. And since it comes with only 3.5 ounces of product, I just wish the tube was bigger considering the hefty price. Have you ever tried the La Mer The Hand Treatment ? If so, what did you think of it?

New Product Alert: La Mer The Eye Concentrate

BellaSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 09:00:42 -0700

La Mer has another new product. This time, it's a deep-sea dream cream called The Eye Concentrate ($160). This mini green jar is jam-packed with all kinds of goodness to nourish the delicate skin around your eyes. Inside you'll find magnetized hematite (which promises to firm, tone, and drain extra fluids around the eye) and radiant ferments (which La Mer calls "precious marine and plant ingredients to help skin reinforce its natural support system").

What also makes this concentrate so special is that it includes three forms of La Mer's signature ingredient, Miracle Broth. It's said to hydrate the skin, lighten dark circles, deflate puffiness and smooth away lines and wrinkles.

In addition to the amazing benefits in the concentrate, the applicator is also unique. It contains a silver tip to cool the skin, and there is a scoop in the top designed to pick up the perfect amount of product for each application.

To use, lightly pat the cream around your eye are and then press it into your skin. For best results, use morning and night. By the way, have you entered to win Crème de La Mer? Hurry hurry-With a product valued at $220, this is something you won't want to miss!