BellaSugar

Definition: Licorice

BellaSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:01:11 -0800

Licorice has many applications that have nothing to do with black ropes of candy (in fact, in licorice candies, part of the taste is usually anise oil). Licorice is the root of the legume Glycyrrhiza glabra, which also grows leaves, flowers and fruits. In Italy and Spain, the root is dug up and used as a breath freshener, and in the Netherlands, it's used in homemade beverages and as a popular alcohol flavoring. Licorice is also included in cough syrup and tobacco production, and by herbalists in the Hoxsey anti-cancer formula and as a topical antiviral agent.

Licorice is also often used as a skin brightening agent, like in Murad Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel and Bliss Change Your Spots. The scent of licorice is used in Philosophy Black Licorice Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath (some studies show the scent of licorice increases arousal). For more fragrances that include licorice, check out this post on Smelly Blog.

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Black Lips Have Another Moment, Thanks to Twilight

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:06 -0700

Last year, beauty brands hoped that black lips would be big. Unless I missed out on a convention of Bauhaus fans, the sooty-kiss look wasn't an enormous success - going dark just didn't work for most women. Will this season be different? From a sales standpoint, probably so, because Twilight Beauty has a black lip gloss. (The Cullen connection alone will mean they'll sell.) The Volturi Twilight Enrapture gloss ($12) in Arsenic is a licorice-scented sheer gloss with light gold shimmer - so your lips can sparkle like a vamp.

Of course, that's not the only place black is popping up. MAC is about to release an all-noir collection that includes three black lip glosses and two black lipsticks. Already on the market: Lipstick Queen in Black Tie Optional, Shu Uemura in Black 099, and NYX lipstick in Black Onyx. Want to take a baby step into this trend? Go for sheer washes over opaque colors, and consider using these sooty shades to darken your existing lip color.

What Can You Do About Uneven Pigmentation?

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:00:11 -0700

If you have problems with uneven pigmentation, you're not alone. A recent study by Mintel, a market research firm, found that it's a top concern for women, more so than stretch marks and visible pores, the New York Times reports.

The cause of discoloration is varied: For younger gals, hormones are often the culprit; For older gals, sun damage is typically responsible; and for those with sensitive or darker skin, the blotchy spots tend just tend to stick around a lot longer. "A pimple can resolve in a week, but leave a mark on more heavily pigmented skin that lasts for months," said dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor. Find out what ingredients and methods combat uneven pigmentation when you read more.

Simply put, prescriptions from a doctor are the speediest option. "With over-the-counter it can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to see results," said Dr. Leslie Baumann. By that time, your expensive cream might already be gone. On the flip side, many over-the-counter treatments are a lot cheaper than services available at the doctor's office.

Regardless what method you choose, one of the most common ingredients used in evening out pigment is hydroquinone, although the safety of this product is under fire. From retinoids to soy to kojic acid to licorice extract, there are other options, and the options are aplenty. Look for brightening and illuminating products, like Aveda's Embrightenment line ($45 to $177) or Kiss My Face Potent and Pure Brightening Day Creme ($17). But, when it comes down to it, it looks like patience is your best friend on this one, particularly when done on the cheap.

Black Gold! Dark Nails Get a Sparkling Update

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:49 -0700

It's safe to say that when it comes to nail polish, black is the new neutral. But if glossy darkness is beginning to bore you, here's a cool way to update it. I ran into a friend the other day and loved her nail polish so much that I had to snap a picture:

She got this look by using a base coat, then slicking on two coats of Essie nail color ($8) in Licorice. After that, one coat of glitter polish (such as Essie's Golden Nugget) adds a not-too-crazy amount of sparkle. On short nails, it keeps that rocker-girl attitude in a color that's now considered a safe-bet neutral.

Product Review: Wei East China Herbal Hand & Body Lotion

BellaSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:00:22 -0700

One of the first products created by Wei East, a company based around Chinese herbs, is China Herbal Hand & Body Perfection ($15). I've tried many hand and body lotions, but this has to be the smoothest and creamiest to date. That, however, doesn't mean that it is also my favorite.

Let's take a moment to talk about the key attributes. For one, it has an incredibly rich formula with a powerful gingery-floral fragrance. It contains five herbs from the Ming Dynasty: curcuma, glycyrrhiza uralensis (or licorice root), ginger, red sage, and ginseng. These ingredients are believed to heal, moisturize, smooth, repair, and reduce inflammation on the skin of your hands. The thick, silky-smooth formula spreads easily without you having to warm it up.

Unfortunately, it is also extremely greasy. The packaging says to apply a generous amount so I squirted about half of the diameter of the cap into my palm. Not only was this far too much, but now I can't seem to get the scent to go away (which I guess could be considered both good and bad).

If you're someone who has very dry skin, or even cracked skin that isn't sensitive, this is wonderful product. The oils will help nourish and normalize your moisture level. If you skin gets irritated easily, my one worry is that the fragrance might be too strong.

Coming Soon: Wei East Golden Root Renewal Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:00:21 -0700

Due out this July is the first SPF product from Wei East: Golden Root Renewal Cream SPF 15 ($37.50). Golden root is a vibrant red Chinese herb that has been used for ages to prevent visible signs of aging. Small quantities of golden root have been added to this cream to help promote the re-growth of dead skin cells, resulting in a new and smooth surface to your skin. This 'multitasking day cream' claims to firm, hydrate and make your skin look and feel more resilient.

The moisturizer also contains white tea (a strong antioxidant), reishi mushroom (an anti-inflammatory) and Licorice (to revitalize the skin). I've tried it once and am impressed with the way the SPF scent is masked with a cinnamony-herbal essence. Also, it has a thin, spreadable texture that goes on smooth and absorbs quickly.

I was thinking that it was definitely more of a moisturizer, but the impression I get from the packaging is that it's actually more like a sunscreen. Either way, I am really excited about being able to use such a great smelling product this summer that will protect my skin, improve its appearance and above all, it won't clog my pores.

Sunday Giveaway! Boscia Antioxidant Recovery Treatment C

BellaSugar — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:30:28 -0700

To help us start the Spring season off with the prettiest, freshest skin possible, my friends at Sephora are bringing us daily giveaways - beauty products to nourish, soothe, and smooth our dry, dull skin.

Today's giveaway is for Boscia Antioxidant Recovery Treatment C. This powerful blend of vitamin C, parsley, and jojoba leaf, fights blemishes and helps prevent and repair the appearance of aging skin. Enriched with willowherb, a unique anti-irritant, and peony root and licorice to hydrate and revive sun-damaged skin and fight free radicals for a clearer, brighter, and younger-looking complexion.

Want to enter? Just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PST today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your vote to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

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Thursday Giveaway! Murad Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:30:34 -0800

It may be cold outside, but the daily giveaways are heating up. My friends at Sephora are focusing on beautiful skin: how to get it and how to keep it.

Today's giveaway is for Murad's Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel. This treatment gel addresses the spots left behind by acne scarring, using hydroquinone to lighten hyper-pigmented areas, Alpha-Hydroxy Acids to exfoliate damaged cells, and then Licorice and Allantoin to alleviate irritation and inflammations, improving skin's clarity.

Want to enter? Just take the quiz by 5pm PST today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already a member, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Remember: YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO TEAMSUGAR FOR YOUR VOTE TO COUNT. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

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Superior Spot Treatments, Part II

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 10:50:33 -0700

Welcome to part II of superior spot treatments. Every gal gets a pimple or two and these products help to instantly banish blemishes! They won't over dry your face or cause redness and irritation to make you look and feel worse. They are gentle enough for sensitive skin, but strong enough to fight your sebaceous glands and wipe out icky whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

I have to say that I'm a little surprised so many of you have an obsession with Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion, $17. My old roommate used to swear by this calamine lotion concoction, and I've used it a number of times, but unless my zit was really juicy, it didn't do a whole lot for me.

I decided to give the Mario Badescu spa a call to see if they could enlighten me some more about their cult product, but what they basically said was what I thought was true. It's a gem of a product if you want to dry up whiteheads and it does have salicylic acid in it to prevent a new pimple from forming in the same spot.

The only problem I have is that in this day and age, I would so much rather apply something invisible. Maybe it's psychological, but it makes me feel worse to look in the mirror and see a whole bunch of pink patches.

For two more spot treatments to help blast your blemishes, read more

Anthony Logistics Spot Therapy, $16, is a fab treatment for both men and women to help treat acne and pimples. It targets an individual blemish, kills the bacteria, speeds up the healing process and helps prevent new blemishes from forming. It contains salicylic acid as well as AHAs and licorice extract to exfoliate dead skin and calm redness. Use as often as necessary.

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, $6.59, is a spot acne treatment that won't break the bank. It is made with a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) to help kill the bacteria in your blemish but it won't irritate or dry out your skin. It will also help prevent pimples from forming and it is safe for all skin types. Use two to three times a day for optimum results.

Superior Spot Treatments, Part I

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 08:13:33 -0700

Let's face it, everybody gets a pimple here and there and they always come at the most inopportune times. Who saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding? When you get a blemish that's red, swollen and sore, you look and feel pretty terrible. Here are a few of my favorite zit zappers that can help blast those gnarly blemishes! Be sure and stay tuned for part two of superior spot treatments later this week!

Origins Spot Remover, $10, is a clear acne blemish treatment gel that tingles upon contact. Just a teensy bit goes a long way. It is made with salicylic acid that helps dry up your trouble areas, prevent new pimples from forming and also helps calm redness.

Stop using as often if your skin becomes dry or irritated but because it is created for sensitive skin, it shouldn't provoke any tenderness. Use as needed, one to three times a day and apply a thin layer to the area and let it dry. Suitable for all skin types.

For two more ways to blast blemishes, read more

SkinCeuticals Blemish Control Gel, $32, is an ultra light acne treatment that helps combat, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and other acne related issues. It also helps to kill the bacteria on your skin that causes new breakouts to form. Active ingredients include purifying agents and salicylic acid (one per cent)!

This gel will also help exfoliate the dead skin around the pimple and unclog your pores. This is one super strong sucker, but not to worry; it won't leave you dry, red or irritated.

Murad Acne Spot Treatment, $17, is a sure fire way to banish your blemishes! This powerful formula is made from: sulfur (to minimize breakouts), salicylic acid (to dry up and kill bacteria), zinc oxide (to reduce swelling), licorice extract and allantoin (to calm irritated skin), hydrolyzed oat flour (to fight flaking and over-drying) and lastly Vitamins E and C (to keep skin protected). This is my buddy FabSugar's pick, what's yours?