BellaSugar

Do You Bite Your Cuticles?

BellaSugar — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 06:00:00 PDT

I have previously determined that the majority of you claim pimple picking as your worst beauty habit. While I'm uncertain of how many of you actually bite your nails, I've never explored the topic of biting your cuticles and/or skin around the nails. So, now it's time.

While having my iPhone checked out at the Apple store the other day, I noticed that the friendly gal who helped me out was guilty of a little cuticle nibbling. I thought, "I have been there myself, sister." It's a bad habit that's hard to break. Now it's your turn to dish. Do your cuticles not get the love they deserve?

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Do You Have a Beauty Bad Habit?

BellaSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:00:11 PDT

A bad habit is an undesirable behavior pattern, like whipping out the credit card a bit too often during those late night infomercials or spending a mind boggling amount of time on the Wii. But what about beauty - do you have any bad habits you'd like to break? Whether it's pimple popping or nail biting, what's your worst vice? Such a delightful topic, no?

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Two Unexpected Ways to Be Kind to Your Teeth

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:00:00 PDT

Dental health is important for a variety of reasons, and the two that top my list are:

When my teeth hurt, eating is painful and I like to eat.
Dental work is expensive and I would rather spend my money on something fun.

Aside from the proactive activities of brushing and flossing, there are two rather surprising things you should avoid to help keep your teeth in tip-top shape.

Nail biting is the more obvious of the two tooth-damaging activities. It can wear down your teeth, aging them prematurely. Nail biting mainly stresses the front teeth. Not only are the front teeth the most visible ones in our mouth, these teeth were designed for cutting and not chewing and are not strong enough to be used constantly.

To see the other culprit,

Often considered health food, smoothies can actually do a doozy on your teeth. Smoothies often contain high levels of both sugar and acid – a combination that can lead to the decay of tooth enamel. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth immediately after drinking a smoothie can cause even more damage to the already weakened enamel. Your best bet is to brush your teeth prior to having a smoothie, but then I can't imagine it would taste very good.

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Nail-Biting Kitty Needs to Chill

GiggleSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:00:00 PDT

This self-grooming business is a little stressful for Winston here. Looking this immaculate takes a whole lot of primping and licking and - do you see that hair out of place? Oh hell no. He's gotta get the paws clean and pristine, he's just gotta. The pressure is overwhelming. So the nail biting helps ease the tension every now and again, no biggie. It's not a habit or anything . . .

Nail Nibblers Get a New Treatment

BellaSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:00:30 PDT

I used to have a boyfriend who, because he was so stressed from law school, couldn't stop biting his nails. So then he moved on to nibbling his knuckles. By the end of his first year, he had barely any nails left and puffy, swollen joints. Sound vaguely familiar? Lots of people bite their nails, whether absentmindedly or actively, and most chompers have told me that they just can't stop the habit.

That could change, though, if a Dutch business manages to sell its idea. Alain-Raymond van Abbe, a former cosmetics marketer, has created a barely-visible tooth guard for nail biters. The mouthpiece makes it impossible for people to bite their nails, but it can be removed for eating. After four weeks, van Abbe says, the impulse to gnaw goes away.

Van Abbe's treatment fee can climb as high as $670, which seems awfully expensive for what basically amounts to a clear retainer. But for that kind of fee, I think I'd try to win with will power first.

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Dutch Nail Biting Cure: The "Preventer"

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 03:30:00 PDT

One of the most common symptoms of stress, pathological nail biting troubles some people 6 million people worldwide. Or so estimates Alain-Raymond van Abbe the Dutch inventor of the "Preventer."

Although his background is in marketing and not medicine, van Abbe describes himself as a "problem solver." His solution for nail biting, The Preventer, is essentially a molded mouth guard, worn on either the upper or lower teeth. The Preventer is barely visible and it prevents biting, hence your fingernails cannot be bitten. It can, however, be removed for actual eating. It takes about 4 weeks of wearing the Preventer to control the nail biting impulses. Van Abbe has created an entire clinic for chronic nail biters and he is doing a brisk business. Treatment costs about $640.

Pathological nail biting is now classified as a category of obsessive-compulsive disorders called Body-Focused Repetitive, along with hair pulling and biting the inside of the cheek, and these habits are gaining more scientific attention. Some American psychologists believe Van Abbe might be onto something, since his treatment deals with both cognitive and behavioral aspects. However there is skepticism that an entire clinic dedicated to nail biters can remain afloat.

And you, are you a nail biter? If so would you try this treatment? Let me know in the comments below.

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Read Our Interviews With Halle Berry, Liya Kebede, Serinda Swan, and More

Jessica Cruel — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:00:00 PDT

Get the inside scoop on celebrity beauty from our interviews with Liya Kebede, Milla Jovovich, Halle Berry, and Serinda Swan.
An up-close look at all the best hair and makeup at Cannes.
Calling all Geminis! These zodiac beauty buys will satisfy your dual personality.
See tips for breaking your nail-biting habit.
Discover the makeup brush you should be using to apply mascara.
Well-groomed brows will always be in style, and here's how to get the look.
Three ways to wear a minty tint on your eyes.
Cream or powder blush? That is the question.
How to get great bridal hair on your wedding day.
Prevent your foundation from melting in the Summer sun.

Stop Biting Your Nails Without Exercising Crazy Willpower

Miriam Lacey — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:04:36 PDT

The majority of people have, at one time or another, bitten their nails. And as anyone who's gotten caught in a cycle of biting can tell you, it can be painfully difficult to stop. Like food cravings or a nervous tic, the longer you hold off, the more anxious and distracted you get. It takes time to develop an alternate outlet for your nervous energy, and in the interim, going cold turkey rarely works. So what's a dyed-in-the-wool biter to do? Just keep reading.

Top OMG Moments From Gossip Girl Season Finale "The Return of The Ring"

Becky Kirsch — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:50:31 PDT

Well kids, there you have it: our second-to-last Gossip Girl season finale ever. I have to say, it's a good thing this show is only getting one more season, because boy are these same old stories getting tired. Season five wraps up on a low note for most of the characters (especially Serena, who is at her all-time worst), and I can't say I'm biting my nails over the big cliffhanger at the end. Still, the episode isn't without a few twists and turns, so let's recap the night's biggest OMG moments, shall we?

Photos courtesy of The CW

Has Horse Racing Become Too Dangerous For Its Athletes?

Sara Yoo — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 PDT

Despite the nail-biting finish, the end of this weekend's Grand National steeplechase horse race near Liverpool, England, brought sad news for horse lovers and horse-racing fans. While Neptune Collonges valiantly nosed out Sunnyhillboy at the wire, According to Pete and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised were humanely destroyed after suffering devastating injuries during the race.

With a storied history dating back to the first race in 1839, the Grand National's popularity in the UK rivals Kentucky Derby fever in the US. But while the Derby involves a 1 1/4-mile flat, dirt track, the National asks jockeys to guide their mounts over four miles and 30 fences. Since 2000, 11 horses have died during the race despite racetrack efforts to make the jumps and turf more safe.

Horse racing has come under fire from animal rights advocates who allege that organizers of the sport regularly overlook safety considerations in the name of faster tracks, faster horses, new record times, and ultimately more money. Meanwhile, organizations like the Jockey Club and National Thoroughbred Racing Association claim to put pressure on racetracks, owners, and trainers to uphold higher safety standards that benefit the welfare of horses and riders alike. What do you think? Has horse racing exceeded the limits of thrilling entertainment? Or is this the natural evolution of a professional sport?