BellaSugar

Twilight Fever Reaches the Grooming Aisle

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:52 -0700

Via this semi-NSFW Twilight lulz blog, I've learned that Bic's line of Soleil razors - whose funk turned me off last year - now includes Twilight and Bella shaving options. I assume it's an attempt to hop on the New Moon train, but don't the bigwigs know that a true Twi shaver would have sparkles in the handle?

How-To: Prevent Red Bumps in the Bikini Area

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:48 -0700

As we all know, hot weather is just around the corner. Whether you prefer a one-piece or two - or perhaps no swimsuit at all - there's nothing worse than calling attention to "down there" (as Mr. Bella's grandma would point and whisper) than with red, splotchy bumps caused by shaving.

But, the good news is that these bumps, aka pseudofolliculitis barbae, can be avoided. If you're looking for smooth skin with irritation-free results, I've got the answers. Check them out when you read more.

Before breaking out the razor, wash skin with a gentle antibacterial soap to keep germs at bay, exfoliating with a washcloth to create a smooth surface.
Before shaving, rinse or soak in warm water for several minutes to soften the hair.
Next, apply a conditioning shaving gel or cream to the area, such as Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Soothing Lavender ($3.50) or Bikini Zone Anti-Irritation Shave Gel ($4.30).
It should go without saying, but dull blades make for bumpy results. Always use a sharp razor. I like Gillette Venus Divine Razor For Women ($11).
Shaving tips: While you can shave in the opposite direction of hair growth, if you are prone to ingrowns, go with the grain. Try not to go over the same area multiple times or shave each day, as this can cause unnecessary irritation. Also, rinse the razor after each swipe to prevent clogging, and pull the skin taut to get a nice, close shave.
Splash on some cool water when you are done, and pat dry with a towel. For added protection against bumps, apply a postshaving product to reduce inflammation, like Tend Skin ($16) or Bikini Zone Anti-Bumps, Medicated Bikini Pads ($8).

What are your favorite tips?

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Would You Get Your Swerve On?

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:00:14 -0700

I once briefly dated an mall-emo boy who was very particular about the hair on his head - had to be dark and just so as it fell into his eyes - but who was even more particular about his body hair. As in, he couldn't stand having any. Homeboy shaved his legs and his arms, and he was almost always a bit stubbly.

It kind of weirded me out.

So, I thought of him as soon as I saw The Swerve, touted as the "first full-body groomtool." It's a razor meant to help dudes defuzz their hairy backs and chests. The ergonomic design is supposed to be easier to maneuver than a normal razor, which makes me think that it could be useful for my own leg-shaving needs. Then again, my regular razor does the job, so perhaps I'll leave the Swervin' to Mr. No-hair. Would you try this out, or would you foist it upon a man in your life?

If you're dying to see a computer-generated demo of the back-shaving in action, read more.

Seven Tips to Stop Bloody Shaving Problems

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:00:20 -0700

We've all done it. It's the painful moment when the razor sweeps across the skin in the most awkward of ways, causing an unbelievable amount of bleeding. While most of us are careful to prevent major cuts from happening, sometimes the nicks can get the best of us.

Since my "scrap of toilet paper" method on the nick just wasn't giving me the results I wanted (or any results, for that matter), I decided to do some research on the topic, and I've gathered together my findings here. Some are pretty common, and others are a little more unconventional. Check them out when you read more.

Clear eyes, clear legs: Apply eye drops like Visine ($8) to the nick, which will help constrict the blood vessels.
Be a witch: Using a Q-tip or a cotton ball, apply witch hazel to the irritation. This astringent will help slow the bleeding.
Write it off: For a good old-fashioned remedy, consider purchasing a Clubman Styptic Pencil ($3), which contains Aluminum Sulfate. Alum is a hemostat, which is an agent that helps stop bleeding. Or, if you prefer a product that won't touch your skin, try HemoXR ($5), a spray-on formula.
Wax on: Break out the ChapStick ($2), which will help clot the blood and act as a temporary sealant.
Tea party: Apply a cooled-off tea bag to the cut. The tannic acid in the tea helps put a halt to the bleeding.
Ice, ice baby: Listen to bad '90s rap. Kidding! But seriously folks: Just like witch hazel and Visine, ice will also help constrict the blood vessels to help stop the bleeding. Bonus? Applying ice on the legs after shaving makes them smoother and less irritated.
That's hot: And on an opposite note, try sprinkling some powdered cayenne pepper for a natural remedy. It sounds weird, but people swear by it.

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How-To: Shave Your Pits For Smooth Results

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:00:27 -0700

The other day, the warm temperatures in downtown San Francisco prompted me to bust out a sleeveless top. As I hopped on an extremely crowded bus with no seats available, I held on to the rubber straps for dear life. "Oh crud, did I remember to shave my pits this morning?" I wondered. The answer was yes, but I did so in a haphazard fashion.

Shaving armpit hair is an annoying task, but using better techniques for more effective results makes it a little more bearable. Check out my tips for a smooth underarm shave when you read more.

Hold it: Shave your armpits as late into your shower as possible. The warm water helps soften the coarse hair in this area, so shaving will be a little easier.
Scrub-a-dub: Make sure you remove all traces of your deodorant with a thorough washing. You might also want to consider exfoliating with a body scrub like The Body Shop Mango Scrub ($10 to $20), for a more even shave. (Do this before flicking the Bic, of course.)
Up, down, and all around: I prefer using a razor with multiple blades, because with more blades working, it gets the job done a lot faster. That, and you don't have to shave an already-sensitive area over and over. After lathering up with a great shaving cream, lift the arm high, and start shaving. Shave up, down, and side to side. Keeping the skin taut will result in a closer shave, so pull your skin however you need to go to create an even surface. Rinsing the blade off after every other stroke or so will also keep the razor nice and unclogged.
Mini razor: If you encounter an area that's difficult to maneuver around, or if you discover you've missed a few hairs, a mini razor should do the trick. Try Noxzema Bikini Razor for Women ($3).
Don't be dull: It should go without saying, but make sure your razor isn't dull. Check out my tips for extending the life of your razor, and happy - or at least less tedious - shaving.

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How-To: Extend the Life of a Razor

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:00:55 -0700

While replacing yet another razor blade in the shower, do you ever stop and think, "Didn't I just change this thing a few days ago?"

Considering the relatively high cost of replacing razor blades, you might as well try to prolong the life of them. By following a few easy steps after each shave, you'll reduce the likelihood of some common disasters (the nicks, the cuts, the ingrowns), and your wallet will be very happy.

For tips on how to "save the shave," read more.

Even though it may seem obvious, thoroughly rinse the blade after each use. A razor should be free of hair and shaving cream for optimal sharpness.
Water is a blade's worst enemy, as it causes corrosion, so dry off the blade when you are finished. You can break out your blow dryer to give your razor a blast of heat, or lightly dry the blade with a tissue or towel - but be careful to not cause unnecessary wear and tear. At the very least, store your razor outside of the shower.
Vodka martini, straight up! Well, maybe not during your morning shave. You can, however, dip your blade in alcohol, and it will assist in keeping the blade dry and disinfected. Rubbing alcohol is cheaper, but vodka will do if that's all you've got.
Use baby oil instead of shaving cream in a pinch. The oil acts as a lubricant on the razor, preventing tiny chips in the blade. Plus, it smells pretty great, too.

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A Quick Tip About Razor Burn

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:00:58 -0700

For anyone who has ever nicked themselves shaving or has gotten raised, red razor bumps from shaving, you know it can be uncomfortable (even painful) and remain irritated for days. I learned about an inexpensive and easy fast DIY fix to help reduce redness, inflammation and the pain.

Simply apply a wet tea bag to the area and let it sit for a few minutes. The tea's tannic acid is the active ingredient that should help relieve the symptoms. Tip: Choose a cheapie brand, since it is likely to contain a higher concentration of tannic acid. Just remember to lay a towel down underneath you, as tannic acid stains.

If you're out of tea bags, then try applying a tea tree oil to the area to fight off infection and help soothe the bumps. Aloe vera and hydrocortisone are other topical remedies that help speed up recovery while cooling the skin and controlling the swelling.

For a few helpful shaving tips to help prevent razor burn, read more.

Always shave in the same direction as your hair grows. Going "against the grain" can cause razor burn and can lead to ingrown hairs.
Use an emollient-rich moisturizing shaving cream, gel or lotion to ensure a smooth shave that will provide steady contact to the skin.
Remember to change your razor blade frequently. Using a dull razor can inflame your skin, cause nicks, razor burn and irritation.

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New Product Alert: Whish Shave Crave Pump

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:00:20 -0700

Whish has just released Shave Crave Pump, a new take on its scented shaving lotion. While the new product is similar to the original, I've done my homework to figure out a few of the differences. I've spoken to the peeps at Whish and had them explain what's behind these new slender bottles.

The old shave creams are 6.7 ounces and cost $32 while the new pumps contain five ounces for $24. The formula is more concentrated, therefore it's more moisturizing. Since it is packaged in an easier to use (this I can definitely vouch for) air can as opposed to an aerosol can, it's free of added chemicals like propane and alcohol which tend to dry out the skin.

Also, two new flavors, papaya coconut and blueberry mint (my fave), have been added to both products with the launch of the pump. I personally like most of the scents, but I do find them to be a little difficult to wash off. Have you tried any of them yet? For a description of each of the scents, read more.

Pomegranate is fruity but it also has a strong and distinct sugary scent. It contains pomegranate oil (an antioxidant) and is suitable for all skin types.
Blueberry Mint is also very sweet, but it's much less sugary since the mint helps to balance it out. It contains blueberry oil (another terrific antioxidant) and the mint oil is great for soothing achy muscles.
Almond is even less sweet, but not completely void of sugar. It actually reminds me a lot of marzipan. It is formulated with almond oil which is moisturizing and nourishing, and it is best suited for dry skin.
Lemongrass has more of a floral and less of a foody scent. It contains lemongrass oil to calm skin and sore muscles. It is best suited for oily skin.
Papaya Coconut is the most subtle of all the scents. It is a little bit creamier and since it is enhanced with coconut oil and papaya oil, it's great for cell turnover and dry skin.

This Razor Stinks. Literally.

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:00:13 -0700

Inevitably I get confused when it comes to buying razors and period products. There's just too much variety, and I wind up roaming the aisle like a confused, premenstrual, hairy zombie. Eventually I just grab a package that looks vaguely like what I have at home, and if I can't remember what's at home, I get sucked in by the cheapest deal. It is an imprecise science at best.

Last Sunday, after looking around desperately for a Venus razor, I wound up buying Bic Soleil Citron razors because of a special deal that appealed to the cheapskate within: 4 + 2 Bonus En Prime! I like French things, so why not get the razors that come with two more for free, right? Problem was, when I got home, I noticed that the razors are lemon-scented. (Ugh. How do you say, "These don't smell so good" in French?)

As far as their hair-removing capabilities are concerned, these razors work well enough. Compared to the Bics of yesteryear, they shave closely, but not as well as the Venus. Still, despite the good quality for the price, I won't buy them again. While the fake lemon scent isn't overpowering, it's completely superfluous. Who in her right minds sniffs her razor? And why introduce even more smells and chemicals into your grooming routine if you don't need to?

Get the Most From Your Makeup: Hair Conditioner

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:00:07 -0800

Okay, this isn't technically makeup, but since it's still in the beauty genre I thought it was relevant. Hair conditioner and hair masks can also be used as shaving cream. I realize that it doesn't foam or even lather really, but it does create a smooth, slippery surface that helps prevent nicks and scrapes from razor blades.

However, something to keep in mind is that conditioner is a lot heavier than shaving cream - so you've really got to clean out the blades of your razor well to ensure that no oily residue remains for your next shave. For more ideas to get the most from your makeup, click here.

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