BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Neutrogena Sport Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 70

BellaSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:00:14 -0700

Recently, reader Risqueredhead found a deal on Neutrogena Sport Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 70 ($11.50) at CVS. While she liked this heavy-duty sunscreen at first, something went awry the next day. Here's what she had to say:

I'm a pale redheaded girl, and I knew I'd be spending a lot of time outside this summer. I have no problem with the actual product. It's not heavy, it doesn't melt into the eyes too badly (but it still does), and it rubs in fine. However, this broke me out like none other. I'm even broken out on my chest, which has never happened before.

Oh noooo! Have you ever tried a product out, had great results upon initial use, but then become dissatisfied for some reason as time wore on? Tell us all about it in the Product Reviews section, and we might just feature you right here tomorrow.

What Happens When You Skip the Sunscreen? More Than You'd Think.

BellaSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:07 -0700

As if I didn't reiterate it enough, sunscreen should be a daily essential. Horrifying sunburns, anyone? Besides lobster-red tones from head to toe, what would happen to your skin if you skipped the 'screen? I've consulted with Dr. Adrienne Denese, a dermatologist who specializes in antiaging techniques, to find out what measures we can take to prevent skin damage. As expected, SPF is key. "The most important step a young woman needs to take is to use sun protection 365 days a year," Dr. Denese says.

The reason? "Over 90 percent of aging of the skin is sun-induced," she adds. "Nearly everything you do not like about your skin - lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun spots, enlarged pores, red capillaries around the nose, loss of tone, and firmness - all have to do with sun exposure." Plus, don't forget that you can get damage from the sun even when the sun is not visible. "It can be overcast. It can be raining or snowing. The UVA rays are present even under these circumstances, undermining the integrity of your skin," advised Dr. Denese. Lesson learned.

Source

Six Tips to Take the Confusion Out of Sky-High SPFs

BellaSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:00:22 -0700

You know how I feel about sunscreen. It's a daily essential. But, with the mega-wattage sunscreens available these days, like Neutrogena's new SPF 100 Sunblock and Banana Boat's UltraMist Ultra Defense SPF 85 Continuous Clear Spray ($12), are you confused by the notion that the higher the number, the better the protection? You're not alone.

Amped-up sunscreens can be misleading to customers, with many dermatologists claiming that the soaring SPF numbers are merely marketing ploys. Need some clarity? Check out the following tips on taking the befuddlement out of sunscreen when you read more.

Is 30 enough? SPF 30 is practically the industry standard, but with higher SPFs, you are offered slightly better insurance against those major red burns. However, the bigger ones don't always offer the best protection against ultraviolet A - aka the aging rays.
For UVA protection: Look for ingredients such as avobenzone or Mexoryl SX.
Know your numbers: When comparing UVB (the burning rays) protection, SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent, and SPF 30 blocks 96.7 percent. Not too big of a difference, eh?
Do a shot: Not sure how much to apply all over? Aim for at least a one-ounce shot glass worth.
False sense of security: An SPF of 100 might sound impressive, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't think you're absolutely covered for the day. Consider wearing a hat, t-shirt, or other protective items to shield your skin. Remember, no sunscreen can provide 100 percent protection, and you should reapply after sweating or swimming.
Don't skimp: If you're under the impression that you can actually apply less of a higher SPF, think again. "The higher the SPF, the more rapidly the protection falls off with under-application,” dermatologist Dr. Barbara A. Gilchrest told The New York Times. Half the amount of SPF 70, for instance, will not provide SPF protection of 35. It's a mere 8.4, according to Dr. Darrell S. Rigel.

Source

How Much Sunscreen Is Enough?

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 06:00:11 -0700

Dr. Adrienne Denese is a leading expert on the topic of skin care, particularly when it comes to antiaging regimens. She's got a complete line of products available on QVC, from sun protection to antiacne formulations. Thanks to Denese, I'll be sharing some of her tips on how to keep your skin looking its best. Find out what she has to say about how much sunscreen we should be wearing on sunny Spring and Summer days, along with how often we need to reapply, when you read more.

When it comes to the chalky, shiny, pore-clogging, and greasy outcomes that many sunscreens provide, Denese feels your pain. "If your current sunscreen feels just like this," she says, "do not struggle with yourself in trying to wear it every day. Throw it in the trash and find a sunscreen that is a joy to wear."

For the face, Denese says that SPF 30 is a must, with a formulation that includes both UVA and UVB broad spectrum coverage. She also recommends finding a product that provides more than just the benefit of sun protection for the skin. Her lightweight SPF 30 Day Defense Cream ($75) does just that, working as both a day cream and makeup, too. "The color is a unique self-adjusting color that is based on melanin, the inherent color pigment of your skin, so it matches skin colors from snow white to medium dark," she says.

As for how often you should be applying your sunscreen, for an SPF 30, you probably only need to apply once in the morning. "The only exception to this rule is if you are outdoors, sweating, or you are on the beach," Denese adds. Lather up!

Source

Reader Review of the Day: Eucerin Facial Lotion

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:00:11 -0800

Finding a moisturizer that works for your skin type can be tricky, and nobody wants to end up with a sprinkling of acne as a result. When reader Malu purchased the reasonably priced Eucerin Facial Lotion ($8.50), she wasn't disappointed. Here's what she had to say:

"I've been looking for a long time the perfect moisturizer that will moisturize well without being greasy; offer sun protection but won't smell like sunscreen; and will not break my wallet. This is the one! Also, it doesn't cause breakouts. What more can you ask for?"

Would you like to be featured in this daily post? Just head over to Product Reviews site and submit your opinion. Perhaps you'll see your review here in the future!

Reader Review of the Day: The Body Shop Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 15

BellaSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:00:48 -0800

Maybe you know that vitamin C is an antioxidant responsible for fighting the signs of aging or that this essential nutrient helps burn fat. But, when reader Brig482 tried out The Body Shop Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 15 ($15), she was disappointed by the paltry amount of actual vitamin C in the list of ingredients. Here's what she had to say:

I was on a mission to find a good vitamin C product for my face, and before I did my research I was talked into buying this from The Body Shop. Bad idea. It's a decent moisturizer, but the actual amount of vitamin C is less than 1 percent! For a vitamin C product to work effectively, you need at least 10 percent.

Would you like to voice your opinion, with the possibility of being featured on our daily Reader Review of the Day post? Head on over to our Product Reviews site and let us know what products you like/don't like. It's just that easy.

BellaSugar's Guide to SPF Beauty Products

BellaSugar — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Sunshine is a natural source of vitamin D, which is great for your bones, your organs, and your mental health. (It's true, the sun makes people happy.) But as you well know, it's also dangerous, and it's a top cause of skin aging. Below is my seven-post roundup on noteworthy SPF-enhanced beauty products (there's even a DIY recipe in there too) so that you can safeguard your skin, your hair, and your lips at all times.

SPF Beauty Bonanza, Part IV: Supercharged Lip Balms

BellaSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Last year, I sent you on a beauty-marking mission to find your favorite SPF Lip Balms. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of balms, so I thought this would be the perfect time to tell you about three great products that contain SPF. Lip balms with sunscreens are a must-have for summertime play days at the beach, park, or pool. What are some of your most recent SPF lip-balm favorites? Here are some options.

Trish McEvoy Luxe Moisture Balm Stick SPF 15 ($28) is a chic, designer lip balm that helps keep lips protected and moisturized without feeling sticky or tacky. It can also be used like a salve or an all-purpose SPF on your eyelids, ears, and even on your nipples (for those of you who sunbathe topless)!

Armada Moisturizing, Protective Lip Balm SPF 60+ ($25) has been generating a lot of buzz lately, but I have yet to try it. I do love that it contains SPF 60, and that it's both fragrance and preservative free, so this is on my shopping list.

For one more SPF-enhanced lip balm, read more.

Bliss Superbalm SPF 15 ($10) is a moisturizing, deeply penetrating, virtually odorless and slightly shiny lip balm that contains mango, cocoa butter, and vitamin E to keep your smoochers hydrated, soft, and safe from the sun.

SPF Beauty Bonanza, Part III: Sun Care Hair Products

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:00:20 -0700

Not only can the harmful rays of the sun affect your skin, they can also be damaging to your hair - especially if it is chemically and/or color treated. Below are three great SPF-enhanced products that will help protect your hair from drying out, breaking and oxidizing while you're frolicking away on a sunny day.

Capri Sun-Shield Spray ($20) is yet another new beauty product inspired by the jet-setting Italian island. The reason? Oscar Blandi loves the sunny locale and feels it's the ultimate Italian paradise. This hair mist works just a sunscreen would act on your skin. All you need is a little bit to lock in moisture, boost shine and protect hair from UVA and UVB rays.

Kerastase Voile Protecteur ($34) is a colorless spray that keeps your strands safe from drying out and oxidizing in the sun. It protects against UVA and UVB rays, salty seawater and the chemicals (generally chlorine) in swimming pools. Plus, it won't make your hair feel greasy and it washes out well.

For one more hair (and body) sunscreen, read more.

Shiseido Refreshing Sun Protection Spray SPF 16 PA+ ($27) offers broad-spectrum safety for your hair, scalp and even your skin while you are exposed to extensive UVA and UVB sun rays. It's lightweight, virtually odorless, water-resistant and comes in a sporty spray bottle that even spritzes if it's upside down.

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.