BellaSugar

Back to Basics: The Best Body Lotions

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 04:33:33 PST

Welcome to this installment of Back to Basics. These amazing moisturizing body lotions are my all time favorites. I have used them for years and have never had any kind of allergic reactions or dry skin. What are some of your favorite body lotions?

Kiehl's Creme de Corps, $26, is a treat for your skin when it is feeling just a little too dry or you've recently been in the sun. Just a little of this super rich moisturizer goes a long way.

I received a bottle of this as a gift about seven years ago and have never looked back. Beta-carotene gives it a natural deep yellow color. It is recommended to use for ten straight days to achieve optimum results.

It is available in three sizes: a 4.2 oz travel bottle is $16, an 8.4 oz bottle sells is $26, and a 16.9 oz bottle is $42. If you buy the larger size it comes with a pump for easy dispensing, it costs $44 (shown).

To see more of my favorite body lotions of all time,

read more Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin, $7.99, has been in my house every since I was a wee little tot. Owned by Pfizer, it was developed by dermatologists to promote more supple, smooth and healthier skin. It has a very clean, non-greasy feel and it quickly penetrates your skin so that there is no residue left on your body as you are getting dressed. It won't clog your pores and is available in two sizes: 6 oz and 16 oz at most drugstores and pharmacies.
Biotherm Lait Corporel Anti-Drying Body Milk, $20, is the lightest of the bunch - but don't let that fool you. Just because it has a thin texture, it still helps to repair dry skin, restore your skin’s protective barrier and protect its natural elasticity. It is available in two sizes: a 6.7 oz bottle costs $20 and a 13.5 oz bottle costs $35.

5 Tips From a Pro: How to Create a Beautiful Bronzed Glow

Real Beauty — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:07:27 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

When trying to create a natural, sunless tan on your body, mistakes are expected and accepted. If things go too awry, you can just opt to wear pants until the color wears off.

Bronzer or self tanner: which is right for you?

But a botched fake tan on your face? Completely out of the question. Here, five foolproof tips on how to get gorgeous bronzed skin.

The Lazy Girl's Guide to Fall Skin-Care Prep

Real Beauty — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:06:44 PDT

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

Transitioning from summer to fall isn't just tough on your wardrobe. Dry air and colder temps can do a number on already-sensitive skin. For some insider tips on how to best pamper your mug to take on seasonal climate changes, read more.

60 Seconds With Diane von Furstenberg

Real Beauty — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:10:21 PDT

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

When we sat down to interview Diane von Furstenberg about her new fragrance, Diane ($85), we were delighted that she's just as glamorous as we hoped, decked out in a pebble-pattern frock that actually mirrors the perfume bottle's design, chunky gold jewelry, nude fishnet tights and leopard platform sandals. She opened up about her inspiration behind the scent, how to be sexy and the best piece of advice she can offer. To see the interview, just keep reading.

Oversensitive Tots: 8 Products to Soothe Sensitive Skin

LilSugar — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:01:07 PDT

Stop scratching! Kids with sensitive skin - and their parents - know that dry, itchy, or painful skin is no joke. There's no one cause of sensitive skin. It can be hereditary, caused by harsh products, or simply from spending time outside in the cold Winter or the hot Summer. Oversensitive kiddos aren't doomed to a season full of scratching. These products will help soothe their irritated epidermis, leaving everyone (and everything) a lot calmer.

Clockwise from top left:

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Head-to-Toe Ointment ($10): A good rule of thumb when looking for a kids' moisturizer is the greasier the better. Ointments are better than creams, which are better than lotions. Part of SheaMoisture's Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Collection, this ointment combines the hydrating properties of shea butter with argan oil, which is naturally high in skin-softening Vitamin E. This is an amazingly multitasking product; it works great on baby's chapped lips, cheeks, hands, arms, and legs.
Dr. Sears Baby Wipes ($3): Developed by everyone's favorite cosleeping enthusiast, Dr. Sears, these wipes are made with biodegradable, ultrasoft bamboo fabric, an incredibly gentle way to clean babies' delicate bum.
Gentle Naturals Eczema Baby Wash ($5): Eczema is an extremely common, and uncomfortable skin ailment, for which there's no known cure. It's essentially a really bad, itchy rash, which can be red, rough, scaly, and oozing. It can't be cured, but there are ways to treat and prevent eczema flareups. It's especially important to use a mild cleanser, like this baby wash by Gentle Naturals - made with aloe, calendula, jojoba, and vitamins A, D, and E to gently cleanse, moisturize, and soothe itchy skin.
C.O. Bigelow Lotio Mentholus No. 002 ($25): Seriously itchy kids will get real relief from this nonprescription medicated cream - not recommended for kids under 2 years old.
Dr. Smith's Premium Blend Diaper Ointment ($13): Diaper rash is the most common skin ailment suffered by infants, and it can get bad. Applying a generous layer of a good, thick diaper cream like Dr. Smith's will create a barrier between baby's tender bum and the offending, rash-causing moisture
Earth's Best TenderCare Chlorine Free Diapers: One of the first recommendations doctors make when a baby has diaper rash is to try switching to a different brand of diapers. Made with soft, cloth-like, chlorine-free materials, these Earth's Best diapers are free of any latex, dyes, and perfumes, which can all cause major irritation.
Madii & Dyl Luxe Cleansing Flannels ($15): Specifically formulated for tots with skin issues, these cleansing flannels are super soft. The air spun cloth is made from eco friendly materials.
Carter's Sensitive Skin Baby Shampoo + Body Wash Duo ($8): Classic kiddie brand Carters recently launched a line of baby bath and body products - all chemical free and hypoallergenic. This moisturizing cleanser is made without any dyes or fragrances, leaving babies clean, moisturized, and comfortable.

7 Budget Beauty Tips For a Glowing Bride

Emily Co — Wed, 11 May 2011 05:00:13 PDT

Kate Middleton looked beautiful on her wedding day, but did you know she pulled a savvy move and did her makeup herself? It's important to look your best on your wedding day, and looking good doesn't always have to cost an arm and a leg. Follow these simple tips from Dana LaRue, founder of The Broke-Ass Bride blog, to look as pretty as a princess on your big day without breaking the bank:

Mall Makeup Magic: If you can't swing a makeup artist but don't trust yourself to DIY, head to the mall. Most makeup counters offer complimentary make-up applications, with the hope that you'll buy at least one product they use. Find a counter you love (I recommend Laura Mercier because their makeup photographs beautifully), and schedule an appointment for the morning of your wedding. Then once you're all glammed-up, buy yourself the lipstick so you can retouch throughout the day, and be on your married way!
Do It Yourself: Try DIY beauty products and treatments to save money as you glam up for your big day. You can mix your own formulas using ingredients from the supermarket, keeping your regimen affordable and free of harsh chemicals and nasty preservatives! This is a great way to save on body scrubs, moisture masks, bath soaks . . . even your own mascara!
Online Deals: Group-buying sites like PopSugar City, Groupon, LivingSocial and more are popping up every day and often feature tons of beauty treatments from haircuts and color to facials and massage, at a fraction of the normal cost.
Inner Beauty: Beauty begins within, so make sure you're exercising and eating well to keep your glow going, naturally! Sweating regularly helps slough off dead skin and improves circulation for a healthy glow. Avoiding processed foods, even for a little while, brightens the eyes and improves skin tone and texture. Remember, you are what you eat!

For more budget beauty tips, read after the break.

7 Secret Tips to Getting Freebies From an Expert

Emily Co — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:24:20 PDT

I'm sure all of you agree that there's nothing as gratifying as getting a freebie. It's hard enough to scour the web for coupon codes, which a lot of the times don't work or have expired, so the best thing to do is to call in an expert. Kathy Spencer, author of the How to Shop For Free, spills the dirt on how to get some really awesome freebies. She calls them her "Lucky 7 Tips," because you’ll feel lucky after you get such good stuff for free! Be sure to also check out her website at HowtoShopForFree.net.

Have a free girls’ night out. Call up Bath and Body Works and ask to reserve one. They’ll close the store down for you and your friends, and give you free foot soaks, mini facials, make up applications, and more.
Get your make up done for free at Sephora. Sephora offers complimentary 15-minute make up applications during which they teach you how to do it yourself-things like smoky eyes and luscious lips. You’ll walk out feeling beautiful, and you’ll get free samples.
Free monthly gifts. Register for an Aerie store card and get a free gift like lotions, gift bags, or undies once a month.
Shop for free at Kohl's. Register for email alerts at Kohl's.com and they’ll email you a 5/5 coupon. It’s like a $5.00 bill to play with. Grab a free beach towel or tank top.

For more amazing freebies, read on.

DrSugar Answers: Why Do Mosquitoes Love Me?

DrSugar — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:00:17 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
Mosquitoes love me. Aside from using repellent featuring DEET (the natural sprays don’t work for me at all), is there anything else I can do to make myself less attractive to hungry pests? I heard drinking white vinegar helps. Also, once bitten, what is the best way to calm down the itchy factor of the bites? I end up bruising myself from scratching so hard!
- Covered With Bites

I must admit, mosquitoes and bugs love me too! In fact, my husband says I must be made of "sweet meat" because bugs love to sink their teeth into me! I think this is a great question to discuss while it's still Summer, so

read more. Whether or not my husband's "sweet meat" theory is correct, there does seem to be some truth to the fact that certain people are more prone to getting bug bites than others. There is no medical or scientific research that I could find that supports this, but I’m guessing it may have to do with certain people's body chemistry. Either way, there are things that can be done to prevent insect bites. To prevent mosquito bites, Dr. Greene recommends wearing light, neutral-colored clothing that covers most of the body, as bright, floral colors attract mosquitoes; avoiding fragrant soaps, shampoos, and lotions; avoiding "peak biting times," which are from dusk until dawn and worse in hot, humid weather; and staying away from still water (either indoors or outdoors). WebMD also has good tips on preventing any type of insect bite or sting: apply insect repellent prior to entering woods or other areas where you may come into contact with insects, apply repellents safely, wear light-colored clothing that covers the body, avoid fragrant lotions and products, and avoid swatting at insects. There are all types of insect repellent out there; some are natural and not made with chemicals and others have chemicals (the most common one out there is DEET). From what I read, drinking white vinegar was not mentioned as a way to repel insects, but there are tons of homemade spray-repellent recipes that use white vinegar. In terms of nonchemical, natural repellents, Dr. Greene recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET is the active ingredient in many insect repellents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a safety review on DEET in 1998 and, based on extensive toxicity testing, believes that the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general population. However, consumers can reduce their risks when using DEET by reading and following product label directions. To read the directions on all products containing DEET, refer to the EPA website! Well, you've done all you can do and you still end up with a bug bite; what’s the best way to treat it? According to WebMD, most bites will heal on their own without a visit to the doctor. Emedicine health recommends cleaning the area with soap and water to remove any contaminated particles left behind by the insect. You should also refrain from scratching because this can cause the skin to break down and an infection to form. In the first six hours after the bite, a cool wet cloth or ice pack can help reduce symptoms as well. Itching can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamine (such as Benadryl) in pill or cream form. Hydrocortisone 1 percent cream or calamine lotion may help relieve itching as well, but Benadryl and hydrocortisone creams should not be given to children until speaking with the pediatrician! Have a question for DrSugar? You can send it to me via private message here, and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

Do You Apply Sunscreen Every Day?

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:00:18 PDT

With Summer officially here and sunny days the norm, wearing a sunscreen has never been so important. Even though I always wear sunscreen on my face, I am not very good at remembering to wear it on other parts of my body. Dumb, I know. But after returning from the beach with a slight sunburn, I've been doing my best to apply it to the rest of my body every day too. By investing in a moisturizing sunscreen I've made it easy on myself because I don't have to put on a sunblock before a moisturizing lotion.

Besides preventing sunburn, wearing a UVA/UVB sunscreen is defense against wrinkles, sun spots, and, most importantly, skin cancer. And while it might be a pain to do this every morning, it's worth the benefits. How about you . . .

Get Valentine's Day Fragrance Tips From Victoria's Secret Expert Mark Knitowski

BellaSugar — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

Victoria's Secret and Valentine's Day go together like the perfect pairing of fine wine and artisanal cheese. And when it comes to fragrance, the sexy brand's got it down pat. In fact, its Dream Angels Heavenly Eau de Parfum ($39-$59), which consists of notes of cardamom, quince, freesia, white peony, sandalwood, white musk, and vanilla, is America's top-selling scent.

So who better to ask about the sensuality of fragrance than Mark Knitowski, vice president of product innovation at Victoria's Secret? Lucky for us, the brand's in-house expert on all things perfumed has offered up his words of wisdom, from everything to picking a scent for your significant other to where to apply scents for the most alluring results. Find out what he had to say when you keep reading.