BellaSugar

The Sunscreen in Your Foundation May Not Actually Work

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:26:22 -0700

A lot of us rely on the sunscreen in our makeup to protect us during the day, but the Daily Mail is reporting that, in the UK at least, one in five cosmetics with SPF isn't up to par with the EU sunscreen guidelines and doesn't give any protection against UVA rays - the ones responsible for aging. Even more worrisome, the researchers also found that three out of four products weren't completely effective just two hours after application - meaning that if you put your foundation on in the morning, you're no longer protected by the time you take your lunchtime stroll. That also means reapplying your foundation four times in the course of a normal workday, which I think is just absurd. Do you think American products would fare any better in a trial like this? Until we know, I'll be wearing zinc oxide and a hat.

Powder Power: 7 Unconventional Ways to Use It

BellaSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:00:24 -0700

You already know that powder can mattify oily skin or create a sudsy bubble bath. Those uses are easy. But powders have other, more unusual beauty uses that might surprise you. Read on to see seven items I've tried that get their jobs done. There's, if you'll pardon the pun, a whole lotta shakin' goin' on with these.

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Test Your Pregnancy Sun Exposure Knowledge

LilSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:00:23 -0700

That pregnancy glow may be under your control. Expectant mamas know that their skin can undergo changes in the nine months, but how does the sun affect it? Take this quiz to test your knowledge about how the sun's rays can help and hurt a mother-to-be.

Take the quiz

Beauty Byte: Sun Exposure Causes Increased Genetic Mutations

BellaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:01:00 -0700

Do you ever wonder why some people seem to age at a rapid pace, while others look years younger than what their birth certificate might suggest? That's just what P&G Beauty scientists recently sought to discover, using genomics to learn more about the aging of skin.

While lower levels of collagen, increased inflammation, and a decrease in hydration-enhancing molecules in the skin all contribute to aging, there's one other factor that might surprise you. You know that sun isn't great for your skin, but as it turns out, it's really not great for your skin. Shockingly, skin that had not been exposed to the sun had around 3,000 genetic mutations, but skin with exposure had - are you ready for this? - nearly 10,000 genetic mutations. So if that's not another reason for you to run and grab the sunscreen, I don't know what is.

Sunscreen Smarts: Protect Your Part

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

When going down my list of places to apply sunscreen, I often overlook the part in my hair. You wouldn't expect this spot to get that much sun, but if you have a defined hair part and you forget to protect, it can lead to a painful and peculiar sunburn.

The easiest thing to do is to wear a hat or other head covering, but if you dare to go bare, then try spritzing a spray sunscreen along the length of your part. It's less awkward than trying to rub in lotion around your hairline, and this way your hair won't get too greasy.

Reader Review of the Day: Anew Advanced All-on-One UVA/UVB

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:19 -0700

Avon's Anew Advanced All-in-One Cream ($16.50) provides both UVA and UVB protection. Plus, it has antioxidant protection with a SPF of 15. But, with all that it claims to do, does this hydrating product work? Take it away, Stef42678:

I really love this product because it is so creamy, but doesn't feel greasy. Not only does it do a great job at moisturizing my skin and keeping it from getting dry, but it adds a little color and makes my skin look healthier and more alive. I really like this product, and it is great for combination dry/oily skin like mine.

Please let us know what products you'd recommend to friends, family, and fellow Bella readers. Head over to the Product Reviews section and tell us what you think. There are over 50,000 beauty items from which to choose!

Minutes to a Healthier You . . .

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:30:33 -0700

We all know the Summer sun can do serious damage, and I have been writing a lot about sunscreen lately. We all tend to remember to slather the protective lotion on our faces and shoulder, but skip many body parts that still see the sun. Next time you're heading out to play in sunshine remember to put some sunscreen on the following areas:

Ears - especially the tops
Feet - once again coat the top of your feet
Hands - the backs of your hands need sunscreen, especially when riding a bike
Low back - if you're wearing a short top that doesn't quite reach the waist of your pants
Lips - keep your sensitive lips covered with SPF lip balm
Neck - make sure to apply sunscreen to both the front and back of your neck

Will Ferrell Promises a Sexy Hot Tan . . . or Sunstroke

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:29 -0700

This cleverly marketed Will Ferrell Sunscreen comes with all sorts of jokes about streaking strength. But don't worry, it's the real deal. Before you start kicking and screaming, notice that both bottles are SPF 30, so they've actually got you covered despite the goofy names. The formula is packed with UVA/UVB protection - and PABA free, alcohol free, mineral oil free, and fragrance free! - and it slips on better than the stranger-than-fiction names may imply.

At $12 a pop, bottles don't come as cheap as a drugstore variety, but proceeds for this product go toward Cancer For College, a nonprofit offering scholarships for cancer survivors. I'm bewitched by the idea. Are you?

Sunscreen Review: Badger 30 SPF

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:30:01 -0700

After reading the Environmental Working Group's sunscreen list, I decided to try a chemical free sunscreen and opt for mineral sunblock protection. I picked up a tube of Badger 30 SPF ($16) for face and body, which ranked really well on EWG list as being an effective sunscreen without creating health hazards with repeated use.

Learn what I think of Badger sunblock.

Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Want a Tan

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Unless you live in a cave, you are well aware that cigarettes cause lung cancer and tanning causes skin cancer. However, that doesn't stop people from smoking or baking in their bikinis on the beach. One main reason people continue to expose their skin to the sun without wearing any protection is that they want to have that nice healthy golden glow. You should know that when your skin tans, it means there has been damage to your skin. Tanning is your body's way of trying to protect itself from further UV exposure and damage. In other words, tanned skin is damaged skin, and the darker the tan, the more damage that's been done. Think of all the tans you've had over your lifetime. It all adds up and can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, and sun spots.

That's why it's critical that you wear sunscreen every time your skin is exposed to the sun. If you still want that kiss of a golden glow, fake it. Spray tans, self tanning lotions, and bronzers will give your skin that tanned look without the permanent damage.