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What's Trendy Right Now? It's All Here!

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:00:02 -0800

Looking for the hottest beauty trends right now? From the most current haircuts to hair color to makeup to the most colorful nail polishes, I've got the scoop on what's happening. Check out my roundup below for expert advice on how to look your freshest and most fabulous this season. What are your favorite current looks?

The Most Stylish Haircuts	The Latest in Makeup Looks
The Best in Polishes	The Most Happening Hair Color

3 Tips on Battling Wintertime Frizz in a Flash

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:48 -0800

Do you have flyaways galore? No doubt frizziness is a year-round issue. But now that the warmer-weathered humidity-induced frizz is pretty much no longer the cause of extreme pouffiness, lots of us get the frizzies from merely wearing scarves, hats, and gloves - not to mention the low moisture levels in the air.

Recently, famed stylist John Frieda, along with Harry Josh, gave us tips on eliminating frizz on wet locks. However, let's say you just don't have time to go through the whole blow-drying process, or your already-styled hair is showing signs of frizz galore. Here are three simple tips from the stylists on battling frizz in a flash, all on dry (as in not wet) locks. To get their expert advice, just keep reading.

Hump Day: Sex Makes Her Uncomfortable

TresSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:30:23 -0800

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column. If you have questions about sex, send them to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:
I'm 24 and in my first relationship. I really like the guy, we've been going out for six months, but I get nervous whenever he slips his hand under my underwear. He gets the hint and stops. I don't mind him doing other things (we haven't slept together yet), but I wish I wasn't such a prude. I don't know what he expects and I worry that he will be grossed out, as I only shave/wax the bikini line but not the whole thing. What if he thinks it is ugly? I also don't know what I should expect; he knows I'm a virgin, but I don't know how to speak to him about why I get uncomfortable, and I don't know how to overcome it! I also have a few stretch marks and worry that he will be grossed out by them. Please help?

To read Dr. Glickman's response, read more.

Thank you for sharing this challenging situation. I know that it can be scary to talk about things like this, but these are all really common thoughts.

One of the things that can help when you’re on the edge of your comfort zone is to take it very slowly. It’ll probably help to tell your guy about your discomfort, even if you can’t tell him why it’s there. You could simply say "I have a lot of discomfort around sex." You also might want to do a little solo exploration. It takes the pressure off because there aren’t any partner expectations. Check out the wonderful book Becoming Orgasmic. If you’re looking for tips or ideas for techniques, Tickle Your Fancy is full of suggestions. Once you know a bit more about what you like or dislike, you and your boyfriend might be able to find something that you both like to do.

It’s worth mentioning that vulvas come in all different shapes. (The vulva is the external female anatomy. The vagina is the inside part.) There’s a long history of negative attitudes towards the vulva, but each one is unique and beautiful in its own way. A lot of women have the idea that there’s something wrong with their vulvas because they don’t look like what we see in porn or because they have hair, and I think that’s unfortunate. I strongly recommend getting to know your parts and Scarleteen has a great site about that. It’s geared towards teens, but there's lots of amazing info about sex, bodies, and pleasure.

Another option would be to explore some of these concerns with a therapist. When you have an itch on your back, you need someone else to scratch it. Therapists help us by reaching the spots we can’t reach on our own. Lastly, depending on where you are, you could join a body-image support group. While they tend not to focus on sexuality, they can be an incredibly helpful way to work through our concerns about our bodies and how we (or other people) feel about them.

Working through these challenges isn’t always easy, but it can be very rewarding. Whatever route you choose, I hope you find the pleasure and joy that you deserve.

Scar Creams: Help a Reader Out!

Bella Community — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0800

This post comes to us from the Problem Solved group, where member Jaime not Jamie asked for some beauty advice.

Last week, I had surgery on my neck. I'm grateful that it was nothing serious, but I'm left with a scar that's a little over an inch long. Kudos to my surgeon for making such a small incision, but since the mark is on such a visible part of my body, I want to make sure that I do everything I can to help it heal nicely. Do any of you have experience with scar creams, vitamins, or any home remedies? I'd really appreciate the advice!

There's lots to explore in the BellaSugar Community. Join now, and perhaps we'll feature what you have to say right here on BellaSugar!

How to Re-Create Kristen Stewart's 15 Coolest Looks

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00:47 -0800

With New Moon on the horizon, there's no better time to take a look at Kristen Stewart's edgy style. I've broken down 15 of her coolest looks with advice on how to get them. If you're feeling adventurous, a look from Kristen's book is always ahead of the trends, and guaranteed to make you feel hip. Plus, no Hollywood starlet has done grunge so well since Winona Ryder. So click through and see just how Bella you can be. Stay tuned today for beauty looks from last night's New Moon premiere!-

View Slideshow ›

Want To Look Like Madonna, or at Least Have Skin Like Her?

BellaSugarUK — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:10:00 -0800

Just like our bodies need oxygen to be healthy, our skin does too. Enter Michelle Peck, facialist to Madonna, Gwyneth, Jennifer Lopez, Molly Sims, Justin Timberlake and Eva Longoria (just to drop a few names). She started off as a masseuse, however, her career really began to take off when she connected with skincare brand Intraceuticals and began putting her own healing touch on their oxygen treatment called Intraceuticals Infusion.

Those who have experienced Michelle's work, just can't stay away, and I can understand why. After speaking with her at length, not only did I find her to be open, kind and warm, but she is also overflowing with depth, compassion and perspective. Her time spent with famous faces (ehem, she's been on two world tours with Madonna where she gave her a treatment before every single show) has not jaded her one bit. In fact, she is more concerned with the Earth, the human spirit and her charity of choice, Raising Malawi, than with outer beauty.

To learn about the technology behind Intraceuticals treatments, where you can get them in the UK, plus for more about my exclusive interview with Michelle, just read more.

Intraceuticals came to the US about six years ago from Australia and is now available in over 35 countries. Michelle decided to come on board with them and eventually become their spokesperson because she saw something unique in their technology. Never before has there been a brand that combines 95% hyaluronic acid (the connective tissue that keeps skin lubricated and cushioned aka, young looking) mixed with hyperbaric pressure (oxygen under pressure) and 5% of vitamins A, C, E, aloe vera and green tea extract.

Keep in mind that plumping products/treatments like restylane and juvederm are forms of hyaluronic acid, but, you need to inject them into the skin because of the large-sized molecules. However, combined with the hyperbaric pressure, the Intraceuticals molecules are small enough to be driven into the skin with a machine that looks like an airbrush gun.

The entire treatment takes about an hour and are recommended to be done in a series of six every seven to ten days. After that, monthly maintenance is suggested. Sessions with Michelle are £325 each, but can go as low as £150 with other estheticians. Celebrities are so passionate about these treatments because there's no redness afterward, so you can put makeup on within 15 minutes. The end results are instant, but long term results are even better as it helps to minimize pores, tighten, firm, and hydrates the skin at the deepest level. Hey, if Madonna has been a fan for over four and a half years, there must be something to this! And if you want what Madge is having, ask for the Rejuvenation Treatment.

You must travel so much for work, how do you keep your skin looking good? I love serums because they penetrate deeper into my skin than creams.
What's your advice for keeping your skin young and healty? I'm big on staying out of the sun. Some of the most damaged skin I've seen in the world is sun damaged skin. I also use my treatment on the hands, necks and chest.
What's your favourite product? The Opulence Line Wand is great for under eye circles, and the Clarity Line Wand helps dry out blemishes really well.
What other skin care products does Madonna use? Atoxlelene Wand, Eye Gel and Blue Hydration Gel (which is rich in hyaluronic acid). The products support the treatments, but they aren't meant to replace your favourite product line. You can use whatever products you like in addition to ours.
What's your philosophy on beauty? Beauty truly comes from within. I'm very involved in Madonna's charity, Raising Malawi and have been to Malawi often. I find that helping others brings you personal happiness and inner beauty.

Where To Find Intraceuticals Treatments in London:
Although it's not the same as meeting Michelle in person, you can get Intraceuticals treatments at Beauty Works West, Fabiola Face Spa (on the King's Road), The Chelsea Day Spa.

Simply click here for other locations in the UK, and, check out these more budget friendly places for oxygen facials.

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Wine and Chocolate For the Holidays? Oh Yes, and Here's Why!

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:59 -0800

Dropping temperatures often equate to a less than glowing appearance of the skin. But you don't have to look like a poor turkey on Thanksgiving day during these cold-weathered months. In fact, this year, I'm giving my thanks to dermatologist/psychiatrist Dr. Amy Wechsler, who has not only provided us with her adult acne tips, but now she's got some helpful advice on banishing dry, wintry skin, along with suggestions for beauty-friendly gifts this holiday season. Find out what she has to say when you read more.

5 Tips For Minimizing Adult Acne

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:00:38 -0800

Dr. Amy Wechsler is not only a dermatologist, she's a psychiatrist as well. What a combo! In fact, some even call her a "beauty shrink," and the Manhattan-based skincare expert and author of The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Reverse Stress Aging and Reveal More Youthful, Beautiful Skin ($20), has a few things to share with us regarding adult acne. As we all know, breakouts that occur post-high-school can be rough on the psyche, and that's why I asked Dr. Wechsler her tips on helping us prevent and deal with pimples in our 20s, 30s, and beyond. To check out her advice, keep reading.

Bella Interview: Cristina Samuels, Co-Founder of Mode Cosmetics

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:02:36 -0800

When you're raised around the family business, it only makes sense that you'd follow suit. And for Cristina Samuels and Jennifer Isaac, doing so has been a beautiful endeavor. From the time they were girls, they learned by watching their father, a cosmetic-industry veteran. Now, they're the co-founders and co-owners of Mode Cosmetics, a line of cruelty-free (and reasonably priced!) makeup made in New York.

Just a few minutes with the sisters is inspiring - they're incredibly passionate about their work, and they know their business. If you're interested in a cosmetics-biz career, get some advice from Cristina when you read more.

"I'm In Love With a Younger Man"

Tres Community — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

This post comes from our Confession Booth group in our TrèsSugar Community. Feel free to add your advice in the comments!

I've finally fallen in love. He is everything I have ever dreamed of. We are a perfect match in every way. He makes me feel calm. He makes me feel complete. He complements me in every way. We're on the same level and we are equals.
He's crazy about me and I'm wild about him. We've been together almost two years and he's the best thing that's ever happened to me.

He is almost six years younger than me and while I don't think about it, others point it out. I'm almost 30 and I hate feeling like I'm doing something wrong by being with him and wanting a future with him. Sometimes I just feel old even though he does nothing but make me feel beautiful. He's the most amazing person I know.

There's lots of great stuff going on in our community - join it, check it out, share your posts or advice in the great groups and maybe we'll feature it here on TrèsSugar!