PopSugar

A Quick Tip For Healthier Skin While You Sleep

BellaSugarUK — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:00:00 -0800

According to expert London facialist Sarah Chapman, a quick and easy way to brighten up your skin, draw out impurities and tighten your pores at home, is by mixing a tablespoon of a mud mask with a few drops of a calming facial oil. Blend them together in your hand or in a small bowl, apply the treatment to your face with a clean foundation brush (carefully avoiding your eyes and lips) and then sleep with it on.

What's great is that the oil keeps the mask from drying out and cracking while you get your beauty sleep! Lastly, I recommend putting a towel down under your head so that the mask doesn't rub off on your pillowcase and sheets.

Source

Barbara Daly's Tips For Looking Ten Years Younger

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

It's official, most of you want to look younger and admittedly, I'm right there with you. I hate the tiny little wrinkles that are already forming around my eyes, and lately, my skin has been lacking that youthful and supple natural glow.

About a month ago, I was given the opportunity to speak with celebrity makeup artist Barbara Daly about some of her secrets to looking younger which include everything from brightening your complexion and toning your skin. Her Make-up By Barbara Daly for Tesco is doing incredibly well, not to mention it's cheap as chips - bellissima!

For Barbara's expert tips and tricks for knocking off a decade, read more.

Mimic the youthful look of bright fresh skin by keeping your foundation light in texture. Heavy foundation will only add to the appearance of wrinkles. Try mixing in a few drops of light-reflecting base for a dewy, delicate effect. Barbara suggests using Make-up by Barbara Daly Soft-Focus light-reflecting base (£5).
Combat thinning lips by creating a fuller looking pout. Emphasise the bow of your upper lips with a touch of highlighter and blend a little shimmering gloss over the centre of your lower lip to reflect light and make your lips look fuller. I like See-Through Lip Glaze in Chiffon or Bashful (£4.75).
To bring back your glow, use a multi-reflective highlighter such as Make-up by Barbara Daly Glow-Up (£6), on the inner and outer corners of the eyes, around the lips and on the cheekbones for a luminous effect.
Always use an eyelash curler for a ‘wide-awake’ effect, followed by a coat of well-combed out mascara. To avoid clogs and make eyes look extra huge, try Make-up by Barbara Daly High-Impact Mascara (£5).

Source

Spot Check: Banish Blackheads

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Whether you're suffering from adult acne or you just get the occasional spot - chances are you've had those bad face days, when a pesky blackhead made you want to retreat right back to the duvet.

The best way to get rid of blackheads is to remove the cause of them - excessive sebum or oil and dead skin cells. As I've said before, don't use anything overly harsh or too astringent, as your skin will only compensate by producing more oil. A specially formulated range for blemish-prone skin is best.

Don't be afraid of using cleansing products containing natural oils, such as jojoba or coconut oil to cleanse the skin. These oils are close to our natural oils, so they don't block the pores. I swear by DHC Cleansing Oil (£16) to keep your skin looking clear.

For my blackhead-banishing guide, just read more.

Use a gentle exfoliating mask every day to remove dead skin cells so they don't block pores. Just remember to be very gentle as over exfoliation can exacerbate the problem.
To squeeze or not to squeeze is the question. Personally, I'm against forcing the blackhead out, unless it's being done by a proper skincare expert, as part of a facial, with steam to open the pores.
Try to avoid touching your skin to prevent the spots and infection spreading.
Watch your diet. Make sure you're eating the right kinds of food to reduce sebum production. Avoid too many cooked carbohydrates and fats, and instead replace these with fresh fruits, vegetables and raw fats, such as avocados, olives, and olive oil.
Make sure any foundations and concealers are non-comedogenic and oil free so they won't block pores. Mineral makeup is ideal, though try and give your skin a break from makeup, at least one day a week.
Avoid products containing the following: alcohol, isopropyl mystate, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, mineral oil and parabens. Your skin is ultra sensitive when you're suffering from blemishes, so treat it kindly.
Steaming your face using tea tree oil and then applying a clay mask, a few times a week, will really help.

Source

A Quick Tip For Voluminous Hair

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:00:00 -0800

The days of flat, ironed-straight hair are well and truly over. Now, it's all about big, bouncy styles and expensive-looking volume. Great, if you've just walked out of a salon, not so easy at home.

Volumising products certainly help, try MOP Glisten Volumising Spray, (£10.99), on wet hair, before you blow dry. If you have thin or flat hair, it also makes sense to blow dry upside down, at least until your hair is about half dry. Adding just a tiny bit of mousse first, like Trevor Sorbie Rejuvenate Mousse, (£4.49), will help fluff up your style.

My other top tip, for next-day, super-volumised hair is easy peasy, but it actually works. Just read more

Before going to sleep just tip your head upside down. Hold the very ends of your hair with one hand and the hair near your scalp with the other.

Gently twist the hair into a loose, top knot that should sit tight on the very top of your scalp. Knot with a bobble and tuck in the ends under the front section of hair, so that any oils from your scalp can be transferred onto the dry ends.

The next morning when you take out the bobble your hair will likely be looking very bed-head! Carefully brush your hair, starting from the ends, to tame the volume a little.

Whenever I do this it looks like I've just come straight from a professional blow dry, instead of my duvet. It's a great trick for hang-over days too.

Source

How To: Take Care of Your Skin After a Wax

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

I know that most of you are divided about which method of hair removal you prefer. While shaving is undoubtedly the cheapest and most convenient way it can become annoying having to do it every other day -plus there's the problem of ingrown hairs (check out my top tips to prevent those). Personally I'm a devotee of waxing as it's just more relaxing having someone else take care of the problem.

I recently had the best wax of my life by expert therapist Dee Wilson who runs her own mini salon at Favela Shop (020 3222 0042) in Shoreditch. Dee specialises in brazilians and while I'm not brave enough to go all the way, I got the most thorough bikini wax I'd ever experienced. Plus my legs are still hairless two weeks later.

I spoke to Dee about her top tips for taking care of your skin post-wax and how to ensure that you stay super smooth for as long as possible. For her expert advice simply read more.

Exfoliate your body at least once a week. Dee suggests that you "exfoliate the area you're having waxed a few hours prior to the treatment and afterwards don't exfoliate for at least four days."
Don't use shower gel or body lotion on your waxed skin for around 24 hours. "Try and keep the bath or shower water luke warm instead of hot, as this can irritate the skin." says Dee.
"If you've had a bikini wax - especially if it's a brazilian, then cold ice or a cold compress can help the redness disappear." suggests Dee.
"Tea tree or lavender oil will soothe the skin." Dee recommends.
To avoid any redness or those irritation bumps that sometimes occur on the legs after a wax then try and expose your skin to the cold air. "Avoid the sun" says Dee "but having bare legs instead of being wrapped up in tights or jeans will help the skin to recover."
After 48 hours apply a cream that will minimise hair re-growth. I swear by Bliss Get Out of Hair! (£27) moisture milk.

Source

How To: Flawless Foundation Like Kate Moss and Dita Von Teese

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

As the days and nights get colder that fresh-faced, just-a-touch-of-tinted-moisturiser look simply won't cut it anymore. It's time to get serious and sort out your foundation. I've found that this is one beauty product that most of us are willing to fork out for, yet it's still tricky to get right.

We've all had bad colour matches or sloppy formulas from foundation but luckily the new breed of products aim to put an end to that. My current favourite is Chanel Lift Lumiere Firming and Smoothing Fluid Makeup (£34). It has an SPF15 to protect the skin, plus the fantastic creamy texture means it just glides on. It's ideal if you're looking to sculpt your face and show off your cheekbones.

Whether you prefer a strong look like Dita Von Teese or more natural glow like Kate Moss, there are some simple, yet effective, new rules for applying base. For my expert tips on getting a flawless look, just read more.

The most common mistake is over applying foundation. Even Dita Von Teese who wears full foundation doesn't make it look like a mask. Work with the skin's natural texture and allow it to show through.
These days base is more about adding a sheen to the skin rather than covering everything up. Mix your foundation with a little moisturiser if you want a lighter look like Kate.
When shopping for foundation test a dot on your chest. The colour here is purer than your face (and not so pale as on your neck) and will give a more accurate match.
Always apply foundation quickly and lightly using fingertips. Smooth even strokes will stop the colour looking clogged.
Once you've applied your base dust a little translucent powder over the top, even if your foundation is ultra light. This stops shine and gives that natural-looking glow for which Kate is famed.

Source

Bharti Vyas Shares Her Secrets to Growing Old Beautifully

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:00:00 -0800

Skincare guru Bharti Vyas has just turned sixty-five, although you would simply never guess to look at her! With glowing skin and sparkling eyes, Bharti is one of UK's most respected holistic therapists. She's worked with numerous celebrity clients and is the beauty editor's first port of call for skincare advice due to her immense experience.

I was lucky enough to chat with Bharti about her re-launched Skin Wisdom range at Tesco and how to prevent signs of ageing on the skin. Plus she has some great insider secrets for getting your glow back.

What are you working on at the moment?
It is a very exciting time for me as I have just re-launched my Skin Wisdom range of facial skincare at Tesco and it now includes the wonderful Restore & Replenish collection. It is an incredibly nourishing range that works to counteract the signs of ageing; to help leave you with firmer skin that feels smoother and exhibits a radiant glow.
What advice do you have about keeping your skin looking young?
To prevent signs of ageing particularly on facial skin - the most exposed area of your body - try to avoid eating fast food and sleeping too little.

For what else you can do to keep your skin looking young, simply read more.

How important is a skincare routine?
It's vitally important! A good skincare routine will protect your skin from harsh weather and pollution which also results in signs of ageing on the skin, such as wrinkles, spots and flaky skin”
How can you keep the skin looking radiant?
The best way to maintain younger looking skin is to help the dead cell removal process that your skin goes through daily. As we get older it becomes more difficult for the skin to get rid of dead skin cells and as this happens, the epidermis -the outer layer of the skin, which is visible to us all - becomes greyer and wrinkly. Try Skin Wisdom Daily Care Smoothing Facial Polish (£2.39).
Any other tips on how to look younger than your age?
In addition to your daily skin care routine ensure you drink water regularly to help flush out waste toxins and eat foods rich in nutrients to help nurture your body.

A Quick Tip For Preventing Ingrown Hairs

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:00:00 -0800

While shaving is still the cheapest and quickest method of hair removal, it does have it's own problems. Those annoying small bumps that appear on the skin after shaving are officially known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. Generally referred to as 'ingrown hairs' or 'razor bumps' they can become red, itchy and infected.

Both men and women can suffer from ingrown hairs. This occurs when the end of the hair shaft is cut resulting in a sharpened edge that, as it grows, curls back into the same hair follicle and results in an inflammatory response in the skin. Sometimes you can even see the hair beneath the skin.

For some easy tips on how to prevent ingrown hairs, simply read more.

If you have naturally curly hair you're more likely to suffer from ingrown hairs. For men it may be better to use an electric razor if this is the case. For women, either use an electric razor (although I know it's not as close a shave) or make sure to shave against the direction of hair growth.
Never shave without first exfoliating the area. This lifts the hairs away from the follicle and softens the skin to ensure that any hairs will be removed more easily.
Using a product with antiseptic benefits is key to ensuring your skin doesn't become infected. Try Murad’s Razor Burn Rescue (£27). It is specially formulated with glycolic acid to clear dead skin cells and debris that clog hair follicles. Plus it contains tea tree oil to remove bacteria.

Source

Liv Tyler Shares Her Glamourous Beauty Secrets

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

I admire Liv Tyler. Earlier this year, the actress went through a break up with her husband of five years, so she's now raising her son alone and trying to stay grounded.

Admittedly this girl has amazing rock chick credentials; her dad is Aeorosmith's Steven Tyler and her mum was a definitive groupie and Playboy coverstar of her time. However, Liv always seems down to earth and more than a little self-conscious, despite her stunningly natural beauty.

She has that pale skin and fluctuating body weight which indicates that she's often not considered a typical Hollywood bombshell, yet in my opinion, she is ethereally beautiful. She talked to Glamour magazine about her beauty secrets. For my pick of her top tips, just read more.

Be disciplined: "I've had a skincare routine from early on. No matter how tired I am, I will always wash my face and moisturise before bed. I love face masks, I do them all the time."
Avoid the sun: "I never sit in direct sunlight and I always put on an SPF50 when I'm on the beach."
Work with your skin tone: "When people try to make me look tanned it can look a bit silly. Pale suits me best."
Keep it fresh: "My favourite look is a bit of glow on cheeks and a see-through lip colour."
Show off your skin: "I like makeup that lets your skin show through. It looks fresher."

Source

A Quick Tip To Banish Frizz

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:00:00 -0800

Dry, damaged and downright frizzy hair is one of the perils of all the rain and moisture in the air this winter. Plus over styling and blow drying can also lead to your style looking fluffier than usual. As I have naturally wavy hair, I'm very prone to frizz so have been seeking out some insider tricks for gorgeously glossy locks.

Frizzy hair not only looks unhealthy, it can make you look older too. As well as having regular trims, using a good conditioner and avoiding too much heat styling, there are a few beauty editor secrets for keeping your barnet looking shampoo-ad shiny. For some easy tips to try at home, just read more.

It sounds too simple to be true, but water temperature can help dry hair look healthier. When washing your hair have the water on a warm to hot level to help the shampoo and conditioner be absorbed into the hair and scalp. Then blast hair with ice cold water for the final rinse to close the cuticles and make it look shinier.
Use a deep conditioning hair mask, such as Umberto Giannini Indulgent Beauty Moisture Mask (£4.99). With the mask on your hair pile it on top of your head and wrap the whole thing in cling film, before covering with a hot towel. This helps the treatment to penetrate deeper into the hair. Leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
If you have dark hair or medium coloured hair that's not been coloured, use olive oil as a super moisturising hair mask. Apply after shampooing to the mid lengths and ends of the hair and leave on for a few minutes. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and avoid completely if you have pale or coloured hair, as it may stain your locks.
Use a finishing cream to smooth down the hair after styling. This won't repair your hair but it will give the appearance of a silkier do. Try John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Agent (£4.47).

Source