PopSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser

BellaSugar — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 08:00:32 -0700

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser ($6) is one of the most popular drugstore cleansers on the market, but even good products aren't meant for everyone. Reader sukhisukhi found that for skin like hers, this cleanser isn't the best decision. She says:

"I have sensitive, combination skin. I heard a lot of good things about Neutrogena, and decided to try this face wash based on recommendations. Unfortunately, it didn't work as well for me as it does for other people. I felt like it left residue on my skin without really taking any dirt away. Even without any makeup to remove, I felt like the product didn't do much for skin. It's been so bad for me that I've begun breaking out all over my face."

Absolutely love something you just tried (or absolutely hate it)? Want to know what people who've tried the newest products think about them? Head over to our Product Review section to write reviews of your own, and see how other people rate the beauty goodies you're interested in.

An Introduction to Oil-Based Cleansers

BellaSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:00:39 -0700

I know what you're thinking: slather oil on my face? Are you nuts?

Not so fast. There's a good explanation for the existence of oil-based cleansers, I promise. Quick chemistry refresher: like attracts like, which means the oil in an oil-based cleanser bonds with and dissolves the oil and grime on your face. This means they can work for all skin types, even oily skin, since they remove oil without over-drying the way detergent-based cleansers can.

Oil-based cleansers are also useful for removing makeup, since most makeup contains oil. The best way to know which method of cleansing gets your face the most sparkling clean is to take one of these for a test drive. There is a slight risk of pore-clogging side effects, but that is usually from the non-oil ingredients, or from not rinsing them off fully. For a few shopping ideas, read more.

DHC's version ($11–$24) has a cult following, as does Shu Uemura's version. (That one wasn't for me, though - I broke out.) I had great luck with Laura Mercier Cleansing Oil Light ($40). Even though it is pricey, you only need a dime-sized drop to get the job done, and it removes makeup so thoroughly that there is no need for an additional makeup remover. For a few more shopping options, browse this widget.

Decleor Cleansing Oil, Face & Eyes - $36.00	L'Occitane - Almond Apple Cleansing Oil - 6.7 oz. - $22.00
Kanebo Sensai Silky Purifiying Cleansing Oil - $50.00	Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Oil - $50.00
Sekkisei Seikisho Perfecting Cleansing Oil - $28.00	Shiseido Ultimate Cleansing Oil - $23.00
Nude CLEANSING FACIAL OIL - $52.00	shu uemura Skin Purifier High Performance Cleansing Oil Enriched - $28.00

Reader Review of the Day: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil Control Foaming Cleanser

BellaSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 07:00:26 -0700

Over the weekend, I was perusing the Product Reviews site and noticed that Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Oil Control Foaming Cleanser ($7) had been receiving lots of love. It's always nice to find a cleanser that works for your skin type, and here's what reader Steen had to say about her success with this product:

When I ran out of my pricy cleanser and couldn't drive the 35 minutes to the nearest counter, I scoured the drugstore shelves. I finally settled on this cleanser, somewhat wary about any impending havoc it might wreak upon my face. Surprisingly enough, I didn't break out nor did my skin get peely and dried-out. In fact, my skin started improving! It's a great, cheap find that I can easily get anywhere - you can't go wrong.

If you would like the chance to be featured on this daily post, just head over to the Product Reviews and give us the scoop. Thanks to all of you, we've made it to over 12,000 reviews. Keep them coming.

Product Review: Oil Up With DHC Cleanser

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:15:00 -0700

DHC is a Japanese cosmetics and skincare company that are pioneering oil-based cleansing products and the best part - they really work!

Their Deep Cleansing Oil, (£16), uses olive oil to dissolve dirt, makeup and excess sebum on your skin. I wouldn't use it if you have a lot of makeup on - use cotton wool and a cream based cleanser first at least - but it's super-effective and very gentle for a first-thing, fresh-faced feel. The product is water soluble too, so after massaging it into a dry face with your fingertips - splash with water and the oil turns into a creamy face-wash you can rinse off.

I have super-sensitive skin, so most cleansers either sting or leave that nasty, tight feel - but this one is fragrance and colour-free, and the oil-base makes it really hydrating too. It's packed with vitamins, anti-oxidants and includes anti-bacterial rosemary and liquorice extracts.

Got Kinky, Curly, or Wavy Hair? Read This.

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:00:16 -0700

As owner of Atlanta's Urbanbella salon and apothecary-style store, Keneesha Hudson has learned a thing or two about hair - particularly when it comes to kinky, curly, and wavy textures. That's why I consulted with the leading expert in the category on how to tame those unruly curls; and now, I have more of her helpful tips. No matter what kind of curl texture you've got, if your hair has some type of wave to it, this post is for you. Just read more.

Reader Review of the Day: Burt's Bees Facial Cleanser

BellaSugar — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:00:35 -0700

I love Burt's Bees, but given how essential oils like orange can affect my skin, I was hesitant to try its Burt's Bees Facial Cleanser ($8). Reader a million suns, however, actually saw her skin irritation go down when she used the product. She says:

"My skin has been extremely sensitive and reactive lately-and always fairly dry, since I live in Nevada-and every time I'd use my Neutrogena cleanser, my face would look red and blotchy. Then I picked up this cleanser at the store and gave it a try. No redness, no blotchiness, nada. Plus, my skin felt totally refreshed. It is a little bit thick, but all I have to do is mix it with water (squeeze a nickel-sized amount onto your hand, run it under the faucet, rub your hands together) to get it to spread easily. Plus, I love the orange scent!"

New cleanser you're crazy about? Thinking about making a switch and want to know what other people think? Then our Product Reviews pages are the place to be! You can see reviews of more than 50,000 products, and write some of your own.

I Need Your Help . . . Ear Protection From Rain?

PetSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:00:46 -0700

Rainy days go away! Not only does the wet stuff totally annoy some pets, it can be harmful, too. Check out this message about a three-year-old blue American Pitbull:

We rescued Diva at seven months old, and she had already had her ears clipped. It was a chop job to say the least - the problem now is that she is getting gunk in her ears when we walk, especially in the rain. I am looking for something to protect her ears and not block her hearing.

To see my advice, and offer your own, read more.

First off, I'd check with a vet to confirm that build up isn't coming from an infection. To keep ears clean, pick up a safe cleanser with Almond or Macadamia nut oils to repel water and soften stubborn wax. Anyone else have any suggestions to make walk time less sticky and less waterlogged?

(Remember if you have questions to be answered, either send me a private message or simply post to the Pet Peeves group - we're all here to help!)

Win AmorePacific Skincare Products From Sephora!

BellaSugar — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:30:00 -0700

Since 2003, Sung-Hwan Suh's AmorePacific skincare line has been blending indigenous Asian botanicals with modern technology, resulting in skin that's healthy and youthful-looking. Now you can experience the centuries-old wisdom with new science formulations, and it's all thanks to our friends at Sephora. If you're chosen the grand prize winner of this week's giveaway, you'll receive four luxe products from the AmorePacific line. They include:

Treatment Cleansing Oil Face & Eyes - A delicate cleanser that dissolves makeup and impurities, all while leaving skin soft and hydrated.
Moisture Bound Lip Treatment - A revitalizing lip therapy that delivers lasting protection and nourishment.
Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System - A moisturizing mist that refreshes all skin types by toning and hydrating.
Treatment Enzyme Peel - A gentle, non-abrasive exfoliator that works to eliminate toxins, resulting in brighter, clearer skin.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. Sunday and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a PopSugar Community member to enter. So if you're not already one, register now. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to the PopSugar Community for your entry to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

Take the quiz

Reader Review of the Day: Nature's Gate Hemp Velvet Moisture Body Wash

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:03:14 -0700

Here's a fatty that won't get you in any trouble. I'm talking essential fatty acids, which are nourishing for the skin, and incidentally, found in hemp seed oil, a main ingredient of Nature's Gate Hemp Velvet Moisture Body Wash ($6). Reader Hottpink sung the praises of this moisturizing cleanser, and here's what she had to say:

I was on the hunt for a body wash that was eco- and animal-friendly, and thought I would give this a try after spying it at a Whole Foods Body. Overall, I am really pleased with this body wash. It has a slightly earthy scent which is not overpowering at all, and it really moisturizes my dry skin. Unlike some body washes, this rinses away clean and doesn't leave that "film" feeling. It doesn't suds up as much as bar soap, but I don't mind. I have even used it to shave when I ran out of shaving cream. Another plus: it lasts a long time!

Are you impressed with certain eco-friendly products you've recently tried? We want to know about it, even if the results have been less than stellar. Our Product Reviews section is the place to go for all things beauty. We look forward to reading your opinions each day, and who knows? Perhaps you'll be the next featured reviewer.

Behind The Scenes at the 2009 Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:30:00 -0700

On Tuesday morning, at the Kensington Roof Gardens in London, Cosmopolitan UK threw the 7th annual beauty awards bash of the year! Besides the flowing array of nibbles, coffee and tea, 82 products (and their trophy's) were showcased around the room for editors, PR's and guests to admire and test. Justine Southall (pictured on the far right), Cosmo's Publishing Director spoke about the state of affairs at the magazine whilst Ingborg Van Lotringen, Cosmo's Beauty Director presented the two newest awards for Breakthrough Product to Clairol Perfect 10 and the Classic Award to The Body Shop Body Butters.

This year’s panel of judges included Alesha Dixon, Rachel Stevens, facialist Anastasia Achilleos, makeup artists Caroline Barnes and Lee Pycroft, hairstylist Errol Douglas, Cosmo Editor Louise Court and Cosmo Beauty Director (pictured in the grey dress) and Ingeborg van Lotringen (kneeling). There were a total of 13 categories ranging from hair styling and treatments, to skincare, makeup and suncare and, 16 products were granted the 'Readers' Kiss Of Approval' award by those who voted via the magazine or online.

View 5 Photos ›

To check out the exciting full list of winners, read more.

Cosmo Beauty Classic Award:The Body Shop Body Butters
Cosmo Beauty Breakthrough Award: Clairol Perfect 10

Lips

Best Colour-Rich Lipstick: YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick
Best Sheer Lipstick: Chanel Aqualumière Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF15
Best Lip Gloss: Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect
Best Lip Balm: Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Lipstick: MAC Lipstick

Eyes

Best Mascara: Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara
Best Eyeshadow: Rimmel London Colour Mousse Eyeshadow
Best Eyeliner: Clinique Cream Shaper For Eyes
Best Eye-Colour Palette: Givenchy Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Mascara: Maybelline New York Great Lash

Cleanser

Best Cleanser: Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash
Best Facial Refresher:Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist
Best Eye Makeup-Remover: Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover
Best Facial Scrub: Olay Regenerist Daily Thermal Skin Polisher
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Cleansing Wipes: Simple Skincare

Face

Best Foundation: Chanel Mat Lumière Long Lasting Makeup SPF15
Best Blemish Concealer: Bobbi Brown Face Touch-Up Stick
Best Tinted Moisturiser: Olay Complete Care Touch of Foundation
Best Face Powder: MAC Blot Pressed Powder
Best Cream/Liquid/Gel Blush: Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush
Best Powder Blush: MAC Mineralize Blush
Best Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder
Best Under-Eye Brightener: La Prairie
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Blusher: Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Foundation: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

Skin

Best Everyday Moisturiser: Chanel Hydramax + Active Moisture Cream
Best ‘Green’ Skincare: REN Rose Synergy 012 Restoring Facial Serum
Best Face Mask: Chanel Sublimage Hydrating Masque
Best Blemish Buster: La Roche-Posay Effaclar K
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Moisturiser: Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Day Cream SPF15
Best Anti-Ageing Moisturiser: Dior Capture R60/80 XP Ultimate Wrinkle Restoring Crème
Best Age-Defying Serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex
Best Line-Fading Eye Cream: Givenchy Radically No Surgetics Day & Night Eye Treatment
Best Age-Busting Night Cream: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Anti-Ageing Product: No7 Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum
Best Body Cleanser: Good Works Good Karma Shower Gel
Best Body Scrub: Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub
Best Bath Bubbles or Milk: Philosophy Field of Flowers
Best Bath and Body Oil: Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil
Best Hair Removal Product: Gillette Venus Breeze
Best Body Moisturiser: Lancôme Nutrix Royal Body Butter
Best Deodorant: Dove Hair Minimising Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Best Body-Firming Potion: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Body Lotion: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hair-Removal Product: Gillette Venus

Hair

Best Hairspray: L’Oreal Paris Elnett
Best Volumiser: Shockwaves Styling Plus Gloss & Body Mousse
Best Frizz Controller: John Frieda Weather Works Style Sealant Crème
Best Home Colourant: Clairol Perfect 10
Best Shampoo: Charles Worthington Time Defy Moisture Renew Shampoo
Best Conditioner: Paul Labrecque Daily Condition Moisture Mud Instant Repair
Best Leave-In Treatment: TRESemmé Curl Hydration Leave-In Cream
Best Hair Mask: Kérastase Masque Chroma Riche
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hair Colourant: L’Oreal Paris Excell 10’
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Shampoo & Conditioner: Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Hairbrush: Goody Gel Handled Brushes
Best Make-Up Brushes: Daniel Sandler
Best Heat Styler: GHD IV Styler
Best Beauty Gadget: Neutrogena Wave
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hairstyling Gadget:GHD IV Styler

Suncare

Best Facial Sun Protection: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Extreme Fluid SPF50
Best All-Over Sun Protection: Lancaster Suncare Tanning Lotion SPF15
Best Anti-Ageing Sun Protection: Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream High Protection
Best After Sun: Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturizer
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Suntan Lotion: Nivea Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF15

Self Tanning and Bronzing

Best Facial Self-Tan: Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Dry Face Mist
Best Body Self-Tan: St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
Best Gradual Self-Tan: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion
Best Wash-Off Body Tanner: Guerlain Terracotta Teint Doré Bronzing Spray for Body
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Self Tanner:St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray

Men

Best Hair Texturiser: Fudge Matte Hed
Best Face Cream: Biotherm Homme Force Supreme Neutralizer
Best Shaving Lotion: Clinique Skin Supplies for Men M Shave Aloe Gel
Best Eye Cream: Lab Series Instant Moisture Eye Gel
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Aftershave: Boss Aftershave Lotion

Hands and Feet

Best Nail polish: Revlon Nail Enamel
Best Hand Cream: Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream
Best Foot Treat: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Cracked Heel Foot Cream
Best Nail Rescuer:Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Nail Polish: OPI Nail Lacquer

Photos Courtesy of Jessica Long