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Product Review: Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 02:00:00 -0700

One of my besties from the states just came for a visit and she brought with her an amazing beauty gadget that I haven't yet seen sold in the UK (thank goodness for overseas shipping). Since I was completely blown away by this electric exfoliator and cleansing contraption, I just had to share it with you! The Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System ($200 about £120) is a hand held device that you use twice a day to help loosen up to six times the amount of excess dirt, oil and makeup that normal soap and water don't remove. The sonic technology (these by the way are the same folks who invented the Sonicare toothbrush) works to massage your skin while clearing your pores and evening out your skin tone.

Since it's Summer and I've been sweating more and using tons of sun cream, I constantly feel sticky and prone to spots. However, after using this for 60 seconds in the morning and night for just five days, I've already noticed that my face is smoother and brighter than ever. I can't wait to order one for myself because the squeeky clean feeling is addicting. Also, I like how it beeps when it's time to move to a different part of your face!

Lastly, did I mention that you can use it when you travel? It holds enough charge for up to 30 minutes of use and since you won't have to pack a separate exfoliator, you'll have more room in your luggage! The package comes with two brush heads, a waterproof cordless handle, a charging cradle, and a 2 ounce cleanser tester. Sometimes I feel like beauty gadgets aren't necessarily worth the money, but this is one I'd be willing to splurge on. What's the most you'd be willing to spend on a skincare regimen?

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You Asked: I Started Exercising, But Now I'm Breaking Out!

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 -0700

Dear Fit,
I just got on an exercise kick and joined a gym. I've been doing 30 minutes of cardio three times a week and finishing with 30 minutes of strength training and stretching. I feel amazing and am starting to lose weight, but now I have a new problem - acne. And it's not just on my face. I have it on my neck and back too. How can I prevent this?
- Blemished Back

Acne and bacne can be unfortunate side effects of exercise, especially in hot weather. There are definitely ways to prevent breakouts caused by sweating.

Wash your face before working out to remove excess oil and makeup that can clog your pores. Then apply a facial moisturizer that's made for acne-prone skin such as Neutrogena's Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer.
Always wear clean workout clothes, and choose sports bras and tank tops with shoulder straps rather than racerback style. You want the skin on your back to breathe as much as possible, and if there's material covering it, heat, sweat, and bacteria get trapped, which can lead to bacne. Also, the more your skin is covered, the hotter you'll feel, and the more you'll sweat, which also leads to breakouts.
Wear clothes made of wicking material that pulls sweat off the skin.

To find out what else read more.

After cardio, wash your face before you strength train and stretch. Also dry the rest of your body off. You can even change into a dry bra and top if you're especially prone to bacne.
Shower immediately after you're done exercising. Not only does it rinse the sweat and pimple-causing bacteria off your skin, but the water also helps to cool your body temperature down so you don't continue sweating once you get out. Don't have time to shower? Definitely wash your face and put on clean, dry clothes.
Unclog pores and remove dead skins cells from your skin by exfoliating in the shower with loofah gloves. They're gentle enough to use everyday on your face and the rest of your body. Use the gloves with an antibacterial cleanser such as Cetaphil, or soaps that have acne medicine in them, such as salicylic acid.

Whatever you do, don't stop working out. If acne is still a problem after trying out these tips, see a dermatologist.

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Reader Review of the Day: The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:01 -0700

You've heard me say it multiple times, and you'll probably hear me say it again. Mascaras are pretty much the most popular product on our Product Reviews website. But facial cleansers are a close second. Reader Amanda-La recently added her opinion about The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser ($14), and here's why she calls it the perfect find:

I have tried so many cleansers that I couldn't possibly list them all. Basically, I've tried a new one every month since I was 14. I couldn't find that miracle product. I found it in this cleanser. I use the foaming version. It is gentle so my skin doesn't break out. It keeps my skin clean and my pores clear so I don't get new breakouts. My skin stays neutral, no overshine and no dryness. I don't even have to use a moisturizer afterwards, but I do anyway. This is the first time I've gone back for more.

Now, it's your turn. Perhaps you'd like to add to the reviews of facial cleansers, or perhaps there's a makeup brush you can't live without. Tell us all about it. You know the drill.

Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Break Out

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:50 -0700

If you're regularly exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays, it can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, and sunspots. The obvious solution is to protect your skin with sunscreen. One problem though is that lathering your skin with SPF lotion can cause breakouts on your face, neck, shoulders, and back. For some people, it's so embarrassing that it makes them want to forget the sunscreen altogether. Remember though that not all sunscreens are created equal. To help prevent breakouts caused by sunscreen, read more.

First of all, if your skin is acne prone, you'll want to use a special sunscreen designed just for your face and another for the rest of your body. Go for an oil-free face lotion like the one shown that is specifically formulated not to clog your pores - the technical terms is noncomedogenic. If your body is prone to breakouts, choose an oil-free body sunscreen that's also noncomedogenic.

If you have acne lotion or topical medication you use, apply it to your clean skin first, and then apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out into the sun. As soon as you come inside wash the sunscreen off. If you've tried a certain brand of sunscreen, and it's caused pimples then try another one. It may take a few tries or a visit to your dermatologist for suggestions, but whatever you do, don't give up and forget the sunscreen. Your skin will thank you later.

Yet Another Embarrassing Place For Acne To Show Up

BellaSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:00:43 -0700

It's not like I show up at tea parties talking about ass-ne or anything, but I'm all for opening up about "embarrassing" pimply places. It happens! You are not a freak if you have blackheads in places that aren't your face, you know.

Which brings me to, ugh, ear blackheads. Oh, don't act like you've never had one. My esthetician says they're very common, and while they're harmless, they can sometimes be painful. If you have them, don't try to squeeze them. Instead, try these tips:

Clean your iPod earbuds at least once a week. Grungy earbuds can bring bacteria to your ears, so wipe them down regularly.
Use a cotton swab to apply a salicylic acid treatment to your ears. (Don't stick the swab in your ear canal, though.)
Mom was right: Don't forget to clean behind your ears. Gently cleaning ears with a washcloth can help prevent clogged pores.
Don't go poppin' things. If you have a painful pimple-like growth, it could be a sebaceous cyst. Whatever you do, don't mess with it. Instead, see a dermatologist if you can't deal with the pain.

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Banish Blackheads With an Extractor

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:01:17 -0800

Everybody has some sort of embarrassing obsession, and mine is pore purging. Whenever I'm stressed, pushing blackheads out of my pores always calms me. (Sick, I know.) Since the bacteria on fingers can exacerbate acne, I bought Sephora's double loop extractor ($16) to help me get the gunk out cleanly.

The double-ended, stainless steel, made-in-Germany tool is meant to help with both blackheads and whiteheads. The thin, narrow loop is for oozing whiteheads, while the wider one is for digging out blackheads. For at least 30 minutes last night, I alternated between the two, giddily cleaning out my pores. This sucker helps you declog everything, and with a little help from a magnifying mirror, I was even able to get rid of blackheads on my earlobes. Delightfully gross. For instructions on doing this at home, read more.

If you are similarly afflicted with this need to purge, here's what to do. Extract the blackheads after a shower, or prepare the comedones by placing a damp, warm washcloth on your skin. Then, apply gentle pressure on the clogged pores; don't force it, or you can cause redness and/or scarring. And don't even think about trying this with cystic acne, as it won't work. Clean the tool with alcohol after each use, and wipe skin with an alcohol-free toner or witch hazel when you're through. With regular use, you'll be able to improve the look of your pores - but be warned, doing so can lead to a mildly pathetic quasiaddiction.

Reader Review of the Day: Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser Mask

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:02:37 -0700

Reader Itsme3683 has found her perfect mask in Neutrogena's Clear Pore Cleanser Mask ($7). Better yet, this acne-fighting formula can be used as both a daily moisturizer and a daily mask. Take it away, Itsme3683:

Like some of the other reviewers, I don't recommend using it as a twice-daily cleanser because it is really intense, and I think it's too thick and annoying for a cleanser anyways. I use it as a mask whenever I feel like I need a good deep clean and I love it. I also use it as a spot treatment when I have a problem zit - just dab a little of this on before bed and it's so much better in the morning. Highly recommended.

Won't you now share what you like and dislike about your beauty items on our Product Reviews website? Nothing beats your honest opinions!

Reader Review of the Day: Apivita Deep Cleansing Face Mask

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:00:21 -0700

Everyone wants something different out of a facial mask, whether it's for hydration, acne fighting, or increased radiance. But who wouldn't want a little deep cleaning now and then? Mask-lover Marleygyal02 tried out Apivita Deep Cleansing Face Mask ($5), and here's what she had to say about this heavy-duty mask:

Another mask I could use forever. It smells so good, and it makes my skin feel like a new day. I love how clean my skin feels after this mask, but it doesn't strip moisture . . . so my skin doesn't feel tight. It really helps to clarify my pores.

If you like reviewing products, our Product Reviews website is the place to be. Fill us in on what you do and don't like, whether it's a flat iron or waxing strips or a lip gloss. Perhaps you'll be featured on this daily post, too.

Reader Review of the Day: Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:00:11 -0800

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser ($32) is marketed as a deep pore cleanser, makeup remover, and toner. Whew, that means there should be high expectations on a product like this, right? So when reader Leafgirl said it was "the best," I wanted to hear more. This is what she had to say:

"My sister is a spa and salon buyer for a high end resort so we have tried lots of cleansers. This is by far the best, and I don't mean just in this price range. [It] cuts through any and all makeup without leaving your skin dry and tight. Cetaphil leaves my skin feeling over moisturized [and] other cleansers make me red, dry, and blotchy. Purity cleans and soothes - love it. I think my husband has been using it when I'm not looking."

If you'd like the opportunity to be featured on this daily post, here's how it's done. Simply head over to our Product Reviews website and submit your opinion. Don't forget that by writing just three reviews per week, you could be entered in our contest to win a $500 gift certificate from Benefit Cosmetics. The more beauty opinions you write, the more entries you'll receive. Good luck!

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.

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