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New Product Alert: Mark Skin Care

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:00:24 -0700

Mark, Avon's sister brand, is aimed at a younger audience - hence the choice of Lauren Conrad as the spokesmodel. Its target audience is teenagers and early twentysomethings, but after trying its new skin care line, I'm convinced this brand should have a wider appeal.

Don't look for a lot of gimmicks from this line; it's all about good basics such as cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Everything is loaded with antioxidants, it's oil-free, and it's also fragrance-free. The scents of the products come from food-derived ingredients such as sugar maple, bilberry, pomegranate, and pumpkin seed. A great feature is the lotion packaging: you just press down on the top and the right dose of moisturizer comes out.

If you try one thing from this line, make it For Goodness Face ($15). This moisturizer features a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen (with dark chocolate and blueberry to provide antioxidants). It absorbs quickly and works well under makeup, and it has the vague scent of cocoa beans. The only drawback? I like it so much that I used up a jar within a month.

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Product Review: Maria Galland Gentle Soothing Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:00:08 -0800

I had never heard of Maria Galland skin-care products until I went to the Thalazur Thallasothèrapie & Spa in France. It was there where I was introduced to her Gentle Soothing Cream that has significantly changed the overall tone of my skin. For those of you with sensitive skin, I know you can relate to having redness and irritation on your face from just about anything. Having sensitive skin means that the natural defense that your skin has is in a weakened condition and if it's not cared for properly, it will continue to become more reactive.

I love that this cream is quite light in texture, and it absorbs quickly. As soon as I apply it to my face, I feel like it's working to soothe, soften, and protect (yes, it contains SPF)!

Also, it has really light, kind of old-school pharmacy scent to it that I don't have much of an adversity toward, although my special someone told me that I smelled like his grandmother and I don't think that's a compliment. Barring the old-fogey smell and the cost (it's $126 for 50ml), I think this sensitive skin cream is aces.

New Product Alert: Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 May 2007 06:00:16 -0700

The latest creation from French skincare brand Darphin looks like a bottle of citrus-y goodness, but it's so much more than that. Tangerine Aromatic Care ($75) is an anti-aging oil designed to give your skin a dewy, radiant finish and a more supple texture. Not surprisingly, it smells delicious and calming, and it makes my skin feel really soft. This product also has me even more convinced that the thing about oil being bad for your skin is just a myth.

Tangerine Aromatic Care is made with rich and natural ingredients, such as vitamin C to help produce skin cell renewal and collagen, antioxidants to protect skin from free radicals and environmental damage, and essential oils of tangerine, carrot, and orange to help to tone and tighten your delicate facial skin.

To apply, just place four to five drops of oil on your fingertips and gently massage them into your neck and face in small outward circles. Be sure to take deep breaths and relax your facial muscles. The oil absorbs very quickly upon contact and leaves your skin feeling unbelievably soft and smelling fresh.

New Product Alert: Lancôme Génifique

BellaSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:00:09 -0700

This month, Lancôme is launching its biggest skin care product of the year. Génifique ($78) is a "youth activating concentrate" with ten years of research backing up its anti-aging claims. It promises to rouse genes, making them produce more proteins associated with young skin.

The whole "gene-awakening" thing sounded vague to me, which automatically made me a bit skeptical. (So many beauty products promise to transform skin into perfection, but - as you probably have experienced - that doesn't happen very often.) Lancôme gave me an advance sample of Génifique, and I have been using it for the past six weeks. To find out whether my lazy-ass genes are now up and at 'em, read more.

Lancôme insists that Génifique is not a serum, but that's a bit of a tomato-tomahto thing to me; the lightweight liquid comes out in a dropper and feels like most serums I've tried. (I'm just sayin'.) Using it is easy, which is great if you're busy/lazy like me. I spread two drops of Génifique on my face every morning and evening; it sinks into skin almost immediately, so then I follow with my normal moisturizer. There's no tingling or stinging or stickiness, which is nice.

About a week into my Génifique trial, I noticed that my skin tone was a little bit brighter. And then I plotzed because the little frown line in between my brows wasn't quite as deep as it had been. I kept an eye on that stinker for the following month, and while it hasn't disappeared completely, it's definitely not as noticeable as it used to be. I'm not a scientist, nor do I play one on TV, but whatever's in that bottle of Génifique has indeed had a positive effect on my skin. Color this skeptic pleasantly surprised.

Product Review: Arcona Kiwi Clarifying Peel

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:00:01 -0700

A few weeks ago I talked to you about the Los Angeles based skin care brand Arcona. I've now had the opportunity to spend some time with the products and really get a feeling for how they affect my skin. One item that I've found noteworthy is the Kiwi Clarifying Peel ($85).

First of all, the smell is divine. It has a strong kiwi aroma and it even has the little black fruit seeds right there in the pot. The color is light green, but when you spread it on your face, it looks clear. The texture is thick and gooey and upon contact with your skin, you'll feel an instant tightening and cooling. The directions say to leave it on for ten minutes, but I ran to the bathroom after five. My face began to itch terribly from the fruit acids and I couldn't help but panic.

Thank goodness no damage was done. My face was pink for only ten minutes and I didn't suffer any burns or peeling, but my oh my, was that scary. Also, and I feel this is pretty important - I've had the peel for a few weeks now and have noticed that it's already beginning to smell rancid. Arcona suggests keeping their products for six months, and now I know why. The lack of preservatives must mean that they have a short shelf life.

I can understand why people love these products (they smell amazing and have a celebrity following), but I just don't think they are right for me. Does anyone else have any stories about disappointing skin care products they have tried?

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

The Beauty in Stem Cell Research

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:00:22 -0800

After years of research, Dior has recently launched a three-product anti-aging skin care range called Capture R60/80 XP. The claim is that the ingredients in the cream mimic the function of stem cells by hunting down your wrinkles and filling them in so that they eventually disappear.

In fact, they even have a schedule for you to keep wrinkle-watch. After one hour fine lines should be less visible, after six hours your skin is said to look smoother and fuller, and after an extended period of time (anywhere from two to six months) your skin is supposed to look renewed and younger.

How about that. I never thought I'd see the day where a topical product can distinguish a wrinkle from regular skin (although, I'd like to see it before I believe it). Knowing this, you may want to avoid putting it near any cute dimples you'd like to keep! I haven't had the chance to try anything in the line yet, but at least the cost isn't as terrible as I expected (not that it's super-cheap either).

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For details about each of the products, read more

Wrinkle Restoring Crème ($80) is an intense facial moisturizing cream that plumps skin to aid in smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
Ultimate Wrinkle Restoring Serum ($85) has a gel-like texture and contains antioxidants and lipospmes to help restore elasticity in the skin.
Wrinkle Restoring Eye Crème ($60) is a silky soft eye cream that helps firm and moisturize the contours of the eye.

Darphin Aromatic Bath and Body Products are Back

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:00:11 -0700

Once thought to be wiped out from the market entirely, this tried-and-true skin care trio has been resurrected from the dead. A few years ago Darphin believed that it would be best to discontinue this old line and make room for the launch of new and improved bath and body products. However, they soon learned the error of their ways.

The masses (French women in particular) became increasingly disgruntled as their favorite products were less and less readily available. After the women resorted shopping on the gray market, and made incessant phone calls to corporate offices, Darphin realized that a re-introduction of their Aromatic Bath & Body Trio was imperative.

Since Darphin wouldn't dream of stopping production again, go for it and try 'em out. You'll be sure to fall in love with what French women have been depending on for years!

To read more about each of the products, read more

Aromatic Bath and Body Oil ($70) is a delightful blend of four different essential oils: lemon, pepper, rosemary and sage. It nourishes, softens and stimulates the senses while absorbing quickly so your skin is left silky and gorgeous, not greasy.

Aromatic Hydroactive Body Lotion ($50) is a hydrating body milk that leaves your body feeling supple and smelling of orange, vetiver, galbanum, copahu, lemongrass and lemon oil. Also, since it's made with shea butter, your skin has no shot at feeling anything less than supple, nourished and moisturized.

Aromatic Seaweed Bath and Shower Gel ($50) is an aqua colored, algae infused bath gel that cleanses, softens and revitalizes the skin while similarly smelling of orange, vetiver, galbanum, copahu, lemongrass and lemon. This is a cult fave you won't want to miss!

New Product Alert: St. Ives Elements Protective Cleanser

BellaSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:00:15 -0700

When Freeze 24/7 released Ice Shield a couple of years ago, I was intrigued. The cleanser not only removes dirt and oil, it also protects skin with SPF 15. Innovative, no? My only complaint was the $48 price tag, which seemed a little high, even for a two-in-one product.

Ah, but now St. Ives has stepped in with its Elements Protective Cleanser ($7.99). The concept of this cleanser is the same: You simply wash your face as you would normally, which simultaneously "washes on" SPF 10 coverage. It's that simple, which should please those of you who prefer having as few steps as possible in your morning routine.

Although I like the lower-priced option, I'm not crazy about the relatively low SPF rating. SPF 10 is small potatoes; at the very least, you should wear SPF 15 every day, and SPF 30 is ideal. If you're serious about protecting your skin, you'll want a higher SPF. But if you're the type of person who doesn't wear sunblock every day already, this is a good way to get at least a little protection without adding another product to your skin-care regimen.

Beauty Products From Around The World Part V: Brazil

BellaSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:00:22 -0700

Did you know that Brazil is climbing the ranks in global beauty and by next year it is set to become the third largest beauty market in the world ahead of France and Germany? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the country is home to the world’s biggest rain forest, the Amazon.

Popular Brazilian beauty ingredients include ginseng (tones the skin), guaraná (stimulates production on melanin), buriti oil (rich in fatty acids), and the Brazil nut (high in selenium). Here are three beauty products that allow us to enjoy a little bit of Amazon biodiversity right here in America.

Molton Brown Invigorating Suma Ginseng Bath & Shower Gel ($25) is a lush, rich and fragrant body wash.

It is made from Brazilian suma ginseng which helps boost circulation and juniper berry oil, cinnamon, oakmoss, armoise and geranium revitalise the senses and and stimulate the energy.

For two more amazing Brazilian beauty products, read more

Brazillian Fruit Moisturising Body Lotion Guarana ($14.90) is made from a delicious blend of natual ingredients from the Amazon such as guaraná extract, cupuaca butter, sunflower oil and vitamin E, to invigorate the skin and leave it feeling soft, smooth and protected.

Guaraná is also known as an aphrodisiac and metabolic stimulant - ahhh, so that's why Gisele is so thin!

Nunaat Cosmetics is a very popular Brazilian brand that also makes a full range of hair care and bath and body products. They use essential oils and natural ingredients from the Amazon to relax the body through delicate fragrances and textures. The brand is coming to the US in 2008 and I wanted to make sure you were in the know!

User Review: JamieO Crystal Radiance Microdermabrasion System

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:00:00 -0800

When a box of JamieO skin care arrived on my desk, I couldn't open it at first. Y'see, the packaging is gorgeous. It's a dove-gray and pink box, tied up in a beautiful pink ribbon. Who wants to ruin that prettiness? Eventually, I opened it and found a beautiful glass jar and tube of product nestled inside.

GiggleSugar offered to try out the Crystal Radiance Microdermabrasion System ($75), so I sent her home with it. The next day, she was beaming. Check out her review:

The JamieO Microdermabrasion System came in two parts: a jar of "Crystal Radiance" exfoliator cream and a "Bioactivator" liquid you're supposed to put on top. Following the instructions, I lightly scrubbed the exfoliator cream onto my face for a minute, avoiding my eyes. It had a wonderful orange citrus smell and I loved the non-wimpy exfoliator crytstals-they were the right size and were in the right concentration for the cream. (I hate when an exfoliator is mostly cream and I can barely feel the grains.)

After a minute, I applied the Bioactivator liquid to the top of the grains, lightly rubbing it in until it foamed. The instructions said to wait for two minutes and then to rinse off. My skin felt so soft afterward, and the roughness I had felt around my jaw was gone. I've never used other microdermabrasion systems before (I've only done over-the-counter peels), but the result from a texture standpoint felt comparable. I would use this again; I felt like I was pampering myself, my skin felt smoother, and my makeup went on easier.

She's sold on it, and although I haven't tried it, I like the fact that it smells good. I've been using dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion in a Jar, and while it's all right, Mr. Bella is right when he says it reeks of Pledge. So there you go. Another product I've gotta put on my list-or at least one that I need to borrow from Giggle.