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Product Review: Bliss Pore-Perfecting Facial Polish

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Because my skin is slightly sensitive, slightly dry and slightly red, it can be quite challenging to find a face scrub that successfully slews away dead skin without causing too much irritation. Alas, I've found something that's almost perfect! Bliss's Pore-Perfecting Facial Polish (£24) is gentle on my skin and it gives me the opportunity to do a mini-at home facial without having to break the bank.

I especially love the light, fruity (yet not over-powering scent) and the way it smoothes onto my skin nicely and then dries out a little bit as you work it into a lather. This way you can have a gentle experience or a slightly grainier experience depending on your skin type.

I also love the results. Every time I use it (and I've been using it twice a week religiously for the past month) my face feels instantly softer and brighter without any of the drying and tightening that I often get from harsher beauty products. In fact, my skin is left supple, even-toned and hydrated. The only drawback is that you need a fair amount to get the job done (about the size of a ten pence coin for my face and neck), so unfortunately, I'm going to blow through a tube faster than I'd like.

Oh well, at least it's worth it. For anyone in search of a gentle face scrub, this definitely gets my recommendation!

Product Review: Sisley Gentle Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:00:00 -0800

Now the jury's out about whether most of you prefer to use a separate eye makeup remover or not. I always used to remove my makeup with a creamy cleanser, regardless of whether I was wearing just a touch of mascara or going for full-on smoky eyes. Recently though, I've been noticing that the older I get and more time I spend in front of a computer, the more sensitive my eyes are. When they used to be just fine with a quick swipe of pretty much anything, now unless I use a specific eye makeup remover I end up looking like I've just been crying.

I've recently discovered the cure to my bleary-eyed prayers. Cue Sisley's Gentle Eye and Lip Makeup Remover (£33.50). Unlike most makeup removers it contains no alcohol and doesn't dry out the eye area. For why this product has made the grade, just

Product Review: Ren Damask Rose Body Cream

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Well at least I have one thing in common with Uma Thurman. Like the long-limbed actress I share a love of skincare brand Ren and am a true devotee of their shower creams and body lotions in particular. As a complete body lotion addict anyway, it's no surprise then that I'm head-over-heels about Ren's Damask Rose Body Cream, (£24.50).

This a truly luxurious body lotion. It's ultra thick and absorbs easily leaving your skin glowing and soft. The thick yet not cloggy consistency makes for a nourishing effect that's not at all sticky or greasy. Essential fatty acids from rose hip seed oil and jojoba oil work to boost the skin's lipid content, restore moisture levels and increase the skin's ability to retain moisture. Expect petal-soft skin with a healthy glow.

The uplifting fragrance of damask rose petals is better than eating chocolate if you want to feel completely indulged and pampered. Rose is known to balance the emotions and create feelings of wellbeing, whilst ramnose sugar, which is also on the list of ingredients, stimulates beta endrophin release. No wonder I feel so happy after using this cream, it's like true love in a bottle!

Product Review: Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Dermalogica, and their new MediBac range is really fantastic to help clear up bouts of adult acne.

I regularly use the Overnight Clearing gel, (£34), on break-outs, or when I think my skin is getting greasy and clogged up. The clear gel is an overnight treatment, that you apply on freshly washed skin. I moisturise first, and then dot it onto blemishes, but you can also apply a thin layer all over the skin (and skip the moisturiser if you have very greasy skin).

It contains a vitamin B complex combined with zinc, yeast, caffeine, tea tree and rosemary, to soothe the skin and inhibit the growth of spot-causing bacteria. No artificial colour or fragrance, means it won't irritate the skin.

As with all Dermalogica products, they recommend that you have a face-mapping facial and consultation first, so that the correct products are prescribed for your skin type.

It's a thorough, professional approach to skincare, that makes Dermalogica very highly renowned in the beauty industry, and with such results-driven products such as this, you can certainly see why.

I cannot recommend this highly enough – a fantastic blemish-busting treatment.

Product Review: St. Tropez Everyday

bellasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:01:33 -0800

Here in San Francisco, I typically feel like we're "in between" seasons. It's too cool for tanks, but too warm for puffy jackets. So, on those indecisive mornings when I'm getting dressed, I'm often faced with the choice: tights or no tights? No tights? Sure, but first my pasty white stems need some help. Enter St. Tropaz Everyday ($30) in Fair to Medium (also available in Medium to Dark).

This self-tanner is marketed as a moisturizer that just happens to have subtle tanning properties. Subtle, for sure — but in the highest of compliments. Seeing that I'm typically the queen of orange knees and blotchy ankles with regular tanners, I was quite impressed by the foolproof nature of this one. Plus, being able to customize the amount of intensity is always a plus in my book.

Other bonuses? A non-nasty smell sans greasiness. Although the aroma is somewhat chemical-y, there's no typical "something's burning" kind of odor — you know that odor, right? The product also claims to improve firmness and elasticity of the skin. The jury is out on that one for me, but my neighbor did say I was looking rather toned one evening as I walked in from work, although I think that was more Winsor Pilates than tanning cream.

Product Review: Butter London HRH Nail Polish

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

Butter London is one of those beauty brands that is fast becoming cult property. Although the company is actually based in Seattle, it offers a thoroughly British experience with quirky names such as Old Blighty and Chimney Sweep. Their creative director, Nonie Creme has worked on numerous A-list nails, including Kate Moss, as well as creating looks on campaigns for Vogue, H&M, and Jimmy Choo. This is one nail polish brand with serious fashion credentials.

I'm also pleased to note that it's not all about image. Butter London has a strong commitment to making non-toxic polishes. All of the polishes are free of the "big three" — toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde. It's a relief to know you needn't worry about toxicity in the quest to be beautiful.

In terms of colours, these are bang on-trend. After checking out my girl Bella US's favourite shades, I found it very hard to choose between Butter London's gothic glam black, patriotically called Union Jack Black and the royal looking HRH. I plumped for HRH, which is a rich purple that has a fantastic sheen. For how the varnish stood the test of time, just

Review: Danskin X-Training Jacket

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:45:13 -0700

The weather is starting cool, considerably in some parts, and that means wearing more layers — sometimes even indoors. I don't like feeling cold, but so many sweaters, jackets, and hoodies are just too bulky, so I have been looking for something form-fitting, cozy, and thin. I put on my new Danskin X-Training Jacket ($76) a couple of days ago and have yet to take it off.

It meets all my requirements and then some. It's perfect for typing in my shady house and walking the dog. The fabric is super soft: The jacket feels good on, and my husband loves hugging me when I am wearing it. Since I am wearing it all the time, that is a good thing.

For more details on the jacket, just

Product Review: Gillette Fusion Power Phenom Razor

bellasugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:03 -0700

I've always wondered if men's razors were better than women's. While ours may need to be used around our more (ok, most) sensitive areas, theirs ought to be more user friendly and have less margin for error, as many men shave every day and can't hide any shaving mishaps simply by keeping their pants on. So when I saw Gillette's new battery-operated Fusion Power Phenom Razor, which not only has five blades and a built-in precision trimmer but also a low-battery indicator light (what is this, a razor or an iPod?), I had to give it a go.

At first, I was impressed with the pivot on the blade — I could get a lot closer around my ankles and knees, where I always seem to miss hairs. But somehow as I got further north, first around my upper thighs and underarms, the razor stopped gliding as well (I used a little body wash as shave gel — it is unclear what product, if any, you are meant to use with it). And when I got out of the shower, I was stubbly, even below the knees. So, here's the verdict: The Fusion Power Phenom Razor may be the best a man can get, but as I should have known, a woman can get even better. Want more reviews? Read others or write your own.

Nicole by OPI Nic's Sticks: A Bar Experiment

bellasugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:00:28 -0700

This product has mojo — I mean, it literally became the center of attention on a recent Saturday night outing whilst Mr. Bella and I looked on in amusement. After dinner, my friend, knowing all too well that I'm a nut for products, asked what beauty goodies I had on hand. She wasn't disappointed as I whipped out Nicole by OPI Nic's Sticks in Where's My Chocolate? ($7).

Hmm — fun experiment, I thought. Since it's supposed to be so easy to use, why not have my somewhat tipsy friend give it a try? I mean, if she could easily apply nail polish with this product after a few mojitos, it's got to be good, right? To find out,

Product Review: Barbara Daly Glow-Up

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:00:00 -0700

It's rare to find a product that is inexpensive and yet still tops the essentials list of professional makeup artists. Vaseline is one such item, and now Barbara Daly's Glow Up (£6) is set to be another. Whether you're cutting back on your beauty budget, or you're looking for better value on your cosmetics, this is the latest must-have product that won't break the bank.

Unlike many budget brands, the Barbara Daly at Tesco range comes in sleek packaging that will still give your bathroom style kudos. Think simple white and clear packaging plus glass bottles with simple black lids and a pared-down aesthetic. We all know it's what's inside that counts, but personally I can't bare to look at ugly bottles and pots on my dressing table unless they house a miracle cure for wrinkles!

For how to apply Glow-Up for maximum effect simply