BellaSugar Australia

Definition: Quercetin

BellaSugar Australia — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:59:28 +1000

This flavonoid (a type of vegetable-derived compound) has been popping up in lots of products lately, promising skin texture and anti-ageing benefits. Evidence has yet to show whether it's really the holy grail of skincare ingredients, but quercetin certainly does have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. If you're in the market for a new magic makeup must-have or have have trouble with skin inflammation and irritation, there are plenty of products that offer quercetin as their signature ingredient. If you want to go Greek, Korres makes a Quercetin and Oak Anti-Ageing Night Cream ($64.95). If you have easily irritated skin, Smashbox Camera Ready Full Cover Foundation ($44) also uses quercetin. Meanwhile, if you're worried about free radicals and age spots, try Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Tone Perfecting Creme ($135). The cheapest and most direct route, though, is to buy quercetin nutritional supplements, like Alpha-H AlphaCeuticals Capsules ($69.95).

Ingredient Watch: Olive Oil and Olive Leaf Extract

BellaSugar Australia — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:00:30 +1000

Olive oil and olive leaf extract are known to be ultra nourishing as they are both rich in glycerides, which soften the skin. They better equip the skin’s ability to absorb moisture so skin takes on a more radiant, less lacklustre appearance.

Olive oil is more widely known for its food uses, but is frequently used in both skin- and haircare, to treat dandruff in the latter. As well as being a great moisturiser, olive oil is also known for its antioxidant qualities.

Olive leaf extract is again a powerful antioxidant, blowing vitamin C and green tea out of the water in terms of its power. Both ingredients work wonders on dry skin to really boost moisture levels and rid you of that dry, flaky appearance.

Try St. Ives Fresh Skin Moisturising Olive Scrub ($9.99), L'OCCITANE Olive Express Eye Treatment ($44.95), St Ives. Fresh Skin Olive Cleanser ($9.99) and Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Reparative Hair Masque ($58).

Stockists: St. Ives (02 8264 5400)

Irritation Station: Common Ingredients That Can Sting

BellaSugar Australia — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 09:35:22 +1100

Everybody's skin gets all crazy at one point or the other, but we're not all sensitive to the same things. If you've been having breakouts, redness or irritation, you may be allergic to a common ingredient. The following ingredients are absolutely A-OK for most people, but they might not be for you.

EDTA-This common additive allows ingredients to penetrate your skin more deeply, but it can also cause irritation. If you have redness or itching, see whether anything in your skincare regimen contains EDTA and then do a patch test on the inside of your elbow to make sure it isn't giving you contact dermatitis.

Bismuth oxychloride-This ingredient is in mineral makeup and other powders, but it's also a common allergen. Like EDTA, a reaction to bismuth oxychloride is typified by redness and itching, but some people may also experience a breakout. Check your foundation, eyeshadow and powder's ingredients lists for this one.

Keep reading . . .

Definition: Turmeric

BellaSugar Australia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:01:20 +1100

Turmeric (aka turmeric root, Indian saffron or curcuma longa) is a shrub that is related to the ginger family. It's grown throughout India, Asia and Africa, and while it's most commonly known for its golden colour and use in curry powders and mustards, turmeric is also used to dye fabrics and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain and topically treat wounds.

In cosmetics, turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe skin and recent research has shown it boosts the enzyme that produces the skin's natural antioxidants, so expect to see it pop up in various skincare ranges, though purifying it without losing its power is both tricky and costly.

Try Ole Henriksen Visual Truth Eye Creme ($94) and DDF Anti-Ageing Restorative Advanced Firming Cream ($189.95).

Definition: Monoi Oil

BellaSugar Australia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:09 +1100

This traditional Tahitian coconut oil is the signature ingredient in several products and its divine scent alone merits it a definition.

Monoi gets its gorgeous fragrance from Tahitian gardenias, which are submerged in the pure oil and left to soak. It's also known for its skin-friendliness, because it doesn't contain any emulsifiers. This means that it gets a big "green" thumbs up. It also solidifies at temperatures under about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), so it's sometimes necessary to warm up with your hands or under warm water to return it to its original oil state.

Try The Body Shop Spa Wisdom™ Polynesia Monoi Body Balm ($32.95), NARS Monoi Body Glow II ($160), Bod Bath Salts - The White Lotus Blend ($15.95) and Korres Natural Products Monoi Oil Bronzing Powder ($59.95).

Definition: Macadamia Seed Oil

BellaSugar Australia — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:00:08 +1100

The macadamia nut tree is native to the East coast of Australia, though it is also cultivated in Hawaii now. The trees can reach as high as 20m and have glossy leaves, but are most famous for producing the macadamia nut. In fact, they are the only Australian native species that is grown on such a large scale for food.

As well as being a popular snack, the macadamia nut and macadamia seed oil (which is obtained by cold-pressing the seeds and then putting them through a refining process to produce a mildly-coloured oil that has a faint odour) are commonplace ingredients in the cosmetics industry because of their conditioning benefits. They are often found in hair conditioners and moisturising lotions.

Try these Aussie beauty buys: Griffin+Row Enrich ($34.99), Be Genki Sensuality Body Cream ($34) and Endota Spa Bush Honey and Macadamia Skin Drink ($50).

Endota Spa (1300 363 682)

Definition: Kakadu Plum

BellaSugar Australia — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:00:19 +1100

The Kakadu plum-aka the gubinge or billy goat plum-grows natively across Northern Australia. It's been a traditonal healing remedy of the Indigenous people for thousands of years thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inﬂammatory properties.

Dubbed a "super food," there is no other fruit worldwide that produces the same potent levels of vitamin C (the Kakadu plum contains 3000mg of vitamin C per 100g of fruit which is over 50 times the concentration found in oranges), antioxidants and bioactives.

It is used most commonly in skincare again for its antioxidant features, but also to brighten and plump the skin. Try one of these Aussie buys: KEVIN.MURPHY Born.Again.Masque ($49.95), ULittleBeauty Skinny Dip Invigorating Body Wash ($16.95), Pod Puraceuticals Liquid Detox ($60), Natio Ageless Lifting Day Cream ($18.95), Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lip Gloss ($11.95).

Stockists: Australis (1300 650 981), Natio (03 9415 9911), ULittleBeauty (1800 791 381).

Definition: Lilly Pilly

BellaSugar Australia — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:30:18 +1100

Lilly pillies are evergreen rainforest plants that have glossy green leaves. In spring to early summer they develop fluffy white flowers followed by long-lasting reddish-purple berries.

It's one of the most popular plants in Australia today but is used in cosmetics because it is rich in age-defying vitamin C, antioxidants and exfoliating fruit acids.

Get your daily hit of lilly pilly with one of these Australian beauties: O&M Rootalicious ($29.95), Endota Spa Lilly Pilly & Vanilla Bean Body Moisturiser ($45), Kosmea Clarifying Facial Wash ($34.95), De Lorenzo Prescriptive Solutions Control Shampoo ($26.95) and De Lorenzo Prescriptive Solutions Control Intense Conditioner ($25.95).

De Lorenzo (1800 800 347), Endota Spa (1300 363 682), Kosmea (1300 320 130).

Definition: Bergamot

BellaSugar Australia — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:00:53 +1100

I'm not sure why, but I have been under the impression that bergamot-an ingredient I often come across in fragrances-is a spiny flower. Indeed it is, but I did not know that the Italian and Ivory Coast-based plant also produces a pear-shaped yellow citrus fruit. It is not, however, in any way, shape or form, related to the bergamot herb.

The skin of said yellow fruit yields a delicate, yet spicy, essential oil that is found in one-third of all fragrances. It's also used to treat acne, eczema, and seborrhoea. When it's not being used for its aroma, it can be found in Earl Grey tea (it aids digestion), insect repellent, and medications that treat urinary tract infections and depression. Very versatile indeed.

Try Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser ($45.50), Bloom Scented Body Butter - Green Tea & Bergamot ($18) or Malin+Goet Bergamot Body Wash ($29).

Definition: Sage

BellaSugar Australia — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:30:49 +1100

Sage (salvia officinalis), also known as garden meadow, is a silvery-green plant with fragrant leaves.

The most common variety of sage was first found growing in regions around the Mediterranean but it can now be found in parts of North America also.

The leaves of the sage herb have been used to relieve sprains, swelling and ulcers, as well as improving the nervous system and memory.

In beauty sage has been known to combat excessive sweat production, awaken the senses and assist with poor circulation. Try MALIN+GOETZ Sage Styling Cream ($34), Dr.Hauschka Skin Care Sage Bath ($42) and Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Body Wash ($19.95).

Stockists: Dr.Hauschka Skin Care (02 8765 1100), Paul Mitchell (1300 365 350).