product trials

We asked some fine and upstanding members of society (aka our Reader Review Panel) to trial Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen ($17.99) for us. Here's what they thought of the lightweight SPF 30+ . . .

Birdplane said:

"I cannot put into words how much I love Neutrogena's range of sunscreens. As a pale person with oily/combination skin, sunscreen is a must but a huge problem in terms of greasiness. This one has a powder-dry type finish that leaves my skin looking matte. It doesn't weigh down my skin, and doesn't have an irritating smell. It spreads onto skin easily and goes on evenly, leaving my skin feeling soft. Because it's sheer and has a matte finish I found it works it really well as a primer on days when I'm out and about and need that protection. Now I can use a highlighter in summer without worrying!"

Yummii had this to say:

"This sunscreen was everything I expected it to be! It has a light weight feel, absorbed into my skin super fast and does not make me break out. Perfect for oily skin as it does not leave a greasy feeling, but rather leaves it looking matte and smooth. All this in a handy bottle makes it perfect for throwing it into my handbag. I will definitely be recommending this to my friends."

Keep reading . . .

It is PAR-TAY season and it's about time you got prepped and primed. If you're a newbie (welcome!), our Reader Review Panel is made up of delightful members like yourself who we send out products to trial and review on BellaSugar. And Christmas definitely came early this week when we asked the Reader Review peeps for their verdict on the L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Smoothing Resurfacing Primer ($39.95) . . .

Autumns_Elegy thought:

"This primer was the absolute bomb. It stood up to late nights out, long working days and humidity. The product went on smoothly and a little bit went a long way, so it’s awesome value. It didn’t reduce the fine lines around my eyes, but it banished pores completely, and didn’t clog them up; it also washed off easily with a regular cleanser, making makeup removal easy as. I’m definitely hanging onto this product and definitely buying this!"

Unicorn73 had this to say:

"I'm very impressed by the results I experienced after using L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Smoothing Resurfacing Primer. This putty-like primer performed best when I spent a bit of extra time working it in really well, and a little went a long way. The results were immediate—my skin was very smooth, my skin-tone was evened out and fine lines and pores seemed to have disappeared. My makeup went on smoothly and my skin looked younger without the fine lines! This is the best primer I've tried so far, and I'd certainly purchase it in the future."

Keep reading . . .

It's that time again peeps: Reader Review time! Woot! Just in case you aren't sure what we're talking about (and you desperately want to be part of our special lil' group) the Reader Review Panel is made up of lovely members like you and Betty, who we send delightful products to trial and review. It's your chance to be Bella for a day, and tell us all what you really think. Up today, for the SECOND time because you loved it so is Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ ($17.95) . . .

Lafashionista78 said:

"I absolutely love, love this product! As a big believer in using an SPF every day, this moisturiser is now my new favourite! The product is very, very light and absorbs into the skin quickly and easily with no white residue or greasiness. It has a lovely light smell and is small enough to carry with you every day. I tried the combination/oily skin and felt that it did not exacerbate my oily T-zone at all. It has everything you need in a daily moisturising SPF!"

Keep reading . . .

It's that time again peeps: Reader Review time! Woot! Just in case you aren't sure what we're talking about (and you desperately want to be part of our special lil' group) the Reader Review Panel is made up of lovely members like you and Betty, who we send delightful products to trial and review. It's your chance to be Bella for a day, and tell us all what  you really think. Up today is Neutrogena® Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+™ ($17.95) . . .

Kimberliew said:

"I was pleasantly surprised by the Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF 30. Generally, these types of moisturisers can be thick and greasy, but this cream was the opposite. The moisturiser is light and blends well into the skin without leaving any residue, and there isn’t that typical ‘sunscreen’ scent. The product is now part of my daily routine, and I highly recommend it!"

Keep reading . . .

Because we know that you're always on the hunt to find that special something to put blemishes on the back foot, we make sure that we are, too. And we think we may just have found that sumthin' sumthin': Clean&Clear® Advantage Pimple Control Kit.

Basically it's a 4-step regimen that aims to reduce pimples and make your skin clearer in just ONE day—perfect for those as impatient as me. The set contains Advantage Pimple Control Cleanser, which tackles breakouts without stripping the skin; Advantage Pimple Control Toner which is formulated with natural herbal botanical ingredients to balance the skin, while reducing excess oil; Advantage Pimple Control Moisturiser which is oil-free and contains salicylic acid, y'know, that ingredient that I promise to stop going on about as soon as you agree that it's pretty special; and Advantage Fast Clearing Spot Gel, which is a pretty potent pimple-clearing treatment if ever there was one.

WE WANT YOU to join us on the Clean&Clear® Advantage Pimple Control Challenge and tell us how you like having the advantage over blemishes. Ha, not so smart now, are you little suckers! is the kind of reaction that we're hoping for. To be in with a chance of being picked to trial the products, simply share with us in the comments section how you battle breakouts.

Today is the second instalment from our Reader Review Panel. In case you missed the first one, here's a lil' recap: the Reader Review Panel is a group of everyday guys and girls (OK, mainly girls) who we've asked to try some product for us/you. How do we all benefit from this wonderful scheme? Well, my skin (and typing hands) get a rest for a second, and you, well you get to see what "real women" think about it. Then you might go, hang on a tickety-boo, that sounds like it will suit me, too! See we're all about the matchmaking business here.

They tried the Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Stress Control™ Power-Cream Wash and Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Stress Control™ Power-Clear Scrub™ ($14.99 each) for us and this is what they thought . . .

Piccolanippy said:

"I LOVE these two products; they both have such a nice, tingling cooling effect right after I wash them off. And since I've been using them both I haven't had any pimples! The Power-Clear Scrub has made my skin so soft and smooth while the Power-Cream Wash has made my skin so clean and free from breakouts or pimples. They are both amazing products and I would definitely recommend them!"

Keep reading . . .

74 percent of women say they get more spots when they're stressed. Given that 56 percent of young women admit to feeling insecure and self-conscious when they have blemishes or acne, it's a vicious circle of stress and breakouts that's hard to escape from.

So what's the solution: less stress, less spots, right? Sounds simple, but how do you make it happen?

Join us on the Neutrogena® Stress-Free Challenge, that's how. The latest products that have been causing buzz in the US have just landed on our shores and are set to make your life that little bit less stressful. Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Stress Control™ Power-Cream Wash and Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Stress Control™ Power-Clear Scrub™ are priced at $14.99 each, making them an affordable regimen for anyone trying to fight breakouts before they emerge. They're perfect for everyone, because whether you have one blemish or 100, you still know what it's like to feel that stress and discomfort.

WE WANT YOU to join us on the Neutrogena® Stress-Free Challenge and see what a difference less stress can make to your skin. To be in with a chance of being picked to trial the products, simply share with us in the comments section your worst I-can't-believe-this-is-happening-to-me-now blemish moment. Mine? Two words. School formal.

Drum roll, please! Today, we're unveiling our special Reader Review Panel. A what? A who? Sssh now, and I'll tell you more. Our Reader Review Panel is a group of everyday guys and girls (OK, mainly girls) who we have asked to try some product for us/you. How do we all benefit from this wonderful scheme? Well, my skin (and typing hands) get a rest for a second, and you, well you get to see what "real women" think about it. Then you might go, hang on a tickety-boo, that sounds like it will suit me, too! See we're all about the matchmaking business here.

The product in their hands most recently was Neutrogena Deep Clean® Cream Cleanser ($13.87) and here are their thoughts . . .

Unicorn73 said:

"The first thing I noticed was the thick and creamy consistency and that a little went a long way—combined with the generous size (200g) of the tube at $13.87—what great value for money. My skin felt like it was getting a thorough clean and as I applied moisturiser, I noticed that my pores looked smaller. My face definitely looked healthier and smoother after I used this."

Keep reading. . .

Ever thought I wish I was a snake? Granted, it's not your every day wish, but for those with blemishes, dull skin, clogged pores, or all of the above, wishing for a complete skin overhaul isn't an uncommon request.

Now scrubbing your skin until it's red raw won't help. Sure, in moderation exfoliation is great, but twice a day, every day, and you'll compromise your skin's barrier function, creating all kinds of problems.

So what's the solution? A good cleanser that contains salicylic acid. See salicylic acid is a powerful Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that travels deep, deep down into those nasty blocked pores and does a little spring cleaning. It removes dead surface cells, plus old dirt, oil and makeup, leaving skin feeling fresh, healthy and, most importantly, clear.

Neutrogena Deep Clean® Cream Cleanser ($13.87) contains salicylic acid and the Neutrogena peeps are so confident that it will boost the look and feel of your skin that they've asked us to ask you (I know, I sound like I'm back in Year 5) to try a full-sized product and see the improvement for yourself.

WE WANT YOU to join us on the path to clearer, brighter and better skin and be part of the Neutrogena Deep Clean® Challenge. To be in with a chance of being picked to trial the product, simply share with us in the comments section what your usual skincare routine consists of.