You might be surprised to learn that sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment and binds it to your skin. So, cleansing with a product rich in itlike this one with black sugar from SKINFOODwill hydrate your complexion while also effectively removing dirt and makeup. Since the sugar in the cleanser is unrefined, it retains more of its natural benefits and passes them along to you.

Pop quiz: what's a polysaccharide? Chances are most of us don't remember everything we learned in our high school chemistry class, but if you break down the name, it literally means many (poly) sugars (sacchars). They help your skin repair and renew itself. When the protective barrier of your skin is damaged, it results in a decrease of polysaccharide concentration, which leads to a loss of elasticity and the development of wrinkles. But don't worry, this miracle sheet mask from NER:D Skincare is composed of a layer of polysaccharides plus antioxidants and collagen building blocks. It reverses dull skin and gives you a glowing complexion while also softening fine lines and uneven texture. So, in short: more sugar (molecules) = less wrinkles. Now that's something we can get behind.

Sugar's small granules also make for an effective physical exfoliant for the body. They're gentle enough that they won't cause tears but also get the job done to reveal glowing, healthier-looking skin underneath. Buh-bye dry flakes. Try this sugar-based scrub from TOCCA in the alluring Bianca scentinspired by an Italian beautyand you too can live la dolce vita (literally). It's a great prep step in the shower before shaving, since it removes layers of dead cells. The formula's added oil blendfeaturing omega- and vitamin E-rich olive oilcombined with sugar's natural hydrating properties also means that skin will feel incredibly smooth and supple. You could probably even skip applying lotion afterward.

Perfectly undone hair takes more products to achieve than wed like to admit. But strands can feel brittle after all the spritzing, scrunching, and teasing we put it through to achieve the look. Remember how we said earlier that sugar is a humectant? Well, it not only helps your skin retain water, but also your strands. Number 4's texturizing spray swaps out salt for a nourishing sugar blend to transform limp hair into loose, soft waves that don't feel dry and you can still run your fingers through. Sweet!

Glycolic acid might sound like its created in a lab, but it's actually naturally present in sugar cane, the plant that sugar comes from. As an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), glycolic acid breaks down skin cells and promotes cell turnover for a fresh complexionan ideal chemical exfoliant. Additionally, AHAs and glycolic acid are also responsible for balancing oil production. Using pharmaceutical-grade glycolic acid derived from sugar cane, these retexturizing pads from Cane + Austin remove dirt and grime and restore luminosity by evening out tone and texture.

Our lips see a lot in one day, from multiple sips of coffee to kisses (if were lucky!) and frequent napkin blots. So it's no wonder they get cracked and chapped so easily. With its natural exfoliating properties, sugar can also restore your pout to a soft, smooth, kissable state. We like slathering on this sugar lip scrub from Laura Geller New York before our favorite lip color so it goes on smoother and stays on longer. It's packaged in a convenient lip balm-like tube, so you can take it with you and add to your pucker with no mess and no fuss.

Sugar is good for more than candy and your morning coffee. Incorporating sugar-based products, with its hydrating, brightening, and exfoliating powers, in your daily routine will provide sweet benefits from your head all the way down to your toes.

While most of us associate sugar with sweet treats, using it for beauty purposes has long been responsible for some pretty impressive results. In fact, women in Ancient Egypt removed body hair using a method called sugaring that consisted of (you guessed it) a sugar, lemon juice, and water paste. So, even though the ingredient often gets a bad rap when it comes to your diet, we say indulge shamelessly for prepping and primping. Still on the fence? Maybe these sweet ways to use it in your regimen will change your mind

6 Sweet Uses For Sugar in Your Beauty Routine

They say knowledge is power, and that certainly seems to be the case for many of us as we navigate the aisles of the grocery store these days. "Non-GMO," "locally-sourced," "farm-raised"the labels with quality standards are abundant, making it almost impossible for you not to feel guilty reaching for the non-organic chicken that's a few dollars cheaper. But while many of us have become consumed (see what we did there?) with the origin of what we are putting into our bodies, there's been a slower shift in awareness for what we put onto our bodies. Nevertheless, a growing number of beauty companiesfrom smaller indie brands to bigger corporate-owned namesare emphasizing the value of good-for-you ingredients found in their products. Here, we're sharing 5 makeup must-haves you can find on birchbox.com that don't just enhance what's on the surface, but also treat what's underneath to beautify from the inside out.

W3LL People Expressionist Liquid Eyeliner

Those with sensitive eyes will really appreciate this hypoallergenic liquid liner that's rid of any harsh chemicals or dyes. There's no lack of pigment payoff, thoughits felt tip applicator effortlessly deposits a clean, fine layer of jet black along the lash line that won't budge all day. And with nourishing ingredients like rosemary that soothe rather than irritate, there's no limit to how many tries it takes to perfect that cat-eye.

HAN Skin Care Cosmetics All Natural Eye Shadow

If you're looking to throw some serious shade (the good kind), swipe on one of these all-natural pressed powder eyeshadows. Apply the rich, earthy shades dry for a wash of slightly shimmery color, or paint it on with a wet brush to intensify the vitamin and plant pigments. Either way, your lids will drink up the argan oil, tea extracts, and antioxidants that leave skin smooth and saturated with moisture.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint

Many people know Tata Harper's luxe linemade with 100% natural and non-toxic ingredientsfor the standout skincare products formulated with active botanicals and herbs sourced from her Vermont farm. Not to be overlooked, however, are the color cosmetics, including this little pot of goodness. Available in a range of shades from petal pink to ruby red, the creamy tints made with coconut extract, sunflower seed oil, green tea, and much more, blend beautifully onto lips and cheeks to add a plumping pop of color.

MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance

It's no secret that we're thrilled to have this iconic makeup brand in our Shop for many of its cult-loved classics. But what we're equally ecstatic about is some of the newer additions to the line that offer a myriad of skincare benefits. This emollient primer, which comes in a yellow shade for deeper skin tones or a pink one for those who are more fair, is made with antioxidants vitamin E and C for free radical protection, and caffeine to calm any complexion concerns.

It's no coincidence that this product has magic in its name. Despite the increasing number of highlighters available in all forms (powder, stick, gel, etc.), this ethereal-looking champagne cream remains a glow-to for many because of its ability to subtly highlight without the glittery gleam. Not to mention that the organic formula of coconut oil and rosemary extract glides onto skin so smoothly that you'll magically master that lit-from-within effect after just one use.

We share 5 makeup products that are just as good for your skin as they are for highlighting, contouring, and giving you a luminous glow.

Makeup That You Can Feel Good About Putting On Your Face

A.K.A.: Tanacetum annuum, chamomile's cousin

Derived from: Blue tansy hails from Morocco and grows on a yellow-flowered plant (note: no blue!). Its deep aquamarine is only revealed after being extracted from the plant by steam distillation: You can thank the chemical compound chamazulene for the lovely hue.

Characteristics: Blue tansy in its purest oil form has a thick consistency that can stain clothes and skin if you're not careful. It has an aromatic, lightly sweet scent.

What it does: It's no wonder blue tansy has become a skincare ingredient darlingit's ultra-soothing and reduces irritation, which is useful if you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or rosacea, but also if you just have that pesky don't-put-anything-on-me sensitive skin. If soothing is the oil's main property, its antibacterial, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory properties are a close second.

Other uses: Traditional healers use blue tansy as an essential oil to soothe and treat burns and various other medical conditions. It's also purported to increase confidencein other words, we'll now be using it daily before work.

Found in: In addition to its blue tansy mask, Herbivore Botanicals lassoes the ingredient in its Lapis Facial Oil, which hydrates and balances combination and oily skin while reducing redness and clarifying (perfect example of the ol' treat-oil-with-oil paradoxit actually works). Fan-favorite brand Sunday Riley's Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm uses blue tansy oil to kick irritation to the curb while the balm-to-milk formula removes makeup and cleanses skinit can even be used as a mask for an ultra-deep clean.

Antibacterial, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory properties all rolled into one super ingredient? Better believe it.

Last weekend, I used Herbivore Botanicals' [Blue Tansy Mask](product:25122) in an attempt to feel somewhat refreshed after a night of restless sleep. The blue, gel-like substance felt cooling and a bit tingly on my face, and when I rinsed it off, my skin felt truly resurfacedthe mask's main claim. If its titular ingredient, blue tansy, intrigues you, you're not alone. It feels good, smells good, looks good (that gorgeous blue!), and just *is* good, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. But what is it?

When we first heard about the sea buckthorn berry, we were pretty sure it was the name of one of the Little Mermaid's gadgets and gizmos aplenty. In fact, the fruit doesn't have anything to do with the ocean at allit grows on land, and it's increasingly widely used in beauty, nutrition, and medicine. Sea buckthorn juice was the official drink of Chinese athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and its oil has been used by Russian astronauts to reduce the effects of radiation. Let's delve into why this little berry is being heralded as a big star.

A.K.A.: Hippophae rhamnoides L., seaberry, obliphica

Derived from: The berries grow on yellow-flowered shrubby trees during the spring and summer. Edible? Yes, but you definitely don't want to eat them rawthey're tart! Instead, the oil from each berry is extracted and concentrated into the form you'll see it in your skincare, body, and hair products.

History: Tale as old as time? Check. It's been reported that sea buckthorn berry was used for centuries in Europe and Asia to lower fever, reduce inflammation, and fight the common cold. The berry's Latin name, Hippophae rhamnoides, also loosely translates to "bright horses" or "shiny horses," a reference to the fruit being fed to the animals in ancient Greece.

Characteristics: The berry boasts a richly pigmented orange exterior due to a high concentration of beta-carotene, but you'll find small black seeds on the inside.

What it does: A lot. We often hear about the fatty acid benefits of omega-3, -6, and -9, but sea buckthorn berries also have the highest known natural potency of the more rarely found omega-7, also known as palmitoleic acid. Omega-7 is a natural component of skin, and when used in skincare products combats dryness, wrinkles, and loss of collagen and elasticity. Try Tata Harper's Clarifying Moisturizer, which reduces redness and gently removes impurities, Herbivore Botanicals' Phoenix Facial Oil Roller, which lends concentrated moisture to your complexion, or Odacite's Pe+C (Peach + Cypress) Combination Skin Serum Concentrate, which minimizes excess oil and decongests pores.

Sea buckthorn is also rich in vitamins A and C (in addition to B1, B12, C, E, K, and P), which support scalp health and shiny, vibrant hair. Haircare line amika has a self-proclaimed obsession with the berry's benefitsthey use its oil in every single one their hair products (as their bright orange packaging indicates!). Check out the Can't Live Without Perk Up dry shampoo set, Nourishing Mask, Un.Done Texture Spray, or The Wizard Multi-Benefit Primer.

Other uses: Due to it being loaded with antioxidants (like flavonoids, lycopene, and phytosterols), sea buckthorn berry has been used to treat sunburns, wounds, and to ward off cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to a study in International Scholarly Research Notices (ISRN) Pharmacology, although more research is needed.

Found in: If the products above aren't enough to quench your craving for sea buckthorn, nourish your body with it as well. Supergoop!'s Forever Young Hand Cream with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 will keep your hands supple, One Love Organics' Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum fends off environmental stressors, and La Mav's Cranberry Bio Exfoliating Scrub gives your entire body new life.

Learn why this super fruit is popping up on the ingredient lists of our favorite beauty products.


Glycolic acid, a natural exfoliating agent, gives you that luminous effect without the harmful effects of UV rays or the hassle of an extra step in your makeup routine. Apply a thick layer of Caudalies Glycolic Peel, which also relies on papaya extract to clear pores and gently rid your skin of dullness. 10 minutes later, your complexion will emerge tighter and brighter.


When infused into a scrub, glycolic acids exfoliating properties help smooth fine lines, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and stimulate the production of collagen, which keeps your skin looking plump and firm. Packed with additional antiaging ingredients like vitamin A, derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub sloughs away dead skin, then adds dewiness with vitamin E. And since its an all natural formula, it can be used on sensitive skin types. For an even easier application, try Cane + Austin 20% Miracle Pads, which give you all of the benefits of glycolic acid in single serving, easy-to-use pads.


A breakout anytime of the year is a bummer, but especially when youre trying to get your flirt on at an outdoor BBQ. Fight blemishes with a weekly application of Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage Extreme Renewal, an exfoliating mask that uses glycolic acid to target dead cells and pore-clogging dirt particles, says Jaliman. Pro tip: Use the mask (which also contains acne-busting lactic acid) as an overnight spot treatment to target existing pimples.

Brighten, tighten, and even out your tone with formulas that rely on this skin-saving ingredient. 

Whether its your first time hitting the beach or youre already dealing with peeling skin, chances are, your face could use some scrubbing. When we want to exfoliate in the warmer months, we turn to glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that removes flakes, deep cleans pores, and brightens for a summery glow. We spoke to dermatologist [Debra Jaliman](http://www.drjaliman.com/) to find out why glycolic acid makes such a powerful addition to your skincare regimen:

If your complexion is looking dull and tired, take a deep inhale: Oxygen-infused moisturizers and masks can breathe new life into it. Lately skincare brands have been pumping their products full of this restorative element to speed up blood circulation and the bodys healing process, leaving skin brighter and healthier. Oxygen creates light and airy, bubbly, or sometimes foamy formulas that simultaneously protect, clean, and hydrate. Not convinced? Heres what O2 can do for your skin:


We like our moisturizers with a side of multitasking, which is why we love Naobays eco-friendly, toxin-blocking Oxygenating Cream Moisturizer. The oxygen-powered formula keeps the cream light, non-greasy, and suitable for any skin type, while healthy fats like avocado and olive oil balance your skins natural barrier to keep impurities out, while locking moisture in.


If youve ever seen bubbles emerge from a lake, interrupting the waters calm surface, then you get the gist of how Cailyn Cosmetics IT Bubble O2 Mask works. It goes on as a gel and turns into a foam as oxygen bubbles clear out congestion in clogged pores. Meanwhile antioxidants like acai berry and tea tree oil fight off pollutants, preventing them from contaminating your now sparkling clean complexion.


The next time you wake up to lackluster skin, grab a fast-acting mask like Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask. Inspired by Bliss Spas famous oxygen facial, its designed to give your face a quick, rejuvenating boost of O2 in five minutes so you can brighten and refresh your complexion when you need it most. It goes on frothy and bubbly and cools as it infuses skin with vitamin C, wrinkle-fighting antioxidants, and much-needed hydration.


Theres nothing better than getting a good nights sleepexcept for waking up to better skin than you went to bed with. Oxygens healing properties go into overdrive when its given hours to sink in through Sweet Sciences Oxygen 8 Night Repair Cream, which transfers damaging carbon dioxide out of skin and replenishes it with vitamins and peptides to reduce fine lines and balance uneven skin tone while you snooze.

The key to waking up tired skin isnt just a good nights sleepO2-infused moisturizers and masks will completely revive your complexion.

Why You Need More Oxygen in Your Skincare

Coconut's antibacterial properties help rid the skin of the strain of bacteria that leads to acne, according to Dr. Shamban, while its anti-inflammatory molecules calm red, swollen spots. She recommends warming up a small amount of oil between clean fingers and applying it directly to problem areas before bed.

Packed with natural lipids, coconut oil helps replenish the moisture you lose to the cold, pollution, and aging, softening even the most dehydrated skin. Dr. Shamban advises applying it after you shower to slightly damp skin, focusing on rough elbows, chapped lips, patchy thighs, and cracked cuticles. Or combine its hydrating powers with Shea Butter and beeswax in Kopari Coconut Balm.

The same lipids that nourish skin can also restore moisture to parched strands. To treat dry hair, Dr. Shamban suggests trying a coconut oil-infused conditioner or a DIY coconut oil mask: After shampooing, take a dab of coconut oil and massage it into your wet hair from roots to tips, then wrap your hair with a towel. After an hour, rinse thoroughly and style as usual.

Looking for a gentle way to take off your indelible black liner? Coat a cotton pad with coconut oil to gently remove it and your stay-put mascara. Coconut oil is totally safe for the sensitive skin around the eye area, Dr. Shamban says, and can even help prevent smile lines and crows feet thanks to its anti-inflammatory powers.

The uses for coconut oil know no bounds. Take this health food staple from the pantry to the vanity with these skin- and hair-softening tips.

Theres been a lot of buzz about coconut oil latelypeople are [pulling it]( http://fashionista.com/2014/03/oil-pulling) and putting it [in their coffee](/guide/article/bulletproof-coffee-with-butter). But we really perked up when we started hearing about its beauty benefits from some of our favorite stylists and skincare experts. We spoke with dermatologist [Ava Shamban](http://avamd.com/) to find out how coconut oil uses sure to soften, calm, and hydrate your skin, hair, and nails.

4 Reasons Coconut Oil Is Our Beauty Secret Weapon

When talking about my perpetually flaky skin, I often slide into a tone that borders on melodramatic: My face is more parched than the Atacama. Ive tried only using cleanser at nighttime, Ive tried water-replacement masksbut the only product that has seemed to cure my patchiness is Dr. Jart+s Ceramidin Starter Kit, a complementary liquid serum and creamy moisturizer, aka my dry skin dream team.

I first discovered Dr. Jart+s dermatologist-developed ceramidin formulas a few months ago while researching the always-ahead-of-everyone Korean beauty market. After reading borderline love letter reviews about their ability to restore moisture to chronically dry skin, I was in. Its all about the ceramidesfatty lipids naturally found in your skin that help it absorb and retain water molecules (and make it look dewy and glowy). As you age, ceramides begin to disappear, drying out your previously plump skin.

Which is why Ill never go another day without these twin formulas, which are loaded with ceramides to soothe, rehydrate, and plump. After washing my face, I apply three stripes of Ceramidin Liquid to my pointer, middle, and ring fingers, then I pat it in lightly all over my face the way I would a serum, concentrating on my cheeks and the corners of my nose, which are the first to fall victim to winter dry spots. The formula also contains skin-soothing ingredients like aloe and licorice extract to reduce inflammation and rednesstwo of my other dry skin woes.

Once the liquid dries, I use a similar technique with the soothing Ceramidin Cream. It has a thicker consistency than your typical face cream, but absorbs quickly and feels super light. Like the liquid, its crammed with ceramides and after a few minutes my skin looks dewy and feels noticeably softer. Its a great option to moisturize your skin pre-makeup, use as a night cream, or (as some reviewers have pointed out) a wintertime hand cream.

Ive been using the two for over a month now, and Im honestly amazed. Regular use (once pre-SPF and once post-nighttime cleanse) has made my dry patches disappearand Im convinced my complexion looks healthier and brighter each week. Who knows, maybe by spring my melodramatic, my-face-is-a-desert proclamations will be a thing of the past too.

Dry winter skin is no match for Dr. Jarts hydrating, prescription-grade liquid and cream duo.

Why Ceramides Will Save Your Skin From This Miserable, Cold Weather

Hey there!

6 Sweet Uses For Sugar in Your Beauty Routine

Makeup That You Can Feel Good About Putting On Your Face

Secret Ingredient: Blue Tansy

Secret Ingredient: Sea Buckthorn Berry

Why Glycolic Acid is Your Skincare BFF

Why You Need More Oxygen in Your Skincare

4 Reasons Coconut Oil Is Our Beauty Secret Weapon

Why Ceramides Will Save Your Skin From This Miserable, Cold Weather