BellaSugar

DIY: A Brown Sugar Body Scrub Inspired by a Winter Cocktail

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:01:47 -0800

A few weeks ago my friend decided to make hot buttered rum on a whim. None of us had ever had it, and it sounded kind of gross... yet somehow appealing. (YumSugar has a recipe.) Is it good? It was a mixed bag on that one, but the batter itself served as my inspiration for this brown sugar scrub. Oh, and I just found out that National Hot Buttered Rum Day is this Saturday. Who knew? Yum even has a fun quiz all about this old school drink. Check out some pics below, along with my recipe, too.

Bella's Booze-Free Hot Buttered Rum Brown Sugar Body Scrub:

Mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup almond oil (olive oil would work, too); a dash of ground cinnamon or cinnamon essential oil; and a dash of ground nutmeg or nutmeg essential oil. Apply. Optional: Add a dash of rum extract - Oh, I suppose you could get the real stuff out and mix up a little rum cocktail for yourself, too. Whee!

View 4 Photos ›

Source

Definition: Almond Oil

BellaSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:00:13 -0700

Almond Oil (or sweet almond oil as it is sometimes called) is a carrier oil that is made from warm-pressed, sweet-almond kernels. It has a pale yellow color in its natural state, and it contains strong concentrations of vitamin E.

It is frequently added to emollient bases to help soften and heal. That's why we see it in many face moisturizers, body creams, massage oils, ointments, hair and nail (specifically cuticle) treatments. Just be sure to avoid it if you have nut allergies in food; the oil can cause problems topically as well.

Source

Bellissima! The Body Shop Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment

BellaSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:00:41 -0800

While I was browsing products in The Body Shop a few days ago, I bought this Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment ($12). Not only did it have an olfactory allure (it smells like sweet nuts) but the formula really works. I love the fact that my cuticles actually feel soft enough after a few uses to be able to push them back with the rubber tip that is conveniently housed on the end of the cap.

I guess it's the mixture of organic olive oil, Vitamin E and almond oil that helps moisturize, soothe and smooth out rough, dry and dehydrated cuticles. They even seem less red and puffy - and the skin around my nails is more supple too, which I think improves the overall look of my hands.

Out of all of the cuticle oil pens that I've tried so far, this even blows away my creamy old fave from Sephora. All you have to do is paint the oil onto your cuticles and rub it in with your index finger. It's the perfect beauty playmate to keep in your pocketbook or desk drawer, since you can apply it as often as you like.

DIY Spa Treatment: Sweet Tea Antioxidant Facial Exfoliator

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:05:41 -0700

No matter the season, exfoliators help rejuvenate dull-looking skin. Plus, they help lay the foundation for creating a nice, even surface - perfect for smoother makeup applications. Are these warmer-weathered days wreaking havoc on your appearance? "The green tea in the Sweet Tea Antioxidant Exfoliator is full of antioxidants, which boost health and resilience and can even soothe Summer sunburns," says dermatologist Dr. Hema Sundaram. "Brown sugar is a natural exfoliant that scrubs away dirt and impurities without being too harsh on skin."

Get Dr. Sundaram's recipe, along with application tips, when you read more.

Get Glowing With Florida Grapefruit!

Sponsor — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:00:29 -0700

Did you know your overall diet and health regimen may contribute to smooth, supple skin? The vitamin C found in Florida grapefruit and 100 percent grapefruit juice supports collagen production to help give skin a healthy glow.

"Skinny Chef" Jennifer Iserloh's Beautifying Grapefruit-Salt Scrub
According to Jennifer, this salt scrub mixed with fragrant oil exfoliates and moisturizes at the same time!
Makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

1/2 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon grapefruit zest, yellow or pink
1 cup almond or sesame oil

Directions

Stir all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Use all over body but not on the face or freshly shaven legs - ouch!

For more beauty bits, visit GoFloridaGrapefruit.com

Bella Bargain: Up to 75% Off at the Body Shop

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:02:10 -0800

Right before the holidays, I had this urgent need to have my house smell more festive. The fake plastic tree wasn't producing any pleasant smells (particularly after one of my kitties peed on it), so I rushed into The Body Shop for a little Blue Spruce Fragrance Oil to burn. I dropped a little more cash than I would have liked, but it was the holidays, so it was A-OK, right?

But when I stopped back in again a few days ago, I was pleasantly surprised to discover its postholiday sale. While some of the items are a bit "holiday," no doubt you'll be drawn to their cozy, wintry appeal. Various bath and body products, fragrances, and home aromas are discounted online and in-store - some up to 75 percent. An assortment of makeup items are available at three for $10, and hair products are buy one, get one half off.

I picked up some more Blue Spruce Oil, some sweet Almond Oil, and a new burner. The tree is down, the place smells great, my wallet is a little fuller, and those cats seem to be a little better behaved.

New Product Alert: Whish Shave Crave Pump

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:00:20 -0700

Whish has just released Shave Crave Pump, a new take on its scented shaving lotion. While the new product is similar to the original, I've done my homework to figure out a few of the differences. I've spoken to the peeps at Whish and had them explain what's behind these new slender bottles.

The old shave creams are 6.7 ounces and cost $32 while the new pumps contain five ounces for $24. The formula is more concentrated, therefore it's more moisturizing. Since it is packaged in an easier to use (this I can definitely vouch for) air can as opposed to an aerosol can, it's free of added chemicals like propane and alcohol which tend to dry out the skin.

Also, two new flavors, papaya coconut and blueberry mint (my fave), have been added to both products with the launch of the pump. I personally like most of the scents, but I do find them to be a little difficult to wash off. Have you tried any of them yet? For a description of each of the scents, read more.

Pomegranate is fruity but it also has a strong and distinct sugary scent. It contains pomegranate oil (an antioxidant) and is suitable for all skin types.
Blueberry Mint is also very sweet, but it's much less sugary since the mint helps to balance it out. It contains blueberry oil (another terrific antioxidant) and the mint oil is great for soothing achy muscles.
Almond is even less sweet, but not completely void of sugar. It actually reminds me a lot of marzipan. It is formulated with almond oil which is moisturizing and nourishing, and it is best suited for dry skin.
Lemongrass has more of a floral and less of a foody scent. It contains lemongrass oil to calm skin and sore muscles. It is best suited for oily skin.
Papaya Coconut is the most subtle of all the scents. It is a little bit creamier and since it is enhanced with coconut oil and papaya oil, it's great for cell turnover and dry skin.

Re-Balancing and Rejuvenating Facial Oils, Part I

BellaSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:00:32 -0800

I can understand why the thought of applying oil directly to your face might seem a little bit scary. After all, we've been told that oil-free products work best to keep your pores clear and to help keep oily skin matte. But try to strike this information from the record for a moment so that you can learn a little bit about a few non-comedogenic facial oils. These nighttime treatments are a great way to help replenish the moisture level of your skin during these dehydrating winter months.

A little while back I talked to you about Darphin's Tangerine Aromatic Care Oil. I've been using it religiously and the stuff is so amazing that I wish I could drink it! Here are a few more facial oils that are suitable for all skin types. While they are especially fab for those of you with dry skin, they won't make oily skin greasier. They work to hydrate the deeper levels of your skin with brilliant results.

Ole Henriksen Black Currant Complexion Oil ($32) helps calm red/irritated skin as well as shield skin from the drying effects of cold weather and wind. It contains vitamin E to moisturize; lemon, cypress and clary sage to energize; and tea tree oil to fight off bacteria that can lead to blemishes.

To use, cleanse and tone skin and then apply a light layer to the face and neck in the evening before bed. Massage into your skin and follow with a lotion of your choice.

For two more re-balancing and rejuvenating facial oils, read more

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate ($68.25) is an absorbent facial oil that gets applied in the evening. It works to restore, soften and re-balance your skin as well as deeply moisturize. Make sure that you rub this in well so that none of the yellow color gets onto your pillow. Then simply breathe in to enjoy the wonderful and calming scent.

Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil ($55) is a highly concentrated facial oil that provides intense moisture to help soothe dry, chapped or cracked skin. It is made from a blend of sesame, sweet almond, olive, jojoba, neroli, patchouli, lavender and sandalwood oils as well as Vitamin E which contains healing properties. Use in the evening and follow with a moisturizer.

Don't Take a Hot Shower This Winter

BellaSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:00:46 -0800

It's no fun stepping out of a warm bed into a less warm bathroom – am I the only one with freezing floor tiles year-round?! Sadly, hot showers aren't your best Winter bet . . . for your skin, anyway.

As refreshing as hot water can be, it dries out skin quickly. With the increased risk cold weather already brings, your best bet is to take a lukewarm shower and apply moisturizer as your second step after drying off. Adding lotion immediately will lock in your skin's moisture even when you get to the truly frigid air.

This season it's also especially important to read the labels on your bath and beauty products. To keep skin well-nourished, look for lotions or creams with oils (e.g., coconut, almond, etc.) and butters (e.g., shea, cocoa, etc.) to provide moisture. Avoid shower gels with alcohols as one of the top ingredients because that'll steal extra moisture even before you step out of the shower.

Source

Product Review: Ceci-Cela Lip Balm

BellaSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:00:09 -0800

Squirrels are among my favorite animals, so much so that in college, more than a few people referred to me as Squirrel Girl. (Still not sure if that was an affectionate or mocking nickname.) A favorite pastime was smuggling almonds out of the dorm cafeteria and feeding them to my fat, friendly tree-climbing friends.

Those days came rushing back to me when I recently tried Ceci-Cela lip balm ($10), which is by far the most almond-y lip product I've ever tried. It has a sweet smell that's similar to marzipan, thanks to the inclusion of almond oil. The paraben-free formula glides on easily, and to my delight, it has SPF 15.

The almond scent, while pleasing, is pretty strong, making this balm a good choice for anyone who can't get enough of the nut. For me, wearing it stirred an intense craving for Amaretto Sours. So it may only be a matter of time before I become a rodent-obsessed lush, but at least I'll be a rodent-obsessed lush with smooth lips.