BellaSugar

GNC Gets Soaked

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:00:03 -0700

GNC, a brand long-associated with building big bulky muscles for jocks, is exploring its softer side. Recently, the vitamin megastore released Wellbeing, a new line of health, beauty, and fitness products for women, including vitamins, supplements, and three new bath soaks ($15 each).

These dual-acting muscle soaks/bath scrubs contain mineral-rich salts from the Dead Sea, perfect for detoxification, exfoliation, and pre-self-tanning. Each soak also contains a high concentration of essential oils to boost their therapeutic benefits. Baths are one of life's simple pleasures, agreed? But do these new products enhance the experience? Find out when you read more.

Dead Sea and/or epsom salts are my favorite ways to clarify both the body and mind while chilling in the tub, particularly when combined with scents that are more mellow than overwhelming, and more natural than synthetic. GNC's citrus-scented Be-Positive Uplifting Soak and juniper-scented Be-Refreshed Sore Muscle Soak provided just that. The new item is also available in a calming Be-Rested Relaxation Soak - Lavender.

While the salts are a little on the expensive side, as I got only about three to four uses out of each tub, Mr. Bella and I both agreed that the muscle soak was restorative without being too medicinal. "It would be great if you were sick, too," he adds. As for the uplifting version, it did indeed have bright and cheery benefits, along with some skin-softening advantages. At roughly $4 to $5 per use, I'm on the fence about the cost and small quantity of product, but pleased with the results.

A Three-Ingredient Softening Scrub For Dishpan Hands

BellaSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:00:33 -0800

If you did a lot of cooking over the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm sure you did a lot of dishes. And if you did a lot of dishes, I'm sure your hands are feeling the effects. Even if you weren't scrubbing away, the cooler months often produce dry hands that need some extra TLC. So, if you're looking for an easy do-it-yourself treatment, I learned this great combo while holiday shopping at an Aveda store last year.

In your hands, mix the following, work in for an invigorating massage, and rinse away: about a quarter-sized amount of Hand Relief ($19), a scoop of Soothing Aqua Therapy ($28.50) bath salts, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Currently, I'm really digging Patchouli Oil ($13). Psst - you can use drugstore ingredients, too. The results are still luxurious. Aaah.

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New Product Alert: InSpa Dead Sea Mineral Soaks

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:20:15 -0700

InSpa is a fast-growing chain of day spas popping up around the country, and the brand has two new bath products I'm ready to sink myself into right now: the Dead Sea Salt Moisturizing ($18) and Revitalizing ($18) Mineral Soaks. Dead Sea salts contain high concentrations of bromides, which are extremely therapeutic and known for their calming effects on muscles and joints.

You can purchase InSpa products online or at any of their eight spa locations on the West Coast. To read more about the mineral soaks, read more

The Moisturizing Mineral Soak ($18) combines salts with with other important minerals to help make sore muscles and stiff joints feel better. This product also uses oatmeal to comfort dry skin, and it contains almond, lemon, cinnamon, bergamot, leaf clove, tangerine, white thyme, and safflower oils for softening effects.

The Revitalizing Mineral Soak ($18) helps rejuvenate a tired body. It is made from oatmeal, almond, palmarosa, lemon, and safflower oils, plus alpha hydroxy acids to wipe away dull-looking dead skin cells.

Is Simplehuman Trying to Get Me a BUI (Bathing Under the Influence)?

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:00:05 -0700

Have you ever just wanted to get blotto by yourself in the tub? Don't answer that question aloud, but in case you have, design company Simplehuman has a tub caddy ($69.99) that has room for a bowl of bath salts, a candle, and a glass of wine - for people who like to get the party started early. (Or relaxing. Either way.) I say that I like the idea per se, but I think they need to add a spot for another glass, since we all know boozing alone is not the best habit. What do you think? Is this caddy a hit or a miss?

Five Ways to Use Epsom Salts For Beauty

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:57 -0800

Last night, I was feeling under the weather so my mom recommended I take an epsom salt bath to help ease my achiness. I hadn't used epsom salts since the sprains and strains of my high school athletic career.

But I was hopeful that this old-timey cure would do the trick for my adult flu. Of course, Mom was right. After a good soak with some lavender and cedarwood oils (a recommendation from Mandy Aftel) I felt healed, as if I had come straight out of the Dead Sea.

So, this got me to thinking about other uses for the miracle salts. I did some research, and according to the Epsom Salt Council, there are many beauty benefits to magnesium sulfate. . .as it's known in the world of science. To see what they are, read more.

Va voom - Epsom salts can give hair body. Who knew?
What a release - The salts help replenish magnesium in the body, which can make energy levels increase. Which, in turn, can make you look better. A lift in magnesium also relieves stress, increasing serotonin levels and lowering blood pressure. Yay.
Smooth skin - Not only to the salts deep clean, try massaging handfuls of the crystals on pre-moistened skin for an exfoliating experience.
Oily no more - To help dry out oily skin and invigorate all other skin types, mix 1/2 teaspoon of epsom salts with your face cleanser and then massage for a mini facial.
Mask it - For normal to dry skin, whip up a three-ingredient facial mask: Blend 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1/2 teaspoon of epsom salts, and 1 1/2 teaspoons mayonnaise. Spread over pre-dampened skin, wait 10 minutes, and remove. Next, refer to YumSugar for all other mayo/carrot/salt combos.

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Coming Soon: Twilight Beauty

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:00:08 -0700

Twilight mania shows no signs of slowing down, and the merchandise tie-ins keep comin'. Riding on the success of Twilight perfume, the franchise is set to launch a nine-piece line of Twilight-themed beauty products in May. But here's the twist: Unlike other vamp paraphernalia, this collection is being marketed toward the post-teenage crowd.

"We knew the series was popular among high schoolers," said Connor Reilly, CEO of Angelus Bath Accessories, Inc. "But when we saw how many grown women were pining for Edward Cullen, we thought, 'Whoa, there's this whole segment of people who aren't spending money on sexy vampire swag.' We feel there's a huge market of consumers who haven't been reached. I vant to suck their wallets dry." To that end, ABA plans to roll out Sparkles of Edward bath salts, a Cullen Complexion face mask, Fang tooth whitener, and Volturi Vixen sunblock. Even though Rob Pattinson has dropped out of the movies, sales are expected to reach $21 million in 2009 alone. Be sure to check out this news story for more details.

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DIY Treatment Recap: Seasons Change

BellaSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:00:31 -0700

Put some spring in your step with these DIY tips, just in time for the warmer weather on the horizon (I hope). From ways to beat the heat beforehand to treating effects afterward, check out these homegrown ideas just in time for some sunshine.

Sunburn Soothing Milk Bath	Aspirin Vinegar Hair Purifier	Strawberry Salt Skin Exfoliator
Essential Oil Sunscreen	Honey Lemon Hair Remover	Danger-Free Deodorant

6 Eco-Friendly, Recession-Proof Beauty Tips

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:12 -0800

Going green is more than just a trend. It's a way of life. Being economical about spending? That's also a way of life - especially these days. Well, we're in luck. Kim Carlson, an eco-chic lifestyle expert and author of Green Your Work: Boost Your Bottom Line While Reducing Your Eco-Footprint ($10.17), has some tips on being eco-friendly and frugal when it comes to beauty. Besides cutting back on consumption, Carson also recommends purchasing beauty products that have the Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS) label to ensure cruelty-free standards. Check out her tips on being green all while saving the greenbacks:

Eco-friendly beauty for less than $10

DIY milk bath: Mix together 3/4 cup of nonfat powdered milk, 1/4 cup epsom salts, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 6-10 drops of your favorite essential oil for a relaxing, detoxifying treat.
Humidity check: To prevent your skin from losing moisture, particularly in the Winter, consider purchasing an inexpensive hygrometer, which is a device that measures moisture content in the air. If your humidity is between 20-50 percent, you're good to go. If not, a humidifier should do the trick.

See the rest of Carson's tips when you read more.

Lotion "made" by bees: Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion ($9) is phthalate- and paraben-free and is made with royal jelly, a nourishing natural substance.
Cleanse with hemp: Hemp grows quickly and doesn't need much water to be effective. Try Vegan Essentials’ Hemp Washcloth ($7.95).
No too toxic polish: Look for nail polish without dibutyl phthalate, a harmful, irritating chemical. CoverGirl, Avon, Sally Hansen, and Estée Lauder have all switched to phthalate-free formulations, and Carson recommends Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish ($9.99).
Soap/shampoo combo: SunLeaf Natural’s Shampoo & Body Soap ($7.95) combos are made from olive, coconut, avocado, castor, and organic hemp seed oils. They're also bottle-free (obviously) and great multitaskers - always environmentally friendly options.

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Pampering Presents For Moms-to-Be

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:00:59 -0800

Even if your pregnant pal's pampering routine doesn't include waxing (like our brave babysugar), I'm betting she'll appreciate any excuse to be off her toes . . . while she still has the chance. When the time comes to kiss bubble baths goodbye – who will have the spare moment?! – multitasking moms can still settle down to feed the little one and relieve painfully swollen feet at the same time.

Pick staples like foot salts, pregnancy-safe essential oils, and skin-smoothing cocoa butter to create an at-home spa experience. For the gift itself, pack up an electric foot bath or inflatable option with these products perfect for a parent-to-be, wrap in cellophane, and tie with a bow. Oh baby!

Peppermint Cooling Foot Soak - $16.00	Pregnant Belly Salve by Motherlove Herbal Company - $18.00
This Works Deep Calm Hot Stone Essence - $30.00	Cocoa Butter Body Butter - $8.00
Inflatable Foot Bath Kit by Masada - $32.99	Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals Botanical Body Butter, Cocoa Butter, Nutmeg & Cardamom - $26.00
Spa in a Box by Smallflower - $45.00	Decleor Perfect Sculpt Stretch Mark Restructuring Gel-Cream - $54.00
Shea Terra Organics Dark Chocolate Cocoa Bean Shea Sugar Scrub - $16.00

Product Review: The Sanctuary Salt Scrub Bar

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:00:14 -0700

There are so many bath and body products to choose from - sometimes it can just come down to the most pleasing aroma. Before I even opened The Sanctuary Salt Scrub Bar ($7), I could already smell amazing scents wafting out from under its plastic packaging. At that moment, I just knew I was going to like it.

This substantial (and long-lasting) scrub bar produces a creamy lather, never feeling too tight or drying. It also has built-in sea salt and loofah fibers, which feel gentle. There's no harsh "ouch factor" here. As for that scent? It's sexy spicy - in a word, alluring. Powdery, but not sweet, it carries notes of patchouli without being too musky. The aroma does linger, but in a refreshing kind of way; it won't annoy your seatmate on the bus ride.

The Sanctuary, which is an actual spa in London's Covent Garden, has been making women feel and smell amazing for over 30 years. Originally many of their clientele consisted of dancers who performed close by. I can see why - I'm feeling a little extra zip in my step these past few days myself.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own!