BellaSugar

Bella Brand: Apothia

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:00:43 PDT

Meet Apothia Aromatic, a California-based company that creates home fragrance candles, diffusers, and bath and body products inspired by Los Angeles experiences. All products are blended and made from premium ingredients, and both the home and personal fragrance lines feature sleek, award-winning packaging.

I had the chance to sit down with Apothia's founder, Ron Robinson, a couple of years ago. He was warm and friendly, and genuinely excited about his line. (Really, he was like a giddy kid unwrapping presents as he told me about each product.) He's a perfectionist when it comes to finding the precise notes to create the scents, and his work pays off-the fragrances are multifaceted and genuinely unique.

View 5 Photos ›

For a detailed description of each of the Apothia aromas,

If you've shopped at Barneys New York, you've probably seen the line of home candles ($46), which burn for 60 hours. I have one and find that to spread the scent to my apartment, I only need to leave it burning for 20 minutes or so. The rest of the Apothia Collection consists of aromatic diffusers ($78), eau de parfum ($30–$75), body wash ($28) and body lotion ($30). These are the available scents, but note that not all of them are available in all forms.

VELVET ROPE is inspired by a dry martini, spiked with notes of vanilla, jasmine and grapefruit. (I have this in a candle, and my guy friends always ask about the smell.) It's available as a candle and in the body care/personal fragrance line.
IF is more distinctly feminine. It's largely a citrus scent, but it builds to a floral, then finishes with musk. It's available only in the body care/personal fragrance line.
L is for all my Sapphic girls out there. Inspired by The L Word, it's something of an earthy scent, with notes of green violet leaf and woods. It's not available as a candle, but it's available as a fragrance.

PLUSH is made from citrus notes of mandarin, lime and pomelo.
WAVE is symbolic of a morning at the beach, smelling of driftwood, flowers, sea grass, white grapefruit, mandarin and yuzu.
SCENE is the ultimate urban guilty pleasure. Think glittering lights and sexy flashes of skin. This scent is made from fig, juniper berry and pear nectar.
CHRISMUKKAH reminds me of the OC! It smells of fresh green fir, clove, and ocean air.
SPIRITUAL is meant to be calming and peaceful, with hippie-chic notes of patchouli, amber, sandalwood, green mint and basil.
SOUL sounds really sexy to me. It has notes of African ginger, mahogany, Taboti wood and Grains of Paradise.
JUICED is all about health. This fresh scent is energizing, with notes of sparkling red currant, geranium and tomato leaf.
BRONZED is the perfect name for an LA fragrance, yes?Orange flower, petitgrain, bergamot and jasmine make up this scent.
CASA is something I'll have to tell, uh, Casa about. It is made from Casablanca lilies, newly cut grass, and fresh air.

Cheers To Vinotherapy!

BellaSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:22 PDT

Vinotherapy is a term coined by Caudalie founders Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. It's the process of pampering your skin with products made from grade seeds and grape skins. Grape Seed strengthens blood vessels as well as contains polyphenols (antioxidants that combat free radicals).

Other properties of vinotherapy include reservatol, which promotes skin cell renewal and viniferine, an ingredient that reduces dark (liver or sun) spots. Here are a couple of products from the Caudalie product range that contain vinotherapeutic properties. The best part is that there's no hangover whatsoever!

Caudalie Sauvignon Scrub ($35) is a soft, whipped, creamy scrub that smells like grapefruit, essential oils and honey. It provides a matte finish. It's great for sensitive skin (since the formula is very gentle) and it is safe for both the body and the face. Use up to twice a week on wet skin for a buffed, silky smooth and glowing complexion.

For one more vinotherapeutic product,

Merlot Shower Gel ($19) is a skin-softening body cleanser that leaves a gentle smell of blackberry, blackcurrant leaf, tarragon and fresh bergamot behind. It is paraben-free, phenoxyethanol-free and soap-free, so it won't irritate sensitive skin.

New Product Alert: Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Collection

BellaSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:04:44 PDT

New from Victoria's Secret is the Beauty Rush Body Care Collection. The scented bath and body line was inspired from the enormously popular Beauty Rush Lip Gloss that made mouths water all over the world. Not only is the gloss juicy and ridiculously shiny (I mean that in the best possible way, of course) but the catalog photos definitely helped to put the rush in Beauty Rush!

The new collection consists of six fruity scents and flavors: Appletini, Grapefruit Blast, Strawberry Fizz, Passion Fruit Pop, Grapesicle and Slice of Heaven. Each flavor has its own Body Mist, Body Drink Lotion, Body Zing Moisturizer Gel and Body Glimmer Wash. Currently, you can purchase any two products within a flavor line for $18. Get ready to spritz, slather, smooth and lather up for a sexy and delicious summer!

View 2 Photos ›

Brides and Bacne: What to Do

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:30:19 PDT

Everything is going dreamily. You found the perfect wedding gown for the big day. You've been exercising regularly to make sure it fits just right. The problem is, all that sweating you've been doing makes you break out, and not just on your face - on your back and shoulders too.

For starters, do not stop working out. All that exercise is great for relieving stress, and there are many things you can do to prevent bacne from ruining your special day.

Always wear clean workout clothes.
Make sure to wear a sports bra and top that are made of wicking fabric to pull moisture away from your skin. Avoid clothes that don't let your skin breathe.
Take a shower immediately after exercising to wash off sweat and bacteria.
When you shower, use Cetaphil or some other antibacterial cleanser on your back since exfoliating helps unclog blocked pores and get rid of dead skin cells. Use either an exfoliating scrub or bath gloves once a week.
After showering, allow your skin to dry completely and then apply a topical cream that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat and prevent blemishes. Be careful of bleaching your clothes if you go the benzoyl peroxide route.
If your problem persists or you have severe body acne, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

12 Mother's Day Freebies and Deals to Look Forward To

Emily Co — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:30:44 PDT

Mother's Day is coming up and there are plenty of freebies and discounts going around for savvy moms to cash into. Seems like most of the discounts this year cater toward food and drinks; here are a few of them:

Caribou Coffee: Buy one, get one free with this coupon. Print it out or save it on your phone.
Ikea: Free breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes and a cup of coffee on Sunday until 11 a.m. Limited to one per family.
Ruby Tuesday: Get a voucher for a free Simply Fresh cookbook if you dine at Ruby Tuesday on May 13.
Starbucks: Get half-priced Frappucinos at Starbucks from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. until May 15.
Bath and Body Works: Send Mom an ecard from Bath and Body Works, and she'll get a coupon for a free travel-size item.
Olive Garden: Get a free appetizer or dessert of up to $9 with a purchase of two dinner entrees using this coupon. Offer ends May 27.
Denny's: Send Mom a Denny's ecard and get a free skillet cookie.
Champps: Eat at Champps on from May 11 to May 13 and mom will get a free reusable card that will give her $10 off a $25 purchase. You can use it once a month for a year.
Hooter's: Moms get 10 free boneless wings when they eat at participating restaurants on May 13.
Free admission to public gardens: Take a turn around a beautiful public garden with free admission on May 11. Coupon here.
TCBY: Free frozen yogurt for moms on May 13.
California Pizza Kitchen: Get a free spinach artichoke dip by liking CPK's Facebook page. Offer lasts until May 14.

Source

What We're Sweet On: A Scrub That Brings the Spa Home

Annie Tomlin — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:47 PDT

When it comes to swanky spa havens, the Willow Stream spas are among the best. There are 16 tucked into Fairmont hotels around the world, and each offers something different. If you want to bathe in floral-accented waters, you can do that in China. If soaking in a marula milk bath is more your speed, head to the Willow Stream in South Africa. Swimming in a rooftop pool? Scottsdale. Point is: if you're looking for luxury, this is it.

But if, like us, a trip to Willow Stream isn't in your immediate future, here's the next best thing: its Ener.G mineral body scrub ($45). The same salty slough-er used in the high-end spa treatments, it's infused with bergamot, clary sage, rose geranium, and chamomile oils. (Need we even say that it smells amazing?) What's most impressive, though, is the texture. It's completely devoid of even the slightest oiliness, yet skin is left soft and moisturized. We're dreaming of someday being spa regulars, but until then, this is the next best thing.

3 Ways Walkers Can Benefit From Going Barefoot

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:57:41 PDT

If you're into running, there's no doubt you've heard the buzz about barefoot running. It's become trendy for a reason: running barefoot can help you have better form and technique, preventing injury and pain. Runners aren't the only ones who can benefit from ditching their footwear. If walking is your exercise of choice, here are some reasons you'll want to try going barefoot.

Active and engaged muscles: Slipping on shoes may protect your feet from dangers, but it also means the muscles in your feet don't have to work as hard. The cushioned sole of a shoe absorbs all the sensations and pressures, which means your feet have become more passive over time. Because weak muscles are more prone to strain, pain, and injury, walking barefoot allows you to engage your body more, making feet stronger and better able to handle workouts.
Better walking form: One way a walker can have incorrect form is by roughly pounding the ground with each step. Cushiony sneakers absorb the force, so you're not even aware that you may be walking incorrectly. Remove your shoes and you'll instantly walk lighter, causing less jarring impact on your joints. Even though walking is considered a low-impact sport, it's still hard on your feet. Improving form means less risk for injury.
Busting through the walking plateau: Walking the same way, day in and day out, means using identical muscles every time you head out for a walk. Your body quickly strengthens the muscles in use, easily adapting to the demands placed on them. Without the opportunity for new challenges, muscles won't become stronger and can actually become injured from overuse. Walking barefoot forces your body to use other muscles not normally used when walking with sneaks, which helps you achieve a more effective and different type of workout. You'll especially feel the difference when walking barefoot on different surfaces.

Keep reading to learn how to start barefoot walking.

For Better Sleep, Do These 3 Things 20 Minutes Before Bed

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:01:37 PDT

We spend about a third of our lives in slumberland, but many people complain of not sleeping well. If you have a tough time falling asleep or you toss and turn in the middle of the night, try exercising during the day and limiting alcohol and caffeine a few hours before bedtime. But if you are doing this already and still have troubles, here are three things to do immediately before hitting the hay to calm your body and mind and help you get the restful night of sleep you crave.

The Power of Water
Twenty minutes before bedtime, dim the lights in the bathroom, turn on some relaxing tunes on your iPhone and take a warm shower or bath. The heat soothes achy muscles, and the steam clears your sinuses, which is essential if allergy symptoms prevent you from sleeping well at night. It's also a great way to wash away germs and prevent you from getting sick, which can also make it difficult to sleep.

Bye-Bye Pains
After your 10-minute warm bath or shower, slip into your PJs and do five minutes of stretching to ease any pains that prevent you from sleeping. Lower back pain is common for many, so if yours bothers you, here's a yoga sequence to offer back pain relief. If a sore neck and shoulders are your woe, do these soothing stretches. A little self-massage can also ease muscle tension, or apply a heating pad or one of those rice pillows you warm up in the microwave to sore areas.

Get Bored
Now slip into bed, not with a riveting, can't-put-it-down book, but one that has a dull, monotonous, stale topic that's bound to have your eyelids drooping in minutes. Be sure to read from an actual book, not a laptop or iPad, as the lights cue your brain to wake up.

Brazil Sends Its Vintage Scents to the States

Annie Tomlin — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:55:00 PDT

Unless a trip to Rio is in your future, good luck tracking down Phebo soaps and candles. Founded in the 1930s, Phebo is one of Brazil's most venerable perfumery brands - and as well-known as the line is in South America, it's extremely hard to find in the States. That's all about to change, as Macy's begins to stock a variety of Phebo bath and body products this month. Three hundred stores will have soap gift sets in fragrances ranging from rose to neroli; flagship stores in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami will have an extended range that includes beautifully packaged candles and bath salts. If you're interested in getting your hands on the brightly wrapped goods, move quickly. With only a three-month run planned for Macy's, Phebo will be gone faster than you can say tchau.

6 Best Ways to Flatten Your Belly By Summer

Prevention — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:33:32 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

By the Editors of Prevention

A toned, flat tummy is a goal many of us strive to achieve in time for bathing suit season, but endless crunches and ditching all your favorite foods until July 4th isn’t the right-or fun-way to do it. A sculpted core and trim tummy can be attained by incorporating small changes into your day, like holding in your abs while you walk and adding the right healthy fats to your diet. In our lean belly guide, you’ll get diet and exercise tips that will help you eliminate hard-to-reach ab flab and reveal a sculpted, sexy midsection. Here, learn 6 ways to flatten your belly by summer.

Make Time For Cardio
If you want to burn the most belly fat, a Duke University study confirms that aerobic exercise is the most effective in burning that deep, visceral belly fat. In fact, aerobic training burns 67% more calories than resistance training or a combination of the two, according to the study.

Top 10 Reasons Your Abs Exercises Aren’t Working

Fight Fat With Fiber
For every 10 grams of fiber you eat daily, your belly will carry almost 4% less fat. Thankfully, there are more enjoyable ways to increase your fiber than scarfing down a box of bran flakes: Two apples, ½ cup of pinto beans, one artichoke, or two cups of broccoli will all give you 10 grams of belly-flattening fiber.

More flat-belly tips after the break.