BellaSugar

Soon, You Can Drive the Biotherm Spa on Wheels

BellaSugar — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:00:29 PST

In 2012, WWD reports, we can all look forward to the first "spa car," a Renault/Biotherm collab with the too-cute name Zoe Z.E. Besides sounding like a manic pixie dream girl, the car will be zero emission, completely electric, and clever. It promises to purify your air, provide pollution protection for your skin, and diffuse pleasant scents designed to boost your mood and alertness at various times throughout the day. (There's an "awake" morning scent, a "de-stress" after-work one, and a "stay awake" for late-night driving).

You might think that having an electric, zero emissions car on the market would be more than enough to get people talking about Zoe, but I guess like those Eddie Bauer edition Ford Explorers, sometimes people feel safer with a gimmick. What do you think? Is this car improved by having spa qualities, or is this a "cars for girls!" disaster in the making?

Ultra Rich Skin Relief with Biotherm's Baume Ultra Riche

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:00:39 PST

I'm sometimes flaky (my skin, that is). Winter can cause peeling patches on my legs so, for the past three weeks, I've been testing a new product for extremely dry skin – Biotherm Baume Ultra Riche.

When squeezing the tube, I was first surprised how thick the cream felt (a dime-sized amount covered my entire leg and foot). It's rich with omega fats – which cut inflammation and irritation – and nourishing shea butter. I can definitely notice a difference in looks and appearance. This body balm lives up to its claim of intensive repairing and nourishment, but, be forewarned, it also includes apricot oil and pulp. This helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness with an accompanying fruity aroma. At $23, the lotion's on the pricier side for this economy. But, since a little goes such a long way, I'd say it's worth the investment.

Biotherm Fall 2007 Skin Care Lineup

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:00:36 PDT

New from Biotherm are three skincare products that I think you are going to like just as much as I do. Only the first is out right now, and the second two are expected to launch on October 28.

The first is an incredible three-in-one product called Eau Miscellaire ($25). It is a cleanser, toner and makeup remover for the face and eyes. This gentle water-based and mineral-infused gem leaves your skin with a healthy look and feel. I've been doing a lot of traveling lately, and this has helped me keep my packing to a minimum.

For an in-depth description of the remaining two products,

Next is a product called Line Peel Polisher ($28). This is a skin renewal treatment that was inspired by microdermabrasion. It is an easy-to-use exfoliant that chemically peels dead layers of skin away to create a flawless radiant, smooth and uniform complexion. Apply two to three times a week to a clean face and let it stand for about eight minutes. Remove in small circular motions with your fingertips.

The last product, Reminerale ($55), is an intense anti-aging treatment recommended for women who are 55 years or older. (Hi, Mom!) It contains calcium, magnesium, b-phosphorous and essential fatty acids to help combat the eight most concerning effects of aging: slackening, dullness, loss of density, wrinkles, roughness, deep dryness, lack of firmness and lack of elasticity.

Treat Your Feet!

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:00:51 PDT

In the summertime heat your feet take a serious beating pounding the pavement every day. The temperature makes them swell, and shoes that were once the right size, now feel constricting. At the end of the day, treat your tootsies to a soothing, calming and cooling refreshment. Here are three super-rich foot creams to help heal your tired heels.

Bliss Foot Patrol ($26) is a silky cream that contains a blend of peppermint and salicylic acid to help soften, exfoliate and soothe even the roughest and most calloused areas of your feet. Apply liberally morning and night for best results.

For two more foot treatments,

June Jacobs Tea Treat Foot Rescue ($48) is a therapeutic cream made from tea tree oil (to cool) and capsicum (for improved circulation). Suddenly your stiff feet will feel refreshed and relaxed. With continued use, it will also soften foot skin and toe cuticles.

Savannah Bee Orange Mint Overnight Foot Treatment ($12) is a four-ounce jar of an environmentally conscious cream that leaves feet feeling supple, revitalized and smelling fresh. Simply slather it on and then slip on a pair of socks and sleep peacefully while your feet soften overnight. This product is currently sold out, but is expected to be back in stock over the next two weeks.

Lotion Up For Landing, Part I

BellaSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 09:57:01 PDT

As you're packing for your Summer travels, don't forget to bring along a good moisturizer. After spending hours high in the sky on an airplane, the stale recycled air can wreak havoc on your skin.

So today I'm kicking off a three-party series on facial moisturizing lotions. Not only are these creams luxuriously rich, but they're also less than 3 ounces, so you can toss them in your carry-on luggage without worry.

Secret De Vie Ultimate Cellular Reviving Crème by Lancome ($225) is an intense cream that contains a special ingredient called Sucre Vital, which helps plant life thrive under the sea. Your skin will feel pampered and soft and will look smoother, firmer, and radiant. This stuff is pricey, but it's got quite a large cult following, and people who buy it say it's well worth the cost.

For two more super-rich moisturizing lotions,

Hydra Complete Multi-Level Moisture Gel Creme by Estee Lauder ($34) is a mineral-rich creme with the texture of a gel. It is intended to quench thirsty skin and help insulate the skin from dehydration. While traveling, apply in the morning and the evening, and within a couple of days you should notice that skin feels smoother and plumper.

Nutrisource Ultra Comforting Rich Cream by Biotherm ($45) is a like giving your skin a tall drink of water. This hydrating cream instantly relives dry, patchy, and unbalanced skin. It contain pure oils of apricot, coriander, ceramide, macadamia and passionflower, which create a layer of protection on you skin against dehydration. Also, it smells really good too.

Back to Basics: The Best Body Lotions

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 04:33:33 PST

Welcome to this installment of Back to Basics. These amazing moisturizing body lotions are my all time favorites. I have used them for years and have never had any kind of allergic reactions or dry skin. What are some of your favorite body lotions?

Kiehl's Creme de Corps, $26, is a treat for your skin when it is feeling just a little too dry or you've recently been in the sun. Just a little of this super rich moisturizer goes a long way.

I received a bottle of this as a gift about seven years ago and have never looked back. Beta-carotene gives it a natural deep yellow color. It is recommended to use for ten straight days to achieve optimum results.

It is available in three sizes: a 4.2 oz travel bottle is $16, an 8.4 oz bottle sells is $26, and a 16.9 oz bottle is $42. If you buy the larger size it comes with a pump for easy dispensing, it costs $44 (shown).

To see more of my favorite body lotions of all time,

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin, $7.99, has been in my house every since I was a wee little tot. Owned by Pfizer, it was developed by dermatologists to promote more supple, smooth and healthier skin.

It has a very clean, non-greasy feel and it quickly penetrates your skin so that there is no residue left on your body as you are getting dressed. It won't clog your pores and is available in two sizes: 6 oz and 16 oz at most drugstores and pharmacies.

Biotherm Lait Corporel Anti-Drying Body Milk, $20, is the lightest of the bunch - but don't let that fool you. Just because it has a thin texture, it still helps to repair dry skin, restore your skin’s protective barrier and protect its natural elasticity. It is available in two sizes: a 6.7 oz bottle costs $20 and a 13.5 oz bottle costs $35.

Fabulous Clarifying Facial Cleansers, Part II

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:02:15 PST

Welcome to Part II of Fabulous Clarifying Facial Cleansers. Below are three more fabulous cleansers that can help your skin: fight existing blemishes, stop redness and irritation, and kill new bacteria on your face that causes clogged pores and acne.

Cleanse your face morning and night, unless directed otherwise, and be sure to apply a clarifying mask at least once a week. Follow with a facial toner and a moisturizer if your skin feels dry or tight.

BIOTHERM Pure Bright Polishing Clarifying Cleanser, $18.50, was created for faces with a dull or uneven skin tone. Made with salicylic acid, a strong anti bacterial agent, this cleanser will also exfoliate your skin leaving it polished and clear!

Bliss Clog Dissolving Cleansing Milk $28, is a mild foaming clarifying cleanser that won't disrupt the moisture balance on your face. It contains orange water, antioxidants and four hydrophilic oils that help exfoliate and dissolve dirt. The moisturizing properties make this cleanser stand out because your skin is left feeling extra silky and soft.

For one more clarifying cleanser,

Vichy Detoxifying Cleansing Milk, $12, is a gentle, daily cleanser that contains Ubiquinone which leaves the good oils on your skin and washes away the bad ones! It will detoxify your skin and leave it fresh, clean and hydrated without breaking the bank.

Orange-Scented Perfumes

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 09:45:29 PDT

The fresh, citrusy scent of oranges is wonderfully refreshing and uplifting-a great option for Summer or Fall. Here's a look at some fabulous orange-inspired and infused scents. Once you try them, you'll have a mouth watering reaction to their sweet and succulent smell.

Biotherm Eau D'Energie Awakening Mist is a delicate body fragrance derived from orange pulp, sweet mandarin oranges, and lemons. The citrusy smell leaves your skin feeling energized and refreshed, and the Vitamin E in the formula moistens and softens your skin. Buy it here for $36

To see the rest,

Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne is designed for layering; try wearing it with Malone's Grapefruit or Lime and Basil Mandarin to create another level of citrusy bliss. This specific scent was inspired during a stay at a hotel in Bel-Air. Also added to the mix are clementine leaves and water lilies. Buy the large 100ml bottle for $90 and the small 30 ml bottle for $50 here.

Hermes Eau D'Orange Verte is a subtle unisex scent that was introduced in 1979. Although it's a little bit masculine for me to wear every day, I happen to think it's pure class. Once the delicious lemon and mandarin top notes fade, you are left with an uplifting and woodsy surprise scent of oak-moss and patchouli. It last the whole day through. Buy a 6.5-ounce Eau de Cologne bottle with pump for $105 here.