BellaSugar

New Product Alert: MD Skincare Detox Duo

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:00:03 -0800

As fabulous as a trip to a yoga-and-detox center might sound at first, some people think otherwise. I tend to agree, because if I have a week of vacation, you can bet I'm not going to spend it doing a juice cleanse. But I would happily do a little at-home detox with MD Skincare's Detox Duo (on sale for $38.50). A preview of the brand's forthcoming line of natural skin care products, it provides just the right balance of luxury and earthiness. The two-piece package consists of bath crystals and an antioxidant enzyme buff; both are free of parabens, SLS, mineral oil, synthetic dyes, paraffins, and fragrances.

That appeals to the treehugger in me, but here's what's even better: Using these is like having a tiny spa treatment in my own bathroom. Taking a bath is always relaxing, but the star of the show is the enzyme buff. A little bit of this thick, heavenly scented stuff goes a long way toward scrubbing away dead skin cells, and the essential oils help lock in moisture. I use this in the shower, then gently pat my skin dry, and have soft, moisturized skin all day long. Even if toxins might not be able to be purged, it feels great and puts me in a happy mood. Reason enough for me.

If You're Feeling a Little Limey...

BellaSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:00:02 -0800

I buy lots of limes, mostly because I make guacamole as though I were getting paid for it. But in body-care products, lime is tons of fun as well. It provides a jolt of citrus scent that always wakes me up before I go-go, and it always leaves me feeling refreshed after a shower. If you're a fan of eating the fruit, why not put it on your skin? Here are some ideas.

Doing Drugstore: Vaseline Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter

BellaSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:08:14 -0700

Vaseline is about to come out with two additions to its Cocoa Butter line of lotions, and one of them is now on my repeat-buy list. I was able to sample its Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter ($6.99), which will be available in stores any day now. It features a blend of cocoa and shea butters, which gives off a light and pleasant fragrance. For some reason, the scent reminds me of tropical beaches-which isn't a bad thing at all!

Like other body butters, it has a smooth texture and melts from the heat of your body. Unlike some other ones, though, this one doesn't feel greasy. I liked how easily it absorbed into my skin, and more importantly, how little of it is needed to get the job done. I definitely recommend using less product than you think you might need. You really don't need more than about a fingertip's worth to cover an entire leg, which means one eight-ounce container will last for a long time. If you have very dry, difficult-to-moisturize skin, try this out and let me know what you think. I have a feeling you're going to like it.

Brits Think Bottom Facials are a Bum Deal

BellaSugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 08:00:27 -0700

I got such a kick out of this column about bottom facials. Apparently, this spa service is new to England, and a 30-minute session is £40 (about $80). The columnist, Carol Midgley, doesn't understand the appeal:

Unless you are the type of person who habitually drops their pants and moons in public (in which case you are Paul Gascoigne), then there’s only really your partner who sees the bloody thing. And if a man will dump you over a stray arse pimple, then I suggest you leave him. Now. Because he’s a nightmare.

Well, she has a point there. Butt seriously, folks (sorry, I can't help myself): go ahead and read more

I've also wondered about the point of facials for your bottom. I'm sure that with exfoliation, the rump is smoother and softer. Beyond that, though, is such a sybaritic service necessary? I know "assne" exists, but not to the extent that it does on the face and shoulders. (If you do have the occasional bottom blemish, that's okay, you know. It happens. They can be prevented by exfoliating your bum in the shower and wearing cotton grannypants rather than lacy little things that chafe.)

Nope, you won't see me lining up for a butt facial. Not even if it returned my bottom to its initial baby-bottomed smoothness. Because I am a bit neurotic, I would wind up spending the entire treatment time thinking anti-fart mantras such as "I hope that cabbage from lunch doesn't come back to haunt me." Which, of course, means that the cabbage will indeed unleash its noxious fumes upon the poor esthetician who's gingerly inspecting my tuchus for wrinkles. It's not for me, but I'm sure some readers swear by this treatment. Anyone brave enough to share?

Could Radiant Skin Be the Best Indicator of Beauty?

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:24 -0800

You know how we're always hearing that face symmetry indicates how attractive a person is perceived? There's even software available so that you can determine your own facial evenness. (As if we really need that.) Now, researchers are hinting that it could actually be facial radiance that determines beauty. Researchers instructed 430 people to look at digital photos of idealized women, ages 10 to 70, with only just the skin tone and evenness being altered. "The highest scores went to the models with the most even skin tone. It seems to be more important than almost any other factor," Procter & Gamble's Dr. Paul Matts told the Daily Mail. In fact, it was noted that participants often averted their eyes when the model's skin was not smooth or balanced. (The horror!) To find out more, just keep reading.

Darphin Aromatic Bath and Body Products are Back

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:00:11 -0700

Once thought to be wiped out from the market entirely, this tried-and-true skin care trio has been resurrected from the dead. A few years ago Darphin believed that it would be best to discontinue this old line and make room for the launch of new and improved bath and body products. However, they soon learned the error of their ways.

The masses (French women in particular) became increasingly disgruntled as their favorite products were less and less readily available. After the women resorted shopping on the gray market, and made incessant phone calls to corporate offices, Darphin realized that a re-introduction of their Aromatic Bath & Body Trio was imperative.

Since Darphin wouldn't dream of stopping production again, go for it and try 'em out. You'll be sure to fall in love with what French women have been depending on for years!

To read more about each of the products, read more

Aromatic Bath and Body Oil ($70) is a delightful blend of four different essential oils: lemon, pepper, rosemary and sage. It nourishes, softens and stimulates the senses while absorbing quickly so your skin is left silky and gorgeous, not greasy.

Aromatic Hydroactive Body Lotion ($50) is a hydrating body milk that leaves your body feeling supple and smelling of orange, vetiver, galbanum, copahu, lemongrass and lemon oil. Also, since it's made with shea butter, your skin has no shot at feeling anything less than supple, nourished and moisturized.

Aromatic Seaweed Bath and Shower Gel ($50) is an aqua colored, algae infused bath gel that cleanses, softens and revitalizes the skin while similarly smelling of orange, vetiver, galbanum, copahu, lemongrass and lemon. This is a cult fave you won't want to miss!

Bellissima! Jason Natural Lotion Helps Fight PMS

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:00:27 -0700

I was recently introduced to a natural skin care line called Jason Natural. After reading about them and their approach to healing, I stumbled across a great product that seems to be getting rave reviews from its plenitude of users.

This amazing feminine, Wild Yam 7½ % Hand & Body Lotion ($9) contains progesterone, herbs, botanical and minerals to help relieve stress, stabilize mood swings and balance out your hormones. Where has this product been hiding?!

It also contains vitamin E, Aloe Vera and its star ingredient, wild yam which has a striking similarity to progesterone (needed for hormonal balance during the few days before menstruation begins).

It helps calm all of the symptoms associated with PMS (irritability, fatigue, cramps and water retention) and is great for gallbladder disorders, kidney stones and menopause. The cream is perfectly safe for daily use and is especially effective for soothing dry hands, knees and elbows. What do you think? Is it worth a try?

Life-Saver Shavers For Sensitive Skin

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0800

For those of you who have sensitive skin, most likely your face isn't the only part of your body that suffers from redness and reactions. I find that if I'm not careful about changing my razor blade frequently, or if I don't use ample amounts of lubrication such as shaving cream or moisturizing body washes, my legs, underarms and even bikini area often burned and become pink and swollen. Here are a few of my favorite sensitive skin shavers that have helped tremendously reduce inflammation and irritation - hopefully they'll be able to help you too.

Gillette Venus Divine ($9.99) has blades that are coated with aloe and plant oil infused moisture strips so that they will glide over your skin easily. The blades are also positioned so that each one cuts lower than the next. This results in fewer missed hairs and a closer shave.

The razor also features an ergonomic no-slip grip, a finger rest for better control, a wall hanger for in-shower wall storage and shower-safe refills (how convenient).

For two more sensitive skin shavers for females, read more

Bic Soleil Twilight Triple Blade Shavers for Women with Sensitive Skin ($5.79) comes with triple blades that are lubricated with aloe and vitamin E to help moisturize and soothe sensitive skin. It also comes with a curvy no-slip handle in fun pink and purple colors.

But best of all is that there is a lavender scent infused into the shaver handle for a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Schick Intuition Plus Shaving Kit for Sensitive Skin ($9.49) is a triple blade razor surrounded by a skin conditioning soap made with aloe, cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamin E so that you can lather and shave at the same time! Just wet the shaver and keep both your skin and the razor wet as you shave. This ensures that your skin is lubricated so that you have fewer nicks, a closer shave and wind up with less irritation. Also, I appreciate the indicator on the unit that tells you when you need to replace your blades.

Tea Tree Oil Products, Part I: Face Care

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:00:08 -0700

After learning about the many many first-aid and household uses for tea tree oil, I decided to do a little bit of research to see what kinds of beauty products exist with this ingredient. I found out that there are way too many to count, so I've decided to create a three-part series highlighting some of my favorite brands that use this fabulous essential oil in their hair, face and skin care products. I can't wait to hear what you think - and of course if you have any tea tree-infused products of your own to share, please leave a comment.

Liz Earle Spot On Roller Ball (around $15) is an amazing treatment for blemishes bites and cuts. It's made from pure tea tree oil, melissa and lavender (it's got that really strong tea tree oil smell). I've been using it for about a week now on my pimples and it's been extremely effective in fighting off bacteria.

I love the easy roller-ball application, and it doesn't sting like many other spot treatments often do. Unfortunately right now it's only available in the UK, but-shh!-there are tons of gray markets online that will deliver overseas.

For two more tea tree oil products for your skin, read more

Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask ($14) is a fantastic weekly treatment to help draw out impurities that reside on the surface of your skin. It refines skin, absorbs excess oil, and deep cleans. Plus it's got a great, natural and invigorating scent.

Aveda Tea Tree Oil ($12) is an amazing multi-purpose skin care product to have at home. It makes you feel exhilarated and revived and refreshed. This product is labeled as a natural fragrance, yet it is also extremely beneficial to use on your face after a shower to help ward off bacteria, fungi and blemishes as well as helping to purify oily skin. Once you try it, I know you'll love it!

Bella Bargain: Up to 75 Percent Off at The Body Shop

BellaSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 10:49:34 -0700

I love it when The Body Shop has sales, because it gives me an excuse to buy lots of yummy-smelling, froufrou products I don't really need, like mango-scented moisturizing mist and vanilla-scented gift sets for myself. At the sale going on right now, you get up to 75 percent off and free shipping on all orders over $60. (Thanks to SheFinds for the tip.) Here are a few recommendations.

Feet Treat Elite Gift Set ($15 reduced from $30). I adore the Body Shop's foot-care products; the peppermint scent in the foot scrub and lotion is absolutely divine.

Two more, so read more

Solar Duo Blush ($12 reduced from $17.50). I've been coveting this sleek-looking pair of shimmer blushes ever since they hit stores.

Scent Of A Man Gift Set ($18 reduced from $37). This eau de toilette and aftershave balm duo was originally a "holiday" gift, but you can't tell from the packaging. Hello, Father's Day idea!

Ulta 3-in-1 Shower Smoothies - $14.99	Molton Brown Thai Vert Fine Hand Wash - $25.00
Bon Bomb Bath Bomb - $4.95	100% Pure Body Scrub, Organic Lime Peel Juicy - $22.00
Lime Basil Soap by Indigo Wild - $5.50	The International Toiletry Company Moisturizing Soap, Coconut & Lime - $5.00
LaLicious Passionfruit Lime Sugar Souffle - $32.00	Anthousa Grapefruit & Lime Blossom Body Cream - $55.00
Kings & Queens Shower Gel, George III - Lime - $9.00	MALIN+GOETZ Hand Wash Set, Rum + Lime - $40.00
Lime & Geranium Hand Lotion - $13.50