BellaSugar

Six Fragrance Types at a Glance

BellaSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:00:31 -0800

The big trend right now in fragrance is gourmand, or food-based aromas, according to perfume expert Mandy Aftel. So what does it all mean anyway? Are you a floral kind of gal or does chypre do it for you? In case you're uncertain, check out six of some of the more popular fragrance category definitions below. Then, impress your friends with your olfactory group knowledge about the "juice" - 'cuz you know, that's how it's referred to in the biz.

Chypre: fresh, mossy, and leatherish	Gourmand: sweet and food-inspired	Florals: romantic, feminine, and smooth
Fougère: fresh, floral, and herbaceous	Orientals: sensual, exotic, and spicy	Citrus: crisp, light, and energizing

Definition: Citrus

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:00:27 -0700

As the name might suggest, the citrus family of fragrances includes such notes as bergamot, lemon, orange, tangerine and grapefruit. Typically, other parts of the orange tree (petit grain, orange blossoms, and/or neroli oil) are added, which lend a slightly exotic feel.

Words used to describe these types of refreshing fragrances are: fresh, light, tangy, crisp, sharp, energizing, and uplifting. Loved by both men and women alike, notes of florals or chypres are often mixed in for complementary effects.

One of the oldest classifications of aromas, the first Eau de Cologne was a spirit-citrus perfume developed by an Italian perfumer in Cologne, Germany in 1709. A classic example of a citrus aroma in modern times is Mugler Cologne ($48 to $68), a unisex fragrance that has notes of bergamot, orange blossom, neroli, petit grain, green sap, and white musk.

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Three Tried-and-True Citrus Hand Creams

BellaSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:00:33 -0700

Nothing says "fresh and clean" like the tart and sweet smell of a great citrus product. Seeing as I am also something of a hand cream addict, I thought it would be fun to share some citrus-scented creams that I've been using these days.

Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream ($25) smells spicy and a little sweet, like tangerine and lemon zest. It's thick and soothing and soaks right into your hands leaving them unbelievably soft and non-greasy. What's great about it is that the scent is true to the fruits themselves; it smells natural, not synthetic.

To see two more of my favorites, read more.

Philosophy Lemonade Hand Cream ($15) is another good option. More tart than sweet, and a little lighter than the Jurlique, it's the perfect choice for those of you who like to apply creams frequently.

This Kiss My Face hand cream ($6.89) is great if you prefer a little more sweetness with your citrus. With jojoba and vitamin E for moisture, this is a highly moisturizing and affordable option to toss in your purse.

Product Review: Korres Citrus Moisturizing Body Milk

BellaSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:00:44 -0700

Mmm, mmm masculine! The rich and fresh-scented Citrus Body Milk ($15) from Greek bath and body brand Korres is a sensory extravaganza. The smooth and creamy texture absorbs quickly, leaving your skin matte and feeling hydrated and soft. And it smells amazing.

I'm not sure how you feel, but I've noticed that when when creams are heavily fragrant they can sometimes leave you feeling sticky, grimy, and unclean. Fortunately, it isn't the case at all with this body lotion. I appreciate that although the texture is lightweight and thin, it isn't slimy whatsoever.

However, you will need a generous amount to cover your entire body, so if you like this as an everyday all-over lotion, might I suggest you buy it in bulk? A small price to pay to feel like Aphrodite incarnate.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Saturday Giveaway! Bliss Lemon + Sage Merry Citrus Set

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:30:53 -0700

This month, we're again pairing up with Sephora to bring you daily giveaways to help you get ready for the holiday season ahead.

Today's giveaway is for Bliss Lemon + Sage Merry Citrus. Simulate Bliss' signature Scrubs Deluxe seriously softening body treatment-and then some. This set includes Lemon + Sage Body Butter, Lemon + Sage Body Scrub, Lemon + Sage Soapy Sap and a Miniature Lemon + Sage Soap in a signature gift box. When you shop online, enter the code SHOPNOW5, for free shipping on purchases over $50.

To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment in the comments section below by 5 p.m. PDT / 8 p.m. EDT Saturday, November 3, and we'll announce the winner on Monday. Please, only ONE comment per person; duplicate comments will be discarded, so commenting more than once won't up your chances of winning. You must be a TeamSugar member to comment, so if you're not a member, please register here for an account. For all of the rules and regulations, click here. Congratulations to tiff58, who won yesterday's giveaway for a Too Faced Lights, Camera, Glamour! kit.

Check Out the Three Newest Trends in Fragrance

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 -0700

When it comes to perfumery, trends do indeed exist - much like in the fashion industry and the culinary world, and in seasonal makeup collections. Recently, Mintel's Global New Products Database, which analyzes consumer behavior and product innovations, took a look at what's en vogue when it comes to women's fragrance. Not surprisingly, organic, eco-friendly products lead the pack. Find out about the three trends when you read more.

Doing Drugstore: Nivea Touch of Happiness

BellaSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:00:22 -0700

A few weeks ago, I picked up some Nivea cellulite-reduction pads on mega-clearance. (I know they won't work, but I'm testing them to prove that point.) The package came with a sample-size bottle of the brand's new Touch of Happiness body wash ($5.49), and, well, who doesn't like being touched by happiness? Not me!

Nivea excitedly promises a moisturizing, invigorating shower experience. (Oddly, it also declares that the body wash "foams without pouf." Is that really all that unusual?) And the orange blossom scent is pleasant without having the overpowering fakeness that sinks many inexpensive body washes. What's more, it smells exactly like the off-brand orange Kool-Aid served at my Girl Scout camp back in the day. (Proustian showering!) While I still like to use lotion after showering, Touch of Happiness hasn't dried my skin out like some washes can, and if it brings back memories of lanyard-making, so much the better. Recommended if you like an invigorating but gentle way to start your day but not if you dislike soft citrus scents.

Say So Long to Limp Locks With a Colored Hair Powder

BellaSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Now that warmer weather is approaching, is your scalp heating up, too? Perhaps your roots and/or bangs are oily, but your ends are just fine. That's when hair powders come into play. Not only do these oil-absorbing products help sop up excess sebum, they revitalize styles and assist in giving your hair a lift in the aroma department, too. Here are a few colored powders to ensure that you can focus on warm-weather activities, not your hair. Tip: While tinted powders are amazing at blending into your hair color sans white residue, keep in mind that they are tinted, so protect clothing with a towel or cape while applying.

You won't have to shell out lots of dough for Salon Graphix Powder Shampoo ($8). This spray-on cleanser is available in three shades, plus one for the silver foxes out there, too.
Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder ($19 to $35) comes in two sizes, and sprays on for a black, red, white, blondish, or brown finish.
The cheekily-named The All-Nighter Styling Powder ($18) is available in six shades and helps create volume and texture in the hair. It's made from all-natural ingredients and lends a pleasant citrus smell.
T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($25) helps promote healthy hair with vitamin B6, and is sold in light, dark, and auburn colors.

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Super Scents That Smell Like Suntan Lotion

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:01:53 -0700

I have long had an affinity for the tropical, fruity, coconut smells of Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion ($8.50) and Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil ($7.60). As much as I'd love to slather those items all over my body, I'm thinking it might not be so practical for everyday non-beach usage.

So, I've done a little research, gathering together some fragrances that have similarities to these classic aromas, which often feature notes of vanilla, coconut, amber, tropical flowers, and citrus (particularly orange). With the official start of Summer coming up in just under two weeks, I can't think of a better way to kick it all off. Life’s a beach, after all.

Get the list version to print out when you read more.

Ensoleille Moi Eau de Toilette ($84)
Miranda by Fragonard ($55 to $75)
L'Aromarine Coco Perfume Extract ($9.50)
Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanille Coco Eau De Toilette Natural Spray ($53)
Jil Sander Sun ($49)
Songes by Annick Goutal ($80 to $115)
Ebba Miss Marisa Tropical Perfume Oil ($62)
Jean Patou Chaldee ($72)
Hermes Eau de Merveilles ($34 to $49)
Bobbi Brown Beach ($55)
Bond No. 9 Fire Island ($140)
I Hate Perfume at the Beach 1966 ($13 to $65)
Monyette Paris Eau de Parfum Spray ($70)
Demeter Fragrance Library Suntan Lotion ($6 to $39.50)
Guerlain Mahora ($32)
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent ($49.50)
Island Michael Kors Hawaii ($65)
Avon Tahitian Holiday Eau de Toilette Spray ($15)
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique ($58)
Robert Piguet Fracas Perfume ($75 to $110)

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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.