BellaSugar

DIY Spa Treatment Recap: Ways to Treat Your Hands and Feet

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:27 -0800

If you want to treat your extremities during the oft-extreme Winter weather, here's a recap of some of my favorite re-create-at-home tips to pamper those parts of your body. Decide which ingredients appeal most in these hands-on ways to keep you on your toes all season long.

Mojito-Inspired Hand Scrub	Coconut Lemon Hand Scrub	Essential Oil Hand Scrub
Alfalfa Mint Foot Scrub	Coconut Pineapple Foot Scrub	Rose Water Foot Scrub

DIY Spa Treatment: Rose Mint Foot Scrub

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:00:30 -0700

Right now, there's not enough food in my house to make anything but mac 'n' cheese, but there is enough to make a DIY salt scrub (so maybe I can spend my pedicure money on groceries). Salt scrub tends to exfoliate more than sugar, so it's better for rough areas like feet, and mint is refreshing and soothing. The rose gives it a great scent and pretty color.

For instructions and to see the finished product, read more

Here's what you'll need:

1/2 cup of coarse salt (i.e. sea salt, kosher salt, margarita salt)

Olive oil

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rose flower water (I picked up this one at a Middle Eastern store)

1 rose

3 stems fresh mint

Step 1: Combine salt and rosewater, but don't mix.
Step 2: Shred or cut the mint leaves into small pieces, add to mixture, and use a blunt object (I used the back of a screwdriver) to muddle (basically, bash and twist the mint into the mixture so the scent and oils are released).
Step 3: Take 3/4 of the petals off the rose and do the same.
Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix. Feel free to add more, but be careful - it gets too greasy very fast!
Step 5: Use the rest of the rose as a garnish, either keeping the bud whole or adding bigger chunks of petals.

Store in a mason jar, an empty tub of another product, or good ol' tupperware.

Check out my handiwork below:

Source

Beauty Marked! A Fab Foot Scrub

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:52:33 -0700

Last week I asked you to come beauty marking with me to help me find a new fab foot cream. I bought this Cake Beauty Cake Walk Triplemint Foot Cream, $16, and totally and utterly fell in love with it!

I thought if I could love something this much then you guys probably had your own favorite foot products to share too. Boy was I right! You all did an awesome job beauty marking and I've featured three of your choices below. To see all of the beauty marked foot creams, click here.

Beauty Mark #1 found by missixty02 is called Bliss Foot Patrol, $26. This fab foot cream is ultra creamy, ultra smooth and ultra minty! Made with peppermint, aloe vera and salicylic acid, it immediately exfoliates, softens and soothes your tired dogs!

To see a couple more fab foot creams, read more

Beauty Mark #2 found by foreverdizzy is called Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream, $9. Mmmm - this cream is coco-nutty and delish! It contains rosemary which helps heal tired feet, and peppermint to purify. Let's face it, your feet aren't the cleanest parts of your body. It also contains vegetable glycerin and coconut oil to moisturize.

Beauty Mark #3 found by la clique is called Totally Nutty Shea Butter Heel Cream, $4. This is an intensely moisturizing foot cream made with a high concentration of shea butter and nut oils to make your stubborn skin nice and smooth.

Product Review: Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:58:54 -0700

Because I am constantly looking for a nearly effortless way to have cute, smooth feet, I was really excited to try this Spongeables Pedi-Scrub foot buffer. It's a flower-shaped sponge that cleans, exfoliates, and moisturizes feet.

The sponge has two sides: One is rough to slough away dead skin, and the other contains a soap blend to clean and soften. I tried the Lavender and Tea Tree Oil scent, which smelled nice enough, but a little artificial for my tastes (or sniffs, as the case may be). To find out how Pedi-Scrub handled my hoof-like dry feet, read more

Because I live in a city, my feet take a good beating every day, and I need a serious slougher to get rid of the dead skin. While the exfoliating side of the sponge felt good on my feet, it wasn't enough to tackle my rough heels. That's fine if you just want a little massage and a light buffing, but you'll need a pumice stone for anything more. Also, since the soap is glycerin-based, it's pretty slippery, so you'll have to be careful in the shower (or use it while taking a bath, as I did). After using it, I felt pretty "meh" - not a bad product, but not an astounding one, either.

Or so I thought. While I wasn't shot down with Pedi-Scrub while I was bathing, I did like its effects a lot more after I'd settled into bed. The soap is actually pretty moisturizing, and my feet felt soft without any lotion. While this sponge is not enough to replace a pumice stone, it did moisturize well. Is this an absolute must-have, can't-live-without product? Nope. But it's not a bad one, and if I saw it on sale, I might pick it up and incorporate it into my pedicure-night routine. It's available for $4.99 at drugstores and Drugstore.com.

$4.99

A Callus Rejection: 3 Ways to Ditch Thick, Rough Skin

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:06 -0800

I wear a lot of heels, which are a surefire way to get calluses, but even if you don't, those cute ballet flats, comfy Chucks, or spiffy top-siders are putting pressure on several points on your feet, causing callus buildup. It's not like calluses are harmful - they're a natural part of life - it's just that they're ugly, and it's guaranteed you won't notice one until you're about to go out on a date wearing cute new sandals. To prevent this scenario, I've put together three inexpensive tricks to keep calluses at bay. So just keep reading.

Reader Review of the Day: Sue Devitt Balanced Matte Lipstick

BellaSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:00:18 -0700

If you like the feel of a matte lipstick, perhaps Sue Devitt Balanced Matte Lipstick ($20) is for you. Reader Watergirl777 had only positive things to say about this lip product, and here’s why.

This lipstick is the best I've had in years! Although it does not advertise to be long-lasting, it actually lasts a surprisingly long time. It is a beautiful color on any skin tone. It is absolutely wonderful.

Have you something to add? Our Product Reviews website is the perfect place to share your opinions on everything from foot scrubs to tweezers. Well, what are you waiting for? Your lipstick awaits.

Doing Drugstore: Dr. Scholl's For Her Ultra Overnight Foot Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:01:33 -0800

For some products promising extra moisture, that translates to a generous coating of greasy gunk. You'll have to excuse my skepticism in testing this, but I was imagining sticky feet picking up invisible "grit" from my hardwood floors. Do. Not. Want.

Thankfully, while this lotion does soothe my rough skin, it goes on smoothly and doesn't feel tacky to the touch once dry. With active ingredients of aloe and palm oils, it felt pretty ordinary all alone, but as part of a new nightly regimen, it gets great results. Simply start with a pumice foot scrub before tucking toes into cotton/lycra socks to seal emollients into the feet while you sleep. It'll keep them warm, too. Would you consider trying this, or does the idea of wearing socks to bed make you sweat?

Beauty Byte: Self's 2007 Healthy Beauty Awards

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 16:14:02 -0700

Self magazine just announced the winners of its 2007 Healthy Beauty Awards, which recognize skin-care, makeup, and hair products that are both good and good for you. I love lists like this, because they always give me ideas about new products to try (as if I needed more, but whatever).

The Self awards are a great mix of drugstore treasures and high-end brands. (Thanks to Beauty and the Blog for the tip!) To see the list of winners, read more

FACE

Best Normal-Skin Cleanser
Plank Cor Soap, $125

Best Oily-Skin Cleanser
Care by Stella McCartney Purifying Foaming Cleanser, $35

Best Dry-Skin Cleanser
NIA 24 Gentle Cleansing Cream, $30

Best Sensitive-Skin Cleanser
Skin Effects Redness Control Calming Gel Cleanser, $13

Best Normal-Skin Moisturizer
Skingenic Regenerating Moisturizer, $110

Best Dry-Skin Moisturizer
Lierac Hydra-Chrono, $45

Best Sensitive-Skin Moisturizer
Kinerase Cream With SPF 30, $135

Best Antiaging Moisturizer
Lancôme High Résolution With Fibrelastine Intensive Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $74

Best Night Cream
Roc Protient Fortify Lift and Define Night Cream, $20

Best Serum
Aveeno Positively Ageless Rejuvenating Serum, $18

Best At-Home Peel
Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel, $25

Best Face Scrub
C.O. Bigelow Brown Sugar Crystal Face Polish, $20

Best Acne Treatment
Sephora Face Concealing Blemish Pen, $14

Best Mask
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Firming Facial Mask, $58

Best Eye Cream
Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Eye and Lip Cream, $155

Best Antiaging Eye Cream
Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream, $54

Best Eye-Brightening Cream
Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Creme, $15

BODY

Best Bar Soap
Dove Pro-Age, $4

Best Shower Gel
Boscia Jujube Rejuvenist Amino Body Wash, $22

Best Moisturizing Shower Gel
Caress Cashmere Luxury Silkening Body Wash, $3

Best Body Scrub
Murad Activating Body Scrub, $48

Best Body Treatment
Ahava Pure Spa Energizing Body Mud Mask, $18

Best Body Moisturizer
St. Ives Mineral Therapy Advanced Body Moisturizer, $5

Best Nighttime Body Moisturizer
Johnson's Softlotion Melt Away Stress Moisturizing Lotion, $5

Best Spray Moisturizer
The Healing Garden Sensual Therapy Passion Rose Body Mist, $7

Best Body Cream
Jergens Shea Butter Cream, $7

Best Body Cream for Irritated Skin
Eucerin Calming Itch-Relief Treatment, $9

Best Hand Scrub
Mary Kay Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub, $15

Best Hand Lotion
OPI Avoplex High-Intensity Hand & Nail Cream, $8

Best Nail Product
Revlon No Smudge Dry Oil, $7

Best Foot Scrub
Olay Thermal Pedicure, $9

Best Foot Cream
Earth Therapeutics Intensive Heel Repair, $8

MAKEUP

Best All-Around Foundation
Shiseido The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation SPF 17, $35

Best Tinted Moisturizer
Cosmedicine Honest Face Skin Tint & Treatment SPF 20, $35

Best Oil-Free Foundation
Neutrogena Glow Sheers SPF 30, $12

Best Antiaging Foundation
La Mer The Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF 15, $75

Best Long-Lasting Foundation
Rimmel Cool Matte 16 Hr Foundation, $8

Best Pressed Powder
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, $25

Best Loose Powder
Givenchy Prisme Libre, $63

Best Concealer
Prescriptives Custom Blend Concealer, $32

Best Bronzer
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Matte Bronzing Veil, $12

Best Highlighter
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, $18

Best Powder Blush
Lorac Cheek Stamp, $22

Best Gel Blush
Sue Devitt Beauty Gel to Powder Blush, $20

Best Lipstick
Giorgio Armani ArmaniSilk, $25

Best SPF-Enriched Lipstick
Almay Hydracolor, $9

Best Lip Gloss
Sally Hansen Smile Brightening Lip Treatment, $7

Best Lipliner
Lauren Hutton Lip Liner, $14

Best Powder Eyeshadow
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Mosaic Eye Shadow, $18

Best Cream Eyeshadow
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow, $22

Best Makeup Multitasker
Benefit Rush Hour, $20

Best Eyeliner
L'Oréal Paris Carbon Black Le Kohl Pencil, $7

Best Lengthening Mascara
Clinique High Definition Lashes Brush-Then-Comb Mascara, $14

Best Thickening Mascara
CoverGirl VolumeExact Mascara, $7

Best Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline New York Volum' Express Turbo Mascara, $7

Best Multitasking Mascara
Chanel Inimitable Mascara, $27

Best Eye Makeup Remover
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $20

Best Palette
Sonia Kashuk Face Palette, $17

HAIR

Best All-Around Shampoo
Aura Spa Aromatherapie Balancing Équilibrant Verbena Ginger Shampoo, $8

Best Hydrating Shampoo
Sunsilk ThermaShine, $4

Best Straightening Shampoo
Nexxus SleekTress Sumptuous Smoothing Shampoo, $9

Best Shampoo for Curls
Aveda Be Curly Shampoo, $20

Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
Matrix Logics Color DNA System Color Nourishing Shampoo, $20

Best All-Around Conditioner
Charles Worthington Dream Hair Radiant Shine Glossing Conditioner, $9

Best Hydrating Conditioner
Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Conditioner, $19

Best Straightening Conditioner
Aussie Sydney Smooth Conditioner, $3

Best Conditioner for Curls
Redken Fresh Curls Conditioner, $13

Best Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
Marc Anthony Brilliant Color Color Lock Conditioner, $8

Best Hair Mask
Alberto VO5 Fortify & Repair! Deep Moisturizing 3-Minute Masque, $3

Best Volumizer
Biolage VolumaThérapie Bodifying Crème Gel, $14

Best Shine Serum
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum, $10

Best Gel
Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Cream-Gel, $4

Best Curl Product
Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Anti-Frizz Cream, $2

Best Frizz Fighter
Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness Smoothing Leave-In Crème, $3

Best Mousse
Wella Color Preserve Volumizing Mousse, $14

Best Straightening Product
Tresemmé Thermal Creations Straightening Gel, $4

Best Texturizer
Pantene Pro-V Texturize! Moussing Foam Wax, $7

Best Hairspray
Paul Mitchell Express Style Worked Up Spray, $15

Best At-Home Color Kit
Clairol Natural Instincts, $9

SUN

Best Face Sunscreen
Dermalogica Extra Rich Faceblock SPF 30, $48

Best Body Sunscreen
Banana Boat UltraMist Sport SPF 30 Continuous Clear Spray, $7

Best Face Glow Lotion
Nivea Sun-Kissed Facial Moisturizer, $7

Best Body Glow Lotion
Estée Lauder Body Performance Golden Naturally Radiant Moisturizer, $35

Best Self-Tanner
Lancaster Silk Bronze Moisturizing Milk Face & Body Self Tan SPF 6, $22

Best Body Bronzer
Dior Bronze Gelée de Monoi, $32

Source

DIY Spa Treatment: A Tropical Callus Tonic

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:29 -0700

Pesky calluses (aka layers of bulky dead skin cells) often appear on your feet, especially in the Summer months when you tend to be barefoot more. It's true that they help desensitize your feet from the sharp edges of pebbles and seashells, but for those of you who aren't taking extensive walks on the beach, they are unnecessary and unsightly. Calluses look dry, cracked and flaky, so it's a great idea to treat them if you're planning to flaunt your feet in sexy sandals this Summer. To create a moisturizing coconutty-pineapple tonic, you'll need:

A foot-bath (or a wide bucket)

Two and a half cups of pineapple juice

One half-cup of coconut milk

A pumice stone

Moisturizer for dry skin

A pair of cotton socks

For step-by-step instructions on how to create your own callus treatment, read more.

STEP 1: In a foot-bath, or a bucket large enough to soak your feet, pour in the pineapple juice (the fruit acids help the dead skin dissolve) and the coconut milk. Stir well.
STEP 2: Sit back, relax and let your feet soak in the tropical mixture from anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse well with lukewarm water and begin to scrub your calluses with the pumice stone. Tip: Judge how vigorously you should scrub by how dense or thin your calluses are. You don't want to rub your feet raw, so when in doubt, use a gentle hand.
STEP 3: Dry your feet and massage a generous amount of moisturizer into your skin. Once you're all lubed up, slip into your socks. For optimal results, wear them while you sleep.

Bella Interview: Dr. Carolyn Siegal, Beverly Hills Podiatrist

BellaSugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 07:00:00 -0700

Dr. Carolyn Siegal takes care of the well-heeled-literally. She's a podiatrist in Beverly Hills, where she's also launched her own collection of foot care products. After seeing patients who picked up infections from unclean nail salons, she launched the Dr. Carolyn Collection, a line of nail supplies meant to provide a safer pedicure. The smartest product is the savvy nail kit, which contains buffers, a nail clipper, a cuticle pusher, a disposable tub liner and other essential nail implements that you can tote to your nail salon.

Yesterday I spoke with Dr. Siegal about how to keep your feet healthy and safe. She's passionate about her work, and she also knows the value of a good pedicure! Read on for the interview.

What's the sign of healthy feet?
Clean and normal colors-like what you'd see on a baby. There shouldn't be any yellowing or thickening, or signs of lesions or warts. Healthy feet have clean, well-hydrated skin with no cracks in the heels. And, of course, no pain.

For the entire interview, including information on the pedicure tool you should avoid at all costs, read more

How can you tell if a spa or salon is safe and clean?
Well, my kits were developed because I was seeing so many patients who had infections. You can imagine that the corner nail shops-they're cheap, they have neon signs, the staff doesn't speak English-are not necessarily so clean. There are those salons that obviously don't seem up to code, but there's a risk with all salons when tools aren't cleaned-and by the way, those blue UV light boxes don't necessarily sterilize the tools. It's not the way the medical community cleans its tools.

Aren't Jacuzzi tubs more dangerous than stainless steel bowls?
Yes; most Jacuzzi-type tubs are not supported by the medical community. First, you have to understand how fungus grows. It thrives in moist, warm places: showers at the gym, poolsides and tubs. So if someone with athlete's foot or a fungus uses a tub, once that happens, you have a problem because a lot of tubs with Jacuzzi jets have water that gets recycled. The tub gets refilled with water, and the next person can get nail fungus. You need a free-standing bowl made of stainless steel or glass, and a liner.

For those of us who do our pedicures at home, how can we get soft feet?
Don't use sharp blades on rough heels. I recommend that you don't use credo blades-they're illegal in 22 states. Instead, use a pumice bar or a foot scrub. I developed a foot scrub with pumice in it; you can put it on a washcloth. Follow it with a cream. My Velvet Crème is really ultra-moisturizing. It has urea, which doctors use; I lowered the concentration to an over-the-counter level. Follow this routine three or four times a week and you'll have softer feet.

Are nail ridges normal, or are they a bad sign?
The nails tell a lot about your systemic health. You can get ridging if you've had a shock to the system. But it can also mean nothing, especially if you're young and healthy. If you've had significant changes in your nails, go to your doctor.

Can nail polish stain your nails?
Yes, certain nail polishes have dyes that can stain. A good base coat is important. There are nail polishes that are free of dyes. OPI is a good brand, as is Rescue Nail Lounge.

And is it bad for your nails to always have polish on them?
I wouldn't say it's bad, but it's often good to take a break every few months to let the nails "breathe."