BellaSugar

Definition: Jojoba Oil

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:00:06 -0700

Jojoba oil is referred to as a vegetable oil, but it is actually a liquid wax that comes from the seed of the Jojoba, a shrub found in the Southwest. The oil is usually refined to be odorless and colorless.

When it became illegal in the United States to use sperm whale oil in 1974, funding was provided to investigate applications where Jojoba oil could take its place. Because Jojoba oil has a chemical structure that's very similar to sebum, it has a wide variety of cosmetic uses. Native Americans used the oil to heal wounds, protect the skin, condition the skin, and soften the scalp. The ingredient proved to have a wide variety of uses, from dissolving excess sebum from the scalp to protecting crops from white flies. Get yours in Dr. Hauschka Conditioner with Jojoba and Marsh Mallow, Aveda All-Sensitive Body Formula, or Creative Nail's Solar Oil.

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Sabon Goes Organic

BellaSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:00:37 -0700

Sabon started out in 1974 with one natural soap handcrafted in a backyard in Israel, and the brand now has shops around the world. Today, it expands into the organic market with its Sabon Organic line.

Even though the "organic" labeling of beauty products (vs. food) often comes under fire for lack of consistency and regulation, this line comes ECOCERT-approved from an international organization that examines organic cosmetics. To be certified, the products must have 10 percent minimum approved organic ingredients, and at least 95 percent of ingredients must be from natural plant sources. In addition, certification requires the absence of synthetic fragrances and dyes, silicones and glycol, petro-chemical and mineral oils, and parabens, and no animal ingredients/testing.

I got a sneak peek and sniff of one of the products from this line. Read my thoughts on the item I tested when you read more.

The Organic Butter Cream, $39 (bottom right), is a rich emollient moisturizer. I can hold the open jar upside and shake it, but the cream stays in! It feels just as thick going onto the skin, but not sticky or greasy. Along with the familiar shea butter, jojoba oil, and aloe leaf juice were other plant extracts like maris sal (dead sea salt), dill extract, and macadamia seed oil. Plus each label lists exactly how much is natural - this item has 98.86 percent total ingredients of natural origin and 82.41 percent from organic farming - and comes in recycled packaging. I'm popping this in my fridge as soon as I get home for a cool Summer treat.

Curly Bella Gives Mixed Chicks a Twirl

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:00:02 -0700

Geared toward multicultural women, the Mixed Chicks line was created to fill the void between other products. As the daughter of parents of different ethnicities (both with curls!), I've encountered problems where most products geared toward Black consumers were too heavy and greasy for my hair, while the others were not strong enough to tame my mane.

Of the four products I tested, my favorite is this Deep Conditioner ($11) - I love the thick, creamy feel, and a tiny bit worked wonders on my hair. I could separate tangles easily, my hair loved the moisturizing safflower oil, and it rinses right out (so no heavy, residue feel).

Get my take on the other standout product from this line when you read more.

A close second is the Leave-in Conditioner ($17). With jojoba and primrose oils, it adds moisture and a very mild scent. It wasn't greasy nor was there any "crunch." While my hair felt soft to touch, I preferred the results when also adding my usual post-shower product because I prefer a bit more hold and shape when wearing my hair wavy.

Did you know these products existed? And have any of my curly pals tested it out, too?

DIY Spa Treatment: Hot Oil Treatment For Dry Hair

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Hot oil treatments are a fast and easy way to help restore elasticity, shine and moisture in dry, over-processed hair. They should instantly make your hair look and feel healthier, and they can be done anywhere from once to twice a week depending on the condition of your hair. I found this at-home hot oil treatment recipe from the Long Locks Hair Care Cookbook and have been eager to test it out.

Although I haven't tried this exact combo of ingredients yet, I have created a wonderful DIY treatment from a blend of jojoba oil, avocado, geranium oil and soybean oil. I loved the results, but found it to be fairly messy - and I didn't love the feeling of mashed-up avocado in my hair. That being said, feel free to add in fresh avocado, or a little jojoba oil if you desire. This recipe is simple, neat (you can bring it right into the shower with you) and it doesn't require a ton of ingredients. You'll need:

1/2 cup of soybean oil

8 drops of sandalwood oil

8 drops of geranium oil

8 drops of lavender oil

For three step-by-step directions, read more.

STEP 1: Pour all of the ingredients into an empty measuring cup and mix well.
STEP 2: Warm the contents in the microwave for about 20-25 seconds, making sure it doesn't get too hot. Then, evenly apply the mixture to damp hair (paying special attention to the ends), comb through with a wide-tooth comb and wrap hair in a hot towel for 20 minutes.
STEP 3: When you're finished, shampoo hair, rinse well and skip using a conditioner.

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Origins Skin Care Goes Green

BellaSugar — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 08:00:46 -0800

You'll be green with envy when you see Origins' latest skin care line, Origins Organics. Although the line launched in late fall, the products are intended to soothe dry, winter skin and hair.

All of the products are certified organic by the USDA, which is a huge step for a beauty company. Now, this doesn't mean that the products are 100% organic; it means that a large part of the products are made with certified-organic ingredients. Make sense?

View 9 Photos ›

To find out the highlights and prices of each of the nine products, read more

Foaming Face Wash ($25) is made with 73% organic ingredients. It's made with aloe to moisturize, soothe and calm as well as organic olive oil, clove, rose, lavender, patchouli and red thyme essential oils to smooth and purify the skin.
Purifying Tonic ($25) is a face toner made with 95% organic ingredients. It is made with willow bark, salicylic acid, and organic vinegar to get rid of bacteria and dead skin.
Nourishing Face Lotion ($42.50) is made with 95% organic ingredients. It contains shea butter, karite nuts and organic cocoa butter to soothe dry skin as well as organic glycerin, linoleic acid-rich organic sunflower oil and organic coconut oil to prevent dehydration.
Soothing Lip Balm ($15) is made with 97% organic ingredients. It's a fabulous vanilla balm that smoothes, softens and conditions dry lips. It contains organic shea and cocoa butter as well as organic sunflower, safflower, and palm oils.
Hydrating Body Lotion ($35) is made from 87% organic ingredients. It is made with sunflower oil to strengthen the skin's barrier as well as organic glycerin, soy lecithin, coconut and palm oils to moisturize, hydrate and revive the skin.
Cleansing Body Bar ($15) is made from 90% organic ingredients. This bar removes tough surface debris and environmental impurities while keeping your skin smooth and moisturized. It contains organic coconut oil, pure organic palm oil, organic clove, rose, lavender, patchouli and red thyme essential oils which generate a fabulous smell.
Silkening Body Spritz ($25) is made from 95% organic ingredients. It is made from organic soy lecithin and organic sunflower oil to hydrate and soften the skin. The 360-degree pump is cool because it allows you to turn the bottle upside down to mist hard-to-reach areas with ease.
Body Pampering Massage Oil ($30 ) is made from 95% organic ingredients. Not only does this smell great, it also deeply moisturizes, protects and soothes the skin without any gross, greasy after-effects. It is made from organic jojoba oil, organic fennel, organic chamomile and organic clary sage rejuvenate and soften the skin.
Conditioning Hair Oil ($22.50) is made from 98% organic ingredients such as organic sesame seed oil, organic sunflower oil and organic olive oil to hydrate, protect, condition and nourish the hair without causing build up to weigh hair down.

How-To: Make Your Own Perfume Solid With Tips From Mandy Aftel

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:00:11 -0800

According to Allure, "The trend toward using natural ingredients was pioneered by perfumer and author Mandy Aftel."

Well, guess what? Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with the famed perfumer in her Berkeley, CA studio. We covered everything from beautifully stanky scents to trends in the industry to advice on selecting fragrances. And when I asked her if she had any do-it-yourself ideas for holiday gifting, she definitely delivered.

In her book, Scents & Sensibilities: Creating Solid Perfumes for Well-Being (approximately $5), Aftel provides a "recipe" for creating your own solid perfume. While the talented perfume maker sells her Single Solids, Double Solids, and the ultra-luxe One-of-a-Kind Antique Cases on her website, you can create these thoughtful and easy gifts for your friends and loved ones on your own. Learn how to make these sweet smelling compacts when you read more.

How-To Make 'Em

In a beaker or small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil with 20 drops of essential oil. Example: 7 drops of ylang ylang and 13 drops of grapefruit (see more of Aftel's combos below). She recommends Whole Foods or your local health food store as a go-to place for inexpensive oils.
Melt 1/2 teaspoon of grated beeswax over heat (she used a hot plate).
Mix oils and wax together, then pour into a small container. Aftel recommends using antique cases, small tins, or lip balm jars - basically anything that closes with a latch, is not too deep, and is rounded in shape for easier finger scoopage. Your solid will set in about 10 minutes.

Great Essential Oil Combos

Clary sage and rosewood.
Patchouli with either rose, ylang ylang, or frankincense.
Plain ol' vanilla extract will work, too - imitation not allowed.

Photo courtesy of Mandy Aftel

DIY Spa Treatment: Facial Moisturizer

BellaSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:00:50 -0800

Are you suffering from dry, flaky, and cracking skin but are sick of paying for expensive moisturizers that you're not even sure you're going to like? This (surprisingly) easy and affordable DIY recipe for a hydrating face cream may be just the thing you've been waiting to cook up!

To make two 50 g jars, you'll need:

25 ml Apricot Kernel Oil

25 ml Jojoba Oil

15 g Beeswax

70 ml Bottled Water

2 tbsp Rosewater

1 tsp Lemon Juice

And for step-by-step directions, read more.

Step 1: Take out a double boiler and place two cups of warm water in the bottom. Then add the jojoba oil, the apricot kernel oil, and the beeswax. Heat everything until the wax dissolves.
Step 2: While the mixture is still hot, pour it into a Pyrex bowl and leave it to cool.
Step 3: Next, add the bottled water, rosewater, and lemon juice into the boiler pan and heat it until it's warm. Turn off the heat, but leave the pot on the burner and add the oil and wax mixture to the pot.
Step 4: Stir frequently until everything becomes opaque and thick, adding more heat only if it begins to separate. Once it has thickened, it is recommended to store in a sealed container for no more than six weeks.

Note: If you'd like, you can add one tsp. of apple cider vinegar to the recipe if you have blemished skin, two tsp. evening primrose oil if you have dry skin, two drops of tea tree oil if you have combination skin or one tsp. of witch hazel water if you have oily skin.

Re-Balancing and Rejuvenating Facial Oils, Part I

BellaSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:00:32 -0800

I can understand why the thought of applying oil directly to your face might seem a little bit scary. After all, we've been told that oil-free products work best to keep your pores clear and to help keep oily skin matte. But try to strike this information from the record for a moment so that you can learn a little bit about a few non-comedogenic facial oils. These nighttime treatments are a great way to help replenish the moisture level of your skin during these dehydrating winter months.

A little while back I talked to you about Darphin's Tangerine Aromatic Care Oil. I've been using it religiously and the stuff is so amazing that I wish I could drink it! Here are a few more facial oils that are suitable for all skin types. While they are especially fab for those of you with dry skin, they won't make oily skin greasier. They work to hydrate the deeper levels of your skin with brilliant results.

Ole Henriksen Black Currant Complexion Oil ($32) helps calm red/irritated skin as well as shield skin from the drying effects of cold weather and wind. It contains vitamin E to moisturize; lemon, cypress and clary sage to energize; and tea tree oil to fight off bacteria that can lead to blemishes.

To use, cleanse and tone skin and then apply a light layer to the face and neck in the evening before bed. Massage into your skin and follow with a lotion of your choice.

For two more re-balancing and rejuvenating facial oils, read more

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate ($68.25) is an absorbent facial oil that gets applied in the evening. It works to restore, soften and re-balance your skin as well as deeply moisturize. Make sure that you rub this in well so that none of the yellow color gets onto your pillow. Then simply breathe in to enjoy the wonderful and calming scent.

Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil ($55) is a highly concentrated facial oil that provides intense moisture to help soothe dry, chapped or cracked skin. It is made from a blend of sesame, sweet almond, olive, jojoba, neroli, patchouli, lavender and sandalwood oils as well as Vitamin E which contains healing properties. Use in the evening and follow with a moisturizer.

Splurge of the Week: Payot Hydratation 24 Protection Levres

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:00:51 -0800

When it comes to lip balm, I tend to spend less than $10. I'm just too scatterbrained and forgetful to drop more than that on balm, because inevitably I lose it and feel like a chump for doing so. But now that I've tried Payot Hydratation 24 Protection Levres, I can understand why some people pay a little more. Payot, a decades-old luxury skincare brand, sent me a sample of this lip balm. And from the first application, I was hooked. The balm has a hefty dose of shea butter to protect lips from chapping, and macadamia and jojoba oils help soften while making the balm smell amazing. This balm doesn't smear, it doesn't feel tacky, and it absorbs quickly while leaving my lips feeling protected. When I put it on, I feel like I have large and beautiful Angelina lips, and chapped lips don't stand a chance. Unfortunately, it would help to have Angelina's bank account, too - this balm is $29, but if you have the means, it's worth trying.

Simply Fab: LanoLight Massage Oil Candle

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:12:22 -0700

Just a few months ago, the Lano Company, who you might remember from my LanoLip™ lip balm post, released a new product called LanoLight™ Massage Oil Candle, $15. This awesome candle comes in four variations and burns down into a liquefied massage oil that can be rubbed immediately onto your skin and the effects are incredible.

According to Miranda Coggins, President and CEO of the Lano Company, this marriage of skincare and aromatherapy concept is not entirely new to the market, however there was no product that delivered any real benefit to the user. LanoLight is made from soy bean oil, shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, coconut oil, coconut butter and medical grade lanolin. The combination of these ingredients leave the skin in a more nourished, moisturized and protected condition.

To use, simply trim the wick, light the candle and allow it to burn down to an oil. The fire will go out and then you can instantaneously use the oil for massage without it burning the skin. I've tried the Light of Love aroma candle and I loved it! It was intoxicating and felt really soothing and healing.

Did I mention that the candles are also 100% guaranteed? If you don't like them, you can return the unused portion for a refund, less shipping...but I don't think you'll want to do that. To read more about each of the four candles, read more

(Lumiére de L'Amour) Light of Love Massage Candle is a powerful scent made from chamomile, patchouli, eucalyptus and lemongrass oils. It is intended to impact and stimulate the senses.
Exhale Massage Oil Candle is intended to be very relaxing. It is blended with wild crafted lavender, organic rosemary, organic eucalyptus, organic fir, organic naiouli, organic tea tree and peppermint and has an extremely soothing and crispy minty scent.
Cucumber Melon Massage Oil Candle is a refreshing summer scent that has been enhanced with aloe to help invigorate and heal sun stressed skin.
Stripped Bare Massage Oil Candle is actually a fragrance free candle for those with sensitive noses.