BellaSugar

Definition: Essential Oils

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:00:44 -0700

Essential Oils are made from the volatile and highly fragrant part of the plant. They are used in aromatherapy and are often referred to as aromatic oils or ethereal oils. They are believed to each have their own health benefits such as strong healing powers, so they're often used as alternatives to medicinal cures. Essential oils quickly penetrate the body through the skin and the respiratory tract, and they enter and leave with body without leaving any toxins behind.

Commonly, they are used in perfumes, cosmetics and flavoring. They are usually distilled or put through some kind of distillation process, but essential oils can also be cold-pressed (like oils of citrus fruits) or burned (for instance, made into incense). The most common essential oils are lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus; however, there are more than 400 in production.

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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.

Splurge of the Week: Wildflower Dry Oil

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:00:43 -0800

As much as I love testing beauty products, there are times when I wonder if I'll even remember to put on one more thing! However, that's not the case with Hollybeth's Wildflower Dry Oil. The elixir of botanical infusions and plant extracts (95 percent organic!) provides unparalleled moisture for my dryness. Normally, even my favorite face cream seems to vanish by morning, yet this leaves my skin feeling smooth after a night of shuteye. Simply use the included eyedropper (which can double as a cap) to drip onto fingers before applying to the flowery-scented oil to your face and neck twice daily.

It's said to diminish fine lines and counteract the formation of free radicals. Now, I've only been using it for a week so I can't report any visible changes, but I do know that I don't want to stop touching my soft face. Even with a big price tag of $40 (for 0.5 fl. oz.), I'd not only recommend it for wintry dry skin, but also because the company participates in UNICEF's Inspired Gifts program. With proceeds from sales in 2009, they've committed to purchase five water pumps, each one will providing clean, safe drinking water for an entire community. It's a nice way to feel like you're helping others while also helping yourself.

Splurge of the Week: Kiehl's Body Cleansing Oil

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:00:48 -0700

My skin has been going through an oddball itchy phase. Ever the hypochondriac, I became convinced that the cats had fleas. They didn't, so I thought, "Oh no, I've somehow picked up bedbugs!" (I hadn't.) After running through a mile-long list of potential itch-causers, I decided to switch body wash to one that doesn't foam up and potentially irritate my skin.

You could probably use a variety of washes, but I went with Superbly Restorative Body Cleansing Oil ($27.50). It has organic argan oil (the buzzed-about Moroccan oil) as well as a beta hydroxy acid. Since it's an oil, it doesn't lather up like crazy. Instead, it gently washes away dirt without leaving my skin dry. Plus, the softly earthy scent is sexy instead of traversing into a "I just followed Phish around for three months" funk. Most important: no more itchy skin. Win! At $27.50, it's more expensive than most body washes, but a little goes a really long way - and the ability to go to sleep without scratching my legs these days is pretty much priceless.

DIY Spa Treatment: Plumping Facial Oil For Dry Skin

BellaSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:00:59 -0700

When your hair suffers from chemical and environmental damage, you can help restore vitality by applying a hot oil treatment. Well, when your face becomes dry from the Winter or even from too much sun, I find that applying a facial oil is a helpful solution for replacing moisture loss and for filling in fine lines and wrinkles. I've found this terrific plumping facial oil recipe from Liz Earle that I think you'll love - the smell alone will send you over the moon! You'll need:

1 oz avocado oil

2 tsp rosehip oil

2 tsp argan oil

1 borage oil capsule

1 Vitamin E capsule

2 drops of neroli oil

3 drops of sandalwood oil

For step-by-step instructions on how to make your own facial oil, read more.

STEP 1: In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, blend the avocado oil, rosehip oil and argan oil together.
STEP 2: Next, cut open your borage oil capsule and your vitamin E capsule and gently squeeze them into the bowl. Mix well.
STEP 3: Lastly, add in the neroli oil and a few drops of sandalwood. Heat everything for about twenty seconds (it makes the borage oil and vitamin E oil easier to blend) and blend a few drops to your skin. As you apply it, don't forget to take a few deep breaths and enjoy the fragrance. This recipe is good for about six to eight applications.

Five Ways to Use Olive Oil For Beauty

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:36 -0800

When visiting a pal's house recently, I noticed a bottle of olive oil in his bathroom (not while snooping, I swear). Even though I know of many uses for this product, I was curious why he had it. Turns out he applies this before shaving instead of traditional creams since he has sensitive skin (a tip he picked up from his Grammy).

That got me thinking of more beauty uses for olive oil:

Deep conditioning treatment: Get out of the shower and apply oil on shampooed, towel dried hair. Put it up in a plastic cap and blast it for about 10 minutes with a hair dryer. Let sit for 10 more minutes and rinse out.
Oil base for homemade scrubs: If you're whipping up a batch of one of my fave DIY spa treatments, olive oil's a great addition. If you're short on time, simply rub on your skin before scrubbing with coarse sugar or salt.

See two more of my favorites when you read more.

Moisturizing cuticles: Mix a touch of this oil and water in a small dish and soak your hands in it for about five minutes. Then warm a bit of olive oil and rub it into your cuticles before pushing the skin back with your file.
Removing stubborn makeup: Being very careful to avoid eyes, you can still dab a bit of olive oil on a cotton swab and use it to remove waterproof makeup.
If you've got more tips of your own for this product, share them in your comments below!

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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.

Tea Tree Oil Will Cure What (N)ails You

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:38 -0700

Earlier this year, nearly 70 percent of you told me that you bite your cuticles. I have a confession. During particularly nervous moments, I sometimes do a little chomping myself. Ack! Recently, a manicurist gave me a little talking to after discovering my dirty little secret. Her solution? Tea tree oil, an antiseptic essential oil with antibacterial benefits.

Not only does this product help heal cuts and tears when rubbed into the delicate nail bed area, it provides hydrating effects, and carries with it a clean, uplifting aroma. Added bonus? Because of its strong, slightly camphor-like smell, it won't taste all that appetizing, and that just might inhibit you from biting. Try Beauty Secrets Tea Tree Oil ($5.99) to get started on your way to obtaining those soon-to-be-gorgeous hands.

Photo by Jon Fravel

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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Re-Balancing and Rejuvenating Facial Oils, Part II

BellaSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:00:58 -0800

Yesterday I brought you the first installment of my series on face oils. These gentle and fast-absorbing products are a relatively new way to increase hydration as well as re-balance and rejuvenate dry winter skin. Here are three more products to check out.

Neal's Yard Organic Orange Flower Facial Oil ($60) helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, eliminate toxins as well as balance the moisture levels in the skin. It is made from mandarin, pomegranate, primrose, ylang ylang, neroli and macadamia seed oil. After continued use, the result is soft, supple and balanced skin. Use morning and/or evening and massage into the face and neck.

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

Clarins Santal Fave Treatment Oil ($45) is nourishing oil that helps calm redness and promotes radiance. Apply in the evening followed by a moisturizer.

Awake Aroma Facial Oil ($40) is a bedtime treatment that works wonders to soothe dehydrated and malnourished skin. Made from Vitamin E, herbs and macadamia oil, it penetrates the deep layers of your skin to protect skin without clogging your pores.