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3 Body Scrubs That Will Slough Your Cares (and Dead Skin) Away

Brittney Stephens — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 06:00:00 PDT

With all the swimming, beaching, and short-shorts wearing that you're doing this season, what better time to indulge in a little full-body bliss? As important as it is to exfoliate your face during warm weather, you shouldn't forget about the rest of your skin; creating a smooth canvas for shaving, moisturizing, and applying bronzer is key - and it'll only make your skin look that much more amazing in all your pretty Summer ensembles. There are tons of great body buffers out there, but to see three of the best skin-smoothing scrubs, just keep reading.

Your Trash Can Become a Macy Gray Treasure

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:00:19 PDT

If doing the right thing isn't enough to make you recycle, Origins isn't above a little good-natured bribery. Beginning April 5, people who bring Origins at least one empty cosmetic package - it doesn't have to be from the brand - will receive one ticket to a free Macy Gray concert in New York City.

The Origins Rocks Earth Month concert will be held at Webster Hall on April 19. Access to the event is first-come, first-served - so if you score a ticket, be sure to go early to secure your place. To get in on the action, take your packaging to one of six Origins boutiques. The goods will then be processed through the Return to Origins recycling program. Not in the five-borough area? You can still take your empties to any Origins store or department store counter for recycling. We think it's a program that hits all the right notes.

Reader Review of the Day: Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask

BellaSugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:00:12 PST

I haven't used Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask ($21) since college, so when I came across reader voxtrotlous's review of the pore- and pimple-clearing treatment, I got all nostalgic. But is it worth the purchase? Find out what today's reviewer had to say below:

It's not a complete dud of a product. It's less that 20 bucks, so it's not anything you can complain about. All I'm saying [is that it] doesn't really do what it says it will. . . It made [my skin] a little bit smoother, but it didn't help clear my breakouts. I don't recommend it.

Have you tried out any detoxifying or clarifying masks as of late? Then it's time to hit up our Product Reviews pages, where you can tell us about everything you're loving (and hating) these days. You'll find more than 50,000 products from which to choose, and you never know - you might just be featured on this daily post, too.

Reader Review of the Day: Origins Modern Friction

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:02:38 PDT

If you like the effects of microdermabrasion, but you want something gentler than crystals, this could be the item for you. Origins Modern Friction dermabrasion scrub ($37) uses rice starch to scrub away dead skin. Reader smoy1004 digs the smell, but wishes it were less pricey.

An Origins sales girl suckered me into purchasing this, but I can't say that it was a bad purchase! It smells soft and wonderful. Although I don't agree that it makes your skin look like porcelain, it does do a great job of gently exfoliating your face. Product also lasts a long time. I have combination skin with mild acne, and this product doesn't exacerbate the situation . . . even if it doesn't help it. I take one star away for hefty price tag and not doing much for my perpetually clogged pores.

Want to get the lowdown on a product you're not sure about? Check out our Product Reviews pages. We have more than 50,000 products for review, and readers add new ones daily. Daily, I say!

Reader Review of the Day: Origins Dr. Weil Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:29 PDT

Reader Humsoutloud has tried just about everything to help calm her sensitive skin. Upon discovering Origins Dr. Weil Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum ($110), she is now hooked for life. Here's what she had to say about this product:

I know people say they have tried every product, but I literally have - from the doctor to organic to high-end. My skin will break out if anything but water touches it, and I have blotchy patches and lines already. (I'm really young.) I read reviews of this product all over the internet so I decided to try it. This is the first time in six years that my skin looks beautiful! I'm not wearing any makeup because my skin looks like it's glowing and even. Seriously, it is worth every penny, and it lasts a really long time. I look my age again, and there is nothing "bad" in this product (sulfates, etc.).

Do you have a product that has worked miracles on your skin? Let us know about it on the Product Reviews website and you might be featured here on BellaSugar.

Origins Wants Your Cosmetics Garbage

BellaSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:01:28 PDT

Every month should be Earth Month, but now's the time when companies roll out their eco-friendly initiatives. My inner hippie is happy that Origins is rolling out its Return to Origins recycling program. Origins counters (except those at Nordstrom) and stand-alone stores will accept clean, empty cosmetic containers - regardless of the brand. From there, the company will have the packaging recycled (or, if not possible, put into energy recovery). And when you drop off your containers, you'll get a free sample of Origins skin care. Jessica Stroup kicked things off yesterday, but the recycling program is here to stay. Yay!

Back to Basics: The Best Zit Zappers

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:00:24 PDT

I've never been one to have consistently gorgeous, glowy skin. It's always either a little bit dry, kind-of blotchy and almost always oily on the nose. Oh, and around that time of the month, you can bank on being able to play a fierce game of connect-the-dots. Having been a connoisseur of spot treatments since puberty, these are three of my go-to products that help pacify my pimples without causing dry patches or added aggravation. Which is your all-time favorite topical zit zapper?

Clearasil Tinted Acne Treatment Cream ($5.79) can be found at most drugstores. It doesn't sting or make you teary-eyed from the strong scent when you have to apply it to your face. The best part about using the tinted version is that it really helps cover up the red without having to pile on potentially bacteria-infested concealer.

Origins Spot Remover ($10) is a minty-smelling, transparent spot treatment gel that contains salicylic acid to dry out sebum and help kill old and new bacteria. It tingles just a touch upon contact, but it's nothing you can't handle. It stays clear and won't dry to an embarrassing flaky finish. Also, the tiny bottle is sure to last you through all twelve bouts of PMS per year, since all you need is a super-small amount.

For one more tried-and-true spot treatment that's slightly pricier,

YonKa Juvenil Purifying Concentrate for Problem Skin ($37.95) is the product I use when my skin is red and irritated all over. I use it if I have excessive swelling and sensitivity since it's so calming and gentle. It contains five essential oils that ward off bacteria, heal, sooth and restore your skin to a calm and balanced state. Also, it has a heavenly botanical smell and doesn't sting in the slightest.

Origins Skin Care Goes Green

BellaSugar — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 08:00:46 PST

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,

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.

November Must-Haves

BellaSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:07:44 PDT

Okay, seriously, how is it November already? It seems like it was just last week when we were gallivanting in warm weather, and now I'm already planning my Thanksgiving shopping list. Sheesh, time flies. But along with the Tofurky shopping, I'm going to be doing some beauty shopping for this chilly month. Here are my picks:

For a description of each,

Body: To stop flaky skin before it starts, be sure to moisturize your body right after stepping out of the shower. Instead of rubbing your body dry, use your towel to pat it. Then, rub a lotion into it. This will help "seal" moisture into your skin. I'm planning to pick up Lavanila body butter ($25) because I keep hearing great things about its vanilla scent.

Face: Flawless skin is paramount for the holiday season, especially if you are going to wear red or bold lipstick. I suggest a loose powder to set your skin, like this one from Laura Mercier. It comes in two shades, one for fair complexions and one for dark complexions.

Lips: My lips tend to get chapped beginning in November, so I'm planning to stock up on lip balm. Origins has just come out with a line of certified-organic products, including this Soothing Lip Balm ($15). The shea- and cocoa butter formula has oils of sunflower, safflower, palm, coconut and vanilla. Sounds good enough to eat.

Nails: I'm beginning to have a little bit of fatigue when it comes to the dark-polish trend, so I'm taking a break with this shimmery deep rose from Zoya. It's called Ivy, and it's free of toluene and formaldehyde.

Hair: With winter coming, hair tends to dry out a little bit in the cooler air. This Restorative Hair Treatment ($21) from Ojon is a best-seller for a reason. You can use it as a deep conditioning treatment, a leave-in conditioner, or a shine-boosting product.

So those are my picks. What about yours? Any essential buys we should all know about?

It's Time to Get Chill: Clever Cooling Beauty Products

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:00:46 PDT

Well, I just looked at the national weather map and the country-even the normally cool Pacific Northwest-is almost completely covered in red! Yep, summer is in full swing, with the high temperatures to go with it. When the weather's hot, I like to keep my beauty routine low-maintenance, and if I can find products to help me cool off, so much the better!

I've done a little hunting and found some good double-duty items that deliver a cooling sensation while doing their main task. Some, like this cute-as-can-be ice bag, are old-fashioned, while others are perfectly modern. To check out my list,