BellaSugar

Rose Lip Balms Rule!

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:42:33 PST

Our lips have some of the thinnest cover on our entire body. They are super sensitive to the environment since they don't produce any moisture on their own. Therefore, as soon as we feel a crack, or a patch of dryness, our lips become extra sensitive.

Not only does rose smell feminine, sweet and light, but it contains essential oils necessary in healing dry, chapped and cracked lips. Here are three of my favorite rose lip balms to help heal your special smackers.

by Terry Rose Balm Gloss, $50, has just created a new crystal case for their best selling rose lip balm! This lip balm contains a high concentration of lipid (fat) building rose wax which hydrates and nourishes the lips. It helps to repair, rejuvenate, strengthen, and fight early signs of aging in your lips. Plus, it smells great too. This gloss/balm plumps up your puckers ever so slightly and leaves them glowing and kissable.

For two more classic Rose lip balms,

This uber yummy smelling and adorably pink packaged Propoline Lip Aid With Rose & Olive Oil by Apivita is a sheer and very light rose colored lip balm that helps to combat dry, cracked lips.

It is super moisturizing, nourishing and softening and contains natural ingredients such as: rose, olive oil and Vitamin E. You can buy one for $7 or this package of three lip balms for $13.50.

Smith's Rosebud Salve, $6, is a cult-favorite among women of all shapes, sizes and creeds. It is a multi-purpose lip balm that soothes dry lips, calms and heals irritation, and helps take out the sting of a minor burn.

It also conditions dry cuticles, elbows, knees, diaper rash and my personal favorite: crow's feet. I know, it seems like a salve would be too heavy, but it's not. It absorbs overnight and I swear it helps fight lines and wrinkles. It now also comes in a new cool minted rose flavor too!

What We're Sweet On: The Anti-Junior High Roll-On Gloss

Jaime Richards — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:04:00 PST

Back in the junior high days in gym lockers across the country, 'tween girls could be found dousing their hair in Rave hair spray and gobbing their lips up with sugary-sweet, ultrasticky roll-on lip gloss. Well, times have changed. Rave is still making its hair spray, but the lip gloss look is a bit less cloying in taste and blinding in appearance. Enter: The Body Shop's new 100% Natural Lip Roll-On in Rose ($6). Although a liquid formula, it glides on somewhat like a light balm and traditional gloss in one. Lips are left softened and moisturized, without a tacky or waxy feel; grown-ups will love how its finish is more silky than slick. So roll with it: this lip-enhancing sheen is also available in orange, mint, berry, and coconut.

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

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:00:11 PST

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

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