BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:01 -0700

You've heard me say it multiple times, and you'll probably hear me say it again. Mascaras are pretty much the most popular product on our Product Reviews website. But facial cleansers are a close second. Reader Amanda-La recently added her opinion about The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser ($14), and here's why she calls it the perfect find:

I have tried so many cleansers that I couldn't possibly list them all. Basically, I've tried a new one every month since I was 14. I couldn't find that miracle product. I found it in this cleanser. I use the foaming version. It is gentle so my skin doesn't break out. It keeps my skin clean and my pores clear so I don't get new breakouts. My skin stays neutral, no overshine and no dryness. I don't even have to use a moisturizer afterwards, but I do anyway. This is the first time I've gone back for more.

Now, it's your turn. Perhaps you'd like to add to the reviews of facial cleansers, or perhaps there's a makeup brush you can't live without. Tell us all about it. You know the drill.

Reader Review of the Day: The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:00:11 -0700

Reader Fashion_doll24 thinks that The Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Stain ($14) is a purse essential. Formulated for all skin tones, this multitasking gel formula gives a wash of color to cheeks and lips. Take it away, Fashion_doll24:

I'm a big fan of this stain, mainly because I'm not good at finding the right shade of lip gloss for my complexion, and this is definitely a case of "one shade fits all." Also, I like the fact that your lips don't feel sticky as they will when using a gloss. I rarely use it on my cheeks, not because the color is off or anything but because I prefer a powder blush.

Do you have a beauty product that's become new favorite in your collection of cosmetics? Our Product Reviews site is the perfect place to go. Tell us what you think, and you might just be featured on this daily post.

Reader Review of the Day: The Body Shop Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 15

BellaSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:00:48 -0800

Maybe you know that vitamin C is an antioxidant responsible for fighting the signs of aging or that this essential nutrient helps burn fat. But, when reader Brig482 tried out The Body Shop Vitamin C Moisturizer SPF 15 ($15), she was disappointed by the paltry amount of actual vitamin C in the list of ingredients. Here's what she had to say:

I was on a mission to find a good vitamin C product for my face, and before I did my research I was talked into buying this from The Body Shop. Bad idea. It's a decent moisturizer, but the actual amount of vitamin C is less than 1 percent! For a vitamin C product to work effectively, you need at least 10 percent.

Would you like to voice your opinion, with the possibility of being featured on our daily Reader Review of the Day post? Head on over to our Product Reviews site and let us know what products you like/don't like. It's just that easy.

"Free" Birthday Gifts From Beauty Companies

BellaSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:00:36 -0800

Ringing in 2009 got me thinking, "Now, just how old am I going to be this year?" That reminded me of the goodies beauty companies send out in honor of my birthday. (I don't sound too greedy, do I?)

To help you prepare for your big day, I've compiled a short list of companies that provide complimentary b-day gifts, so you can sign up if you'd like. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section and share your favorites. And a Happy (early) Birthday to you!

The Body Shop: As a member of the Love Your Body card program, you pay $10 to join, accumulate points, receive rewards, get 10% off all year long, and receive a gift during your birthday month, too.
Aveda: The environmentally-friendly beauty company's Pure Privilege card also costs $10 to join. You earn points with each purchase, and every year when you're birthday rolls around, you'll receive a certificate for a $20 gift. Psst. It's usually a customized Pure-Fume Spirit blend.
Sephora: The beauty megastore's Beauty Insider Card is free. As a member, pop into a Sephora store within 14 days of your birthday to redeem your gift. See the site for more details about redeeming online.

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Bella Bargain: Up to 75% Off at the Body Shop

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:02:10 -0800

Right before the holidays, I had this urgent need to have my house smell more festive. The fake plastic tree wasn't producing any pleasant smells (particularly after one of my kitties peed on it), so I rushed into The Body Shop for a little Blue Spruce Fragrance Oil to burn. I dropped a little more cash than I would have liked, but it was the holidays, so it was A-OK, right?

But when I stopped back in again a few days ago, I was pleasantly surprised to discover its postholiday sale. While some of the items are a bit "holiday," no doubt you'll be drawn to their cozy, wintry appeal. Various bath and body products, fragrances, and home aromas are discounted online and in-store - some up to 75 percent. An assortment of makeup items are available at three for $10, and hair products are buy one, get one half off.

I picked up some more Blue Spruce Oil, some sweet Almond Oil, and a new burner. The tree is down, the place smells great, my wallet is a little fuller, and those cats seem to be a little better behaved.

Bellissima! The Body Shop Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment

BellaSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:00:41 -0800

While I was browsing products in The Body Shop a few days ago, I bought this Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment ($12). Not only did it have an olfactory allure (it smells like sweet nuts) but the formula really works. I love the fact that my cuticles actually feel soft enough after a few uses to be able to push them back with the rubber tip that is conveniently housed on the end of the cap.

I guess it's the mixture of organic olive oil, Vitamin E and almond oil that helps moisturize, soothe and smooth out rough, dry and dehydrated cuticles. They even seem less red and puffy - and the skin around my nails is more supple too, which I think improves the overall look of my hands.

Out of all of the cuticle oil pens that I've tried so far, this even blows away my creamy old fave from Sephora. All you have to do is paint the oil onto your cuticles and rub it in with your index finger. It's the perfect beauty playmate to keep in your pocketbook or desk drawer, since you can apply it as often as you like.

Sweet Smelling Strawberry Cleansers

BellaSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:30:00 -0800

Since you all seemed to enjoy the last post about strawberry body and face scrubs so much, I felt inspired to round up even more fresh-smelling and adorably packaged strawberry face and body cleansers to awaken your winter senses.

TESS Scrub-It-Off Strawberry-Jojoba Facial Cleanser For Problem Skin ($9) is intended for the hormonally hyperactive skin of teenagers, which makes it great for adults with sensitive, yet oily skin. It gently washes away the dirt, oil, and makeup from the day and also slightly exfoliates the skin. The jojoba oil and beads and aloe vera also ensure that your face is left feeling moisturized and refreshed.

For two more sweet strawberry beauty treats, read more.

Philosophy Strawberry Milkshake ($16) wins the award for best name of the bunch! This 3-in-1 body wash, shampoo, and conditioner contains vitamin E so it's extra moisturizing. It doesn't contain harsh detergents, which makes it gentle enough for everyday use, however, I don't think this is something that you'd want to use on your hair often if it's color treated or dry.

The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel ($11) is a bold red, water-based body cleanser made from strawberry juice and glycerin that leaves skin smelling sweet and feeling clean.

Buh-Bye Dry: Fruity Body Moisturizers

BellaSugar — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 10:04:54 -0800

With winter beginning to rear its ugly head, the temperature is dropping and you know what that means: All of your body's extra moisture is now being sucked right out of you. If you've been noticing some unsightly scaling on your arms, legs, and elbows, these fruity limited-edition body moisturizers have come to the rescue.

Kiehl's Limited-Edition Hand and Body Pear Tree Corner Lotion ($19.50) is a fast-absorbing cream that leaves skin smelling like fresh pears. Don't let the lightweight texture fool you; this lotion is made with aloe vera and oatmeal to ensure that your dry skin gets all the nourishment and moisture it needs. (And if you're wondering, Pear Tree Corner is the corner where their flagship store is located in New York. )

For two more fruity, limited-edition body lotions, read more

Bath & Body Works Couture Limited-Edition Japanese Cherry Blossom Swirling Shimmer Body Crème ($19.50) is a delightful body cream infused with a Japanese Cherry Blossom eau de parfum. It also contains aloe vera, shea butter and mango butter.

The Body Shop Limited-Edition Pomegranate Body Puree ($19) is a light-feeling lotion that absorbs quickly and hydrates deeply. It's got an amazing pomegranate-berry scent and it leaves skin feeling smooth.

Tea Tree Oil Products, Part I: Face Care

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:00:08 -0700

After learning about the many many first-aid and household uses for tea tree oil, I decided to do a little bit of research to see what kinds of beauty products exist with this ingredient. I found out that there are way too many to count, so I've decided to create a three-part series highlighting some of my favorite brands that use this fabulous essential oil in their hair, face and skin care products. I can't wait to hear what you think - and of course if you have any tea tree-infused products of your own to share, please leave a comment.

Liz Earle Spot On Roller Ball (around $15) is an amazing treatment for blemishes bites and cuts. It's made from pure tea tree oil, melissa and lavender (it's got that really strong tea tree oil smell). I've been using it for about a week now on my pimples and it's been extremely effective in fighting off bacteria.

I love the easy roller-ball application, and it doesn't sting like many other spot treatments often do. Unfortunately right now it's only available in the UK, but-shh!-there are tons of gray markets online that will deliver overseas.

For two more tea tree oil products for your skin, read more

Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask ($14) is a fantastic weekly treatment to help draw out impurities that reside on the surface of your skin. It refines skin, absorbs excess oil, and deep cleans. Plus it's got a great, natural and invigorating scent.

Aveda Tea Tree Oil ($12) is an amazing multi-purpose skin care product to have at home. It makes you feel exhilarated and revived and refreshed. This product is labeled as a natural fragrance, yet it is also extremely beneficial to use on your face after a shower to help ward off bacteria, fungi and blemishes as well as helping to purify oily skin. Once you try it, I know you'll love it!

Dame Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop, Has Died

BellaSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:33:20 -0700

This is some sad end-of-the-day news: Anita Roddick, who founded The Body Shop in 1976, has died. In February, she revealed that she had contracted hepatitis C through a blood transfusion while giving birth in 1971. Known for her commitment to fair trade and providing cruelty-free cosmetics, she built The Body Shop into an international company worth millions of dollars. Queen Elizabeth II made her a dame, the female equivalent of a knight, four years ago. Anita Roddick would have been 65 next month.

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