BellaSugar

Flavored Body Products, Tasty or Tasteless?

BellaSugar — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:00:11 -0800

Since Valentine's Day is not quite a distant memory, I thought we'd tackle the tasty (or tasteless) topic of lick-able lotions and palatable powders. Have you ever tried a flavored body product or did you receive something like this for V-Day? If so, let us know which types tickled your tongue in the comments below.

How-To: Give Your Loved One a Hand Massage For Valentine's Day

BellaSugar — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:30:11 -0800

Whether you're hanging out with your gals or your significant other, one thing's for sure. Valentine's Day is all about sharing the love. And I've got a great (and cheap) idea to pamper your loved one that's calorie and hangover-free - a hand massage. Make it sensual (for your luv-ah) or soothing (for your friends/family). Whatever you choose, check out my how-to now.

View Slideshow ›

Bella Bargain: Josie Maran Valentine's Sale

BellaSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:33 -0800

Eco-friendly Josie Maran Cosmetics is known for its soft, natural-looking shades. And until Thursday, Feb. 19, you can scoop some up for 30 percent off. All you have to do is log on to the Josie Maran Cosmetics and sign up for its newsletter to receive the promo code. If you're not a big fan of being on newsletter lists, no worries. It's easy to unsubscribe. Are you thinking you might want to get in on this sale? Check out my gallery below for some inspiration:

Photo courtesy of Josie Maran Cosmetics

10 Lovely Looks For Valentine's Day

BellaSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:11 -0800

Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is happening. Tomorrow. And whether you're currently coupled or flying solo, my hope is that you will be out and about looking fabulous! If that's the plan, take a cue from these ladies. Each of whom had her very own special way of beautifying for V-Day. So if you're having a hard time deciding on the right hair or makeup, click through. Trust me there's something in here for each of you. Source

View Slideshow ›

Say "I Love You" to Your Skin With Rosewater

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:00:04 -0800

In case you missed the red and pink explosions everywhere you turn, Valentine's Day is coming soon. Regardless of your opinion on the holiday, I'm betting we can all agree that roses are one of the most popular (perhaps read: clichéd) presents to receive. I've got nothing against the blossoms, but want to look a little further . . . to the essence.

I'm dropping major hints to Mr. Bella that he should save that flower money and give me some rosewater instead. A byproduct of the process that extracts an essential oil from rose petals, this liquid soothes and rejuvenates the skin and is commonly found in sprays and lotions with that accompanying sweet smell. Since I'm fairly certain these keep better than a bouquet, get a radiant glow that lasts with the selections below.

Rosewater by Caswell-Massey - $16.00	Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Traveller - $16.00
Caswell-Massey Dr. Hunter Rosewater & Glycerine Hand Creme - $12.00	Chantecaille Pure Rosewater - 100ml - $50.00
A Ring of Roses Buttercream - $7.95	Rosewater Facial Freshener-Toner - $15.00
Jurlique Rosewater Freshener - $21.00	Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Hand Therapy - $14.00

Source

Giftybox Offers Customized Gifts Perfect For Your Valentine

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:00:45 -0800

If you're looking to get the perfect gift for that certain someone, but just don't know exactly where to start, buying them a Giftybox might just be the answer. Basically, you pick a themed box, and the recipient chooses an activity from that box, like deep tissue massage, aromatherapy wrap, or acupuncture, just to name a few. Most boxes are under $100, and include a huge variety of activities ranging from Adventure Boxes to Winery Tours. My favorite? The relaxing/pampering category, which includes the Spa for Men Box, Spa for Women Box, and the Love Collection. Oh yes.

The bad news? Although many of the activities can be done nationwide, not every city falls into each Giftybox's range, so be sure to double-check. As for me, I'm rather interested in the Spa and Well Being for Two ($129). Ahem, Mr. Bella.

Treat Yourself to a Free Mini Facial at Aveda This Friday and Saturday

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:00:49 -0800

Whenever I step into an Aveda store, I always feel relaxed and pampered. And in the spirit of Valentine's Day, this Friday and Saturday (Feb. 13 and 14) the environmentally friendly company is inviting you to pop into any Aveda Experience Center for a complimentary Valentine's Day "masque-rade."

The free service will include a skin care consultation, mini facial, guided self facial massage, makeup finishing touch, and a mask sample to take home. Not too shabby. Will you be attending this masquerade? It sounds like a ball.

Source

What Red Lipstick Means to Men (and Other Relationshippy Thoughts on Makeup)

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:02:31 -0800

For Matt Titus and Tamsen Fadal, love is all in a day's work. The married couple offers relationship advice on TV, through their books, and through their Dating Boot Camp. They say that we send romantic signals - or not-so-romantic ones - through our personal style. Read on for their opinions on what your hair and makeup choices might be saying this Valentine's Day.

On a first date, do you recommend lip gloss or lipstick - or neither?
We definitely recommend lipstick, especially Le Metier de Beaute's Colour Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in shades Castello, Paris, and Cannes. Men are drawn to a woman’s mouth, not only because this is where their fantasies start, but hopefully they will also be listening to what the woman has to say. Ever since Angelina Jolie came on the scene, lips have received the lip service they deserve. It sends the signals that you are a true woman, proud of your femininity and confident, especially when a woman wears bright, vibrant colors like red.

Want to know what red lipstick says about you? Just read more.

Can you talk about what messages red lipstick projects?
Red lipstick will definitely make you a man magnet! Lips make all of us think of kissing and since men are such visual creatures, sexy red lips can almost do as much for a man as the kiss itself. It also subconsciously sends the message that you are open to a romantic and passionate relationship.

Any thoughts on makeup choices/signals for women who date women?
Makeup choices can be very much the same, as long the woman is comfortable with it. No matter the sexual preference.

In your work and research, what discoveries regarding beauty/makeup/hair have surprised you with regard to relationships?
With regard to relationships, men love long hair, but not the traditional perfectly coiffed hair so many try to have. Men actually love the tousled, rolled-out-of-bed look, and it’s no wonder that’s the way you look after a long sexy night. Men can’t identify the components of makeup that create the lips that they want to kiss, bite, and touch, they just are drawn to them. The more naturally glamorous a woman can look, the more sensual she becomes to the male eye.

Do you find their observations line up with your experience? (For what it's worth, I definitely get more looks when I wear red lipstick.)

DIY: A Sweet and Spicy Lip Scrub For Valentine's Day

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:00:58 -0800

I love cinnamon-sugar toast and I love smooth lips. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'm taking a little inspiration from one of my favorite breakfast treats and turning it into a sweet and spicy lip scrub - minus the crispy bread, of course. Bonus? It tastes great and the invigorating properties of cinnamon gets the blood a-flowing, too. To get kissable lips, check out my recipe below:

Start with a base. I like something waxy, such as good old ChapStick ($1.89).
Scrape off a little ChapStick with a knife or small spatula and make a paste-like consistency by adding sugar.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, apply, and get smooching.

Source

What Do You Know About Perfume?

BellaSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:00:40 -0800

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and that means a lot of us will receive perfume. But how much do you know about the history of scent? Take my quiz to see if you can guess how this romantic product has developed over time, along with a few fun facts, too.

Source

Take the quiz