BellaSugar

Why Do People Put Cucumbers on Their Eyes?

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:00:57 -0800

Last week on another one of my wild nights, I caught a TV rerun of The Princess Diaries. Since it's pretty much tied for your favorite movie makeover, do you remember the part when Paolo says the "cucumbers do nothing" during her beautification? This jumped out at me . . . 'cause it's not quite true!

While its exact benefits aren't scientifically proven, there are a few things about this fruit that can be quite beneficial:

The 95 percent water. The cucumbers' high content of water provides a naturally hydrating effect. Because they are colder than skin temperature, they can reduce puffiness in the same way that a cold compress would – by removing heat and shrinking swollen tissue.
The other 5 percent. The flesh of cucumbers also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling.

I'd say don't knock it 'til you try it – so have you?

Source

Product Review: June Jacobs Green Tea and Cucumber Hand Treatment

BellaSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:02 -0700

By now, I am sure you've figured out that I am a little bit sensitive to products with strong smells. So putting on a fragrant hand cream was never really up my alley-until now. For funsies, I decided to try out this June Jacobs Green Tea and Cucumber Revitalizing Hand Treatment ($46) because of its surprisingly light scent.

I was expecting something much heavier but in actuality it's very refreshing. In addition, the texture is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's ridiculously thick and creamy, so all you really need is a little bit to cover both of your hands. It spreads evenly, absorbs quickly and penetrates deeply.

And I've come to find that if you rub a little bit extra into your cuticles, most of the puffiness and redness (caused by picking or trimming) diminishes overnight.

I am hopelessly in love with this product. In fact, it's sitting next to my computer so I can have easy access to it all day. (Hey, I never said I wasn't an extremist!) The only slight issue I have is with the packaging. It's kind of dull and boring, and I really wish they made this in a tube form. When your hands are slippery, it makes getting the cap of the jar back on a real challenge!

DIY Spa Treatment: Depuffing Cucumber Honey Eye Nourisher

BellaSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:00:45 -0700

From making your own bubble bath to a wide variety of ideas for creating your own body scrubs, isn't it apparent that I love me some DIY formulations? Recently I came across this Cucumber Honey Eye Nourisher recipe from celebrity esthetician Christopher Watt for Honey.com, and immediately realized it was a perfect addition to our DIY coverage. Not only does this four-ingredient mask help reduce puffiness around the eye area, but it also soothes and cools the delicate skin surrounding your peepers.
To make, first steep chamomile tea in boiling water and set aside until cooled. Blend together one tablespoon aloe vera gel, two teaspoons peeled and seeded cucumber, and 1/2 teaspoon of honey in a blender or food processor. Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of chamomile tea and blend until smooth. Each batch makes four treatments and can be stored in an air-tight container for up to a week.

Do you love saving a buck (or several) with your own homemade recipes as much as I do? I've got just the place for you to go. The Do-It-Yourself Beauty group is dedicated to finding fun and unique ways of using household items in your daily beauty regimens.

Gotta Cry? These Tips Help Reduce Puffiness Afterward

BellaSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:02:12 -0700

I have friends who seem to be made of steel, and while they do get a good cry in every now and then, it's a rare occasion. I, however, am a little more sensitive. When the urge strikes, it's too hard for me to hold back those tears. Of course, like me, you probably don't always want to let the world know you've been weeping away. Only time will help the puffiness go away, and perhaps a dark pair of sunglasses will help, but there are a few things you can do in the meantime to reduce the swelling and redness. Check them out by reading more.

Honey and Dirt: The Curious Scents of CB I Hate Perfume

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:00:24 -0700

I've long been intrigued by CB I Hate Perfume. For one thing, there's that name, and for another, the "CB" is Christopher Brosius, the man responsible for some of those way, way too accurate Demeter scents like Tomato, Dirt, Wet Garden, and Thunderstorm. I had a hard time imagining what it would be like if his penchant for verisimilitude was unleashed on an entire, more complex scent. So I finally broke down and ordered a couple samples off their website. To find out how they measure up to his Demeter work, read more.

10 Unconventional Ways to Treat Bikini Bumps

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Like it or not, it's bikini season, and that can mean red bumps around the bikini line after waxing or shaving. I've given you tips for combating inflammation, and after further research - along with your tips and tricks - I've gathered together some of the more unconventional remedies that can be applied post-hair removal.

I can't say I've tested them all out, and I can't even say that they're all effective, but most are simple and cheap - not to mention readily available in your home. Find out these DIY treatments after the jump.

DIY Spa Treatment: A Soothing Clay Mask

BellaSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:00:22 -0700

If you're "blessed" with acne-prone but sensitive skin, this mask should be right up your alley. Clay is incredibly useful for fighting acne and overly oily skin because it soaks up excess oil without overdrying your skin. A dash of honey provides natural antibacterial properties, and adding a little bit of cucumber will create a calming, soothing effect. I recommend using this mask once a week after cleansing and exfoliating. Here's what you'll need:

1/2 cup green clay
One cucumber
One tsp. honey
A fruit/vegetable juicer (optional)

For the easy-to-follow steps, read more.

Step one: Cut the cucumber in half, width-wise. Cut two thin slices (you'll use these later). Then, juice the cucumber with your juicer. If you don't have a juicer, just pour some cool tap water into a bowl, then slice the remaining cucumber and let them sit in the water for about 15 minutes.

Step two: In a bowl, use a fork to mix the cucumber juice and honey with the clay until you have a thick paste. (You can add more juice or water to get the consistency the way you like it.)

Step three: Apply the paste to your face, then place the remaining two cucumber slices over your eyes. Go rest and relax! When you remove the mask after 10 minutes or so, you should see clearer, smoother, calm skin.

Source

Coming Soon: Estée Lauder Vivid Garden Summer Color Collection

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:00:18 -0800

I can't say that I've been to a real, official afternoon tea in the garden. I can't say that I've even officially been to an afternoon tea - that is, unless you count my friend's baby shower in Ohio, where it was snowing outside, but we still enjoyed bite-sized treats like mini cucumber sandwiches and clotted cream in the comfort of indoors. Regardless, a garden-side afternoon tea sounds quite nice, don't you think? And that's exactly what inspired Estée Lauder in its Vivid Garden Summer Color Collection for '09.
While there will also be a warm Bronze Goddess Collection for the rising temperatures ahead, the limited-edition Vivid Garden palette focuses on whimsical, floral-inspired vibrant shades such as pinks, purples, teal, aquamarine, and lime. Creamy textures and sheer glazes provide the finishes.

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Find out what's new when you read more.

Base look for face:

Vivid Garden Illuminating Powder ($32): Includes three slightly shimmery, floral-inspired shades with a dusting of gold.
Duo-Tone Eye Pencil ($18.50): Comes in contrasting tones of Onyx and Pearl.

For a Jasmine Garden Look (Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale's):

Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Jasmine Garden ($35)
Pure Color Illuminating Gloss in Lotus Blossom ($18)
Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Sweet Lychee ($22)
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Lotus Blossom ($18)

For an Orchid Garden Look (Exclusive to Nordstrom):

Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Orchid Garden ($35)
Pure Color Illuminating Gloss in Peach Blossom ($18)
Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Coral ($22)
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Peach Blossom ($18)

Bella Brand: Yes to Carrots

BellaSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:22 -0700

If you've already said Yes to Carrots (the line launched internationally in November 2006), get ready to say Yes to Tomatoes and Yes to Cucumbers, as two of the spin-off lines launch in the US this month. The tomato line is formulated with Lycopene, antioxidant red tea, antibacterial red pepper and is best for oily or combination skin. The cucumber line includes healing aloe, green tea, and green pepper to soothe and brighten skin.

At an event to introduce Yes to Cucumbers and Yes to Tomatoes stateside yesterday, CEO Ido Leffler said a major goal of the line is to "bring smiles to people's faces," pointing out that the shampoo bottle instructs you to "shampoo daily on wet hair while singing" (and yes, people have written in to point out that it works whether you are singing or not). To that end, the company has also launched The Seed Fund, which has done everything from set up victims of domestic violence with gardening jobs in Ohio to offering an after-school program for Ethiopian immigrants in Israel. With your cash not only benefiting your looks but also worthwhile causes like these, it's hard to just say no.

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Product Review: Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:00:11 -0700

Would you ever consider spreading mashed potatoes on your face? That's exactly what the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask ($85) from Fresh feels like. But, alas, starch it is not. It's actually made from cucumber, black tea, sake, lychee seed, jicama root juice, and hyaluronic acid, the big guns when it comes to cell hydration.

My favorite parts are twofold. The first is the light and fresh natural tea and cucumber aroma that is both calming and refreshing. The second part is that it never dries so you don't have to deal with that uncomfortable cracking and stiff sensation. It just sort of absorbs and looks shiny.

It's recommended to leave on for at least five-to-eight minutes, but after speaking with Lev Glazman (one of the co-creators of Fresh), he recommends leaving it on overnight two-to-three times a week for an enhanced effect.

When you wash it off, your face has a glowy and smooth look. My biggest beef with the product, besides the slightly funny feeling that occurs when you rub it in, is the price tag. But, if you've got the extra cash lying around, I recommend giving it a whirl.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!