BellaSugar

Fragrance Review: Bond Girl 007

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:50 -0800

Thinking you might want to get in on some secret spy action? Well, here's your chance. Avon's got a new James Bond-inspired fragrance called Bond Girl 007 ($30). And though smelling the hunky Daniel Craig might not be so bad, you won't have to worry about smelling like the manly 007 himself. This one's just for the ladies.

Produced in conjunction with the release of Quantum of Solace, the 22nd (whoa!) Bond flick, the bottle is shaped like the female form with a grenade-like gizmo for the cap. It's both sweet and sexy, just like the fragrance itself.

Upon initial whiff, there's an intense, pastry-like quality from the peach and orange notes. Jasmine, orchid, and freesia lend a bit of fresh, feminine qualities, while wood, amber, and patchouli round it off for a somewhat musky, deeper base.

All in all, Bond Girl 007 isn't my personal favorite, but it isn't displeasing either. If you're into sweet scents with a hint of warmth, I'd give it a shot. Bang.

Bella Brand: Omorovicza

BellaSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:00:46 -0700

A few months ago, I talked to you a little about the mineral- and vitamin-enriched waters of Hungary. They are believed to obtain natural and powerful healing properties that keep skin looking young, taught, and plump. In fact, in the 14th century, Queen Elizabeth of Hungary had such beautiful skin that at the age of 60, she married a 30-year-old man (and as the story goes, he thought they were the same age - although I'm guessing he was all about flattery rather than honesty, but whatever).

I also told you about a few Hungarian beauty brands, but one in particular, called Omorovicza, has become increasingly popular and is now available in London, Ireland, and the US. Although the products from Budapest don't come cheap, after testing them out, I found them to be nothing short of miraculous.

Omorovicza was developed a little less than two years ago by an American woman and her Hungarian husband, Stephen Omorovicza. There are 16 products in the skin-care collection that range from cleansers to treatment items. Each of the products contain 22 minerals, plus Vitamin C (with no added chemicals). They have a soothing rosemary and lavender scent and prices range from $75 - $260. The peacock, the symbol also on the Omorovicza family crest is apparent on the all-white, serene packaging, and when you purchase a product, a peacock feather adorns your bag. Call it a gimmick, but what can I say, I love it.

I've heard that the brand is gaining popularity in the A-list crowd, and celebrities such as Laura Linney and Daniel Craig (James Bond) are mad about the deep cleansing mud mask. I was most impressed by the self-heating thermal cleansing balm since it's smooth, invigorating, and black in color. But then again, I'm also a sucker for all things thermal. Do you think you could develop a hunger for Hungarian beauty products?

Product Review: Arezoo Ingrown Hair Cream

BellaSugar — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 10:54:45 -0700

Arezoo Kaviani worked at posh Mayfair salon in London for years, where she had a constant client waiting list. After much success she decided to venture out on her own. She now owns a private salon kitty-corner to the world-famous Harrods department store. Her specialties are extremely gentle waxing and facials, but she is so talented that her one-stop shop also offers a gamut of alluring body treatments.

While in London, I had the pleasure of meeting Azeroo for a bikini wax - not an easy feat, considering her schedule is jam-packed with clients that include Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, Daniel Craig, Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon. I was dying to ask her if Jake comes in for a manly parts waxing or just an eyebrow shaping, but I resisted - I didn't want to put her in a compromising position or anything.

The one product she used that smelled great and cut the pain of a wax by at least half was her tea tree oil wax. She also handed me an ice cube before she began to help numb the area -it's kinda fun, actually! When we were finished, she recommended a terrific anti-ingrown hair product that I want to share with you.

Arezoo Ingrown Hair Cream contains no alcohol, but it does have tons of tea tree oil. That acts as an antiseptic and drying agent, so those nasty, itchy bumps don't form on your nether regions. It smells better than most products in its genre, and it won't thin your skin like other alcohol-based ingrown hair products do.

The cream works wonders for anywhere on the body suffering from cuts, scrapes, burns, or blemishes. Plus, men can use it as an aftershave. It costs £15, but since Arezoo has so many international clients, she's willing to ship any orders for a minimum charge of $5.