BellaSugar

Coming Soon: Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:00:28 -0800

Not only am I totally hooked on my Elemis Energizing Skin Scrub, but I also have a love affair with hand lotions. So when I heard about the March release of the new Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream ($60), I couldn't wait to get my mitts on some. Lucky for me, l didn't have to wait too long. Last week I was able to try a sample and I've been using it since so that I could report my results firsthand.

The cream was created as an antiaging product specifically formulated to moisturize, strengthen nails, and lighten the look of age spots. To be fair, I don't have any age spots yet so I haven't noticed much of a difference there, and I really haven't noticed any increase in the hardness of my fingernails. With that said, my hands do feel softer, and I really like the lavender and rose fragrance.

I've learned that a dime-sized amount is the perfect dose for smooth hands and hydrated cuticles, since it is more of a lotion than a thick cream. If you use too much, your hands will feel greasy for a good 30 minutes. I would recommend this product to those of you who are a little bit older and are looking for something to prevent dryness, crepiness, and age spots - but I don't think that anyone younger than 30 really needs to spend quite this much for a hand cream.

Product Review: Elemis Energizing Skin Scrub

BellaSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:00:16 -0800

I got a little sample of this amazing Energizing Skin Scrub ($46) from Elemis about two weeks ago and I've been squeezing the life out of the poor tube trying to get out every last bit. It's not so much the smell of this scrub that's so enticing, it's the results that are so addictive.

The texture is pretty much all grain. It comes out of the tube as a liquid but it feels like wet, slippery, coarse sand. This is actually a product for men, and while I realize that it's not the most gentle face scrub, the resulting smooth skin speaks for itself.

This exfoliator is made with Vitamin E, marine phytoplankton, hops, meadow-sweet, shea butter and beeswax and was created to help prevent ingrown hairs and blemishes. It is recommended for use twice weekly, but I'm willing to bet that once you get your hands on it, you'll want to use just a little bit every day.

Tea Tree Oil Products Part II: Body Care

BellaSugar — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:00:11 -0700

Welcome back to my three-part series about tea tree oil products. Today I've chosen three sensational body care products that help to soothe, soften and treat the skin. I think once you start exploring this excellent essential oil you're going to find yourself constantly turning to it for beauty and health-related solutions.

Amber Products Co. Wax Cream ($13.95) is a gentle body wax that contains high amounts of tea tree oil to result in a creamier feel that leaves little residue on the skin. It's great for removing short, coarse hairs and is recommended for use at a medium to high temperature. It is available in 14 oz and 16 oz sizes.

For two more tea tree oil products for your body read more

Elemis Tea Tree S.O.S Spray ($35) is a great antiseptic that's effective in treating problematic skin. The simple spray formula can reach your back, leg, bum and feet easily. It's a great post-waxing spray because it not only prevents ingrown hairs, but it also keeps skin clean.

Tea Tree Oil Deodorant Stick by Queen Helene ($3.59) is a natural deodorant that helps neutralize unpleasant odors. Although it's gentle, it really does fight off bacteria as well as perspiration effectively.

Look Inside the Beauty Diaries of Four Women

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:00:22 -0700

I just came across a revealing story about beauty routines. Four women kept a beauty diary for a month, writing down what they did (and how much it cost) to look good. While these women profiled aren't spending $1,000 a week, it's still easy to see why the beauty industry is so profitable!

On the low-maintenance end of things is 23-year-old Siobhan, pictured here, who has a busy schedule filled with parties. (And as only a 23-year-old can, she can get away with two hours of sleep.) She saves money by getting free trims as a hair model, uses Nivea on her face, and buys Rimmel cosmetics. Total spent? £145.62 for the month, about $292.

Then there's Lisa, a 35-year-old DJ and mother of two. She says she doesn't pamper herself much since having children, and her routine is a balance between high-end splurges and drugstore steals. She uses Kiehl's products in the bath and pricey Elemis eye cream on her face, but goes for Johnson's Baby Skincare wipes to remove makeup. Including products and beauty treatments, Lisa spent £699.44, about $1,409.

For two more routines, including one very pricey one, read more

Debby, 59, is a reiki healer who says that meditation, not products, gives her a healthy glow. She uses the legendary Boots serum and drugstore foundation, but treats herself to fragrances from Prada and Issey Miyake. It's not clear whether she counts her new age therapies in her final tally, but she reports spending £347.13, about $699.

Finally, there's Melissa, a former model who designs the Melissa Odabash swimwear line. Her jet-set lifestyle takes her to Cannes (twice!) and to fabulous parties. It's strictly top-of-the-line for her: She uses Chanel foundation, YSL mascara, Decléor facial oil, and she opts for a £250 laser facial with famed dermatologist Dr. Sebagh. By the end of the month, she's spent £1,704.88-roughly $3,435.

I always think it's interesting to look into the routines of other women. These four have very different lifestyles, but beauty plays a part in each of them. I'm somewhere in between Siobhan and Lisa: I love a bargain, but I'm willing to pay a little extra to be pampered. What about you?

Source

Scented Cosmetics Candles, Part II

BellaSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 06:11:22 -0700

Welcome to part two of scented cosmetic candles. Scented candles are simply delicious. They are kind of like an anti-anxiety drug, without the harmful side effects! Here are a few more scented candles from some of our fave makeup brands for you to enjoy.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Candle, $42, is a really delicious and subtle smelling candle that is also available in a creme brule scent! The candle is 100% ozone friendly, it has a cotton wick and should burn anywhere from 40-50 hours. It is encased in a frosted glass votive and comes packaged in an organza bag!

For two more scented cosmetics candles, read more

La Prairie Silver Rain Candle, $100, is the priciest of the bunch so far and most likely it is because it is infused with the company's signature fragrance, Silver Rain.

It is intended to create a seductive mood. It is made from: green apple, crushed coriander, flowers and vanilla musk and comes in a frosted glass votive with a silver lid.

Molton Brown Thai Vert Air Candela, $55, is so unbelievably yummy! Made from: lime, patchouli, caraway, elemi and eucalyptus, I am a huge fan of its crisp, green, and citrucy smell.

It's packaged in hand blown Lithuanian glass and comes wrapped beautifully in buckram paper and ribbon. This candle is very long lasting and can be expected to burn for approximately 70-80 hours. It's also available in seven other amazing scents.