BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Kai Body Lotion

BellaSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:00:00 -0700

The much-buzzed-about Kai products, like most other scents, are definitely a love-it-or-hate-it kind of deal. While I remain a bit on the fence with the popular scent, others love it, like reader GLB67. Here's what she had to say about the Kai Body Lotion ($33):

I bought this about a year ago and was a bit put off by the gardenia scent. [But then,] I ran out of lotion and thought I should just use this, and I am glad I did. It is very moisturizing, and the scent is so pretty especially after it has been on me for about 20 minutes. The scent lasts a long time. I will definitely repurchase.

Is there a perfume you've recently revisited with amazing results? It's time to tell us all about it on our Product Reviews section. We have well over 6,000 fragrances from which to choose. Who knows? Perhaps you'll be chosen as the next featured reviewer.

Fragrance Review: Kai

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:00:58 -0700

The Hawaiian-inspired Kai Fragrance has been around for nearly 10 years. Considering its longevity, the line is relatively concise: nine different products, all scented with the original fragrance. No variations, no spin-offs - just pure Kai.

What makes this scent so unusual is that it is an unabashed, unapologetic floral. The notes are almost entirely gardenia, mixed with some other sweet, yet vague, florals to round it out and keep it from being a one-trick pony. Unlike many floral-sweet scents these days, it doesn't pretend to have anything musky or woodsy about it, not even hidden deep within the base notes. Because Kai is so strongly based on one note, it usually incites a strong love-it-or-hate-it response in people.

I have worn the Kai Perfume Oil ($45) before, but I found myself getting a little queasy from the overwhelming sweetness of it by mid-day. Because it just smells so pretty, I find myself giving it another shot about every few months, but I can never really get into it. On the other hand, I know people who are absolutely obsessed with all things Kai. If you love a pure, tropical floral, I would definitely recommend giving Kai a sniff. They make a lovely Body Glow ($28), a shimmery dry oil spray that is less intensely scented than the perfume.

For those of you who have smelled Kai, which side of the fence are you on?

Oprah Loves Kai; Kai Likely to Sell Out

BellaSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:14:00 -0800

Kai is a cult fragrance that has largely been under the radar... until today, when Oprah announced this year's Favorite Things. One of the picks is Kai body butter, a $55 shea-butter souffle scented with tropical notes of cucumber, gardenia, and other white flowers. I've had this in lotion form for a while, and I can never decide if it's old-lady or if it's just a gorgeous floral-but with Oprah's endorsement, we'll all be smelling a whole lot more of it soon.

"Bathing is an art form and nobody enjoys it more than I do," Oprah said. "[Kai] is clean and fresh." It's also likely to sell out, so if you're hankering to smell like O, shop online while you can.

Lauren Conrad Reveals Her Cringe-iest Beauty Look: "We Burned All of the Pictures!"

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:00:57 -0700

After compiling over 20 million of your votes, the 2nd annual PopSugar 100 is finally here! To help celebrate tomorrow's announcement of the PopSugar 100, and her debut on the list, we're bringing you this exclusive interview with Lauren Conrad!

It's been a huge year for LC; between her friendships, fashion line, and hit TV show, this starlet is bigger and better than ever. We had a chance to catch up with her and talk about love, happiness, food, fitness and just about everything else. Check out our interview across the network (and don't miss this earlier one). And be sure to be back tomorrow to see where she lands and see the rest of the list!

PopSugar: Do you have any interest in doing your own perfume?
Not really. I think it’s kind of weird to want to smell like someone, but I don’t know - it could be fun to do like a line of them, not just a personal scent.

To find out which past beauty look makes LC cringe, read more.

PopSugar: Do you ever look back on a hair or makeup style and think, “What was I thinking?”
Most of them, yeah! I used to have bleached blonde hair – Lo and I both – and we burned all of the pictures. They were really bad!

PopSugar: So they won’t end up online?
I think a few of them are, but all the personal ones we got rid of.

PopSugar: What is your favorite perfume?
I have a lot of different perfumes, but I really like Dior Miss Cherie, or Marc Jacobs. I also wear Michael Kors and for everyday I wear Kai, which is a sort of gardenia scent.

PopSugar: OK, lip gloss or lipstick?
Lip gloss.

PopSugar: Real tan or fake tan?
Fake tan - but a good one, not orange. It's better for your skin, [she jokes] since everyone is going to get skin cancer.

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How to Make Lotion 100 Times Better

BellaSugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:00:39 -0800

Make lotion better? I know what you're thinking: "Oh, but how could lotion ever become better than it already is? Why, it's already at the zenith of moisturizing properties!" In just a minute, you'll understand. About a week ago, I headed to Bliss for a pedicure. What a treat! The best part isn't the luxury of sitting back while somebody rubs your feet; it's how that person does it. And at Bliss, they heat the lotion before slathering it on your worn-out feet and legs. Let me tell you, it's one of the most amazing feelings your legs will ever experience. So warm, so soothing.

Now, until Milo learns how to give a proper pedicure, I'm on my own as far as re-creating this warm goodness at home. I fiddled around with the microwave and different containers, so to find out the sweet spot for heating your moisturizer, read more.

Here's how to make the magic happen. First, find a small microwave-safe bowl. I used these bowls, a gift from Geek, but a nonmetallic shot glass would work, too. Put just a tiny bit of your moisturizer in the container and microwave it for 10 seconds. If all goes well, your lotion will be intact. If the oils separate, use a different one. (I first tried Kai, but the formula separated. I used Bliss body butter and all went well.) When you're sure that your moisturizer can handle the heat, squirt a little more in the container, then let 'er heat for 10 to 15 seconds. The lotion should be warm but not hot. Apply it to your skin and enjoy the sensation. Seriously, this is such a simple trick, but it transforms even the most quotidian thing into a little luxury. If you try it out, let me know what you think.

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