BellaSugar

Leather, Lavender, and More Reasons to Linger in the Shower

Jaime Richards — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:03:14 PST

Sometimes the best part of the shower is the scent of the shower gel itself. While each one serves its primary purpose well (to get you free of dirt and grime), each one will also leave you wanting to stay in the bathroom just a bit longer. Check out these olfactory-pleasers below:

Nivea Touch of Cashmere Cream Oil Body Wash ($6) - With the word cashmere in the name, you know this one is going to feel soft. But it's the light scent, a powdery and subtly sweet fragrance, that will please the I-hate-strong-aromas crowd.
The Body Shop Candied Ginger Shower Gel ($8) - Yes, it sounds sugary-sweet, but thanks to the zesty scent of ginger, this soap-free gel is warm, rich, but not too cloying.
Otter Creek Spit Shine Body Wash ($18) - It's technically a man's product, and the name isn't the most inviting, but what lies within this black and white packaging is pure sexiness. A mix of leather, coffee, and cedar, this lather is not for the faint of heart - but it sure does smell seductively inviting.
Organic Surge Gentle Meadow Shower Gel ($6) - And for times when you don't need to be so riled up, turn to this naturally derived cleanser, which features soothing, relaxing scent of lavender and the mood-enhancing benefits of geranium.

What We're Sweet On: The Body Wash That Will Have You Lingering in the Shower

Jaime Richards — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:05:00 PDT

I've always been one of those people who absolutely can't wait to hop in the shower, Elemis's Tranquil Touch Creamy Body Wash ($35) smells so good, it makes me want to linger just a bit longer. Made with sweet almond oil to soften and hydrate, this creamy cleanser is scented with patchouli, cedarwood, and vetiver. While it's light and fresh, it also has a heady, powdery essence; it's perfect for the upcoming change of season. And even though the formula is rich and creamy, it still has plenty of sudsing action.

12 Days of Holiday Beauty: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Jaime Richards — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:00:33 PST

Traditionally, the 12 Days of Christmas begin on Dec. 25, and last until Jan. 5. That's a lot of celebrating, no? But since Christmas is just 12 days away, let's partake in a bit of preholiday revelry Bella-style. Using the classic tune "The 12 Days of Christmas" as inspiration for our anticipation, let's kick off this series off with the first day: a partridge in a pear tree:

Top off that fancy updo with Marc by Marc Jacobs Save the Birds Hairclips ($25) or the seasonally-appropriate Isn't It Pheasant Headband ($17). Get fruity (smelling) with Philosophy's Philosophy I'm Dreaming of White Pear Gel ($16) or Pre de Provence Apple Pear Soap ($7). And for a bit of glisten with a sweet finish, Love and Toast Prickly Pear Lip Balm ($17) or Kiehl's Lip Gloss in Pear Tree ($15).

You're My Angel: 6 Cheerfully Cherubic Beauty Finds

Jaime Richards — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:00:30 PST

Ding! Every time a bell rings, an angel gets her lipstick, er. wings. And since 'tis the season for angelic ways, let's take a look at a few cherubic beauty goods. It turns out that shades of pink and blue, along with metallic accents of silver and gold, seem to dominate the color schemes of what beauty product manufacturers seem to think these celestial beings embody. So blast Aerosmith's "Angel," and check out these discoveries below:

For your hair: Wash your locks (or body) with Philosophy's Snow Angel Gel ($16), give your style some hold with Nick Chavez's Angel Wings Light Hairspray ($22), and top off your coiffure with the delightfully sweet Giddy Giddy Angel Wing Felt Hair Clips ($16 for two).
For your body: Nostalgia Organics's Angel Kiss Peppermint Joy Soap ($8) will awaken the senses - and maybe even your spiritual side.
For your face: For a sweet touch, Boots No7's Stay Perfect Lipstick in Angel ($10) is a sweet pink accent. But every angel has its own set of problems, hence the Becca Fallen Angel eye makeup palette ($45), which includes a not-so-sinful opalescent peach highlighter, tawny peach lip and cheek crème, sheer peach gloss, and crème brush.

Product Review: Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:00:58 PST

Philosophy first came out with a Strawberry Milkshake 3-in-1 Cleanser - and all the boys came to the yard. Now with the release of the Raspberry Sorbet version ($16), I can barely keep the boys from banging down my door!

Ahh, if only this were really the case. But seeing as all jokes stem from a little bit of truth I'll have you know that after a few showers with my Raspberry Sorbet (sing along with me and Prince!) my beau has commented on how lovely I smell.

What I like about this sweet smelling shower gel, shampoo and bubble bath is that it leaves my skin feeling silky. The scent isn't overpowering, but it lingers just enough that you can skip wearing perfume if you like. I've also used it to shave my legs, and because it lathers well, it prevents nicks.

The downside: I wish that I could be more positive in my shampoo review. Although it claims to "smooth and condition the hair," mine needed heavy-duty conditioning to soften and detangle after just one use. That's not to say that those of you with oily hair won't like it, but anyone with semi dry to dry hair will appreciate the warning. After trying this and Amazing Grace, I think it's safe to say that Philosophy's three-in-one products work best when you don't use them as shampoos.

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

Happy Hanukkah Beauty Treats

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:00:49 PST

Tonight marks the start of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. I've gotta tell you, I love this holiday. The menorah is beautiful, the food is scrumptious, and how catchy is the dreidel song? If you want to add to the celebration with a few beauty treats, you're in luck - I've found three.

The scent of Say It With Suds bath and shower gel ($14) is unusual but pleasing. It's supposed to have a cinnamon doughnut scent, but to me, it smells more like the cinnamon buns at Ikea - kinda savory more than sugary sweet. It bubbles up well, and I was happy that it didn't dry out my skin or make it itchy.

For two more Hanukkah treats,

read more
This Hanukkah lip balm ($4) has cute retro packaging along with a beeswax-based balm. I haven't tried it, but it's scented like Sufganiyot, the jelly-injected doughnut that's often eaten during the holiday. Again with the doughnuts - not that I'm complaining.
Finally, there's this honey-scented Menorah soap ($12). It's vegan, kosher, and handmade in Los Angeles. The woman behind the soap says she made it after noticing a lack of Hanukkah-related goodies, and her quote is priceless: "My grandmother would've just pounded her chest and said it was a shanda if I hadn't done something."

Product Review: Philosophy Amazing Grace Shower Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 07:00:23 PDT

To smell Amazing Grace shower gel is to love the scent. It's soft, slightly sweet, and it somehow reminds me of that wonderful clean-baby smell. (Oprah loves it so much that she named it one of her favorite things in 2005!) But as much as I love the scent, I don't love this shower gel. It's supposed to be a three-in-one body cleanser, shampoo and bubble bath. Unfortunately, it's a good bubble bath, only an adequate shower gel, and a lousy shampoo.

First, I tried Amazing Grace as a shower gel. I was so excited about smelling good afterward, and I happily lathered myself up. During the shower, everything was great, but the scent didn't linger. A few days later, I used it as a bubble bath and was happy with the bubbles, but found that my skin got a little dried-out. Until this point, it was no big deal. But then I made the mistake of using the gel as a shampoo. Quelle horreur! Despite thoroughly rinsing my hair, it was left with a dirty, greasy feeling. Amazing Grace smells wonderful and I'd like to try it in a different form, but as a shampoo, it's just amazingly yech.

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

Doing Drugstore: Red Water Hydrating Shower Gel with Olive

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 05:00:00 PDT

When Walgreens began carrying European beauty lines, I was thrilled. Sure, I'm always happy to browse the aisles for the old standby brands, but who doesn't like a little bit of Continental cosmetics when they pick up their prescriptions?

One of my favorite products is by Red Water Laboratories, a Greek brand that uses thermal spring water from the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Its Hydrating Shower Gel with Olive ($14) is more expensive than your average Calgon soak, but it provides qualities of premium products at a much smaller price. To find out why this green gel has found a home in my shower,

read more
The olive oil helps moisturize skin, and the fresh, clean scent is refreshing. It's a little outdoorsy, which makes it guy-friendly for those of us who share a bathroom with a man. Plus, the modern packaging reminds me of another Greek brand, Korres, so it looks as good in your shower as it makes you feel. Has anyone else tried this gel? What do you think about Walgreens' foray into international beauty?

Brand-New Brand: J. Blossom

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 May 2007 10:33:54 PDT

J.Blossom is a brand with a clear mission, and a warm, fuzzy one at that. Founder Jamila White created the bath and body products with children of color in mind, looking to keep kids both clean and carefree. In a recent interview with Afrobella, White explains her motivation:

"I felt like little girls’ self-esteem was under an all-out assault. Every message was telling them that something was wrong with them; that they needed to have long, straight hair; that their skin wasn’t the right shade; that their noses were too big; that their body wasn’t the right shape ... "

To that end, every product in the J. Blossom line - including bubble bath, lip balm, and body lotion - comes with an "affirmation" on the label, such as "I have a beautiful smile" and "Beautiful skin comes in all shades – yummy chocolate, smooth caramel, or creamy vanilla!" For details on the products,

read more J. Blossom's products are free of artificial colors and mineral oils, and each item comes in two kid-friendly scents: Strawberry Banana Smoothie and Great Big Grape. These products are also a bargain, which is great when shopping for fickle kids. The Lip Balm, made from shea butter and jojoba oil, costs $3, while the Body Lotion and Bath and Shower Gel are just $12 each. You can also get an adorable little J. Blossom gift sets ($12) with a bath pouf and gift bag.

McSteamy Body Washes

FabSugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:43:22 PST

These deliciously smelling McSteamy body washes are a great way to put any couple in the mood for love. Think wet...shower...steam...suds....are you feeling sexy yet? Take a look at a few of these new and fabulous silky soft and luxurious body washes and surprise your special someone this Valentine's Day!

Aromatherapy Euphoria Body Milk, $18, is a rich yet gentle body wash that softens skin while smelling quite sensual! Made from ylang-ylang, vanilla, white chocolate, white tea extract, almond oil, avocado oils and essential oils, this body wash puts you right in the mood for romance.

For more McSteamy body washes,

read more Gettin' Steamy Body Wash by Benefit, $26, is a sexy and scented bath and body wash that has silky feeling suds. Lather yourself into a state of lust!
The Body Shop Sensual Ylang Ylang Body Wash, $12, is a foaming body cleanser derived from ylang ylang, mandarin and pure essential oils to awaken your senses. For use in the bath or shower.