BellaSugar

DIY Spa Treatment Recap: Scrubs For the Rest of Your Body

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:00:22 -0800

Rub-a-dub-dub, let's put a homemade scrub in your tub. Check out six sumptuous recipes to pamper different parts of your body (other than just hands and feet). All sugary sweet but not to eat, the crafty concoctions below will have your skin soft in no time.

Brown Sugar Body Scrub	Sesame Ginger Body Scrub	Honey Mint Body Scrub
Lavender Pecan Body Scrub	Lemon Sugar Lip Scrub	Coffee Clove Body Scrub

DIY: A Sweet and Spicy Lip Scrub For Valentine's Day

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:00:58 -0800

I love cinnamon-sugar toast and I love smooth lips. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'm taking a little inspiration from one of my favorite breakfast treats and turning it into a sweet and spicy lip scrub - minus the crispy bread, of course. Bonus? It tastes great and the invigorating properties of cinnamon gets the blood a-flowing, too. To get kissable lips, check out my recipe below:

Start with a base. I like something waxy, such as good old ChapStick ($1.89).
Scrape off a little ChapStick with a knife or small spatula and make a paste-like consistency by adding sugar.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, apply, and get smooching.

Source

Chase Away Chapped Lips

BellaSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:48 -0800

If you're anything like me, you love your lip products! In the past we've covered lots of great lip balms and many different lip scrubs, but here are a few more products new to the market that I know you won't want to miss. Not only are these items must haves for yourself, but at $15 or less, they also make fab stocking stuffers!

Karma Creatives Karma Therapy Buddha Balm ($3) is a lip balm that comes in a variety of fruit flavors (grapefruit, cherry vanilla, strawberry, and watermelon) packed in an adorable slender vintage slider. Not only does it contain natural sunscreen and keep your lips feeling silky smooth in the harsh winter months, but at just .3 ounces it's an easy fit into any clutch or small pocket. Who could resist keeping a little good karma close by? Since the products aren't sold online, you can click here to find a stockist closest to you.

For two more products to help chase away chapped lips, just read more

Sally Hansen Gentle Peel for Rough Lips ($9.95) is a gentle peel for your lips made from fruit enzymes (papaya, apple and citrus fruits) as well as vitamins A and E. It helps remove any dry, rough or dead skin cells from this delicate area resulting in a smooth, hydrated and even-toned pout. To use, simply slather on a thin layer, wait three minutes (trying all the while not to lick it all off) and then wipe it away.

Laura Geller Lip Strip Cooling Sugar Scrub ($15) is a gentle, hydrating exfoliator for your lips. I love the name-it makes me laugh at how creative the beauty biz is! I haven't tried it yet, but I hear great things about the flavor (it's packed with sugar, peppermint and spearmint) and the results!

New Product Alert: LanoLip Lip Scrub

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 07:01:34 -0700

The amazing Miranda Coggins and the rest of the LanoLip research team has just released a new product called LanoLip LipScrub ($9.99). This product helps bring the concept of smooth, healthy lips full circle.

The lip scrub combines medical-grade lanolin, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and Vitamin E to bring you a 100% edible, sweet exfoliating treat! Simply swirl your pinky around in the pot and gently rub it onto your lips in a circular motion. The result is a moisturized, super-soft, baby pink pout.

Also, LanoLip Lip Scrub is available in four variations: chocolate, cappuccino, vanilla and unscented. Use them individually or combine them together to create your own fab flavored lip scrub! To check out a couple more lip scrubs, click here.

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Bellissima! Bourjois Duo Lip Scrub & Baume

BellaSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:00:01 -0700

This super-cool Bourjois Duo Lip Scrub & Baume ($17) is a two-in-one treatment. It's a sheer, baby pink lip balm that also comes with a lip-exfoliating buffer in the cap. Just like you brush your teeth and your hair, you can now brush your lips!

Begin by smoothing the buffer over your lips in small circular motions. Wipe away the dead skin and then moisturize your perfect pout with the glycerin-infused hydrating balm.

The best part is that the good-for-you gloss also has little iridescent pearly prisms in the formula, so it gives you a light and gorgeous glow! I love a little gimmick in my gloss-plus, a two-in-one product like this is a real bang for the buck!

Lip Loofahs: Tis The Season For Smooth Smackers

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 08:44:22 -0800

With Valentine's Day coming up in t-minus 10 days, and all of this talk about sexy lip plumpers, sexy lip glosses, and sexy lip stains, it's time to get your kissers into shape. These exfoliators are made especially for your lips. They will scrub away any dullness, flakiness or cracking and make your lips look pink, soft and supple. Here are three new lip exfoliators to check out this season!

The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ, $20, was created by a 27-year-old beauty entrepreneur. Happ, a self proclaimed lip beauty product junkie was sick and tired of having to concoct her own at home lip scrubs to get rid of dry, flaky skin so she decided to do something about it. One last time she mixed and measured in the kitchen and came up with the lip scrub.

It contains ingredients to exfoliate and eliminate chapped lips. Just massage a small amount onto your lips using a gentle and circular motion. Wipe away with a tissue and take a deep breath in to soak up the yummy aroma! Available in six flavors: cocoa, almond creme, peppermint, vanilla bean, cinnamon sugar and brown sugar.

To see more lip scrubs, read more

"Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub, $15, is just what the lip doctor ordered. To get super soft, smooth and natural looking lips exfoliate a couple of times a week. This scrub is enriched with natural butters and oils, to ensure your lips are in kiss me condition.

LIP-INK Dermaliquid Lip Smooth Scrub, $29.95, is made from rich macadamia nut oil which happens to be the closest natural oil that is in our lips. This magic ingredient absorbs oh so well! Also included is coarse sea salt to help smooth and exfoliate dead skin cells, collagen to plump lip tissue, plant protein peptides and essential oils to ensure silky smooth lips and a yummy smell.

Reader Review of the Day: Korres Lemon Lip Scrub

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:13 -0700

I really love Korres watermelon products, but I hadn't heard much about the line's Lemon Lip Scrub ($19). The price is a little steep for a person who loses lip stuff all the time like I do, but reader laratf makes it sound so good that I might just have to try it anyway. She says:

"The most effective lip treatment I've found. It’s 100 percent natural, and also super easy to use: Just apply (I love that it’s a stick and that there’s nothing to slough on with your finger), rub lips together to break up dry, chapped skin, and tissue off. The rice powder resurfaces lips better than sugar or salt, in my opinion. Good scuff!"

Found something that's perfect for dry, chapped lips? Want to get your skin and hair ready for the new season? Visit our Product Reviews pages, then. There are more than 50,000 products up for review, and tons of info on all the newest releases.

Exfoliation for Your Lips?

Community Manager — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 18:25:09 -0700

I will admit at first I was a little skeptical of a scrub for my lips, I was not sure I understood the necessity of such a thing. The more I read about it, however, the more intrigued I become. I mean, if you think about it, a lip gloss addict like me should naturally be attracted to this product. The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ is like an exfoliate for your lips that "eliminates dry, flaky skin to leave lips ridiculously soft and supple."

It comes in all kind of yummy flavors such as Peppermint, Almond Cream and Cinnamon Sugar. Also, the packaging is adorable, so a perfect gift idea as well. You can buy it online here for $20.00.

Behind The Scenes at the 2009 Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:30:00 -0700

On Tuesday morning, at the Kensington Roof Gardens in London, Cosmopolitan UK threw the 7th annual beauty awards bash of the year! Besides the flowing array of nibbles, coffee and tea, 82 products (and their trophy's) were showcased around the room for editors, PR's and guests to admire and test. Justine Southall (pictured on the far right), Cosmo's Publishing Director spoke about the state of affairs at the magazine whilst Ingborg Van Lotringen, Cosmo's Beauty Director presented the two newest awards for Breakthrough Product to Clairol Perfect 10 and the Classic Award to The Body Shop Body Butters.

This year’s panel of judges included Alesha Dixon, Rachel Stevens, facialist Anastasia Achilleos, makeup artists Caroline Barnes and Lee Pycroft, hairstylist Errol Douglas, Cosmo Editor Louise Court and Cosmo Beauty Director (pictured in the grey dress) and Ingeborg van Lotringen (kneeling). There were a total of 13 categories ranging from hair styling and treatments, to skincare, makeup and suncare and, 16 products were granted the 'Readers' Kiss Of Approval' award by those who voted via the magazine or online.

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To check out the exciting full list of winners, read more.

Cosmo Beauty Classic Award:The Body Shop Body Butters
Cosmo Beauty Breakthrough Award: Clairol Perfect 10

Lips

Best Colour-Rich Lipstick: YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick
Best Sheer Lipstick: Chanel Aqualumière Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF15
Best Lip Gloss: Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect
Best Lip Balm: Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Lipstick: MAC Lipstick

Eyes

Best Mascara: Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara
Best Eyeshadow: Rimmel London Colour Mousse Eyeshadow
Best Eyeliner: Clinique Cream Shaper For Eyes
Best Eye-Colour Palette: Givenchy Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Mascara: Maybelline New York Great Lash

Cleanser

Best Cleanser: Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash
Best Facial Refresher:Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist
Best Eye Makeup-Remover: Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover
Best Facial Scrub: Olay Regenerist Daily Thermal Skin Polisher
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Cleansing Wipes: Simple Skincare

Face

Best Foundation: Chanel Mat Lumière Long Lasting Makeup SPF15
Best Blemish Concealer: Bobbi Brown Face Touch-Up Stick
Best Tinted Moisturiser: Olay Complete Care Touch of Foundation
Best Face Powder: MAC Blot Pressed Powder
Best Cream/Liquid/Gel Blush: Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush
Best Powder Blush: MAC Mineralize Blush
Best Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder
Best Under-Eye Brightener: La Prairie
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Blusher: Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Foundation: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

Skin

Best Everyday Moisturiser: Chanel Hydramax + Active Moisture Cream
Best ‘Green’ Skincare: REN Rose Synergy 012 Restoring Facial Serum
Best Face Mask: Chanel Sublimage Hydrating Masque
Best Blemish Buster: La Roche-Posay Effaclar K
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Moisturiser: Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Day Cream SPF15
Best Anti-Ageing Moisturiser: Dior Capture R60/80 XP Ultimate Wrinkle Restoring Crème
Best Age-Defying Serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex
Best Line-Fading Eye Cream: Givenchy Radically No Surgetics Day & Night Eye Treatment
Best Age-Busting Night Cream: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Anti-Ageing Product: No7 Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum
Best Body Cleanser: Good Works Good Karma Shower Gel
Best Body Scrub: Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub
Best Bath Bubbles or Milk: Philosophy Field of Flowers
Best Bath and Body Oil: Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil
Best Hair Removal Product: Gillette Venus Breeze
Best Body Moisturiser: Lancôme Nutrix Royal Body Butter
Best Deodorant: Dove Hair Minimising Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Best Body-Firming Potion: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Body Lotion: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hair-Removal Product: Gillette Venus

Hair

Best Hairspray: L’Oreal Paris Elnett
Best Volumiser: Shockwaves Styling Plus Gloss & Body Mousse
Best Frizz Controller: John Frieda Weather Works Style Sealant Crème
Best Home Colourant: Clairol Perfect 10
Best Shampoo: Charles Worthington Time Defy Moisture Renew Shampoo
Best Conditioner: Paul Labrecque Daily Condition Moisture Mud Instant Repair
Best Leave-In Treatment: TRESemmé Curl Hydration Leave-In Cream
Best Hair Mask: Kérastase Masque Chroma Riche
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hair Colourant: L’Oreal Paris Excell 10’
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Shampoo & Conditioner: Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Hairbrush: Goody Gel Handled Brushes
Best Make-Up Brushes: Daniel Sandler
Best Heat Styler: GHD IV Styler
Best Beauty Gadget: Neutrogena Wave
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hairstyling Gadget:GHD IV Styler

Suncare

Best Facial Sun Protection: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Extreme Fluid SPF50
Best All-Over Sun Protection: Lancaster Suncare Tanning Lotion SPF15
Best Anti-Ageing Sun Protection: Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream High Protection
Best After Sun: Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturizer
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Suntan Lotion: Nivea Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF15

Self Tanning and Bronzing

Best Facial Self-Tan: Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Dry Face Mist
Best Body Self-Tan: St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
Best Gradual Self-Tan: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion
Best Wash-Off Body Tanner: Guerlain Terracotta Teint Doré Bronzing Spray for Body
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Self Tanner:St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray

Men

Best Hair Texturiser: Fudge Matte Hed
Best Face Cream: Biotherm Homme Force Supreme Neutralizer
Best Shaving Lotion: Clinique Skin Supplies for Men M Shave Aloe Gel
Best Eye Cream: Lab Series Instant Moisture Eye Gel
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Aftershave: Boss Aftershave Lotion

Hands and Feet

Best Nail polish: Revlon Nail Enamel
Best Hand Cream: Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream
Best Foot Treat: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Cracked Heel Foot Cream
Best Nail Rescuer:Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Nail Polish: OPI Nail Lacquer

Photos Courtesy of Jessica Long

Nine Tips For More Beautiful Hands

BellaSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:19 -0700

Ellen Sirot is one of the most in-demand models in the business, but you probably wouldn't recognize her face. That's because Sirot is a parts model, using her hands, legs, and feet to land clients including Clinique, Maybelline, Estee Lauder, and Elizabeth Arden. (And that's only a minuscule sampling of the thousands of jobs she's done!) Her new line of hand-care treatments, Hand Perfection, was developed after years of caring for her own money-making mitts. And though you already know this, the best measure of someone's age is her hand condition - so if you want to avoid age spots and discoloration tomorrow, take care of your hands today. Want her best advice for having healthy, beautiful digits? For nine tips, read more.

Ellen Sirot's Top Tips for Keeping Your Hands Beautiful

Minimize hand washing. Water dehydrates your hands. Wash when needed - but consider using household gloves for situations such as dish washing, household projects, etc. - so you don’t have to wash your hands so many times per day.
Minimize use of dehydrating soaps/bacterial gels. I realize we live in a germy world, but these gels seriously dry out the skin, causing irritation and ultimately skin aging. Hand Perfection Moisturizing Cleanser is a gentle, sulfate-free, coconut-based cleanser - so it actually keeps your hands hydrated while cleansing.
Moisturize your hands every single time you wash them. After washing your hands (minimally), gently pat them dry and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. And do this periodically throughout the day. (Must to remember to do it. It's kind of like putting on lip gloss!)
Keep your hands protected from the sun. Always use sunscreen when going outside and get extra protection by wearing my Hand Perfection Glovettes - which are great to use while driving, playing golf, tennis - and make a bit of a fashion statement to boot!
Apply oil to cuticles each night and gently push them back, while soft and supple, in the shower. I do this with a washcloth each day - and it helps discourage the need to cut them, which is never a good idea, except for the occasional errant piece of skin.
Apply a rich moisturizer at night. Capitalize on circadian rhythms to give your hands an overnight boost while they are not in use!
Exfoliate once a week. Hand Perfection Night Solution will accomplish this, or you can use an organic sugar and olive oil scrub once a week.
Take off polish after seven days. Give your nails a few days to revive and be bare.
Strive to have hands/nails that look good naked! That provides the most options for wearing polish or not.

That's the word from the world's most in-demand parts model. Any tips or tricks that have worked for you?