FabSugar

Back to Basics: The Best Body Lotions

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 04:33:33 -0800

Welcome to this installment of Back to Basics. These amazing moisturizing body lotions are my all time favorites. I have used them for years and have never had any kind of allergic reactions or dry skin. What are some of your favorite body lotions?

Kiehl's Creme de Corps, $26, is a treat for your skin when it is feeling just a little too dry or you've recently been in the sun. Just a little of this super rich moisturizer goes a long way.

I received a bottle of this as a gift about seven years ago and have never looked back. Beta-carotene gives it a natural deep yellow color. It is recommended to use for ten straight days to achieve optimum results.

It is available in three sizes: a 4.2 oz travel bottle is $16, an 8.4 oz bottle sells is $26, and a 16.9 oz bottle is $42. If you buy the larger size it comes with a pump for easy dispensing, it costs $44 (shown).

To see more of my favorite body lotions of all time, read more

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin, $7.99, has been in my house every since I was a wee little tot. Owned by Pfizer, it was developed by dermatologists to promote more supple, smooth and healthier skin.

It has a very clean, non-greasy feel and it quickly penetrates your skin so that there is no residue left on your body as you are getting dressed. It won't clog your pores and is available in two sizes: 6 oz and 16 oz at most drugstores and pharmacies.

Biotherm Lait Corporel Anti-Drying Body Milk, $20, is the lightest of the bunch - but don't let that fool you. Just because it has a thin texture, it still helps to repair dry skin, restore your skin’s protective barrier and protect its natural elasticity. It is available in two sizes: a 6.7 oz bottle costs $20 and a 13.5 oz bottle costs $35.

Yummy Autumn Scents

FabSugar — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 07:40:01 -0700

Every year when autumn arrives, I can't help but whip up a big batch of spiced (and sometimes spiked) apple cider. There's something about that warm, cinnamon-apple smell that just says Fall to me. But a girl can't just drink apple cider all the time, so I'm glad I can also get the spiced, fruity scents of Fall in the form of bath products-everything from apple-scented lotions to delicious ginger-snap fragrance spray. Here are some of my top picks for yummy Fall-scented bath and body products.

Body Shop Golden Apple Body Butter, $17, available here.

Philosophy Pumpkin Pie Shower Gel, $16, available here.

Williams-Sonoma Boxed Kitchen Candle in Spiced Chestnut, $19.95, available here.

Three more, so read more

Bath & Body Works Very Festive Pomegranate Shimmer Powder Puff, $22, available here.

Demeter Ginger Cookie Pick-Me-Up Cologne Spray, $19, available here.

Body Shop Vanilla Spice Shimmer Lotion, $16, available here.

Ziploc Bag Beauty, Part II: Save It For the Solids

FabSugar — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 12:10:22 -0800

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about the latest carry-on regulations from the Transportation Security Administration: All of the liquids in your carry-on luggage must be in bottles 3-ounces or smaller, and those must be sealed in a single quart-sized Ziploc bag. But even if you have a high-maintenance beauty regimen, it's possible to accommodate your liquids on board. The key is having a mix of liquids that go in the baggie and solids that don't. Earlier today, I gave you Ziploc Bag Beauty, Part I: Maximize Your Baggie, detailing all of the liquids you should stow in your bag.

Fortunately, many liquid cosmetics (i.e., foundation, perfume, lotion) now have solid counterparts, so you can save the Ziploc bag for the most crucial liquids. Hence, Part II: Save It For the Solids, my guide to the space-saving and non-liquid cosmetics you'll need. Here's how to divvy it up.

Body Lotion: Country Bunny Bath and Body Lotion Bar, $7, available in six scents or an unscented variety here.
Perfume: Stella McCartney Stella in Two Amber Parfum Solid, $42, available here.
Hair Pomade: Charles Worthington London Smart Fixx Quick Flick Wax Stick, $7.99, available here.

To see the rest, read more

Eye Makeup Remover: Bare Escentuals On the Spot, $5 for 24 liquid-soaked cotton swabs, available here.
Deodorant: Dove Antiperspirant Deodorant Invisible Solid, $1.39 for .5-ounces, available here.
Foundation: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Foundation Stick, $38, available here. Possibly the best solid foundation stick of all time.
Blush: Laura Geller Cheek Sweeps, $29 for two (no brushes required!), available here.
Powder: Clinique Blended Face Powder and Brush, $18.50, available in seven shades here.
Hair Brush: Sephora Smoothing Travel Hair Brush, $30, available here.

Lovely Lemon Bath and Body Gift Sets

FabSugar — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:20:14 -0800

Lemons are synonymous with fresh feelings and clean aromas. These yellow delights have also been known to help treat varicose veins, high blood pressure, cold and flu symptoms, and bring down a fever. From a beauty perspective, lemons can help prevent acne and cellulite. Who knew lemons were so powerful? Take a peek at these fabulous lemon bath and body gift sets that do a body good.

C.O. Bigelow - A Whole Lotta Lemon Gift Set combines dribs and drabs of my personal favorites. This particular set contains lemon body wash, hand treatment, body cream and a body scrub. All of these are made with real lemon oils and extracts that help to protect, moisturize, and brighten your skin while smelling delicious. Buy it here for $22.50.

The Bliss Exclusive Lemon + Sage Super Spa Box is a delicious body smoothing set that includes lemon+sage body butter, soapy sap and a body scrub that all come neatly tied together in a cute little bliss bix bundle. Buy it here for $75 while supplies last.

To see one last zesty gift read more

The Davies Gate Lemon Made Lemon Wedge Travel Set is great for those who like to take lemon scented goodies on-the-go. This travel size set includes: a bath & shower gel, a warming sweet cream body scrub, a body lotion, a salve and an SPF lip balm. It also comes inside a reusable tote. Buy it here for $25.

Yummy Chocolate Beauty

FabSugar — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:05:39 -0800

Ever since that chocolate fashion show the other day, I've been having a serious sweets craving. But while it may not be practical to clothe yourself in chocolate, you can easily incorporate it into your beauty routine. Especially with the holidays approaching, there are tons of great chocolate-scented beauty products to make you irresistible from head-to-toe. Here are some of my yummiest finds.

Philosophy Double Rich Hot Cocoa, $16, available here. This shower gel and bubble bath smells like hot chocolate but will leave you feeling squeaky clean, not sticky.

Thierry Mugler Angel Eau de Toilette, $98 for a 1.7-ounce bottle, available here. This tried-but-true fragrance famously pioneered notes of chocolate in a sophisticated scent.

Bath & Body Works Temptations Wickedly Hot Chocolate Shimmer Body Cream, $12, available here. This choco-hazelnut lotion will leave your skin with just a bit of shimmer.

To see the rest, read more

Bella Lucce Dutch Chocolate Sugar Scrub, $18, available here. The brown sugar-like texture of this exfoliating potion makes it look good enough to eat.

Philip B. Chocolate Milk Body Wash, $32, available here. The adorable packaging on this creamy wash adds to the nostalgic indulgence.

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter, $17, available here. Get two jars of the chocolatey version of the Body Shop's famous butters on sale for $28.

A Healthy Winter Tan

FabSugar — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 23:50:55 -0700

This Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time, which means the days are going to get shorter. But just because the sun is going to be scarce doesn't mean you can't maintain a light, healthy-looking tan. (Please, just don't go overboard!) The advances in self-tanning products over the past few years have been so remarkable that there's really no excuse to lay out in the sun any more. Here are my favorite self-tanners for instant and gradual results for the face and body.

FOR QUICK RESULTS
Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Spray Micro Mist Medium, $10.99, available here. I've heard some people complain that this gets splotchy if your skin has dry patches, but I have dry skin and I've never had a problem. Just make sure to apply right after exfoliating in a moisture-free room (i.e., not the bathroom you just showered in) and rub it in for extra blending.

To see the rest, read more

FOR THE FACE
Clarins Tinted Self Tanning Face Cream SPF 15, $28, available here. This amazingly even tinted lotion gives you a bronzed look while the self-tanner is working, and the added SPF 15 sunscreen keeps your face protected from the actual sun when you're outdoors.

FOR A GRADUAL TAN
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for Medium Skin Tones, $5.99, available here. Given, this product is slightly overexposed, but for good reason. The serious budget buy is one of the best gradual-tanning lotions out there. It goes on smooth without streaks and has a wonderful clean scent to boot.

Zit Zappers

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 09:33:05 -0700

Zits, pimples, blemishes, whatever you want to call them: They are all different names for what happens to your skin when an oil gland mixes with dead skin cells and causes clogging in your pores. If the surface of the pore breaks, it becomes red and swollen-hence, a zit. Zits can be found on the faces and bodies of over 70 million people, but that doesn't make them any less annoying.

Though there are ways to prevent pimples, the bigger challenge is getting rid of them once they surface. Rule No. 1: Don't pop them, ever! Despite the feeling of satisfaction you may feel, messing with your zits can spread infection and lead to scarring. Instead, try one of these zit-zapping products to help dry them up and kick the remaining bacteria out.

Mario Bedescu Drying Lotion is an excellent spot treatment made with a blend of calamine and salicylic acid. This product really helps to clear up and soothe pimples. Just take a q-tip and dab the lotion on the area. It does leave a pink mark on your face, so wear it overnight. Buy it here for $17.

Three more great products, so read more

La Prairie Cellular Purifying Blemish Control is incredible. I have never felt anything more potent, and the $70 you pay for the bottle is totally worth it. What's also wonderful about this product is that it's clear, so nobody will ever know that you've got it on. It's non-drying and relieves redness and irritation of breakouts, while preventing new bacteria from forming. Buy it here for $70.

Yonka Juvenil is a non-stinging and non-drying breakout solution. It also happens to smell great since it's infused with 100% botanical extracts. It's got antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients to treat current irritations and prevent future breakouts. It also helps to decrease inflammation and increase healing. Buy it here for $50.

Kiehl's Blue Herbal Spot Treatment contains the magical ingredient, salicylic acid, which helps to dry and fight off acne-causing bacteria. This formula is also clear and dries quickly. It penetrates deep is quite effective. This small tube won't break the bank and will last a long time. Buy it here for $14.

Fab Site: Beauty Exclusive

FabSugar — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 12:32:12 -0700

As easy as it is to buy cosmetics and clothing online, seeking out more obscure luxury brands on the Internet can be tough. That's why I was excited to discover Beauty Exclusive, a high-end boutique specializing in, well, exclusive beauty brands. In keeping with its luxurious mission, the company also offers pretty packaging and an amazing fast turnaround on orders. It's a fun place to discover cool new brands, and the gift ideas section is also a great resource when you're stumped. Here are some of my finds from the site.

Icy Beauty Ice Source System Lifting Treatment, $300, available here. This well-reviewed anti-aging lotion has a cooling effect on contact.

Philip B. Chocolate Milk Body Wash, $32, available here. A relaxing bubble bath with a nostalgic kid-friendly scent.

Buddha Nose Girl Balm, $22, available here. This soothing salve is designed to ease menstrual cramps and grouchy moods.

To see the rest, read more

Apivita Propoline Baby Balsam Cream, $10, available here. This olive oil-enriched lotion is an indulgent way to fight diaper rash and irritation.

Phyto Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm, $24, available here. This much-lauded product makes hair straight and shiny.

Voluspa Cocoa Tamarind Candlepot, $24, available here.

(Thanks to eBeautyDaily for the tip!)

Feed Your Coffee Habit Without The Jitters

FabSugar — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:02:25 -0700

Are you a coffee addict? Maybe you wish you could take the mind energizing properties of your morning latte and transfer them to your body? A friend of mine just returned from a weekend spa getaway raving about this fabulous body scrub:

Body Coffee claims the benefits of the coffee bean actually extend far beyond the boundaries of the paper cup. Coffee beans are also apparently a wonderful free radical scavenger, a gentle exfoliant, an astringent, a UVA/UVB protector and a terrific cleanser.

Available in lotions, bars, scrubs and oils, Body Coffee products can be ordered from either their online store or from spa facilities and retail outlets around the world.

For more tips on getting the most out of your spa experience, check out our story on Spa Etiquette 101.

Vera Wang Introduces Truly Pink

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 09:44:50 -0800

Vera Wang has once again grown her empire of: beds, dresses, china, lingerie, shoes, jewelry, eye wear, home collections, and books. Her latest addition in her fragrance line is a scent called, Vera Wang Truly Pink Perfume, $85.

Vera says, “For me, Truly Pink is the embodiment of pure femininity...enchanting and forever in bloom.” I can't argue with that since pink also happens to be one of my favorite colors. This new perfume is as soft as a rose petal. It exudes the essence of a gentle woman with its floral heart.

It has top notes of: white freesia, cassis and lychee blossom; middle notes of: peony, pink rose accord, pink lilly of the valley; and base notes of: woods, iris and violet wood.

You can also buy a 6.7 oz body crème, $85, and a 5 oz tube of body lotion, $40, beginning in February.