FitSugar

Are Salty or Sugary Scrubs Right For You?

BellaSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:00:00 PST

I've got snacking on the mind today (OK, everyday). Because I'll leave food reviews to YumSugar, I've conjured up some of my fave salty and sugary body scrubs. (I know it's not the same thing, but no calories woohoo!)

Both types offer natural exfoliation but there are some key differences. First up, the mineral content in sea salts can help increase circulation on top of taking off that top layer of skin. Sugar won't have that additional benefit (no minerals in sugar . . . sigh) but, if you've got sensitive or nicked skin, you'll be saved the sting from adding salt to your wounds. I like to alternate between the two types – like sugar the day after I've shaved and salt before – so spot products to get your scrub on in the widget below.

Neutrogena Engergizing Sugar Body Scrub - Sold Out	Bodycology Gardenia Sugar Scrub - Sold Out
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish - $65.00	Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Sugar Scrub - $36.00
Carol's Daughter Ocean Sea Salt Scrub - Sold Out	Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub™ Sea Salt body smoother 8 oz. - Sold Out
Spa Wisdom™ Africa Ximenia & Salt Scrub - Sold Out	Heel to Toe Spa Collection Sea Salt Glow Scrub - $7.39

Melt Away Stress With a Salt Soak

DearSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:00:00 PDT

Sometimes you have to set aside some "me time" for yourself. Once a week, I like to do something that's strictly for the benefit of my mind, body, and soul. I turn off my cell phone so I can sit with my thoughts and feelings. It's a great time to reflect on my life, my celebrations, my goals, and my dreams. It's also a great time to figure things out if I'm having a problem, or if I need to make a decision.

One of my favorite things to do is soak in a tub - even though it's summer. I like to transform my bathroom into a make shift spa by using scented bath salts like these from Lunaroma. The scent of the essential oils relaxes and calm my mind, and the blend of Dead Sea Salt and Epsom Salt cleanses and detoxifies my skin. If I'm feeling extra stressed, I bring a glass of white wine in the bath with me and just shut my eyes and enjoy my quiet time.

Sometimes it's all about the simple pleasures like these that give me time to be alone with my thoughts, so when I experience stressful parts of my week, I feel emotionally ready to get through them. So ladies, how do you de-stress?

Home Spa Treatment: Salt Foot Scrub

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:30:00 PDT

Are your feet just plain sick of pulling on and off those heavy winter boots? Are your dogs tired of being stuffed into dark shoes? Are your feet calloused from hibernating in heavy socks? Well now is the time to do some spring cleaning of your feet. Try this salt scrub to rejuvenate your tired feet while smoothing out the callouses.

Mix together:

1 Tablespoon of coarse, clean sand
1/4 cup light canola oil
1/4 cup liquid hand soap
1/4 cup sea salt
1/4 cup Epsom salt

If you have any essential oils on hand you can add about 5 to 10 drops. Peppermint oil can bring renewed vitality to exhausted feet.

Apply salt scrub to wet feet and gently massage all parts of your feet, paying particular attention to your heels. Rinse off the salt and pat dry. Moisturize.

Enjoy!!!!

3 Easy Steps For Treating Dry, Cracked Heels

Jaime Richards — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:06:35 PST

Cracked heels can be a problem, especially in the colder months when the air lends itself to dry skin. On top of that, these fissures can worsen as a result of the pressure put on your heels throughout the day - especially if you're a fan of foot-imbalancing stilettos. Along with being less-than-aethestically-pleasing, untreated cracked heels can split even further, causing pain (and in some cases, infection). Prevention is key: moisturize daily, get pedicures as needed, and drink plenty of water to save your feet. But what do you do when your cracks are already out of whack? Find out how to do your own at-home treatment when you read more.

6 Quick and Easy Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Jaime Richards — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:05:07 PST

The holidays have a funny way of sneaking up, but just because it's the 11th hour, doesn't mean you can't still find amazing gifts. So if you're a bit behind on your shopping list, no fret. See six quick and easy ways you can make it all come together now.

The Right Way to Care For Stainless Steel Cookware

Susannah Chen — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:25:53 PDT

I live and die by my All-Clad d5 Stainless Steel pots and pans, which I use for making just about everything. But the other day, while tackling some stuck-on food that was particularly stubborn, I consulted the computer to verify the correct way to clean my cookware. And guess what? I've been cleaning them all wrong! Cleaning stainless cookware, it turns out, involves a little extra TLC. Put that scouring pad away, and find out the right way to preserve your quality pots and pans, when you read on.

5 Pick-Me-Up Beauty Tips, From Your Head to Your Toes

Jaime Richards — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:02:49 PDT

Between work and the daily grind, all of us can look or feel a little rundown every now and then. But luckily, there are a few easy ways to get an instant pick-me-up, from your head down to your toes. To see five ways to revitalize, just keep reading.

Your hair color: Yellow plus brown equals instant richness and brightness? That's right. To bring your hair color back to life, you don't need an expensive dye job. All you need is a little knowledge of how to blend different color conditioners together to create hair hue-enhancing effects.
Your eyes: To quell puffy eyes and dark circles, celebrity esthetician Kate Somerville recommends you use two warm tea bags, eye cream, and two chilled spoons. See her advice in action here.
Your complexion: "The best approach to perk up the complexion is to apply a dash of blush to the upper apple of the cheek," explains Vincent Longo. "This will give the face an immediate uplift and brighten the day beautifully."
Your chest: The key to a boosted bustline? Use a bronzer to create a "Y" shape and highlight to create the illusion of a more rounded, lifted shape.
Your feet: Feet can take a beating no matter the season, so get them soft and smooth again with a simple DIY scrub that uses three kitchen ingredients: sea salt, olive oil, and brown sugar.

A DIY Foot Scrub That's Quick, Easy, and Affordable

OnSugar Blog — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:05:00 PDT

Here's a quick and easy DIY foot scrub post from OnSugar blog Beautiful Basics.

When my feet are feeling more like alligator skin than feet, I whip up a batch of my favorite foot scrub ever! It helps my feet look and feel their best. All you need is:

Olive Oil
Brown Sugar
Sea Salt

I don't have specific measurements for you because I just make it by feel. You'll know what I'm talking about when you make up your own. You don't want it to be too thick, or too runny. You also want more brown sugar than sea salt. Rub onto your damp feet and massage for as long as you'd like. It feels lovely, albeit a bit tickly for those with sensitive feet, like myself. When you rinse, you'll have the smoothest feet you have ever had. I guarantee it!

Have a few beauty tips to share with us? Why not start an OnSugar blog of your own? You could be featured right here on Bella, too.

Who Knew Grapefruit Could Do All This?

Sponsor — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:00:00 PDT

If you’re looking for a natural and nutritious way to sweeten up your life, Florida grapefruit has you covered! Not only is the fruit and its juice fat free, it also has quite a few hidden talents that might surprise you. Check out the perks of this tart and wholesome fruit below.

Supports great skin: Your skin can benefit from the foods you eat. The vitamin C found in Florida grapefruit and 100-percent grapefruit juice may help support collagen production to help keep skin looking youthful and radiant.
Beautify your smile. Healthy gums and a stunning smile can go hand in hand. Florida grapefruit's vitamin C can support the production of collagen in your gums, providing a healthy foundation for that beautiful smile we all desire - so drink up!
Pampers feet and hands: Trade your expensive, store-bought scrub for a great-smelling, homemade version. Combine one-half cup kosher salt, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon yellow or pink grapefruit zest and 1 cup almond or sesame oil in a bowl. Scrub away (with the exception of your face and freshly shaved legs), and store covered in your fridge for up to three weeks!
Relaxes the day away: Regardless of our hectic schedules, we all need a little down time. Try grapefruit-infused essential oils to create a relaxed, spa-like environment at home.

Sounds like a dream to me! For more information on Florida grapefruit, check out www.facebook.com/juicyscoop.

The Search For a Sunless Glow: How to Get the Perfect Faux Tan

Guest Writer — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:51:21 PDT

Editor's note: The following post is written by our guest writer, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke. Here, she shares her tips for achieving the perfect sunless glow.

As the mercury rises, so does our desire for sun-kissed skin. In the Summer months I advocate tanning for all my clients - as long as it's the type that comes from a bottle. We're all aware of the dangers of roasting in the sun, or exposing your skin to a tanning bed. Thankfully, sunless tanning has become more convenient in recent years. It's now easier to avoid the pitfalls of the past, like streaked skin or the noxious scents so often associated with tanning products. Here's my recipe for healthy, glowing-looking skin. See Gina's advice when you keep reading.