BellaSugar Australia

Definition: Turmeric

BellaSugar Australia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:01:20 +1100

Turmeric (aka turmeric root, Indian saffron or curcuma longa) is a shrub that is related to the ginger family. It's grown throughout India, Asia and Africa, and while it's most commonly known for its golden colour and use in curry powders and mustards, turmeric is also used to dye fabrics and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain and topically treat wounds.

In cosmetics, turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe skin and recent research has shown it boosts the enzyme that produces the skin's natural antioxidants, so expect to see it pop up in various skincare ranges, though purifying it without losing its power is both tricky and costly.

Try Ole Henriksen Visual Truth Eye Creme ($94) and DDF Anti-Ageing Restorative Advanced Firming Cream ($189.95).

Definition: Monoi Oil

BellaSugar Australia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:09 +1100

This traditional Tahitian coconut oil is the signature ingredient in several products and its divine scent alone merits it a definition.

Monoi gets its gorgeous fragrance from Tahitian gardenias, which are submerged in the pure oil and left to soak. It's also known for its skin-friendliness, because it doesn't contain any emulsifiers. This means that it gets a big "green" thumbs up. It also solidifies at temperatures under about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), so it's sometimes necessary to warm up with your hands or under warm water to return it to its original oil state.

Try The Body Shop Spa Wisdom™ Polynesia Monoi Body Balm ($32.95), NARS Monoi Body Glow II ($160), Bod Bath Salts - The White Lotus Blend ($15.95) and Korres Natural Products Monoi Oil Bronzing Powder ($59.95).

Definition: Kakadu Plum

BellaSugar Australia — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:00:19 +1100

The Kakadu plum-aka the gubinge or billy goat plum-grows natively across Northern Australia. It's been a traditonal healing remedy of the Indigenous people for thousands of years thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inﬂammatory properties.

Dubbed a "super food," there is no other fruit worldwide that produces the same potent levels of vitamin C (the Kakadu plum contains 3000mg of vitamin C per 100g of fruit which is over 50 times the concentration found in oranges), antioxidants and bioactives.

It is used most commonly in skincare again for its antioxidant features, but also to brighten and plump the skin. Try one of these Aussie buys: KEVIN.MURPHY Born.Again.Masque ($49.95), ULittleBeauty Skinny Dip Invigorating Body Wash ($16.95), Pod Puraceuticals Liquid Detox ($60), Natio Ageless Lifting Day Cream ($18.95), Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lip Gloss ($11.95).

Stockists: Australis (1300 650 981), Natio (03 9415 9911), ULittleBeauty (1800 791 381).

Definition: Lilly Pilly

BellaSugar Australia — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:30:18 +1100

Lilly pillies are evergreen rainforest plants that have glossy green leaves. In spring to early summer they develop fluffy white flowers followed by long-lasting reddish-purple berries.

It's one of the most popular plants in Australia today but is used in cosmetics because it is rich in age-defying vitamin C, antioxidants and exfoliating fruit acids.

Get your daily hit of lilly pilly with one of these Australian beauties: O&M Rootalicious ($29.95), Endota Spa Lilly Pilly & Vanilla Bean Body Moisturiser ($45), Kosmea Clarifying Facial Wash ($34.95), De Lorenzo Prescriptive Solutions Control Shampoo ($26.95) and De Lorenzo Prescriptive Solutions Control Intense Conditioner ($25.95).

De Lorenzo (1800 800 347), Endota Spa (1300 363 682), Kosmea (1300 320 130).

Definition: Bergamot

BellaSugar Australia — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:00:53 +1100

I'm not sure why, but I have been under the impression that bergamot-an ingredient I often come across in fragrances-is a spiny flower. Indeed it is, but I did not know that the Italian and Ivory Coast-based plant also produces a pear-shaped yellow citrus fruit. It is not, however, in any way, shape or form, related to the bergamot herb.

The skin of said yellow fruit yields a delicate, yet spicy, essential oil that is found in one-third of all fragrances. It's also used to treat acne, eczema, and seborrhoea. When it's not being used for its aroma, it can be found in Earl Grey tea (it aids digestion), insect repellent, and medications that treat urinary tract infections and depression. Very versatile indeed.

Try Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser ($45.50), Bloom Scented Body Butter - Green Tea & Bergamot ($18) or Malin+Goet Bergamot Body Wash ($29).

Definition: Sage

BellaSugar Australia — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:30:49 +1100

Sage (salvia officinalis), also known as garden meadow, is a silvery-green plant with fragrant leaves.

The most common variety of sage was first found growing in regions around the Mediterranean but it can now be found in parts of North America also.

The leaves of the sage herb have been used to relieve sprains, swelling and ulcers, as well as improving the nervous system and memory.

In beauty sage has been known to combat excessive sweat production, awaken the senses and assist with poor circulation. Try MALIN+GOETZ Sage Styling Cream ($34), Dr.Hauschka Skin Care Sage Bath ($42) and Paul Mitchell Lemon Sage Body Wash ($19.95).

Stockists: Dr.Hauschka Skin Care (02 8765 1100), Paul Mitchell (1300 365 350).

Definition: Argan Oil

BellaSugar Australia — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:39:32 +1100

The Argan tree comes from southwest regions of Morocco, where it can withstand harsh environments like extreme heat, drought and poor soil. It grows a round fleshy fruit that has an olive-like texture and inside there's a nut where the oil comes from.

Argan oil is believed to have medicinal benefits such as lowering cholesterol, improving circulation and building up the immune system. It has mild anti-inflammatory properties, protects the skin from free radical damage and also helps to nourish dry, hydrated skin because it's rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E.

Try Elemis Anti-Ageing Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask ($120), The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Morocco Argan Oil & Orange Blossom Body Souffle ($32.95), Aveda Green Science™ Firming Eye Creme ($99.95), Schwarzkopf Extra Care Oil Nutritive Shampoo and Conditioner ($6.79 each).

Stockists: Aveda (1300 300 054), Schwarzkopf (1800 022 219).

Definition: Burdock Root

BellaSugar Australia — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:00:17 +1100

A member of the sunflower family, burdock root has most traditionally been used medicinally to help purify. It's typically eaten as a root vegetable, and can often be found in Korean and Japanese cuisines, but it has its beauty value too.

An anti-inflammatory, burdock root can help clear skin problems like acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. It also improves shine and body in hair and deters scalp problems and conditions

Try Lush Flying Fox Shower Gel (from $10.95), KEVIN.MURPHY BALANCING.RINSE ($32.95), Trilogy Botanical Body Wash ($27) and Sukin Facial Moisturiser ($9.95).

Stockists: KEVIN.MURPHY (1800 104 204), Trilogy (03 9533 1336), Sukin (1300 858 898)

Scents and Sensibility: Do You Know Your EDP From EDT?

BellaSugar Australia — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:11 +1100

I often get asked about the difference between an eau de toilette, an eau de parfum, an eau de cologne and a perfume (or parfum as it's known in fancy circles).

Most of you know that they're different but can't always pinpoint what makes them so, so here's a quick chance to brush up on your fragrance ABCs or wow us with your scent savviness.

What ya waiting, what ya waiting for?

Take the quiz

Definition: Jojoba Oil

BellaSugar Australia — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:21 +1100

Jojoba oil is referred to as a vegetable oil, but it's actually a liquid wax that comes from the seed of the Jojoba, a shrub found in the Southwest. The oil is usually refined to be odourless and colourless.

When it became illegal in the US to use sperm whale oil in the mid-'70s, funding was provided to investigate where Jojoba oil could take its place. Native Americans used the oil to heal wounds, protect the skin, condition the skin and soften the scalp. The ingredient proved to have a wide variety of uses, from dissolving excess sebum from the scalp to protecting crops from white flies.

Try Endota Spa Aloe & Jojoba Face Scrub ($45), Dr. Hauschka Jojoba and Marsh Mallow Conditioner ($37), Ella Baché Crème Jojoba ($83) and Aveda All-Sensitive Body Formula ($54.95).

Stockists: Aveda (1300 300 054), Ella Baché (1300 136 661), Endota Spa (1300 363 682).