Spoiled Pretty On A Deserted Island

If you ever anticipate being shipwrecked on a deserted island, make sure to pack Maiden Beauty’s Perfect Pout Lip Scrub. This brown sugar exfoliant buffs and refines your lips…and it’s 100% edible!

The scrub comes with your choice of Tasty Tint Lip Balm, a glossy moisturizer featuring a hint of color and a kiss of brown sugar flavor. Balm choices include Pretty (light pink), Smart (sheer caramel) and Lady (cherry red).

Spoiled Pretty On A Deserted Island

If you ever anticipate being shipwrecked on a deserted island, make sure to pack Maiden Beauty’s Perfect Pout Lip Scrub. This brown sugar exfoliant buffs and refines your lips…and it’s 100% edible!

The scrub comes with your choice of Tasty Tint Lip Balm, a glossy moisturizer featuring a hint of color and a kiss of brown sugar flavor. Balm choices include Pretty (light pink), Smart (sheer caramel) and Lady (cherry red).

This Line Takes The Cupcake!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2007 list. Though Oprah made some fine choices, I have one recommendation for the media mogul.


If I had a list, I’d call it ‘The D-List’ (original, I know) - and everything on it would be from Jaqua’s Buttercream Frosting line of products. I’ve been using the Buttercream Frosting Exfoliating Body Polish, Shower Crème, and Hand Crème for a couple of weeks, and my enthusiasm has not waned. In fact, my fondness grows stronger every day. Not only do the Buttercream Frosting products pamper my parched skin, they smell like heaven - a sweet tooth’s version of heaven, anyway.


Like vanilla frosting with a hint of fresh strawberries, Jaqua's Buttercream Frosting products smell so much like the real thing, I have to remind myself that they're not edibile. I can only hope that Jaqua is developing hair care, shaving cream, toothpaste, antiperspirant, and contact lens solution…so that every square inch of me can smell saccharinely sweet.

Spoiled Pretty tip: while you’re on the Jaqua website, sign up to become a Jaqua VIP (no purchase necessary, and it’s free). Be the first to find out about new Jaqua products, special discounts and best of all, freebie offers only available to Jaqua VIP members.

This Line Takes The Cupcake!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2007 list. Though Oprah made some fine choices, I have one recommendation for the media mogul.


If I had a list, I’d call it ‘The D-List’ (original, I know) - and everything on it would be from Jaqua’s Buttercream Frosting line of products. I’ve been using the Buttercream Frosting Exfoliating Body Polish, Shower Crème, and Hand Crème for a couple of weeks, and my enthusiasm has not waned. In fact, my fondness grows stronger every day. Not only do the Buttercream Frosting products pamper my parched skin, they smell like heaven - a sweet tooth’s version of heaven, anyway.


Like vanilla frosting with a hint of fresh strawberries, Jaqua's Buttercream Frosting products smell so much like the real thing, I have to remind myself that they're not edibile. I can only hope that Jaqua is developing hair care, shaving cream, toothpaste, antiperspirant, and contact lens solution…so that every square inch of me can smell saccharinely sweet.

Spoiled Pretty tip: while you’re on the Jaqua website, sign up to become a Jaqua VIP (no purchase necessary, and it’s free). Be the first to find out about new Jaqua products, special discounts and best of all, freebie offers only available to Jaqua VIP members.

Oprah's Favorite Things 2007

Yesterday, America watched as Oprah unveiled her Favorite Things of 2007 list on an unsuspecting audience in Macon, Georgia. Three hundred golden ticket holders left the convention center pushing shopping carts filled with the (now) most coveted products in the country.

This year, Oprah took her show on the road because Macon consistently has the nation's highest percentage of viewers tuned into her talk show. Filming the "Favorite Things" episode in Macon was a thank-you to the fans, she explained. Audience members left the local convention hall pushing shopping carts toppled with loot – including camcorders, apparel, refrigerators with an LCD TV built into the door – and, of course, beauty products!

When the ‘Queen of All Media’ wants to spoil herself pretty, she reaches for…



Claus Porto Soaps From Lafco New York
These all-natural, bath-sized bars distributed by Lafco New York are a labor of love. They have been created by the Claus Porto's family-run factory in Portugal for the past 117 years. Each bar starts with top quality 100% vegetable soap base and pure, skin softening shea butter. Next, the finest fragrances from the South of France are mixed in so that the scent lasts until the very end of the bar. All of these ingredients are then milled seven times in the traditional European way for a hard, dense soap that has an ultra luxurious and creamy lather.

The jumbo-sized soaps appeal to the senses with beautiful wrappers and 17 magnificent scents, from honeysuckle to grapefruit fig. "They make great hostess gifts," Oprah says.

Cost: $42 (set of 3)
lafcony.com


Kai Body Butter and Body Buffer

"Bathing is an art form and nobody enjoys it more than I do," Oprah says. Kai customized their signature scent into a moisturizing body butter in a tub just for Oprah. Kai body lotion contains safflower seed oil, shea butter, apricot kernel oil, and cucumber a silky whipped soufflé with a moisturizing shea butter base blended with safflower seed oil, vitamins A, C, and E, aloe leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, cucumber fruit extract, apricot kernel oil, and the original kai perfume oil. "It's clean and fresh," she says.

She also loves the Body Buffer by Kai, a hypo-allergenic loofah infused with a light blend of exotic perfumes and natural essences to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the skin. Just wet and squeeze to release foaming bubbles that smell like an exotic garden.

Cost: Body Buffer $28; Body Butter $55
kaifragrance.com
Also available at embraceyourstyle.com and eluxury.com


Clarisonic Skin Care System

Developed by the people who created the Sonicare Toothbrush, the Clarisonic Skin Care System helps remove six times more makeup than soap and water alone. The bristles vibrate 300 times per second and massage your face to squeaky clean perfection. The Clarisonic system cleanses so well that products absorb better; reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes; visibly shrinks pores; minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother. "It's a miracle massage for your face," Oprah says.

Cost: $195 (includes Cordless Clarisonic, charging cradle, two brush heads, and 2 oz. trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser)
clarisonic.com

Oprah's Favorite Things 2007

Yesterday, America watched as Oprah unveiled her Favorite Things of 2007 list on an unsuspecting audience in Macon, Georgia. Three hundred golden ticket holders left the convention center pushing shopping carts filled with the (now) most coveted products in the country.

This year, Oprah took her show on the road because Macon consistently has the nation's highest percentage of viewers tuned into her talk show. Filming the "Favorite Things" episode in Macon was a thank-you to the fans, she explained. Audience members left the local convention hall pushing shopping carts toppled with loot – including camcorders, apparel, refrigerators with an LCD TV built into the door – and, of course, beauty products!

When the ‘Queen of All Media’ wants to spoil herself pretty, she reaches for…



Claus Porto Soaps From Lafco New York
These all-natural, bath-sized bars distributed by Lafco New York are a labor of love. They have been created by the Claus Porto's family-run factory in Portugal for the past 117 years. Each bar starts with top quality 100% vegetable soap base and pure, skin softening shea butter. Next, the finest fragrances from the South of France are mixed in so that the scent lasts until the very end of the bar. All of these ingredients are then milled seven times in the traditional European way for a hard, dense soap that has an ultra luxurious and creamy lather.

The jumbo-sized soaps appeal to the senses with beautiful wrappers and 17 magnificent scents, from honeysuckle to grapefruit fig. "They make great hostess gifts," Oprah says.

Cost: $42 (set of 3)
lafcony.com


Kai Body Butter and Body Buffer

"Bathing is an art form and nobody enjoys it more than I do," Oprah says. Kai customized their signature scent into a moisturizing body butter in a tub just for Oprah. Kai body lotion contains safflower seed oil, shea butter, apricot kernel oil, and cucumber a silky whipped soufflé with a moisturizing shea butter base blended with safflower seed oil, vitamins A, C, and E, aloe leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, cucumber fruit extract, apricot kernel oil, and the original kai perfume oil. "It's clean and fresh," she says.

She also loves the Body Buffer by Kai, a hypo-allergenic loofah infused with a light blend of exotic perfumes and natural essences to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the skin. Just wet and squeeze to release foaming bubbles that smell like an exotic garden.

Cost: Body Buffer $28; Body Butter $55
kaifragrance.com
Also available at embraceyourstyle.com and eluxury.com


Clarisonic Skin Care System

Developed by the people who created the Sonicare Toothbrush, the Clarisonic Skin Care System helps remove six times more makeup than soap and water alone. The bristles vibrate 300 times per second and massage your face to squeaky clean perfection. The Clarisonic system cleanses so well that products absorb better; reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes; visibly shrinks pores; minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother. "It's a miracle massage for your face," Oprah says.

Cost: $195 (includes Cordless Clarisonic, charging cradle, two brush heads, and 2 oz. trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser)
clarisonic.com

Feed Your Face

Did you know that our skin absorbs up to 64% of what we put on it? It’s a scary statistic, considering the ingredients found in most cosmetic products. Juice Beauty prefers to do things the natural way, using certified organic ingredients in their paraben-, fragrance-, and petroleum-free formulas. This line of cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and treatments uses freshly-squeezed organic juice concentrates as its base, not water – so products are rich in potent antioxidants, essential vitamins, phytonutrients and hydroxy acids. Juice Beauty gets your skin glowing while leaving you with peace of mind.

My favorite Juice Beauty product is the Green Apple Peel – Sensitive Skin. This powerful (yet gentle) hydroxy acid complex of certified organic apple, lemon, grape juices, and raw cane sugar exfoliates and brightens for visibly improved skin tone and texture – and it smells good enough to eat!

If you’re a bit hesitant to spend $39 for 2 ounces of the Green Apple Peel, go to juicebeauty.com and pick up a sample for $4.75. Trust me, you’ll be back for more.

Their motto is: “Try it because it’s organic. Use it because it works.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Juice Beauty is available at Sephora, hsn.com, and juicebeauty.com.

Feed Your Face

Did you know that our skin absorbs up to 64% of what we put on it? It’s a scary statistic, considering the ingredients found in most cosmetic products. Juice Beauty prefers to do things the natural way, using certified organic ingredients in their paraben-, fragrance-, and petroleum-free formulas. This line of cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and treatments uses freshly-squeezed organic juice concentrates as its base, not water – so products are rich in potent antioxidants, essential vitamins, phytonutrients and hydroxy acids. Juice Beauty gets your skin glowing while leaving you with peace of mind.

My favorite Juice Beauty product is the Green Apple Peel – Sensitive Skin. This powerful (yet gentle) hydroxy acid complex of certified organic apple, lemon, grape juices, and raw cane sugar exfoliates and brightens for visibly improved skin tone and texture – and it smells good enough to eat!

If you’re a bit hesitant to spend $39 for 2 ounces of the Green Apple Peel, go to juicebeauty.com and pick up a sample for $4.75. Trust me, you’ll be back for more.

Their motto is: “Try it because it’s organic. Use it because it works.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Juice Beauty is available at Sephora, hsn.com, and juicebeauty.com.

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

Love chocolate, but watching your waistline? Next time you get a craving, put down the M&M’s (my personal weakness) and pick up one of the following products. They’re sure to satisfy any chocoholic’s sweet tooth!

Bath & Body


Chocolate Milk Body Wash by Philip B is a playful and magical experience that revives the spirit of your inner child and lends a spiritual youth jolt! Nurturing and skin conditioning, the aromatic rich scent is a treat from your nose to your toes and makes you feel 100% delicious.


When times are rough, let nature’s original physical therapist, pure Cocoa Extract, reveal your softer self. Origins Cocoa Therapy Body-Buffing Scrub helps delete skin-dulling debris and excess impurities.


Prepare yourself for pampering with Spa Chocolate Gift Set by Not Soap, Radio - consisting of exfoliating sugared body polish, ultra-whipped cocoa butter body soufflé, and a purifying face mask all made with real cocoa, a dash of vanilla and a hint of nutmeg.


Fragrance


Aquolina’s Chocolovers Sweet Kiss Gift Set includes a 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray and a 0.27 oz Creamy Lip Color in a signature gift box.


Dangerously alluring and passionately addictive, Comptoir Sud Pacifique’s Amour de Cacao offers a delicate and original alternative for vanilla lovers. With notes of unsweetened dark chocolate, vanilla, and bitter orange, this elegant confection lingers with a powdery exoticism.


Cosmetics


There's just nothing sexier than a juicy, plump, healthy, satin-smooth pucker. Keep your lips in kissable shape with Too Faced Beauty Balm, a seductive lip balm infused with lip loving essential oils. The Chocolate Bunny shade (a chocolate-scented nude) keeps lips soft and supple.


Sweet Beauty Lip Balms are formulated to moisturize, heal and protect, while pampering your lips with the delicious taste of chocolate. They are available in 5 degrees of chocolaty intensity.


Bourjois Bronzing Powder and Kabuki Brush give your skin a radiant, healthy glowing tan with a chocolate-orange scent.


Home


If you're not eating chocolate, what's the next best thing? A Cocoa Bar that looks and smells like the real thing...but can hold all sorts of things for you. Slide cards or photos in between the individual "pieces" to hold them up or use it as a soap dish or a paperweight. The possibilities are endless...and if all else fails, you can always take an intoxicating whiff. Chocoholics won't be able to resist.


Laura Mercier Chocolate Truffle Candle diffuses a warm chocolate fragrance throughout the home. It blends top notes of almond with creamy espresso and a hint of Frangelico; the chocolate scent is warmed with a blend of vanilla, sweet maple and honey topped off with rose.

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

Love chocolate, but watching your waistline? Next time you get a craving, put down the M&M’s (my personal weakness) and pick up one of the following products. They’re sure to satisfy any chocoholic’s sweet tooth!

Bath & Body


Chocolate Milk Body Wash by Philip B is a playful and magical experience that revives the spirit of your inner child and lends a spiritual youth jolt! Nurturing and skin conditioning, the aromatic rich scent is a treat from your nose to your toes and makes you feel 100% delicious.


When times are rough, let nature’s original physical therapist, pure Cocoa Extract, reveal your softer self. Origins Cocoa Therapy Body-Buffing Scrub helps delete skin-dulling debris and excess impurities.


Prepare yourself for pampering with Spa Chocolate Gift Set by Not Soap, Radio - consisting of exfoliating sugared body polish, ultra-whipped cocoa butter body soufflé, and a purifying face mask all made with real cocoa, a dash of vanilla and a hint of nutmeg.


Fragrance


Aquolina’s Chocolovers Sweet Kiss Gift Set includes a 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray and a 0.27 oz Creamy Lip Color in a signature gift box.


Dangerously alluring and passionately addictive, Comptoir Sud Pacifique’s Amour de Cacao offers a delicate and original alternative for vanilla lovers. With notes of unsweetened dark chocolate, vanilla, and bitter orange, this elegant confection lingers with a powdery exoticism.


Cosmetics


There's just nothing sexier than a juicy, plump, healthy, satin-smooth pucker. Keep your lips in kissable shape with Too Faced Beauty Balm, a seductive lip balm infused with lip loving essential oils. The Chocolate Bunny shade (a chocolate-scented nude) keeps lips soft and supple.


Sweet Beauty Lip Balms are formulated to moisturize, heal and protect, while pampering your lips with the delicious taste of chocolate. They are available in 5 degrees of chocolaty intensity.


Bourjois Bronzing Powder and Kabuki Brush give your skin a radiant, healthy glowing tan with a chocolate-orange scent.


Home


If you're not eating chocolate, what's the next best thing? A Cocoa Bar that looks and smells like the real thing...but can hold all sorts of things for you. Slide cards or photos in between the individual "pieces" to hold them up or use it as a soap dish or a paperweight. The possibilities are endless...and if all else fails, you can always take an intoxicating whiff. Chocoholics won't be able to resist.


Laura Mercier Chocolate Truffle Candle diffuses a warm chocolate fragrance throughout the home. It blends top notes of almond with creamy espresso and a hint of Frangelico; the chocolate scent is warmed with a blend of vanilla, sweet maple and honey topped off with rose.

Space Issues

Not Soap, Radio’s Portable Panacea Trios are designed specifically for those on the go, and those who have space issues.

“Whether you are flying out the door or flying around the world, running to work or running on the treadmill, this line will work for you.”

The entire line consists of 2 groupings – a hair care group and a body care group. Each contains 3 products, in individual bottles, held together with an overcap and an undercap. All bottles are flip-top and can stand up on their own.

The hair care trio consists of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. The body care trio consists of body polish, shave gel, and lotion. Both sets are currently on sale for $12.

Space Issues

Not Soap, Radio’s Portable Panacea Trios are designed specifically for those on the go, and those who have space issues.

“Whether you are flying out the door or flying around the world, running to work or running on the treadmill, this line will work for you.”

The entire line consists of 2 groupings – a hair care group and a body care group. Each contains 3 products, in individual bottles, held together with an overcap and an undercap. All bottles are flip-top and can stand up on their own.

The hair care trio consists of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. The body care trio consists of body polish, shave gel, and lotion. Both sets are currently on sale for $12.

This Peel Makes Its Mark By Fading Yours

Just now, my mom called asking me to recommend a facial peel for my sister, Lauren. There are many types of peels on the market, so I inquired about what kind of result Lauren was looking for. My mom explained that the Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion I had raved about was doing a great job of clearing up my sister’s blackheads – but the process was resulting in some hyper-pigmentation. It didn’t take me long to offer a suggestion...almost immediately, I remembered a product I purchased over a year ago – that yielded great results.

Used consistently (1-3 times per week), Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel visibly reduces the appearance of post-acne marks. What I like most about the treatment is that it contains Salicylic Acid to prevent new breakouts from forming and discourage future marks. The product does a wonderful job of exfoliating skin…after using the peel, my skin had a healthy glow and was smooth as a toddler’s tuchis.

My only criticism is the smell – it isn’t pleasant, but it’s tolerable…and you get used to it after a while. In Spoiled Pretty’s opinion, it’s a small price to pay for smoother, clearer skin.

Available at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com, Walgreen’s, Eckerd, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart and Kmart.

This Peel Makes Its Mark By Fading Yours

Just now, my mom called asking me to recommend a facial peel for my sister, Lauren. There are many types of peels on the market, so I inquired about what kind of result Lauren was looking for. My mom explained that the Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion I had raved about was doing a great job of clearing up my sister’s blackheads – but the process was resulting in some hyper-pigmentation. It didn’t take me long to offer a suggestion...almost immediately, I remembered a product I purchased over a year ago – that yielded great results.

Used consistently (1-3 times per week), Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel visibly reduces the appearance of post-acne marks. What I like most about the treatment is that it contains Salicylic Acid to prevent new breakouts from forming and discourage future marks. The product does a wonderful job of exfoliating skin…after using the peel, my skin had a healthy glow and was smooth as a toddler’s tuchis.

My only criticism is the smell – it isn’t pleasant, but it’s tolerable…and you get used to it after a while. In Spoiled Pretty’s opinion, it’s a small price to pay for smoother, clearer skin.

Available at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com, Walgreen’s, Eckerd, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart and Kmart.

Hell Has Officially Frozen Over

On Friday night, after returning home from a night out with friends, my husband took a long, hard look at me and asked, “Honey, when’s the last time you exfoliated?”

I was aghast at the question, considering this was a man who, just a few years earlier, had been cleansing his face with the same bar of Irish Spring he used to wash his body. He has since graduated to less archaic methods of skincare, but since when was he an expert in the art of exfoliation?

After taking a long, hard look at my dull complexion in the mirror, I reluctantly agreed that my husband might be on to something – so I asked what he recommended. He handed me his Energizing Face Scrub by Nivea For Men, and told me to give it a try.

As you all know, I’m not above using men’s products – so I applied some to my freshly-washed face and worked the product in in circles. The fine scrub particles are not for the faint of heart – so if your skin is on the sensitive side, you may find this to be a bit too abrasive. Otherwise, it’s great at unclogging pores and getting rid of excess impurity build up.

My husband’s Energizing Face Scrub did just what it promised – it smoothed my complexion by lifting off rough, dead skin. The “fine scrub particles” were a little more aggressive than I’m used to - so I think I’ll stick to my Fresh Sugar Face Polish and steal, I mean borrow, his Nivea Face Scrub once a week. And if he ever gets stingy and I have to go buy my own, it’s only $6.

Available at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com, CVS, Walgreen's, and Rite Aid.

Hell Has Officially Frozen Over

On Friday night, after returning home from a night out with friends, my husband took a long, hard look at me and asked, “Honey, when’s the last time you exfoliated?”

I was aghast at the question, considering this was a man who, just a few years earlier, had been cleansing his face with the same bar of Irish Spring he used to wash his body. He has since graduated to less archaic methods of skincare, but since when was he an expert in the art of exfoliation?

After taking a long, hard look at my dull complexion in the mirror, I reluctantly agreed that my husband might be on to something – so I asked what he recommended. He handed me his Energizing Face Scrub by Nivea For Men, and told me to give it a try.

As you all know, I’m not above using men’s products – so I applied some to my freshly-washed face and worked the product in in circles. The fine scrub particles are not for the faint of heart – so if your skin is on the sensitive side, you may find this to be a bit too abrasive. Otherwise, it’s great at unclogging pores and getting rid of excess impurity build up.

My husband’s Energizing Face Scrub did just what it promised – it smoothed my complexion by lifting off rough, dead skin. The “fine scrub particles” were a little more aggressive than I’m used to - so I think I’ll stick to my Fresh Sugar Face Polish and steal, I mean borrow, his Nivea Face Scrub once a week. And if he ever gets stingy and I have to go buy my own, it’s only $6.

Available at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com, CVS, Walgreen's, and Rite Aid.

Do It Yourself

Pampering yourself doesn’t have to put a strain on your pocketbook. The next time you’re longing for the spa or the salon, head to your kitchen instead. You don’t have to be a top chef to master the following DIY beauty recipes. All you need is a few minutes and some everyday ingredients. And, voila…a more beautiful you!*


Eliut Rivera's Cucumber & Olive Oil Shine-Boosting Hair Treat
Heat, sun, and sweat can do a number on your hair. This rich mask, from the celeb stylist who counts Penélope Cruz among his fans, helps return your mane to its former soft and shiny self.

1 cucumber
1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil (depending on length of hair)

Puree cucumber and olive oil in blender or food processor. Comb mixture evenly through hair, concentrating on ends. Let set for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, shampoo twice, and condition as usual.


Naturopathica's Skin-Softening Avocado Mask
This quick-fix moisturizer from the famed East Hampton spa thwarts dry skin fast.

1/2 avocado
1 egg
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional; adds extra moisture)

Blend all ingredients together. Apply to face. Leave on five to ten minutes and rinse well.


Raechel Cunningham's Mojito Scrub for Rough Hands
This cocktail-inspired scrub, from aesthetician Raechel Cunningham of New York Laser & Aesthetics, leaves hands smooth enough to raise a glass confidently in public.

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small lime
3 to 5 mint leaves

Chop mint leaves and squeeze 1/2 lime into bowl. Combine remaining ingredients. Massage into palm of hand, working the product around. Also makes a great cuticle treatment.


Sweet Lily's Grapefruit Vodka Pedicure
This grapefruit-vodka foot treatment from the Tribeca-based natural nail spa sounds good enough to drink, but we suggest you whip up a second batch for your drinking pleasure.

1 gallon grapefruit juice (no pulp)
1 sliced grapefruit (pink or yellow)
2 limes (1 sliced in wheels, the other halved)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 shot glass of vodka

Pour 1/4 cup sugar into small bowl and place lime half on top. Heat grapefruit juice on stove or in microwave until warm (not hot). Pour heated juice into a large basin, add shot of vodka, and garnish with sliced grapefruit and lime. Soak feet for a few minutes. Then, dip a lime half into the sugar and squeeze out a bit of the juice. Use lime to gently apply sugar to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate rough skin. Repeat with remaining sugar and the other lime half. Rinse well. Follow with foot lotion and polish.

*Before you start: do a patch test to make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients.

Recipes courtesy of Style.com.

Do It Yourself

Pampering yourself doesn’t have to put a strain on your pocketbook. The next time you’re longing for the spa or the salon, head to your kitchen instead. You don’t have to be a top chef to master the following DIY beauty recipes. All you need is a few minutes and some everyday ingredients. And, voila…a more beautiful you!*


Eliut Rivera's Cucumber & Olive Oil Shine-Boosting Hair Treat
Heat, sun, and sweat can do a number on your hair. This rich mask, from the celeb stylist who counts Penélope Cruz among his fans, helps return your mane to its former soft and shiny self.

1 cucumber
1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil (depending on length of hair)

Puree cucumber and olive oil in blender or food processor. Comb mixture evenly through hair, concentrating on ends. Let set for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, shampoo twice, and condition as usual.


Naturopathica's Skin-Softening Avocado Mask
This quick-fix moisturizer from the famed East Hampton spa thwarts dry skin fast.

1/2 avocado
1 egg
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional; adds extra moisture)

Blend all ingredients together. Apply to face. Leave on five to ten minutes and rinse well.


Raechel Cunningham's Mojito Scrub for Rough Hands
This cocktail-inspired scrub, from aesthetician Raechel Cunningham of New York Laser & Aesthetics, leaves hands smooth enough to raise a glass confidently in public.

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small lime
3 to 5 mint leaves

Chop mint leaves and squeeze 1/2 lime into bowl. Combine remaining ingredients. Massage into palm of hand, working the product around. Also makes a great cuticle treatment.


Sweet Lily's Grapefruit Vodka Pedicure
This grapefruit-vodka foot treatment from the Tribeca-based natural nail spa sounds good enough to drink, but we suggest you whip up a second batch for your drinking pleasure.

1 gallon grapefruit juice (no pulp)
1 sliced grapefruit (pink or yellow)
2 limes (1 sliced in wheels, the other halved)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 shot glass of vodka

Pour 1/4 cup sugar into small bowl and place lime half on top. Heat grapefruit juice on stove or in microwave until warm (not hot). Pour heated juice into a large basin, add shot of vodka, and garnish with sliced grapefruit and lime. Soak feet for a few minutes. Then, dip a lime half into the sugar and squeeze out a bit of the juice. Use lime to gently apply sugar to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate rough skin. Repeat with remaining sugar and the other lime half. Rinse well. Follow with foot lotion and polish.

*Before you start: do a patch test to make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients.

Recipes courtesy of Style.com.