Community - The Place for Updates, Tips, and More
Welcome to our Community Happenings!
Click Here to View the Belletaré Be-the-Change Project Excitement!!
Help Me - I'm Peeling!
Has all that wonderful summer sun left your skin a bit dry and flakey? Our super luxurious 100% Natural and Certified Organic, High-Performance Skincare can definitely help. It's a perfect way to get the spa experience at home to save some green on your beauty routine.
Our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gel is gentle enough to use even on sunburned skin, and its Aloe Vera based. The Intermezzo Body Polish can’t be beat for sloughing off the flakes post-burn stage. If you even need it after using the super hydrating Body Polish, the Brava Body Lotion provides even more delicious moisture. It’s also Aloe based, so it’s very nourishing and great skin therapy anytime. The lotion even comes in an unscented version for our extra sensitive friends and family.
Check out these independent reviews of our products. The Body Polish was About.com's Product of the Day earlier this month.
http://skincare.about.com/od/beautyproductoftheday/a/BelletareIntermezzoBodyPolish.htm
http://skincare.about.com/b/2009/07/13/belletare-skincare.htm
http://www.styleforfree.com/styletalk/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=127627
Here's a summary of Jen Adkins' (About.com: Skin Care) review on the Polish:
"The scrub itself is fabulous. ... The oil is mixed in, not floating on the top. This makes using it much easier and less messy. (No stirring before using!) And the sugar granules are teeny, which reminds us of a microdermabrasion-type exfoliator. It does a fantastic job of exfoliating."
Facebook Contests & Winners!
1st Facebook Fan Page Contest - June 2009.
Thank you to all the wonderful Belletaré supporters who referred your friends and family to our fan page!! CONGRATULATIONS to Jenn Barron - our first ever winner. She choose the Intermezzo Body Polish in Vivace for her prize. Jenn, let us know what you think...on the fan page.
June's Facebook Fan Page Contest Winner:
Jenn Barron
For the month of August AND September we would love EVERYONE to participate in:
"Belletare's Be the Change" Facebook Fan Page Contest.
To enter, all you have to do is create a project that helps those in need that everyone can participate in on one day, no matter where they live. Select a cause that is important to you and that you feel needs our support. Then, tell us what that “Be the Change” project would entail. We will select one of the projects early October for the WINNER and the fan whose project is chosen, not only will feel the satisfaction and pride of knowing that they are responsible for bringing all of us together to help this cause, but they will also receive a special gift from Belletare.
Our goal with this contest is to create awareness of different causes and to empower all of us to help make our world a better place."You must be the change you wish to see in the world."-Mahatma Gandhi
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Philanthropy
We're really excited to get our community giving program going. Effective as of August, a percentage of proceeds will be donated to a specific charitable organization each quarter starting with MedShare International. Upates will be posted here on the Belletare Community webpage. In the meantime, if you haven't seen it before, check out Charity Navigator. Information on the donations that we make periodically for various fundraisers will also be available on the website.MedShare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the environment and healthcare through the efficient recovery and redistribution of surplus medical supplies and equipment to underserved healthcare facilities in developing countries. Their shipments of medical supplies and equipment have brought healing and the promise of better lives to 76 countries and countless patients.
Ingredient of the Month for August:
The Amazing Acai Berry!
Starting this month, learn about the ingredients that make Belletare's products so effective and fabulous for your skin!
Ingredient of the Month for August: ACAI
This exotic rain forest berry has most recently been proclaimed one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world, and is listed as one of the "Ten Super Foods" by Nick Perricone, one of Oprah's experts on anti-aging. In fact, this small purple and black berry, native to Brazil, has the reputation of being the most potent botanical antioxidants for skincare.
Antioxidants combat aging and wrinkles by stimulating cell regeneration and disarming those seriously damaging free-radicals caused by environmental stressors like sun and pollution. We love them and pack them into all our products!
Some amazing BENEFITS of ACAI:
-10x the antioxidants of red grapes.
-Approximately 50% linoleic acid (omega-6), a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid that is great for softening skin.
-Approximately 30% oleic acid (omega-9), a monounsaturated essential fatty acid that promotes hydration, leading to soft, silky and healthy skin.
-Contains phytosterols which help balance lipids in the skin, promoting cellular repair and membrane stability.
-Contains antioxidant vitamin C, which promotes cell regeneration.
Look for this super-berry, along with other powerful antioxidant ingredients, in our Intermezzo Body Polishes and Brava Body Lotions.
Ingredient of the Month for September:
The Amazing Aloe Vera Plant!
Ingredient of the Month for September: ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera is keeping with this month's theme of "BE THE CHANGE". If you've ever had a sunburn and applied aloe vera, you know first hand how it changes and heals your rough, dry, red skin.
The virtues of Aloe Vera have been recorded for thousands of years by many ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Persia, Greece, India and Africa. The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning 'bitter' because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. It is also known as 'lily of the desert', the 'plant of immortality', and the 'medicine plant'.
In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites. The fresh gel was used by Cleopatra to keep her skin soft and young. Aloe was used by Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards and is still used by hunters in Africa to reduce perspiration and body scent.
Its leaf contains more than 200 different constituents, and the juice contains, on average, more than 99% water.
Some amazing BENEFITS of ALOE VERA:
-Contains acemannan and other polysaccharides that boost T-lymphocyte cells, which help promote skin healing and neutralize many of the enzymes responsible for damaging the mucosal wall.
-Contains essential fatty acids (anti-inflammatory)
-Contains glycoproteins (protein-carbohydrate compounds that speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation)
-Contains polysaccharides (a type of carbohydrate that stimulates skin growth and repair)
-Contains vitamin A,C, E, and Zinc
-Contains enzymes, minerals and sterols, which help to reduce inflammation and relieve minor skin irritations
-Contains mucopolysaccharides* [MPS] (long-chain sugars). Mucopolysaccharides [MPS] are found in every single cell in the body
Externally, Aloe Vera Gel is Helpful for:
Abrasions ,acne, boils, burns, bursitis, carbuncles, chafed and cracked skin, chafed nipples from breastfeeding, contusions, cuts and scratches, dandruff, denture (gum) sores, dermatitis, edema (swelling), hemorrhoids, inflamed eyes, insect bites, radiation burns, rashes , psoriasis, skin irritation, skin rashes, sprains, stings, sunburn, tendonitis, ulcers, varicose veins, warts, wounds, wrinkles, and X-ray burns.
Externally it can also:
-aid in keeping the skin supple
-draw out infection
-help control of acne and eczema
-have a moisturizing effect on the skin
-prevent infection
-relieve itching due to insect bites and allergies
This super ingredient is included in our Crescendo Bath & Shower Gels and Brava Body Lotions.
Ingredient of the Month for October:
Borage Seed Oil!
Ingredient of the Month for October: BORAGE SEED OIL
Borage is a wild-growing, hardy native of the Mediterranean region, cultivated and naturalized throughout Great Britain and North America. Traditionally associated with courage, borage was used to flavor the wine for soldiers preparing for battle. In folk tradition throughout its long history of recorded use, borage was believed to dispel melancholy and ease grief and sadness.
Some amazing benefits of Borage Seed Oil:
§ Contains omega-6 essential fatty acids
§ Contains the highest concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) naturally found, higher than in any other plant source! Omega-6 fatty acids cannot be produced in our bodies, but must be obtained from food sources. Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for brain function, regulation of metabolism, and for the growth and health of bones, hair, and skin.
§ GLA also appears to reduce the adherence of plaque (abnormal patches of hardened deposits) to artery walls, thus lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. GLA helps to relieve PMS, regulate the menstrual cycle, and ease the hot flashes and mood swings of menopause.
At present, borage seed oil is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the GLA in borage seed oil prevents the formation of blood clots, helps to keep cell membranes flexible, and supports the body's immune function. It has been widely studied for its ability to calm and reduce inflammation, and has been used successfully to alleviate the pain, swelling, and joint stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Borage Seed Oil has also been used with positive results for many different skin disorders, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, and prematurely matured skin. Furthermore, studies have begun to show that it may be able to be beneficial for treating and preventing a malady of conditions including:
§ Menstrual cycles: breast inflammation and cramping
§ Nails, scalp, and hair: growth, nourishment, dry conditions
§ Osteoporosis: calcium deposits and absorption, bone strength and growth
§ Menopausal symptoms: hot flashes
§ Nerve disorders for those with Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis: assists with nerve function
§ Ulcers: anti-inflammatory
§ Lupus: anti-inflammatory
§ Impotence: promotes blood flow
§ Reduction of abnormal blood clotting: promotes blood flow
§ Alzheimer's: assists with nerve impulses
This super ingredient is included in our Brava Body Lotions.
Ingredient of the Month for November:
Caprylic/capric triglyceride
(Fractionated Coconut Oil)
Caprylic triglyceride, otherwise known as fractionated coconut oil, is a desirable emollient with quick skin penetration and has no color, odor or taste. It’s great as a dispersing agent and useful as a solvent for vitamins. In addition, it is often used for improving the spreading of skincare formulas. Used in massage, it will not stain sheets.
Benefits of Caprylic triglyceride:
We know that coconut oil is good for health and there are a few other things we know very well about coconut oil. They are;
- It is composed of predominantly saturated fatty acids.
- It is rich in Medium Chain Fatty Acids.
- Being rich in saturated fatty acids, it is highly stable.
In addition to having a very long shelf life and all the goodness of coconut oil. The outcome was this, the “Fractionated Coconut Oil”.
Description: As the name goes, the Fractionated Coconut Oil is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the Medium Chain Triglycerides and making it absolutely saturated oil. This saturation gives it a very-very long shelf life and stability. In addition, fractionating raises the comparative concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, thus giving it a more anti oxidant and disinfecting edge.
Preparation: For this, first hydrolysis of coconut oil is carried out. Then, the product is passed through steam distillation to obtain the fractionated coconut oil. The result is thin oil full of Medium Chain Triglycerides.
Uses: Being thin and stable, it has plenty of uses which can be broadly categorized as under;
- Widely used in preparation of soaps, lotions, ointments and other cosmetics.
- In aromatherapy, as carrier oil, since it facilitates absorption of other oils and herbal extracts.
- In massage.
- In medicines, due to its anti septic and disinfectant properties.
Noted for its similarity to human sub-cutaneous fat and its compatibility with skin, it is easily absorbed and ideal for fighting dryness and itching. It has an indefinite shelf life and lends stability to more fragile oils, such as borage.
Included in our Brava Body Lotions.
Ingredient of the Month for December
Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside and Cetearyl olivate/Sorbitan olivate
Cetearyl Alcohol is an emulsifying wax produced from a mixture of fatty alcohols. Made from cetyl and stearyl alcohol's which together form an occlusive film to keep skin moisture from evaporating.
- They give skin a velvety feeling.
Cetearyl Glucoside is a compound of glucose and cetearyl alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is from fatty alcohols.
- It helps skin and hair retain natural moisture and imparts a velvety feeling.
Cetearyl Olivate is non ionic, not ethoxylated, PEG-free, self-emulsifying system derived from olive oil.
- Softens and hydrates skin
Sorbitan Olivate--are waxy solids or viscous liquids. These esters are mono-, di-, and triesters of fatty acids and sorbitol.
- In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in a variety of products including skin care products, moisturizers, cleansing products, and eye and facial makeup.
Included in our Brava Body Lotions.