Trend-Filled Thursdays: Sugar Products

Sugar: A sweet, crystalline substance, obtained chiefly from the juice of the sugarcane and the sugar beet, and present in sorghum and maple sap. Used extensively as an ingredient and flavoring of certain foods.

Looking for an ingredient that will buff, soften and moisturize skin? Then you should certainly turn to sugar. The little crystals normally found in coffee or sprinkled across strawberries have fabulous conditioning properties guaranteed to make your skin super-supple. Read on to discover the products filled to the brimming with sugar that you definitely won't want to live without.

Archipelago Botanicals Sugar Creme in White Sugar & Mango ($22 at scentsandsprays.com): Now, I know this says "hand creme." But I actually like to use it on my legs and knees! It's formulated with soy proteins and dried milk solids, which help to keep skin feeling utterly silky and smooth. Plus it smells delicious -- and it's so fragrant, it cuts down on the need for perfume!


Jaqua Pink Champagne Exfoliating Body Polish ($14 at jaquabeauty.com): I've been a huge fan of all things Jaqua for years ... especially the body polishes. They never fail to make my skin softer than I thought possible -- and this one is definitely no different! And with its light but unbelievably delectable scent -- not to mention its combination of fruit extracts and oils like kukui, macadamia, sesame and sweet almond -- this one is a true winner.

Glowology Sugar Mama Honey Scrub ($26 at noodleandboo.com): Okay, so this one is created for mamas to be. But you know what? I don't care. I love the consistency of this scrub, which is super-thick and creamy. Shea butter moisturizes, coconut makes it smell delicious, and honey conditions. And best of all? The jar is so huge, it will take forever for me to get through it all!

Crabtree & Evelyn Lemongrass & Sugarcane Botanical Shower Mousse ($16 at crabtree-evelyn.com): The newest addition to the huge array of shower gels and body washes I've amassed? Totally this one. With its foamy consistency, it brings a much-needed newness to the typical showertime. My one recommendation? If you're using a pouf, use at least four pumps to really lather up. Otherwise, you won't have enough to get through the whole shower!

Molton Brown Celestial Maracuja Sugar Polish ($60 at moltonbrown.com): The ultimate splurge. This scrub is amazingly fragrant and makes me happy every time I open the tub. Formulated with organic maracuja passion flower and rose moqueta oil, this baby leaves even the roughest patches feeling better than ever. And the best part? The deep red tub totally pretties up the shower.

Lalicious Coconut Cream Sugar Souffle ($34 at lalicious.com): I am a huge fan of all things coconut. So it comes as no surprise that this scrub made me totally happy the second I unscrewed the cap. It's thick and luscious, and the intoxicating scent of coconut just wafts out and onto the skin immediately. And ashy calves? They're a thing of the past.

Principessa Delizia Mia Sugar Polish ($28 at makeup.com): Want to feel like a true princess? Then this is the scrub to help you on your way. Granted, it's pretty soupy -- I had to mix it for a good three or four minutes to really make the consistency scrubby enough for use. But once mixed, it left my skin feeling softer than I thought possible! You can even use it as a massage oil instead of a scrub, if you prefer. Now that's treating yourself royally.

H20+ Sea Marine Triple Butter Sugar Scrub ($25 at h20plus.com): Bring the spa into your shower with this tub. As soon as you open it, you'll feel like you were transported to a massage table complete with aromatherapy and essential oils. Skin will feel buttery soft -- as well it should -- with the triple-butter blend that you'll work into it. Seriously, is there anything this brand can't do?