First, isn’t this the most amazing bun? I love wearing my hair up, and hope I can perfect this polished but “not too fancy” look soon. In other news, I had an awesome weekend with high school friends this weekend. We celebrated, laughed and caught up. And I was thrilled to be able to share some social media knowledge with my favorite Birmingham entreprenuers. And it reminded me… if you’d like to catch up with me outside the blog, make sure to follow me:
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I’ve been so looking forward to trying my Revlon by Marchesa 3D Jewel Appliqués! The problem was I needed an event fun and festive enough to call for using these beauties. This past weekend, I visited old high school friends. While there was lots of work – lots of fun stuff to come here at Belle Belle! – there was plenty of fun. We always manage to have the best time. There is a reason these girls have been in my life for so long!
These limited edition collection of nail stickers are all inspired by Marchesa’s signature designs. Each set has 18 stickers, ensuring you can find the right size for each nail. Apply to a clean dry nail and make sure to press the sticker down firmly. Bend excess over the end of your nail. Use the included file to remove the remaining sticker filing in one direction only. The eight glamorous patterns were pulled from the archives:
Pick up yours at your nearest Walgreens, CVS, and select retailers nationwide through Fall 2013.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I always envied those girls who could wash and air dry their hair and it would look fabulous. Mine always was frizzy, confused, wavy and limp. But these last couple of weeks I think I may have finally figured out something that would work for me. I’m testing a Neutrogena hair mask and have discovered loads of hair oils. My hair was just dry! Now my waves look bouncy and shiny. It is my new favorite “undone” look. Here are some of my finds from trolling the web this week:
I love these beauty tips from my favorite Lucky Magazine editors.
Birchbox shares which treatments are best suited for professionals and what you can do at home.
This is a great guide to how much beauty product we really need.
Did you miss my favorite finds – fashion and beauty – from September?
Lusting over these classic boots.
Love this hi/lo comparison discussion on an iconic luxury foundation and drugstore alternative.
I think Katy Perry’s first look as the newest Covergirl face is stunning.
My book collection is really piling up. I love this post from Merritt for some inspiration on how to display them.
And some fabulous sales to share:
Today is the last day of Saks Fifth Avenue’s Friends and Family sale! Get 25% off with code FRNFAM. This clutch is at the top of my wish list.
30% off site-wide at Kate Spade with code FALL13FF through today.
Don’t miss Stila Cosmetics’ fall beauty bash – up to 80% off!
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I’m so thrilled to be part of IFB’s roundup this week. There are some great features in my company with fun fashion ideas, brow hints and Halloween ideas:
No one is immune to fashion problems. So why take them so seriously? Cue side-eye and say, “Puh-lease, as if!” No really, whether it’s what your friend says when you’re trying on a new trend, or determining if you’re a good bitch or a bad bitch, heck, even if you’re trying to make those jeans work with heels, it’s all here this week. Plus a couple of cute ideas for Halloween! Even if you need to fix your brows, this is the link list to browse.
SPONSOR: Eastdane Ebbets, Sperry Boots, DW Watches, Sperry, 1000 Mile, Hulme, Micah Cohen, Theory Sweaters, Apolis Bags, Griffin, & Shopbop
I know… it is so sad that the Shopbop Friends and Family has ended. But I’ll let you in on a little secret. Shopbop’s brother site, East Dane, has their Friends and Family through Sunday! I rounded up some of the items I’d like to steal for myself. But there are tons of goodies for your guy if you are up to some early holiday shopping. Same code (INTHEFAMILY25) for 25% off. You’re welcome!
CARDIGAN by Lynne Hiriak Dean Camo Sweatshirt
Illesteva Lou Reed x Illesteva Sunglasses
Ever since this interview with Gabriel Horn, I knew I wanted to up my game battling this stubborn hyperpigmentation. I’ve confessed to indulging in the sun this summer (obviously safely, always with sunscreen), so my sun damage and dark spots have gotten even worse. Even with my SPF 50 on my face, my hyperpigmentation-prone skin was affected.
Now that the cooler days have arrived, I knew I could safely go after the damage with strong, medical grade formulas. I stopped in to see my favorite Tulsa Skincare Guru, Gabriel Horn. He has recommended incorporating Tretinoin (aka Retin-A) along with hydraquinone (at 4% strength). I’ve been loyal to that combo since early September. And I have made tremendous progress against those darn spots. But I knew I needed more to eradicate them totally.
Last week, I went in to see Gabriel for a peel. While it can sound scary, my prep work actually made it much less traumatic. Skin that is used to and being treated with Tretinoin can handle chemical peels much better. I have had a peel with Gabriel before, so I knew what to expect. We started with acetone (which sounds gross and scary), but it helps for effective and even absorption of the chemicals. He then applied a modified Jessner peel with a formula developed by Dr. Manduano (the doctor he works with). This usually consists of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. From what I understand, it is a very gentle peel alone but can work in conjunction with other peels to raise efficacy. Gabriel then upped the game and spot treated the really dark spots with Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This is a much more aggressive type of peel.
Next up was a Retinoic acid peel applied all over the face. This is deeper than a Glycolic acid, Alpha hydroxy acid or Beta hydroxy acid peels, but not as strong as the TCA. Along with pigmentation, Retinoic acid also works against scars and wrinkles. While there was a tingle and discomfort but it certainly wasn’t intense pain. I held a fan in front of my face for about 10 minutes which provided a lot of relief.
The areas that Gabriel spot treated got very dark and then peeled for a full week. But gosh darn it… those dark spots are GONE. My face peeled on Friday (approximately 48 hours after my peel). Other than the spot-treated areas, I was done with peeling by Sunday evening. I had no pain after the actual application of the peel. And my skin looks radiant, healthier and more even. I am going to follow up with more peels and will be keeping you posted on my progress!
If you are in the Tulsa area, I highly recommend Gabriel. He works out of Dr. Joey Manduano’s office (also highly recommended) at 2219 East 21st Street. Their phone number is: 918.749.5522.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
