Author: Lindsay

Avon At Elizabeth & James Spring 2014

Okay guys… one more NYFW round up. I feel like these can sometimes get a little old, but if there is a particular look I fall for, I can’t help but sharing. Even more so when it is used at a presentation for a clothing line I love and wear. Let’s be honest, I would wear The Row 24/7 if I had an unlimited budget. So, Elizabeth & James offers that same quality with a little bit of casual breeziness. When I invest in an Elizabeth & James piece, I wear it for years.

The look created by Lauren Andersen is modern yet classic so it is no wonder it all is achieved with the iconic American brand, Avon. The minimalist tone includes glowy complexions and just a hint of color. Not to mention, some serious eyebrows (I’m currently letting mine just grow wild and I am loving it). Andersen describes the looks as “fresh yet sophisticated” and compliments the “relaxed, casual vibe of the spring collection.”

To get the clean natural look:

Prep skin. Using a foundation brush and your finger, apply a thin layer of Avon Ideal Flawless Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation only on areas that need coverage. To create a natural dewiness, go back over the foundation with a wet sponge. (I love the idea of going over already applied foundation with a wet sponge rather than using a wet sponge to apply)
Highlight cheeks, brow bone and nose by swiping these areas with Avon Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation in Transparent Glow.
To keep cheeks looking dewy and fresh, apply Avon Ultra Color Lipstick in Carnation, a blushing pink shade, on the apples of cheeks. (I can’t help but get giddy when artists use a product for another purpose than as it was intended)
On the eyes, use a light wash of shadow with Avon True Color Eye Shadow Duo in Healthy Glow. Apply the lighter shade to the inner eyes and across the lid. Blend the darker shade very lightly along the lash line. (I have been really impressed with Avon’s shadows – they are creamy and super pigmented thanks to a special process used while being made)
Lightly line eyes for a “just-defined look” with Avon’s Kohl Eye Liner in Intense Brown.
Give lashes volume and definition with Avon Mega Effects Mascara. (This stuff is seriously the bomb – see my review here.)
Finish the look by matching lip color to the shade used on cheeks. Apply Avon Ultra Color Lipstick in Carnation to the center of the lips with your finger and then blot it out to give the pout a natural-yet-noticeable stain effect.

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.

Ouidad Stylists Bring Texture to the Runway – Tracy Reese Spring 2014

So, one of my goals with my shorter and more layered hair is to embrace the messy look. And nothing could be more on trend. Messy up-dos were all over the runways this past week at New York Fashion Week.

I was fortunate enough to be back stage at the Tracy Reese show and got to see the stylists at work. Stylists crafted textured knots inspired by “Afro Cuban” hair. The texture was a perfect play off Tracy’s collection full of leather and raffia embroidery. While my hair is naturally fine, I learned that texture can be created with the right tools and products.

I’d already fallen for Ouidad even though it is particularly aimed for those with curly hair (see post here). While the Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner & Styling Primer really is better suited for naturally curly hair, some of these products used at Tracy Reese are high on my wish list to transform my straight and fine texture.

First up is the Salon Series by Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi Use Hair Treatment. Known as “hair food”, the vitamin E packed formula can regenerate and repair hair. It also acts as a heat protectant, reduces frizz and adds shine.

The Ouidad Play Curl Volumizing Styling Spray can help hold both natural and crafted curls. The hold stays soft and touchable thanks to wheat proteins, wheat amino acids and glycerin.

Always a sucker for a sea spray, Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray is high on my wish list. This one in particular is designed for straight hair can help achieve the perfect tousle. Sea Kelp adds shine.

Ouidad Wave Create Texture Taffy also works for straight hair. This has a matte finish without being sticky. It also nourishes hair with Marine Complex, Sea Kelp and Algae Extract.

Ouidad is available at ouidad.com, folica, and Ulta.

CARGO HD Picture Perfect CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20

I know we are all a little fatigued from the BB/CC craze. At this point, it has been done by virtually everyone. And so many people have already found their favorites. Popular choices include Dr. Jart, Boscia, and my beloved Kiehl’s. So, why beat a dead horse? Well, it certainly isn’t to confuse you further. But to give you another option that truly differentiates itself from the rest of the pack.

Off the bat, I was totally confused when I first dispensed the balm from the tube. It was white. After confirming that this was, in fact, the actual shade of the balm, I proceeded. With a little bit of doubt. But gosh darn it… this stuff adjusted to a perfect match for my skin. The oil-free formula uses color adapting pigments and color correcting technology for a fool-proof shade.

I applies just like a moisturizer and ended up with fairly sheer coverage that is lightweight and slightly matte. This isn’t a buildable CC cream, so those looking for more coverage, this won’t be your cup of tea. I don’t get that dreaded sunscreen scent, but there is a tiny chemical fragrance that dissipates quickly. My skin feels supple and hydrated while I wear Picture Perfect so the dry skin sufferers like me should love it.

The tube is very small – just one ounce. At $39, this is fairly high on the cost spectrum, but I actually love the tinier packaging, perfect for travel or to throw in your purse. Bottom line, for those who want a lightweight, perfect match and oil-free formula, this could be your holy grail. Also, those with drier skin will love its hydrating properties. With SPF 20 (okay for office days), make sure you layer with a stronger SPF if you are headed for a day outdoors.

Divine Caudalie and NYC Vinexpert Celebration Event

I wasn’t sure Caudalie could impress me more after I fell hard for their Divine Oil. But they recently blew me away with a whole collection of goodies based on the Divine Oil. First up, a little recap on the body oil I continue to reach for after all these months:

Caudalie Divine Oil:

This stuff smells most like my beloved Tocca and its spray dispenser makes it easy to measure out reasonable doses. The vegetable oil blend is quite the multi-tasker, perfect for in the bath, right out of the shower, on hair or even nails. The fragrance Moroccan rose, Bulgarian rose, grapefruit, pink pepper, cedar, vanilla and white musk can also be a treat during a massage.

Caudalie Divine Scrub:

With the same lovely scent, this scrub uses natural plant oils and brown sugar for a gentle exfoliation. I get a little foaming action – which I love. Not only does it leave a little fragrance, but my skin is insanely soft thanks to the oils. Prefect prep for my Divine Oil addiction.

Caudalie Divine Legs:

And the real gem of the collection. I didn’t think anything could make me drool more than the Divine Oil, but this new cult classic was worth the effort to track down. It has been selling out like crazy. I’m already hooked as my summer glow is fading. This isn’t a self tanner but gives the perfect instant touch of sun. It isn’t terribly tinted, making it almost universal. It also acts as a great lotion. And the bronze finish is instantly slimming. This is definitely a fall must have for me.

And for you lucky little devils that live in New York City… You must know about a celebration at the Caudalie boutiques coming up. The festivities are in honor of the vine harvest and Caudalie’s newly reformulated Vinexpert line with Resveratrol. Enjoy instant-lift mini facials, French cheese and Grand Cru sips. There is a $25 reservation fee that can be used as store credit at the party. May I suggest something from the Divine Collection?! Details:

315 Bleecker St. (@ Grove) September 20-21 (Friday & Saturday)

1031 Lexington Ave. (@74^th) September 26-27 (Thursday & Friday)

Please RSVP at www.caudalie.eventbrite.com

Belle Belle Visits Mario Badescu Salon

A highlight of my recent New York City adventure was stopping by the Mario Badescu Salon to get treated to a facial and learn more about this brand that I love. Heading into a oasis of calm after hoofing it around hectic New York City was in itself relaxing. While I was fairly confident about my skin type, I was relieved when Maria confirmed that I had very dry skin, slightly sensitive and definitely suffering from sun damage. Relived that I was correct but discouraged I had an uphill battle ahead of me. She was direct but also comforting in saying there was lots I could do to reverse the damage and soothe my dry, irritated skin.

Using lots of products with Aloe, my skin was cleaned. Extractions are usually a breeze for me – clogged pores aren’t my biggest issue. But she was gentle while still achieving a great deep clean. Next up was my beloved Flower and Tonic Mask which can clean pores without drying and while calming sensitivity. Next up was a salon-only peel-off Vitamin C mask. You know me… I can resist a good peel off and this was to help with sun damage and pigmentation. She finished with Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. To moisturize and protect, she used Aloe Moisturizer with SPF 15. I feel a little bit better with the higher protection of their Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 30, but am happy to know of an alternative if I am feeling more sensitive than usual.

My skin looked so great, I braved a dinner with my favorite beauty bloggers that evening completely sans makeup. There is something to be said for just letting your skin breathe after a facial. For those of you in NYC, I highly highly suggest a visit to the salon (320 E. 52nd Street between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave). Starting at $65, facials can be a great way to whip your skin into shape and they are so affordable. The classic and no nonsense approach to skin care and in-person treatment left me with dewy, even skin. Even if you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood, you can drop in for a free consultation at the front desk. They will hook you up with samples of your suggested routine so you can try before you buy.

And those like me who aren’t in the big city, just check out this page on their website. You can chat live with a skin care specialist or fill out a form for your very own digital consultation. They will hook you up with those same samples to check out before you buy. How cool is that???

Simple Skincare Pinterest Contest

One of my beloved brands, especially for my increasingly sensitive skin, is launching a Pinterest page! And to celebrate, they are hosting a huge giveaway that I get to be a part of! As a Simple Skincare Ambassador, I get to pick one of seven winners. And if you are a Pinterest addict like me, entering is easy peasy!

Starting this week and through September 27th midnight EST you can enter to win one of seven Simple Gift Bags which includes the entire range and a $50 American Express gift card – whoa! Steps to enter are:

First, follow Simple Skincare on Pinterest.
Repin a pin from my #SimpleInspiration board, using the #SimpleSkinspiration tag or
Repin a pin from the Simple Skincare Pinterest page’s “#SimpleInspiration” pinboard, using the #SimpleInspiration tag or
Create on original pin using content from the Simple blog or Simple YouTube page, using the tag #SimpleInspiration.

Good luck! Open to the US Only.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.