Author: Lindsay

Mason Pearson Hairbrush

The investment in a Mason Pearson brush is a big one. But it is highly possible you could have this brush the rest of your life. I haven’t regretted the purchase one bit. My hair is healthier, with fewer flakes and less breakage. There are loads of options and it can be confusing to select the right one. Here are some guidelines:

  • Pure Bristle brushes (All Boar): For fine to normal hair, fine long hair
  • Bristle & Nylon Mixture brushes: For normal and short thick hair
  • All Nylon brushes: For very thick hair

Then you have to decide on size. If you have very long hair, go bigger (if your pocketbook allows). I have a fairly small brush for my long hair, and it works just fine. Largest to smallest:

  • Popular 9 inches
  • Junior 8 7/8 inches
  • Handy 8 1/2 inches
  • Pocket 6 3/4 inches

They also offer sensitive models are for very fine or thinning hair.

Don’t use this brush for styling. The heat will damage the bristles. I keep mine by my bed to a nightly brushing. Using it frequently helps distribute the oils and keeps hair and scalp healthy!

Tom Ford Beauty Nail Lacquer in Mink Brulee

I don’t usually splurge on nail polishes, but on a recent trip to Neiman Marcus, this color really caught my eye and I just couldn’t resist. I was under the impression that most nail polishes were equal in staying power. Turns out this might not be the case. Mink Brulee has beautiful texture, with an opaque nude finish. It only required two coats and had a shinny, glossy finish. But the real treat was when this color perserved through days of my normal hand abuse. I applied the color using my normal routine:

Somme Institute 5-step Regimen and Boost Mask

For the past several weeks, I’ve been using the Somme Institute 5-step Regimen. While I used different eye creams and added in a minimal number of other treatments, I was consistant with the Somme Institute products to ensure I could measure results (except SPF – see below). I felt that was important with this particular system because the delivery system and philosophy was specific and distinctive. The 5-step Regimen includes:

  • Step 1: Nourishing Cleanser – A non-foaming cleanser containing patented MDT5. Deep cleans skin without irritation or over-drying and dissolves dirt and oils without clogging pores.
  • Step 2: Transport – Soft cotton pads infused with MDT5 and AHA exfoliate dead cells on the skin’s surface, unclogging blocked pores while delivering highly-engineered vitamins thus improving resiliency, hydration and encouraging cell renewal.
  • Step 3: Serum – advanced technology that combines a potent, stabilized form of Vitamin C along with a high concentration of MDT5 to strengthen skin elasticity and smooth the appearance of fine lines.
  • Step 4: A-Bomb – a lightweight cream containing MDT5 and high levels of Vitamins A & E help soften fine lines and wrinkles while targeting problem areas.
  • Step 5: Double Defense (SPF 30+) – lightweight, water-resistant lotion with SPF 30+ and Parsol 1789 to help protect your skin from premature aging while locking in vital moisture.

Somme Institute uses a patented technology to achieve vitamin and protein delivery. The MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology) promises to transform the skin while treating with vitamins A, B3, B5, C and E. This is a fairly active skin care line as every step contains these vitamins. I was instantly met with some breakouts which I was told could be expected as the process delivers the treatment deeper than usual in the skin. But, as promised, those blemishes cleared up quickly. My skin did look clearer and more even, but wasn’t quite as radiant or hydrated.

My two concerns were with the A-Bomb (moisturizer) and Double Defense (SPF). The A-Bomb too lightweight for my dry skin. I felt I had to use an especially large amount. And I had a reaction to the SPF and was unable to use it (but my skin can be unusually sensitive to SPF). Instead I used La Mer SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid. That being said, I think this is a brillant line for someone with younger, problem skin who is on the oiler side and isn’t too sensitive. The system is easy to use with proven efficacy.

The Nourishing Cleanser, while not foaming, balanced my skin while removing makeup and dirt. I fell in love with the Serum. Vitamin C wasn’t a part of my regular routine. I will continue to purchase Serum as I honestly have seen some improvement in my redness. It also contains extracts of Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Geranium, Lavender, Marigold and Galbanum to calm and soothe the skin. And a real star for me was Transport. I love a good AHA pad. And these caused zero irritation. My pores were clear and skin looked more even.

My favorite part of the line, not part of the 5-step Regimen, was the Boost Mask. Back in the day, Biore made a warming cleanser that fascinated me. This Boost mask is the same deal. It gently warms up as you work it into your skin, increasing blood circulation and enhancing the MDT5 technology.  The pumpkin enzymes increase cellular regeneration while Kaolin absorbs excess oil, dirt and impurities. It is perfect for an evening bathtime ritual.

Instagramed Manicures

Here is a little recap of some of my recent manicures, as seen on Instagram. Follow me @bellebellebeauty.

  1. Avon Carnival Collection – I liked these so much, I had to put one color on each finger! I was channelling my 80’s pre-teen years and I liked it.
  2. Essie Brooch the Subject – For a change of pace, an opaque nude that was just the perfect color.
  3. Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolor Strike a Pose – I may not be crazy about the Kardashians, but admit I loved this bold coral/red.
  4. NARS Space Odyssey – For a metallic, this was perfect. It required three coats but had that perfect foil look.
  5. Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer – Rumored to be largely sold out, Mermaid Dream is already a cult favorite. I did see some on shelves at Neiman Marcus recently.

Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Moisture Milk Cleanser

I’ve been on a bit of a retinol and AHA kick. And I can say, my skin has never looked better. But it might be slightly in need of some tender loving care. And nothing hits the spot better than a rich, creamy cleanser from Kate Somerville.

The worst is when a gentle cleanser is so gentle it doesn’t to anything, but this stuff is still highly effective. I use a wipe to first remove my makeup. Then smooth the milk cleanser over wet skin. It instantly soothes with vitamins and plant extracts. Bitter orange peel cleanses, leaving my skin honestly as clean as with a foaming wash, but not stripped or tight. The cleanser itself is actually hydrating with Kukui, Macadamia, and Coconut Oils. And the hydration leaves me a little bit more glowy and radiant.

I’ll never be able to quit a big, foaming facewash, but I am also keeping this stuff nearby.

A Rosy Pout for Spring

There is something cheerful about rosy lips in the spring. Anything from a wash of color to a bold pink, paired with a flirty dress and you are all set. My favorites to achieve the look are:

Korres Lip Butter in Quince (very sheer)

This hydrating balm jut provides a wash of color, but it is makes your lips shiny and healthy. The butters are made with natural oils and extracts. Shea butter and rice wax provide hydration.

Lipstick Queen Jean Queen Lipstick  (sheer)

This just has slightly more color to it and also is super hydrating. If you don’t like pot format of the Korres, this is a great alternative. It gives a rose stain with literally zero dryness.

Cle de Peau Beaute Enriched Lip Luminizer in 213 (slightly sheer)

This is silky, slippery skin care for your lips. The color literally melts on. It is still fairly sheer but you are getting a good wash of color. I love how healthy this lush balm makes my lips feel. It is sold as a holder and refill.  The swatch is from Nordstrom.

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil (opaque)

I never knew a pencil could be so buttery and soft. This literally translates into a gloss, but packs a punch of color. This is for those who want a true, hot pink rose on their lips. It still is moisturizing with ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic spheres, and phytosterol esthers.

 

As a side note, check out my interview on Priscilla Francine Makeup! So excited to be featured by this artist based in my former “home city”, San Francisco.