Author: Lindsay

Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++

You know those days were you need a touch more than just sunscreen, but can’t seem to muster up the energy for a full face of makeup? I know them all too well. And boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++ has been a lifesaver for me on days like that.

BB creams, initially popular in Asia, have claimed vanity real estate stateside in a big way. And no wonder. We love multi-taskers here in America. This BB cream (or “blemish balm” – I’ve also heard “beauty balm”) is concealer, foundation and SPF all in one. It is similar to Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge. But boscia is a far superior color match for me than the Peau Vierge. I just don’t seem to fit any of their offered three shades. Surprising since boscia only offers one shade, but the formula seems to manage perfect color match no matter the complexion – magic!

The botanical formula is oil-free with a cream feel but thinner, liquid application. There are no parabens or fragrances. My sensitive skin loves the soothing properties. While I am usually free of acne, I’ve had a couple spots appear lately. And this has done wonders both clearing up my blemish and covering without cake-y concealer. And it definitely smooths fine lines and basically eliminates the appearance of pores. While initial application is sheer, it is easily layered. And feel free to skip sunscreen because this stuff has my preferred physical sunscreens and an SPF 27.

Eve Echo Hand Soap and Hand Sanitizer

I truly admire those who use beauty for a charitable purpose. And Eve Echo is doing just that by selling deliciously scented hand soaps and hand sanitizers. Eve Echo is lending 100% of profits to FINCA, which, in turn, will offer low-interest loans to women to help them build businesses that create a path out of poverty. Natalie Portman is the FINCA spokeswoman and Eve Echo hopes to find “Eve Echo Ambassadors” who help get out the word. What a better way to make a difference than giving (or keeping for oneself) such stylish gifts.

I know I am already hooked. The products are cruelty-free, sulfate-free and triclosan-free (which translates into “doesn’t dry out skin”). I am a HUGE fan of the lavender vanilla hand sanitizer. The packaging is sleek and the sanitizer smells appealing, not antiseptic. The vanilla is more spicy and less cloying-sweet. It meets the TSA requirements and will certainly be travelling with me over the holidays and pretty much always.

My favorite hand soap has to be coconut butter, but pomegranate peppermint is feeling festive this time of year. Like I mentioned above, lavender vanilla is right up there at the top. Actually, out of the whole line, the only thing that isn’t my favorite is the grapefruit honey dew hand soap, but I am not much of a melon gal.

Eve Echo’s hand sanitizers retail for $8.00 for .41 fluid ounces (12 ml). Hand sanitizer refills are available in a two-pack for $10.00. The hand soaps retail for $14.00 for 8 fluid ounces (237ml).

Speaking of charity for beauty, don’t forget to checkout BeautyBloggers.org and our currently action benefiting Doctors Without Boarders. Auction ends 5 pm CST on Monday, December 12.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

The department stores are loaded right now with holiday palettes to add a bit of shimmer to your complexion. And I get it. I am all for this type of festive cheer. While many of the palettes are stunning works of art, their price point sometimes can even stretch over the $100 mark. So, I set out on a mission to find a shimmer powder that was (relatively) less expensive than some of the holiday palettes offered by Cle de Peau, Chanel and other luxury brands.

I wasn’t on the hunt too long, because I quickly found MAC Mineralize Skinfinish. While the powder isn’t quite as soft and creamy as others I have tried, I think the level of shimmer is tempered just the right amount. You don’t look like a disco ball, but you do look festive and glow-y. You can layer as I did on my cheekbones or use a huge, fluffy brush for just an over-all polish. The palette isn’t fancy or bejeweled but it is pretty. I chose Soft And Gentle, which is a light and bronzy with a little peach. Gold Deposit is a really deep golden bronze. Porcelain Pink is coral with gold.

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer

As someone who has dry skin, I never thought I’d like something that touts itself as oil-free. But this primer ticks all the boxes and will be my go to primer for big nights out on the town. The hydration preps the skin for foundation. For me, my skin looks healthier and plumper when I use this stuff. Hydraplex12, made from desert plants, immediately moisturizes and actually seals it in. It also fills in fine lines and pores for an even and uniform canvas for foundation. Along with bring dry, my skin is very sensitive. So I adore the cooling and hydrating effect as soon as I apply this stuff.

 

Currently Obsessed

You may have heard about the new site CurrentlyObsessed.me. It basically allows you to follow shopping wishlists by all of your favorite bloggers – a one-stop-shop curated by your style icons. Right now it is in invite-only beta, but I’m lucky enough to have a few codes to hand out of my own. I’m one of the few to feature beauty goodies along with fashion from my tumblr, Su-perb.  Join with the code “Belle_Belle_BeautyObsessed” over here.

Dior ‘Smoothing Lacquer’ Lip Polish in Radiance Expert Beige 001

My favorite holiday look is a bold eye with an easy, nude lip. The lip is not at all fussy, with just a swipe of Dior Addict Lip Polish. Not to mention, I watched Friends with Benefits this weekend and am now obsessed with Mila Kunis and her perfect hair and makeup.

Lip Polish is slightly thicker and stickier than other glosses I love, but it has great staying power and even application. Even though it is sheer, it gives my lip a uniform and polished appearance.

The formula is supposed to emulate pro makeup technique of rolling a cotton swab along models’ lips to gently exfoliate; then they applying petroleum jelly to prime the surface and multiply the shine of the gloss topcoat. I’m not sure I notice the “revolutionary and exclusive spin-on applicator” but I do see a uniform application with the perfect amount of product.

The gloss comes in three shades: Fresh Expert, Glow Expert and Radiance Expert. I prefer the Radiance Expert because of the neutral, beige undertone.