Author: Lindsay

Korres Milk Soap

Korres Milk Soap on Belle Belle BeautyOn a cold winter day back in 2002, my friend and I were wandering New York City and popped in a Sephora to warm up. Actually, I didn’t even need to use the excuse of cold weather to duck into the beauty mecca. I love shopping at Sephora when I am in New York and always have – our store here in Tulsa is a ways from home and frankly just not quite the same. It was on that visit to Sephora years ago that I found my love for Korres.

First it was the body butters then the lip butters. More recently it was the Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial. Across the board, everything from the brand was a pleasure to use and priced well for a luxury line. And bonus for smelling delicious.

I am currently testing yet another new favorite, the Korres Milk Bar. With all the testing and trying I do, I was eager to use this mild soap as my skin can become easily irritated. And regular readers know I can’t resist a great lather. What’s special about this bar (and the entire Korres Milk line) is that it cleanses and heals. The proteins from the milk reduce inflammation. In addition, almond oil works to nourish and moisturize. The natural emollient keeps skin looking supple and young. My skin is left totally clean but still hydrated. And this bar, like all Korres products, is so beautifully packaged and make for pretty gifts.

As a side note, I had picked up the Korres Milk Greek Yoghurt Cleansing & Make-Up Removing Wipes which were a dream to use. Making a note to snag these next time I duck into Sephora.

favorites from Korres:


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Wednesday On The Web

Solo Recharge on Belle Belle Beauty

I have a wonderful problem. I happen to have an amazing group of friends. A couple of them I am particularly close to. I hit the jackpot when I moved and happened upon some people I know will be in my life till the end. These people also are highly social and we all love being with each other so much. So it is hard to just say “no” and have quiet time at home. I might have overdone the social life this past weekend. I ended up totally drained and in a bit of a blue mood.

Usually am able to hibernate one night a weekend, and that is plenty to soothe this introvert’s soul. But lately just one evening hasn’t done the trick. I crave alone-ness (with the pups, of course). My favorite travels have been solo – I happily trekked off to Russia alone a couple years ago. So while I don’t want to become totally isolated, I hope to have some adventures by myself over the next couple of months. Some are travels – I am headed to Chicago in a couple days. Others might be a great book (or Netflix series) over a weekend. Anyone else crave a bout of solo time to recharge?

A couple finds from around the web:

Speaking of travel: one of the coolest YouTube collabs I have seen – Casey Neistat and Nike #MakeItCount.

10 Weird Facts About Deodorant.

I mentioned Shopbop’s sale last week, but they added tons of designer items recently. Considering another pair of these boots – so comfortable – or this coat.

image via deathtothestockphoto.com

Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set

Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set on Belle Belle Beauty

Le Metier always brings out a little bit of nostalgia for me. It was one of the first brands I discovered and fell for when I began my beauty blog. While the company has morphed, it is still a staple on my vanity. I have to give credit to Neiman Marcus (which is my favorite luxury beauty spot) for this outstanding luxury mask. I was down at the Dallas Northpark store when this mask first launched and was able to give it a whirl. It was so fabulous that I was very reluctant to even put on makeup for my return trip to Tulsa.

You can imagine my delight when Neiman Marcus sent over my very own Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set to have here at home. This weekend I dove in to see if the at-home use was just as wonderful as the in-store experience. I wasn’t disappointed – my skin was left just as healthy, glowing and even as it did months ago back in Dallas.

Step one is the CHEM60 Pro-Peel. It sounds daunting, but this is one of the most gentle peels I have used. A blend of salicylic and glycolic acids works against dead skin cells. You can leave it on for as short as 60 seconds but I go for a full five minutes. My skin wasn’t red in the slightest and there was no tingling. But my skin was brighter with the dullness removed from my tone.

GLOW10ai Mask infuses skin with nourishing goodness. Antioxidants, hydration and vitamins help renew and refresh. The effect also helps with dullness and hyper-pigmentation. But my favorite part is the satisfying peel-off step when the thin sheet of gel comes off in one fantastic sheet. The GLOW10ai Mask is what really takes my complexion to a new level.

I keep the second mask on for a full 15 minutes, but you could apply Glow in a thinner layer if you are in a rush. Make sure to avoid the hairline and eyebrows in both steps. I especially appreciate the dial nozzle on the peel tube that keeps the mask fresh and separate from the brush applicator. And keeps leakage to a minimum.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

 

Budget Beauty

Simple Beauty on Belle Belle Beauty

Everyone loves a deal. And a beauty steal is even sweeter. Here are some of my favorite budget beauty buys I’ve discovered lately:

Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask – Sheet masks are all the rage and this one has a great price if you are ready to dip your toes in. For around $1.50 per mask, the 100% cotton adjustable facial boosts hydration, smooths fine lines and firms skin. The scent is refreshing but not overwhelming. And Hada Labo’s proprietary Super Hyaluronic Acid™ plumps  skin and strengthens skin’s natural moisture levels.

Softlips Cube Lip Protectant – While my love of these cubes isn’t new, I did just discover my favorite new scent, Vanilla. This Shea Butter packed formula nourishes my lips and leaves just a bit of shine. And the cozy but still tropical scent is delicious. Bonus points for included SPF 15 protection.

CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner – My eyeliner collection is borderline obsessive. It is probably the product I enjoy trying out most – it gives my bigger eyes much needed definition. My former favorites have always skewed luxury, so I was surprised to find my current favorite in the drugstore aisles. This paddle-shaped felt liner in Intense Black is inky, easy to apply and stays on like a champ.


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image here

Wednesday On The Web

simplicity on belle belle beauty

I’ve been contemplating summer wardrobe options. While I certainly don’t run out and purchase a new set of clothes every season (I wish!) I do try to be thoughtful about what my staples will be. Year after year, the dresses I have invested in tend to withstand the test of time. Going forward, I will be hunting down deals on timeless dresses like this one above. And just in time, this Memorial Day Weekend is being celebrated by my favorite shopping spots. Some sales not to be missed:

Get 20% off all fashion items at Amazon with code FUN20SUN (through the 25th).

25% off at Jouer’s friends and family sale with code FLOVE.

Tons of new items have been added to Shopbop‘s sale. I am loving the DKNY dresses!

Nordstrom‘s Half Yearly sale starts today! Up to 40%off on Men, Women & Kids styles through 5/31. FREE Shipping. FREE Returns.

25% off your order at J.Crew with code SUMMERLOVE.

And some fun finds from around the web:

Love Bobbi Brown’s feature on The New Potato – she has me rethinking my use of contouring and her dream food day sounds a lot like mine!

One of my favorites, Victoria, I think hit the nail on the head regarding the future of blogging.

Smitten by these metallic loafers.

I do love cereal. What your favorite can tell you about your personality here. I am a bit of a DIYer but all about balance when it boils down to it.

I know Nitro Coffee will be my jam… but it will probably take years to get to Tulsa. 🙁

Don’t sit. Go for a gentle walk.

image here

Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub

Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub on Belle Belle Beauty

I recently have been frustrated by clogged pores on my nose. I hate to admit to it but likely cause is falling asleep with makeup on (gasp!) and now I am paying the price. While I am tempted to reach for those oddly satistfying Bioré nose strips, I happened to have a new scrub from fan-favorite Mario Badescu to test out.

Not surprisingly, their newest lives up to Mario’s amazing reputation. This scrub works against buildup (hello, friend!) and banishes dullness. The Ecuadorian Ivory Palm seeds are fairly gentle and my skin is left calm without redness. And botanicals like Ginger, Ginkgo, Green Tea, Aloe, and Coconut are infused in the gel-like formula. I don’t detect much of a scent – a good thing in my book.

I use a couple times a week – usually three coinciding with my hair-wash days. I splash warm water to rinse and those little clogged pores are banished – until my next makeup removal misbehavior. At least next time I doze off before washing my face, I’ll know how to erase signs of my sins.

Available at mariobadescu.com.

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