Author: Lindsay

Roses… Are All That

Happy First Day of Spring! While I may have a little spring in my step and fresh tulips on my counter, I always turned my nose up at anything rose. While I maybe have warmed to a select few fragrances with rose notes, I never really fell for anything “rose” by name. Leave it to the beauty department at Neiman Marcus to change my tune.

First, AERIN Beauty Rose de Grasse Parfum – something I certainly didn’t expect to fall for. I never am drawn to ultra-feminine and floral scents. But all that has changed because, first, the roses themselves are special – Rose Centifolia are hand-picked in Grasse, France. Second, the rose is layered with one of my most favorite notes, a warm amber. Lastly, there is a aqua clarity that lends to a cleaner and less cloying rose. Who knew I’d discover a rose-based fragrance as my spring scent?

Filed under “not surprising at all”: I love face oils. My skin loves face oils. But I have never been drawn to one with rose. Chantecaille Rose de Mai Face Oil changed my perspective. Packed with hydration like other face oils, this version is unusually lightweight but still nourishing. I love it under makeup for an added glow. My skin stays supple and dewy for the full day. And the best news is that long-term use will strengthen skin and boost metabolism to fight wrinkles.

Also something really fabulous is going on at Neiman Marcus this month and you don’t want to miss it:

Six remarkable women will become the Faces of Beauty featured in Neiman Marcus’s Fall 2015 Beauty Event campaign

Neiman Marcus is hosting a Facebook contest to find the Fall season’s Faces of Beauty. To enter, state why the nominee is beautiful from the inside out and how she is making some noise in her world, and upload a photo on the online form here.

THE PRIZE
· Round-trip airfare to Dallas, Texas
· Luxury hotel accommodations
· A celebratory dinner with Neiman Marcus Executives
· Hair styling, makeup application, and a private fitting with a Neiman Marcus stylist
· A photo and video shoot at one of the Neiman Marcus stores
· A luncheon at a Neiman Marcus restaurants
· $1,500 in cosmetics and fragrances to take home

Hurry! Nominations close on March 24, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

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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.

Activated Charcoal – The Beauty Ingredient of the Moment

By now I am guessing you have had activated charcoal pop up on your radar. I have an affinity for this ingredient – likely because my childhood black Cocker Spaniel was affectionally named Char and that little cutie lived 17 years. But in addition, I love the way charcoal can absorb toxins and pollutants without leaving my dry and sensitive skin red or irritated.

My first beauty charcoal experience was likely in college with the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask – talk about a classic. This one is fairly straight-forward using White China clay to draw out impurities. But it is just as good as it ever was.

Recently on Belle Belle, I raved about Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud. It was too good not to mention on Saint Patrick’s Day but also worth a mention here. The inky, black mask works with organic materials like moor mud to clear skin but also hydrate. And the activated charcoal also capitalizes on magnetic ability to clear pores.

Bioré has a whole host of charcoal products right now, but given they do strips so well, my pick is the Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips. The nose strips might be better suited for those with serious blackheads. They somehow manage a fresh and clean feel with less shine. Charcoal also provides for oil control.

In true Belle Belle form, I saved the most luxe beauty pick for last. While it has taken a time for me to get used to the Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar, I get why this has been such a huge hit for decades. I admit to not following the whole “ritual” but I do love the cleansing action and the brightened complexion that follows a regular ole face wash. This one is something you’ll treasure on your vanity.

Shop The Post Here:

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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.

Wednesday On The Web

I’m lazy. Super lazy in the AM. Now that I have gotten to know my coworkers fairly well, I don’t feel like I need to put on a super full face of makeup every single day. But one thing I just can’t seem to kick is mascara and a neutral pout. This image above is just so spring and polished with the powerful coral/orange lipstick. It shall be my inspiration to step up my lip game.

Hope you guys had a wonderful Saint Patrick’s Day. I was cozy at home with the pups. Trolling the web, I found some treats from around the web to share with you:

This article was totally written for me, the introvert.

I am no New Yorker, I used to think I knew the city well. This quiz tells me I only “kinda” know NYC. (side note: I sense a theme… maybe I should have started a blog about maps)

Speaking of maps.

Loving these pants for work – so tempted to order a pair in each color. While it doesn’t work on these pants, you can score some major deals on other goodies with code SALELOVE.

I am not a cat person, but I can appreciate a good feline – especially this one.

I could try and get rid of cable but then this would happen.

So many of my favorite Joie items on sale at Piperlime. Enter code LUCKYME for an extra 30% off.

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Versona Accessories Opens in Tulsa

Before a couple weeks ago, I had never heard of Versona Accessories. Shame on me because the stores are all over the southern United States. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was invited to attend the grand opening right here in Tulsa.

Needless to say I was thrilled to find affordable accessories, clothes and shoes! The store is huge, but the staff was helpful without being overbearing. I was impressed – considering the prices – how well constructed the shoes were and how rich the fabrics felt! And bonus points for the smattering of work wear.

I picked up a bunch of jersey basics (starting at $19.99). I was tempted by the shoes but decided to wait until spring was in full swing. Needless to say, I will be returning. And good news for those living where there isn’t a store – Versona just launched e-commerce.

That’s not all – I am sharing the love today and teamed up with Versona to give away one $25 gift card. Just enter using the widget below. Sorry 🙁 US only on this one.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask

You’ll be hearing more about this mask in a roundup in a couple days, but it was just too good not to share on this St. Patrick’s Day! Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask is a little bit of Ireland on your vanity. And if you forgo “amateur night” and stay in this evening, you’d enjoy staying in and giving yourself an “Irish Facial” – at least that is my plan!

Regular readers know I love mud and clay masks and this one lands right at the top of my favorites of the crew. I love how the inky, black mud isn’t too thick or irritating. The moor mud works to draw out oil and impurities. And the black hijiki seaweed works to add nutrition and hydration. And the activated charcoal? Well that comes in the future round-up that you won’t want to miss.

I apply a fairly thick layer (remember the consistency is fairly thin for a mud mask so you can pile it on). While 10 minutes is recommended, I usually get antsy and take it off after five. Even on my sensitive skin, I can use this a couple times a week without any irritation or redness.

So happy the luck of the Irish was with me and I had this fab new mask to review on this Saint Patrick’s Day. If you are headed out to celebrate, be safe!

Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour

In theory, I love lip tints. Zero fuss and zero transfer (to the wine glass). But I always find myself either dry and cakey or full of regret with a color lasting a full day. But I have finally found a happy medium. Enter Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour.

This aerated color is rich but still light. Laura says it best: the color “floats” over the lips. And it comes in a fabulous array of shades. While I am way back in my neutral zone (oh so often wearing this) I actually enjoy wearing Fuchsia Mauve which is described as a purple but looks more berry.

This one acts like a chapstick but looks like a stain. All around a MVP.