Author: Lindsay

NARS All Day Luminous Powder Foundation

I might sound like a broken record, but I really don’t care. Because everything NARS puts out lately (and frankly pretty much always) is just so darn good. The latest is a powder foundation which usually doesn’t get me very hot and bothered but this one is different.

Rather than a matte or chalky finish, the All Day Luminous Powder Foundation has their exclusive Light Reflecting Complex, making skin look natural, luminous and with an almost transparent finish. The natural look is likely because of the ultra-fine powder which has an almost creamy feel.

This effect on my normal-to-dry skin is supple and renewed. 17 amino acids, Vitamin C, marine fennel and SPF 24 helps improve fine lines and dark spots – something I always consider a bonus with foundation. After all, our goal is to need less the more we use it, right? It plays especially well with my hyper-pigmentation.

I have been layering it over a very sheer BB cream as a sort of second step foundation. But it also works just as well alone or with a primer. I enjoy the ability to spot treat over areas of redness and where I have sun damage. While both the NARS powder puff and included sponge work well, I like buffing in using a flat foundation brush like this one.

Launched 9/20 at NARS Boutiques and narscosmetics.com. I’ve been wearing Santa Fe and Vallauris – I am thrilled with both but I think Vallauris might be a slightly better match on my light-to-medium autumn skin tone.

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.

Favorite Cleansers

With the new office gig, I have been putting on a full face of makeup everyday. I cannot lie – I enjoy the process of getting ready every morning. Not a shocker coming from this beauty junkie. While my exercise clothes have been a little neglected, I have been diving in some awesome relics and favorite from the beauty stash – more on that later.

With a full face of makeup everyday, cleansing has become even that more crucial. I usually am a fan of drugstore foaming cleanser to get the day off. But these luxury picks have me singing a different tune. Some of my new favorite cleansers lately:

Diptyque Nourishing Cleansing Balm

While I haven’t been huge about these candles, I did love the cleansers from the new Diptyque skin care line. Everything is crafted and packaged beautifully. Nourishing balm transforms when it comes in contact and melts off the thickest of makeup. Using the included spatula, I scoop out a small (talking dime size here) amount and apply to dry skin. I use wet hands to emulsify the balm and smooth over skin. This is gentle enough to remove eye makeup too. I rinse with water and my skin is left soothed and clean. Note: my eyes have been really irritated after makeup removal lately and this is the only thing I’ve found to leave them un-irritated and calmed.

Note: I also adore their SPF – it smells amazing!

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Pate Moussant (Soapless Foaming Cleanser)

Bar soap is having a renaissance (note: this soap has made a very welcome return to my shower). But some versions can strip skin. This one is soap-free and contains sunflower and shea butter. And you still get that satisfying lather from a traditional soap. My sensitive skin doesn’t get angry and I get a deep clean with my skin feeling supple. Also, I like that there isn’t an overwhelming scent.

Bella Schneider Beauty Instant Microexfoliating Cleanser

I’ve tried a handful of these powder-to-foam cleanser and this one balances exfoliation with a milky luxuriousness. When you add water, you get a creamy texture that works to even skin. Lactic and malic acid (much gentler versions of chemical exfoliators) work to renew and turnover cells. My face is left calm and ready for the whole plethora of skin care goodies I am currently testing out.

Don’t forget – it is time for the Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus. Some of my favorite picks to stock up on:

Diptyque and Sisley-Paris and samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. Bella Schneider was provided as a press sample. But, as always, opinions are my own.

Wednesday On The Web

Fringe! Buns! Booties! Plaid! It can’t get here soon enough. While some of my friends are savoring these 90-degree days, I simply cannot wait for fall. I try to eek out a couple more days of bare legs, bright skirts and cotton knits just to be a good sport. But layering weather will be quite welcome here at Belle Belle headquarters. As far as makeup, I am loving a little more coverage, especially a new powder foundation from NARS and this cult classic I dug out from the archives.

A couple finds from around the web:

As someone who has lived in enormously expensive and super affordable cities both, this was fascinating!

So enthralled by this relationship advice – wish I had seen it eight months ago!

I defaults to balm over lipstick so this thrills me.

Another product I never knew I needed. Thanks, Lara :)!

image here

Cle de Peau Beaute Perfect Lash Mascara

Today I have something new from the ever luxurious Cle de Peau. Their foaming cleanser has long been a favorite – we are talking going on a decade now. While I haven’t splurged much on their makeup, I am loving the Cle de Peau Beaute Perfect Lash Mascara.

Every once in a while, I find a luxury mascara that I think is worth the splurge. But to justify it, I would have to want to use it every day. This one I consistently reach for. The brush works to coat every lash. I get absolutely zero fall out. And I get a great balance of length and volume. Plus, the unique brush curves my lashes allowing me to skip that extra step on hectic mornings.

Need an excuse to go crazy at the beauty counter? Look no further –> There is probably nothing I love more than a tote of fun beauty samples to check out. And so now is the sweetest time of year – the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event. Get this tote and the following samples with any $125 purchase:

ev32 Effervescent Breath Treatments
Yves Saint Laurent Or Rouge Eye Cream
Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner
Glamglow Facial Set
AmorePacific Time Response Skin Renewal Creme
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
Burberry My Burberry fragrance
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and Regenessence [3.R] Youth Regenerator
Jack Black MP 10 Nourishing Oil

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

mark. On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner

For the past several years, I have been lining my eyes with a pencil, focusing on definition with pigment along the waterline. I guess you could call it my signature look. But then the unthinkable happened… my favorite liner was discontinued (Note: the newer version is here – while I like it, it just isn’t the same.)

So I knew it was time to shake up my routine. As fate would have it, a liquid liner landed on my desk and it was just the push I needed to change up formulas. mark. On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner made me a convert.

The pigment is balanced – drying quickly but allowing for touch ups. The included brush is nimble – I am able to draw both an ultra-fine line and also something thicker and more dramatic.

Rather than pungent black, I have been wearing Cleo which seems like it has a little blue and brown to temper the shade. I swipe along my lashes and allow to dry for a couple minutes. And this stuff doesn’t budge all day long! And you can’t beat the price at ten bucks.

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum

I often get asked from skin care beginners: “How do I get started?”. I usually give my speech on retinol and SPF. But now I have found a serum that will understand the unique needs of the user’s skin. And I am can enthusiastically recommend it to just about anyone.

The Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum is about as straightforward as you can get. The custom repair works on visible concerns and even damage you can’t see – anything from skin tone, fine lines, hyper-pigmentation and dullness. It detects what needs work on your own particular complexion and works to correct it.

Double supreme bonus for being able to use it day and night. So simply just add to whatever you are doing, before moisturizer/SPF and after cleansing. Suitable for all skin types, tones and ages.

Two pumps covers my entire face and neck. And the fresh spa-like scent gives a luxe feel. The silky finish works fabulously on my dry skin. But at the same time, it isn’t greasy so it is also well-suited for those with oilier skin.

Looking for a place to start? Or want to simplify your routine? Leave it to the purest, simplest of high-end skin care lines: the one and original Clinique.

Note: the Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus is in full swing now through September 21st. I will be doing a full review on the tote gift with purchase this weekend, but this is the right time to stock up!

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.