Lindsay, Author at Belle Belle Beauty

Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream

Last year, Kate Somerville first dipped her toes into color cosmetics in the best way possible. Her CC Cream married skin care and makeup with outstanding results. And her next product, Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream, is even better.

I am a huge fan of illuminating “wands”. I have tried so so many variations from the classic to offerings from more indie brands. But this one finally brings in a great eye cream, adding a skin care element in a way that only Kate can.

The click-pen dispenses a concealer/eye cream hybrid into a brush. For some reason, no matter what the brand, I always use my finger to apply and then use the attached brush to disperse. Lastly, I blend in again with my finger. But, I admit… to each their own. Applying with a brush might be more hygienic. I just perfect the final finish of a manual application.

The formula is lightweight and works to improve the look of wrinkles while brightening dark circles. The coverage isn’t terribly opaque but I like the more natural finish of a lighter-weight and illuminating effect. Bonus points for the two-in-one product – especially important with my rushed mornings that accompany my new job.

Not only will you look better immediately. Kate Somerville’s proven skin care ingredients work to improve collagen production, add firmness and smooth fine wrinkles. And my dry skin drinks up the added hydration. I use shade Medium for light to medium skin tones with a perfect match. Made in the USA.

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sephora.

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.

ULTA’s 21 Days of Beauty

It is that time of year again!? Now is the perfect time to swing by your local ULTA and stock up. During the 21 Days of Beauty, you’ll find different and special deals every day. Also, artists and beauty leaders share their tips and tricks throughout the three weeks.

Each day, ULTA offers one “Beauty Steal” and one “Beauty Focus Day”. Beauty Steals are special offers on top beauty products, and Beauty Focus Days feature demonstrations like customized makeup lessons, expert beauty tips, and one-on-one appointments with beauty experts.

And ULTA carries so many of my favorite brands. As a refresher, you’ll find the following at ULTA stores: Urban Decay, Tarte, IT Cosmetics, Bare Minerals, Butter LONDON, Philosophy and more. I have my eye on a refill of READY Foundation and the ever so classic Philosophy Purity in the newest wipe version!

Drugstore Beauty Buys

I’ve been so focused on luxe products lately that I decided it was time to revisit some of my budget favorites. I scoured the aisles of my local CVS and found some winners I’d love to share with you. Can you possible imagine a better thing than a beauty buy that works and is at a friendly price-point? I think not…

My skin is irritatingly dry this summer. I am not sure if it is the air conditioning or just the fact that we have had a bit of drier weather lately. Either way, I am trying to remember to slather on lotion day and night. Curel Daily Moisture Original Lotion for Dry Skin certainly doesn’t feel like budget. The formula is rich but still absorbs quickly. And this dermatologist backed line is clinical proven. Plus the straightforward formulation keeps my skin from getting irritated.

The shape might be wacky but it works. NYX The Curve Felt Tip Eye Liner is ergonomically designed for a steady, even application. The formula is a balance: quick drying but nimble and water resistant. Are you a liquid liner beginner? Look no further than this unique low-commitment drugstore version.

The new Reach Complete Care Triple Angle Floss Soft Toothbrush got me to stop reaching for my beloved electric toothbrush. Why you ask? I am hooked on the angled bristles and the way they get my teeth feeling ultra-clean without irritating my gums. And after some research, I am convinced that tongue cleaning is an integral part of tooth care and keeps my breath smelling great (there is a built-in cleaner on the back of the brush). Strange, I know. But try it! World of difference.

// Shop The Post //

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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.

Strange Invisible Perfumes

I’m having a moment. I get them every now and then. Thanks to my eight years living in California, occasionally the West Coast just calls my name. Unfortunately, I can’t jet away right this moment – or anytime soon. So my new favorite brand from Venice, CA is whisking me away in the beauty department.

Strange Invisible Perfumes was founded in 2000 by botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis with a passion for authentic, organic, biodynamic and hydro-distilled essences. These hand-blended scents are made in limited batches and distilled in esprit de Cognac and aged for a minimum of six months. That translates into “fancy” in Californian.

But not only luxurious, these fragrances are unique and sexy. The twelve scents are:

AQUARIAN ROSE: Hydro-distilled rose brightens a warm sea of marjoram and sandalwood.
ATLANTIC: A warm, layered composition of bay rum, frankincense and amber with a civilized note of English peppermint.
BLACK ROSETTE: The dark side of roses. Hydro-distilled essences of rose and Moroccan spearmint cling to the menacing aroma of leather.
DIMANCHE: Iris root, hydro-distilled rose, honey and amber recollect leisurely Sunday lunches in Paris.
EPIC GARDENIA: The humid, velvety scent of live gardenias.
FAIR VERONA: Jasmine blooms sparkle with hydro-distillates of bergamot, grapefruit, sandalwood and mimosa absolute.
L’INVISIBLE: Hydro-distilled essences of lemon, bergamot and mandarin enliven a warm heart of vanilla, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine and oakmoss.
MAGAZINE STREET: An opulent perfume inspired by New Orleans. Vanilla, vetiver, magnolia and botanical musk conjure lush gardens wild with history and balconies of black iron lace.
MUSC BOTANIQUE: Organic, hydro-distilled geranium and frankincense enhance crystalline notes of white amber and botanical musk.
PELOPONNESIAN: Notes of mountain sage honey, Aegean sea air, hydro-distilled lime, orange and cypress evoke the ancient aromas of the Peloponnesos in southern Greece.
PRIMA BALLERINA: A satiny bouquet of hydro-distilled rose, white sage, lime and botanical musk.

Even though it is fairly masculine, I have fallen hard for Atlantic. I love it for sporty summer days and it will work perfectly on cozy winter weather. Don’t miss their body products as well. I have been totally hooked on the lavender & vetiver to unwind during and after my evening shower. And they just came out with their first 15ml travel size. So if you are lucky enough to jet away (I’ll live vicariously through you) and pick one of these up!

Available at SIperfumes.com.

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.

SK-II Essential Power Essence

I am a longtime fan of this brand inspired by an amazing Japanese ingredient. Learn about how I first fell hard for SK-II and the history of the brand here. Ironically, that was almost exactly two years ago. Since, the SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence has been a consistent part of my skin care routine.

The newest from the brand might just elevate itself to that status as well. Keep in mind, I am constantly testing and changing what I use for skin care. So only a few select favorites make it into the permanent category.

The new Essential Power Essence is a rich serum powered with Artichoke Extract, Siberian Ginseng Extract and Niacinamide. My dehydrated skin with hyper-pigmentation adores this formulation. The silicone-in-water emulsion is a silky, rich and translucent texture that is quickly absorbed.

While the main advantage advertised is an improvement in the appearance of pores, I find this is actually helping with sun damage and keeping my skin radiant and luminous. I have had it in the rotation for approximately a month, but I remember seeing a difference after just a couple days of use.

It is designed to be applied just after the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I’ve played around with using it after and before my retinol, alone as a moisturizer and first after washing. I actually prefer it as a first step and use a light moisturizer after letting it absorb for a couple minutes – usually while I brush my teeth. The best part: an amazing scent that gives me just a scootch of a spa experience even in frantic mornings.

It was a little tricky using the dropper at first. Depress the dropper and dip it into the serum and then release. I use a full dropper each application which sounds a little decadent – but trust… you won’t be able to resist. That is if you have dry skin like me. Those with oilier or acne-prone skin might not like the rich and silicone-based formula.

Available at Sephora, NET-A-PORTER and Nordstrom.

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.

August Favorites

Happy Labor Day! Speaking of work holidays, tomorrow marks a very special day for me! I’ll be starting a new full-time job in the AM. But don’t worry – Belle Belle Beauty isn’t going anywhere. In fact, I look forward to sharing a work-friendly beauty routine and more about what I am doing in skin care on a regular basis. But I will also continue to share new favorite products. Make sure to tune in tomorrow for my new favorite skin care product – it is the BOMB. In the meantime, some of my favorite finds from my little online shopping addition from August: