Author: Lindsay

Summer Shape Up

I don’t know about you, but her at Chez Belle Belle, I am in need of a Summer Shape Up. It is time to start amping up my fall workout given the cooler weather will arrive soon (yay!!). As part of my Summer Shape Up, I have partnered with Walmart and Balance Bar to shake up my diet game as well.

First, I am a huge fan of bars. I think they are great on the go (I keep a stash in my purse). They are fabulous for portion control. And they make me feel a little devious because I feel like I am having a candy bar.

Of course I set out to Walmart to stock up on my Balance Bar stash – after all, I live in the land of many Walmarts down here in Oklahoma. And I was thrilled to find them at the bargain basement price of less than $5.

Naturally… being the beauty junkie that I am, I am shaking up my beauty and skin care routine as well. I’ve been throwing in some new favorite products into the lineup and I cannot wait to share my thoughts on those with you soon. For now, here are the other products pictured above:

Disclosure: I received a Walmart gift card as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar and Walmart.

Cartier Fragrance Baiser Volé Lys Rose Eau de Parfum

It is so hard to review a fragrance. I consider it such a personal preference. But this one from Neiman’s took me by surprise. I usually love musky, Oriental and masculine scents. But this being summer, I guess I need a change of pace.

When I first encountered Cartier Fragrance Baiser Volé Lys Rose Eau de Parfum, I was dissuaded by the “rose”. It just isn’t my thing even if it is awfully in vogue these days. But actually this new fragrance from Cartier is based around lily (so feminine but still sultry).

Pink lily are married with raspberry and some notes of powder – and I couldn’t think of a better name: Baiser Volé (a stolen kiss).

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

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide

Leave it to the queen of a flawless complexion to come up with the newest and greatest foundation. This newness is called Finish Flawless for a reason. Expect a lightweight texture that is so the rage right now. Technology has brought us great coverage without feeling one bit heavy.

What I like most about is is the thin fluid formula that effortlessly blurs hyper-pigmentation and redness. Those with oilier skin will also love that it is oil-free. This also makes it great for hot, summer days. The buildable coverage has a balanced finish – while advertised as “matte” I would call it more middle of the road.

Bottom line, it follows the path of BB Creams with a natural finish. I have been testing out Buff on my light to medium skin tone and I wish it was just a touch darker. But it will be perfect for the winter months. I’ve been applying with my hands but also works great with a buffing brush. I just use it only where I need it for the most natural looking finish.

My only beef is that product has a tendency to escape the tube at a high rate. I’ve tried storing upside down and nothing seems to work. But other than a little bit of product waste, it isn’t a huge problem.

In Sephora now and look for it at Laura Mercier counters next month. 24 available shades (Shell, Crème, Vanillé, Ivory, Ecru, Cashew, Linen, Macadamia, Butterscotch, Dune, Buff, Honey, Dusk, Golden, Suntan, Praline, Maple, Chai, Nutmeg, Pecan, Amber, Chestnut, Truffle, Espresso).

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 purchased the above dress after seeing it on Happily Grey last summer and wear it constantly (a favorite fashion inspiration blog). I came across the image again yesterday and it reminded me of the way I feel about this time of year – I have a love/hate relationship. In August, the excitement of warm days and my birthday is officially over. And I have a case of the blahs with the heat. The summer doldrums have kicked in!

I apologize for my absence earlier this week! But I spent that time diligently reviewing some newness for fall that you are going to LOVE. Plus, I am also planning a series of posts outlining my body care, skin care and makeup routines. Hope it is something you’ll enjoy.

In other news, I am winding down both my print column in Oklahoma Magazine and weekly television appearances. While I am so appreciative for both gigs, I decided I would rather focus on quality content here on the blog rather than syndicating. Maybe I will finally get around to that darned YouTube channel too!

Some finds from around the web:

Vogue editors share their favorite shades of lipstick.

Fellow fine hair ladies: you don’t want to miss these tips.

Ten things you can do to get smarter has inspired me.

This body contouring article will have you reaching for the self-tanner.

Drooling over this line of comfortable workwear.

8 Pretty Polishes To Pair With Every Dress In Your Closet.

image via happilygrey.com

Kiehl’s 5th Annual Liferide for amfAR

Why does Kiehl’s always have the coolest events? Probably because they are just a cool company like that. Especially inspired are those to raise money for amfAR and awareness to help cure AIDS. Today marks the start of the fifth annual Keihl’s Liferide that starts in Milwaukee and continues to New York on 8/11. In addition to store stops, their will be a dedication of The AIDS Memorial Quilt on Governor’s Island in New York on the 10th and 11th. Check out the stops along the way here.

And if you want to get your shop on, visit a Kiehl’s store on the event day and get 15% off all purchases (with the exception of charitable products and value sets). Kiehl’s will offer the 15% Celebration Discount at the other Kiehl’s retail stores and Kiehls.com 8/9 and 8/10. Kiehl’s will donate that 15% to amfAR, up to the $150,000 total donation.

Consider picking up the Limited Edition Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, a jumbo size of the company’s classic formula. 100% of the net profit from the sales of this product will benefit amfAR. Or, pick up my new favorite cleanser, Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. The soap-free formula is ultra-foamy, ensuring my makeup is whisked away. But my skin is never left dry or tight. Plus, I love the herbal scent!

Golden Glow Body Makeup on FOX23’s Tulsa Live

By now, we all know how damaging the sun’s rays can be. But there is something about summertime that makes me crave a golden glow. Plus, skin-kissed skin disguises flaws. You can beat a little body makeup on the legs if you are wearing a cocktail dress. Or for that matter a bikini. Or shorts! Obviously, I am hooked on this particular beauty product. I am on FOX23’s Tulsa Live (formally Great Day Green Country) this AM sharing my favorites.

Victoria’s Secret Bronze All-Over Bronzing Stick not only had a great price point but is perfect for travel. The stick easily glides on with a true bronze shade. The gel-based formula is easy to apply and I use my hands to blend into skin ($15).

Zen-Tan Flawless Logic Shimmer is a more luxe version of a stick that applies like a cream but dries like a powder. I also blend this with my hands and it is exceptional at covering age spots and veins. This stick has slightly more shimmer and a deeper shade but still looks natural. The thin shape also makes it great for disguising tan lines ($32).

Caudalie Divine Legs Tinted Body Lotion probably tops as my favorite because of the scent and ease of application. Plus it is really hydrating – ideal for my drier skin – thanks to Grape Oil. Copper and golden pearlizers leave a radiant finish. The universal shade works on even the fairest of skin.($38)

Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil is a true French pharmacy classic. While there is a version without shimmer, I prefer the slightly tinted version. The effect is very subtle making it perfect even for the winter months. A blend of six different essential oils including Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut, and Macadamia nourish and hydrate skin ($39).

Hard Candy Glow All The Way is my pick for a budget performer. The finish has a pink luminosity that works well on the body and face. The thick and rich lotion is hydrating but still can be mixed with foundation for a summer glow. The formula is cruelty-free ($8).

// Shop The Post //

image here

Xen-Tan generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program.

OTHER PRODUCTS 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.