After such a long break from blogging, figured I’d give you a double dose today. Just to let you know some other tidbits that I’ve been up to. First, check out my June column for Oklahoma Magazine. You can read the whole issue here.
And some of my favorites from around the web over the last couple weeks:
Wow, talk about a blog break. I don’t think in the four years of Belle Belle Beauty I have taken almost a full week off. Apologies for the absence. I wish I could point to one reason. I think a lot of it stemmed from a need to step away and reevaluate the direction of the blog (don’t worry – I basically decided I am going to continue on the same track). A lot of the break was forced by a nasty case of strep throat. It is amazing how an infection like that can really knock me out now that I am only weeks away from my 35th birthday. Lastly, I have had some developments on a personal front. While I won’t go into any details, I can say: “why is dating so darn hard!?”. That being said, I am truly happy and it is nice, no matter the outcome, to find yourself caring so unconditionally for someone.
So, meanwhile, my beauty routine has been pretty simple. I have thrown my hair in plenty of dirty and messy topknots. Skipping eye makeup all together just seemed easier with the sore throat. But when I needed to add a little perky spice to my look (on my handful of trips to CVS), I reached for my Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne.
This classic, slightly cool red brightens my complexion and comes housed in a unique case designed by Lorenz Baumer, a Parsian jeweler working from the Place Vendome. With one click, the tube exits a silver bullet and enclosed mirror pops open – très chic! The matte finish is thanks to a ruby-powder formula that leaves a hydrating glaze.
And yes, that is my name engraved on the side of my very own personal Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne. And let me tell you…. these beauty blogging perks sure to cheer you up when you are in a funk.
Don’t fret – I’ll be back. Probably later today and all this week. And look forward to a TV segment on Friday featuring my favorite makeup to “Summer-ize” your look.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
File this under “brilliant”. This is a “why didn’t I think of that” kind of eye cream that will be in my rotation for the foreseeable future, particularly in the summer. Amore Pacific Future Response Age Defense Day/Night Eye Creme is a duo that provides formulas specifically designed for the AM or PM hours.
First, a little about Amore Pacific should you not be familiar. This company is six decades old and was founded on Asian principals of using natural ingredients. Some of the most popular ingredients include bamboo, green tea and ginseng.
So these little pots come attached to each other with a small slot for an applicator. My major pet peeve is losing those precious applicators that come with luxury creams, so I adore having a place to store this one safely. Each pot is marked with either a sun or moon so you know which to reach for as you prep for the day or bed.
Both sides contain Amore Pacific’s proprietary Future Response Complex – a blend of green tea and pine mushroom. It both protects during the day and heals at night. The “Day” side of the duo contains SPF 25 and antioxidant protection. The “Night” side of the duo works to plump skin with collagen and speed cellular turnover, helping with fine lines and wrinkles.
Both formulas were kind to my sensitive skin. The “Day” formula is slightly lighter, but both absorb quickly. The “Day” formula also provides a slight radiance that helps awake my dull skin. And both have a pleasant, slight spa-like scent. I’ve found significant improvement in my dark circles. I still have a little puffiness but allergies are likely to blame – can’t really ask an eye cream to fight those too. Overall, I think my under eye area looks better than ever!
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I am gearing up for some pool time (Sofia cans purchased and chilling), fun dinners with friends and hopefully one lazy day snuck in there. Which of course will be spent perusing the online sales. Here are some of the ones on my list not to miss:
And for the fashion nuts too:
image here
It is officially that time of year again. I haven’t quite ventured out to the pool, but I know this Memorial Day Weekend will require a couple hours lounging in the sun and a splash around. There is nothing more daunting than exposing pale winter skin to intense summer sun for the first time each year. Look no further for some new (and old) favorites to protect skin. I’ll be featuring these this AM on Great Day Green Country:
Hawaiian Tropic has that iconic old-school scent that can transport us to childhood days at the beach. Their new improved formulas elevate these old favorites. Dry Oil Clear Spray Sunscreen contains nourishing antioxidants and remains water resistant for a full 80 minutes. Silk Hydration for the Face works beautifully under makeup. And the Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen goes on without feeling greasy and adding just a hint of radiance.
Coola is my pick for organic sunscreen. And their new Continuous Sport Sprays are nourishing and easy to use. These sprays provide environmental protection via antioxidants. The sheer formula is water resistant. I also love the scented versions in Pina Colada and Citrus Mimosa.
To protect my face, I have been turning to Perricone MD Photo Plasma SPF 30 for months now. Not only does Photo Plasma deliver sun protection but also powerful anti-aging benefits. Using mineral sunscreens (which usually play better with my sensitive skin), it provides serious protection against UVA and UVB rays. The pink shade is thanks to Astaxanthin, a rich and protective antioxidant, actually making it look more natural on the skin.
The entire L’Oreal Sublime Sun line immediately transports me to southern France. This sun care can actually improve the look of skin, feels lightweight and has a great scent. I turn to L’Oreal Paris Sublime Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spraywhenever my skin is feeling a little dry. The oil surprisingly gives a whopping SPF 50 and nourishes skin without being greasy.
By now, I am sure we all have an SPF routine and know the importance of protecting skin. But mistakes do happen. When you get a little overexposed, check out Mario Badescu After Sun Cooling Gel that contains aloe and cools distressed skin. Keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. Nourishing sunburned skin can help with the healing process and may mitigate a little long term damage.
Note: With spray sunscreens, make sure to apply liberally all over the body. The spray dispensers make it easy to underestimate how much protection you are getting.
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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.
I’ve been a big believer in beauty from the inside out over the last year and a half. Even more so lately, I’ve been paying more attention to how foods affect the way my skin looks (not to mention the way they make me feel). That’s not to say I am giving up my beloved wine, cheese and bread any time soon. But on yesterday’s trip to Whole Foods, I loaded up on papaya, berries, greens, basil, yogurt and honey. And I have Clear Skin Detox Diet to thank for the inspiration.
This straightforward, well-written book is actually a joy to read. Clear Skin Detox Diet covers nutrition plans, recipes and recommendations of foods for specific skin issues. I was thrilled to get advice for skin ailments like acne, premature aging, eczema, and more. Needless to say, I will be shooting for half an avocado a day from now on. And when that nasty pimple appears… garlic to the rescue with its powerful antibacterial properties. Just alone, author Lauren Talbot’s “Build a Better Salad” page is now one of my kitchen staples.
Also, I have to mention this shopping list was also amazingly influential in changing the way I shop for groceries.
Now for the good news! I have one extra copy to give away to one lucky reader. Enter using the widget below. Open to US readers.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
image via into the gloss
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.
