Author: Lindsay

Wednesday On The Web and March Favorites

I’m one of those people who relishes a good storm. This afternoon and tomorrow is supposed to bring a wild ride of weather, so I am stocking up on Mexican takeout and queuing up the movies for a couple cozy nights in. Seems cozy nights in is the name of the game lately. Not sure if I am still licking my wounds from this little event or if just feels good to lay low a little bit. It certainly doesn’t hurt that there is loads to read up on around the web (see some favorites below). That doesn’t mean I am not playing around in my makeup and skin care like a good beauty junkie. I can’t wait to share with you some favorite color items later this week. In the meantime, some stories from around the web:

A frightening story about a lifestyle site being stolen and how the owner got it back.

I’m over on MegBiram.com again this month with nine other lovely bloggers sharing our favorite lip products!

So fun that BaubleBar can be found at Nordstrom now.

21 Beauty Hacks every woman should know.

This recipe from Victoria looks decadent and “soul soothing” – noted!

Looking for some new tabletop goodies? Neiman Marcus is giving you 25% off through today for their Tabletop Event!

Shopbop added new goodies to their sale! Here are some favorites on my shopping list:

I’ve been on a bit of a shopping embargo, but now I really can’t wait to let loose again and pick up some goodies to get ready for spring. Here are some of the bits and bobs from around the web that I can’t seem to resist lately.

Photo courtesy of Julia Kennedy via Byrdie.com

Warm It Up!

Well, hello there April. While it is cold and rainy here today, I’d like to officially mark this day as the beginning of spring. I know technically it was back in March, but I have a dirty secret for you. I absolutely hate April Fool’s Day. I fall for some prank every single time. On a more serious note, the ever popular “I’m pregnant” Facebook update really offends me as there are so many people in the world that struggle with infertility. So instead of Fool’s Day, April 1st will always mark spring in my book! Anyway… back to beauty.

Spring means a more natural, undone and bronzed look in my world. I just got a fresh hair cut, so I am enjoying my natural waves and letting my hair air dry. I’m skipping darker lips and eyes in favor of glowing, luminous skin. Behind the scenes here at Belle Belle, I’ve been test driving some goodies, and now I am happy to present my favorites to warm up the complexion:

1. benefit Dallas is a natural and plum-based bronzer that is on the matte side. Because it is so sheer, it works well for a wide range of fairer skin tones. Used all over, it can banish dullness or layered where the sun hits gives a vibrant glow.

2. NARS New Contour Blush Duos are also on the matte side and add that perfectly balanced warmth. Despite the “Blush” name, I find the darker shade of the duo works best under the cheekbones and around the temples. I’ve played around with the lighter shade and surprisingly love it under the eyes and down the center of the nose. It also doubles as a luminous face powder on the go. I tested both Olympia (perfect for the most fair to light skin) and Paloma (my pick for my light to medium skin tone).

3. CoverGirl TruMagic The Sunkisser has to be my most favorite drugstore find in the past couple months. What looks like a dark bronze cream transforms into a subtle, layerable glow on the skin. While you can use this to contour, I like using it liberally around the outside of my face, sides of my nose and even on my lids for a true “sunkissed” look.

4. jane iredale In Touch Highlighter in Comfort perfectly offsets bronzed areas with a pink glisten. The pale pink adds radiance and the cream formula lends to a more subtle glow. I like to apply directly from the stick to tops of cheekbones, brow bone and the bridge of the nose and then blend with my fingers.

image here

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Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic + Free Gift At Macy’s

Sometimes heading to the skincare counter at a department store can be a daunting experience. Some shoppers just want a straightforward regimen designed for their skin type. And Clinique has always done that well. In my earliest beauty-enthusiast years, I remember playing with Clinique’s sliding diagnostic tool found at their counters. These days, they have gone digital. So if you prefer online shopping (like me), look no further than the online Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic. Check out my results below:

No shocker here. I’ve heard amazing things about Clinique’s Redness Solutions line – maybe it is time for me to bite the bullet. And no time like the present because Macy’s is offering a killer Gift With Purchase. This bag packed with makeup is valued at $70 and available today through 4/19 and can be yours with any $27 Clinique Purchase.

Oklahoma Magazine April Column

Check out my April column in Oklahoma Magazine. Make sure to pick up a full issue or read it online here.

Spring Prep Skin Care On FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

We can now officially say spring has sprung and with that comes the reality that swimsuit/shorts/tank top season is just weeks away. Not only am I hitting the gym a little harder, but I am also changing up my skin care game. With a couple tweaks, we can have clear, radiant skin and sandal-ready feet.

First up, make sure to extend your regular skin care routine to hands, neck and decolletage. This goes for year-round but is even more important as the sun rays intensify. My favorite summertime SPF is Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer. It is lightweight and works well from the hairline down the chest. Because it is only SPF 20, make sure to amp up protection if you are spending large amounts of time outside.

Step back on products that are heavy or full of emollients. That rich cream might soothe dry winter skin but isn’t best for warmer months. Perricone MD Chia Serum (covered yesterday here) actually works for light hydration. And it can be used over makeup for that warm, dewy glow.

All those pore clogging sunscreens and sweaty weather don’t only encourage acne on the face. Breakouts on the back and chest can be the worst during pool season. Mario Badescu Special Cleansing Lotion “O” is alcohol-free and soothes sensitive skin. Mild witch hazel formula removes pore clogging debris. Just swipe on post-shower with a cotton ball. The cooling effect is especially pleasant on a hot day.

Not only will exfoliation help with pore-clogging and other breakout causing congestion, but they will also reveal radiant and even skin. For those who look to organic solutions, check out Avalon Organics Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub that uses both fruit enzymes and finely ground walnut shell for a calming exfoliation. New from St. Ives, Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub smells like summer and doesn’t cause redness. I use this as a body wash for a deep clean.

Don’t neglect the tootsies. AmLactin Foot Cream is like regular foot cream on steroids. AHAs help smooth and repair callused and dry skin. Just make sure to use sunscreen on the oft-neglected feet because the active ingredients can make them more susceptible to sun damage. The lotion is quickly absorbed but I still like to apply at night and wear socks to get a deep treatment. There is a very slight medicinal scent.

Shop your spring essentials here:

image here (I can’t seem to find the exact source – if you come across it, please let me know)

Boots #ArchMadness

My go-to brow products have been part of my vanity routine for years. I have been faithful to Anastasia Brow Gel and the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor together for over two years. So imagine my glee when these affordable pencils and treatments from Boots delighted me to no end.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been using the conditioning Boots No7 Lash & Brow Perfector to tame my brows. It also makes for a great clear mascara if you prefer the “no makeup makeup” look. While I haven’t had the full eight weeks to test the Boots No7 Fanomenal Lash Serum, I am always willing to give something a whirl that promises fuller lashes and brows! So far, so good. I also appreciate it doesn’t irritate delicate skin around lashes.

For color, both the Boots Botanics Eyebrow Pencil and Boots Beautiful Brows Pencil are soft with natural looking color. The Boots Botanics Eyebrow Pencil contains Jojoba Oil and applies slightly softer. The Boots Beautiful Brows Pencil has denser pigmentation and stays put all day long. And major bonus points for a high quality spoolee to brush and tame before filling in. I’ve been using Brown in the Beautiful Brows and Medium Brown in Botanics Eyebrow and both are fabulous matches. The Medium Brown is slightly lighter.

Want to join @BootsBeautyUSA and @BeautyJunkies to chat about all things brows? Tune in tonight at 7pm EST for the #ArchMadness twitter party. See you there!