Author: Lindsay

Fighting Dry Skin With Perricone MD Chia Serum

Is it an oil, serum or moisturizer? Frankly, after three weeks of testing… I am not quite sure it isn’t all three. Chia has been on my mind (I’m striving to incorporate refrigerator oatmeal into my routine). Chia Seeds, a key ingredient of refrigerator oatmeal, are a valuable source of Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for radiant, protected skin. So it makes perfect sense that this might work directly applied on the face.

Because chia has five fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients, it nourishes and heals dry skin. But you don’t have any of that nasty greasiness. With the warmer months, I am all about the glow that hydrated healthy skin breathes. Skin is left vibrant but not shiny and this ranks upon the quickest facial oils when it comes to absorption. Not a facial oil fanatic? Try mixing it with your favorite moisturizer for a hydration boost. Or the real trick is to use a minimal amount over makeup for a dewy glow.

Available at PerriconeMD.com, Sephora 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.

Wednesday On The Web

I’ve been really inspired lately with fellow bloggers opening up about their daily lives, ups & downs and everyday stuff like fitness and dating. So this new feature, Wednesday On The Web, is something I hope will evolve into a sort of “check in” here at Belle Belle. This week, I can almost feel Spring in the air but it is still annoyingly chilly. So, I am relishing my last couple of days of wearing scarfs and boots while reflecting on what’s in store.

I know I have mentioned reflection and new beginnings here a couple times recently. I’ve had a harder time than expected in getting the ball rolling on fresh content. But I think a new season does invite a change in routine. I’ve also learned a couple things about myself over the past couple of weeks. And those tidbits are certain to usher in a change.

First, I’ll be honest. I fell hard for a guy over the holidays. And he didn’t treat me well. I think I bent over backwards to make something work for over three months. It seems everyone but me knew the writing was on the wall. I’m betting many of you can understand that sometimes we are the last to notice something so obvious. This past weekend, I finally put him out of my life, albeit with not the utmost of grace, but it was done. And while I live in a freakishly small town with an even smaller social circle and that means running into him, at least emotionally I have shut that door. Having that toxicity out of my daily thoughts and in my heart already is adding a skip to my step.

Second, I finally had a physical – it had been years. I think females are in a bit of a conundrum because so often gynecologists don’t perform comprehensive check-ups. We are susceptible to thinking our annual trip to the GYN covers it. While I know some do, my gynecologist certainly hadn’t performed a full physical and frankly none of mine ever had. The only thing they ever tested were thyroid levels – I have been treated for hypothyroidism for eight years. What really blew me away was at this physical, I was told for the first time that the treatment for this condition can put you at serious risk for osteoporosis. I’ve noted to keep up weight-bearing exercise and those all important calcium supplements.

We moved onto blood tests for cholesterol, kidney function, vitamin levels along with the rest of the gamut. Most importantly, I am incredibly healthy but with a couple surprises. I was low in both vitamin D and B12 and now am on new medications to help with that. My diet, especially lately, is very healthy. The conclusion is this can be a genetic condition. Both cause fatigue and can lead to serious problems down the road. I am thrilled to know this info and educate myself about both conditions. And treating them will make me feel even better.

So, part of my motivation to get personal here is a sort of PSA. I know with busy lives, it is hard to take care of ourselves, both emotionally and physically. If your GYN isn’t giving you a full physical every couple of years, I encourage you to see a family doctor. I know it changed things for me! And if you are living with a person in your life that doesn’t treat you well, kick that guy or girl to the curb. 🙂

Some other advice and wisdom I’ve found around the web this week:

Completely stellar advice on how to live in your 30s.

Swing by this beauty/nutrition blog – I adore the beautiful images and no nonsense advice.

Love this fresh face for Spring from Victoria and Erin!

And please feel free to let me know if you enjoy (or dislike) these kinds of posts. I’m open to constructive criticism – just be gentle 🙂

image here

Chantecaille Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Mask

I’m one of those freaks that needs loads of sleep. If I had my druthers, I’d get nine hours every night. But we know sometimes that just isn’t possible. I used to be able to fake that “rested” look with my beloved NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer, but I’ll be darned if I am starting to need some extra help as I approach the big 3-5.

While I have tried tons of eye creams and masks, I haven’t really found something that provides a more immediate result. Enter Chantecaille’s Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Mask. While I feel like I should note this is truly a luxury item, it is both a short-term solution and long-term investment.

Using all natural seaweed as a base, the formula is infused with an anti-aging gold serum. The transparent gel masks provide a cooling sensation. After one use, lines are minimized and puffiness is gone. The revealed radiant skin replaces dark circles. Longer term, gold works to protect DNA and boost collagen.

I am wearing my third set of masks as I type and one of my favorite features is that they disappear on your face. I have no fear of frightening the FedEx man if he happens to knock on the door. I also appreciate the the small crescents adhere to the under eye area without slipping and sliding. They stay put for the entire recommended 20 minutes.

Paraben free, fragrance free, petrochemical free and cruelty free. Includes 8 pairs of eye gels per box. Apply 3-4 times a week.

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

Pinrose

Looking for a new spring scent? Swing by Pinrose, a cool fragrance online store that offers a sampling program and a scent finder. I took their quiz aka “Scent Profiler” and received three “Petals” or at-home samples to try out. I appreciated the flexibility in trying out the fragrances over the course of a week or so without all that department store pressure.

Founders Erika Shumate and Christine Luby built their fragrances experience on the pillars of high quality ingredients and a cheerful, fun experience. Each scent – there are 10 – has three level of notes that they refer to as Smile, Heart and Soul. Smile is the first impression. Heart is the middle notes. And Soul is what remains after a couple hours. In addition, each fragrance is paired with a cocktail and song that evokes the experience.

I tried Treehouse Royal, Moonlight Gypsy and Pillowtalk Poet. I was most drawn to Moonlight Gypsy with its herbal Cardamom, Orange Blossom and Sandalwood. No wonder that its cocktail is one of my favorites – Mulled Wine. Check out all the scents at Pinrose.com and take the quiz here.

Made in the USA. No phthalates and no parabens.

While we are at it… here are some other sales and deals from around the web:

Enjoy 20% off almost everything at Bliss with code 20SPRINGCLEAN through 3/31.

Today is the last day of Friends and Family at one of my favorites, Joie. Take 20% off full-priced items with code JOIEFRIENDS.

Get 20% off all Maya Brenner products at BaubleBar through 3/31. Love these delicate initial pieces!

Get a free full-size Lip Glaze set ($66 value) and free shipping with a $50 purchase at Stila Cosmetics with code LIPGLAZE through today.

Wanderlust From Stephanie Johnson

Anyone else dreaming of the beach? The new collections from Stephanie Johnson have me wanting to pack my bags. While I chose some more neutral bags for my permanent collection, I wanted to share these colorful and cheerful prints today in the case anyone else needs a little tropical daydreaming. And stay tuned for what I added to my collection later this week.

Careyes is a secluded hideaway resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast and inspired the print found on the three bags in front. The vivid shades conjure a bohemian chic. And the ikat reminds of the Aztec culture. Mumbai, long a favorite, is most vibrant in turquiose. I love the sophisitication against the exotic metallic.

Available at stephaniejohnson.com.

Tips For An At-Home Manicure

Sure, I’d love to have a professional mani/pedi weekly and let’s go ahead and add on a couple blowouts and a massage (or two). But that just isn’t possible for us regular folks. So, I will continue to pursue the perfect at-home blow out and beg for a back rub when I can. But I have had enough practice to pretty much master an at-home manicure which makes me feel pampered and will give my nails a professional, clean look. And I am excited to share those tips on Great Day Green Country this AM – we changed things up this week and will be doing my usual Friday segment on Thursday

Quick side note on my polishing skills: I have lots of trouble getting polish to remain chip-free for more than two days. I know even the illustrious Eva Chen admits to repolishes every couple of days. So I’ll settle for working my way through my endless nail polish collection with a switch up more often. I’ve had gels for a couple months. With my returned natural nails, changing up shades right now is kind of refreshing. With that said… here is my routine:

Start with clean, dry nails. Remove older polish with a nourishing remover. Make sure to double check sides of nails for any rogue polish. Splurge on specialty nail cottons because they are particularly absorbent and abraded.
Shape nails with a glass file. A glass file is gentle on delicate nails and avoids tugging or breakage. Squoval is the universally-flattering and classic shape but we have been seeing editorial-shaped nails like pointed on runways for a couple seasons so go for any look you desire!
Soak nails in a bowl of warm soapy nails to soften skin. Sometimes, I jump in the shower at this point to kill two birds with one stone.
Apply a cuticle remover to remove dead tissue from the cuticle area. Use a wooden nail tool to push back cuticles. Resist using those dreaded nail clippers. Cutting skin can breed bacteria. And that skin also serves a purpose protecting the delicate cuticle area and can prevent redness. Cut any hangnails if you must.
Thoroughly rinse cuticle remover ensuring it doesn’t stay on skin too long. Nourish dry hands with a rich hand cream like Nuance Salma Hayek Super Brightening Hand Cream (which is cruelty-free and can help with the appearance of age spots) or Library of Flowers Coco Butter Handcreme.
Wipe nail beds only with alcohol or a nail primer like Deborah Lippmann 2 Second Nail Primer to ensure oils from the nail bed are completely clean. Use specialty cotton to avoid any residual threads that could ruin polish application. Or try Q-Tip Precision Tips Cotton Swabs if your nail beds are on the small side.
Apply a strengthening base coat like Essie Grow Stronger and allow to completely dry. If you have trouble keeping polish on, try Orly Bonder. Then use two coats of colored polish, starting with a swipe down the middle of the nail followed by one on each side. Finish with a quick dry, no chip top coat. Right now, I am loving Debroah Lippmann Hard Rock.
Maintain your manicure by applying a new top coat every other day. In the evenings, keep cuticles looking healthy with hand cream or specialty designed cuticle and nail balm.