Category: bath and body

Winter Dry Skin – A Twitter Chat

Looks like all of North America has dry skin this winter. And my friend, Gabriella, and I had the most refreshing twitter chat with two guys last night who volunteered their skin care routines.

Both Jon and Simon had the best recommendations I’ve heard in a long time. Despite the fact I follow loads of female beauty and skin care bloggers (including me since 2009!), I learned a lot from these dudes. It is no wonder. Simon calls himself a “SNAG”:

My routine has been a humidifier, lotion, Embryolisse Huile De Beaute, a Swiss goat milk bath soak and almond oil after my regular lotion. But it just wasn’t cutting it. I have been flaky, itchy and it just hasn’t been pretty.

These guys had some excellent recommendations. First up was a resounding recommendation for First Honey Manuka Honey Cream for Dry & Itchy Skin. Followed up by a barrier cream from either Cerave or Cetaphil. I ordered Cerave Healing Ointment. I have used this before and forgot how incredibly nourishing it is.

When we got on the topic of dry skin around our eyes, Jon recommended Burt’s Bees Calming Eye Cream (which immediately went into my shopping cart). I love this brand but I haven’t used it in ages – I will be sure to report back on thoughts. The eye area seems to be so susceptible to dryness, so a soothing and calming formula is just what I need.

And then the lovely Courtney joined in (who has ALWAYS had good tips plus best Twitter handle EVER). I have been following Courtney since my early days of blogging and Twitter. Naturally, she had practical and luxe ideas for dry skin and shared her whole routine.

Thanks to Courtney, I also dug out some Dove unscented bar soap I had in my guest room. Forgot how nourishing that was. And also added some Indie Lee products to my Amazon cart. I have used one of their face masks in the past, and excited to try out body care. I ordered the body oil and body scrub.

Last two honorable mentions are my favorite hand cream: Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream and Courtney’s favorite budget body lotion: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion for Very Dry Skin.

I’d love to hear anyone else’s thoughts. On the plus side, we have some rainy snow here today so I am grateful for the humidity.

Kopari Coconut Deodorant

Kopari Coconut Deodorant on Belle Belle Beauty

I’ve been thinking about clean living and healthy lifestyles lately. I’ve lost a bit of weight and am trying to squeeze more fruits and veggies into my diet. Where I haven’t made changes is on my vanity, I recently purchased my first ever aluminum-free deodorant. I freely admit that I sweat a lot and can get stinky. So I had always hesitated to go this route. But for lazy weekend days, there is no reason to wear a heavy duty deodorant/antiperspirant so I gave it a whirl.

I am a nut for coconut (the glossier balm dotcom in coconut is my favorite).  This deodorant has fresh coconut scent making it perfect for summer. The formula contains sage oil which helps control sweat and odor. Coconut oil helps nourish skin. I’m sold on my new healthy alternative. Granted I still use my Dove Men+Care Minerals and Sage Elements for active days (this scent recently won awards and it works like a champ!). But I love the natural route for less active days. I get plenty of odor protection and feel better about my routine.

Kopari is gluten-free, GMO-free, aluminum-free, cruelty-free and vegan. Made in the USA.

Glossier Body Hero Duo

Glossier Body Hero Duo on Belle Belle Beauty

One of my favorite bloggers, Grace, posted about Glossier Body Hero Duo a couple weeks back and it prompted a long overdue shopping spree at Glossier for me. Not only did I pick up the body duo, but also some fan favorites that I can’t wait to share with you next week. But first up, the products that started it all – Daily Oil Wash and Daily Perfecting Cream.

I am all about a natural and glow-y look and that goes for the body as well. I haven’t gotten much sun this summer (taking a healthier approach to sun care), so a little glow is much needed. The body wash and cream are both really rich and hydrating which my body needs despite the humidity.

Daily Oil Wash is truly an oil so don’t expect a heavy lather, but rather froth. It washes skin without striping thanks to the seven oils in its formula. And leaves skin so soft.

Daily Body Cream melts into skin without leaving it sticky or feeling heavy. Light-reflecting particles disguise flaws while adding sheen.

The scent is the star here, transporting me back to childhood summer days at the beach. Orange Blossom Neroli Blend has a faint Coppertone hint that smells innocently fresh. The formula is paraben free, cruelty free and vegan.

ARM&HAMMER Invisible Spray Powders for Foot and Body

ARM&HAMMER Invisible Spray Powders for Foot and Body on Belle Belle Beauty

We had a huge bike race here in Tulsa this weekend which is always a highlight at the start of the summer. Unfortunately for the bikers, it was H-O-T! And not the most comfortable as a spectator either. But it was the perfect excuse to try out my new New ARM&HAMMER Invisible Spray Powders for Foot and Body. Not only can sweat make us feel not so fresh, but it can also be stinky. But this duo kept me dry, comfortable and free of any white stains.

The Body Spray has a cool, unisex fragrance and keeps my underarms, bra-line and legs sweat free. I love the refreshing effect. I’ve been using the foot spray before work and applied it before I put on my sneakers this weekend. During the summer, my feet sweat in my work heels (and always in sneakers) and the Sweat Activated Fresh Guard® Technology is the only thing that keeps them dry and odor-free all day long.

Not the sexiest part of my beauty routine but certainly one of the most valuable.

Dry Winter Skin

This winter has been brutal on my skin. I have been constantly itchy and flaky and I am sitting here just praying for a warm spring rainstorm. I purchased humidifiers for my apartment and have the diffuser constantly running. I even have surrendered to sleeping at 65 degrees to avoid running the heat.

I was determined for some relief and I think I have found a duo that can fight the dry. First, I brought out my trusty Salux Nylon Japanese Beauty Skin Bath Cloth – super strange but it works so well. It is this really long (35 inches), rough, thin towel that suds up like a dream. It is softer than a loofah, but still textured for exfoliating entire body. Perfect for reaching my neck and back too. I use it with Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower And Bath Gel but am on the prowl for a more moisturizing body wash – let me know if you have suggestions!

The real kicker is a find by Dad – he discovered it at his favorite hunting ground, Wal-Mart (lol). Gold Bond Medicated Body Lotion Extra Strength is my new favorite thing. The smell is insanely refreshing thanks to menthol which fights itch. Dimethicone is a skin protectant and aloe soothes. Emulsifying wax makes this thick and nourishing, but somehow it melts into skin without being sticky.

It is still a constant battle, but thanks to these (affordable) gems, I am finally feeling better. Take that, Winter!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen on Belle Belle Beauty

My good friend, Tom, recommended a SPF his mom gave him last summer. I tried it out at a pool party in August and immediate went out to purchase. And on my trip to Mexico last week, I didn’t hesitate in stocking up on this now Belle Belle favorite.

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen comes in multiple SPFs (30, 70, 100+) but I have stocked up on 30 and 70. The mist works well on my sensitive skin and protects without being heavy. The Neutrogena Helioplex Technology is a stabilized sunscreen that is non-greasy. And this spray works at all angles. There is little to no fragrance. And the protection is powerful and long-lasting. Win-win. Don’t forget to pack on your winter vacation.

Available at Amazon.