Category: bath and body

Commodity Fragrances

Commodity Fragrances on Belle Belle Beauty

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of trying out some Commodity Fragrances, giving a welcome revamp to my fall scent rotation. Commodity leverages the skill of master perfumers and natural ingredients to make simple, elegant products. I’ve been trying out three scents specifically: Bergamont, Book and Gold. Here are some thoughts about the three of them.

Commodity Fragrance Gold on Belle Belle Beauty

I am going to start with the one that I find to be the most crowd-pleasing. Gold, inspired by money in liquid form, is warm and elegant. Perfect for the cooler days. Amber and musk work really well for both men and women. Gold is part of the “white collection” – light, airy and easy which likely makes me consider it so wearable. Notes: Bergamot, Juniper Berries, Camphor, Amber, Haitian Vetiver, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Nubian Musk.

Commodity Fragrance Bergamot on Belle Belle Beauty

Bergamot is also gender neutral but part of the Platinum collection and thus lends it self to a more rich, indulgent feel. The fragrance is earthy and woody but with more citrus leaving a slightly “fresher” feel than Gold. The green notes make it light but still sophisticated. It finishes with a creaminess thanks to amirs oil from the Dominican Republic. Notes: Italian Bergamot, Pomelo, Violet Leaf. Commodity Fragrance Book on Belle Belle BeautyLastly comes Book – likely the most intersting one of all that I tried and one I expect to reach for all during the winter months. Book is part of the Black collection which is comprised of more complex and intense scents. Great Novels inspire this scent to have a mix of spicy cucumber and tourchwood that is both fresh, woodsy and spicy. Also great for both men and women. I love this layered with Gold as well. Notes: Cucumber, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Lavender, Amyris, Amber, Sandalwood, Haitian Vetiver, Balsa, Guaiac.

As a note, each fragrance is designed to be layered together with any other to create bespoke scents tailored to each individual taste. All of those that I tried work well for men and women. While worn alone I don’t get a ton of staying power, these fragrances work best when layered and played with. So I actually appreciate the more subtle nature. Shop them at Sephora.

La Prairie Cellular Energizing Body Spray

La Prairie Cellular Energizing Body Spray on Belle Belle Beauty

My twentieth high school reunion is this weekend. Lots of memories have been flooding back like Sublime the band, Levi jeans with plaid shirts and driving around on carefree fall days during free period. In the beauty department, I remember fruity and sweet body sprays. So much high school style is back for round two these days and I like to think I’d bring back body spray but this time with a little glam.

La Prairie Cellular Energizing Body Spray is incredibly luxurious and a stunning scent to wear on days when perfume feels a little too heavy. Plus, the formula nourishes skin while providing an aromatherapeutic experience. Ruby red grapefruit, cardamom and verbena offer an uplifting scent while providing skin with a light moisturization.

Spray Cellular Energizing Body Spray generously over the entire body for a total sensory experience. Reapply throughout the day, whenever you feel in need of a lift. I’m thinking of stocking up on a second bottle for my desk. How grown up!

AVEDA stress-fix composition oil

AVEDA stress-fix composition oil on Belle Belle Beauty

I regularly go to an AVEDA salon for cut and color but I tend to skip the products after my service. I am usually testing something else or in a hurry to get somewhere. On my most recent visit, I couldn’t help but be distracted about the new composition oils. I am a huge fan of body and essential oils, and these seemed like the best marriage of both. I snagged both this one and a cooling version.

The AVEDA stress-fix composition oil is a nourishing and moisturizing blend of sunflower and jojoba seed oils that can be used on skin and hair. But the real treat is the stress-relieving scent. The lavender, lavandin and clary sage is soft and soothing. The mixture manages to silence my still wandering mind at bed time. And puts me in the right space to zen out in bed. I put a couple drops on my hand and spread over my neck, chest and arms.

Also a note, if you are in Tulsa, Nic at Ihloff salon at Utica Square is incredibly talented! I’ve been seeing her for years. 

Father’s Day Idea: Jack Black Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap

Father's Day Idea: Jack Black Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap on Belle Belle Beauty

This year is not the first time I’ve gifted Dad with the Jack Black Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap
with Blue Lotus & Lava Rock. I hate to be repetitive but it is just such a hit every time. There is something guys love about that deep, exfoliating clean. And I can’t say I blame them. I am considering picking up a bar for myself!

This deep-cleansing bar removes build-up and can reveal healthier looking skin. Like their other Turbo products, the scent is revitalizing and masculine. While the lava rock exfoliates, Shea and Murumuru butters and hydrate and nourish skin.

Vegan and Cruelty-free. Available at Amazon.

FOREO LUNA play plus and ISSA play

FOREO LUNA play plus and ISSA play on Belle Belle Beauty

Back in the day, I was loyal to my Clarisonic, but it slowly made its way out of my routine. Not that I didn’t love it. I just got lazy about replacing brushes and used other ways to exfoliate and deep clean my skin. It wasn’t until the FOREO LUNA play plus landed on my desk that I realized how much I missed a face wash device.

I had tried the FOREO products before but hadn’t truly given it a solid couple of weeks in my routine. I am glad this play plus worked its way in. The battery operated device pulsates to remove dirt and grime without any irritation. Plus it is so portable, light and not bulkly one bit. It leaves my skin rejuvenated and fresh. Comes in Aquamarine, Fuchsia, Midnight, Mint, Pearl Pink, Purple and Sunflower Yellow $49; available now at foreo.com.

Now, FOREO’s toothbrush, Issa play, was something I was a little more hesitant about. I haven’t been hooked on an electric toothbrush and was worried that my teeth wouldn’t feel clean after using it. But I love the Issa and use it now morning and night. This travel-friendly brush is sleek and easily rinsed and cleaned. There are no replacement brushes or bulky covers. It lasts for 6 months, so it would be perfect to store away in your toiletries bag ready for your next jaunt, but, for now, I am using it at home just because I love it so much. It whitena and brightens your smile but also is super gentle on sensitive teeth and gums thanks to its gentle and hygienic silicone design. Comes in Wild Strawberry, Pink, Cobalt Blue, Summer Sky and Cool Black $49; available at ulta.com.

Gucci Bamboo Eau de Parfum

Gucci Bamboo Eau de Parfum on Belle Belle Beauty

I am still faithful to my Le Labo ‘Santal 33’, but on a recent binge shop through Sephora I picked up a rollerball to keep in my purse. And I fell equally in love with Gucci Bamboo Eau de Parfum on the go for a change of pace. The fragrance is inspired by strength and elegance of bamboo. On me, the notes are feminine and clean but without being too floral – right up my alley. And perfect for freshening up mid-day.

Notes:

  • Italian Bergamot
  • Casablanca Lily
  • Ylang-Ylang
  • Comoros Sandalwood

Right now, Sephora is offering a gift with purchase with Gucci Bamboo with code VELVETGUCCI.