Category: bath and body

Nest Passiflora Eau De Parfum

You guys might already know that NEST Fragrances is my preferred home fragrance brand. I currently have their holiday candle burning away. So, I was on the edge of my seat to try their first foray into personal scent. If it goes half as well as their personal care collection, it is a winner.

I’ve been (happily) testing the Passiflora version for the past couple of days. My first reaction was: “how unusual! It is unlike anything I have ever worn.” On me, the lush green notes dominate. It is a fresh, clean, organic kind of smell. There are notes of passion flower, water hyacinth and lily of the valley that peek through.

The second reaction was to the stunning bottle. But, NEST Fragrances has always been a packaging master. The artwork is inspired by 18th Century artist Mrs. Delany. And the artwork even inspired the scent: the company worked with master perfumers to compose complex and exquisite fine fragrances that best represent Mrs. Delany’s unique and meticulous artwork. And the matte black bottle looks so sleek, it deserves to be displayed.

It could be said that this is more of a spring scent, but it is on the heavier side. And I think the green notes work great with holiday cheer. Now I’m dying to try Midnight Fleur now because we all know I am an amber freak! Hear that, Santa?

mark All Lit Up Lemon Sugar Scented Candle

This mark Lemon Sugar candle is burning up a storm at chez Belle Belle. You probably know from this post that I am a huge lemon fan (lemon sugar is the perfect balance between sweet and fresh). I love the change of pace from all the cinnamon, alpine and fir business of holiday candles. Pick up some lemon sugar for yourself here.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

Caudalie Favorites & Bleeker Street Boutique Opening

I am a devoted Francophile. I’m also a devoted wine drinker. So it is no surprise that I adore Caudalie, a beauty company that built its brand around stabilized grape seed polyphenols (aka wine material). I’ve been dabbling in their skin care and body care products for over a decade and have several of their goodies in the current rotation. Bottom line: I am a fan. So now I have even more reason to envy my New York City friends – tomorrow marks the opening of the first ever Caudalie Boutique!

The brand will offer skincare consultations, mini treatment experiences and “Les Introuvables” (boutique-exclusive products) in their new flagship, located in SoHo at 315 Bleecker Street. The store design in inspired by Les Source de Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa in Bordeaux and Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. The wine and vinyard motif play throughout – is there anywhere more relaxing than wine country? I think not. Classic decor of white, oak wood and bordeaux make for a stunning spa setting. Much like the brand Lush, the boutique will feature a beauty bar in the shape of a barrel bath – the perfect spot to try products.

There will be two complimentary services:

The “Instant Beauty Pick-Me-Up” This 10 minute instant beauty service will offer clients that certain “je ne sais quoi” that comes with a flawless, healthy glow. The experience utilizes Caudalie’s top radiance boosting products like Mineral Tinted Moisturizers and the Divine Powder with advice from a Caudalie skincare expert. Skin will be radiant and glowing and the senses will be restored – all without booking an appointment.
The “Hand Massage” Experience a moment of relaxation with a massage to relived tired and fatigued hands. Utilizing gentle manipulation and Caudalie’s beloved Hand & Nail Cream, muscles will be relaxed, while skin is nourished and protected thanks to a moisturizing formula of grape oil, Vinolevure and Fair Trade Shea Butter.

While you are there, check out some of my favorite Caudalie products:

Divine Oil – I’ve been using this mix of four oils on my arms, legs, face, hair… you name it. Moroccan rose, Bulgarian rose, grapefruit, pink pepper, cedar, vanilla and white musk combine to make an irresistible scent – no kidding… this might be my favorite find of the season.
‘Thé des Vignes’ Eau de Toilette – Ginger and neroli make for a delicious, light scent that feels fresh and fruity. Notes of florals like orange blossom and jasmine round out a clean spray – perfect for those who don’t like a heavy fragrance.
‘Fleur de Vigne’ Shower Gel – I’ve been using this shower gel for years. It has the perfect suds, leaves the perfect scent and will always remind me of summer. The scent is white rose and pink peppercorn.
Hand & Nail Cream – A great hand cream only gets better with sweet orange and almond fragrance – but it doesn’t have an overpowering scent and leaves no greasy residue.
Crushed Cabernet Scrub – I am all for firming these days and… what’s the harm? Especially if it is 100% natural. This scrub is pretty aggressive and designed as part of the Slimming Regimen. The formula contains the six draining and cellulite-fighting organic essential oils of the Contouring Concentrate.
Firming Concentrate – After using the Cabernet Scrub, I slather on the concentrate. I use this on my arms and stomach where it promises to help improve elasticity and firmness and prevent stretch marks. Doesn’t hurt that the fragrance is awesome – a peppery, citrus flavor.
Lip Conditioner – This balm is a best seller in the Alps. While it is massively conditioning, it isn’t too thick. So it works great as a base coat for lipstick to prevent the look of flakey color.

Nicole Richie ‘Nicole’ Fragrance and Giveaway

I’m not one for celebrity fragrances, but I am willing to make an exception for Nicole Richie. I spent eight years of my life in California and still love to channel that beachy, Bohemian California girl look Nicole does so well. I got my paws on a (beautiful) bottle of her first fragrance and can’t stop spraying.

The fragrance smells unusually expensive and unlike anything else I have ever worn. Yet, there are some familiar notes.

The fragrance opens with notes of succulent blackberry and Seville orange, moves into a heart of golden amber, Moroccan rose, lily of the valley and papyrus before settling into a warm, creamy blend of sensual cashmere wood, sandalwood, sugared patchouli and vanilla absolute.

I’d say the scent is feminine but not overly sophisticated or womanly. It is more sensual and exotic than preppy. The bottle is inspired by the art deco movement. I like it with the top on, but love the sleek angles of the bottle when the top is off. It is a true gem for your vanity.

And now is my chance to say “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and put on my Santa hat. I teamed up with the Nicole Fragrance team and we are sharing SIX Nicole Richie Fragrance prizes with you guys.

three 1.7 ounce eau de parfums
three 10ml rollerballs

Enter using the widget below and good luck! Open to residents of the US and Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary Lemon Hand Cream and Salve

This drugstore find has me drooling in a completely calorie-free way. In the interest of my latest adventure on Nutrisystem, I’ve been finding ways other than food to reward myself for workouts and diet victories. And you can probably guess beauty goods are right up my alley. The lemon cream scent from J.R. Watkins is sweet, fresh and delicious. And the hand cream and hand & cuticle salve are coming in extra “handy” this winter. My cuticles are looking healthier after a couple weeks of use. And the back of my hands look more even and perky (is that possible? but yes, I contend it is).

Lemon Cream Hand Cream contains natural shea and cocoa butters, whipped with 10 natural oils in a 96% natural formula. It is a light, fluffy lotion while still being on the rich side. You can use this on hands and other dry and rough areas – I’ve been known to use it all the way up to my elbows.

Lemon Hand & Cuticle Salve is made from a premium beeswax base. While the consistancy is pasty, the salve absorbs quickly unlike some other balms. I love using this at night and before a walk outside in brisk, dry air. I bet this would be great on the ski slopes. The make a dedicated foot repair salve in peppermint, but this could also double for your tootsies.

Both products are: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free, Sodium Laureth Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum free and Dye Free.

image here

Winter Weather Blues – Dry Skin Cures

I woke up to the coldest morning yet this season and my skin definitely knew it. Adjusting to a colder climate has set me on a search for what battles itchy, dry skin best and I have some leaders already lining my shelves. Here are my favorite lotion and potions to protect your skin from winter dryness:

CeraVe Moisturizing Skin Cream: This thick cream is like a little tub of drugstore heaven. The dermatologist-developed formula has no scent, focusing only on deep hydration. Its patented MVE formulation releases ceramides and other essential ingredients throughout the day. There is zero irritation, and anyone with sensitive or irritable skin should love this. On really dry days, I slather this on as soon as I get out of the shower. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin quenched all day long.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè: I can’t resist a good European import. Especially when I see it in makeup artist’s toolkits so frequently. Often used as a primer, this has a rich lotion consistency while providing cream-strength hydration. I love soothing my skin with this cream after retinol agitation. The formula contains emulsifying and softening agents with active moisturizers that are symbiotic with our skin’s natural balance and encouraging the rebuilding of the hydrolipidic layer.

Kiehl’s Limited Edition Kenny Scharf Creme de Corps: I’m frankly embarassed it took me so long to try this iconic lotion. But might as well try out the limited edition Kenny Scharf version for my first time. Again, this is an unscented lotion – I feel like the focus should be on hydration for serious dry skin. The classic formula absorbes quickly, plumps skin and heals. I like using this at night because there is no stickiness when you are under the sheets.

Caudalie Vinotherapie Divine Oil: This smells so similar to my old, impossible to find favorite – Tocca Body Oil – that I can’t help but go gaga. The spray dispenser is so much easier to use than a simple open top. This particular item is fragranced, but in the most soothing, spa-like way (“subtle, floral and sunkissed fragrance, punctuated with woody undertones”). Grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan oils are combined with anti-oxidant polythenols. My skin looks more luminous. And last night, I even used this on dry ends of hair. It absorbed quickly and left my hair shiny and bouncy. And confession, I even sprayed this on my face with results similar to my trusty Rodin Olio Lusso.

JR Watkins Body Oil Mist: This drugstore body oil also has a spray nozzle and drenches the skin in moisture. I’ve been using lavender, coconut and grapefruit and adore them all. Apricot kernel oil and vitamin E to nourish the skin while providing nutrients. And the oil is quickly absorbed.

And of course, my beloved bliss body butters work great on dry winter skin. See my review from yesterday here.