Category: bath and body

Love My Body Indulge Me Body Oil from Victoria’s Secret

I wasn’t sure what to expect with that name. But it was a body oil, and I can’t not try a body oil. So glad I did, because all four scents have already become favorites. And like Victoria’s Secret says…. Soft skin is sexy skin. 🙂

The dry oil is infused with argan, grape seed and monoi oils. It is quickly absorbed but leaves skin highly moisturized and smooth. I apply in the shower before towel drying. But it also looks great on bare legs when you need some sheen. Or on dry skin at night for intense hydration. My only beef is the dispenser only releases a small bit per pump and I love it so, I can never seem to get enough. The fragrances are very light and fresh, so they don’t really leave a strong scent.

  • Grapefruit and Basil (green and clean)
  • Jasmine and Water Lily (feminine and fruity)
  • White Tea and Sage (herbal and rich)
  • Orchid and Bamboo (sophisticated and floral)

Right now, they are on sale online for 3 for $24. How can you resist? Clearly, I cannot.

Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Souffle Body Cream

Laura Mercier might be known for the flawless face, but I think her bath and body products are just as epic. I love her frothy, sweet but elegant scents. Almond, Coconut and Vanilla are featured prominently (which I love). But her latest scent, Ambre Vanillè, has a hint of musky woody flavor to make is the perfect cozy fall fragrance.

I have gravitated towards the actual Eau de Toilette in the past, but for this collection I am savoring the Souffle Body Cream. The upcoming dry months are the perfect excuse to indulge in a rich and hydrating lotion. Laura didn’t just make a pretty scent either. She really thought about skin care. The formula includes vitamin A, pro-vitamin B5, C and E. Grape seed, rice bran oil, vanilla extract and honey soothe and condition skin. Almond and rice protein provide moisture balance and protection.

The Body Cream doesn’t leave the skin sticky, but it is dewy. The fragrance persists and makes for great layering with your perfume. The consistency isn’t as stiff as other balms – the body cream applies slightly more like a lotion. After using this and Bliss High Intensity ’24-Heaven™’ Healing Body Balm for a couple weeks, my skin looks healthier and more radiant.

September’s Favorite Things

1. I can’t quit reaching for my summer bronzer – I am just not quite ready to give up that sun-kissed glow. This bronzer by the Balm has just enough umph and a balance between pink and brown. It also looks great on the lids. (available at Nordstrom)

2. This Victoria’s Secret eye kohl fits perfectly across my lids. I close my eyes around the crayon and drag it outward. This gives a thin, yet intense, jet-black line for a more smoldering eye. I can’t find it online, but it is worth checking out if they have it in the store.

3. BareMinerals Well-Rested Face & Eye Brightener is similar to the YSL Touche Eclat, but has a balanced mineral infusion of radiance. It truly energizes and awakens the eye area. It is sheer so it works on all skin tones. (available at Sephora)

4. As far as BB Creams go, 3LAB is my go-to. I love the coverage, consistency and match to my skin tone. It is on the heavier side but I find if I apply it with the included roller contraption, it goes on super even and natural looking. (available at Nordstrom)

5. I am definitely feeling the spicy, cozy scents for the fall. And this Amber is a clear, clean incarnation that has a hint of musk. (available at Amazon)

6. These hair ties are basically ingrained in my life. They are everywhere: car, bedside tables, purse, bathroom, kitchen. I love they don’t tear or break long strands and they hold up like a champ. I think I have some that around 3 or 4 years old. They even hold my long hair in a top knot (twistbands are available at Birchbox)

7. And for my NYFW “best find”: Clarins Beauty-Flash Balm. This mask/treatment is ideal for a busy day or big event. After not enough sleep, I slapped this on before a big brunch and found my skin looked hydrated, glowy and not the least bit tired. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then apply makeup. Your look will have an extra radiance. (available at Neiman Marcus)

Bliss High Intensity ’24-Heaven™’ Healing Body Balm and GIVEAWAY

Like a momma bear getting ready for hibernation, I am preparing for these winter months when my skin is known to become a dry, itchy mess. And this year, I am stockpiling Bliss High Intensity ’24-Heaven™’ Healing Body Balm.

This insanely rich balm looks like icing or crisco in the tub but has the consistency closer to greek yogurt. And while it is very nourishing, the quickly absorbing balm doesn’t become greasy or sticky. Staying on the food trend, the scent is kind of like cake batter (but not in that teenybopper, nauseous way). It smells clean and maybe even a little vanilla on the skin.

That would probably sell me right there. But then bliss went a step further. They threw in exfoliating lactic acid and soothing, protective colloidal oatmeal. At the end of the day, my skin still feels super hydrated from my AM application.

Just because I love you readers (and in honor of Belle Belle Beauty’s second birthday), I willing to part with a ’24-Heaven’ from my own person stash. Just enter using the widget below. Open to anyone anywhere! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don’t want to chance it, you can pick up your own at NeimanMarcus.com.

Keeping My Feet Happy During NYFW

I just returned from New York Fashion Week and my feet are NOT in good condition. I tried very hard this season to walk the line between comfort and fashion, but my tootsies still paid the price. This year though, I was on top of treatment – a little routine I did every evening. I can report my blisters are healing faster, my feet weren’t as swollen and my soles are soft.

First, I looked to a product that usually is reserved for the face. Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray is designed for hypersensitive or irritated skin and I figured that was exactly what my feet were. I sprayed the natural water to cool my feet right when I got home. I also felt this was a good way to hydrate and calm blistered areas. And you bet I used this on my face too. My skin didn’t look as red and I stayed super moisturized. In a pinch, it also removes makeup.

After letting the Spring Water absorb, I slathered on the Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Runway Ready Luxury Foot Treatment. While I got a little giggle from the name and prioritizing such a specialized product in my toiletries bag (Sara, I’m looking at you here), this stuff became so precious on my trip. The lotion softened my skin and the practice of rubbing it in kept swelling at bay. Argan Oil fortified skin against blisters and germs. Butcher’s Broom and Arnica Extract, improved circulation and prevented inflammation. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy (BHA) moisturized and exfoliated.

Lastly, my new favorite thing: Foot Petals Killer Kushionz and Heavenly Heelz. I stumbled on these at a recharging suite in the Empire Hotel. By that point in the trip, the balls of my feet were tender from high heels and these gave immediate relief. Killer Kushionz are a full insole that can be worn with open toe shoes and sandals. They provide a soft cushion for the balls of your feet and increased arch support. I have a high arch and lots of hardware in my left foot from surgery. The increased arch was crucial to comfort. The material, PORON® performance urethanes, stops friction, prevents blisters and protects bones (I’m particularly impressed with this!). All Foot Petal products are proudly made in the U.S.A.

Hope these saviors are helpful to you. I think all three are fabulous and necessary for big events and travel. Shop for them using the widget below:

“Beauty of the Game” Limited Edition Version of Eau de Lacoste

In the spirit of Olympics, I bring you my new favorite sporty fragrance. It is no lie that I am totally obsessed with the Games. And already I am dreading the end of the festivities. So I plan on keeping the party going with the new limited edition “Beauty of the Game” version men’s Eau de Lacoste.

While this is a men’s fragrance, it is wildly appealing to such a range. Hosting a dinner party this weekend, I had the group try it out. And this was a diverse group. Everyone loved this scent. On me, the scent is heavy and on the masculine side. I fell hard for the woody spice. But it definitely had floral notes. I’ll love it in the cooler months and I think it would work on a man any time of year.

  • Top Notes: Grapefruit, Cardamom, Rosemary, Cedar Leaf.
  • Heart Notes: Tuberose Abs, Olibanum, Ylang Ylang.
  • Base Notes: Vetyver, Suede, Cedarwood, Georgywood.

And the real treat is the packaging. The bottle features a real, iconic fabric logo. The outer carton features 10 crocodile images that embody flags from U.S.A., Spain, France, Argentina, Australia, UK, Brazil, Japan, Germany, and South Africa. Because we all truly walk together during the Summer Games.

Check out some of my other favorite fragrances: