You guys know me… I love woody, amber-filled winter fragrances. But this isn’t one of them. And that’s because it is… in fact… summer. So I am embracing the triple digit weather and trading in for a summer scent. One preferably that can take me on a virtual vacation – anyone else have cabin fever right now?
Buenos Aires sounds pretty good and that is the city that inspired mark. in their latest collection. The annual summer release is always a treat and inspires me to push color boundaries. But this year encouraged me to embrace the something tropical, floral but still with those musky undertones.
Buenos Aires Vibe Eau de Toilette Spray has a fruity-floral escape filled with violet and passionfruit but layered over musk. This fragrance packs a punch but I like that it lasts all day. I like to spray and walk through the mist for a slightly muted effect. And this is a crowd-pleaser at the pool… just sayin’.
pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post
FOREO has challenged my thinking about design before with their face cleaning device. But their toothbrush really pushes the limit. And the result is lovely. This brush head seamlessly attaches to the brush for a sleek (and otherworldly look). Don’t worry about excessive charging or changing brush heads. The ISSA lasts up to 365 uses per full charge, requires no charging dock and the brush heads last for a whole year.
The design allows for maximum reach while massaging gums. This nonporous silicone brush has gentle bristles and pulsates to clean without scratching. The silicone is easy to clean and prevents backup of bacterial. The massaging action can help prevent gun recession.
I saw some feedback on their site that a small number of customers thought their teeth weren’t as clean as with a traditional (electric or not) toothbrush. What I’ve found is my teeth still feel clean but my gums aren’t irritated. And I think my teeth look whiter – albiet this isn’t a scientific observation. It could be the timer which keeps me accountable to brush the full two minutes. I just use my regular toothpaste – Sensodyne right now – and finish with some flossing!
This was a press sample given to me as a member of iFabbo, for the purpose of truthfully evaluating the product for this review. Absolutely no financial compensation was received in return.
The temps are sizzling and the summer has officially arrived. I can’t think of a better excuse to break out a new tub of Coconut Oil. My favorite these days is from JĀSÖN – one of my top natural and affordable brands. You can’t get more straightforward that this all-purpose moisturizer that does every thing from healing chapped skin to repairing cuticles. Plus it smells like a tropical vacation. This version is free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates. And packed only with the goodness of Vitamin E and antioxidants. It absorbs quickly and melts into skin – bonus points for no grease and long lasting hydration. Some other ways Coconut Oil comes in handy:
Just a quick update today in honor of Dad’s Day this weekend. Thought I would pop in and share an idea for those guys we are celebrating this weekend including my favorite person in the entire world, Dad. While no one is more supportive of the blog, I am guessing he doesn’t check this spot regularly so I am going to share what he’s getting on Sunday.
Recently I covered some new releases from L’Occitane and you probably know it is a long-time staple brand here at Belle Belle Beauty. Their new-to-me collection, Cade, is made from Prickly juniper grown in Provençe. This masculine scent is the inspiration of a L’Occitane’s formula used in men’s skincare and shaving needs. I cracked the gift set I picked out for him and this scent is so beautiful but not too delicate and just subtle enough. I know their shower gels and soaps are amazing. And I can’t wait to report on Dad’s thought on the EDT.
Summer clothes are far from my favorite. Regular readers will know that I love layers and cozy fabrics of fall best. But one thing I do welcome is retiring my black tights and baring my legs when the summer arrives. But that also comes with the issue of dry and pasty skin. To remedy that, I am sharing ome of my favorite items that have been on rotation the last month or so here:
Kate Somerville Somerville360° Tanning Towelettes – Hands down, the best self-tanner out there. The cloths are so easy to use (and travel with). I just wipe on my legs quickly when the towelette is fresh and then buff on the color over a minute or so each leg to ensure everything is even. The color is natural and says put for a week. Plus, it doesn’t mess up sheets or clothes and has a relatively pleasant scent.
Miracle Skin Transformer Tinted Body Lotion – Sometimes a faux tan can only take you so far. If you want to up your game, try a tinted lotion like this one. The ingredients help firm skin, including caffeine that works against cellulite. And the shimmer is more subtle than “over-the-top”.
mark. Naked Love Body Butter – My tans tend to last longer when I moisturize my skin at night. Since I prefer something without a tint and slightly richer in the PM, I reach for body butters. The newest from mark smells like a summer dream: apricot nectar, white peaches, velvet freesia and skin musk. It is perfectly rich but still melts into skin.
Alba Botanica Hawaiian, Kukui Nut Body Oil – You can’t beat the shower as a great time to hydrate. I like using oils right at the end of the shower to “seal” in moisture. My recent oil smells like a Hawaiian vacation – and as close as I will get to a Hula for the foreseeable future. Vegetarian and cruelty-free.
note: Honorable mention for PrttyPeaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion in Medium which is vegan, natural and gluten-free. It has slightly more shimmer than the Miracle Skin and can be used on the face and hair.
On a cold winter day back in 2002, my friend and I were wandering New York City and popped in a Sephora to warm up. Actually, I didn’t even need to use the excuse of cold weather to duck into the beauty mecca. I love shopping at Sephora when I am in New York and always have – our store here in Tulsa is a ways from home and frankly just not quite the same. It was on that visit to Sephora years ago that I found my love for Korres.
I am currently testing yet another new favorite, the Korres Milk Bar. With all the testing and trying I do, I was eager to use this mild soap as my skin can become easily irritated. And regular readers know I can’t resist a great lather. What’s special about this bar (and the entire Korres Milk line) is that it cleanses and heals. The proteins from the milk reduce inflammation. In addition, almond oil works to nourish and moisturize. The natural emollient keeps skin looking supple and young. My skin is left totally clean but still hydrated. And this bar, like all Korres products, is so beautifully packaged and make for pretty gifts.