Category: bath and body

Natura Bissé Celebrates Beauty Lovers Day

It is difficult for me not to love Natura Bissé. The brand is about so many things I am crazy about: skin care, luxury and Barcelona. While their products are an investment, I have found then particularly well-suited to my sensitive and drier skin. And their events at the Dallas Neiman Marcus Northpark location are legendary.

Today marks one of those days and it pains me not to be there. I happened to do my little at-home version last night. But I know it isn’t quite the same. Beauty Lovers Day marks the launch of Natura Bissé’s limited edition Diamond Absolute Damask Rose Body Oil. Noticing a trend here on Belle Belle? I am really starting to fall hard for Rose.

National Beauty Lovers Day started last year to mark the brand’s commitment to beauty and skincare. In Barcelona – the brand’s hometown – the city celebrates April 23rd with a celebration of love, roses, books and culture. The launch of the dry oil will be referenced by counters all over the world being covered in roses.

If you can’t make it to a counter to check out the launch, I can tell you a little more about it here – I have had the chance to test out the Absolute Diamond Damask Rose Body Oil for about a week. The dry oil has a scent of fresh cut roses that manages to be refreshing and not stuffy. The oil is nourishing but dries down so that my skin isn’t greasy. The rose oil leaves skin smoothed – just in time for bathing suit season – and works against free radicals and aging stresses.

The body oil doubles as a parfume thanks to the blend of Moroccan Damask rose absolute, grape seed oil, rose hip oil and nutri-veil oil. Available today only in selected spas, beauty centers and Neiman Marcus.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

New From Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees in not only a favorite drugstore brand but my definite pick when it comes to budget natural goodies. They hit shelves before natural was an official buzzword (over 30 years ago). And each of their products is carefully crafted from their iconic lip balm to their newest products.

The newest collection is designed to fight wrinkles with Hibiscus and Apple Rejuvenating Complex. I am dying to try the whole line, but for now I can report on the Renewal Refining Cleanser. I actually prefer this as a scrub – a creamy base has larger granules so make sure not to apply too vigorously. The ingredients work to plump and hydrate skin and after using my face is calm and incredibly soft. And I love the refreshing apple scent, especially for the coming summer!

Also new from the brand, Sheer Body Lotion is lightweight and not heavily scented. The formula contains Safflower Oil to smooth skin. I like to spray on right after the shower and let it soak in before I towel off. I can envision this being perfect on hotter (stickier!) days this summer.

Of course, my favorite launch was promptly chewed by my two (lucky they are adorable) puppies. I couldn’t find my new Squeezable Beeswax Lip Balm for a couple days. Lo and behold, it was located in Tink’s bed slightly gnawed on but a goner nonetheless. Sigh.

A version of my favorite original lip balm, Squeezable Beeswax Lip Balm uses the same beeswax and vitamin E but is slightly more nourishing. The slanted tip made it a breeze to use. And the peppermint left the best, subtle tingle.

All products available at burtsbees.com.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

RéVive Fermitif Hand Renewal Cream + Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen

My hand cream game seriously just got upgraded. This week at work, I cleaned out all the odds and ends and replaced my hand game with this MVP. So why is it so good? Let’s just start with luxury.

RéVive Fermitif Hand Renewal Cream + Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen is powered by a firming hand complex to smooth and strengthen skin. A brightening agent works against sun damage. And those long-term benefits are great.

But my favorite part is the very delicate rose scent – what is it with me loving rose all of a sudden? And the texture is long-lasting without being greasy or cloying. And of course, SPF 15 is an always important layer of protection. I reach for it each time I wash my hands because I love using it so – but the hydration does soak in a last all day.

Need a little more temptation? Shop now and use code APRILGC to earn up to a $500 Neiman Marcus gift card with your select qualifying purchase. Online only.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

New From L’OCCITANE

I’m kind of in a nervous state due to this drought in California. Not only is it a state I call (one of my many) homes, but I have an Alma Mater and many friends and family that actually live there. I’ll be doing a rain dance but in the meantime, I am also worried about my beloved almonds. California is the source of many – maybe most – of the almonds Americans nosh on every day.

Without surprise, my almond obsession spills over to my beauty obsession. And it was many years ago I first fell for L’OCCITANE Almond Hand Soap (which I sadly cannot find anymore). So when I got a chance to try out the new Almond Velvet Youthful Body Serum and Balm, I was elated.

The serum is truly unique – the concentrated formula contains nourishing almond with vitamin C to heal and energize skin. It hydrates but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Skin is left velvety smooth. I can’t think of a better moisturizer for summer. The balm is a heavier cream that soothes skin – but it still sinks into skin quickly leaving a powdery finish. I prefer using this at night and might just be the ticket after a day at the pool.

Also new from L’OCCITANE is the Divine Immortelle 28 Day Renewal Program. I was new to the Divine collection and quickly fell for the Divine Youth Oil – gentle and plumping aka everything you could ask for in a face oil. The Renewal Program took a little more time to review and digest. Over four weeks, I used specifically designed seven capsule strips. The process is crafted for renewal and exfoliation. The capsules are generous in size and I was able to cover my face, neck and decolletage. At the end of the month, I found my skin clearer, refreshed, less red and calmed. It definitely made a difference in my no-makeup experiment. Well worth it to infuse skin with ingredients like Rosemary and Carrot. And bonus points for an (accidental) accountability system to make sure skin care is part of your daily routine.

All products available at usa.loccitane.com.

image here

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN 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.

NARS Last Resort Collection

Well seems that Spring is in full swing down here. And that can’t help me think of beaches, bronze skin and glowing skin. Once again, I have been remiss on sharing a launch from NARS but this Saturday is a perfect time to spread the word on this collection of beauties.

Building on François Nars’ love of French Polynesia, NARS’ Last Resort Collection is both classic and on-trend. Inspired by one of the first fragrances I fell for as a beauty blogger, the Tahiti-inspired collection is infused with gardenia, monoi and coconut. Ready to book your trip to the South Pacific yet?

This limited edition has some of my favorites, some new things to drool over and a little surprise:

Tahiti Bronzer – still my favorite bronzer (although I have also recently fallen for NARS’ Casino as well), this limited edition version of Laguna includes a mini Ita brush.
Body Glow – oh how I coveted this until my bottle ran out 🙁 The not too shimmery bronze is perfect for legs, arms and chest to fake a summer glow and nourish skin. And bonus it has that infectious scent of monoi oil and gardenia-infused coconut oil.
Monoï Body Glow II – also a favorite but without the bronze effect and slightly more hydration. Think of it as Body Glow in body oil form.
Tattoos – and now for the surprise… tattoos! This set (which I cannot wait to try) includes four limited-edition temporary tattoos for when you are having a commitment-free edgy moment.

Available now at narscosmetics.com and at Sephora on 4/1.

The Caress Forever Collection

My good friend, Gretchen, has raved about Caress body wash for ages. While I have loved the Caress Emerald Rush Body Wash (which is her favorite) I tend to get distracted by testing other body washes and soaps. But the new launches from Caress have made me sit up and pay attention. By that I mean I need to always have a bottle of Caress in my shower.

The new launch brings romance and fancy to the table. The Caress Forever Collection is the first of its kind with Fragrance Touch Technology. The Caress Fragrance Release Pearls™ releases bursts of perfume with each touch of your skin. Given, it is subtle effect, I love that little note that reemerges upon touch for about 12 hours after my shower.

Floral notes were designed by perfumer, Loc Dong who has close to two decades of experience crafting more than 40 renowned scents for major fashion and fragrances houses.

“Fragrance is emotion brought to Life. The Caress Forever Collection evokes love, passion, sensuality, and elegance.”- Loc Dong

Love Forever
- Top Note: Mandarin Orange and Peach
- Heart Note: Scarlet Red Rose, Peony and Freesia
- Base Note: Sandalwood and Vanilla Musk
Adore Forever
- Top Note: Raspberry and Cassis
- Heart Note: Angel Face Rose and Muguet
- Base Note: Amber, Honey and Vanilla

Available at your local drugstore or at drugstore.com.

Thank you, Caress, for sponsoring this post.