Category: bath and body

Roses… Are All That

rose

Happy First Day of Spring! While I may have a little spring in my step and fresh tulips on my counter, I always turned my nose up at anything rose. While I maybe have warmed to a select few fragrances with rose notes, I never really fell for anything “rose” by name. Leave it to the beauty department at Neiman Marcus to change my tune.

AERIN Beauty Rose de Grasse Parfum on Belle Belle Beauty

First, AERIN Beauty Rose de Grasse Parfum – something I certainly didn’t expect to fall for. I never am drawn to ultra-feminine and floral scents. But all that has changed because, first, the roses themselves are special – Rose Centifolia are hand-picked in Grasse, France. Second, the rose is layered with one of my most favorite notes, a warm amber. Lastly, there is a aqua clarity that lends to a cleaner and less cloying rose. Who knew I’d discover a rose-based fragrance as my spring scent?

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Filed under “not surprising at all”: I love face oils. My skin loves face oils. But I have never been drawn to one with rose. Chantecaille Rose de Mai Face Oil changed my perspective. Packed with hydration like other face oils, this version is unusually lightweight but still nourishing. I love it under makeup for an added glow. My skin stays supple and dewy for the full day. And the best news is that long-term use will strengthen skin and boost metabolism to fight wrinkles.

Neiman Marcus Face of Beauty on Belle Belle Beauty

Also something really fabulous is going on at Neiman Marcus this month and you don’t want to miss it:

Six remarkable women will become the Faces of Beauty featured in Neiman Marcus’s Fall 2015 Beauty Event campaign

Neiman Marcus is hosting a Facebook contest to find the Fall season’s Faces of Beauty. To enter, state why the nominee is beautiful from the inside out and how she is making some noise in her world, and upload a photo on the online form here.

THE PRIZE
· Round-trip airfare to Dallas, Texas
· Luxury hotel accommodations
· A celebratory dinner with Neiman Marcus Executives
· Hair styling, makeup application, and a private fitting with a Neiman Marcus stylist
· A photo and video shoot at one of the Neiman Marcus stores
· A luncheon at a Neiman Marcus restaurants
· $1,500 in cosmetics and fragrances to take home

Hurry! Nominations close on March 24, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

image here

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.

 

Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion

Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion on Belle Belle Beauty

Looking for a holiday glow? Are you like me with pasty, winter skin? Here is an indie beauty brand that might just be right up your alley.

I have lusted over Prtty Peaushun the last couple months in the pages of magazines and on the Gloss48 site. I finally pulled the trigger and now am the proud owner of the celeb-favorite lotion in Medium and Dark. Kicking myself for not adding this to my vanity earlier. The Medium actually works well on my arms and face this time of year. Dark has more of a bronzing effect and I love it on my legs and it should be perfect in the summer.

This stuff has been around for a while – makeup artist Bethany Karlyn would concoct this formula before photo shoots in tupperware containers. Every time, clients swooned over the lotion and she decided to sell it to the public. By “clients” here I mean huge celebrities – prtty peaushun fans include Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooklyn Decker and Selena Gomez.

I  love the way the potion evens skin and adds a radiance. It works to correct skin flaws. And it also shows off hard gym work with muscle definition. It soothes skin including sore muscles, bug bites and sunburn. Some have referred to it as “photoshop in a pouch”.

While I am not wild about the scent, it doesn’t stick around long. I am suspicious that I am sensing the avocado which just happens not to be my personal favorite. The formula is technically fragrance-free so it is just these ingredients showing their true colors:

Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion Ingredients on Belle Belle Beauty

Available in Plain, Light, Medium, Dark and Deep Dark. Vegan, natural, cruelty-free, gluten-free and paraben-free. Available at Gloss48 – which I love for stocking up on all sorts of indie brands.

Also available at Net-a-Porter.

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.

Holiday Gifting: Affordable Beauty From FLOWER

Holiday Gifting: Affordable Beauty From FLOWER on Belle Belle Beauty

I remember hearing about Drew Barrymore’s new makeup line when it first came out. Lucky for me, I had met the makeup artist who Drew worked with developing the line and was able to get info from her about the new products. One thing that resonated was that she truly believed and emphasized that this was luxury level formulas at Wal-Mart prices.

It was almost too good to believe. But low and behold… every product I’ve tried from FLOWER has been just that – luxury, functional, beautiful and effective. And at great prices. Goes without saying their gift lineup makes for perfect holiday gifts for those on your list (even if you are on a budget like me!).

I’ve tried out several of the gift sets and here are my favorites:

FLOWER Brushes: I particularly love the foundation brush, but each is made from soft, man-made hair. The hefty handles are a breeze to use. Offerings include:

  • Ultimate Powder Brush
  • Liquid Foundation Brush
  • Eyeliner Brush
  • Eye Shadow Brush
  • Ultimate Lip/Concealer Brush

FLOWER Cosmetic Bags: These new additions come in every size and are styled perfectly for travel. Offerings include:

  • Small Cosmetic Bag
  • Double Zip Foldover
  • Cosmetic Clutch
  • Train Case

FLOWER Fragrance Collection: This set of three is designed around  moods and time of day. I have been wearing Cherished and the powdery musk is perfect for cozy winter days. The three scents:

  • Cherished (white bottle) – Lemon, Iris, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Musk
  • Radiant (pink bottle) – Fresh, green, Magnolia and Amber
  • Sultry (purple bottle) – Pepper, Jasmine, Musk and Patchouli

FLOWER COLOR IN THE LINES Mini Chubby Beauty Set: Drew does chubbies right. These lip and eye versions are self-sharpening and come in wearable and bold shades.

Available at Walmart.com

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.

Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ on Belle Belle Beauty

Tis’ the season and for me that means loads of hand cream. Working in an office, I am borderline nutso about washing my hands – I really really don’t want to get sick this winter. So you can imagine my little paws get really dried out. While I had been using some more stronly scented versions, I kinda wanted something more work appropriate.

Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ does it all – not a huge fragrance bomb but it smells good nonetheless. It also packs a protection punch. This has been on the forefront of my mind as I am trying to pay more attention to my hands and signs of aging.

I have a dear friend who deals with sun damage on her hands, and I feel like I have stumbled on a perfect holiday present for her. She has always taught me to remember the damage sun can do while we are driving, and this high-powered SPF is perfect to protect against photoaging while on the road.

Above and beyond that, the formula contains antioxidants to keep skin looking young. Sea buckthorn works against sun damage and spots that have already made their way to your hands. And meadowfoam seed and argan oil keeps skin moisturized without being greasy – crucial as I pound away on my keyboard.

And that subtle scent – it includes cardamom, eucalyptus, and tangerine. But to me it just smells natural and clean.

Cruelty-free. Available at Sephora.

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.

New Luxe Winter Fragrances

New Luxe Winter Fragrances on Belle Belle Beauty

I’d say my signature fragrance over the past couple years has solidly been NEST Midnight Fleur – and I still continue to love it. But two new fragrances crossed my desk recently that might just move into the prime spot this winter. Those two are Bottega Veneta Knot Eau de Parfum and Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum.

I have always lusted over Bottega Veneta handbags (especially their iconic “knot” clutch), clothes and shoes so it isn’t a surprise that their fragrance is right up my alley. I read recently that the makers noted “fresh linens” and the Italian coastline as notes, and I knew I’d be sold.

Other layers include mandarin, neroli, lavendar, cedarwood, tonka bean and musk. While there are some heavier, masculine notes in the fragrance, this skews on me more fresh and clean. I’m guessing this will lend perfectly to the warmer months.

A close second is surprisingly Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum. I have never fallen hard for Estee Lauder scents, but this one matches their signature florals with “ebony woods” which you might know is a major selling point for me. Even though I’d say this fragrance is largely jasmine, tuberose and lilies, I am still drawn to its sophisticated femininity.

Have you tried either of these? Let me know in the comments! Both available at Neiman Marcus.

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.

Robin McGraw Georgia Eau de Parfum

Robin McGraw Georgia Eau de Parfum on Belle Belle Beauty

I have to admit, I didn’t really know who Robin McGraw was (I googled it – Dr. Phil’s wife). But I did know one thing – I really liked this fragrance. Appears I am not alone, because it is currently sold out on HSN. I meant to tell you about the launch earlier this week, but my blog break threw me off (sorry about that).

Robin appears frequently on Dr. Phil’s show. And has written tons of books. So needless to say, she has charisma. Her first fragrance is inspired by her mother and womanliness. Her classic notes include bergamot, freesia and water lotus. Orchid, rose and tea come out next. And my favorite: amber, patchouli and musk round out the wildly appealing scent.

Like other fragrances, this one has the most staying power with layering. I don’t get a ton of scent out of the body wash. But I love the creamy body lotion. And the hand lotion is super hydrating without an overpowering scent – love that for the office.

Get on the wait-list here so when Georgia does come back in stock, you can be the first on snag one.

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.