Category: eyes

MAC Paint Pot

M·A·C Paint Pot // Belle Belle Beauty

Much like my obsession with MAC ‘Mineralize Volcanic Ash’ Exfoliator, I just can’t live without the MAC Paint Pot. I’d seen it on blogs, heard makeup artists rave about it and even tried it out at counters. But I never pulled the trigger until a gift card landed in my lap. Painterly was the shade of choice, although I am quite certain I would take every single shade.

I apply using my fingers. While the formula looks like a paste, it is creamy and slightly slippery. The opaque, highly pigmented color in Painterly makes for a great “blank canvas” and primer for other looks. I also just like it alone for a neutral, natural eye. For a while, I tried to embrace my darker lids, but I will always prefer neutralizing the purplish undertones, even if I am not wearing shadows on top.

The formula blends evenly without any tugging to a creaseless, seemless layer. And lasts all day long. I’ve been mixing the Paint Pot successfully with powder shadows, cream shadows and liners from just about any line. Rubenesque, Blackground and Bare Study are at the top of the list to add to my collection. Add another “can’t live without” to the books!

Matte Eyeshadow Palettes: Urban Decay BASICS and Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage


Matte Eyeshadow Palette Face Off // Belle Belle Beauty

I must have a thing for matte shadows lately. Somehow these similar palettes have snuck onto my vanity and I can’t stop reaching for them. Both have their pros and both have their cons. But each is such a universal and wearable set, that they are both winners in my book. Here is the rundown:

Matte Eyeshadow Palette Face Off // Belle Belle Beauty

  • Total amount of product: Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage ($75) .35 ounces vs Urban Decay BASICS ($27) .30 ounces
  • Range of shades: both cover a spectrum but Urban Decay BASICS has more options
  • Blendability: Tom Ford takes the cake here – the shadows go on with even color and blend beautifully
  • Formula: I prefer the slightly creamer powder of the Urban Decay BASICS and both have outstanding staying powder with no fall out
  • Packaging: Tom Ford comes with applicators but I find those worthless anyway – Tom Ford still wins with a beautifully made palette
  • Exclusivity and “Cool Factor”: Tie – Tom Ford gets credit for being an iconic brand and Urban Decay wins for being such an iconic product (and probably brand in my humble option too)
  • Travel: Both are slim and nimble for lots of looks, but the Urban Decay BASICS has Crave (black at far right) which can be used as an eyeliner and W.O.S. (third from left) which can be used to set concealer

Hope you guys enjoyed this face off. Bottom line, Urban Decay BASICS wins. The smooth, satin formula, range of shades and price point make it a a classic. But frankly, I love having them both.

I purchased both of these products: Tom Ford from Neiman Marcus and Urban Decay from Sephora.

bareMinerals Remix Collection

bareMinerals Remix Collection // Belle Belle Beauty

Here’s a little holiday sneak peek for you! bareMinerals is releasing a new Remix collection in January and I’ve been test driving some of the products. The 11 piece color collection, despite the vibrant appearance above, is actually very wearable and fresh. The cool shades work great now in winter, but would be fabulous for spring as well.

bareMinerals Remix Collection Warmth and Secret Radiance // Belle Belle Beauty

There are some old favorites in the collection including Warmth (a bronzing finishing powder) and Secret Radiance (also found here). The bronzer gives a nice finish to my winter complexion while Secret  Radiance is a beautiful shimmery highlighting powder.

bareMinerals Remix Collection Loud & Clear Lip Sheers // Belle Belle Beauty

The highlight for me might be these sheer, glossy balms – aka Loud & Clear Lip Sheers. I love the way these shades give a great wash of color without being too bold, but giving such a great lip tint. Tangerine Trance, Berry Remix and Amped Pink will be in my purse for the foreseeable future. The fruity scent and hydrating formula make these such a pleasure to use.

bareMinerals Remix Collection READY Eyeshadow // Belle Belle Beauty

Shame on me for not reviewing the bareMineral’s eyeshadows sooner. I’ve been hooked on these for months and the new versions don’t disappoint. I was immediately drawn to The Next Big Thing (right). I wore these shades on Christmas Eve and loved the festive shimmer effect. One thing to note about these formulas: the powder is creamy and super blendable in to a buildable but initially sheer color. So while the shades can look dark, they are quite neutral unless you build them. Don’t discount my love for The Wild Thing (left)!  The bottom left shade is a beautiful shimmery taupe. Layered with the top right makes for a golden shade that looks great with the ice blue. Bottom line, these shadows are perfect to play around with and are more neutral than they appear. The creamy powder formula makes for a real treat.

bareMinerals Remix Collection Flawless Definition Mascara // Belle Belle Beauty

Why yes, that is an aqua mascara. I hadn’t used Flawless Definition Mascara and was very pleased with the volume and length I achieved. The wearability was superb with zero fall out. Blue mascara is something you either are drawn to or you aren’t. I understand. But it is worth a try. The slight blue effect brightens eyes and is actually a great way to soften a look. I’ve been wearing it on bottom lashes for just a suggestion of blue to play off my hazel eyes – trust.

bareMinerals Remix Collection READY Blush // Belle Belle Beauty

The bareMinerals READY Blush in The Natural High is a high shimmer pink – I’m into radiance these days so I love it. Beware, it is far from matte. Lastly (not pictured), bareMinerals Round The Clock Eyeliner is a creamy, easy-to-use, waterproof eyeliner that I love to recommend. All in all, bravo, bareMinerals on a great collection!

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.

Five Tips for Holiday Makeup from Neutrogena

 Five Tips for Holiday Makeup from Neutrogena // Belle Belle Beauty

Amy Oresman, celebrity makeup artist from Neutrogena, shares some of her tips using for holiday makeup. I’ve been test driving these items too over the past couple of weeks and am also sharing my thoughts on these drugstore buys.

1. During the holidays when you’re running from one event to the next, your makeup can take a beating.  To help you look picture perfect, it’s important to start with a good base.  The Healthy Skin Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 instantly smoothes skin imperfections so makeup applies more evenly and lasts longer. 

Editor’s note: I LOVE, I mean love, this primer. It evens skin just on its own while cooling and hydrating. I love the SPF (non-irritating at that). And there is no balling and sliding under makeup.

2. Between parties, shopping and cooking, the holidays can leave many women feeling and looking rundown, often showing up as bags and dark circles under the eyes.  Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector is a do-it-all product that not only brightens and conceals but is clinically proven to de-puff and treat dark under eye circles.  Formulated with optical eye brighteners, this silky formula instantly boosts radiance and lightens shadows around the eye area, leaving skin looking refreshed and more even-toned, so you’re close-up ready!

Editor’s note: I’ve had one of these in the rotation for a couple months. This is not an illuminator pen – it really conceals with a radiant and moderate-coverage finish. I love using it around my eyes and down the sides of my nose.

3. Often times, the photo flash can make your look washed out. To really make your eyes pop, eyeliner is a girl’s best friend. Nourishing Eyeliner contains a specialized blend of light-reflecting pearls that help make the whites of eyes appear whiter, while the rich color instantly brightens and defines eyes.  What’s more, the formula is enriched with skin-conditioning ingredients including olive oil, rainforest shea butter and Vitamin E to help nourish the delicate skin at the base of the lashes. 

Editor’s note: This creamy liner is easy to use and especially great for a smudgy look (there is a smudging sponge at the other end). I love the in-cap sharpener and addition of vitamins and conditioners for delicate skin. This sadly doesn’t work on a water-line, but could be great in conjunction with your favorite eye kohl (remember: layering liners makes them stay longer).

4. My must-have accessory for any holiday look is mascara! My personal preference is HEALTHY VOLUME® Mascara because it builds lash volume by 400% with the triple benefits of olive extract, Meadowfoam seed and sweet almond for fuller, more conditioned lashes.  The exclusive super sized Visible Volume brush quickly coats and builds every single lash, without clumping, smudging or flaking, resulting in beautifully defined lashes that are conditioned from the inside out. 

Editor’s note: This mascara not only conditions and improves your lashes, but boosts volume in a major way. The large brush is my preferred tool and adequately coats each last for more length and fullness. There is no dry, crispy feeling (hate when that happens).

5. No holiday look is complete without the perfect pout to round off the picture perfect look! Every woman wants soft, luxurious lips, but achieving them isn’t always so easy since many products can leave lips feeling dry, especially during the winter months.  Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 is formulated with with ion2complex™ Technology that offers a surge of moisture and improves lips’ overall appearance. In just one week, this sheer tinted balm is clinically proven to improve the texture of lips while restoring lips’ rosiness.

Editor’s note: It is hard for me to not love a good balm. These did not disappoint  They really are hydrating with a fruity flavor. I love “Sheer Shimmer” for an easy translucent lip and “Petal Glow” gives a subtle hint of rose, both leaving my lips super shiny.

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.

Get The Look Video: Pretty in Plum

Get The Look Video: Pretty in Plum // Belle Belle Beauty

For the last in our Get The Look series, Sara and Rebecca accent with plum shades. I love the soft, sophisticated look of this shade. Love these tutorials? Check out the other videos in the series hereherehere and here.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKZ0J9egpXQ]

“Using one color in various tones is anything but boring! Purple, plum, eggplant, and mauve combine perfectly on eyes and lips for the sultry winter look. Just make sure to keep your cheeks light to maintain balance.”

Get The Look Video: Pretty in Plum // Belle Belle Beauty

Links for brands used:

  • http://shop.janeiredale.com/
  • http://www.econveybeauty.com/

Get The Look Video: Smokey Goes Green

Green Smokey Eye // Belle Belle Beauty

I can’t really think of a more festive look for the holidays: a deep, smokey green eye. Sara and Rebecca use natural makeup from Jane Iredale, Ilia Beauty and Youngblood to get a party-ready look. Love these tutorials? Check out the other videos in the series herehere and here.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNpBumvqCro]

“Who doesn’t love a sultry, sexy smokey eye? My favorite way to get a quick smokey look is by using RMS Beauty’s Cream Eyeshadow in Karma. With just a few sweeps of a brush I am ready for a night out. Pantone just named Emerald it’s 2013 color of the year so Rebecca and I thought we would update a smoky eye by having it go green!”

Final Look on SJM - Green Smokey Eye // Belle Belle Beauty

Links for brands used:

images by Mia MacDonald