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.
Happy Cyber Monday – hope you all are having fun getting your shop on. Some amazing deals I posted on Friday are still going on so make sure to check out this post before you hit “BUY”. Speaking of holiday shopping, I have another gift idea to share with you today:
I continue to be blown away when it comes to the value in bareMinerals gift sets. They are truly an awesome deal – flawless in delivery of quality products and formulas that are certainly crowd-pleasers. It can be tricky buying makeup for someone else, but their concoctions seem to always suit a wide range of complexions and skin types.
This technically is a set to create a “screen siren look” but I find the contents are more like a fabulous, neutral everyday look. The eye shadows are a shimmery light pinky gold and deeper chocolate. I like wearing the lighter Matinee all over lids for a quick and easy look. The set instructs Opening Night, the darker brown, in the crease and along the lower lash line but it is a little dramatic for me. I tend to limit just a wash of Opening Night in the center of my lids.
The Lasting Line Long-Wearing Eyeliner in Absolute Black is an all-day workhorse. I only really wear black eyeliner but this one isn’t so intense and I like the less inky look for daytime. And a favorite is always the Lash Domination 10-in-one Volumizing mascara with its wacky brush and conditioning formula.
Typically, I am not a huge blush fan but Flair is fairly sheer and can be built into a deeper shade. On me, it is a true winter glow. Marvelous Moxie lipstick in Make Your Move might just be the nude lipstick I have forever been searching for. I know nude lipstick is super personal, but if you have light-to-medium skin tone like me, this might just be your golden ticket.
Marvelous Moxie lip gloss in Leading Lady is also a nude shade but with a punch of shimmer. I get fairly good staying power and hydration from this formula. But my favorite part is the minty tingle.
Major bonus points for a super high-quality tapered brush included. bareMinerals brushes are all I use any more for bronzer and blush – they just seem to have gotten it spot on.
All in all, this set has wearable, great shades and formulas that I know I treasure as staples of my makeup drawer. For the beauty buff on your list, you can’t go wrong with bareMinerals. 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.
Well let’s just call it a trifecta. I have been loving the eye makeup offerings from mark lately like this one and this one. The latest eye goodie from mark that I’ve been testing is no different. mark. All Time Eye Hook Up Longwear Shadow, like the others, is long-lasting, natural looking and easy to wear (not to mention super budget-friendly).
This ultra-rich and pigmented liquid shadow as simple as a swipe. I like using one shade for a wash of color. I just swish on some color (not much) and blend with my ring finger. I get a full days wear and no creasing and – you know me… I am that girl that loves neutral shadows. So no wonder that Tender Love is my favorite with its golden glisten. The metallic finish is festive but not over the top.
Plus, I also happen to be that girl that still misses 4PM Oprah. So no wonder that I am also enthralled that this shadow is a 2014 Oprah Fall Makeup O-Wards Winner. What can I say? I share her great taste.
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.
A friend posted an SOS this AM on Facebook: “What is your favorite eyeliner?” I didn’t have to think too long before I gave my resounding answer. I have been testing out Trish McEvoy Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner Pen and I can safely call it my current favorite.
Now first before I go on… the price. This is a bit of a doozy at $48. But I beg you to think of this more as a skin care product that doubles as makeup. And, to me, that makes the price more palpable.
The precision of the pen is nimble enough for a fine line. But even a thicker, “cat eye” look is achievable. The pigment is such that I don’t get any of that greyness that can be found so often in liquid liners.
The real highlight is the formula’s lash building properties. The conditioning action can lead to fullness and additional length in just 15 days. I have been using the liner for a couple weeks and have noticed a more defined look to my lashes even when I am not wearing the liner.
And when I do wear the liner… I get a full day of pigment which is something I haven’t found with other liquid pens. The formula is water-resistant so plan on using eye makeup remover (I like this one).
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.
I’ve been battling some serious fine lines around my eye area. They aren’t super pronounced, but I know now is my chance to stave off any major wrinkles. Welcome to your mid-thirties, Belle Belle! So I decided it was time to really dive into the world of eye cream. I’ve selected my favorites for particular concerns whether you have fine lines like me, battle puffiness or get those dreaded dark circles. Let me know if you have any other superstar favorites I missed in the comments below!
I mention the Opal first because I use this tool with all the creams and serums tested below. I adore Clarisonic so no surprise that their tool for the eye area was equally impressive. The micro-massage (which is super-gentle) drives active ingredients into skin. Amplifying infusion with the vibration equals quick results. The Opal runs on a one minute cycle and I have to say it is actually fun to use. The rubbery applicator tip is gentle and keeps the amount of product to a reasonable level – something I found difficult when using just your finger. My only beef? I wish there was a beep when I needed to switch to the other eye. So I just do a full rotation (one minute) on each eye.
I adore this new eye cream from bliss. Part of their active 99.0 line, this treatment is professional-grade without being irritating. It manages to fight all the concerns mentioned above. And nourishes my dry and thin skin. It is a one-stop shop for those who want to address a range of concerns.
Major kudos for releasing something specifically for women (and I guess men!) in their 30s. This workhorse fights free radicals around eyes and lips and soothes sensitive areas where signs of aging first appear. The consistency is very light, making it perfect for those with oilier or combination skin. It is my lazy girl answer for nights you just can’t don’t have the energy.
I fell hard for Cindy Crawford’s skin Meaningful Beauty back here and the price point takes the sting out of a normally very expensive product. She developed her line with a dermatologist and the active ingredients really work to tighten and lift. The small tube is perfect to throw in a travel bag or purse. And it works beautifully to refresh under eyes at the end of a long day before cocktail hour.
SkinCeuticals is always my pick for people who want powerful formulas. Usually the line is a little irritating on me, but this balm from SkinCeuticals was surprisingly gentle and nourishing. I loved the anti-inflammatory nature and soothing chamomile that fought my redness like a champ. I felt refreshed and smooth a full day when using this balm.
I used to think StriVectin was a gimmicky brand, but after trying so many of their products, I am seriously obsessed with their ability to fight a wide variety of skin concerns. I don’t usually have puffiness, but I went though a phase of terrible allergies recently and this was the only eye treatment that got those puffs to calm down. My eyes were immediately “deflated” for lack of a better word. And that’s not all. The formula contains retinol – a workhorse against lines and hyper-pigmentation. And it isn’t irritating.
When I feel like I need to baby my under eye area, this is what I reach for. The silky serum smooths skin and plumps any dehydrated areas. And when I say “silky” I mean literally. The serum contains Persian Silk and is perfect after a sleepless night or one too many cocktails. It just feels sooo good to use.
Murad’s standout focuses on radiance by boosting collagen production. The tangerine butter brightens the eye area and leaves youthful baby-soft skin. And a bonus point – if you like using eye cream on lids like I do – this one is gentle enough to be used over the entire eye area.
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.
I’m baaack! After a week-long break over here on Belle Belle, I am refreshed and ready to hit the ground running again. And I figured no more perfect way than to share how I am getting ready in the AM lately. I am totally digging the “no makeup” look and here are my favorite products to achieve it:
First, the best way to start is bright and radiant clean skin. And I am completely hooked on the Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution. Please see the full review here. But long-story short: the kit comes with Clarisonic Aria, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Skin Renewing Peel Wash and Brightening Activator Serum. I love all the formulas and have seen a dramatic difference since I started using day and night with the formulas. It is especially transoformative on my dreaded hyper-pigmentation.
Rather than eye shadow (or a full smokey eye), I like using one shade and a primer on the lid. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a favorite an now comes in a sleek tube. On the lid, it neutralizes discoloration, stays put for 24-hours without creasing and looks clean and natural. I follow with an old favorite which I recently dug out of the Belle Belle archives. All you need is a swipe of Urban Decay NAKED Basics and the formula is so buttery and rich. Plus, the shades suit a variety of skin tones – I like using a swipe of Naked 2 (fourth shade from left). And now I have my eye on the newer palette, Urban Decay NAKED2 Basics.
Last, just add a swipe of my favorite – a pigmented balm on the lips. Looking for a budget option? I’ve been addicted to L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Balm in Nude. You get shine and sheer color that stays put (for a balm). But it never feels waxy or greasy.
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.
