face Archives - Page 21 of 44 - Belle Belle Beauty

Brand Spotlight: it Cosmetics

For a while there, my love for it Cosmetics was limited to their concealer (and man… do I love that concealer). But after having a chance to try out some of their other goodies, let’s just say I am hooked on the brand.

Hello Lashes! 5-In-1 Treatment Mascara in Black (first mentioned here) is not only a mascara, but a four other products that all work together for killer lashes. Working as volumizing mascara, conditioning lash primer, lash-enhancing serum, lash tint, and a lash comb/curler, this gives blackest black, full lashes. Developed with plastic surgeons, the formula contains peptides, collagen, proteins, acai, jojoba, green tea, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5. The brush goes after every single lash and I love the Magic Wand detailer tip to get lower and corner lashes.

Vitality Cheek Flush Anti-Aging Powder Blush Stain is also a hybrid product. It is actually a cheek stain in powder formula. As a dry skin sufferer, I love having the hydration of a stain. But powder formulas can be slightly easier to blend. The Radiant in Rose shade has the perfect balance of pink and brown to look sunkissed with a little flush. Goodness like plum oil, cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, seaweed extract, grapeseed, aloe and jojoba work to nourish and improve skin. And it doesn’t stop there. Anti-oxidants (so important in these sunny summer months) like Vitamins A, C, E, Acai, Green Tea and White Tea ward off free-radicals. Did I mention this stuff stays on all day!?

And what’s really got me jazzed is the new IT-O2 Oxygen Liquid Foundation. The formula has that dewy, glowy finish I love and is totally buildable. At the same time, it remains weightless and undetectable on my skin. Drops of Light reflecting pigments to help optically blur away the appearance of imperfections. While you wear it, the active ingredients basically work like they are giving you a facial. Peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen work to provide anti-aging benefits. I’ve been wearing the medium shade lightly applied and I get a tinted moisturizer effect – just enough to even but without covering my summer freckles.

And I can’t resist mentioning that, while I haven’t used them, a makeup artist at a photo shoot was singing praises of it Cosmetics brushes last week. Can’t wait to try them out. Anyone had experience with their tools?

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 Stop At The NARS Counter

Doesn’t need to be explained that I am a NARS aficionado. They consistently put out wearable, innovated products that I can resist snapping up. I’ve been on a bender lately, and there are three NARS products rocking my world. Here are the details:

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder: I’ll be the first to admit, when I got my paws on this I wasn’t sure exactly what it would do for me. The silky, white powder look innoculous at best. Think again, sister. This stuff is a true MVP. Powered with a photochromic technology, the formula difuses light and adjusts on cue, enhancing foundation and giving your makeup a long-lasting effect. The mineral powder is packed with glycerin and vitamin E to nourish skin. Those with oilier skin will love how it controls shine.

Concealer (Correcting Shade) in Pear is a godsend to those with redness (raises hand). I love how it counteracts the red around my nose or if I have any sort of blemish. The rich concealer blends seamlessly and doesn’t crease or look powdery. It also is loaded with vitamin E to nourish skin.

Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Paris Follies is the newest addition to the color lineup. The flamingo pink shade is perfect to accent my sunkissed skin this summer. If you haven’t tried Larger Than Life, get ready for some shine and staying power. I also love the way it keeps my lips hydrated. And the tiny applicator allows for precise application of the high pigment formula.

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.

Summer Beauty Inspiration

This is the look I am channeling this summer for a fresh faced, luminous glow. To get the look, I reach for:

image here

Lustful Luxury Friday: The Golden Ticket

The ultimate in luxurious summer style, check out these Linda Farrow Luxe 24 Karat Gold Sunglasses. These aviator sunglasses have contrast enamel trim along a 24K gold-plated metal frame. The gold-tone mirrored lenses compliment the luxe textures. Naturally, display case, rolled pouch, and cleaning cloth included. $1040 at Shopbop.com.

And to match… the Chantecaille Nano Gold Energizing Face Cream fueled by nano particles of gold bound with silk microfibers. The gold is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying. The rich cream rejuvenates skin with Rosemary Leaf Extract and Vitamin C while the Geranium and Rose add the most elegant of fragrances. $420 at Net-a-Porter.

Now, that’s what I call a “gold standard” lineup.

Mineral Fusion Concealer

While I have many treasured concealers, I generally prefer formulas with a silky consistency packaged in a tube like these. But in certain situations, I prefer a compact. I love throwing a compact in my purse. And non-liquid formulas are much better for travel.

Enter Mineral Fusion’s concealer duo. Also must be noted, this works beautifully in matching as you can blend shades to find your perfect match. The duo also is great for transitioning between seasons as the natural coloring of your face changes.

I’ve been using the Neutral shade and leaning towards using the darker color under my eyes. I blend both shades to cover blemishes and conceal around my nose. And the lighter shade makes a great eye shadow base on my eyelids. What I most appreciate about the formula is the compact actually transforms into a smooth cream for the most seamless coverage. I never get creases or cakeyness.

And lastly, I cannot tell you how many questions I get about natural and vegan products. So, I am happy to report that this concealer is:

100% Vegan
All-natural
Hypo-allergenic
Never tested on animals
Paraben, Phthalate, SLS, & fragrance-free
Whole Foods Premium compliant

Available at Whole Foods Markets, drugstore.com and MineralFusion.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.

All Star Products to Prep For a Big Event

We are in the throws of wedding season! And even if it isn’t your big day, I am willing to bet you’ve got some big social event on your calendar. I’ve come across a couple products that are game changers in bringing your best and brightest for those special events.

After using the GO SMiLE Double Action Whitening System, I was on the hunt for something that could help maintain my new white smile. Naturally, I turned to GO SMiLE again and have been using their ‘Truly Whitening™’ Toothpaste System. This kills two birds with one stone – brush as usual just as you would with your regular toothpaste. And just as effectively as a whitening strip but without the hassle, the paste works to remove stains. The two-tube system allows the use of whitening ingredients at a more powerful concentration that single-tube toothpastes simply can’t match.

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System is one of those truly unique products. At first I thought this was just a mascara that sought to give false-like lashes. But not so. The three-step system actually is Flexistretch™ nylon lash fibers with a base and top coat. The activating mascara base and top coat is designed specifically to melt and seal the Flexistretch nylon fibers. These are truly special occasion lashes, wildly thick and long, without the price or mess of traditional false lashes.

Hampton Sun Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray – Bronze leaves skin looking sexy while still nourishing. To enhance that summer glow, this spray is slightly cooling with Hampton Sun’s classic, beachy scent. Aloe Vera, chamomile, and vitamins A through E hydrate skin, while shimmer leaves a very sheer shine on the skin. Use over time to improve the look of skin long-term.

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme has been helping me heal dry, styling-fatigued hair. Providing a heavy duty dose of moisture, I use this as a pre-shampoo. You can also keep it handy at the beach or pool to protect hair from chlorine, salt and heat. My hair has less frizz and is super silky and smooth. Not to mention looks healthier and less damaged.

Crafted by a smaller indie brand, L.A. Christine N°3 Berry Face Oil uses the power of the Scandinavian Lingonberry, one of the most unique berries in the world. Dr. Oz calls it the new “Superfruit” because it is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories – plentiful organic acids, vitamin C and beta carotene. My skin has been more nourished and smoother since I’ve been using this both morning and night – just a couple drops and pat into your skin. Plus, makes for a great canvas for makeup.

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.