Category: face

Wander Beauty Glow On-the-Go

I am officially on the natural makeup bandwagon. While I have always appreciated responsible ingredients, I think the category has recently been elevated by some amazing new brands. One of those is Wander Beauty founded by Lindsay Ellingson, a high fashion supermodel. Not only is she gorgeous and knows makeup, but she is also a kind and energetic entrepreneur. She’s launched her brand with the perfect product for a jet-setter (or those who love a simplified routine).

The On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator is a dual-sided stick with a highlighter and blush suited for every complexion. The formula is cream to powder and works on eyes, lips, cheeks and body. The soft-focus illuminator adds a nude glow and dimension. The blushes are equally flattering and really “wake up” my face. I have been using Soft Pink but I wouldn’t mind getting my paws on the Coral Rose as well. The pigment comes out fairly sheer but can be built up for more impact.

I follow Hitha‘s approach and apply the blush on the apples of my cheeks. The illuminator goes on my eyelids, cheekbones, corner of my eyes, Cupid’s Bow and a little below my lip.

My skin also looks healthier since I’ve been using the blush. Probably thanks to a formula packed with Vitamins A,C & E. Plant Derived Squalane works to hydrate and condition. Wander Beauty is cruelty-free, free of parabens, mineral oil, phthalates and fragrance. Made in the USA.

Available at WanderBeauty.com.

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Budget Beauty

Everyone loves a deal. And a beauty steal is even sweeter. Here are some of my favorite budget beauty buys I’ve discovered lately:

Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask – Sheet masks are all the rage and this one has a great price if you are ready to dip your toes in. For around $1.50 per mask, the 100% cotton adjustable facial boosts hydration, smooths fine lines and firms skin. The scent is refreshing but not overwhelming. And Hada Labo’s proprietary Super Hyaluronic Acid™ plumps skin and strengthens skin’s natural moisture levels.

Softlips Cube Lip Protectant – While my love of these cubes isn’t new, I did just discover my favorite new scent, Vanilla. This Shea Butter packed formula nourishes my lips and leaves just a bit of shine. And the cozy but still tropical scent is delicious. Bonus points for included SPF 15 protection.

CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner – My eyeliner collection is borderline obsessive. It is probably the product I enjoy trying out most – it gives my bigger eyes much needed definition. My former favorites have always skewed luxury, so I was surprised to find my current favorite in the drugstore aisles. This paddle-shaped felt liner in Intense Black is inky, easy to apply and stays on like a champ.

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Running Late!

Thanks to an infatuation with and current re-watching of the 1983 WWII mini-series, Winds of War, I stayed up WAY too late last night. As a result, I slept right through all the severe weather last night. Tulsa was spared but those affected in Oklahoma City and elsewhere are in my prayers. I also woke up at 8AM – oops.

Since I knew I only had about 15 minutes to throw myself together, my makeup routine was seriously pared down. First, I’ve been using the Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanning Cream – the best self tanner for the face I’ve found to date. So that natural glow allowed for a little less makeup.

I alternate between Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream but this AM I reached for the bareMinerals in Natural. I am completely obsessed with the RMS goodies I found this past weekend in New York. I apply RMS UnCoverup in 22 just below my eyes, on any blemishes and around my nose. RMS Living Luminizer goes on my cheekbones and brow bones (and, frankly, anywhere else I am feeling it – this stuff adds a perfect natural glow). The pale golden shade also nourishes skin with ingredients like coconut oil and rosemary extract. I know I keep mentioning it, but the Tata Harper Voluminous Cheek and Lip Stain in Very Vivacious is ideal on the apples of the cheeks.

The last step was a surprise obsession. A friend gifted to me the Kevin Aucoin The Mascara Volume Mascara a couple weeks ago. I usually don’t have any luck with the tubular mascara – just a personal preference – so I was hesitant. But I have come to be totally impressed with the lack of fall out, clump-free separated lashes and long-lasting, inky finish.

Boom, I was out of the door and at my desk almost on time.

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image via DTTSP

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint

While many skin care products have excited me in the past couple of months, things have been fairly quiet on the color cosmetics front when it comes to the Belle Belle review pipeline. All that changed when this beauty from Tata Harper arrived. I attribute my glee to the fact that this product simplifies my routine and provides skin care benefits.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint, like her other products, is made with natural ingredients and pigments. The formula blends moisturizers and minerals with Spanish Lavender and Lipoamino Acid Technology to plump and volumize skin and lips.

I’ve heard great things about all the shades but I am using Very Vivacious. I love the coral/bronze shade – it looks most natural on my redness-prone skin. The shade looks rich in the pot, but blends flawlessly on skin for a very sheer application. I suppose you could layer for more color, but I like natural flush.

I first apply my foundation or tinted moisturizers. Then I apply Very Vivacious using my fingers to the apples of my cheeks – just above where I’d normally use bronzer. And then I take what remains and apply to lips for a wash of color.

Next up, I am going to invest in Very Sweet – a peach that looks like it would be perfect for a summer dewiness.

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.

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.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight

I has been a long time since I have hit up a Clinique counter. But if anything was tempting me, it was their “Chubby Sticks” – launched a couple years ago, I loved the multi-use and what appeared to be creamy texture.

When Neimans sent over the newest Chubby, I was so excited to have a chance to dive in. The Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight has the creamy texture that I envisioned. This light-reflecting formula is super sheer which works well on my mid-30s skin, especially in a professional environment. I like to swipe over foundation on cheekbones, nose and brow bones. I totally skip eye shadow, preferring just this slight wash of shadow below brows.

The sophisticated shimmer lasts all day. Those with oily or combo skin types will love that this is oil-free. And to dispense more of the stick, all you do is twist the bottom – so far it appears to have a generous amount of product, particularly for the price point. This week, I am going to attempt a bare face but you better bet I will be “cheating” with this (and a little concealer).