face Archives - Page 9 of 44 - Belle Belle Beauty

The “No Makeup” Look

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.

Next, I like to prime with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Moisture Blur Instant Skin Smoother. It moisturizes, obscures pores, looks natural and blurs away my dark spots. I especially love it on drier, winter skin.

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.

Shop The Post Here:

image here

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.

Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation

A little over a year ago I was introduced to Shiseido’s foundations. It was the beginning of a love-affair. I love the weightless nature and considerable amount of coverage. Add in the fact that the foundations look natural and luminous and you can understand why I love Shiseido Sheer & Perfect Foundation.

The newest foundation from Shiseido, Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation, is a slightly heavier version that actually comes in a tub. It was designed as part of the Future Solution LX skincare which recently hit shelves – although I haven’t yet had the chance to try it.

I’m one to be drawn towards luminous finishes, so this radiant foundation is my perfect texture. The formula adds vibrance and lifting making it well-suited for more mature skin. And bonus points for the SPF 20 that is plenty of protection during office days in the winter months.

I like scooping out a dime size and using the beauty blender sponge to apply. I also have been mixing it with this NARS luminator for an uber-radiant finish. I skip the powder and embrace a “lit within” look.

Available at Saks and made in USA.

And on a fashion note: Happy Columbus Day Weekend, my little shoppers! For those of us who have to work Monday or those of you who will be online shopping from the comfort of your bed… some sales for you to peruse this Columbus Day Weekend:

50% OFF ENTIRE SITE J. CREW FACTORY through 10/12
20% OFF PIPERLIME WITH CODE: FALL20 through 10/13
30% OFF BANANA REPUBLIC WITH CODE: BRTHANKYOU through tonight
50% OFF LOFT WITH CODE: OURTREAT through tonight
20% OFF OLD NAVY WITH CODE: DEAL through tonight
40% OFF J. CREW WITH CODE: SOSWEET through tonight
30% OFF MADEWELL WITH CODE: OHFALL through 10/13
30% OFF FOREVER21 WITH CODE: TAKE30 through 10/19
30% OFF MACYS WITH CODE: FALL through 10/13

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.

NARS All Day Luminous Powder Foundation

I might sound like a broken record, but I really don’t care. Because everything NARS puts out lately (and frankly pretty much always) is just so darn good. The latest is a powder foundation which usually doesn’t get me very hot and bothered but this one is different.

Rather than a matte or chalky finish, the All Day Luminous Powder Foundation has their exclusive Light Reflecting Complex, making skin look natural, luminous and with an almost transparent finish. The natural look is likely because of the ultra-fine powder which has an almost creamy feel.

This effect on my normal-to-dry skin is supple and renewed. 17 amino acids, Vitamin C, marine fennel and SPF 24 helps improve fine lines and dark spots – something I always consider a bonus with foundation. After all, our goal is to need less the more we use it, right? It plays especially well with my hyper-pigmentation.

I have been layering it over a very sheer BB cream as a sort of second step foundation. But it also works just as well alone or with a primer. I enjoy the ability to spot treat over areas of redness and where I have sun damage. While both the NARS powder puff and included sponge work well, I like buffing in using a flat foundation brush like this one.

Launched 9/20 at NARS Boutiques and narscosmetics.com. I’ve been wearing Santa Fe and Vallauris – I am thrilled with both but I think Vallauris might be a slightly better match on my light-to-medium autumn skin tone.

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.

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Shimmer Brick Compact in Sandstone

Bobbi Brown doesn’t get as much love as it deserves on this blog. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t rank right up there for me, particularly in color cosmetics and brushes. I love her natural shades and simple approach to beauty. So no wonder I fell hard for her new limited edition powder that gives the most natural glow.

While I have been rocking a golden glow this summer (this bronzer has been a recent favorite), I am starting to transition into something a little softer for fall. The Shimmer Brick Compact in Sandstone has just a hint of neutral color that would work great on a wide range of skin tones – particularly on my light-to-medium complexion. And it just has a hint of sophisticated shimmer – don’t worry… you won’t look glittery.

The brick is handmade in Italy and contains five shades. A little trick – I also love using these as eye shadows. But it is designed to be swept through all five shades with a bronzer brush like the Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush. I like to apply on cheekbones, around my hairline and temples.

Consider this my pick for your fall bronzer/highlighter – in fact, I usually even skip blush when I am wearing it. And with its flexibility as eye shadows as well, it is perfect for on-the-go or travel.

// Shop The Post //

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide

Leave it to the queen of a flawless complexion to come up with the newest and greatest foundation. This newness is called Finish Flawless for a reason. Expect a lightweight texture that is so the rage right now. Technology has brought us great coverage without feeling one bit heavy.

What I like most about is is the thin fluid formula that effortlessly blurs hyper-pigmentation and redness. Those with oilier skin will also love that it is oil-free. This also makes it great for hot, summer days. The buildable coverage has a balanced finish – while advertised as “matte” I would call it more middle of the road.

Bottom line, it follows the path of BB Creams with a natural finish. I have been testing out Buff on my light to medium skin tone and I wish it was just a touch darker. But it will be perfect for the winter months. I’ve been applying with my hands but also works great with a buffing brush. I just use it only where I need it for the most natural looking finish.

My only beef is that product has a tendency to escape the tube at a high rate. I’ve tried storing upside down and nothing seems to work. But other than a little bit of product waste, it isn’t a huge problem.

In Sephora now and look for it at Laura Mercier counters next month. 24 available shades (Shell, Crème, Vanillé, Ivory, Ecru, Cashew, Linen, Macadamia, Butterscotch, Dune, Buff, Honey, Dusk, Golden, Suntan, Praline, Maple, Chai, Nutmeg, Pecan, Amber, Chestnut, Truffle, Espresso).

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.

Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm

I am on a mission too check out the latest and greatest from Dr. Jart over the next couple of weeks. So stay tuned for thoughts on new BB creams and masks from one of my favorite brands. But one product was such a standout immediately, I couldn’t resist sharing with you guys.

I have had a long love affair with Dr. Jart’s BB Creams. They are truly a best of breed and were the first to hit shelves here in the US. Even my stepmother agrees that they are simply the best out there. There are tons of formulas to choose from but the most recent release jumped to the top of my list.

Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm does everything a BB cream should do while adding a natural looking glow (if you need a primer on BB creams check out this post here and a another favorite Dr. Jart’s formula here). This moisturizer/sunscreen/serum/tint all-in-one leaves skin looking better, radiant but still natural.

So how does this make my skin so radiant? Hydrogel is encapsulated to add fine pearl powder. This powder brightens the face while still leaving it dewy. Since hyper-pigmentation is my biggest skin beef, I love the addition of brightening ingredients like Snow Lotus, Vitamin Tree Fruit and vitamins.

I add a pea-sized amount to my face and neck. Upon immediately application it can look a little light, but use hands to pat into skin and the color will slightly oxidize, almost as if it adjusts to my skin tone. Because this comes in only one shade, those on the ends of the skin tone spectrum might have a harder time with matching. But those of us in the middle will adore this “best of breed” BB cream.

A solid SPF 30 products skin from damaging rays and the formula is free of parabens, mineral oil, talc, artificial fragrance and petroleum. This BB cream is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested. 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.