Category: lips

COOLA® Suncare Mineral Liplux SPF 30

COOLA® Suncare Mineral Liplux SPF 30 on Belle Belle Beauty

I am absolutely bonkers about sun protection on my lips. So I am always in search of something that works well but also is pool appropriate. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (a favorite of mine) is only SPF 15 and sometimes is just too pigmented for hot, sticky weather. I have used their Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30 briefly until I left an almost new tube in a life vest in Colorado early this summer. 🙁 For the one use I got in, I liked it but not enough to give a full review. For now, I am sticking to my (safely-guarded) new Coola Suncare Mineral Liplux.

Cupuacu butter and mongongo oil give this formula a creamy and conditioning texture while boosting moisture. The SPF 30 doesn’t appear chalky despite it being powered with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. And for my fellow pool-goers, the Liplux is water resistant for 40 minutes.

I have been wearing Skinny Dip which is perfect for me because I prefer very little color in the summer. This nude and sheer tint is naturally flavored with Earl Grey.  Note: I cannot detect much of a scent in the tube. The packaging is elegant metallic that screws into the cap, similar to Fresh.

Made in the USA. Available at www.coolasuncare.com.

Lancôme ‘Juicy Shaker’ Bi-Phase Lip Oil

Lancôme 'Juicy Shaker' Bi-Phase Lip Oil on Belle Belle Beauty

I’ve already found my favorite summer lip color – and that is really an understatement – I am obsessed with this unique lip product. The addictive formula is powered with two phases of oil. The first is transparent and provides shine. The second is pigmented for a wash of color. The formula contains five kinds of oil: Peach kernal oil, a well-known emollient, softens lips; sweet almond oil conditions; apricot oil hydrates; cranberry oil provides rich antioxidant properties; and muscat rose oil, rich in essential fatty acids, soothes your lips.

Just make sure to shake the mix and tap the cushion onto lips. You can layer over liner or lipstick for a more pigmented look. It smells delicious, nourishes lips and gives the pout a youthful look. Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

NARS Summer 2016 Color Collection

NARS Summer 2016 Color Collection on Belle Belle Beauty

Another season brings another inspired and beautiful collection from NARS. I mean, just look at the shot above. If it doesn’t make you crave sunshine on your face and sand in your toes, I don’t know what could. This summer, NARS partnered with contemporary artist Konstantin Kakanias to channel French Riviera inspiration. The ten-piece collection captures “high fashion moments steeped in exclusivity and ease.”

NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Liberation on Belle Belle Beauty

The first of two products I tried was the Dual-Intensity Blush in Liberation – a light shimmering pink paired with a caramel rose. While these shades look deep, they give a perfect kiss of color, ideal for spring skin. The silky texture applies weightlessly and blends into skin for a natural look. I like a wash of color, but this can be built up for a more editorial look. I use the darker shade under my cheekbones and on my hairline. The pink goes right on the apple of my cheeks. It also can be used wet for a luminous, dewy and translucent look.

 

NARS Get Dirty Lip Cover on Belle Belle Beauty

The second product I tried was a new NARS formula, Lip Cover, and I adore it. The saturated color is a high-pigment gloss. It comes in four shades and I have been trying out Get Dirty (such a good name) which is a desert rose. The effect is a rich nude that channels Kardashian with class. I get a couple hours of wear and it is ideal with a sheer gloss layered over it.

The Summer 2016 Color Collection is available exclusively at NARS until May 1st when it launches at Sephora.

NIVEA Lip Care and GIVEAWAY – Closed

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I am pretty faithful to old school Carmex, so it takes quite a bit for me to love something new. Leave it to the classic, European brand, NIVEA, to give Carmex a run for its money. I worked with the brand for a challenge a couple weeks back (look for my Instagram and Twitter pics with hashtag #LipService). Each day that week, I tried a new variety of NIVEA Lip Care. And I can safely say I will have these stashed everywhere from now on.

My favorite was the A Kiss of Milk and Honey Soothing Lip Care. It is perfect for nighttime, but I actually like the soothing formula at work for a little stress break. My other favorite is A Kiss of Shimmer for just a hint of color and shine. Really they were all winners across the board.

It has been a long time since I have done a giveaway. And I am happy to report that I am bringing one back today! Just comment below on which NIVEA Lip Care would be your pick. Next week I will pick one winner to receive their prize! Good luck and happy Friday.

a note: giveaway is open to US residents. winner will be announced on Thursday, April 21st. 

Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway! The winner has been chosen.

Clarins ‘Joli Rouge’ Lipstick

Clarins 'Joli Rouge' Lipstick

More along the lines of a “to me, from me” kind of Valentine’s Day gift, I have been testing out this new Lipstick from Clarins. I don’t know too much about this brand, but I know they’ve had some product launches lately met with wide applause.

Clarins ‘Joli Rouge’ Lipstick isn’t quite as aligned with their “glow-y” products of late, but it is nourishing and perfect for winter weather. The formula is loaded with pure plant extracts and mango oil. I can swipe on and get an instant cure of dry lips.

The finish has a sheen with more of a wash of color. If applied alone, I get long wear (maybe three hours), but I’ve been layering over balm thanks to my nasty cold/sinus infection. While I never would have picked up Spicy Cinnamon myself, I was glad the good folks from Clarins sent this shade over. The rosy brown actually wakes up my winter complexion especially with this cold-related pallor.

Available at Nordstrom.

The Best Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish

The Best Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish on Belle Belle Beauty

I’ve been using this lip gloss for a couple years, but it was this holiday season that I finally have deemed it my absolutely favorite. I swipe this on every day, keep a tube at work and always more than one in my purse. So you could say I am committed.

First off, I notice a subtle and pleasant tingle. I don’t really notice a great deal of plumping but the minty fragrance wakes me up and refreshes me. The shine does add a voluptuous appearance. The highlight is the nourishing vitamin A and E and hydration.

Dolly is a cult favorite, but I personally love the nude Sandy. Heather – a spiced merlot – was a holiday favorite for me. Orange shades will be fab in the spring (Amber and Debbie). These are very sheer so don’t shy away from the brighter colors. Also, love their buying guide which comes in handy with 98 shade options!

Available at Sephora.