Category: lips

Stowaway Cosmetics

Stowaway Cosmetics on Belle Belle Beauty

While I’ve had my eye on Stowaway Cosmetics for a couple months, looks like I picked the perfect time to dive in. Absolutely love their sets for gifting. First, their daily essentials have chic, smaller and minimalist packaging. My favorite part is that you can actually finish the products before they go bad. No more crusty mascara and dried out BB cream. The sizes are perfect for travel, but also neat and tidy for the vanity.

You can purchase Stowaway individual products, but the easiest way to try (or gift) the brand are the kits.  For $75 you can customize a kit containing:

  • Radiant Complexion BB Cream
  • Creaseless Concealer
  • Cheek & Lip Rouge
  • Creme Lipstick
  • Effortless Eyeliner
  • Defined Lash Mascara

A little about the individual products:

Radiant Complexion BB Cream: This is truly a balm that has a balanced coverage – not too sheer but doesn’t cake on. I love the way my skin feels plump and moisturized.

Creaseless Concealer: I really get nice coverage with this concentrated concealer. It doesn’t crease in my under eye and covered redness around my nose very well.

(a note about these – I purchased a light and it was ideal on my winter skin town. So I would say the shades are slightly on the darker side as I usually wear a light-medium)

Cheek & Lip Rouge: This dual-tasking compact has a smooth formula and offers my desired sheer wash of color. You can also build it up for a stronger impact. The finish is matte. I absolutely adore the shade Burnt Rose with its slight bronzing effect.

Creme Lipstick: I’m not much of a lipstick wearer but this cream, long-wearing formula makes it fool-proof with just one swipe. And my lips stay hydrated. I also love applying just a wash of color with my finger.

Effortless Eyeliner: This tiny eyeliner is a true standout. The q-tip sized pen glides on and stays(I’m using the inky Black)

Defined Lash Mascara: Also a tiny tube, it manages to house a generous, fluffy brush. The fibers can build impactful lashes. And it holds up all day with no flaking.

For the holidays, along with the kits I am also loving the gift guide with sets ready for under the tree like “Your Sister”, “Secret Santa” and “Frequent Flyer”.

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

Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick

Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick on Belle Belle Beauty

I don’t even hesitate anymore to admitting to be a neutral lip lover. I favor chapstick and gloss over lipstick. But as the temps cool, I get in the mood for a little bold pick-me-up every once in a while. And no one does lipstick like Urban Decay.

This season, they are releasing a new non-drying matte lipstick that feels creamy on the lips and comes in a range of beautiful shades. The neutrals are a crowd pleaser and you can’t go wrong with the bold and velvety reds and purples.

One reason these are so stellar is Urban Decay’s proprietary Pigment Infusion System that lends to high pigment and nourishing oils. The formula contains Shea butter and a blend of avocado, olive, and babassu oils. Even my dry lips soak up the hydration and look smooth.

The sleek bullet design comes in black, distinguishing the matte formula. My favorite shades are Stark Naked and Bad Blood. Available at Sephora.

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Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm on Belle Belle Beauty

I realize Carmex can be a little divisive. But I am more than happy to admit I am a total devotee. I love the classic tub, especially in the cold winter months. But for those who don’t care for the medicinal taste, Carmex’s newest launch could be a perfect solution as the winter months start drying out our pout. And this option is adorably trendy!

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm has new package designs inspired by prints, textures and even Pantone’s official color forecast. All four patterns house an ultra-hydrating formula with a soft vanilla flavor that provides beautiful shine. Plus a bonus dose of SPF 15. The slim stick uses aloe, vitamin E and shea butter to nourish chapped lips and moisturize will still offering a fashionable polish. These would also be adorable for those of you with young daughters – a totally appropriate beauty item for the start of school.

Carmex Moisture Plus is available for $2.49 at Walmart, Walgreens or Dollar General.

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Budget Beauty

Simple Beauty on Belle Belle 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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Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip and Phyto-Eye Twists

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist on Belle Belle Beauty

Sisley-Paris’ Twists are luxury, creamy packages of on-to-go beauty. The Phyto-Lip Twists have been in my rotation before, but I had yet to try the Phyto-Eye Twists. And they are a great addition to the collection. Both formulas glide on skin and are packed with plant-based skin care ingredients. You can use for full on pigmented or a wash of color. Love having the option but you probably can guess I particularly love the more natural and blended wash of color.

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist is more of a tinted balm than lipstick. But the vibrant color comes out glossy. No sharpening needed – just twist up for more product. The tapered shape allows for outlining of lips and coloring all in one stroke. The bold shades like Pinky and Candy are surprisingly wearable. But I equally love the nourishing Nude.

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Eye Twist on Belle Belle Beauty

The Sisley-Paris Phyto-Eye Twist are designed to be shadow, pencil and eyeliner. They are slightly smaller than the lip twists, but still with a large tip. So precise lining isn’t easy, but with these bold shades you won’t mind a slightly thicker look. The formula has ingredients like Green Tea, White Lily, Camellia that protect and improve delicate eye area. I like applying to my lids close to the lash and blending with a finger. But you can also color the entire eyelid or add a graphic, bold line.

I prefer the more neutral Bronze, but the blue Lagoon shade is stunning! I cannot wait to wear it for a special occasion. Topaz is now on my wish list to add to my collection.

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.

 

New From Burt’s Bees

New From Burt's Bees on Belle Belle Beauty

Burt’s Bees in not only a favorite drugstore brand but my definite pick when it comes to budget natural goodies. They hit shelves before natural was an official buzzword (over 30 years ago). And each of their products is carefully crafted from their iconic lip balm to their newest products.

The newest collection is designed to fight wrinkles with Hibiscus and Apple Rejuvenating Complex. I am dying to try the whole line, but for now I can report on the Renewal Refining Cleanser. I actually prefer this as a scrub – a creamy base has larger granules so make sure not to apply too vigorously. The ingredients work to plump and hydrate skin and after using my face is calm and incredibly soft. And I love the refreshing apple scent, especially for the coming summer!

Also new from the brand, Sheer Body Lotion is lightweight and not heavily scented. The formula contains Safflower Oil to smooth skin. I like to spray on right after the shower and let it soak in before I towel off. I can envision this being perfect on hotter (stickier!) days this summer.

Of course, my favorite launch was promptly chewed by my two (lucky they are adorable) puppies. I couldn’t find my new Squeezable Beeswax Lip Balm for a couple days. Lo and behold, it was located in Tink’s bed slightly gnawed on but a goner nonetheless. Sigh.

A version of my favorite original lip balm, Squeezable Beeswax Lip Balm uses the same beeswax and vitamin E but is slightly more nourishing. The slanted tip made it a breeze to use. And the peppermint left the best, subtle tingle.

All products available at burtsbees.com.

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