Category: lips

NARS ‘Night Caller’ Fall 2014 Color Collection

I know… I know. We are just in the middle of summer and pre-fall clothing is already on the racks and fall color collections are hitting counters. NARS’ seasonal collection, always a gorgeous treat, launches today and it also includes the launch of Night Series Eyeliners. So even in the sweltering heat, you might want to consider your future fall lip and eye.

So what is the inspiration for this collection? Here is how the NARS team described the products:

“Eyes shine in amethyst and quartz shadows while intense black liners flecked with rich purple, gold, and green pearl provide intriguing depth. Lips smolder in warm reds and cheeks are softened with a wash of glistening pink.”

My picks from the collection include Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore and Night Series Eyeliner in Night Flight. First, is there a better lip shade for fall than a deep cranberry? This cranberry has a bit of a zip (think less brown) that brightens the face and flatters the pout. Plus, the Satin Lip Pencil is one of my favorite formulas with a balance of pigment and moisture. The pencils contain vitamins keeping lips healthy. And the jumbo pencil is super easy to use while still being precise.

I have a feeling I will love all the Night Series Eyeliners, but I have only gotten my paws on Night Flight. Needless to say, I am sold. The black with cobalt blue pearl is a deep and inky navy that can easily pass for black. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find sophisticated blue shimmer. I am a huge fan of blue-toned eyeliners, but if you prefer something else, there is also black with purple, gold or green undertones. I’ve found both blue and purple can really highlight the green in my hazel/brown eyes. NARS eyeliners have great staying power, lasting both along the lash and in the waterline.

Check out the behind the scenes video of the campaign shoot:

Available today on narscosmetics.com and 8/1 at at Sephora and department stores.

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My Summer Makeup Look With NYC Cosmetics and a GIVEAWAY

Looking for a way to change up your summer makeup look? And even better… at super prices? Look no further than NYC Cosmetics at Wal-Mart. This brand is inspired by the city that never sleeps with great sophisticated shades that are affordable. Below, you’ll find my steps for how I am using NYC Cosmetics to change up my summer look.

While I can’t say dating in the forefront of my mind right now, I am loving this smokey eye – something new for me. And you know my new found love for a bold lip. Here is my how-to for Date Night (or an evening on the town with the girls):

Starting with the Individual Eyes Custom Compact in Smokey Charcoals, I apply the included primer. I like using the lightest shade all over my lid and then the third shade in my creases for a natural looking eye. But as you can see in the video, if you want to amp up the effect, the four available shades allows for that.
Using the Show Time Velvet Eyeliner in Noir, an intensely dark, pigmented eyeliner, I line my waterline. I then follow up with the High definition Liquid Eyeliner in Extra Black along the lash line.
It wouldn’t be date night without bold lashes, so next I apply Big Bold Volume by the Lash Mascara in Extreme Black. My new favorite budget mascara for intense, full-bodied lashes.
In the summer, bronzer is my jam. So I like to use the Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in All Over Bronze Glow. It is easy to sweep across cheeks, temples and jawline for a natural looking glow.
Last but certainly not least, lips that can withstand a date – dinner and maybe a smooch or two. The Expert Last Lipstick, Traffic Jam lasts for hours on me and is the perfect summer red.

Now is the ideal time for a complete update because on the NYC New York Color page you can watch NYC makeup artists show you how to five different looks for under $20. Bonus: when you’ve watched a video you’ll be eligible to download a coupon for $1 off any NYC New York Color product! Here’s the NYC makeup artist’s Get Date Night Ready video tutorial for a slightly different take than my go-to look!

And who can resist a giveaway! One lucky reader will win the products used in one of the five looks and a $50 Wal-Mart gift card. Enter using the widget below:

#NewYorkColorMakeover

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.

New From Hourglass: Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner and Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss

It is like Hourglass Cosmetics is in my head, just knowing what I have been craving this summer: a shiny, bold and glossy look with staying power. I’m weighed down by my winter thick and matte lipstick in this weather. Recently released from Hourglass is a lip duo that is my new go-to: Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner and Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss, both in Muse, a vibrant orange red with just a hint of pink.

This summer, Hourglass added four new shades of Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner and three new shades of Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss. Just like the original versions, the duo is super long-wear – much appreciated in the humid, sticky Oklahoma summer.

Starting with the liner, I get a creamy and water-resistant base shade. I love the brush on the other end for precise application. Then as a second layer, the shiny and rich Extreme Sheen adds depth of color. Vitamin E provides hydration on my constantly chapped lips. The finish is truly luxury. And I am swooning over the cake batter scent which is surprisingly sophisticated.

I rocked this duo on this week’s TV segment – what do you think?

“Summer-ize” Your Makeup Routine On FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

There are so many factors that play into changing up our makeup routine as the months warm up. Depending on where you live, humidity can play a huge factor. And to an even greater degree, lifestyle changes. We spend our summer evenings wearing breezy maxi dresses and a messy bun. This calls for a tone down in makeup (with some glowy and bronzy wattage).

Personally, I like switching to a more subtle eye and using a few more liquid formulations. My favorite of these liquid gems actually come from a brand new line from Perricone MD that I am wild about. Launched just this month, Perricone MD No Makeup Skincare restores skin’s health, protects from environmental factors and uses pigments to enhance facial architecture. This makeup doesn’t cake on coverage but adds radiance. My favorite of the bunch is the new No Foundation Foundation Serum which just subtly adds pigment with a suede finish and nourishing formula. No Mascara Mascara contains anti-aging lash treatment. And No Lipstick Lipstick not only smells amazing but adds a natural color with SPF 15.

If you are anything like me, you’ll log some serious pool time (with lots of SPF of course). Some days, we proceed immediately to a BBQ dinner or casual Mexican fare straight from the pool. To add just a bit of glam, I love the newest of lip formulas – Lip Crayons. Boots No. 7 Lip Crayons not only offer a budget price point but also a conditioning shine. I love Berry to compliment post-pool sun-kissed tan.

I can’t really think of a summer color collection that does glowy bronze better than NARS. A new launch coupled with a newly discovered classic is now a permanent staple in my rotation. First, I admit to being a Laguna devotee. But I was gently coaxed to try the slightly slightly deeper and more golden Casino and I am smitten. There is something about the formula that is so authentically bronzed that I can quickly sweep over my cheekbones, temples and nose and hit the road. And talk about a launch with a splash from their summer ‘Adult Swim’ collection: Hot Sand Illuminator is a limited edition peach champagne liquid that provides a shimmery blush. I also love to use it on brow bones and if you are feeling indulgent, add a dab to your decolletage.

Who said dark polish is only for cooler months. This summer, change things up with inky digits but swap out vampy blacks and browns for navys like Essie’s After School Boy Blazer or a deep purple like Sally Hansen Vanity Flare. If you are a diehard light shade buff, opt for a classic white (my current choice is Deborah Lippmann in Amazing Grace).

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mark Juice Gems High Shine Lip Gloss

I can’t think of a better name for these fun little lippies. Juice Gems come in a fun and sleek tube and are packed with the perfectly balanced, shiny gloss. The twist off cap reveals an angled applicator. I love that it is transparent so you are sure not to glob on too much.

Now for the fun part – channel your inner preteen. The formula is packed with the most yummy, fruity scent. The real fruit extract moisturized and conditions lips. You’ll want every shade and at 11 bucks why not?! My favorites are Snow Peach and Juicy Fig.

Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne

Wow, talk about a blog break. I don’t think in the four years of Belle Belle Beauty I have taken almost a full week off. Apologies for the absence. I wish I could point to one reason. I think a lot of it stemmed from a need to step away and reevaluate the direction of the blog (don’t worry – I basically decided I am going to continue on the same track). A lot of the break was forced by a nasty case of strep throat. It is amazing how an infection like that can really knock me out now that I am only weeks away from my 35th birthday. Lastly, I have had some developments on a personal front. While I won’t go into any details, I can say: “why is dating so darn hard!?”. That being said, I am truly happy and it is nice, no matter the outcome, to find yourself caring so unconditionally for someone.

So, meanwhile, my beauty routine has been pretty simple. I have thrown my hair in plenty of dirty and messy topknots. Skipping eye makeup all together just seemed easier with the sore throat. But when I needed to add a little perky spice to my look (on my handful of trips to CVS), I reached for my Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne.

This classic, slightly cool red brightens my complexion and comes housed in a unique case designed by Lorenz Baumer, a Parsian jeweler working from the Place Vendome. With one click, the tube exits a silver bullet and enclosed mirror pops open – très chic! The matte finish is thanks to a ruby-powder formula that leaves a hydrating glaze.

And yes, that is my name engraved on the side of my very own personal Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne. And let me tell you…. these beauty blogging perks sure to cheer you up when you are in a funk.

Don’t fret – I’ll be back. Probably later today and all this week. And look forward to a TV segment on Friday featuring my favorite makeup to “Summer-ize” your look.

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