Category: skin-care

New From L’OCCITANE

New From L’OCCITANE on Belle Belle Beauty

I’m kind of in a nervous state due to this drought in California. Not only is it a state I call (one of my many) homes, but I have an Alma Mater and many friends and family that actually live there. I’ll be doing a rain dance but in the meantime, I am also worried about my beloved almonds. California is the source of many – maybe most – of the almonds Americans nosh on every day.

Without surprise, my almond obsession spills over to my beauty obsession. And it was many years ago I first fell for L’OCCITANE Almond Hand Soap (which I sadly cannot find anymore). So when I got a chance to try out the new Almond Velvet Youthful Body Serum and Balm, I was elated.

The serum is truly unique – the concentrated formula contains nourishing almond with vitamin C to heal and energize skin. It hydrates but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Skin is left velvety smooth. I can’t think of a better moisturizer for summer. The balm is a heavier cream that soothes skin – but it still sinks into skin quickly leaving a powdery finish. I prefer using this at night and might just be the ticket after a day at the pool.

Also new from L’OCCITANE is the Divine Immortelle 28 Day Renewal Program. I was new to the Divine collection and quickly fell for the Divine Youth Oil – gentle and plumping aka everything you could ask for in a face oil. The Renewal Program took a little more time to review and digest. Over four weeks, I used specifically designed seven capsule strips. The process is crafted for renewal and exfoliation. The capsules are generous in size and I was able to cover my face, neck and decolletage. At the end of the month, I found my skin clearer, refreshed, less red and calmed. It definitely made a difference in my no-makeup experiment. Well worth it to infuse skin with ingredients like Rosemary and Carrot. And bonus points for an (accidental) accountability system to make sure skin care is part of your daily routine.

All products available at usa.loccitane.com.

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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.

Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser

Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser on Belle Belle Beauty

Dual cleansing, Korean skin care rituals, and makeup free skin all seem to hum around the beauty world these days. I’ve been wearing less makeup during the week. And I have been trying to shed my habit of only using makeup wipes every couple of nights. Frankly, this bliss cleanser was the answer to all I was looking for in my new routine while hitting the current beauty buzz.

Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser dispenses as a gel but transforms to an oil on my skin. Just massage it into dry skin and when you rinse, it becomes a cleansing oil that removes makeup and debris all while leaving skin soft and clean.

A longtime favorite, bliss is always innovating in a spa context. Probably why they integrate oils so well into their formulas. This makeup remover uses seven: tamanu, mirabelle plum seed, abyssinica seed, olive, orange, lavender, and sage. These oils leave skin nourished and calmed.

Sometimes I proceed with a foaming wash, but not always. When I tone post cleansing, my cotton comes away super clean letting me know the Cleanser works against makeup. And on those days when I am not wearing a ton, Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser is all I need in the cleansing step of my routine.

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.

Dermalogica PreCleanse

Dermalogica PreCleanse on Belle Belle Beauty

Suzie did a great job reviewing Demalogica PreCleanse over here not too long ago. In fact, she did so well that I was inspired to revisit the old favorites for another spin. While Suzie and I have different skin types, we do share a love of eyeliner and I wanted to give you a perspective as it relates to dry and sensitive skin.

While wipes are getting a small backlash lately, I still think they play a good role in a nighttime routine. I try to shy away from the “lazy” approach of just using wipes lest I leave my skin striped of moisture. The PreCleanse wipes get all my makeup off my face but somehow prep for a full wash with a nourishing oil. My eyes are usually red after makeup removal but not with PreCleanse.

I definitely reach for the wipes more often but  I also love the classic oil. I am trying to save the wipes for some upcoming travel. Both eliminate excess sebum, environmental pollutants and even waterproof makeup. And their formulas are water soluble so they work well with oilier skin.

To use the oil, I pour a small amount in my palm and apply onto my dry face. I rinse with water and the oil transforms into a milky cleanser. Voila skin is makeup-free and not one bit irritated or dry (but do take care to keep the oil away from the eyes – I can get some stinging so this is better suited for removing face as opposed to eye makeup).

Available at dermalogica.com.

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.

 

Roses… Are All That

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Happy First Day of Spring! While I may have a little spring in my step and fresh tulips on my counter, I always turned my nose up at anything rose. While I maybe have warmed to a select few fragrances with rose notes, I never really fell for anything “rose” by name. Leave it to the beauty department at Neiman Marcus to change my tune.

AERIN Beauty Rose de Grasse Parfum on Belle Belle Beauty

First, AERIN Beauty Rose de Grasse Parfum – something I certainly didn’t expect to fall for. I never am drawn to ultra-feminine and floral scents. But all that has changed because, first, the roses themselves are special – Rose Centifolia are hand-picked in Grasse, France. Second, the rose is layered with one of my most favorite notes, a warm amber. Lastly, there is a aqua clarity that lends to a cleaner and less cloying rose. Who knew I’d discover a rose-based fragrance as my spring scent?

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Filed under “not surprising at all”: I love face oils. My skin loves face oils. But I have never been drawn to one with rose. Chantecaille Rose de Mai Face Oil changed my perspective. Packed with hydration like other face oils, this version is unusually lightweight but still nourishing. I love it under makeup for an added glow. My skin stays supple and dewy for the full day. And the best news is that long-term use will strengthen skin and boost metabolism to fight wrinkles.

Neiman Marcus Face of Beauty on Belle Belle Beauty

Also something really fabulous is going on at Neiman Marcus this month and you don’t want to miss it:

Six remarkable women will become the Faces of Beauty featured in Neiman Marcus’s Fall 2015 Beauty Event campaign

Neiman Marcus is hosting a Facebook contest to find the Fall season’s Faces of Beauty. To enter, state why the nominee is beautiful from the inside out and how she is making some noise in her world, and upload a photo on the online form here.

THE PRIZE
· Round-trip airfare to Dallas, Texas
· Luxury hotel accommodations
· A celebratory dinner with Neiman Marcus Executives
· Hair styling, makeup application, and a private fitting with a Neiman Marcus stylist
· A photo and video shoot at one of the Neiman Marcus stores
· A luncheon at a Neiman Marcus restaurants
· $1,500 in cosmetics and fragrances to take home

Hurry! Nominations close on March 24, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

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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.

 

Activated Charcoal – The Beauty Ingredient of the Moment

Activated Charcoal - The Beauty Ingredient of the Moment on Belle Belle Beauty

By now I am guessing you have had activated charcoal pop up on your radar. I have an affinity for this ingredient – likely because my childhood black Cocker Spaniel was affectionally named Char and that little cutie lived 17 years. But in addition, I love the way charcoal can absorb toxins and pollutants without leaving my dry and sensitive skin red or irritated.

My first beauty charcoal experience was likely in college with the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask – talk about a classic. This one is fairly straight-forward using White China clay to draw out impurities. But it is just as good as it ever was.

Recently on Belle Belle, I raved about Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud. It was too good not to mention on Saint Patrick’s Day but also worth a mention here. The inky, black mask works with organic materials like moor mud to clear skin but also hydrate. And the activated charcoal also capitalizes on magnetic ability to clear pores.

Bioré has a whole host of charcoal products right now, but given they do strips so well, my pick is the Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips. The nose strips might be better suited for those with serious blackheads. They somehow manage a fresh and clean feel with less shine. Charcoal also provides for oil control.

In true Belle Belle form, I saved the most luxe beauty pick for last. While it has taken a time for me to get used to the Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar, I get why this has been such a huge hit for decades. I admit to not following the whole “ritual” but I do love the cleansing action and the brightened complexion that follows a regular ole face wash. This one is something you’ll treasure on your vanity.

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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.

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black MaskYou’ll be hearing more about this mask in a roundup in a couple days, but it was just too good not to share on this St. Patrick’s Day! Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask is a little bit of Ireland on your vanity. And if you forgo “amateur night” and stay in this evening, you’d enjoy staying in and giving yourself an “Irish Facial” – at least that is my plan!

Regular readers know I love mud and clay masks and this one lands right at the top of my favorites of the crew. I love how the inky, black mud isn’t too thick or irritating. The moor mud works to draw out oil and impurities. And the black hijiki seaweed works to add nutrition and hydration. And the activated charcoal? Well that comes in the future round-up that you won’t want to miss.

I apply a fairly thick layer (remember the consistency is fairly thin for a mud mask so you can pile it on). While 10 minutes is recommended, I usually get antsy and take it off after five. Even on my sensitive skin, I can use this a couple times a week without any irritation or redness.

So happy the luck of the Irish was with me and I had this fab new mask to review on this Saint Patrick’s Day. If you are headed out to celebrate, be safe!

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.