Category: skin-care

Chantecaille Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Mask

I’m one of those freaks that needs loads of sleep. If I had my druthers, I’d get nine hours every night. But we know sometimes that just isn’t possible. I used to be able to fake that “rested” look with my beloved NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer, but I’ll be darned if I am starting to need some extra help as I approach the big 3-5.

While I have tried tons of eye creams and masks, I haven’t really found something that provides a more immediate result. Enter Chantecaille’s Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Mask. While I feel like I should note this is truly a luxury item, it is both a short-term solution and long-term investment.

Using all natural seaweed as a base, the formula is infused with an anti-aging gold serum. The transparent gel masks provide a cooling sensation. After one use, lines are minimized and puffiness is gone. The revealed radiant skin replaces dark circles. Longer term, gold works to protect DNA and boost collagen.

I am wearing my third set of masks as I type and one of my favorite features is that they disappear on your face. I have no fear of frightening the FedEx man if he happens to knock on the door. I also appreciate the the small crescents adhere to the under eye area without slipping and sliding. They stay put for the entire recommended 20 minutes.

Paraben free, fragrance free, petrochemical free and cruelty free. Includes 8 pairs of eye gels per box. Apply 3-4 times a week.

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

Beauty From The Inside Out on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

This week on Great Day Green Country, I am talking about something a little different. Here on Belle Belle there is lots of discussion of creams and serums we slather on to keep us looking young. Today, I am discussing some things we can do from the inside out to keep skin radiant, young and clear.

Supplementing our diet with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is one of the most obvious ways we can improve our skin from the inside out. One of my favorite skin care brands offers supplements specifically targeted to skin. And bonus points that it is backed by one of the most recognizable names in dermatology, Dr. Perricone. Perricone MD Nutriceuticals Skin & Total Body Dietary Supplements is three-tier daily program of nutrients to boost immune system and encourage beautiful skin. While joint and bone function is boosted, antioxidants fights free radicals. Fine lines and wrinkles are replaced with radiant skin. And supplements also offer protection against future damage.

Second up, the always important water. Water is the most basic way we can make our skin radiant and healthy. I notice that when I skip my morning guzzling of water, my skin looks dull and splotchy. But if I keep that bottle at my desk, filled all day long, I get a supple glow. While I try to use a recyclable water bottle, I full admit to splurging on Glaceau Smart Water Electrolyte Enhanced Water. I used to love FIJI but now (if water can really have a flavor) I prefer Smart Water.

I’m on my third month of Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women (you can find my amazing round 1 results from 2012 here). My hair grew 3.5 inches in three months last time and I am seeing the same results this time around. This supplement, adored by models (like Karlie Kloss) and actresses (like Reese Witherspoon), promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. 100% natural ingredients and drug-free, the formula works for men and women, all ages and all ethnicities. Fish proteins, horsetail extract and Vitamin C help ramp up production of keratin (which also boosts nail growth!). My lashes and brows are fuller and longer. My hair seems healthier despite an increase in heat styling lately. And my scalp health is even improved. My body hair did grow a little faster, but the trade off was worth it.

Last but not least, pick up some of the trendy Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil. You won’t regret swaping this kitchen staple and get a second jar to keep in your bathroom. The past week, oil pulling has been all over the internet. This practice of swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes daily is said to improve tooth and gum health. While I haven’t made it longer than three minutes, I can say my gum line does appear soothed and my teeth feel cleaner than usual after a couple nights of trying it. If this practice is just too gross for you (I don’t blame you), don’t worry – there are lots of other ways coconut oil can be used to improve skin health. Replace butter and other oils with coconut in your cooking. Coconut oil’s medium-chain-length fatty acids is an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent which can help with shiny hair and clearer skin. Bonus points that it boosts metabolism. And don’t forget to slather it on as a cuticle cream, moisturizer, eye makeup remover and hair conditioner.

Shop The Post:

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.

Skinfix Body Repair Balm and Rapid Repair Balm

Previously only distributed in Canada, Skinfix is finally available in the US! Yay! This little brand is quite the lifesaver and has come in particularly handy for me the last couple of weeks. Developed based on a family recipe passed down from British Pharmacopoeia, these medicinal balms are proven to work without all the irritating ingredients that can so often be found to treat eczema, dryness, dermatitis, chaffing, razor burn and sunburn.

These balms are made from secret blends of vitamins, minerals, botanical oils and plant extracts. Both balms are dermatologist tested, steroid-free, fragrance-free, hydrocortisone-free and with BPA-free packaging.

Body Repair Balm landed on my desk right as I got my first eczema diagnosis. This tiny (and annoying) patch appeared below my eye last month. My doctor advised me to pick up some hydrocortisone. But I always try to steer clear of unnecessary steroids. I remembered this all-natural balm and started slathering away. Just as the doc promised with the hydrocortisone, that patch was healed in under a week. Now I know that hydrocortisone can harm skin’s natural moisture barrier, so I’ll be turning to Skinfix Body Repair Balm for any dryness or dermatitis from now on. The formula contains colloidal oatmeal, healing botanicals and sweet almond oil. While the texture is very thick, it does absorb quickly into skin leaving behind only a slight stickiness.

Rapid Repair Balm is an amped up version that is specifically targeted for the most injured skin. It tackles chaffing, minor burns, sunburns, razor burn or chronic rashes. Like the Body Repair Balm, this formula is hydrocortisone-free but offers a sort of steroid-free all-natural hydrocortisone. A medicine cabinet staple, it helps with ailments for the entire family. This extremely thick balm doesn’t absorb but sits on top of skin with a little greasiness. But that’s its role as a super healing balm. While each balm is slightly different, I honestly will have these stocked in the future. Their natural properties and ability to treat a wide range of ailments make them invaluable.

Available at Skinfix.com and C.O. Bigelow.

Three Favorite Serums

I know I covered my current skin care routine yesterday (see that post here), but I purposefully left out the serum step. Since last September, I have been using three serums regularly that I absolutely love. Granted, they all do very different things so I’ve been adjusting based on what my skin needs. So, take a look at your skin and I encourage you to try out these if you have:

Dry Skin: AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate works with your skin to improve its ability to retain moisture. This added moisture helps skin look more radiant. The secret ingredient is a concentrate of Osmoter, a blend of Dead Sea minerals, that heals skin from the inside out. If you are suffering from some serious winter dehydration, look no further. This serum is super gentle and safe to use morning and night.

Fine lines, hyperpigmentation or dullness: Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment works as both a serum and a mask. Expect some generous brightening action here. While it can be a little strong for more sensitive skin, it might be worth the temporary redness. My skin looks smoother and more vibrant, particularly working against hyperpigmentation. With my easily irritated skin, I avoid using it as a mask. But if you have resilient or thicker skin, give it a whirl. I especially love the way this serum looks under makeup.

Sun damage, fine lines and a lazy skin care attitude: SkinCeuticalsPhloretin CF Gel is a trio of active ingredients that can provide a complete anti-aging cocktail. If you don’t like a lot of steps (or are a dude) check out this multi-tasker. The three active ingredients are 2% phloretin, 10% vitamin C, and 0.5% ferulic acid. The gel consistency is great for oilier skin. And antioxidants specifically help regeneration and repair leaving a more youthful appearance. Be prepared for a period of irritation or a break out here and there – this gel helps force out anything congesting skin and reveals a new and fresh layer of skin.

Shop The Post:

My Skin Care Routine and Current Shopping List

My skin care routine is always changing as I am adding new products for review. Every once in a while, I’d like to share my routine, just so you can see what is on Belle Belle’s radar. Here is what is stacking up on my vanity:

1. ReVive Cleanser Exfoliant: This gentle and creamy cleanser has beads that help turn over dull and dry winter skin without irritation.

2.Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer: This luminous cream provides important sun protection now that retinol and hydroquinone are back in my rotation.

3. Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cleansing Lotion: This toner helps ensure all traces of my makeup are gone while helping my skin fight redness and promoting even skin.

4. Kate Somerville Age Arrest Anti-Wrinkle Cream: The big 3-5 is only four months away and I’m staving away wrinkles with this hydrating, technologically advanced cream.

5. Rodin Olio Lusso: Ever since I was tipped off to add a face oil over moisturizer to “seal in” moisture, I can’t bear to skip this step and I think my skin is more luminous than usual. This classic is the original face oil.

Shop The Products Here:

Do Peels Scare You?

By now, most of you know that Gabriel Horn is my trusted source of medical spa services. In fact, he’s known as the Tulsa Skin Guru. And it goes without saying that I trust him implicitly. We have been working together for almost a year now, with much success, in the battle against my hyper-pigmentation and sun damage. Our approach has been moderate strength chemical peels (you can read more about them here). While these peels are both my and Gabe’s choice to reverse sun damage, their aggressive nature isn’t always right given the person or time. So, what do you do if aggressive peels scare you or are inconvenient?

I had a couple things going on in my life last time I visited Gabe (side note: Gabe is also a wealth of advice, wisdom and laughter during my visits). Between a hot date, a Mardi Gras ball and a television appearance, I knew that the regular chemical peel just wasn’t going to work for me. I suddenly found myself in the shoes of some of you readers who have told me peels scare them. The pain, side effects, dry skin and redness just sometimes don’t fit into our lives.

Gabe curated a different treatment that was productive but left my skin radiant, even and supple the following day. He started with a heavy microdermabrasion. Then a 30% Glycolic peel was applied for a short period of time. Thanks to a couple lazy evenings, I had two breakouts on my chin. Gabe spot treated these with salicylic acid. I experienced no tingling or pain. That being said, we must emphasize that these steps require a medical aesthetician. These are not run-of-the-mill spa services. I left the office with a little bit of redness which dissipated throughout the evening.

These types of treatments can lead to dramatic and satisfying results. The difference is that peels like these are like baby steps as opposed to rapid results with more aggressive approaches. But for many people, they just can’t afford the downtime. While the required frequency of more gentle peels might cost slightly more, the lack of side effects might be worth it. Additionally, a more moderate approach might be ideal for summer months. Skin under aggressive treatment can be at greater risk from the damaging sun.

The real takeaway from my last visit is that peels come in a huge spectrum. When we hear “chemical peel” we think of the frightening Sex In The City episode with Samantha’s peeling, red face. But there is a huge range of options and customization available. With proper analysis, a medical aesthetician can design a proper and balanced approach. Even microdermabrasion, a zero downtime treatment, can boost collagen, reverse sun damage and improve skin texture.

The plan for me for now is to ramp up my use of hydroquinone and Retin-A to prep my skin once again for the slightly more aggressive treatment. We are in the home stretch here with maybe only two or three more peels necessary. But I know the time will come again when I just can’t afford the downtime. And it is a comfort to know that there are steps I can take that mitigate the side effects and still make progress against that darn sun damage!

image here