Category: skin-care

bareMinerals Skinsorials – a 3-Part Skincare Ritual

When I got wind of a new skincare line from bareMinerals, I knew almost immediately I would try it. I tinker a lot with what I use on my face, but since I really committed to Retin-A this winter, I knew I might need something steady to deal with the new state of my skin. Side note: Retin-A for me is transformative and I love it (talk to your doctor).

I will only speak to the three bareMinerals Skinsorials products I tried. And that is because the line is designed to cater to your particular skin type by selecting a cleanser and moisturizer. All routines use the same serum. Your skin might be better suited to alternatives, but my skin happened to love OIL OBSESSED Total Cleansing Oil, SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Infusion and BUTTER DRENCH Restorative Rich Cream.

First up, this is an affordable line. My three products add up to $116 but you can get an introductory collection for $60.

OIL OBSESSED: This is probably one of my most favorite of all the oil cleansers I have tried. It is insanely light and develops into milky goodness to take off the day. My drier skin isn’t red or striped.

SKINLONGEVITY: This serum is not only replenishing but also can improve skin’s appearance. It is gentle enough to use on my angry/Retin-A skin.

BUTTER DRENCH: This minty rich cream absorbs quickly and is slightly lighter than this balm. It is perfect for those days when I am not insanely dry and I think it will be light enough to use through the summer months.

Some of the amazing ingredients bareMinerals included in the formulas:

PEPPERMINT: A refreshing herb known for its astringent properties.
CUCUMBER: The lightweight oil from the cucumber fruit helps nourish and hydrate skin while encouraging resilience.
SUNFLOWER: Significant to Native Americans as a source for nutritional, medicinal and ceremonial practices, the emollient oil contains skin-loving vitamins and Omega 9 to help nourish skin.
BILBERRY: Grown in Europe and handpicked in the wild underbrush, the oil of Bilberry is valued for its skin soothing properties.
MINERAL-RICH SEA SALTS: Cultivated from the waters off the coast of Brittany, these sea salts, rich in Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium, help purify and refine the skin.
SHEA BUTTER: A moisture-rich butter derived from the nut of the Karite tree.
CALIFORNIA POPPY: A bright and brilliant flower native to California known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.

Available at bareescentuals.com and Nordstrom.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm

We have had a rather dry and cold winter here in Tulsa which is a perfect recipe for extra dry skin. My face seems to drink up moisturizer in a hot minute, leaving it feeling dry by the middle of the day. That was until this tub of goodness arrived here at Belle Belle.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm is one of the richest moisturizers I have ever used. The balm texture literally seals in hydration thanks to glycerin. The formula also contains the Ultra Facial Ingredient of Antarcticine which has bioprotective properties, keeping skin looking young. Edelweiss flower extract, known to thrive in the high altitudes of the Swiss Alps, helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function to lock in hydration.

My skin stays soft and subtle all day – this balm hit shelves just in time for me to cure the driest of winter skin.

Available at www.kiehls.com.

Dry Winter Skin

Our winter has been fairly mild in the precipitation department. But a huge cold front rolled in this weekend and my skin has been insanely dry. Like itchy, scaly dry. I know that isn’t pretty but it is what it is. Plus, one of my resolutions was to fully embrace Retin-A so my face is kind of a dry mess too. So I thought I’d share my favorite dry skin remedies.

First up, the dreaded dry lips. I love Lucas’ Papaw Ointment. This fruit derived balm has been around for 100+ years and is the holy grail (IMO) to cure dry, winter lips.

Thanks to one of my favorite advances in skincare, oils are officially a thing. I recently shared some NUDE Skincare Progenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oilimage with my friend. And her ringing endorsement just confirmed how great this stuff is. It is feather-light, improves texture and really nourishes dry skin.

I like to think of Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion as the poor man’s Tata Harper lotion. This natural blend is so hydrating and refreshing. It replenishes and rebalances with wonderful smelling organic ingredients.

For those really stubborn spots (mine seem to be my elbows), I turn to the serious stuff. And that is none other than Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream Facial Treatment. This balm is not for the faint of heart. But I am convinced it will cure the most serious dry skin. Olive Oil, Beeswax, Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis extract leaves skin unclogged and radiant. I also love it as an overnight mask on my face for those of you who share my dry skin (Retin-A) woes.

Lancôme Absolue White Aura

It is like Lancôme just gets me. They happened to come up with my perfect wintertime moisturizer. Every night for the past month or so, I’ve been slathering on Lancôme Absolue White Aura which is designed to brighten skin. The rose extract works with Pro-Xylane for a fresh and nourishing formula. I love how hydrated my skin feels without being greasy. And the next morning, I find illuminated skin and need just a little bit less makeup. I call that a win.

Available at Nordstrom (on sale!).

The Latest: Favorite Natural Beauty Products

I know I’ve written a lot about natural products on here before. I think it is fairly common that beauty buffs like us are trying to work more friendly ingredients into both our diet and routine more frequently these days. So I wanted to share two of my new favorite items that are both effective and natural.

JĀSÖN Foaming Shower Oils: A sort of tropical shower gel that really nourishes dry, winter skin. The foaming is subtle but it manages to leave no greasy residue. There are three scents: Smoothing Coconut hydrates and revitalizes dry skin, Nourishing Shea Butter calms irritated and problematic skin while Renewing Olive helps to maintain skin’s elasticity and promote radiance.

Alba Botanica Fast Fix Collection: I have been relying on the blemish buster for the past couple weeks since my skin seems to be acting up. Amazingly the Fast Fix has kept the clogged pore relatively painless with a quick healing. The puffy eye remedy has come in handy after some late holiday celebrations. And the tube are pocket-sized so perfect for on the go. Range includes:
· Fast Fix for a Pimple
· Fast Fix for Puffy Eyes
· Fast Fix for Undereye Circles
· Fast Fix for Thin Lips

And one quick Cyber Monday note: I left this out on Friday and would be remiss to not mention this awesome deal on one of my favorite natural beauty brands. Now through 12/8, take 15% off any Tata Harper purchase with code FF2015.

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skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

I just completed one of the most exhausting and draining weeks of my professional life. And it was great. Fun, educational and adventurous. But the exhaustion showed and my under eyes were a mess. Thank goodness I had skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels on hand.

I had a dry and wrinkled mess AND puffiness on top of that… lovely. But these cooling gel patches nourished the skin and brightened and firmed. The skin was soothed and rejuvenated. Elastin restores tone, ginkgo biloba leaf improves blood flow, and Coenzyme Q10 combats premature aging with free radicals.

I’m not alone either:

Like a caffeine jolt to the face, they top my list as a must-have beauty necessity… achieving the effect of an instant eye lift in minutes! Perfectly sized for on-the-go!

Rachel Zoe, Celebrity Stylist and star of The Rachel Zoe Project

I keep mine on for the recommended ten minutes. They are easy to wear and remarkably effective. At $30 for eight pair, they aren’t a bad deal either! Cruelty-free and vegan. Available at Ulta and Amazon.

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