Belle Belle Beauty

The Quest For Even Skin

Ever since this interview with Gabriel Horn, I knew I wanted to up my game battling this stubborn hyperpigmentation. I’ve confessed to indulging in the sun this summer (obviously safely, always with sunscreen), so my sun damage and dark spots have gotten even worse. Even with my SPF 50 on my face, my hyperpigmentation-prone skin was affected.

Now that the cooler days have arrived, I knew I could safely go after the damage with strong, medical grade formulas. I stopped in to see my favorite Tulsa Skincare Guru, Gabriel Horn. He has recommended incorporating Tretinoin (aka Retin-A) along with hydraquinone (at 4% strength). I’ve been loyal to that combo since early September. And I have made tremendous progress against those darn spots. But I knew I needed more to eradicate them totally.

Last week, I went in to see Gabriel for a peel. While it can sound scary, my prep work actually made it much less traumatic. Skin that is used to and being treated with Tretinoin can handle chemical peels much better. I have had a peel with Gabriel before, so I knew what to expect. We started with acetone (which sounds gross and scary), but it helps for effective and even absorption of the chemicals. He then applied a modified Jessner peel with a formula developed by Dr. Manduano (the doctor he works with). This usually consists of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. From what I understand, it is a very gentle peel alone but can work in conjunction with other peels to raise efficacy. Gabriel then upped the game and spot treated the really dark spots with Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This is a much more aggressive type of peel.

Next up was a Retinoic acid peel applied all over the face. This is deeper than a Glycolic acid, Alpha hydroxy acid or Beta hydroxy acid peels, but not as strong as the TCA. Along with pigmentation, Retinoic acid also works against scars and wrinkles. While there was a tingle and discomfort but it certainly wasn’t intense pain. I held a fan in front of my face for about 10 minutes which provided a lot of relief.

The areas that Gabriel spot treated got very dark and then peeled for a full week. But gosh darn it… those dark spots are GONE. My face peeled on Friday (approximately 48 hours after my peel). Other than the spot-treated areas, I was done with peeling by Sunday evening. I had no pain after the actual application of the peel. And my skin looks radiant, healthier and more even. I am going to follow up with more peels and will be keeping you posted on my progress!

If you are in the Tulsa area, I highly recommend Gabriel. He works out of Dr. Joey Manduano’s office (also highly recommended) at 2219 East 21st Street. Their phone number is: 918.749.5522.

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.

Golden Manicure

Last night was a manicure night that is not to be forgotten. I wanted to try out a chocolate brown from seasons past, Laura Mercier Cocoa Suede, and layer what I thought was a gold glitter over it. Well, I was in for a surprise. First, a note on the chocolate brown – I was worried this could look dull and dirty. But I actually found it to be a perfect fall neutral. It is technically limited edition (I believe from last fall), but it is still in stock here.

Then the magic happened. I opened nails inc. Galaxy in Knightsbridge Road and was met with an opaque golden with dimension galore. This full-coverage polish had 3-D effect pearl with foil and small colored glitter. This is the first “glitter” polish that I’ve found with such an opaque finish. On my right hand, I used a lighter touch and the Laura Mercier Cocoa Suede shows through slightly, if you prefer a less brilliant look.

Which do you prefer? The plain chocolate brown or the golden manicure?

Also, Dallas folks, my favorite skin care guru will be at Nieman Marcus Northpark. Kate Somerville will be doing a private master class and meet & greet on Saturday November 2nd. Call to make an appointment today! I wish I could be there!

And don’t forget, we are in the final hours of Shopbop’s Friends and Family sale! Use code INTHEFAMIL25 for 25% off site-wide.

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.

A Skin Story: A Perfect Trio

I’m always changing up my routine. Things move in and out of my rotation quite frequently. But occasionally, I will be simultaneously testing a wonderful trifecta of products and it is like the stars have aligned. Right now… that’s happening. Here’s how I have been perfecting my complexion these last couple of weeks.

First: Josie Maran’s new Argan Tinted Moisturizer. This formula is rich and luxurious. Coverage is very generous for a tinted moisturizer. I would say it is in the neighborhood of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 but with a thicker texture. The SPF 30 is all natural and admirable for a makeup product. And her signature Argan oil makes it ultra-moisturizing and nourishing. She also threw in some antioxidants for good measure. This is my new pick for favorite Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream for sensitive or dry skin. I use Light 2, but am getting closer and closer to needing Light 1.

Next up, I touch up spots needing a little more assistance with Benefit Erase Paste. This creamy, high-coverage concealer camouflages like a champ. The formula finishes with a nice radiance, especially helpful in the under eye area. It came with a spatula which I unfortunately tossed with the box, so I apply direcly with my finger. I actually like the way I can work it into my skin even if it isn’t the most sanitary method.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder makes for a weightless, perfecting finish. The balance between matte and radiance is ideal. The formula is oil-free and should play very nicely with oilier skin types. Like other NAKED products, optical blurring pigments perfect skin. You won’t find any chalkiness here. This step ensures hours of wear.

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.

Jouer Gems

My love affair with Jouer continues. Their fall launch was catchy with an emphasis on “finding your red” and creamy, luxurious lipsticks reviewed here. Two more products from the collection also won me over. Today, I am sharing these precious beauties with you:

A new shade of Jouer’s Lip Gloss, Monaco, is a brilliant but sheer coral red. The juicy pop of color is perfect for those who don’t want the commitment of a lipstick. There is no scent to the formula and it is highly moisturizing. There isn’t a crazy long wear time, but I don’t really expect it with lip gloss. And this vessel is so cute, I don’t mind whipping it out every now and then.

Also part of the fall collection, this set of liquid shimmer eye liners are surprisingly wearable. Panther is a rich onyx and Leopard is a bronzed chocolate. But I actually surprised myself loving Lynx, a golden olive green. This smooth formula is a breeze to apply with the precise and dainty brush. The pigment is long-wearing but doesn’t dry so quickly you can fix mistakes. I like layering them over black liner for a little pop.

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.

Fall Favorites From Friends and Family Sale At Shopbop

A little break from all the beauty today for only the most important fashion announcement. Shopbop is having their Friends and Family event through tomorrow night and offering 25% off site wide. I highlighted my fall fashion must haves/wish list. Use code INTHEFAMILY25 to take advantage of the sale!

Another little note, Barneys is having an extreme beauty bag gift with a $250 purchase. This adorable Camoflauge bag contains:

Chantecaille Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser
Cle de Peau Beaute SPF 50+
Costume National So Nude  Creme de la Mer
Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy lipstick  Givenchy Noir Couture mascara
Gouache and Corail Aquatique
Hermes Jour d’Hermes
Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir mascara
Kai Fragrance
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyeshadow (full size)
L’artisan Parfumeur Caligna
Make Colour Lipstick in Maraschino Cherry (full size)
Malin + Goetz Cilantro Conditioner
Mila Moursi Cellular Renewal Cream
NARS Pore Refining Primer
Radical Youth Infusion Serum
Revive Retexturizing Hydrator
Rituals Zensation Foaming Shower Gel  Sachajuan Volume Shampoo
Tatcha Agless Revitalizing Eye Cream
Terry de Gunzburg Fragrant Delice  Tocca Florence
Tom Ford Black Orchid  Verso Night Cream  Yosh Evanescent Collection
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres in Rouge Laque, Rouge

Are You An Every Day Shampoo-er?

I was having a discussion with some blogging buddies today and they were “confessing” to me that they wash their hair everyday. I think women have gotten the message that frequent washing is a big fat no-no. But honestly, particularly with this group who don’t color or blow dry their hair, I think washing every day is okay. Personally, I like limiting it to three times a week to help preserve the color in my hair and keep my dry ends hydrated. But if you work out everyday or feel like hair is greasy or unclean, daily washes are the way to go.

But you might want to consider some shampoo specifically designed for oily hair and scalps. Shu Art of Hair debuted their New Cleansing Oil Shampoo Anti-Oil Shampoo designed to remove oil and buildup and cleanse with high astringent power. It rebalances sebaceous glands to slow future oil production. Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Weightless Nourishment Shampoo is a great drugstore option that leaves hair clean and weightless. Another options that gets rave reviews:

If you are a daily washer and want to cut down, there are some tricks that got me out of the everyday obligation. First, I purchased a Mason Pearson brush. Using it at night, its bristles help distribute oils throughout hair, keeping roots volumized and ends hydrated. Second, use dry shampoo wisely. Apply to roots and wait five minutes. Don’t touch. This allows the product to absorb oils. Then blast with a hair dryer while you tousle with your fingers. I’ve found this makes the product totally disappear and oil is removed completely.

Thanks for the inspiration, ladies! And hope that helps.