Belle Belle Beauty

Getting Full Brows

Full brows have been in for several seasons in a row and I’ve happily forgotten how to achieve thin, sculpted arches. Recently, I’ve even gone so far as to just let my brows grow wild. Sure… I’ll tweet a stray hair but it has to be really rogue for me to go after it. Instead, I add fullness and make sure hairs are brushed and set. Thanks to hypothyroidism, the ends of my brows lack fullness, but powders and pencils help add natural volume. If you are like me and are going after full, natural yet tamed brows, here are my favorite brow goodies to achieve the look:

Urban Decay packed everything you need into their new Brow Box. Despite its super tiny size, Brow Box contains two shades of brow powder, setting wax, mini tweezers, two angled brushes and two mirrors (one magnified). The inky powders look natural and have great staying power despite their soft texture. The wax grips without being sticky. And so handy to have tweezers right there should you find a stray.

If you prefer a singular tool, try the NARS Brow Perfector. The waxy texture actually drys velvety matte. And the formula prevents any mistakes from a heavy hand. While it can be hard to great a dramatic look, Brow Perfector is ideal for achieve natural looking, full brows.

Shiseido Eyebrow Styling Compact offers a dark brown shade if you need/prefer a deeper shade. The duo powders can be blended for subtle coloring and shading. The included applicator is dual ended with a sharp tool (for bold looks) and a brush (for a more natural effect). The formula has great staying power but still is creamy and blendable.

The ultimate in luxury (and a fan favorite), Tom Ford Brow Sculptor has an angled, waxy calligraphy tip, included sharpener and grooming brush on the opposite end. The angled tip allows for both thin and wide strokes. The waxy consistency helps hold shape and color.

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.

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Natural Body Care For Fall From JĀSÖN

I am stunned… literally stunned that today is October 1st. Where in the world did September go? At least it means the arrival of rich cozy scents and lots of football – two of my favorite things! And there is something rejuvenating about a change of seasons. For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been particularly focused on taking care of myself and striving for excellence on this blog. Along with that, I am trying to be more mindful of including natural products into my routine. These two products from one of my favorite natural brands, JĀSÖN, are the perfect ticket for my fall resolutions.

JĀSÖN® Antioxidant Cranberry Body Wash has a rich, nourishing formula packed with Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5. The Cranberry acts as an anti-oxidant and Aloe Vera can help soothe irritated dry skin in the cooler months. Not to mention it smells so festive.

JĀSÖN® Balancing Wild Yam Crème has the super-hydrating properties we need in the fall months. And if you have combination skin, this moisturizer can actually help balance your complexion. Ginseng and Wild Yam helps skin stay hydrated. And licorice works to even skin tone and boost radiance. Use it on your face and/or body.

Both products are free of parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, petrolatum, artificial colors and phthalates. Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and jason-personalcare.com

Matte and Gold Accents on Robin Egg Blue Nails

I’m excited to share my fourth installment of nail art with Suave^® and Q-tips^® for their awesome ManiCure Pinterest sweepstakes! Again, we are talking about texture and I am doing another twist on matte finishes. Clearly, this is a trend I can’t get enough of! Along with getting creative with nail art, I’ll also be sharing tips on keeping skin moisturized and nails looking clean and healthy.

Up first, a little detail about the ManiCure Pinterest sweepstakes– make sure to head over to the Suave Beauty Pinterest page and pin one of my featured looks (or any other looks by my fellow influencers) and copy the pin URL to the Suave Beauty Facebook page to enter for the chance to win Suave^® Skin Solutions Body Lotions and Q-tips^® Precision Tips^™ cotton swabs or $500 for the ultimate day of beauty and style!

I’ve been rotating between Suave^® Skin Solutions Soothing Body Lotion with Aloe and the Suave^® Skin Solutions Smoothing Body Lotion with Cocoa Butter & Shea. I really can see a difference in my skin and cuticles, looking both richer and healthier. After moisturizing, I pushed back my cuticles and prepped nails with a base coat. Before the base coat, I used a little alcohol on a Q-tips^® Precision Tips™ cotton swab to make sure my nail beds were oil-free. This week, I wanted to change things up from my normal fall routine of dark and moody nails. I went with a Robin Egg Blue base coat for something cheerful and fresh.

To add a little bit of interest, I decided to play with the texture of the base coat. But I wanted a bit of contrast. To paint only a portion of the nail, I used clear tape to cover approximately half of the nail on a diagonal. I alternated between both the top and bottom of the nail and the direction of diagonal. Although, I think symmetry in the shapes would also look cool. The Q-tips^® Precision Tips^™ cotton swabs came in handy for pressing down the corners of the tape to ensure precise polish too.

I painted on a matte top coat to the exposed areas of the nail and allowed the polish to dry. Gently remove the tape to ensure the polish doesn’t pull. I did get a few areas where the polish was pulled off, but don’t worry about that. Our next step will hide any damage caused by the tape.

To take it to the next level, I used a nail art brush and gold polish to delineate between the matte and shiny areas of the nails. This extra step really makes the contrast in texture pop. Use a Q-tips^® Precision Tips^™ cotton swab to correct any mistakes while the gold polish is still wet.

Vaguely reminiscent of that coveted little blue box, these gold and blue nails are a mix of playful and luxurious.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer for Suave® and Q-tips^®. Visit www.facebook.com/SuaveBeauty for the chance to win Suave^® Skin Solutions Body Lotions and Q-tips^® Precision Tips^™ cotton swabs or $500 for the ultimate day of beauty and style.

Favorite Fall Launches on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

I’m back on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country this morning to chat about my favorite launches for fall. Representing my favorite brands, these new products mark great technological advances, delicious scents and the best formulations. So tune in if you are in the area at 10AM (if not, I’ll post the clip later this week) and catch the roundup here:

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder is part of a skin collection that reflects weightless, undetectable coverage. This powder achieves that luminous but still semi-matte finish that is on trend for fall. Optical blurring pigments perfects skin with natural looking coverage. The effect is perfect for pictures (or television appearances!).

One of America’s most esteemed, Avon, just got a little revamp. And their makeup is better than ever. This summer, they launched the revolutionary Mega Effects Mascara. The ergonomic design with swiveling handle gives complete coverage of lash-lengthening, inky pigment. Another standout, the True Color Eyeshadow Quads, are packed of vibrant but wearable pigment. The creamy powder is luxurious and ultra-blendable. I love Metal Eyes and Purple Haze.

If you just can’t let go of that summer glow, pick up Caudalíe Divine Leg Tinted Body Lotion. I fell for this scent with the launch of Divine Oil, and this part of the collection gives the perfect subtle bronze. The lotion also nourishes and moisturizes skin and doesn’t budge or transfer.

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum is helping me atone for my summer skin sins. After loads of days out by the pool, my hyperpigmentation was really acting up. This serum promised to work in just one week. And it delivered. Hydroquinone and glycolic acid team up to jump start progress towards more even skin.

Unlike any other powder foundations, Laura Mercier ‘Smooth Finish’ Foundation Powder manages to be luminous and hydrate my dry skin. The formula glides on without settling in fine lines or giving an overly matte finish. The formula can be used dry for sheer to medium coverage or wet for medium to full coverage.

A Little Lighter With Clairol Professional ‘Classic Collection’

As promised in last week’s post, here is the final look with my new, lighter hair. I actually love the way the ends absorbed more of the color for a slight ombré effect. And the more nuanced color actually livens up my complexion. One tone, darker hair can actually be a little aging. And I can see how the lighter shade actually gives a more youthful appearance. One other upside to coloring my hair, I’ve found strands are actually easier to style. My hair tends to hold volume and curl much better. While I went for a straight look here, beachy waves are much more attainable.

This shot is from last weekend’s Saks Fifth Avenue Fall Beauty and Fashion Trend Show. Naturally, I stepped up my fashion game. I was wearing:

Rebecca Taylor Bobcat Printed Silk Dress (now on sale)
Joie Caldine Leather Moto Jacket in Silver Fox
Proenza Schouler PS11 Classic Shoulder Bag in Black
Armenta Maltese Cross Ring (similar here and here)
MAC Viva Glam Lipstick Viva Glam VI

Classic makes a comeback. Clairol Professional’s new ‘Classic Collection’ offers 16 timeless shades with a modern formula for brilliant shine and deep conditioning.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Clairol Professional via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Clairol Professional.

NEST Fine Fragrances Collection for Sephora

Today is a big day for one of my most beloved brands. I first fell for NEST Fragrances as a home fragrance company. I love their artful candles and diffusers and the character of the company led by former Wall Street-er, Laura Slatkin. Last year, they made a foray into personal goods with amazing body creams, hand soaps and body wash. And then they really wooed me. With their launch of fine fragrances, I had found my signature scent, Midnight Fleur.

Starting today, NEST fragrances are lining the shelves in 160 Sephora stores. The first thing you’ll notice about these scents is the artful packaging inspired by botanical artwork from the 18th century. Appropriately, all five fragrances have an very natural, sophisticated feeling and wear beautifully on the skin. While Amazon Lily, Midnight Fleur and Passiflora have been around for a while, there are two new Sephora-exclusive scents to explore: Dahlia & Vines and White Sandalwood.

Dahlia & Vines is decidedly floral with peony, dahlia, rose and daffodil. Those notes are balanced with amber, vanilla, pink pepper and raspberry. I find this fragrance super feminine and refined. Its the perfect choice for those drawn to rose-like scents.

White Sandalwood, a new personal favorite, has that Asian air with Indian sandalwood and exotic spices. Woody and decadent notes like almond and musk make this scent hefty, heady and sensual.

My signature scent, Midnight Fleur, was a 2013 Fragrance Foundation Awards Finalist for Women’s Prestige Fragrance (what can I say? I have good taste). The woodsy scent is fairly bold but has a gourmand character with vanilla. Patchouli, jasmine and amber join the party to make it completely irresistible.

Amazon Lily is playful, delicate and springy. Delicate florals mix with citrus (Brazilian lime and tangerine). Driftwood and musk anchor the scent.

Passiflora is a statement in green fragrance with notes of passion flower, water hyacinth, lily of the valley. Bergamot and clementine lighten this modern and elegant scent.

All five scents are available in Eau De Parfum Spray and Eau De Parfum Rollerball. Look for the Eau De Parfume Collection and Luxurious Hand Creams in October 2013 (available online now).

psss – get an extra 30% off sale with code FALL30!