Belle Belle Beauty

Five Late Summer Favorites

So, today marks the official back to school here in my city. Time to face the music and start thinking about prep for those cooler months ahead. I’m focusing on stretching out this tan, staying safe in the sun, repairing sun damage and nourishing my dried out hair. Among other things! Here are five favorites that I keep reaching for to do just that:

RéVive ‘Sensitif’ Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15 is the most gentle SPF I have come across and the oil-free formula finishes matte and won’t clog pores. Plus, it works fabulously under makeup.

Kate Somerville ‘Somerville 360°’ Tan Maximizer is helping me milk this summer glow for all that it is worth. I love the smell and how nourishing it is on my skin. Natural oils add so much hydration that this might be my go-to lotion all year long!

Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo basically transports me back to high school with its fruity scent (how appropriate this time of year!). But what really impressed me was the effect – I use this at night and sleep in a wet braid – the next morning I have full and bouncy waves!

Coola TotalBody Organic Moisturizing Suncare with SPF 30 is keeping me sun safe these last couple of pool days. The scents can’t be beat (my favorite is Plumeria). And I feel even better staying safe in the sun using an organic product.

Essie for the twill of it from their fall collection was high on my wish list. But now that I have it in (or on) my hot little hands I’m swooning so hard I almost fell over. The opaque shade is as nuanced and special as any luxury polish. Fall signature mani sold!

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.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation

My summer staples have been NARS Radiant Cream Concealer and Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Frankly, nothing covers the under eye better than the Cream Concealer. And the lightweight coverage and sun protection of the tinted moisturizer make it perfect for the summer months. So, truth be told… I wasn’t surprised to be thrilled with the newest from NARS: Radiant Cream Compact Foundation.

First and foremost, bravo to NARS for a comprehensive offering of 20 shades from Siberia (light with neutral undertones) to Khartoum (dark with espresso undertones). Second, and not surprisingly from NARS, I love the packaging. The foundations are sold in pods that fit into a separately purchased hefty compact. Because of the formula, you are encouraged to make sure both the compact and the separate pod are snap shut otherwise, the product can dry out. Frankly, I have no issue with this and I love that the foundation stays clean.

The formula features a proprietary Advanced Emulsion Technology, allowing for a buildable application either wet or dry. What surprised me most is how this cream foundation could feel so light. Cream foundations aren’t my favorite, so I was sure I was going to find it too heavy for everyday wear. But it sets like a liquid foundation. I’ve been wearing Santa Fe (medium with golden undertones) and Punjab (medium with golden, peachy undertones). It is really hard for me to distinguish between these two shades other than a slightly deeper radiance in Punjab.

Bottom line: this is my go-to foundation for the fall months. I love the portability, flexibility and radiant finish. While it is on the pricier side for the amount of product you get ($48 including the compact for 0.42 ounces), I think the revolutionary formula and wearability definitely make it worth it.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation is currently available at Sephora.com and NARScosmetics.com. It will be on department store counters on September 1st.

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.

Getting Clean With Mario Badescu

A good clean feel can’t be beat, especially on hot summer days. I’ve been turning to Mario Badescu the last couple of months for head-to-toe cleansing. I am completely hooked on their toners and their body washes are balanced and moisturizing (not to mention smell great). Click through below to check out my current favorites:

If you are reading this in an email or reader, be sure to click through for the full experience.

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.

nyakio Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut

A couple of months ago, I was so thrilled to learn that one of my best friends had gone to business school with a true beauty entrepreneur. Julie emailed me to let me know about Nyakio, a skin care line inspired by Nyakio’s own Kenyan grandparents. A first generation American of Kenyan descent, Nyakio combines the best natural African ingredients with modern, result-driven formulas. Designed for women of all ages, skin types and backgrounds, the Hydrating Face Oil is the keystone of the line.

I’ve really jumped on the face oil bandwagon. First, nyakio Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut provides the super-charged hydration that my dry skin needs. But it also works well with oilier skin types. Because this oil is light and non-greasy, it will keep all complexions hydrated and radiant. One friends who’s been using the oil reports “I was shocked at the results. People actually commented on how well rested I looked which was obviously false with a newborn.” (thanks, Tina! xoxo). There is a slight medicinal smell but it disipates quickly. The oil also absorbs on contact. I love the luminous finish it gives my skin and it works beautifully under makeup. Additionally, it is free of sulfates and parabens.

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.

Summer Orange

I’m not sure I really believe we are in the last throws of summer. I still have one more beach vacation planned. And while this summer hasn’t been as brutal as others, Oklahoma tends to stay toasty well into October. So, you won’t see me put away any of my favorite summer shades anytime soon. The last couple of months, I have really been embracing the orange. For some inspiration, here’s what’s on my summer orange wish list (pictured above):

No matter the season or shade, beautiful skin is the most important part of a beauty routine, and Simple can help you get there. I’ve been loving the Simple Skincare Radiance Cleansing Wipes after late nights or to remove pore clogging sunscreen. And the Revitalizing Eye Roll On has been a dream for looking refreshed after those late nights and too little sleep.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Nutrisystem Week 36

Well, I admit I fell off the wagon a bit. I spent a week on vacation in the Dominican Republic and did not hold back one little bit. While I am naturally drawn to fish and fruits, I threw portion control out the window and indulged on lots of tropical cocktails. So, I probably shouldn’t have been as shocked as I was when I came back with an eight pound weight gain. Whoa! How did that happen?

Partly, I think I was a little bloated from the plane. But either way, it was the wake-up call I needed to get back on track. Just goes to show you how well Nutrisystem works. Last week, I lost six pounds. Hello! While that does leave me with a two pound gain since my last update (for a total weight loss of 35.4 pounds), I’m encouraged by how easy it was to get back on track. So, looking forward to giving you another update this weekend with a total weight loss in a positive direction!

Check out my previous Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

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