Belle Belle Beauty

What’s In My Beach Bag

In less than a week, I am bound for the Caribbean! Knowing me, I’ve been pondering exactly what is going to go in that precious space to keep me safe and looking beautiful in the sand.

eos “Basket of Fruit” Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Pack is a four-pack of juicy long-time lip balm favorites including limited edition Fresh Watermelon. Also included are Strawberry Sorbet, Summer Fruit and Pomegranate Raspberry Smooth Sphere Lip Balms. The formula has great hydration and I love the ergonomic design of the spheres. Not to mention, they are easy to find at the bottom and a full and large beach bag! Recyclable and gluten-free.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ After Sun Lotion is the first and only after sun product combining indulgent ribbons of gel and lotion infused with silk protein and shea butter to provide luxurious moisturization for a full 24 hours. Ribbons of aloe soothe and refresh the skin from the effects of the sun, while silk protein shea butter ribbons of lotion provide incredible moisturization that leaves skin feeling hydrated, healthy and radiant.

Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 is my go to face SPF because it has never been the least bit irritating. It is also oil-free, avoiding those pesky summer clogged pores. And even while I am staying protected, the formula includes added vitamins. I also love the Soothing Facial Toner for a refreshing clean to get off all the grime and sunscreen at the end of the day.

Tanee Tan Line Corrector, is an innovative product to eliminate those annoying tan lines. Using a pen-like applicator, just color in where you need some extra color and you’ll get an all-natural self-tan exactly where you need it. I get instant color and the shade deepens over a couple hours. No need to fret those bikini straps or strapless dresses!

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater is the perfect, refreshing mist to for a pick-me-up on a hot day. The Aloe and Herbs help hydrate tight skin. I also love the way this looks under makeup for a rosy, nourished glow. It is incredibly gentle and well suited for sensitive skin.

Beach bag available here. Beach towel available here.

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.

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.

Technology in Beauty on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country

Today, I am back on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country to discuss all the latest and greatest in the skin care industry. The rapid pace of technological advances has made skin care a makeup and exciting place. Below are some of my five favorite things out of the labs that change the way we take care of ourselves!

NUFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device is clinically tested to improve facial contour, skin tone, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles by delivering soft wave microcurrent. But now this little tool has an even better perk: it has been found to enhance the absorption of other water-based products (aka so many of my favorite serums!). ($325 at Nordstrom)

Speaking of Hyaluronic acid, the newest from Trish McEvoy, Beauty Booster Serum is an exclusive and new formulation packed with the hydrating ingredient and dual action peptides. My skin was immediately smoothed and hydrated with just one application. Not to mention it looks more radiant without being greasy. Can’t wait to try it with my NUFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device. ($128 at Saks)

BB were once all the range, but CC creams are coming on strong. And it isn’t just hoopla. Cosmetic companies have found a way to marry foundation or tinted moisturizer with skin care ingredients to great benefit for us consumers. CC Creams also help correct discoloration often with slightly more coverage. The new Supergoop! ‘Daily Correct’ CC Cream Broad Spectrum has a whooping SPF 35. Going above and beyond, it also contains anti-aging benefits and super antioxidants to help fight free-radical, wrinkle-forming damage. ($32 at Ulta) Clinique’s Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector instantly blurs imperfections and leaves a glowy, even finish. I particularly love it for drier skin. ($35 at Saks)

Sometimes the best new technology comes from natural itself. Kate Somerville discovered the Dilo nut on recent travels and transformed it into an oil that has been a champion at improving signs of aging. The natural oils in Kate Somerville Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment work to improve hydration and strengthen moisture barrier. I’ve found that I get a glow even though it is so quickly absorbed. ($65 at Sephora)

While Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain has been around for a couple months, its weightless liquid formula is still transformative. The newest shades feature a shimmer with a luminous 3D effect. You get glossy, hydration with amazing lasting power whether you opt for matte or shimmer. ($34 at Saks)

Summer Hair Staples For Long Hair

My hair is getting long! Thanks, Viviscal! I actually find long hair easier in the summer as a messy top knot is so simple and quick. But for those days when I want my hair down, I crave sleek and sliky strands with just a little wave in it. Plus, I am always concious of breakage with the brushing in and out of the pool and every morning and night. A new-to-me tool out of the UK is saving the day!

Tangle Teezer – An import from the UK, this de-tangling hair brush is quirky but just plain works. The design lost the handle but managed to have teeth configuration and an ergonomic shape that got rid of knots in no time (without breakage!). Also, I’ve found my scalp feels healthier. It moves through my fine, wavy hair – wet or dry – in no time. Not to mention, the Queen of England herself is a fan!

Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist – While I love this sea spray for texturizing, the version for Phillip B is perfect for beachy waves. The scent alone takes you right to the surf with Coconut and Tahitian Gardenia. I get the thickening sea salt, but hair stays soft and shiny with nourishing Aloe Vera, Marine Extracts, pure Orchid and Kukui.

Bangstyle is a quirky brand with a pretty cool app and website for hair inspiration. I’ve been trying their Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner and Smoothing Lotion. Both have left my hair skily and frizz-free with the Keratin Amino Acids. Avocado Oil and Shea Butter leave hair shiny and manageable. The scent is fairly strong cotton candy, but if you don’t mind (or even like) the sweetness, this duo is great for taming tresses.

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Nutrisystem Week 34

It just dawned on me that I have been on Nutrisystem for well over one half of a year. Amazing. The reason I am so surprised is that it has been so completely easy (at least for me). The food and resources have been exceptional. Granted, I’ve had my beloved Dad and Uncle on this journey for support and encouragement. Uncle Jeff has lost an astonishing 50 pounds with another 8-9 to go. Dad has lost an impressive 42 pounds. And now for my update:

This week, I lost 1.0 pound for a total weight loss of 37.4 pounds. I’m headed to visit high school friends this weekend and so happy to be showing up youthful, healthy and slender. What a great feeling! Can’t wait to report back next week!

Check out last week’s 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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The Fall Eye by Laura Mercier

Look no further than Laura Mercier’s fall collection to make for the perfect eye! I love that clean look of a lined eye with thick and voluminous lashes. If done right, you can skip eyeshadow all together! These three gems from the collection will be my go-to into the fall months for such a sleek and classic look.

Dare I say I love my ‘Eye Canvas’ Eye Foundation better than my beloved MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. I think I just might! I even like the bare look of Eye Canvas with these tools for a bold liner and lashes. While the formula has great coverage and neutralizes the eye perfectly, work quickly because it can dry down. No creases or smudging even with the boldest looks! And worn alone, it has the perfect matte and natural finish. I’ve been wearing EC-2 which sometimes can look a little yellow, but does a great job of neutralizing the redness in my lids.

I love a great Kohl Liner and I’ve been mourning my Guerlain ‘Terracotta – Terra Inca’ Khôl Kajal for quite some time. Well lucky me because the new Laura Mercier Supreme Black Kohl Eye Liner just happened to land on my desk. This version is slightly more creamy, but still has that amazing pigment. It easily slides on and provides that perfect inky black definition.

Unlike the mascara yesterday on the blog, the ‘Faux Lash’ Mascara has a dramatic and fluffy traditional brush. Look no further if you want extreme volume and drama. The waxed-based formula never becomes crusty or firm on my lashes. And I still manage to avoid fall out. The most brilliant part of this mascara is the dual sided brush – I almost didn’t notice at first. But one edge of the brush has shorter bristles, perfect for lower lashes.

For my current favorite eye look, I start with ‘Eye Canvas’ Eye Foundation to give an even and neutral lid. Then I line my eyes with the Kohl Eye Liner by holding it between my lashes and moving outward. If needed, I add some extra pigment to the waterline on my lower lashes. If I am going for a more dramatic look, I add a thin (or thick) line just above my upper lashes. I finish with a double coat of the ‘Faux Lash’ Mascara for big and extreme definition. Done!

bareMinerals The Power Neutrals

I’m going to apologize in advance for my enthusiasm and euphoria because this new collection from bareMinerals has me quite excited. I’m a huge fan of neutrals – it is how I wear my makeup every day. And this five piece collection captured neutrals in the most perfect and modern way.

I’ve long been a fan of the bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow formula packed with minerals, cold-pressed borage oil, caffeine, and cucumber to improve the look of your eye area while you wear color – genius! But it is with this eight shade palette that I’ve really fallen. The balance between matte and shimmer is just about perfect. The matte green, Moneymaker, is a surprising new favorite with lots of pigment. And the peachy shimmer top left, Boss Lady, is the perfect brow bone highlighter. I’ve been blending and mixing it up with all shades and have found so much variety in looks!

The READY Color Boost The Adrenaline Rush is also packed with nourishing ingredients to make for a flawless wear. I’ve been swirling all three colors together for a subtle flush. You can use a smaller brush if you’d like to use the shades for contouring, but I prefer the natural blending of a brush swirl. Lara had another fabulous idea – use this palette on your eyes!

I’ve been wearing Marvelous Moxie Lipstick In Take Charge kind of like a lip balm – it is that easy to wear and amazing nourishing. The Nude Rose color gives just enough color while still finishing with that creamy satin. A moisture-loaded complex is keeping my “always dry lips” looking better with every wear. And vitamin A, C and E provide that oh so important in the summer antioxidant defense.

While I love Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Game Changer for my on air segments, Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Super Power is the one I am turning to for every day. The soft peachy nude has just enough shine with a super smooth finish and minty fragrance. Naturally-derived Shea, Avocado and Murumuru butters help to deeply hydrate. PS – it looks amazing over Marvelous Moxie Lipstick In Take Charge.

I keep grabbing for my Lash Domination 10-In-1 Volumizing Mascara. While I have lots of voluminizing mascaras in my arsenal, I love the way this wand has unique spiraled bristles that curve around the wand, covering each lash at all angles with color. It is easy to use and doesn’t take a lot of maneuvering to get great and even coverage. I’ve been locking in the mascara with Locked & Coated Waterproof Lash Topcoat, making it slightly harder to remove. But I’ll take it with its super powered lasting ability even during long days at the pool. What a brilliant idea! Mascara topcoat!

Honestly, all five items in this collection are on my list of winners for the season. If I had to pick one, I’d go for the eyeshadow. While it looks similar to Urban Decay NAKED2, I like the slightly more adventurous shades. Plus, the size is a little more nimble for me. If you are a nude lip fan, don’t miss this Marvelous Moxie duo.

Available at bareMinerals.com, Sephora, and Nordstrom