Belle Belle Beauty

Mineral Fusion Concealer

While I have many treasured concealers, I generally prefer formulas with a silky consistency packaged in a tube like these. But in certain situations, I prefer a compact. I love throwing a compact in my purse. And non-liquid formulas are much better for travel.

Enter Mineral Fusion’s concealer duo. Also must be noted, this works beautifully in matching as you can blend shades to find your perfect match. The duo also is great for transitioning between seasons as the natural coloring of your face changes.

I’ve been using the Neutral shade and leaning towards using the darker color under my eyes. I blend both shades to cover blemishes and conceal around my nose. And the lighter shade makes a great eye shadow base on my eyelids. What I most appreciate about the formula is the compact actually transforms into a smooth cream for the most seamless coverage. I never get creases or cakeyness.

And lastly, I cannot tell you how many questions I get about natural and vegan products. So, I am happy to report that this concealer is:

100% Vegan
All-natural
Hypo-allergenic
Never tested on animals
Paraben, Phthalate, SLS, & fragrance-free
Whole Foods Premium compliant

Available at Whole Foods Markets, drugstore.com and MineralFusion.com

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.

All Star Products to Prep For a Big Event

We are in the throws of wedding season! And even if it isn’t your big day, I am willing to bet you’ve got some big social event on your calendar. I’ve come across a couple products that are game changers in bringing your best and brightest for those special events.

After using the GO SMiLE Double Action Whitening System, I was on the hunt for something that could help maintain my new white smile. Naturally, I turned to GO SMiLE again and have been using their ‘Truly Whitening™’ Toothpaste System. This kills two birds with one stone – brush as usual just as you would with your regular toothpaste. And just as effectively as a whitening strip but without the hassle, the paste works to remove stains. The two-tube system allows the use of whitening ingredients at a more powerful concentration that single-tube toothpastes simply can’t match.

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System is one of those truly unique products. At first I thought this was just a mascara that sought to give false-like lashes. But not so. The three-step system actually is Flexistretch™ nylon lash fibers with a base and top coat. The activating mascara base and top coat is designed specifically to melt and seal the Flexistretch nylon fibers. These are truly special occasion lashes, wildly thick and long, without the price or mess of traditional false lashes.

Hampton Sun Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray – Bronze leaves skin looking sexy while still nourishing. To enhance that summer glow, this spray is slightly cooling with Hampton Sun’s classic, beachy scent. Aloe Vera, chamomile, and vitamins A through E hydrate skin, while shimmer leaves a very sheer shine on the skin. Use over time to improve the look of skin long-term.

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme has been helping me heal dry, styling-fatigued hair. Providing a heavy duty dose of moisture, I use this as a pre-shampoo. You can also keep it handy at the beach or pool to protect hair from chlorine, salt and heat. My hair has less frizz and is super silky and smooth. Not to mention looks healthier and less damaged.

Crafted by a smaller indie brand, L.A. Christine N°3 Berry Face Oil uses the power of the Scandinavian Lingonberry, one of the most unique berries in the world. Dr. Oz calls it the new “Superfruit” because it is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories – plentiful organic acids, vitamin C and beta carotene. My skin has been more nourished and smoother since I’ve been using this both morning and night – just a couple drops and pat into your skin. Plus, makes for a great canvas for makeup.

Kerastase’s Cristalliste Salon Visit and GIVEAWAY

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to experience Kerastase’s best-selling Cristalliste line, specifically designed for women with long hair. Could that be any more up my alley? So, I was off to a local salon here that carries the Kerastase line of hair products – a brand I was a fan of but hadn’t had too much of a chance to check out yet. As a note Tulsa folks, Jara Herron is a spot you don’t want to miss. I can’t wait to try out their spa and I was highly impressed with the salon.

I knew that this wasn’t going to be just any ordinary blow out, since I was experiencing one of the nicest salons in town and with a master stylist. After a great consultation with Shawna, we decided the best way to go “glam” was old Hollywood waves. I was excited to see what the Cristalliste line could do with my normally stubborn and straight hair.

But first up was the Fusio Dose treatment – which I can honestly say I never wanted to end. After shampooing, a custom treatment was applied to my hair with a massage and then combed through. The Cristalliste Hair Mask was also used for conditioning and to prep for styling.

Off the bat, I was enamored with the scent of the Cristalliste line – it was clean and not overly floral and feminine – just up my alley. As Shawna blew out my hair, I found it was silkier and shinier than I am used to. After that, while styling, Shawna used the Lumiere Liquide – a kind of shine serum. I was worried it would become stiff or weigh down my fine hair. But it definitely did neither. My hair was left weightless and full of bounce.

But the real treat was when the pinned curls were released to show a significant, bouncy wave in my otherwise straight hair. My hair smelled amazing and was styled in a way I frankly didn’t think was possible. The waves held up through a long night out. Now I can say Hollywood Glam really does work for me!

And here’s your chance to win the entire Kerastase Cristalliste product line… not to mention a fabulous Erin Fetherston Embellished Drape Dress ($395 value and available in a size 4 or 6). So, that’s a giveaway worth over $500!!! US Only and enter using the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Awards

I know I don’t often post things that aren’t strickly beauty related, but when I heard about one of my favorite brand’s yearly event, I had to spread the word. L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Awards is in its eight year – but this round marks something new. Not only has “Glee” actress Lea Michele signed on as the newest WOW ambassador but the format of the program has changed slightly.

Since 2006, the Women Of Worth program has honored and celebrated 70 inspiring women who selflessly made a difference in their communities through volunteerism, charitable efforts and compassion. Past honorees have been involved in a diverse array of causes. They have advocated for victims of childhood abuse, mentored homeless youth to help break the cycle of poverty, and empowered teens with disabilities. These Women Of Worth have selflessly devoted themselves to causes at the local and national level, and have motivated others to get involved.

Past honorees have also run the gamut when it comes to the age of these incredible women – ranging from 18 to 90 – proving that anyone can give back. So this year, the WOW program has made exciting adjustments to the nomination period (open now through June 14th), and organize honorees into five groups by decade, recognizing women across a wide range of ages: 18-29 year olds, 30-39 year olds, 40-49 year olds, 50-59 year olds and 60+ year olds. Two winners will be chosen from each age group.

Ten honorees will be selected by a private panel of judges, with each woman receiving $10,000 for her charitable cause. In the past, awareness of honorees’ charities has increased resulting in organizational growth of up to 1,000%, and additional support through volunteerism and donations. Following this announcement, the public will be invited to vote online for the woman they find most inspiring. This woman will be named the 2013 National Honoree and will receive an additional $25,000 for her charity. All ten honorees will be recognized at a star-studded awards ceremony and dinner hosted by L’Oréal Paris in New York City this December.

For more information on the Women Of Worth Program, nomination applications, and the inspiring stories of past honorees, please visit WomenOfWorth.com.

Vita Liberata Self-Tanners

There is a new self-tanner in town, and I am in love. Vita Liberata recently showed up at Sephora and I was hearing rave reviews. The sophisticated and simple packaging evoke the company mission of brilliant chemistry working to create the best tan while still being a a joy to use.

I’ve been using pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse in Medium and Untinted Self Tan Lotion For Body in Warm. The Tan Mousse comes in Light, Medium and Dark, while the Untinted Self Tan comes in Warm, Deep and Deeper Deep. I’ve found both shades I am using work for my light-medium skin tone.

The pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse in Medium is featherweight and has some serious long-term staying power. Using pHenO2 technology, this formula gives an immediate and odorless color. (Yep, I really promise these have no odor) The drying time was impressive and I wasn’t concerned with wearing (mostly dark) clothing shortly after application. Marine and organic botanical extracts work to allow the tan to last up to four times longer than regular tans. I’m still going strong midway through week two of this tan.

Untinted Self Tan Lotion For Body in Warm also is odorless and dries in a jiff. Since this is untinted, I had no fear throwing on even the lightest colored clothing. This formula is nourishing but not overly thick, working as a moisturizer. In about four hours, I had developed a glowing bronze. I think this self-tanner has given me the most natural looking tan out of the dozens I have tried. It also contains marine and organic botanicals to condition skin.

I’ve had great luck applying both of these formulas with a tanning mitt. I am a big believer these are worth investing in. They protect the palms and allow for the most beautiful, streak-free blending of self-tanner. And it should be noted that Vita Liberata products are dermatologically tested, and gluten- and cruelty-free.

And a little side note: don’t miss one of my favorite site’s huge sale that started today. Get up at 50% off a Net-A-Porter.

Nutrisystem Week 26

This week, I lost 2.0 pounds for a total weight loss of 34.0 pounds. Finally a big week. I feel like after I hit my initial goal of a 30 pound weight loss, taking any additional weight off has been a little ~~harder~~ slower. After adding in more resistance training, I can see definition appearing in my arms, but the numbers on the scale aren’t quite as dramatic. The solace is everyday, trying on my jeans, I realize I am closer and closer to needing a new pair. So I know my body is still changing, even if they scale isn’t. Now, I am just a small 11 pounds away from my revised goal. Can’t wait to get there and celebrate with some shopping!

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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