Belle Belle Beauty

Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Creme

Frankly, I thought naming a hair product a BB Cream was embarrassing, cheesy and gimmicky. But then it worked on me. I snuck around to the hair aisle on Tuesday and tucked that puppy right into my basket. I do admit to giving it the stink eye on my bathroom counter. But I have to admit now, this stuff is gooooood.

The cream/gel hybrid went on my damp hair with a focus on the bottom half of my strands. As a note, my hair is just ever so slightly due for a cut (it has been months) so ends are a touch dry and my hair is a little dull from product (read a lot dull). My hair immediately felt soothed and nourished. After a rough dry, I started in with a round brush. As the strands left the brush, I immediately noticed a shine and bounce. I was deeply concerned this would weight down my fine hair. But it actually volumized.

The formula has that classic Pantene smell that I melt for – cue high school flashback. It also works to improve strength, shine, smoothness, moisture, frizz, and fly-aways. It also provides that crucial heat protection.

Bottom line: don’t judge a book by its cover (or silly name).

If found my bottle at Walgreens, but it is also available here online.

NEW: bareMinerals Faux Tan Face and Body Sunless Tanner

I received the bareMinerals faux tanners this week and you cannot believe how quickly I tore into them. I blame my upcoming beach trip but I also think I was just plain excited to see what one of my favorite brands could do with the cranky products of self-tanner land.

First and foremost, these are easy to use. Their subtlety makes it hard to screw them up. With one major exception: with bareMinerals Faux Tan Body Sunless Tanner, just trust me, wear rubber or latex gloves. This has always been a favorite trick of mine. I shocking forgot my own beloved trick the other night and had to scrub like the devil to get the pigment out of my palms, even right after application.

With that being said, the golden tan looks super natural with a bronze glow. A mineral copper complex prolongs the color – mine is still going strong after three days. But like I said, with one application, the color is subtle. So be prepared to layer if you want a deeper shade.

I’ve fallen especially hard for Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow Sunless Tanner. bareMinerals has developed a unique tanning peptide that offers an even, golden and subtle tan. I’m always fearful of self-tanning my face, but this formula’s buildable nature is a breeze. Plant-derived emollients lock in moisture without clogging pores.

For those who want an easy, quality and natural looking tan, don’t hesitate snapping up this duo. Just a note for those with a sensitive nose: you definitely can smell this formula. It isn’t offensive and is more than offset by the elegant formula, but just FYI.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

Amazing At-Home Blowout From Eva NYC

It is with my pleasure to introduce you to Eva NYC hair. I am a smitten kitten over this affordable and edgy brand out of New York. After test driving some of their collection, I am happy to report, across the board, I am so impressed with the tools and products. So much so that I just can’t quit using the hairdryer and volumizer for my weekend and everyday blow out with these guys:

Eva NYC Up All Night Volumizing Spray was suggested to me when I lamented flat locks on twitter. While I have finally perfected the round brush blowout, my hair can end up on the flat side. The formula is rice derived to add texture and lift. Plus a bonus: it acts as a heat protectant and can revitilaize day old hair. Plus it smells fabulous.

Eva NYC Almighty Pro-Lite Ionic Dryer was never going to be a replacement for this guy…. I thought. But after I gave this affordable dryer a shot, I was immediately sold on its featherweight design. I get great heat from the high setting and it also offers two speeds (I’m always on hottest and fastest – go figure!). There is a cool-blast feature to set your style.

Some other favorites:

With my new found love of product, a shampoo that goes after build up is even more important. Eva NYC Clean it Up Shampoo leaves my hair clean, but still bouncy and soft. Like the conditioner below, this shampoo smells like a very subtle baby powder with a hint of vanilla.

Eva NYC Soften Up Conditioner came recommended from my fellow blogger (and friend) of OpinionNothing.com (check out this beauty site stat if you haven’t already). Who doesn’t want touchably soft hair? This conditioner helps me get there with Argan Oil and Kereavis Protein just like the Clean It Up Shampoo. Argan Oil feeds hair with vitamins and nutrients, while Kereavis Protein gives hair renewed vitality and strength.

Eva NYC 100 Percent Ceramic Straightener was one tool I was reluctant to try. I’ve shied away from flat irons, thinking they make my hair even more flat. Wrong. Used at the ends of my hair, or in an upward direction, this flat iron make my hair insanely shiny and sleek.

Cruelty-free

Six Favorite Sunscreens and Tanners

Time for another appearance on Great Day Green Country! This morning, I’m highlighting favorite sunscreens and tanners in honor of Springtime. I know the official first day is in March, but there is something about it finally being April that makes me ready to soak up some sun. First, a couple notes about sunscreen:

FDA is now prohibiting the use of ultra-high SPF numbers on packaging. You don’t need to seek out shockingly high SPF factors like 100 – they don’t do anything more than SPF 50. Look for SPF 20 and higher (50 for the most sun intense days) and make sure to reapply very frequently.
Sunscreen sprays haven’t been thoroughly tested – if you decide to use them make sure you liberally spray completely covering skin and let them soak in (don’t rub).
For the best sun protection look for zinc or titanium oxide. My sensitive skin tends to do better with these “physical blockers” and they are the more proven sun protection ingredients.

Now on for my favorites:

ZO Skin Health ‘Oclipse’ Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30

I do my best to wear sunscreen every single day, but this stuff makes you want to wear it. The primer/sunscreen hybrid features natural melanin to reflect those nasty pigment causing rays. The silky formula works perfectly under makeup. (Tulsa folks: you can also purchase these products from Gabriel Horn at Dr. Manduano’s office).

Kate Somerville Body Glow Sunscreen SPF20

Kate always does it right – this SPF has the prettiest golden pearls that improve the look of skin while hiding imperfections. SolarX Complex blocks UVA and UVB rays while antioxidants like rosemary extract work to improve skin inside out. Mango butter hydrates and Caffeine improves tone and contours.

Cle de Peau Beaute UV Protection Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+

A truly luxurious sunscreen, the price point on this one can be shocking. But I’ve had my tube for quite a while and cherish every drop. The silky and creamy sunscreen prevents photo aging. It uniquely contains thyme and turmeric extracts to prevent DNA damage to cells that cause wrinkle formation. I love this under makeup, but it also has a luminous finish on its own – perfect for looking good at the pool.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+

For the sports buffs, this sunscreen is a champion for extreme outdoor protection. This formula soaks seamlessly into skin and has great high value SPF. It is very water-resistant so less need to stop and reapply if you are in the middle of a race (or just a marathon pool session). It is also perspiration-resistant and sand-proof.

Brush On Block BOB Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen

This novel formula provides invisible, natural sun protection in powder form, avoiding that whole greasy issue. I love this for traveling because you don’t have to deal with that pesky 3 ounce liquid rule. It also is fabulous for children or men with thinning hair.

Xen-Tan Luminous Gold Gel Sparkle Weekly Medium Self-Tan

I just won’t shut up about this fabulous self-tanner so I am going to mention it again. This clear, silky formula leaves the prettiest bronze shade. I sense no odor and the iridescent golden shimmer gives instant gratification. It is also so valuable when you can’t pass the drying time with dark clothes – feel free to wear while or light colors without fear.

And a note for those who are looking for something at the drugstore: I am a huge fan of the L’Oreal Sublime product line. They smell great, look good and are easy to use.

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.

bareMinerals READY Bronzer

Okay, kids. It is time to step up my bronzer game. While I have been loving this more subtle, glow-y bronzer from Chanel, I want more color these days. Well, color me lucky because this beauty recently arrived on my doorstep and I am smitten.

I’ve been using shade The High Dive (the medium shade – also a lighter tan and dark available) with this brush – not designed for each other but I like the wide natural layering of color it gives. I make the shape of a 3 on each side of my face, ensuring color hits my temples, below my cheekbones and below my jawline. I also sometimes swipe down sides of my nose with a finger to give a more chiseled appearance.

The formula is packed with antiaging ingredients like bareMinerals’ proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral™ Complex with antioxidants and cold-pressed carrot oil. I find the finish fairly balanced – not too matte and not too glow-y – with a silky, buildable texture that lasts.

Nutrisystem Week 18

This week, I lost 1.8 pounds for a total weight loss of 28.8 pounds. Was so nice to finally have a bigger number to update you guys with. This also marks what I initially thought would be the term of my Nutrisystem journey. I have a fabulous beach weekend planned with my friends from high school and the goal was to be down 30 pounds April 4th. I’d say I’m close and I know by my Friday departure, I’ll be there. Time to celebrate!

But don’t fret – the Nutrisystem posts will continue. I’ve signed up for another three months and am shooting for ten more pounds (at least). I could not be happier with the way I feel. It seriously effects all parts of my life, making me a healthier and much happier person.

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 http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

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.

image here