Belle Belle Beauty

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Sure Gel

Sometimes, I come across a product that just has “it” – something I’ve been wanting so badly but never quite knew it. Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Sure Gel landed on my desk on a day I had just returned from a quick trip. Airplane air is not kind. And my skin was dehydrated and itchy.

This bouncy gel is loaded with hyaluronic acid and does one of the best jobs of rehabilitating dry skin of any product I’ve tried. The cool refreshing formula binds to my skin without being sticky. A thin layer quickly absorbs leaving skin supple and plump. And olive leaf and cranberry work to improve the skin barrier to boost elasticity.

At night, I’ve been layering another night cream for an extra rich routine, but it is adequately hydrating on its own. The gel texture also makes this ideal for those with more combo/oily skin. The gel has a slightly floral scent that dissipates quickly. And I am so appreciative of the included spatula (working hard to keep my skincare germ free).

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.

Nutrisystem Week 13

A couple reasons to celebrate today. First, this week, I lost 1.4 pounds for a total weight loss of 23.0 pounds. With a little extra effort on drinking water, I was able to break through after a bit of a slower week. While I never hated drinking water, I never fully embraced how important it was. I think my skin has improved. Workouts seem easier. And my metabolism clearly moves faster. A popular trick that I had never tried is adding a little lemon in the morning to my water. It changes things up a bit and can clear skin, boost your imune system and aid digestion.

Secondly, you might have noticed there wasn’t a post yesterday on the blog. That was because Belle Belle moved to a new hosting company. My old hosting provider just couldn’t handle the traffic. Now, that’s a problem I’ll take any day! Thanks, dear readers, for helping me take Belle Belle to the next level.

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.

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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.

Neiman Marcus Beauty Event Starts Today!

It is that time of year again – Neiman Marcus Beauty Event! I love the thrill of stocking up on my beauty favorites and scoring a huge bag of goodies and samples at the same time. I had a chance to preview this season’s tote and it is a winner. Loads of great fragrances and skincare to try out commitment free. Now through March 3, make sure to swing by (or order online). Loads of counters also have special gifts with purchase. In honor of the event, here are some of my favorites on the Neiman Marcus beauty level these days:

Also, make sure you snap some Instagrams of your haul. Tag your shot with #NMBeauty for your chance to with a NM Beauty Bundle valued at $2,500.

Chantecaille Limited-Edition Save The Sharks Palette

Time after time, Chantecaille stuns with their palettes benefiting wildlife. They honor their cause while still being beautiful and wearable. This season’s is no different. The Save the Sharks Palette is graphic and fresh that translates into either a neutral or bold look but both very feminine.

I’ve been wearing the palette out and about for a couple weeks. First, I love that the artwork of the palette is not disturbed by use (this isn’t always the case). The dual shades of each pot blend beautifully, and with a smaller brush you can use the individual shades.

Great White – a creamy, iridescent beige inspired by the apex of our oceans’ ecosystems, the Great White shark. I use this on the brow bone and in the corner of my eyes for a highlight.
Gray Reef- a true, shimmering taupe with a touch of grey inspired by the Indian and Pacific Oceans’ Grey Reefs sharks. I swipe this on on my lids, just to the crease. This is perfect for a quick everyday look.
Black Tip – a deep ocean blue in the pan, this shade is closer to navy/black and inspired by the inky fin of Black tip sharks. While I reach for this only occasionally, I like using an eyeliner brush to apply right at the lash line. I think setting a liquid liner with a powder like this improves staying power.
Sea Anemone – a iridescent and sheer pink shade inspired by the underwater gardens of the tropical seas. This makes for a great highlighting blush, but don’t be afraid to use it on your lids too. Pastels on the lids are a thing this spring, ya know.

I love a look good, feel good product. For each purchase of this palette, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to BLOOM Association. BLOOM works towards banning shark fining. Several shark species have been decimated by 95% largely because of Asia’s growing and unregulated shark fin trade. The fins are used in a soup and the practice of harvesting is done in barbaric ways. The decimation of the shark population also hurts our ecosystems.

Simple Skincare Partners With Allison Williams

I’ll totally cop to a girl crush on Allison Williams. I love her style and effortless glam. Plus, she seems so relatable in her roles (my favorite has to be Jillian on The Mindy Project). I went nuts over her look at the Girls premier featuring CARGO makeup. Little did I know she was soon to be a brand ambassador for another one of my favorite brands – Simple Skincare!

Who knew she suffers from sensitive skin too!? One of her favorite products is the Simple Skincare Wipes – perfect for taking off heavy television makeup at the end of a long day.

Make sure you check out some of her tips and videos on the Simple Facebook page – you can also find tips from the Simple Advisory Board, a panel of skincare experts who can help you amp up your diet, fitness routine and more! And don’t forget to print your coupon for $2 off any Simple product.

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.

ioma Skincare Launches at Saks

What a great day – after doing a television segment on Red Carpet Beauty Tricks, I headed over to Saks Tulsa to experience their newest addition to the cosmetics department – ioma. The Parisian based skincare line has a technology focus – think personalized treatment according to a crazy cool analysis of your skin.

The counter experience is a real highlight – think clean modern packaging with loads of gadgets. First thing, you have your skin evaluated in a sphere with advanced imaging. Five images evaluate: fine lines & wrinkles, redness, UV damage, bacterial activity and sagging. Second, the IBD, a sort of television with two wands attached, produces a second analysis. All in all, both tests take about five minutes. I was really impressed that both devices had the exact same findings for my skin. In short, dehydrated, dehydrated, dehydrated.

After using the products for a period of time, you can return to your counter and see your progress by performing a follow up analysis. ioma founder and CEO Jean Michel Karam, PhD, asserts that the technology behind the skincare line is vital to demonstrate the effectiveness of their products.

IOMA Skincare Launches at Saks // Belle Belle Beauty Above is my initial evaluation. I scored absolutely zero UV damage – high five! But needed work on bacterial activity with a heavy duty cleanse and my skin was very dry. I headed upstairs to a spa room for a special facial by an ioma expert. The aesthetician used all the recommended products along with a deep cleanse and dry skin treatment. It was relaxing, luxe and without any discomfort. There were no extractions or tingly peels performed. All the products were nourishing and gentle with subtle, pleasant scents.

I returned after my one hour facial for another analysis to judge the results. Wow – compelling. I’m impressed with the story these images tell – the products literally speak for themselves. Below right, before my facial, my pores and fine lines were very visible. After, on the left, my skin was smooth and hydrated

There are seven pro lines and while generally each client is recommended one “family”, you can mix and match. For instance, my skin calls for #1 – Dry Skin and UV Damage, but I was also suggested the Gentle Exfoliating Emulsion (apparently I also need to step up my cleansing game). During my facial, I was treated to a little mini massage with the ioma Body Pro Line – let’s just say I fell hard for the Cocoon Voluptuous Body Cream. I took home samples of the Optimum Moisture Cream Day & Night and Gentle Exfoliating Emulsion and can’t wait to report back on longer term use.

Right now, ioma is only available at Saks in New York, Beverly Hills and Tulsa… that’s right folks. How cool is my awesome little city? Counters will soon open in Houston and San Antonio. You can also find ioma in many stores in Europe.

And attention Tulsa Readers: Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa will host a reception on Thursday, February 21 from 5 to 7 pm. The event is sponsored by Jackie Cooper Imports and will benefit the Little Light House. The launch will include skin consultations, ioma door prizes, champagne tasting from Red Sky Liquor as well as a display of Volvo, Mercedes and Infinity luxury vehicles. For more information on the ioma launch celebration, please contact the store at 918.744.0200 ext. 203.