Belle Belle Beauty

Red Carpet Beauty Tricks

This morning, I’ll be over on Fox 23′s Great Day Green Country to talk beauty again – eek! I think this is my seventh appearance. This time, in honor of awards season, I’m sharing some red carpet beauty tricks. There are lots of treasures in your beauty closet (and laundry room) that can handle quick fixes for any beauty emergency or help you put your best foot forward at a big event. Hope you can tune in for those in the Tulsa area. And I will post the replay as soon as it is live.

1. I think Visine is as important as a great foundation for big events. Not only do the drops add a sparkle to your eyes which sets photographs apart. It also works beautifully to take the red out of a blemish. It works instantly by constricting blood vessels. The effect is temporary so you might want to throw this in your purse.

2. For another pimple remedy, try regular old toothpaste as a spot treatment overnight. The formula can dry out the area, prepping it for concealer at the big event.

3. I have a really hard time getting my manicures to last. The culprit is usually painting over natural oils in my nail bed, making the polish peel and bubble. To prep nails, soak the tips of your fingers in lemon juice and water (I use a ratio of 1:4) to soften cuticles and remove those pesky oils. This also helps remove stains from a dark polish – comes in very handy on the toes during the summer when you want to change from bold red to pale pink.

4. For a quick, albiet temporary, tightening effect, use your cellulite or eye cream on the jaw line. The active ingredients will firm up skin and minimize the appearance of a double chin in photos. Just make sure you spot test on the delicate skin before slathering it on.

Red Carpet Beauty Tricks // Belle Belle Beauty

5. After all that primping and fussing, my hair can often be on the frizzy side. While I love the hairspray on the brush technique, sometimes you don’t want any additional product or to interfere with a coif. An unscented dryer sheet will eliminate frizz and static just by rubbing it lightly on your strands. And one sheet fits in any evening clutch.

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MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation

Nothing like diving into a new brand with their latest and greatest (this is the brand’s first product review on the blog!). I’ve always been super impressed with MAKE UP FOR EVER’s High Definition Foundation – I’ve used it at a couple special events and found it stays put and photographs beautifully. The new Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation has that same beautiful finish with the flexibility of a wet or dry application and a compact that makes on-the-go application a breeze.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Creator and Artistic Director Dany Sanz tested 70 formulations before finding the perfect performance. No wonder that she managed to come up with something that has flexible coverage and finish. Not to mention the ability to last throughout the day.

A Vegetal Lecithin coats the pigment, allowing it to stay on skin effectively. Silica and Sericite powders give that radiant finish with soft focus effect. And Ximenia Oil and Aloe Vera nourish the skin. Because there is less talc, you don’t get that chalky, cakey finish I find in so many powder foundations.

For a black tie event on Saturday, I applied the foundation dry for a matte finish and full coverage. I used the Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush. The result was a natural looking, complete coverage with matte (but not too matte) finish. While it didn’t have the glow of my other favorite liquid foundations, I liked the effect paired with a simple eye and red lip. I also appreciated the flexibility with coverage so I could build on my nose to cover the redness but still remain fairly sheer on my cheeks and forehead.

This morning, I wanted more of a sheer and satin finish. I used the included sponge – got it wet and rung out the excess water. Picking up a bit of the powder, I swiped and blended from the center of my face outward. The effect is not unlike a tinted moisturizer with maybe just a kick more coverage. Again, you can build coverage where you need it. I don’t get quite as much staying power with this kind of application, but it is such a breeze to throw this compact in your purse for needed touch ups.

The foundation comes in an impressive 25 shades covering the spectrum. Overall, I admit to being a bit of a convert. While I would have said before I always prefer a liquid foundation, MAKE UP FOR EVER has come up with a powder version that offers tons of flexibility with a silky, ready-for-photos effect that I can’t resist.

Nutrisystem Week 12

This week, I lost 0.6 pounds for a total weight loss of 21.6 pounds. While it is a little bit of a slower week, I welcome any loss with open arms, obviously! This week, I’ve been having quite the sweet tooth. Funny because I usually don’t go wild for desserts. The wonderful news about Nutrisystem is many meals are actually a tasty little treat. The French Toast, Double Chocolate Muffin and Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar have come in handy. Can you believe I’m losing weight eating this stuff? No, me either. And that isn’t even mentioning the daily desserts (um… Ice Cream Sandwich, hello!).

I’ve also changed things up on the exercise front. That week a while back when I didn’t lose any weight? Yeah, after that I really started going after it with the cardio. The past two weeks, I was feeling a little sluggish, so I tempered my cardio a bit for a little yoga and more strength work. I can see the transformation more in my abs and upper arms. So, even with it comes to exercise, it all really is about balance, isn’t it?

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.

Latest and Greatest from Simple Skincare

I’ve been test driving the newest Simple Skincare products for about a month now and I wanted to report back on the most recent items to hit the shelves. Like all my other Simple favorites, the new products play oh so well with my sensitive skin. (They introduced two new versions of the wipes – a huge fan favorite!)

Foaming Cleanser: I’m a huge fan of foaming cleansers. There is something so satisfying about that lather, especially when I’m using my Clarisonic. This version from simple is loaded with Pro-Vitamin B5. So not only is your makeup gonzo, but your skin feels refreshed and not stripped of moisture.

Radiance Cleansing Wipes: Call me crazy, but I really do think my skin looks more radiant when I use these. After a workout or first thing in the AM, I’ve been opting for these as a gentle way to refresh. Mango extract helps leave skin not only clean, but healthier.

Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes: I’ve been a long time fan of Zinc PCA to heal angry or irritated skin. So no wonder I’m a fan of these wipes. If you are prone to shine, these guys will leave your skin clean, not irritated and balanced. But even on my dry skin, they don’t strip my skin of moisture.

Eye Make Up Remover Pads: For some reason, I’ve been reviewing loads of gel eyeliner. We love this stuff, right? Stays on so well. But removing it can be irritating to delicate skin around the eyes, especially if the skin is already sensitive. Simple’s Eye Make-Up Remover Pads are loaded with gentle cleansers to get after stubborn makeup with out stinging or drying. They get every little bit of hard to remove makeup with a couple swipes.

Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15: The biggest pet peeve I have with my sensitive skin is how some SPFs can sting and burn after application. While I’ve navigated what UV blockers are the main culprits, I haven’t found a good drugstore SPF with zero sting. Until now. Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 is oil-free but still nourishing (packed with vitamins and moisturizers). The non-greasy finish works especially well under makeup.

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.

Chantecaille Spring 2013 Lips

I’m one of those odd souls who loves winter. I love the cozy holidays, exciting weather and layered fashion. So, I am grudgingly accepting the quickly approaching hot weather. One thing that makes this so much easier is the stunning new lip products from Chantecaille to celebrate Spring. These shades are right up my alley – wearable, fresh neutrals that you can just swipe on. And of course, with it being Valentine’s Day, can’t think of a better topic than our pout. Pucker up!

I’m was already hooked on the Chantecaille Lip Chics – think buttery soft lipsticks that hydrate but are still packed with color. The lightweight texture has plumping effects of a gloss but coverage of a lipstick. I’ve treasured Heirloom but the new spring colors are so cheerful and feminine. Daphne is a nude pink with a sheer finish – perfect easy neutral lip. Rose Délice is a stronger, cooler pink but still relatively sheer. The pigment looks very blue and pigmented in the swatch above, but it is decidedly wearable.

Unlike the Lip Chics, I was totally new to the Luminous Gloss Long-Wear Lip Shine. Wow… are these good. These rich and pigmented lip glosses have great lasting powder and such a smooth finish. There is no settling into lines or stickiness. Extra shiny polymers give a wet, glasslike shine and superior adherence. There is no scent to these formulas. Pink Melon is a cool, relatively opaque pink that settles into a light nude. Framboise is a true raspberry that gives just a wash of color.

I can honestly say these will be my go-to spring shades. There are tremendously easy wear and use on the go. They hydrate and heal my dry lips. The fresh, girly shades are sure to cheer me up as my beloved winter comes to an end.

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.

Brand Spotlight: Mario Badescu & 5 Products Everyone Should Own

I’ve been deep in the world of Mario Badescu for the last couple of weeks. Not a bad place to be at all. The products, established by Romanian-born Mario Badescu in 1967 in New York, are based on Eastern European skincare with a focus on being simple, gentle and effective. The price point is compelling, bringing luxe results and reasonable prices. Today, the spa attracts stars and beauty gals in the know (I dream of one day visiting). While I have always had mad respect for the brand, I haven’t really had a chance to dive in and discover some of the crown jewels. Today, I am rounding up five of their products that I think every woman (and actually men too) should have in their bathrooms.

1. Glycolic Foaming Cleanser: My obsession with Glycolic Acid is no secret. There is nothing better to break down debris on the skin to reveal more even, radiant skin. This version is super soothing (the formula is amped up with herbal extracts). They recommend using a couple times weekly, but I just can’t stay away – shhhh. This works like a champ with my Clarisonic.

2. Almond and Honey Face Scrub: I may or may not have just gone into my shower and taken a huge whiff of this stuff. Do you like almond scents as much as me? You won’t be able to resist this yummy concoction This non-abrasive scrub has finely ground Almonds and Cornmeal to gently remove dead skin cells. The honey acts to hydrate and soften skin. YUM.

3. Drying Lotion: Is there a more iconic Mario Badescu product? I think not. I’ve owned this in the past, but feeling high and mighty about having my acne under control, it has been out of the rotation. Well, a short day after getting my paws on a new bottle, I got the deepest, most annoying blemish on my neck. SO RANDOM. Anyway, I used this spot treatment loaded with salicylic acid and calamine and that bugger shrunk right up overnight. Don’t shake this stuff – just dip a cotton swab past the liquid into the pink lotion and dot on the blemish. Don’t rub in. (Note: this will also take the itch out of mosquito bites!)

4. Hyaluronic Eye Cream: I’m dry… dry… dry. And nothing looks less cute than a dry, haggard under eye. This calls for the revival skills of Hyaluronic Acid which looks in moisture without leaving a greasy or heavy feel. After a couple minutes of absorption, this eye cream works like a dream under makeup. I’ve been using it day and night and darkness and dryness are banished! You can also use this on the lips.

5. Oil-free Moisturizer SPF 30: I admit, I turned up my nose at first to an oil-free moisturizer. But in the interest of blogging, I tested it out and was so so impressed. The formula has a balance between being lightweight and hydrating (not an easy task for a sunscreen). Green Tea fights premature aging while Aloe Vera hydrates and softens skin. St. John’s Wort soothes and repairs. This is my new recommendation to those who need sun protection after starting a retinol treatment. Dry skin suffers, don’t shy away. This keeps my skin comfortable all day.

So, Mario Badescu fans, tell me in the comments… which of your favorites did I miss?

Shop my favorites here:

Mario Badescu products can also be found at Nordstrom.