Belle Belle Beauty

Bobbi Brown Pink and Red Collection

After flipping through what were probably hundreds of pages of fashion magazines this weekend, I was struck by how much pink and red there was everywhere. Granted, much of it is for Valentine’s Day – but a lot was seen on the Spring 2013 runways and in editorial shoots. I’ve always liked the modern clashing of a pink and red. I think it is a little edgy while still being ultra feminine. So I am swooning over this recent Bobbi Brown collection.

The neat set of little duos features a true red and true pink for the cheeks, lips (gloss and lipstick) and nails. Everything is designed to be mixed and layered. The possibilities are endless. I can see a quirky pink accent nail, dual-toned lips, contoured cheek tint… you name it.

The cheek tint is lightweight and sheer but buildable. Both limited edition shades – Sheer Cherry and Sheer Pink – are classics albeit on the cooler side. The matte lip colors are pigmented with staying power – also with two new shades: Hot and Heart (limited edition). The glosses offer more of a very sheer hint of color. Cherry is new and Pretty in Pink is limited edition. Last, Valentine Red and Pink Valentine are two limited edition nail shades.

The collection is available on counters, but the couple I visisted this weekend didn’t have everything in stock. I encourage you to order quickly if you are interested from BobbiBrownCosmetics.com or shop using the widget below.

Maybelline New York The Rocket by Volum’Express Mascara

I have mascara attention deficit disorder. Frankly, I am trying something different in the interest of reporting and reviewing. But I am also on that quest for a great drugstore mascara. Guys, I think Maybelline’s Rocket is my holy grail right now.

The Rocket builds volume right from the first application. The glossy black formula thickens each last from root to tip with a unique gellant formula. While my lashes are long, they can be thin – so this is the precise effect I’m chasing after. But as the lashes build up volume, the finish still looks natural and not clumpy.

Now, plastic brushes aren’t my favorite. For some reason they don’t feel as good going on as a big, fluffy natural brush. But this guy has a rigid core, allowing me to really get at the root of each lash. The tiny, short bristles are what minimize clumping. I guess I need to start giving these plastic brushes a chance.

During the day, I’ve been sticking to one coat. In the evening, I am able to amp up the application for an almost doll-like effect. Either way, I get zero fallout. I’ve been using Blackest Black (non-waterproof). Next time you’re at your drugstore, I highly suggest snagging one of these. Or, you can order one here for $6.29.

Nutrisystem Week 10

I want to dispell any preconceptions that Nutrisystem is all pre-prepared foods. While my breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts are all frozen or pantry, there are certain “grocery” foods that you add in to your diet. Many of them are unlimited! This week, I’ve been experimenting with adding some grocery items to the actual prepared meals. Some of my favorites:

I love using low calorie almond milk in my smoothie – it ups the protein punch and tastes amazing
Add some grape tomatos, sliced in half, on top of the Margarita Pizza and a little extra low-fat mozzarella cheese
To fight off a cold, I added germ-fighting garlic to my Red Beans and Rice, not to mention a dose of Chalula (my favorite hot sauce)
Fresh, sliced apples go great in the yummy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
To up the veggie content, I love adding spinach to the Garden Vegetable Omelet
Sriracha and Garlic Chili paste add some zing to at least one meal a day (can’t wait to try them on the new Szechuan Noodles!)

This week, I lost 1.2 pounds for a total weight loss of 19.4 pounds. I’ll take it, especially since I skipped a few workout this week while fending off a nasty cold (successfully, might I add!).

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

Le Metier de Beaute Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo

I had an unfortunate run in with some tears last night. It’s okay – we all need a good cry sometimes, right? But day after puffiness is NOT cute. Le Métier de Beauté to the rescue.

Well, we know Le Métier de Beauté does a mask right (see here). Their most recent skin care release is a mask dedicated just for the eyes. Where have you been all my life?? This sweet little package is perfect for post-emotional puffiness. It also fights the signs of aging and gives the skin an immediate “more awake” look.

The translucent (read: you can use it anywhere) mask delivers hydration while also instantly cooling and calming. The hydration plumps out those wrinkles, while the chilly gel-like pads soothe out redness and eliminate any puffiness. I also saw dramatic improvement in my dark circles.

These masks are loaded with active moisturizers so carefully open the package on a flat surface. Pre-cool in the fridge if you want a greater chilling effect. The applications stick right on the skin without tugging – feeling quite delightful. You can use these daily if you want – wouldn’t that be wonderful? Follow up after use with your regular eye cream. I think these would be ideal post a long plane flight.

If you are interested in the Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo, you can find it at Neiman Marcus Northpark. There is a prize for the blogger who refers the most customers and if I win, there is something in it for you! I’ll do my own giveaway of one of my Le Métier de Beauté favorites from my personal collection. Call Patrice, the At-counter Product Specialist at 214-363-8311 or swing by the counter.

Le Metier de Beaute Indelible Inks Eyeliner

I am pretty partial to Le Métier de Beauté’s Precision Liquid Eyeliner so I didn’t know what to think when they came out with a second version of liquid eyeliner. I was already hooked on that Monte Blanc pen and inky black liner. But I love pretty much everything Le Métier de Beauté does so I had to give it a whirl.

The Indelible Inks Eyeliner is classical but with rich, modern pigments. The tube and narrow brush harkens the eyeliners of the past, but the highly highly pigmented formula is intense, with a serious no-budge promise. The liquid-gel consistency allows for nimble application. While it dries fairly quickly, you do have time to build a thicker line or perfect a thin one.

At first, I had some trouble with the ultra-fine tip. The key is getting just a little product on the brush. It is easy to wipe off excess before application. I also like using an eyeliner brush for a tighter line right at the lash line. Admittedly, I was able to do this with the applicator too after a couple tries. My favorite trick was using an eyeliner brush to apply on the base of lashes a la mascara – such an impact with the great shades!

I respect the way Le Métier de Beauté carefully chose these too innovative shade. Fans of black: don’t dismiss these too quickly. The darker blue has the same effect as an inky black, with a hint of glimmer. In other words, the colors are subtle but still make a statement. Artemis is a brilliant blackout-navy while Castalia is a rich aubergine eggplant.

Mine removed easily with Bioderma Créaline H2O Ultra-Mild Non-Rinse Cleanser for Face & Eyes (just order it and trust me – the bottle is huge and it is genius eye makeup remover for dry or sensitive skin).

Jonathan Adler for bareMinerals (SF and NYC: Party Time!)

Today marks the launch of one of the coolest collaborations: bareMinerals Jonathan Adler! Now you can find his fresh and cheeky designs on the classic and award-winning bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15. The packaging on this limited-edition luxury sized foundation, Handy Buki Brush and signature collectible box manages to be cheerful, classic and artful all at the same time. How great will that brush look on a vanity?

For you lucky little devils in San Francisco and New York areas: Leslie Blodgett (creator of bareMinerals) and Jonathan Adler are celebrating their collaboration with two soirees full of cocktails, music and complimentary mini make-unders. There will be an exclusive Q&A with Leslie and Jonathan and the first 25 guests at each event will also receive a special gift from bareMinerals.

SAN FRANCISCO EVENT:

When: Thursday, February 7^th
Time: 6 to 8pm (with an exclusive Q & A at 6:30pm with Leslie and Jonathan)
Where: Jonathan Adler SF 2133 Fillmore Street San Francisco, CA 94115
RSVP: [email protected]

SOHO EVENT:

When: Tuesday, February 12^th
Time: 6 to 8pm (with an exclusive Q & A at 6:30pm with Leslie and Jonathan)
Where: Jonathan Adler SoHo 47 Greene Street New York, NY 10013
RSVP: [email protected]

I’d love to know if you go so I can live vicariously! Keep me posted.