Belle Belle Beauty

Brand Spotlight: Amika: love your hair and GIVEAWAY

Amika’s tag line is “heathy, easy and stylish”. Um, sounds about perfect to me. I’ve been imersed in the world of Amika for the past two weeks and my hair is softer, happier and healthier than ever before. I was able to try out quite a few products so, today I am featuring a little brand spotlight.

I’ve been trying out the Color pHerfection Shampoo, Hydrate Conditioner and Nourishing Hair Mask in the shower. My hair is super fine and been a little dry this winter, so I was angling to improve that situation. While my hair isn’t colored, the Color pHerfection Shampoo is chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, healthy fatty acids, Omega 3, 6 & 9, and the rare Omega 7 (usually only found in fish oil) to heal my drier hair. All these goodies come from Amika’s signature ingredient, the Obliphica Berry (Sea Buckthorn Berry), known for centuries renowned for its healing powers.

Hydrate Conditioner and Nourishing Hair Mask notched up the moisure element in my routine significantly. Both of these rich formulas infuse hair with fatty acids, proteins, anti-oxidants, and other nutrients. Somehow they are both ultra-creamy but leave hair balanced and voluminous. The Nourishing Hair Mask takes it a bit further than the conditioner with extra penetration, nourishment and repair. Both have a vaguely tropical scent. And I am not sure you’ll ever find me without one or the other again.

Amika Obliphica Oil Treatment might be the center piece of the brand. I was slightly concerned about the Obliphica seed oil for my fine hair, but it managed to deliver hydration without weighing my hair down or making it oily (this goes for all Amika products I tried). I was especially impressed I could use the Oil Treatment fairly liberally and I still had volume with loads of shine. It also helped on next day hair for a little boost at the ends. It also provides UV protection from environmental and sun damage. The treatment has that delicious and amazing argan oil while being free of parabens and artificial colors. Like the Oil Treatment, the Leave in Cream also surprised me by not weighing my hair down. I applied the cream and then slept on braided, wet hair. My waves were shiny, bouncy and healthy. I have a sneaking suspicion curly-haired girls would go nuts over this stuff.

Lastly, I’m embarassed to say I never use a heat protectant. Now that I a have mastered the blowout, I use heat tools much more often and I knew I needed to step up my game. Amika’s Obliphica Heat Defense Serum uses their signature ingredient’s omega 7 and vitamin C to protect strands. It revitalizes and forms a protective barrier. This layer also helps fight frizz. All three styling products have that tropical oil smell that I go bananas for, but it is very subtle.

And now for the juicy part… a GIVEAWAY. I am thrilled to be sharing one of Amika’s hottest tools with one of you lucky readers. I’ve been using a similar clip-less rod with four interchangeable barrels for the ultimate in styling flexibility. We are giving away Zebra Triple Barrel Pro Curler Set – it also includes a curling rod with interchangeable barrels and one of their famed ceramic irons. Guys, this set is valued at $300!

Enter using the widget below. Open to US Only and GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

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.

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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).