Belle Belle Beauty

Winter Skincare Tips from Simple Skincare

We are at that point in the year where are attention is starting to turn towards the festivities of Spring. Trips are being planned, spring wardrobes are being built and self-tanning is in the not-so-distant future. Yet, here we are with frigid temps. As we limp through the last couple of months of winter, it is important to keep those winter skincare practices in step. Alas, they are the only way to radiant, summer skin. Here are three tips that can help both those with oily and dry skin from Simple Skincare:

NUMBER 1: So often when we see dry, flaky skin, we want to over moisturize. But what your skin actually needs is some tender exfoliation! The removal of dead, dull skin will allow healthy skin underneath to show itself. But when skin is suffering, so many exfoliators can be on the harsh side. I’ve been loving Simple® Smoothing Facial Scrub to gently buff my skin. The scrub contains rice granules which work with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to reveal brighter and more evenly textured skin.

NUMBER 2: With the heater going full blast, I am always parched. And to add insult to injury, I take steaming hot showers when it is cold out (bad girl – this can dry out your skin even faster!). So, my skin often feels tight after washing. What we need to be looking for are cleansers that don’t strip natural oils from the skin, helping it retain its moisture and glow. Simple® Skincare Moisturizing Facial Wash cleans and nourishes without stripping soap. It also contains Bisabolol (found in chamomile) which is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant.

NUMBER 3: Believe it or not, some individuals can get even more oily in the winter months. Over-drying can actually disrupt the skin barrier and cause an increase in oil production. So, how to cleanse without over-drying and moisturize without clogging pores? Simple® Refreshing Facial Wash Gel is 100% soap-free and leaves more oily-prone skin clean and revived without stripping it of moisture. Post cleansing, shoot for a moisturizer that is lightweight but still offers vitamins to get a full day of moisturization (try Simple® Hydrating Light Moisturizer).

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.

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Attention San Francisco: MAKE UP FOR EVER Make Up Bag Remix Tour

Have you ever wanted a makeup artist to teach you the best way to use all your current beauty items? Yeah, I know… who doesn’t dream of that? Well kids, dreams do come true (if you are in the San Francisco area).

MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Make Up School will make its next stop in San Francisco on Saturday, February 9^th and Sunday, February 10^th. You guys are invited to bring bring in your make up bags and the MUFE artists will teach you how to use what you already own, regardless of the brand or type of product. Each one-on-one consultation lasts 30 minutes with a hands-on lesson.

Or… if you need a little touch up, they are also offering quickie makeup lessons on the go. Try out their new foundation, Pro Finish (to appear on the blog soon!). Or try out one of their great bold lip colors!

Appointments are available at Stonestown Galleria on Saturday from 12:00pm-8:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am-7:00pm. The online appointment scheduler can be found at http://makeupbagremix.com. I can’t wait to hear from you guys on all the new tips you learned.

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Finally… something we can steal from the guys instead of the other way around. Jack Black Lip Balms are the most amazing little gems. They smell fabulous, they aren’t tacky and they have a solid SPF to boot. I’ve been using Lemon & Chamomile, Mango & Mandarine and Intense Natural Mint on the regular and can’t seem to pick a favorite.

The formula is packed with skin conditioners to effectively heal dry lips. Avocado oil helps soften while Vitamin E repairs damage and protects from free radicals. While I adore many lip balms that come in pots, I prefer this slanted applicator – just seems more hygienic.

I got the male perspective on all three fragrances and they all are man-approved. There isn’t any one that is overly feminine. Bottom line: man and woman alike wouldn’t mind having these scattered about.

Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Drugstore.com and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Favorite Vitamin C Serums

Hyperpigmentation (grrr!) is my skin’s biggest issue. I’ve tried everything. And have made some progress. But every time summer rolls around, SPF be damned, I get those nasty spots again. (This summer, I am taking the hat-approach in addition to super-powdered SPF). The progress I have made, I credit to Vitamin C. This super ingredient can fade dark spots and even skin. It also helps with aging and radiance. So, here is my round up of Vitamin C MVPs:

SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C has been in my rotation for a while. I love the light formula with a silky finish. This serum also contains SK-II’s signature ingredient, Pitera to fight aging.

M-61 Vitablast C is a fabulous oil-free version from the BlueMercury brand. This formula contains gallic acid to naturally brighten. And at the same time, it soothes and nourishes skin with Vitamin E.

Taylor Owen Vitamin C+ 12% manages a decent level of Vitamin C without being irritating. This formula gave us some pretty immediate brightening and we love the way it smooths onto skin. Bonus points that this South Florida based skincare line is 98% natural.

OBAGI Professional-C Serum, 20% packs a punch. Obagi has consistently brought me fast and dramatic results. Expect no less with this highly concentrated serum. Not only will it bring the strongest brightening effects, but it will also give you a does of hydration.

Perricone MD Vitamin C Eye works specifically on this delicate skin and in conjunction with your your daily eye cream. For those with genetic dark circles, this could be the ticket. The formula is also loaded with antioxidant protection from Tocotrienols.

glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème

I’m pretty much a goner if I ever see skincare with promises of this elusive “glow” – I’ll snap that puppy up in no time. All I can think about is that youthful, even and radiant skin. Well, recently I discovered a little gem that makes that glow not so elusive anymore.

Dr. Brandt came up with this thick and pearlescent illuminating moisturizer inspired by an in office treatment he performs called a ruby laser procedure. (I don’t know what that is but I want it.) In the meantime, I am striving for similar results at home with the ruby crystal retinol hydracrème. I’ve been using this morning and night for a week and won’t be quitting anytime soon. The formula works great under makeup and gives an immediate luminescence while promising long-term improvement in skin’s texture and evenness.

The Ruby Crystal actually transforms external light into an energy source for skin cells (kinda weird but I like it). The Hydra-Balance balances skin water content and prevents dehydration. I’ve found this alone provides plenty of hydration on my dry skin. Oliveactive counteracts inflammation -perhaps the reason I have zero irritation with this product. And my all time favorite ingredient, retinol, increases cell turnover, smoothing skin. Just make sure you use a supercharged UV protection while using this product.

You can buy the glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème at Sephora.

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.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift

I’ve had quite the love affair with La Prairie since I began blogging. The La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Cream is still my all time favorite eye cream. And don’t get me started on the La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush. Their 3-minute Peel is a staple on my vanity. The brand consistently turns out some of the most luxurious and supremely effective skincare I’ve had the opportunity to try. In April of 2012, La Prairie launched a product that basically distilled everything wonderful about their Caviar Collection into one gorgeous bottle.

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift uses these infamous golden caviar pearls to deliver an instant lift to skin. It has even been called an “instant facelift”. While I recognize I’m not really a candidate for a facelift yet, I have been absolutely giddy about this product. The smoothing effect is genuinely unique and it has made for a fabulous primer under makeup. Over the past couple of weeks, my skin is smoother and tighter, something I’ve been concerned about as I have been losing a significant amount of weight.

A glucose-based polymer (Xanthan Gum Crosspolymer) tones and tenses skin immediately and long-term. The amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the Caviar Extracts offer nourishment and protection to the skin. A new pentapeptide helps protect and renew skin cells. My dry skin soaks up the Vitamin B5 that acts as a humectant, adding moisture to the skin. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant.

The real excitement of this products comes with the “activation”. When you purchase the bottle, the caviar beads appear in the window. Before use, remove the outer cap and press the activator. The three chambers mix three distinct formulas to combine a balanced blend. So cool!

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift is available at Neiman Marcus here.