Belle Belle Beauty

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

I’m having a love affair with powders lately, particularly this one and this one. I can add the newest offering from Hourglass Cosmetics to that list. These powders have a little twist, though. They diffuse and soften the way light is reflected, improving the appearance of skin. It can add radiance, conceal imperfections, and even tone.

Ambient Lighting Powder uses “photoluminescent technology”, making each particle very small while still refracting light and giving coverage. Each invisible color-correcting particle filters out harsh lights. Six different shades offer six different effects. The brand discribes the shades:

DIFFUSED LIGHT: A soft, warm, pale yellow powder. Light your skin with DIFFUSED LIGHT to reduce redness and give skin clarity – like a soft ray of morning light.
ETHEREAL LIGHT: An opalescent sheer, cool white powder. Light your skin with ETHEREAL LIGHT to mimic a moonlit glow – even in broad daylight.
RADIANT LIGHT: A sun-kissed golden beige powder. Light your skin with RADIANT LIGHT to extend a summer glow, or enhance the overall complexion with believable, subtle, warmth.
MOOD LIGHT: A soft, sheer lavender pink powder. Light your skin with MOOD LIGHT to mimic the softest most forgiving light and reveal your brightest complexion.
DIM LIGHT: A neutral peach beige powder. Light your skin with DIM LIGHT to blur imperfections and highlight a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.
LUMINOUS LIGHT: A champagne pearl powder. Light your skin with LUMINOUS LIGHT to create a soft, incandescent candlelit glow – day or night.

I’ve been wearing Diffused Light over the weekend and have found the creamy, fine powder to really enhance the finish of my current favorite foundation. The yellow undertones work well in neutralizing my redness. While it looks very light in the pan, Diffused Light is actually transparent without adding any ashiness. And great news: Paraben, talc, fragrance, nano-particles and gluten free (this last one for my blogging buddy, Lauren).

I’ve been applying mine with a regular powder brush, but this Ambient Powder Brush, specially designed to work with the powder looks pretty nifty. It is densely packed, allowing for ideal, even application of the powder. And it comes with a protective travel pouch. Next up, I can’t wait to try Radiant Light for an early summer glow.

Shop the shades and brush here:

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 9

Some people thought I was crazy for starting Nutrisystem during the holidays. And, I admit, I was a little nervous. But I took a chance. And so far, so good. My journey has been a good and successful trip and I only expect it to continue to be a great ride. So, as someone who is on the other side of taking a chance… happy to report it feels pretty darn good over here.

This week, I lost 1.6 points for a total weight loss of 18.2 pounds.

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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Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion

I’m all about a product that promises “instant” benefits. A little skeptical, yes. But I certainly will give it a whirl. Guess what, guys? This actually does work. Instant plumpy radiance!

So, the back story. You probably know collagen keeps our skin looking firm and young. But did you know you start losing collagen at the age of TWENTY? Dr. Murad’s Rapid Collagen Infusion actually boosts collagen, giving instant gratification plumping effect. And longterm use promises to boost that diminishing collagen, warding off fine lines and wrinkles.

The newest technology from Murad, RepleniCell, helps skin to attract and retain water. Rapid Collagen Infusion also delivers a botanical complex that boosts skin’s resilience while Winged Kelp encourages natural collagen and elastin. Apple and Lentil Seed Extracts also help plump fine lines.

The soothing, thick serum is non-irritating and slightly cooling. It has a pretty substaintial texture, but absorbs quickly. I like using the hydrating formula on my face and neck, twice a day. It works beautifully under makeup, almost like a primer. How can you resist a good before and after? No, that isn’t me, but pretty darn incredible.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion Before & After // Belle Belle Beauty

Brand Spotlight: Tata Harper

I’ll be honest… if there is a brand I have been lusting after, it is Tata Harper. I had a little mini-facial at NYFW way back in September 2011 and never quite got the brand out of my mind. I will never forget hearing that Tata herself manufactures all her products on a 1,200 acre farm in Vermont. How cool is that??

Tata Harper developed the line with the health of women wanting to look beautiful in mind. The products are all 100% natural and non-toxic from ingredients grown on the farm and thoughtfully sourced from around the world. The natural, fragrant nature of these products are soothing just in themselves. Tata oversees all the R&D, marketing, distribution and formulations. The packaging is fresh and luxe – how often to you find “feel good” products that look so stunning on your vanity?

The Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser is one of those cleansers that is not really designed to remove makeup, but is so gentle and creamy, my sensitive & dry skin eats it up. There are no detergents or alcohol in the milky formula. Fueled by minerals and French clay, the cleanser can get into pores and remove dead skin. White Willow Bark exfoliates while Pomegranate extract acts as an antioxidant. And the Neroli and Bergamont make cleansing a fragrant pleasure.

Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer is silky and luxurious. This liquid lotion packs as much of a hydration punch as a thicker cream. Long lasting moisture is provided by Jojoba and Vitamin E while Oleosomes from Safflower helps retain moisture and improve the skin barrier. Natural Hyaluronic acid takes hydration to the next level. Fresh Rose and essential oils, including sandalwood, magnolia, and geranium help foster radiant, plump and fresh looking skin. After application, I almost feel a slight tightening as if my skin is protected and reinforced.

The most intriguing products I tried was the Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex. This serum comes in a vial with a roller ball that you are directed to roll over your face and neck. The ritual of application almost became addicting as the cool metal ball acts as a massager. This goes on over your moisturizer (so I guess it isn’t really a serum). The thin liquid is absorbed into my skin almost immediately, lending to a radiant complexion. Alfalfa extract gives you a dose of vitamins A, B, C, D and E, working to improve hyper-pigmentation. Rosa Rubiginosa seed oil contains a trans-retinoic acid working against fine lines. Carrot Oil and Borage Oil calm and freshen the skin. Lastly, rose otto adds just a very slight fragrance.

Tata also has a collection of aromatherapy treatments. Appropriately so, I’ve been trying out Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment. I can’t believe how addicted I am to this – I reach for it all the time. The roller ball dispenser is designed to be applied to pulse points to calm and promote relaxation to the mind, body and spirit. Sweet, honeyed linden, rose otto, bittersweet neroli and frankincense really do conjure a relaxed state of mind. When things are really tense, I take a moment to apply to my palms, cup them over my face and take five deep breaths. And good news: you can use this as many times as needed throughout the day. I truly believe even the thoughtful act of doing something to calm the mind makes for a healthier spirit.

Shop for the above Tata Harper products here:

Brand Spotlight: Manna Kadar

Did you know about Manna Kadar? I didn’t until about a week ago. The brand has even been featured in my beloved Birchbox and I just missed it! Well, this little brand packs quite the punch. I have been wearing two of their signature items and certainly won’t stop anytime soon.

First up is the sheer glo – fans of Armani’s Fluid Sheer, pay attention. I adore Fluid Sheer but always love recommending a more affordable option. Sheer glo is that same iridescent liquid that can be worn alone or mixed with your foundation. What sets it apart is its hydrating formula, making it work really well my drier skin. I also have been swiping it on my collar bones and down my shins for a little body glow!

Prime Time is very similar to the MAC Paint Pot I reviewed last week here, albiet in a much lighter shade than Painterly. At first, I thought it was too light. But it completely neutralizes any coloring before you apply eyeshadow. I’ve found that it transforms my metallic shades. And, as a primer should, it prevents smudging and creasing. If you have a big event or a photo shoot, try it as a lip primer. It will keep dark, deep shades from feathering and give a purity of color.

Next up on my list, is this amazing palette – Gold Digger Contouring Palette. How cool does that look??

You can find Manna Kadar products on their web page or at Birchbox.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 20

My love runs oh so deep for Urban Decay NAKED Foundation. When they came out with their inevitable Beauty Balm I had to try it, with high hopes it would be as fabulous as the NAKED Foundation. Is it? Yes… and no. I have absolutely zero bad things to say about the Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm – it is just that I am using it differently than I expected.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is true to its name with lots of antiaging ingredients. And the SPF is a good effort. I’m okay with SPF 20 in the winter months as long as you are largely indoors. Where this stuff shines is the lightweight, oil-free texture that has a luminescent, dreamy finish. The universal shade works well on my light-medium complexion and I think it will fit a fairly large portion of the shade range just because it is so darn sheer. The tint in the formula isn’t for coverage – it actually diffuses light with high-tech pigments to even and minimize pores, lines and redness.

The balm has a slight minty scent which I adore and packs a hydration punch. Again, I get very very sheer coverage with this. Because, right now, I prefer a little more help in the coverage department, I have used this under other BB Creams and foundations. As a primer, Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm gives a perfect, silky canvas for foundation. This will also remain in the rotation because it contains Pepha®-Protect to help inhibit DNA damage while Vitasource™ and Glyage® firm skin and improve elasticity. Down the road, I can envision wearing this on vacation, coverage be damned. I also highly recommend this for anyone who prefers very light, sheer coverage. Those with oily skin will love the oil-free properties.

I’ve been applying with Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush. I’m falling all of myself with praise for this brush. It has transformed the way I apply foundation, primers and BB Creams. You press the product into your skin for even, natural coverage.