Belle Belle Beauty

Laura Mercier’s Spring 2013 Collection

The new, limited-edition Arabesque Collection from Laura Mercier features etherial, sweet hues that are perfect to harken the arrival of spring. The sweet pinks, neutrals and berry shades are so wearable, light and fresh. I’ve been test-driving a few of the products: Lip Stain in Mulberry and the newest Crème Cheek Colours.

Laura Mercier Lip Stain comes in a pot and I have been applying with my fingers (laziness strikes!). At first, it feels like a gloss or balm, but the finish is slightly more matte. And hello, staying power! You will definitely get that illusive long-term wear. Mulberry is a berry shade, falling on the warmer side. The shade is a great middle-of-the-road option between nude and bold.

Laura Mercier Spring 2013 Colors

Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour has new permanent packaging. The compact format is great if you have a custom compact going (ideal for travel). I’m a huge cream blush fan and these don’t disappoint They are very buildable with a velvet finish. Praline is a unique shade – a warm nude which works well on my fair, cool skin. It just adds a flush of color, ideal for achiving a bare, matte face. Oleander is a cooler pink that gives a feminine, slightly more bold look. Both so different, but both so good.

Laura-Mercier-Swatches

The collection is now available at Nordstrom.

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.

Finding Your Fragrance

This morning, I’ll be making my fourth appearance on Great Day Green Country on Fox 23 to talk beauty. Today’s segment will feature four fragrances that run the gamut from floral to green to classic to spicy. There are so many options out there, it can be overwhelming.

To help narrow it down, I look at each fragrance as a sort of personality type. Individuals don’t always fall into one category or like just one “type” of fragrance. I am on the Bohemian side, but I love all four of these fragrances and wear them regularly. But it can help narrow down your focus and get the search started. So, check out this quiz and your answers can give you an idea of where to start your fragrance journey.

1. Your favorite manicure is:

a) Baby pink
b) Clear or no polish
c) A rich jewel tone like emerald or dark purple
d) Bold Red

2. When it comes to your hair, you prefer:

a) Straight and classic
b) A practical pony tail
c) Bohemian, beachy waves
d) In a chignon or French twist

3. What is your favorite accessory?

a) Gold hoops or diamond studs
b) Nature-inspired jewelry or a handmade bag
c) Beaded necklaces, pendants or hobo bag
d) Elegant evening clutch with statement jewelry

4. How do you want your fragrance to make you feel?

a) Classic and refined
b) Energized and refreshed
c) Earthy and feminine
d) Sexy and sophisticated

5. Your ideal after-work way to wind down is:

a) Having dinner out
b) A walk or game of tennis
c) Checking out a gallery opening
d) Being pampered with a pedicure or massage

6. Your favorite beauty look is:

a) The matte face with nude lips and a bold brow
b) The no-makeup makeup look
c) Lined eyes with long lashes and sheer lipgloss
d) The perfect red lip

7. Your “happy place” is:

a) Sailing off the coast of the Bahamas
b) Hiking in the Costa Rican jungle
c) Being on a deserted beach in the South Pacific
d) On a grand European adventure

If you answered:

MOSTLY A’s, try Burberry Body. The base notes of vanilla and cedar give a sophisticated floral scent roundness and you’d love the classic Burberry interpretation of fragrance.

MOSTLY B’s, try Nest Passiflora. The green and clean scent is unique and fresh. Plus, the nature lover in you will be drawn to the beautiful bottle inspired by 18th century botanical art.

MOSTLY C’s, try Nicole, Nicole Richie’s first fragrance. Like Nicole, the fragrance is sensual and bohemian. The free-spirited side of you will love the art deco inspired bottle.

MOSTLY D’s, try Bulgari Jasmine. Your cosmopolitan sensibilities will be drawn to elegant amber and sandalwood. The vintage container has the glamour you love.

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Nutrisystem Week 6

I lost 2.2 pounds this week, bringing the total to a 14 pounds. It was a big week! We are in the swing of New Year Resolutions, advertising campaigns and inspirational stories everywhere. All the excitement makes it easy to feel motivated. At the risk of sounding sentimental or cheesy, I do believe the best is yet to come. Feeling and looking better each day makes me realize how much I have to look forward to. I’m so lucky this journey has begun.

After a week of travel, the biggest lesson has been how easy Nutrisystem is to stick to. The breakfast, lunch and dessert bars were great while I was on the move. My idea of portion size has cemented in my brain and I was able to adjust how I ate my meals. I avoided cheeses and desserts (I had to splurge on just a smidge of San Francisco sourdough bread – my favorite). And my friends were uber-supportive, even joining me in sticking to Nutrisystem’s suggested grocery foods. I can’t wait to replicate the tuna salad my host whipped up for me with egg whites, celery and green onions. It takes a village and support of friends and family can truly make a difference.

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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Matte Eyeshadow Palettes: Urban Decay BASICS and Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage

I must have a thing for matte shadows lately. Somehow these similar palettes have snuck onto my vanity and I can’t stop reaching for them. Both have their pros and both have their cons. But each is such a universal and wearable set, that they are both winners in my book. Here is the rundown:

Total amount of product: Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage ($75) .35 ounces vs Urban Decay BASICS ($27) .30 ounces
Range of shades: both cover a spectrum but Urban Decay BASICS has more options
Blendability: Tom Ford takes the cake here – the shadows go on with even color and blend beautifully
Formula: I prefer the slightly creamer powder of the Urban Decay BASICS and both have outstanding staying powder with no fall out
Packaging: Tom Ford comes with applicators but I find those worthless anyway – Tom Ford still wins with a beautifully made palette
Exclusivity and “Cool Factor”: Tie – Tom Ford gets credit for being an iconic brand and Urban Decay wins for being such an iconic product (and probably brand in my humble option too)
Travel: Both are slim and nimble for lots of looks, but the Urban Decay BASICS has Crave (black at far right) which can be used as an eyeliner and W.O.S. (third from left) which can be used to set concealer

Hope you guys enjoyed this face off. Bottom line, Urban Decay BASICS wins. The smooth, satin formula, range of shades and price point make it a a classic. But frankly, I love having them both.

I purchased both of these products: Tom Ford from Neiman Marcus and Urban Decay from Sephora.

Nest Midnight Fleur Eau De Parfum

First, I was bitten by the Passiflora bug. Check out the review here. But I just couldn’t resist trying out another NEST Fine Fragrance and word on the street was Midnight Fleur was right up my alley.

Exotic woods, patchouli, black amber and night-blooming jasmine couldn’t be more my kind of scent. While I recognize and love these notes, the fragrance blends into something very unique. It is warm, sensual and slightly masculine. But it isn’t heavy or herbal. I love the dichotomy of Passiflora and Midnight Fleur – both unique but one very green and one very amber. Amazon Lily is also a winner with notes of Amazon Lilies, tangerine, lime, driftwood, and white musk. I have only sampled it, but it seems very feminine and fresh.

The body cream is hydrating and works great for layering the fragrance. I’ve found that this scent lasts through the day, but performs even better when layered over body cream. I love the way the two products look together displayed on the vanity. The bottles are a treat on their own with artwork inspired by 18th Century artist Mrs. Delany. And the artwork even inspired the scent: the company worked with master perfumers to compose complex and exquisite fine fragrances that best represent Mrs. Delany’s unique and meticulous artwork. And the matte black bottle looks so sleek, it deserves to be displayed.

Ouidad Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Daily Conditioner & Styling Primer

Whipped Curls might sound good enough to eat, but it is really quite something special for those ladies with curly hair. This luxe formula has a triad of functions: styling primer, daily conditioner and leave-in hair mask. The rich, thick cream melts into your hair, hydrating a variety of curly hair types.

First, I gave it a whirl on my naturally wavy locks. I made the mistake of using too much product, but the result was a great hydration treatment. After trying to coax my natural waves out, I gave up and put my hair in a bun. My hair was a little crunchy and greasy. But…. when I rinsed the product out, it was supple, soft and shiner than it has been in … well, a long time. The triple Olive Oil blend with Shea Butter and Glycerine moisturize, strengthen and nourish. Green Tea provides anti-oxidant and environmental protection.

Next, I enlisted Lisa from Elembee. She’s got those enviable, bouncy, ringlet style curls and had mentioned she wanted to try Ouidad a few months ago. She didn’t make my same mistake – she just used a nickle-sized amount of product (see below for what Lisa calls the “Ouidad Flower”). She loves the product as both a styling cream and conditioner. Wait, let me correct that… she “LOVES” it as a styling cream! Once the proper dose was established, Lisa reports “ringlets that were soft to the touch, not frizzy, and hair that doesn’t look or feel greasy.” Her curls looked relaxed, natural and bouncy.

Bottom line: Curly haired curls, take note! Lisa gives this her seal of approval. To those with dry and breaking hair, I would also recommend this as a hydrating hair mask. Other Ouidad favorites include:

Clear & Gentle Essential Daily Shampoo makes for a great clarifying shampoo, but with a low-pH, low-foam formula that doesn’t strip hair and works on color-treated hair
Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner is an intensive conditioner that is a savior for dry, winter hair. The formula is lightweight but deeply hydrating (also can be a leave-in).

Ouidad Curl Recovery Whipped Curls is available at Ouidad.com, salons and ULTA.

Make sure you check out Lisa’s blog here. She has great blogging tips and a fabulous series coming up in 2013 for those who adore travel as much as I do.

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