SircuitSkin Fall Facial – Carrie Berry Skincare

Frankly, I wasn’t really feeling the holiday spirit.  Halloween was basically a non-event, having forgot to buy candy (and it isn’t exactly my favorite holiday).   Yesterday it was 88 degrees here in Austin – I’m not complaining, but it certainly doesn’t feel like November.  But after a blissful hour with Carrie from Carrie Berry Skincare I could have belted out a holiday tune.

Carrie Berry Skincare is located at Bella SALON & Spa in downtown Austin.  The salon staff were very welcoming and the spa, in typical Austin fashion, was casual and cozy.  Carrie has that friendly, nurturing way about her (she’s a natural with that Oklahoma background).   Plus, she finally validated me by conclusively confirming that I do indeed have dry skin, perfectly suited for the fall facial featuring Youth Accelerator Pumpkin Enzyme Peel by SircuitSkin.  Actually quite a deal at $75.

SircuitSkin is one of those skincare lines you can’t help but love.  They have been in business for almost a decade and I am shocked that more people haven’t heard of them.  They have been “green” since inception with focus on pure, fresh ingredients and cutting-edge technology.  Products are cold processed and formulated in small batches.  And I love they are always cruelty-free and have absolutely no fillers, artificial colors, artificial preservatives or artificial fragrances.

The pumpkin enzyme peel was incredibly gentle – my skin felt hydrated and clean.  The peel actually never tingled, which is rarity for me.   But I could sense it was active.  Pumpkin enzymes naturally remove dead skin cells and deep clean pores while nourishing with Beta Carotene and other nutrients.   The fragrance was definitely pumpkin but not in an overly sweet way.  I will admit, I had to stop for a Starbucks Pumpkin Latte on the way home.

And it is worth mentioning, I discovered my new favorite cleanser.  SircuitSkin X-trap is a super gentle cleanser (can even be used on post-laser/surgery skin and those with rosacea.)  But it still has that gratifying foaming action.  Smells amazing and works perfectly with the Clarisonic.

 

 

Yves Saint Laurent Eye Brighten Trick

As we enter the swinging holiday season, I am prepping for late nights finishing up work before vacation (okay, and maybe some holiday festivities and cocktails).  Sadly, this leaves me with puffy, tired looking eyes.  So I know my new found trick is going to be put to good use in the next couple of months.

I already had the requisite pen of Touche Eclat on my vanity (every makeup junkie does).  But it is even better mixed with a pea size amount of Yves Saint Laurent Temps Majeur Eye.  Temps Majeur Eye has luminescence, so it does double duty as part of my makeup routine.  On its own, it brightens the eye (while battling dark circles, puffiness and fine lines).   With the highlighting power of Touche Eclat, your get that extra radiance.   I like to also add a swipe of Touche Eclat down my nose and right under my brows.   I have fair to medium skin and use No. 2 Luminous Ivory.   Well rested, festive look all in all!

 

Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner

I am madly crushing on the classic look with a nod to retro style for makeup these days.  And no one does classic like Laura Mercier.  One of my old favorites is the Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony.  I spray some Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist in Bergamot on the Laura Mercier Flat Eyeliner Brush.  Some recommend working the liner into a paste, but I prefer swiping the brush in the cake to get more of a gel.  Instead of drawing the liner across the lash base, tuck the brush into the lash roots.  I usually start on the top side of lashes, but you can also line the underneath of the root.  Move the brush along the lash line, tucking at each stop.  The final product is subtle, but defining.  For a little more drama, reapply.  This also makes the line a little more solid.

If you use Laura Mercier Eye Colour, you can pop out the liner and keep everything together in a three or six-well custom compact for a customized color palette.

eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm

I’d heard great things about these little balls of lipbalm goodness, but had never come across one in person.  Didn’t take but two seconds for me to plop a couple in my basket at CVS this past week. I had to see what the fuss was all about.

These have zero color, but are incredibly nourishing – perfect as part of the nighttime ritual.  They pretty much covered all the bases here as far as unwelcome ingredients:

  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • 95% organic
  • 100% natural

The sphere actually works really well – no edges and even application.  Unlike a tube, you don’t nick the edge of the balm when replacing the cap.  The packaging is very similar to what you find your NARS products in –  soft, velvety plastic.  And one of the highlights for me: surprisingly easy to find in my massive purse.   Right now, I can’t stop using summer fruit as I am craving a beach vacation.  But sweet mint is a close second.

Belle Belle Beauty Makeover

Belle Belle Beauty is getting a makeover!  This weekend, we will be transitioning to the new and improved website.  The address will still be the same: www.bellebellebeauty.com.  I will continue to post images and inspiration over on tumblr at bellebellebeauty.tumblr.com.  And make sure to check out my fashion blog, Su-perb.

Meanwhile, I am channeling this bold lip and fresh face look this weekend.  For the lip, I am picking up NARS lipstick in Niagra.  Can’t wait to hear what you think of the new design!

Avon Eyeliners

Watching a makeup tutorial the other day, I was blown away by the Avon eyeliners, particularly for application right in the lash line.  I had to try them out for myself.  I test-drove the MVPs of their extensive liner lineup – Extra Lasting liner and glimmersticks.

Extra Lasting is a classic liquid liner.  For the full inky line, it requires two swipes.  But I actually find this preferable.  You are able to correct and customize the line.  After a minute or two of drying time, this liner is NOT budging.  You absolutely get the promised 12 hours of wear. In fact, this rivals the staying-power of any liner I’ve tried, no matter the price point.  It took quite the scrubbing with eye makeup remover to get this swatch off my hand.  Extra Lasting liquid liner is $9.

Glimmersticks are a retractable, self-sharpening pencils.  They don’t have the staying power of the liquid liner, but are pretty impresive for a pencil.  These are perfect for a smudged eye line and dramatic lashes.  These are now on sale for $2.99 – perfect excuse to pick up all five colors.