Belle Belle Beauty

KORA Organics Heart Chakra Essence

Do you have someone special on your Valentine’s Day shopping list that loves organic ingredients? I have just the ticket: KORA Organics Heart Chakra Essence. This blend uses founder Miranda Kerr’s personal blend of organic oils to channel the Heart Chakra.

According to some Indian religions, the Heart Chakra is one of the seven centers of spiritual power in the human body. It is the source of love, joy and compassion – our connection to life and all living things. When the heart chakra is open, you are loving towards others and accepting of yourself. Kindness, compassion, love and warmth bring a sense of peace around yourself. Just about perfect for celebrating a day of love.

I’ve been using this on the weekends over pulse points and behind my ears. The blend of Rose Otto, Sandalwood, Jojoba and Ylang Ylang plus the pure essential oil of Cedarwood is warm but not overly floral. I like the spicier and woodsier fragrances balanced with rose.

Just a note: as a single lady, I must add it also makes a lovely Valentine’s Day present for yourself.

99% of the Total ingredients are from Natural Origin. 98.72% of the Total ingredients are from Organic Farming. Made in Australia. Vegan. Cruelty-free.

Available at koraorganics.com.

bareMinerals Skinsorials – a 3-Part Skincare Ritual

When I got wind of a new skincare line from bareMinerals, I knew almost immediately I would try it. I tinker a lot with what I use on my face, but since I really committed to Retin-A this winter, I knew I might need something steady to deal with the new state of my skin. Side note: Retin-A for me is transformative and I love it (talk to your doctor).

I will only speak to the three bareMinerals Skinsorials products I tried. And that is because the line is designed to cater to your particular skin type by selecting a cleanser and moisturizer. All routines use the same serum. Your skin might be better suited to alternatives, but my skin happened to love OIL OBSESSED Total Cleansing Oil, SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Infusion and BUTTER DRENCH Restorative Rich Cream.

First up, this is an affordable line. My three products add up to $116 but you can get an introductory collection for $60.

OIL OBSESSED: This is probably one of my most favorite of all the oil cleansers I have tried. It is insanely light and develops into milky goodness to take off the day. My drier skin isn’t red or striped.

SKINLONGEVITY: This serum is not only replenishing but also can improve skin’s appearance. It is gentle enough to use on my angry/Retin-A skin.

BUTTER DRENCH: This minty rich cream absorbs quickly and is slightly lighter than this balm. It is perfect for those days when I am not insanely dry and I think it will be light enough to use through the summer months.

Some of the amazing ingredients bareMinerals included in the formulas:

PEPPERMINT: A refreshing herb known for its astringent properties.
CUCUMBER: The lightweight oil from the cucumber fruit helps nourish and hydrate skin while encouraging resilience.
SUNFLOWER: Significant to Native Americans as a source for nutritional, medicinal and ceremonial practices, the emollient oil contains skin-loving vitamins and Omega 9 to help nourish skin.
BILBERRY: Grown in Europe and handpicked in the wild underbrush, the oil of Bilberry is valued for its skin soothing properties.
MINERAL-RICH SEA SALTS: Cultivated from the waters off the coast of Brittany, these sea salts, rich in Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium, help purify and refine the skin.
SHEA BUTTER: A moisture-rich butter derived from the nut of the Karite tree.
CALIFORNIA POPPY: A bright and brilliant flower native to California known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.

Available at bareescentuals.com and Nordstrom.

Wednesday On The Web

This image is from Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia and has me seriously doing some wanderlust. When I moved to Oklahoma four years ago, I told myself I’d travel and never let my worldliness slip away. While I don’t have any plans to go to Australia right now, I have a short jaunt to California coming up. For me, travel keeps me beating, keeps me curious and keeps me striving. I know not everyone loves the road as much as me, but I do think travel is a true gift. So while I ponder my toiletries packing strategy, some finds from around the web:

Love Hitha’s 5-minute makeup routine!

I feel like I am ready to pull the trigger on round glasses.

One of my favorite winter looks I’ve seen this season.

Happy to say I have implemented three of these four habits – note to self: EAT MORE GREENS!

image here

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm

We have had a rather dry and cold winter here in Tulsa which is a perfect recipe for extra dry skin. My face seems to drink up moisturizer in a hot minute, leaving it feeling dry by the middle of the day. That was until this tub of goodness arrived here at Belle Belle.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm is one of the richest moisturizers I have ever used. The balm texture literally seals in hydration thanks to glycerin. The formula also contains the Ultra Facial Ingredient of Antarcticine which has bioprotective properties, keeping skin looking young. Edelweiss flower extract, known to thrive in the high altitudes of the Swiss Alps, helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function to lock in hydration.

My skin stays soft and subtle all day – this balm hit shelves just in time for me to cure the driest of winter skin.

Available at www.kiehls.com.

Wednesday On The Web

I am so drawn to this image. At first it strikes me as foreboding, sad but still beautiful. But that slips away into a profound soothing sense. I love blue and grey and I am absolutely a water baby (Cancer and Scorpio Rising). And I deeply miss living by the sea during my days in Northern California. The good news is that I am headed out for a visit soon. Will be wonderful to get out of this dry, Oklahoma winter air.

Keep your eye out for my new favorite skin care from bareMinerals – review on the blog in a couple days. In the meantime some finds from around the web:

This article about four woman and what they spend annually on beauty was fascinating.

I am on a sneakers kick, and inspired by these ideas of how to wear them. Basically, wear them with everything.

So excited about the ‘War And Peace’ Miniseries that premiered this week. I haven’t watched it yet, but can’t wait to savor it this weekend.

Need a laugh? These captions of Hot Presidents of the United States cracked me up.

image here

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I am all about the glow, so I am a touch surprised by my love of this matte finish tinted moisturizer! But NARS always opens my mind to new and wonderful products. This brand new product is just another notch in NARS belt in lovely foundation and tinted moisturizer. As far as brands go, they really have this segment of beauty nailed.

This oil-free formula provides fairly significant coverage for a “skin tint”. The soft-matte finish has tons of staying power while using optical effects to blur skin imperfections. The powders that provide this effect also provide a soft and touchable finish, making application a breeze.

I’d highly recommend this formula for those with oily skin. It also works against shine and pores. There are 12 shades available. I tried Groenland (light 3), St. Moritz (medium 1) and Cuzco (medium 1.5). My winter skin shade is best suited for St. Moritz.

And one quick note: I do detect a bit of a chemical smell at first. This has dissipated since I opened the tube. And I can’t sense it after it is on my skin. Just wanted to give a heads up for those with a sensitive nose. It wouldn’t deter me in any way from using or recommending the product.

Available at NARScosmetics.com as of 1/15 and hits Sephora and specialty stores on 2/1.