Belle Belle Beauty

Wednesday On The Web

Changing up Wednesday on the Web this week – instead of an update and links, I had a couple short updates to share with you. Hope you like the little twist on the weekly installment!

Sadly, the Rag & Bone booties I ordered I Shopbop were so hard to get on. They had to go back. I wanted them to work so badly, it was almost painful to drop them at USPS today. So now I am considering this pair.

I attended a William Sonoma cooking class on Sunday – my first and inspired by my recent visit to Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena last month. We learned Butternut Squash “mac and cheese” using a spiralizer. After many months of hearing praises, I finally caved and purchased the four-blade version. Last night I made zucchini “pasta” and am already hooked.

I don’t get too excited for Halloween. Usually I’d rather just fast-forward to Thanksgiving (not that I’d ever want to miss a single second of autumn and college football). But I do find myself transfixed by this Halloween shoot – am I in awe by its beauty or shocked by its drama? Maybe both?

image here

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm Pink Edition

Today I am sharing a little “look good, feel good” beauty gem in honor of October’s awareness and Breast Cancer Care. I hadn’t previously tried this fan favorite product, but was glad to use the good cause as an excuse to finally get my paws on the Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm Pink Edition.

We can all agree that radiance is in. Especially when the seasons turn and the colder air starts sapping hydration out of skin. This balm is the solution with vitamins packed in to add hydration and radiance back into our complexions. At first I thought this was a primer and I was half correct – it really does prep skin for seamless makeup application.

While it is definitely a two-in-one for some, I like to layer above my moisturizing sun screen. The citrus-spa scent is delicious – something Elemis does so well. Available at elemis.com and dermstore.com. I also understand that this is available at Nordstrom even though I can’t seem to find it online.

PR SAMPLES AND AFFILIATE LINKS MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE POST

bareMinerals Brushes and Concealer

Back when I first got to know bareMinerals in those days right after college graduation, the brand was affordable, great for acne-prone skin and based on the then unfamiliar “mineral makeup” approach. Fast forward to fifteen years later (yikes – that went fast!) and the brand has maintained its affordable price point. But the formulas have evolved with luxury-level formulas. And the same can be said for their tools. The brushes are not only beautifully made but also really really great at application.

Right now, Nordstrom is featuring a bare brush bar. It is the spot to stock up on what has become an encompassing collection. bareMinerals Smoothing Face Brush and bareMinerals® Angled Face Brush are my long time favorites.

Recently, I picked up bareMinerals ‘bareSkin’ Complete Coverage Serum Concealer (love the bareSkin collection). This thin, easy-to-apply tube of concealer covers dark circles without looking cakey. Antioxidant lilac plant stem cells and mineral optics brighten skin. And the formula hydrates my dry, winter under-eye skin. I’ve been using it with my new bareMinerals® ‘Maximum Coverage’ Concealer Brush – another favorite to add to the collection.

PR SAMPLES AND AFFILIATE LINKS MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE POST

Wednesday On The Web

Just a friendly reminder to consider working a retinol into your skin care routine. It is usually October when I start up using my again. It can make skin more sensitive to sun, but it does a wonder for texture and appearance in my experience. Hence the annual autumn restart. Dr. Dennis Gross says it best:

“Retinoids do not thin the skin over time… otherwise they would have no purpose. They do, however, increase cell turnover, promoting even texture, firming skin and minimizing wrinkles. In fact, a good retinoid will actually thicken the skin by promoting active collagen production. Just be sure to use it at night, as retinol can increase sensitivity to light and sun.”

Read more tidbits and advice about the vitamin A treatment here. Best bet is to find a great doctor and use one with the proper strength for you while maybe limiting use to a couple times a week. And some other finds from around the web:

Don’t forget to hit up the awesome Shopbop sale (and see some of my picks here). And a new find from today – this Plaid Shirtdress.

Noting this list of 50 Netflix movies for colder winter days.

Love this fall take on a summer, white sundress.

These Mac hacks make me love my new Air even more.

This is my new favorite dry shampoo.

image via deathtothestockphoto.com

Shopbop – Friends & Family Sale

It is my favorite time of the year – the time when my favorite place to shop has their friends and family discount. Today through October 15, 2015, at 11:59pm PT get 25% off your order with code INTHEFAM25. Some of my favorite things at Shopbop right now:

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual

I decided to take today off from work to be with my two puppies (sidenote: they are almost six years old but will always be my puppies). They had their annual teeth cleaning yesterday – which I know might sound ridiculous to some of you. But my rescues genetically ended up with terrible teeth and gums so we have to go in every year to pull teeth and clean things up. Anyway, the anesthesia makes them super snoozy and they have to be on pain killers. So, yes… I am that crazy dog momma that stayed home with her fur kids today.

I used the day off to extend my “clean-out by using up old products” I mentioned yesterday. Today’s project was in the kitchen. I used some odds and ends to pull together a darn good dinner. And threw out items that were … um … past their prime.

Anyway, the day off also provided me with the chance to try out some new beauty products. I have sadly recognized my summer glow fading so I first reached for some self-tanner. Vita Liberata has always been a favorite brand so I was excited to try out some of their newer products. The Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual was just what the doctor ordered – gentle, subtle, great smelling and nourishing.

The formula is relatively thin and applies clear – something I prefer for nighttime application. My dry skin soaks up the hydration provided by aloe vera and Hyaluronic Acid. Grape Seed Extract also improves the appearance of skin. The glow can be deepened with repeated use. So far, I haven’t found that sometimes “dirty” look that can sometimes have repeated self-tanner application. But I do suggest a light exfoliation before use. The lack of that annoying self-tanner scent is thanks to Vita Liberata’s Odour Remove™ – I truly cannot detect a fragrance or odor at all. Granted, I am not super sensitive to it, but this is one of the least offensive self-tanners I have tried.

Does not contain triclosan, GMOs, fragrance, or alcohol. Available at Sephora.