Belle Belle Beauty

Wednesday On The Web

So I have a confession. I live off of Amazon. I have a small apartment and there aren’t many stores super close by. I love the fact I can come home from work with essentials waiting for me at the door. Not to mention Amazon also carries some of my beauty favorites like RMS and Bioderma. Heck, I will even tell you guys I get toilet paper and dog food at Amazon.

Needless to say I will be celebrating today as Amazon celebrates the big 2-0 birthday tomorrow. Yeah, I know other retailers have something going on, but Amazon is my only love at this point. The first ever Prime Day has deals that rival Black Friday. Starting at midnight – and every 10 minutes – there will be new Lightening Deals, Deals of the Day each day and always fast and free shipping. Not already a member of Prime? (another confession: I have been for YEARS) You can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime at amazon.com/primeday.

Some other links from around the web from this week:

Love this Caftan for my lazy, summer pool days.

Absolutely in love with this dress… and then I found out it was called the “Lindsay Wrap” – NEED.

Current favorite: this clever nude eyeshadow palette – talk about staying power.

Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil

I seriously hate to post about something that is sold out, but consider this a sort of PSA. If anyone sees this on shelves, snag immediately. And I have been told by the Josie Maran team that they are working on restocking the Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil so get that credit card ready.

I have been a bit ambivalent about self-tanner this summer (just sticking with my tried and true Kate Somerville which is fabulous but hardly new to the routine). That was until this oil came across my desk. I am one to fall hard for an oil and this one is no different. Just happens to be this version is a self-tanning version.

First and foremost, my readers tend to focus in on the scent. I can’t smell a single thing except for argan oil goodness, vanilla and apricot. But those with a more sensitive nose will be glad to hear that in consumer studies, 88% agree the product left no after-scent. So score one for Josie.

The formula is a quick-absorbing and nourishing pure argan oil. The finish isn’t greasy but I do get a golden finish. I applied this rather quickly the first time around, but with the mitt I didn’t need to worry about streaking. The soft and plush fabric actually calms my skin and gives an immediate but natural-looking bronze. The formula also contains coconut water and aloe to smooth and revitalize skin.

I am already well through my bottle of this liquid gold. So I will be sure to let you know as soon as I spot a replenishment for myself. I will be keeping my eye on Sephora.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

mark. Buenos Aires Vibe Eau de Toilette Spray

You guys know me… I love woody, amber-filled winter fragrances. But this isn’t one of them. And that’s because it is… in fact… summer. So I am embracing the triple digit weather and trading in for a summer scent. One preferably that can take me on a virtual vacation – anyone else have cabin fever right now?

Buenos Aires sounds pretty good and that is the city that inspired mark. in their latest collection. The annual summer release is always a treat and inspires me to push color boundaries. But this year encouraged me to embrace the something tropical, floral but still with those musky undertones.

Buenos Aires Vibe Eau de Toilette Spray has a fruity-floral escape filled with violet and passionfruit but layered over musk. This fragrance packs a punch but I like that it lasts all day. I like to spray and walk through the mist for a slightly muted effect. And this is a crowd-pleaser at the pool… just sayin’.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

Wednesday On The Web

The annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale launches tomorrow for Reward Members (opens up to the public on 7/17). Nordstrom Cardholders will get double points 7/9-7/16 – you better bet I’ll be shopping. Some of my favorites from the site lately (yes, I’ve been creating my wish list):

And some other finds from the web:

I’ve learned just one of these breathing techniques. But because I have a tendency to get a little stressed, I can’t wait to try the others.

The classiest, most elegant wedding.

Surprised I don’t have Scandinavian blood because I totally get “all things koselig, the Norwegian word for ‘cozy.'” Loved this essay about living in the Arctic Circle and seasonal affect disorder. I do believe enjoying the season is a mindset. Maybe I should embrace that idea while I bemoan this sweltering summer heat.

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Kiehl’s Since 1851 Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30

Kiehl’s is one of my OG favorite skin care brands. It is clinical but gentle and so awesomely packaged. So I always jump at the chance to try some of their newer products. The Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30 is the kind of multi-tasker my busy work schedule has me dreaming of. The multi-action formula brightens, protects and firms all at the same time.

I apply Clearly Corrective after my SK-II Essential Power Eye Cream has had a little time to absorb. I find that the pigment is slightly light on me, but it brightens and blends really well with a tinted moisturizer over it. I use a little on my eyelids to neutralize my pigment before a light dusting of shadow (I haven’t experienced any creasing). I like adding a small bit of RMS Living Luminizer to take away some of the matte just because right now glowy skin is my thing.

The formula utilizes 100% mineral filters, vitamin C and licorice root extract to reverse darkness (my biggest pet peeve – thanks, Grandma). Caffeine works on puffiness. And most importantly, the titanium dioxide sunscreen protects that delicate skin against sun damage. Also, note that Kiehl’s makes my all time favorite summer face sunscreen, Super Fluid UV Defense 50+, which is so incredibly light, offers great protection and isn’t greasy at all.

Available at Keihl’s boutiques kiehls.com and Nordstrom.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

FOREO ISSA

FOREO has challenged my thinking about design before with their face cleaning device. But their toothbrush really pushes the limit. And the result is lovely. This brush head seamlessly attaches to the brush for a sleek (and otherworldly look). Don’t worry about excessive charging or changing brush heads. The ISSA lasts up to 365 uses per full charge, requires no charging dock and the brush heads last for a whole year.

The design allows for maximum reach while massaging gums. This nonporous silicone brush has gentle bristles and pulsates to clean without scratching. The silicone is easy to clean and prevents backup of bacterial. The massaging action can help prevent gun recession.

I saw some feedback on their site that a small number of customers thought their teeth weren’t as clean as with a traditional (electric or not) toothbrush. What I’ve found is my teeth still feel clean but my gums aren’t irritated. And I think my teeth look whiter – albiet this isn’t a scientific observation. It could be the timer which keeps me accountable to brush the full two minutes. I just use my regular toothpaste – Sensodyne right now – and finish with some flossing!

The ISSA comes with the following items:

USB Charger
Travel Pouch
Warranty Registration Card
Detailed Instruction Manual

Get your ISSA here on FOREO.com.

This was a press sample given to me as a member of iFabbo, for the purpose of truthfully evaluating the product for this review. Absolutely no financial compensation was received in return.