Belle Belle Beauty

Holiday Gifting: Affordable Beauty From FLOWER

I remember hearing about Drew Barrymore’s new makeup line when it first came out. Lucky for me, I had met the makeup artist who Drew worked with developing the line and was able to get info from her about the new products. One thing that resonated was that she truly believed and emphasized that this was luxury level formulas at Wal-Mart prices.

It was almost too good to believe. But low and behold… every product I’ve tried from FLOWER has been just that – luxury, functional, beautiful and effective. And at great prices. Goes without saying their gift lineup makes for perfect holiday gifts for those on your list (even if you are on a budget like me!).

I’ve tried out several of the gift sets and here are my favorites:

FLOWER Brushes: I particularly love the foundation brush, but each is made from soft, man-made hair. The hefty handles are a breeze to use. Offerings include:

Ultimate Powder Brush
Liquid Foundation Brush
Eyeliner Brush
Eye Shadow Brush
Ultimate Lip/Concealer Brush

FLOWER Cosmetic Bags: These new additions come in every size and are styled perfectly for travel. Offerings include:

Small Cosmetic Bag
Double Zip Foldover
Cosmetic Clutch
Train Case

FLOWER Fragrance Collection: This set of three is designed around moods and time of day. I have been wearing Cherished and the powdery musk is perfect for cozy winter days. The three scents:

Cherished (white bottle) – Lemon, Iris, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Musk
Radiant (pink bottle) – Fresh, green, Magnolia and Amber
Sultry (purple bottle) – Pepper, Jasmine, Musk and Patchouli

FLOWER COLOR IN THE LINES Mini Chubby Beauty Set: Drew does chubbies right. These lip and eye versions are self-sharpening and come in wearable and bold shades.

Available at Walmart.com

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN 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.

Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

Tis’ the season and for me that means loads of hand cream. Working in an office, I am borderline nutso about washing my hands – I really really don’t want to get sick this winter. So you can imagine my little paws get really dried out. While I had been using some more stronly scented versions, I kinda wanted something more work appropriate.

Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ does it all – not a huge fragrance bomb but it smells good nonetheless. It also packs a protection punch. This has been on the forefront of my mind as I am trying to pay more attention to my hands and signs of aging.

I have a dear friend who deals with sun damage on her hands, and I feel like I have stumbled on a perfect holiday present for her. She has always taught me to remember the damage sun can do while we are driving, and this high-powered SPF is perfect to protect against photoaging while on the road.

Above and beyond that, the formula contains antioxidants to keep skin looking young. Sea buckthorn works against sun damage and spots that have already made their way to your hands. And meadowfoam seed and argan oil keeps skin moisturized without being greasy – crucial as I pound away on my keyboard.

And that subtle scent – it includes cardamom, eucalyptus, and tangerine. But to me it just smells natural and clean.

Cruelty-free. Available at Sephora.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN 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.

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher

If you like no-frills skin care, look away, dear friend. But know you are missing out. For those willing to add an extra step, check out this “finisher” from Sulwhasoo.

Much like this favorite makeup spray, the Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher is like the same for your skin care – think about sealing in all that goodness that you use in your routine. Plus it adds a luminosity and clarity.

I’ve loved this line since crossing paths at Bergdorfs at my first New York Fashion Week. But this unique product might be my favorite from the brand yet. Ginseng and green tea work naturally with skin to create a perfect makeup foundation. And antioxidants work against free radicals and help heal skin.

Plus it feels wonderful against my dry winter skin. That being said, it isn’t overly heavy so those with combo or oily skin will like the formula just as much as those with dry skin do. The heavy glass bottle is a beauty to use and looks amazing on a vanity too – always a welcome luxury with upscale skin care products.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Holiday Gifting: bareMinerals Complexion Superstars

I posted yesterday about my winter beauty routine. A couple of products are included in this set so it goes without saying that I love this for a gift idea. In fact, bareMinerals pretty much nails it on great value beauty gifts (like this one here).

These shades are wearable for a large segment of complexions and skin types. I find the formulas both sheer and buildable. And as the name suggests, this is pretty much the best of the best as far it comes to bareMinerals offerings. These are their best-sellers after all.

Included are the following:

Vintage Peach Blush
Mini sizes of the READY pressed powder
Mini sizes of the READY bronzer
Mineral Veil finishing powder
Bare Radiance All-Over Face Color face powder
An angled face brush

The sizes are perfect for stashing in your purse or holiday clutch. And I will never get tired of singing praises for the lock-and-go system, keeping loose powder from becoming a mess. bareMinerals Complexion Superstars is sure to get you hooked on the full-size year-round. Available at Sephora.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN 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.

image via bareMinerals UK

Winter Makeup Routine

I know it doesn’t come as a shock that I am always changing things up when it comes to my routine. But this particular combo of goodies has seemed to garner quite the motherload of compliments… if I do say so myself. So here is my step-by-step face makeup routine of late – think glowy and natural but still medium coverage (now if I could just get my hair to look like the above).

1. On top of my unsual moisturizer, add a dose (three drops or so) of Kate Somerville Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment and allow to soak in.

2. Using my new favorite FLOWER Ultimate Liquid Foundation Makeup Brush, I apply two small drops of my long-time favorite, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (I wear shade 4.5).

3. Touch up with another old favorite, Cle De Peau Beaute Concealer in Beige – mostly under eye and on the chin. I like to work in using my fingers mostly because I am lazy but I also love this brush.

4. Longevity is all about layers. So I end with a sweep of bareMinerals Mineral Veil – translucent but adds a glow. And bareMinerals READY Bronzer in High Dive to add some warmth to my summer pallor (just a light touch needed!).

Shop The Post:

I have a feeling that some of this routine will (happily) be supplanted when my new Glossier Phase 1 set arrives this week – I have heard rave reviews. I can’t wait to share my thoughts on this new line by my fellow beauty blogger.

image here

New Luxe Winter Fragrances

I’d say my signature fragrance over the past couple years has solidly been NEST Midnight Fleur – and I still continue to love it. But two new fragrances crossed my desk recently that might just move into the prime spot this winter. Those two are Bottega Veneta Knot Eau de Parfum and Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum.

I have always lusted over Bottega Veneta handbags (especially their iconic “knot” clutch), clothes and shoes so it isn’t a surprise that their fragrance is right up my alley. I read recently that the makers noted “fresh linens” and the Italian coastline as notes, and I knew I’d be sold.

Other layers include mandarin, neroli, lavendar, cedarwood, tonka bean and musk. While there are some heavier, masculine notes in the fragrance, this skews on me more fresh and clean. I’m guessing this will lend perfectly to the warmer months.

A close second is surprisingly Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum. I have never fallen hard for Estee Lauder scents, but this one matches their signature florals with “ebony woods” which you might know is a major selling point for me. Even though I’d say this fragrance is largely jasmine, tuberose and lilies, I am still drawn to its sophisticated femininity.

Have you tried either of these? Let me know in the comments! Both available at Neiman Marcus.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.