Belle Belle Beauty

National Relaxation Day With Neutrogena

I’m certainly not going to turn down a reason to relax. For some reason, this week I have been filled with sluggishness. I don’t know if it is the heat or just being a little worn down. Or the myriad of tech difficulties that plagued Monday and Tuesday. But either way, I am going to use National Relaxation Day as an excuse for a little pampering.

In honor of this holiday (yes, I am going to call this a holiday), Neutrogena sent over some of their most relaxation worthy products: Rainbath Shower & Bath Gel, Body Oil, Norwegian Formula Hand Cream and Triple Repair Leave-In Treatment.

I was familiar with all of these goodies, but they haven’t been in my rotation in a while. Needless to say, Rainbath is a long time favorite. The newest scent, pear & green tea, has quickly become a favorite. And their Body Oil probably can be considered the original. There is no wonder they do it so well. It never leaves me greasy, smells amazing and absorbs quickly. I like to apply to damp skin at the end of my shower.

Then onto the hair. My poor hair. It is so dry at the ends. I am vastly overdue for a cut. But until then, Triple Repair Leave-In helps me get more shine and a boost in moisture.

Last but not least is a hand cream that admittedly hasn’t been on my list of favorites in the past. I always thought it was super greasy. What I have discovered is that this hand cream isn’t the one you want to throw into your purse for during the work day. For me, this version works wonders right before bed so you have the whole night for hands to absorb all that hydration.

Right now, drugstore.com is offering 20% off all beauty and personal care so it is a great time to stock up on Neutrogena goodies.

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.

Summer Shape Up

I don’t know about you, but her at Chez Belle Belle, I am in need of a Summer Shape Up. It is time to start amping up my fall workout given the cooler weather will arrive soon (yay!!). As part of my Summer Shape Up, I have partnered with Walmart and Balance Bar to shake up my diet game as well.

First, I am a huge fan of bars. I think they are great on the go (I keep a stash in my purse). They are fabulous for portion control. And they make me feel a little devious because I feel like I am having a candy bar.

Of course I set out to Walmart to stock up on my Balance Bar stash – after all, I live in the land of many Walmarts down here in Oklahoma. And I was thrilled to find them at the bargain basement price of less than $5.

Naturally… being the beauty junkie that I am, I am shaking up my beauty and skin care routine as well. I’ve been throwing in some new favorite products into the lineup and I cannot wait to share my thoughts on those with you soon. For now, here are the other products pictured above:

Disclosure: I received a Walmart gift card as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar and Walmart.

Cartier Fragrance Baiser Volé Lys Rose Eau de Parfum

It is so hard to review a fragrance. I consider it such a personal preference. But this one from Neiman’s took me by surprise. I usually love musky, Oriental and masculine scents. But this being summer, I guess I need a change of pace.

When I first encountered Cartier Fragrance Baiser Volé Lys Rose Eau de Parfum, I was dissuaded by the “rose”. It just isn’t my thing even if it is awfully in vogue these days. But actually this new fragrance from Cartier is based around lily (so feminine but still sultry).

Pink lily are married with raspberry and some notes of powder – and I couldn’t think of a better name: Baiser Volé (a stolen kiss).

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide

Leave it to the queen of a flawless complexion to come up with the newest and greatest foundation. This newness is called Finish Flawless for a reason. Expect a lightweight texture that is so the rage right now. Technology has brought us great coverage without feeling one bit heavy.

What I like most about is is the thin fluid formula that effortlessly blurs hyper-pigmentation and redness. Those with oilier skin will also love that it is oil-free. This also makes it great for hot, summer days. The buildable coverage has a balanced finish – while advertised as “matte” I would call it more middle of the road.

Bottom line, it follows the path of BB Creams with a natural finish. I have been testing out Buff on my light to medium skin tone and I wish it was just a touch darker. But it will be perfect for the winter months. I’ve been applying with my hands but also works great with a buffing brush. I just use it only where I need it for the most natural looking finish.

My only beef is that product has a tendency to escape the tube at a high rate. I’ve tried storing upside down and nothing seems to work. But other than a little bit of product waste, it isn’t a huge problem.

In Sephora now and look for it at Laura Mercier counters next month. 24 available shades (Shell, Crème, Vanillé, Ivory, Ecru, Cashew, Linen, Macadamia, Butterscotch, Dune, Buff, Honey, Dusk, Golden, Suntan, Praline, Maple, Chai, Nutmeg, Pecan, Amber, Chestnut, Truffle, Espresso).

Wednesday On The Web

I purchased the above dress after seeing it on Happily Grey last summer and wear it constantly (a favorite fashion inspiration blog). I came across the image again yesterday and it reminded me of the way I feel about this time of year – I have a love/hate relationship. In August, the excitement of warm days and my birthday is officially over. And I have a case of the blahs with the heat. The summer doldrums have kicked in!

I apologize for my absence earlier this week! But I spent that time diligently reviewing some newness for fall that you are going to LOVE. Plus, I am also planning a series of posts outlining my body care, skin care and makeup routines. Hope it is something you’ll enjoy.

In other news, I am winding down both my print column in Oklahoma Magazine and weekly television appearances. While I am so appreciative for both gigs, I decided I would rather focus on quality content here on the blog rather than syndicating. Maybe I will finally get around to that darned YouTube channel too!

Some finds from around the web:

Vogue editors share their favorite shades of lipstick.

Fellow fine hair ladies: you don’t want to miss these tips.

Ten things you can do to get smarter has inspired me.

This body contouring article will have you reaching for the self-tanner.

Drooling over this line of comfortable workwear.

8 Pretty Polishes To Pair With Every Dress In Your Closet.

image via happilygrey.com

Kiehl’s 5th Annual Liferide for amfAR

Why does Kiehl’s always have the coolest events? Probably because they are just a cool company like that. Especially inspired are those to raise money for amfAR and awareness to help cure AIDS. Today marks the start of the fifth annual Keihl’s Liferide that starts in Milwaukee and continues to New York on 8/11. In addition to store stops, their will be a dedication of The AIDS Memorial Quilt on Governor’s Island in New York on the 10th and 11th. Check out the stops along the way here.

And if you want to get your shop on, visit a Kiehl’s store on the event day and get 15% off all purchases (with the exception of charitable products and value sets). Kiehl’s will offer the 15% Celebration Discount at the other Kiehl’s retail stores and Kiehls.com 8/9 and 8/10. Kiehl’s will donate that 15% to amfAR, up to the $150,000 total donation.

Consider picking up the Limited Edition Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, a jumbo size of the company’s classic formula. 100% of the net profit from the sales of this product will benefit amfAR. Or, pick up my new favorite cleanser, Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. The soap-free formula is ultra-foamy, ensuring my makeup is whisked away. But my skin is never left dry or tight. Plus, I love the herbal scent!