Belle Belle Beauty

Wednesday On The Web

Ahhh… I am so smitten by this whole look. The perfect low pony, a summer all-white short suit and the brilliant pop of orange shoes. I always steer away from white clothes, but they always look so fresh and current. One of my resolutions is to try out a couple white pieces in my wardrobe this fall and winter. In the meantime… some of my favorites from around the web:

An oldie but goodie: what Thirteen People Wore to Their Interview With Anna Wintour- Fascinating!

I officially want every single shade in the 3.1 Phillip Lim for NARS Nail Collection (check out beautiful swatches on Café Makeup).

Every state ranked according to its food and drink – actually surprised Oklahoma pulled out #29 but not surprised by who came in as #1!

These new tanks caught my eye… looks like I’ll want every single color.

French beauty might be something I always will strive for. These 9 Beauty Rules French Women Always Follow can help me on the way!

Drooling over this perfect silk shirt.

One of my best high school friends just got engaged! I can’t wait to see what she decides for wedding makeup (I’m thinking classic). Here are some fun ideas to ponder.

I am so obsessed with this radiant powder and now all I want is the accompanying foundation.

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By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder

This summer I have been reaching for highlighters, dewy foundations and sheer tinted moisturizers. So I was kind of surprised when I fully embraced this matte loose powder, likely attributed to its unique qualities. I certainly have never encountered a powder quite like this one.

Using Micronized Hyaluronic Acid, By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder infuses skin with hydration and fills wrinkles, pores and imperfectiona. But at the same time, oil and shine is kept at bay with silica microbeads and an ultra-light texture. So my dry skin doesn’t show through as it so often does with powders.

Back to the “matte finish”. I don’t find this powder to be overly matte. I use very sparingly on a large powder brush and get a more transparent look. In fact, the powder is white but appears on skin completely colorless. Don’t worry about a dusky finish. Other bloggers have attested to a full on matte look. My best blogging buddy, Maree, encounters a more matte finish on her oily to normal skin. Check out her awesome review here. My takeaway is that the amount of product can really make a different in the finished look.

The packaging is relatively tidy for loose powder. Packaged in the classic tub, the plastic dispenser has ultra-fine holes allowing for a measured amount of product. I pour a couple taps into the lid and swirl with my powder brush. Tap on the side of the sink and apply.

Last but not least, this powder effectively and beautifully sets makeup. Feather-weight on skin, it conceals flaws and can be used to spot treat where you need more staying power or coverage.

Available at Barneys, B-Glowing, Beauty.com, NET-A-PORTER and Space NK.

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.

NARS ‘Night Caller’ Fall 2014 Color Collection

I know… I know. We are just in the middle of summer and pre-fall clothing is already on the racks and fall color collections are hitting counters. NARS’ seasonal collection, always a gorgeous treat, launches today and it also includes the launch of Night Series Eyeliners. So even in the sweltering heat, you might want to consider your future fall lip and eye.

So what is the inspiration for this collection? Here is how the NARS team described the products:

“Eyes shine in amethyst and quartz shadows while intense black liners flecked with rich purple, gold, and green pearl provide intriguing depth. Lips smolder in warm reds and cheeks are softened with a wash of glistening pink.”

My picks from the collection include Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore and Night Series Eyeliner in Night Flight. First, is there a better lip shade for fall than a deep cranberry? This cranberry has a bit of a zip (think less brown) that brightens the face and flatters the pout. Plus, the Satin Lip Pencil is one of my favorite formulas with a balance of pigment and moisture. The pencils contain vitamins keeping lips healthy. And the jumbo pencil is super easy to use while still being precise.

I have a feeling I will love all the Night Series Eyeliners, but I have only gotten my paws on Night Flight. Needless to say, I am sold. The black with cobalt blue pearl is a deep and inky navy that can easily pass for black. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find sophisticated blue shimmer. I am a huge fan of blue-toned eyeliners, but if you prefer something else, there is also black with purple, gold or green undertones. I’ve found both blue and purple can really highlight the green in my hazel/brown eyes. NARS eyeliners have great staying power, lasting both along the lash and in the waterline.

Check out the behind the scenes video of the campaign shoot:

Available today on narscosmetics.com and 8/1 at at Sephora and department stores.

// Shop The Post //

Probelle Touch N’ Grow Plus Nail Strengthener

I’m on this endless cycle of a couple gel manicures in a row followed by a break in which my nails heal themselves. While I don’t think gels are necessarily bad for your nails, for some reason, my nails become super weak after a couple gel manicures. It can be a necessary evil if you are traveling or have a big event. But I just know I’ll pay for it in the end.

So at the end of June, I decided to go bare and regain long and strong fingernails. A new product was in my rotation to review so the timing couldn’t be better. Probelle was born out of founder and CEO, Leon Kohn’s concern for his mother who suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis and was on medication that caused stunted nail growth.

This two step system is comprised of two products: Touch N’ Grow and Touch N’ Grow Plus. Touch N’ Grow original formula cures and strengthens nails while the Touch N’ Grow Plus maintains healthy nails. I was intrigued by the Plus formula as it has a green shade and contains lime and garlic (two of my favorite cooking ingredients – great… now I am hungry for Vietnamese food). Touch N’ Grow whipped my nails into shape in a jiff… the peeling and weakness was remedied in a couple weeks. Touch N’ Grow Plus ensures that my nails aren’t discolored from polish and prevents bacteria growth caused by prolonged nail polish wear. And Touch N’ Grow Plus is totally transparent despite the shade in the bottle.

If you are concerned about nail strength or just want to ensure healthy nails, I can’t recommend this duo enough. These guys will be part of my at-home manicure kit permanently. Available at Pro-belle.com and Amazon.com.

Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler

As you probably can imagine, I am always trying out 2-3 versions of each type of makeup. Three eyeliners, two foundations, three blushes, etc… But one item I tend to stay loyal to is an eyelash curler. Keep in mind, this is one of my “must have” products. I love the way it can open your face and eyes in just one step.

It all started with a long relationship with Revlon. Then I had a love affair with the classic Shiseido. I went luxe for several years with CHANEL. But sadly that ended with a worn out tool. Might I add, it was a beautiful relationship and worth every penny.

Just in the nick of time, Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler landed on my doorstep. The key to these long term relationships is the curve of the implement. And this one is just right for my large and deep-set almond-shaped eyes. What makes Winks by Georgie Beauty Ultimate Eyelash Curler really special is the USDA-certified organic blue chamomile plush pad (note: each curler also comes with two replacement pads).

These pads have a super-cushiony feel and are gentle on lashes. The chamomile conditions the tiny hairs, keeping lashes long and healthy. The curling action doesn’t crimp, but imparts a long lasting swooping curl.

No wonder Winks by Georgie came up with such a revolutionary curler. Their faux lash collection hit shelves in 2010 with much deserved fanfare. They are the only strip lashes that I can apply and still look natural. Bonus: they are reusable and come with a botanically infused adhesive.

Right now, Neiman Marcus is holding their Beauty Tools Event. Receive limited-time gifts when you shop our best tools of the trade online! The curler is currently on back order but certainly worth the wait with an expected ship date of 8/1.

// Shop The Post //

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

Beat The Heat on FOX23’s Tulsa Live

How to beat the heat while keeping our polished but still natural looks in place? I’ll be on FOX23’s Tulsa Live (formerly Great Day Green Country) this morning chatting all about how to keep makeup in place now that we are in the full swing of sweltering summer heat.

Starting top to bottom, make sure to protect your strands with Biolage COLORLAST Shine Shake with SPF. This spray adds tone and shine while providing a UV filter that can keep colored hair from fading. Aveda recently added Sun Care Protective Hair Veil to their lineup. This is also a lightweight, water-resistant UV-defense mist, which forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours, minimizing color fading, damage and dryness.

Swap out regular eyeliner and mascara for waterproof versions. Instead of heavy eyeliner, opt for liquid liner between last roots on the top lid only. This will ensure staying power, especially if you use a waterproof formula like Eyeko Alexa Chung Lash Enhancing Eye Do Eyeliner. Flower, Drew Barrymore’s makeup line available at Wal-Mart, makes an inky waterproof mascara that can stand up to the most brutal summer heat. FLOWER Extreme Measures Lengthening Mascara uses an hourglass shaped brush for tons of coverage and shine, not to mention conditions lashes.

Under (or instead of makeup) try L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother Finishing Cream with SPF 30. The oil-free formula smoothes onto skin and absorbs any summer greasiness. I love that its ability to blur lines, pores and texture makes foundation unnecessary – great to skip a layer in the sticky heat.

Mai Couture Papier Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter papers are perfect on the go touch-ups while absorbing excess oil and adding a needed summer glow. They are also perfect for holiday travel allowing you to skip liquids and extra brushes.

For the ultimate in staying power, use Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray and makeup will not budge. Weightless and undetectable, the formula was developed in partnership with SKINDINÄVIA and works with all skin types. By controlling the temperature of your makeup, eyeliner, foundation, eye shadow, blush and concealer stay in place in both hot and humid (and cold and windy) conditions. Bonus: it also prevents makeup from settling into fine lines.

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