Belle Belle Beauty

Two New Foundations From tarte and bareMinerals

If you are in the market for a new foundation, there are a couple new formulations that have hit the shelves. And they have absolutely blown me away with their look, functionality and finish. But both a very different and I think distinctly suited for two different skin types/preferences.

bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation is a liquid foundation that melts into skin and nourishes with skin care ingredients. tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation is a talc-free powder foundation that offers a flawless, medium coverage finish.

bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation has a silky, ultra-thin texture that allows for buildable coverage. Thanks to skin care properties, over time skin becomes brighter and more even. Lilac plant stem cells offer important antioxidant protection. While I haven’t noticed drastic differences in my own skin tone, the promise keeps me reaching for this little bottle. This foundation is offered in an impressive 20 shades and I have a perfect match with Natural.

A couple notes about the packaging. I love the nimble bottle and twist off cap. Note: shake to make sure you don’t have separation but make sure to do this with the cap on – I had a bit of a messy situation this weekend thinking that the nozzle would keep foundation in even with that cap off (not my brightest moment, I know). Invest in the accompanying brush because it has a specially designed well to store the foundation as you buff it into skin. I get a full day wear out of the bareMinerals with a glowy finish.

On the other hand, tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation is a powder foundation but like bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation it is lightweight and improves that look of skin over time. The formula blends beautifully into skin without settling into lines and has one of the most natural finishes I’ve come across.

I’m most impressed by the waterproof, budge proof properties that absolutely lasted the promised 12-hour wear. Amazonian clay keeps the powder foundation from being matte or “dusky”, even on my dry skin. The mesh cover on the opening keeps the foundation mess and hassle-free – just press your brush into the mesh and swirl and tap. Then buff into skin.

If been using a Kabuki brush but I am a little tempted to order the brush designed to go with the foundation. It is offered in eleven shades and I was fairly surprised that I matched with the fifth shade even though my skin is light to medium toned (Light to Medium Neutral is what I wear). I can imagine those with darker skin tones might have an issue with matching.

Bottom line: if you have drier skin or want a glowy finish, go for the bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. If you prefer slightly more coverage, prefer powder formulas or have oilier skin, tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation is just the ticket for you!

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.

Mother’s Day Beauty Gifts on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

Well, I know many of you are beauty junkies but do you have a Mother who shares your passion? I’ll be on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country again this morning chatting all about Mother’s Day Beauty Gift ideas that will thrill the one who fostered your very own love of makeup and skincare:

First up is the new fragrance from Sofia Vergara, Sofia. This is especially perfect if your mother is also a celebrity fan. Sofia channeled her home country’s (Columbia) native gem, the emerald, in designing the bottle for an elegant and angular vessel. The juicy scent is wearable with notes of blackberry, Colombian rose, orchid, earthy woods and vanilla.

I know it sounds trivial, but my personal belief is a luxe lip balm is something you can savor and enjoy multiple times a day. One of my favorites, By Terry Baume de Rose, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. To celebrate, Terry de Gunzburg has designed a new limited-edition jar of the classic Baume de Rose included in a set along with the gloss form. Usually not a rose scent fan, I actually love this creamy but not sticky formula. I keep it by my bed and use it on my cuticles as well!

You probably have been under a rock if you haven’t heard of Urban Decay NAKED eyeshadow palettes. The third edition, Urban Decay NAKED 3 Eyeshadow Palette, hit shelves a couple months ago but still thrills. I finally took the plunge and picked this up at Sephora’s Friends and Family. And I am smitten. These nudes can accomplish virtually any look. The handy packaging which includes a dual sided brush is perfect for the mother on-the-go.

Okay, I know it sounds a little weird to give your mother a foundation. But this breakthrough formula is so exciting that any beauty junkie would love to have it on their vanity. bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation is both a tone-correcting liquid mineral foundation and a skincare serum in one. The ultra-thin texture actually has fabulous coverage. Splurge on accompanying Bareskin Perfecting Face Brush because it is shaped with a special well where you can drop the foundation and then buff into skin. I literally need one drop for a full face of light coverage – two drops for more medium to full coverage. Lilac plant stem cells work over time for a brighter, youthful appearance. Fragrance, water, silicone and oil-free.

Now for the mother who needs a little relaxation. Aveda’s newest collection might just be one of my favorites. The Aveda stress-fix formula contains lavender, organic clary sage and lavindin (a hybrid of true and spike lavender). The effect isn’t cloying or overwhelming but rather balanced and soothing. My favorite is the body cream which moisturizes with sustainably harvested sea algae, doesn’t leave skin greasy and honestly alleviates any feelings of stress.

For the mother who loves unique and elegant at the same time, Mai Couture has packaged makeup in paper form that is so exotically stunning. I honestly love all their products, but the Femme Forever Gift Set is a great way to discover these specialized products. The bronzing paper offers a mattifying effect along with a glow. For the blushing papers, just rub the sheet on apples of cheeks. The blotting paper delivers vitamin C and E while eliminating excess oil. And gloss gives lipstick a boost in color and hydration. Or pass along to her the Mai Couture Glow-Geous Trio with the 2-1 Bronzer/Blotting papers, Highlighter and Blush – all you could ever need!

stay tuned for the segment – i will post as soon as it is available online or tune in here locally at 10AM!

NEW StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks

One of the most recognized skin care brands is StriVectin. But for some reason, I turned up my nose. Their angle seemed like a gimmick to me (I had absolutely no basis for this and have no idea why I felt this way). Well, I am glad I opened my mind to trying their newest product, StriVectin SD Advanced™ Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks.

The original cult-classic product has been beefed up with new technology and now I see what all the fuss is about. I’ve given this little tube a solid month of use and find that my skin feels… well, snatched for lack of a better word. The company promises results in 15 days and I can see why.

First, I love the tube packaging. I get a little weirded out scooping fingers into a tube night after night and I always manage to lose the included spoons. StriVectin’s texture is not liquid but not thick or goopy. And the highlight is the slightly minty scent that awakens my senses.

So what makes this special? First, StriVectin has a proprietary ingredient, NIA-114. This has been in their products for a while, but the new Collagex-CE Wrinkle Repair Complex helps both penetrate the deepest layers. Specifically, they target a kind of collagen called “youth collagen” that is crucial in youthful and regenerated skin. This happens thanks to an energy molecule that delivers amino acids and copper (one of my favorite ingredients) to skin’s deepest layers to produce and encourage collagen.

Some anti-aging products can clog my pores or feel heavy on my skin, especially in the spring and summer. But this manages to soak in and tighten, making it perfect for the warmer months. In addition, it works well in the AM under sunscreen and makeup.

According to the Nordstrom website, a “small group of first-time users may experience a blushing effect upon first application, which should typically last no more than 1-2 hours.” I have fairly sensitive skin and didn’t find this irritating at all. But I suggest trying a patch test on your jaw line if you are prone to irritation.

Available at Nordstrom.

Make Silk Lipstick Cream in Scarlet Oak

I’ve been smitten by MAKE ever since I was introduced to the bold line of color a couple months ago. Their shades challenge me (in a good way). I’ve been rocking their navy eyeliner just like my favorite black all spring long. And I might just have to thank them for my signature spring lip – Make Silk Lipstick Cream in Scarlet Oak – a rich but wearable orange-y red.

First, these architectural lipsticks are shaped into a angular but actually easy to use beautiful shape. I use the sharp edges to correct and fill, particularly with their super saturated color. Even with all this pigment, I find my lips are moisturized thanks to vitamins, rosehip, soybean and safflower oils.

I’d compare these to my beloved Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick – incredibly hydrating with rich color and long-wearing. The only main difference other than packaging might be MAKE’s mission. It is a true “look good, feel good” product. Not only is it cruelty-free but MAKE donates 10% of retail sales to We See Beauty Foundation, which benefits women-run, worker-owned cooperative businesses. All products are made in New York City.

Available at Barneys.

Wednesday On The Web

I always love dress + jeans look – I’ll never forget doing it with a DVF dress at a big blogger event and getting loads of compliments. Please note that beauty junkies aren’t always on the receiving end of sartorial compliments so it gets us pretty excited! Here are a couple other finds from my hours trolling the nets this week:

Fascinating – everything you wanted to know about your state here.

I’m a huge fan of Kate Middleton but am a little speechless on how much she spent on her hair on her latest trip.

40% off all regularly priced items at Stila Cosmetics through tomorrow 10 a.m. PDT with code STILAMOMS40.

Foods that will give you better hair.

How French are you? Proud to say I am Very French aka Tres Chic.

Get a free deluxe mini Deep Throat Blush when you spend $25 or more at NARS Cosmetics with code MAYBLUSH14 through 5/12.

CUSP by Neiman Marcus has loads of finds at their spree sale through 5/9. 30% off regularly priced items.

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Caldrea Essential Collection

On a budget but need to add some beauty to your bathroom? Look no further than Caldrea Essential Collection which is now exclusively created for and sold at Target. The new Essential Collection is their first foray into personal care and consists of five products that are budget but certainly don’t feel budget.

Body Oil, Body Lotion, Body Wash, Hand Balm and Exfoliating Scrub (all under $13) come in three fragrances:

Apple Mint contains Spearhmint and Cedarwood and smelled almost holiday to me – expect a good dose of autumnal apple
Ginger Honey (probably my favorite) has a spiciness to it that was really uplifiting
Mango Lily isn’t overly mango-y (a positive in my book) and I love the hint of vanilla

The body oil is (not a surprise here) my favorite. If you are new to the blog, you should know that I love love love body oils. The dispenser is perfect, the oil absorbs quickly and my skin is soft and hydrated. The body wash doesn’t leave behind much of a scent but is pleasant and doesn’t strip skin. The lotion absorbs quickly and comes in a giant container – perfect for keeping on your office desk. I can’t wait to get my hands on the exfoliating scrub and hand balm!

Bottom line: these body products have the scent and quality of a much more expensive and sophisticated collection! They are also free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and DEA and are not tested on animals.