Belle Belle Beauty

Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant

Is it just me or is everyone a little sassy lately? I keep reaching for my edgier shoes and outfits and am walking around with a little stomp in my step. Perhaps I blame spring allergies and being doped up on Zyrtec. I don’t think that really works, but let’s go with it. At least it is Friday and some sweats and couch plans are not too far off.

A highlight in my “edgier” looks is my new Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant. The long prism works well with softer pieces like this pair of chandelier earrings or can be the perfect compliment with this punky bracelet. I also love that way the gold pairs with my beloved bold lip that I can’t stop reaching for.

So, am I alone or are you guys feeling sassy too? If you need some Stella & Dot in your life, head over to my friend Whitney’s Facebook or Twitter page and get in touch!

Whitney Fields, Star Stylist with Stella & Dot gifted me this necklace but I truly do love it. As always, opinions here are my own.

NEW NARS 413 BLKR Collection Blush and Illuminator

I have a soft spot for NARS’ 413 BLKR collection. Inspired by their flagship store in New York, the collection is filled with rich and sophisticated shades. Wearing them is like a little virtual visit to the big city. On my first visit to New York as a blogger, I vividly remember making my pilgrimage to the then new 413 Bleeker store. You guys know I am a huge NARS fan and my heart sung when I stepped into this oasis. Needless to say, there was quite the shopping spree… then and every time I have visited since.

Just in time for summer, NARS has added two new products to the collection. I’ve been test driving the 413 BLKR Blush and Illuminator the last couple weeks. I can confirm they are awesome. But beyond that, I think the Illuminator is a nimble, multitasking must-have.

First a little about the blush: Rosebud is a serious pop of pink. But while intense, it still manages to look natural. I usually go for a more neutral blush, but I love having this option for statement look or as my skin gets a little darker in the summer. Right now, on me, it looks like I just took a brisk walk or chased after a New York taxi. A fan favorite, the blush formula is micronized and blendable.

The Illuminator is sheer and balanced – not too warm and not too cool. At first, I was using as a highlighter – on my cheekbones and brow bone. Then I read the NARS artist tip to mix with moisturizer or foundation. I am hooked. The Illuminator gives my skin a luminous shimmer without looking sweaty or greasy. Also try wearing it under a tinted moisturizer – you will look literally radiant!

Available exclusively at NARS boutiques and on narscosmetics.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.

Wednesday On The Web

For this week’s On The Web edition, I am so excited to share today’s launch on Shopbop. Starting today, Shopbop will release an exclusive designer collection for women and children with 100% of profits going to Born Free initiative. Born Free’s mission is to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission by 12/31/2015. The collection was created with Amazon Fashion, Vogue, and 22 top female fashion designers including Celine, Chloe, Isabel Marant, Marni and more. Some of my favorites from the collection:

Some other shopping news:

The Dreslyn, one of my favorite places to shop, is having their Friends and Family sale offering 25% site wide off with code WITHBENEFITS (through 4/25).

Saks Fifth Avenue Friends and Family is still in full swing through 4/28. Regularly priced ready to wear, shoes and accessories will be 25% off and all jewelry is 20% off with code FRNFAM. Cosmetics doesn’t have a percentage off, but if you’re a Saks card holder, you can earn double points on your cosmetics purchases.

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Blush

YSL has upped their beauty game the last couple years. Always known as a luxury cosmetics line, their product launches in recent seasons have basically become iconic products (like this gem). Kiss and Blush is no different – a nimble product that does it all. By “does it all”, I mean the perfect lip and cheek duo to throw into your clutch. I’ve been wearing Fuchsia Desinvolte (01) for a flirtatious and springy pop of color.

The feel of the formula is lightweight. I’m able to blend out the shade on my cheeks with a smooth and even coverage. The mousse-like finish is matte and buildable. The doe-foot applicator has a unique roller ball center allowing for the perfect deposit of product.

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

For The Guys: A Jack Black Routine

I’m hearing more and more from men with questions about how to care for their skin. With more options than ever, even the guys can find a routine that addresses concerns from anti-aging to acne. Jack Black might be one of the original premium men’s skin care brands. In fact, I’ve found I love tons of their products myself like this lip balm.

Despite the temptation to keep these goodies for myself, I reluctantly let my dad give Jack Black Epic Moisture MP 10 Nourishing Oil and DIY Power Peel a try – and wow, they were a hit!

First up, I have to note that my dad is an exfoliation junkie. We share a tendency for ingrown hairs and dry skin. So I knew he would love the super-powered DIY Power Peel. This is a professional level peel so guys, you have to skip shaving on days you use the pads. But don’t worry if you have sensitive skin. The gentle exfoliation helps with anti-aging and can lighten dark spots. Dad reported no irritation and a more radiant complexion both the day of use and over the couple of weeks he was testing.

Another surprising thing I’ve discovered since I enlisted dad to be a product tester: he loves anything moisturizing. Since I had fallen for face oils, I had a feeling he’d be open to trying one out especially designed for men: Jack Black Epic Moisture MP 10 Nourishing Oil. MP 10 stands for ten multipurpose benefits for skin and hair. Ideal for men, this oil is light and absorbs quickly, leaving a sheer, non-greasy moisture behind. The antioxidants and fatty acids improves skin over time. If you have a guy in your life that shies away from lotions and creams, this could be just the ticket!

Available at Neiman Marcus and now earn up to a $500 gift card with your select online purchase of $200 or more and code APRILGC. Shop The Post:

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

Bronzers on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

Can you believe we are already halfway through April? This year is flying by. Before you know it, pool season will be here and its accompanying sun-kissed look. But instead of achieving the look with damaging sun rays, fake a glow with the crop of new bronzers that are better than ever. This morning, I am on Great Day Green Country chatting about the best products and how to use them. I’ll post my segment tomorrow, but for now… here is a summary of what I’ll be chatting about.

This season’s formulas are better performing than ever with lasting power and a natural look. The first rule of thumb is use creams on top of creams and powders on top of powders. If you prefer a liquid tinted moisturizer of foundation, try a cream formula like the new NARS Matte Multiple in Vientiane for darker skin tones or Altai for a softer and rosier glow. CoverGirl truMagic bronzer is a killer cream formula at drugstore prices. Also from the drugstore aisles, Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Peach offers a more subtle and luminous glow.

If you prefer powder foundation, reach for MAC Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze. Not totally matte, there is just a hint of luminous glow with a depth of color that still looks natural. Those with darker skin tones will love bareMinerals READY Bronzer in The High Dive.

There are two techniques to applying bronzer. The first, well known as the “3” method is to sweep color in the shape of a three around the temples, below cheekbones and below the jaw. Reverse the three shape for the other side. This approach lends to a contoured look. Alternatively, apply bronzer to where sun would naturally hit the skin: cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead. The outcome is a “just finished a day at the pool” look with a healthy and youthful glow.

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