Belle Belle Beauty

Tips For An At-Home Manicure

Sure, I’d love to have a professional mani/pedi weekly and let’s go ahead and add on a couple blowouts and a massage (or two). But that just isn’t possible for us regular folks. So, I will continue to pursue the perfect at-home blow out and beg for a back rub when I can. But I have had enough practice to pretty much master an at-home manicure which makes me feel pampered and will give my nails a professional, clean look. And I am excited to share those tips on Great Day Green Country this AM – we changed things up this week and will be doing my usual Friday segment on Thursday

Quick side note on my polishing skills: I have lots of trouble getting polish to remain chip-free for more than two days. I know even the illustrious Eva Chen admits to repolishes every couple of days. So I’ll settle for working my way through my endless nail polish collection with a switch up more often. I’ve had gels for a couple months. With my returned natural nails, changing up shades right now is kind of refreshing. With that said… here is my routine:

Start with clean, dry nails. Remove older polish with a nourishing remover. Make sure to double check sides of nails for any rogue polish. Splurge on specialty nail cottons because they are particularly absorbent and abraded.
Shape nails with a glass file. A glass file is gentle on delicate nails and avoids tugging or breakage. Squoval is the universally-flattering and classic shape but we have been seeing editorial-shaped nails like pointed on runways for a couple seasons so go for any look you desire!
Soak nails in a bowl of warm soapy nails to soften skin. Sometimes, I jump in the shower at this point to kill two birds with one stone.
Apply a cuticle remover to remove dead tissue from the cuticle area. Use a wooden nail tool to push back cuticles. Resist using those dreaded nail clippers. Cutting skin can breed bacteria. And that skin also serves a purpose protecting the delicate cuticle area and can prevent redness. Cut any hangnails if you must.
Thoroughly rinse cuticle remover ensuring it doesn’t stay on skin too long. Nourish dry hands with a rich hand cream like Nuance Salma Hayek Super Brightening Hand Cream (which is cruelty-free and can help with the appearance of age spots) or Library of Flowers Coco Butter Handcreme.
Wipe nail beds only with alcohol or a nail primer like Deborah Lippmann 2 Second Nail Primer to ensure oils from the nail bed are completely clean. Use specialty cotton to avoid any residual threads that could ruin polish application. Or try Q-Tip Precision Tips Cotton Swabs if your nail beds are on the small side.
Apply a strengthening base coat like Essie Grow Stronger and allow to completely dry. If you have trouble keeping polish on, try Orly Bonder. Then use two coats of colored polish, starting with a swipe down the middle of the nail followed by one on each side. Finish with a quick dry, no chip top coat. Right now, I am loving Debroah Lippmann Hard Rock.
Maintain your manicure by applying a new top coat every other day. In the evenings, keep cuticles looking healthy with hand cream or specialty designed cuticle and nail balm.

Wednesday On The Web

While I adore classic and neutral beauty, I have a ton of bolder shades that have arrived at the office over the past couple of weeks. I love this image to remind myself that classic beauty can also incorporate stronger, deeper shades. And there is nothing like a change in seasons to inspire a little vanity shake up, right? Here are some finds from around the web and killer sales going on. Enjoy!

Loving these cuff rings highlighted by Casie – I especially have my eye on this one.

Loving Deborah Lippmann’s creme and candy colored spring collection, especially this shade.

I had to send my beloved PS1 off to be repaired and meanwhile I am drooling over this beautiful shade for spring.

Suffering from dry skin? Check out this tip.

Julia styled this clutch over here and I am in love!

Through tomorrow at J. Crew take an extra 40% off sale items using the code EXTRA40. Love these to amp up my sleep game and this sparkler.

Take $15 off $100, $40 off $200, or $75 off $300 at Piperlime with the code SPRING through 3/21.

Through tomorrow at Neiman Marcus, use the code BET2GET to receive a gift card with select regularly priced purchases: spend $250 to get back $25, spend $500 to get back $50, spend $750 to get back $100, spend $1,000 to get back $150, or spend $2,000+ to get back $300 — you can even double your card’s value if your purchase includes both men’s or women’s apparel and a shoe or bag purchase.

Receive a $35 gift card on a $250 purchase, $75 gift card on a $500 purchase, $150 gift card on a $1,000 purchase, $450 gift card on a $2,000 purchase, or $700 gift card on a $3,000 purchase in women’s contemporary apparel at Saks Fifth Avenue with code CONTEMP3 through 3/23. I have my eye on this jumpsuit.

image here

Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly

Organic beauty has been on my mind. While I wouldn’t say I look for it universally, there is something of a thrill finding a product that works well and also promises to be free of nasty ingredients. Vapour Organic Beauty has been peppered throughout my blog reading list and I knew it was about time to learn more about the brand. I had heard rave reviews about their stick foundation, and while I have yet to try it, I knew their stick formulas were bound to be winners.

Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly is a true multi-tasking superstar. As part of the “Radiant” family, expect more of a highlighter than a blush. Other shades come in “Classic” or “Stain”. Frankly, the “Radiant” shades seem to be the stars with their flexibility and suitability for a wide range of skin tones.

Equally suited for eyes, cheeks and lips, Aura Multi-Use Blush in Heavenly gives that “lit within” glow. And don’t stop there. This stick is perfect for shoulders and décolletage too. Unlike NARS Multiples, Vapour’s stick – at least this one – works better if you warm the product on the back of your hand to activate. For cheeks, you can apply directly from the applicator and work into the skin.

Now here comes the good part: this blush is made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% mineral pigments and vitamins. It is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients and anti-oxidants along with moisturizing and calming ingredients. It should be noted that I can not detect a scent. Cruelty and gluten free.

Available at Beauty.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.

Library of Flowers The Forest Parfum Crema and Coco Butter Handcreme

I first spotted Library of Flowers at Neiman Marcus and was immediately blown away by the beautiful packaging. Somehow it managed to be elegant, beautiful and playful all at the same time. I then learned the unique mission of this indie brand – to create memorable journeys through sight and scent. Perfume Author Margot Elena crafts Eau de Parfum, Parfum Crema, Coco Butter Handcreme, Bubble Bath, Perfumed Soap and Bath Oil that all remind me of particular aspects of nature.

One of the most compelling and unique products is the Parfum Crema designed to be used in place of traditional fragrance. The triple-scented rich cream is completely a fragrance alternative designed to be worn alone. Or you can wear it with Coco Butter Handcreme for a more intense, full-body effect.

While I haven’t tried out many of their scents (that each belong to one of three “chapters”) I have been diving into The Forest with notes (or as Margot calls them “characters”):

Top: Oak Bark
Middle: Arctic Moss
Bottom: White Sage

While The Forest does not have my adored amber note, the deep, spicy woodiness is a welcome departure from my usual favorites. And the hydrating deliver approach is curing my sad winter skin. This handcream will have a permanent spot in my purse. Mostly because I love the scent but the ooohs and ahhhs when I pull out the beautiful packaging doesn’t hurt either!

Other scents include Field & Flowers Honeycomb, Linden, True Vanilla, Forget Me Not, Willow & Water, Wildflower & Fern, Arboretum, Kirimashi Air, Moon Shadow and Root.

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

Beauty From The Inside Out on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

This week on Great Day Green Country, I am talking about something a little different. Here on Belle Belle there is lots of discussion of creams and serums we slather on to keep us looking young. Today, I am discussing some things we can do from the inside out to keep skin radiant, young and clear.

Supplementing our diet with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is one of the most obvious ways we can improve our skin from the inside out. One of my favorite skin care brands offers supplements specifically targeted to skin. And bonus points that it is backed by one of the most recognizable names in dermatology, Dr. Perricone. Perricone MD Nutriceuticals Skin & Total Body Dietary Supplements is three-tier daily program of nutrients to boost immune system and encourage beautiful skin. While joint and bone function is boosted, antioxidants fights free radicals. Fine lines and wrinkles are replaced with radiant skin. And supplements also offer protection against future damage.

Second up, the always important water. Water is the most basic way we can make our skin radiant and healthy. I notice that when I skip my morning guzzling of water, my skin looks dull and splotchy. But if I keep that bottle at my desk, filled all day long, I get a supple glow. While I try to use a recyclable water bottle, I full admit to splurging on Glaceau Smart Water Electrolyte Enhanced Water. I used to love FIJI but now (if water can really have a flavor) I prefer Smart Water.

I’m on my third month of Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women (you can find my amazing round 1 results from 2012 here). My hair grew 3.5 inches in three months last time and I am seeing the same results this time around. This supplement, adored by models (like Karlie Kloss) and actresses (like Reese Witherspoon), promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. 100% natural ingredients and drug-free, the formula works for men and women, all ages and all ethnicities. Fish proteins, horsetail extract and Vitamin C help ramp up production of keratin (which also boosts nail growth!). My lashes and brows are fuller and longer. My hair seems healthier despite an increase in heat styling lately. And my scalp health is even improved. My body hair did grow a little faster, but the trade off was worth it.

Last but not least, pick up some of the trendy Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil. You won’t regret swaping this kitchen staple and get a second jar to keep in your bathroom. The past week, oil pulling has been all over the internet. This practice of swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes daily is said to improve tooth and gum health. While I haven’t made it longer than three minutes, I can say my gum line does appear soothed and my teeth feel cleaner than usual after a couple nights of trying it. If this practice is just too gross for you (I don’t blame you), don’t worry – there are lots of other ways coconut oil can be used to improve skin health. Replace butter and other oils with coconut in your cooking. Coconut oil’s medium-chain-length fatty acids is an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent which can help with shiny hair and clearer skin. Bonus points that it boosts metabolism. And don’t forget to slather it on as a cuticle cream, moisturizer, eye makeup remover and hair conditioner.

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Skinfix Body Repair Balm and Rapid Repair Balm

Previously only distributed in Canada, Skinfix is finally available in the US! Yay! This little brand is quite the lifesaver and has come in particularly handy for me the last couple of weeks. Developed based on a family recipe passed down from British Pharmacopoeia, these medicinal balms are proven to work without all the irritating ingredients that can so often be found to treat eczema, dryness, dermatitis, chaffing, razor burn and sunburn.

These balms are made from secret blends of vitamins, minerals, botanical oils and plant extracts. Both balms are dermatologist tested, steroid-free, fragrance-free, hydrocortisone-free and with BPA-free packaging.

Body Repair Balm landed on my desk right as I got my first eczema diagnosis. This tiny (and annoying) patch appeared below my eye last month. My doctor advised me to pick up some hydrocortisone. But I always try to steer clear of unnecessary steroids. I remembered this all-natural balm and started slathering away. Just as the doc promised with the hydrocortisone, that patch was healed in under a week. Now I know that hydrocortisone can harm skin’s natural moisture barrier, so I’ll be turning to Skinfix Body Repair Balm for any dryness or dermatitis from now on. The formula contains colloidal oatmeal, healing botanicals and sweet almond oil. While the texture is very thick, it does absorb quickly into skin leaving behind only a slight stickiness.

Rapid Repair Balm is an amped up version that is specifically targeted for the most injured skin. It tackles chaffing, minor burns, sunburns, razor burn or chronic rashes. Like the Body Repair Balm, this formula is hydrocortisone-free but offers a sort of steroid-free all-natural hydrocortisone. A medicine cabinet staple, it helps with ailments for the entire family. This extremely thick balm doesn’t absorb but sits on top of skin with a little greasiness. But that’s its role as a super healing balm. While each balm is slightly different, I honestly will have these stocked in the future. Their natural properties and ability to treat a wide range of ailments make them invaluable.

Available at Skinfix.com and C.O. Bigelow.