We work hard to keep our skin looking great with a skin care regime. And when things are going well, we want to show that off, right? Lately, my skin has been looking better than ever. My hyper-pigmentation fades in the winter. And my pores are clear mostly thanks to this guy. So, I don’t want any foundation that is cake-y or heavy.
First, L’Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream comes out of the tube in a surprisingly milky white cream. But the formula transforms into a hydrating and light-coverage tinted moisturizer. I get a dewy skin and luminous finish. The blurring effect leaves a perfected and bare look. Available in four shades and made in the USA.
While CC creams usually have more coverage, this Boots No7 version is slightly lighter than other CC creams I’ve tried. The finish is a touch heavier than the L’Oreal. I adore the inclusion of SPF 20 – perfect for winter office days. And the skin care ingredients all work to make skin look even better. The thicker application is nourishing without being heavy.
The Boots No7 is my pick if you’d like slightly more coverage. L’Oreal is a better choice if you want a light, optical blurring effect without a lot of pigment. Both are suited to my drier skin.
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 is the time for those dream trips, often abroad. Even if we don’t have one planned, we might be daydreaming about being on a beach in Greece or strolling the Parisian avenues. Without leaving our vanities, we can bring the exotic into our lives via beauty. So many of the international beauty staples have withstood the test of time, making them a must-have. This morning on Tulsa Live (formally Great Day Green Country), I shared some of my favorites to transport me to travel hotspots:
I can’t help but start off with my favorite destination, France. And what is more French than Caudalie, a skin care line built upon the benefits of Grape-seed Polyphenols, the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world. Caudalie Polyphenol c15 Overnight Detox Oilis one of the newest from the brand and is also made in France. The team has coupled the anti-oxidants with stabilized Vitamin C to block free-radicals. The dry oil soaks in and regenerates skin while you sleep. Plus, the smell will lull you to snoozeville with Carrot, Lavender, and White Sandalwood ($52).
Another dream location I hope to visit one day is the Dead Sea, a natural phenomenon I have always been fascinated with. No wonder I love AHAVA, a collection that utilizes minerals found in the Dead Sea in every single product.AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Mudtransports that special mineral-rich mud right to your shower. The mud is harvested from the banks where clay is packed with an ultra-high concentration of minerals that can foster healthy looking skin. Excess oil, dead skin and toxins are whisked away while the mud stimulates circulation and improves skin tone. And calling all athletes and workaholics: this mud treatment can also help with stress and muscle aches. Just dirty up and spread all over your body, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse ($15).
Asia is still on my bucket list (if you don’t count my couple days in the part of Turkey that lies on the continent). My cousin has a passion for Japan and I think it has rubbed off on me. After all, Japan lays claim one of the great skin care cultures. One reason could be the availability of Wakame, a seaweed that grows along the coast of Japan and is often said to be the reason why Japanese women have youthful skin even into old age. H2O Plus Face Oasis CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA +++ contains a wakame compound that offers tons of anti-aging properties including a natural sunscreen and protection against the loss of Hyaluronic Acid. While CC creams generally have heavier coverage in my experience, this version is sheer to medium coverage and can brighten skin without being heavy. Bonus points for the inclusion of chemical free sunscreen ($35). Note: this line flies under the radar but is fabulous for relatively affordable skin care.
And we couldn’t round up this virtual world tour without a couple of stops in Africa. It seems that African ingredients are having somewhat of a moment in the beauty industry. First up is the super-popular Argan Oil from the Argan Tree of Morocco. I know we all have seen it on shelves, but what exactly is Argan Oil? The Berber people of Morocco discovered the culinary, cosmetics and medicinal benefits of Argan Oil. Unroasted Argan Oil is traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases. In cosmetics, Argan Oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, working against flaky skin as well as nourishing and fortifying the hair. L’Oreal harnessed Argan’s nourishing benefits to heal dull, dry and damaged hair with Oleo Therapy. The Oleo Therapy collection is sulfate-free and contain six flower oils to provide nutrition and hydration to strands ($6.99 – 12.99).
Lastly, let’s head South to South Africa for another oil that has been part of beauty rituals for centuries. Marula fruit fates back as far as 10,000 BC. No wonder since its miracle oil can protect skin in severe climates. Marula Oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-9 fatty acids which can fight free radicals, prevent water loss and improve elasticity. Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Cream is a nutritional supplement that packs a hydration punch and works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Expect renewed skin and a more youthful appearance. I love this cream after a ski day or a pool afternoon. It even calms my red flush after a run and can be used on the face and body ($265).
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.
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.
I’m one of those freaks that needs loads of sleep. If I had my druthers, I’d get nine hours every night. But we know sometimes that just isn’t possible. I used to be able to fake that “rested” look with my beloved NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer, but I’ll be darned if I am starting to need some extra help as I approach the big 3-5.
While I have tried tons of eye creams and masks, I haven’t really found something that provides a more immediate result. Enter Chantecaille’s Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Mask. While I feel like I should note this is truly a luxury item, it is both a short-term solution and long-term investment.
Using all natural seaweed as a base, the formula is infused with an anti-aging gold serum. The transparent gel masks provide a cooling sensation. After one use, lines are minimized and puffiness is gone. The revealed radiant skin replaces dark circles. Longer term, gold works to protect DNA and boost collagen.
I am wearing my third set of masks as I type and one of my favorite features is that they disappear on your face. I have no fear of frightening the FedEx man if he happens to knock on the door. I also appreciate the the small crescents adhere to the under eye area without slipping and sliding. They stay put for the entire recommended 20 minutes.
Paraben free, fragrance free, petrochemical free and cruelty free. Includes 8 pairs of eye gels per box. Apply 3-4 times a week.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
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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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.
Last summer, I had the chance to finally check out Alterna Haircare with their summer appropriate Bamboo collection. Its tropical scent and lightweight was perfect for the hotter months. Now, I have discovered another Alterna gem suited for my dry winter hair.
