Tag: Clarisonic

The “No Makeup” Look

I’m baaack! After a week-long break over here on Belle Belle, I am refreshed and ready to hit the ground running again. And I figured no more perfect way than to share how I am getting ready in the AM lately. I am totally digging the “no makeup” look and here are my favorite products to achieve it:

First, the best way to start is bright and radiant clean skin. And I am completely hooked on the Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution. Please see the full review here. But long-story short: the kit comes with Clarisonic Aria, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Skin Renewing Peel Wash and Brightening Activator Serum. I love all the formulas and have seen a dramatic difference since I started using day and night with the formulas. It is especially transoformative on my dreaded hyper-pigmentation.

Next, I like to prime with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Moisture Blur Instant Skin Smoother. It moisturizes, obscures pores, looks natural and blurs away my dark spots. I especially love it on drier, winter skin.

Rather than eye shadow (or a full smokey eye), I like using one shade and a primer on the lid. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a favorite an now comes in a sleek tube. On the lid, it neutralizes discoloration, stays put for 24-hours without creasing and looks clean and natural. I follow with an old favorite which I recently dug out of the Belle Belle archives. All you need is a swipe of Urban Decay NAKED Basics and the formula is so buttery and rich. Plus, the shades suit a variety of skin tones – I like using a swipe of Naked 2 (fourth shade from left). And now I have my eye on the newer palette, Urban Decay NAKED2 Basics.

Last, just add a swipe of my favorite – a pigmented balm on the lips. Looking for a budget option? I’ve been addicted to L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Balm in Nude. You get shine and sheer color that stays put (for a balm). But it never feels waxy or greasy.

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Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution

I drank the Clarisonic kool-aid years ago and the devices have been a part of my routine ever since. I’ve used the Plus, Mia and Pedi, all with stellar results. But regular readers here know my biggest beef is hyper-pigmentation and a general lack of radiance. So the newest Clarisonic really had me pumped. After releasing earlier this year, I finally got my paws on the newest system and I can say I am a total convert and this is my top choice from the Clarisonic family.

Sonic Radiance comes with a device and brightening formulas just in the nick of time to erase our summer skin sins and achieving a winter glow. The system includes the newest Aria – one I hadn’t tried. While I can’t tell a huge difference, I like the technologically-advanced charger and lighter weight.

The brush head is new as well – a Radiance Brush Head – full of dense but soft filaments that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Note: remember not to push the brush against the skin but allow it to lightly touch skin, loosening debris and preventing redness. The pearl pink is a little less shocking than the traditional pink Plus model and it is feminine without being over the top.

I’ve always enjoyed the cleansers that come with the Clarisonic devices but I really love the included products in this version including a morning cleanser, a nighttime peel wash, and a brightening serum (Clarisonic’s first-ever leave-on treatment.) All three products and the device work together to improve acne spots, blotchiness and sun damage. I’ve been using the products and device day and night for two weeks and see imrpovement, particularly with darkness on my cheeks.

The cleansers are foamy and work well against the residue of the day. I do like removing makeup beforehand with a wipe – my favorite these days is this one. That way, makeup doesn’t transfer to the brush head and the products can really work to improve the look of skin.

The Skin Illuminating Cleanser is designed for the AM and gently cleanses and exfoliates skin. The Skin Renewing Peel Wash, my favorite, is creamier and foamier designed for use at night. Then the real gem: the new Brightening Activator Serum can be used morning and night. The combo of treatments allows for potent action and visible results but while still nourishing skin.

Kit includes: Clarisonic Aria, Universal Voltage Charger, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Sin Renewing Peel Wash, Brightening Activator Serum. Products can be purchased individually as well. Or without the device and just the brush head.

Available at Nordstrom and Sephora

New Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush in Neons

Years ago, when the Clarisonic first launched, I purchased a Clarisonic PLUS Face & Body Cleansing in Pink. It has been a trusty friend (and a true asset to my skin care routine). But I was getting a little tired of baby pink – I am not really a girly girl. And the larger size made it difficult to travel with. Plus, I literally never used the body functionality.

In the nick of time, a new Clarisonic arrived in my hot little hands and I love this one even more than the first! Clarisonic Mia has two awesome new shades this summer – the vibrant Electric Pink and limited-edition Electric Blue. This smaller, one-speed edition is exactly what I need in a more compact version. I have the blue shade and its cheerful boldness is perfect in my neutral bathroom.

Those new to Clarisonic: this face brush cleanses the face six times better than hands alone using sonic technology. A little tip for those who found a Clarisonic previously abrasive: make sure you just gently press the head against the surface of your skin. The sonic action will do the work for you. You don’t need to press into the skin hard. The gentle motion is perfect for all skin types and you can use any regular cleanser. I love a foaming variety (I’m currently using mine with this men’s cleanser).

So why is the Clarisonic better than more affordable versions? Those cheaper devices usually spin. The Mia oscillates back and forth at a sonic frequency that produces over 300 movements per second, which gently works with skin’s natural elasticity to extract impurities from skin and pores. Clinical results have shown reduced appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and improved skin tone. I know it sounds like a huge investment, but given I have been using mine over the last several years, several time a week, and my skin has never looked better… it is a no brainer. Also, it is a huge hit with men – even my dad is an addict (find the men’s version here).

Father’s Day Gift Guide on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

The girls don’t always have all the beauty fun. For Father’s Day, there are plenty of grooming and fragrance gift ideas that will have any man feel pampered. I am on Great Day Green Country this morning sharing my favorites for gifting this Sunday that will please all dads from gadget lovers to the busy executive to the sporty outdoors man.

Looking for a way to spruce up his bathroom routine? Look no further than Anthony Father’s Day Survival Kit for the dad in your life. Housed in a great looking toiletries bag, you’ll find Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Shave Cream, All Purpose Facial Moisturizer, Instant Fix Oil Control and Wake Up Call. Everything is perfectly suited for travel and contains all that any man would need. Note: Wake Up Call, a hydrating treatment gel, is one my favorite men’s products I’ve come across to date.

Got a gadget lover in your life? I gave my father a Clarisonic a couple years back and he hasn’t stopped singing its praises. The Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush comes in a masculine grey shade (also with a travel case and cleanser). Ideal for pre-shave, it gives a deep clean and preps for a closer and more comfortable shave.

There is nothing harder than selecting a fragrance for someone – it is such a personal choice. But FragranceNet.com has rounded up a handful of colognes that match your dad’s unique personality. One of these five are sure to please your pops:

The Dapper Dad: Tom Ford Noir has notes of bergamot, violet flower, leather, and black pepper – the ultimate in sophistication.
The Macho-Dad: Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf has unique notes including chilli and saffron combined with leather, tobacco, vetiver and pink pepper. This is a lightweight, woodsy scent.
The Preppy Dad: Polo Ralph Lauren Blue Sport is a timeless classic with notes of green apples, mint, mandarin, sage and ginger.
The Casual Dad: F By Ferragamo Free Time Cologne is perfect for a laid back man with its notes of
lemon, ginger, pink pepper, cardamom and vetiver.
The Sporty Dad: The One Sport Cologne by Dolce & Gabbana has an aquatic feel that is both casual and athletic with notes of rosemary, wood, musk and patchouli.

Looking for a gift set? One of my favorite classic colognes is Ralph Lauren Fragrances Polo Red and their 3-Piece Father’s Day Gift Set is perfect for the energitic dad on the go. Included is Eau De Toilette, After Shave Balm and deodorant. Notes include: red saffron, red grapefruit and red cedar.

Go Go Gadget Beauty on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

After a little break last week, I’m back on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country this AM. This time – being a gadget nerd myself – I am so excited to be talking about all the new tools out there to ensure summer beauty. One reason I love this industry so much is all of the technological innovation, so this subject really gets me excited. Four favorite new gadgets on the market:

Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation

I’ll be honest… my feet are not ready for summer. And I have had my eye on this device for months. As a fan of the original Clarisonic (hope everyone reading this already is on the bandwagon), I knew Clarisonic would do well with a foot version. The handle comes with two heads, a Pedi Smoothing Disc and a Wet/Dry Buffing Brush Head. While you can use this in the shower, I find this works best on dry skin. The exception is the Pedi-Buff, perfect for gentle removal of dead skin. The Pedi Balm is super hydrating. And the Pedi-Boost amps up the process of getting rid of dry skin. Every day, my feet are more and more pool ready.

GO SMiLE Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System

GO SMiLE has long been my choice to whiten teeth and their latest and greatest is really taking it a step further. The brush has a LED sonic action that can increase whitening efficiency, kill bacteria and reduce plaque. You can use the brush with your regular toothbrush or new GO SMiLE Teeth Whitening Gel. The best part? This replaces your regular brushing so you don’t have that annoying second step. Huge when you are lazy like me in the evenings.

bliss fabulips ‘pout’-o-matic

Has been in my shower for a month or so. At first, I was nervous if the rotation was going to be too rough on delicate lips. But the soft massaging head actually buffs away without irritation. Also helpful is using it with bliss’ fabulips sugar lip scrub which has a huge nourishing effect. Bottom line: my bold lip colors look better and I am more apt to care for my lips during shower time.

illuMask Anti-Acne Light Therapy Mask

One of the best ways to fight acne is to use LED light therapy. Usually used during facials, the blue and red light fights inflammation and kills bacteria. But now available for at home use, this tool uses a combo of wavelengths to clear skin. Just use once daily for thirty days. Yeah, you look kinda silly. But clearer, smoother skin is worth it right? Say goodbye to those breakouts!

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Dad’s Day Gift Ideas

This weekend, it is time to fete all those great dads out there! I know my dad and I have a lazy day at home planned, with a yummy dinner and some games of catch in the yard. For those last minute shoppers, here are some of my favorite men’s products I’ve come across lately.

Kiehl’s “Heavy Lifting”Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer for Men is a super powered version of one of my father’s favorites. Formulated especially for men’s thicker skin, this works to battle signs of aging.

Molton Brown SPORT Collection is for the sporty father. My tester used it from head to toe and reported stellar performance as a shave gel, shower gel and shampoo. I love the convenience of one product, especially for a gym bag. The fragrance blend – cassia bark, nutmeg and lime – helps soothe tired muscles.

My neighbor friend has been sporting the Gucci Guilty Black Pour Homme – dare I say… swoon worthy? And frankly, I wore it myself for a couple days – ladies, this is worth stealing from the boys. The Patchoili gives it a sensuality while orange and lavender leave it feeling not to heavy.

Supergoop! Continuous Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 50, one of my favorite SPFs this summer, has also been a hit with the guys. For the outdorsman father, you can’t go wrong with this great smelling spray. Natural oils add a unisex citrus scent and leave skin nourished.

One of the products my father praises most is his Clarisonic. Men love gadgets so I don’t know why I am so surprised. The Clarisonic ‘Aria – Black’ Sonic Skin Cleansing System is a sleek masculine color and will leave his skin smooth and exfoliated.