Tag: cleanser

Brand Spotlight: Colleen Rothschild

While I have some favorite skin care lines (Kate Somerville, SK-II and Tata Harper come to mind), I always enjoy checking out a newcomer. And Colleen Rothschild is certainly qualified to bring a great one to the table. She is known as a genius behind many products created for dermatologists, estheticians and stores.

Having the fluency in research and chemistry, Colleen developed a line with next generation ingredients and technology. Working in labs and globally sourcing formulas, Colleen addresses what every woman really wants: best results quickly and streamlined, efficient skincare.

Her formulas are uniquely powered by a proprietary delivery system, called Level E3. My favorite product lately has been the Sheer Renewal Cream because it is so light-weight and oil free. Add in the fact that it works to boost cell turnover and you have an easy-to-use workhorse. Bonus that it is beautiful under makeup with a powder finish.

At first blush, I was swooning over Radiant Cleansing Balm (and I still love it – but occasionally crave one of my beloved foaming cleansers). This fabulously smelling balm is massaged into dry skin to clean pores while leaving skin super soft. Love the included muslin cloth (which I proceeded to quickly lose – oops). Note: this was too irritating to use on my eyes so take care before using to remove eye makeup.

I love a great detox mask and the Clarifying Detox Mask ranks right up there at the top. A classic charcoal formula draws out impurities and balances complexion. I love the way it leaves my skin radiant but not tight and dry.

Available at ColleenRothschild.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.

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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Neutrogena Pore No More

I went through a phase where I was testing a ton of luxury cleansers a while back – I know, I know… tough life. But as I was working through the group to select my favorites, I noticed that my skin was missing a deep clean. Many of these luxury cleansers are designed for more mature skin. And while my complexion is on the dry side, I still needed a deep clean to keep those pesky blackheads at bay.

Enter a little trio from Neutrogena. All three #PoreNoMore products use alpha and beta hydroxy acids to deep clean skin, rejuvenate and minimize the appearance of pores. Read: younger looking skin. The cleansers both had my beloved foaming action. Because they are soap-free, I did achieve that deep clean without any tightness. I will say there was an ever so slight chemical smell, but I chalk that up to drugstore goods – great price point and something has got to give somewhere, right? See note below

First up is the Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser which I’ve found I like using just once or twice a week. Those who are slightly oilier or who have very problematic pores might be able to indulge in this a little more often. My skin is relatively soft and this cleanser really shines with rough and uneven skin. The granules are fairly small and would work on even acne-prone skin. Don’t expect a huge foam here, but it was enough to get my juices flowing.

Something that suits my drier skin everyday: Pore Refining Daily Cleanser. While this is the formula that I get most of the chemical smell (see note), I did love to foaming action and refined finish of my skin. My skin was exfoliated without being red whatsoever. And all my makeup was removed.

And last but not least comes my biggest surprise. I absolutely fell so hard for the Pore Refining Toner. This totally shocked me as I expected this toner to leave my skin tight and dry. But the topical application of the alpha and beta hydroxy acids really retexturized my skin and left it feeling really clean. I loved the refreshing scent and “wipe the day away” effect. And the active ingredients really penetrated my pores but didn’t dry out or anger my skin.

Leave it to Neutrogena to come up with something that can shore up my pores without leaving my redness prone skin irritated. If you are going for a deeper clean this fall, don’t hesitate to check out the #PoresNoMore collection.

Note: this chemical smell is likely attributed to sulphates. I know many people feel strongly about the use of this ingredient. While I am still researching myself, I generally try to stay away for long term use out of an abundance of caution. But I also know many readers rely on drugstore brands that I love like Neutrogena who frequently includes sulphates in their products. If you are trying to avoid sulphates – either short or long-term – please be aware.

Favorite Cleansers

With the new office gig, I have been putting on a full face of makeup everyday. I cannot lie – I enjoy the process of getting ready every morning. Not a shocker coming from this beauty junkie. While my exercise clothes have been a little neglected, I have been diving in some awesome relics and favorite from the beauty stash – more on that later.

With a full face of makeup everyday, cleansing has become even that more crucial. I usually am a fan of drugstore foaming cleanser to get the day off. But these luxury picks have me singing a different tune. Some of my new favorite cleansers lately:

Diptyque Nourishing Cleansing Balm

While I haven’t been huge about these candles, I did love the cleansers from the new Diptyque skin care line. Everything is crafted and packaged beautifully. Nourishing balm transforms when it comes in contact and melts off the thickest of makeup. Using the included spatula, I scoop out a small (talking dime size here) amount and apply to dry skin. I use wet hands to emulsify the balm and smooth over skin. This is gentle enough to remove eye makeup too. I rinse with water and my skin is left soothed and clean. Note: my eyes have been really irritated after makeup removal lately and this is the only thing I’ve found to leave them un-irritated and calmed.

Note: I also adore their SPF – it smells amazing!

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Pate Moussant (Soapless Foaming Cleanser)

Bar soap is having a renaissance (note: this soap has made a very welcome return to my shower). But some versions can strip skin. This one is soap-free and contains sunflower and shea butter. And you still get that satisfying lather from a traditional soap. My sensitive skin doesn’t get angry and I get a deep clean with my skin feeling supple. Also, I like that there isn’t an overwhelming scent.

Bella Schneider Beauty Instant Microexfoliating Cleanser

I’ve tried a handful of these powder-to-foam cleanser and this one balances exfoliation with a milky luxuriousness. When you add water, you get a creamy texture that works to even skin. Lactic and malic acid (much gentler versions of chemical exfoliators) work to renew and turnover cells. My face is left calm and ready for the whole plethora of skin care goodies I am currently testing out.

Don’t forget – it is time for the Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus. Some of my favorite picks to stock up on:

Diptyque and Sisley-Paris and samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. Bella Schneider was provided as a press sample. But, as always, opinions are my own.

Kiehl’s 5th Annual Liferide for amfAR

Why does Kiehl’s always have the coolest events? Probably because they are just a cool company like that. Especially inspired are those to raise money for amfAR and awareness to help cure AIDS. Today marks the start of the fifth annual Keihl’s Liferide that starts in Milwaukee and continues to New York on 8/11. In addition to store stops, their will be a dedication of The AIDS Memorial Quilt on Governor’s Island in New York on the 10th and 11th. Check out the stops along the way here.

And if you want to get your shop on, visit a Kiehl’s store on the event day and get 15% off all purchases (with the exception of charitable products and value sets). Kiehl’s will offer the 15% Celebration Discount at the other Kiehl’s retail stores and Kiehls.com 8/9 and 8/10. Kiehl’s will donate that 15% to amfAR, up to the $150,000 total donation.

Consider picking up the Limited Edition Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, a jumbo size of the company’s classic formula. 100% of the net profit from the sales of this product will benefit amfAR. Or, pick up my new favorite cleanser, Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. The soap-free formula is ultra-foamy, ensuring my makeup is whisked away. But my skin is never left dry or tight. Plus, I love the herbal scent!

LIFTLAB PURIFY + CLARIFY Daily Cleanser, Detox Mask and Gentle Exfoliant

The downside to beauty blogging is that so many products cross my desk, I sometimes forget about an old favorite. I know… #firstworldproblems. But then, an email, a hunt around the beauty closet, or a generous package shows up and you fall in love all over again.

This time, my love affair is renewed with LIFTLAB PURIFY + CLARIFY Daily Cleanser, Detox Mask and Gentle Exfoliant. And oh my is it hot and heavy.

LIFTLAB PURIFY + CLARIFY™ Daily Cleanser, Detox Mask and Gentle Exfoliant works as a 3-in-1, but it is basically a cleanser. The “detox” and “exfoliant” sound intense for drier and sensitive skin, but the foam actually balances my moisture levels. At the same time, Aqualumine™, a proprietary blend of enzymes derived from red caviar is a nice and gentle alternative to chemical and physical exfoliants.

My skin is left clear, brightened and smooth. One of their proprietary ingredients encourages cell turnover. My skin feels so clean (but certainly not tight) that I have been skipping my beloved toner. There is probably nothing I love more than a bunch of foam with my Clarisonic and this certainly doesn’t disappoint.

If you want to amp up your game, go for a deep clean 1-2 per week as a mask. Leave on for three minutes and experience an effervescent and uplifting treatment.

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