Tag: Essie

Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat

I feel like I am on a epic, never ending adventure to find a great base coat to make my nails long and strong. Well, I am taking a little break from that adventure because I have fallen hard for Essie’s grow strong. So much so that I’ve been rocking bare nails since last week.

The slight pinkish tint and matte finish the base coat gives on its own is actually quite pretty. Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, And Mineral Strengtheners improve the look and fortitude of nails. My nails are growing like a weed!

I can’t seem to find it anywhere online, but if you spot it, highly recommend snagging a bottle! I found mine at CVS.

Pre-Party Prep for a Festive Weekend

Anyone else planning for some festive fun this weekend? You can tell by my manicure above, I’m in the spirit (it is Essie Pretty Edgy). I am sure this will be a relatively boozy weekend with St. Patrick’s Day, wedding festivities and seeing old friends. So, with that in mind…

Just because we are partying doesn’t mean we don’t want to look our best, right? I’m sticking to these tips to ensure my skin looks its fresh and I can avoid feeling horrible after one too many.

Tonight (and every night), I am going to ensure my skin is super hydrated and nourished with Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer. It replinishes skin and is packed with Pro-Vitamin B5 known to help restore, soften and smooth.
I am going to shoot for alternating water with every “adult beverage”. This ensures you pace yourself and stay hydrated. Bonus points if you can hunt down lemon – it helps detoxify the liver and speed metabolism.
It is easy to get carried away and forget to reapply sunscreen while you are celebrating over brunch on a patio or at a backyard BBQ. I’m tossing Simple Skincare Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 in my purse for frequent reapplication. The lightweight formula is easy to wear with a non-greasy feel.
No excuses here – I keep Simple Skincare Cleansing Facial Wipes right by my bed so no matter how tired I am, that makeup is coming off. I also love the Simple Skincare Eye Make-Up Remover Pads for the delicate eye area.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Essie + Bauble Bar

Two of my favorite brands have come together for the coolest little collaboration. What possibly can be better than jewels and nail polish? The winter Essie collection is paired with your custom set of bracelets. Here is how it works:

choose your polish and a custom bracelet
then, stack on a bangle or cuff
and then add a wrap bracelet to finish the look!

All four items are $50 and come in an adorable pouch. Such a great gift idea or little treat for yourself.

Urban Decay and Essie GIVEAWAY

A couple months ago, I gave away one original Urban Decay NAKED palette as a token of appreciation to you, my dear readers. It was my most popular giveaway to date. Well, things have been going VERY well here at Belle Belle… so let’s do it again!

This time I am giving away the sequel: Urban Decay NAKED 2 AND a bottle of Essie penny talk. Both will be staples for fall looks. I love the sleek metal packaging on the newest version of NAKED. There are a couple more matte shades, like Blackout (blackest black with matte finish) and Foxy (cream bisque with matte finish), that add versatility.

Essie penny talk is opaque rose gold that can be festive and neutral at the same time. And of course has that time-tested Essie formula that makes it a breeze to work with.

Thanks for all your support and good luck! Enter using the widget below and this is open to anyone anywhere!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Drugstore Favorites for the Fall

I’ve been trolling the beauty section of my local drug store and want to report on some of my current favorites. I’m keeping in mind the fall trends and drier air. Not to mention the big holiday parties we have coming up. Not included in the round up was the obligatory candy corn I stocked up on yesterday. Why is that stuff so good?

CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation: I’ve been really impressed with this foundation. It has medium coverage with a matte finish, without requiring a ton of product. I love the addition of skin care, so you are working to improve the appearance of your skin. It plays especially well with my drier skin.

Visine Maximum Redness Relief Eye Drops: At first I was skeptical of this red carpet staple. But I am so glad I picked some up at the store. I used it recently before a big event and my eyes were clear and bright. I needed less eye makeup and I appeared more awake. I probably wouldn’t use this in my daily rotation, but I now consider this a “must have” for big nights out.

Olay Age Defying Instant Hydration Serum: Olay is definitely a forerunner in the skin care game along side so many luxury contenders. This hydrating primer would be a perfect moisturizer for someone with oilier skin. I use it as a primer – it has very similar consistancy to Smashbox Hydrating Primer. And I keep it at my desk to treat dry spots throughout the day.

Bio-Oil Scar Treatment: While marketed as a scar treatment, Bio-Oil also makes for a great body oil. While I do use this on some older scars, hoping to see some improvement, I’ve found it makes for a great moisturizer post shower. It has a baby powder scent with a smooth, non-greasy finish.

Essie Miss Fancy Pants: Essie did it again with their fall collection. While the bolder colors are also fabulous, I love this grey taupe for an understated elegance. If you want something more festive, try Stylenomics.

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LuckyFABB Nails

My Monday spent at LuckyFABB was full of blogging advice, seeing old blogging buddies and making new friends and connections. I never expected my manicure to get a facelift. At the LeSportsac booth, my manicure got “blinged”. On top of my original Chanel Paradoxal, she used Essie’s As Gold As It Gets and Sephora by OPI It’s Real 18K Gold Top Coat for an imperfect golden French Manicure. Then, an accent nail was added with just the gold polishes. Adds a bit of interest, don’t you think? And bonus! The manicure matched my ring perfectly.