Tag: Koh Gen Do

Easy & Healthy Glow

Napa Valley on Belle Belle Beauty

I’m fresh off a fabulous trip to Napa Valley which I also like to call my “Happy Place”. There is literally no other place I’d rather be. While a part of it is wonderful wine, I am just as invigorated by great produce, long walks through the vineyards, delicious coffee and (most importantly) seeing my dear and wonderful friends.

While I was out there, I took a break from work-week makeup and went for a fresh and healthy glow. Just a tad of product to even out my skin, some color on the cheeks and a swath of mascara. Here are the products I turned to:

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation – With the warm and dry heat, my skin needed a serious dose of moisture and this barely tinted foundation provided just that. The formula is 60% water and 10% mineral pigments in botanical oil. These pigments work to reflect light for a natural luminous finish.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint – Although Tata is from the East Coat, the Napa Valley reflects a lot of what she’s about: natural products, botanicals and a natural look. I use Very Vivacious as a cheek tint for just a hint of flush that wakes up my complexion.

Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara in Very Black – This is the only waterproof mascara that I use and I love that I can refresh my stash frequently because it is so affordable. There is nothing worse than a dried out waterproof mascara. The formula lends to full but still soft lashes that aren’t stiff. And there are no worries about messy fallout during hotter or more active days.

This post is inspired (but not sponsored by) Glossier. Another favorite for a healthy glow is their Perfecting Skin Tint which offers just a wash of color and is perfect for those with oilier skin.

PR SAMPLES AND AFFILIATE LINKS MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE POST

Holiday Glowing Skin

Holiday Glowing Skin on Belle Belle Beauty

Icy winter weather is back again and we are officially in the throws of holiday celebration. While I am not “taking off” any days this week, I will be slightly lighter on the posts. Instead, I’ll be practicing holiday looks and fine tuning some You Tube tutorials for you in the New Year! Speaking of holiday looks, my favorites this season has been neutral eyes and lips with radiant and glowing skin. I’ve discovered some tips and tricks and wanted to share!

Read more “Holiday Glowing Skin”

Brand Spotlight: Koh Gen Do

Koh Gen Do // Belle Belle Beauty

It all started with a cleansing water. That is, my love for Koh Gen Do. While I sung the praises of this “best of breed” makeup remover, I had yet to try other makeup from the line. Well, that’s all changed. I’ve been trying out two foundation formulas and a powder for the last month or so. In true Asian fashion, the makeup has deep roots in skincare while still having coverages and finishes suited for Hollywood.

The line was created by actress Ai Saotome 25 years ago and evolved into a eco-friendly makeup line. The products are created for hi-def cameras. But that doesn’t mean they are heavy or only for film. I am hooked on it for everyday and special occasion wear.

First up is the Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, a mineral makeup in liquid form with light coverage (however, it is buildable). This foundation is the jewel of the line and no wonder it is a bit of a cult-classic. The formula uses a technology from Japan, integrating two types of light-reflecting particles. The liquid feels substantial but in a moisturizing way. It almost is gel-like in consistency. This made it particularly helpful on a recent airplane trip – my skin looked even and stayed well hydrated. While coverage starts off sheer, it has properties similar to a BB Cream, evening fine lines and color correcting. Maifanshi Moisture Foundation is now part of my permanent “favorites” collection as an everyday, light coverage foundation, particularly in the dry winter months.

On Monday, I appeared on a morning talk show and my foundation of choice was Aqua Foundation SPF 15 PA++. A step up in coverage, the formula is a high-definition, smooth finish foundation with lasting coverage. I am particularly impressed with its ability to cover up my hyper-pigmentation. The finish is satin and nearly flawless (without feeling heavy). Seawater minerals and birch sap extracts add hydration and radiance to keep skin looking healthy and natural.

And, my newest favorite product, across the board, is powder. I used to turn my nose up at powder, but today’s formulas don’t have that heavy, matte, dusky finish. Maifanishi Face Powder is a finely milled, silky translucent powder. The extra step on top of foundation adds a luminescence and staying power. And dry skin suffers will love the addition of moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid. Rather than making my skin look flakey and powdery, it hydrates my skin and makes the foundation finish even more radiant.

Shop my Koh Gen Do favorites here:

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

Favorite Cleansing Waters

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water is my holy grail makeup remover product. And I am not alone. Celebrities go gaga over this stuff. It can remove makeup and nourish sensitive skin without any irritation. It is made with thermal water from Yumura Hot Springs in Izumo, Japan. The formula also contains White Birch Sap – a rare ingreditient that contributes minerals and xylitol. And the best part is no rinsing required – literally no excuse to go to sleep with makeup on. It also comes in towelette form. I saturate a cotton pad, hold over stubborn makeup for a couple seconds and wipe.

Bioderma Créaline Micellar Water is incredibly gentle – makeup artists swear by it for NYFW when models are going through multiple looks a day. It removes even the toughest makeup. The only issue is it is hard to find without paying a tortuous markup. If you are ever in Paris, make sure to pick up a bottle. It is specially formulated for sensitive skin, and the soap-free formula balances skin. The soothing formula clears pores and is super kind to the delicate eye area.

NARS Makeup Removing Water, originally reviewed here, is soap-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free. It tones the skin while removing makeup. It is not the gentlest of the bunch, but it is super lightweight and refreshing. It is ideal for oilier skin. The botanical ingredients that leave my skin glowing and hydrated.

Klorane Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover with Cornflower is also super powerful against stubborn makeup. The formula has pH balance similar to tears so it is especially kind to the eye area. It decongests the skin without any burning. This is a relatively budget friendly buy that works on the most sensitive skin.

Shop my favorites using the widget below: