Tag: lipstick

Holiday Gifting – NARS Vault

Holiday Gifting - NARS Vault on Belle Belle Beauty

I figure we might as well start out Belle Belle’s holiday gifting series with a bang. I am absolutely lusting over this offering from NARS – perfect for the true beauty buff. And I have been meaning to share with you guys how much I love these two new formulas from the brand that both were released earlier this year.

The NARS Vault in a curated collection of Audacious Lipsticks and Nail Polishes. The lipsticks have quickly become a favorite – their creamy texture last forever but don’t dry out lips. Their colors are rich and pigmented – I have been wearing Rita, the perfect cool winter red. And Audacious comes in perfectly developed range of classic shades. This set includes: Raquel, Anita, Jane, Claudia, Michiyo, Grace, Lana, Carmen, Vivien and Sandra.

The nail polish really blew me away – I would be in heaven to have these the shades (Ecume, Ithaque, Orgasm, Trouville, Schiap, Hunger, Dovima, Jungle Red, Purple Rain and Back Room). I can’t get over how perfect their black, Back Room, is on nails – opaque, rich and still classic. Their new brush design in a breeze to use. And I was delighted to find that my manicure lasted a full week – somewhat of a miracle with my nails.

Both collections are housed in a wooden box with the signature NARS soft-touch finish and over-sized interior mirror. Don’t miss out on this true collectors item. I know it is a splurge but this has major wow factor.

Available at narscosmetics.com, Saks and Barneys.

 

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Insolent Plum on Belle Belle Beauty

The word this fall is “purple”. While purple lips sounds scary (at least they used to to me), I recently found out they are actually a blast to wear. Imagine this: I stroll into a bar wearing Insolent Plum…. I know…

But seriously, I was meeting a group of some of my more sophisticated friends and was greeted with an effusive “I love your purple lips!”. Wow – I didn’t even really think I was wearing purple. But that is the beauty of rocking a subtle trend: my favorite kind.

Add that to the fact that the formula of Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick is something to celebrate. The pigments define lips without being cakey or matte. My dry lips remain super hydrated. But somehow this balmy texture manages to pack a color pop.

And the design of the tube is so intuitive, dare I say you don’t even need a mirror? Bonus points: this lasted through two (very sophisticated) cocktails.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne

Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne on Belle Belle Beauty

Wow, talk about a blog break. I don’t think in the four years of Belle Belle Beauty I have taken almost a full week off. Apologies for the absence. I wish I could point to one reason. I think a lot of it stemmed from a need to step away and reevaluate the direction of the blog (don’t worry – I basically decided I am going to continue on the same track). A lot of the break was forced by a nasty case of strep throat. It is amazing how an infection like that can really knock me out now that I am only weeks away from my 35th birthday. Lastly, I have had some developments on a  personal front. While I won’t go into any details, I can say: “why is dating so darn hard!?”. That being said, I am truly happy and it is nice, no matter the outcome, to find yourself caring so unconditionally for someone.

So, meanwhile, my beauty routine has been pretty simple. I have thrown my hair in plenty of dirty and messy topknots. Skipping eye makeup all together just seemed easier with the sore throat. But when I needed to add a little perky spice to my look (on my handful of trips to CVS), I reached for my Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne.

This classic, slightly cool red brightens my complexion and comes housed in a unique case designed by Lorenz Baumer, a Parsian jeweler working from the Place Vendome. With one click, the tube exits a silver bullet and enclosed mirror pops open – très chic! The matte finish is thanks to a ruby-powder formula that leaves a hydrating glaze.

Engraved Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne on Belle Belle Beauty

And yes, that is my name engraved on the side of my very own personal Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne. And let me tell you…. these beauty blogging perks sure to cheer you up when you are in a funk.

Don’t fret – I’ll be back. Probably later today and all this week. And look forward to a TV segment on Friday featuring my favorite makeup to “Summer-ize” your look.

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

Make Silk Lipstick Cream in Scarlet Oak

Make Silk Lipstick Cream in Scarlet Oak on Belle Belle Beauty

I’ve been smitten by MAKE ever since I was introduced to the bold line of color a couple months ago. Their shades challenge me (in a good way). I’ve been rocking their navy eyeliner just like my favorite black all spring long. And I might just have to thank them for my signature spring lip – Make Silk Lipstick Cream in Scarlet Oak – a rich but wearable orange-y red.

First, these architectural lipsticks are shaped into a angular but actually easy to use beautiful shape. I use the sharp edges to correct and fill, particularly with their super saturated color. Even with all this pigment, I find my lips are moisturized thanks to vitamins, rosehip, soybean and safflower oils.

I’d compare these to my beloved Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick – incredibly hydrating with rich color and long-wearing. The only main difference other than packaging might be MAKE’s mission. It is a true “look good, feel good” product. Not only is it cruelty-free but MAKE donates 10% of retail sales to We See Beauty Foundation, which benefits women-run, worker-owned cooperative businesses. All products are made in New York City.

Available at Barneys.

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.

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Blush

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Blush on Belle Belle Beauty

YSL has upped their beauty game the last couple years. Always known as a luxury cosmetics line, their product launches in recent seasons have basically become iconic products (like this gem). Kiss and Blush is no different – a nimble product that does it all. By “does it all”, I mean the perfect lip and cheek duo to throw into your clutch. I’ve been wearing Fuchsia Desinvolte (01) for a flirtatious and springy pop of color.

The feel of the formula is lightweight. I’m able to blend out the shade on my cheeks with a smooth and even coverage. The mousse-like finish is matte and buildable. The doe-foot applicator has a unique roller ball center allowing for the perfect deposit of product.

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