Tag: luminous

Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

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If there is one Murad product I’ve been hearing about lately, it has been the Intensive-C Radiance Peel. And as a huge Murad fan, naturally I had to try it. My skin has all the dullness coupled with redness (not a good look) that the colder weather usually brings. So something that could smooth and brighten at the same time as adding much-needed hydration was right up my alley.

This mask actually goes after environmentally damaged skin. While I have tried to be safe in the sun, I certainly have had my fair share of sun damage and all the effects of being an urban city dweller. Like a professional peel, this has a slight tingling sensation but doesn’t itch or annoy in any way. And I am left with a similar luminosity after. My skin is exfoliated and tightened, but not dry.

I like to apply after evening showers once or twice a week. The recommended 10 minute treatment does the trick. Cruelty-free. Available at Sephora and Amazon.

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

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher on Belle Belle Beauty

If you like no-frills skin care, look away, dear friend. But know you are missing out. For those willing to add an extra step, check out this “finisher” from Sulwhasoo.

Much like this favorite makeup spray, the Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher is like the same for your skin care – think about sealing in all that goodness that you use in your routine. Plus it adds a luminosity and clarity.

I’ve loved this line since crossing paths at Bergdorfs at my first New York Fashion Week. But this unique product might be my favorite from the brand yet. Ginseng and green tea work naturally with skin to create a perfect makeup foundation. And antioxidants work against free radicals and help heal skin.

Plus it feels wonderful against my dry winter skin. That being said, it isn’t overly heavy so those with combo or oily skin will like the formula just as much as those with dry skin do. The heavy glass bottle is a beauty to use and looks amazing on a vanity too – always a welcome luxury with upscale skin care products.

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.

Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation

Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation on Belle Belle Beauty

A little over a year ago I was introduced to Shiseido’s foundations. It was the beginning of a love-affair. I love the weightless nature and considerable amount of coverage. Add in the fact that the foundations look natural and luminous and you can understand why I love Shiseido Sheer & Perfect Foundation.

The newest foundation from Shiseido, Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation, is a slightly heavier version that actually comes in a tub. It was designed as part of the Future Solution LX skincare which recently hit shelves – although I haven’t yet had the chance to try it.

I’m one to be drawn towards luminous finishes, so this radiant foundation is my perfect texture. The formula adds vibrance and lifting making it well-suited for more mature skin. And bonus points for the SPF 20 that is plenty of protection during office days in the winter months.

I like scooping out a dime size and using the beauty blender sponge to apply. I also have been mixing it with this NARS luminator for an uber-radiant finish. I skip the powder and embrace a “lit within” look.

Available at Saks and made in USA.

And on a fashion note: Happy Columbus Day Weekend, my little shoppers! For those of us who have to work Monday or those of you who will be online shopping from the comfort of your bed… some sales for you to peruse this Columbus Day Weekend:

  • 50% OFF ENTIRE SITE J. CREW FACTORY through 10/12
  • 20% OFF PIPERLIME WITH CODE: FALL20 through 10/13
  • 30% OFF BANANA REPUBLIC WITH CODE: BRTHANKYOU through tonight
  • 50% OFF LOFT WITH CODE: OURTREAT through tonight
  • 20% OFF OLD NAVY WITH CODE: DEAL through tonight
  • 40% OFF J. CREW WITH CODE: SOSWEET through tonight
  • 30% OFF MADEWELL WITH CODE: OHFALL through 10/13
  • 30% OFF FOREVER21 WITH CODE: TAKE30 through 10/19
  • 30% OFF MACYS WITH CODE: FALL through 10/13

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.

glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème

glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème // Belle Belle Beauty

I’m pretty much a goner if I ever see skincare with promises of this elusive “glow” – I’ll snap that puppy up in no time. All I can think about is that youthful, even and radiant skin. Well, recently I discovered a little gem that makes that glow not so elusive anymore.

Dr. Brandt came up with this thick and pearlescent illuminating moisturizer inspired by an in office treatment he performs called a ruby laser procedure. (I don’t know what that is but I want it.) In the meantime, I am striving for similar results at home with the ruby crystal retinol hydracrème. I’ve been using this morning and night for a week and won’t be quitting anytime soon. The formula works great under makeup and gives an immediate luminescence while promising long-term improvement in skin’s texture and evenness.

The Ruby Crystal actually transforms external light into an energy source for skin cells (kinda weird but I like it). The Hydra-Balance balances skin water content and prevents dehydration. I’ve found this alone provides plenty of hydration on my dry skin. Oliveactive counteracts inflammation -perhaps the reason I have zero irritation with this product. And my all time favorite ingredient, retinol, increases cell turnover, smoothing skin. Just make sure you use a supercharged UV protection while using this product.

You can buy the glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème at Sephora.

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.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders // Belle Belle Beauty

I’m having a love affair with powders lately, particularly this one and this one. I can add the newest offering from Hourglass Cosmetics to that list. These powders have a little twist, though. They diffuse and soften the way light is reflected, improving the appearance of skin. It can add radiance, conceal imperfections, and even tone.

Ambient Lighting Powder uses “photoluminescent technology”, making each particle very small while still refracting light and giving coverage. Each invisible color-correcting particle filters out harsh lights. Six different shades offer six different effects. The brand discribes the shades:

  • DIFFUSED LIGHT: A soft, warm, pale yellow powder. Light your skin with DIFFUSED LIGHT to reduce redness and give skin clarity – like a soft ray of morning light.  
  • ETHEREAL LIGHT: An opalescent sheer, cool white powder. Light your skin with ETHEREAL LIGHT to mimic a moonlit glow – even in broad daylight.  
  • RADIANT LIGHT: A sun-kissed golden beige powder. Light your skin with RADIANT LIGHT to extend a summer glow, or enhance the overall complexion with believable, subtle, warmth.  
  • MOOD LIGHT: A soft, sheer lavender pink powder. Light your skin with MOOD LIGHT to mimic the softest most forgiving light and reveal your brightest complexion.  
  • DIM LIGHT: A neutral peach beige powder. Light your skin with DIM LIGHT to blur imperfections and highlight a radiant complexion with the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.  
  • LUMINOUS LIGHT: A champagne pearl powder. Light your skin with LUMINOUS LIGHT to create a soft, incandescent candlelit glow – day or night.    

I’ve been wearing Diffused Light over the weekend and have found the creamy, fine powder to really enhance the finish of my current favorite foundation. The yellow undertones work well in neutralizing my redness. While it looks very light in the pan, Diffused Light is actually transparent without adding any ashiness.  And great news: Paraben, talc, fragrance, nano-particles and gluten free (this last one for my blogging buddy, Lauren).

I’ve been applying mine with a regular powder brush, but this Ambient Powder Brush, specially designed to work with the powder looks pretty nifty. It is densely packed, allowing for ideal, even application of the powder. And it comes with a protective travel pouch.  Next up, I can’t wait to try Radiant Light for an early summer glow.

Shop the shades and brush 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.