Tag: makeup

Wednesday On The Web

A Bare Face on Belle Belle Beauty

While my effort at a bare face this week (inspiration above) is going fairly well, I am a bit discouraged by my persistent red nose thanks to this nasty spring cold. I have been relying on Fresh Black Tea goodies to sooth skin while hydrating with Aquaphor and face oils. My routine includes primer, blush, filling-in and brushing eyebrows and a heavy application of mascara (helps looking awake despite clogged sinuses). And clearly there is nothing on my lips but my beloved Carmex despite my proclamations last week.

My nights have been spent recuperating at home and I have some finds from around the web for you:

Social media and how it relates to our “real life” – great perspective on our Instagram profiles.

Need an excuse for a more carefree attitude? Check our Dr. Murad’s book on Conquering Cultural Stress.

I’ve been dreaming about Iceland and Morocco for my next vacation but this ghost town in Texas all of a sudden looks awesome – and much easier to get to. (found via Amber’s Barney’s post here)

Love this European inspired NY apartment.

Sweet sleep – glad to know I am not the only one who swears by these.

Fresh 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.

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Self Care Step Two: Morning Makeup Routine

Morning Makeup Routine on Belle Belle Beauty

I’ll keep this fairly short and sweet seeing as I am a person who prefers more brief blog posts and articles: these are the steps I take when I haul ass get ready in the mornings before work (sometimes I will step out of the box with bolder shades on evenings out with the girls).

1. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream – this new launch has been all over the internet recently, but the hype is warranted. My dry skin eats this up and I get a glow with fairly sheer coverage. I love the brush sold with it but it is no longer in my possession – my former makeup artist friend snagged it this weekend (if that’s a clue as to how good it really is!). I am able to wear both Suede and Vanilla interchangeably.

2. Kate Somerville IllumniKate Concealing Eye Cream – since I am going with a sheer face, I don’t want to cake on a concealer. This eye pen masks dark circles and works to improve the look of skin at the same time. So think long-term improvement towards a bright and wrinkle-free under eye!

3. MAC Brow Set – I alternate using this and a pencil but for now I like the way Brow Set subtly colors brow hairs and sets them at the same time. I currently use Girl-Boy but I think next time I will purchase the slightly darker Show-Off.

4. NARS Contour Blush – To simplify things, I use this duo instead of a powder. I use the darker shade under my cheek bones, temples and jaw line with a bronzer brush. Then using a smaller dome brush, I use the lighter shade under my eyes (to set the concealing eye cream), down my nose and on my chin. Powdered, bronzed and set all with one product. I use the shade Olympia (and Paloma in the summer).

5. Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette –  this product is brand new and I had very high hopes for it. Thankfully, I am really happy with it. But it should be noted these powders are very creamy and soft – I just happen to really like that formulation. I wear the matte and lighter shades in the Infinity palette.

6. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof – an old favorite that I have rescued from the depths of the Belle Belle Beauty closet. I find this liner doesn’t drift and works well on both the waterline and just above the lashes. And it at its best in the classic black shade.

7. bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara – also an old favorite, this mascara really does it all and does it well. I get volume, curl and and inky finish that doesn’t fall out – something that is quickly becoming my biggest pet peeve.

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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

The "No Makeup" Look on Belle Belle Beauty

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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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.

Urban Decay Naked Palette – I am a bit shy when it comes to pigment, so I snapped up this “neu

Urban Decay Naked Palette – I am a bit shy when it comes to pigment, so I snapped up this “neutral” palette without a second thought.  I obviously love Urban Decay’s 24/7 pencil (see below) but wasn’t as familiar with their shadows.  The shadow is well-pigmented and blends nicely. I am immediately drawn to shades like Naked, Virgin and Smog, which give a natural but smoky looking eye.  There are also five new shades in the palette including Darkhorse with is a glittery, dark brown and Buck, a smooth carmel.  All in all, I LOVE!