Tag: Neiman Marcus

New Luxe Winter Fragrances

New Luxe Winter Fragrances on Belle Belle Beauty

I’d say my signature fragrance over the past couple years has solidly been NEST Midnight Fleur – and I still continue to love it. But two new fragrances crossed my desk recently that might just move into the prime spot this winter. Those two are Bottega Veneta Knot Eau de Parfum and Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum.

I have always lusted over Bottega Veneta handbags (especially their iconic “knot” clutch), clothes and shoes so it isn’t a surprise that their fragrance is right up my alley. I read recently that the makers noted “fresh linens” and the Italian coastline as notes, and I knew I’d be sold.

Other layers include mandarin, neroli, lavendar, cedarwood, tonka bean and musk. While there are some heavier, masculine notes in the fragrance, this skews on me more fresh and clean. I’m guessing this will lend perfectly to the warmer months.

A close second is surprisingly Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum. I have never fallen hard for Estee Lauder scents, but this one matches their signature florals with “ebony woods” which you might know is a major selling point for me. Even though I’d say this fragrance is largely jasmine, tuberose and lilies, I am still drawn to its sophisticated femininity.

Have you tried either of these? Let me know in the comments! Both available at Neiman Marcus.

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.

Holiday Hair With Alterna And Oribe

Holiday Hair With Alterna And Oribe on Belle Belle Beauty

I admit I still haven’t mastered my hair. It is fine and wavy but somewhat confused. The front is bone straight. And while the texture is fine, there is loads of it. And the back just keeps getting wavier and wavier but not in a controlable way. It is more “ugly frizz” than “beachy waves.”

But while I haven’t “mastered” my hair, I have managed to find a couple products that allow me to rough dry my hair and look mildly presentable and not like 100% crazy person during the work week. While these products are luxury, I find I am washing my hair less often these days. So I am willing to splurge a bit to keep my routine at its shortest possible.

First up, shampoo and conditioner. I absolutely adore Oribe – there is something so polished and luxe about the line. Stylist Oribe Canales has been around since the 1970s but his hair care line is going stronger than ever. He uses technology and amazing fragrances (powered by French perfumes) to balance looks, scent and performance.

The Gold Lust line is ideal to strengthen my weakened strands – I wear my hair up a lot! The formula is powered with healing cypress, argan and maracuja oils and the bio-restorative complex works on strands and scalp. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo has that satisfying lather but still leaves hair luscious. This also would be ideal for someone who colors or styles their hair to the point of damage.  Color safe, formulated without parabens, sulfates or sodium chloride and vegan & cruelty/gluten-free.

The Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner leaves skin insanely shiny. Also using oils, the formula works on damage. It provides moisture without leaving hair heavy. Also color safe and free of parabens, sulfates or sodium chloride. I cannot find if this one is specifically vegan & cruelty/gluten-free (if you know… please feel free to let me know via twitter or in the comments).

I try to let my hair air dry for a while before styling. But if truth be told, I love the snooze button and I am usually in a massive rush. So I’ll rough dry (I like this brand) and finish with Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Perfect Texture Finishing Spray. It gives texture and volume without taking away movement. I can’t stand stiff hair. Plus it smells amazing! The spray action that Alterna uses is perfected so you get a continuous, even stream from 8 inches away from the head. I like to use both on my roots and ends.

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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.

PMD Personal Microderm Personal Microderm System

PMD Personal Microderm Personal Microderm System on Belle Belle Beauty

I fell in love with a version of microderm thanks to the amazing talents of a Mr. Gabriel Horn here in Tulsa. There was something about that manual exfoliation that just set skin aglow. But with the new work gig, it is hard to sneak away for facials. And just my luck, a similar tool is now available for at-home use. While I know it isn’t a professional level facial, I love it when I know I need a mid-week refresh.

PMD Personal Microderm Personal Microderm System combines an exfoliating disk with a unique vacuum that can literally suck up dead, dull skin and increase blood flow. This in turn helps stimulate collagen and elastin. Right now, radiant and glowing skin is all the rage (in fact, when is it not aside from the matte phase every now and then?) And this little tool really delivers.

Their patented spinning skin is covered with aluminum oxide crystals. Thanks to these gems, we can avoid all the issues with manual exfoliation. The vacuum suction pulls blood flow to the surface of skin to increase circulation – crucial for anti-aging efforts. This causes a healing process, boosting collagen and elastin.

I was a little concerned that a “professional-grade” tool would cause my skin to become red. But the system comes with three different types of disks, including a training white version so you can make sure you’re using the tool without side effects. Also included with the tool is a facial cap (designed to be used on the face) and cap that adapts the disk to a more active body-appropriate microderm. Last, there is a filter.

If you are like me and need an occasional at-home boost, consider adding this to your tool arsenal. They have done a great job with professional-like efficacy and safe at-home use. Not to mention glowing and exfoliated skin.

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.

Trish McEvoy Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner Pen

Trish McEvoy Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner Pen on Belle Belle Beauty

A friend posted an SOS this AM on Facebook: “What is your favorite eyeliner?” I didn’t have to think too long before I gave my resounding answer. I have been testing out Trish McEvoy Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner Pen and I can safely call it my current favorite.

Now first before I go on… the price. This is a bit of a doozy at $48. But I beg you to think of this more as a skin care product that doubles as makeup. And, to me, that makes the price more palpable.

The precision of the pen is nimble enough for a fine line. But even a thicker, “cat eye” look is achievable. The pigment is such that I don’t get any of that greyness that can be found so often in liquid liners.

The real highlight is the formula’s lash building properties. The conditioning action can lead to fullness and additional length in just 15 days. I have been using the liner for a couple weeks and have noticed a more defined look to my lashes even when I am not wearing the liner.

And when I do wear the liner… I get a full day of pigment which is something I haven’t found with other liquid pens. The formula is water-resistant so plan on using eye makeup remover (I like this one).

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.

Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15

Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 on Belle Belle Beauty

While I have always loved Fresh and have purchased a few of their lip treatments, I have never managed to accumulate the whole collection. Or even try out every single shade they offer (they are kind of hard to find here in Oklahoma). But I have adored the lemon bar scent and rich balm. And the color is always the perfect tint.

Recently, a new fresh (pun intended) tube landed on my desk in their latest shade. Don’t expect a diminutive color with Fresh Sugar Tulip unlike some of their other versions. Tulip is a strong and bold buildable pink – but the perfect pink (dare I say). It is shocking and sophisticated all at the same time. Despite the time of year, I can’t help but to keep swiping on this cheerful color.

Plus it makes my dry lips feel so so good! Smelling just like a dessert, I get a sugary and lemon scent. The balm is powered by sugar which happens to be a great humectant, sealing in moisture. Meadowfoam, black currant seed and grapeseed also work to nourish and protect. Major bonus points for SPF 15 to shield our most delicate skin from harmful rays.

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.

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.