Tag: radiant

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation // Belle Belle Beauty

My summer staples have been NARS Radiant Cream Concealer and Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Frankly, nothing covers the under eye better than the Cream Concealer. And the lightweight coverage and sun protection of the tinted moisturizer make it perfect for the summer months. So, truth be told… I wasn’t surprised to be thrilled with the newest from NARS: Radiant Cream Compact Foundation.

First and foremost, bravo to NARS for a comprehensive offering of 20 shades from Siberia (light with neutral undertones) to Khartoum (dark with espresso undertones). Second, and not surprisingly from NARS, I love the packaging. The foundations are sold in pods that fit into a separately purchased hefty compact. Because of the formula, you are encouraged to make sure both the compact and the separate pod are snap shut otherwise, the product can dry out. Frankly, I have no issue with this and I love that the foundation stays clean.

The formula features a proprietary Advanced Emulsion Technology, allowing for a buildable application either wet or dry. What surprised me most is how this cream foundation could feel so light. Cream foundations aren’t my favorite, so I was sure I was going to find it too heavy for everyday wear. But it sets like a liquid foundation. I’ve been wearing Santa Fe (medium with golden undertones) and Punjab (medium with golden, peachy undertones). It is really hard for me to distinguish between these two shades other than a slightly deeper radiance in Punjab.

Bottom line: this is my go-to foundation for the fall months. I love the portability, flexibility and radiant finish. While it is on the pricier side for the amount of product you get ($48 including the compact for 0.42 ounces), I think the revolutionary formula and wearability definitely make it worth it.

NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation is currently available at Sephora.com and NARScosmetics.com. It will be on department store counters on September 1st.

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.

nyakio Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut

nyakio Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut // Belle Belle Beauty

A couple of months ago, I was so thrilled to learn that one of my best friends had gone to business school with a true beauty entrepreneur. Julie emailed me to let me know about Nyakio, a skin care line inspired by Nyakio’s own Kenyan grandparents. A first generation American of Kenyan descent, Nyakio  combines the best natural African ingredients with modern, result-driven formulas. Designed for women of all ages, skin types and backgrounds, the Hydrating Face Oil is the keystone of the line.

I’ve really jumped on the face oil bandwagon. First, nyakio Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut provides the super-charged hydration that my dry skin needs. But it also works well with oilier skin types. Because this oil is light and non-greasy, it will keep all complexions hydrated and radiant. One friends who’s been using the oil reports “I was shocked at the results. People actually commented on how well rested I looked which was obviously false with a newborn.” (thanks, Tina! xoxo). There is a slight medicinal smell but it disipates quickly. The oil also absorbs on contact. I love the luminous finish it gives my skin and it works beautifully under makeup. Additionally, it is free of sulfates and parabens.

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.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - group shot

Where have you been all my life, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer??? Whoa, talk about a concealer that can do it all. While it has been mostly touted as great covering under eye darkness, I have found it is a fantastic spot/blemish concealer as well. The balanced, buildable formula is a true go-to for me these days.

The formula is creamy and hydrating, hence the radiant properties. While it has a thin texture, I’d say the coverage is moderate to full. A little bit goes a long way. Plus, it is buildable, so you can always add more if you feel you need a bit more coverage.

The formula also contains hydrating skin care. Light diffusing technology helps blur imperfections. And the pigment blends seamlessly into my natural coloring.

I can get a full day of wear out of this. While it is crease-less, I’ve found it does best on freshly moisturized skin – any dryness can interfere with its blendability.

SHADES INCLUDE (from lightest to darkest):
  • CHANTILLY: true ivory shade for fairest complexions
  • VANILLA:  tiny cast of pink for the fair complexion
  • HONEY: warm peach tone for light to medium complexion
  • CUSTARD: yellow tone for light to medium complexion
  • GINGER: golden undertone for medium complexion
  • BISCUIT: medium dark natural balance of pink and yellow undertones
  • CARAMEL: medium dark yellow and golden undertones
  • AMDANDE: medium dark with golden olive undertones
  • CAFÉ: dark shade with warm red undertones
  • CACAO: dark shade with deep gold to brown undertones

note: Ginger is my preferred shade. I wear Santa Fe in the Sheer Glow Foundation and St. Morti in Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (although this winter I should lighten up with the new Terre Neuve). I was surprised I was this dark on the spectrum, but I prefer a concealer that matches my skin tone instead of one shade lighter. 

Check out this brief tutorial from NARS on how to use Radiant Creamy Concealer to perfect complexion:

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.

SK-II Skincare

I recently reported to you about SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence, the centerpiece of SK-II’s luxurious skin care line. Over the past couple of months, I have had a chance to use more of the line. Talk about true performers. This will always be my go-to routine to fade hyper-pigmentation and soothe and heal angry skin.

Upon my arrival in NYC back in September, I took a moment in my hotel room before venturing out and used the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. Adored by makeup artists and globe-trotting fashionistas, this mask promised to give a “radiant youthful glow”. You know what? It did just that. The cooling sheet soaks your skin in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids, replacing dehydrated skin. This cotton wonder will be my staple for travel and big events.

I’ve been hooked on Vitamin C products ever since I tried Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate. Having fallen hard and finishing every last drop of the Kiehl’s version, I was excited to try SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C. I love the replenishing and rich texture of this serum. It could almost work as a moisturizer. It contains Pitera, the anti-aging wonder ingredient found in the Essence, along with powerful Vitamin C. It leaves my skin smooth and not the least bit irritated from the active ingredients. While I have been using prescription hydroquinone for years, the addition of Vitamin C has taken my fight against dark spots to the next level. My skin looks more even than it has in years.

Lastly, the gentle, comforting SK-II Skin Signature Melting Rich Cream is a hydrating master. I love the purist approach to this cream. With strong anti-aging ingredients working in my serum and prescriptions, I was craving a nourishing pure moisturizer. This comes in a jar, but the texture is a lotion/cream hybrid making it easy to apply and absorb. Its focus on hydration leaves my skin radiant and soothed.

Get free shipping and free returns from saks.com with code RTNFREE8.

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