Tag: skincare

Le Metier de Beaute Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo

I had an unfortunate run in with some tears last night. It’s okay – we all need a good cry sometimes, right? But day after puffiness is NOT cute. Le Métier de Beauté to the rescue.

Well, we know Le Métier de Beauté does a mask right (see here). Their most recent skin care release is a mask dedicated just for the eyes. Where have you been all my life?? This sweet little package is perfect for post-emotional puffiness. It also fights the signs of aging and gives the skin an immediate “more awake” look.

The translucent (read: you can use it anywhere) mask delivers hydration while also instantly cooling and calming. The hydration plumps out those wrinkles, while the chilly gel-like pads soothe out redness and eliminate any puffiness. I also saw dramatic improvement in my dark circles.

These masks are loaded with active moisturizers so carefully open the package on a flat surface. Pre-cool in the fridge if you want a greater chilling effect. The applications stick right on the skin without tugging – feeling quite delightful. You can use these daily if you want – wouldn’t that be wonderful? Follow up after use with your regular eye cream. I think these would be ideal post a long plane flight.

If you are interested in the Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo, you can find it at Neiman Marcus Northpark. There is a prize for the blogger who refers the most customers and if I win, there is something in it for you! I’ll do my own giveaway of one of my Le Métier de Beauté favorites from my personal collection. Call Patrice, the At-counter Product Specialist at 214-363-8311 or swing by the counter.

Winter Skincare Tips from Simple Skincare

We are at that point in the year where are attention is starting to turn towards the festivities of Spring. Trips are being planned, spring wardrobes are being built and self-tanning is in the not-so-distant future. Yet, here we are with frigid temps. As we limp through the last couple of months of winter, it is important to keep those winter skincare practices in step. Alas, they are the only way to radiant, summer skin. Here are three tips that can help both those with oily and dry skin from Simple Skincare:

NUMBER 1: So often when we see dry, flaky skin, we want to over moisturize. But what your skin actually needs is some tender exfoliation! The removal of dead, dull skin will allow healthy skin underneath to show itself. But when skin is suffering, so many exfoliators can be on the harsh side. I’ve been loving Simple® Smoothing Facial Scrub to gently buff my skin. The scrub contains rice granules which work with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to reveal brighter and more evenly textured skin.

NUMBER 2: With the heater going full blast, I am always parched. And to add insult to injury, I take steaming hot showers when it is cold out (bad girl – this can dry out your skin even faster!). So, my skin often feels tight after washing. What we need to be looking for are cleansers that don’t strip natural oils from the skin, helping it retain its moisture and glow. Simple® Skincare Moisturizing Facial Wash cleans and nourishes without stripping soap. It also contains Bisabolol (found in chamomile) which is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant.

NUMBER 3: Believe it or not, some individuals can get even more oily in the winter months. Over-drying can actually disrupt the skin barrier and cause an increase in oil production. So, how to cleanse without over-drying and moisturize without clogging pores? Simple® Refreshing Facial Wash Gel is 100% soap-free and leaves more oily-prone skin clean and revived without stripping it of moisture. Post cleansing, shoot for a moisturizer that is lightweight but still offers vitamins to get a full day of moisturization (try Simple® Hydrating Light Moisturizer).

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

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Favorite Vitamin C Serums

Hyperpigmentation (grrr!) is my skin’s biggest issue. I’ve tried everything. And have made some progress. But every time summer rolls around, SPF be damned, I get those nasty spots again. (This summer, I am taking the hat-approach in addition to super-powdered SPF). The progress I have made, I credit to Vitamin C. This super ingredient can fade dark spots and even skin. It also helps with aging and radiance. So, here is my round up of Vitamin C MVPs:

SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C has been in my rotation for a while. I love the light formula with a silky finish. This serum also contains SK-II’s signature ingredient, Pitera to fight aging.

M-61 Vitablast C is a fabulous oil-free version from the BlueMercury brand. This formula contains gallic acid to naturally brighten. And at the same time, it soothes and nourishes skin with Vitamin E.

Taylor Owen Vitamin C+ 12% manages a decent level of Vitamin C without being irritating. This formula gave us some pretty immediate brightening and we love the way it smooths onto skin. Bonus points that this South Florida based skincare line is 98% natural.

OBAGI Professional-C Serum, 20% packs a punch. Obagi has consistently brought me fast and dramatic results. Expect no less with this highly concentrated serum. Not only will it bring the strongest brightening effects, but it will also give you a does of hydration.

Perricone MD Vitamin C Eye works specifically on this delicate skin and in conjunction with your your daily eye cream. For those with genetic dark circles, this could be the ticket. The formula is also loaded with antioxidant protection from Tocotrienols.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift

I’ve had quite the love affair with La Prairie since I began blogging. The La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Cream is still my all time favorite eye cream. And don’t get me started on the La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush. Their 3-minute Peel is a staple on my vanity. The brand consistently turns out some of the most luxurious and supremely effective skincare I’ve had the opportunity to try. In April of 2012, La Prairie launched a product that basically distilled everything wonderful about their Caviar Collection into one gorgeous bottle.

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift uses these infamous golden caviar pearls to deliver an instant lift to skin. It has even been called an “instant facelift”. While I recognize I’m not really a candidate for a facelift yet, I have been absolutely giddy about this product. The smoothing effect is genuinely unique and it has made for a fabulous primer under makeup. Over the past couple of weeks, my skin is smoother and tighter, something I’ve been concerned about as I have been losing a significant amount of weight.

A glucose-based polymer (Xanthan Gum Crosspolymer) tones and tenses skin immediately and long-term. The amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the Caviar Extracts offer nourishment and protection to the skin. A new pentapeptide helps protect and renew skin cells. My dry skin soaks up the Vitamin B5 that acts as a humectant, adding moisture to the skin. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant.

The real excitement of this products comes with the “activation”. When you purchase the bottle, the caviar beads appear in the window. Before use, remove the outer cap and press the activator. The three chambers mix three distinct formulas to combine a balanced blend. So cool!

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift is available at Neiman Marcus here.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion

I’m all about a product that promises “instant” benefits. A little skeptical, yes. But I certainly will give it a whirl. Guess what, guys? This actually does work. Instant plumpy radiance!

So, the back story. You probably know collagen keeps our skin looking firm and young. But did you know you start losing collagen at the age of TWENTY? Dr. Murad’s Rapid Collagen Infusion actually boosts collagen, giving instant gratification plumping effect. And longterm use promises to boost that diminishing collagen, warding off fine lines and wrinkles.

The newest technology from Murad, RepleniCell, helps skin to attract and retain water. Rapid Collagen Infusion also delivers a botanical complex that boosts skin’s resilience while Winged Kelp encourages natural collagen and elastin. Apple and Lentil Seed Extracts also help plump fine lines.

The soothing, thick serum is non-irritating and slightly cooling. It has a pretty substaintial texture, but absorbs quickly. I like using the hydrating formula on my face and neck, twice a day. It works beautifully under makeup, almost like a primer. How can you resist a good before and after? No, that isn’t me, but pretty darn incredible.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion Before & After // Belle Belle Beauty

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.

Brand Spotlight: Tata Harper

I’ll be honest… if there is a brand I have been lusting after, it is Tata Harper. I had a little mini-facial at NYFW way back in September 2011 and never quite got the brand out of my mind. I will never forget hearing that Tata herself manufactures all her products on a 1,200 acre farm in Vermont. How cool is that??

Tata Harper developed the line with the health of women wanting to look beautiful in mind. The products are all 100% natural and non-toxic from ingredients grown on the farm and thoughtfully sourced from around the world. The natural, fragrant nature of these products are soothing just in themselves. Tata oversees all the R&D, marketing, distribution and formulations. The packaging is fresh and luxe – how often to you find “feel good” products that look so stunning on your vanity?

The Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser is one of those cleansers that is not really designed to remove makeup, but is so gentle and creamy, my sensitive & dry skin eats it up. There are no detergents or alcohol in the milky formula. Fueled by minerals and French clay, the cleanser can get into pores and remove dead skin. White Willow Bark exfoliates while Pomegranate extract acts as an antioxidant. And the Neroli and Bergamont make cleansing a fragrant pleasure.

Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer is silky and luxurious. This liquid lotion packs as much of a hydration punch as a thicker cream. Long lasting moisture is provided by Jojoba and Vitamin E while Oleosomes from Safflower helps retain moisture and improve the skin barrier. Natural Hyaluronic acid takes hydration to the next level. Fresh Rose and essential oils, including sandalwood, magnolia, and geranium help foster radiant, plump and fresh looking skin. After application, I almost feel a slight tightening as if my skin is protected and reinforced.

The most intriguing products I tried was the Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex. This serum comes in a vial with a roller ball that you are directed to roll over your face and neck. The ritual of application almost became addicting as the cool metal ball acts as a massager. This goes on over your moisturizer (so I guess it isn’t really a serum). The thin liquid is absorbed into my skin almost immediately, lending to a radiant complexion. Alfalfa extract gives you a dose of vitamins A, B, C, D and E, working to improve hyper-pigmentation. Rosa Rubiginosa seed oil contains a trans-retinoic acid working against fine lines. Carrot Oil and Borage Oil calm and freshen the skin. Lastly, rose otto adds just a very slight fragrance.

Tata also has a collection of aromatherapy treatments. Appropriately so, I’ve been trying out Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment. I can’t believe how addicted I am to this – I reach for it all the time. The roller ball dispenser is designed to be applied to pulse points to calm and promote relaxation to the mind, body and spirit. Sweet, honeyed linden, rose otto, bittersweet neroli and frankincense really do conjure a relaxed state of mind. When things are really tense, I take a moment to apply to my palms, cup them over my face and take five deep breaths. And good news: you can use this as many times as needed throughout the day. I truly believe even the thoughtful act of doing something to calm the mind makes for a healthier spirit.

Shop for the above Tata Harper products here: