Summer Archives - Page 6 of 10 - Belle Belle Beauty

Olay Fresh Effects {Dew Over!} Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

It is that time of year to seek out a lighter moisturizer to keep you hydrated in the warmer weather. The new Olay Fresh Effects {Dew Over!} Hydrating Gel Moisturizer is just the ticket. The gel formula doesn’t clog pores. And the finish is decidedly matte – believe it or not, this moisturizer is formulated with powder. So just seconds after you apply, skin looks less oily.

If you’re anything like me, I tend to go a little harder in the summer. Between pool parties, travel and an amped up workout, it is easy to skip on sleep. So here is some better news. This moisturizer really awakens my skin. And the essence of honeysuckle and white tea acts as a shot of energy – I am loving the way this smells. Basically, my little Olay Fresh Effects {Dew Over!} Hydrating Gel Moisturizer acts as “Beauty in an Instant”!

Learn more about Olay Fresh Effects here.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Olay Fresh Effects through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Olay Fresh Effects, all opinions are my own.

Self Tanning With Victoria’s Secret

It seems as if every spring, I fall for a different self-tanner. I chalk this up to the fact that they just seem to get better and better across the board. New technology makes these once hard-to-use products a breeze. This year, a trio from Victoria’s Secret of all places seems to be pulling away with the lead. First, what I look for in a self-tanner: pleasant smell, natural looking color and lasting power. Using all three of the below products gives me precisely that.

First up, in the shower I slather on Beach Sexy Body Prep Smoothing Scrub. Despite the somewhat silly name, this foaming exfoliator smells sophisticated and understated. I avoid any redness with the relatively gentle formula – the pure sugar crystals manage to even away rough and dry spots while still infusing skin with a clean softness. Acai might be why my skin looks even more healthy than usual. And don’t be fooled – exfoliation before tanning is crucial for an even glow.

I prepped myself for the usual stinky lotion when I popped open Beach Sexy Self-Tanning Tinted Lotion but was thrilled to encounter a bronzey, basically unscented potion. I prefer tinted self-tanner so I can see where I am going during application. Not to mention you get an immediate gratification glow. (Belle Belle tip: use disposable latex gloves and throughouly rub in any lotion for a streak free and even tan). I gave the lotion a smell test last Friday and had a group of (honest) friends tell me if they could detect any self-tanner scent. The verdict? A surprising and emphatic “no!”.

But that wasn’t the end of it. With shorts and skirt weather finally here, I’ve been turning to a bronzing stick to add even more glow and blur imperfections. Beach Sexy All-Over Bronzing Stick is a gel-formula housed in an easy to apply thick tube. While it doesn’t have loads of pigment, the mica and sheer bronze is buildable and adds just a bit of radiance. I like applying down my shins and on my décolleté.

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.

Bronzers on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

Can you believe we are already halfway through April? This year is flying by. Before you know it, pool season will be here and its accompanying sun-kissed look. But instead of achieving the look with damaging sun rays, fake a glow with the crop of new bronzers that are better than ever. This morning, I am on Great Day Green Country chatting about the best products and how to use them. I’ll post my segment tomorrow, but for now… here is a summary of what I’ll be chatting about.

This season’s formulas are better performing than ever with lasting power and a natural look. The first rule of thumb is use creams on top of creams and powders on top of powders. If you prefer a liquid tinted moisturizer of foundation, try a cream formula like the new NARS Matte Multiple in Vientiane for darker skin tones or Altai for a softer and rosier glow. CoverGirl truMagic bronzer is a killer cream formula at drugstore prices. Also from the drugstore aisles, Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Peach offers a more subtle and luminous glow.

If you prefer powder foundation, reach for MAC Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze. Not totally matte, there is just a hint of luminous glow with a depth of color that still looks natural. Those with darker skin tones will love bareMinerals READY Bronzer in The High Dive.

There are two techniques to applying bronzer. The first, well known as the “3” method is to sweep color in the shape of a three around the temples, below cheekbones and below the jaw. Reverse the three shape for the other side. This approach lends to a contoured look. Alternatively, apply bronzer to where sun would naturally hit the skin: cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead. The outcome is a “just finished a day at the pool” look with a healthy and youthful glow.

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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.

Fighting Back Against Summer Sun Damage

I started off this summer with a little irresponsibility. I hit the pool with sunscreen – but definitely not enough and in such a short time, I had my dreaded sun spots and hyper-pigmentation on my forehead and cheeks. I vowed to fight back! I knew I couldn’t be too aggressive with treatments as some make you too sensitive to any sun exposure. But I did come up with a routine that has made some pretty darn wonderful strides against those dreaded dark spots.

First, I have been washing my face with my beloved Clarisonic. My cleanser of choice has been Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. My skin is gently primed and exfoliated for application of serums and treatments, but not irritated in the least.

Second up, I knew I wanted to work in a retinol, but also new my beloved Rx Retin-A would be too strong for my pool-heavy summer. So I turned to mybody. This line, now available online, has wooed me with gentle and effective products and the most fun packaging and names. A-TEAM provides 0.3% Retinol that you can use in the AM and PM safely. Also in the formula, mySBP 189, Actiwhite and Chromabright can help tighten and recondition skin. So, say goodbye to rough patches and redness.

Next up, one of my skin care staples, albeit a controversial one: Hydroquinone. Banned in certain types of the world, many find it to be unsafe. But I trust my doctors here that say it is really the only effective way to reverse sun damage. While there are versions of this skin lightener in the drugstores, they are usually at 2% or below. So turn to your doctor for a 4% version. I use ZO Skin Health MELAMIX from Gabriel Horn at Dr. Joey Manduano’s office here in Tulsa (Gabe truly is the Tulsa Skin Guru if you are local). I use this both morning and night. During the day, not only does it correct dark spots, but it also works to prevent formation of new ones.

Lastly, I am all about extreme sun protection. I used to dally around with a SPF 15 or 20, but for those blazing summer days, especially when you are outdoors, make sure to up the ante. Super Nourishing Cream SPF 50 from Zensation has been a summer favorite. On the richer side for my dry skin, it is perfect for those with aging skin or craving hydration. And I love the high sun protection. It is creamy, soft and absorbs well. It also works beautifully under makeup.

Another favorite is Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+. It is totally lightweight, non-irritating and even works as a wonderful primer.

So that is the story! If you are like me and paying for some summer sins, try these steps to get that skin looking more even.

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.

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mark Coconut Treat Collection

The last throws of summer call for something beachy. And so I am gobbling up the Coconut Treat collection from mark. I’ve already gotten tons of compliments on the scent (guys love it!). The blend is totally tropical with coconut water and mandarin layered with hazelnut and coconut cream. The culinary spiciness also makes it great to transition into fall! The collection includes:

Hand It Over Super Moisture Hand Cream in Coconut Treat
Get Misty Coconut Treat Body Mist (hydrated and leaves the perfect amount of fragrance)
Whipped Up Coconut Treat Body Butter (all day hydration)
Sheen Stealer Coconut Treat Dry Oil Body Spray

I’m also loving the 3-in-1 cleanser in Coconut Treat, although it appears to be sold out on line. You can use these as a body wash, bubble bath or gentle daily-use shampoo and they all leave behind a delicate scent. There are lots of other fragrances available in this multi-talented body wash here. Shop the Coconut Treat collection here.

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.

Summer Orange

I’m not sure I really believe we are in the last throws of summer. I still have one more beach vacation planned. And while this summer hasn’t been as brutal as others, Oklahoma tends to stay toasty well into October. So, you won’t see me put away any of my favorite summer shades anytime soon. The last couple of months, I have really been embracing the orange. For some inspiration, here’s what’s on my summer orange wish list (pictured above):

No matter the season or shade, beautiful skin is the most important part of a beauty routine, and Simple can help you get there. I’ve been loving the Simple Skincare Radiance Cleansing Wipes after late nights or to remove pore clogging sunscreen. And the Revitalizing Eye Roll On has been a dream for looking refreshed after those late nights and too little sleep.

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.