Tag: tinted moisturizer

Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector

Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector on Belle Belle Beauty

This summer, I have been ditching heavier makeup and doing my best to go as bare as possible. I mean… we are talking bare. The past couple of weeks, I’ve been turning in my tinted moisturizers and BB creams in favor of Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector.

The reason this works is because of Kiehl’s gentle but effective ingredients that improves appearance of skin both immediately and down the road. Not only does Micro-Blur Skin Perfector refine skin and diminish appearance of pores upon application. It also can correct skin texture over time.

The light-weight, gel-like formula contains LHA, lentil and bark extracts that can change skin in as little as four weeks. While I haven’t been using it quite that long, I do feel like my skin is softer and smoother. I apply as the last step in my skin care routine whether I am wearing makeup or not.

No matter what your preference – as a base for something tinted or to wear alone – the Micro-Blur Skin Perfector is gentle on skin. The formula is paraben-free, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic and appropriate for all skin types. Think of this as a way to embrace the freckles. Just apply and add a sweep of bronzer and some mascara. For extra points, I love the bare look paired with a striking orange-red lip.

Available at Kiehl’s.com and Nordstrom.

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.

Three Perfecting Primers

Three Perfecting Primers on Belle Belle Beauty

It wasn’t but just a short couple of years ago that I dismissed primers as an extra unnecessary step. So often they felt like spackle or were full of hard-to-work-with silicon. But today’s primers are a totally different story. Not only do they perfect skin as a canvas for foundation. They can be worn along for ultra-light coverage. Many contain all important sunscreen. And can enhance or alter the look of a tinted moisturizer. My three recent favorites are:

MAKE Face Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I’ve been super enthusiastic about this amazing brand. Now carried in Barneys, MAKE donates 10% of retail sales to We See Beauty Foundation, which benefits women-run, worker-owned cooperative businesses – a true “look good, feel good” brand. While I love a couple of their primers, this SPF powered version has been the one I reach for most. The formula contains light-diffusing micro-spheres that can perfect fine lines. Squalane adds nourishing moisture while the SPF disappears into the skin with no whitish cast. I’d recommend this for all skin types. Also note that it is cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

A long time favorite, this primer is a star on its own. I use medium along for a “barely there” coverage. But it also is my pick under foundation for when I need fuller coverage for my TV appearances. The thin liquid has the perfect balance of radiance and texture. The oxygen-packed formula plumps skin. And other ingredients work over long term with anti-aging benefits. While all skin types would love this primer, I think it is particularly well-suited for those with oily to normal skin.

Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer

There is a reason that women have preferred rose colored light for decades. Red-based light is the most flattering around. Glow Maximizer has a luminous, rose gold base to add a youthful radiance. This also can be worn alone or mixed with foundation for a more luminous look. Plus, it smells amazing – no wonder since it is made in France. This rich formula is perfect for those with drier skin.

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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.

A Skin Story: A Perfect Trio

A Skin Story: A Perfect Trio // Belle Belle Beauty

I’m always changing up my routine. Things move in and out of my rotation quite frequently. But occasionally, I will be simultaneously testing a wonderful trifecta of products and it is like the stars have aligned. Right now… that’s happening. Here’s how I have been perfecting my complexion these last couple of weeks.

First: Josie Maran’s new Argan Tinted Moisturizer. This formula is rich and luxurious. Coverage is very generous for a tinted moisturizer. I would say it is in the neighborhood of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 but with a thicker texture. The SPF 30 is all natural and admirable for a makeup product. And her signature Argan oil makes it ultra-moisturizing and nourishing. She also threw in some antioxidants for good measure. This is my new pick for favorite Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream for sensitive or dry skin. I use Light 2, but am getting closer and closer to needing Light 1.

Next up, I touch up spots needing a little more assistance with Benefit Erase Paste. This creamy, high-coverage concealer camouflages like a champ. The formula finishes with a nice radiance, especially helpful in the under eye area. It came with a spatula which I unfortunately tossed with the box, so I apply direcly with my finger. I actually like the way I can work it into my skin even if it isn’t the most sanitary method.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder makes for a weightless, perfecting finish. The balance between matte and radiance is ideal. The formula is oil-free and should play very nicely with oilier skin types. Like other NAKED products, optical blurring pigments perfect skin. You won’t find any chalkiness here. This step ensures hours of wear.

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.

Laura Mercier’s Iconic Tinted Moisturizer Gets Three New Shades!

Laura Mercier's Iconic Tinted Moisturizer Gets Three New Shades! // Belle Belle Beauty

I’ve had a return to an old favorite recently and it is just in time for some exciting new from Laura Mercier. I feel like I kind of grew up on Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer. It is sheer and light-weight, offering a great balance of coverage with SPF 20. The natural dewy finish is right up my alley. And the formula plays well with my dry, sensitive skin. Since my early days of loving Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer, a little bit has changed. Most recently, there are three new shades – hooray for greater shade ranges!

The newest shades include:

The three new shades look like they have slightly cooler finishes and dot the middle of the shade range. I’m a solid Sand this summer. But over the years, I have also worn Nude and Bisque. I apply with my fingers working outwards, but Laura (admittedly the goddess of great complexion) advises otherwise. Her technique:

apply a small amount on the back of your hand and pickup formula with the narrow end of an egg-shaped sponge or clean fingertips. Apply to the face working on one area at a time. Laura recommends starting at the outer portion of the face and working inwards toward the nose. Avoid excess application around the contours of the face. Blend well. Repeat application until desired coverage is achieved.

Also new since the days I first fell hard for Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer are three new formulations. Oil-free is the same signature sheer, light-weight formula but also controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness. Oily skin needs hydration too. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating is a favorite of mine, adding an even more radiant finish. And it now also comes in a compact! Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact SPF 20 is convenient and great for travel and touch-ups on the go.

Laura Mercier is available at countries Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom (currently running a beauty gift) and Sephora.

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.

CARGO HD Picture Perfect CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20

CARGO HD Picture Perfect CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 // Belle Belle Beauty

I know we are all a little fatigued from the BB/CC craze. At this point, it has been done by virtually everyone. And so many people have already found their favorites. Popular choices include Dr. Jart, Boscia, and my beloved Kiehl’s. So, why beat a dead horse? Well, it certainly isn’t to confuse you further. But to give you another option that truly differentiates itself from the rest of the pack.

Off the bat, I was totally confused when I first dispensed the balm from the tube. It was white. After confirming that this was, in fact, the actual shade of the balm, I proceeded. With a little bit of doubt. But gosh darn it… this stuff adjusted to a perfect match for my skin. The oil-free formula uses color adapting pigments and color correcting technology for a fool-proof shade.

I applies just like a moisturizer and ended up with fairly sheer coverage that is lightweight and slightly matte. This isn’t a buildable CC cream, so those looking for more coverage, this won’t be your cup of tea. I don’t get that dreaded sunscreen scent, but there is a tiny chemical fragrance that dissipates quickly. My skin feels supple and hydrated while I wear Picture Perfect so the dry skin sufferers like me should love it.

The tube is very small – just one ounce. At $39, this is fairly high on the cost spectrum, but I actually love the tinier packaging, perfect for travel or to throw in your purse. Bottom line, for those who want a lightweight, perfect match and oil-free formula, this could be your holy grail. Also, those with drier skin will love its hydrating properties. With SPF 20 (okay for office days), make sure you layer with a stronger SPF if you are headed for a day outdoors.

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.