Category: face

NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette

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I remember reading somewhere that this was like an Instagram filter in palette version. I wish I could remember where I read that because it is absolutely the perfect description of this beautiful cheek collection. The NARSissist Cheek Studio Palette is a well-curated set of four blushes, the iconic Laguna Bronzing Powder, and Paloma Contour Blush.

Top row from left to right: Contour Blush in Paloma I (pink beige), Paloma II (deep rose), Laguna Bronzing Powder (diffused brown powder with golden shimmer). Bottom row from right to left: Icy Lilac, Sausalito Sunset, Shimmering Rose Peach, Fleshy Pink.

While this palette basically allows you to do pretty much anything, I will share how I’ve been using it. I brought it to Napa with me last weekend and it served as my setting powder, blush, bronzer and eyeshadow. I have long adored Laguna for a sweep of sun-kissed on the temples and cheek bones. Paloma II then went down the sides of my nose and maybe a little extra under the apples of my cheek. I would blend Icy Lilac and Sunset Sausalito (two left blushes) for some glow on my cheeks. Last, Paloma I would go down my nose, under my eyes on on my lids.

The effect is soft-focus dimension and a glow. I like the natural, slightly matte finish. I find the powder wears just like my other favorite NARS blushes and bronzers, melting into my skin rather than drying out my complexion.

My goal for this weekend is to brave the bold and beautiful Fleshy Pink!

Available at Sephora.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm on Belle Belle Beauty

We have had a rather dry and cold winter here in Tulsa which is a perfect recipe for extra dry skin. My face seems to drink up moisturizer in a hot minute, leaving it feeling dry by the middle of the day. That was until this tub of goodness arrived here at Belle Belle.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm is one of the richest moisturizers I have ever used. The balm texture literally seals in hydration thanks to glycerin. The formula also contains the Ultra Facial Ingredient of Antarcticine which has bioprotective properties, keeping skin looking young. Edelweiss flower extract, known to thrive in the high altitudes of the Swiss Alps, helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function to lock in hydration.

My skin stays soft and subtle all day – this balm hit shelves just in time for me to cure the driest of winter skin.

Available at www.kiehls.com.

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30 on Belle Belle Beauty

I am all about the glow, so I am a touch surprised by my love of this matte finish tinted moisturizer! But NARS always opens my mind to new and wonderful products. This brand new product is just another notch in NARS belt in lovely foundation and tinted moisturizer. As far as brands go, they really have this segment of beauty nailed.

This oil-free formula provides fairly significant coverage for a “skin tint”. The soft-matte finish has tons of staying power while using optical effects to blur skin imperfections. The powders that provide this effect also provide a soft and touchable finish, making application a breeze.

I’d highly recommend this formula for those with oily skin. It also works against shine and pores. There are 12 shades available. I tried Groenland (light 3), St. Moritz (medium 1) and Cuzco (medium 1.5). My winter skin shade is best suited for St. Moritz.

And one quick note: I do detect a bit of a chemical smell at first. This has dissipated since I opened the tube. And I can’t sense it after it is on my skin. Just wanted to give a heads up for those with a sensitive nose. It wouldn’t deter me in any way from using or recommending the product.

Available at NARScosmetics.com as of 1/15 and hits Sephora and specialty stores on 2/1.

 

Dry Winter Skin

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Our winter has been fairly mild in the precipitation department. But a huge cold front rolled in this weekend and my skin has been insanely dry. Like itchy, scaly dry. I know that isn’t pretty but it is what it is. Plus, one of my resolutions was to fully embrace Retin-A so my face is kind of a dry mess too. So I thought I’d share my favorite dry skin remedies.

First up, the dreaded dry lips. I love Lucas’ Papaw Ointment. This fruit derived balm has been around for 100+ years and is the holy grail (IMO) to cure dry, winter lips.

Thanks to one of my favorite advances in skincare, oils are officially a thing. I recently shared some NUDE Skincare Progenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oilimage with my friend. And her ringing endorsement just confirmed how great this stuff is. It is feather-light, improves texture and really nourishes dry skin.

I like to think of Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion as the poor man’s Tata Harper lotion. This natural blend is so hydrating and refreshing. It replenishes and rebalances with wonderful smelling organic ingredients.

For those really stubborn spots (mine seem to be my elbows), I turn to the serious stuff. And that is none other than Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream Facial Treatment. This balm is not for the faint of heart. But I am convinced it will cure the most serious dry skin. Olive Oil, Beeswax, Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis extract leaves skin unclogged and radiant. I also love it as an overnight mask on my face for those of you who share my dry skin (Retin-A) woes.

NARS Blush in Tribulation

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My friend and I were playing with some of the Spring newness from NARS this weekend. As we opened the blush, we were a little surprised by this shade. It was sheer, rosy and luminous. And somehow, when you swipe it on your cheeks, skin looks awakened and luminous. It is a sort of psuedo-powder. I am glad I gave this unique blush a chance – a new favorite!

Available at NARSCosmetics.com.

Stowaway Cosmetics

Stowaway Cosmetics on Belle Belle Beauty

While I’ve had my eye on Stowaway Cosmetics for a couple months, looks like I picked the perfect time to dive in. Absolutely love their sets for gifting. First, their daily essentials have chic, smaller and minimalist packaging. My favorite part is that you can actually finish the products before they go bad. No more crusty mascara and dried out BB cream. The sizes are perfect for travel, but also neat and tidy for the vanity.

You can purchase Stowaway individual products, but the easiest way to try (or gift) the brand are the kits.  For $75 you can customize a kit containing:

  • Radiant Complexion BB Cream
  • Creaseless Concealer
  • Cheek & Lip Rouge
  • Creme Lipstick
  • Effortless Eyeliner
  • Defined Lash Mascara

A little about the individual products:

Radiant Complexion BB Cream: This is truly a balm that has a balanced coverage – not too sheer but doesn’t cake on. I love the way my skin feels plump and moisturized.

Creaseless Concealer: I really get nice coverage with this concentrated concealer. It doesn’t crease in my under eye and covered redness around my nose very well.

(a note about these – I purchased a light and it was ideal on my winter skin town. So I would say the shades are slightly on the darker side as I usually wear a light-medium)

Cheek & Lip Rouge: This dual-tasking compact has a smooth formula and offers my desired sheer wash of color. You can also build it up for a stronger impact. The finish is matte. I absolutely adore the shade Burnt Rose with its slight bronzing effect.

Creme Lipstick: I’m not much of a lipstick wearer but this cream, long-wearing formula makes it fool-proof with just one swipe. And my lips stay hydrated. I also love applying just a wash of color with my finger.

Effortless Eyeliner: This tiny eyeliner is a true standout. The q-tip sized pen glides on and stays(I’m using the inky Black)

Defined Lash Mascara: Also a tiny tube, it manages to house a generous, fluffy brush. The fibers can build impactful lashes. And it holds up all day with no flaking.

For the holidays, along with the kits I am also loving the gift guide with sets ready for under the tree like “Your Sister”, “Secret Santa” and “Frequent Flyer”.

Made in the USA. Available at www.StowawayCosmetics.com.