Today, in New York City, the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) recognized the most innovative beauty products of the year. The winners were selected by beauty industry insiders (over 4,600 of em). Since these ladies are literally the pulse of cosmetics, I trust their judgement imensely. And this is a huge honor for the winners. It is quite an endorsement!

They also awarded an Indie Beauty Award for the brightest new start-up in the world of beauty. I’m thrilled Supergoop won!  I am addicted to their City Sunscreen Serum. It is ultra-light, broad spectrum (block both UVA and UVB rays) and hydrating.

The 2012 CEW Beauty Awards winners are:

BATH AND BODY

• Bath & Body Mass: Burt’s Bees® Richly Replenishing Cocoa & Cupuaçu Butters Body Lotion
• Bath & Body Prestige: Shiseido Cosmetics America Replenishing Body Cream

FACIAL SKINCARE

• Acne Treatment: Kate Somerville Skin Care 24-hour Pimple Punisher
• Anti-Aging Mass: L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Serum Intense
• Anti-Aging Prestige: Shiseido Cosmetics America Future Solution LX Ultimate Regenerating Serum
• Cleanser & Scrub: Fresh Sugar Lip Polish
• Eye Treatment Mass: Garnier Ultra-lift Anti-wrinkle Eye Roller
• Eye Treatment Prestige: Estée Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator
• Moisturizer Mass: RoC® Multi Correxion® Lift Anti-gravity Day Moisturizer with SPF 30
• Moisturizer Prestige: StriVectin TL Tightening Neck Cream

HAIR

• Hair Care Product: Ojon Instant Restorative Hair Serum
• Hair Coloring Product: Rita Hazan Salon Temporary Color Root Concealer
• Hair Styling Product: Bumble and bumble Bb. Texture Hair(un)dressing Crème

MAKEUP

• Eye Product Mass: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara
• Eye Product Prestige: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
• Face Product Mass: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
• Face Product Prestige: Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer
• Lip Product Mass: COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick
• Lip Product Prestige: Fresh Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

NAIL PRODUCT

• Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

MEN’S GROOMING

• Lab Series Skincare for Men Max LS Overnight Renewal Serum

SCENT

• Men’s Scent: John Varvatos Fragrance and Skincare Star USA
• Women’s Scent Mass: Coty Beauty Heidi Klum Shine
• Women’s Scent Prestige: Prada Candy Eau de Parfum Spray

SUN

• Neutrogena Corporation Wet Skin Sunblock Spray SPF 50

ECO BEAUTY AWARD

• Neutrogena Corporation Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

For some reason, I was expecting this to be like the facial cleansing oil by Shu Uemura – an oil based, non-foaming cleanser. But that isn’t what Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo is at all. The formula actually quickly forms a foam that delicately (and intelligently) removes build-up without striping the natural oils. The result is a very scalp-healthy, balanced head of hair without a hint of grease.

This unique formula became part of my routine just in the nick of time. It was truly transformative. My very long locks are free of split ends, but slightly dry. I deal with scalp issues like itching and psoriasis. So my hair looked dull and tired from the scalp-healthy routine I had in my shower.

The Cleansing Oil Shampoo returned my head full of soft, shiny and hydrated and hydrated hair. Shu Uemura uses deep-sea extracts to remove build-up without stripping the necessary natural oils. It is gentle on my scalp and free of silicons so my strands aren’t weighed down. I love the calming yuzu citrus scent.

Available online at birchbox or locate your salon here.

By Lindsay Rogers

I just can’t get enough of these candy-colored Malibu bags from Stephanie Johnson. The crinkle patent comes in all these vibrant shades, cheering me up every time I look in my purse or luggage. The exterior is shiny and durable. They have an easy to clean sapphire liner and her signature gold studs. The hard part is deciding which to get! They have Aqua, Orange, Royal, Lime, Lemon and Coral in the following sizes:

• Large Flat Bag 9″ L x 7″ H
• Medium Flat Bag 7″ L x 5″ H
• Mini Pouch : 5 3/4″ L x 1 1/2″ W x 3″ H
• Passport Cover  7-7/8″ L x 5-5/8″ W
• Luggage Tag 3-1/2″ L x 4-5/8″ W
• Wristlet in Gold 5 1/2 ” L

I love that the bold colors help you remember what you packed in each bag. I’ve been putting lipsticks and compacts in my lemon mini pouch. My aqua large flat bag can hold all of my brushes, an eyelash curler and foundation. My coral medium flat bag holds my jewelry for a weekend away. Inspired by Karla, I am also carrying my large aqua bag as a clutch! This would also work great with a gold wristlet attached.

These aren’t available everywhere, so the best place to order is www.stephaniejohnson.com. Be forewarned, the orange is very vibrant and can overpower the coral, but looks fabulous with the blues.

This is splurge-y. Yes, I know. But it is just that darn good. October of last year, it won Allure’s ’Best of Beauty’ award for Best Top Splurge Blush. I’ve been using the Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Peach Glow for a couple weeks. I invariably toss this in my purse because I want it with me all the time. Not to mention how beautiful the silver and gold compact is.

The nourishing formula adds needed hydration and soothes my skin. The Peach Glow just adds a touch of pinky peach with just balanced luminance. It isn’t a dramatic  look but rather healthy and natural. I just use my fingers to apply right on my cheekbones in a sheer wash, but you can build up the color. This can be worn alone or over any lotion or cream foundation.

There are five shades available:

• Rose Glow
• Peach Glow
• Berry Glow
• Mauve Glow
• Plum Glow

P.S. I already envy all of you that live out in LA. Or even those of you with an upcoming trip out there. My four days back in April just weren’t near enough. I squeezed in a visit to the new La Prairie spa at the gorgeous Hotel Bel-Air. The property has recently been updated and the new spa is a “can’t miss”. The understated elegancy and luxury is perfectly quiet and tranquil. May I suggest their new Luxe Caviar manicure and pedicure? Or perhaps a signature facial?

by Lindsay Rogers

I’ve found a new drugstore duo from CoverGirl that can’t be beat for summer days. I love the crease-proof, sheer look of CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast Eyeshadow in Brown Bling. No need to fuss with a primer – it is already built in! This is perfect for those long, hot days. Not only is it water-proof but stays like a champ. The brush is spongy and a breeze to maneuver.

Follow up with CoverGirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Blackfire. This pencil is super creamy and doesn’t tug at your skin as you apply it. The shade is a blendable, grey black – not too severe for summer days. The other end is a smudger which I actually use. It isn’t too stiff and does the job blending out the pigment.

Both for under $15 at drugstore.com

by Lindsay Rogers

I was just at the dermatologist yesterday, fretting about sun damage. Her suggestion: start on some form of Vitamin C stat. Unfortunately, the lauded C E Ferulic® from SkinCeuticals causes some sort of redness on me. So I am anxious to try one of Kiehl’s best-selling product: Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate.

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate uses a 10.5% concentration of pure Vitamin C. It can help prevent the formation of fine lines, help hyper-pigmentation and improve the texture of your skin. And they are giving all of us a chance to try it:

On Saturday, May 12, Kiehl’s is hosting a “Kiehl’s Day of Strength,” at all Kiehl’s locations and Kiehls.com. Customers are invited to any Kiehl’s location for some Vitamin C refreshments, and to receive a complimentary 10.5 day sample to experience themselves. I know I’ll be there to snag mine.

Use this after cleansing and before moisturizer. Works on all skin types. Use it AM and PM.

With my golden accent nails intact from my LuckyFABB manicure (glitter polish lasts FOREVER!), I scoured my stash for a color to finish my nails. What stood out was the very on-trend coral from a brand new line to me: RGB. I was thrilled with the formula and wear of the RGB polish. It lasted for a solid five days which is a long time for me. The formula is free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor. All RGB products are cruelty free and made in the USA.

Next, I can’t wait to try out the RGB x Jenna Hipp nude polishes that were all over the Met Gala red carpet last week. The classic and low-key shades are a great way to take a break from this season’s vibrant hues. They come in four shades each of foundation and tint. Foundation (or F) is opaque, while tint (or T) is sheer.

]]> http://www.bellebellebeauty.com/2012/05/rgb-nail-color-in-coral/feed/ 0 http://www.bellebellebeauty.com/2012/05/recover-from-a-self-tan-job-gone-wrong-laura-mercier-body-bronzing-makeup/ http://www.bellebellebeauty.com/2012/05/recover-from-a-self-tan-job-gone-wrong-laura-mercier-body-bronzing-makeup/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 20:39:45 +0000 Lindsay http://www.bellebellebeauty.com/?p=2218

Recently I was prepping for a very big event. My selected outfit was a dress… meaning my winter white legs were going to be on display. Naturally it was self-tanner to the rescue. The next morning, I woke to discover I was a little hasty with my self-tanner application and had some spots where I was not quite so tan.

Enter Laura Mercier Body Bronzing Makeup. This instant bronzer evened out my skin tone in a snap. It also made my skin look more healthy with light-reflective particles disguising imperfections. I adore the scent: almond coconut milk. It didn’t come off on my clothes, but I probably wouldn’t use this if I were wearing white or yellow. Pick it up while you can – this stuff is limited edition.

My search for a compact is finally at an end! I have been on the hunt for a cream foundation that can double as a concealer on the go. And Cover FX had the ticket and it can be yours too!

Their Total Coverage Cream Foundation comes in over 30 shades and has the perfect medium-coverage, natural-looking finish. I like applying it with a brush as either a foundation or concealer. I’ve found it also works great buffed into the skin with a Kabuki brush. My last little trick is warming a little bit on my fingers and tapping under the eye for a refreshed look.

Somehow, they made this silky cream oil-free. If you are on the drier side, like me, make sure you are hydrated as it will ease the blending process. The formula has high powered SPF 30 making it great for the summer. The foundation is also fragrance and gluten-free.

I have ten of these guys to give away. For your chance, answer the official Cover FX question “HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR INDIVIDUAL BEAUTY?” in the comment section below. The top ten responses will win a full-size Cover FX cream foundation in their perfect shade. (winners should visit coverfx.com or Sephora for color matching.)

Open to anyone in the US. Winner will be notified within 24 hours of the giveaway. Void where prohibited. I must receive all entries by 03/14/2012 12:01am and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter.

A BB Cream (initials for “Beauty Balm” or “Blemish Balm”) is a moisturizer, sunscreen, and skin care treatment all in one. They were first popularized in Asia and have since taken the US by storm. They are literally EVERYWHERE. As a beauty editor, the questions I most often get are “How do I pick a BB Cream?” or “Which BB Cream is your favorite?”. So, this article is designed to narrow down my favorites based on your exact needs.

First, I must disclose, this is probably my most favorite beauty product at the moment. It is a multi-tasker that prevents aging, makes skin look even and still have a natural look about it. They work great as a primer with SPF under foundation. Or on their own if you don’t need as much coverage. One of these should definitely be in your makeup arsenal.

Best for combo/oily skin: Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++

This oil-free formula comes in only one shade but works on a wide range of complexions. It has a watery consistency that blends easily and won’t clog pores. The addition of Abyssine, a naturally-derived survival molecule, can actually calm skin inflamed by breakouts or sensitivity.

Best for dry skin: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++

NARS has a high SPF with a dewy and hydrated finish. The coverage is fairly substantial for a tinted moisturizer and this keeps my dry skin plump and glowy all day. They have a great shade range and the slightly yellow undertones neutralize redness. NARS also promises to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation with four weeks of continued use. My dark spots did improve while I was using NARS but I also had steps in my skincare to fight darks spots.

Best for dry skin with lighter coverage Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ 

This formula by Dr. Jart is made with 50 percent water, hydrating skin to give a healthy finish. This is great for a hot summer day because the water actually has a cooling effect as it is applied to the skin. The coverage is slightly lighter than his Premium formulation seen below.

Best for sensitive or red skin: Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB Cream SPF 20, 1.7

This silicon-free formula is perfect for easily irritated skin. The luxury formula has loads of skin care benefits, including Hyaluronic acid, adding hydration. The coverage is light but it easily minimizes redness and gives a glowy finish without looking too dewy.

Best for varying coverage or as a primer: Miracle Skin™ Transformer

This vitamin rich formula evens skin while still being light-weight. Its formula and coverage makes it particularly well suited to build as you need more coverage and contains scilicon to give it a bit of “slip”. This also makes it a great primer under a fuller coverage foundation. This was a lifesaver in the winter when I needed more coverage for redness in the center of my face, but was stil able to use a lighter application on my cheeks and forehead.

Best SPF: Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++

While these other formulas have between 20-30 SPF, Dr. Jart amped it up with this formula. His “Premium” version is perfect for summer days spent outdoors. He didn’t skip on skin care properties - bio-peptides and adenosine protect skin from harsh environmental factors while restoring firmness and elasticity.

For a drugstore alternative: Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

Garnier did a great job bringing BB Cream to the drugstore, available for $12.99. They have two shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Deep.