Belle Belle Beauty

Kopari Coconut Deodorant

I’ve been thinking about clean living and healthy lifestyles lately. I’ve lost a bit of weight and am trying to squeeze more fruits and veggies into my diet. Where I haven’t made changes is on my vanity, I recently purchased my first ever aluminum-free deodorant. I freely admit that I sweat a lot and can get stinky. So I had always hesitated to go this route. But for lazy weekend days, there is no reason to wear a heavy duty deodorant/antiperspirant so I gave it a whirl.

I am a nut for coconut (the glossier balm dotcom in coconut is my favorite). This deodorant has fresh coconut scent making it perfect for summer. The formula contains sage oil which helps control sweat and odor. Coconut oil helps nourish skin. I’m sold on my new healthy alternative. Granted I still use my Dove Men+Care Minerals and Sage Elements for active days (this scent recently won awards and it works like a champ!). But I love the natural route for less active days. I get plenty of odor protection and feel better about my routine.

Kopari is gluten-free, GMO-free, aluminum-free, cruelty-free and vegan. Made in the USA.

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

I purchased Gloss Bomb back in March in New York and promptly lost it. Every time I reached in my purse, I was disappointed to remember it was gone. I was so mad at myself, I didn’t repurchase until I spotted it in Kansas City in June. I had missed it so much that I bought a replacement for myself and one for my friend who was celebrating her birthday because I knew she’d love it as much as I did.

There isn’t one quality alone that is so good about this gloss, but its full effect together. It has a brilliant shine over a universal rose shade that adds just a hint of color. The formula hydrates with shea butter. The finish isn’t sticky but also doesn’t end up everywhere – I can’t stand it when gloss comes off on glasses and cups. And the vanilla scent is subtle enough to be sophisticated while still making me nostalgic for Vanilla Lip Smackers.

HERMÈS Twilly d’Hermès

I haven’t shared a fragrance update in ages – still hooked on Le Labo Santal. But this summer, my friend gifted me Twilly d’Hermès as a thank you for being part of her wedding. I couldn’t imagine a more thoughtful gift as we share an admiration for the brand. And the scent could not be any more perfect for me.

I was a little surprised at this as I usually shy away from florals, but this blend matches tuberose with ginger and sandalwood, giving it a spicy and soft finish. It dries down sweet on my skin, which I love in the hot weather. It is worth a sniff if you are like me and need a summer update to woody, spicy winter favorites.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom is the best at including beauty in their amazing sales. Brands offer exclusive products, sets and items during their yearly blowout. Plus, there is an amazing gift with purchase that includes Le Labo, Eve Lom, Oribe and much, much more. Below you can find some of my picks to stock up on:

New to La Mer? Try out The Mini Miracles Collection with their classics: Eye Concentrate and Moisturizing Soft Cream.
Another set of all-starts, The Gift of Glowing Skin Set by Charlotte Tilbury has her classic Magic Cream which adds such a beautiful glow, Magic Night Cream for a mega-dose of moisture and Wonder Glow, a correcting primer that is perfect for a natural look alone or under foundation.
For something that looks beautiful on the vanity, HERBIVORE BOTANICALS Rosewater + Gemstone Trio looks great and is such a joy to use too. The Rosewater Cream is nourishing, Glow Mask brightens and the Rose Hibiscus Face Mist is perfect for hot summer days.
A little bit random, but I am loving the Skinny Dip Pink + Rose Gold Manicure Set. The rose gold is so unique and I love the idea of having all my manicure tools in this tidy little set. Also perfect for travel or a small gift.
For those who want to take a more natural approach to skin care, Tata Harper is hands down my favorite brand. The Complete Skin Care Regimen Set is a killer value with cleanser, serum, moisturizer and my favorite mask by a mile, Resurfacing Mask that makes skin glow like crazy.

Face Sprays

While on a tear through Sephora a couple weeks ago while visiting a friend in Kansas City, we both dove for setting sprays and ended up with two different versions. I love both, but for different reasons.

First, I settled on KAT VON D Lock-It Makeup Setting Mist. This soft mist goes on easy as the spray is super fine. The cucumber scent is so refreshing in the mornings, which are never easy for me. Once it hits the skin, it totally disappears while still boosting complexion. My makeup (which is fairly minimal) stays put and looking fresh all day.

Cathy picked up Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray which goes on before makeup or as a setting spray post-makeup application. We played around with hers, using it right after cleansing and were blown away how even and glowing our skin looked. The coconut water and probiotics revived and hydrated skin. Plus, used throughout the day, it refreshes.

Next time, I will snag the Too Faced Spray, mostly because I wear limited makeup and just am looking for a natural glow. But for those who wear a little more makeup and need staying power, I really love KAT VON D Lock-It Makeup Setting Mist.

Glossier Boy Brow

There isn’t a Glossier product I have heard more hype about than Boy Brow. It seems that everyone raves, from makeup artists to bloggers. I resisted for quite a while, loyal to my Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel and CHANEL Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil. But in an effort to clean out my makeup drawer, I decided to try something new.

This tiny wand does it all. It thickens strands, fills in, and (most importantly for me) it grooms stray hairs. My brows stay put all day while looking natural. The formula comes in four shades: Clear, Blond, Brown and Black. I use Brown since I have some spots that need filling in, but Clear also appeals for a natural, but tidy look.