Tag: Chanel

CHANEL Le Volume de CHANEL

CHANEL is a makeup brand that I admire, but don’t frequently use. I am not one to shy away from luxury makeup, so I am not quite sure why this is the case. Here in Tulsa, one of the best known makeup artists works at the local CHANEL counter at Saks and a recent project has me collaborating with artists. So in getting to know her, I’ve fallen for Chanel makeup and incorporated a couple items into my routine.

Most surprisingly, my addiction to waterproof mascara might have been cured. The women in Saks recommended Chanel’s newest mascara, Le Volume de CHANEL and, because I am a volume fanatic, I gave it a whirl. The formula is incredibly lush and glossy. Their proprietary brush (Snowflakes) has both long and short bristles to plump the whole lash line. The ultimate test was last week, on my way back to the hotel with some work friends, when we were laughing so hard we cried. That non-waterproof mascara didn’t budge. Plus, its made in Italy – totally justifying the splurge.

Self Care Step Two: Morning Makeup Routine

I’ll keep this fairly short and sweet seeing as I am a person who prefers more brief blog posts and articles: these are the steps I take when I ~~haul ass~~ get ready in the mornings before work (sometimes I will step out of the box with bolder shades on evenings out with the girls).

1. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream – this new launch has been all over the internet recently, but the hype is warranted. My dry skin eats this up and I get a glow with fairly sheer coverage. I love the brush sold with it but it is no longer in my possession – my former makeup artist friend snagged it this weekend (if that’s a clue as to how good it really is!). I am able to wear both Suede and Vanilla interchangeably.

2. Kate Somerville IllumniKate Concealing Eye Cream – since I am going with a sheer face, I don’t want to cake on a concealer. This eye pen masks dark circles and works to improve the look of skin at the same time. So think long-term improvement towards a bright and wrinkle-free under eye!

3. MAC Brow Set – I alternate using this and a pencil but for now I like the way Brow Set subtly colors brow hairs and sets them at the same time. I currently use Girl-Boy but I think next time I will purchase the slightly darker Show-Off.

4. NARS Contour Blush – To simplify things, I use this duo instead of a powder. I use the darker shade under my cheek bones, temples and jaw line with a bronzer brush. Then using a smaller dome brush, I use the lighter shade under my eyes (to set the concealing eye cream), down my nose and on my chin. Powdered, bronzed and set all with one product. I use the shade Olympia (and Paloma in the summer).

5. Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette – this product is brand new and I had very high hopes for it. Thankfully, I am really happy with it. But it should be noted these powders are very creamy and soft – I just happen to really like that formulation. I wear the matte and lighter shades in the Infinity palette.

6. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof – an old favorite that I have rescued from the depths of the Belle Belle Beauty closet. I find this liner doesn’t drift and works well on both the waterline and just above the lashes. And it at its best in the classic black shade.

7. bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara – also an old favorite, this mascara really does it all and does it well. I get volume, curl and and inky finish that doesn’t fall out – something that is quickly becoming my biggest pet peeve.

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Summer Favorites From Opinion Nothing

What better way to round out my week of guest posts than the fabulous JM from OpinionNothing.com. This girl has style not to mention is always up on what’s new in beauty living in the fabulous New York City. I asked her to share some of her favorites to beat the crazy heat this summer in the Big Apple:

When temperatures soar and humidity caps off at 100%, my favorite summer beauty products rise to the occasion. Whether I’m headed to the office or out to brunch with my girlfriends, these warm weather essentials keep me looking my best!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder ($45) – This magic face powder comes in six shades and uses photoluminescent technology to soften light as it reflects off the skin. I like using Dim Light with a big, fluffy brush to set my foundation. It’s not a traditional mattifying powder, but I don’t mind a little bit of healthy shine.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation with SPF 15 ($45) – I love Vitalumiere Aqua because it gives medium, buildable coverage yet still feels light like a tinted moisturizer. I can apply it with my fingers or an array of foundation brushes and my dry-to-combination skin looks great every time. BONUS: travel-friendly packaging and a luxurious scent.

NARS single eyeshadow in New York ($24) – Red eyeshadow is difficult to wear without looking like you have pinkeye, but New York is rich enough to pull off. It’s perfect for adding dimension to a neutral, summer-appropriate smoky eye or simply smudged along the lash line for a grungy pop of color. It pains me to say that New York is no longer available as a single eyeshadow, but you can still find it in the splurge-worthy NARS Loves New York palette.

Lipstick Queen in Hello Sailor ($25) – My number one lipstick pick for summer! Hello Sailor looks bright blue in the bullet, but the sheer, moisturizing formula works with natural lip color to create a shade of berry unique to every wearer. It makes teeth look whiter too! Literally my lips, but better.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park ($25) – Red lipstick instantly perks up a simple look, but not when it’s melting off your face, or worse, in your purse. The latest Stalin Lip Pencils from NARS pass the test in both categories and Hyde Park, a gorgeous rosy red, is perfect for day or night.

Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover ($4.59) – No one appreciates a good at-home manicure like I do and step one is using the right tools. Resist the urge to use cuticle scissors. After five minutes wearing the gel, my cuticles are soft and trim. A quick wash with some soap and my nails are ready for bright colors!

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask ($5.49) – Before we go crazy thinking our pores are filled with dirt, let’s remind ourselves that blackheads are most often caused by oxidized oils, not filth. This cleansing mask contains both silica and salicylic acid to remove excess oils, leaving skin clean and blackhead-free in between facials. I like to apply it with a synthetic flat foundation brush for a spa-like feel at home.

I leave for summer vacation in less than two weeks (bonjour, Paris!) and you can bet I’m making room in my carry-on for everything on this list. With great skin, a perfect pout, and groomed nails, I’m ready to beat the heat on both sides of the Atlantic.

Best Brushes

I believe that great tools can make any product work better. I have more brushes than I can count, but I seem to reach for the same ones each and every day. I never once have regretted spending the money for a quality brush because, if you take care of them, they will last forever (note: I wash mine with this every week and dry laying flat overnight). Here are my brush MVPs:

Armani Beauty Designer Foundation Brush: While I still reach for this brush, I find the Armani version is more nimble because of its size. The sharper end can get into the contours of your face. And the synthetic brisstles play well with even the thickest of foundations, not leaving one single streak.

Laura Mercier Long Secret Camouflage Brush: When you have a blemish, there is just no better tool to apply concealer. The tapered tip allows for extreme precision and feather like strokes will keep the product from becoming cakey.

Bobbi Brown Powder Brush: I’ve had this brush for years and – to this day – it retains its strands and shape like a champ. It picks up powder and buffs on skin without being cakey or over-delivering product.

Chantecaille Cheek Brush: Made of goat hair, this super super soft brush can do everything on the cheeks. The tapered end deposits pigmented blush like a champ, but can also perfectly contour a bronzer under the cheek bones.

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Shadow Brush #1: This brush made of natural goat hair and perfectly shaped for applying shadow on the lids. I love the look so popular for Spring of a bold color just to the crease. This fluffy, square brush gets just enough pigment in all the right spots.

CHANEL Precision Eyelash Curler: I used to be a devotee of the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (I had mine for about eight years). But it wasn’t until I replaced it with the CHANEL version that I got that true lifted curl that lasts. The shape of this curler is much better suited for my lashes. Game changer.

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The CHANEL Eye

I haven’t ever really fallen for CHANEL cosmetics. I understand and respect that some people are devotees, but for some reason, none of their products really jumped into my “must have” category… until NOW. I had a chance to experience one of their national makeup artists and a whole new world opened.

The foundation was a little heavy and the lip was a little clunky… but the eye makeup was some of the best I have ever experienced. I purchased and have been wearing the Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Noir Intense, Beauté Des Cils Nourishing Mascara Base and Inimitable Intense Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique in Noir (these product names slay me).

The creamy Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner applies smoothly to both the waterline and right on top of the lashes. The waterproof formula dries with a shiny, opaque finish and stays all day long. The Beauté Des Cils Nourishing Mascara Base, at first, seemed like a excessive step. But this white, nourishing formula builds and heals the lashes, prepping to plump fluffy lashes ready for a coat of mascara. You can also use this as a treatment at night. Inimitable Intense Mascara has a classic brush shape with stiff brisles that manages to coat every last lash.

If you are looking for a modern yet simple, long wear eye that can go from casual to black tie, these three products get the Belle Belle seal of approval. Wearing them every day makes the luxury splurge worth it. And dare I say they all might be in the holy grail category? Perhaps, yes. Also, worth mentioninng… I use the CHANEL Eye Lash Curler and love it.

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Fall Fragrances

I’ve been adding to my perfume stash with the change in seasons in mind. The cozy, warm herbal fragrances are definitely my favorite and this is the perfect time of year to work these into the rotation. Here are my current favorites:

Lollia Relax Eau de Parfum is probably my new most favorite fragrance (and actually beauty item). I am addicted to the gentle, soothing fragrance with lavender, white orchid, Tahitian vanilla, bee blossom honey, and Indian amber. It sits by my bed, ready for part of my nighttime routine to practice some aromatherapy relaxation. But I find myself reaching for the beautiful bottle in the morning as well.

A Dozen Roses Amber Queen Eau de Parfum Spray is on the floral edge of the spectrum with apricot, clementine, a hint of ginger and amber. It finds femininity in an exotic Bengal rose accord but still manages to stay light and fresh on the skin. This fragrance is youthful but regal at the same time.

Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir Eau de Parfum has the musky, woody flavor I have been craving with the arrival of cooler evenings. The stunning bottle screams modern and feminine. No wonder with the top note of lily of the valley and middle note of Sambac jasmine.

Chanel COCO Noir is the first Chanel perfume I have been drawn to in a while. For me, it is a departure from classic Chanel with patchouli and sandalwood. Grapefruit and bergamot give it lightness and the floral theme persists with rose and jasmine. On me, the finished product dries down fairly rosy, but the sandalwood gives it the sophistication I am craving.

Houbigant Paris Orangers en Fleurs Eau de Parfum is a warm, luxurious translation of the Orange Blossom, one of my favorites. (Did you know the Orange Blossom is a symbol of fertility, of abundance—because Orange trees produce flowers and fruit at the same time?) Turkish rose and Egyptian jasmine absolute round out the brisk orange blossom. At first, the tuberose is prominent, but as it dries, Nutmeg, Ylang and cedar wood round it out. The result is a woody, musky floral.

Right now, Neiman Marcus is celebrating 10 days of beauty. Just by purchasing any cosmetics or fragrance item, you earn an entry to win a beauty bundle.One lucky lady will win ALL of the bundles (whoa!)

They are giving one away a day through October 20th. You can also enter here.

Shop my fragrance finds here: