Tag: natural

Easy & Healthy Glow

I’m fresh off a fabulous trip to Napa Valley which I also like to call my “Happy Place”. There is literally no other place I’d rather be. While a part of it is wonderful wine, I am just as invigorated by great produce, long walks through the vineyards, delicious coffee and (most importantly) seeing my dear and wonderful friends.

While I was out there, I took a break from work-week makeup and went for a fresh and healthy glow. Just a tad of product to even out my skin, some color on the cheeks and a swath of mascara. Here are the products I turned to:

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation – With the warm and dry heat, my skin needed a serious dose of moisture and this barely tinted foundation provided just that. The formula is 60% water and 10% mineral pigments in botanical oil. These pigments work to reflect light for a natural luminous finish.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint – Although Tata is from the East Coat, the Napa Valley reflects a lot of what she’s about: natural products, botanicals and a natural look. I use Very Vivacious as a cheek tint for just a hint of flush that wakes up my complexion.

Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara in Very Black – This is the only waterproof mascara that I use and I love that I can refresh my stash frequently because it is so affordable. There is nothing worse than a dried out waterproof mascara. The formula lends to full but still soft lashes that aren’t stiff. And there are no worries about messy fallout during hotter or more active days.

This post is inspired (but not sponsored by) Glossier. Another favorite for a healthy glow is their Perfecting Skin Tint which offers just a wash of color and is perfect for those with oilier skin.

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JĀSÖN Smoothing Coconut 100% Organic Oil

The temps are sizzling and the summer has officially arrived. I can’t think of a better excuse to break out a new tub of Coconut Oil. My favorite these days is from JĀSÖN – one of my top natural and affordable brands. You can’t get more straightforward that this all-purpose moisturizer that does every thing from healing chapped skin to repairing cuticles. Plus it smells like a tropical vacation. This version is free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Petrolatum, Artificial Colors and Phthalates. And packed only with the goodness of Vitamin E and antioxidants. It absorbs quickly and melts into skin – bonus points for no grease and long lasting hydration. Some other ways Coconut Oil comes in handy:

Nourishes extremely dry, chapped skin
Tames frizz and fly-aways
Helps minimize hair breakage and split ends
Smooths chapped lips
Softens nail cuticles
Soothes the drying effects from sun and wind

Available at Whole Foods Market and on the web at jason-personalcare.com.

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New From Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees in not only a favorite drugstore brand but my definite pick when it comes to budget natural goodies. They hit shelves before natural was an official buzzword (over 30 years ago). And each of their products is carefully crafted from their iconic lip balm to their newest products.

The newest collection is designed to fight wrinkles with Hibiscus and Apple Rejuvenating Complex. I am dying to try the whole line, but for now I can report on the Renewal Refining Cleanser. I actually prefer this as a scrub – a creamy base has larger granules so make sure not to apply too vigorously. The ingredients work to plump and hydrate skin and after using my face is calm and incredibly soft. And I love the refreshing apple scent, especially for the coming summer!

Also new from the brand, Sheer Body Lotion is lightweight and not heavily scented. The formula contains Safflower Oil to smooth skin. I like to spray on right after the shower and let it soak in before I towel off. I can envision this being perfect on hotter (stickier!) days this summer.

Of course, my favorite launch was promptly chewed by my two (lucky they are adorable) puppies. I couldn’t find my new Squeezable Beeswax Lip Balm for a couple days. Lo and behold, it was located in Tink’s bed slightly gnawed on but a goner nonetheless. Sigh.

A version of my favorite original lip balm, Squeezable Beeswax Lip Balm uses the same beeswax and vitamin E but is slightly more nourishing. The slanted tip made it a breeze to use. And the peppermint left the best, subtle tingle.

All products available at burtsbees.com.

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Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint

While many skin care products have excited me in the past couple of months, things have been fairly quiet on the color cosmetics front when it comes to the Belle Belle review pipeline. All that changed when this beauty from Tata Harper arrived. I attribute my glee to the fact that this product simplifies my routine and provides skin care benefits.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint, like her other products, is made with natural ingredients and pigments. The formula blends moisturizers and minerals with Spanish Lavender and Lipoamino Acid Technology to plump and volumize skin and lips.

I’ve heard great things about all the shades but I am using Very Vivacious. I love the coral/bronze shade – it looks most natural on my redness-prone skin. The shade looks rich in the pot, but blends flawlessly on skin for a very sheer application. I suppose you could layer for more color, but I like natural flush.

I first apply my foundation or tinted moisturizers. Then I apply Very Vivacious using my fingers to the apples of my cheeks – just above where I’d normally use bronzer. And then I take what remains and apply to lips for a wash of color.

Next up, I am going to invest in Very Sweet – a peach that looks like it would be perfect for a summer dewiness.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Brand Spotlight: M. Steves

While I love sharing new favorites from widely known brands, it is just as fun sharing products from indie lines that showcase hard work, unique perspectives and fabulous formulas. M. Steves came on my radar when I heard about the verve and drive of Mally Steves Chakola. She has developed a line of natural anti-aging and regenerating products that use pure, cold-pressed Chilean Rose Hip Seed Oil (RHSO).

Read more “Brand Spotlight: M. Steves”

Dr. Sponge Facial Cleansing Sponge

I’m newly infatuated with cleansing sponges. While I will never get rid of my Clarisonic, I can’t help but experiment with these gentle, natural cleaning inventions. While I first heard of this one, Dr. Sponge landed on my desk and I must say I am hooked.

Dr. Sponge is all-natural and biodegradable made from plant fibers – yay for being so sustainable. These sponges were originally designed for babies and those with ultra-sensitive skin. They make for a great alternative to the Clarisonic for those who experience redness while using the device. So how do they work? The plant used to make the sponge, Konjac, is native to Asia and packed with vitamins and minerals. So, while it cleanses it delivers nutrients, improving the look of skin. Konjac is also slightly alkaline so it balances acidity in the skin.

I’ve been using mine night and day and I love how it can remove makeup like a champ. My skin feels cleansed but not tight thanks to the toning ability of the sponge. I like using it with my own cleanser that I am testing, but you can also cleanse with it on its own. Massage skin in a circular motion, squeeze out water and use it to dry the skin (the drying step doesn’t work quite as well when you have a bunch of your own cleanser in there).

There are seven different “formulas” of the Dr. Sponge Facial Cleansing Sponge. I’ve been trying Pearl Powder and Green Tea. Both have no scent, but are loaded with ingredients to help with specific skin care concerns. The Pearl Powder can clear and balance skin, leaving it brightened and revitalized. I love the healthy glow I get after using it. Green Tea is packed with anti-oxidants to rid skin of free radicals. It also has great hydrating properties.

The also make body cleansing sponges which I certainly have my eye on to try out next. Available at flight001.com and drsponge.com.

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.