Tag: primer

Face Sprays

Face Sprays on Belle Belle Beauty

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.

HOURGLASS Ambient Light Correcting Primer

HOURGLASS Ambient Light Correcting Primer on Belle Belle Beauty

I think Hourglass has established itself as a luxury brand that is here to stay at this point. And what I love about it (and attribute its success to) is the natural and luminous finishes and luxurious feel. I have tried most of their products, but what I keep coming back to is face color. Right now, I am hooked on the HOURGLASS Ambient Light Correcting Primer.

This primer can be worn under foundation or alone. Its main purpose is to blur and perfect while adding a glow. The light-correcting pigments neutralize and brighten my skin. Since I run a little red, this is perfect for me. The formula is oil-free and weightless. It soaks into my skin without looking greasy. I love the smaller sized tube for travel. And you’ll only need a pea-sized amount. I apply with my fingers. Lately, I have applied MAC Studio Face & Body Foundation on top of this primer for a very natural look. Hourglass products are 100 percent cruelty-free. Available at Sephora.

The “No Makeup” Look

The "No Makeup" Look on Belle Belle Beauty

I’m baaack! After a week-long break over here on Belle Belle, I am refreshed and ready to hit the ground running again. And I figured no more perfect way than to share how I am getting ready in the AM lately. I am totally digging the “no makeup” look and here are my favorite products to achieve it:

First, the best way to start is bright and radiant clean skin. And I am completely hooked on the Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution. Please see the full review here. But long-story short: the kit comes with Clarisonic Aria, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Skin Renewing Peel Wash and Brightening Activator Serum. I love all the formulas and have seen a dramatic difference since I started using day and night with the formulas. It is especially transoformative on my dreaded hyper-pigmentation.

Next, I like to prime with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Moisture Blur Instant Skin Smoother. It moisturizes, obscures pores, looks natural and blurs away my dark spots. I especially love it on drier, winter skin.

Rather than eye shadow (or a full smokey eye), I like using one shade and a primer on the lid. The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a favorite an now comes in a sleek tube. On the lid, it neutralizes discoloration, stays put for 24-hours without creasing and looks clean and natural. I follow with an old favorite which I recently dug out of the Belle Belle archives. All you need is a swipe of  Urban Decay NAKED Basics and the formula is so buttery and rich. Plus, the shades suit a variety of skin tones – I like using a swipe of Naked 2 (fourth shade from left). And now I have my eye on the newer palette, Urban Decay NAKED2 Basics.

Last, just add a swipe of my favorite – a pigmented balm on the lips. Looking for a budget option? I’ve been addicted to L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Balm in Nude. You get shine and sheer color that stays put (for a balm). But it never feels waxy or greasy.

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Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector

Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector on Belle Belle Beauty

This summer, I have been ditching heavier makeup and doing my best to go as bare as possible. I mean… we are talking bare. The past couple of weeks, I’ve been turning in my tinted moisturizers and BB creams in favor of Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector.

The reason this works is because of Kiehl’s gentle but effective ingredients that improves appearance of skin both immediately and down the road. Not only does Micro-Blur Skin Perfector refine skin and diminish appearance of pores upon application. It also can correct skin texture over time.

The light-weight, gel-like formula contains LHA, lentil and bark extracts that can change skin in as little as four weeks. While I haven’t been using it quite that long, I do feel like my skin is softer and smoother. I apply as the last step in my skin care routine whether I am wearing makeup or not.

No matter what your preference – as a base for something tinted or to wear alone – the Micro-Blur Skin Perfector is gentle on skin. The formula is paraben-free, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic and appropriate for all skin types. Think of this as a way to embrace the freckles. Just apply and add a sweep of bronzer and some mascara. For extra points, I love the bare look paired with a striking orange-red lip.

Available at Kiehl’s.com and Nordstrom.

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.

Three Perfecting Primers

Three Perfecting Primers on Belle Belle Beauty

It wasn’t but just a short couple of years ago that I dismissed primers as an extra unnecessary step. So often they felt like spackle or were full of hard-to-work-with silicon. But today’s primers are a totally different story. Not only do they perfect skin as a canvas for foundation. They can be worn along for ultra-light coverage. Many contain all important sunscreen. And can enhance or alter the look of a tinted moisturizer. My three recent favorites are:

MAKE Face Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I’ve been super enthusiastic about this amazing brand. Now carried in Barneys, MAKE donates 10% of retail sales to We See Beauty Foundation, which benefits women-run, worker-owned cooperative businesses – a true “look good, feel good” brand. While I love a couple of their primers, this SPF powered version has been the one I reach for most. The formula contains light-diffusing micro-spheres that can perfect fine lines. Squalane adds nourishing moisture while the SPF disappears into the skin with no whitish cast. I’d recommend this for all skin types. Also note that it is cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

A long time favorite, this primer is a star on its own. I use medium along for a “barely there” coverage. But it also is my pick under foundation for when I need fuller coverage for my TV appearances. The thin liquid has the perfect balance of radiance and texture. The oxygen-packed formula plumps skin. And other ingredients work over long term with anti-aging benefits. While all skin types would love this primer, I think it is particularly well-suited for those with oily to normal skin.

Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer

There is a reason that women have preferred rose colored light for decades. Red-based light is the most flattering around. Glow Maximizer has a luminous, rose gold base to add a youthful radiance. This also can be worn alone or mixed with foundation for a more luminous look. Plus, it smells amazing – no wonder since it is made in France. This rich formula is perfect for those with drier skin.

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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.

NARS Pro-Prime Instant Line & Pore Perfector

NARS Pro-Prime Instant Line & Pore Perfector on Belle Belle BeautyOkay, winter. We get it. You aren’t going anywhere soon. But instead of a beautiful white wonderland these days, you insist on being cold and dry, dry, dry. We all know the joys of dehydrated skin. And one of the most charming side effects? Dry skin loves to show off fine lines and wrinkles even more than usual!

I’ve noticed my concealer and foundation settling in the fine lines under and around my eyes. When my skin is moisturized, plumper skin usually prevents this from happening. But thanks to my poor water drinking habits and frigid air, I can’t seem to prevent those pesky lines from showing up. At least that was the case until NARS Pro-Prime Instant Line & Pore Perfector landed on my desk.

This stick is packed with a lightweight primer that smooths and preps skin. Skin is plumped thanks to hyaluronic acid so concealer and foundation go on smooth. Spherical Line Smoothing Powder adds a matte finish and brightens dark areas within wrinkles and under eyes. Thankfully, I don’t suffer from large pores, but this primer promises to diminish their appearance as well.

I swipe under my eyes and between my eyebrows and then lightly press into my skin with my fingers. Don’t worry about a greasy, slippery feel. Skin feels hydrated and smooth with a natural finish. And vitamins A, C and E will improve the look of skin and provide antioxidant protection.

Available at NARSCosmetics.com and Sephora.

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.