Tag: Brightening

NERD Skincare Masks

NERD Skincare Masks on Belle Belle Beauty

There is nothing like a whirlwind weekend of hard travel to make you appreciate a good sheet mask. No wonder sheet masks are having a moment. They are convenient, effective and still a bit of a novelty. While I will always have a soft spot for the classic SK-II Brightening Derm-Revival Mask, this trio from NERD Skincare were pretty darn amazing to use.

First a little about NERD: the products use serious science (no wonder this beauty nerd is drawn to the brand). The masks use biocellulose, a natural product used for centuries in medical treatments. The masks are hypoallergenic and send ingredients deep into skin while binding comfortably with skin – key in these pre-cut and shaped wearable skin care items.

For the fellow nerds out there, biocellulose is actual grown using acetic acid bacteria (AABs), specifically Acetobacter Xylinum – a strain no one else uses. This specific strain builds the smoothest microfibrils that work best on human skin. They make neat patterns that allow more surface area exposure to skin, allowing for maximum ingredient absorption.

NERD Skincare Masks on Belle Belle Beauty

Okay, back to the fun. The three masks work against specific concerns: dullness, dryness or damage with serums that focus on brightening, hydrating or repairing.

The Miraculous Brightening Mask uses antioxidants, collagen and elastin building blocks to add back a glow. The serum softens appearance of fine lines and tightens pores. I loved this mask when my skin was looking particularly dull after a late night and a bout of allergies.

Skin Repair Master Mask heals and soothes stressed skin. In my experience, this was the least nourishing mask but had the greatest effect on the appearance of my skin. I’d love to have it in my stash after a day in the sun at the lake. Antioxidants work against free radicals and skin cells are revitalized.

Super Hydrating Mask was my favorite. My dry skin adored the way this mask infused my skin with moisture after a long day of travel. Plus the serum infused a barrier to continue retaining hydration over my long weekend in NYC. My skin was left supple and full.

I left the masks on for 20 minutes. Because there was a generous amount of serum, I was able to work what was left on my face into my skin and decollatage. I also liked the way the substantial texture of the mask was easy to adjust on my face. Plus, they were long so they went to work below my chin and jawline as well.

Available at NERDSkincare.com and Amazon.

image via NERD Skincare

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

h2O Waterwhite Advanced Brightening Collection

h2O Waterwhite Advanced Brightening Collection on Belle Belle Beauty

Literally hours ago I was having a conversation with a friend about how Vitamin C can be sometimes hard to use. It is often harsh and irritating. At the same time, I was planning to write about my new favorite cleanser and toner – a duo that left my skin clear, clean, bright and full of clarity. As I researched my new infatuation, I discovered that it was made with none other than Vitamin C. But without the harsh side effects.

h2o is fabulous at using effective ingredients in a calculated and soothing way. The Waterwhite Advanced Brightening Cleanser has all the foaming action I crave while still fading dark spots. Along with Vitamin C, Knotted Sea Kelp and Asian Brightening Botanicals blend into the silky formula to keep skin clear but not dry or tight. Sea minerals work to soften and energize skin, repairing signs of aging.

I am a huge convert to toners. It was a struggle to relinquish this one to try out Whitewater Advanced Brightening Toner. The new arrival is just as captivating. With the same ingredients as the cleanser, the toner rids my skin of any residue while refreshing skin. Surface cells are scooped away and my skin tone is totally brightened.

Both products are amazingly gentle on my skin – surprising now that I know they both include Vitamin C. The ingredient is crucial for correcting tone but can often cause redness on me. However, not with these guys. I get very little scent with both the cleanser and toner. One caution, the cleanser does hurt if it gets in your eyes so take care. Overall, I think this duo is perfect to transition to spring without drying on skin and working on dark spots.

Pick up this collection at h2oplus.com.

image here

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.

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution on Belle Belle Beauty

I drank the Clarisonic kool-aid years ago and the devices have been a part of my routine ever since. I’ve used the Plus, Mia and Pedi, all with stellar results. But regular readers here know my biggest beef is hyper-pigmentation and a general lack of radiance. So the newest Clarisonic really had me pumped. After releasing earlier this year, I finally got my paws on the newest system and I can say I am a total convert and this is my top choice from the Clarisonic family.

Sonic Radiance comes with a device and brightening formulas just in the nick of time to erase our summer skin sins and achieving a winter glow. The system includes the newest Aria – one I hadn’t tried. While I can’t tell a huge difference, I like the technologically-advanced charger and lighter weight.

The brush head is new as well – a Radiance Brush Head – full of dense but soft filaments that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Note: remember not to push the brush against the skin but allow it to lightly touch skin, loosening debris and preventing redness. The pearl pink is a little less shocking than the traditional pink Plus model and it is feminine without being over the top.

I’ve always enjoyed the cleansers that come with the Clarisonic devices but I really love the included products in this version including a morning cleanser, a nighttime peel wash, and a brightening serum (Clarisonic’s first-ever leave-on treatment.) All three products and the device work together to improve acne spots, blotchiness and sun damage. I’ve been using the products and device day and night for two weeks and see imrpovement, particularly with darkness on my cheeks.

The cleansers are foamy and work well against the residue of the day. I do like removing makeup beforehand with a wipe – my favorite these days is this one. That way, makeup doesn’t transfer to the brush head and the products can really work to improve the look of skin.

The Skin Illuminating Cleanser is designed for the AM and gently cleanses and exfoliates skin. The Skin Renewing Peel Wash, my favorite, is creamier and foamier designed for use at night. Then the real gem: the new Brightening Activator Serum can be used morning and night. The combo of treatments allows for potent action and visible results but while still nourishing skin.

Kit includes: Clarisonic Aria, Universal Voltage Charger, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Sin Renewing Peel Wash, Brightening Activator Serum. Products can be purchased individually as well. Or without the device and just the brush head.

Available at Nordstrom 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.

NARS Illuminated Skin Care

I am going to attempt to remain calm as I introduce you to the newly relaunched NARS Skin Care. But I apologize if I get a little overly excited. The brand known for beautiful color and elegant packaging has come through with some truly innovative, results-oriented, superb skin care.

Off the bat, I am swooning over the Purifying Foam Cleanser. Most of you know I love a good foaming face wash – check out some other favorites here. The Clé de Peau Beauté Gentle Cleansing Foam has long been a holy grail products for me, and I am thrilled to report this NARS face wash is so utterly similar at less than half the cost. It is highly foaming with small botanical exfoliating spheres (which are not irritating).  Wild Rose and Peony extracts soothe skin. And while this is targeted for normal to oily/combination skin, it isn’t drying and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. The theme of all three of my favorite products is their illuminating capabilities – cleanser included. The formula contains the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™ designed to restore skin’s youthful radiance and reflect light like a prism.

NARS ‘Skin’ Optimal Brightening Concentrate, in its elegant square jar, is unlike any other serum I have tried. The center piece of the NARS collection hydrates, soothes and boots radiance like nothing else. It comes in especially handy for big events or after a late night – the complexion really looks revitalized. Vitamin C works long term to prevent and help repair signs of aging and dark spots. This also makes a lovely primer, especially for those with oily skin. Just skip moisturizer (but not SPF) and use the concentrate under makeup.

Lastly, the Luminous Moisture Cream – certain to be a favorite for those of you with dry skin like me. Like the Concentrate and Cleanser, this cream contains the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, so you will continue to get that brightened appearance. The rich cream has seriously intense hydration, which only makes my skin look plumper, glowier and overall more healthy. Beech Bud Extract boosts collagen production and anti-oxidants to combat free radical damage. Bravo, NARS!

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