Tag: Essie

“Summer-ize” Your Makeup Routine On FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

"Summer-ize" Your Makeup Routine On FOX23's Great Day Green Country on Belle Belle Beauty

There are so many factors that play into changing up our makeup routine as the months warm up. Depending on where you live, humidity can play a huge factor. And to an even greater degree, lifestyle changes. We spend our summer evenings wearing breezy maxi dresses and a messy bun. This calls for a tone down in makeup (with some glowy and bronzy wattage).

Personally, I like switching to a more subtle eye and using a few more liquid formulations. My favorite of these liquid gems actually come from a brand new line from Perricone MD that I am wild about. Launched just this month, Perricone MD No Makeup Skincare restores skin’s health, protects from environmental factors and uses pigments to enhance facial architecture. This makeup doesn’t cake on coverage but adds radiance. My favorite of the bunch is the new No Foundation Foundation Serum which just subtly adds pigment with a suede finish and nourishing formula. No Mascara Mascara contains anti-aging lash treatment. And No Lipstick Lipstick not only smells amazing but adds a natural color with SPF 15.

If you are anything like me, you’ll log some serious pool time (with lots of SPF of course). Some days, we proceed immediately to a BBQ dinner or casual Mexican fare straight from the pool. To add just a bit of glam, I love the newest of lip formulas – Lip Crayons. Boots No. 7 Lip Crayons not only offer a budget price point but also a conditioning shine. I love Berry to compliment post-pool sun-kissed tan.

I can’t really think of a summer color collection that does glowy bronze better than NARS. A new launch coupled with a newly discovered classic is now a permanent staple in my rotation. First, I admit to being a Laguna devotee. But I was gently coaxed to try the slightly slightly deeper and more golden Casino and I am smitten. There is something about the formula that is so authentically bronzed that I can quickly sweep over my cheekbones, temples and nose and hit the road. And talk about a launch with a splash from their summer ‘Adult Swim’ collection: Hot Sand Illuminator is a limited edition peach champagne liquid that provides a shimmery blush. I also love to use it on brow bones and if you are feeling indulgent, add a dab to your decolletage.

Who said dark polish is only for cooler months. This summer, change things up with inky digits but swap out vampy blacks and browns for navys like Essie’s After School Boy Blazer or a deep purple like Sally Hansen Vanity Flare. If you are a diehard light shade buff, opt for a classic white (my current choice is Deborah Lippmann in Amazing Grace).

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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.

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Tips For An At-Home Manicure

Tips For An At-Home Manicure on Belle Belle Beauty

Sure, I’d love to have a professional mani/pedi weekly and let’s go ahead and add on a couple blowouts and a massage (or two). But that just isn’t possible for us regular folks. So, I will continue to pursue the perfect at-home blow out and beg for a back rub when I can. But I have had enough practice to pretty much master an at-home manicure which makes me feel pampered and will give my nails a professional, clean look. And I am excited to share those tips on Great Day Green Country this AM – we changed things up this week and will be doing my usual Friday segment on Thursday

Quick side note on my polishing skills: I have lots of trouble getting polish to remain chip-free for more than two days. I know even the illustrious Eva Chen admits to repolishes every couple of days. So I’ll settle for working my way through my endless nail polish collection with a switch up more often. I’ve had gels for a couple months. With my returned natural nails, changing up shades right now is kind of refreshing. With that said… here is my routine:

  1. Start with clean, dry nails. Remove older polish with a nourishing remover. Make sure to double check sides of nails for any rogue polish. Splurge on specialty nail cottons because they are particularly absorbent and abraded.
  2. Shape nails with a glass file. A glass file is gentle on delicate nails and avoids tugging or breakage. Squoval is the universally-flattering and classic shape but we have been seeing editorial-shaped nails like pointed on runways for a couple seasons so go for any look you desire!
  3. Soak nails in a bowl of warm soapy nails to soften skin. Sometimes, I jump in the shower at this point to kill two birds with one stone.
  4. Apply a cuticle remover to remove dead tissue from the cuticle area. Use a wooden nail tool to push back cuticles. Resist using those dreaded nail clippers. Cutting skin can breed bacteria. And that skin also serves a purpose protecting the delicate cuticle area and can prevent redness. Cut any hangnails if you must.
  5. Thoroughly rinse cuticle remover ensuring it doesn’t stay on skin too long. Nourish dry hands with a rich hand cream like Nuance Salma Hayek Super Brightening Hand Cream (which is cruelty-free and can help with the appearance of age spots) or Library of Flowers Coco Butter Handcreme.
  6. Wipe nail beds only with alcohol or a nail primer like Deborah Lippmann 2 Second Nail Primer to ensure oils from the nail bed are completely clean. Use specialty cotton to avoid any residual threads that could ruin polish application. Or try Q-Tip Precision Tips Cotton Swabs if your nail beds are on the small side.
  7. Apply a strengthening base coat like Essie Grow Stronger and allow to completely dry. If you have trouble keeping polish on, try Orly Bonder. Then use two coats of colored polish, starting with a swipe down the middle of the nail followed by one on each side. Finish with a quick dry, no chip top coat. Right now, I am loving Debroah Lippmann Hard Rock.
  8. Maintain your manicure by applying a new top coat every other day. In the evenings, keep cuticles looking healthy with hand cream or specialty designed cuticle and nail balm.

Five Late Summer Favorites

Five Late Summer Favorites // Belle Belle Beauty

So, today marks the official back to school here in my city. Time to face the music and start thinking about prep for those cooler months ahead. I’m focusing on stretching out this tan, staying safe in the sun, repairing sun damage and nourishing my dried out hair. Among other things! Here are five favorites that I keep reaching for to do just that:

RéVive ‘Sensitif’ Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15 is the most gentle SPF I have come across and the oil-free formula finishes matte and won’t clog pores. Plus, it works fabulously under makeup.

Kate Somerville ‘Somerville 360°’ Tan Maximizer is helping me milk this summer glow for all that it is worth. I love the smell and how nourishing it is on my skin. Natural oils add so much hydration that this might be my go-to lotion all year long!

Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo basically transports me back to high school with its fruity scent (how appropriate this time of year!). But what really impressed me was the effect – I use this at night and sleep in a wet braid – the next morning I have full and bouncy waves!

Coola TotalBody Organic Moisturizing Suncare with SPF 30 is keeping me sun safe these last couple of pool days. The scents can’t be beat (my favorite is Plumeria). And I feel even better staying safe in the sun using an organic product.

Essie for the twill of it from their fall collection was high on my wish list. But now that I have it in (or on) my hot little hands I’m swooning so hard I almost fell over. The opaque shade is as nuanced and special as any luxury polish. Fall signature mani sold!

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.

Style Cusp’s Summer Beauty Routine

Style Cusp's Summer Beauty Routine // Belle Belle Beauty

This week, I am bound for the Dominican Republic for some decadent beach time! Each day this week, I am featuring a guest post from some of my favorite bloggers. No better way to kick it off than with one of my first blogging friends, Marissa from The Style Cusp! She’s a fashion and lifestyle blogger with killer hair and beauty know-how. Today, she is sharing some of her summer beauty routine. Enjoy!:

My summer beauty routine is simple and fuss free. When I’ve spent a day lounging at the pool or am headed to dinner with girlfriends after an extremely humid Northeast day, the last thing I want to do is pile on makeup only to have it melt off. I usually stick to my trusty basics.

1. EOS // I am obsessed with this little things! I have a few scattered around my apartment, in my purse, and in my beach bag. They are a mix between chapstick and a gloss and give my lips a nice little shine – not to mention their flavors are beyond yummy!

2. Falsies Mascara // I’ve tried loads of mascaras, but always come back to this one. I swear by this little $6 tube! It keeps my lashes long and full – something we all are always on the hunt for in a mascara.

3. NARS Torrid // My top blush/bronzer pick is always NARS. Their shades are always just what I’m looking for and complement my skin tone perfectly. I love Torrid against a little sun kissed skin after a day at the beach or pool.

4. Essie // It’s no secret that I’m a essieaholic! You’ll found bottle after bottle scattered all over my place. I’m constantly switching up what’s on my fingertips, but you best believe there’s never a day I’m without some color. My current favorites are turquoise + caicosblanc, and bottle service.

What’s your summer beauty routine? Any favorites I should try? Stop on over my blog or send me a tweet (@stylecusp) + let me know!

Keeping Summer Feet Beautiful on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

 Keeping Summer Feet Beautiful on FOX23's Great Day Green Country // Belle Belle Beauty

Feet aren’t the most glamorous subject but let’s be honest… during this flip flop season we need to keep our tootsies look fabulous too. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite ways to keep my feet in order over the warmer months including the hottest nail shade of the season. If you are in the Tulsa area, tune into FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country this morning. I’ll be chatting all my favorites with the lovely Lacey Lett!

Julep Warming Foot Scrub – Even in the summer, this warming scrub tends to do the best job at gently removing dead skin on my feet. The cucumber mint scented scrub warms up on contact, soothing sore feet. Containing real pumice, the formula works great at exfoliation. Also chili pepper oil stimulates circulation while vitamin E nourishes. $13

St. Ives Triple Butters Nourishing Vanilla Body Wash – St. Ives always does such a great job on body washes. The reason I love this new formula for the feet is its packed with nourishing ingredients like jojoba, shea, and cocoa butters, leaving skin soft. And we all know I am a sucker for calming vanilla scents. $4

Bio-Oil – This multi-use skincare oil is my favorite thing to moisturize cuticles. Not to mention it works great against scars. I have a nasty one on my left foot thanks to a broken bone a couple years ago. I like to apply at night and wear socks for super dose of hydration and soft feet. $12

Coppertone Wet ‘n Clear Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 45 – This SPF is a current beach bag MVP. I love that you can apply on wet skin. The formula cuts through water while also being water resistant. Perfect for applying to feet that just dipped into the ocean. The tops of feet are so easy to burn and so often are missed when applying sun screen. $7

Essie in Marshmallow – White toes are the biggest hottest trend this summer (not to mention one of my favorite nail looks of the season). Check out my manicure here. I love the look on the toes – so clean and fresh – perfect to show off a tan! $8

Check out the clip of the segment 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.