Tag: mac

MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara

MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara on Belle Belle Beauty

I am falling all over again for MAC Cosmetics after a long break. For a while, the brand felt heavy, not that natural and maybe a bit too young. But after trying out Strobe Cream (thank you, Birchbox), Studio Face & Body Foundation and Complete Comfort Cream, I am back.

I know mascara is personal. But for me, I prefer waterproof. I suffer from terrible allergies. I am known to tear up at every single episode of This Is Us (and the Olympics) and I suffer from terrible fallout. If you are like me, check out MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara.

On a layover in the Houston airport and in need looking way more awake before a business meeting, I was introduced to this mascara. It provides a slight curl, giving that rested look. The whipped formula is totally weightless. It doesn’t budge one bit. And the brush is brilliant, allowing for full application from root to tip without looking heavy or clump.

I think the Complete Comfort Cream calls for a follow up, so more details on that to come. Such a great price and really helps with redness. For now, my current MAC favorites:

Self Care Step Two: Morning Makeup Routine

Morning Makeup Routine on Belle Belle Beauty

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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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.

Bronzers on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

Bronzers on FOX23's Great Day Green Country on Belle Belle Beauty

Can you believe we are already halfway through April? This year is flying by. Before you know it, pool season will be here and its accompanying sun-kissed look. But instead of achieving the look with damaging sun rays, fake a glow with the crop of new bronzers that are better than ever. This morning, I am on Great Day Green Country chatting about the best products and how to use them. I’ll post my segment tomorrow, but for now… here is a summary of what I’ll be chatting about.

This season’s formulas are better performing than ever with lasting power and a natural look. The first rule of thumb is use creams on top of creams and powders on top of powders. If you prefer a liquid tinted moisturizer of foundation, try a cream formula like the new NARS Matte Multiple in Vientiane for darker skin tones or Altai for a softer and rosier glow. CoverGirl truMagic bronzer is a killer cream formula at drugstore prices. Also from the drugstore aisles, Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Peach offers a more subtle and luminous glow.

If you prefer powder foundation, reach for MAC Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze. Not totally matte, there is just a hint of luminous glow with a depth of color that still looks natural. Those with darker skin tones will love bareMinerals READY Bronzer in The High Dive.

There are two techniques to applying bronzer. The first, well known as the “3” method is to sweep color in the shape of a three around the temples, below cheekbones and below the jaw. Reverse the three shape for the other side. This approach lends to a contoured look. Alternatively, apply bronzer to where sun would naturally hit the skin: cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead. The outcome is a “just finished a day at the pool” look with a healthy and youthful glow.

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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.

Holiday Glowing Skin

Holiday Glowing Skin on Belle Belle Beauty

Icy winter weather is back again and we are officially in the throws of holiday celebration. While I am not “taking off” any days this week, I will be slightly lighter on the posts. Instead, I’ll be practicing holiday looks and fine tuning some You Tube tutorials for you in the New Year! Speaking of holiday looks, my favorites this season has been neutral eyes and lips with radiant and glowing skin. I’ve discovered some tips and tricks and wanted to share!

Read more “Holiday Glowing Skin”

Soft Pink Lips

Soft Pink Lips // Belle Belle Beauty

Sure, we are in the throws of autumn’s dark and vampy lips. And don’t get me wrong, I am really starting to love wearing a bold shade. But sometimes you just want a soft, feminine and easy-to-wear pink. Rounding out my six favorite pinky neutrals (in the above photo, starting top left going clockwise and top to bottom in the swatches below):

Soft Pink Lips // Belle Belle Beauty

Jouer lipstick in Sophia is a shade launched for fall. I fell hard for this formula at New York Fashion Week when I stopped by Birchbox’s pop up shop for a little mini-makeover. While I wore the shade Grace that day, I knew Sophia was going to be the one I reached for over and over again. Actually part of their new “Find Your Perfect Red” collection, this creamy rose is their pick for warmer complexions. The formula has loads of hydration and a buttery finish that makes it easy to wear.

MAC Mineralize collection finally delivered a foundation that played well with my drier skin. And it also offered creamy and rich lipsticks that hydrate my ultra-dry lips. I picked up Grande Dame, a slightly darker rose with just a hint of shimmer and frost. The color is relatively opaque with great lasting wear.

NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Viva is my pick if shine is your goal. I love the tiny applicator brush which allows for maximum precision. While Larger Than Life is a true lip gloss, you can expect a ton of pigment. And natural voluminizers work to plump lips.

Flower Kiss Stick Velvet Lip Color in So Gladiola is rose with a hint of orange and a matte finish. The pigment in these lipsticks are luxury at a drugstore price point. Despite the finish, the formula contains an emollient so my lips stay hydrated and the color stays smooth.

Probably one of my all time favorite gloss formulas, bareMinerals marvelous MOXIE in Party Starter has a pop of coral. But because it is a gloss, the effect on me ends up being fairly rosy. Shea and avocado nourish lips and a minty effect gives a bit of a tingle.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Isola Bella is ultimately so wearable. The shade is a rosy nude with a creamy, shiny finish. The pencil packaging allows for precise application, important with the pigment-packed formula. Expect lots of wear time from this twist on a lipstick.

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.

MAC ‘Mineralize’ Moisture Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

MAC 'Mineralize' Moisture Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 // Belle Belle Beauty

I’ve always found that, generally, MAC foundations didn’t play quite as well with my drier skin (exception being this one). When I started reading up on MAC’s newest foundation, I knew everything could change. The MAC twitter team assured me this formula would be a great match for my drier skin.

MAC 'Mineralize' Moisture Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 // Belle Belle Beauty

So, I headed off to my closest (and beloved counter) to see Jennifer. Tulsa folks, Jennifer at Saks is a treasure – you guys need to visit her stat if you haven’t already. I was matched with NW20 – sometimes I prefer the warmer tones to counteract the redness in my skin. Admittedly, I would also probably be fine with NC20. MAC 'Mineralize' Moisture Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 // Belle Belle Beauty

Off the bat, I was impressed with the lightweight liquid texture. The coverage is buildable, but you can go fairly sheer because the combination of powders creates an optical blurring effect. Officially, the finish is satin, but I get a pretty glow-y look. I love the healthy, luminous finish. What probably sets it apart is the 77-Mineral Complex, Shea butter and vitamin E, making it comfortable on my drier skin. Bonus: I get a long day of wear out of this foundation.

Available online MACCosmetics.com, Nordstrom and Dillard’s.