Thursday, November 8, 2012

Review: Tarte Maracuja Oil 11.8.12

My second review of the week is a skin care item, but more than just that, it is truly multipurpose, Tarte Maracuja Oil. I have been using this every morning as a facial oil, using it as a cuticle oil, using it on the ends of my hair. I even have been mixing it with my body lotion for some extra oomph.


A little background info on Maracuja oil, also known as Amazonian Passion Fruit oil.  Tarte's Maracuja oil is hand pressed without the use of heat to guarantee the maximum amount of  essential fatty acids and vitamins. Maracuja oil is said to target individual skin concerns and delivers harmony, restoring skin balance and aiding in recovery and rejuvenation. The oil rebuilds and repairs skin while brightening, and never leaves skin with a greasy or filmy feel. I believe this to be true, I see this working on Oily and Dry skin skin.

It is touted as being for anyone who wants brighter, firmer, and smoother skin. I personally have found it has been extremely moisturizing with out being oily, major plus. I have also been really liking this for the ends of my hair.


You can buy it at Sephora.com and it retails for $46.00, which can be pricey but, this will last you a while, as it only takes three drops to cover your entire face and neck. It comes in a good sized bottle and contains 1.7 Oz, which is a decent size.

Have you tried? Will you?
x




Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Obsession Du Jour: Equinox LE shirt, proceeds go to Hurricane Sandy relief 11.6.12

I wanted to share a T-Shirt that was designed by Equinox to raise awareness and help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Equinox is selling limited edition T's for $35 and 100% of the proceeds will be going to the American Red Cross. I like that 100% is going to be donated, I have seen a lot of companies only donating a portion of sales. Equinox is donating ALL.

Let's do what we can and show our support in anyway we can. Either by purchasing products that are donating 100% of proceeds or donating to the Red Cross. If you cant help financially, please consider donating your time.


I hope everyone is safe and warm tonight, whether you are in NYC or not.
x

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Obsession Du Jour: Dior Hydralife BB Creme 11.6.12

In anticipation of Sephora F&F, I will be doing a product review a day, which I have purchased from Sephora. As you can see from my last post, I got a nice little box filled with goodies.

First up is my absolute, newest "obsession", more than an obsession really, it is a complete must have. I got a little baby sample of the new Dior HydraLife BB Creme about 3 weeks ago and fell completely in love. I used it every day for 3 weeks, I squeezed every last drop out of it before decided to splurge for the full size.


Yes, it is pricey at $56 but it is worth every penny, for me, this BB creme gives as much coverage as a foundation but with the benefits of actually moiturizing and be light as a feather. I can not stand the feeling of foundation on my face and suffocating me. This does not do this.

Consider me a lifer.

Do I recommend this? 100%. However, remember mileage will vary depending on your skin type. I happen to have very dry skin. I would assume if you are very oily, you might not like this, or at the very least have to set with a powder. I also have heard this can be a bit dark for some people, for me this color is absolutely perfect.

Have you tried this? Will you?

x




Sunday, November 4, 2012

Sephora Product haul Du Jour 11.4.12

In anticipation of Sephora friends and and family sale (which I know you all are looking forward to, as you have told me on twitter), I am going to be doing a sephora product per day this week.

I made a nice "healthy" order this week for the true friends and family sale, the one where the employees send out codes. Don't fret if you did not get one, the general sale is coming up mid- November, so rev your engines.

Anyhow, I am going to be sharing a product per day with a full in-depth review of each up until the sale. Either to help you decide, if whether to, or not to buy.

Here is a sneak peek, first review coming up tomorrow. What's on your F&F sale list? Share below.

Enjoy!
X

Monday, October 29, 2012

Deborah Lippmann Santa Baby Du Jour 10.28.12

Topping of my wish list for nailpolish right now. Love the metallic peacock hues. Total must have.

An exclusive for Neiman Marcus.

Anyone grabbed this yet?

X

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Kate Spade iPad Case Du Jour 10.28.12 (Hurricane Sandy Edition)

This is a sort of random post, but you will see why this came to my mind. I love techonology, and I love my iPad. It is currently charging JUST IN CASE we lose power due to the lovely mistress, Hurricane Sandy.

Anyway, I have been on the perpetual hunt for the perfect iPad case. I have tried out a ton. I have a rhinestone encrusted one (not practical), I have one with the wireless keyboard attached (too bulky and heavy for a handbag), I have that one you can buy at apple, the front flap one (doesn't protect enough)... and so on. You can see finding the perfect iPad case can turn you into goldilocks quite quickly.

I went on a serch for an orange leather case, I know, kinda obtuse of me, I never expected to find one. Lo and behlod, I was wondering around Soho last saturday, about to indulge in a boozey lunch at Lure Fishbar on Mercer street with a dear friend and I happened to peep into Kate Spade.

Kate Spade is usually not my style, I err on the boho/ rocker/ glam end of style, i love oversized, neutrals and leather. Kate Spade can run you quite preppy. Anyway, I saw a bright orange lether case and excatly the style I was looking for. Slim, compact and bright. 

Long story short, I am so thrilled with my orange leather ipad case that I was motivated to share it with you all. It has a hot pink lining of leather with a gold accent on the outside which is a nice fashion touch.





Do you have an ipad? Are you like me, always on the hunt for the erfect case?
If so, try out www.KateSpade.com and see if they just might have something for you!

xx

PS- Everyone that is in the path of Hurricane Sandy, Stay Safe! Remember, all shelters are pet friendly, so please dont leave your furry babies at home!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

And I am off to Kennebunkport, Maine...

What's a city girl to do when she wants to escape the honking NYC taxis, subways and wants to relax and Spa-aaah?

Naturally, take a road trip, rent a mustang and book a girls trip to spend a quiet 3 days in Kennebunkport, Maine at Hidden Ponds, of course.
Fine dining, spa's, bike riding, antiquing, s'mores and more awaits just a few hours away from the hubbub of NYC.

5 hours later... And I am here in Maine.

Will fill you all in after my girls getaway! Hey you never know who is close to Maine...

Xx

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Fresh Du Jour 10.9.12

Having a total "Fresh" moment in Sephora right now. Stay tuned.

Xx

Monday, October 8, 2012

Obession Du Jour: Jack Black Lipbalm in Grapefruit and Ginger

I am sure you have all heard about Jack Black, no, not the actor, the brand of skincare. I had been hearing about the lip balm for a few YEARS, I will go as far to say. I dont know why but it just never interested me. I dont know, judge me if you must but yes, I judge a book my its cover.

The packaging never drew me into the product. However, after hearing raves upon raves for this lipbalm, being the lipbalm junkie (errr... addict) that I am, I gave in. 

The first one I picked up with the Lavendar flavored one, and ew. Seriously, I put it on and make that lemon face. I couldnt even believe I picked this flavor because it smelled and tasted putrid. I usually love lavender. I guess I never thought that I might not like to rub it on my lips.

Anyway, I spoke about it on twitter and everyone recommended the lemon flavor. I picked that one up and I liked it, a lot. Now I could maybbbeee see what all the raving was about. I like the consistency, its thick but not sticky and definitely is hydrating. This makes a great overnight lip treatment. I like to pile on, go to bed and wake up with super soft lips. Great. However, still the scent was not mind blowing.

Fast forward to 2 days ago, I was in Blue Mercury and I saw the display case of all the flavors and for some reason, a little voice in my head said to buy the grapefruit flavor. I LOVE grapefruist scents, I like the zing!

Lo and behold, I now am a believer. I am in LOVE with this scent. This scent makes me want to put it on everyday, all day. Who know the scent could make that huge of a difference? Anyway, I am now in love and recommend this lip balm (I dont think I have to tell you which one to buy...pretty obvious).



I will be picking up a few more of these in the same flavor to litter around my apartment. Have you tried? Which is your favorite flavor?

xx


Friday, October 5, 2012

Blue Mercury Haul du Jour 10.5.12

I just got home from a wonderful facial at Blue Mercury in Union Square (more on the service later, I got dermabrasion- major thumbs up) and you know that I could not walk out with at least a FEW goodies. The Chanel lipstick in La Provocante was a separate little purchase from Bloomingdales and my attempt at stepping outside of my nude lipped box.

I wanted to share the below with you, obviously reviews for each will be coming up along with a video.

Have you tried any of the below? The m-61 cleanser and the Caudalie was recommended by the facials and used during. I liked them a lot, so to my house those babies came!



Have a great weekend! Any fun plans?

xx

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Obsession Du Jour: Blinged out iPhone case for under $20



After my last post and video about my crystallized iPhone case I got tons of questions about it. 

Exciting news is that my girl Gina is doing a huge promo for this week. You know I never post about sales or what not, but this is something I love!  I have these cases and they normally cost $50- $200 and Crystal Icing charges up to $400 for celeb blinged out phones.  

So basically, now you can get a crystallized iPhone case for under $20. Who doesn’t love some sparkle?That is a good price, I am going to snag a few for holiday presents!






ENJOY! No code or anything, you can just order it on their site here http://crystalicing.com/products.asp?cat=98
 

xx

Friday, September 28, 2012

Holy Lashes, Obsession Du Jour: Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara 9.28.12

This is something I have been meaning to post about forever, but actually it is right in time for the elusive upcoming Sephora friends and family sale (I do not know exactly when it is, but it usually hits sometime around October 20th).

I posted about this on Instagram and I got tons of interest, feedback and validation that this product is basically the best thing since sliced bread. 

I love eyelash extensions, but I can not stand the feeling of them. Now, now, I am not saying this will mimic fake eyelashes and in 2 minutes you will have Kim Kardashian eye lashes buttttt its pretty dang close. This really thickens and elongates you eyelashes without clumping. It gives very long fluttery lashes. I was asked if it does hold curl and I never noticed that, because my lashes are I guess, pretty curly naturally, but I curled them and they stayed all day, so the answer is yes on that (That's for you Rae!). Additionally, it says that it is a 4 in 1 mascara providing, length, volume, curl AND lash care! Cool!

This is my personal favorite mascara I have used as of yet, previously Yves Saint Laurent's Faux Cils has that title. Funny, that I never liked any of the previous Givenchy mascara's until this one. I am glad I got this sample from Sephora or I would have never tried it.

The below is the sample from Sephora, but I have recently gotten the full size (I actually have three now. One for home, one for my makeup bag and one for my desk. Yes, that is HOW much I like it).


So, do I recommend trying this? YES. If you can still get a sample from Sephora, definitley take advantage of that and if not, it is worth the $30 somesthing plunge. Trust me!

By, the way, Sephora is the only retailer you can grab this from currently, check it out here!

Have you tried? Will you?

xx


Monday, September 17, 2012

Very exciting announcement: I am OFFICIALLY a Beauty Editor!

I don't know if I have shared this on my blog yet, but I know I have mentioned a million times on my twitter account (@BelleDuJourNYC) . I am now a beauty editor (just add it on to my 2 other full time jobs) at a luxury magazine. 

I am so excited to announce that my debut issue as the beauty editor hits stands today.

I’d like to introduce you to 25A Long Island’s newest luxury print magazine. 25A caters to those who have a fine-tuned taste for luxurious treasures and takes its audience inside one of the most affluent areas in America, Long Island's Gold Coast. From stories and profiles about prominent figures in both media and business worlds to the latest in high-fashion, exotic automobiles, restaurants, events, sensuous travel destinations, beauty must-haves, and Gold Coast mansions, this is the ultimate guide to the sweet life of Long Island.

Set to be Long Island's premier luxury magazine, 25A aims to enchant its readers with intelligent editorial, beautiful design and captivating photography. This September 19th marks the third issue. 

Below are my three beauty pages that I have put together for the Autumn 2012 issue!



  


For those that know me, you know how obsessed I am with beauty, hence the creation of this blog! It was a perfect match, as I am originally from the Gold Coast of Long Island as well.


And, of course, if you are on Long Island, be sure to pick one up!

xx 
Dara 

PS- A very special, big thank you to Gwen Wunderlich of Wunderlich Inc PR !!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Bling du Jour: Crystalized Cell Phone Case by Crystal Icing 8.25.12

If you know me, you know I love sparkle. I love it on just about anything (minus in makeup). I am a sucker for anything crystallized or blinged out. I have been on an eternal hunt for the perfect crystallized iphone case. It is really hard to find a true swarovski crystal case and not have it be cheesy! That's always the catch with the crystals...its a fine line between fun and Vegas stripper!

Anyway, I met Gina through one of my many lines of work (so true), she is a client of the PR firm that I work with, Wunderlich Inc. When I saw her line, Crystal Icing, www.crystalicing.com, I DIED! She is the babe behind the bling! She has done everyone's bling from Bethenny to Pauly D's head phones and laptop case (they are buddies!) to Paris Hilton to Mariah Carey to Justin Beiber.

I told her that I wanted to order a case so I sent her my logo (she can customize ANYTHING- a guitar, a laptop, an iPad, a sharpie... ANYTHING!) and she surprised with me with a completed iPhone case and a business card holder. For me, a business card holder is SO important, this I can three of my own!

Anyway, I got my package and was running around my apartment like a 5 year old. EVERYONE now asks where I got my case. I spoke to Gina and asked her if I could give my readers a discount and she said yes, which is super nice of her.

So, you can go on her site, and look around and get 10% off anything you order with the code BELLE. Just to be CLEAR, I do not make a cent off of anything anyone orders, I just wanted to share this fun company with you all!

Check out her website here: www.crystalicing.com. Pictures below.



It is hard to actually catch on camera how amazingly sparkly these babies are.



Are you a sucker for bling like me?
Which is your favorite on her site?

xx

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Obsession Du Jour: Pureology Precious Oil Hair Treatement

I am very loyal to hair products (the same can not be said for beauty products). I do not really venture outside of my comfort zone when it comes to my hair. I am kinda crazy about it.

As for hair styling products, well, I dont really use them, I know I should, but I dont. I dont use hairspray, gels, serums or anything like that. I like the look of bed head, I like sexy and messy hair, however I do not like dry and brittle hair. I do, however, use Argan Oil in my hair to control frizz and add some extra shine. I have been using it since 2009 (I told you! I am loyal). This is where my new obsession has come in. I recently came across Pureology's Precious Oil line, I haven't dug into the shampoo and conditioner yet, but I have tried the precious caring oil and I LOVE IT.




Here is a quick back of the cab shot of my hair with the Precious Oil, it actually has some shine.


The product has no silicone in it, which I love and contains, safflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil. You only need a teeny little bit daily and this stuff banishes frizz like no ones business and smells lovely to boot, like a tropical escape. It is meant to be used on wet hair or dry. I prefer to use on dry hair to tame the frizz and make my hair look ultra supple and healthy hair.  You can also use this as a pre- shampoo oil treatment. It is uber concentrated so you really only need a few drops and this will last you forever. Trust me.

This is one of the first hair products in the line to be Green Seal certified which means it is line with environmental safety standards.  This is worth every penny.

Have you tried? Will you? YOU SHOULD!

xx

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Haulin' Du Jour 8.15.12

I have been at Sephora more than I care to admit. However, I have been finding some AMAZING products.I have re-falling in love with Stila products, they really have stepped it up.

I can't wait to share all with you.

For now, here is a little sneak peek!



xx