Self Tan Du Jour: Kate Somerville 360

Testing this out...

Will report back. Have you ever tried Kate Somerville 360?

X

Obsession Du Jour: Prtty Peaushun Body Lotion 7.9.12

First of all, I hope everyone had a lovely and relaxing 4th of July and Holiday weekend. I know, I sure did. I spent my time out on the North Shore of Long Island at my families home. Hot sunny days in a cool pool with family. Nothing beats it.

Now, onto more exciting things, my newest and most fabulous beauty find. I have been looking forward to putting up this review all weekend. I had to try it out first though, of course.

What the heck is it you might be thinking? Looks like those gel vitamin drinks you can pick up at GNC right? But, alas, it is not. It is the most amazing and secret body lotion. I dont know if you can only classify it as a body lotion though. Molly Sims calls it her 'Secret Weapon'. 

I first found out about this while doing my obsessing over Tracey Anderson (If you dont know who she is, you should! She is a trainer out in LA who is adorable and her work outs kick major booty). I was watching one of her backstage videos and her makeup artist was putting this on her. I did a little background research and I found out it was called 'Prtty Peaushun'- pronounced I assume, Pretty Potion. They have a Prtty Peaushun website you can order on and yes that is Tracey Anderson's bod featured on the website. Amazing right? Anyway, I found a website where they sell it for 20% off here called Payless Beauty! with the code PT20, so I would order from there! I did!

Now onto the actual review, this is a very light, quick absorbing, completely not greasy lotions for your body. I haven't yet tried it on my face, but I will. I am a daredevil like that. This stuff is AMAZING. It does not have any sparkle but very very refined micro shimmer to give you a glowing look. You do not even see the shimmer when you are in person, just looks like your skin is HIGHLY moisturized, something I always strive for. There is a light citrus-y scent that fades within minutes of applying. I ordered the lotion in medium because I have a tan, but it is not really colored, I would describe it as a peach. I think it is a very universal color. Anyone can use it, tan or not. It really is a 'perfecting lotion', it minimized any color discolorations and I know this sounds ludicrous but makes your legs look more in shape. I know, I know! Trust me though.

See some photo's of the product itself and swatched on my arm below.

Medium Color

Interesting nozzle where the product dispenses from- I quite like it.

Up close and personal with my arm- Prtty Peaushun rubbed in

 

A little further away, no sparkle can be seen in person, just a glow!

 

It retails on the Prtty Peaushun site for $36 but I found it for $28 on Payless beauty and with a 20% off code comes to around $22 so its not a bad deal. It comes with a decent amount, remember this really isn't a moisturizer, more of an 'accent cream' so you shouldn't go through it TOO quickly. The only thing I could possibly compare it to is BECCA's highlighter in pearl, which is a bit thicker and more concentrated as it is a true highlighter, this is not. This is light and more liquid-y and less shimmer-y. This so far can not be duped for me.

Best of all, it is 100% cruelty free, leaping bunny certified and 99.7% natural.

I think we have a winner here! I just ordered a 2nd package of it.

Will you try this out? Let me know!

xx

NARS Orgasm Campaign Du Jour 7.2.12

As soon as I saw this I had to immediately share this with you.

I have been a long time lover of NARS, in my opinion has some of the best products on the market (Hello, my Holy Grail of all bronzers, Casino and my favorite brown eyeshadow, Mekong). However, the famous blush Orgasm, has not been on my favorite list. Sometimes it gets a little sparkly for me. That being said, the makeup in the new Orgasm Campaign from NARS is. TO. DIE. FOR.

This is what I call effective marketing, because I want to go out right now to NARS and buy every single thing listed here!

Take a look at the video below :

The makeup is as follows:

EYES
- Apply Orgasm Multiple to the eyelid, blending with finger to a fresh finish.
- Apply Fez to the eyelid. Add depth to the crease and the lash line with a mixture of the chestnut shade of Surabaya Duo Eyeshadow and Lulu Eyeshadow.
- Blend a wash of Night Rider Eyeshadow to the eyelid.
- Highlight the brow bone with Albatross Highlighting Blush powder.
- Line the eyes with Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner and finish with two coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara.

LIPS
- Line and fill the lips with Rosebud Lipliner Pencil. Blend with finger to soften the color.
Apply Orgasm Lip Gloss to the lips.

NAILS
Complete the look with Orgasm Nail Polish on the nails.

I need everything that was used on the eyes now. This is one of my favorite eyelooks I have seen in a  long time.

What are your thoughts?
x

Cooling Down with Repechage Du Jour 6.27.12

If you have been in or around NYC, you know that how stifling this heat has been. Hello! 99 degrees last Wednesday...what is THAT about?

I was sent something that came at the PERFECT time, Repechage Algo Hydrating Mist. I have been a long time fan of Caudalie's Elixir but I just ran out. When I first got the Repechage Mist, I through it in my bag.

I also was flying for business this week. I went to Denver and came back to NYC in the same day. Talk about sucking the life out of your skin. We all know flying is highly detrimental to our moisture levels in our skin and mine is dry to begin with. Luckily, I had my new handy dandy mist in my bag and let me tell you. I love it! It only retails for $15 for the travel size, which is a lot less than the Caudalie.

It is a light spray that smells like the spa and is nutrient rich with seaweed extract and botanicals. This is great for hydrating skin. I used this about 46 times on my 4 hour flight. Since then, I have been using daily for a mid-day cool down.

I really like how portable and convienatn this is, I also like that the bottle is plastic instead of the glass. You dont think it makes a difference, but when you tote around tons of useless crap, the minimization of weight is a big deal!

Have you tried it?
xx

Dara

Summer essentials via MadisonPlus.com Du Jour 6.25.12

Wanted share a little piece that I contributed to MadisonPlus.com 's blog, the Daily Dish with you all.

I have been recently asked numerous times what my favorites for this summer are. Well, take a look... http://madisonplus.com/beauty/hot-weather-beauty-essentials/ Thanks Aimee!

What are your summer must haves?
xx

Rings and Jewels Galore Du Jour 6.21.12

It has been HIGHLY requested to start to do some posts on jewelry. I am happily obliging!

If you have been a long time follower you know that jewelry is my Achilles heel. I literally trip over my feet if I see something sparkling in a window or a glint on someone's finger. I have always loved jewelry from a young age, playing in my grandmothers jewelry box.  Rings have always been my focal point though. Something about a fabulous ring gets my heart racing.

I wanted to share a collage I made of some of my favorite rings currently on a few websites. These are all fine jewelry pieces so these are investment pieces. Not something I would just run out and buy.

All of the pieces were found on www.barneys.com and www.roseark.com (this is the first place I discovered the world of Anita Ko... OH MY GOD, her jewels are TO DIE FOR. Can be found here http://anitako.com/ ), two of my favorite stores to hunt for fabulous jewelry.

Oh and the newest of my obsessions, Jennifer Fisher, check her out here http://jenniferfisherjewelry.com/


Enjoy the eye candy!
xx

Unexpected Details and some more Chanel Du Jour 6.19.12

Quick accessory shot of the day. This is very unexpected and out of the norm for me. I don't really do prints or colors. However, this shirt from Zara called out to me! It's a bright floral with gold studs on the shoulders and cuffs. Something about the soft prettiness of the floral juxtaposed with the toughness of the studs and a dash of glam with the gold color. I loved it!

You can grab the shirt here www.zara.com

Anyway, mixed up the sweetness of the floral with black accessories, a black Chanel J12, Roni Blanshay Lava beaded bracelet and a Lisa Freede Black Pyramid bracelet.

Detail of the Zara Shirt

What have you done unexpected in your dressing latley?
xx

Cheap Thrill Du Jour: Maybelline Porcelain Collection 6.18.12

Hurry! Go scour your drugstore. I have found a true nude in the drugstore. Major shocker. I can never find a true nude, they are always too dark or too mauve-y (or as my best friend says Mohv).

Anyway, I saw these and I obviously grabbed the colors Smooth Taupe, Nude Nuance and Porcelain pink. My favorite is the taupe ( the lightest nude) it reminds me of MAC's 2N and Gosh Darling.

Smooth Taupe is the perfect nude to slap on and blot out for the perfect natural nude pout.  I am not sure if they are limited edition so check em' out. I am going to grab a few back ups!

 

From left to right: Porcelain Pink, Nude Nuance and Smooth Taupe

 

I found it at an A&P in northern jersey for $6.99.

Have you tried yet?
Xx

Mascara Obsession Du Jour 6.15.12

A new take on my favorite mascara ever. The classic L'Oreal Voluminous is now amped up and even better. I am so excited to show you have have found L'Oreal Voluminous Power Collagen. If you love the original, you will drool over this one, like I have been. Doesn't take much to make me drool huh?

I've been using it for three days and so far loving. Just like the classic voluminous its richly pigmented and elongates like no other, however this one has some much desired "oomph"! Who doesn't want more oomph in their life?

Are you going to try it?
Xx

Chanel Du Jour 6.14.12

Welcome home lovers.

Rose Gold Shoes from Heaven du Jour 6.13.12

I have been searching everywhere for the perfect pointy rose gold shoes. Finally found and absolute perfection

I went to the W Hotel store on Lexington Avenue after walking by and seeing these in the window, I obviously ran straight in. The smallest size they had was a 6. Of course! Always forgetting about us small footed folks. I went home and googled the crap outta these babies. Lo and behold, I found them in a size 5 (Shocking!) AND on sale for 50% off. Oh yeah, it was meant to be.  They are Boutique 9 by Nine West and if you love, go grab these killer shoes here

I scooped them right up.

Voila!

 

I can not get enough Metallic this season. These will look amazing with white pants. 

Thoughts?

xx

Monday Morning Inspiration Du Jour 6.11.12

So true. Thank you to Natalie Decleve of Natty Style for this Monday morning inspiration.

Happy Monday to all.

xx

Tone It Up Du Jour 6.6.12

Ladies-

I wanted to share something that I just signed up for, I am sure you all know about the beautiful and incredibly fit Tone It Up Ladies, Karena and Katrina. I have heard about there program on www.Toneitup.com for a while now. I have watcher their free videos on You-Tube FOREVER! I have always been into fitness and healthy eating. I love love Pilates and have always enjoyed healthful foods.

I have been thinking back and forth about signing up and joining for about 6 months now. I always have had an excuse though. I am too busy, My schedule is crazy, I love CHEESE! All these things are true, but I am ready for a change. I heard Gemma from www.gemsmaquillage.com talking about it and she LOVED it so it pushed me over the edge and made me join!  I do not need to lose weight as I am a very small person, but I would like to be a tighter, firmer and generally overall more toned up version of my self. FYI- I am 5'1 on a good day and fluctuate 5 pounds up and down from 105. That is my base weight though.

I wanted to let you all know that I joined and see which other of you have joined and to come follow along on my journey with me.

This will definitely be hard because I work crazy long hours (as being a business owner) and I LOVE CHEESE and red meat. Hello! My favorite food is a cheeseburger, and neither of those things are allowed.

I will be updating my blog weekly with how it is going each week! I have already posted a few of my Tone it Up recipes on my Instagram (@DaraKaye) and Twitter (@BelleDuJourNYC).

I already made the banana protein Tone It Up pancakes, and they were amazing. Really tasted indulgent and were completely healthy. Very impressed.

Follow along on my journey and let me know what you think!

xx

Snowhite and the Huntsman Jewels Du Jour 6.5.12

Yesterday, my best friend dragged me to the movies to see Snow White and the Huntsman. I didn't want to. I am so not into fairy-tails and/or Disney movies (When I was younger I was!). My best friend persuaded me by saying, "I know you love Charlize Theron" ( this is true) and "her outfits are supposed to be killer" (this was true too!).



Saw the movie, loved it, but what I REALLY loved was the fashion and jewelry. The rings were TO DIE FOR. Oh wait, I really loved the Huntsman too. Very cute.

Anyway, did a bit of research and found out that Cathy Waterman some of the jewelry and one of my very favorite jewelry designers, Solange Azagury- Patridge designed the rings. Go figure! No wonder it was all so beautiful.

Check out some of the images.

So onto my favorite piece of the film, Charlize's rings! Drool! Designed by Solange.

You can check out an amazing article about the ring here on W Mag. You can special order at her Madison Avenue Boutique. OH WOW! 

http://www.wmagazine.com/heart-plucker-ring-for-snow-white-and-the-huntsman.htm

Looking for cheaper options... look below!

What do you think? Have you seen the movie? Will you?
xx

Shoe Find Du Jour 5.27.12

Personally, I am not a fan of Bebe. It is usually just not my style at all. However I was walking along 3rd Avenue and something grabbed my attention.

A pair of butt kicking gold wedges, I didn't even look up to see what store it was because I fell in love in .2 seconds. Ran in and realized it was Bebe. I was shocked. Anyway, grabbed them and the matching flats and even more shocking they had my size! I am a small size 5.

These shoes remind me of Tom Ford for Gucci back in the day. Around 2002 or so (I believe, I could be wrong), Some of my favorite shoes ever made. Tom Ford is a god.

Anyway, I would suggest checking Bebe out for these! Super hot and comfortable. I can't wait to rock them!

X

Nails Du Jour 5.26.12

Current manicure is Zoya nailpolish in "Pippa" and Deborah Lippmann nailpolish in "Shake Your Groove Thing". Love it, so fun, bright and summery with a splash on sparkle.

Zoya Pippa took three coats to cover opaquely but after looks beautiful and creamy. Formula is a touch streaky, three coats solves that though.

Deborah Lippmann Shake Your Groovedl this is one coat of sparkles. You can really build up opacity easily as well. One of my very favorites I own. I hear Milani has a great dupe for this.

What's on your nails?

Xx

Skincare Staples du Jour 5.22.12

Quick shot of my skincare staples at the moment.

What are you using?

Xx

LUSTING over these spikes Du Jour 5.17.12

I need these. Period.
These WILL be mine!

Anyone have them?
xx

Quick Hello, a healthy recipe+ a little haul 5.15.12

Hola Everyone-

I missed you all. I am finally settling into my new apartment. I will share some photos when it is in more of a normal state. I am still organizing and cleaning. Why whenever I am about to move I completely forget the hell that moving is?

Anyway, I posted on instagram photos of my dinner I was making and I got a ton of questions on the recipe. It is SO easy and SO healthy and SO tasty so I thought I would share with you guys (that was a lot of SO's).

 Recipe for Marinade:
Blend all in a food processor- mine of choice is Cuisnart. I love that thing!
- Half a bunch of Italian or flat leaf parsley
- 4-5 cloves of Garlic (More if you like it super garlic-y, or less if you aren't a garlic freak like me!)
- 3 pinches of Kosher Sea Salt
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Squirt of Lime juice

Instructions:
- Marinate your chicken breasts for up to 6 hours. I throw them in a plastic bag with the marinade in the morning and when I get home from work they are ready to go.
- Use a grill pan and throw on the chicken, no need for oil as it is already in the marinade.
- 5-6 minutes on each side to get nice good charred grill lines.

Voila!

SO easy, tasty and very healthy.

I hope you try it out and enjoy! Definitely let me know, I would love to hear!

xx
Dara


PS - Dont forget to follow me on Instagram @DaraKaye to see my more frequent visual updates!

PPS- Beauty.com is having a friends and family sitewide 20% off www.beauty.com. I just ordered Butter London's Slapper and TroutPout nail polish. FINALLY! Thanks to Rae over at Raeviewer I have been wanting them forever! Score! If you don't already know Rae, you really should. Amazing reviews on beauty product. Love her!

Where have I been? 5.8.12

Sorry guys! I know I have been totally missing in action, if you follow me on twitter, you know that I am in the middle of a massive apartment move.

I will be back blogging as soon as I am set up!

Xx

PS: you can always follow me on twitter @belledujournyc for daily updates or on Instagram at DaraKaye for visual supplements ;)