/ Bella Picks

I use L’Occitane en Provence for my total skin care regimen. Their products are the only ones that keep my Rosacea at bay, even when I fail to take my prescription. I started out slowly with the Shea Butter Cleansing Oil. It is safe on my eyes, removes almost all of my make-up and moisturizes my skin. At the same time, I also received samples of the Divine Cream. I didn’t even finish the samples I received before I went back in the store to buy the jar. It made my face feel even more moisturized and didn’t have a smell at all.


I would advise you to sign up for their emails and become an insider. They always have gift sets for a lower price than normal when you spend a certain amount. For Black Friday, you can pick from several “extras” if you spend a certain amount. I love these promos because I can refill on items I’m getting low on and get little extras for gifts and samples for my guest room. Win Win Win! Right now, while supplies last you can get these Black Friday items.

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I just refilled my Divine Cream and was able to get the Radiant Divine Collection. I use it twice daily and it lasts me two months so I’m pretty stingy on the samples and travel size I get, in case I run out before my refill arrives. Other gift sets I plan on giving this year are below. The hand cream is always a good bet as that is what people are most familiar with.

I cannot recommend L’Occitane en Provence enough. And love when my guests use the samples I’ve left for them!

Happy (early) Black Friday shopping!

/ Uncategorized

I am not, by any means, venturing into Beauty Blogging. There are way too many talented people out there who do a great job. But I do like to see what people use, especially on a regular basis so I’m going to show you mine.

I developed Rosacea a few years ago and my doctor recommended using a mineral foundation instead of liquid. He also put me on Oracea and a metro gel. The metro gel dries out my face so I use it sparingly instead of twice daily. One tried-and-true item that works for me is the Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar. It keeps my flare-ups to a minimum, especially when I miss taking the Oracea.

I’m still trying to find all my favorites to use but this is what I use right now. I start with Smashbox Photo Finish Color Corrector and then add my Philosophy Hope in a Jar A to Z Cream in Medium. Next is my Benefit Boi-ing Concealer. I am so happy Benefit added more shades as the Medium is perfect. Some days I’ll add the concealer under the A to Z Cream and that will be it for the day. My absolute favorite eye shadow is in the Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes. The pink alabaster shade is my FAVORITE EVER. I’ve tried to find something similar in other brands but it’s just not the right shade of pink. I use every single bit of this shadow until the container is empty. I use the second shade on my crease most of the time and rarely use the third dark brown shade. I really with Benefit would just make the pink alabaster shade and sell it separately. I’d buy it in bulk!

I curl my lashes with a heated curler and only add mascara when I’m going out. I use one of three lip items with my favorite being the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Bel-Ami. It is the perfect neutral lip color for me. I also use Fresh Sugar Rose’ and Benetint.

When I need a little more coverage I will use a pressed foundation that I apply with a mineral brush. Currently I’m trying out Cover FX and Studio Fix by MAC. I prefer the MAC but I still think both colors are a little light for my skin. When I take pics I can see a difference in my face color and my arms or legs or even neck. I’ve noticed that Benefit’s PoreFessional gives additional coverage to my Rosacea Flare-ups so I’ll add that on top of the Smashbox Primer when needed.

The Urban Decay Naked3 Pallette is great to keep your eyes neutral but still add a bit of fun. I don’t really venture too much from neutrals on the eyes. My go-to mascara is They’re Real by Benefit. If I’m in a hurry I can use this without curling my lashes.

See my brand new Big Beautiful Eyes! That pink alabaster will be gone in a few months. 

Right now I keep everything on the counter in a Cosmetic Organizer I found on Amazon. (similar here, here and here) I didn’t mention blush but right now I’m using Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Blush Duo in Rose Emotion. It’s coming out very pink so I have to tone it down with a little more MAC or Cover FX. I think I need to switch to Guava Glow. I had a MAC Blush I loved from year’s ago but frustratingly can’t remember it. 
Benefit’s Erase Paste does wonders to my dark circles and I’ll use that as needed too. 

So that’s my make-up routine. I would love to hear what you use. I am actually hearing great things about IT Cosmetics and their Redness Correcting Creme and Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer, my two biggest problem areas.