BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

Calling All Lazy Girls: These Multipurpose Beauty Products Made My Routine 10x Quicker

Published on June 17, 2022June 16, 2022 by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

We hate clutter. We find that the less stuff we have around us easier our life is. We can relax easier in our home, we don’t have to shuffle around too many decorative objects when we clean, and we never lose anything…. sometimes. We could tell you where every single Chapstick we own is located, which is why we love it when a dress can work in multiple seasons, or our beauty products can be used in multiple different ways.

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Speaking of beauty products, if you’re looking to cut down on clutter in your bathroom, want to make your morning routine faster, or simply want to do less with more, then we have the beauty products you’re looking for.

Keep reading for our tried-and-true multipurpose beauty products that will streamline your routine. And don’t worry, you won’t find any 2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners here—the horror.

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JONES ROAD Miracle Balm

Bobbi Brown launched a new beauty brand called Jones Road and it does not disappoint. We have tried and enjoyed a handful of products from the line, and by far, our favorite is the Jones Road Miracle Balm. This moisturizing balm can be used all over your face for the prettiest glow. Our favorite way to use it is to dab a bit on the cheeks and the bridge of my nose for that perfect “I was out in the sun for a bit too long” look. But we also use it on our lips and eyes whenever we are rushing to get ready for class and don’t want to spend more than 30 seconds brightening our whole face up.

INNER BEAUTY Shine Infusion Lip Oil

Lip oils are majorly trending right now, and the second we heard about the concept, we were sold. Our first step into the lip-oil world has been with the Inner Beauty Shine Infusion Lip Oil, and it is the best product to throw in your bag. It acts as a moisturizing lip balm and looks like the prettiest clear lip gloss. We sometimes add it over a matte lip color to make it glossy or use a tiny amount to smooth out flyways when I’m on the go.

FENTY SKIN HYDRA VIZOR INVISIBLE MOISTURIZER BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 SUNSCREEN WITH NIACINAMIDE + KALAHARI MELON

Because we spend most days glued to our computer not interacting with people in real life, we try to avoid wearing makeup on weekdays. We never skip sunscreen, which makes the Fenty Skin HYDRA VIZOR INVISIBLE MOISTURIZER BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 SUNSCREEN WITH NIACINAMIDE + KALAHARI MELON the perfect addition to our morning routine. If we do run into neighbors on a walk, want to pop over to the grocery story, or need to hop on a video call, it gives us enough coverage to feel put together. On days we want to wear makeup, it offers really smooth coverage when paired with concealer or acts as a nice base for foundation. Of course, the main perk of this product is that it provides solid sun protection and is really moisturizing. It’s a one-and-done product for the days I don’t want a fussy morning skincare routine.

NATURALLY SERIOUS Sleepover Retin-Oil Nighttime Treatment

Fun fact about us: we have washed our face and done some version of a skincare routine every single night since we were 10 years old when acne first arrived on the scene. There’s no number of cocktails that could keep us from removing our makeup and washing our face before getting into bed. When we need a quick and easy routine, this Naturally Serious Sleepover Retin-Oil Nighttime Treatment really comes in handy. On nights we wouldn’t normally have the energy to add more than a moisturizer to our routine, we can reach for this treatment to also get some retinol action to help improve skin tone, fine lines, and acne.

REFA CAXA RAY

This handheld device is our new favorite addition to skincare. The ReFa CAXA RAY serves two purposes for us: skincare and self-care. After sitting at our computer all day or hitting the gym, we like to hop in the shower, follow that up with a full skincare routine, and then relax in bed while watching Netflix and rolling this device all over our face, neck, and shoulders. It’s designed to scoop and knead your face, neck, and décolletage to help visibly reduce puffiness. I find that it also feels amazing on tight neck and shoulder muscles after a long day and helps us unwind and relax.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Hollywood Flawless Filter

OK, hear us out: we were loyal to the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter before it took TikTok by storm. However, believe those 30-second videos—the hype is real. We bought this insanely impressive product after the sales assistant at Sephora told us it was a foundation. When we got home, we realized it was not quite a foundation but actually something a lot more useful. This light and dewy formula acts as a subtle foundation (more like a BB cream) on the days we don’t need much coverage, can moonlight as a highlighter, and makes for a very glow primer on the days we wear foundation.

Comment below what Lazy Multipurpose Beauty Products is your fave? Or comment which one you are eager to try!

DOSSIER DOSSIER DOSSIER

Published on June 2, 2022 by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.

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While we love to experiment with all thing’s beauty, we are secretly brand (and product) loyalists. We prefer to have one thing we love that does the work of the latest fifteen “innovative” products and is willing to invest in a quality purchase if it means I’ll reach for it every morning. This has been the case with the perfume we have used for the last 2 years — we won’t call it out by brand, but we will hint that it rhymes with one of our editor names. We love the scent, so much so that many of our friends can identify when we’ve been in a room or will soon approach by the trace of my perfume alone.

So, when we set out to test Dossier, the latest (and potentially greatest) DTC disruptor in the fragrance game, our standards were high. Our perfume is part of our identity, after all! Dossier’s model and prices are pretty groundbreaking. The brand crafts perfumes inspired by designer fragrances but sells them for a fraction of the cost, despite being entirely vegan, cruelty-free, and composed of the same high-quality ingredients. They’re even produced in Grasse, France, also known as the perfume capital of the world. By eliminating prestige pricing, advertising, and packaging, Dossier sells designer perfume blends (some of which ordinarily sell for over $100) in the range of $19 to $59.

The New Scentsation

Much like its business model, Dossier’s shopping experience is transparent. Each perfume is listed in tandem with its corresponding designer perfume, engineered to make your purchasing decision simple. Still, the add-to-cart journey is endless when all of the fragrances are inspired by cult favorites and luxury classics, like Le Labo’s Santal 33 or Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle. We wanted them all!

Fortunately, Dossier offers a 100% risk-free ordering process. Each bottle comes with a small separate sample, so you can try the fragrance on your skin before deciding whether you want to keep the bottle or return it for a full refund. We decided to experiment with a few of the scents we were most intrigued by: Woody Sandalwood (inspired by Le Labo’s Santal 33); Aquatic Peony (inspired by Armani’s Acqua di Gioia); Oriental Oakmoss (inspired by Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle); and Floral Lavender (inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s Libre).

The Real Deal

Dossier first impressed us with its unboxing experience. Each pale pink box opened up to reveal a bottle and sample, along with a card describing the fragrance’s notes, original brand inspiration, percent concentration, and return process. I soon discovered that one of our favorite things about Dossier’s minimalist packaging is its sleek and uniform bottle design. The caps on the heavy glass bottles are magnetized, and each perfume has an identical bottle style — two features that make them look elegant (and organized) on any bathroom or bedside surface.

To measure the actual quality and efficacy of perfume, there are only two major questions that matter (to us at least). Does it smell fantastic? Does it last? Dossier immediately checked both of these boxes. We first tried Woody Sandalwood, the blend designed to imitate Le Labo’s iconic Santal 33. Not only did it smell exactly like its luxury counterpart, but our Dossier bottle lasted with a more natural tone than when we tried the Le Labo equivalent. While we sometimes feel that designer perfumes can sit a little heavy on the skin (and impart a harsh initial hour or two of scent), Dossier’s Woody Sandalwood delivered a gentle but powerful fragrance that lasted for hours.

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Get The Scent (And Spare Your Cents)

Each Dossier perfume consistently exceeded our expectations. The scents are shockingly identical to their designer inspirations (and most even seem to last longer). But the definitive review comes from our partners, who are the only people around to notice our perfume in lockdown. When we first wore the Woody Sandalwood fragrance, they immediately asked if I had bought Le Labo’s Santal 33. As we tried each scent, they commented on the delightful fragrance floating through our homes.

The only thing better than a fragrance that inspires compliments costs less than half of its designer equivalent. We won’t be taking Dossier up on its risk-free purchase policy — instead, we will be buying a few more bottles as luxurious holiday gifts that won’t sabotage our budget.

5 More Reasons to Love Dossier

Dossier’s perfumes are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben and phthalate-free, and colorant and UV-filter-free — so you can smell amazing without compromising on your wellness.
Unsure what your “signature scent” is? Dossier offers a short quiz to help you navigate your first purchase!
With Dossier’s completely risk-free process, order (and sample) your fragrances of choice and return whatever you don’t love for a full refund.
Dossier’s blog has helpful tips on how and where to apply your perfume for the longest-lasting scent, a guide to perfume, and more educational content intended to strip the fragrance world of its historical sense of exclusivity.
Dossier’s affordable perfumes aren’t cheap — they’re made in Grasse, France (the perfume capital of the world) with the highest quality clean ingredients.

Try Dossier yourself here and get money off your order by us with code LEE10.

This Buzzy Skin Care Tool Just Got An Acne-Fighting Upgrade

Published on October 1, 2021September 29, 2021 by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

If you’re serious about your skincare routine, you’ve likely got a few tools lying around. Whether a jade roller is proudly displayed on your bathroom shelf or you’ve invested in something a bit more high-tech, these handy devices are meant to provide luxurious experiences as well as address certain skin concerns. With brands becoming more and more innovative, it’s now possible to get spa-like treatments at home, and the number of options is only growing larger by the day. Case in point: SolaWave’s brand new blue light upgrade to their buzzed-about skincare wand.

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The original Red Light Wand is designed as a four-in-one tool that delivers microcurrents, red light therapy, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth to help with things like fine lines, wrinkles, and overall radiance. The new SolaWave Blue Light 3 in 1 Wand, which launched somewhere in August, takes a more targeted approach to skincare — specifically, to acne. The portable (and chic) tool uses blue light to fight breakouts and kill acne-causing bacteria. The wand’s warmth function also helps your products better absorb into your skin 2x as effectively while using less product. The SolaWave Blue Light Wand also reduces redness, brightens dark circles, combats blemishes, while the vibrating capabilities de-puff, promote circulation, and boost the skin’s radiance.

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While the Blue Light Wand isn’t cheap, it typically retails for less than the original wand ($139 versus the Red Light Wand at $149) — and currently, it’s on sale for $119. If you’re looking for acne-fighting solutions and have been curious about skincare devices, now’s the time to dip your toes in.

The aluminum alloy tool has a razor-like shape and a form that’s easy to clean and recharge. Safe for all ages, the wand is best used on hydrated skin and it comes to life thanks to smart-touch activation. Perfect for use on the forehead, under eyes, cheeks, jaw, neck, and upper lip, the wand can be used in one of two positions.

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Primp Tips:

SolaWave can be used on most areas of your face: forehead, under eyes, cheeks, jaw, neck, and upper lip.
The SolaWave Wand forms two distinct positions: (1) the vertical “I” orientation and (2) the rotated “T-bar” position.
When using the wand, glide across your face in an upward and outward movement.
Clean your SolaWave Wand by spraying a dry cloth with water or disinfecting spray and wiping down the head.

SolaWave Blue Light Wand, ~~$139~~ $119

We only include products that have been independently selected by BeautyLeeBar’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

SolaWave Review

Published on September 30, 2021September 29, 2021 by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

SolaWave is a science-first skincare brand. Their star prodigé is the Skincare Wand, a multifunctional, rechargeable, handheld tech device.

Featured in Forbes, People, RealSimple, Yahoo, Well + Good, and more, the world is watching as the innovative SolaWave red light therapy wand breaks new ground in the skincare and beauty industry.

Though the brand was only founded last year, they’ve attracted a loyal 118k plus followers on Instagram that keep up with the brand’s growth.

This SolaWave review will answer all your questions about this techy brand, including an analysis of the products, how they work, shipping, and return policies.

Overview of SolaWave

SolaWave is just an infant. Founders Andrew Silberstein, Eli Bailey, and Fatima Loeliger launched SolaWave in the September of 2020 to bring innovative, future-forward tech into the skincare and beauty world.

Beauty tech is becoming more and more popular on the scene in recent years, and the SolaWave facial wand has already established itself as a big part of that movement in under a year.

The driving mission behind this epic new skincare tool? To not only make science-backed products but also make this technology more accessible. “Inclusive beauty for everyone” is the motto.

Also, L.A.-based SolaWave is big on giving back: just this June, the brand pulled off an initiative that raised $50,000 for non-profits that help Black LGBTQ+ folks.

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But that’s enough chit-chat. Time to get to the real goodies! Here are the overall highlights of the brand.

Highlights

Offers a tight-knit selection of well-made products, including the wand, serum, and an all-inclusive kit
Overwhelmingly positive reviews
Free shipping
30-day return policy
1-year warranty on wands
International shipping
Student discount

The next phase of our SolaWave review will take a look at the products themselves. There aren’t many—just the SolaWave solar wand, serum, and the package deal of both.

SolaWave Review

Now let’s steer this SolaWave review over to the real deal, the products themselves. We’ll take a good look at each to get you familiarized with what the brand sells. These bestseller products are SolaWave sola skincare encapsulated!

SolaWave Wand Review

The OG, the star of the show, is the only SolaWave Wand: a tech tool that is multifunctional for your skincare needs. To be specific, it has 4 functions:

Microcurrent
Red light therapy
Therapeutic warmth
Facial massage

Firstly, the SolaWave microcurrent wand function targets your muscles, hitting those deeper layers of skin with low-voltage power (hence the name “microcurrent”) to nurture healthier skin into resisting the signs of aging.

Second, the SolaWave light therapy wand function uses LED red lights to “rejuvenate” skin and bring more life to it, gradually erasing your fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and breakouts.

It might sound funny to shine some red light on your face using a tool that looks like a shaving razor, but there’s a science to back it up: In a study, 75% of people had significant improvements in the appearance of blemishes due to the funny red light method.

Anyway, the SolaWave face wand also has a function for therapeutic warmth, and that’s exactly what it sounds like: a warm thing on your face that feels nice.

The actual science is that heat increases blood flow and opens up your pores, encouraging your skin to regrow healthier, glowy skin over damaged tissue.

Lastly, the wand can also give you a nice facial massage, and who doesn’t want that? It’s soothing on your face, not harsh like when your grandma used to squeeze your cheeks a little too enthusiastically.

And while the massage is a good mental de-stress moment, it also does some physical work underneath to promote more radiant, energized, smoother skin.

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The wand turns on by touch activation and turns off automatically, too. It has a head that rotates 90 degrees so you can tend to all the nuances and curves and dips of your beautiful, one-of-a-kind face.

The wand is rechargeable with a micro-USB port and comes with a 1-year warranty for repairs and replacements.

Spending $149 might seem like a lot for skincare, but at least it’s a 4-in-1 product, not a one-hit-wonder. Also, you can even choose your color: rose gold, ombre, sunset or matte black, so at least it’s stylish, too!

If you’re wondering about what the results look like, head to the brand site to see some wondrous SolaWave Before and Afters.

SolaWave Renew Complex Serum Review

The SolaWave Renew Complex Serum is an accompanying formula you can use with your wand.

It’s a “Conductive Serum,” meaning it has an ingredient that works well with the microcurrents to give your face muscles some love. The conductive ingredient in the Renew Complex Serum is none other than aloe vera!

Also made with blue tansy plant and hyaluronic acid, this serum is specifically designed to amplify the effects of your SolaWave wand extravaganza.

It can be used on its own to hydrate your skin or as recommended, at the end of your skincare routine, before you go to town with your light-up wand.

This product essentially primes your skin for the vibrations and especially activates the microcurrent function, so it’s a must-have if one of your main skincare goals is decreasing signs of aging.

Purchased on its own, the 30ml Renew Complex Serum is $32.

SolaWave Wand & Renew Complex Kit Review

The SolaWave Wand & Renew Complex Kit is just the two products combined. Pretty simple: wand + serum = skincare magic.

With the kit, you can use your wand as the sciencey experts at SolaWave recommend: accompanied with the hydrating, priming serum underneath to experience the full benefits of the wand’s technology.

It’s a good deal too at $170. At regular price, if you bought the serum and wand separately, it would cost $10 more, and if you’re buying the wand, you might as well get the vegan and cruelty free serum to go with it for an extra $20.

How Do You Use A SolaWave Wand?

It’s on your mind, we know: how do you use the darn thing? Here are three things to keep in mind:

Use it day or night with a serum, moisturizer, or mist underneath—the Renew Complex Serum works best, but others work too!
Choose which positioning you would like with the rotating head: with the head vertical, it’s a straight I-shaped tool, and with the head horizontal, it’s a T-shaped tool resembling a razor.
It activates by touch, so all you have to do is just put it up to your face to get the light and vibrations going.

Then what? Start anywhere and end anywhere in any of these areas:

Forehead
Under Eyes
Cheek
Jaw
Neck

Just DO NOT use it in these areas:

Eyes (underneath the eye is fine)
Larynx/Adam’s apple
Chest
Breasts
Groin
Over bruises or wounds

Try this routine for 5 minutes a day a couple of times a week, and as you and your skin become friendly with your wand, you can increase the time up to 30 minutes a day.

Primp Tip: If you have dry skin, make sure to apply an ample amount of serum with the wand and apply moisture after use.

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To clean it, carefully wipe it with a dry cloth with water or disinfectant. And if you’re wondering, no, it is not waterproof, so it isn’t a very good swimming partner (sorry).

Can I Use SolaWave On My Lips?

Our SolaWave review found that it is safe to use the wand on your lips.

Does SolaWave Help Acne?

It can! The red light therapy is darn effective at minimizing breakouts and blemishes, and the wand generally helps to smooth out skin and rejuvenate it. If you struggle with acne, the wand is worth a shot.

Who Is SolaWave For?

Our SolaWave review found that the brand makes it pretty clear who the wand is and isn’t for.

To make it simple, this is who the wand is not for. Out of precautions for safety, do not use SolaWave if you are:

Under 18
Pregnant
Diagnosed with cancer
Have a pacemaker

Other than those conditions, SolaWave is for everyone, including all skin types.

Is SolaWave Worth It?

Survey says? Yes! SolaWave is worth it. With overwhelmingly positive reviews and scientific evidence to back up the products’ claims, it’s hard to deny that this technology just straight-up works.

It’s an archaeological mission to find negative reviews because they are so rare, so the brand’s customer service, free shipping, and return policy seem to be working all good as promised.

Still, before you purchase, make sure that the wand is safe for your use. See the “Who is SolaWave for?” section up above for more details.

The great news: it’s returnable for up to 30 days with a 1-year warranty in case it breaks or malfunctions. With that promise in your back pocket, we think SolaWave is worth it.