Tag: BEAUTY PRODUCT REVIEWS

I tried the Rare Beauty mascara, and my lashes are *very* grateful

Published on by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

REASONS TO BUY

  • +First of all, the packaging is gorg
  • +It elongates and fans out the lashes without being clumpy
  • +Lasts all day, no flaking to be found

REASONS TO AVOID

  • -Wish it came in a brown shade
  • -On the pricier side for a mascara…
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I tried the Rare Beauty mascara as a lover of natural-looking, perfectly fanned-out lashes—and I think it deserves a bit more love and attention…

@heybriajones

Can only keep an eye out for Selener if the lashes are on fleek @rarebeauty #mascara #blackgirl #makeup #rarebeauty

♬ PRETTY BOY FLOW – STURDYYOUNGINN🥷🏽™️

It’s safe to say that finding your go-to, daily mascara is just as important as selecting your best non-comedogenic foundation or ride-or-die sunscreen for your face. It’s a very personal journey and one none of us beauty enthusiasts take lightly—especially when there’s so much choice.

Do you opt for waterproof, brown, lengthening, or super volumizing? And how can you tell which of the best mascaras will deliver lusciously long lashes, without that pesky mascara flaking all over your cheeks before you drop your hard-earned cash on them? All very important questions.

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This is why I’ve done the leg work for you when it comes to the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes mascara, wearing it on the daily, seven days a week. And much like with the Rare Beauty products, I have some thoughts…

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MY MAKEUP PREFERENCES

I keep my makeup pretty natural. For my base, I wear a glow filter (usually Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight), followed by Armani’s Luminous Silk foundation, eyebrow gel, blush, and highlighter.

Eye-wise, I keep it pretty minimal, just opting for mascara on a normal day—sometimes I pair it with an all-over eyeshadow, but I’m not an eyeliner gal, despite there being some great eyeliners for beginners out there. So, I rely on my mascara to make me look awake and somewhat put together, while still keeping it natural—so preferably, no clumps in sight

@realstephaniegreene

Taking the @rarebeauty perfect strokes mascara out for a spin tonight ✨ use code LASH23! today and get a free travel size mascara with a purchase of $40+ at rarebeauty.com to celebrate national lash day 😌 #rarebeauty #rarebeautygiftedme #beautytok #beautyreview #rarebeautymascara #rarebeautyreview #blackgirltiktok #blackbeauty #blackbeautyblogger #nomakeupmakeup

♬ just like magic – Ariana Grande

IS THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA WATERPROOF?

Now, onto the key info, is the Rare Mascara waterproof? 

It’s described as having a ‘water-resistant formula,’ so theoretically it should be able to withstand getting caught in a surprise rain shower or a gentle cry sesh. Technically though, it’s not fully waterproof—but I prefer that as it’s easier to remove with a makeup remover or micellar water, without needing to be too vigorous.

HOW TO APPLY THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA

To apply this mascara, I’d recommend curling your lashes first with your preferred eyelash curler, before then gently wiggling the mascara wand from side to side as you stroke up along your lashes, from root to tip. This side-to-side motion will feather out your lashes and will help to get an even coating on your lashes and avoid clumps.

WHAT’S IN THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA?

This mascara is formulated with castor oil, which helps to condition and nourish your lashes—plus it’s vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, ophthalmologist-tested, dermatologist-tested, and suitable for anyone with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.

BEAUTYLEEBAR VERDICT ON THE RARE BEAUTY MASCARA

So, is this Rare Beauty mascara good? My answer is yes. It does everything it promises to do—it’s buildable, comfortable, volumizing, and lasts all day without smudging.

I’ve worn it every day, seven days a week, for over a month, and haven’t experienced any transferring or flaking. I’m also a big fan of its chunky tube, with its soft, matte pink finish. It feels expensive and looks soo cute in my makeup bag.

It’s also easy to apply, even with a slightly large wand, which I wouldn’t necessarily have gone for, but didn’t find it in any way messy or hard to handle. In fact, with every use, it leaves my lashes looking lengthened, voluminous, and curled up—and it lasts all day long, so everything you can ask of a mascara. The formula itself feels great on the lashes as well, not super stiff or brittle.

@nikkissecretxx

In honour of seeing @Selena Gomez last night @Rare Beauty event I HAD to try out this little hack😍 #selenagomez #selenagomezmakeup #rarebeauty

♬ original sound – 444.songss
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This Rare Beauty mascara fends off moisture well (from tears and even sweat from a gym sesh) but comes off like a dream with a bit of micellar water.

My main gripe with this product though is that it’s only available in black—if this came in a soft brown shade, it would be a real game-changer. There’s also the question of the price…

This mascara will set you back $20 which is pretty pricey for a mascara. That being said—like with all of Rare’s line-up—the amount of product you get for the money is generous since the tube is pretty chunky.

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So, my final verdict: it’s great and if you’ve been hunting far and wide for a mascara that is both gentle on your eyes but still delivers length and volume, this could be one to try. I will say this though, other mascaras out there are comparable and more inexpensive on the market, but if you’re a Selena stan looking to make another (or your first) Rare Beauty purchase, I’d recommend it for the cute tube alone!

Youthforia Blush Review: Clean and Fun Makeup

Published on by Crystal Lee2 Comments

Say what you want about TikTok, but it most certainly gets BeautyLeeBar credit for all of its beauty suggestions. Thanks to the app and our frequent 4 a.m. viewing, we have managed to be kept in the loop with some of beauty’s most viral products before they’ve sold out, including THE ICE FACIAL TOOL That Kourt and Kendall Love and now, the Youthforia BYO Blush.

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The BYO Blush is the world’s first color-changing blush oil that is said to include all skin types and skin tones (you had me at inclusive). Its formulation reacts to the skin’s natural pH to give your cheeks a unique pop of color. It’s supposed to make your cheeks look naturally flushed and works with and without foundation. While it is a blush, it’s technically formulated as a makeup and skincare product, which is a double win. For context, the Founder; Lee has a dry-sensitive skin type which doesn’t cause her too many issues, however certain makeup products, whether powder, water, or oil-based can leave her skin with evident dry patches, or leave her skin break out instantly, particularly on her cheeks and forehead. But there wasn’t a day that she couldn’t go on TikTok to see this infamous blush so she decided it was time put the innovative $36 BYO Blush to the test to see whether it was as good as she hoped.

@thirteenlune

@Youthforia’s BYO Blush gets a 🤌🏾 from a black girl blush entusiast

♬ KU LO SA (Edit) – KV

Youthforia truly created some next-generation blush technology, but does it work as great as it sounds? Keep reading to find out if this blush oil does create an ideal, lasting shade.

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Lee has been using her BYO Blush religiously for almost a week now and each time she is blown away by just how glowy and glass-like her cheeks look. A little certainly goes a long way with the application, and the brand recommends you start by adding two dots to your cheeks, wait a few seconds for the color to change, and then blend it out with a brush, sponge, or your fingers. Lee oscillated between her blush brush and fingers, with the latter being her preferred way as the blush looked extra glowy, and it felt much easier to control the application. However, using a brush is great for applying when out and about and when you don’t feel like coating your fingertips in a product.

@imkianajordyn

My summer blush💗 @Youthforia #blush #blushfordarkskin #youthforiablush

♬ original sound – kiana jordyn🤎🧿

The TikTok-worthy packaging includes a vibrant coral cap and transparent bottle, which unveils the green-Ish oil formula (it applies as a sheer oil and then instantaneously reacts to the skin’s pH to unveil a universally flattering shade) and is a nod to Youthforia’s super fun and playful brand message — which is exactly what founder Fiona Co Chan envisioned when creating the brand. Youthforia is a post-Covid company, and Chan tells BeautyLeeBar that she wanted the customer experience to be filled with constant excitement and optimism for all the upcoming occasions customers plan to wear their blush, whether that’s a dinner with friends, or like Lee, a long-overdue mooch around Target.

@rancobeauty

@erinduganjurchak @youthforia Has anyone else tried it? #blush #colorchangingblush #darkskinblush #learnontiktok #blacktiktok #prgift

♬ original sound – Rancobeauty
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In terms of the ingredients inside this little tube of joy, it contains 20 plant-based antioxidant-dense oils that provide targeted treatment for your cheeks, including jojoba oil and Macadamia seed oil. It’s also fragrance-free, silicone-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, making it a great option for anyone prone to sensitive skin. Each Youthforia product is certified by USDA BioPreferred Program to contain 98% biobased content (meaning there’s only 2% of fossil fuels within the formula) which has helped to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint, which is pretty impressive considering the brand is still fairly new.

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The Value: Pricey but a unique, worthwhile find

Youthforia’s BYO Blush is out of this world, and it’s the most unique product—it’s beneficial for the environment as well as your skin. At $36 for 0.22 oz., it’s a little pricey for a blush, but there’s nothing else like it on the market. A little goes a long way, so it will last you quite a while, plus the results are stunning, with a healthy, custom flush that complements any makeup or non-makeup look. The product is quite simple to blend, works wonders on Lee’s dry, sensitive skin, and heralds the beginning of something truly fresh in the makeup industry. BeautyLeeBar thinks it’s worth the investment, especially if you’re having trouble finding the right shade of blush for your skin tone.

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Final Verdict

Overall, Youthforia’s BYO Blush is definitely worth the hype and is Lee’s new go-to blush (Rare Beauty, you still have our heart okay chica). The consistency and formula have impressed us far more than any other powder and liquid blush has before — and that’s coming from a beauties who loves to coat their cheeks in a liquid blush or two.

@themelanin.method

Replying to @dramadeja14 ABSOLUTELY! 💕 What do you think?! #youthforia #colorchangingblush #byoblush #darkskinblush #blushreview #liquidblush

♬ original sound – Erin | Licensed Esthetician
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Youthforia’s BYO Blush Color Changing Blush Oil is the most unique and creative blush Lee has ever used. It goes on clear but quickly changes to pink on your cheeks. The texture is very smooth on the skin, and the unique technology provides the ideal natural glow appearance for your skin tone and gives your lips that natural rosy color. Youthforia’s BYO Blush works and builds beautifully. It doesn’t feel greasy, just hydrating and smooth. Oh, and the color lasts. Best lazy girl makeup product ever!

@sarah_novio

#stitch with @youthforia WOW 🤯 ✨✨✨ #youthforia #makeup #makeupreview

♬ Bundles (feat. Taylor Girlz) – Kayla Nicole
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We hope that other brands will follow in the footsteps of Youthforia, which has paved the way for pH color-changing blush oils. If you’re on the lookout for a new beauty staple for the Fall/winter, then look no further than Youthforia’s BYO Blush.

@officialzeopatra

Trying the @youthforia blush #blush #nomakeupmakeup #easymakeup

♬ original sound – zeopatra
@kali.ledger

Hands down the easiest dewy blush, that actually lasts but stays dewy 🤭✨#greenblush #dewyskin #dewyblush #makeuptutorial #youthforia

♬ original sound – KALI
@nishabalsara

this is not an a d, I am just a chronic oversharer @youthforia also has some great videos on her Tiktok! #youthforiablush #colorchangingblush

♬ Wii Shop Channel – McTweet
@makeupbymonicaa

This is THE BLUSH for HOT GIRL SUMMER☀️💋 I’m obsessed ❤️😭 @Youthforia #blush#browngirlblush#summermakeup#glowymakeup#summer2022#hotgirlsummer#youthforia

♬ What your favourite curse word remix – Duke & Jones

Have my beauties tried TikTok Youthforia’s BYO Blush?! If so, what are your thoughts? Is this black/brown girl approved?

#HelloBeauties #BeautyLeeBar

THE ICE FACIAL TOOL That Kourt and Kendall Love

Published on by Crystal Lee1 Comment

Curious about the cute lil’ ice facial tool that popped up on both Kourt and Kendall’s IGS recently? We’ve got the intel (because of course we had to get our hands on one as well!).

Facial icing — and the wider concept of cryotherapy — have boomed in popularity this year. Cheap and easy, the cold temperatures work to constrict blood flow and define facial features, not to mention shake off signs of fatigue.

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First off, we are big fans of ice facials—they can help reduce puffiness, brighten our complexion, stimulate blood circulation, and lift skin. We’re into this type of tool because it is reusable, refillable, and foolproof to use. Kendall shared in her post that she loves using hers for her morning ice facials, but it can be used any time of day.

@contourcube

Thank you @Kendall Jenner for sharing your love for Contour Cube and everyone for your support of our small business #contourcube #iceonface

♬ Sunrise – Official Sound Studio
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The Contour Cube is essentially just a tool that can be used like an ice block container but is designed in a way so that it works with the contours of the face. You simply fill it with water (or coconut water, if you’re feeling boujee) and move it along the face to refresh, tighten, and tone. It’s a viral TikTok product (!) that explains how it might have found its way into Jenner’s skincare routine.

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To prep, it, simply fill it with filtered water and pop it in the freezer until it’s frozen solid. Take the top off and bada bing bada boom, it’s ready to glide across your face. The bottom cover stays on, acting as a grip so that the ice doesn’t slide out of your hands while you’re using it. When you’re done, put the top back on and stick it back in the freezer.

How to use the Contour Cube 

After cleansing your face, run your Contour Cube under water to defrost slightly 

Apply to your face in upward circular motions moving the ice continuously in 30-second intervals for up to 1 to 2 minutes on each side of your face

For optimal results, follow your usual moisturizing routine 

Avoid contact with eyes and if you have sensitive skin, discontinue use if signs of irritation appear

@contourcube

Ice facial hack with #contourcube #skincarehack #facial #howto

♬ as it was x cruel summer x deja vu – matty james
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But you’re not limited to just using water with this nifty tool, as you can see from Kourt’s post. Rose water, green tea, coconut milk, aloe vera, lemon water, and cucumber water can also be used instead of plain water. 

Kourt added cucumber slices for extra de-puffing action. Some other ideas: green tea for anti-inflammatory benefits, coconut milk for hydration, or rosewater for a glow.

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BENEFITS OF FACIAL ICING

Proponents of ice facials, or ‘skin icing,’ suggest that it can be used to: 

  • Eliminate puffiness, especially around the eyes
  • Reduce oiliness
  • Ease acne
  • Soothe sunburn
  • Reduce swelling and inflammation, including rashes and insect bites
  • Reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles
  • reduce the appearance of pigmentation or dark under-eye circles
  •  tighten pores
  • Boost the skin’s healthy glow
@katrinadimiele

Reply to @imsimplydynamic face pop ice facials, depending on your skin type you can customize what you put inside ❤️ #skincare101 #icefacialtool #ice

♬ YES MOM – Tessa Violet
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Whilst you could technically just use an ice cube, if you’re into cold therapy, the Contour Cube is an easy, mess-free way to get the benefits.

How Working From Home Affected Our Relationship With Beauty

Published on by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

Since the spring of 2020, the BeautyLeeBar.com editors have been primarily working from home. It may not surprise you to learn that, before making these workweek changes, we all had pretty lengthy beauty regimens and loved experimenting with new products and looks on a daily. But as you can imagine, spending the majority of our workdays indoors and away from a traditional office building has inspired some changes, both in routine and mindset. Read on for the beauty lessons we learned during the pandemic. 

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Sara, Content Director

One of the biggest beauty lessons that I’ve learned during the pandemic (and there have been many!) is to fully lean into makeup that helps me feel most like myself — and whatever that may be is allowed to change day by day, week by week. In other words, I listen to how I’m feeling before I do my makeup every day, which is given me the freedom to have more fun with my look. Recently, I’ve been embracing nail art, bright nail polish shades, and press-on nails. I’ve got my eyes on Essie Risk Takers Only, a bright orange, for my next mani. On the skincare front, I have even more appreciation for my dermatologist’s recommendations. Since following my derm’s suggested routine, my skin has only gotten clearer, smoother, and healthier. 

Chyanne, Editor

The biggest beauty lesson I’ve learned throughout the pandemic is to not be afraid to wear lipstick — mask and all. I’ve gotten a thorough idea of what the ultimate lipstick is for me to get me through long days on Zoom calls or errands with a face mask. The recipe is matte, long-lasting, and transfer-proof. My go-to has been the NYX Professional Makeup XXL Lip Lingerie Matte Liquid Lipstick. This little tube has gotten me through it all over the past few years, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ariel, Editor

One thing the pandemic taught me was how to master the five-minute face. Pre-pandemic, I used to wake up at least two hours early to apply a full face of makeup, pick out an outfit, and account for my commuting time. During the pandemic, those habits shifted drastically. Anyone who works from home has likely had a morning (or maybe quite a few mornings) when they woke up minutes before a Zoom meeting and had to rush to look polished before logging on. In my case, I usually swipe on mascara ( Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara has been my go-to for years) and a bright lip gloss, like the Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint. Together, these makeup products pair up to make me look freshly caffeinated and awake in minutes. 

Katharina, Social Media Editor

Being at home through the pandemic has taught me two important lessons when it comes to my beauty routine. First, being utterly bare faced is completely fine. Second, when I do choose to wear makeup, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little bit bold and experimental with it. I probably wouldn’t have shown up to work without an ounce of makeup on before the pandemic but being virtual has shifted my mindset to a point where I can be fully confident in a meeting with nothing on my face but some light, natural mascara (I swear by the Maybelline Green Edition Mega Mousse for a no-makeup makeup look). I also have the freedom to play with my makeup a little bit more; if I want a bold lip in the morning and a subtle gloss in the afternoon, I have my entire makeup kit at my fingertips and can play around with my look.

Crystal Lee, Founder

Pre-pandemic, you could find me wearing only full-coverage foundations and concealers to hide any skin imperfection. You would never catch me with a bare face, especially if I was walking into the office or going out to eat with friends. After countless social distancing parameters and countless Zoom meetings, I’ve found myself becoming more comfortable with embracing my skin’s natural texture and opting for products that have a “your skin but better” feel. I’ve started leaning on buildable, lightweight foundations like the Valentino Beauty Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation on the days I decide to wear makeup. It leaves my skin with a natural look without the heavy feel of foundation.