Tag: BeautyReview

SolaWave Review

Published on by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

SolaWave is a science-first skincare brand. Their star prodigĂ© 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.

Advertisements

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:

  1. Microcurrent
  2. Red light therapy
  3. Therapeutic warmth
  4. 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.

Advertisements

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:

  1. Use it day or night with a serum, moisturizer, or mist underneath—the Renew Complex Serum works best, but others work too! 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.

Advertisements

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.

Where to Buy SolaWave

Our SolaWave review found that you can buy the products on:

COMMENT BELOW IF YOU WANT A TUTORIAL VIDEO USING SolaWave Wand & Renew Complex Kit!

Skincare with a message – Keys Soulcare by alicia keys

Published on by Crystal LeeLeave a comment

Keys Soulcare, Alicia Keys’ beauty line, landed in our lives at the perfect moment. Created by the musician as skincare with self-care at its core, Keys Soulcare launched in 2020 (a year when we needed an awful lot of self-care) and started with a range of 10 facial and lifestyle products, from moisturizers to a scented candle. Now, Keys is adding body care to the mix: a hand and body wash, body cream, and body oil, all bearing that same philosophy of taking time for yourself.

“While working closely with Alicia on the facial skincare, we wanted to also infuse many of the ancient and nourishing ingredients into our body offerings,” says board-certified dermatologist Renee Snyder, who co-created Keys Soulcare along with Keys. “It is so important to take care of ourselves, and the body is another moment where we can focus on self-care.” To add to the ritual of it all, the products also come with a corresponding affirmation meant to be spoken with each use. “Alicia and the team develop each affirmation based on the action and feeling you will experience with the offering,” explains Snyder. 

Because Keys is known for her radiance—in addition, of course, to her legendary voice—I was intrigued to try her latest products to see if I could capture a bit of her glow. Keep reading for a full breakdown on the new products courtesy of Snyder, and for my honest reviews to find out if I’m fallin’ for them (sorry, couldn’t help myself).

Courtesy of Keys Soulcare

All About Keys Soulcare, According to the Derm Who Co-Created It

The benefit of being developed by a dermatologist? Each ingredient has a purpose. The formulations are also cruelty-free and made without things like parabens or sulfates. What you’ll find instead? Loads of moisturizers, all of which are intended to strengthen the skin barrier. “The skin performs many important functions for us; from helping us eliminate toxins to temperature regulation, but most importantly it acts as a protective barrier,” explains Snyder. “When your skin is hydrated, it is resilient and plump.”

So while the Renewing Body and Hand Wash may be a cleanser, it still puts nourishment first. Think skin-loving Manuka honey, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Meanwhile, the sage and oat milk scent (Alicia’s fave!) helps promote “comfort, clarity, and balance,” according to the derm.

The body cream, as you’d expect, is also chock full of hydrating ingredients. “Sunflower seed oil is extremely high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors,” explains Snyder. But that’s not all: “Ceramides, along with shea and cocoa butter, promote the infusion of hydration into the skin.” Topping it off is the rose of Jericho, which “can spring back to life at the first drop of water, imparting one’s skin with the feeling of a renewed vitality,” according to Snyder.

Keeping with the theme of protecting the skin, one of the key ingredients in the Sacred Body Oil is baobab oil, which “is known for its regenerative abilities,” according to Snyder. “It is excellent for softening the skin and aids in healing due to the levels of vitamins A, B, and C, along with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids,” she explains. The formula also contains marula oil, “which is purported to contain 60% more antioxidants than most other oils, packing a powerful punch to the skin,” adds Snyder.

Renewing Body and Hand Wash Review

Keys Soulcare Renewing Body and Hand Wash

Keys Soulcare Renewing Body and Hand Wash ($24)

I’m not particularly picky when it comes to soap and body wash, but I’m a sucker for a good scent. My skin can also get dry, so I was excited to see if this formula is as hydrating as it claims. Right off the bat, I loved the fragrance—it reminded me of expensive perfume, without being overwhelming. The texture of the body wash is gel-like, and it lathers up fairly well (especially considering it’s sulfate-free). As I used it, I remembered about the affirmation part of the deal, luckily, they’re printed right on the packaging. For the body wash, the affirmation is “I love myself as I am.” I repeated it a few times until I admittedly felt a little silly. But I tried!  

Immediately after toweling off, I could tell my skin felt softer and more hydrated than with my usual body wash, but the true test, in my opinion, would be how it held up post-shower. The next day, I’m pleased to report, my skin was just as soft. I also smelled amazing (if I do say so myself). The product has been a mainstay in my shower since the first use so I haven’t been using it as a hand soap, but the pretty bottle would look great on the sink, too. 

Advertisements

Rich Nourishing Body Cream Review

Keys Soulcare Rich Nourishing Body Cream

Keys Soulcare Rich Nourishing Body Cream ($36)

I love a good body cream, so this was probably the product I was most excited to try. I would say it’s almost like body butter, both in texture and color (picture Kiehl’s Creme de Corps). Let’s just say she’s thick. A little goes a long way, which is something I learned after I overdid it on leg number one. It’s not scented, which I appreciated, especially because I was still in the throes of the body wash. It didn’t feel greasy after applying, but I let it sink in for a few minutes for good measure. All in all, it’s a solid, super-moisturizing formula, but if you’re looking for something lightweight, you may want a more traditional lotion

Sacred Body Oil Review

Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil

Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil ($25)

While I love a good body cream, I don’t often use body oils, but I was there for the full Keys experience. First off, I was a fan of the dropper bottle, which is super convenient to use. It also has the same fragrance as the body wash, but again, isn’t overpowering. As instructed, I warmed the pale golden oil between my hands first, and it applied like a dream—not greasy at all, and just enough slip. It’s recommended to use this right after showering, but I found myself reaching for the bottle to moisturize my elbows and cuticles, all times of the day. Consider me a body oil convert!

More Keys Soulcare Products to Shop

Keys Soulcare Golden Cleanser

Keys Soulcare Golden Cleanser ($20)

This calming facial cleanser is also made with Manuka honey, as well as chamomile and turmeric.

Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfloliator

Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfloliator ($22)

Containing both physical (Hojicha powder, oats, and mung beans) and chemical (lactic acid) exfoliants, this gentle scrub can be used once or twice a week.

Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask

Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask ($28)

With both activated charcoal and Manuka honey, this clay-like mask clears skin without drying it out.

Keys Soulcare Skin Transformation Cream

Keys Soulcare Skin Transformation Cream ($30)

Rich and hydrating, this moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturize, and bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Bonus: It also comes in a fragrance-free version.

Keys Soulcare Comforting Balm

Keys Soulcare Comforting Balm ($12)

Use this balm on lips, cheeks, elbows, or any spot that needs a little extra TLC.

Keys Soulcare Reviving Aura Mist

Keys Soulcare Reviving Aura Mist ($22)

Spiked with witch hazel and scented with rose, this face mist can be used as a toner and anytime skin needs a refresh.

Keys Soulcare Obsidian Facial Roller

Keys Soulcare Obsidian Facial Roller ($25)

The Keys Soulcare face roller is made with obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic rock said to protect against negativity.

Keys Soulcare Sage + Oat Milk Candle

Keys Soulcare Sage + Oat Milk Candle ($38)

Keys and Snyder smartly packaged the line’s signature scent in candle form for maximum relaxation vibes.

Have you tried Keys Soulcare products yet? If so, which is your favorite? Let me know down in the comments what you think about the products mentioned above. xo

Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our BeautyLeeBar newsletter.

Upgrade Your Selfie Game With These Editor-Approved Ring Lights

Published on by Crystal Lee2 Comments

Whether you’re trying to upgrade your selfie quality or want the best light possible for filming makeup tutorials, ring lights should be on your radar. The perfect addition to every vanity, ring lights cast an even light onto your face, reduce shadows, illuminate your eyes and even minimize the look of blemishes. There are plenty of ring lights out there— each with different functions and lighting options — making it tricky to figure out which one is best for you. To make it easier, we’ve narrowed down our favorite ring lights on Amazon, ahead. 

ring-lights

UBeeSize 12’’ Ring Light with Tripod

Never worry about bad lighting again. With this ring light, you can choose between five color temperatures and 10 brightness levels to find the best possible lighting for video calls, interviews, vlogs and makeup tutorials. 

ring-lights

Riki Skinny Light Vanity Makeup Mirror

Although it’s on the pricier side, this mirror has received the praises of celebs, makeup artists and beauty gurus for a reason: it’s magnifying mirror ensures flawless makeup application every single time. Plus, the lighting can’t be beat.

ring-lights

Neweer Selfie Ring Light 

Filming how-to videos and TikToks has never been so easy. This portable ring light provides top-notch lighting wherever you go and even has a clamp to hold your phone for hands-free recording. 

ring-lights

AIXPI LED Ring Light

With its own height-adjusting tripod that rotates 360 degrees, this ring light offers optimal lighting at every angle.

ring-lights

Yarrashop Ring Light Stand and Phone Holder

Don’t let poor lighting wash out your complexion on screen. Shop this desktop ring light complete with adjustable brightness levels and lighting will never be an issue again.

Advertisements

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Collection Review

Published on by Crystal Lee3 Comments

Last year around 2020 BeautyLeeBar reviewed the original Rare Beauty collection, and today I am sharing my thoughts on the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Collection!

I’ll be reviewing the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush, the product I am most excited about, and the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm.

If you haven’t heard of Rare Beauty before, it was launched in September 2020 by Selena Gomez. It is her first beauty line and proceeds go towards mental health initiatives. Built on an ethos of self-love and confidence, Rare Beauty effortlessly exudes Selena’s down-to-earth, unpretentious relatability. The company also aims to de-stigmatize mental illness, a cause close to Gomez’s heart. A portion of proceeds from each sale goes to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports organizations dedicated to promoting mental health, particularly in marginalized communities. The brand’s philanthropic strategy is informed with the help of the Rare Beauty Mental Health Council, comprised of psychiatrists and activists.

I love the Rare Beauty debut collection, especially the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush which I reviewed here.

What intrigued me the most about the Stay Vulnerable collection was the new blush formula. Rare Beauty is known for its natural, easy-to-apply products, so I couldn’t wait to see how the blushes compare to each other. 

Keep reading for my review of the Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush and the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm!

Advertisements

The Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable collection includes:

Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush in five shades $21

Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eyeshadow in five shades $20

Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm in five shades $18

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush Review

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Collection Review

Blush is one of the best ways to bring light and color into the face, and the Rare Beauty blushes do that in the best way possible. Some blushes are hard to apply or they make you look like a clown, but that is not the case with these products. 

The Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush is a cream blush, an in-between of liquid and powder. Cream blushes are amazing because they give you more control than liquid blushes do yet they are more pigmented than powder blushes.

I bought the shade Nearly Berry – deep berry, which is a beautiful color that compliments the deeper skin tone. This liquid-like cream blush melts into a second skin for the most natural-looking wash of soft-focus color. It’s long-lasting which I love, and you can layer it for more pigmentation. 

The best way to apply it is by using your fingers to dab onto your cheeks then blending with a brush. You can also apply it directly with a brush. Either way works which I like because sometimes it’s just easier to use your fingers. Each blush also looks great on the lips and can be worn under the collection’s gloss.

I find the Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush easier to apply compared to the original Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. If you apply too much of the liquid blush you risk looking like a clown. The melting blush is something you need to build up for lots of pigment so it’s way more beginner-friendly. 

I tend to grab the Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush more than the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush for its convenience. Overall, I would highly recommend this blush if you’re looking for something soft and neutral! Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush is the first-of-its-kind water-resistant blush that combines pigments with a non-greasy blend of weightless oils and spherical powders for a natural flush you can’t mess up. The ultralightweight, liquid-like cream melts on contact and blends to a smooth, satin finish that won’t cake, crease, or clog pores.

Advertisements

Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Collection Review

I also picked up the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Balm because a girl can never have too many lip products! I was intrigued by it as it’s a lip gloss, but also a lip balm which is a fantastic idea, but not common. 

I got the shade Nearly Berry – soft berry which is a beautiful soft reddish. It applies smoothly and isn’t sticky like most glosses. The gloss itself is neutral and light coverage. It adds just enough color to the lips where you can wear it on top of another product or alone! This has been my go-to lip product so far this summer.

If you’re looking for a gloss that is powerful and pigmented, this probably isn’t for you. But, it is great if you’re looking for an everyday lip gloss. 

The best part about the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm is how soft it makes your lips feel. It noticeably nourishes and hydrates your lips. Like a lip mask in a gloss, this ultra-cushiony, comfortable formula hugs lips with nourishing hydration while visibly plumping them with buildable color and shine. Made with a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily, it also helps soothe, calm, and nourish lips.

I would highly recommend Stay Vulnerable beauty products to anyone who’s looking for a new go-to! 

Question: Have you tried any Rare Beauty products? What are your favorites?

Advertisements