Category: Beauty Review

Is This $2 TikTok Trending Lip Liner A KKW Dupe?

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

Never thought we’d find a lip liner for $2… But here we are. Say hello to TikTok’s latest obsession: Italia Deluxe’s UltraFine Lip Liner, $2, AKA the lip liner creamier than butter but cheaper than your daily latte. Here’s why four million TikTokers (and us) cannot stop talking about it. 

The TikTok-Trending Lip Liner:Β Italia Deluxe UltraFine Lip Liner, $2

What it is: An easy-to-use pencil lip liner that glides effortlessly with minimal effort and zero tugging. Oh, and it’s available in 31 saturated shades.

The hype:Β Although humbly priced at $2, these pencils rival some of the best-selling formulas in the lip liner bizz (but more on that later).Β @loveashleyzenithΒ says she’d still buy them even if they were x5 more expensive – if that doesn’t explain the hype, we don’t know what will.

@lovezenith_

I’ll still buy them even if they go up to $5 πŸ˜‚ #fypγ‚· #foryou

♬ original sound – TheScarletWitchSecretaryα—’

Wanna buy 12 at once? Take notes fromΒ @kativoryiaΒ and shop theirΒ 12-packΒ on Amazon for just $9. #Beautybargains!

https://www.tiktok.com/@kativoryia/video/7215149431446981931?q=italia%20lip%20liners%20on%20black%20girls&t=1680660321650

This is for anyone gutted that KKW Beauty’s lip liners were taken off the shelves – you’re in luck! Shade Light Brown of the Italia Deluxe lip liners is considered a near-perfect formula dupe of the discontinued Shade 2.5, a gorgeous golden brown. Plus, it’s MUCH cheaper. Fair warning, there’s a difference in the packaging (one’s a twist-up), but for that price point? We’ll take it.

@kahayaaa

Tw: Fake Body. Lip tut!πŸ’— Products: italia lip liners from AmazonπŸ’— Qibest liquid lips from AmazonπŸ’— ilysm stay safe tonight babes and have so much fun!

♬ Stand Still – Sabrina Claudio

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a shade that doesn’t grab your attention. From coffee browns to burgundies, bold reds to berry mauves, there’s something for everyone. For a gorgeous nude shade, try Terra Cotta on fair complexions and Chocolate and Cabaret for a divine look on rich to deep skin tones.

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@xo.xo.darlin

#stitch with @krissleos these Italia Deluxe Lip Liners are sooo worth going viral #italiadeluxeultrafinelipliner #italiadeluxelipliner #kkwliplinerdupe #maclipliners #affordablelipliners #liplinerreview #biggerlipshack

♬ original sound – 𝓓π“ͺ𝓻𝓡𝓲𝓷|Beauty Content|

What we liked: Discovering drugstore formulas is always exciting, but a $2 formula that performs better than its Spenny counterparts? That’s rare. It’s impossible to ignore how it delivers a shot of color with a single swipe – shook. Makeup newbies will adore its buttery texture, especially since it blends out in seconds, making it so much easier to line, sculpt, and define pouts.

FYI: Size matters with lip liners, and thankfully, these are longer than most, translating to increased product and value for the $2 bucks you spent. *Cue the squeals*

@krissleos

Replying to @beautiful.nightmare.yt #greenscreenvideo @italiadeluxemakeup are the best lipliners that last and recommend to everyone!! #italialipliner #liplinerhack #liplinertutorial #makeuphacks #makeuptipforbeginners #affordablemakeup #dollarmakeup

♬ original sound – Kriss&Esme

What we didn’t like: Cream lip liners – like this one – can be more likely to smudge, so don’t forget to re-examine your lip look every few hours. On the downside, regular top-offs also mean that pencils’ sharp tips are bound to become blunt after a few weeks. If only they included a built-in sharpener… But we’re just nit-picking here. 

The bottom line: STOCK UP! This pigmented lip collection is (undoubtedly) the drugstore steal of the century, with $2 lip liners in 31 colors. While we’re obsessed with the price tag and the shade range, we have to admit that our fave feature is that it blends like butttahhh – #love.

BTW,Β here are six ways to line, elevate, and plump your pout with lip liners.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.

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

Published on by Lee2 Comments

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 lashesβ€”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 – Sturdyyoungin

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 lightlyβ€”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 peskyΒ mascara flakingΒ 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 theΒ 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 dayβ€”sometimes I pair it with an all-over eyeshadow, but I’m not an eyeliner gal, despite there being some greatΒ eyeliners for beginnersΒ out there. So, I rely on my mascara to make me look awake andΒ somewhatΒ put together, while still keeping it naturalβ€”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 waterproofβ€”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 lashesβ€”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 doβ€”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 upβ€”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 – vsqethereal
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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 blackβ€”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 saidβ€”like with all of Rare’s line-upβ€”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 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 blushπŸ’— @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 β€” 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 / Beauty Over 50
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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 productβ€”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 β€” 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! πŸ’• What do you think?! #youthforia #colorchangingblush #byoblush #darkskinblush #blushreview #liquidblush

♬ original sound – erin | micro-influencer mentor
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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!

https://www.tiktok.com/@sarah_novio/video/6981572409589615878?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6962633202578785798
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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 SUMMERβ˜€οΈπŸ’‹ 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

DISCOVER DOSSIER PERFUMES NEW WORLD OF FRAGRANCE ONLINE

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Even before COVID-19 shuttered shops, online retail was replacing storefronts. Many people still wanted to feel the fabrics of their garments or take a few steps in their shoes before committing. Fragrances were another in-person must. Stopping to sample a new perfume and take it for a spin around the mall is a memory of a bye-gone era. Picking up a bottle of your favorite perfume duty-free is almost an act of self-care on a long layover. Dossier brings the best memories of discovering new perfumes to the ease of online retail.

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There’s a new way to shop for your signature scent.

To minimize returns, a key ingredient of any sustainability strategy, Dossier sells samples so customers can try the perfume before opening the full-size version. They also include samples of new fragrances with purchases. Dossier’s products boast sustainability, shipping in 100% recycled and recyclable packaging as well as 100% recycled glass bottles. They have managed to reduce their plastic use to all but the pump in samples. Most importantly, the products themselves are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, with β€œno nasty, useless, or harmful ingredient.”

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Because many Dossier scents are inspired by familiar and famous scents. Making the switch from your favorite floral designer fragrance like YSL Libre, for example, is an easy way to make your daily routine more sustainable. What’s more, starting at $29 (less than one-third the price of their designer inspiration) Dossier perfumes are by far the more cost-effective choice.  

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Fragrances are a key component of self-care. 

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Dossier currently offers over 90 perfumes, focusing on transparency in each. It is easy to find information on the sourcing of materials and how they created their price structure, so you feel good about your purchase and the new addition to your self-care routine. Although the price point is lower, each bottle of Dossier is crafted in Grasse, France (the perfume capital of the world) with the highest level of quality. Additionally, Dossier is preparing to relaunch a line of candles with their outstanding scents and quality. To find your perfect fragrance, start with their online quiz here. Then use code LEE10 for money off with your order. 

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Images Courtesy of Dossier