I’ve never been a foundation girl. My makeup arsenal is full of BB creams, CC creams, tinted serums, and any other version of breathable face makeup that is anything but the foundation. But as we return to our “new normal,” I’m trying to break old beauty habits and give products I’ve initially written off in the past a second chance, like foundation. I chose to test an editor-favorite — the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Foundation. I’ve heard my fellow BeautyLeeBar.com editors, as well as beauty influencers on social media, sing its praises so I had to get my hands on a bottle. The brand kindly sent one over so I could share my experience as someone who’s always had an aversion to a foundation.
The Formula
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Foundation is hailed for its 24-hour full-coverage formula that leaves behind a natural matte finish with SPF 15. The fact that it comes in 50 diverse shades makes the daunting task of finding your foundation true match way easier. I used the E-Shade Finder on Lancome.com, a virtual foundation shade-matcher tool, to find my skin’s best foundation shade, which turned out to be 520 Suede Warm.
The formula itself contains eternal soft polymers which Lancôme notes allow for “an increased level of comfort for ultra-long wear”, plus ingredients like perlite and silica to absorb excess oil.
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My Experience
After applying face primer, I blended in a few drops with a makeup sponge and then went back in to add a couple more drops for my desired coverage. The color blended beautifully into my skin tone and might be the closest match to any of my face makeup (proof of the E-Shade Finder’s powers). I finished the rest of my makeup and went about my day, never having to blot my T-zone area.
My go-to complexion products leave me with my desired dewy look, so I was nervous about how I’d feel with a matte complexion. When I think of anything matte, I think of the matte lipstick formulas that glide on smooth but eventually tighten throughout the day, resulting in cracked lips. But a cracked complexion wasn’t the case at all for me here. Instead, my skin looked polished without being overly matte and felt comfortable enough to wear all day.
While I’m still not ready to fully retire my signature dewy makeup look, I will make a space in my arsenal for this foundation. I feel like I’ve found the unicorn of foundations in Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Foundation: semi-matte, but not flat, oil-absorbing, and true to color.
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.
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 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
SolaWaveis 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 SolaWavereview 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 SolaWavereview 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 SolaWaveface 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 rotates90 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 SolaWaveBefore 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.
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 SolaWavereview found that the brand makes itprettyclear 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:
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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 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
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