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How To Kick Your Chocolate Cravings With Something Better!

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Chocolate is everyone ultimate bae, but lets not deny that it’s not great for our health, and definitely not our skin. So, in my continual efforts to be healthier and control my cravings, I switched to cacao, and I’m not mad at it. It tastes like dark chocolate which isn’t my favorite kinda chocolate but still feels like I’m getting a hit of sweetness, but it’s actually a superfood that’s bursting with antioxidants. And no – it’s not a typo, and it’s definitely not the same as cocoa…

Cacao VS Cocoa

Cacao (pronounced CU-Cow) is a raw powder, derived from the unroasted cocoa beans found most commonly in areas of South America and Ghana. What makes it different to cocoa, is cocoa has been roasted at a high temperature, which reduces the enzyme content and decreases its nutritional content as much as 90%. Cocoa powder is then often processed with sugar and other chemicals, which is what dehydrates your body and can trigger breakouts. Cacao retains all these beauty-boosting enzymes and is free of any refined sugar, here’s how it works:

For your skin: When applied onto your skin, cacao will give you an even complexion and a stunning glow as it increases blood flow and hydrates your skin. It’s ideal for any acne sufferers as its full of fatty acids and raw enzymes that boost skin cell renewal helping you get rid of any acne scars. As its high in antioxidants and vitamin C, it fights sign of premature aging while keeping your skin looking firm and youthful.

For your hair: If you incorporate cacao into your weekly diet, your mane will seriously thank you – we’re talking major volume and extra glossy locks. This is because cacao increases blood circulation, boosting growth while strengthening each strand of hair, helping to keep split ends at bay.

For your body: Love to sprinkle cacao nibs (think of them like chocolate chips, but instead they’re cacao) into our yogurt, smoothie, and porridge, as it lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of heart disease, not to mention it helps detoxify your body. It’s a serious mood booster too and actually releases the same gooey brain chemicals as when you’re falling in love. It’s packed with other minerals as well, like iron, magnesium, and calcium.

Favorite Cacao Recipes:

You can buy cacao as a powder or as nibs, either online or at your local health food store. We like this Raw Organic Cacao Powder from Amazon, $14.

Vegan Cacao smoothie
For the perfect post-gym or afternoon refuel, blend together 1 1/2 cups of almond milk, one banana, 1 tablespoon of oats, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of raw cacao. Serve over ice and enjoy.

Cacao Fudge
This sweet treat is actually super nourishing for both your skin and your hair. In a food processor, blend together 4 tablespoons of almond butter with 4 tablespoons of coconut oil. Then add 2 tablespoons of raw cacao, 4 tablespoons of raw honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Place on a tray lined with baking paper and pop it into the freezer for an hour, then break it into pieces and enjoy!

Cacao mask
This mask is amazing for acne-prone sufferers or anyone who wants a quick glow, as the cucumber will instantly brighten the skin and the cacao is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Start by mashing 1 avocado in a bowl until smooth, then stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of cacao until well combined. Squeeze the juice of 3 to 4 slices of cucumber, ensuring the seeds make it into the mixture. Apply to your face, leaving it for 20 minutes before you rinse it off with warm water.

Let me know if you’ve already tried cacao in the comments below.

And also, what do you guys want to be officially called? Comment down below and head over to @BeautyLeeBar Instagram for more fun and cute posts!

How to Get Makeup Out of Clothes: 8 Genius Solutions

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No dry cleaning required.

One truth universally acknowledged is that regardless of your level of hand-eye coordination, makeup spills and smudges are bound to happen. And when they do, you’re left wondering how to get makeup out of clothes, ideally without making the stain look worse. I got eight genius solutions for getting makeup stains out of your clothes fast and easy.

1. Use a Makeup Wipe

Makeup wipes don’t just work on your face–they can actually help get makeup off your clothes. It’s an old backstage trick you can occasionally spot at fashion shows when makeup artists realize they’ve smeared something on themselves while trying to protect the models’ clothes. It’s sneaky and it works. Just grab one and gently blot or rub until the offending makeup stain is lifted away.

A couple of things to remember: This is most effective on a fresh spill that hasn’t had time to dry or set. And you’ve got to spot-test anything that you aren’t sure is colorfast or that might water-spot like silk on an area that doesn’t show before going to town on it—you don’t want to ruin anything delicate. But on things like cotton? Makeup wipes are basically a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for makeup on clothes.

2. Rubbing Alcohol

Soak a cotton ball or the tip of a washcloth in rubbing alcohol and then rub it over the makeup stain. Rubbing alcohol is particularly effective at removing lipstick stains, since alcohol can break down oily and waxy stains.

3. Shaving Cream

Who knew shaving cream can lift a stain? Apply a squirt or two the stain and let it sit for ten minutes. During that time, the cream will dissolve the stain. After ten minutes, wipe off the shaving cream with cold water.

4. A Blow Dryer

If you use any kind of loose powder on your face, you know how frustrating it can be if you spill it on your clothes (especially if it’s light powder on dark fabric). Any attempt to wipe it away is met with a smeared mess that’s even more noticeable than the original dots of powder were. So what do you? Grab a blow dryer. Blast the powder off the fabric and you’re good to go.

5. Hairspray

Who knew? Hairspray can actually help you get rid of a tricky lipstick stain. Apply hairspray to the stain and let it dry. Let the hairspray dry and follow up with a wet wipe. Note: this only works if the hairspray contains alcohol. Alcohol-free hairsprays will do nothing for a makeup stain.

6. Ice, Ice Baby

Applying ice cubes is another way to get makeup out of clothes. Grab a cube and rub it vigorously on stain. Ice (and cold water) works to lift a stain, while using hot water during a spot treatment can actually spread the stain. Avoid hot water at all costs when trying to spot treat a minor makeup stain. Save the hot water for when you toss in the washer.

7. Soap and Water

If all you have on hand is soap and water, you can still try to get a makeup stain out. Just don’t grab a paper towel or napkin. Instead, dab cold water on the stain and the teensiest spot of soap. Then, rub the fabric against itself and allow the friction to lift the stain. This is better than using a paper product, as it can flake off and leave the fabric smeared with little white bits, potentially make the stained area look even worse until you’re able to give it a proper washing.

8. Detergent Pens and Detergent Wipes

Designed for treating stains on the go, detergent pens like Tide to Go can provide a quick fix. For the best result, make sure to blot off any excess gunk off your fabric before taking applying the pen to it. When you press the tip into the clothing, the detergent solution will come out. Rub the tip of the detergent pen against the fabric until the stain starts to come off. Then, wipe off any extra solution. Detergent pens are reusable and safe to apply to most fabrics, including those labeled “dry clean only.”

Everything You Need To Know To Get Rid Of Blackheads

Published on by Lee1 Comment

There are so many amazing things in life, but blackheads are not one of them, in fact, they’re annoying AF. Plus, every time you think you’ve gotten rid of the little sucker, it comes back with more in its place. Lucky for me I don’t have that problem but you know who do – my MOM. And because I’m constantly getting asked about how to get rid of blackheads, I thought I’d do a roundup of all the tips, tricks, and hacks as well as some hero products that save the day whenever your blackheads pop up again. The first thing to remember is not to worry about them – no one really notices them besides yourself. So, here’s everything you need to know…

What causes blackheads?

A blackhead is a pore that’s blocked with oil, dead skin, and debris – ew! This blocks the pore and prevents the gland from secreting the debris, which then causes the wax plug to be pushed toward the surface of the skin. This then oxidizes causing the contents of the pore to turn black – et voila, you have a blackhead!

But sometimes, what looks like a blackhead is, in fact, a tiny hair or sebaceous filament, which are a combination of sebum and skin cells. So be careful, because that one ‘blackhead’ you’ve been trying to squeeze all week could be a hair. This is why you should avoid squeezing your blackheads (we know it’s tempting) as you’ll only bruise the skin, and it could even trigger a breakout.

How to get rid of them?

Use blackhead-busting ingredients:

When it comes to getting rid of blackheads, these skin saviors will kick ass:

Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is your secret weapon when it comes to the keeping blackheads at bay. It’s super effective as it’s able to penetrate deep into the skin, dissolving the ‘glue’ that binds the debris together, and exfoliating the inside walls of your pores. I love the Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Facial Scrub with 2% Salicylic Acid, $4.47, as it exfoliates skin to lift away the trapped dirt, oil and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. As it’s amazing for unclogging pores and removing impurities.

With regular use, this exfoliating facial cleanser helps reduce the number of blackheads allowing for clearer, healthier-looking skin. Its unique formula contains natural micro-scrubbers for surface skin exfoliation. Made with 2% salicylic acid, it contains a proven acne medication that is known to treat and clear blemishes and blackheads. Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub is recommended for daily use and features a gentle, oil-free formula that is suitable for all skin types.

Retinol: I know the prospect of using a retinol may seem a bit much, but many of the best skin specialist’s that I came across suggest incorporating a retinol-based cream into your regime from your 20s. If you’re not familiar with retinol, it’s a vitamin A derivative that boosts skin cell renewal. Retinol thickens the deeper layer of your skin and helps decrease oil production, which helps tighten pores and keep blackheads at bay.

Clay: Clay is an amazing purifying and extracting ingredient, which makes a clay mask ideal for combatting and preventing blackheads. Clay will extract oil and purify pores, while gently exfoliating the skin. I’m obsessed with the L’Oreal Clay masks; they have different masks to cater to different skin concerns, but with all of them, you can literally see the oil being extracted from your skin – totally gross but also super satisfying.

Tools and DIYs

Use a cleansing brush: If you’re prone to getting blackheads, you could consider getting a cleansing brush. This will intensify your cleansing routine, and help remove any dead skin, oil or debris from your pores. If you’re prepared to make the investment, the Soniclear Petite, $89, is amazing or Soniclear Elite, $149 which is a bit pricey but it is so worth it! Although if you have sensitive skin, limit yourself to using the brush just twice a week, and don’t use too much pressure.

Steam: A gentle steam can do amazing things for your skin. Most importantly it will hydrate your skin and open your pores so they’re more receptive to other topical products that you apply.

Silk Cocoons: Silk cocoons are a super easy way to exfoliate your skin, leaving your skin feeling soft but more importantly free of dirt, oil, and bacteria! They feel like cardboard when dry, but the silk balls contain sericin, a protein that is hailed for having anti-aging properties as well as great exfoliation power. All you do is run the ball underneath some warm water or soak it for a couple of minutes to soften it, then pop it on your finger, and using small circular motions, gently pass it over your skin. Do it twice a week to keep blackheads at bay. You can buy a pack of them here, $6.45.

Bioré Limited-Edition Deep Cleansing Pore Strips: These pore cleansing strips help extract any dirt or oil clogging your pores by extracting them. You can get them on Amazon here, $5.64.

Let me know if there are any other skin issues you need help with, or want me to discuss in the comments below.

3 Tips For Kissable Soft Lips This Winter

Published on by Lee1 Comment

We all want our lips to be as smooth and soft as possible. The problem is all the heating in our homes and offices makes the air really dry, which plays havoc with our delicately balanced skin, hair, and lips. So, to keep your lips protected – chapped lips can be seriously painful – we’ve got three tips to make sure your pout stays as gorgeous as ever, even when it’s cold as fuck outside!

Fix your surroundings

Do what you can to make the air around you as hydrating as possible. Invest in, or dig out your humidifier – it will add moisture to the air, which will benefit your skin, lips, and hair as well. The heated vapor produced by humidifiers also kills 90% if the bacteria and spores in the air, so you’re less likely to catch an annoying cold. Found a humidifier on Amazon for $16.99, which also diffuses essential oils – bonus!

Prevent chapping

Stop your lips from chapping in the first place and always keep a lip balm to hand. Look for lip balms with lanolin in, a highly moisturizing natural ingredient that comes from sheep’s fleeces (it can hold 200% it’s weight in water!). And always ensure that you apply lip balm before bed, so your lips don’t go without added moisture all night. Drinking water before bed can help too!

Lanolips has to be my all-time favorite lip balm for combatting chapped lips, it’s super protecting, and one layer lasts all day. Another lip balm I’ve been obsessed with for years is Carmex; not only does it contain lanolin, but also beeswax, shea butter, and Aloe Vera, which work together to heal chapped lips and prevent future drying. It also costs less than $2!

DIY lip mask

I love using natural ingredients to heal my skin, and honey is one of me and my mom favorite ingredients because of its moisturizing, hydrating, and repairing properties. It’s also antibacterial, which means it’ll help to prevent any infection that can occur when your lips get dry. You can apply pure honey as a mask to your lips for 15 minutes, before gently wiping it (or licking it) away. You can also make a lip oil by combining a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of sweet almond oil; stir the mix well and store it in a small plastic container or lip tin so you can use it throughout the day.

Lip Beauty Tip:

Another great alternative is the Coconut LIPS by ToGoSpa – The Kisser Fixer- 3 Lip Masks, $15.

Coconut Lips by ToGoSpa are Micro-Infused Collagen Gel Masks with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E that work to moisturize, re-hydrate and soothe  lips, creating a more full and moisturized appearance.

Each silky application is infused with a combination of natural high-density marine collagen, enzymes, amino acids, natural marine minerals, trace elements, proteins and vitamins. With just one 20 minute application, you will see improved elasticity, texture and overall appearance of the lips. Activated by the body’s temperature, the nutrients stored in ToGoSpa® gel pads work together to decrease the appearance of fine lines around the mouth. 

They added Coconut Extract and Allantoin for a SUPER DUPER moisturizing experience, with the gentle aroma of Coconut, you will be transported on your very own Tropical Staycation! (No Parabens, No Dyes, Cruelty Free)

The ToGoSpa Lip Mask + Balm make for a great combo, $25!

Organic Splash for Lips: A ripe zesty citrus scent of Brazilian Orange and Italian Grapefruit soothes the senses, and calm the mind. Organic jojoba, evening primrose, sunflower, and coconut oils deeply hydrate and protect lips from moisture loss, and Rejuvenating Shea butter and Vitamin E moisturize and condition skin, helping to soothe dry, chapped lips.

Scented with a brilliant splash of Brazilian Orange & Italian Grapefruit to invigorate and refresh; fortified with a skin-conditioning blend of healing evening primrose and grape seed oils to protect your lips from the damaging effects of daily pollution and provide long lasting moisture protection.

Energizing, invigorating and oh so moisturizing.

Organic Love Balm for Lips: Fresh and tingly on the lips, our Organic Love balm is crafted with a scrumptious formula of certified organic virgin coconut oil and ultra-softening African Shea Butter to prepare your lips for their chosen role. When our ever vigilant product crafters extraordinaire came across a report indicating that the act of kissing worldwide was on the decline they immediately cried as one, this shall not be and sprang into action with the single goal of correcting this most egregious of situations.

Lip smackingly good-for-you this unique blend of organic oils moisturize lips from within rather than sealing them off like petroleum-based lip balms. Fortified with Lavender, Peppermint and Spearmint to soothe and refresh and a super skin-conditioning blend of evening primrose and grape seed oils to revitalize dry, parched and cracked skin. Hooray for happy, healthy kissable lips! No synthetic ingredients or flavors.

WILL YOU BE TRYING ANY OF THESE PRIMP TIPS? IF YOU HAVE MORE TIPS FOR KISSABLE LIPS, COMMENT DOWN BELOW!