Tag: Beauty Guide

These Beauty Products Might Not Be Instagram-Worthy, But Our Editors Can’t Live Without Them

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As much as our editors fill their shelves with beautiful things, not all the best beauty products are in packaging that we’d want to display on a bookshelf. Not every good product is cased and spun with gold. Some beauty products are just straight-up ugly—and sometimes, they’re the best products in our arsenals.  

You know, all the stuff you probably wouldn’t take a cute flat lay of but are God-tier? We’re talking those. Keep scrolling for our editors’ necessary but boring favorites.

VASELINE

Healing Jelly Original

Recently, while I was home for a week, I discovered my parents didn’t have Vaseline in their arsenal, which honestly made me spiral for a few days until my mom went to the store and I begged her to pick some up. The thought of going a mere few days, let alone a week, without Vaseline was giving me hives.


I use Vaseline daily in a myriad of ways: slugging, moisturizing dry patches on my skin and face, as a lip balm, a highlighter on my cheekbones, and mixing in with moisturizers to make them a bit thicker. If you walk into my bathroom and don’t see Vaseline, check on me. —Beth, Beauty Content Manager

NEUTROGENA

T-Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Gross, I know, but I get breakouts all over my scalp—tiny little bumps that won’t go away for anything except when I use this once a week. This salicylic acid shampoo isn’t glamorous, but it rids my scalp of flakes and bumps for less than $10 —Beth, Beauty Content Manager

DOVE

Beauty Bar Gentle Skin Cleanser

TikTok has convinced me to let go of any other cleansers, and I haven’t looked back since. My skin has never looked and felt better (when I stick to my routine, LOL). This is something I was skeptical about at first, but it has been the best TikTok-based decision I have made to date. —Stacey, Editorial Assistant

JERGENS

Ultra-Healing Lotion

Do you know that TikTok trend going around where everyone is showing what they would smell like if you hugged them? I would smell like Jergens, but I guess that would mean I would just smell like unscented lotion (it has a subtle scent in my opinion!). I’ve used this lotion my whole life, and I’ve never experienced better absorption or hydration from anything else. It’s perfect for my sensitive skin, and I’m never straying. —Jasmine, Editorial Intern

AQUAPHOR

Healing Ointment

Mark my words: I will have a tub of Aquaphor in my bathroom drawer or bedside table until the day I die. Besides just being the most satisfying fix to my lip balm addiction (I need something on my lips at all times or else I’ll perish), I use it as a facial treatment when my skin is inflamed or extra dry (curse you, winter weather) and rub it into extra dry parts of my body (it helps with my keratosis pilaris). I also use it on cuticles or dab it on “wrinkle spots” like crow’s feet or laugh lines.

Also, don’t quote me on this (this is by no means medical advice), but I always put it on blisters or small cuts, and I swear it heals faster. Consider this my miracle cure-all that will always belong in my drawer but never be featured on my Instagram. —Josie, Wellness Editor

CERAVE

Healing Ointment

If we haven’t convinced you yet that you need some kind of healing petrolatum (see Vaseline and Aquaphor), let this be the one that sells you on it! I’ve recently added slugging (a Korean skincare practice that I found on TikTok) to my winter skincare routine because it keeps my skin hydrated, dewy, and protected from the Florida temps. Adding a tiny bit of this healing ointment at the end of my skincare routine seals in all of the moisture and benefits from my skincare products.

It is also amazing for cracked hands, lips, or any other part of you that touches winter air. Hands down, this is the top product purchase of this past year. —Krystal, Social Media Editor

AVEENO

Daily Moisturizing Lotion

I would classify my skin type as chronically dry. It doesn’t matter how much water I drink—nothing will cure my itchy skin unless it’s a daily moisturizer. This daily Aveeno moisturizer is something I have to have with me almost everywhere I go. This product has saved my chapped hands from bleeding more times than I can even count.

But my favorite part of this product is that it is made with soothing oats and other amazing ingredients. —Kirra, Graphic Designer

CERAVE

Hydrating Facial Cleanser

As we know, I have dry skin. Horribly! It’s so dry that I don’t think it’s produced a drop of oil since my pubescent years. I’m frequently at the dermatologist, and mine has always maintained that this is the best cleanser for me, and I’ve stuck to it for years. She always says that since the cleanser is on your face for such a brief time, it isn’t worth spending a lot of money on unless you need a medicated one. This is the only cleanser I’ve found that doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry afterward. I can’t count the number of bottles of this I’ve gone through, and for me, it’s a lifelong love. — Kelsie, Fashion Editor

MEDLINE

Remedy Phytoplex Lip Balm

I have tried just about every lip balm under the sun and let me promise you that this is the absolute best money can buy. I don’t know what kind of magic is in it, but it’s the only thing that I feel heals my lips—and they come in a pack of three for $7.


I have one of these in every purse and drawer and crevice I can stick one in, and they’ve saved my lips, especially in the wintertime. —Kelsie, Fashion Editor

LA ROCHE-POSAY

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

I started using this cleanser three years ago and have never looked back. When I switched to an IUD, my skin just about had a conniption, and I was at a complete loss for what to do. I loved my new birth control but not if the cost was unrelenting breakouts. At the recommendation of my dermatologist, I dropped my entire skincare routine and went super minimal: hydrating products and sunscreen in the morning and hydrating products and Retin-A at night.


This cleanser has been an absolute godsend in this area. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and squeaky clean (makeup and all) rather than stripped and dry. Everyone needs a good gentle cleanser, and this is the best of the best. —Carrie, Managing Editor

STRIDEX

Strength Medicated Pads, Maximum

Ready for an extremely hot take? This is the only BHA product you need, and it only costs $4. Shoutout to the SkincareAddiction subreddit for this holy grail product recommendation.

Whenever I see the mere hint of a breakout coming my way, the Stridex pads come to my rescue. It stops pimples in their tracks and speeds up the healing process better than any acne product I’ve ever used. Ditch the expensive toners, give your wallet a break, and pick these up. —Carrie, Managing Editor

ECO STYLE

Professional Olive Styling Gel

No product has ever been able to get my thick curls in a sleek, neat bun like this styling gel. This tub lasts me months, and it’s the best $5 I’ve ever spent. Not only is the consistency not sticky and gooey, but it’s also super easy to wash out without your hair feeling tangled and loaded with product. I’ve tried all sorts of gels, and I find that I always go back to this one because it dries so quickly and with no residue.

When it comes to my natural hair, sometimes it just cannot be tamed, and this gel has been my secret weapon for years for combating frizz while still keeping my hair moisturized. —Madison, Social Media Coordinator

CERAVE

Moisturizing Cream with Salicylic Acid

I’ve talked about this product a million times, but I truly don’t think I’ll ever stop. It is the only product that has ever made a significant difference in the keratosis pilaris on my arms. I use it on KP problem areas after I shower, and it leaves my skin feeling much smoother and less irritated. You also really get a good bang for your buck, as this one tub lasts a very long time. —Jessie, Associate Editor

METHOD

Simply Nourish Body Wash

I’ve been a big fan of Method body washes for a while now, but I recently discovered this Simply Nourish scent—and let me tell you, it changed my life. It’s infused with coconut, rice milk, and shea butter, so it smells and feels ridiculously luxurious for its low price. It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized, which is especially great in the cold and dry months. Plus, it’s clean, cruelty-free, and has no parabens or phthalates. It’s also pretty popular on TikTok—so best to get it before it’s gone. —Jessie, Associate Editor

L’OREAL

Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara

I am shocked that this hasn’t resurfaced or blown up on TikTok over the last few years, but this product (that I’ve replaced maybe 20 times since college days) is the holy grail mascara that I can’t live without. My lashes are super long and healthy, and I fully credit this stuff.

It’s not considered waterproof, but it stays all day and through occasional tears—what can I say? I’m an emotional baddie. The reason why I love this stuff so much is that when it is time to take it off, it slides right off of my lashes with ease—no lash tugging, rubbing, or mascara bleeding down my face involved. I selfishly want to keep this one to myself, but I’m feeling generous, so do with this information what you will. —Grecia, Branded Content Editor

This Buzzy Skin Care Tool Just Got An Acne-Fighting Upgrade

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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.
SolaWave Blue Light Wand

SolaWave Blue Light Wand, $139 $119

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 Review

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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

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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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 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!

Try One of These Makeup Looks Next Time You Have a Job Interview

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When it comes to prepping for an upcoming job interview, there are a lot of things to consider. Like what to wear, how to prepare, and how soon to follow up once you finish an interview. What you might not have thought of, however, is how to do your makeup. Different jobs call for different looks, and you should tailor your makeup accordingly. While a red lip for a job interview for a creative position may be standard fare, you might go for something more natural when interviewing for a corporate one. We’ve rounded up the best job interview makeup looks we could find on Instagram, ahead. 

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Neutral and Natural 

If you’re interviewing for a position in a more corporate setting and want your resume to speak for itself, keep things neutral. In this look, @midrebeauty paired black eyeliner and lashes with a glossy nude lip (we love the C.O. Bigelow MAGENTA MINT Mentha Lip Tint and FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Cream Double Take Lip Set for this).

Pop of Personality 

For a more creative job, don’t be shy — let your individuality shine through! Make like @laracrisouza and go bold with color. Use a brightly colored eye pencil, like the Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick in Chaos, to recreate your own version of this turquoise and purple graphic eye look.

Barely There

We love this no-makeup makeup look by @jenaidaguiar because it’s simple and only requires a few products so you can spend more time preparing. Grab a multitasking product, like the ILIA Multi-Stick, to add a flush of color to your cheeks and lips.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRpGCLstBBD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Less Is More

Put your best face forward in your next interview with a lit-from-within look like the one seen here by @everythingmiahsims. The subtle glow not only makes you look more awake, but gives the impression that you’re put together — even if you’re feeling nervous. 

Splash of Color

To add a bit of personality to an otherwise minimalistic look, opt for a bright-colored eyeshadow. Get @benkobeauty’s look by applying a few swipes of the NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil across your lids.

Color and Confidence

Confidence is the name of the game when it comes to interviews, so we can’t think of a better way to show off that spunk than with a colorful lip. The YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick is the perfect option — the pigment packs a powerful punch and the formula stays put, so you won’t have to worry about reapplying mid-interview.