BEAUTY PRODUCTS & TOOLS

Beauty Editors Hoard These 12 Tatcha Products—And They’re on Sale

Published on June 22, 2023May 1, 2024 by Lee1 Comment

I’ve probably said this at least 1,000 times by now, but Tatcha products are so unbelievably good. I have extremely sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin that can teeter on reactive, but Tatcha’s products are so friendly to the skin type that I’ve never had an issue with any of them. When you have skin that sensitive, let’s just say you tend to hold on tightly to the products that work for you (and never let go). I’m also not the only one who loves it, the entire BeautyLeeBar beauty community has at least one non-negotiable item from the brand, there’s just one issue—it’s expensive (*cries*).

Although that may normally be the case, today we’re in luck. Tatcha is currently offering 20% off sitewide for its annual Friends and Family Sale. Use the code FRIEND23 at checkout and receive a nice discount on all your Tatcha favorites through June 25. Keep on scrolling for all the products beauty editors are hoarding and stocking up on.

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The Rice Wash Soft Cream Cleanser

~~$40~~ $32

This gentle, creamy cleanser is a favorite of BeautyLeeBar beauty director Lee. It’s gentle on the skin with a pH-neutral amino acid base while Japanese rice powder softens the skin and boosts luminosity.

The Dewy Serum Resurfacing and Plumping Treatment

~~$89~~ $71

This serum is a non-negotiable item in Lee’s arsenal. It’s a three-in-one lactic acid serum that gently smooths skin’s texture and deeply hydrates with hyaluronic acid and squalane.

Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

~~$49~~ $39

Lee also loves this hydrating mist from the brand that (as the name would suggest) leaves you with the most luminous glow. It delivers a serious hydration boost and is perfect to use under or over makeup.

The Silk Serum

~~$98~~ $78

A few BeautyLeeBar writers (myself included) loved this serum so much, we gave it a glowing review. It’s a great retinol alternative for those with sensitive skin because it utilizes gentle resurfacing ingredients like upcycled cranberry extract and sea fennel to reduce the appearance of fine lines and speed up cellular turnover.

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The Essence Skincare Boosting Treatment

~~$110~~ $88

This hydrating essence is like a tall drink of water for the skin. Infused with a trio of fermented Japanese superfoods, it gives you an otherworldly glow and helps improve the efficacy of your products to follow.

The Texture Tonic AHA Liquid Exfoliating Treatment

~~$62~~ $50

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, this texture tonic is an absolute godsend. Fruit AHAs, niacinamide, and Japanese mugwort help gently clarify skin and even out tone without stripping it of its essential moisture or oils.

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Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment

~~$54~~ $43

I’ve been dealing with some moisture-barrier issues for a while now and this mask helps enormously. It’s a velvety serum-in-cream treatment that strengthens the skin’s barrier and helps balance the microbiome.

Violet-C Brightening Serum

~~$89~~ $71

This is definitely one of my favorite vitamin C serums on the market. It contains two forms of vitamin C and 10% AHAs to give your skin a serious glow and power up. It might be a tad too much for those with dry or extremely sensitive skin, but if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it can definitely be a winner.

The Camellia Cleansing Oil

~~$50~~ $40

As far as makeup removers go, this formula and Fig. 1’s Micellar Oil Cleanser ($22) are my go tos. The Camellia Cleansing Oil is incredibly silky, hydrating, and removes even the most stubborn mascara in a flash.

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The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

~~$40~~ $32

For those who are acne-prone, this gentle exfoliating cleanser is the ticket. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like luffa fruit, wild rose, and amino acids which lift away dirt and minimize oil without over drying your skin.

The Water Cream Oil-Free Moisturizer

~~$70~~ $56

Acne-prone folks will also want to pair the brand’s Water Cream with the Deep Cleanse Cleanser since it’s oil-free and helps keep shine to a minimum.

Hinoki Hydrating Body Oil

~~$58~~ $46

This body oil from Tatcha is a favorite of BeautyLeeBar beauty editor Katherine. It’s like a spa day bottled with the light scent of hinoki and an organic essential oil blend.

Youthforia Blush Review: Clean and Fun Makeup

Published on October 30, 2022May 1, 2024 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 blush💗 @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 — 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 product—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 — 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! 💕 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 SUMMER☀️💋 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

THE ICE FACIAL TOOL That Kourt and Kendall Love

Published on September 24, 2022May 1, 2024 by Lee1 Comment

Curious about the cute lil’ ice facial tool that popped up on both Kourt and Kendall’s IGS recently? We’ve got the intel (because of course we had to get our hands on one as well!).

Facial icing — and the wider concept of cryotherapy — have boomed in popularity this year. Cheap and easy, the cold temperatures work to constrict blood flow and define facial features, not to mention shake off signs of fatigue.

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First off, we are big fans of ice facials—they can help reduce puffiness, brighten our complexion, stimulate blood circulation, and lift skin. We’re into this type of tool because it is reusable, refillable, and foolproof to use. Kendall shared in her post that she loves using hers for her morning ice facials, but it can be used any time of day.

@contourcube
Thank you @Kendall Jenner for sharing your love for Contour Cube and everyone for your support of our small business #contourcube #iceonface
♬ Sunrise – Official Sound Studio

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The Contour Cube is essentially just a tool that can be used like an ice block container but is designed in a way so that it works with the contours of the face. You simply fill it with water (or coconut water, if you’re feeling boujee) and move it along the face to refresh, tighten, and tone. It’s a viral TikTok product (!) that explains how it might have found its way into Jenner’s skincare routine.

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To prep, it, simply fill it with filtered water and pop it in the freezer until it’s frozen solid. Take the top off and bada bing bada boom, it’s ready to glide across your face. The bottom cover stays on, acting as a grip so that the ice doesn’t slide out of your hands while you’re using it. When you’re done, put the top back on and stick it back in the freezer.

How to use the Contour Cube

After cleansing your face, run your Contour Cube under water to defrost slightly

Apply to your face in upward circular motions moving the ice continuously in 30-second intervals for up to 1 to 2 minutes on each side of your face

For optimal results, follow your usual moisturizing routine

Avoid contact with eyes and if you have sensitive skin, discontinue use if signs of irritation appear

@contourcube
Ice facial hack with #contourcube #skincarehack #facial #howto
♬ as it was x cruel summer x deja vu – matty j

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But you’re not limited to just using water with this nifty tool, as you can see from Kourt’s post. Rose water, green tea, coconut milk, aloe vera, lemon water, and cucumber water can also be used instead of plain water.

Kourt added cucumber slices for extra de-puffing action. Some other ideas: green tea for anti-inflammatory benefits, coconut milk for hydration, or rosewater for a glow.

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BENEFITS OF FACIAL ICING

Proponents of ice facials, or ‘skin icing,’ suggest that it can be used to:

Eliminate puffiness, especially around the eyes
Reduce oiliness
Ease acne
Soothe sunburn
Reduce swelling and inflammation, including rashes and insect bites
Reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles
reduce the appearance of pigmentation or dark under-eye circles
tighten pores
Boost the skin’s healthy glow

@katrinadimiele
Reply to @imsimplydynamic face pop ice facials, depending on your skin type you can customize what you put inside ❤️ #skincare101 #icefacialtool #ice
♬ YES MOM – Tessa Violet

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Whilst you could technically just use an ice cube, if you’re into cold therapy, the Contour Cube is an easy, mess-free way to get the benefits.

How Working From Home Affected Our Relationship With Beauty

Published on September 12, 2022May 1, 2024 by Lee2 Comments

Since the spring of 2020, the BeautyLeeBar.com editors have been primarily working from home. It may not surprise you to learn that, before making these workweek changes, we all had pretty lengthy beauty regimens and loved experimenting with new products and looks on a daily. But as you can imagine, spending the majority of our workdays indoors and away from a traditional office building has inspired some changes, both in routine and mindset. Read on for the beauty lessons we learned during the pandemic.

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Sara, Content Director

One of the biggest beauty lessons that I’ve learned during the pandemic (and there have been many!) is to fully lean into makeup that helps me feel most like myself — and whatever that may be is allowed to change day by day, week by week. In other words, I listen to how I’m feeling before I do my makeup every day, which is given me the freedom to have more fun with my look. Recently, I’ve been embracing nail art, bright nail polish shades, and press-on nails. I’ve got my eyes on Essie Risk Takers Only, a bright orange, for my next mani. On the skincare front, I have even more appreciation for my dermatologist’s recommendations. Since following my derm’s suggested routine, my skin has only gotten clearer, smoother, and healthier.

Chyanne, Editor

The biggest beauty lesson I’ve learned throughout the pandemic is to not be afraid to wear lipstick — mask and all. I’ve gotten a thorough idea of what the ultimate lipstick is for me to get me through long days on Zoom calls or errands with a face mask. The recipe is matte, long-lasting, and transfer-proof. My go-to has been the NYX Professional Makeup XXL Lip Lingerie Matte Liquid Lipstick. This little tube has gotten me through it all over the past few years, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ariel, Editor

One thing the pandemic taught me was how to master the five-minute face. Pre-pandemic, I used to wake up at least two hours early to apply a full face of makeup, pick out an outfit, and account for my commuting time. During the pandemic, those habits shifted drastically. Anyone who works from home has likely had a morning (or maybe quite a few mornings) when they woke up minutes before a Zoom meeting and had to rush to look polished before logging on. In my case, I usually swipe on mascara ( Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara has been my go-to for years) and a bright lip gloss, like the Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint. Together, these makeup products pair up to make me look freshly caffeinated and awake in minutes.

Katharina, Social Media Editor

Being at home through the pandemic has taught me two important lessons when it comes to my beauty routine. First, being utterly bare faced is completely fine. Second, when I do choose to wear makeup, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little bit bold and experimental with it. I probably wouldn’t have shown up to work without an ounce of makeup on before the pandemic but being virtual has shifted my mindset to a point where I can be fully confident in a meeting with nothing on my face but some light, natural mascara (I swear by the Maybelline Green Edition Mega Mousse for a no-makeup makeup look). I also have the freedom to play with my makeup a little bit more; if I want a bold lip in the morning and a subtle gloss in the afternoon, I have my entire makeup kit at my fingertips and can play around with my look.

Crystal Lee, Founder

Pre-pandemic, you could find me wearing only full-coverage foundations and concealers to hide any skin imperfection. You would never catch me with a bare face, especially if I was walking into the office or going out to eat with friends. After countless social distancing parameters and countless Zoom meetings, I’ve found myself becoming more comfortable with embracing my skin’s natural texture and opting for products that have a “your skin but better” feel. I’ve started leaning on buildable, lightweight foundations like the Valentino Beauty Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation on the days I decide to wear makeup. It leaves my skin with a natural look without the heavy feel of foundation.