Tag: Beauty Tips

Healthy Habits: Why You Should Be Drinking Rose Water and How to Make It at Home

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Here at BeautyLeeBar.com, I believe that beauty begins from the inside out. I try to be mindful of what is going into my body to ensure that I stay strong and healthy, because, to me, that is beautiful. I’ve also never been the one to shy away from trying a new detox or testing out a buzz-worthy health trend. That brings me to today’s topic. You’ve seen me rave about the benefits of refreshing lemon water, lime water, cucumbers, cherries, honey and now I’m adding rose water to the list of infused sips on my radar.

While I’ve used rose petals on certain things in the past, putting them in water is my new favorite way to reap the benefits of the fragrant blooms. Trust me when I say that rose water is so much more than a flavorful way to stay hydrated. By applying rose water to your skin or drinking it the old-fashioned way, you are benefiting your complexion as well as ingesting essential vitamins. Since this all sounded too good to be true, I did a little research to see why I should be adding rose water to both my diets and beauty regimens, stat. Keep scrolling to see what I learned as well as a simple at-home recipe to make this concoction yourself…

Your skin’s new BFF.
By adding rose water to your daily skincare regimen, you are doing so much more than keeping your face hydrated (which is also a pretty big bonus!). Rose water can help your skin maintain its pH balance by controlling excess oil production while keeping it supple and moisturized. Rose water is also known for its soothing elements which reduce redness and irritation linked to skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and dermatitis. Rose water contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, allowing your skin to better heal scars and other wounds.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for natural remedies to improve my complexion. By applying rose water to your skin, you are cleansing, toning and even reducing fine lines and wrinkles. That sounds like a win-win to me! There are a few ways that you can incorporate rose water into your routine. Start your day by using rose water as a toner after washing your face by evenly distributing it with a cotton ball. You can even purchase a spray bottle and lightly mist your face throughout the day, with or without a full face of makeup. A little spritz here and there can be rejuvenating!

Why you should be drinking rose water.
In addition to adding this fragrant concoction into your beauty routine, consuming rose water also poses multiple benefits. Rose water contains vitamins A, C, E and B and contains anti-inflammatory qualities. It is also said that rose water can help reduce stress and moodiness (something we can all benefit from at some point or another, right?). If you’re looking for a fragrant and healthy way to stay hydrated, opt for a bottle of rose water the next time you’re at your local health food store. But like any health food fad, it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

How to make it at home.
If you are interested in making rose water right in the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck! Making your own batch of fresh rose water is simpler than you think and I have a recipe to prove it.

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Here’s what you’ll need:
1. 5-7 stems of organic pink roses
2. water
3. large pot

Instructions:

1. Begin by plucking the rose petals off of each stem and rinsing them thoroughly under warm water. It is important to note that you use organic roses, rather than the kind that you can just pick up at any grocery store. It’s best to steer clear of any harmful pesticides and any other chemicals that could have been used on the stems.
2. Place the rose petals into a large pot and pour just enough water in to cover all of the petals.
3. Boil the water and rose petals over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, cover the combination and reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Let the petals simmer for 30 minutes or until they begin to lose their vibrant color.
5. Remove the petals from the water with a strainer.
6. You now have your very own homemade rose water! Be sure to refrigerate or store your rose water in a cool place. Your homemade batch should last between 1 and 4 weeks.

And there you have it! I’ve been intrigued by this trend and hope you all will try it too! And, now I’m convinced that my beauty regimen can’t live without it.

Have you ever tried using or drinking rose water?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

**FTC: This post is not sponsored. No monetary compensation was received for this post, however, products were sent to me. Opinions are 100% my own, of course.

Odds & Ends: 5 Amazing Uses for Coconut Oil

Published on by Lee5 Comments

Years ago, if someone were to tell me that there was one single product that solved dozens of health and beauty woes, I most likely wouldn’t have believed them. One product that you can use to cook, moisturize your hair, remove your makeup, and hydrate your skin? Not possible, I would have thought. However, this little miracle does exist. And, unlike much fancy beauty and cooking products out there, it is free of chemicals and 100 percent natural. This wonder is none other than coconut oil.

I use coconut oil every day on my skin, my hair, and even in the kitchen. In fact, most of the time when a friend comes to me asking for a quick fix for a beauty or skin problem, my answer is “just put some coconut oil on it.” Now that you know a little bit about my obsession with coconut oil, today I’m going to share five ways you can incorporate it into your own lifestyle…

1. Face and Body Moisturizer
If you rub a little bit of coconut oil between your hands, you will immediately notice how incredibly moisturizing it feels on your skin. As a face and body moisturizer, coconut oil is much more hydrating than average store-bought lotions because the oil penetrates deep layers of the skin and actually helps to strengthen underlying tissues ( Huffington Post). It will also help remove dead skin cells, removing any rough or flaky texture from your skin’s surface and giving you a full body glow. You can use coconut oil as a moisturizer for your entire face, but I like to put it under my eyes and on my lips before bedtime. For my body, I mix equal parts coconut oil and body lotion together to create an ultra-hydrating cream, and I apply it right when I get out of the shower. You can also add essential oils like lavender or vanilla to scent your oil, but many people love the natural, tropical scent as it is. The best part about this oil is that it will absorb into your skin without feeling oily or greasy.

2. Hair Mask
Just as coconut oil works wonder for your skin, it will also give your hair a silky texture and tons of shine. I use coconut oil as a hair mask at night after I’ve washed my hair. Simply heat up about 3 to 5 tablespoons of coconut oil in the microwave, so that it’s a warm liquid. Then, after it has cooled, apply it to your hair as you would any hair mask. Put on a plastic shower cap or wrap an old T-shirt around your head, and leave the oil in while you sleep. When you wake up, wash your hair and discover your best hair day yet. You can thank me later. Note: Unlike store-bought hair masks, coconut oil is all natural and great for your skin. So, if a little bit happens to rub off onto your pillow while you’re sleeping, you don’t have to worry about dealing with clogged pores or a breakout the next day.

3. Makeup Remover
One of my favorite uses for coconut oil that I discovered all on my own is its gentle power to remove makeup. I was applying a bit under my eyes one night before bed, and I noticed that it was easily removing some extra mascara that hadn’t washed off with my face wash. Now, before I wash my face, I use my finger to gently rub downward on my eyes and eyelashes to remove my eye makeup from the day. Tip: Leaving a little oil on the base of your eyelashes can actually help them grow a bit, so it’s ok if you don’t rinse it all completely off afterward.

4. Cooking Oil
Coconut oil is also one of the healthiest oils to use when cooking. Our favorite nutritionist Shira Lenchewski, RD., explains that unlike animal fats, which are made up of long-chain triglycerides (LCT), coconut oil is made up of medium chain triglycerides (MCT). MCTs are metabolized more rapidly in the body than LCTs, so there’s increased fat burning potential. Many healthy oils (like olive and flax) break down into harmful compounds when heated to their “smoke-point.” But coconut oil remains stable at higher temperatures, so it’s a great option for stir-frying and pan-searing. For cooking, Shira recommends using unrefined coconut oil, also called raw or virgin.

5. Baking Ingredient
Coconut oil is a great ingredient to have in the pantry if you love baking. Shira says that because coconut oil is a saturated fat, it’s a great substitute for butter in baked goods. Saturated fats are the typical fat of choice in baking, due to their favorable effects on texture. And while saturated fats don’t have the same beneficial effect on good cholesterol as mono- and polyunsaturated oils, they do play a role in various brain and body functions, explains Shira.

Tip: Always buy unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil, since it goes through the least process and is closest to its natural state. For cooking, make sure your coconut oil indicates that it can stand high-heat, not just medium heat.

I also take a coconut oil supplement with my daily vitamins to make my hair shiny and my skin blemish-free. And I’ve been using coconut oil to experiment with oil pulling. I’ve been trying it for the past two weeks, so I’ll be sharing my results here on BeautyLeeBar.com in the coming weeks…stay tuned!

Do you have one favorite multi-purpose product you swear by?
Tell me about it in the comments below.

Xx
Team Hello Beauties

These 6 Mistakes You Make In The Shower Are Ruining Your Skin

Published on by Lee1 Comment

So you probably think how you’ve been showering for the last 20 years was on point. Like really, how wrong can you go in the shower – as long as you get your body clean, goal achieved, right? Well yes, but it’s like your skincare routine – you can get WAAAY better results just by layering your products in the right order – and showering is the same. By doing different steps at the optimum time, it’ll result in cleaner and softer skin. Intrigued? Here’s what you’re doing wrong, and how to shower the right way:

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1. Blasting the heat too high

We know, we know, it feels great, but soaking your skin in hot water is actually drying your skin out. Super hot showers strip your skin of their natural oils and dehydrate it, making it feel dry and itchy; it can even lead to rashes. You should also cut back on how long you spend showering, 5 to 10 minutes is ideal – if you’re washing your hair, aim for 15 minutes max, to avoid stripping the skin of its natural moisture levels. The drier your skin, the more likely you are to get rashes, as it’s easier for bacteria to penetrate the cracks in your skin.

2. Not washing in the right order

If you’re in a rush, you most likely take advantage of those few minutes when you let your conditioner do its thang, and wash your body. But doing this could be the reason you get pimples on your chest, body or back, as when you wash out the conditioner, it leaves a film on your skin that can block your pores. Try the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel; it’s hypoallergenic, soap and paraben-free, moisturizes dry skin and is also amazing for getting rid of body acne. Also, Glow Goddess bar soap, $10.00 is another good choice as well. Goddess bar soap has lavender essential oil that can be used for treating burns, inflammation, eczema, acne, nervous tension, asthma, arthritis, acne, and bacterial infections. This gentle bar soap is soft on the skin and is packed with lavender flowers as a soft exfoliant. Another tip is to use your shower gel only in the places where your skin is oily, your lady parts (look for fragrance-free), underarms, and feet – unless you’ve been exercising and sweating excessively. Because your arms and legs have much less oil to spare, using soap here regularly can make your skin drier.

3. Not masking in the shower

This is juicy news to us, but it makes so much sense! The experts say the best time to do your face mask is in the shower when your pores are open from the warmth of the water. This means that hydrating and nourishing masks will be able to deliver all their vitamins and minerals as they can soak into your pores more easily. Similarly, ‘extracting’ masks like clay, mud, and charcoal can pull more toxins from your open pores, without running the risk of dehydrating your skin as the mask won’t completely dry out. For a quick nourishing and moisturizing DIY, you can apply a thin sticky layer of organic honey over your skin for 5 minutes while you shower.

4. Shaving at the beginning of your shower

Shaving is an eternal pain in my butt – no matter how much you do it, it keeps coming back. If you want to maximize on your silky soft skin for as long as possible, the key is to wait until the end of your shower, about ten minutes in (or while you have your conditioner in). By this time, your hairs will have softened and your pores will have opened, making it much easier to get a closer, smoother shave. Another hack, don’t keep your razor in the shower, as the steam will gradually rust the blade and speed up blunting. Instead, leave it to soak in baby oil, which keeps the metal from oxidizing, so it’ll stay sharper for longer. Try Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Cream, $5.99 for a smooth, razor bump free look and feel.

5. Using old sponges and loofahs

We know it’s painful to throw something away that seems like it still has at least another six months of effective use, but sometimes it’s what you can’t see that you need to be cautious of. Loofahs and sponges collect bacteria and mold due to the damp conditions they’re stored in, which can lead to rashes or dry patches. Ideally, you shouldn’t use either for longer than a month. To keep your loofah or sponge in the best condition, ring it out as much as possible after using it, and allow it to dry completely before you next use it, storing it in a dry place, not directly in your steamy shower.

6. Not moisturizing immediately after showering

First things first, instead of vigorously rubbing your skin dry with a towel, try gently patting it instead. The aim is not to be completely dry, but to use any leftover moisture on your skin to your advantage when you moisturize. Experts agree that within three to five minutes after you shower is the best time to rehydrate your skin so that you can trap any excess water on the surface of your skin without it evaporating. Moisturizer and body oils act as a barrier to lock in moisture; I love using Gloww Goddess Body Oils, $20 as these contain rich vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids to help restore your skin. Otherwise rich moisturizers like shea butter or cocoa butter are amazing natural moisturizers.

Which of these showering mistakes are you guilty of?

**FTC: This post is not sponsored. No monetary compensation was received for this post, however, products were sent to me. Opinions are 100% my own, of course.

Primp Tip: Get Iced

Published on by Lee1 Comment

These hot days of summer might be coming to an end, but I recently read about a pretty cool beauty tip that I wanted to share with you… The idea is to give yourself an “ice cube facial massage.”

It may not sound that particularly pleasant, but running an ice cube over your face has a lot of benefits for your skin. Besides giving your face a dewy, glowing look, the frosty cubes will help to smooth your complexion by combatting fat cells, ease wrinkles, fight acne, and promote blood circulation that will help heal blemishes.

By simply massaging your face with ice cubes for a minute or two before bed, you will essentially be giving yourself a mini facial. (Just be sure to wrap the cubes in a paper towel, or a baggie because applying them directly to your skin can cause delicate blood vessels to break.) For an added “ahh” to this spa-inspired treatment, try freezing your cubes with watermelon, lemon, or rose. Getting iced never sounded so good…

Are you going to give this cool trick a try?

If you have an out of the ordinary beauty trick that you love, share it in the comments below. I’ll feature my favorite idea in an upcoming blog post!

XO Lee

P.S. If you have any beauty questions, leave your request in the comments below…you might just see it in an upcoming blog post too!