Tag: Beauty Tips

This $2 Treatment Will Give You Thick, Super Strong Hair

Published on by Lee6 Comments

While there are hundreds of hair care products that claim to boost growth, add shine, and improve the health of your hair “in just one wash,” very few products actually do (Olaplex is one that can)! Fortunately, we know a $2 DIY that really does help strengthen the hair. In fact, this DIY has hundreds of years of experience, science, AND a world record to back it up. Intrigued?

The DIY we’re referring to is a rice water hair rinse that has been used by women in China and Japan for centuries. There’s even a village in China, Huangluo, known as the land of Rapunzels because it holds the Guinness World Record as the ‘world’s longest hair village.’ And guess what they use? Rice water! The ritual of washing the hair with rice water has been passed down from generation to generation and the women in the Huangluo village have the shiniest, healthiest and longest hair thanks to their rice water shampoo.

rice water for hair
Source: Dmitry Chulov/ Shutterstock

The great thing is rice water is amazing for all hair types, from thin and fine hair to thick, curly, and afro-textures. We actually heard about it as we were admiring our friend’s super defined 3A/ 3B curls, who told us her trick was to spritz rice water in her hair after washing, which she claimed had amazing detangling and hair strengthening abilities – naturally, we had to look into it. Here’s the science behind why this natural DIY really works…

How Rice Water For Hair Works

Rice water is literally bursting with natural proteins, vitamins, and minerals that help restore and hydrate your hair. Firstly, it contains inositol, a carbohydrate that replenishes dry, damaged hair by strengthening and rebuilding the elasticity of the hair, which prevents it from becoming brittle and split ends from forming.

Even after the rice water is rinsed off, it’ll continue to seal in moisture, shielding your hair from damage. It’s also packed with proteins and amino acids that hydrate and restore the hair strand so that it’s less likely to frizz. Plus, it’s a rich source of vitamins including B, C, and E, which can help boost growth while adding shine.

Fermented Rice Water

If you ferment the rice (by leaving the rice water out for 24 to 48 hours), it’ll further enhance the nutrient levels as, during fermentation, a substance called pitera is produced, which is rich in minerals and amino acids. It’ll also alter the pH levels of the rice water so that it better matches the natural pH of your hair, which is slightly acidic. This will help close the hair cuticle, preventing moisture loss and protecting your hair. The only issue is fermented water can smell a little but you can add a drop of essential oil to the water to improve this – in Huangluo they add ginger slices and orange peel to the fermented rice water.

rice water DIY
Source: ThamKC/Shutterstock

How To Make A Rice Water Hair Rinse

There are two ways of making rice water; you can either boil rice in plenty of extra water and keep the excess water, or you leave the rice to soak in water and use the strained water. If you do this last method, you can leave it out to ferment, which makes the rice water more potent.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of organic brown or white rice
The rind of an orange or lemon (optional)

Take half a cup of rice, give it a rinse, then soak it in two cups of water. Leave it to soak for at least 30 mins, or even overnight (this will give more time for the water to absorb the nutrients and vitamins from the rice). Once the water is cloudy, squeeze the rice in the water a little, then strain the rice so you’re left with only the water. You can either store this water or let it ferment.

Fermenting rice water: To ferment the rice water, leave it out for a day or two at room temperature (the warmer the room, the quicker it ferments). This will make the formula more potent, so once the rice has fermented, add a cup of water to dilute it slightly, and add the rind of an orange or lemon, and store the mix in the fridge for up to one week.

How to Use Rice Water

You can either use this as a rinse for your hair after shampooing and conditioning, or you can put it into a spray bottle (preferably glass) and store it in the fridge for up to a week, and use it as a ‘leave-in conditioner.’ We find using it as a leave-in treatment post-washing (by spritzing into wet hair) works best for curly and coily hair, and really helps to detangle, define and boost curls. For straight and fine hair, use it as a rinse post-shampoo and conditioner. Let the rice water sit for 10 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness of your hair (the thicker your hair, the longer you can leave it), then rinse the hair. If you have curly or coily hair, you can use it as a rinse and a leave-in treatment.

If you do this regularly (every week), you will soon begin to see a big difference in the health and condition of your hair. For more DIY haircare solutions, check out how to make your own dry shampoo.

Let us know if you’ve ever tried rice water in your hair in the comments below.

The Verdict Is In: What We Thought Of The NEW Fenty Mascara

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Did Rihanna do it again?

Fenty Beauty is making waves in the industry, and we want to try everything Rihanna is putting out there – she is a real-life goddess, after all! Sure, it’s not the album the Navy fan club have been begging for, but maybe it’s the next best thing?

Of course, we had to get our hands on her first-ever mascara, which landed January 16th! As the name suggests, the Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara, $24, is designed to give you everything you want from a mascara. Plus, who doesn’t want to get Rihanna’s gorgeous lash look! Here’s our full review.

What it is: A mascara created to lift, lengthen, and curl lashes with a unique ‘flat-to-fat’ brush – the fat side is designed to pile on the formula and the flat side defines and adds a curl. The ultra-black, long-wear formula is also water-resistant and has been tested by Rihanna to withstand everything from sweat and tears, all without smudging. Ingredient Callouts: This product is also cruelty-free and gluten-free.

To get really up close and personal, beauty YouTuber Alissa Ashley shared close-ups of the wand, taken with a macro lens, on her Twitter.

What we thought: The lightweight mascara is designed to build easily with a formula that doesn’t dry too quickly, which is definitely true. We layered up our lashes effortlessly with no clumping, and we had plenty of time to build up what we thought were some pretty gorgeous lashes before they set. The wand is easy to use, and we started by using the flat side to build up volume on our lashes (the opposite to what Fenty suggested). Once we were happy with the volume added, we started to use the ‘fat’ side (or what we referred to as the skinny side) to define and separate the lashes. We were also really impressed with how well the wand managed to curl and shape the lashes, all while keeping them separated and fanned out.

The wear: We didn’t notice any smudging or flaking all day – hallelujah – and although we didn’t cry, we did test them out with a little water and they didn’t run everywhere!

The result: We loved the final result – a fanned out, wispy lash look that was natural-looking, but also added drama. We didn’t achieve quite the same result as the image we had seen of Rihanna, which was a little more dramatic, but we imagine if we kept building, we would have been able to layer up for more volume. If you have thicker, dense lashes, you should be able to build even more drama. As you can see from the before and after, we achieved both length, curl, and volume.

The verdict: We really love how this mascara made our lashes look and we feel like this is a great everyday mascara, especially as it wears so well. It didn’t give the most volume we have ever seen from a mascara, but if you love a more natural, wispy-looking lash, then you will definitely love this.

Have you guys tried it yet? Let us know in the comments below.

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA

Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara

$24

COLOR: Cuz I’m Black – true black

Standard size: Matte finish

BUY NOW

How To Apply Blush – And What You Definitely Shouldn’t Do!

Published on by Lee15 Comments

We’re calling it: blush is going to be one of THE biggest makeup trends of 2020. While some of you may think blush is a little old school, it’s a classic for a reason! When applied correctly, blush warms up your entire face and gives you the most stunning youthful glow. It also adds an element of harmony to your makeup game that we can’t live without (more deets on that later). The thing is, it has to be applied correctly otherwise a sun-kissed goddess is the last thing you’ll look like, and trust us, it’s easy to go overboard if you’re not careful! Here are all of our top blush tips, and how to avoid any blush-mishaps.

How to Find the Right Blush Shade for Your Skin Tone

Finding the right blush for your skin tone is one of the most important elements to get right. If it’s too bright it can look harsh on your skin, and if it’s the wrong shade it can disrupt the harmony of your look. The key is to choose a shade that looks like a natural flush; as if you’re blushing.

For fair skin tones: Light, pink-toned blushers work well for fair skin tones – the Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Box O’ Powder Blush, $30, is perfect!

For light to medium skin tones: Peach shades will warm up your complexion beautifully. We’re obsessed with the Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Formentera, $45.

For golden or olive skin tones: Opt for brighter pinks and soft corals like Patrick Ta’s Monochrome Moment Velvet Blush, $32, in the shade She’s Passionate – a beautiful coral-pink.

For deep and rich skin tones: Hot pinks, fiery corals, and deep berry tones look divine. The Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze, $18, is perfect for rich skin tones; it looks super bright but it blends out like a dream.

How to Choose A Blush Shade To Complement Your Look

Of course, you don’t have to stick to one blush shade, you can experiment with different shades depending on your vibe. However, try to create an element of harmony by using similar hues for your eyes, lips, and cheeks. It’s an MUA rule that we live by – it’ll instantly elevate your look. Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta actually created a makeup collection dedicated to the monochromatic mantra including four sets of Lip Cremes, lip liners and Velvet Blushes in complementary shades to create a truly harmonious look.

For example, if you’re wearing a bold coral or orange-toned lip, opt for a coral-toned blush. If you’re wearing a brown nude lip like our Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Board Meeting $25, use a cool-toned blush with muted brown undertones like NARS Luster, $30. Check out our examples below for monochromatic makeup goals:

For fair skin tones: To match the Dandelion Box O’ Powder Blush, $30, we’d recommend Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in shade Rendez Vous, $25. It’ll create that soft feminine look that’s seriously trending right now.

how to pick the perfect blush
Source: Benefit

For light to medium skin tones: The Beach Stick in Formentera, $45, is in fact, a lip and cheek stick, so you can use it to warm up your complexion as well as your lips. This is actually one of the easiest ways to create a harmonious look; either by buying multi-purpose products or using a lip creme as a blush. Simply try to find a shade that matches the blush shade for your skin tone, as we’ve recommended above.

how to pick the perfect blush
Source: Charlotte Tilbury

For golden or olive skin tones: Patrick Ta’s Monochrome Moment Velvet Blush in shade She’s Passionate, $32, was created to be worn with Lip Crème shade She’s Independent, $24.

how to pick the perfect blush
Source: Patrick Ta

For deep and rich skin tones: Once you’ve applied the Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze, $18, to your cheeks, you can use it to stain your lips or try our Demi Matte Cream Lipstick in the shade Lady Boss, $20, which looks gorgeous on deep skin tones.

how to pick the perfect blush
Source: Glossier

How to Find the Right Blush Formula

When you’re searching for your perfect blush, the formula is another crucial factor to consider. There are so many variations on offer from matte and shimmer powders, cream pots and sticks, and stains and tints. Each formula has its own set of pros and cons. Powder blush is great for those who love to set their foundation with powder and prefer a more matte skin finish. If you prefer the no-makeup makeup look and glowy skin and rarely set your base with powder, then you’ll most likely gravitate towards a ‘wet’ finish blush, like a cream or a tint. Blush stains are another great option and can be blended with foundation, but they can be harder to blend out, so you have to be very careful with the application.

Blush
Source: Benefit, Morphe

We recommend steering away from very shimmery or sparkly blushes, as these can disrupt the balance of your blush. Creams are also often not as long-lasting as a powder, which is why Beyoncé’s makeup artist Sir John suggests layering your blushes; first by applying a cream, followed by a powder to set it. He notes this is especially beneficial for dark skin tones to ensure it stays put and the pigment pops.

How to Apply Blush

For flawless blush application, use a tapered or rounded, medium-sized fluffy brush. If the brush is too densely packed, you run the risk of picking up and applying too much blush, and if the brush is too small, then the blush will be too heavily concentrated and won’t look well blended.

Our Fave Blush Brushes

The Spectrum A05 Blush Brush, $10, which has a tapered finish and works beautifully for targeted blush and contour.

spectrum blush brush

The Patrick Ta Monochrome Moment Blush Brush, $35, has crimped synthetic fibers that easily pick up powder formulas and a tulip shape to disperse pigments for seamless application.

patrick ta blush brush

The Real Techniques Blush Brush, $9, is a classic and one of our all-time faves. The tapered bristles allow for precision application and flawless blending.

real techniques blush brush

How to Apply Blush for a Natural Glow

For a healthy flush of color apply blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend outwards using a circular motion. Scott Barnes, J.Lo’s go-to MUA told us “Instead of applying blush to the sides of your face, apply it towards the front of your cheeks, more under the eye line.”

What You Should Never Do…

Scott warns; “Applying blush on the sides, or stretching it out really far like it’s some sort of blush contour, will make you look older or outdated. The only time you want to put blush on the sides is if you are doing an editorial shoot or fashion shoot with a specific reason. Proper blush screams youth and that’s the makeup gospel truth.” And if there’s anyone we can rely on for youthful makeup tips, it’s JLo’s makeup artist – that woman doesn’t age!

How to Apply Blush for a Sun-Kissed Look

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6LdKxODf10/?utm_source=ig_embed

If you’re looking for a sun-kissed vibe, even in the dead of winter, blush is your BFFL. The trick is to apply a dusting (and we mean the lightest of dustings) of blush wherever the sun would hit. Think about the apples of your cheeks, the center of your forehead, and the tip of your nose. This looks works particularly well when it’s layered on top of a bronzed glow.

How to Apply Blush for a Warm, Sculpted Look

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2eTe1vg2_S/?utm_source=ig_embed

For a warm sculpted finish, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks as instructed by Scott, then lightly warm up your contour with any excess product, like under the cheekbones, and the top of your forehead. This will warm up your face and balance a grey-toned contour; the key is to go lightly – only use whatever is on your brush after applying your blush.

Do you guys wear blush? Let us know in the comments below.

WHAT COMES FIRST — FOUNDATION OR CONCEALER? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Having a flawless canvas is exactly what an artist needs to build his or her masterpiece — and the same applies to your face pre-makeup application. Knowing how to make the most of your foundation and concealer for smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion is key in creating and maintaining a full-coverage, smooth look. Ahead, we broke down the best products to try, plus all the tools, products and insider tips you never knew you needed.

There are so many different formulations of foundation out there, so ultimately, the choice depends on the coverage level you’re looking for, your skin type, the amount of time you have to apply and the price you’re willing to pay. The most classic form of foundation, liquid, offers medium-to-full coverage for all skin types and is a sure-fire way to achieve a smooth base.

NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation allows you to customize the exact amount of coverage you want, making it even more versatile than the amazingly affordable formula already is. If you’re looking for lighter coverage, try a BB or CC cream, which offer skin a ton of benefits (think: antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, illuminators) in one tube.

The IT Cosmetics CC+ Matte Cream is beloved for many reasons. Not only is it your foundation, moisturizer, primer and sunscreen all in one, but it also offers a great amount of coverage and keeps you matte for hours.

And we haven’t even gotten into the other types of formulas that could technically live in the liquid family. Take the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint Mattifying Mousse Foundation, for example. It’s a practical choice for oily skin types because it deflects any sebum or oil from building up throughout the day with a lighter-than-air feel.

If you’re looking to really build and customize the amount of color, try a cream foundation, like the Giorgio Armani Crema Nuda Supreme Glow. It’s loved by makeup artists for its non-comedogenic water base as well as light-blurring particles that give your complexion an Insta-filter effect.

Oily, acne-prone skin will benefit from a cream consistency foundation like the Dermablend Cover Creme Foundation, which gives you full coverage like a liquid foundation but with the consistency of a concealer — in fact, you could use this for your foundation as well as your blemish and spot concealer.


If you’re feeling like your skin is dull and dry, opt for the NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow! Radiant Foundation. This formula is made with luminous pigments that help to brighten and maintain major glow all over the face for hours.

Different Types of Concealers, Explained

Before you even look into concealer formulas, it’s important to know that there are two kinds of concealers, because like your body, your skin isn’t a one-size-fits-all kinda deal. You should use a concealer two shades lighter than your foundation for your under-eye area (and formulated to ward off puffiness, darkness and bags), and a separate formula for spots, zits and redness.

We love Maybelline New York Instant Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, which has a cushion applicator and skin-tightening goji berry extract. Cream concealers work well under eyes as they’re blendable and can provide sheer or full coverage, depending on your needs.

For blemishes, dark marks and other corrections, a pencil can be incredibly easy to use — easier than a stick, even — as it requires no brush, and the waxy formulation stays put without the help of foundation, powder or setting spray. Cue the NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Pencil for your next beat.

Perhaps the most important type of concealer is the corrective type, and it is most effective in a liquid formula, like the La-Roche Posay Toleriane Teint Corrective Pen, which has corrective colors to help tone down ruddiness, fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and yes, even cover up any irritating blemishes.

If you need extra luminosity and dark-circle coverage, we also recommend the NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Concealer or the Maybelline New York Superstay Under-Eye Concealer for a long-lasting finish.

What Order Do You Apply Foundation and Concealer?

Start by laying your foundation first. The only exception is when using a treatment concealer to cover blemishes or scarring. In that case you will apply a color corrector or thin layer of concealer first. Otherwise, it’s foundation and then concealer. If you apply your concealer first, you will end up using a lot more than necessary and can risk looking cakey. 

Primp Tip: Apply primer, concealer, finishing powder, foundation then finishing powder and setting powder

How to Properly Apply Foundation

To apply any foundation formula, skin must be hydrated and smoothed. Start with a spritz of rosewater or face mist like the Garnier SkinActive Soothing Facial Mist with Rose Water. Using a foundation brush — like the Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush — apply a dime-size amount of smoothing primer like the NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Radiant Perfecting Primer that will fill in any fine lines and wrinkles while also having a blurring effect. Let it set for approximately five minutes’ otherwise you’ll risk wiping off the entire layer of primer you just put on.

Next, grab your application tool of choice — like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender or the Clarisonic for a more even spread. Start by applying foundation using short strokes, starting from the center of your face and sweeping outwards and downwards, ensuring that the color seamlessly blends past your jawline and down your neck. A brush provides fuller coverage with each swipe, but a sponge makes any formula more buildable.

Which Formulas Work Best Together?

When it comes to picking the perfect pairing, you should use cream with cream, liquid with liquid, and so forth. For powder foundations, use a concealer with a drier consistency, ideally one with a waxy base, such as the Wonder Pencil or any concealing palette, which allows you to customize your colors.