Skincare with a message – Keys Soulcare by alicia keys

Keys Soulcare, Alicia Keys’ beauty line, landed in our lives at the perfect moment. Created by the musician as skincare with self-care at its core,Β Keys Soulcare launched in 2020Β (a year when we needed an awful lot of self-care) and started with a range of 10 facial and lifestyle products, from moisturizers to a scented candle. Now, Keys is adding body care to the mix: a hand and body wash, body cream, and body oil, all bearing that same philosophy of taking time for yourself.

β€œWhile working closely with Alicia on the facial skincare, we wanted to also infuse many of the ancient and nourishing ingredients into our body offerings,” says board-certified dermatologist Renee Snyder, who co-created Keys Soulcare along with Keys. β€œIt is so important to take care of ourselves, and the body is another moment where we can focus on self-care.” To add to the ritual of it all, the products also come with a corresponding affirmation meant to be spoken with each use. β€œAlicia and the team develop each affirmation based on the action and feeling you will experience with the offering,” explains Snyder. 

Because Keys is known for her radianceβ€”in addition, of course, to her legendary voiceβ€”I was intrigued to try her latest products to see if I could capture a bit of her glow. Keep reading for a full breakdown on the new products courtesy of Snyder, and for my honest reviews to find out if I’mΒ fallin’ for them (sorry, couldn’t help myself).

Courtesy of Keys Soulcare

All About Keys Soulcare, According to the Derm Who Co-Created It

The benefit of being developed by a dermatologist? Each ingredient has a purpose. The formulations are also cruelty-free and made without things like parabens or sulfates. What you’ll find instead? Loads of moisturizers, all of which are intended to strengthen the skin barrier. β€œThe skin performs many important functions for us; from helping us eliminate toxins to temperature regulation, but most importantly it acts as a protective barrier,” explains Snyder. β€œWhen your skin is hydrated, it is resilient and plump.”

So while the Renewing Body and Hand Wash may be a cleanser, it still puts nourishment first. Think skin-loving Manuka honey, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Meanwhile, the sage and oat milk scent (Alicia’s fave!) helps promote β€œcomfort, clarity, and balance,” according to the derm.

The body cream, as you’d expect, is also chock full of hydrating ingredients. β€œSunflower seed oil is extremely high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors,” explains Snyder. But that’s not all: β€œCeramides, along with shea and cocoa butter, promote the infusion of hydration into the skin.” Topping it off is the rose of Jericho, which β€œcan spring back to life at the first drop of water, imparting one’s skin with the feeling of a renewed vitality,” according to Snyder.

Keeping with the theme of protecting the skin, one of the key ingredients in the Sacred Body Oil is baobab oil, which β€œis known for its regenerative abilities,” according to Snyder. β€œIt is excellent for softening the skin and aids in healing due to the levels of vitamins A, B, and C, along with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids,” she explains. The formula also contains marula oil, β€œwhich is purported to contain 60% more antioxidants than most other oils, packing a powerful punch to the skin,” adds Snyder.

Renewing Body and Hand Wash Review

Keys Soulcare Renewing Body and Hand Wash

Keys SoulcareΒ Renewing Body and Hand WashΒ ($24)

I’m not particularly picky when it comes to soap and body wash, but I’m a sucker for a good scent. My skin can also get dry, so I was excited to see if this formula is as hydrating as it claims. Right off the bat, I loved the fragranceβ€”it reminded me of expensive perfume, without being overwhelming. The texture of the body wash is gel-like, and it lathers up fairly well (especially considering it’s sulfate-free). As I used it, I remembered about the affirmation part of the deal, luckily, they’re printed right on the packaging. For the body wash, the affirmation is β€œI love myself as I am.” I repeated it a few times until I admittedly felt a little silly. But I tried!  

Immediately after toweling off, I could tell my skin felt softer and more hydrated than with my usual body wash, but the true test, in my opinion, would be how it held up post-shower. The next day, I’m pleased to report, my skin was just as soft. I also smelled amazing (if I do say so myself). The product has been a mainstay in my shower since the first use so I haven’t been using it as a hand soap, but the pretty bottle would look great on the sink, too.Β 

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Rich Nourishing Body Cream Review

Keys Soulcare Rich Nourishing Body Cream

Keys SoulcareΒ Rich Nourishing Body CreamΒ ($36)

I love a good body cream, so this was probably the product I was most excited to try. I would say it’s almost like body butter, both in texture and color (picture Kiehl’s Creme de Corps). Let’s just say she’sΒ thick. A little goes a long way, which is something I learned after I overdid it on leg number one. It’s not scented, which I appreciated, especially because I was still in the throes of the body wash. It didn’t feel greasy after applying, but I let it sink in for a few minutes for good measure. All in all, it’s a solid, super-moisturizing formula, but if you’re looking for something lightweight, you may want a more traditional lotion

Sacred Body Oil Review

Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil

Keys SoulcareΒ Sacred Body OilΒ ($25)

While I love a good body cream, I don’t often use body oils, but I was there for the full Keys experience. First off, I was a fan of the dropper bottle, which is super convenient to use. It also has the same fragrance as the body wash, but again, isn’t overpowering. As instructed, I warmed the pale golden oil between my hands first, and it applied like a dreamβ€”not greasy at all, and just enough slip. It’s recommended to use this right after showering, but I found myself reaching for the bottle to moisturize my elbows and cuticles, all times of the day. Consider me a body oil convert!

More Keys Soulcare Products to Shop

Keys Soulcare Golden Cleanser

Keys SoulcareΒ Golden CleanserΒ ($20)

This calming facial cleanser is also made with Manuka honey, as well as chamomile and turmeric.

Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfloliator

Keys SoulcareΒ Be Luminous ExfloliatorΒ ($22)

Containing both physical (Hojicha powder, oats, and mung beans) and chemical (lactic acid) exfoliants, this gentle scrub can be used once or twice a week.

Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask

Keys SoulcareΒ Harmony MaskΒ ($28)

With both activated charcoal and Manuka honey, this clay-like mask clears skin without drying it out.

Keys Soulcare Skin Transformation Cream

Keys SoulcareΒ Skin Transformation CreamΒ ($30)

Rich and hydrating, this moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturize, and bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Bonus: It also comes in aΒ fragrance-freeΒ version.

Keys Soulcare Comforting Balm

Keys SoulcareΒ Comforting BalmΒ ($12)

Use this balm on lips, cheeks, elbows, or any spot that needs a little extra TLC.

Keys Soulcare Reviving Aura Mist

Keys SoulcareΒ Reviving Aura MistΒ ($22)

Spiked with witch hazel and scented with rose, this face mist can be used as a toner and anytime skin needs a refresh.

Keys Soulcare Obsidian Facial Roller

Keys SoulcareΒ Obsidian Facial RollerΒ ($25)

The Keys Soulcare face roller is made with obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic rock said to protect against negativity.

Keys Soulcare Sage + Oat Milk Candle

Keys SoulcareΒ Sage + Oat Milk CandleΒ ($38)

Keys and Snyder smartly packaged the line’s signature scent in candle form for maximum relaxation vibes.

Have you tried Keys Soulcare products yet? If so, which is your favorite? Let me know down in the comments what you think about the products mentioned above. xo

Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for ourΒ BeautyLeeBarΒ newsletter.

Upgrade Your Selfie Game With These Editor-Approved Ring Lights

Whether you’re trying to upgrade your selfie quality or want the best light possible for filming makeup tutorials, ring lights should be on your radar. The perfect addition to every vanity, ring lights cast an even light onto your face, reduce shadows, illuminate your eyes and even minimize the look of blemishes. There are plenty of ring lights out thereβ€” each with different functions and lighting options β€” making it tricky to figure out which one is best for you. To make it easier, we’ve narrowed down our favorite ring lights on Amazon, ahead. 

ring-lights

UBeeSize 12’’ Ring Light with Tripod

Never worry about bad lighting again. With this ring light, you can choose between five color temperatures and 10 brightness levels to find the best possible lighting for video calls, interviews, vlogs and makeup tutorials. 

ring-lights

Riki Skinny Light Vanity Makeup Mirror

Although it’s on the pricier side, this mirror has received the praises of celebs, makeup artists and beauty gurus for a reason: it’s magnifying mirror ensures flawless makeup application every single time. Plus, the lighting can’t be beat.

ring-lights

Neweer Selfie Ring Light 

Filming how-to videos and TikToks has never been so easy. This portable ring light provides top-notch lighting wherever you go and even has a clamp to hold your phone for hands-free recording. 

ring-lights

AIXPI LED Ring Light

With its own height-adjusting tripod that rotates 360 degrees, this ring light offers optimal lighting at every angle.

ring-lights

Yarrashop Ring Light Stand and Phone Holder

Don’t let poor lighting wash out your complexion on screen. Shop this desktop ring light complete with adjustable brightness levels and lighting will never be an issue again.

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Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Collection Review

Last year around 2020 BeautyLeeBar reviewed the original Rare Beauty collection, and today I am sharing my thoughts on the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Collection!

I’ll be reviewing the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush, the product I am most excited about, and the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm.

If you haven’t heard of Rare Beauty before, it was launched in September 2020 by Selena Gomez. It is her first beauty line and proceeds go towards mental health initiatives. Built on an ethos of self-love and confidence, Rare Beauty effortlessly exudes Selena’s down-to-earth, unpretentious relatability. The company also aims to de-stigmatize mental illness, a cause close to Gomez’s heart. A portion of proceeds from each sale goes to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports organizations dedicated to promoting mental health, particularly in marginalized communities. The brand’s philanthropic strategy is informed with the help of the Rare Beauty Mental Health Council, comprised of psychiatrists and activists.

I love the Rare Beauty debut collection, especially the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush which I reviewed here.

What intrigued me the most about the Stay Vulnerable collection was the new blush formula. Rare Beauty is known for its natural, easy-to-apply products, so I couldn’t wait to see how the blushes compare to each other. 

Keep reading for my review of the Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush and the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm!

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The Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable collection includes:

Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush in five shades $21

Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eyeshadow in five shades $20

Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm in five shades $18

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush Review

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Collection Review

Blush is one of the best ways to bring light and color into the face, and the Rare Beauty blushes do that in the best way possible. Some blushes are hard to apply or they make you look like a clown, but that is not the case with these products. 

The Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush is a cream blush, an in-between of liquid and powder. Cream blushes are amazing because they give you more control than liquid blushes do yet they are more pigmented than powder blushes.

I bought the shade Nearly Berry – deep berry, which is a beautiful color that compliments the deeper skin tone. This liquid-like cream blush melts into a second skin for the most natural-looking wash of soft-focus color. It’s long-lasting which I love, and you can layer it for more pigmentation. 

The best way to apply it is by using your fingers to dab onto your cheeks then blending with a brush. You can also apply it directly with a brush. Either way works which I like because sometimes it’s just easier to use your fingers. Each blush also looks great on the lips and can be worn under the collection’s gloss.

I find the Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush easier to apply compared to the original Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. If you apply too much of the liquid blush you risk looking like a clown. The melting blush is something you need to build up for lots of pigment so it’s way more beginner-friendly. 

I tend to grab the Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush more than the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush for its convenience. Overall, I would highly recommend this blush if you’re looking for something soft and neutral! Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush is the first-of-its-kind water-resistant blush that combines pigments with a non-greasy blend of weightless oils and spherical powders for a natural flush you can’t mess up. The ultralightweight, liquid-like cream melts on contact and blends to a smooth, satin finish that won’t cake, crease, or clog pores.

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Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Collection Review

I also picked up the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Balm because a girl can never have too many lip products! I was intrigued by it as it’s a lip gloss, but also a lip balm which is a fantastic idea, but not common. 

I got the shade Nearly Berry – soft berry which is a beautiful soft reddish. It applies smoothly and isn’t sticky like most glosses. The gloss itself is neutral and light coverage. It adds just enough color to the lips where you can wear it on top of another product or alone! This has been my go-to lip product so far this summer.

If you’re looking for a gloss that is powerful and pigmented, this probably isn’t for you. But, it is great if you’re looking for an everyday lip gloss. 

The best part about the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm is how soft it makes your lips feel. It noticeably nourishes and hydrates your lips. Like a lip mask in a gloss, this ultra-cushiony, comfortable formula hugs lips with nourishing hydration while visibly plumping them with buildable color and shine. Made with a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily, it also helps soothe, calm, and nourish lips.

I would highly recommend Stay Vulnerable beauty products to anyone who’s looking for a new go-to! 

Question: Have you tried any Rare Beauty products? What are your favorites?

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How to Use and Clean Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

If you use micellar water, toner or any kind of makeup remover in your routine, you probably go through a lot of makeup-removing pads. While these cotton rounds might seem better for the environment than makeup wipes (which are often made of non-biodegradable materials such as polyester), filling your trash with so many single-use pads can have a negative environmental impact, too. This is why we love using reusable makeup pads. Not only are they eco-friendly, but also they help you save money in the long run. 

Garnier has made reusable rounds even more accessible with its launch of theΒ Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads. The rounds, which come in packs of three and cost less than $10, are made of soft microfiber. Each pad can last up to 1,000 washes and help effectively and gently remove makeup and impurities without leaving any residue behind. We’re obsessed! Here’s how to use one in your routine.Β 

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STEP 1: Saturate the Pad 

Apply your makeup remover or toner of choice directly onto the pad. Our current go-to makeup remover and morning cleanser are the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Vitamin C

STEP 2: Swipe on Skin

Gently sweep the pad over your skin (it’s safe to use the pads over your eyes) until all makeup is removed or you’ve saturated your skin with your toner. 

STEP 3: Clean Your Pad

After each use, hand wash the pad with soap and water until clean. You can give it a deeper clean once a week by tossing it into the laundry. Lay the pad flat to dry. We like to store them in a soap dish or a small mesh laundry bag to keep them dry and hygienic.Β 

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A Love Letter to Matte Red Lips

Discover the art of matte red lips β€” soft edges, velvety finish, and layered depth create a modern, intimate statement. From gentle prep to sculpted application, this love letter to red lipstick shows how to wear it with confidence, elegance, and quiet power.

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