Every once in a while I just want a facial that feels good! One that will soothe my stress and makes my skin feel nice and plump! I have always LOOOVED cucumbers for skin since they add such a great cooling effect on the skin, but this facial is one that I have loved for sooo long! I haven’t actually done it in a long time, so I am doing it today! It feels great, adds hydration to tired skin and will also help heal your skin!
AWESOMELY SOOTHING CUCUMBER FACE MASK
Ingredients:
1 small cucumber slightly chilled
1 tablespoon honey
In a blender, slightly blend cucumber until a little chunky, don’t make it a liquid. Remove access liquid and add honey. Place on the skin and let sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
By now, you know I am a crazy skin care junky. Taking care of my skin is my number one priority within my beauty routine. The less I need to cover up with makeup, the better. You’re probably catching on to the fact that I am also really into natural skincare. Right now my Holy Grail beauty routine is still a work in progress, but I was definitely thrilled with experimenting with Anese.co.
Okay, so here’s how this all started — I was scrolling through the gram looking for some goodies to try out and then it happened. Out the corner of my eye, I spotted Anese page and had to give it a scroll. I saw a product called, “Down With The Thickness ” Collagen Booty Mask and that was it, I had to check out their collection. I headed straight to their site to see if they were 100% cruelty-free. Not only did Anese check that box, but it also checked the natural-derived-ingredients box too. Um, sold.
I immediately started reading about each individual product and quickly filled my cart with what I wanted to try first. It was a difficult decision — between the raving reviews for every single product and the cute sexy clever names, I was as indecisive as a kitty trying to choose whether or not to come into the house. But I finally settled on a few to try out and even got my twin something.
Slay.
Skin perfecting serum.$48.00
The Slay Revive and Glow White Truffle Perfecting Serum is magic in a bottle. Slay targets dry, dull looking skin that needs a healthy boost of moisture and vitamins. Formulated with DMAE, known to tighten and firm with noticeable effects within 20 minutes. Slay is your key to that youthful natural glow.
Beauty Lesson:Okay, in case you’ve never heard of this acronym, DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a substance naturally produced in small amounts in the brain and also found in anchovies and sardines. DMAE supplements are promoted to boost brainpower, improve memory, and slow aging. DMAE helps to tighten skin and reduce sagging, improve firmness and elasticity, smooth lines and wrinkles and also brighten the skin. What’s more, it will enhance the effects of alternative antioxidants and is, therefore, best used in combination with Vitamins A, E, and C or alpha lipoic acid.
Basically, this shit is good for your skin. If used consistently, it can tighten and tone skin from all the ‘methyl donation’. The formula of this serum is a thick, milky texture, which absorbs into the skin nicely, with NO leftover flaky tacky sticky feeling.
Girl Power Mask Duo – Save $5!
Mask $39.00
I usually do a mask like 1-2 times a week, just as a quick pick-me-up for the skin. And although not always 100% necessary, it’s a nice gesture to do for your skin. So be nice to yours and treat it with this something special. This duo is a good place to start, because you get two-for-one, and they both have totally different skin-salving properties. Pretty Sure I’m Gorgeous is a super hydration charcoal mask that feels more a like a cream on your skin, than drying. It also has the aforementioned DMAE qualities in it so it tones your skin as it moisturizes. A clarifying charcoal creme mask for when your skin and ego needs a boost. Perfect for acne prone and oily skin. Reduces the appearance of large pores and blemishes. Gentle and creamy, quenches skin. Activated charcoal clarifies and removes impurities from your skin, hyaluronic acid, organic olive and jojoba oils act as an ultra hydrator. Antioxidant organic rooibos, spirulina detoxes, DMAE tones. Apply a thick layer to cleansed skin, avoiding eye area. Rinse off after 10-15 minutes. Repeat twice a week. Tone using L’OREAL PARIS HYDRAFRESH TONER.
Unlike harsh exfoliants, So Over It does NOT remove dead skin by scrubbing it off. It gently exfoliates, increasing cell turnover and improves the overall texture of your face. The result is brighter, cleaner and smoother skin. So Over It can work for all skin types but it is particularly amazing for dry skin.
For when you’re super over dry, flaky patches on your t-zone or you’ve been searching the deep depths of the internet for how to get that dewey fresh radiant look. Look no further, So Over It is going to be your fresh face champion. It is a gentle exfoliant that is made with papaya and pineapple enzymes. Use 2-3 times per week, apply a thick layer to cleansed skin and scroll through BeautyLeeBar instagram for 15-20 minutes while the enzymes work its magic. Rinse with warm water and follow with the Slay serum.
So Over It, is great after a long day (or week) when you skin needs a little detoxification. This gently exfoliates and adds a smoothness to your complexion. You cans also buy both separately, but you get the better deal with the duo, just saying.
Beauty Tip: Not only does the Papaya Exfoliating Mask removes dead skin and give you that natural fresh radiant glow all year round, but it also helps dematerialize black spots.
Swipe right.
Highlighting moisturizer.$38.00
This illuminating balm is a lightweight cream with a subtle silver sheen and a light floral scent. An illuminating skin balm that leaves a pearlescent shine. Swipe right is made with natural oils that moisturize and nourish skin while leaving a trace of sparkle. Perfect for cheekbones, shoulders and legs. Swipe right offers more than your basic moisturizer.
Swipe right illuminating moisturizer is perfect for those who desires an illuminated effect for a day out at the beach or just general glamness. It Moisturizes, hydrates and softens skin while adding a light highlight.
Beauty Tip: For those who don’t wear makeup, use this product anywhere you would normally do with other highlighters. I usually put it on my nose, cheekbones, collarbones, arms and legs; if I’m showing some skin. My perfect skin secret for this summer is: Swipe Right (highlighter) + Hold my drink (Coconut body scrub). The shimmer is subtle and not overwhelming, so I feel comfortable wearing it regularly. It also is a great moisturizer!
P.S. One of the most enjoyable parts of doing this blog is finding really innovative, cool ass brands and getting to share them with you guys. Brands that you’ve probably never have heard of, and otherwise would have never bought on your own. And guys, remember it is so important to support brands like this who are standing for what they believe in, putting safe products out on the market, and who genuinely care about their customers well-being. If you’re looking for gentle, effective skin care that are cruelty-free, all natural, and organic, then try this brand. Join their #skinsquad here.
Have you tried anything from Anese? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Anese.co is having a sale, so go check them out here.
**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.
1. What inspired you to become a graphic designer?
” I’ve always had a talent for art, I’ve been drawing and painting since I was three. But I didn’t decide on it as a career until my second year of college.
2. What have you learned during this journey?
” I’ve learned that failure is an option. In order to know what success feels like, you have to fail a few times. Pick yourself back up and keep on pushing for your goals.
3. What do you define as beauty?
” Beauty is what you define it as. For me, beauty is not only on the outside and how you carry yourself, but also what you put out into the universe to bring light to others’ lives.
4. How do you deal with your own insecurities and what advice can you give other women who have them?
” Embrace your insecurities. Instead of me hiding my cellulite, for instance, I show it off, because that is just the human body and we all have one.
5. What are some of the worst decisions you’d have made, how have they affected you and what did you learn from them?
” This may sound shallow, but I think the worst decision I’ve made is trying to conform to beauty standards with my hair. I wanted so bad to have straight hair as a child. Looking back, I should have embraced my uniqueness. My hair was always huge back in the day, but due to chemicals and straighteners, it’s nowhere near its lush beauty. With my decisions in life, I wish I hadn’t been so naive. It probably would have saved me a lot of heartbreak.
6. What advice can you give to young women who are interested in following your footsteps?
” Do what you want to do. Don’t let the system hold you back. If you want to start modeling, take pictures. If you want to enter the fashion industry, start styling. Invest in yourself. Go with your gut.
7. Growing up what did you struggle the most with and how different is that today?
” Growing up I struggled most with my trusting of people. I was extremely naive. It wasn’t until my 20s that I began to take people as they are, rather than expecting a fairy tale love or friendship.
8. Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? What goals do you want to accomplish?
” In 10 years, I’d love to have a steady income from fashion blogging, but will definitely still be designing full-time. I also see myself in a bigger city out west.
9. Do you have any beauty routines and if so, what are they?
” I try to stick with all natural products for my skin. I wash my face morning and night, tone my skin with apple cider vinegar, and use lavender oil from glowwgoddess.com before applying makeup. I also stick to vegan and nontoxic makeup. I love to exfoliate a couple of times a week as well. It’s great for the whole body! I usually use a sea salt exfoliant or make my own with brown sugar.
10. Do you have any upcoming events or plans we should watch out for?
” I have several exciting projects coming up in the near future. Definitely keep an eye out on Instagram and my blog, lyfeaslars.com!
11. Where do you find peace?
” I always find peace in the gym. It’s a great place to get my thoughts together and plan out my goals. I also find peace when I’m alone with my sketchbook.
12. What are some beauty tips you can give to our girls?
” I try to stick with all natural products for my skin. I wash my face morning and night, tone my skin with apple cider vinegar, and use lavender oil from glowwgoddess.com before applying makeup. I also stick to vegan and nontoxic makeup. I love to exfoliate a couple of times a week as well. It’s great for the whole body! I usually use a sea salt exfoliant or make my own with brown sugar.
13. What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
” The most significant barrier to female leadership would most likely be society’s views of women. Honestly, we should be on a pedestal. We give life to everything on this planet. Start treating us like queens.
14. Is there anything you’d like to share that you wish someone had shared with you?
” Stop caring about what people think. What do YOU think? If you are satisfied, great. If not, keep pushing until you reach that goal. Get rid of toxic people. Get rid of insecurities. Get rid of any negativity that stunts your growth. You are more than you believe.
15. How would you describe yourself in one word?
” I would describe my self as a daydreamer
16. What do you do for fun?
” Well, my fashion blog is something I do for fun, definitely. I also love traveling, eating at hole-in-the-wall diners, working out, and getting any art done when I can.
17. Does your family and friends support your dream?
” I think my family and friends support me, yes. I’ve received nothing but love for my successes.
18. What is success to you?
” Success to me is happiness. When you achieve happiness in your mind, you’ve made it. Only then can you excel at reaching for bigger goals.
19. When did your love of fashion begin?
” My love for fashion began after college. I was finally able to afford something other than bread and crackers, haha!
20. Who is your celebrity crush?
” I don’t dabble into celebrity obsessions, but if I had to pick, Rihanna. She just embodies the strong, independent woman.
21. Is there any woman who inspires you? Why?
” Tons of women inspire me! All the gorgeous ladies I’ve found on Instagram starting new businesses and becoming the queens they are meant to be, just truly inspirational. I love working with girl bosses.
22. Who would you love to collaborate with if you had the opportunity?
” I would love to collaborate with BIG name photographers and magazines one day. I mean modeling for Balmain is every girls’ dream, right?!
23. I see that you are also a model, do you have a role model that is in the modeling industry? If so, Who and why?
” I truly appreciate women like Zendaya and Ashley Graham. Both so different, but with the same message—don’t take shit from people. Be yourself and live your best life. Its great to receive a message like that from two completely different looking models.
24. You have extremely gorgeous body and gorgeous skin. Do you have any tips on how to get and keep clear and healthy skin? Do you workout and if so, what are your fitness routines?
” Thank you! I definitely have the occasional blemish and especially during my cycle, but my tips would be: eat clean—no dairy, fruits and veggies all the way; exercise daily; ALWAYS wash your face morning and night; and use all natural products—no drug store chemicals. My fitness routine is pretty intense. I work out at least 5 days a week. Two to three days a week I do fasted cardio. Later in the day I’ll do my weights: 2 leg days, shoulder day, arm day, chest/back/core day. Also see #9.
25. What was the biggest change you had to make in life?
” My diet and my mindset were the biggest changes I’ve had to make so far. For my diet, I had to switch to an all natural lifestyle. I have the occasional cheat meal and drink, about twice a month. It started for medical reasons, but now I love it. For my mindset, I had to really define what happiness was for myself. Was happiness a bundle of material items? Or was it something that I had to search for in my brain? It was like a finally turned on a switch and decided that positivity is all I want for myself and the people around me.
26. How do you feel about surgery?
” If women want to enhance their physicality with surgery, by all means, do it and own it. But don’t be a “Kardashian” and act like it’s “all natural”, because baby boo, we know it’s not.
27. What do you think is holding this generation of women back?
” I think the system is holding this generation of women back. We need to get rid of the old white men in power and take it for ourselves.
28. Are you dating? What is your type?
” No, I’m not dating.
29. Do you consider yourself as a role model?
” I don’t consider myself a role model, but then again, I’ve never thought of it. I do express myself in my style in ways that I want all women to express themselves. Just don’t be afraid of what others think. Don’t be afraid of your nipple showing because society says it’s disgusting, or whatever. It’s the human body. Own it and do you, boo!
30. What made you decide to become a blogger?
” I became a blogger after peer pressure from my college mates. The older I got, the more into fashion I became, and they urged me to get on Instagram, which prompted my website. I was so inspired by other bloggers, I decided to give it a try.
FUN FACTS:
I was born and raised in Louisiana with a French-Cajun/Creole heritage
beautyleebar.org 