bodycare

Body Lotions Are Not Created Equally—These Will Leave Your Skin Glowing

Published on July 18, 2021May 1, 2024 by Lee1 Comment

There are several things you can do to achieve glowing skin. Exfoliation can help get rid of dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, newer layer. Using tools like a gua sha can help with circulation. Applying a vitamin C serum can brighten your complexion and even out the skin tone. And just making sure your lifestyle habits are in check can help, too, like getting enough sleep and drinking enough water.

You can’t forget the crucial step of hydrating and moisturizing your skin, though. That is key to radiant, glowy, and plump skin. But it can also be tough, especially if your skin is prone to dryness or if you’re exposed to weather or environmental factors that could dry out your skin. That’s why having the right body lotion is essential here. When you find one that works with your skin, it can work wonders for you—leaving you with smooth, glowy, and radiant skin.

If you need help choosing the right one, below are some of our favorite body lotions for that otherworldly glow.

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1. Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream ($45)

Sol de Janeiro’s body cream contains fruit alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin C to reveal brighter and smoother skin. It’s also formulated with cupuaçu butter to provide intense moisture.

2. Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion ($26)

You don’t have to worry about reapplying this lotion throughout the day—it melts into the skin and has you covered all day long.

3. Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA ($28)

This body lotion is formulated with 10% AHA, so it works to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve any clogged, red bumps on your arms and legs.

4. Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion

Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion ($14)

The key glowy ingredient in this body lotion is royal jelly, which is a nourishing, light-reflecting mineral. Your skin will be left radiant and softer.

5. Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Nécessaire The Body Lotion ($25)

Nécessaire’s body lotion is an editor favorite. The fast-absorbing formula contains niacinamide, vitamins A, B3, C, and E, omegas 6 and 9, and antioxidants. It’s also fragrance-free, which is a bonus if you are allergic to scents.

6. Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion

Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion ($10)

Mario Badescu’s body lotion has a subtle shimmer and is enriched with vitamin E and moisture-retaining ingredients like beeswax and peanut oil.

7. Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream

Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream ($22)

Glossier’s popular Body Hero contains tiny light-reflecting particles and brightening plant extracts for a glowy finish. It also doesn’t leave an annoying greasy feel.

8. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant

Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant ($18)

This ultra-moisturizing body lotion is infused with 100% cocoa and shea butters to boost radiance. And even though it’s a rich formula that doesn’t mean it’s greasy or super heavy.

9. Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion

Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion ($43)

Glytone’s body lotion has 17.5% glycolic acid for exfoliation benefits, meaning you’ll see improved skin texture and smoother, radiant skin. It also contains vitamin E for antioxidant protection.

10. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion

Sheamoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion ($5)

This body lotion will give you that sun-kissed glow that we all dream about. It’s infused with organic raw shea butter to moisturize; coconut oil and coconut milk to condition the skin; and acacia Senegal to lock in moisture.

11. Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Body Lotion

Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Lotion ($7)

With a name like Delicious Glow, this product is bound to deliver. The formula contains murumuru butter and rose to soften the skin and leave it glowing.

12. Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion

Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion ($17)

Alpha Skin Care’s Renewal Body Lotion is always a bestseller with our readers. It’s formulated with 12% glycolic acid to gently remove dead skin cells, encourage collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

13. Farmacy Honey Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum ($40)

This body resurfacing serum is formulated with 12% AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate to reveal smoother and brighter skin. Other ingredients include a proprietary honey blend and shea butter which act as humectants (aka they draw water in).

14. Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion ($20)

Drunk Elephant’s body lotion is just packed with amazing nourishing ingredients: marula butter, a five-ceramide blend, and shea butter. Your skin will be hydrated and softer.

15. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body Cream ($28)

Glow Recipe’s body cream is lightweight and has a delicious watermelon scent, so it’s so soothing and refreshing. The hibiscus AHA in the formula smooths and exfoliates to reveal glowy skin.

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More Glowy Body Products to Try

Neutrogena Body Oil ($15)

A body oil is an easy way to get dewy skin. This one from Neutrogena absorbs easily and deeply hydrates the skin.

Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer ($59)

For extra shimmer you can apply a body luminizer, like this one from Fenty Beauty which has a high-shine finish.

Supergoop Glowscreen Body SPF 40 ($42)

I’m already obsessed with Supergoop’s Glowscreen face sunscreen so this one is on my wishlist. It gives you the same sun protection and shimmery glow all over your body.

Goop Goopglow Body Luminizer ($48)

Goop’s body luminizer is formulated with light-reflecting minerals for a radiant finish. Other ingredients include Australian kakadu plum (which is rich in vitamin C), hyaluronic acid, and squalane.

Next: THE VERY BEST BODY OILS THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR SKIN SO DANG GLOWY

The Very Best Body Oils That Will Leave Your Skin So Dang Glowy

Published on July 15, 2021May 1, 2024 by Lee2 Comments

If you were to ask me a few years ago if I wanted any skincare oils in my beauty routine, I would say not. That’s because I automatically equated oils with a slimy, greasy, and uncomfortable mess. I didn’t want my skin to appear oily, thank you very much.

But I’ve come around to skincare oils in the past year after learning from experts that some of them don’t make your skin more oily. Certain ones can nourish, strengthen, and protect the skin, in addition to keeping it hydrated.

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For me, when I tried body and face oils for the first time, I was amazed at how quickly they absorbed into my skin, which meant that I felt the effects pretty quickly, too. My skin instantly felt softer, smoother, and it had a nice dewy, glow to it. What more can you ask for with results like that?

While I still turn to my moisturizers and lotions more, whenever I want to give my face and body a little more radiance, I use oil. This is especially true in the summer months with body oils, as I’m showing more skin and I want my skin to look good and glowy.

Take a look at some great body oil options below. And the bonus is that these are all lightweight, so it really will feel like you aren’t wearing any product.

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Nécessaire The Body Oil ($35)

I’ve been reaching for this body oil a lot lately. It’s fast-absorbing and so lightweight. My skin always feels so smooth after I apply it. The formula contains omegas 6,7, and 9, plus vitamins C and E and minerals.

Neutrogena Body Oil ($15)

The main ingredient in this product is sesame oil, which moisturizes dry skin and goes on so smoothly.

Mutha Body Oil ($104)

The great thing about Mutha’s body oil is it has a 100% botanical formula. It contains rosehip oil to minimize the appearance of stretch marks; grape-seed oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity; and apricot oil to make the skin increase suppleness.

SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil ($10)

Made with 100% virgin coconut oil, SheaMoisture’s body oil is fast-absorbing and gives the skin a natural glow. You can use it as a bath or shower oil, too.

Kayo Body Care Nourishing Body Oil ($42)

Infused with cannabis seed oil, this product really targets inflammation while drawing in moisture. The formula also includes antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn oil to restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

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Versed Keep It Supple Moisturizing Body Oil ($15)

Versed’s body oil is non-sticky and non-greasy, so it really feels like second skin because it absorbs quickly. It’s a blend of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, ylang-ylang essential oil, calendula flower extract, and vitamin E.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil ($26)

This might be the hardest working oil on the list. Not only does it lock in moisture, but it also improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.

Avène Skin Care Oil ($26)

You can use this oil all over—from your hair to face to body. It’s a combination of hydrating thermal spring water and nourishing plant-based oils like shea, camelina, and safflower.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Anti-Aging Body Oil ($120)

For an anti-aging treatment, take a look at this body oil. It’s enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to nourish and soften the skin so it’s absolutely glowing. Ingredients include evening primrose oil, camellia oil, and a complex of 11 vitamins, 18 nutrients, and six minerals.

Augustinus Bader The Body Oil ($95)

Augustinus Bader’s body oil leaves the skin so glowy and supple, but it has added benefits, too. It also targets the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. The formula contains a complex of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules, plus olive oil, argan oil, squalene, and vitamin E.

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil ($48)

The star ingredient in this oil is undaria algae, which is soaked in botanical oils for two months to distill the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. It’s blended with acai, babassu, and passion fruit oils. It will hydrate and firm the skin, while also reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

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Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil ($52)

For subtle shimmer, you’ll want to go with this pearlescent body oil. Stabilized vitamin C, vitamin E, magnolia bark extract, olive oil, and squalane, moisturizes and protects the skin as well. It comes in three different finishes rosé, champagne, and bronze.

L’Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil ($50)

With over 50% almond oil, this body product is rich in omega 6, which helps firm and moisturize the skin. It’s formulated to hydrate the skin for up to 48 hours, so it has staying power.

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Ultra Hydration Body Oil ($36)

This coconut oil will transport you to a tropical vacation. Oh, and it will rid the skin of any dryness, too.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil ($100)

This body oil has so much to offer—it’s smoothing, smells so good, and leaves a shimmery glow. The scent has warm and spicy notes of bergamot, cardmom, pistachio, ylang-ylang, and coco de mer accord.

Rahua Body Oil ($57)

Rahua’s body oil is a fine mist that’s enriched with guayusa to defend the skin; rahua to nurture and strengthen; and quinoa to promote healing and moisture retention.

RMS Beauty Beauty Body Oil ($64)

This concentrated formula is a blend of jojoba, buriti, and organic coconut oils. It’s good for all skin types, including dry, mature, and sensitive skin.

Next: Shop the newest items from the BeautyLeeBar Shop here.

How to Treat Cracked Skin on Your Feet, Hands and Elbows

Published on December 17, 2020May 1, 2024 by Lee3 Comments

Dry skin is uncomfortable and can be hard to treat. When your skin is dry and cracked, though, it can be even more challenging to deal with. Because the skin on your hands, feet, and elbows is thick, it can be prone to these skin issues, especially during the winter. To learn how to prevent it from happening and how to heal cracked skin in these areas, keep reading.

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What Causes Dry, Cracked Skin?

Environmental factors like cold temperatures and a lack of humidity (hi, winter) can cause the skin to become drier than usual and lead to cracking. Other causes include hot water (so stick to lukewarm showers and baths), harsh cleansers, and skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

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How to Address Dry, Cracked Skin on Your Feet, Hands, and Elbows

Keep Your Showers Short

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that keeping showers and baths short, using a mild cleanser, and opting for a warm instead of a hot water temperature can help prevent dry skin.

Pay Attention to Skin-Care Ingredients

The AAD stresses that those with dry, cracked skin should pay close attention to the ingredients in their skin-care products. Avoid products that contain dehydrating and potentially irritating ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, and harsh sulfates.

Use a Humidifier

Humidifiers can benefit your skin all year but are particularly helpful when your skin needs extra moisture in the fall and winter. The AAD suggests using a humidifier to add some much-needed moisture into the air to help relieve dry, cracked skin.

Moisturize Your Skin Regularly and Use Healing Ointments

Moisturizer or lotion can help replenish and lock in moisture. The AAD recommends applying hand cream after you wash your hands. We like the allergy-tested La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream because it not only moisturizes with shea butter and glycerin but also helps soothe damage from cold weather and frequent hand-washing. When it comes to your feet and elbows, hydrate the areas as needed, especially after taking a bath or shower while your skin is still slightly damp.

If you’re experiencing cracked or chapped skin and your go-to cream or lotion isn’t doing the trick, reach for a soothing balm like the CeraVe Healing Ointment. Formulated to relieve irritation and extreme dryness and restore the skin barrier.

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5 “Meh” Beauty Products You Really Don’t Need in Your Routine

Published on November 23, 2020May 1, 2024 by Lee8 Comments

As a beauty editor, I spend a lot of time telling you about the stuff you need. You know, the game-changing lotions and potions that will smooth your skin, give you shiny hair, make your hands hella soft, and a whole host of other beauty wish list items. But today, I’m coming at you with a cold, hard fact you might not be ready to hear. Here’s the truth: Mediocrity abounds in the beauty industry. That’s right. So much of the stuff out there marketed as miracle workers don’t do much at all.

As you can imagine, I get an up-close, firsthand look at the ploys and truth-stretching that takes place, but as a consumer, I’m sure you’ve also had your suspicions. If I’m being totally honest, there are too many products that fall short of their trumped-up claims to even count. I suppose that’s not the most terrible thing—it offers choices and opportunities to indulge in the extras in the name of self-care—but if you’re anything like me, pointless products take up valuable vanity real estate I’d much rather reserve for products that will help me look and feel my best.

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Of course, it’s true that carrying out prolonged skin, hair, and makeup regimens can be super relaxing and, on the whole, can make us look and feel fab, even if only temporarily. I’m not disputing that at all. But when it comes down to it, there are some beauty products that, on their own, are just mediocre. I sure hope this is a safe space because I’m about to put it all on the line to share five beauty products you can absolutely skip and still be a Megan Thee Stallion-level hot girl. (Okay, maybe not Megan level—she’s in a league of her own.) Without further ado, scroll on for the five mediocre beauty products you can skip and five great ones to hold onto.

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Skip: Essence

Keep: Chemical Exfoliator

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($30)

Let’s face it: Essence is extra. The charged liquids are heavily featured in K-beauty skincare lines and are said to hydrate and rebalance the skin and essentially prime it for moisturizer. But if your routine is already stacked with serums and moisturizers that leave your skin feeling adequately hydrated, this is a step you can skip without consequence. If you’re looking for a liquid to swipe over your face that will actually make a discernable difference, reach for a good chemical exfoliator to boost your glow by keeping dead skin cells at bay. Makeup artists swear by prepping the skin with gentle versions of these liquids for the most flawless application.

MORE FACE:

Pixi Glow Tonic ($18)

Moon Juice Acid Potion Resurfacing Exfoliator ($42)

Skip: Two-in-One Shampoo and Conditioner

Keep: Hydrating Shampoo

Davines Momo Shampoo ($29)

I’m all about saving time and shower space, but not at the expense of my hair. That’s why I’ve taken a pretty firm stance against products that combine shampoo and conditioner in the same bottle. I’ve been known to carry out the occasional conditioner-only rinse—known in the curly hair community as a co-wash—to keep my hair from drying out, but beyond that, shampooing and conditioning my hair happens in two very separate steps. I’m sure two-in-one hair cleansers can get the job done when you’re in a pinch, but the product buildup situation just isn’t worth it in my opinion. I even learned from a dermatologist recently that decoupling shampoo and conditioner is essential for combatting some inflammatory scalp issues. Hydrating shampoos like this famous Davines one help to infuse nutrients into the hair without weighing it down as certain shampoo and conditioner hybrids can.

MORE HAIR:

Function Beauty Hair Customizable

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo ($12)

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Skip: Sheet Mask

Keep: Serum

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166)

My love of sheet masks is well documented, which is why it truly pains me to acknowledge their endless online scrutiny. (Skincare Twitter is a brutal place!) In all honesty, the thing I love most about these cloth or hydrogel face coverings is that you can’t really walk around while you wear them, so in essence, they force you to sit still and fully indulge in the act of boosting your skin’s hydration. While I’ve seen the plumping effect of these masks firsthand, I’m woman enough to admit that dropping them from my routine wouldn’t be detrimental to my skin in the slightest. Reaching for my favorite serums with hydrating, plumping, brightening, and tightening ingredients (the same stuff these masks are soaked in) is totally sufficient. And between us, I’m keeping my sheet masks on hand for those days I just need a little luxuriating.

MORE SERUMS:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7)

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum ($20)

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Skip: Foot Cream

Keep: Body Butter

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter ($40)

Yes, feet have entered the chat. This topic isn’t at all glamorous, but footcare is important, too! The only thing worse than dry, cracked heels is investing in a special cream that doesn’t work any better than the thick body butter you already use on your other body parts. As with any skincare woe, smothering creams or oils over dead skin is pointless, so keeping the thick skin on our feet exfoliated is a good start for making sure any product is able to do more than just sit on the surface. Real ones know about the disgusting satisfaction of the Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel ($25), but of course, if you’re experiencing foot dryness that’s severe or concerning, be sure to check in with a trusted healthcare professional.

MORE BODY CARE

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter ~~( $15)~~ $11

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($45)

Skip: Shaving Cream

Keep: Inexpensive Hair Conditioner

FUNCTION OF BEAUTY Take the hair quiz and get yours today!

Shaving cream does its job just fine, but it’s just not the only product that adequately softens and conditions hair ahead of shaving. Hair conditioner, a product most people already have readily available in their showers, also gets the job done. The day I learned conditioner was the perfect substitute for the thick, mousse-like cream I’d been beholden to since the day my mom armed me with my first razor, I stopped buying shaving cream and haven’t looked back. (This happened by accident, by the way.) I like to use Nair Hair Removal Aloe Lotion ($5), it is more gentle than using a razor which causes irritation to skin. But, if I’m ever out of that, I reach for conditioner without a second thought. This hack has come in especially handy for those conditioners I’ve purchased only to discover they don’t agree with my hair. Rather than tossing them in the trash, I instead repurpose them for shaving.

MORE PRIMP TOOLS: