6 Cream Makeup Products for Luminous Skin

I very recently discovered the beauty of cream makeup products, and now that I have, I’m completely obsessed. I find that cream formulas are way more forgiving in application. Whether I’m using a brush, a beauty sponge or my fingers, the creamy texture offers a subtle, luminous sheen that I live for, and it’s way more hydrating than powder. Due to my newfound unconditional love for cream formulas, I made a list of some of my favorite products that I know you’ll want to wear today, tomorrow and every day after once you try them. From foundation to eyeshadow, keep reading for six cream makeup products that will make you a cream convert and give you beautiful-looking skin.

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Maybelline New York Cheek Heat

For cheeks that are perfectly flushed and have a lovely glowing sheen to them, try the Maybelline New York Cheek Heat. This gel-to-cream formula is super lightweight and blendable, so whether you’re someone who loves a good blush moment or a person who prefers a softer flush, you can customize the finish to your liking.

Uoma Beauty Double Take Contour Stick

best-cream-makeup

This dual-ended stick makes contouring and highlighting a breeze. The contouring side creates a smooth definition with a soft matte finish that doesn’t budge, while the highlighting end offers a luminous, lit-from-within glow. Not to mention, the creamy formula melts onto your skin and hydrates your complexion, thanks to the formula infused with lychee fruit extract. 

Maybelline New York Color Strike Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow Makeup Pen

When it comes to cream eyeshadow, it’s important to find a formula that doesn’t crease. Luckily, this cream-to-powder eyeshadow pen is crease-resistant, fade-resistant and smudge-resistant. Available in six matte and four metallic shades, the cushion tip glides across the lid for precise application and deposits a rich, pigmented layer of color that last for up to 12 hours. 

IMAN Cosmetics Luxury Highlighter 

Whether you want to shine bright like a diamond or are looking for that I’m-not-wearing-any-makeup-I’m-just-naturally-radiant glow, this luxury highlighter is perfect for you. Available in three shades to suit women of all skin tones, this multi-use highlighting stick illuminates the skin and can be used on the face, eyes and lips.

Juvia’s Place Shade Sticks

Cream foundation is great if you’re someone who loves fuller coverage. We like this one from Juvia’s Place because it’s formulated to feel like skin for a more comfortable wear. The formula is also infused with shea butter to offer a radiant finish and oil-controlling ingredients to help reduce unwanted shine.

NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream

This cult-favorite lippie should be a staple in every makeup kit due to its affordable price and velvety smooth formula that dries matte and lasts all day. Available in 22 shades, you’ll want to buy one for every occasion.

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5 Beauty Accessories That’ll Make Your Routine Easier AND More Effective

If you’re looking to take your skincare regimen to the next level without adding an extra hour to your daily routine, sometimes a simple beauty accessory is an easy solution. Often, it’s the simplest additions that make the most impact. From a skincare fridge to maximize the benefits of your product formulas to a headband that just makes your routine so much easier (and cuter), these five accessories will boost your routine.

1. To Make Your Routine Easier: Skincare Headband

During the lockdown, Influencers have given us a sneak peek into their skincare routine, and one thing they all can’t get enough of is undoubtedly a skincare headband. They make your routine easier as you no longer have to worry about getting product or water in your hair or trying to move random bits of hair out off your freshly moisturized face! We’re obsessed with these cute kitty ear headbands that come in a pack of ten for $9 – plus they look major for the ‘gram!

2. To Increase Product Absorption and Tone: A Jade Roller

If you ask any supermodel what’s inside their beauty bag, they’ll most likely mention some form of crystal skincare tool – and for good reason! By using a jade roller daily, you’ll help boost blood circulation, and reduce swelling and morning puffiness. Not to mention, they help encourage product absorption so your skincare formulas can reach their full potential.

Our fave jade roller is the Pro Tools Jade Gua Sha Complete Facial Care Stone Massager and Roller, $14 – it’s perfect for the face and neck as the smaller crystal allows you to massage those hard-to-reach areas around your eyes! Use your jade roller as part of your morning and nighttime routine, after you’ve applied your serum and moisturizer. For an added cooling effect, stash your roller in your fridge for the ultimate refreshing wakeup call.

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3. To Maximize your Cleansing Routine: A Cleansing Tool

Cleansing is a fundamental part of any skincare routine. It helps remove makeup, dirt, and any lingering bacteria from your pores, leaving you with clean, fresh skin that’s prepped for the rest of your skincare routine. By adding an effective cleansing tool to your routine, you can maximize this time to get a deeper clean.

However, be mindful of which tool you choose, as some tools may be too intense for your skin type (if you have acne or sensitive skin, cleansing tools may be too intense). Avoid abrasives plastic bristles, and instead look for gentle tools like the Foreo Foreo Luna 3, $159. It uses soft, silicone bristles combined with T-sonic pulsations to help dislodge debris in pores and clean deeply – most importantly, without damaging your skin! The bristles are also made with silicone and therefore don’t harbor any bacteria. It’s definitely an investment, but a good tool will last you years and your skin will thank you for it.

4. To Get Rid of Every Last Bit of Makeup: A Face Halo

The Face Halo Original, $22 for three, has to be one of our fave beauty discoveries of all time – it revolutionized our nighttime routine! With just a splash of water, the double-sided cleansing cloth removes every ounce of makeup with ease.

The cloth uses special fibers that are 100 times finer than a human hair, which are able to trap makeup and dirt, successfully removing it from your skin. It’ll remove everything from foundation and liquid lipstick to mascara and eyeliner. It’s also much better for the environment than using makeup wipes and it feels more gentle on your skin.

So even though we’re double cleansing addicts, we love to use this once we’ve rinsed off our first oil cleanse to remove the last traces of makeup from around our hairline, neck, ears and just to thoroughly remove any last traces of makeup or dirt before our final cleanse with a water-based cleanser. We recommend getting the white version because it’s so satisfying to see what comes off on them!

5. To Enhance Your Product Formulas: A Skincare Fridge

Skincare fridges are a hot commodity in the beauty world. Not only do they make for a great shelfie but they can boost the efficacy of your favorite formulas. The lower temperature does add a nice calming effect to certain products such as face masks, moisturizers, and creams, which are especially helpful when treating irritated or reactive skin. Refrigerating serums to help with inflamed acne, and aloe-based products for a refreshing and soothing feel is recommended. We love The Cosmetics Fridge collection, which has some seriously cute designs, including these marble versions, which can fit all your skincare must-haves.

For more skincare tips, check out 4 REASONS YOU SHOULD ADD APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TO YOUR NEXT BATH.

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4 Reasons You Should Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Next Bath

POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. BeautyLeeBar gets a small commission, whenever you lovely beauties purchase an item directly from the links that are provided in this post, past posts, and any other posts after this. However, this DOES NOT change the price or the value of the product(s) that BeautyLeeBar recommends. I repeat, this DOES NOT change the price or value of the product(s).

Is there anything apple cider vinegar can’t do? It’s one of those kitchen staples, like baking soda or lemons, that has so many benefits—from cooking to cleaning to everything in between. But it’s not just household tasks that can benefit from its magic. Apple cider vinegar also does wonders for the body. Simply add some to your bathwater next time you require a soak, and you’ll be amazed at what it does for your skin, hair, and even your joints.

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Benefits of an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

I firmly believe that apple cider vinegar is a miracle worker that really does do it all, but for it to work, you need to buy the raw, organic kind. Unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV (with the “mother” of live organisms) still contains the vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that are so beneficial to the body. Simply look for a brand like Bragg’s, or head to your local health food store to find the raw stuff. Then hop in the tub and soak away.

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Here are just some of the things an apple cider vinegar bath can do:

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1. Relieves common skin issues

ACV naturally kills bacteria and yeast on the skin, which can be helpful for people suffering from dry skin, eczema, dandruff, or yeast overgrowth. Because bacteria doesn’t stand a chance around the pH of vinegar, it can also help clear up acne when applied to the face and body. ACV also contains the gentle exfoliant, malic acid, which can help remove dry, dead skin cells and leave fresh, vibrant skin in its place.

2. Soothes inflammation

Vinegar contains acetic acid, one of the components of medications such as aspirin. It can help ease sunburn pain, itching, and inflammation. Soaking sunburned or inflamed skin for 30 minutes can help calm the redness and irritation, so it heals faster.

3. Restores pH balance

Our skin is naturally acidic, but some common bath and body products make our skin a little too alkaline, which can lead to dryness and eczema. Because ACV is acidic, it can help restore our skin’s pH balance, which helps reduce dandruff and makes skin feel soft and moisturized.

4. Eases pain

Applying apple cider vinegar topically is also said to help with muscle and joint pain. If you’re a runner or if you simply suffer from sore knees, take an ACV bath regularly to soothe pain and nurture your joints.

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The Best Soothing Herbs for a Bath Soak

To boost the skin-soothing effects of apple cider vinegar, choose flowers and herbs that calm inflammation, and promote relaxation. You can add them to the bathwater directly, or wrap and tie them into a bit of cheesecloth, like when you are making a broth, to soak in their essence. Another way to use them is to brew a concentrated tea, strain, and then swirl into the bathwater—still nice and hot.

Here are a few flowers and herbs to try:

Lavender

Lavender has been used for centuries to relax jittery nerves, calm any feelings of anxiety [source], and soothe aching muscles. 

Rose Petals

A powerful mood booster, rose can moisturize, protect skin from oxidative damage [source], and soothe those itchy and flaky areas. It has also been shown in one study to help joint pain symptoms in patients with arthritis [source]. If you don’t have any roses in your garden or can’t find rose petals, feel free to use rosewater instead.

Peppermint

Peppermint is said to disinfect and calm inflammation [source]. But since peppermint oils have a tingling effect, it’s best not to use it on sunburned skin.

Chamomile

Often used in tea for its calming effects, chamomile has a similar effect on skin [source]. It’s especially soothing for itchy, irritated skin. 

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Calendula

Calendula has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful for soothing eczema and relieving irritation [source]. 

Rosemary

This medicinal herb has known therapeutic benefits. The many compounds within it have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for the body, but they are also known to have beneficial effects on the emotions [source]. One study showed rosemary’s ability to provide relief of physical and mental fatigue in those with health issues [source].

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DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

To reap the benefits of ACV, you can simply add some directly to bathwater. But to really kick things up a notch, why not try combining it with an anti-inflammatory ginger bath soak?

This apple cider vinegar bath is ridiculously easy to make, and chances are you already have everything you need in your kitchen. The Epsom salt helps to relax tired muscles and ease aches and pains, while the baking soda draws toxins from the body. The ginger has a thermogenic effect, which helps raise your body temperature and induce sweating for toxin elimination.

And last but not least, add some flower petals. While it doesn’t aid with the detox, flowers help make the whole thing look nice!

Apple Cider Vinegar Bath FAQs

Can I add oat flour or any flour substitutes to my apple cider vinegar bath?

Yes, definitely! Ground rice flour, oat flour, or even coconut milk powder would be great in this bath soak. I recommend adding about 1/4 cup to the mix.

Can I add essential oils to my bath instead of herbs?

It depends on the essential oils you use. Oils like lavender, frankincense, tea tree, and sandalwood oil can be an excellent addition to your bath. Dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba by combining 6-9 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.

Read this article for more information on essential oils and how to mix CBD with your essential oils..

Can this be used in whirlpool tubs without affecting the jets?

Yes, it can. But, I would still check with the manufacturer and see if anyone has the same tub as you and see if they ever used essential oils and flowers to see their results. Or you can always research it, YouTube has become my best friend lol. If you’re still worried about it messing up your tub or your pipes, it’s better to be safe than sorry and just skip it. 

How much soak/vinegar should I use per bath?

I recommend using the whole thing: approximately 1 cup each of Epsom salt and vinegar. If you’d prefer, feel free to use less and store any remaining soak in your bathroom cabinet for up to a month.

How often should I do an ACV soak?

Soaking 1–2 times a week is considered safe. If you have sensitive skin or if you notice skin irritation getting worse, it’s best to take a break or consult a doctor. 

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Other Beauty Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV shouldn’t just be relegated to the bath. You can also use it to clarify hair, clear up dandruff, and exfoliate dry skin. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Soak

Vegan Gluten-free · This apple cider vinegar bath will soothe tired muscles, reduce inflammation, restore your skin’s pH balance, and detox the body. Add some fresh herbs for an anti-inflammatory healing boost.

Equipment

  • Small jar
  • Measuring cup

Materials

  • 1 tbsp Ginger, ground
  • 1 Rose petals or herbs, Dried (Optional)
  • 1/4 cup Baking soda
  • 3/4 cup Epsom salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Apple cider vinegar, raw
  • 1 Essential oils

Instructions

Combine everything except the vinegar in a jar and set aside.

Fill the tub with warm/hot water and add apple cider vinegar. Then add the entire cup of salt bath soak and stir with your hand until completely dissolved.

Notes

Hop in the tub and soak for at least 30 minutes. When you’re done, gently blot skin with a towel to remove excess water, and let the vinegar sink into the skin as much as possible. Now is a great time to apply moisturizer to seal in the benefits.

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As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor. POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. BeautyLeeBar gets a small commission, whenever you lovely beauties purchase an item directly from the links that are provided in this post, past posts, and any other posts after this. However, this DOES NOT change the price or the value of the product(s) that BeautyLeeBar recommends. I repeat, this DOES NOT change the price or value of the product(s).

THANK YOU FOR READING. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE CONTINUOUS SUPPORT 🤍

How to Have Sex Dreams: Erotic Lucid Dreaming Explained

Three reasons behind sexual dreams

Sexual desire is complex and can be triggered by many different things. These triggers vary from person to person, and the same thing is true for sex dreams.

Learning more about your own sexuality and desires can help you understand what triggers your sexual desire, which activities you prefer during sex, and even how to have better orgasms.

Dreams are an important part of our daily experiences. Dreaming is a mental state that occurs while we sleep, and it can generate sensory and emotional responses. Some people believe that dreams can tell you something about a person’s conscious thoughts, although the true purpose of dreams hasn’t been established. Modern research has suggested that dreams play an important role in helping us regulate our emotions, fears, memories, and learning.

Waking up from a sex dream can be somewhat confusing, especially if it was about someone who you don’t consider particularly attractive in your waking life or if you don’t recognize the person in the dream for the moment until you meet them later on. If you’re in a relationship, it’s also possible — and normal — to dream about someone who isn’t your partner. Dreams like this don’t mean that anything is wrong with your relationship or that you’re necessarily attracted to someone else.

Being unsatisfied with your sex life

One possible cause for experiencing sexual dreams is being unsatisfied with your current sex life. An inactive or unsatisfying sex life can evoke sexual dreams in many people.

In this situation, your brain could use dreams as a way to compensate for sexual frustration. This isn’t uncommon, and it may be your brain’s way to create physical responses that help you release some of your frustration.

Feeling attracted to someone

Feeling physically or emotionally attracted to a person can also lead to erotic dreams. Sexual arousal can exist even when it’s not tied to a romantic relationship. 

Famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud theorized that dreams are caused by our brains seeking to fulfill certain wishes. He believed that this is why we experience sexual dreams that involve another person that we find attractive, even if it’s someone we don’t know personally (such as a celebrity).

Being interested in or admiring another person

It’s possible to have sex dreams about someone you admire or like as a person, without being sexually attracted to them. It’s normal and common to have sex dreams about someone you’re not attracted to, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Having sexual dreams about someone doesn’t necessarily mean that you have feelings for them in reality, or that you would like to explore a relationship with them. Erotic dreams aren’t always related to our conscious sexual desires, and sometimes they don’t even have anything to do with sex.

How to have sexual dreams

Many people have reported having orgasms while they sleep. During a sex dream, blood flow to your pelvic area increases, and you might experience physical arousal without waking up. In other cases, the sexual arousal and orgasm you experience when you sleep can wake you up.

It’s not always possible to induce sexual dreams, but there are certain techniques that you can try. If you want to have sex dreams more often, these strategies could help.

Visualize your ideal erotic dream or partner

Before going to bed, take a moment to imagine your ideal sex dream. Think about a partner who makes you feel sexually aroused, whether it’s someone you’re in a relationship with or somebody else. 

Then, imagine what you would like to do with that person. This can include any type of activity that triggers your sexual desire, such as kissing, a massage, or intercourse. Imagine the situation that would lead to this encounter and how you would like it to play out. You can even try orgasmic meditation to enhance your sexual arousal before sleeping.

You can also touch certain parts of your body — like your nipples, for example — or masturbate as you imagine this situation. This can increase your arousal levels and help you get in the mood for an erotic dream before falling asleep.

Create your perfect sex dream setup

Creating a sexy environment can go a long way in helping you induce sex dreams. It can be hard to feel sexy when your surroundings are less than arousing. It may be difficult to create an ideal environment every single day, but even small changes to your bedroom can help you feel extra sexy before going to bed.

Consider these steps to help you turn your bedroom into the perfect environment for a sex dream:

  • Wear your favorite pair of sexy pajamas or lingerie to bed. Make sure you feel comfortable wearing them and that they won’t hinder your sleep. Alternatively, wear nothing if it makes you feel sexier!
  • Change your sheets and place some fresh, soft linens on your bed. Clean sheets are always much more comfortable.
  • Play soft, romantic music before going to sleep.
  • Read an erotic novel if you’re having trouble coming up with your own sexual fantasies.
  • Make sure your bedroom is clean and organized since clutter can make you feel uncomfortable and distract you from erotic thoughts.
  • Involve your sense of smell by spraying a nice scent on your pillows or lighting a scented candle (just remember to blow it out before falling asleep!).

Keep a diary of your erotic fantasies

Keeping a journal that’s focused on your sexual fantasies, dreams, and experiences can greatly enhance your sex life. Writing these things down can help you keep these memories fresh so that you can recall them more easily. 

Keeping a sex journal can help you become more mindful about your desires and discover things that arouse you. This can come in handy when you want to reenact a fantasy or communicate your desires to a partner. 

Even if you don’t use this journal to trigger sex dreams, it can help you improve your sex life or masturbation techniques. By recording the things you like, you’ll find it easier to identify patterns and understand exactly what brings you sexual pleasure.

Do lucid sex dreams exist?

Lucid dreaming is when you are aware that you’re dreaming. In some lucid dreams, the dreamer can control aspects of the dream, such as the characters, environment, and what happens during the dream. 

People have been experiencing lucid dreaming for a very long time. In fact, this phenomenon has been recorded for thousands of years. However, it was only about 30 years ago that researchers were able to successfully prove the existence of lucid dreams in a scientific setting. Therefore, there is still a lot we don’t know about lucid dreams, including erotic ones.

In most cases, lucid dreams occur during a phase of sleep called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. However, lucid dreaming can also occur during non-REM sleep. 

People who have reported having lucid sex dreams claim that they can feel just as arousing as real-life sex. Despite the fact that the sensations can feel realistic during a lucid erotic dream, sometimes dreamers find themselves enjoying situations that they wouldn’t necessarily want to recreate in real life.

It’s important to remember that there’s not enough evidence to confirm that the techniques commonly recommended to induce lucid sex dreams work in a consistent and reliable manner. Don’t be concerned if these techniques for having erotic dreams don’t work for you. 

However, these techniques are relatively simple, and there’s no harm in trying to induce these types of dreams. Even if they don’t work, they can still help you explore your own sexuality and become more aware of your desires. And if they do work, they could be a great way to spice up your sex life!

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