Tag: self care

HEALTHIER WAYS to Use Fragrance

Published on by Lee5 Comments

THIS BLOG POST WAS SPONSORED BY DOSSIER! HOWEVER, ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE! I SAID WHAT I SAID!

By now it’s been made woefully clear that some of our old tried and true favorite beauty products might not be the very best for our bodies. Potentially harmful chemicals and synthetics can build up in our systems, cause imbalances, and are generally toxic. So what’s a girl to do when her signature scent isn’t squeaky clean?

We won’t make you throw out a fragrance that makes you feel special. You know what we mean—that nostalgic, warm and fuzzy smell that makes tears spring to your ex’s eyes because you’ve always smelled like that—it’s your special smell. Or, maybe you’ve fallen head over heels for a new fragrance and you just can’t get it out of your mind. Chances are, you’re not finding an exact replica that does the same magical mingling with your body chemistry in a non-toxic brand.

Dossier

Discover quality fragrances inspired by the iconic rich scents you love.

price depends, the fragrance is either $29 or $39. Use code: LEE10 for money off!

Here is the link: https://dossier.co/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=bloggers&utm_medium=BELLA%E2%80%99S%20BOUTIQUE10

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What you can do is try using your favorite (not-so-clean-beauty) scents in smarter, healthier ways. Instead of dousing your delicate endocrine system, aka spraying directly onto your lymph nodes at your throat, wrist, or other sensitive places, try somewhere else.

Give your hair a spritz after it’s styled. The scent will cling to your fibrous strands in a heavenly cloud around your face, and create a little breeze of your favorite aroma when you whip around town. It doesn’t need to land directly on your scalp or seep into your skin, and you don’t need a lot.

Or, try misting your clothes. You can spritz it on a scarf, a sweater, or your top, all before putting the piece on so your scent lingers without clinging to your sensitive areas all day, or requiring reapplication. You can spritz a cotton kerchief and tuck it into a drawer to have a subtle tinge of your scent last all day on all your foldables as well!

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Most people assume that applying fragrance is easy. One spritz on your neck and another on your wrist, and that’s pretty much it, right? Trust us, there’s so much more to it! And considering the average price point of designer perfume, we don’t want to waste a drop. The good news is, once you’ve read this post, you’ll be ready to make the most of every last gorgeous drop of your fragrance. Here are four common fragrance mistakes and what you should be doing instead.

Storing Fragrances Incorrectly

Storing fragrances incorrectly degrades the fragrance. Hot temperatures affect the chemical bonds in fragrance while if the temperature is too low, that can also alter the fragrance more quickly. Ideally, your perfumes need to be stored in a cool, dark place with a room temperature between 16 to 22 degrees. This means storing perfume in your bathroom or anywhere the temperature fluctuates is a big no-no. Similarly, direct sunlight will also break down fragrance so do not store them on a window or even shelves near a window. Look for bottles with dark or opaque glass packaging, which will help protect the perfume from sunlight.

Applying Fragrance to Dry Skin

Perfume doesn’t wear well on dry skin, which is just another reason to moisturizer daily. Ideally, you should use the accompanying body lotion that comes with your fragrance or an unscented moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. This will also ensure that there’s no olfactory interference.

Our fave perfume hack: Perfume lasts longer when applied to oily, damp skin, so to lock in the scent, rub vaseline onto your pulse points before application.

Carrying Fragrance in Your Purse

If you carry your fragrance in your purse, you’re not only exposing it to different temperatures, but you’ll also cause the bottle to move around constantly. By shaking the bottle, you’ll expose the perfume to excess air, which will breakdown and disrupt the fragrance over time.

If you do want to carry a scent with you while you’re on the go, we’d recommend the travel scent Dossier gives you when you purchase a 50mL fragrance, $29. You can also buy these Portable Mini Refillable Perfume Spray Bottles, $10, that you can fill with your fave fragrances, which are perfect for when you travel or to keep in your handbag while your perfume is safely stored at home.

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Savoring your Fragrance

As much as we love to savor our beauty products, holding onto your favorite fragrance means that more often than not, by the time you reach the end of the bottle, the fragrance will have altered slightly. The more oxygen into the bottle (like when you’ve used 70% of your perfume), the more the fragrance molecules will break down and modify the fragrance.

This means investing in a large bottle is not always a good idea, in fact, it often better to purchase a smaller bottle to keep the fragrance fresh. If your go-to fragrance is only available in a large bottle, decant the liquid into small vials and store your half-empty bottles in the fridge.

For more fragrance inspo, check out FRAGRANCES TO GIFT YOUR LOVED ONES WITH, PURELY BASED ON PERSONALITY.

THIS BLOG POST WAS SPONSORED BY DOSSIER! HOWEVER, ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE! I SAID WHAT I SAID!

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Fragrances to Gift Your Loved Ones With, Purely Based on Personality

Published on by Lee5 Comments

FTC Disclosure: Thank you to Dossier for gifting and sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own and is always honest. Also, be advised my videos and posts contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (pay) through links and codes that is provided. This does NOT change the quality of the product and this does NOT affect you in any way.

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A signature style, drink, or selfie face—everyone has a certain something that makes them unique, and that often includes a signature scent. But we all know that finding a perfume that reflects all our personality traits is hard, and finding one for others is even harder. Will my free-spirited friend like something youthful or fresh? Would my mother wear something mysterious or timeless? These are the questions that can be too hard to answer on our own, especially when out holiday shopping.

With that in mind, I was happy when Dossier reached out and asked if BeautyLeeBar wanted to do a collab…of course I said yes. What is Dossier? The dossier is a brand that offers affordable fragrances that has the same scents as a luxury brand like Chanel and Tom Ford. Dossier fragrances are also vegan, cruelty-free with 100% clean ingredients as well as a focus on sustainability. At $29 and $39, you can rest easy, knowing you made a smart choice for your skin, your health, and the environment.

grasse, a town on the french riviera

Dossier strives to design scents that exceed expectations. The dossier only sources their fragrances from Grasse, a town on the French Riviera long considered the world’s perfume capital. Using the same scent designers like many of the world’s most celebrated fragrance houses, Dossier strives to craft the best quality, cleanly made, products possible.

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My scents consists of White floral, Jasmine, Lavender and Citrus. With that being said, it can be sometimes difficult to find scents that isn’t overbearing, but still has that classic loving fresh scent. Dossier helps match you to the perfect fragrance(s) by having you answer ONLY 6 easy questions. At the end of the questionnaire, are the scents that best reflect you. Dossier is having up to 25% off and I was gifted a special present for you guys. Dossier and I came up with code: LEE10 so all my BEAUTIES can save more this holiday without emptying the bank. And gentlements, this is for you too! Dossier is for anyone that is looking to smell good. When you smell good you feel good!

Dossier is my new go-to destination for fragrance. With Dossier having all your favorite luxury scents at a affordable cost, it is kinda hard to not share this news with everyone like coworkers, crushes, family and customers….Am I right or am I right! Everyone is cover including yourself. The best part is each fragrance comes with its’ own travel scent as well and if the scent isn’t up to your liking, you have 30-days to send it back and get your money back ( Full refund ). Just consider it our holiday/birthday present to you.

Dossier

Discover quality fragrances inspired by the iconic rich scents you love.

price depends, the fragrance is either $29 or $39. Use code: LEE10 for money off!

Here is the link: https://dossier.co/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=bloggers&utm_medium=BELLA%E2%80%99S%20BOUTIQUE10

All I’m saying is, I have never had a complaint, ONLY COMPLIMENTS! Head over to Dossier now and purchase quality fragrances with iconic scents, the same scents that Armani and Chanel has just at a affordable price.

dossier.co

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WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO FRAGRANCE SCENT(S)? AND HAS IT CHANGED SINCE WE BEEN IN PADEMIC? COMMENT BELOW!

FTC Disclosure: Thank you to Dossier for gifting and sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own and is always honest. Also, be advised my videos and posts contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (pay) through links and codes that is provided. This does NOT change the quality of the product and this does NOT affect you in any way.

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14 Affirmations To Say To Yourself When You Feel Like Giving Up

Published on by Lee4 Comments

Speak life over yourself with these positive affirmations.

We are currently eight months in 2020 and as we prepare to enter this new season, I know you are present with your pen and paper writing out your list on what you’ve accomplished so far and what you still need to check off. Most of us were full steam ahead with our resolutions until Miss Rona knocked on our doors with a “hey, sis.” As such, we are still adjusting to what the “new normal” looks like for us.

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Some of us have used this downtime to revamp while others like me are biting nails as we watch the growing numbers of positive cases on CNN, and look around whenever we hear someone cough—dealing with anxiety and fear of the unknown. Intermingled with that worry, many of us are having concerns with balancing the home and work life as our regular routines shattered with challenges with creating new habits. At any rate, our lives were shaken up, to say the least, and 2020 feels like the year that delivers blow after blow after blow. When met with anxiety and overwhelm, loss, uncertainty, worry, and financial stress, it can be easy to feel like giving up.

To help combat those inevitable low moments, something that could prove to be beneficial is speaking life over yourself through affirmations. Below are 14 positive affirmations to use when you feel like giving up.

I will be present in every moment.

Focus on the task at hand. Sometimes we get excited about completing a goal that we don’t enjoy the journey. When you feel overwhelmed or have negative self-talk, being present in the moment can shift your focus on what’s in front of you.

I have the power to change my story.

That’s the beauty of your life. It is yours, and you have the power to do whatever you want with it. That is the ultimate power and freedom. You can change your story within seconds. Realize that power and use it for good.

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Everything I’m looking for I can find within me.

Have you ever asked your friend for advice but you already know what to do? Were you looking for confirmation? Ignoring outside opinions in lieu of trusting your gut and instincts, you will increase your self-confidence in knowing what you need to do and what it takes to get it done.

I love myself enough to push through.

Sometimes the most difficult tasks and decisions will test you and require you to dig a little deeper, stay up a little longer, or even get in one more squat for your summer body. It all boils down to the love and commitment you’re willing to give to yourself.

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Great things never come from my comfort zone.

It’s time to say no to things that don’t serve you and start saying yes to something that can elevate you. Nothing is wrong with being playing it safe. However, to grow, you must push past being passive in reaching your goals and start being active. Coming out of our comfort zones reveals a side of us that we didn’t know existed. Let’s be honest, “old ways won’t open new doors.”

Something amazing is about to happen to me.

You probably can’t see it, touch it, taste it, or feel it, but you are so close. To reach any goal, you have to fake it until you make it. Saying it fifty times a day will give you all the confidence to embrace all the good that will happen in our life.

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I thoroughly let go and trust in divine timing.

Things happen when they’re supposed to happen, and not when you’re ready for them to arrive. While attending to your goals, you are building your character along the way. Letting go and trusting the process will alleviate any anxiety and stress you may be feeling during this time. The point is that you have to keep going. When the time does arrive, you can and will appreciate it more.

I accomplish anything I focus on.

It’s easy to get distracted during these current times. If we focus long and hard enough, we can get things done, whether it takes hours, days, or years. Setting time aside, meditating, and praying will impact your focus and motivation to complete your goals.

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I choose prosperity over failure.

Don’t allow Miss Rona to step on your toes and get in your way. You’ve come too far. Put those Pinterest boards to good use and hit the ground running. You can’t fail, and you aren’t giving yourself room to fail. You’ve come too far to give up now.

I release all negativity.

Are your thoughts motivating you or intimidating you to throw in the towel? What is popping up on your timeline? Sometimes to complete the tasks we deem necessary, we have to let go of something until the mission is complete temporarily.

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I am always headed in the right direction.

When diving into something new, you will often second-guess yourself or jump in the pool of self-sabotage. But, everything you’ve worked for so far is leading you in the direction of your goals. The journey wasn’t perfect; it may not have looked like your peers’ journeys, but you are on the path to success as long as you know that you were forever in the right direction.

I honor my commitments and promises.

You’ve spent weeks and months conjuring up the plan to put things in motion to complete your goals finally. You’ve already made the verbal agreement with yourself. To keep your promises to yourself, you’ve signed your name on the dotted line and are committed to this journey.

I am running a marathon at my own pace and aim at the finish line.

Before you compare and contrast your journey with your peers, it is essential to recognize what sacrifices you’re willing to make, to dig deep and to figure out what your goals indeed are. Other people’s success can be discouraging and make you question your path. If you focus on the task at hand, the finish line can become apparent and more tangible. You are a winner for even trying, getting started, and executing.

I have the power to overcome hardships.

Let’s face it. You’ll endure more lows than highs during this time. The small wins and victories also come with epic fails and humps to get over. It would help if you reminded yourself that you would prevail. You will overcome this. You will win.

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Thanks for reading! Hopefully these tips help. If you know any other self positive affirmation, comment them below. We love to hear from you guys.

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9 of the Easiest Ways to Prioritize Self-Care Today

Published on by Lee5 Comments

You know you’re supposed to be practicing self-care on the regular, but how often do you say no to happy hour because you scheduled alone time after work? Do you feel guilty when you skip a workout because your body needs a break, or get caught up in finishing an episode of Riverdale (and get to bed much later than you know you need to)?

Self-care should never be an afterthought, though a modern lifestyle makes it difficult to prioritize, and makes us feel guilty when we do. However, caring for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s simply the most important insurance that you show up as your best self for your work, your family, and your loved ones. Therefore, self-care is not really caring for yourself if it doesn’t make you happier, calmer, and less stressed. Just because Instagram posts show face masks and hashtags them with #selfcare, doesn’t mean that’s doing anything for you (unless face masks do make you feel relaxed!). Instead, here are nine easy ways you can fit self-care into your routine today. 

1. Meditate while your coffee brews

Meditation is extremely beneficial for mental health, but it can be hard to stick with a practice. Instead of hoping to schedule extra time in your day (there’s no such thing as “extra time”), fit a few moments into the schedule you already have set. When you start your pot of coffee, spend a couple of minutes meditating while it brews. Notice the smell of coffee, think about the present moment, and simply breathe instead of rushing onto the next step. 

2. Watch your language

Even if words seem common or unimportant (“I look so bad in these jeans!” or “I don’t know if I deserve the promotion”), the way we speak to and about ourselves is how we’re training our brains to see ourselves. Even if you don’t believe it, be confident in your actions and abilities. Talk to yourself like you would talk to your best friend (you would never think your best friend is anything but perfect, gorgeous, invincible, and badass!).

Also, work on replacing “sorry” with “thank you.” Women are taught to be polite by putting themselves down, so start expressing gratitude for patience, kindness, or assistance, rather than apologizing for being an inconvenience. 

3. Turn your shower into an experience

On the days where we’re just hoping to have time to eat three meals, a shower might be the last thing you want to do slowly, but it also might be the one chance you get to prioritize yourself that day. Instead of thinking of a shower as a chore, think of it as a relaxation practice. Turn your shower into a spa-like experience by lighting a scented candle, using the fancy soap you usually save for guests, and drying off with warm, fluffy towels. 

4. Schedule time to “goof off”

Just because you’re crushing the #adulting game by paying your taxes on time and putting together IKEA furniture by yourself doesn’t mean you don’t need “playtime” like you did when you were a kid. Give yourself a few minutes of unstructured activity multiple times throughout the day. Take a break from work to have a five-minute dance party or invest in an adult coloring book to bring out your creative side. No matter what appeals to you the most, channel your inner child to bring yourself more joy and laughter. 

5. Slow down instead of speed up

We always feel like we don’t have time. There never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done, and we rush through items on a long to-do list every day. We say things like “time flies” and “life goes by in the blink of an eye.” Here’s a little secret for you about time: you can actually get more by choosing to slow down. Rushing through life and thinking about the next item to check off a list instead of focusing on the present not only robs you of experiencing but gives you the illusion that you’ll never have enough time. 

The truth is that we have all the time we need (you do have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyoncé, after all). Instead of gulping down your morning coffee, sit down and enjoy every sip. Instead of stressing about the traffic on your commute, listen to a playlist or podcast you love. It sounds counterintuitive, but slowing down stops you from feeling that time is a limited currency we’ll never have enough of. We don’t need more time; we just need to spend it better. 

6. Practice your hobby

Even if you’re lucky enough to have a dream job that makes you excited to wake up in the mornings, self-care is about finding balance. Make sure you have a passion outside of your 9 to 5 by pursuing a hobby. It could be something you love so much you want to turn it into a side-hustle, like jewelry making or photography, or it could be something you simply enjoy doing (whether or not you’d ever make money from it) like painting or cooking. 

7. Make one small change to your diet

Whether it’s drinking an extra glass of water, adding spinach to your omelet, or replacing your afternoon chips and salsa snack with carrots and guacamole, make one tiny change to your diet. Healthy eating is just a series of habits that form a domino effect. These habits snowball into a healthier lifestyle and better consciousness about what your body needs. Start small today and see how your diet changes over time. 

8. Switch up your routine

Take a different route to work, DIY a matcha latte instead of your usual cup of coffee, or wear red lipstick to work if nude lip balm is your norm. Getting out of the patterns we’re used to helps us be more mindful and present, but can also help you discover things about yourself you didn’t know before (like the fact that red lipstick gives you more confidence to crush that presentation at work). 

9. Choose who you spend your time with wisely

Today, only surround yourself with the people who exude positive energy and enthusiasm. Steer clear of the coworker who brings you down or say no to after-work drinks with the friend who makes you feel bad about yourself. If you can’t choose who you spend your time with (maybe your office is a little too small, or your roommate’s a complainer), work on becoming the person who exudes positive energy and enthusiasm. Express gratitude, give compliments, and smile often. 

How do you prioritize self-care?