Tag: Shop

Healthy Habits: Why You Should Be Drinking Rose Water and How to Make It at Home

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Here at BeautyLeeBar.com, I believe that beauty begins from the inside out. I try to be mindful of what is going into my body to ensure that I stay strong and healthy, because, to me, that is beautiful. I’ve also never been the one to shy away from trying a new detox or testing out a buzz-worthy health trend. That brings me to today’s topic. You’ve seen me rave about the benefits of refreshing lemon water, lime water, cucumbers, cherries, honey and now I’m adding rose water to the list of infused sips on my radar.

While I’ve used rose petals on certain things in the past, putting them in water is my new favorite way to reap the benefits of the fragrant blooms. Trust me when I say that rose water is so much more than a flavorful way to stay hydrated. By applying rose water to your skin or drinking it the old-fashioned way, you are benefiting your complexion as well as ingesting essential vitamins. Since this all sounded too good to be true, I did a little research to see why I should be adding rose water to both my diets and beauty regimens, stat. Keep scrolling to see what I learned as well as a simple at-home recipe to make this concoction yourself…

Your skin’s new BFF.
By adding rose water to your daily skincare regimen, you are doing so much more than keeping your face hydrated (which is also a pretty big bonus!). Rose water can help your skin maintain its pH balance by controlling excess oil production while keeping it supple and moisturized. Rose water is also known for its soothing elements which reduce redness and irritation linked to skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and dermatitis. Rose water contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, allowing your skin to better heal scars and other wounds.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for natural remedies to improve my complexion. By applying rose water to your skin, you are cleansing, toning and even reducing fine lines and wrinkles. That sounds like a win-win to me! There are a few ways that you can incorporate rose water into your routine. Start your day by using rose water as a toner after washing your face by evenly distributing it with a cotton ball. You can even purchase a spray bottle and lightly mist your face throughout the day, with or without a full face of makeup. A little spritz here and there can be rejuvenating!

Why you should be drinking rose water.
In addition to adding this fragrant concoction into your beauty routine, consuming rose water also poses multiple benefits. Rose water contains vitamins A, C, E and B and contains anti-inflammatory qualities. It is also said that rose water can help reduce stress and moodiness (something we can all benefit from at some point or another, right?). If you’re looking for a fragrant and healthy way to stay hydrated, opt for a bottle of rose water the next time you’re at your local health food store. But like any health food fad, it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

How to make it at home.
If you are interested in making rose water right in the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck! Making your own batch of fresh rose water is simpler than you think and I have a recipe to prove it.

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Here’s what you’ll need:
1. 5-7 stems of organic pink roses
2. water
3. large pot

Instructions:

1. Begin by plucking the rose petals off of each stem and rinsing them thoroughly under warm water. It is important to note that you use organic roses, rather than the kind that you can just pick up at any grocery store. It’s best to steer clear of any harmful pesticides and any other chemicals that could have been used on the stems.
2. Place the rose petals into a large pot and pour just enough water in to cover all of the petals.
3. Boil the water and rose petals over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, cover the combination and reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Let the petals simmer for 30 minutes or until they begin to lose their vibrant color.
5. Remove the petals from the water with a strainer.
6. You now have your very own homemade rose water! Be sure to refrigerate or store your rose water in a cool place. Your homemade batch should last between 1 and 4 weeks.

And there you have it! I’ve been intrigued by this trend and hope you all will try it too! And, now I’m convinced that my beauty regimen can’t live without it.

Have you ever tried using or drinking rose water?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

**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.

$5 Mink Lashes?! — DODO Lashes Review

Published on by Lee4 Comments

Hello Beauties, I got sent these beautiful lashes by a brand called Dodo Lashes. They sell 100% handmade cruelty-free mink lashes and the quality is amazing. They have many different styles and they sell them separately or in pairs of 4, 8 or 12. They are very affordable as well, ranging between $5 and $12 with free shipping over $30!

They sent me a bunch of styles including D115 and D105 and I am in love with them. They are 8 – 15 mm long and have a cotton band. You can wear these lashes up to 25 times (!!!) which is amazing as they only cost you $5. The style of these lashes is very classy and would be perfect for brides, prom looks or just an everyday natural beat. These lashes are super soft and lightweight.

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The packaging looks very chic. It’s in an acrylic little box which you can slide the lashes out of on either side. The packaging is very easy to use and it’s perfect to keep storing your lashes in so they stay in perfect condition. The package makes it very easy to travel with in my opinion.

DODOLashes have a very thick band which means it is very easy to apply, and the thicker band ensures the lashes stay intact for a longer time. Plus, you can wear any of the lashes up to 25x with proper care. Overall I am completely satisfied with these lashes.

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You can buy DODOLashes here. You can use my code ( beautyleebar ) to get 5% off your purchase. If you are looking for the cheapest but the best quality in cruelty-free mink lashes, look no farther, your answer is DODOLashes. The code can be applied to anything on the site! I would really suggest giving them a try! You’ll love them as much as I do. 🙂

**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.

These 6 Mistakes You Make In The Shower Are Ruining Your Skin

Published on by Lee1 Comment

So you probably think how you’ve been showering for the last 20 years was on point. Like really, how wrong can you go in the shower – as long as you get your body clean, goal achieved, right? Well yes, but it’s like your skincare routine – you can get WAAAY better results just by layering your products in the right order – and showering is the same. By doing different steps at the optimum time, it’ll result in cleaner and softer skin. Intrigued? Here’s what you’re doing wrong, and how to shower the right way:

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1. Blasting the heat too high

We know, we know, it feels great, but soaking your skin in hot water is actually drying your skin out. Super hot showers strip your skin of their natural oils and dehydrate it, making it feel dry and itchy; it can even lead to rashes. You should also cut back on how long you spend showering, 5 to 10 minutes is ideal – if you’re washing your hair, aim for 15 minutes max, to avoid stripping the skin of its natural moisture levels. The drier your skin, the more likely you are to get rashes, as it’s easier for bacteria to penetrate the cracks in your skin.

2. Not washing in the right order

If you’re in a rush, you most likely take advantage of those few minutes when you let your conditioner do its thang, and wash your body. But doing this could be the reason you get pimples on your chest, body or back, as when you wash out the conditioner, it leaves a film on your skin that can block your pores. Try the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel; it’s hypoallergenic, soap and paraben-free, moisturizes dry skin and is also amazing for getting rid of body acne. Also, Glow Goddess bar soap, $10.00 is another good choice as well. Goddess bar soap has lavender essential oil that can be used for treating burns, inflammation, eczema, acne, nervous tension, asthma, arthritis, acne, and bacterial infections. This gentle bar soap is soft on the skin and is packed with lavender flowers as a soft exfoliant. Another tip is to use your shower gel only in the places where your skin is oily, your lady parts (look for fragrance-free), underarms, and feet – unless you’ve been exercising and sweating excessively. Because your arms and legs have much less oil to spare, using soap here regularly can make your skin drier.

3. Not masking in the shower

This is juicy news to us, but it makes so much sense! The experts say the best time to do your face mask is in the shower when your pores are open from the warmth of the water. This means that hydrating and nourishing masks will be able to deliver all their vitamins and minerals as they can soak into your pores more easily. Similarly, ‘extracting’ masks like clay, mud, and charcoal can pull more toxins from your open pores, without running the risk of dehydrating your skin as the mask won’t completely dry out. For a quick nourishing and moisturizing DIY, you can apply a thin sticky layer of organic honey over your skin for 5 minutes while you shower.

4. Shaving at the beginning of your shower

Shaving is an eternal pain in my butt – no matter how much you do it, it keeps coming back. If you want to maximize on your silky soft skin for as long as possible, the key is to wait until the end of your shower, about ten minutes in (or while you have your conditioner in). By this time, your hairs will have softened and your pores will have opened, making it much easier to get a closer, smoother shave. Another hack, don’t keep your razor in the shower, as the steam will gradually rust the blade and speed up blunting. Instead, leave it to soak in baby oil, which keeps the metal from oxidizing, so it’ll stay sharper for longer. Try Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Cream, $5.99 for a smooth, razor bump free look and feel.

5. Using old sponges and loofahs

We know it’s painful to throw something away that seems like it still has at least another six months of effective use, but sometimes it’s what you can’t see that you need to be cautious of. Loofahs and sponges collect bacteria and mold due to the damp conditions they’re stored in, which can lead to rashes or dry patches. Ideally, you shouldn’t use either for longer than a month. To keep your loofah or sponge in the best condition, ring it out as much as possible after using it, and allow it to dry completely before you next use it, storing it in a dry place, not directly in your steamy shower.

6. Not moisturizing immediately after showering

First things first, instead of vigorously rubbing your skin dry with a towel, try gently patting it instead. The aim is not to be completely dry, but to use any leftover moisture on your skin to your advantage when you moisturize. Experts agree that within three to five minutes after you shower is the best time to rehydrate your skin so that you can trap any excess water on the surface of your skin without it evaporating. Moisturizer and body oils act as a barrier to lock in moisture; I love using Gloww Goddess Body Oils, $20 as these contain rich vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids to help restore your skin. Otherwise rich moisturizers like shea butter or cocoa butter are amazing natural moisturizers.

Which of these showering mistakes are you guilty of?

**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.

Detox Diary: My 7-Day Juice Cleanse

Published on by Lee7 Comments

Hello Beauties, The first time I heard about juicing was about 2 years ago. I have tried different foods and beverages but I could never get past the tasting because the smell was just too unbearable for me. I always felt like I was going to be sick. On June 7th, I received the 7 Day Detox from Ultimate Body Tox which includes 6 flavors: Strawberry, Lemon Lime, Sweet & Sour, Peach, Mango and Sangria. I decided to take my second dive into the world of juicing by attempting a 7-day juice cleanse from Ultimate Body Tox. Throughout the cleansing process, I documented what I was feeling and going through just so I could share my experience with all of you lovely B.L.B readers. Without further ado, here is my 7-day detox diary…

what-is-itThe 7 Day Detox is to help jump-start your weight loss journey. The 7 Day Detox is either a 7 or 15 day process depending which one you end up buying. The detox is more flavorful and best consumed cold or slightly frozen so you may choose to refrigerate or freeze the 7 Day Detox drink for 30 minutes or so before consumption. NOTE: Freezing your drink is recommended but not required. 

Directions_Logo_BackType Select one bottle of 7 Day Detox and shake well ( for about 10-15 seconds) then consume the entire 8 ounce bottle. Sip it. Do NOT  drink it all at once. To speed up the detox process, consume a glass of water after drinking the 7 Day Detox ( Consuming water is optional). (4) 8oz bottles are to be taken 1 every 48hrs that equates to a 7 day master detox. You can eat while using the detox.

If your tolerance level is up and your body can handle the full 8oz bottle in 24 hours, you can move forward with taking each one every 24hrs. Shake well before each consumption and freeze for a frozen healthy detox. NOTE: It helps with bad breath, bad skin, and body odor.

Helpful_TipIt is recommended that you consume the 7 Day Detox during whatever time of day you are home with a clear schedule. The detox is deigned to flush toxins from your system, as such you will visit the restroom frequently. Do NOT lay down after you ingest the liquid into your system, it prevents it from working properly.

Pre Cleanse:

  • I stocked up on fruits, veggies, green tea, water and salad. I weaned myself off junk food and fast food for about 2 weeks to get my body and mind in order.
  • I also made sure to get 8 hours of sleep the night before I started my cleanse so I wouldn’t feel tired or groggy. 
  • I made sure to eat a balance meal and only snack on fruits.

Post Cleanse:

I felt so good after I completed my cleanse even though I couldn’t leave my house for 2 weeks. I even got my mom wanted to try it. I definitely felt cleaner, slimmer and gained a sense of accomplishment.

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Pros & Cons:
Now that you’ve read my detox diary, here are some of the good and bad things I learned from my cleanse.

Cons:

  • Cleanses are a bit pricey. If you are trying to pinch your pennies one month, it might not be the time to splurge on a cleanse, which can range anywhere from  $30.00 – $70.00 weekly. Ultimate Body Tox is the only place I found that sells affordable products for juice cleanse.
  • Cleansing is not a solution for long-term weight loss. If you are looking to shed a few pounds permanently, then a juice cleanse is not the answer. Drinking juice all day might help you to lose some water weight, according to The Huffington Post, but you might gain those pounds back post-cleanse when your body starts retaining calories from solid food again.
  • Pain and Vomiting. The constant pain in my stomach like someone is putting needles through me or something isn’t fun at all. The puking didn’t help neither, you would had thought I was pregnant. For me, my experience was diarrhea, stomach cramps, and the feeling of pukation.

( WARNING: EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT WHICH MEANS NOT EVERYONE HAS OR WILL EXPERIENCE WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED. SOME PEOPLE HAD A SMOOTH SAILING WEEK. DON’T LET MY EXPERIENCE STOP YOU FROM TRYING THE 7-DAY  JUICE CLEANSE).

Pros:

  • I have never felt so hydrated! When I wasn’t drinking one of my juices, I was drinking a ton of water. I made a goal to finish a 1.5 liter bottle of water each day in order to feel full and flush out any extra toxins. This probably has a lot to do with the glow I saw in my skin the next day.
  • Cleansing gives your body a rest from digestion, according to Livestrong. Our bodies are used to breaking down and digesting food all day, every day, for years and years. So once in a while, it’s nice to give your body a break by only consuming nutrient-rich fluids. Especially if you are a junk food junkie, a cleanse will help reset your system and flush out tons of toxins. (Just make sure to eat mostly vegan in the days leading up to your cleanse or else you might be in for a pretty harsh change.)
  • Lost weight, mood was balanced, good night sleep, ate a balanced nutritionist meal, and flavor was good
  • Size. The size of the bottle was perfect especially for someone like me who gets tired of things fast. 
  • 7 Day Detox Benefits:
    Removes old waste and toxins that has accumulated on the stomach lining which prevents weight-loss
    Helps clear eczema
    Helps with bad breath
    Helps bad body odor (from the inside out)
    Improves energy

Overall, my juice cleanse was a positive experience for me and I plan on trying it again sometime soon. I think that cleansing for 7 days is plenty of time—I would not suggest doing a longer cleanse because, according to Women’s Health, your body goes into starvation mode after about 4 days. The next time I cleanse, I plan on going to a gentle yoga class or spending a few minutes in a steam room to sweat out additional toxins. But enough about me! Let’s hear what you have to say…

Have you ever tried a juice cleanse? If you have, what was your experience? If not, is it something you would be willing to try?

Leave your stories, reviews, and experiences below. I’d love to see what you guys have to say about “getting juiced!”

**FTC: This post is sponsored. Opinions are 100% my own, of course.

xx Lee