Tag: Skin

Black-Owned Beauty Brands We Love

Published on by Lee1 Comment

If we could only pick one thing that we have loved to see in the beauty space over the last several years, it would be the diversification of brands—especially, Black-owned beauty brands. Top retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Target, Nordstrom, and more have diversified their catalogs exponentially to increase the number of Black-owned brands that are carried both in-store and online—and many retailers are even monitoring shelf space to ensure it remains this way.

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Having access to more Black-owned beauty brands is not only an important way to support brands and founders but also to drive change for the entire Black community. It’s easier than ever. And what’s more, so many of these brands are changing the game and challenging industry norms—we’re talking extended shade ranges, and more inclusive skincare and haircare products. And more offerings that were hard (more like practically impossible) to find before.

To celebrate this, we have compiled a list of twelve of our favorite Black-owned beauty brands that offer products across all categories: skincare, haircare, makeup, body care, tools, and more.

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12 Black-Owned Beauty Brands We Love

Topicals

Topicals offer one-step skincare solutions that are backed by science and made for every shade. With an emphasis on skincare products that are suitable for flare-ups, founder Olamide Olowe knows how connected skin health and mental health are, so Topical’s mission is to transform the way you feel about your skin.

Gilded Body

Gilded Body believes that feeling beautiful and achieving wellness is found through self-care. They carry body care products that engage the senses and invite the user to slow down and bask in the luxury of high-quality, botanically driven, dermatologically developed skincare and tools.

Pat McGrath Labs

Nicknamed the “Mother of Makeup,” Pat McGrath is the world’s most influential and in-demand makeup artist. With countless launches selling out in record-breaking times, the hype for this brand is real. And it continues to push the boundaries of the makeup industry.

Range Beauty

Range Beauty offers makeup essentials for ultra-sensitive skin—specifically, for acne and eczema. Alicia Scott, CEO, and Founder suffered from eczema and cystic acne. She was frustrated that she couldn’t find makeup that acknowledged both her skin tone and her skin conditions. Range Beauty was born to ensure that those with any skin type, in any shade, could find products they could trust.

Fenty Beauty

We’d be remiss not to include RiRi’s beauty brands, Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin. After years of struggling to find products that performed across all skin types and tones, Rihanna set out to create Fenty—first starting with makeup and then extending into skincare.

Lys Beauty

The mission of Lys Beauty is to diversify the clean beauty industry. Founded by Tisha Thompson, Lys Beauty was the first Black-owned Sephora Clean Makeup brand! Their products have universal shade offerings, provide high-performance results, and the best part: they are all under $30

Oui the People

Oui the People aims to build efficacious products, designed thoughtfully, that help you feel great in the skin you’re already in rather than pursuing flawlessness. Crafted without sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates, their products range from shaving necessities like razors and exfoliators to hydrating body balms and glosses.

Pattern

Powerhouse Tracee Ellis Ross founded Pattern with the promise of meeting your hair where it is and empowering your curl pattern. To keep hair healthy, hydrated, juicy, and joyful, Pattern offers a range of products for washing, treating, and styling. 

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Briogeo

Briogeo is on a mission to empower every person to succeed on their hair health journey. They know that everyone’s journey is different, so they have multiple lines of products that are suitable for damaged hair, thin hair, frizzy hair, dry scalps, and beyond. This way, each individual can confidently embrace their unique hair, texture, color, and everything else that makes them or exactly who they are.

Mielle Organics

Monique Rodriguez is an RN turned Founder and CEO who has taken the haircare market by storm through Mielle Organics. Created with nature and science, Mielle Organics is a haircare and beauty brand that believes healthier ingredients encourage healthier hair and skin.

Luv Scrub

Mesh exfoliators have been used in West Africa for generations. But it wasn’t until 2011 when Caroline, Founder of LUV SCRUB, realized it could become a cult-favorite product outside of Ghana. It immediately pushed boundaries in the body care space. And now, this magical mesh can be found in some of the largest retailers including Nordstrom, Ulta, and Bloomingdales.

Black Girl Sunscreen

Shontay Lundy created Black Girl Sunscreen after being frustrated with the lack of sunscreen options formulated for women of color. Made with melanated skin in mind, Black Girl Sunscreen has filled a large gap in the market and has continued to grow exponentially since its inception.

Youthforia Blush Review: Clean and Fun Makeup

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Say what you want about TikTok, but it most certainly gets BeautyLeeBar credit for all of its beauty suggestions. Thanks to the app and our frequent 4 a.m. viewing, we have managed to be kept in the loop with some of beauty’s most viral products before they’ve sold out, including THE ICE FACIAL TOOL That Kourt and Kendall Love and now, the Youthforia BYO Blush.

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The BYO Blush is the world’s first color-changing blush oil that is said to include all skin types and skin tones (you had me at inclusive). Its formulation reacts to the skin’s natural pH to give your cheeks a unique pop of color. It’s supposed to make your cheeks look naturally flushed and works with and without foundation. While it is a blush, it’s technically formulated as a makeup and skincare product, which is a double win. For context, the Founder; Lee has a dry-sensitive skin type which doesn’t cause her too many issues, however certain makeup products, whether powder, water, or oil-based can leave her skin with evident dry patches, or leave her skin break out instantly, particularly on her cheeks and forehead. But there wasn’t a day that she couldn’t go on TikTok to see this infamous blush so she decided it was time put the innovative $36 BYO Blush to the test to see whether it was as good as she hoped.

@thirteenlune

@Youthforia’s BYO Blush gets a 🤌🏾 from a black girl blush entusiast

♬ KU LO SA (Edit) – KV

Youthforia truly created some next-generation blush technology, but does it work as great as it sounds? Keep reading to find out if this blush oil does create an ideal, lasting shade.

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Lee has been using her BYO Blush religiously for almost a week now and each time she is blown away by just how glowy and glass-like her cheeks look. A little certainly goes a long way with the application, and the brand recommends you start by adding two dots to your cheeks, wait a few seconds for the color to change, and then blend it out with a brush, sponge, or your fingers. Lee oscillated between her blush brush and fingers, with the latter being her preferred way as the blush looked extra glowy, and it felt much easier to control the application. However, using a brush is great for applying when out and about and when you don’t feel like coating your fingertips in a product.

@imkianajordyn

My summer blush💗 @Youthforia #blush #blushfordarkskin #youthforiablush

♬ original sound – kiana jordyn🤎🧿

The TikTok-worthy packaging includes a vibrant coral cap and transparent bottle, which unveils the green-Ish oil formula (it applies as a sheer oil and then instantaneously reacts to the skin’s pH to unveil a universally flattering shade) and is a nod to Youthforia’s super fun and playful brand message — which is exactly what founder Fiona Co Chan envisioned when creating the brand. Youthforia is a post-Covid company, and Chan tells BeautyLeeBar that she wanted the customer experience to be filled with constant excitement and optimism for all the upcoming occasions customers plan to wear their blush, whether that’s a dinner with friends, or like Lee, a long-overdue mooch around Target.

@rancobeauty

@erinduganjurchak @youthforia Has anyone else tried it? #blush #colorchangingblush #darkskinblush #learnontiktok #blacktiktok #prgift

♬ original sound – Rancobeauty / Beauty Over 50
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In terms of the ingredients inside this little tube of joy, it contains 20 plant-based antioxidant-dense oils that provide targeted treatment for your cheeks, including jojoba oil and Macadamia seed oil. It’s also fragrance-free, silicone-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, making it a great option for anyone prone to sensitive skin. Each Youthforia product is certified by USDA BioPreferred Program to contain 98% biobased content (meaning there’s only 2% of fossil fuels within the formula) which has helped to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint, which is pretty impressive considering the brand is still fairly new.

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The Value: Pricey but a unique, worthwhile find

Youthforia’s BYO Blush is out of this world, and it’s the most unique product—it’s beneficial for the environment as well as your skin. At $36 for 0.22 oz., it’s a little pricey for a blush, but there’s nothing else like it on the market. A little goes a long way, so it will last you quite a while, plus the results are stunning, with a healthy, custom flush that complements any makeup or non-makeup look. The product is quite simple to blend, works wonders on Lee’s dry, sensitive skin, and heralds the beginning of something truly fresh in the makeup industry. BeautyLeeBar thinks it’s worth the investment, especially if you’re having trouble finding the right shade of blush for your skin tone.

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Final Verdict

Overall, Youthforia’s BYO Blush is definitely worth the hype and is Lee’s new go-to blush (Rare Beauty, you still have our heart okay chica). The consistency and formula have impressed us far more than any other powder and liquid blush has before — and that’s coming from a beauties who loves to coat their cheeks in a liquid blush or two.

@themelanin.method

Replying to @dramadeja14 ABSOLUTELY! 💕 What do you think?! #youthforia #colorchangingblush #byoblush #darkskinblush #blushreview #liquidblush

♬ original sound – erin | micro-influencer mentor
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Youthforia’s BYO Blush Color Changing Blush Oil is the most unique and creative blush Lee has ever used. It goes on clear but quickly changes to pink on your cheeks. The texture is very smooth on the skin, and the unique technology provides the ideal natural glow appearance for your skin tone and gives your lips that natural rosy color. Youthforia’s BYO Blush works and builds beautifully. It doesn’t feel greasy, just hydrating and smooth. Oh, and the color lasts. Best lazy girl makeup product ever!

https://www.tiktok.com/@sarah_novio/video/6981572409589615878?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6962633202578785798
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We hope that other brands will follow in the footsteps of Youthforia, which has paved the way for pH color-changing blush oils. If you’re on the lookout for a new beauty staple for the Fall/winter, then look no further than Youthforia’s BYO Blush.

@officialzeopatra

Trying the @youthforia blush #blush #nomakeupmakeup #easymakeup

♬ original sound – zeopatra
@kali.ledger

Hands down the easiest dewy blush, that actually lasts but stays dewy 🤭✨#greenblush #dewyskin #dewyblush #makeuptutorial #youthforia

♬ original sound – KALI
@nishabalsara

this is not an a d, I am just a chronic oversharer @youthforia also has some great videos on her Tiktok! #youthforiablush #colorchangingblush

♬ Wii Shop Channel – McTweet
@makeupbymonicaa

This is THE BLUSH for HOT GIRL SUMMER☀️💋 I’m obsessed ❤️😭 @Youthforia #blush#browngirlblush#summermakeup#glowymakeup#summer2022#hotgirlsummer#youthforia

♬ What your favourite curse word remix – Duke & Jones

Have my beauties tried TikTok Youthforia’s BYO Blush?! If so, what are your thoughts? Is this black/brown girl approved?

#HelloBeauties #BeautyLeeBar

THE ICE FACIAL TOOL That Kourt and Kendall Love

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Curious about the cute lil’ ice facial tool that popped up on both Kourt and Kendall’s IGS recently? We’ve got the intel (because of course we had to get our hands on one as well!).

Facial icing — and the wider concept of cryotherapy — have boomed in popularity this year. Cheap and easy, the cold temperatures work to constrict blood flow and define facial features, not to mention shake off signs of fatigue.

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First off, we are big fans of ice facials—they can help reduce puffiness, brighten our complexion, stimulate blood circulation, and lift skin. We’re into this type of tool because it is reusable, refillable, and foolproof to use. Kendall shared in her post that she loves using hers for her morning ice facials, but it can be used any time of day.

@contourcube

Thank you @Kendall Jenner for sharing your love for Contour Cube and everyone for your support of our small business #contourcube #iceonface

♬ Sunrise – Official Sound Studio
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The Contour Cube is essentially just a tool that can be used like an ice block container but is designed in a way so that it works with the contours of the face. You simply fill it with water (or coconut water, if you’re feeling boujee) and move it along the face to refresh, tighten, and tone. It’s a viral TikTok product (!) that explains how it might have found its way into Jenner’s skincare routine.

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To prep, it, simply fill it with filtered water and pop it in the freezer until it’s frozen solid. Take the top off and bada bing bada boom, it’s ready to glide across your face. The bottom cover stays on, acting as a grip so that the ice doesn’t slide out of your hands while you’re using it. When you’re done, put the top back on and stick it back in the freezer.

How to use the Contour Cube 

After cleansing your face, run your Contour Cube under water to defrost slightly 

Apply to your face in upward circular motions moving the ice continuously in 30-second intervals for up to 1 to 2 minutes on each side of your face

For optimal results, follow your usual moisturizing routine 

Avoid contact with eyes and if you have sensitive skin, discontinue use if signs of irritation appear

@contourcube

Ice facial hack with #contourcube #skincarehack #facial #howto

♬ as it was x cruel summer x deja vu – matty j
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But you’re not limited to just using water with this nifty tool, as you can see from Kourt’s post. Rose water, green tea, coconut milk, aloe vera, lemon water, and cucumber water can also be used instead of plain water. 

Kourt added cucumber slices for extra de-puffing action. Some other ideas: green tea for anti-inflammatory benefits, coconut milk for hydration, or rosewater for a glow.

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BENEFITS OF FACIAL ICING

Proponents of ice facials, or ‘skin icing,’ suggest that it can be used to: 

  • Eliminate puffiness, especially around the eyes
  • Reduce oiliness
  • Ease acne
  • Soothe sunburn
  • Reduce swelling and inflammation, including rashes and insect bites
  • Reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles
  • reduce the appearance of pigmentation or dark under-eye circles
  •  tighten pores
  • Boost the skin’s healthy glow
@katrinadimiele

Reply to @imsimplydynamic face pop ice facials, depending on your skin type you can customize what you put inside ❤️ #skincare101 #icefacialtool #ice

♬ YES MOM – Tessa Violet
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Whilst you could technically just use an ice cube, if you’re into cold therapy, the Contour Cube is an easy, mess-free way to get the benefits.

Lori Harvey Sparks Controversy with her Latest Beauty Secret Reveal.

Published on by Lee2 Comments

TikTok loves a skincare hack, but apparently, Lori Harvey’s yogurt face mask took things too far. The model and entrepreneur took to the platform to share her tried-and-true tip, which involves smearing her face with Greek yogurt to quickly diminish the appearance of dark marks, only to be met with a slew of opinionated comments.

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“I’m about to put you guys on game,” she says in the clip, which shows Harvey standing in her bathroom with the yogurt applied to her face. “So, I got a facial the other day and she did extractions, and it left a couple of dark marks, and that’s a no-no. So, what I like to do when I want to get rid of them quickly…” — she then holds up a container of Fage Total 0% Greek Yogurt — “…game changer. Put this on after you wash your face, let it dry, and wash it off with cold water. It’s like magic erase marker.”

@loriharvey

Thank me later! 🤣🤞🏾 #skincare #facemask #nighttimeroutine

♬ original sound – loriharvey

LORI HARVEY’S YOGURT FACIAL, EXPLAINED

While Harvey swears by this edible hack, TikTok users weren’t quite sure what to think. Some were downright skeptical (comments like “I’m not trying more DIYs man” and “food is to eat, skin care is for skin care” are aplenty) while others claim they, too, have seen the benefits of yogurt for their skin (“My favorite as well! The girls that get it, get it,” one commenter wrote), with many pointing out that it’s a common practice in Middle Eastern cultures. 

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There are also a few people calling out the fact that lactic acid (found in yogurt) products — of which there are many on the market — essentially have the same brightening effect.

Needless to say, the people had *thoughts*, prompting Harvey to return to TikTok a couple of days later with none other than celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas, who promptly backed up the star’s yogurt hack. “First of all, in other countries, using yogurt as a way of dis-inflaming the skin, hydrating the skin, exfoliating the skin — it’s a real thing, guys,” Vargas said. She also added that when she was in esthetician school “way back in the day”, students learned the yogurt hack as a way to calm down the skin when nothing else is working. 

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@loriharvey

Now leave me alone 🤣🖕🏾 #skincare #skin #skincareroutine #JoannaVargas

♬ original sound – loriharvey

WHAT WE SAY

To set the record straight, BeautyLeeBar spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King who explains that Topical yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, that provides gentle exfoliation by dissolving dead skin cells. “This helps to create a healthy glow and prevent acne, and also diminish fine lines and decrease discolorations,” King explains. “The probiotics in yogurt may help to bolster the microbiome of the skin, which we are learning plays a role in acne, rosacea, eczema, and other skin conditions, and the fat in full-fat yogurt has moisturizing properties. If you are going to try topical yogurt, I’d recommend full fat, plain, unflavored, and unsweetened. And yes, lots of similar benefits from moisturizers that contain alpha hydroxy acids and probiotics.”

@loriharvey

I just got here y’all not about to bully me off TikTok 🤣 relaxxx skincare experts. Obviously I could’ve showed y’all a lactic acid serum or promoted my Vitamin C Serum BUT I was trying to show you guys an easy and cheap DIY mask that has similar benefits 😉 #skincare

♬ original sound – Wsg!

Of course, it might not work for every skin type. However, it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a natural and inexpensive way to treat your skin concerns.

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PRIMP TIP

Use this mask for 15-30 minutes and apply a generous amount if you do decide to give this DIY a chance.

@gottithedoll

ALMOST FINAL UPDATE‼️ ILL BE GOING UNTIL DAY 30 TO SEE WHAT RESULTS I GET 😁 so like & follow! #fyp #foryou #fypシ #yogurtmask #influencer #viral #loriharveychallenge #skincare #skinhacks #facial #eyebrows #PerfectPrideMovement #ReadyForHell

♬ Dangerous (feat. Jeremih and PnB Rock) – Meek Mill
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PRIMP TIP

But it is typically best for those with acne-prone skin to avoid dairy in their diet and routine. So, what is the safest option for tackling dark marks and discoloration? It all comes back to having a solid skincare routine in place. Dark spots and discoloration are best treated with a balanced skincare routine of hydration, chemical exfoliation, and sun protection. Focusing on products that contain antioxidants and peptides is ideal.

In other words, trying out the yogurt skincare hack comes at your own risk. Play it safe and consult with your esthetician or dermatologist for a customized skincare routine.

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@callhersin

#duet with @loriharvey #yogurtfacemask #facial #skincare #loriharvey I honestly feel like if your consistent with it you’ll see results 🫱🏽‍🫲🏼make sure you wash your face FIRST ‼️‼️

♬ original sound – loriharvey

SKINCARE BENEFITS OF YOGURT

Want to learn more about the benefits of yogurt for the skin? Read on as we explain more about this beauty hack, and how it can help your skin.

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It Hydrates Skin

Yogurt is a rich source of fats and protein, which works excellently as a natural moisturizer. According to a 2011 study, yogurt may reduce water loss from the skin and seal in moisture.

It Brightens Skin

Did you know yogurt also boasts natural brightening effects? According to dermatologists, yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides gentle exfoliation to the skin, buffing away dead skin cells to reveal fresh, glowing skin.

It Treats Discoloration

Lori Harvey wasn’t wrong when she said yogurt cleared up her dark marks. Thanks to its exfoliating benefits, topical yogurt can treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It can also fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left over by pimples.

It Reduces Signs of Aging

Research shows that yogurt supports natural collagen and improves skin elasticity, helping to increase skin firmness while fading fine lines and wrinkles. It’s worth including in your daily skincare routine if you’re looking for a natural anti-aging formula that can be found in your fridge.

It Alleviates Acne and Other Skin Conditions

“The probiotics in yogurt may help to bolster the microbiome of the skin, which we are learning plays a role in acne, rosacea, eczema, and other skin conditions, and the fat in full-fat yogurt has moisturizing properties,” explains New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King.

If you’re seeking clear skin, turn to yogurt for its acne-fighting effects. Thanks to its helpful bacteria, yogurt can combat Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for those painful red breakouts.

It Provides UV Protection

Research from 2015 suggests that the probiotics in yogurt may be able to reduce the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. These probiotics act as antioxidants, neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals. This can also reduce sun-related skin issues like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Of course, you’ll still need to wear sunscreen daily to get full protection. But yogurt can help keep skin healthy, youthful, and glowing.

@skinbydrazi

#duet with @loriharvey #selfcare #diyskincare #skinbydrazi

♬ original sound – loriharvey

ALTERNATIVE FACE MASKS

Prefer to pick up face masks that are already ready to use instead of DIY-ing them? You’ll find probiotics like those found in yogurt in cleansers, lotions, and creams. Looking for something different? Try one of these top face masks.

Korres Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask

Formulated with prebiotic- and probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, this quick-acting face mask helps to soothe and reset skin in just 10 minutes.

Orgaid Greek Yogurt & Nourishing Organic Sheet Mask

Along with vitamin B5 and allantoin, this Greek yogurt face mask nourishes and hydrates while making skin appear plumper.

Éminence Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer 

This clarifying facial moisturizer is best for those with acne-prone skin. The inclusion of cucumber juice, willow bark extract, and of course yogurt, calms the skin while extracting impurities that cause blemishes. 

Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum

This potent serum harnesses the power of lactic acid to gently exfoliate and address skin concerns like large pores, acne, and dark spots. 

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What are your thoughts on Lori Harvey’s yogurt face mask hack? We’d love to hear from you!