If you’ve read this blog for a long, then you know we make a lot of stuff. I mean, you should see my bathroom. It’s a nightmare of bottles and jars of concoctions to test out. Some make the cut, and some sit for so long I completely forget what’s in them (apparently that’s what labels are for).
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But this DIY, this recipe is one I am so excited about. Because I love, love, love it. It’s easy to make (3 ingredients!) and makes the prettiest color for your cheeks and lips. It’s lightweight and perfect for summer.
I’m all about ‘no makeup’ in the summer. Multi-use makeup that I can apply with my finger is even better. Just swipe on your lips and cheeks for a healthy pink glow. It goes on easily and feels somewhere between a balm and a gloss on the lips. To apply, use your fingertip to dot a small amount onto your cheeks or lips and blend into skin.
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Even if the stain starts a little strong, it’s easy enough to blend out to a sun-kissed flush that looks completely natural. I’m already obsessed! I like to bring it across my nose, too—a couple of tiny dabs make for the perfect, I just came from the beach look.
And that’s not even the best part—this stain is good enough to eat. Using beetroot powder for coloring is the perfect natural option for getting that flawless glow without resorting to using conventional products, some of which are irritating and not cruelty-free.
Most blushes rely on carmine for red pigment, which comes from crushed-up bugs. Ew! Plus, the combination of super-nourishing shea butter and castor oil makes for the perfect base.
DIY Lip + Cheek Stain Ingredients
Here’s a rundown of the 3 ingredients:
Castor oil
Castor oil is very hydrating (it works great on eyelashes) and has a nice, thick texture that makes this recipe feel smooth and glossy. It is known for preserving moisture, and its fatty acids leave the skin feeling nourished.
Shea butter
Shea butter is such a silky, creamy ingredient. It provides healing moisture and also gives the blush its staying power on the cheeks.
Beet powder
I had no idea you could get beet powder in pill form. The powder is a super bright hot pink, but don’t let that scare you! If you want to tone down the pink, you could add a tiny, tiny bit of turmeric or cocoa powder.
I’ve been more than a little afraid of venturing into make-your-own makeup territory, but this DIY might just have changed my mind! To keep this stain fresh for as long as possible, keep it in a cool, dark drawer or even better, the fridge. If you have a skincare mini-fridge, that would be perfect.
Because our ingredients are good enough to eat and we’re not relying on preservatives, it’s important to store our DIY products properly. If it begins to separate or smell a little funny, then you know it’s time to let go of this batch and whip up a new one, tout de suite!
Beet Lip + Cheek Stain
With just 3 ingredients, this lip + cheek stain makes the prettiest color for your cheeks and lips. It’s lightweight and perfect for summer.
Acne can affect people of all ages at any point in their lives. Some adults need years to clear up acne completely. Unfortunately, getting rid of painful pimples and blackheads isn’t the end of the battle.
Many people have to deal with acne scars and marks. As you can understand, they don’t go away so easily when untreated.
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There is some good news, though! First of all, it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin and get rid of dark spots and acne scars. Secondly, the whole process shouldn’t take longer than three months if you do everything right.
If you are ready to start, here is what you need to know about treating your skin after acne:
If you only have minor acne scars and dark spots, you should try some home remedies. It goes without saying that before you start any treatment, you need to consult a dermatologist. Some remedies listed below might not be suitable for your skin type.
LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice can help you solve the problem of dark spots, but only if you use it once in a while. Regular usage of lemon juice might lead to a painful chemical burn. Also, there is no research that proves that lemon juice can help get rid of old scars.
If you want to try it out, follow safety guidelines. First of all, mix lemon juice with another ingredient such as yogurt, honey, or oatmeal. Secondly, don’t keep it on your face for too long; five minutes would be enough. It’s important to stay out of the sun the day you apply the mixture.
ALOE VERA
Some studies have shown that aloesin (a compound in aloe vera) can help lighten pigmentation. Aloe vera is safe and effective when used at home. According to PrimalHarvest.com, it can reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and boost immune response.
Usually, people apply pure aloe vera directly onto the skin. But, you can mix it with honey and lemon juice, or buy a beauty product that contains aloesin.
If you want to incorporate pure aloe vera into your beauty routine, there is nothing to be afraid of since this natural component doesn’t cause side effects.
Using aloe vera won’t help you get rid of acne scars completely, but it will hydrate your skin and fade dark spots.
BLACK SEED OIL
Black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa, has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation as well as make your scars less visible.
Moreover, this natural component can nourish your skin and slow the signs of aging thanks to Vitamin A and amino acids. It’s also worth mentioning that black seed oil can also be beneficial for patients with eczema and psoriasis.
Feel free to apply it on your skin. Test this natural ingredient on a small area of your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or experience any allergic reactions.
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In-Office Treatment for Acne Scars
If you want to see results faster, consider in-office treatments for acne scars. Before you choose any of these treatments, make sure you don’t have any active acne. It’s important to find a reliable provider who will also give recommendations on how to treat your skin after the procedure.
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LASER TREATMENT
Laser treatment is one of the easiest ways to reduce the appearance of acne scars on your face, back, neck, upper torso, and arms.
Only your dermatologist can decide whether you are ready for this procedure.
If you are the right candidate for laser treatment, plan for unexpected finances. A single procedure of laser skin resurfacing can cost about $500 per session. You should also take into account the number of procedures you will need as it’s impossible to treat all scars in one sitting.
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During the procedure, a doctor will remove the top layer of your skin with a laser. It might sound a bit scary, but there is nothing to worry about. You will not feel any pain after two hours. The only side effect is redness; it can take up to two weeks for it to subside.
Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for laser treatment. Two weeks prior to the procedure, you will have to quit smoking and stop using skincare products that contain retinol.
After the procedure, your scars will be less visible, and your skin will become smoother. It’s important to mention that this procedure will not help you get soft baby skin right away, and it will take time for your acne scars to disappear completely with proper care.
MICRONEEDLING
Skin needling can help you get rid of acne scars and the first signs of aging. The science behind the procedure is simple — skin produces more collagen during the skin pricking process. Extra collagen helps increase blood flow, improve skin elasticity and texture. Micro-needling is recommended for patients with depressed acne scars.
After the procedure, you might notice some side effects such as inflammation, redness, and bruising. If you drink a lot of water, protect your skin from the sun, and follow your doctor’s recommendations, side effects will go away within a few days.
Micro-needling could also be used for sun damage, hair loss, surgical scars, and stretch marks.
One session costs around $600. Keep in mind that you might need more than one session in order to see the first results. Choose your provider carefully — only professional dermatologists can perform this procedure.
CHEMICAL PEEL
If you want to see the results faster, consider trying chemical peels. You can rejuvenate your skin by removing the top layer of your skin with this procedure. A chemical peel is also recommended in case of active acne and clogged pores.
The only challenge is to find the right type of chemical peel.
At-home chemical peels can help you get rid of fading dark spots. If you have pitted acne scars, it’s better to consult a dermatologist before you try anything on your own.
Use glycolic, lactic, salicylic, phytic, mandelic acids for at-home chemical peels. These acids are good for all skin types. Stay away from peels that contain TCA (trichloroacetic acid) since it can damage your skin if used incorrectly. Before and after the procedure, you should avoid using acne-clearing products and Retin-A.
If you do a peel without expert supervision, the results might not meet your expectations. Also, at-home peels are weaker than the ones used at the doctor’s office. An effective deep peel will require throughout skin cleansing and general anesthesia. You might need to have a chemical peel once every 4-6 weeks. But, again that depends on everything so do your research and talk to your trusted dermatologist.
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The Bottom Line
Getting rid of acne is just the first step. To win the final battle, you need to remove acne scars and dark spots. Even though it’s never too late to start this process, the earlier, the better, as getting rid of old scars can be more complicated.
Consult a dermatologist to find the best treatment for your skin. They may recommend chemical peel, microneedling, or laser treatment. You can also try different home remedies such as aloe vera, lemon juice, or black seed oil.
Remember, it is possible to get clear, smooth skin. You are halfway there! Find the right option for your skin now and enjoy the results!
Acne scars rarely occur unless we’ve, ehem, picked at them. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, sometimes it’s avoidable but we can’t help ourselves, and sometimes, a pimple never fully comes to fruition, though the ghost of what could’ve been insisting on lingering. Those bastards! That’s because sometimes the clogged pore beneath the breakout we didn’t touch expands to the point that the follicle wall breaks.
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What we’re left with is discoloration, uneven skin, dark or red spots, and sometimes even uneven, slightly pockmarked skin. Now, a new mission is revealed—treat those scars, fast. Here are a few tricks.
This treatment can be done by a professional with a specific machine, or at home with a roller or our favorite, this stamp set. The tiny needles make micro-injuries to the skin, causing only minor, reparable damage that results in accelerated healing and increased collagen production. When skin is healing, new cells are being pushed to the top, evening out the skin tone and texture to rid even deep scarring over time.
Alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliating compounds in many skincare products and naturally found in fruit acids, which is why we love this papaya enzyme mask for gentle, regular exfoliation. While we don’t want to irritate the skin by over-exfoliation, fruit acids are safe for one to two times weekly. You can also use fruit puree or even yogurt from natural lactic acid (another AHA) for an easy at-home remedy, though a little messier.
We don’t commonly think of this herb for skincare uses, but we definitely should. This tasty aromatic increases circulation when consumed, but also when applied topically, which brings nutrient-dense blood to the point of application, speeding healing. It’s also anti-inflammatory and reduces redness. We love this powder used as a spot treatment on our scars whilst we WFH, mixed with a little healing oil of choice, like tamanu, or DewDab for good measure.
Light therapy is exploding right now, and for good reason. These light-emitting electrodes heat things up at different therapeutic wavelengths to boost circulation, speed healing, and combat the signs of aging. The DMH Aesthetics mask comes with three settings: red, blue, and amber. While blue prevents acne in the first place, red and amber will be best for stimulating new collagen and cell turnover, revealing fresh, even skin with regular use.
Not only is this sweet treat powerfully antimicrobial to prevent breakouts to begin with, but it’s got soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to boot. Apply a light layer as a mask as often as you like, or go for a spot treatment a few times a week.
You have some DIY options here. Buy a convenient bottle of the concentrated stuff, or whack off a leaf at the source, slicing off the spikes on the side and fileting out the goo to apply directly onto the face. Aloe is super hydrating, repairing, and soothing, reducing the appearance of scars by nourishing the area. You can even apply a little slab of the clear aloe plant innards onto a scar like a Band-aid spot treatment while working from home to let it work its magic for as long as possible. Don’t overdo it though—aloe, like most other fruits and veggies, has some natural acids in it, making it mildly exfoliating. Overuse can actually cause dryness and irritation, so no need to do this twice a day, every day.
I used to be one of those people who would wince at the thought of being single for Valentine’s Day. However, after years of doing exactly that, I now see Feb. 14 as an opportunity to shower myself with love, as opposed to wallowing in disappointment that I’m not getting it from someone else. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to be wined and dined for the holiday and doing what lovers do. But, unless a significant other drop magically out of the sky, I’ll be sailing through this Valentine’s Day alone. And I’m not bummed about it.
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Considering the year we’ve all had, I’ve made the conscious decision to be my romantic partner this year. I’ve scheduled a spa day for myself, complete with a fresh Pedi, my favorite facial, and deep tissue massage. I’m taking myself to one of my favorite restaurants (socially distanced and outdoors, of course), have booked myself a hotel room for the night, and have arranged a masterfully curated self-care kit that I’ll be indulging in throughout the evening.
Now, to some that may seem extra, but to me, there’s no such thing as extra when it comes to self-love. And, to be frank, I deserve it. That’s why I spent quite a bit of time nailing down the details of my Valentine’s Day self-care kit this year. It includes carefully selected products that I can indulge in for my hotel stay and beyond. Each item is practical yet luxurious and reminds me that, with or without a companion, I deserve all the love and all the gifts. Check out what made the cut, ahead.
There will never come a day when I’m not completely obsessed with a great detoxifying mask. This one, with charcoal, argan oil, and shea butter is one of my favorites. At the beginning of the evening, I’ll let this sit on my skin for 10 minutes and enjoy a glowing complexion for the rest of the night.
Is it really a romantic night in without a candle burning? My pick this year is an aromatic blend of orange, jasmine, and musk, that’s equal parts sweet and masculine.
Usually, when it comes to the silk scarves that protect my hair at night, I don’t get too picky with my choices. However, this isn’t any ordinary night. I’ll be protecting these edges with this decadent, 100%-silk scarf. 2021 is all about Living, Loving, and Flourishing!
This year, I’ve resolved to bask more in the moment and appreciate the little things. This bubble bath is a reminder of that promise to myself. With the tranquil aroma of lily and sun blossoms, my hour-long bath session is guaranteed to leave me feeling relaxed and appreciative.
One of my most recent obsessions has been the McBride Sisters wine. The Black-owned, sister-led company out of Monterey, California, makes some of the most incredible wine I’ve ever tasted. Luckily, they’ve put two of my favorite offerings, the rosé and merlot, together in a box set that I’ll surely be indulging in this year.
I firmly believe that lingerie isn’t about another person. It should be about making the wearer feel sexy.
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Valentine might be different this year because of Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop loving ourselves and doing things that make us feel sexy. All because we are quarantine ( well we all should be – THAT MEANS YOU TOO CELEBRITIES) doesn’t mean enjoying our life has to stop. It just means to get more creative and smart with it.
beautyleebar.org 