Skincare with a message – Keys Soulcare by alicia keys

Keys Soulcare, Alicia Keys’ beauty line, landed in our lives at the perfect moment. Created by the musician as skincare with self-care at its core, Keys Soulcare launched in 2020 (a year when we needed an awful lot of self-care) and started with a range of 10 facial and lifestyle products, from moisturizers to a scented candle. Now, Keys is adding body care to the mix: a hand and body wash, body cream, and body oil, all bearing that same philosophy of taking time for yourself.

“While working closely with Alicia on the facial skincare, we wanted to also infuse many of the ancient and nourishing ingredients into our body offerings,” says board-certified dermatologist Renee Snyder, who co-created Keys Soulcare along with Keys. “It is so important to take care of ourselves, and the body is another moment where we can focus on self-care.” To add to the ritual of it all, the products also come with a corresponding affirmation meant to be spoken with each use. “Alicia and the team develop each affirmation based on the action and feeling you will experience with the offering,” explains Snyder. 

Because Keys is known for her radiance—in addition, of course, to her legendary voice—I was intrigued to try her latest products to see if I could capture a bit of her glow. Keep reading for a full breakdown on the new products courtesy of Snyder, and for my honest reviews to find out if I’m fallin’ for them (sorry, couldn’t help myself).

Courtesy of Keys Soulcare

All About Keys Soulcare, According to the Derm Who Co-Created It

The benefit of being developed by a dermatologist? Each ingredient has a purpose. The formulations are also cruelty-free and made without things like parabens or sulfates. What you’ll find instead? Loads of moisturizers, all of which are intended to strengthen the skin barrier. “The skin performs many important functions for us; from helping us eliminate toxins to temperature regulation, but most importantly it acts as a protective barrier,” explains Snyder. “When your skin is hydrated, it is resilient and plump.”

So while the Renewing Body and Hand Wash may be a cleanser, it still puts nourishment first. Think skin-loving Manuka honey, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Meanwhile, the sage and oat milk scent (Alicia’s fave!) helps promote “comfort, clarity, and balance,” according to the derm.

The body cream, as you’d expect, is also chock full of hydrating ingredients. “Sunflower seed oil is extremely high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors,” explains Snyder. But that’s not all: “Ceramides, along with shea and cocoa butter, promote the infusion of hydration into the skin.” Topping it off is the rose of Jericho, which “can spring back to life at the first drop of water, imparting one’s skin with the feeling of a renewed vitality,” according to Snyder.

Keeping with the theme of protecting the skin, one of the key ingredients in the Sacred Body Oil is baobab oil, which “is known for its regenerative abilities,” according to Snyder. “It is excellent for softening the skin and aids in healing due to the levels of vitamins A, B, and C, along with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids,” she explains. The formula also contains marula oil, “which is purported to contain 60% more antioxidants than most other oils, packing a powerful punch to the skin,” adds Snyder.

Renewing Body and Hand Wash Review

Keys Soulcare Renewing Body and Hand Wash

Keys Soulcare Renewing Body and Hand Wash ($24)

I’m not particularly picky when it comes to soap and body wash, but I’m a sucker for a good scent. My skin can also get dry, so I was excited to see if this formula is as hydrating as it claims. Right off the bat, I loved the fragrance—it reminded me of expensive perfume, without being overwhelming. The texture of the body wash is gel-like, and it lathers up fairly well (especially considering it’s sulfate-free). As I used it, I remembered about the affirmation part of the deal, luckily, they’re printed right on the packaging. For the body wash, the affirmation is “I love myself as I am.” I repeated it a few times until I admittedly felt a little silly. But I tried!  

Immediately after toweling off, I could tell my skin felt softer and more hydrated than with my usual body wash, but the true test, in my opinion, would be how it held up post-shower. The next day, I’m pleased to report, my skin was just as soft. I also smelled amazing (if I do say so myself). The product has been a mainstay in my shower since the first use so I haven’t been using it as a hand soap, but the pretty bottle would look great on the sink, too. 

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Rich Nourishing Body Cream Review

Keys Soulcare Rich Nourishing Body Cream

Keys Soulcare Rich Nourishing Body Cream ($36)

I love a good body cream, so this was probably the product I was most excited to try. I would say it’s almost like body butter, both in texture and color (picture Kiehl’s Creme de Corps). Let’s just say she’s thick. A little goes a long way, which is something I learned after I overdid it on leg number one. It’s not scented, which I appreciated, especially because I was still in the throes of the body wash. It didn’t feel greasy after applying, but I let it sink in for a few minutes for good measure. All in all, it’s a solid, super-moisturizing formula, but if you’re looking for something lightweight, you may want a more traditional lotion

Sacred Body Oil Review

Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil

Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil ($25)

While I love a good body cream, I don’t often use body oils, but I was there for the full Keys experience. First off, I was a fan of the dropper bottle, which is super convenient to use. It also has the same fragrance as the body wash, but again, isn’t overpowering. As instructed, I warmed the pale golden oil between my hands first, and it applied like a dream—not greasy at all, and just enough slip. It’s recommended to use this right after showering, but I found myself reaching for the bottle to moisturize my elbows and cuticles, all times of the day. Consider me a body oil convert!

More Keys Soulcare Products to Shop

Keys Soulcare Golden Cleanser

Keys Soulcare Golden Cleanser ($20)

This calming facial cleanser is also made with Manuka honey, as well as chamomile and turmeric.

Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfloliator

Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfloliator ($22)

Containing both physical (Hojicha powder, oats, and mung beans) and chemical (lactic acid) exfoliants, this gentle scrub can be used once or twice a week.

Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask

Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask ($28)

With both activated charcoal and Manuka honey, this clay-like mask clears skin without drying it out.

Keys Soulcare Skin Transformation Cream

Keys Soulcare Skin Transformation Cream ($30)

Rich and hydrating, this moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturize, and bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Bonus: It also comes in a fragrance-free version.

Keys Soulcare Comforting Balm

Keys Soulcare Comforting Balm ($12)

Use this balm on lips, cheeks, elbows, or any spot that needs a little extra TLC.

Keys Soulcare Reviving Aura Mist

Keys Soulcare Reviving Aura Mist ($22)

Spiked with witch hazel and scented with rose, this face mist can be used as a toner and anytime skin needs a refresh.

Keys Soulcare Obsidian Facial Roller

Keys Soulcare Obsidian Facial Roller ($25)

The Keys Soulcare face roller is made with obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic rock said to protect against negativity.

Keys Soulcare Sage + Oat Milk Candle

Keys Soulcare Sage + Oat Milk Candle ($38)

Keys and Snyder smartly packaged the line’s signature scent in candle form for maximum relaxation vibes.

Have you tried Keys Soulcare products yet? If so, which is your favorite? Let me know down in the comments what you think about the products mentioned above. xo

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Body Lotions Are Not Created Equally—These Will Leave Your Skin Glowing

There are several things you can do to achieve glowing skin. Exfoliation can help get rid of dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, newer layer. Using tools like a gua sha can help with circulation. Applying a vitamin C serum can brighten your complexion and even out the skin tone. And just making sure your lifestyle habits are in check can help, too, like getting enough sleep and drinking enough water.

You can’t forget the crucial step of hydrating and moisturizing your skin, though. That is key to radiant, glowy, and plump skin. But it can also be tough, especially if your skin is prone to dryness or if you’re exposed to weather or environmental factors that could dry out your skin. That’s why having the right body lotion is essential here. When you find one that works with your skin, it can work wonders for you—leaving you with smooth, glowy, and radiant skin.

If you need help choosing the right one, below are some of our favorite body lotions for that otherworldly glow.

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1. Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream ($45)

Sol de Janeiro’s body cream contains fruit alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin C to reveal brighter and smoother skin. It’s also formulated with cupuaçu butter to provide intense moisture.

2. Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion ($26)

You don’t have to worry about reapplying this lotion throughout the day—it melts into the skin and has you covered all day long.

3. Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Paula's Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA ($28)

This body lotion is formulated with 10% AHA, so it works to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve any clogged, red bumps on your arms and legs. 

4. Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion

Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion

Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion ($14)

The key glowy ingredient in this body lotion is royal jelly, which is a nourishing, light-reflecting mineral. Your skin will be left radiant and softer.

5. Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Nécessaire The Body Lotion ($25)

Nécessaire’s body lotion is an editor favorite. The fast-absorbing formula contains niacinamide, vitamins A, B3, C, and E, omegas 6 and 9, and antioxidants. It’s also fragrance-free, which is a bonus if you are allergic to scents.

6. Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion

Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion

Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion ($10)

Mario Badescu’s body lotion has a subtle shimmer and is enriched with vitamin E and moisture-retaining ingredients like beeswax and peanut oil.

7. Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream

Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream

Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream ($22)

Glossier’s popular Body Hero contains tiny light-reflecting particles and brightening plant extracts for a glowy finish. It also doesn’t leave an annoying greasy feel.

8. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant

Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant

Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant ($18)

This ultra-moisturizing body lotion is infused with 100% cocoa and shea butters to boost radiance. And even though it’s a rich formula that doesn’t mean it’s greasy or super heavy.

9. Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion

Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion

Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion ($43)

Glytone’s body lotion has 17.5% glycolic acid for exfoliation benefits, meaning you’ll see improved skin texture and smoother, radiant skin. It also contains vitamin E for antioxidant protection.

10. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion

Sheamoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion

Sheamoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion ($5)

This body lotion will give you that sun-kissed glow that we all dream about. It’s infused with organic raw shea butter to moisturize; coconut oil and coconut milk to condition the skin; and acacia Senegal to lock in moisture.

11. Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Body Lotion

Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Lotion

Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Lotion ($7)

With a name like Delicious Glow, this product is bound to deliver. The formula contains murumuru butter and rose to soften the skin and leave it glowing.

12. Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion

Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion

Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion ($17)

Alpha Skin Care’s Renewal Body Lotion is always a bestseller with our readers. It’s formulated with 12% glycolic acid to gently remove dead skin cells, encourage collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

13. Farmacy Honey Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum ($40)

This body resurfacing serum is formulated with 12% AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate to reveal smoother and brighter skin. Other ingredients include a proprietary honey blend and shea butter which act as humectants (aka they draw water in).

14. Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion ($20)

Drunk Elephant’s body lotion is just packed with amazing nourishing ingredients: marula butter, a five-ceramide blend, and shea butter. Your skin will be hydrated and softer.

15. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body Cream

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body Cream ($28)

Glow Recipe’s body cream is lightweight and has a delicious watermelon scent, so it’s so soothing and refreshing. The hibiscus AHA in the formula smooths and exfoliates to reveal glowy skin.

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More Glowy Body Products to Try

Neutrogena Body Oil

Neutrogena Body Oil ($15)

A body oil is an easy way to get dewy skin. This one from Neutrogena absorbs easily and deeply hydrates the skin.

Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer

Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer ($59)

For extra shimmer you can apply a body luminizer, like this one from Fenty Beauty which has a high-shine finish.

Supergoop Glowscreen Body SPF 40

Supergoop Glowscreen Body SPF 40 ($42)

I’m already obsessed with Supergoop’s Glowscreen face sunscreen so this one is on my wishlist. It gives you the same sun protection and shimmery glow all over your body.

Goop Goopglow Body Luminizer

Goop Goopglow Body Luminizer ($48)

Goop’s body luminizer is formulated with light-reflecting minerals for a radiant finish. Other ingredients include Australian kakadu plum (which is rich in vitamin C), hyaluronic acid, and squalane.

Next: THE VERY BEST BODY OILS THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR SKIN SO DANG GLOWY

The Very Best Body Oils That Will Leave Your Skin So Dang Glowy

If you were to ask me a few years ago if I wanted any skincare oils in my beauty routine, I would say not. That’s because I automatically equated oils with a slimy, greasy, and uncomfortable mess. I didn’t want my skin to appear oily, thank you very much.

But I’ve come around to skincare oils in the past year after learning from experts that some of them don’t make your skin more oily. Certain ones can nourish, strengthen, and protect the skin, in addition to keeping it hydrated.

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For me, when I tried body and face oils for the first time, I was amazed at how quickly they absorbed into my skin, which meant that I felt the effects pretty quickly, too. My skin instantly felt softer, smoother, and it had a nice dewy, glow to it. What more can you ask for with results like that?

While I still turn to my moisturizers and lotions more, whenever I want to give my face and body a little more radiance, I use oil. This is especially true in the summer months with body oils, as I’m showing more skin and I want my skin to look good and glowy.

Take a look at some great body oil options below. And the bonus is that these are all lightweight, so it really will feel like you aren’t wearing any product.

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Nécessaire The Body Oil

Nécessaire The Body Oil ($35)

I’ve been reaching for this body oil a lot lately. It’s fast-absorbing and so lightweight. My skin always feels so smooth after I apply it. The formula contains omegas 6,7, and 9, plus vitamins C and E and minerals.

Neutrogena Body Oil

Neutrogena Body Oil ($15)

The main ingredient in this product is sesame oil, which moisturizes dry skin and goes on so smoothly.

Mutha Body Oil

Mutha Body Oil ($104)

The great thing about Mutha’s body oil is it has a 100% botanical formula. It contains rosehip oil to minimize the appearance of stretch marks; grape-seed oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity; and apricot oil to make the skin increase suppleness.

SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil

SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil ($10)

Made with 100% virgin coconut oil, SheaMoisture’s body oil is fast-absorbing and gives the skin a natural glow. You can use it as a bath or shower oil, too.

Kayo Body Care Nourishing Body Oil

Kayo Body Care Nourishing Body Oil ($42)

Infused with cannabis seed oil, this product really targets inflammation while drawing in moisture. The formula also includes antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn oil to restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

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Versed Keep It Supple Moisturizing Body Oil

Versed Keep It Supple Moisturizing Body Oil ($15)

Versed’s body oil is non-sticky and non-greasy, so it really feels like second skin because it absorbs quickly. It’s a blend of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, ylang-ylang essential oil, calendula flower extract, and vitamin E.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil ($26)

This might be the hardest working oil on the list. Not only does it lock in moisture, but it also improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.

Avène Skin Care Oil

Avène Skin Care Oil ($26)

You can use this oil all over—from your hair to face to body. It’s a combination of hydrating thermal spring water and nourishing plant-based oils like shea, camelina, and safflower.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Anti-Aging Body Oil

Tata Harper Revitalizing Anti-Aging Body Oil ($120)

For an anti-aging treatment, take a look at this body oil. It’s enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to nourish and soften the skin so it’s absolutely glowing. Ingredients include evening primrose oil, camellia oil, and a complex of 11 vitamins, 18 nutrients, and six minerals.

Augustinus Bader The Body Oil

Augustinus Bader The Body Oil ($95)

Augustinus Bader’s body oil leaves the skin so glowy and supple, but it has added benefits, too. It also targets the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. The formula contains a complex of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules, plus olive oil, argan oil, squalene, and vitamin E.

Osea Osea

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil ($48)

The star ingredient in this oil is undaria algae, which is soaked in botanical oils for two months to distill the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. It’s blended with acai, babassu, and passion fruit oils. It will hydrate and firm the skin, while also reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

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Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil

Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil ($52)

For subtle shimmer, you’ll want to go with this pearlescent body oil. Stabilized vitamin C, vitamin E, magnolia bark extract, olive oil, and squalane, moisturizes and protects the skin as well. It comes in three different finishes rosé, champagne, and bronze.

L'Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil

L’Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil ($50)

With over 50% almond oil, this body product is rich in omega 6, which helps firm and moisturize the skin. It’s formulated to hydrate the skin for up to 48 hours, so it has staying power.

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Ultra Hydration Body Oil

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Ultra Hydration Body Oil ($36)

This coconut oil will transport you to a tropical vacation. Oh, and it will rid the skin of any dryness, too.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil ($100)

This body oil has so much to offer—it’s smoothing, smells so good, and leaves a shimmery glow. The scent has warm and spicy notes of bergamot, cardmom, pistachio, ylang-ylang, and coco de mer accord.

Rahua Body Oil

Rahua Body Oil ($57)

Rahua’s body oil is a fine mist that’s enriched with guayusa to defend the skin; rahua to nurture and strengthen; and quinoa to promote healing and moisture retention.

RMS Beauty Beauty Body Oil

RMS Beauty Beauty Body Oil ($64)

This concentrated formula is a blend of jojoba, buriti, and organic coconut oils. It’s good for all skin types, including dry, mature, and sensitive skin.

Next: Shop the newest items from the BeautyLeeBar Shop here.

Creamy DIY Lip + Cheek Stain

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

Ingredients for Creamy DIY Lip Stain

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.

How to make a DIY lip gloss with beet root 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!

Creamy DIY Lip + Cheek Stain

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.

Prep Time: 10mins Total Time: 10mins

Course: Natural Beauty Cuisine: DIY Keyword: lip balm

Yield: 2ounces Author: Crystal Lee Cost: $5

Equipment

  • Measuring cup
  • saucepan

Materials

Instructions

  1. Measure ingredients into a small glass measuring cup, then set in simmering water until shea butter melts.
  2. Stir in the beet powder and pour into a small jar and allow the mixture to cool.

Notes

Store in a dark area away from heat. Stored properly, the blush should last up to 6 months.