The B Life

In an instant—everything changed.

This was a challenging year for all of us, and we hope that Beauty Beet Box was a bright spot in your month and on your doorstep. With the devastating effects of Coronavirus and social distancing becoming mandatory worldwide -- there's been much to be anxious about. Amidst the frenzy and uncertainty of it all, it's so important to stay centered and as healthy as possible. 

Yes! You read that correctly. That zesty spice we put in chili or quinoa salad? It is remarkably soothing and calming for one's skin. Turmeric’ s benefits go beyond spicing up curry. This orange-colored root, a member of the ginger family, has significant beauty benefits too! It exfoliates and brightens skin, slows wrinkle formation, fights acne, fades scars and blemishes, and controls inflammation.

The active ingredient in turmeric is Curcumin and is a natural antiseptic with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti microbial properties. It sounds downright miraculous. But you may be wondering, how exactly does Curcumin accomplish all of this? One of the most powerful benefits of Curcumin is its ability to control inflammation. It's known to have antibacterial properties, for starters, which means it's helpful at keeping blemishes at bay and healing small wounds. It also can reduce certain enzymes in the body that are responsible for inflammation. This makes it a great skin care ingredient to soothe irritation. And since the spice is also an antioxidant, it can fight free radicals and reduce some of the damage they might do.

Because turmeric has a mild abrasive texture, its an ideal skin exfoliation. Skincare companies are using it in cleansers and scrubs that promise cell regeneration and smooth soft skin. Brands are also using turmeric as a key ingredient in brightening masks due to its ability to illuminate and rejuvenate dull-looking skin. Having age-related pigmentation? Then turmeric is something to try because its protective properties. It protects the deeper layers of the skin from wrinkles and premature aging, making it an ideal ingredient in moisturizing serums, creams, and lotions.

Turmeric-infused toners, serums, and balms attack acne-causing bacteria and germs, while reducing redness. It fades blemishes and scars by speeding up the healing process of wounds. Plus turmeric is rich in Vitamin C, which boosts collagen and encourages healing.

With very low chances of side effects, incorporating turmeric into your beauty routine seems like a no-brainer.

Check out some of these  products to help get you started

Winter has settled in and sunshine seems like a distant memory. The weather is not the only thing that's drab - your skin has lost that glow. Well here are the Beauty Beet Box faves to reclaim your radiance!

The Beauty Chef - Inner Glow Powder

Bring your body back into balance with this gut-supporting, glow-inducing beauty powder. Just add a scoop of this superstar skin supplement to your water or smoothies once a day to turn your inner glow into an outer glow (and balance your belly after a weekend of debauchery).

Agrio Oat & Milk Mask

Illuminate dull skin with sunshine on your skin in a bottle. This mask goes on as a cooling and pleasing paste, then massages off with cool water to slough away dead skin. 

Thirteen Replenishing Facial Serum

Bring skin back to life with a hydrating blend of tamanu oil, rosehip, and Frankincense oils that sinks in quickly for serious moisturizing, softening and smoothing benefits. 

Shop for Glow Worthy products now!

Good skin days are a thing, just like good hair days. Have you ever rolled out of bed and into the shower and by the time you’re face to face with the melanin goddess in the mirror you notice a glow that should be captured from every angle and shared with the world? Those are the days! How do we hold onto that glow? Is drinking water, minding our business, and using coconut oil enough? Nope. 

Gone are the days of a two-step skin care routine. Although we’ve been enjoying the privilege of ‘black don’t crack’ there are a few steps we cannot afford to skip over anymore. A complete skincare routine should be solid and consistent, leaving your skin clean, moisturized, nourished, and protected with all natural products.

How can I elevate my skincare routine?

Your face skincare routine requires a cleanser and moisturizer, but many women ignore the other skincare needs, especially when you can't see any noticeable issues. What you may be missing from completing your five-star routine: cleaning oil to remove makeup; a toner to remove dirt and oil left behind by your cleansing routine; serums to nourish and condition; sunscreen to protect the skin from the powerful sun rays; and masks to target specific skin concerns.

Why Facial masks?

Face masks may be all the hype right now, but facial masks have been around for much of history and they’ll continue to be around for decades to come. Why, you ask? Face masks can soothe, nourish, and heal skin, with long-lasting effects, given how they work—masks typically stay on the skin anywhere from three to 20 minutes while being absorbed and can be easily washed off or thrown away.

Many face masks include ingredients that can be potentially harmful or damaging to our skin, which absorbs nearly 60% of what we put on it. Instead, clean face masks are on the rise, using toxic-free and all-natural ingredients, and plant-based formulas that are as sustainable as they are effective. 

Facial masks can be used to address a specific concern such as oily skin or dry skin. There are different types of masks. There are clay masks, cream masks, gel masks, and sheet masks. Different masks are formulated to detox the skin, help with blemishes, soothe, or hydrate. 

What should I look for in a mask?

When finding a mask that’s right for you, you need to know your unique skin and specific skin needs, starting with identifying if your skin is dry or oily. Depending on the ingredients of the mask you choose, it will impact your skin differently. So it is important to assess your skin so you can give it exactly what it craves. 

If you have dry skin your first choice wouldn’t be a clay mask formulated to reduce oil, as some clays will absorb the oil in your skin. However, there are clay masks that are great for dry skin depending on how it is made. Paying attention to ingredients and their purpose is key.

For oily skin you may consider Kaike Green Tea Mask + Scrub. This mask is made with a French green clay and matcha formula that draws excess oil and impurities from the skin. This all natural mask will help to detox your skin.

If your skin concern is dryness, you’ll want to look for a mask that will hydrate, like The Lacial Masque: Moisturizing and Repairing mask by Eve Milan New York. As an added bonus, the maker of this mask encourages you to warm it by placing the unopened package in hot water prior to using, to increase product absorption into the skin. 

Sometimes things aren’t always black and white, there’s grey too. In other words you might not have only oily skin or only dry skin, you might have combination skin, skin that is dry in some areas and oily in others. There are options! Like Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Mask. This 100 percent vegan mask can be applied at night and left on to be absorbed fully by morning.

The skin is our largest organ. It protects us by defending what lies within from the external environment which includes chemicals and other irritants that would harm us. This large organ has a huge job in the maintenance of life, complicated by the burden of over 3,000 possible skin disorders.

As you make selections about what products to apply to your skin, steer clear of harmful ingredients and opt for ingredient conscious beauty products like the ones we’ve discussed above. Ingredient conscious, clean products won’t hinder the skin as it functions to maintain life and glow at the same time. 

In addition to strengthening your skincare routine with masks to address your specific concerns you can fill in the gaps by ensuring you are getting the vitamins, nutrients and hydration you need through your diet. A diet with the right nutrient rich foods will help mitigate inflammation, increase circulation, produce oils necessary for a healthy barrier, add to your glow, protect against sun damage, and more. 

Cleanser and moisturizer alone won’t hold you down. Don’t skip the masks. Not only will masks complete your routine, but they also feel great when you take the time to sit back, relax and let them do their job. Whether at the spa or at home, masks scream me time and what better way to detox your face and your life than with some much needed YOU-time! Whether you have time for the whole shebang or not, be sure to add regular masks to the schedule. Your skin will appreciate the TLC and those good skin days won’t be so far and few between. 

How do you mask? Is mask time relaxing time? Do you mask while you clean? 

The early tradition of dry brushing has reemerged as one of the simplest and most therapeutic forms of detoxification and skin exfoliation.

The skin is our body’s largest organ. It’s also our first line of defense to potential invaders and one of the primary ways we eliminate toxins from the body. Taking care of our skin is essential to our health. While dry brushing can be a great way to take care of our skin, the benefits are more than just skin deep.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING?

Stimulates our lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that work to drain, cleanse and filter body fluid, then return it to the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is often considered synonymous with our immune system. Think of the lymphatic system as an overflow mechanism that takes “lymph” (fluid filled with white blood cells) from the blood and into lymphatic circulation. This lymph is then circulated through our lymph nodes whose role is to filter pathogens or other cellular waste found throughout the body. This is why, when you’re sick, your lymph nodes are enlarged. They are working extra hard and are potentially backlogged doing their best to filter out whatever harmful substances are in your body.

The ritual of dry brushing can stimulate our lymphatic system, promoting elimination of pathogens and excess cellular waste. While our body does a great job of this on its own, it doesn’t hurt to give it a boost!

Stimulates circulation

Dry brushing also stimulates our circulation, increasing blood flow currents throughout the body and up towards the surface of the skin. Increased circulation is associated with improved digestion, cardiovascular and muscular system function. Dry brushing has an invigorating feeling. You may experience a gentle tingling sensation that simultaneously energizes yet relaxes. This is why many people incorporate dry brushing into their self-care routine as its benefits can be both physiological and therapeutic.

Exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores

Most people associate clogged pores with just their face. However, clogged pores and dry skin can happen all over the body as a result of our normal day-to-day. This can lead to ingrown hairs, random bumps or blemishes, dull looking skin and make it harder for our bodies to excrete toxins. Dry brushing gently sloughs off dead skin, unclogging pores and leaving our skin feeling softer and smoother than before.

May reduce the appearance of cellulite

While there aren’t studies or research to support this, many dry brushing advocates swear by the ritual’s ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Some say it’s a temporary side effect due to the boost in circulation and lymph currents, others believe it’s more permanent, and some question this claim completely. Of all the reasons why you should incorporate dry brushing into your routine, I don’t believe this should be number one. However, consider this an added bonus if it works for you!

SO HOW DO YOU DRY BRUSH?

Dry brushing can be easily incorporated into your daily beauty routine or your more intentional self-care rituals. Choose a brush with natural bristles. Dry brushing is most effective just before you shower, priming your skin to receive and soak in moisture. Due to its invigorating effects, many people prefer to dry brush in the morning, but the best time will be what works for you.

To get the most out of your ritual, consider incorporating body oil. Add a quarter size amount to your palm, then using your hand, coat the end of the bristles in the oil. Essential oils are another great option. Apply similarly using just 1-2 drops.

Begin brushing from the bottom of your feet, working your way up the body in a long, smooth motion. A good rule of thumb is to always brush towards the heart. Use moderate yet gentle pressure. Your skin should tingle, but not feel irritated. Spend more time on areas that need extra stimulation or that may harbor dry skin. A few upward motions per area is enough, adjusting for more sensitive regions like the stomach and chest. When dry brushing your belly and lower abdomen, use a clockwise motion when looking down, mimicking the direction of your natural digestion. After dry brushing, be sure to moisturize well. 

If you have any history of skin conditions, it’s best to avoid dry brushing. For people with sensitive skin, use very gentle pressure and avoid dry brushing every day. Pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust frequency and pressure as needed.

Dry brushing is a simple, affordable and effective way to maintain healthy skin and boost our body’s natural detoxification process. Try it out and see what you think!

Hyperpigmentation, which is an overproduction of melanin on certain areas of the skin, is a common issue for African Americans. And if you factor in scarring that can occur as a result of sun damage, acne, or any other trauma to the skin, we’re especially at risk for uneven skin tone which leaves many feeling insecure about their complexion.

You may have noticed an influx of Vitamin C-based skincare products flooding the market. It's no coincidence! 

Clinical studies in the last 5 years have shown that Vitamin C in its many forms is "one of the most powerful and abundant antioxidants in the skin" and that topical Vitamin C has been "shown to protect against photoaging, ultraviolet-induced immunosuppression, and photocarcinogenesis." This means that (when applied to the skin) Vitamin C can protect against and reduce the effects of sun damage and skin cancer.

Vitamin C also:

That is a lot of benefits from just one vitamin! It's a no-brainer to want to use Vitamin C to protect and enhance your skin, but the trick to using it correctly (and effectively) is knowing what kind, how much, and when to use it.

Here are our top 3 tips for reaping the benefits of Vitamin C:

THE RIGHT TYPE OF VITAMIN C

Look for the following ingredients when searching for the right Vitamin C product for you: 

L-ascorbic acid (the most studied, often paired with ferulic acid for stability and effectiveness), ascorbyl-6-palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (the most stable and easily absorbed). These are all common forms of Vitamin C used in topical applications and are the most effective. Bonus: the addition of vitamin E and ferulic acid to a formula increases the effectiveness of Vitamin C eight-fold!

HOW MUCH

When seeking the right concentration of Vitamin C in a formula, look for about 10-20%. Less than 8% means there's not enough to be effective, and more than 20% does not increase biological significance and can actually cause irritation.

 WHEN TO APPLY

The body does not make its own Vitamin C, so we need to supplement it on a daily basis. To ensure there is enough Vitamin C on your skin to adequately protect you from photodamage, be sure to reapply every 8 hours–that's an easy morning and evening regimen. Apply 4-6 drops after cleansing or toning, smooth over face and neck, let dry, and then apply your moisturizer. Allow a two-hour buffer before sun exposure to minimize irritation for sensitive skin, and to allow the cream or serum to be fully absorbed. Be careful to only apply to skin as the brightening effect can bleach hair as well. 

With summer now in full swing, we’ve got one thing on our mind: watermelons. OK and glowing, fresh summer skin. And what happens when you combine the most delicious fruit (it’s a fact) and the desire for a healthy complexion? Watermelon seed oil, obviously!

If you want to get all scientific about how you get this type of oil— and we kinda love this stuff —watermelon seeds are extracted from the seed casing and left to dry out in the hot sun. Then, these seeds are pressed, and voila! That’s when the actual oil is extracted and formed. From that process, you’re left with an ingredient that is majorly helpful to the skin for a bunch of reasons:

Contains unsaturated fatty acids: Similar to when it’s in chocolate, these fatty acids help the skin stay hydrated, firm, toned, and can even fend off skin issues like acne.

Balances sebum: Sebum is an oily substance created by your body to protect your skin. When your skin is out of whack and over produces sebum it can cause a greasy appearance and clog your pores. Watermelon seed oil can help break down daily grime that’s sitting on your face and work to balance your natural sebum protection. 

Vitamin E: It can help your immune system, even when only placed on your skin. Watermelon seed oil also contains Vitamins A and B, which can detox and heal the your complexion.

Loads of antioxidants: The holy grail of skincare! The antioxidants in watermelon seed slow the aging process, protect against free radicals, promote elasticity (aka the opposite of wrinkles) and repair skin via healthy nutrition for the skin.

Anti-inflammatory: It’s even been shown to reduce bloat or general inflammation around the face and eyes.

The oil is also high in Omega fats, minerals, and healthy acids, so it’s a true superstar when it comes to nutritional value for your skin. And for this reason, it’s a major part of our beauty routine, especially when it comes to the cleansing process. Ahhh, even more reason to love the cute pink and green summer fruit (and those once-annoying seeds!).

While the European Union has banned more than 1,300 chemicals in personal care products, the US has made fewer than thirty changes since 1938. Every day, we use products with chemicals that can lead to serious health issues for both ourselves and our environment.

Choosing healthy, safe, and ingredient conscious cosmetics isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Beauty Beet Box has created this list of our go-to clean mascaras that leave you feeling even more beautiful and confident.

You’ve probably seen the term ‘Gua Sha’ coupled with gem stone tools in various hues all over the internet. Crystal facial massagers are everywhere, but why are we rubbing rocks on our faces in the name of skin care?

Because it actually works.

‘Gua Sha’ (pronounced Gwa-shaw) is a traditional Eastern Medicine massage technique that works by moving energy around the body. The treatment involves using a stone tool to scrape the skin in long strokes, creating micro trauma to the skin to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

It’s even been shown to help reduce migraine headaches.

Facial gua sha is a much more gentle version of this technique, focusing on the facial muscles down to the décolletage.

The Benefits

Facial gua sha increases blood flow and circulation to the face, stimulating lymphatic drainage and reducing puffiness in the face. The increased circulation and blood flow provides proteins, nutrients, and oxygen for better healing and cell turnover, promoting glowing, vibrant skin. Regular practice supports the toning of facial muscles and helps to minimize fine lines.

One study saw an increase in microcirculation by up to 400%.

Great, I’m sold. Now tell me how to use it.

How to give yourself a facial massage

+ Thoroughly cleanse skin
+ Mist face generously – we love Live Botanical Fresh Toning Elixir for blemish-prone skin, LILFOX Aphrodite Rose Toning Mist for dry or mature skin, and Laurel Facial Elixir for sensitive skin types
+ Apply a balm or serum to create a surface for the Rose Quartz to easily glide without pulling the skin – we recommend BYBI Supercharge Serum for an all-encompassing nutritive treatment, Luna Nectar Heliophelia + Fix for extra glow or Live Botanical Luna Renewing Concentrate for deep nourishment and moisture.
+ Hold the Rose Quartz at 45 degree angle towards your face and stroke upwards with a medium touch
+ Move outwards around the contours of your face, stimulating blood flow
+ Feel the stone begin to heat up as you massage, increasing its benefits and product penetration
+ Massage face for 2-5 minutes, making sure to spend equal amounts of time per side
+ Expect some redness afterwards due to increased circulation which should subside after 20-30 minutes

When to use it

+ Massage in the AM to increase circulation and reduce puffiness
+ Massage in the PM for a calming nightly beauty ritual, increasing absorption of nighttime treatments

Ready to elevate your beauty ritual? Shop our fave Rose Quartz Heart Facial Massager HERE.

We've seen everyone from Vogue to Reddit touting the magic of jade rollers, so we just had to see what all the fuss was about! We put it to the test and turns out, not only do jade rollers look super chic on your vanity and feel like a dream on your skin, they do in fact stimulate lymphatic drainage: the flushing of bacteria and toxins via the liquids stored in your tissues. Fewer toxins = brighter, healthier, younger-looking skin.

HOW IT WORKS

MASSAGING YOUR FACE