lola's secret beauty blog

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Wishing You a Beautiful Sunday

I stood in my yard exchanging glances with this gorgeous owl perched high up in a tree, and I was utterly awed by its majesty. Wishing you a wonderful long holiday weekend.

Saturday, January 17, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Mid-January Week in Review

Blinc Eye Repair Peptide Complex is an effective and affordable eye cream that hydrates, reduces puffiness and dark circles, and softens fine lines. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog recently discovered this gem, and highly recommends it!

Terri from Our Good Life explains how to adjust your skincare routine in winter by using gentle, hydrating products, maintaining a consistent routine, and protecting your skin from dryness and UV exposure to keep it soft and healthy.

Allison from Never Say Die Beauty shares her favorite cosmetics that she tried for the first time in 2025. They’re all products that have made it into her routine now.

A basic black turtleneck is a timeless classic that is chic, powerful and edgy depending on how you wear it, and Angie from Your True Self Blog came up with almost 100 ways to wear a black turtleneck!

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style hosts, with her blogger friend Shelbee, a series called The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book, and this month the theme was leggings. Take a look at how we wear ours, and we hope you would like to join us next month!

Friday, January 16, 2026

Dove Beauty Bar Original Prices Vary

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

The other day I actually ran out of soap in the shower, and when my husband texted me to say that he was stopping by the grocery store on his way home from work, he asked if there was anything I needed him to buy. I immediately said Dove Beauty Bar Original. I love the formula and have been using it for years. However, I was shocked that he was charged nearly $10.00 for a 2-pack. I do not know if this price was a mistake, or the actual price, but I do know that it is available elsewhere for much less. Therefore, if you love this bar, as I do, then make sure to take careful note of the price before tossing it into your grocery cart.

Dove Beauty Bar Original ($5.39-$14.99 for 2-8 bar packs from Amazon, Target, Walgreens): This gentle, creamy cleansing bar contains ¼ moisturizing cream that leaves skin soft smooth and very clean. I have used it for many years, and absolutely love it!

Overall Assessment: This is still my very favorite drugstore bar soap, but I can't believe that we spent almost $10.00 on two bars!

Purchased (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, January 15, 2026

UA Hawai'i Mana Eau de Parfum Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

UA Hawai'i Mana Eau de Parfum smells like a walk on the beach in Hawai'i. It feels like the ocean punctuated by Jasmine, Gardenia, Lemon Flower and Apple Blossom, and tempered by the woodsy Sandalwood and Oak. It is sophisticated, and yet casual, and it sits close to the skin instead of overly asserting itself. When it dries down, it mellows into a woodsy floral that calms the senses.

Top Notes: Lemon Flower, Gardenia, Clove Leaf

Mid Notes: Jasmine, Apple Blossom, Geranium

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Oak, Musk

According to UA Hawai'i,

Growing up in Hawai’i taught me to have a deep connection and respect for the island. From snow-capped Mauna Kea to Kīlauea with its lava reaching down to the ocean, this unique island connects us to the elements from which the islands were formed and from which all life springs. It’s this connection to the island that inspired me to create these scents.

Each fragrance embodies these qualities to immerse yourself in: Mana / Power, Pōhaku / Stone, Kupu / Grow, Wena / Glow, Nalu / Wave, and Hā / Breath. I wanted to share that experience through fragrance.

Just as none of the elements are singular in nature, we invite you to layer in creating your own sense of expression. Whether it's combining fire and water with Wena and Kai, or centering on Hā and Mana, there are elements to explore in creating your personal fragrance.

Ingredients: Sugarcane Alcohol (Ethyl Alcohol), Fragrance/Parfum, Aqua/Water/Eau.

Overall Assessment: Just lovely!

$32.00 for .34oz. from UA Hawai'i (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Mandy Aftel's New Book Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems

Gift (Affiliate Links)

My wonderful friend, and world-renowned natural perfumer, Mandy Aftel, has just published her latest book: Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems, and it is not to be missed. That Mandy is as brilliant a writer as she is a perfumer cannot be sufficiently underscored. Her creative genius and intellectual curiosity is evident in all of her endeavors, and her elegant writing is sure to delight all of her readers.

This extraordinary undertaking, in writing about Baroque emblems, is articulated with precision, but in a very approachable and edifying way. If you are at all curious about the iconography of the extraordinary emblems discussed in this book, then you will be utterly delighted from the first page turn to the last. This is a stunning achievement, and a book that is most certainly worthy of your collection.

About the Author,

Mandy Aftel, an internationally known artisan perfumer and authority on natural fragrance, is the owner of Aftelier Perfumes and the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents in Berkeley, California. Her other books include Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume, which helped sparked the natural perfume renaissance and has been translated into sixteen languages. Aftel's work has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and numerous other major outlets.

Publisher: ‎ Abbeville Press

Publication date: ‎ December 16, 2025

Language: ‎ English

Print length: ‎ 224 pages

ISBN-10: ‎0789215225

ISBN-13: ‎978-0789215222

About Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems,

Discover the esoteric insights and enchanting imagery of the Baroque emblem book, a long-lost cousin of the tarot.

The emblem book, which reached the peak of its popularity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, presented mysterious allegorical images―rather like those we now find on tarot cards―alongside Latin mottoes. A learned text explained the connection between image and motto, and the lessons each emblem held for the reader’s life. Drawing on sources such as medieval bestiaries and Aesop’s fables, emblem books reflected an enchanted view of nature in which our human lives were intertwined with plants, animals, the moon and the stars.

World-renowned natural perfumer Mandy Aftel first encountered emblem books in the course of her researches into antique botanical illustrations, and quickly became entranced. Here she presents one hundred emblems from perhaps the finest emblem book, the Symbolorum et Emblematum of Camerarius, originally published in four parts between 1590 and 1604. Aftel has sensitively tinted in watercolor the bewitching circular engravings of the Symbolorum, in which giant hands reach from the sky; lions, bears, and unicorns gambol; and distant spires beckon. The mottoes and explanatory texts are given in translation from the original Latin, along with Aftel’s own commentary. An illustrated introduction illuminates the history and magic of emblem book.

Symbolorum will be a treasure for anyone who is drawn to uncover ancient wisdom and feel the breath of the universe.

Overall Assessment: What a stunning book, and such a distinctly delightful and satisfying read.

$20.00 from Aftelier Perfumes and Amazon (Affiliate Links).

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Blink Eye Repair Peptide Complex Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Blink Eye Repair Peptide Complex is a wonderful eye cream, with its own cooling magnetic applicator built into the lid. The peptide-rich eye cream is lightweight, fast absorbing and emollient. It melts into the skin and leaves behind no greasy residue. The metal applicator is magnetic and attaches to the lid, and its convex surface protrudes enough to fit perfectly under the eyes. Gently gliding it back and forth has a wonderful cooling effect that helps reduce any puffiness. This eye cream leaves the delicate skin under the eyes soft, moisturized, nourished, smooth and supple. Additionally, the caffeine reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, while the Niacinamide and Vitamin C brighten the skin, and the Hyaluronic Acid plumps fine lines and deeply hydrates. Furthermore, the peptides smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Overall, this is a very effective eye cream that lives up to its claims and that is a real pleasure to use.

According to blinc,

A clean, vegan, and gluten-free eye treatment that visibly smooths, firms, and brightens while restoring the delicate skin barrier. A next-generation peptide complex that merges clinical efficacy with comfort, enhanced by a patented magnetic massaging applicator to stimulate circulation and optimize absorption. Clean, USA-made, and science-backed, it delivers proven results without compromise.

Directions: Apply a pea-sized amount to your ring fingers and gently pat around the eye area and brow bone. Use the innovative magnetic applicator to massage under and around the eye to support enhanced blood flow, nourish skin cells, and ensure efficient delivery of these powerful ingredients. Clean the applicator after each use with soap and water. Not to be applied in the eye—external use only.

Features and Claims:

Peptide-powered renewal: Bio-peptides help firm and smooth while improving tone and elasticity.
Instant depuff & brighten: Caffeine, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C target puffiness and dark circles for a refreshed, rested look.
Hydration that lasts: Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Vegan Lipids replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
Balanced by science: Rosewater Ferment helps even tone and nurture a healthy microbiome.
Magnetic precision applicator: The built-in cooling wand gently massages the under-eye area to boost circulation, reduce puffiness, and enhance ingredient absorption.

Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:

Caffeine: Reduces puffiness and dark circles.
Niacinamide & Vitamin C: Brighten and improve tone and firmness.
Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates and plumps.
Bio-Peptides: Smooth, firm, and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Squalane & Vegan Lipids: Replenish hydration and support barrier repair.
Rosewater Ferment: Enhances radiance and helps reduce discoloration.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Caffeine, Silica, Glycereth-7 Triacetate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sucrose, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, C14-22 Alcohols, Arachidyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolic Acid, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Beta-Sitosterol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax / Cire de Candelilla, Oleic Acid, Phytic Acid, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Lecithin, Potassium Sorbate, Ceramide NG, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-11, Glucose, Copper Tripeptide-1.

Overall Assessment: I really love the efficacy of this formula, and the applicator makes using this eye cream a real uplifting treat.

$38.00 for .50 oz. from blinc, Ulta, Nordstrom, Macy's, YesStyle and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, January 12, 2026

Current Sales and New Markdowns at Nordstrom

Affiliate Links

Nordstrom is having tons of NEW markdowns and Clearance items! I spend a long time looking at the sale items and there are some spectacular savings on top products from top brands. If you are planning to do holiday shopping this year, then this it is worth taking a look at this sale!

Nordstrom has tons of new markdowns that they have added to their current sale, and they have so many great beauty finds on sale! I spend a long time looking at the sale items and there are some spectacular savings on top products from top brands.

Shop by Department:
Sale: Beauty | Women | Men | Kids | Home

Women's Clothing | Women's Shoes | Handbags & Accessories

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

Sunday, January 11, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team January Week in Review

If you are seeking an affordable and effective retinol to add to your skincare routine, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog highly recommends Nurive CoreVital Retinol Cream.

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style discusses her Christmas and what else was going on in her life. Also, last Friday's Fancy Friday linkup party is open and you are invited to join!

Terri from Our Good Life discusses a practical closet exercise to help you use your best colors to create outfits you actually wear and love. By grouping clothes by color, you can build a wardrobe that feels cohesive, confident, and easy to live in.

As part of her Style Tips Series, Angie from Your True Self Blog shares how to use the amazing powers of a cardigan two ways.

Looking to start 2026 with a little lifting and sculpting? Your face but with topicals! Allison from Never Say Die Beauty has a skincare duo from a clean beauty brand that she swears by to recommend to you.

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Tatcha Lucky Bag Gift with Purchase Event Through January 18

Affiliate Links

The Tatcha Lucky Bag Event starts is happening now through January 18th. Receive a complimentary lucky bag with your $100.00 or $200.00 purchase. Use Code: LUCKY26

*Receive a complimentary lucky bag with your $100+ or $200+ USD order after discount with code: LUCKY26. Promotion valid through 11:59 PM PT on 1/18/2026. Click here to learn more. Qualifying gifts are while supplies last and are subject to change. Promotions and discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases, gift cards, taxes, shipping or processing charges or combined with any other coupons or discounts. Valid on in-stock items only. Qualifying amount is the subtotal of the purchase and does not include taxes, shipping or gift wrapping. Gifts with purchase are not eligible for return or exchange. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered or ineligible use of offer and to modify or cancel this promotion due to system error or unforeseen problems.

Visit: www.tatcha.com

Friday, January 9, 2026

UA Hawai'i Kupu Eau de Parfum Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

UA Hawai'i Kupu Eau de Parfum is yet another beautiful fragrance from this exquisite Hawaiian brand, and it is a delight to the senses, to be sure. There is something indescribably magical about this unusual fragrance. This is an ultra clean, green scent that has an added dimension from the base notes of Amber, Cedar and Musk. They add a richness without in any way overshadowing the light and green sensibility. It achieves what seems like an impossible balance between what might be considered competing notes, but instead these notes commingle beautifully. This fragrance sits close to the skin, and invites the constant sniffing of one's wrist.

UA Hawai'i Kupu Eau de Parfum Notes:

Top: Fern, Coconut Water, Earth

Mid: Oakmoss, Magnolia, Vanilla Blossom

Base: Amber, Cedar, Musk