Nordstrom Fragrance Event:15% Off Through November 11

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The Nordstrom Fragrance Event features 15% Off their top brands through November 11 at 11:59PM PT.

Save on select top-brand scents for women and men from Miu Miu, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Dolce&Gabbana and more, through November 11. Restrictions apply.

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

†The "15% Off Fragrance" offer is valid on the purchase of select full-price perfume and cologne only, not including taxes or shipping/delivery fees and charges. The offer starts on November 5, 2025, at 9pm PT and ends on November 11, 2025, at 11:59pm PT; store hours may vary. Offer is available only at Nordstrom stores, the Nordstrom app and Nordstrom,com, while supplies last. This offer does not include price-matched items. Online, eligible items will be marked as Savings Event, and prices on the product pages will reflect the discount. In store, discount taken at the register. The discount cannot be applied to previous purchases, pre-orders or the purchase of gift cards, and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer not valid at Nordstrom Rack stores, the Nordstrom Rack app or NordstromRack,com. Offer may be modified, extended or canceled without notice. Void where prohibited.

Nordstrom is having their Early Black Friday Sale featuring an extra 30% off 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!

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

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

 *The "Extra 30% Off Clearance" offer is valid on the purchase of select clearance items only, not including taxes or shipping/delivery fees and charges. The offer starts on November 2, 2025, at 9pm PT and ends on November 11, 2025, at 11:59pm PT; store hours may vary. Offer is available only at Nordstrom stores, the Nordstrom app and Nordstrom,com, while supplies last. This offer does not include price-matched items, beauty, designer (all departments), fine jewelry, men's and women's outerwear or drop-ship items on clearance. Online, eligible items will be marked as Extra Savings, and prices on the product pages will reflect the discount. In store, discount taken at the register. The discount cannot be applied to previous purchases, pre-orders or the purchase of gift cards, and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer not valid at Nordstrom Rack stores, the Nordstrom Rack app or NordstromRack,com. Offer may be modified, extended or canceled without notice. Void where prohibited.

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

Le Creuset Craft Series 5-Piece Utensil Set On Sale!

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I am a huge fan of Le Creuset– particularly their enameled cast iron pots and pans made in France– and I always check for legitimately good sales. I had been eyeing their silicone tool set in a ceramic crock for a while, and I noticed that many retailers– including Le Creuset– have them on sale for $69.99 (regular price $89.00), and other retailers likely put the set on sale since Le Creuset is currently offering lots of products on sale to celebrate their 100th anniversary (they were founded in France in 1925). However, I located an even better deal since Nordstrom and Amazon are currently selling the Caribbean set– which is being retired– for $56.00. Therefore, I bought the Caribbean set without any hesitation (plus I had a gift card to cash in).

Le Creuset Craft Series 5-Piece Utensil Set (Regularly $89.00 on sale for $69.99, but Nordstrom and Amazon are selling the discontinued Caribbean color for $56.00). I am so happy that I purchased this set, at a much better discount than I expected, and the color is simply gorgeous. I have seen some of their pots in this color in person, and it really is stunning. My only regret is that they are retiring this beautiful color, but there are still products available in Caribbean, and they are generally 20% off. 

What is remarkable, in my view, is the fact that all of the silicone heads are easily removed from their wooden handles, and that makes it easy to clean them in the dishwasher without destroying the handles over time. They are solid and of excellent quality, as is the stoneware crock.

According to Le Creuset,

Our set contains four essential tools from legendary cookware maker Le Creuset, along with a signature Le Creuset crock to keep them on the countertop. Pairing heat-resistant silicone heads with beautifully turned wood handles, this set makes a superb gift for cooks and Le Creuset collectors.

Contents and Claims:

• Set includes small and medium spatulas, spoonula, basting brush and stoneware crock.
• Tool heads are molded from flexible, durable silicone; heat-resistant to 480°F.
• Silicone resists stains and will not absorb odors or flavors.
• Solid wood handles are shaped for superior comfort and control.
• Safe for use with nonstick cookware.
• Dishwasher-safe heads remove for easy cleaning.
• Crock colors coordinate with Le Creuset cookware.

Use: Safe for use with nonstick cookware. Heat-resistant to 480°F.

Care: Removable heads are dishwasher safe. Hand-wash wood handles.

Dimensions:

• Small Spatula: 12" long.
• Medium Spatula: 12 1/2" long.
• Spoonula: 12 1/2" long.
• Basting Brush: 11 1/2" long.
• Storage Crock: 4 1/2" diameter, 6 1/4" high.

Overall Assessment: This was an excellent purchase, and if you want a deeper discount, I highly recommend the set in Caribbean! A+ purchase!

$56.00 for Caribbean from Nordstrom and Amazon. $69.99 (Regular price $89.00) for the other colors from Le Creuset, Nordstrom, Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Macy's, Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma is $89.00 (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Turns 14 Years Old Today!

 

It is very hard to believe that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog turns 14 years old today! On November 6, 2011, I sat down to pen my first LSBB post, and all of these years later I still post daily– despite the fact that the landscape of blogging has dramatically changed. I thank all of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to stop by each day, I am grateful to you. Cheers! xo

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is an effective, and high potency Vitamin C brightening serum, and it effectively brightens the skin and over time reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation. However, if you have very sensitive skin, I would recommend trying the Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum instead. It is a very gentle Vitamin Serum that is perfect for people with sensitive skin and for people new to using vitamin C serums.

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is formulated with Centella Asiatica and 8 types of hyaluronic acid, and this combination of ingredients helps to calm and hydrate the skin. This lightweight gel-based serum melts into the skin without leaving behind an unpleasant residue and it brightens the skin and leaves it soft and supple. Since it does brighten the complexion and it helps to fade hyperpigmentation, it is imperative to use a high SPF sunscreen to protect the skin. I do not use Vitamin C serums when I am using retinol/retinoid serums because it is simply too much for my sometimes finicky skin. I definitely recommend talking to your doctor to see if a Vitamin C serum is a good fit for your skin, and to evaluate moles and any skin irregularities before adding something like this to your skincare routine. 

According to Dr. Althea,

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is a high-potency brightening serum formulated with 63% Hippophae Rhamnoides Water and 5% Niacinamide. With just two weeks of use, it helps reduce dullness and pigmentation, revealing a brighter, more even complexion.

Claims and Benefits:

• High-Potency Vitamin Serum: Contains 640,000 ppm of Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, rich in Vitamin C, to help even out skin tone and revitalize dull, tired-looking skin.
• Powerful Brightening Effect: Visibly improves skin tone and radiance within 2 weeks for maximum results in less time.
• Lightweight, Non-Greasy Texture: Absorbs quickly while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable.
• Safe for Sensitive Skin: Free from artificial coloring, fragrance, and harsh additives.
• Soothing & Hydrating: Formulated with Centella Asiatica and 8 types of hyaluronic acid to calm and deeply hydrate skin.
• No Yellowing & Unpleasant Odors: Free from the discoloration and off-putting scent often found in Vitamin C serums.

Directions: Use the dropper to dispense a small amount of serum onto your face, then gently tap to ensure full absorption.

Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:

• Hippophae Rhamnoides Water (63%): Contains over 200 times more vitamin content than apples to help detoxify and improve overall skin clarity.
• Niacinamide (5%): Brightens and revitalizes dull skin, enhancing clarity and moisture retention.
• Tranexamic Acid (2%): Reduces dark spots and calms inflammation for a clearer, even skin tone.
• Centella Asiatica Leaf Water: Soothes and strengthens delicate, sensitive skin
• 8 Types of Hyaluronic Acid: Provide deep, long-lasting hydration.

Ingredients: Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Methyl Gluceth-20, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Tranexamic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Ascorbic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Alpha-Arbutin, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Bisabolol, Ubiquinone, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

Overall Assessment: This is an effective and affordable Vitamin C serum, and I am quite impressed by Dr. Althea products in general.

$23.90 for 1.01oz. from Ulta, iHerb, YesStyle, Olivia Young and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

NORDSTROM EARLY BLACK FRIDAY EXTRA 30% OFF CLEARANCE SALE

(Affiliate Links)

Nordstrom is having their Early Black Friday Sale featuring an extra 30% off 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!

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

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

 *The "Extra 30% Off Clearance" offer is valid on the purchase of select clearance items only, not including taxes or shipping/delivery fees and charges. The offer starts on November 2, 2025, at 9pm PT and ends on November 11, 2025, at 11:59pm PT; store hours may vary. Offer is available only at Nordstrom stores, the Nordstrom app and Nordstrom,com, while supplies last. This offer does not include price-matched items, beauty, designer (all departments), fine jewelry, men's and women's outerwear or drop-ship items on clearance. Online, eligible items will be marked as Extra Savings, and prices on the product pages will reflect the discount. In store, discount taken at the register. The discount cannot be applied to previous purchases, pre-orders or the purchase of gift cards, and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer not valid at Nordstrom Rack stores, the Nordstrom Rack app or NordstromRack,com. Offer may be modified, extended or canceled without notice. Void where prohibited.

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

TATCHA AM/PM MOISTURE DUO SET SPECIAL SAVINGS

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TATCHA has numerous gift sets available, but there is one that is definitely worth noting, the AM/PM Moisture Duo. It costs $123.00 ($164.00 value).

The Set Includes:

The Dewy Skin Cream (Full Size: 50 ml / 1.7 fl. oz.)

Indigo Overnight Repair (Full Size: 50 ml / 1.7 fl. oz.)

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Welcomes November!

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style is discussing her short vacation in her own country, the Netherlands. The weather gods were in her favour when she decided to show some of the outfits she wore. 

If your skin is in need of hydration, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog highly recommends the Dr. Althea Aqua Marine Deep Serum. It's lightweight, effective and very affordable.

Is eye cream really necessary? Barbie from Barbie's Beauty Bits explains why the eye area needs special care, and discusses the benefits of eye creams versus serums.

Last year's interest in brooches and pins has persisted, and  people –including men– are using them to dazzle up their outfits, and Angie from Your True Self Blog has style tips and ways to experiment with them.

Thinking about switching to a new foundation? Because it looks like her favorite foundation is being discontinued, Allison from Never Say Die Beauty isn’t waiting around for it to disappear. Instead, she discovered LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring & Hydrating Skin Stick, and it blends like a dream, and is so easy to apply!

SEPHORA SAVINGS EVENT: EVERYTHING ON SALE 10/31-11/10

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Sephora's Big Savings Event is happening now online and in-store! If you having been planning on shopping at Sephora, then this is the time to do it! Here are the Sephora Savings Event dates, and when you can shop:

Get 30% off Sephora Collection with  promo code: EVERYTHING

10/31-11/10. Exclusions apply. Rouge members:  20% off 10/31-11/10 VIB members:  15% off 11/4-11/10 Insiders:  10% off 11/4-11/10 Visit: www.sephora.com

Happy Halloween!

October 2025 Empties For the Face, Body, Hair & Home

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

I managed to finish up 8 products during the month of October, and I was surprised that among the products that I used there were two full bars of soap, 2 candles, 2 serums and 2 hair products. I thought that I would use far fewer things this month, but I surprised myself.

The A Method Pearls of Retinol ($124.00 from The A Method and their Amazon Store): This comes in two strengths, a milder 0.5% concentration of All-Trans Retinol and the stronger 1% concentration. This is the 1% concentration. If you are new to Retinol, I recommend the 0.5% concentration, and work your way up to the 1%. The golden micro-encapsulated "pearls"– which are All-Trans Retinol– are suspended in a wonderfully hydrating solution that contains Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing extracts that kept my finicky skin from drying out and visibly peeling. It is a lightweight and fast absorbing serum that immediately leaves skin hydrated. The formula helps skin cell turnover and collagen production without irritating the skin. This formula softens the appearance of fine lines, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin. 

It is important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using retinol-based products, and it is imperative to have your skin looked at by your family physician or dermatologist to make sure that the spots and irregularities that you want to treat are neither pre-cancerous, nor cancerous lesions. I have my skin fully evaluated during my yearly physicals, and I usually bring my doctor the list of ingredients of products that I am considering before I use them. I am not a medical doctor, and I consult with mine regularly to make sure that I am not doing something potentially dangerous to my skin.

The pearls hold micro-encapsulated All-Trans retinol stable until mixing with the hydrating serum base when pumped through the dispenser. This also creates the perfect micro-dosing scenario that is supported by hydrating ingredients to avoid dryness, redness and irritation. Purchase Again? I would use this again in a heartbeat, but I have two other retinol products to use before I replace them.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Serum ($65.00-$260.00 for 0.67 oz. to 3.88 oz. from Lancôme, Nordstrom, Sephora, Amazon, Ulta): This seriously hydrating serum keeps skin quenched and skin dewy. I have been using it in the morning and the evening every single day for months and I just love how hydrated, luminous and noutrished my skin looks and feels. I really love how well this works for my skin. Purchase Again? I already opened another bottle!

Trader Joe's Next to Godliness Oatmeal & Honey Pure Vegetable Soap ($1.99 for two 4 oz. bars from Trader Joe's): This is a fantastic soap that is a pleasure to use, and it is very affordable. This cruelty-free soap is gentle and non-drying on the skin and it forms a luscious creamy lather without stripping the skin. While it is emollient and moisturizing it rinses clean without leaving behind any sort of oily residue. The oatmeal and honey aroma is very light and pleasant, and it is a treat to the senses. It took me two full months to finish both bars of soap (one was in the shower and one was at a high traffic sink), and that makes this two-pack especially economical. Purchase Again? On my next trip to Trader Joe's!

Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo ($46.00 for 8.5 oz. from Kérastase Paris, Sephora, Amazon,): This sulphate-free shampoo is formulated to smooth frizzy hair, and it leaves it soft and unbelievably manageable. This is a perfect choice for my curly hair, and what a difference it makes! It is non-drying, tames frizz and leaves my hair soft and moisturized. This is, without question, one of my very favorite shampoos! Purchase Again? A thousand times yes, but I need to use a few of my open shampoos before I buy another one!

NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Repair Conditioner (It seems to have been renamed Perfect Repair. $19.00 for 11.5 oz. from NatureLab Tokyo, Ulta, Amazon): This is a thick and emollient conditioner that leaves my hair soft, manageable, moisturized and shiny. It rinses clean and leaves behind no residue whatsoever. Purchase Again? Not anytime soon because I am swimming in shampoos and conditioners right now, but I would definitely use this again.

LAVANILA The Healthy Candle in Vanilla Grapefruit ($18.00 each for 7 oz. and $32.97 for a 2-pack from LAVANILA and LAVANILA'S Amazon Store): This lovely soy candle has a warm vanilla aroma, that is punctuated by grapefruit, and the warm and spicy cedarwood adds a wonderful woodsy undercurrent. This is a wonderful scent that is perfect for every month of the year. Purchase Again? YES!

LAVANILA The Healthy Candle in Vanilla Sugarcane: ($18.00 for 7 oz. and $32.97 for a 2-pack from LAVANILA and LAVANILA'S Amazon Store): This gorgeous and healthy candle, made from 100% natural soybean wax, has a warm scent that is intoxicatingly beautiful. This would be the perfect hostess gift this holiday season! Purchase Again? Absolutely!

Overall Assessment: I am always immensely gratified when I finish products before they go bad, and I am rather surprised that I finished as much as I did in October. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in October? Any really winners or duds to report?

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

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.