The Beauty Spotlight Team's Top Weekend Picks

Whether you travel frequently and need an extraordinary makeup travel bag, or you are seeking an elegant storage solution for your most-used makeup and makeup brushes, Lola's Secret Beauty Blog wants to introduce you to the covet-worthy Hold Me Makeup Bag. It is perfect for travel and at-home use, and you will absolutely fall in love with this gorgeous and luxurious handcrafted makeup bag. #holdme

Never Say Die Beauty is hosting a new skincare giveaway for natural, cruelty-free Age Reversal Bratoxin Natural Myorelaxant Serum, a multi benefit anti-aging serum made with hydrating, rejuvenating ingredients from the Brazilian rainforest. Enter to win it!

When a product has the word "miracle" in the name the expectations are quite high. Did Beauty Info Zone find that N:P BEAUTIFUL Miracle Serum met the expectation of "miracle".  It's time to find out.

Check out the fabulous goodies in Prime Beauty's February BoxyCharm Subscription Box!

Pammy Blogs Beauty shares how to get Ashley Graham's gorgeous makeup look from American Beauty Star with Revlon.

If you're interested in the new Sally Hansen Mega Strength nail polish line, Jessica at Be Happy And Buy Polish has you covered! Plus, she's in the midst of a wear test on this line, so check back to her blog next week for the results.

Does itchy winter skin have you down? Polarbelle has a solution with an interesting new product from Curel you may want to try.

Did you know that it's possible to get rid of fine lines, acne scars and sun damage by using a microdermabrasion device at home? Stop by to see the one that The Makeup Obsessed Mom recently tried out.

Erika from Notes from My Dressing Table unboxed her January Allure Beauty Box and shares why it was a total home run and why you might want to subscribe for your own through Amazon.

Blushing Noir is sharing the best scar cream in the world! In her 10 years of blogging NOTHING has been better. You can also ENTER TO WIN a tube!

SAVE THE DATE: BARNEYS NEW YORK LOVE YOURSELF EVENT MARCH 5-9

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SAVE THE DATE: MARCH 5-9 LOVE YOURSELF EVENT

I have already been receiving lots of emails from people wanting to know about the Barneys LOVE YOURSELF Bag Event, and I am beginning to compile all of the details for my mega post. I think that you will LOVE the HIS & HERS GIFT BAGS, and all of the Step-Up Gifts! Stay tuned! 

Spend $200.00 on cosmetics, skincare, fragrance or grooming products online or in-store to receive your choice of the HIS or HERS GIFT BAGS!

Barneys LOVE YOURSELF Bag Event, which runs from March 5-9, has so many great STEP-UP GIFTS and the HIS & HERS GIFT BAGS are quite tempting!

LOVE YOURSELF! Spend $200 on cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, or grooming in-store or online to receive a women’s or men’s bag filled with our favorite of-the-moment products. SHOP NOW

n:p beautiful Miracle Serum Review

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I am a bit fanatical about using hair serums, and not only because I enjoy using them, but also because they are so effective in taming frizz and making my hair manageable and silky smooth. Therefore, I was very happy to try n:p beautiful Miracle Serum for my naturally curly hair that is periodically frizz and fly-away prone.

This silicone and natural oil based serum has a wonderful quasi-tropical fruity floral aroma that reminds me of summer. It can be used on wet or dry hair, it is suitable for all types of hair and it does an enviable job in its ability to smooth hair, fight frizz and flyaways and leave your tresses moisturized and with a gorgeous glossy shine. I like to add a small amount to wet freshly washed hair, or dry hair in the need of moisture and taming. Then I either blow dry my hair or let it dry naturally, and my hair looks, feels and smells amazing! If you are sensitive to scented hair products, then you should know that the scent does linger for a while before fading altogether. However, it is neither cloying, nor in the least bit unpleasant.

n:p beautiful donates 10% of the proceeds from the sale of this serum to pediatric cancer research and animal abuse prevention.

According to n:p beautiful,

This miracle serum was developed by celebrity hairstylist David Babaii. This high-end hair product is made from natural, sustainable ingredients, so it’s good for your hair and the environment.

Feeling like you’ve been left high and dry? Our Miracle Serum can help. Whether your hair’s fine and straight, curly and thick, or damaged and coarse, this hero product is designed to absorb instantly, leaving hair looking and feeling flawless all day long. Antioxidant-rich Moringa oil, calming raw lotus root, and our sustainably sourced stem cell formula work overtime, replenishing hair from the inside out. This is not your mother’s hair oil.

Directions: Pour a few drops of product into your pretty palms, rub them together, and massage through your wet or dry hair. Blow dry it or straighten it. Watch it look good.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Asarum Canadense Meristem Cell Culture Extract, Royal Jelly, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Eriodictyon Californicum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum), Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate.

Features: Sulfate-Free. Paraben-Free and No Animal Testing.

Overall Assessment: I really like this serum a lot, and will no doubt finish this bottle down to the last drop.

$45.00 for 6.2 oz. from n:p beautiful, Nordstrom and Revolve (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2019 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Oatly! Oat Milk

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I was recently introduced to Oatly! Oat Milk by a close friend who extolled its virtues so effusively that I had to try it. She alerted me to the fact that this is the creamiest and most delectable cows milk substitute that she has ever had, and that it was well-worth tracking down. She also told me that it is so wildly popular, because it is that delicious, that it always sells out immediately. Therefore, I knew that I would have to grab it whenever I saw it.

My journey began at Whole Foods, where I was once again told that Oatly! sells out as soon as it is stocked, and that people purchase as many as seven at a time! Undeterred, I continued my search and I finally found it at Bristol Farms and purchased the blue carton. The moment I returned home I poured myself a glass to see what all of the fuss was about, and I immediately understood why my friend wanted me to go on a treasure hunt to find it. It is rich, creamy and utterly delicious.  In fact, this is such a popular beverage that many specialty coffee houses and restaurants in Los Angeles use it for their lattes, and Oatly! can't produce it fast enough to keep up with the demand. I also discovered that Target sells Oatly! at some locations, therefore you may be able to find it at your local Target.

If you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply want to try a delicious milk alternative, then I highly recommend trying Oatly! Oat Milk.

Features:
- Delicious 100% vegan oatmilk made from gluten-free oats.
- No added sugar, soy, nuts, thickeners, gums or annoying GMOs.
- Natural beta-glucans, plus added calcium and vitamins (A, D, riboflavin, B12)
- It's fresh! So you'll want to keep it that way, in the fridge, and drink it within seven days of opening (which shouldn't be a problem).

According to Oatly!

The original oatmilk company from Sweden that only took 25 years to perfect our craft before feeling ready to take our shot at making it big on the internet. This is our amazing vegan, gluten-free oatmilk. So what makes oatmilk so amazing? The taste. And the fact that we've been exceptionally good at balancing high nutritional value with low environmental impact. But back to the taste part. Maybe you should. Taste it, that is and then you can let us know if all your patience was worth it.

Besides the whole delicious thing, it's also a pretty optimal option for everyday use because it has added calcium and vitamins (A, D, Riboflavin, B12) and includes 2% fat from rapeseed oil and oats. There's no added sugar whatsoever, just lovely natural sugars from oats. It also has a wonderful, gulp-able texture without stabilizers, gums or thickeners to ruin the vibe. And we've made sure the beta-glucans (big, scientific word for the soluble fiber in oats) in this one are strong and handsome.

When should you use it? Whenever you'd use old school milk from cows-in your coffee or tea, chilled in a glass, or in your recipes-in exactly the same amount.

The Covet-Worthy Hold Me Makeup Bag

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Finding the perfect travel bag for your makeup is difficult, and if you travel a lot you know the necessity of effective and efficient storage for your makeup. When I travel by plane, I tend to streamline my picks and prefer minimal makeup and skincare in deluxe samples. When I make short distance trips by car, which I do quite often, I carry more given that I am not beholden to TSA compliant sizes. A few years ago, I  became obsessed with the gorgeous handmade Hold Me Bag– Just Julie, and I have used their bags for travel ever since.

The Hold Me Bag - Just Julie is a stunning handmade makeup bag that features a soft black plush, and ultra-luxe, velvet exterior and an interior that is punctuated by a waterproof interior liner. The interior pattern is a gorgeous light blue that is embellished by white quatrefoil patterns.

On the far right there is a graciously appointed section for makeup brushes with individually stitched sections to separate and protect each brush. It also includes a flap that folds over to add another layer of protection to all of the brushes.

In the center there is a very large expandable zipper compartment that has enough space for lots and lots of makeup.  In fact, it is large enough to store plenty of your favorite palettes.

At the far left there is a flap with a long cord to wind around to close, secure and protect the entire makeup bag. It includes a large interior pocket that enables you to store lots of additional products.

While this is a perfect travel companion, it can likewise be used for at-home storage for your most reached-for makeup and brushes, and it is beautiful enough to leave out on your vanity!

 According to Hold ME,

Always just lovely. Timeless quatrefoil pattern in a small-scale cool aqua blue.

Expandable center section, "The Heart", is fully zippered. Holds makeup of various shapes and sizes, and multiple palettes. Thin, removable bottom liner can be used outside the bag or to separate palettes.

Fully opened, see everything at a glance with easy access; saves time with daily makeup routine.

Covered brush section has 12 sleeves; some hold single brushes and some multiple brushes and/or tools; protects brushes, as they stay upright, fresh and safely stored. Maximum brush length: 9".

Exterior and parts of interior made of soft black velvet fabric; interior highlights of wipe-clean laminated cotton print. Both fabrics are easy to clean and durable.

Hold Me Bag - measures 10"H x 7"W x 2.5"D closed; extends to 22" fully opened. 

 Handmade in the USA.

I placed lots of full-sized products in the expandable compartment, but there is room for even more.

The brush sleeve actually fits considerably more brushes than I packed for this trip.

Illustrations courtesy of Hold Me

Simple knotting technique to secure the Hold Me Bag

The interior zip compartment features a removable sleeve (Shown on the right) that adds a further level of protection to your makeup, and a generous pocket in the top flap of the zipper compartment. The entire expandable zipper compartment is lined in the beautiful blue and white quatrefoil pattern.

Overall Assessment: If you are seeking an effective and efficient way to travel with your makeup, or to store your most reached-for makeup and makeup brushes at home, then take a look at the gorgeous handmade Hold Me Bags– they are gorgeous handmade treasures that are truly covet-worthy. A+

$85.00 from Hold Me + $4.50 US Shipping and $80.00 from the Official Hold Me Amazon Store (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2019 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

S'well Water Bottle Long Weekend 25% Off Sale

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S'well is having a Long Weekend (Presidents' Day) Sale on a wide selection of their amazing water bottles. Now through Monday, February 18 at 11:59 PM EST, receive 25% Off select styles. 

S'well Water Bottles are ingeniously made from BPA-free, double-walled stainless steel that is so well insulated that it keeps liquids cold for 24 hours, and hot for 12 hours. They are so well insulated that no matter how cold the liquid inside, there is absolutely no condensation outside. I purchased the 17 oz. and 25 oz. sizes, and I use the larger one so that I wouldn't have to refill my bottle as frequently, but prefer the 17 oz. size when I want something smaller, and I have access to quick and easy refills. However, I definitely think that the 9 oz. is a little too small for the purposes of staying hydrated throughout the day. They are also perfect to have on hand when you are out and about, and I don't leave home without at least one of them on hand!

Features:

• Bottle may be used as a water bottle or to hold other beverages.
• Made of 18/8 double-walled stainless steel.
• Nontoxic, non-leaching, and BPA free.
• Hand-painted.
• Mouth wide enough for ice cubes and drip-free sipping.
• Vacuum sealed; keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, hot for 12.
• Fits standard-size cup holder.
• Hand wash only. Not dishwasher safe.

They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and are available in 3 sizes (25 oz, 17 oz. and 9 oz.). While they are by no means the least expensive water bottles on the market, they last a very very long time, and are worth every penny.

Visit: www.swellbottle.com

NORDSTROM WINTER SALE UP TO 40% OFF NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 24

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Attention Nordstrom shoppers, the Nordstrom Winter Sale has some amazing deals. From NOW through February 24 save up to 40% Off! Visit www.nordstrom.com

Sale: Women | Men | Kids | Home

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

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The Beauty Spotlight Team Top Weekend Reading Picks

What if you could treat your dry, dull skin in your sleep? Prime Beauty says you can with Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream!

Valentine's Day may be over but the beauty of the IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Eyeshadow Palette lives on. The swatches and shades on Beauty Info Zone will show you what you're missing.

Acne is the bane of my existence! On the Color Sutra, check out the couple of products from DERMA E that are helping me fight stress-induced blemishes.

Never Say Die Beauty is blown away by how good the new Ipsy Plus monthly subscription is. Check out her January Ipsy Plus box to see why.

Pammy Blogs Beauty pampers her hair with a super luxurious shampoo and conditioner from n:p beautiful haircare.

Calling all beauty and romance lovers! The Makeup Obsessed Mom has a Fashion Flash Giveaway on her blog now. She's giving away great prizes, including a $50 Ulta gift card.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is thoroughly obsessed with the NuReveal Organics Bright Star Resurfacing Face & Lip Scrub and thinks that you will love it too because it is safe, effective, gentle and such a pleasure to use!

Erika at Notes from My Dressing Table took a couple of the Juno & Co. Velvet Microfiber Makeup Application Sponges for a test drive. Did she love them or leave them?

It's here! It's here! The new Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette has arrived and Christa from Realizing Beauty is so excited to share her review and swatches with you. Can it possibly live up to the original Naked Palette?

Being removed from a PR list doesn't slow Blushing Noir down! Was the February Boxycharm worth the $21 investment? Click to find out.

BeautyJudy shares her experience with Morphe’s new Fluidity Foundation- is it hit or miss?

Glossybox It's All About Love February Beauty Box | Unboxing #Glossybox

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Every month, GLOSSYBOX delivers a selection of five, and this month six, beauty products ranging from luxury, to niche, to emerging brands. Their beauty experts evaluate what's trending, and curate their monthly beauty essentials accordingly. Furthermore, GLOSSYBOX houses their monthly beauty subscriptions in a sturdy and chic boxes that is a treat to unwrap! The February box features 6 products ranging from full size to deluxe samples, and I am pleased with each of their selections. For a limited time, Use the Coupon Code: HEART to receive 20% Off on your first box. GLOSSYBOX ships to the US and Canada.

GLOSSYBOX November February It's All About Love Beauty Box is the perfect Valentine's Day box!

 Inside the box:

1) Freeman Beauty Psssssst Volume Original Dry Shampoo in Original Citrus ($2.99 for 1.76 oz.): If you are a fan of dry shampoos, which are so nice to use between hair washings, then this refreshing citrus scented version is such a nice and affordable choice!

According to Freeman Beauty,

Psssst! The TRUE Original Dry Shampoo is the stylist’s secret to skipping shampoos for longer-lasting style. Lightweight, talc-free formula absorbs oil, sweat and product build-up. Taking hair from dirty, flat and matte to refreshed and revived. Water not required: just spray and go!

Ingredients: Butane, Propane, SD Alcohol 40-B, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Isobutane, Cyclomethicone, Fragrance.

2) Proenza Schouler Arizona Eau de Parfum ($28.00 for 9ml/0.3 oz.): I only just received the February Beauty Box, and I haven't had the opportunity to do more than just spray it during my unboxing, but it is a fruity musky floral that smells lovely. I will have to see how it wears on my skin, but as a huge fan of Proenza Schouler, I have high hopes that I will love wearing this fragrance!

According to Proenza Schouler,

The first fragrance by Proenza Schouler. Discover this radiant eau de parfum, blooming with a white cactus flower accord and a unique mineral signature. Arizona is a feeling of adventure. A place of beauty and mystery. Inspired by the ravines and ridges that define the horizon of the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the bottle is a piece of art in itself. The final shape, like a drop encapsulated into faceted angles of rocks, is a unique glass innovation allowing a disruptive asymmetry.

Olfactory Notes: Orris / White Cactus Flower / Jasmine / Orange Flower / Solar Accord / Musk / Cashmeran.

3) Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible+ (a $5.00 value for 12 patches): These inventive patches offer an innovative way to spot treat pimples. I will definitely give then a try the next time that I have a breakout!

According to Hero Cosmetics,

Our hydrocolloid acne stickers protect blemishes for faster healing overnight. Each pimple patch acts as a protective cover and prevents touching and picking. Mighty Patch uses the highest grade hydrocolloid, a super absorbent material, to draw out pus and other impurities from your pimple. This reduces the blemish, speeds up the healing process all while protecting your skin.

4) skinChemists Rose Quartz Lip Plump (Full size 32.00 for 8ml/0.27oz.): This minty lip plumper has a refreshing tingle, a gorgeous glossy finish, and it does in fact lightly plump the lips without burning or irritating mine.

According to skinDefence,

Our Rose Quartz Lip Plump can give you a fuller pout without the pain and commitment offered by fillers. This Lip Plump is designed to hydrate the lips, whilst actively boosting them for a fuller pout, leaving them soft and lightly glossy. Providing all the benefits of a lip gloss and a lip balm, with an actively pumping effect.

With key ingredient Volulip, derived from the 'Kiss Me Quick' plant, this lip plump aims to stimulate the production of Hyaluronic Acid, producing an active plumping effect. Circulation of blood to the surface of the lip is further enhanced by Peppermint Oil producing a fuller pout.

5) Doucce Relentless Matte Lip Crayon in Spur (Full Size. $22.00 for 0.0098 oz.): This full-size matte lip crayon glides across the lips so effortlessly, and its creamy texture doesn't feel dry or stiff. Spur is a gorgeous nude brown, and unlike most matte lipsticks, I do not find that this one dries out my lips. It is long-lasting and I have found it transfer-proof.

According to Doucce,

The Relentless Matte Lip Crayon is a long-lasting deeply pigmented lip color that glides on with an ultra-matte finish. The formula provides both high coverage and an incredibly creamy saturated finish with shades ranging from neutral to dramatic, ideal for every skin tone. The crayon also comes with a sharpener to keep the tip defined for easy and precise application.

6) Manna Kadar Long Wear Powder Split Pan Duo in Posh (The full size retails for $24.00. This is a deluxe sample featuring 0.05 oz.): This duo features warm peachy brown shades that can be used as a blush, bronzer, contour and shadow. The peachy shade has a lovely shimmer and the darker shade has a matte finish.

According to Manna Kadar,

Long-Wear Powders Split Pan Duo includes two textures, matte and pearlized. The custom formulation offers a special light texture which glides on smoothly and evenly to provide the perfect amount of color for a healthy glow. Powders can be used as a blush, bronzer, highlighter and shadow. Available in Posh and Uptown.

Mix the shades together to create your unique color. Apply on face and body for the ultimate bronzed glow!

Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2; Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, [+/-: Ci77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Ci 77891].

7) BONUS: $100.00 Wine Voucher Gift Card from Naked Wines. Receive $100.00 off on any case of wine priced at $160.00 or more.

Overall Assessment: Not only is the GLOSSYBOX February Beauty Box a great value, but it is filled with very nice products.

Press Sample Courtesy of GLOSSYBOX. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2019 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved (Affiliate Links).

Sephora Beauty Insider, VIB and VIB Rouge Birthday Gifts 2019

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I just redeemed my Sephora birthday gift this year, and was thrilled to see that they are now offering VIB and VIB Rouge members 250 points as a gift option in 2019! I selected the 250 points instead of deluxe products, but you can also select a Kat Von D. gift, a Drunk Elephant gift or a Milk Makeup gift. I have drawers and drawers filled with deluxe samples, and therefore selecting the points was a great option for me.

*Beauty Insiders are eligible to redeem one birthday gift per year. 250 bonus points and the surprise online-only gifts are only available to VIB and Rouge members. In-store redemption: no purchase necessary. Redeem in Sephora or Sephora inside JCPenney stores during your birthday month by providing your Beauty Insider email address. Online redemption: a merchandise purchase is required. Redeem two weeks before or after your birthday and any time during your birthday month. Offer not valid on jcp online. If you are having problems redeeming online, please contact customer service at Sephora.com/contact-us. Substitutions may occur. Valid while supplies last. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora at its sole discretion at any time.