Empties Post Volume XXIX: January 2015 Edition

*Press Samples & Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)

I must confess that I really didn't make any sort of concerted effort to finish up products in my current skincare rotation this month, and the things that I did finish had been very close to empty the month before. Nonetheless, I did manage to finish up 7 full size products and 4 sample packets. In January my greatest obsession was undoubtedly moisturizing my skin, and if these cold nights persist I will probably have a few moisturizer empties in February as well!

1) *Suave Softening Body Wash with Awapuhi Ginger & Honeysuckle (reviewed here): Lovely smelling, leaves skin soft and clean. I also used this to shave my legs and underarms! I am working on another bottle as we speak!

2) *Belli Pure & Pampered Body Wash (reviewed here): This is a wonderful body cleanser with a light lavender scent. It gently cleans, and leaves skin scrumptiously soft and hydrated!

3) J.R. Watkins Naturals Hand Soap in Aloe & Green Tea (reviewed here): I love J.R. Watkins, and they make my all-time favorite hand soaps. I continually purchase these in multiples! I love the Aloe & Green Tea scent, but am currently using the Lemon which is utterly luscious!

4) *Taya Amazon White Clay Thickening Shampoo (reviewed here): Taya makes really lovely haircare products, and their shampoo and conditioner are among my favorites from their line. The shampoo thoroughly cleanses without stripping, and the conditioner leaves hair tangle-free, soft and shiny!

5) Caudalie Divine Oil (reviewed here): As the name suggests, this is one divine oil! The moment that I finished my bottle I opened another! The scent is gloriously warm and rich, and it leaves skin soft silky and hydrated. I also use a small amount in my hair, and the results are amazing.

6) Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil: Spectrum makes amazing organic products, and I absolutely love their Organic Coconut Oil! While it is fantastic for cooking, I left this jar on my nightstand and used it each night from my scalp to my toes (not on my face). Organic Coconut Oil is a great way to moisturize the skin, and it is one of my absolutely favorite products to use on my feet before putting on fluffy socks. Since it has been cold at night, I have been layering it beneath a heavy cream.

7) *Shea Yeleen Shea Butter Soap in Lemongrass Peppermint (reviewed here): Shea Yeleen makes amazing products, and their earthy soaps are definitely a favorite. They clean the skin thoroughly without stripping, and skin is left soft and hydrated. I have been keeping a bar at my bathroom sink since it prevents my hands from drying out!

8) *Natracare Cleansing Make-Up Wipes for Sensitive Skin (reviewed here): These wipes are highly effective, unbelievably gentle, and well worth trying if you have sensitive skin and/or eyes!

What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return in January? Did you make any great new discoveries? Any duds to report?

Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved (Affiliate Links).

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleanser | Review

 Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)

The more products that I try from Aesop, the more smitten I am with the line. I adore their face oils, and now can add their Parsley Seed Cleanser to my favorite cleansers. This is a gentle cleanser that was made for all skin types, but that is particularly effective for combination or troubled skin types.

Aesop describes it as a, "clarifying gel thoroughly removes surface impurities and offers mild exfoliation from Lactic Acid. Ideal for maintaining immaculately clean skin in polluted urban environments." They further assert that it is, "gentle enough for all skin types and can be used throughout the year in all climates. The Lactic Acid in this formula has been included for its ability to gently remove dry and damaged layers of skin, improving the texture of the skin and making it feel softer and smoother."

I use Aesop Parsley Seed Cleanser either by itself, or with my Clarisonic, and the results are remarkable either way. It produces a creamy rich lather that has a delectable herbal scent. The Lactic Acid gently removes dead skin cells, and cleans pores, and leaves my skin soft and silky smooth. My skin, while thoroughly cleansed, is not left stripped or taut. While I love using it all by itself, the experience is sublime when used in conjunction with my Clarisonic. It's perfection on my normal to combination skin, and I can use it daily. That said, I think that people with drier skin would prefer using it once or twice a week, rather than daily. 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Olive Oil PEG 7 Esters, Sodium PEG-7 Olive Oil Carboxylate, Coco-Betaine, Potassium Lactate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrant) Seed Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, d-Limonene.

Overall Assessment: An excellent cleanser from a wonderful line! You will be seeing more Aesop products reviewed soon!

$57.00 for 6.8 oz. from Barneys New York, Net-A-Porter, Amazon. Liberty London and David Jones (Affiliate Links).
Purchased by Me. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil | Review

 Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil is a lovely daily moisturizing beauty oil that was formulated with normal, dull, sensitive, reactive or congested skin types in mind. While I find it quite nourishing for my combination skin, I do think that drier skin types would prefer the richer formula that their Damascan Rose Facial Treatment provides (reviewed here).

According to Aesop,

Nine carefully selected botanicals deliver exceptional hydrating and fortifying benefits to detoxify, smooth and balance normal or patchy skin, with a non-greasy finish. Suited to all seasons, cities and skin types.

This much-adored facial oil works on all skin types, but is especially good to use if you have sensitive, congested and reactive skin. The juniper berries, jasmine and ylang ylang make this natural serum smell stunning, a lovely boost in the morning, for a facial massage or as a night treatment. Only a few drops are needed and when used daily with your regular moisturiser it softens, hydrates and detoxifies patchy skin and leaves a matte, non-greasy finish.

Fabulous Face Oil is aptly named because it really and truly is fabulous. It is lightweight, fast absorbing and utterly silky in texture. I apply a couple of drops to warm and damp freshly cleansed skin, and then marvel as it sinks in immediately leaving behind only an ethereal and healthy glow. My skin is left indescribably soft, smooth and lusciously hydrated. If my skin is at all irritated, this lovely elixir quickly calms and balances it. On the rare occasions that I have a break out, Fabulous Face Oil eliminates the redness and the pimple(s) with remarkable efficacy and speed.

Fabulous Face Oil boasts a gorgeous blend of oils, but it is the earthy warmth of Ylang Ylang that rushes to the foreground to soothe the senses. It is warm, calming and luscious, but it does fade a few minutes after it absorbed into the skin.

Ingredients: Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Linalool,Benzyl Benzoate, d-Limonene, Eugenol, Farnesol, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Benzyl Alcohol.

Overall Assessment: This truly is a fabulous face oil! If you have oily to combination skin and have long feared trying a face oil, then this is a great one to consider. Likewise, Fabulous Face Oil will do wonders for sensitive or irritable skin types. However, while it can be used on most skin types, I don't think that drier skin types will find it moisturizing enough for their skin. Furthermore, if you aren't a fan of the earthiness of Ylang Ylang, then this probably isn't the oil for you, but the aroma is neither pungent, nor long-lasting. In my estimation, Fabulous Face Oil is a delectable lovely oil!

$57.00 for from Barneys New York, Amazon, Adore Beauty, Cult Beauty UK (£40.00), Cult Beauty Ltd,  Fragrance Net and Aesop (Affiliate Links).

Purchased by Me. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is Now on tumblr!

I have been meaning to start a tumblr account for a while, and finally did it. I have only just started working on it, but wanted to invite you over to have a look. Either click on the image above, or click here.  I am still learning my way around this new platform, but want to have some fun with it, and hope that you will join me!

BBC Week in Review

TheFabZilla: Spring has sprung at TheFabZilla. Check out Guerlain Les Tenders Spring 2015 Makeup Collection Feat. Meteorites Compact 3 Medium and Kiss Kiss Rosy Silk.

Painted Ladies: Puzzled by nail art? Sheila breaks down 4 easy nail art techniques that will have your manis looking fancy in a flash.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Looking for more matte lipstick options? Then see why Burberry Lip Velvet Long Wear Lipsticks in Antique Pink and Pink Amber are swoon-worthy!

Fluttering Lashes: Have you picked up anything from Cara Cosmetics? Check out my recent additions!

Beauty by Miss L: Are OZ Naturals products really the best ones?

BeautyTidbits: No time for a Spa facial treatment? Check out this amazing at-home facial mask and get an exclusive offer to score a Free Sample!

Color Me So Crazy: What's Inside My January Ipsy Glam Bag??

Never Say Die Beauty: The Michael Todd Soniclear Antimicrobial Cleansing Brush is a game changer for Allison's sensitive skin.

I Know all the Words: The complexion duo of your dreams- The Face Base with Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation & Instant Concealer.

beautyXposé: Looking for a full-coverage foundation with a light wear? Read on to see what Kristin thinks of the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation.

Being Melody: Pack your MakeUp like a Pro and leave your stress behind with these tips.

Be Happy And Buy Polish: Are you longing for spring? So is Jessica with this cheerful spring manicure!

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Top Picks

• TheFabZilla: #TeamFail or #TeamWin ? TheFabZilla gets her hands on the new Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette (Graphite).
• Theadorable Beauty Blog: Do you like rainbows? Do you like gradients? What about a rainbow gradient.. on your nails!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss in Peachy and Rambutan are must-have pink & peach perfection for every occasion!
• Kizzy Online: Makeup Monday: all neutrals!Makeup Monday: all neutrals!
• Beauty on the Bayou: BRING OUT YOUR INNER MODEL - Model In A Bottle Makeup Setting Spray.
• Beauty by Miss L: My Beauty Resolutions for 2015.
• Color Me So Crazy: **Spolier Alert** #RedCoatTuesday for Pretty Little Liars.
• Never Say Die Beauty: Allison finally gets around to singing the praises of Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette.
• beautyXposé: Don’t let the cold winter weather dry out your skin. Kristin shares some of her current favorite Winter moisturizers to keep you as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
• The Feminine Files: Lip color...are you more BOLD or NEUTRAL? I'll show you 2 great options from the Maybelline Color Sensational line!
• beautyfiends: Julia at beautyfiends is giving away the Rodan+Fields Multi-Function Eye Cream!

The Beauty Spotlight Team's Top Picks for Your Weekend Reading Pleasure

Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Love Bruise 05 is the perfect on-trend plum with gold shimmer that is infinitely wearable and absolutely gorgeous! With one swatch you will see why Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is completely transfixed by this twinkling gem!

What do you think of Marsala, the Pantone color of the year? Beauty Info Zone has some new ideas with KBShimmer polish and Purely Cosmetics blush. Let's learn about the indies.

Who says spring is all about soft washes of colors? Givenchy would politely disagree. Sunny from Mostly Sunny checks out some bright colorful pieces from the Color Creation collection. Would you like to have some color fun, too?

Ever wonder what is the secret to celebrities looking so young and line-less on the red carpet? I swear it is this stuff! Find out more about how much Pammy Blogs Beauty loves Kate Somerville's Dermal Quench Liquid Lift!

Looking for an eyeshadow palette that truly takes you from day to night? Prime Beauty shows you the Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Palette which can be worn wet or dry!

Want to look like your face was airbrushed by angels? Well you will want to check out Perilously Pale's review of the new Guerlain Light Revealing Powder!

Thinking about picking up the Urban Decay Vice LTD palette on Jan. 25? Check out Phyrra's review and swatches!

What do you buy at The Body Shop? polish insomniac wants you to think nail polish with the Color Crush collection.

Is 15 Minute Beauty going Coco Loco? Better read to find out.

The Painted Rogue has stumbled into the fifth chamber of the dungeon by wearing Too Faced Fuchsia Melted Lipstick. Will she find her way out??

Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Wet Violet 09 | Swatches and Review

 
Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)

As I noted in my review for Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Love Bruise, I know that many of you by far prefer lipsticks to lip glosses, but Tom Ford makes utterly amazing lip glosses that are well worth trying. These beauties boast superb pigmentation, semi-opaque to opaque coverage, long wear time, and are exceptionally comfortable on the lips.

According to Tom Ford Beauty, their Ultra Shine Lip Gloss is, "A high-shine, color-saturated gloss designed to achieve bold and glamorous lips. Its smooth and creamy texture has a high adherence and easy comfort. It can be worn alone or layered over Tom Ford lip color to add dimension to the lips."

As I previously noted in my Love Bruise review,

The Ultra Shine Lip Gloss formula has a delightful vanilla scent that is not overpowering, and it does fade rather quickly upon application. The texture of the gloss is quite thick and rich, compared to other glosses, lending itself to opaque coverage– although it can be sheered out. The texture is almost a touch sticky, but not quite- just enough to assure that it adheres to the lips, and is long-wearing by typical lip gloss standards. It actually feels a bit more like a liquid lipstick than a lip gloss, and I find that I get several hours of wear out of a single application. The high shine finish is both lush and elegant,  and not in the least bit overdone.

Wet Violet is a breathtaking blue-based purple-kissed wine with subtle pink and violet shimmer.  It can easily be sheered out, or built-up to nearly full opacity, but its tendency is to be a touch more opaque than sheer due to its rich color saturation. Wet Violet applies evenly, has never settled into lip lines, and boasts the perfect amount of cushion. I haven't experienced any migration off of my lips yet when worn alone, but due to its impressive pigmentation and gloss texture, albeit thicker than most, a lip liner (whether clear or pigmented) would mitigate any tendency to migrate. Wet Violet wears for an impressive four to five hours on my lips, and even a touch longer when worn over a lip liner.

The formula is just superb, and the color is sublime. Wet Violet is gorgeous alone or on top of your favorite plummy to vampy lipsticks. It is a truly extraordinary addition to my collection.

As I previously noted,

The brush applicator does have a tendency to extract more gloss than I need for a single application- therefore I do try to minimize waste by scraping it against the side of the tube while removing the wand. The wand itself is quite long permitting you to scrape the last bits from the bottom of the tube unlike many lip glosses.

While Tom Ford Beauty doesn't suggest that this gloss is moisturizing, I find that my lips feel conditioned when I wear it.

I applied it heavily at the bottom and sheered it around the edges in order for you to see how it appears when both sheered out and built up.

Of the vampy lip glosses that I have seen, this is unquestionably the most stunning.

Wet Violet is a breathtaking blue-based purple-kissed wine with subtle pink and violet shimmer.

Top to Bottom: Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Love Bruise and Wet Violet

 Ingredients:

Overall Assessment: This is the vampy lip gloss to beat! It is perfectly on trend, and utterly gorgeous! If you are looking for a vampy gloss, then be sure to check this one out!

$46.00 for .24 oz. from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges (£33.00) and Harrods (£33.00) (Affiliate Links).

Life, According to Delilah and Lucy

Delilah and Lucy are absolute busybodies, and any sound from the greater outdoors results in a harmonized a cappella performance. The edge of the couch allows them to catch a glimpse of the street, and the view of passing dogs and birds results in fits of semi-hysterical self-expression. Delilah, in particular, takes great pride in her ability to protect us from any menacing creatures who might even consider coming within a hundred feet of the house. However, she also feels as though this act of protection and loyalty deserves a kind of built-in reward that includes, but is not limited to, the perfunctory hugs and treats. That's right, she doesn't care whether they are delivered without interest, or with great interest– it only matters that this part of the ritual must be performed. Lucy, though pint-sized comparatively, has a shrill voice that easily achieves the highest octaves imaginable. This ability seems to give her great pleasure, or at least the power in knowing that she will get the attention that she seeks from this particular gift.

However, the couch is also a place of celebration, and there is nothing more exciting than the sound and sight of a familiar car gliding up the driveway. The satisfaction that these two gain from seeing one of their human family members emerge from a car is one of their great pleasures. They quickly disembark (pun intended) and make a swift run for the door to greet their people. Their sloppy kisses, big smiles and wagging tails make the end of a long day somehow feel perfect, as though all is right with the world.

Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Marc Your Beginning of Spring 2015 Collection

Press Release (Affiliate Link)

Free shipping on any order with code SHIP at Marc Jacobs Beauty. Offer valid until 12/31/15.