Empties Post Volume XXXIII: May 2015

 Press Samples & Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)

Somehow the stars lined up this month and I managed to finish up lots of products that had either been nearly empty for a while. I also went through a fair number of sample sizes that had been in my travel bag. Truthfully one of the things that gives me the greatest satisfaction in finishing up products, is placing all of those empty containers into my recycle bin. Since we became dedicated to recycling, there has been a marked reduction in what ends up in our garbage can, and a huge increase in what ends up in our recycle can. I have also made an effort to try to buy things with the least amount of extraneous packaging so that I can further reduce what I consume.

1) Keratin Perfect: Perfect Cleanse Shampoo (Reviewed here): I really liked this shampoo a great deal. It was very gentle and non-stripping, and it left my hair hydrated. It will be quite a while before I need to purchase another shampoo, but I would definitely use this again.

2) Taya Amazon White Clay Thickening Whipped Clay (Reviewed here): This definitely adds lots of body and thickness to hair, and is great if you need to add volume to your tresses.

3) Mario Badescu Citrus Body Wash (Reviewed here): I will happily buy this over and over again. This is a thoroughly refreshing and gentle body cleanser with the most delicious citrus scent! I love everything about it!

4) Trader Joe's Lavender & Chamomile Hand Soap is a staple in my household, and I routinely buy it in multiples when I shop at Trader Joe's. The often pungent nature of lavender is tempered by the more mellow chamomile, and the result is a very comforting herbal scent. Not only is it non-stripping, but it is actually very moisturizing! I love this hand soap.

5) Desert Essence Island Mango Hand and Body Lotion (Reviewed here): This is an ultra delicious smelling cream that is thick, rich and very hydrating. I have only ever loved the products that I have used from Desert Essence.

6) Gold Sakura Hinoki Deitanseki Facial Cleansing Foam with Charcoal and Hinoki Oil (Reviewed here): This is a highly concentrated purifying cleanser that produces a rich and heady foam. The charcoal really draws out impurities, and skin is left squeaky clean. It is definitely better suited to combination to oily skin types, and would likely be far too drying for drier skin.

7) Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion (Reviewed here): I am almost incapable of being objective about this toner because I began using it as a teenager. Erno Laszlo was the first high-end skincare line that I used, and therefore it evokes a certain nostalgic response in me. That said, I still think that this is a really great toner, and while it does contain alcohol I do not find it drying.

8) Natracare Cleansing Make-up Removal Wipes (Reviewed here): I really like these wipes, and find them both gentle and effective.

9) Clayspray Hydrate H20 Spray (Reviewed here): This ultra-fine misting spray hydrates and refreshes the skin, and feels wonderful!

10) Clarins UV Plus HP Ecran Multi-Protection SPF 40 (Reviewed here): This remains one of my all-time favorite sunscreens! It is non-whitening, does not interfere with makeup application and wear, and has an SPF 40. I will repurchase this when I need another SPF for my face.

11) Trader Joe's  Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizers & Vitamin E is a go-to in my household, and yet another Trader Joe's product that we buy in multiples. We stash these everywhere! I always keep one in my car, one in my work bag, one in my purse, and anywhere else that I can think of!

12 & 13) Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Hair is a winning combination! I have used Oribe shampoos and conditioners for years, and they continually rank among my very favorites. The Beautiful Haircare line is great for over-processed hair, and while my hair can't be described as that– it is naturally curly and dry so the added moisture that these products provide are much appreciated!

14) Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Conditioner with Mega Bounce is one of the most mind-glowingly effective conditioners that I have ever tried. It is described as, "perfect for reviving, defining and de-frizzing curls; creating sleek, swingy blowouts; and plumping up fine, limp hair for lasting volume." It leaves my hair unbelievably soft, manageable and frizz-free!

15) Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is a really nice nourishing and hydrating moisturizer. It is no-frills, and makes no wild claims, and it does exactly what it's supposed to do.

16) Malin+Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer is a really nice thick and rich, yet oil-free, antioxidant moisturizer for the hands and body. I wouldn't mind having a full size bottle in my bathroom!

17) Radical Skincare Youth Infusion Serum is  lovely serum from one of my favorite skincare lines. I have only used a sample, but that's enough to know that I would love a full-size bottle! It is designed to boost hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines. My skin  looks and feels amazing when I use it.

18) Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs (Reviewed here): What a miraculous exfoliator this is.Skin is left unbelievably velvety soft and supple, and it is more like a gentle microdermabrasion treatment than a simple exfoliating pad. I will use these as long as Dr. Colbert makes them!

19-21) Assorted Samples: Lucky Number 6 for Women, Eslor The Art of Beauty Soothing Refiner & Cleanser and Firming Collagen Day Cream. Like with most sample packets, there just isn't enough product in them to form an opinion.

What did you use up, throw out, give away or return in May? Were there any real duds or winners that you have to report?

Press Samples, Gifts with Purchase and Purchased by me (Affiliate Links)
All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Things I'm Currently Loving in July to Stay Hydrated, Quenched and Refreshed

Hot Weather Favorites! (Affiliate Links) *Denotes Press Samples.

To be perfectly honest with you, often times when the weather starts to heat up here in Los Angeles-- I opt to be outdoors in order to enjoy the lovely weather, and makeup is most often the furthest thing from my mind. In fact, I often go without it altogether. That said, I do enjoy certain indulgences that keep me moisturized, hydrated, quenched, refreshed and happy. It is in these times that I use minimal skincare products, but load up on sunscreen, and I keep misting sprays close at hand. Here are my top picks that I reached for the most in July!

I find that the coordinated use of  the Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil (reviewed here) and Body Oil (reviewed here) in conjunction with the Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm (reviewed here) makes for a delectable sensory experience, and these beautifully scented gems evoke a tranquil breeze carrying the lovely scent of Jasmine.

I like to apply the Rodin Olio Lusso Body Oil right out of the shower to warm damp skin. The scent is absolutely divine, and it leaves my skin soft, supple and glowing. I cannot ever imagine not using this ultra luxurious body oil not just because it is such an effective moisturizer, but also because the scent is truly addictive.

Ingredients: Simmondisa Chinesis (jojoba) Oil, Jasminum Officinale (jasmine) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) Kernel Oil, Oenothera Biennis (evening Primrose) Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange) Flower Oil, Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool.

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil is one of the beauty oils that I have remained loyal to, not just because it hydrates and plumps my skin, but also because it gives my skin a stunning otherworldly glow and radiance. Furthermore, this is the first oil that completely healed two little dry patches when nothing else would. It is made from 11 nourishing essential oils derived from flowers and botanicals, and the scent is an intoxicatingly beautiful jasmine. There is a reason why this luxury oil has a loyal following of devotees who would more likely give up just about anything else before abandoning this gorgeous product.

Ingredients: Jasmin Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Prunus Amygalus Dulcis (Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinesis (jojoba) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (evening Primrose) Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Calendula Offincinalis Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange) Flower Oil, Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool.

I once described Rodin Lip Balm as a tiny slice of pink heaven, and I remain steadfast in this belief. In my estimation, this is one of the greatest lip balms ever created! It not only leaves lips soft, supple and unbelievably moisturized, but it has the low sheen of a luxury lip gloss, and leaves behind the most beautiful pale pink pout. 

Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (castor) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (beeswax), Butyrospermum Parkii (shea Butter) Oil, Jasminum Offcinale (jasmine) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange) Flower Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Argania Spinosa (argan) Kernel Oil, Mica, Ci 77891 (titanium Dioxide), Ci 75470, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Farnesol, Geraniol.

Clayspray Hydrate H20 Mineral Rich Mountain Spring Water Spray* (reviewed here): This misting spray is so refreshing and hydrating that I have found myself reaching for it quite often during the month of July. I have nearly finished this can, and will definitely be repurchasing it!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua).

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater* (reviewed here): Mario Badescu describes this facial spray as, "A refreshing, hydrating mist to use any time. Formulated simply with fragrant herbal extracts and rosewater for a pleasant pick-me-up for dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable skin. Gentle, non-irritating." Not only is this a refreshing and hydrating spray, but the rosewater scent is just beautiful. I'm in love!

Ingredients: Deionized Water (Aqua), Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) Vera Gel, Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculous) Extract, Herbal Extract,Rose (Rosa Gallica) Extract, Gardenia (Gardenis Florida) Extract, Propylene Glycol.

Fake Bake Mistifier Oil Free Moisturizer Body Spray* (reviewed here): According to Fake Bake, this is, "the ideal companion to your Fake Bake sunless tanner, this formula combines lightweight emollients and hydrators with green tea, vitamin E, ginger root and aloe for a refreshing sensation that calms irritation. The added moisture ensures a more uniform, long-lasting, healthy-looking tan from head to toe." First I have to say that Mistifier is so much fun to use because once sprayed it foams up and cools the skin while moisturizing it. It makes the skin feel so good in the warm weather that you might be tempted to use more than is actually needed! 

Ingredients: Aqua, (purified Water), Dimethyl Ether, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale (ginger) Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acetate Crosspolymer, Polysrobate 80, Citric Acid, Tirethanoalmine, Fragrance.

I almost never drink sodas, and almost always drink only water. However, whenever I want something tastier than water I always choose Coconut Water-- not only because it is so hydrating and great for a dewy complexion, but also because I love the way it tastes. In fact I have been obsessed with it for a very long time, and always buy it by the case. During the warmer months of the year I seem to drink quite a bit of it, and what I have learned along the way is, unsurprisingly, that not all coconut waters are created equally. I have also grown far more picky about which ones that I will repurchase based upon taste and purity of the product. I only drink coconut water that is 100% natural and with no other additives or sweeteners. One of my very favorite brands is UFC Refresh Coconut Water* because it tastes delicious and fresh, and because the only ingredient is 100% natural coconut water. I'm just about to order a couple of cases because it tastes that delicious!

Features:

• Natural Rehydration /Not from concentrate / No added colors & Flavors.
• 5 Essential electrolytes (Potassium / Calcium / Magnesium / Phosphorus / Sodium)
• More Potassium than 1 banana (510 mg potassium)
• Fat Free /Gluten Free / Cholesterol Free / Non-GMO
• Product of Thailand where the best coconut are cultivated / TTM (Thailand Trust Mark)

Ingredients: 100% Natural Coconut Water.

Available from Amazon:
UFC Refresh 100 Natural Coconut Water (Non-GMO, 16.9-ounces/500ml - 6 Pack)($17.99)
UFC Refresh 100% Natural Coconut Water (Non-GMO, 33.8-ounces/1L - 6 Pack)($29.99)

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt in Mint Chocolate Chip is not just delicious and refreshing, but it is also low in calories. If you love mint chip ice cream, then you will love these scrumptious yogurt pops! I am reminded of hot summers as a kid when I stood in line at my local ice cream parlor to get a big scoop of mint chip ice cream!

This nostalgic ice cream flavor can now be appreciated every day! Creamy mint Greek yogurt with a generous helping of chocolate chips, all at just 100 calories, 0 percent fat and 6 grams of protein. Old school satisfaction with a new school twist!

Ingredients and Nutritional Facts:

What are your hot weather favorites?

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Clayspray Hydrate H20 Mineral Rich Mountain Spring Water Spray and Mattifying Red Clay Masque Review

Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

If you have not yet heard about Clayspray products, then you are in for a real treat. I love using water sprays to hydrate and refresh the skin, and I am a major clay mask enthusiast, but Clayspray has created the perfect marriage between these two products. Their approach is a novel one that is sanitary and very pragmatic. Just as the H20 Spray is stored in an airtight opaque bottle, so too is the Clay Mask. The Clay Mask dispenses with an easy to use pump that keeps the contents fresh and uncontaminated. This idea is pure genius! Using a clay mask has never been easier or more fun to use.

H2O Spray Hydrate Mineral Rich Mountain Spring Water "is exceptionally pure. It is extracted by non-invasive methods as natural pressure forces it through geological layers until it flows  to the surface from the ancient aquifer deep below the surface of the mountain where it is extracted. Moisturizes and refreshes the skin."

What it's used for:

Clayspray Hydrate H2O Water Spray features pure thermal spring water that is naturally infused trace minerals that support healthy cell function and fight the signs of aging while providing lightweight hydration. It may also be used to set your makeup and mineral powder sunscreens for longer wear time. To be used with Clayspray treatments to prepare the skin, facilitate massage or extend treatment duration. The smaller droplet size creates a skin microenvironment that protects the skin. Instant moisture that improves elasticity and texture. Fixes makeup. Ideal to refresh the skin in closed environments such offices and airplanes.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua).

A nutrient-rich hydrating toning mist for all skin types.

Mattifying Red Clay Masque: Mineral rich clay, with restorative properties regulates oil secretion in the skin, combats blemishes, and purifies. Deep cleansing, absorbs and eliminates impurities and soothes leaving skin with a fresh matt look."

Mattifying red clay masque for oily skin delivers a truly deep cleanse. Enriched with minerals that possess anti-aging benefits including silica to boost collagen iron to activate the circulation and magnesium to heal. It absorbs impurities whilst helping to reduces blemishes and regulate the skin’s natural oils for a fresh, matt appearance. Oily Skin.

Ingredients: Clay, (argilla), water (aqua), cardamom (elletaria cardamomum) seed oil, citric acid, sodium hexametaphoshate, sodium polyacrylate.

Instructions:

1.   Spray or moisten skin with natural mineral water.

2.   Dispense product into your hand and massage into the area to be treated. Avoid contact with eyes.

3.   Leave on until dry.

4.   Wash skin with water until clay is removed

My experience: Used alone, Hydrate H20 Mineral Rich Mountain Spring Water Spray is a very refreshing and hydrating spray. It emits a very fine mist that delivers the perfect amount of product. Used in conjunction with the Mattifying Red Clay Mask, Hydrate H20 Mineral Rich Mountain Spring Water Spray moistens clean skin just enough to serve as the perfect base for the mask. I spray a very thin veil of the water on my freshly cleaned skin and then apply the Mattifying Red Clay Masque to my moistened skin and allow it to dry completely. Once I remove it my skin is left balanced, radiant and it draws out impurities and unclogs the pores beautifully! Not only is it a highly effective clay mask, but the air tight container assures that it stays fresh, uncontaminated, and that it never dries out and hardens.

Clayspray has five different formulas for different skin types and targeted concerns:

Pore Refining White Clay Masque: Exfoliates, removes impurities and environmental toxins. Refines pores, for a smooth look. The Pore Refining Masque purifies skin and refines pores, and perfects for a soft and smooth complexion.

Toning White Clay with Aloe Vera Masque: Gently exfoliates, smooths and softens, reveals younger looking skin, standardises skin texture, and unifies skin tone.

Mattifying Red Clay Masque: Mineral rich clay, with restorative properties regulates oil secretion in the skin, combats blemishes, and purifies. Deep cleansing, absorbs and eliminates impurities and soothes leaving skin with a fresh matt look  For oily skin.

Brightening White Clay & Ginseng Masque: Exfoliates, and renews. Removes dead skin cells, revealing a fresh new skin surface with energising ginseng to brighten, for an immediate replenished and healthy look.

Glow Red Clay & Cacao Masque: Nourishing power of antioxidant rich cacao aids cell regeneration and neutralises the damaging effect of free radicals. For glowing, healthy, and radiant looking skin. 

Clayspray has two formulas of H20 Sprays:

H2O Spray Hydrate Mineral Rich Mountain Spring Water: This is the one that I have, and it only contains fresh mountain water.

H20 Spray & Green Tea Comfort: Tones and soothes the skin. Green Tea is rich in polyphenols that fight free radicals that cause skin damage. A calming toner that will improve skin texture and relieve tightness after peelings, facials or shaving.

Overall assessment: I am so happy with the results from both of these products that I now want to try the rest of the line!

H20 Spray $24.00 for 4.23 fl oz. from Dermstore, Beautyhabit and Urban Outfitters. (Affiliate Links)

Mattifying Red Clay Mask $60.00 for 4.23 fl. oz from Dermstore, Beautyhabit, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. (Affiliate Links)

Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.