August 2026 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

I can barely believe that I finished up 10 full-size products in the month of August, but while the pile looks impressive, I have to state that I nearly finished the deodorant in July, and got less than a full week of use in August. The hair mask, likewise was nearly finished in July, everything else had just enough product left to make it through the end of the month, but nothing in this pile was freshly opened in August and finished in the same month. I throughly enjoyed using everything here, and would happily use all of these products again, but in most cases I won't be replacing them soon because I am swimming in other products that I should, ideally, finish first.

Native Body Wash in Cucumber & Mint: I absolutely LOVE this body wash, and it has earned pride-of-place as my all-time favorite warm weather body wash. It is so refreshing, and the scent is uplifting and invigorating. While the fragrance is described as cucumber and mint, I detect mostly cucumber, but I absolutely love the aroma. It is gentle, and it never strips or dries out my skin. It is quite concentrated, and I just add a tiny bit to a nylon loofah and it produces a bountiful lather that is beautifully aromatic. Purchase Again? I already opened a new bottle! 

($11.89 for 11.5 oz and $19.49 for 36 oz. from Target, CVS, Amazon and Walmart).

Trader Joe's Bergamot & Vetiver Scented Hand Soap: This was a limited-time hand soap, and it sold out. What an absolute delight this is, and I really hope that they bring it back. In fact, I went back to buy 3 more bottles before they sold out, and now have one left. This beautiful citrusy floral scent is such a treat to the senses, and rather than drying out my hands, they are left lightly moisturized. The last time that I went to the same Trader Joe's they didn't have any left, but I plan to try again to get a few more bottles before they are gone altogether. I hope that there is enough demand for this lovely liquid hand soap that Trader Joe's considers making it part of their regular collection of hand soaps! A+ Purchase Again? In a heartbeat! Fingers crossed that they bring it back! 

($3.99 for 12 oz. from Trader Joe's).

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla: This is a wonderful healthy deodorant formula that is effective, smells delicious and offers long-lasting protection. Made from Pure Madagascar vanilla, creamy tonka bean, and a soft heliotrope blend, this delicious fragrance is a treat to the senses. The Pure Vanilla scent is warm and creamy perfection, and wearing it is a real pleasure.

If you are seeking an antiperspirant, then be advised that this does not prevent sweating. This has been my favorite healthy deodorant for many years now, and I will use it as long as LAVANILA makes it. It applies to the skin effortlessly, without tugging, and it never leaves a residue or stain on the clothes. This is a cruelty-free brand and their deodorants are free of aluminum and parabens. Purchase Again? I already opened another one! 

($15.00 for 2 oz. from LAVANILA, Amazon and Target).

Gotukola Youth Spring Keratin Hair Mask: While I have used  this conditioner as the company recommends, I have found that leaving the mask on longer renders even better results. I have tried a few additional methods of use: 1) leaving it on for several hours, and 2) leaving it on overnight, and in both situations my hair was left indescribably soft, shiny, and with beautifully formed glossy curls. It is a true thing of beauty to see naturally curly hair deeply moisturized and shiny, and trust me it is not an easy thing to achieve. It tames all of my frizz and fly-aways without weighing my hair down in the least bit. It also moisturizes so deeply that my hair is far more compliant when it comes to styling. Anyone who has dry hair will be shocked by the level of moisture that Gotukola Youth Spring Hair Mask delivers to their locks.

I have seen firsthand how this mask impacts non-curly hair, and to say that it creates breathtakingly beautiful and shiny hair is an understatement. The mask itself has a very dense, thick, and rich consistency. It has a very pleasant and comforting scent that I am at a loss to describe. This is undoubtedly luxury niche haircare at its finest, and anyone who with a penchant for hair masks will likely be delighted by this rare gem. Purchase Again? Eventually, but I have too many conditioners to use before I commit to buying more. 

($59.99 for 16.9 oz. from Amazon).

[ comfort zone ] Sublime Skin Eye Cream: is seriously an obsession-worthy eye cream. This lovely anti-aging eye cream, which is made in Italy by the Davines Skincare Division, is a nourishing and peptide-filled cream that is formulated to reduce puffiness, to soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and to offer the skin serious and sustained moisture. It is a very emollient, and yet lightweight and fast-absorbing, cream that melts into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. I also noticed that it leaves my skin decidedly luminous and smooth. Additionally, there is no added fragrance, and no detectable scent, and therefore it should pose no problem for people with sensitive eyes, like me. Purchase Again? Not in the near future because I have too many open jars and bottles of eye cream to use first, but I love this eye cream! 

($108.00 for 0.51 oz. from [ comfort zone ], Nordstrom and Amazon).

Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel: This lightweight eye gel, which is ultra hydrating courtesy of the Hyaluronic Acid, is very nourishing and fast absorbing. It is suitable for all types of skin, including very sensitive skin, and it addresses dryness and dehydration while lifting fine lines and brightening and smoothing the skin. Furthermore, the gel formula is very refreshing, and it contains no irritating fragrance that can cause sensitive eyes to water and sting. Purchase Again? I would happily use this again and again, but need to finish some of my open eye products first! 

($26.99 for 0.51 oz. from Ulta, Amazon and Walgreens).

Sisley Paris Eye Contour Mask: If you are seeking an effective mask that reduces the appearance of under eye puffiness, dark circles and fine lines– then this ultra-luxe mask needs to be on your radar. I have used this luxury treat for many years, and it is definitely my secret weapon for those days when I wake up with puffiness because I am exhausted and didn't get nearly enough sleep.  It is a smoothing mask, that is suitable for all types of skin, and it is specifically formulated to reduce puffiness, lighten dark circles and soften the appearance of fine lines.

On me, I have noted that it deeply hydrates the skin, efficiently smooths and plumps fine lines, reduces the appearance of puffiness and has lightened my dark circles associated with a poor night of sleep. The richly hydrating gel-based formula feels refreshing and lightly cooling, and immediately nourishes and moisturizes the skin leaving it soft, smooth, supple, lifted and dewy.

The recommendation is to apply a thick layer and to leave it on for about 10 minutes, and then gently tissue it off. However, I prefer to apply a moderate layer and leave it on for about 20 minutes instead. The results are impressive, and it is such a pleasure to use. I should remind you that I have sensitive eyes, and that this gentle formula does not irritate them or cause them to water. There is a very light aroma, presumably from the ingredients rather than an added fragrance, that is barely detectable. Purchase Again? I would be elated to use this again, but I am swimming in eye products right now now and can't justify the purchase– especially since it would be a splurge. 

($190.00 for 1.16 oz. from Nordstrom,  Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Bergdorf Goodman).

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Cream: is a very emollient lightweight and fast absorbing gel-cream that instantly moisturizes the skin, and leaves it soft, radiant, dewy and comfortable. It delivers immediate hydration and the pleasant aroma is natural and light.

Bloomeffects uses their proprietary Dutch Tulip Complex and a nourishing multivitamin complex– consisting of Vitamins B3, Vitamin B5, C and E– that helps protect skin against environmental damage, and it leaves skin with a dewy glow as the name suggests. This wondrous cream is formulated for normal to dry skin, and it effectively addresses dryness, dullness, uneven skin tone– along with softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin. Bloomeffects is a cruelty-free brand. Purchase Again? Not in the near future because of the number of open jars of face creams in my current rotation, but this is such a lovely cream.

($49.00 for 1.69 oz. from bluemercury and Bloomeffects Amazon Store).

Live Botanical Sanctuary Barrier Balm: This luscious balm has a remarkably emollient light whipped fluffy texture that immediately melts into the skin. It contains a wonderful array of Amazonian butters such as: Murmuru, Tucuma, Ucuuba and Bacuri, that are rich, nourishing and healing anti-inflammatory ingredients. This balm deeply hydrates the skin, it helps to prevent water-loss, it protects, softens, repairs and moisturizes even the most sensitive skins. It contains no essential oils, and has no detectable aroma. This wondrous balm can also we used as an overnight mask, and it is miraculous in its ability to heal and rejuvenate the skin. Purchase Again? I have too many skin balms open, and can't justify purchasing another one, but this would be at the top of my list, if I was ready to purchase another one!  

($54.00 for 30ml. from Beauty Heroes).

Siam Seas Reservoir Probiotic Skin Fortifying Beauty Mist: This delectably aromatic mist was created to hydrate the skin as well as to help maintain hydration. It can be used alone when additional hydration is desired, or as a delivery vehicle that helps balms and oils sink into the skin more deeply. It is formulated in a base of Linden & Roman Chamomile Hydrosols that calm irritated, red skin effectively and efficiently. The aroma is informed by sweet flowers, citrus, a touch of mint and a woodsy undercurrent that is calming, soothing and utterly hypnotic. Purchase Again? YES! 

($62.00 for 1.7 oz. from Beauty Heroes).

Overall Assessment: It was deeply satisfying recycling these containers at the end of August, and I loved using each of these products. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in August? Do you have any great product discoveries, or over-hyped disappointments to share?

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

Copyright © 2026 www.lolasseretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Gotukola Youth Spring Shampoo- Review

Press Sample

Gotukola Youth Spring hair products contain "the Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) plant extract which has been used for thousands of years in India and China for its medicinal purposes. It has been used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. It has been called the 'fountain of life' because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of taking the gotukola herb."

Gotukola posits, "in modern days, it is considered as among those that has the potential to treat hair loss and baldness problems. Gotukola is rich in vitamin B and K along with other nourishing ingredients to soften hair as well as providing a protective layer to seal spit ends. In addition, Gotukola’s active ingredients leave your hair and scalp cleansed as well as returning your hair to its natural PH level which will help prevent color fading. Gotukola also contains vitamin E that has a dual purpose that promotes overall health and UV protection."

It is also believed, according to Gotukola, "to protect the hair follicles from the harmful activity caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT in the hair follicles is considered to be a major cause of male pattern baldness." They developed their unique formula in the Gotukola laboratories with an emphasis on preventative treatments for the premature hair loss due to environmental conditions.

Gotukola’s products restore and revive hair giving it flexibility and softness." Gotukola's patented ingredients "are one of a kind and our guarantee is that Gotukola products will renew and rejuvenate your hair, leaving it looking and feeling great."

Gotu Kola Plant (source)

Gotukola Youth Spring Shampoo nourishes the hair leaving it silky soft, moisturized, manageable, and with an unbelievable glossy shine. It never leaves the hair weighed down or greasy, but instead leaves the hair very smooth to the touch. The shampoo itself is so moisturizing that it does wonders in detangling my hair even before I use a conditioner. As previously noted, I have tried so many products on my naturally curly hair, and very few ever leave it glossy and shiny, but Gotukola products give me glossy moisturized hair that is sumptuously soft and silky. For those with curly hair, I needn't tell you that our hair tends to be on the dry side. It is therefore incumbent on those with curly hair to use moisture rich haircare products in order to receive adequate moisture- lest you want to have hair that looks and feels like straw. In Gotukola I have found a  soulmate for my hair, and while their products that I have featured are formulated for all hair types- I can say that this line really does address the needs of curly hair with great efficacy! Like their hair mask and hair oil (reviewed here and here), this shampoo has a very pleasant scent that somehow oddly defies description. As I have said before, every single time that I endeavor to describe the scent all I manage to muster is "pleasant" or "comforting." It truly is both of those things!

Ingredients:

Overall assessment: Absolutely best in class, and a game changer for my curly hair! I have only used three of their products, but definitely want to try others!

$28.00 for 420 ml. or 14.2 fl. oz. Available from Koji Hair Salon and Naimie's. (Unaffiliated links provided for your convenience). Made in Israel.

PR Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Gotukola Youth Spring Hair Oil: Review

Press Sample

Gotukola Youth Spring hair products contain "the Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) plant extract which has been used for thousands of years in India and China for its medicinal purposes. It has been used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. It has been called the 'fountain of life' because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of taking the gotukola herb."

Gotukola posits, "in modern days, it is considered as among those that has the potential to treat hair loss and baldness problems. Gotukola is rich in vitamin B and K along with other nourishing ingredients to soften hair as well as providing a protective layer to seal spit ends. In addition, Gotukola’s active ingredients leave your hair and scalp cleansed as well as returning your hair to its natural PH level which will help prevent color fading. Gotukola also contains vitamin E that has a dual purpose that promotes overall health and UV protection."

It is also believed, according to Gotukola, "to protect the hair follicles from the harmful activity caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT in the hair follicles is considered to be a major cause of male pattern baldness." They developed their unique formula in the Gotukola laboratories :with an emphasis on preventative treatments for the premature hair loss due to environmental conditions. Gotukola’s products restore and revive hair giving it flexibility and softness." Gotukola's patented ingredients "are one of a kind and our guarantee is that Gotukola products will renew and rejuvenate your hair, leaving it looking and feeling great."

Gotukola Youth Spring Hair Oil is a luxuriously rich and moisturizing leave-in treatment oil that nourishes the hair leaving it silky soft, moisturized, manageable, and with an unbelievable glossy shine. While the oil is rich, it is likewise very light. It never leaves the hair weighed down or greasy, but instead leaves the hair very smooth to the touch. This is a very concentrated oil- thus a little really goes a very long way. I have tried so many products on my naturally curly hair, and very few ever leave it glossy and shiny, but this oil most certainly does. In fact, all of the Gotukola products that I have tried have made my hair so manageable- and with an unprecedented shine. Like their hair mask (reviewed here), this lovely hair oil has a very pleasant scent that somehow oddly defies description. Every single time that I endeavor to describe it all I manage to muster is "pleasant" or "comforting." It truly is both of those things!

Gotukola oil treatment is an utterly pure and light formula, which is absorbed by the hair instantly, resulting in a natural silky, shiny finish. Gotukola Oil also has the ability to repair and restores hair cells and protect hair from environmental and chemical procedures.

The oil is rich on moisture, but remarkably light in texture.

Gotu Kola Plant (source)

Overall assessment: Everyone will benefit from this extraordinary hair oil, but those who have unruly curly hair will truly be shocked to see the way in which it transforms their once unruly tresses into glorious glossy locks! It is quite concentrated- so a little really goes a long way, and unless you have very long hair this bottle should last you a good long time. A must-have for me! Another A+ product from Gotukola! I can hardly wait to try more of their extraordinary products!

$42.00 for 8 oz. Available from Cinema Secrets, Koji Hair Salon and Amazon. (Unaffiliated link provided for your convenience). Made in Israel.

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Gotukola Youth Spring Hair Mask: An Elated Review!

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Gotukola Youth Spring is likely a haircare line that is unknown to you, but after using it- I can honestly say that it is well worth investigating the merits of this line. It takes a very special product to tame my unruly curly tresses, and Gotukola now ranks among the few that truly make the grade.

Gotukola contains the Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) plant extract which has been used for thousands of years in India and China for its medicinal purposes. It has been used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. It has been called the “fountain of life” because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of taking the gotukola herb. In modern days, it is considered as among those that has the potential to treat hair loss and baldness problems. Gotukola is rich in vitamin B and K along with other nourishing ingredients to soften hair as well as providing a protective layer to seal spit ends. In addition, Gotukola’s active ingredients leave your hair and scalp cleansed as well as returning your hair to its natural PH level which will help prevent color fading. Gotukola also contains vitamin E that has a dual purpose that promotes overall health and UV protection. It is also believed to protect the hair follicles from the harmful activity caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT in the hair follicles is considered to be a major cause of male pattern baldness. Our unique formula has been developed in the Gotukola laboratories with an emphasis on preventative treatments for the premature hair loss due to environmental conditions. Gotukola’s products restore and revive hair giving it flexibility and softness.

Gotukola posits, "patented ingredients are one of a kind and our guarantee is that Gotukola products will renew and rejuvenate your hair, leaving it looking and feeling great."

Recommended use: "Apply to damp hair, paying special attention to the ends, leave in for 15 minutes, rinse out and style as usual. Contains Keratin and advanced strengthening ingredients that will allow hair to grow longer while providing a glossy, weightless finish." I like to use it once a week.

While I have used it as the company recommends, I have found that leaving the mask on longer renders even better results. I have tried a few additional methods of use: 1) leaving it on for several hours, and 2) leaving it on overnight, and in both situations my hair was left indescribably soft, shiny, and with beautifully formed glossy curls. It is a true thing of beauty to see naturally curly hair deeply moisturized and shiny, and trust me it is not an easy thing to achieve. It tames all of my frizz and fly-aways without weighing my hair down in the least bit. It also moisturizes so deeply that my hair is far more compliant when it comes to styling. It also protects and nourishes my hair to the extent that when I occasionally abuse it with something like a flatiron or blow dryer this magical hair mask mitigates the unavoidable damage that such tools wreak upon the hair. Anyone who has dry hair will be shocked by the level of moisture that Gotukola Youth Spring Hair Mask delivers to their locks. I think that all hair types will greatly benefit from this product, and I for one plan on using it as long as the company makes it.

I have seen firsthand how this mask impacts non-curly hair, and to say that it creates breathtakingly beautiful and shiny hair is an understatement.

The mask itself has a very dense, thick, and rich consistency. It has a very pleasant and comforting scent that I am at a loss to describe. This is undoubtedly luxury niche haircare at its finest, and anyone who with a penchant for hair masks will likely be delighted by this rare gem.

Gotu Kola Plant

Overall assessment: This is a professional quality product crafted in Israel, and used at Koji Hair Salon- one of the most prestigious Hair Salons in Los Angeles. This product is so popular there that people often buy several of them at a time because they sell out quickly-- I now know why! All of the products that I have tried from the line have worked wonders on my hair, and this mask is definitely an A+ product. This is now one of my all-time Holy Grail hair products!

$59.99 for 500 ml (Approximately 16.9 oz.) Available from Amazon (Affiliated links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.