Empties Post Volume XXII: June 2014 Edition

When I compare the empties that I generated in June to the previous four months-- it really doesn't look like I finished up much of anything. There are a few obvious reasons that come to mind for this disparity: 1) I was testing out some new skincare products, and therefore was using new full size products instead of well-used favorites; 2) I didn't make an effort to use up lots of samples; and 3) I was so busy with work in June that I didn't give much thought to singling out nearly used up products to finish them up.

That said, I did manage to finish up a few things, and here's what I thought about what I did use:

Perfective Ceuticals Divine Brightening Mask (reviewed here): This is a lovely brightening and hydrating mask loaded with Hyaluronic Acid/Sodium Hylaluronate. After using this mask my skin feels plumped and hydrated, and it looks dewy and radiant!

Radical Skincare Restorative Moisture: I think that I need to buy the full size of this beautiful cream. While I have many of their products, and as you well know Radical Skincare is one of my very favorite lines, I somehow do not yet own this cream. This is an antioxidant rich anti-aging cream that is so potent yet surprisingly light. It absorbs quickly, and my skin looks and feels utterly amazing when I use it. Definitely at the top of my next face cream purchase list!

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula (discussed here): I love this two-part maintenance system-- it is perfect for keeping skin in great shape, and is an excellent product to use between professional peels and facials.

Caress Emerald Rush Lush Gardenia & White Tea Essence Body Wash (reviewed here): This deliciously scented body wash not only makes my skin feel soft and smell amazing, but it also makes my bathroom smell delightful!

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime (discussed here): The scent is a delicious blend of Coconut and Lime that will make you think of sipping tropical drinks on a beach. A cute cabana boy serving it wouldn't hurt either! So I digress. It is also very moisturizing and hydrating!

Kiss My Face Cucumber Green Tea Natural Active Life Deodorant: I have always opted for more natural deodorants because those that include ingredients like Aluminum Chlorohydrate have always freaked me out a bit. This is definitely one of my favorite deodorants, and have gone through many of them at this point. I should also note that my underarms are quite sensitive, and this one has never bothered me in the least. Furthermore, it has a very pleasant and mild scent, and is Paraben Free!

Red Flower Moisturizing Body Lotion in Blood Orange: This was in one of my Barneys New York Love Yourself Gift Bags, and I have to say that the scent is delectable. It provides the perfect mount of hydration, and the scent isn't overpowering. The Shower Gel is also a real winner!

Assorted Perfume Samples: The only one that makes my eyes roll back in my head is the Kai Perfume Oil (reviewed here). It remains one of my favorite fragrances, and is so perfect for the warm weather. I have full size bottles, but felt like I struck gold when I found the 5 vials in my bowl filled with perfume samples. I promptly popped them in my purse and used them up. This is an absolute repurchase until the end of time!

Two unmarked samples of a mystery cream that I used on my hands. Nothing to report-- especially since I have no idea what they were!

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Nourishing Body Lotion: Nice understated scent disappears rather quickly and leaves behind adequate moisture. Not a big enough sample to have much more to say since I only used it for a short period of time.

Organix Coconut Water Shampoo and Conditioner (discussed here): Seems really nice, and smells delicious-- but I have long curly hair and these packets only got me though one full use with a touch left to spare.

What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return in June? Any great discoveries or huge duds to report?

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

Perfective Ceuticals Divine Brightening Mask Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Perfective Ceuticals is a new-to-me line that, "is allied with renowned biochemists, medical specialists and doctors in developing the finest and most advanced formulas to provide comprehensive solution targeting the aspects of skin aging. The company addresses the importance of complimenting cutting edge science with naturally derived ingredients and century old methods that have proven results."

I had the opportunity to try their Divine Brightening Mask, and was thrilled by the results. While it unquestionably left my skin with a gorgeous luminous glow and markedly brightened-- I was perhaps even more struck by the profound degree of hydration that my skin experienced after this 30 minute sheet mask. Not only is it loaded with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera, but it is also filled with all sorts of nourishing extracts that leave skin extraordinarily moisturized, soft and supple. Furthermore, fine lines are plumped and skin is left looking and feeling refreshed, balanced, glowing, and healthy. The mask itself is generously filled with serum, and at the end of my 30 minute mask I extracted the remaining serum and massaged it into my face, neck and décolleté. I'm thrilled by the results, and feel that this mask also offers the perfect pick-me-up for dehydrated lackluster skin.

Divine Brightening Mask Botanical Formula for Uneven Skin Tone is an intensive facial treatment that helps brighten skin complexion and replenish moisture. Formulated with 7 proven brightening ingredients and Hydrolyzed Collagen, this innovative paper mask instantly enhances skin tone and fights dullness and discoloration caused by aging and sun exposure; leaving the skin soft and dewy with a healthy glow. Non-comedogenic. Hydroquinone-free. Fragrance-free. Scientifically proven.

Key Features:

• Evens out skin tone and discoloration
• Hinders the formation of melanin
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Provides suppleness to the skin
• Protects the skin against free radicals
• Formula is non-comedogenic

Key Ingredients:

Licorice Extract: An anti-pigmentation agent that inhibits the production of melanin and absorbs the UV rays.

Mulberry Root Extract: Aids in reducing the appearance of discoloration.

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract: Shown to be effective in reducing blemish and pigmentation.

Rosa Canina Fruit Extract: Contains many nutrients and active ingredients, and in particular has high alpha linoleic acid content. Stimulates cell renewal and promotes the formation of the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

Sodium Hyaluronate: Capable of holding moisture 1000 times its weight. Used in rejuvenation skin products and in injections to puff out wrinkles.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Morus Alba (Mulberry) Root Extract, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Malic Acid, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid/Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Licorice Root Extract.

Directions: Use after cleansing. Open pack, take out the mask and unfold. Place over the face for 30 minutes and remove the mask. Massage any remaining fluid into the skin. Discard mask after use.

Overall assessment: My first foray into Perfective Ceuticals line left me wanting to try more of the line! As for the Divine Brightening Mask-- it's divine, indeed!

$48.75 for 5 sheet masks from Perfective Ceuticals and Amazon (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.