lola's secret beauty blog

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Kiss New York Collagen Plump Jelly Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Kiss New York Plump Glow Collagen Jelly Cream is a thick collagen gel that is formulated deeply hydrate the skin, plump the appearance of fine lines and leave skin unmistakably radiant. Furthermore, the inclusion of Collagen, Sodium PDRN, and Vitamin B12 make the skin appear firmer and smoother. While it is a very thick gel, I find that it melts into the skin quickly and leaves behind neither a greasy, nor an oily residue. This ruby-colored gel has a fruity-floral aroma, and fragrance is listed among its ingredients, but I find the aroma detectable in the jar, and not on my skin. It can be used as an overnight sleep mask, or during the day. I have only used it at night, but Kiss New York says to use a small amount when you wear it under makeup to avoid pilling.

According to Kiss New York,

This collagen jelly cream features a cushiony, bouncy texture that glides on smoothly and absorbs comfortably, helping leave skin looking plump, fresh, and glowing.

Formulated with Collagen, Sodium PDRN, and Vitamin B12 to help support a firmer-looking, smoother, more luminous complexion with a healthy-looking glow.

Use a light layer as a daily glow moisturizer for hydrated, radiant-looking skin, or apply a thicker layer as an overnight sleeping mask for extra moisture and care.

Rich in moisture yet comfortable after absorption, this jelly cream leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated without a heavy finish, making it suitable for all skin types including combination and oily skin.

Comes with a handy spatula for clean, convenient, and hygienic application, making it easy to scoop the perfect amount every time.

Directions:

Ingredients:

Overall Assessment: I love how thick and rich this gel feels, but am thrilled that it melts into the skin quickly, rather than taking an eternity to sink in.

$15.99 for 2.70 oz. from the Kiss New York Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Kiss New York Radiant Glow Vita Capsule Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

K-Beauty brand, Kiss New York, has some very effective skincare products that are worthy of attention. I have really liked the products that I have tried a lot, and the Kiss New York Radiant Glow Vita Capsule Cream is my current favorite product from their lineup. This Vitamin C facial moisturizer is unique in that small moisture cream capsules– which look like boba– are suspended in a thick hydrating gel, and you can select your preferred ratio of gel to cream based upon the needs of your skin at the time of application. When blended together they hydrate and moisturize the skin. Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid attract and retain hydration, while Vitamin C brightens the skin. It also boasts ingredients such as Niacinimide and Glutathione, and the gel– in which the yellow capsules are suspended– is enriched with vegan collagen, PDRN, and peptides, "to support a luminous, even-looking appearance and leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortably hydrated." This leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple, hydrated, moisturized and luminous. It sinks into the skin quickly, leaves behind no residue whatsoever, and it is neither sticky, nor greasy. It is formulated for all types of skin, and can be used all year long. It has a very faint aroma that I can detect in the jar, but I can't smell it on my skin as I apply it, but fragrance is listed among its ingredients.

According to Kiss New York,

Radiant Glow Vita Capsule Cream features yellow capsules and clear gel that blend together for a customizable skincare step tailored to your preferred texture and moisture level.

This face moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and is especially ideal for those looking to refresh the look of dullness and support a healthy-looking glow.

Capsule-infused formula with Niacinamide, Glutathione, and Vitamin C blends with a clear gel enriched with vegan collagen, PDRN, and peptides to support a luminous, even-looking appearance and leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortably hydrated.

Personalize your routine by adjusting the capsule-to-gel ratio—try 1:1 for daily care, 2:1 for extra radiance-focused care, or 1:2 for added hydration.

The capsules melt seamlessly into the gel for easy mixing and even application, creating a dewy glow without a heavy or greasy feel.

Directions:

Ingredients:

Overall Assessment: This is an affordable and effective beauty find, and I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. It is also fun to use!

$16.99 for 1.94 oz. from the Kiss New York Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Lanese Signature Finishing Oil in French Crème for Gorgeous Hair

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

I recently discovered Lanese, and beautiful haircare brand that makes nourishing scented hair oils, and I am thrilled to have made this discovery. Their products are free of silicones, parabens, and heavy fillers, and they smell delectable and feel amazing.

The Founder’s Story:

I founded Lanese because I couldn’t find a hair oil I actually enjoyed using.

Most of the oils I tried promised shine and softness, but felt heavy, greasy, or just not 'right'. Sometimes it was the texture. Sometimes it was the scent. Often, it was looking at the back of the label and seeing a million ingredients I couldn't even pronounce.

I wanted a finishing oil that completed the routine instead of competing with it. Something that worked across all hair textures, didn’t rely on silicones, and felt intentional. When I couldn’t find that product on the market, I decided to create it.

Inclusivity was always part of that vision. Too often, haircare is designed with one hair type in mind, forcing people to choose between performance and representation. I wanted Lanese to work across textures, from straight to coily, without requiring separate products or categories. Just high-quality haircare that doesn’t exclude anyone.

Scent also mattered more to me than I expected. Haircare feels personal, and fragrance plays a big role in how we feel throughout the day. I wanted scents that stayed close and set a tone, not something loud or overpowering. Especially because I live with chronic migraines, subtlety wasn’t optional. That’s how Island Dream, French Crème, and Marshmallow Cloud came to be.

I built Lanese independently. I was raised in a single-parent household in Hampton, Virginia, without industry access or shortcuts. Building this brand matters to me because I hope it shows what’s possible: that thoughtful, inclusive beauty brands can be built intentionally, and that founders who don’t fit a traditional mold still belong.

Today, Lanese sits at the intersection of clean ingredients, intentional design, and emotional well-being. I hope you love Lanese just as much as I do. 🤍

Dr. Niya Gray, DPT

Founder, Lanese Beauty

Lanese Signature Finishing Oil French Crème is a nourishing and hydrating hair oil that smoothes out frizz and fly-aways, makes hair more manageable and offers it a gorgeous glossy shine without being greasy or sticky. Furthermore, hair is left soft and lustrous. The subtle fragrance– of French Crème- is described as a "warm whipped vanilla and caramelized brown sugar" that "come together in a creamy, rich scent that feels soft, elevated, and a little addictive." The warm and creamy aroma isn't overpowering, but instead it is truly magical, comforting and ethereal. This oil is intended as the last step in your hair routine, and you simply warm a few drops in your hands and work the oil through your hair. I have naturally curly hair– with ringlets– and a good hair oil is essential for my dry-leaning hair that needs extra love to keep frizz and fly-aways at bay, and this beautiful hair elixir definitely pampers my locks perfectly.

According to Lanese,

Meet the scented finishing oil your routine has been missing. French Crème smooths frizz, softens dry ends, tames flyaways, and adds glossy shine without feeling heavy or greasy. Use a few drops to finish your style or refresh second-day hair.

Warm whipped vanilla and caramelized brown sugar come together in a creamy, rich scent that feels soft, elevated, and a little addictive.

Features & Claims:

For All Hair Types.
Our botanical blend melts in to hydrate, smooth, and leave a natural glow.
Smooths Frizz – Instantly tames flyaways for a polished look.
Locks in Moisture – Deeply nourishes with lightweight plant oils.
All Hair Types – Perfect for every texture, from silk-straight to tight coils.
Subtle Scent – Designed to linger softly without overwhelming.

Directions: Apply 1–3 drops to dry or styled hair. Warm between palms and smooth through mid-lengths and ends for shine, softness, and frizz control.

Ingredients: Abyssinian Oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Broccoli Seed Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Batana Oil, Vitamin E, Fragrance.

Overall Assessment: What a gorgeous hair oil, and Dr. Niya Gray's story really resonates with me. This is a brand worth trying, and a company worth loving and supporting. A+

$28.00 for 1.7 oz. from Lanese (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, September 21, 2026

Skincare Tips To Welcome Autumn and the Colder Weather

Autumn is officially a day away, and that means it is time to recalibrate our skincare routines for the cooler weather. If you are already experiencing a little chill in the air, then it is time to switch from your summer skincare routine to one that is appropriate for the cooler season. Welcoming the new cooler weather can really wreak havoc on the skin, and dry chapped skin and dehydration can cause serious discomfort. Therefore, I wanted to share some of the changes that I have implement to my skincare routine when the season gets cooler.

Here are five easy steps to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated throughout the coldest months of the year. The important thing to remember is to layer your products in the proper order, from the lightest and fastest absorbing to the heaviest textures in order to maximize their efficacy.

5 Easy Steps to Pamper Your Face:

Step 1: Use a gentle non-stripping cleanser. When needed, use a gentle exfoliator in lieu of a cleanser.

Step 2: Use a lightweight and fast absorbing serum, such as hyaluronic acid-based serum that will deliver much needed hydration to winter skin. Gently massage the serum into your face, neck and décolleté. Since this is the lightest of the product layers that you will be using, it should be applied first.

Step 3: Follow by massaging your favorite facial oil into your face, neck and décolleté. Once this has begun to sink into your skin, then move on to step 4.

Step 4: Massage your favorite lotion or cream into your face, neck and décolleté. Once it has been absorbed into your skin, then proceed to the final step.

Step 5: Since sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products that you can use, invest in a good one that has an SPF 30 or higher (I tend to use an SPF 50). Apply it generously to your face, neck and décolleté, and be sure to reapply it numerous times throughout the day (typically every 75 minutes).

At night, repeat steps 1-4 and skip the sunscreen. These 5 steps will only take you a few minutes, and the benefits are really worth the time spent. I also drink plenty of water to help keep hydrated– which helps a lot.

If your hands and feet are dry and chapped, and in need some TLC, then here are my super-easy, and ultra-relaxing at-home tips to restore their moisture. You really don't have to go out and buy any fancy and expensive products, instead use what you love and already have on hand.

Six Easy Steps to Pamper Your Hands and Feet:

Step 1: Wash your hands and feet with warm soapy water in a basin.

Step 2: While your hands and feet are soaking in the basin, gently exfoliate dead skin cells with your favorite body scrub. Tip: Exfoliate gently because the water softens up your skin, and therefore you don't need to use any force.

Step 3: Thoroughly rinse hands and feet and empty the basin.

Step 4: Rinse out the basin and refill it with warm water and add a small amount of bath or body oil to moisturize your freshly exfoliated skin. Let your hands and feet soak for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse.

Step 5: Massage additional body oil into your slightly damp hands and feet, and let it sink in thoroughly.

Step 6: Massage a rich cream or body butter into your hands and feet, and then put on fluffy cotton socks, and cotton gloves (if you want to further pamper your hands).

Additionally, this is a good time to replace your lighter body lotion with a heavier cream, and it is also a good time to deep condition your hair.

What changes do you make to your skin and hair care routines as summer gives way to the cooler months of the year?

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Recycle Beauty Empties at Nordstrom

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Since makeup and skincare empties are not generally recycled by city and county curbside recycling programs, and placing all of those empty tubes and jars in the landfill isn't a sustainable solution, finding a place to recycle all of those empty containers can be a challenge. However, Nordstrom offers free recycling of empty skincare and makeup empties.

Here is more information about the Nordstrom BEAUTYCYCLE Waste Recycling initiative:

According to Nordstrom,

At Nordstrom, reducing waste is an ongoing journey. We’re continuously looking for ways to shrink our footprint as we aim to divert 80% of operational waste away from landfill and to make our customer-facing packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable.

Our Goal:

Reduce waste across our value chain by:

Diverting 80% of waste from our operations away from landfill
Making all customer-facing packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable
Mapping Our Waste Impact.

To reduce our impact, we first need to understand it. We’ve conducted a comprehensive analysis of waste across Nordstrom facilities, uncovering hotspots and opportunities for improvement. What we found was that our distribution facilities are already performing well, diverting 91% of waste away from landfill and incineration. With current diversion rates of 38%, stores emerged as a key focus area, so we are mapping waste flows—tracking volumes, identifying inefficiencies and assessing the infrastructure needed to support more sustainable waste management and divert more waste away from landfill.

Our customers and employees have told us that lower-impact packaging is a priority for them. That’s why packaging is central to our waste strategy. Across stores, deliveries, restaurants and operations, we’re reducing unnecessary packaging, increasing recycled content and working to make all customer-facing packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable.

We’re also working to minimize single-use plastics in our value chain, replacing them with alternatives like paper, reusable packaging and recovered plastics, moving closer to our goal.

Although 75% of U.S. consumers think sustainable cosmetics packaging is important, beauty packaging is often small, flexible or made from mixed materials, making it difficult to recycle in traditional curbside programs. Since 2020, our dedicated in-store take-back program BEAUTYCYCLE has helped recycle beauty packaging, diverting it away from landfills. BEAUTYCYCLE helps customers responsibly recycle waste materials that aren’t typically accepted in municipal recycling bins.

At every Nordstrom beauty department and Nordstrom Rack, our customers can simply drop off beauty empties in easy-to-find collection bins. See how it works: Watch their video HERE.

Saturday, September 19, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Late September Week in Review

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves the Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum because it deeply hydrates the skin, protects the skin barrier, and it leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous. This is one seriously lovely and effective serum.

Previously, Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style showed a two-piece skirt suit in burgundy and now she is wearing the same suit in brown! There is a little story behind how she got similar sets, but aren't they just gorgeous?

Terri from Our Good Life discusses how the beautiful things we treasure aren’t meant to be tucked away waiting for someday. Using them turns ordinary days into occasions and allows us to make new memories with the things that we find beautiful.

Whether you are going to work, doing errands, going out for the evening, or just lounging on the weekend, there are so many ways to wear a pencil skirt that Angie from Your True Self Blog wrote about it in two parts. Part Two contains over 100 ways to make your pencil skirt useful for cool weather.

Friday, September 18, 2026

APRILSKIN Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stains: Review & Swatches

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

K-Beauty sister brand to medicube, APRILSKIN, has three new exciting products that recently launched on Amazon. The brand has expanded its lineup with a lightweight SPF serum, a nourishing lip gloss, and three shades of the fan-favorite long-lasting lip stain. Today I am sharing their Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stains in Rose and Toffee Nut Latte (I do not have Espresso to share) with you.

Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stain in Rose and Toffee Nut Latte ($9.90 on Amazon): This lip stain features innovative wipe-off technology that develops in as little as 10 seconds to three minutes, revealing vibrant, transfer-proof color that lasts up to 24 hours. Infused with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba seed oil, the lightweight formula helps lips appear fuller while delivering lasting hydration and comfortable, non-drying wear throughout the day.

I only left them on my arm (swatches below) for about 30 seconds, and that will give you an indication of the color the stains left behind. I did it for the same amount of time with my lips, and the colors are accurate to my swatches below. Surprisingly, I did not find these drying or uncomfortable on my lips, and I suspect the inclusion of the Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Seed Oil is the reason why.

According to APRILSKIN,

Apply & wipe off to achieve a high-pigment, clean stain - effortless color with a smooth, comfortable finish.

A clinically proven smudge-proof formula that stays vibrant for up to 24 hours—even with eating, drinking or daily wear.

Line, fill, and stain with one product. Define your lip shape like a liner or blend it all over for a seamless lip stain.

One formula, multiple finishes. Simply adjust the setting time to customize your color payoff—wear it as a light tint for a natural look or let it develop into a rich, long-lasting stain with all-day staying power.

Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stain in Rose (bottom swatch) and Toffee Nut Latte (top swatch).

Stain left after about 30 seconds:

Directions: Shake well and apply. Wait 10-30 seconds, then gently wipe off with a damp cloth for a long-lasting stain! TIP: Apply slightly beyond the lip line for a fuller look.

Ingredients:

Overall Assessment: If you are not a fan of lip stains, then this definitely isn't a product made with you in mind. However, if you love a good lip stain, or have been curious to try one, then this is a high quality and affordable way to enjoy a good lip stain.

$9.90 for 0.14 oz. from Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Nordstrom Beauty Event: 15% Off Beauty & Up to 25% Off Beauty Deals

(Affiliate Links)

Nordstrom is having a Beauty Savings Event! Get major savings on beauty favorites from Bobbi Brown, MAC Cosmetics, Lancôme, MOROCCANOIL and more through September 23. Restrictions apply. Visit: www.nordstrom.com

*The Fall Savings Event Up to 25% Off offer is valid on the purchase of select clothing, shoes, accessories, and home items only, not including taxes or shipping/delivery fees and charges. The offer starts on September 15, 2026, at 9:00pm PT and ends on September 23, 2026, at 11:59pm PT; store hours may vary. Offer is available only at Nordstrom stores, the Nordstrom app and Nordstrom,com, while supplies last. Online, eligible items will be marked as Savings Event, and prices on the product pages will reflect the discount. In store, discount taken at the register. The discount cannot be applied to previous purchases, pre-orders or the purchase of gift cards, and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer not valid at Nordstrom Rack stores, the Nordstrom Rack app or NordstromRack,com. Offer may be modified, extended or canceled without notice. Void where prohibited. *The Beauty Savings Event 15% Off offer is valid on the purchase of select beauty items only, not including taxes or shipping/delivery fees and charges. The offer starts on September 15, 2026, at 9:00pm PT and ends on September 23, 2026, at 11:59pm PT; store hours may vary. Offer is available only at Nordstrom stores, the Nordstrom app and Nordstrom.com, while supplies last. Online, eligible items will be marked as Savings Event, and prices on the product pages will reflect the discount. In store, discount taken at the register. The discount cannot be applied to previous purchases, pre-orders or the purchase of gift cards, and cannot be redeemed for cash. Offer not valid at Nordstrom Rack stores, the Nordstrom Rack app or NordstromRack,com. Offer may be modified, extended or canceled without notice. Void where prohibited.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Lancôme 7-Piece Gift With $42.50 Purchase at Nordstrom

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Nordstrom is having a wonderful Lancôme Gift with Purchase. Your seven-piece gift is valued at $145.00 (with your $42.50 purchase! See all beauty gifts with purchase HERE.

Nordstrom is having a Lancôme gift with $42.50 purchase– making it the perfect time to replenish some of your favorites!

Receive a 7-piece gift valued at $145.00 with your $42.50 Lancôme purchase. Online and in stores.

Lancôme Free Gift includes:

• Absolue Longevity Soft Cream Moisturizer (0.17 oz.)

• Absolue Eye Cream (0.17 oz.)

• Absolue The Serum (0.17 oz.)

• Tonique Confort Hydrating Toner (1.7 oz.)

• Lip Idôle Butterglow Lip Balm in 10 Keep It Glowy (0.02 oz.)

• Lip Idôle Lip Shaper in 36 Cool Pinky Nude (0.03 oz.)

• Cosmetics Bag

Buy More, Get More:

Receive a Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover (1.7 oz.) and a full-size Crème Radiance Cream-to-Foam Cleanser (4.2 oz.) with your $80 Lancôme purchase. A $198 combined value. Online and in stores.

One gift per person, while supply lasts. Gift will be added automatically in checkout and shipped to the same address as your order. If associated with a store-pickup order, gift cannot be picked up and will be shipped to the address of your choice. Gifts cannot be shipped internationally. Past purchases do not apply. If you return the qualifying item(s), please return the gift.