lola's secret beauty blog

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

JOICO Defy Damage in a Flash 7-Second Bond Builder Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

JOICO Defy Damage in a Flash is a surprise find for my color-treated naturally curly hair. It works very quickly, and leaves my hair soft smooth, silky in texture– without weighing it down– and shiny. My hair is less prone to frizz, and more moisturized, when I use this. It feels as though they had my hair in mind when they created this product, and it is something that I will continue to use since may hair is quite manageable since adding this to my haircare routine. It does have a fragrance, that I neither find cloying, nor long-lasting, and it only lingers for a while in my hair after rinsing it out. However, if you are particularly sensitive to scented haircare products, then this may be a slight issue for you, but the scent does fade.

According to JOICO,

With the innovative power of Defy Damage, Joico In A Flash helps build bonds - delivering a dazzling, 7-second transformation you can see and feel.

Our nearly instantaneous 7-second hair bond transformer for strong, resilient, silky soft, healthy-looking hair.

The essential building block of healthy hair, makes up 80% of human hair and can be lost during chemical services or when hair has been damaged.Builds bonds and strengthens hair fibers for healthy-looking results you can see and feel.

A unique formula that undergoes an exothermic reaction when it comes into contact with water creating a liquid-to-crème treatment.

Joico Defy Damage In A Flash 7-Second Bond Builder provides damage protection, extra boost of resilience and shine, replenishes moisture, reduces hair breakage, leaves hair silky smooth, weightless, and healthy-looking for a perfect everyday look.

Claims:

Hair is up to 20X more resistant to breakage*
Creates bonds and strengthens the hair structure
Leaves hair silky smooth without weighing down
Safe for color-treated hair
PETA-approved, global animal test-free
Formulated Without Silicones

Directions: Apply Defy Damage In A Flash directly to hair, from mid-length to ends, avoiding roots. Work into hair until liquid turns into a creamy texture. Leave in for 7 seconds. Rinse.

Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Myristyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Parfum (Fragrance), Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Lauryl Alcohol, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Geraniol, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate.

Overall Assessment: My color treated and naturally curly hair is happy and manageable when I use this product, and I really like the results.

$32.00 for 6.76oz. from Ulta, Amazon and Macy's (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, August 17, 2026

mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 is my latest sunscreen obsession. I am a big fan of the K-Beauty brand, mixsoon, and I am also quite enthusiastic about high quality, high SPF sunscreens. Therefore, this sunscreen is of particular interest to me.

This sunscreen is not only very lightweight, but it also boasts a lovely creamy texture and an SPF 50 to offer skin serious protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is a chemical, rather than mineral, sunscreen and it neither leaves behind a white cast, nor is it greasy or sticky. Instead, it absorbs quickly is filled with skincare ingredients and it is moisturizing and nourishing. It applies smoothly, feels breathable on the skin, rather than heavy and unpleasant, and it leaves skin soft and radiant. It is fragrance-free, water-resistant and it doesn't interfere with makeup, and it does not pill.

According to mixsoon,

Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen is a lightweight SPF 50 moisturizer that provides broad-spectrum protection without no white cast. Infused with fermented botanicals and brightening niacinamide, this K-Beauty sunscreen is fragrance-free and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

Formulated with fermented soybean, pomegranate, barley, and Korean pear extracts, it nourishes the skin, improves elasticity, and supports lasting hydration throughout the day. The smooth, breathable, moisture-rich formula glides on effortlessly, absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft, dewy, and radiant. Water-resistant and tested for skin irritation, it is gentle enough for sensitive skin and provides long-lasting protection while layering seamlessly under makeup. Registered as an OTC sunscreen, mixsoon’s Bean Sunscreen is designed for everyday sun protection whether used indoors, outdoors, or as the final step of your morning skincare routine.

Directions: Apply an appropriate amount on skin at the last step of am skin care routine 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.

Benefits & Claims:

Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protects against UVA/UVB without white cast
Hydrates and soothes dry, sensitive skin with fermented botanicals
Advanced chemical SPF filters disappear on all skin tones
Strengthens the skin barrier to defend against environmental stress
Lightweight, non-greasy texture perfect for daily wear
Fragrance-free formula ideal for sensitive skin

Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:

Soybean Ferment – Boosts hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and fights signs of aging.
Barley Seed Ferment – Deeply moisturizes, soothes redness, and enhances skin elasticity.
Niacinamide – Brightens complexion and smooths uneven texture.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – Calms irritation and supports skin repair.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) – Shields skin from environmental damage with antioxidant power.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Homosalate, Octocrylene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate.

Overall Assessment: This is my current go-to sunscreen, and I am quite impressed by its efficacy. Like any sunscreen, you must reapply it frequently for it to protect the skin and remain effective. I reapply about every 60-75 minutes, to be safe. If I am gardening, I sometimes reapply within the first hour, and I wear a wide-brim hat for added protection.

$18.00-$21.00 for 1.69 oz. from Olive Young, Amazon and Ulta (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Wishing You a Very Happy Summer Sunday: A View from the Garden

One of my favorite plants in my garden is my Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow bush (Brunfelsia pauciflora) because this gorgeous flowering bush starts out with vibrant purple flowers that then turn lavender and then finally white as they mature. The blooms are abundant, and it is such a visual pleasure to experience.

More impressive than what I grow in my garden, is the array of wildlife that visit on a regular basis. Some of my most impressive sightings are the Cooper's Hawks who visit my yard.

This particular hawk stayed for quite a long time. It drank from the fountain, walked around the ground searching for food, and spread its wings to dry off and take in a little sun.

It is such an awe-inspiring sight, and when it eventually took flight, its impressive wingspan made me gasp. Such a stunning creature.

Standing on the water fountain where it lingered for quite a while.

We also have gorgeous owls who visit the yard, but most often we only hear them, rather than see them. It is such a treat when they are actually visible. When this particular owl finally took flight, it flew over my house and I was able to see it's shockingly impressive wingspan.

A rare sighting of an Owl in the daytime.

The neighborhood squirrels are regular guests at the bird feeders, and this one is quite memorable because of her unusual ringed tail. Have a beautiful summer Sunday!

Saturday, August 15, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Greets Mid-August

Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits explains what fungal acne, or Malassezia folliculitis, is and how it differs from bacterial or hormonal acne, what causes it, and which treatments may help.

WYLYS New Day Glow Brightening Serum is a nourishing, hydrating and brightening lotion-textured serum that is formulated for all types of skin. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves this luxury brand, and this serum earns an A+ rating for its efficacy.

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style loves the month of August. It's her birthday month, but she has to wait for that until the very last day. In the meanwhile she is enjoying this beautiful summer month to the fullest.

Casual clothing makes up the largest part of the wardrobe for most people. Terri from Our Good Life discusses options for keeping good pieces for a casual wardrobe.

Need to revive your skin from exposure to the summer sun? Allison from Never Say Die Beauty found an affordable K-beauty, calming facial essence with ceramides and green tea extract that soothes and hydrates irritated and inflamed skin.

People are wearing t-shirts in support of various candidates as we approach elections, and they are expressing themselves through their clothing. Angie from Your True Self Blog has more than 15 powerful ways to speak your truth with a t-shirt .

Friday, August 14, 2026

TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Tea Pads Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Tea Pads offer a gentle way to exfoliate, lock in moisture, calm, soothe and depuff the skin. I gently use the soft gauze side to gently exfoliate my skin– without applying pressure– and then the smooth side to deeply hydrate the skin. The whole process feels so hydrating, refreshing and calming. On the days when my skin is irritated, these pads calm it down, and they feel so good in the process. One should avoid contact with the eyes when using these, and I can't speak to the efficacy of the deputing claim since I have not had to contend with puffiness, but I really love using these pads for all of the other reasons that I listed. While there is no fragrance listed among its ingredients, these pads do have a faint herbal scent from the ingredients themselves, but it isn't in the least bit overpowering or long-lasting.

According to TIRTIR,

2 in 1 benefit of a matcha-infused pad. Start with the soft gauze side to refine skin texture, then flip to the smooth matcha side to lock in soothing hydration for a healthy, recharged glow.

Powered by 10,000ppm of Jeju Island-derived Vegan Matcha PDRN, this matcha-rich pad provides immediate calming support. Reduces visible redness from irritation and restores skin balance in just one use.

Infused with 82% soothing ingredients including EGCG, Centella Asiatica, and Tea Tree to comfort stressed skin and help defend against daily skin irritation.

Balanced blend of plant-derived AHA & PHA. Ideal for daily exfoliation on sensitive, redness-prone skin while keeping moisture intact without irritation.

Enhanced with 2% Niacinamide to visibly refine pores and uneven skin tone, helping skin appear smoother, more polished, and revitalized instantly.

Directions: Wipe the pad over your face once daily in your skincare routine. Avoid contact with eyes. For external use only. Do not ingest.

Double-Sided Pads: soft gauze side & smooth side.

Directions: Wipe the pad over your face once daily in your skincare routine. Avoid contact with eyes. For external use only. Do not ingest.

Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Propanediol, Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Trehalose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Citrate, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Madecassoside, Glycerin, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Gluconolactone, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium DNA, Fructan, Glucose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Epigallocatechin Gallate.

Overall Assessment: As I have noted before, I really love the TIRTIR Matcha Collection, and I really enjoy using these Matcha Tea Pads.

$23.00 for 5.41oz., 70 pads from TIRTIR, Amazon, YesStyle & StyleVana (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, August 13, 2026

T is for Tame Taming Gel Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

T is for Tame was created to keep the unruly hair of babies and toddlers manageable by their parents. Becky, who founded T is for Tame, struggled to find a natural solution for her children's unruly hair, and decided to create those products. Her whole range of products makes hair manageable during humidity, days spent at the pool, and while traveling. Her products offer a practical solution for dealing with tangles, frizz, fly-aways and sensitive scalps during the summer months.

While this range of products was created for babies and toddlers, I must emphatically state, as a person with naturally curly hair, that T is for Tame products are miraculous on my hair. Therefore, I think that these products are perfect for anyone who has hair that is prone to frizz, fly-aways, tangling and that is clearly impacted by humid weather.

T is for Tame Taming Gel is a hair styling gel that offers a flexible hold, and it does not flake, and it is not greasy or sticky to the touch. It is infused with antioxidants and Vitamin E, and it has a wonderful vanilla aroma– just like their other haircare products. It does an enviable job fighting frizz and fly-aways, and it leaves my curly hair manageable with nicely formed curls. If you are a fan of styling gels, then this is definitely one to consider.

According to T is for Tame,

Tame Frizz and Style: Our hair styling gel smooths frizz and makes hair easy to style and hold. The toddler hair gel styles all hair types, leaving little ones with picture-perfect hair. You can do fun hairstyles like ponies and braids, buns, spikes, hawks, and curls.

Easy to Use: With a non-sticky formula, it provides smoothness and control without leaving hair greasy. Just apply to wet or dry hair and style. It tames frizz, lay crazy baby hairs, and flyaways, and keep everything in place with a soft and natural hold.

Natural Ingredients: T is for Tame baby hair products are made with kid-friendly ingredients and strengthened with vitamin E to nourish and strengthen hair, leaving it smooth and conditioned.

Smooth & Style: Ideal for school mornings or weekend outings, our taming gel helps keep hairstyles neat. Keep their hair looking cared for, even after the most adventurous days, so your little one’s hair is ready for the next adventure.

Baby Safe Hair Care: Made by a mom of twins and manufactured in the United States, it is formulated with vegan, and cruelty-free materials and contains no parabens or sulfates. This taming gel is suitable for girls and boys babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages.

Directions: Start with a quarter-sized dollop and gently spread into hair. Use your fingers to smooth, style, or tousle hair to create the perfect look. Gel ‘sets’ quickly, so using a hairbrush after adding the gel is not recommended.

Ingredients: See below.

Overall Assessment: I am so impressed by T is for Tame's haircare products, and they are safe and effective for the whole family.

$13.99 for 3.38 oz. from T is for Tame and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

HANDLANDY Rose Pruning Gloves in Rosy Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I was in desperate need of new gardening gloves that would protect me from Rose and Bougainvillea thorns, and that could handle heavy-duty gardening, when needed. Therefore, I opted for heavy duty long leather gloves that would protect my hands and arms. I selected the HANDYLANDY Rose Pruning Gloves in Rosy largely because they were very affordable, and the materials were just what I was looking for. They are available in a wide range of colors, but I selected Rosy because I liked the color.

These gloves are quite impressive– especially for the affordable price point– as they are thick and heavy duty solid leather gloves that are lined in fabric. I ordered a medium– just to give myself a little extra room– though I have small hands. They cover my arms all of the way up to my elbows– which is very helpful when I am weeding near or under my Rose bushes and Bougainvillea. I have nothing but the highest praise for these gloves, and they have proven that they really are thorn-proof!

According to HANDLANDY,

Heavy duty cowhide leather gauntlet for excellent protection while cutting, pruning and garden clearing. Please note: these long leather gardening gloves run large.

Tips:

Size Chart:

Features:

Comfortable & Thorn Proof Garden Gloves: Protect your hands & forearms from cuts and scratches so you can work your roses free of thorns. Inner cotton lining provides all-day comfort, breathable feel and moisture wicking.

Split Cowhide Leather Palm & Back: Durable long leather gardening gloves provide good grip to handle all gardening tools, and resist punctures and abrasion.

Extended Gauntlet Cuff: Thick elbow-length gardening gloves protect your hands and forearms against scratches & thorns.

Rose gardening gloves are ideal for: trimming roses, pruning holly bushes, berry bushes and removing thorny weeds, caring for cactus plants.

Overall Assessment: This is one of the best garden purchases that I have made in years! If you garden, and need thick protective gloves, these are very worthy of your consideration!

$18.80 from Amazon and Walmart (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

T is for Tame Taming Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

T is for Tame Taming Cream is formulated to fight frizz, bedhead and static. While it does these things beautifully, it is also a wonderful styling cream for my naturally curly hair. This cruelty-free taming cream has the same wonderful vanilla aroma as their other haircare products, and it is hydrating and emollient. It smooths and pampers hair, leaving hair shiny and manageable– while fighting frizz. It is not in the least bit greasy or sticky, and it doesn't dry and flake. I have been reaching for this more than my other styling products, and that is saying something.

According to T is for Tame,

No More Baby Bed Head: Keep hair looking selfie-ready every day with our Taming Cream — a gentle, natural, vegan formula made to calm unruly hair and make brushing easier. Perfect for daily use as part of your child’s morning routine. Smooth, style, and go—without the sticky residue of gels or mousses. Tame it naturally, every day!

All Hair Types: Suitable for curly, straight, or wavy hair, our anti-frizz hair cream tames flyaways and adds smoothness with coconut and jojoba oils and a light vanilla scent for a refreshing finish.

Safety is our Priority: T is for Tame Hair Taming Cream for Kids is made by a mom of twins and manufactured in the United States, sampled by other moms, and tested by a physician, so you can trust that it has been carefully formulated with children in mind.

Safe for All Ages: Clinically and dermatologically tested, our natural hair styling cream is safe for babies and loved by the whole family. Made without chemicals, dyes, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, it’s gentle enough for everyday use.

Directions: Simply apply a dime-sized dollop onto palms and scrunch into curly or wavy hair or smooth into straight hair. Reapply as needed for soft, manageable hair.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Jojoba Oil, Stearic Acid, Coconut Oil, 1,3-Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tapioca Starch, Panthenol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Vanilla Fragrance Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.

Overall Assessment: I love T is for Tame products for my naturally curly hair, and while their products are formulated for babies and toddlers, it is perfect for my hard-to-tame hair. A+

$14.99 for 3.38 oz. from T is for Tame and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, August 10, 2026

Top Skincare Pick in August: Dr. BRID C Intensive Moisture Basic Cream

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Dr. BRID C Intensive Moisture Basic Cream is an unbelievably effective face cream that I have been using for many months, but what I discovered is that it is exquisite in its ability to pamper my skin this summer. It has a superb velvety texture, and it feels like an ultra-luxe facial cream– at an affordable price– that provides serious moisture. It is mid-weight and yet it melts into the skin immediately leaving it soft, smooth, supple and luminous. It leaves behind no greasy residue, and while it is formulated for dry and/or dehydrated skin, I find it particularly effective for my normal skin with some t-zone activity. It offers my skin ample moisture that lasts all day, and prevents my skin from becoming dehydrated during the hot months of summer. There is no detectable aroma and there are no parabens or silicones in this lovely cream.

According to Dr. BRID C,

Deep moisture care for dry or dehydrated skin. A deeply hydrating cream formulated to help relieve dryness and support long-lasting skin moisture.

Features & Claims:

Powered by our patented peptide that helps deliver peptides into the skin to support the skin's natural barrier — shown to increase C-Peptide (a key indicator of collagen synthesis) levels by 175.3%
Formulated with a premium 90,000ppm Shea Butter blend and Saccharide Isomerate. This rich combination helps improve skin hydration and assists in creating a long-lasting moisture seal for dry to extremely dry skin.
Developed to help reduce the appearance of skin roughness. Our unique silky-smooth texture absorbs gently without greasiness, delivering nutrients to support a visibly more refined surface texture.
Infused with Biosaccharide Gum-1 and Saccharide Isomerate to help lock in moisture and promote the skin's natural renewal process. These functional ingredients work together to assist in maintaining a plump, youthful-looking complexion.
Free from fragrances, parabens, and silicones. Dermatologically tested for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Directions: Apply to face and neck as the last step of skincare. Massage gently until absorbed.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Niacinamide, Saccharide Isomerate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Palmitate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Palmitate, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Gluconate, Panthenol, Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Citric Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Anisate, Zinc Oxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Bisabolol, Glutathione.

Overall Assessment: I absolutely love his cream, and it is really pampering my skin in the summer heat!

$21.99 for 0.68 oz. from Dr. BRID C and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Things to do in LA: The Original Farmers Market LA This Summer

(Unaffiliated Links)

If you plan to spend any time in Los Angeles this summer, might I suggest a trip to The Original Farmer's Market on 3rd & Fairfax?! Learn more about its long history, and its place in Hollywood history, HERE. Long history aside, there is a wide array of amazing international foods and restaurants in The Original Farmer's Market, and lots of wonderful stores to wander through. Additionally, it is directly next to The Grove– where you will find more restaurants, an abundance of luxury shops (stores listed HERE), and they even have an AMC Movie Theater. There is so much to do here, and so many delicious foods to try!

The Original Farmers Market:

6333 W. 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Plan your trip: Information HERE

Phone: 323-933-9211

Toll Free: 866-933-9211

Current Hours:

Monday-Friday: 9AM-9PM

Saturday: 10AM-9PM

Sunday: 10AM-7PM