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.

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

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.

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.

Nordstrom End-of-Season Sale Up to 50% Off

(Affiliate Links)

Nordstrom is offering up to 50% OFF on their End-of-Season Sale. Check out their New Markdowns! Check out all of their new markdowns! 

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

Shop by Department:
Sale: Beauty | Women | Men | Kids | Home

Women's Clothing | Women's Shoes | Handbags & Accessories

APRILSKIN Hero Glaze Lip Gloss Review

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 two new shades of the fan-favorite long-lasting lip stain. Today I am sharing their wonderful lip gloss!

APRILSKIN Hero Glaze Lip Gloss is a crystal-clear, high-shine lip gloss with a touch of glitter. It boasts a beautiful and glistening high-shine finish, and the non-sticky formula feels very comfortable on the lips. Unlike some lip glosses that contain glitter, I do not find this one gritty on the lips. It is lightweight, has no detectable scent or flavor, and it works beautifully on its own or over your favorite lipsticks. The formula has some skin loving ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and jojoba seed oil, and I find that it does a good job hydrating my lips. Formulated to help support the moisture barrier, this gloss leaves lips feeling soft, smooth and nourished. Furthermore, there is no detectable fragrance or taste, and fragrance isn't listed among its ingredients.

According to APRILSKIN,

Instantly give lips a plump, glazed look with a crystal-clear shine. The glossy finish enhances your natural lip color, creating fuller, healthier-looking lips with a smooth, glass-like glow.

More than just shine, this hydrating lip gloss helps lips appear visibly fuller while delivering lasting moisture. The nourishing formula keeps lips feeling soft, smooth, and comfortably hydrated throughout the day.

Lightweight, non-sticky texture glides on effortlessly for comfortable all-day wear. Enjoy a fresh, transparent gloss that never feels heavy or greasy.

Full Ingredients Above:

Directions: Apply directly to bare lips for a naturally glossy finish or layer over your favorite lip color to add extra shine. Reapply anytime for an instant boost of hydration and glow.

Swatch taken in direct sunlight. The gloss is completely clear, and the glitter is not overdone.

Overall Assessment: I really like this lip gloss, and the price is right!

$9.90 for 0.16 oz. from Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Enjoy this Beautiful Summer Sunday

While students on the semester system have all been back to school for a while now, and that marks the end of summer vacation for them, I always remind myself that summer doesn't end until Autumn arrives on September 22. Enjoy the remainder of summer, I plan to!

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Week in Review

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago and wrote a post about it. She wanted to keep the beautiful memory on her blog as she was so touched by the love and warmth she received from her loved ones.

If you need a little extra under-eye hydration, and want to reduce the appearance of puffiness, fine lines and dark circles, then Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum is a perfect pick. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog highly recommends this gem.

Terri from Our Good Life says that beauty isn’t about chasing youth or perfection—it’s about caring for ourselves, expressing who we are, and finding pleasure in the little rituals that make us feel beautiful.

Wearing black may be slimming, but it’s not flattering to most complexions and can be boring without plenty of texture. That’s why the proverbial pop of color is so popular. Angie from Your True Self Blog has a simple style tip on how to spice up a black outfit that really makes a difference!

Kiss New York Skin Plump Vita Hydra Serum Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Manufactured in Korea and designed in New York, Kiss New York is a K-Beauty brand that just launched their skincare line on Amazon, and their products are effective and affordable.

Kiss New York Vita Hydra Serum is Hyaluronic Acid-based hydrating serum that contains 5 different types of Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide and Centella Asiatica to bathe skin in rich hydration. It soothes irritated skin, plumps fine lines and helps protect the skin barrier. The serum has a gel consistency, and it melts into the skin without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue. I find that it leaves my skin beautifully hydrated all day long, and when I use it at night, my skin is noticeably hydrated and luminous the following morning. 

According to Kiss New York,

Transform dry, dehydrated skin into a dewy, glowing complexion with Kiss New York Vita Hydra Serum. This multi-vitamin powerhouse is expertly formulated to deliver intense hydration deep into the skin's layers while strengthening the moisture barrier Featuring a proprietary Deep Hydration Complex of 5 types of Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide NP, it instantly relieves tightness and locks in moisture for a plump, smooth finish. Enriched with Centella Asiatica, it soothes sensitive skin, leaving it balanced and refreshed without any sticky residue.

Features & Claims: 

Multi-Vitamin Skincare Power: Each serum in the KISS NEW YORK Vita line is formulated with essential vitamins and skin-benefiting actives to target toned skin, hydration, or firmness with visible results.

Deep Hydration Complex: Featuring 5 Types of Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Centella Asiatica, this serum deeply hydrates multiple layers of skin for a plumper, smoother, glass glow appearance.

Lightweight & Fast-Absorbing: The silky, emulsion-type texture glides smoothly onto the skin, absorbing quickly without stickiness, perfect for layering under makeup or daily moisturizers.

Gentle Formula: Gentle formulations suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Free from harsh alcohols and parabens.

Directions:  After cleansing and toning, apply a generous amount of Vita Collagen Serum to your face and neck. 

Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:

• 5 Hyaluronic Acids: hydrate multiple layers of skin.
• Ceramide NP: helps lock in moisture and repair barrier.
• Niacinamide: improves smoothness and tone.
• Centella Asiatica: soothes and calms skin.

Full Ingredients:

Overall Assessment: Not only is this an effective Hyaluronic Acid serum, but it is also quite affordable.

$14.99 for 1.01 oz: from the Kiss New York Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Bubble Tea Scrub Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Bubble Tea Scrub is another fantastic product that I have been using from TIRTIR's Matcha Collection. This gentle exfoliating gel can be customized to address the particular needs of your skin. If, for instance, you want a very gentle exfoliation, then use the gel alone, but if you desire a deeper level of exfoliation, then you simply include the Bubble Tea Matcha Pearls that are suspended in the gel for a deeper exfoliation. It has a very faint aroma from the ingredients, and not from added fragrance, but the scent is so faint that it is barely detectable to my nose. This scrub effectively removes dead skin cells not just from manual massaging, but also from the Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid– which effectively remove dead skin cells, as well. It leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple and hydrated, rather than dry and taught. The inclusion of the Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)– which is such a smart idea in a face scrub– ensures that the skin receives hydration, and therefore isn't stripped or left dry and irritated.

According to TIRTIR,

Gently exfoliates, refines pores, calms and soothes skin, reduces redness, supports skin barrier, and controls sebum.

Inspired by bubble tea, adjust exfoliation by mixing matcha pearls as desired. A naturally derived konjac gel base gently refines texture, helping remove up to 84.9% of dead skin cells without irritation.

Infused with 5,000ppm Jeju-derived Vegan Matcha PDRN and green tea catechins to visibly calm stressed, irritated redness of skin while supporting collagen and skin renewal.

A 6-Ceramide Complex and soothing 5-TECA known to help reinforce the skin barrier, keeping skin hydrated, comfortable, and resilient even after exfoliation.

Maintain your skin's natural harmony with a low pH of 6.6. Balanced exfoliation refines pores and smooth uneven texture without disrupting your skin’s natural balance.

Reduce excess sebum by 29.06% after one use, leaving pores looking clearer and skin feeling fresh, smooth, and refined.

Directions: Apply to damp face, gently massage in circular motions, adjust exfoliation intensity by mixing matcha pearls as desired, rinse off, use daily.

Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Agar, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dextrin, CI 77499 /Iron Oxide Black, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Maltodextrin, CI 77491/Iron Oxide Red, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium DNA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sucrose Stearate, Ceramide NP, Camellia Sinensis Catechins, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide NS, Ceramide NG, Ceramide AS, Ceramide AP, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Ceramide EOP.

Overall Assessment: What a wonderful, and innovative, skin scrub! 

$20.00 for 3.35 oz. from TIRTIR, StyleVana, Amazon & YesStyle (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum for the Face Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I just couldn't convince myself not to buy the Westman Atelier Serum Duo (Westman Atelier Eye Activator Serum Reviewed HERE), and I am glad because I really love the face and eye serums.

Gucci Westman discusses the creation of the Westman Atelier Serums with the leading skin scientist, Dr. Raymond Park:

'Everything starts with the quality of the skin—including your makeup,' says Gucci of the impetus behind Skin Activator, the new Westman Atelier skincare serum packed with 12 potent actives that doubles as a luxurious makeup prep. Decades spent working as an editorial makeup artist in fashion and film has taught her that 'you’re only as good as your canvas,' Gucci continues. So when it came to formulating her first-ever pure skincare formula, she was on a major mission. 

'I wanted something to intensively hydrate, calm, and tighten the skin,' Gucci recalls of a five-year journey in formulation that ultimately took her to Korea. There, she worked with leading skin scientist Dr. Raymond Park, whose breakthroughs include creating the world's first non-prescription formula to heal the skin barrier. When it came to her own dream skincare formula, Gucci says, 'it had to contain the right actives, at the right levels, to really correct and protect skin. And it had to work flawlessly with your makeup. 

Together, they collaborated on a smart, skin-identical formula that includes four types of hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, prickly pear extract, and more. By harnessing an innovative delivery system known as multi-lamellar technology, the serum mimics skin’s natural structure, allowing it to deliver a checklist of highly stable ingredients—without disrupting it.

'My skin instantly feels juicier, tighter, more harmonious and awake,' Gucci says of gliding on three pumps of the weightless gel, which works for all ages and skin types, every morning. Whether she follows with face moisturizer or skips straight to foundation, 'it takes my skin—and my makeup—to the next level.' Before bed, she applies it again as an overnight treatment: 'When I wake up, my skin looks so calm, so even, so hydrated and healthy.'

Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum is a formulated to protect the skin barrier, to deeply hydrate and calm the skin, and to soften the appearance of fine lines. Furthermore, this serum– which boasts 12 potent actives and 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid– makes my skin feel a bit more firm without feeling tight or unnatural. When my skin is irritated it calms down any redness, and it floods it with sustained hydration throughout the day. It is a lightweight and fast absorbing serum that melts into the skin, and it doesn't leave behind an oily or sticky residue. While it offers my skin deep hydration, I still use my face oil and a moisturizer after it sinks in, but I have tested it without either and my skin looked and felt beautifully hydrated, soft, supple and luminous. I love a good serum, and this is definitely that. It has no detectable aroma, and is such a joy to use. They offer refills– which is such a nice feature– and next time I will order that instead since buying the refills saves you $25.00.

According to Westman Atelier,

A hyper-potent serum that floods skin with 12 actives to soften fine lines, boost firmness and deeply hydrate.

This all-in-1 serum works in 3 ways for happier skin with every dose. 12 key ingredients plus smart, skin-identical science that’s made for all skin types.

Developed in partnership with Korea’s leading skin scientist and powered by a multi-lamellar delivery system, this formula deposits the right actives—at the right levels—without disrupting skin.

 

Wear it alone to boost skin quality or as the ultimate makeup prep. Your best skin activated – with or without makeup. 

Claims:

Restores: Strengthens moisture barrier, skin feels hydrated, bouncy, calm.

Corrects: Lines look softer, skin looks lifted, feels firmer, pores appear smaller.

Protects: Antioxidants help prevent future damage.

Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist tested.

Directions: Dispense a dime-sized amount & apply onto cleansed skin morning and/or night. Gently massage all over face, neck and décolletage. Most feel intensely hydrated, but if you wish you can apply your face oil and/or moisturizer directly followed by your SPF.

Ingredients & Their Attributes:

• Prickly Pear Cactus Extract – Calms.
• L-Glutamine – Restores.
• Ceramides – Strengthens Moisture Barrier.
• Hyaluronic Acid (4 Types) - Plumps, Hydrates.
• Niacinamide - Evens Tone, Targets Pores.
• Peptides - Firms.
• Noni Fruit — Repairs.
• Fermented Algae — Boosts Radiance.
• Adenosine — Smooths Lines.
• L-Arginine — Restores Bounce.
• EGCG — Neutralizes Free Radicals.
• Probiotics — Strengthens Skin’s Defenses.

Full Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lactobacillus Ferment, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Stearate, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Juice, Palmitic Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Stearic Acid, Pullulan, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Arginine, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glutamine, Maltodextrin, Olive Glycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Biotinoyl Hexapeptide-2 Amide, Beta-Glucan, PCA, Myristyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide NP, Gluconolactone, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Swertia Chirata Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Tin Oxide.

Westman Atelier Serum Duo (Face & Eye Serum Set) $180.00 from Nordstrom

Overall Assessment: Westman Atelier Skin Activator Serum is an effective serum, and it makes my skin look and feel so good. It is quite expensive, but that is why I opted to buy the serum duo from Nordstrom because it offered a substantial savings. The set is still available, and I may need to buy a backup set with my gift card! However, when I just need to replace the serum, I will definitely purchase the refill since it will save me $25.00/ A+

$150.00 for 0.67 oz. from Westman Atelier, Nordstrom, Sephora, Credo Beauty & Bergdorf Goodman. Westman Atelier Serum Duo (Face & Eye Serum Set) $180.00 from Nordstrom (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.