The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team's 4th of July Week in Review

It's time to check the expiration dates on all of your sunscreens, now that it is summer, and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog highly recommends ANUA Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish SPF50 to keep your skin protected.

Marsha from Marsha in the Middle loves to talk fashion, but sometimes she gets serious. This time, the eyes have it!

You see cargo trousers and jackets every season year after year, but what about cargo skirts? Nancy, from Nancy's Fashion Style, wears a cargo skirt with a feminine touch.

Barbie's Beauty Bits shares 10 simple tips for feeling healthier this summer that can help you reclaim your energy and well-being one step at a time.

Angie from Your True Self Blog finally found a sheer skirt that she loves. So she explored how to wear sheer skirts in new laid-back ways.

Never Say Die Beauty’s favorite plumping lipgloss is on sale through Sunday, July 6. City Lips Lipgloss is Buy One Get One Free in all 17 shades including Clear this weekend. Check out Allison’s post here to find out how the sale works.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you a safe and Happy 4th of July!

Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

For many years I used drugstore brand at-home hair dyes, but the last couple of times that I did I noticed that my scalp became dry and irritated. I decided to try something a little different, and I kept seeing Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel, and I decided to try it. This Italian brand, founded in 1970, is cruelty-free, vegan and it has a wide range of colors from which to choose. I have naturally curly dark brown hair that naturally lightens up in the summer, and therefore during the cooler months I tried their Light Chestnut 5N, and for the summer I tried their Light Golden Chestnut 5D, and both are stunning shades.

When I used Light Chestnut 5N, I mixed the hair color gel and the developer until it became a thick gel that was uniform in color. I carefully brushed it from roots to tips and then left it on for 40 minutes. This formula was tested on sensitive skin, and it definitely did not irritate, burn or tingle my scalp. I rinsed it out after 40 minutes and then applied their wonderful Royal Cream Conditioner– which comes with the hair color. This conditioner is lightweight and yet incredibly emollient and moisturizing. When I was done my hair was uniformly a gorgeous chestnut shade, but it was darker than on the box since my hair was quite dark to start with. 

The next time I colored my hair, I used their Light Golden Chestnut 5D, and this lighter shade is a perfect fit for my hair during the summer. This adds a bit more depth of color, but with a slightly lighter hue with a very faint golden sensibility. 

This formula neither dries out my scalp, nor my hair, and the color lasts for a few months before I need a touch up.

Herbatint encourages mixing shades to customize your hair color, and they also suggest that you can mix up just a small amount if you only need to do root-touch up. Whether you have any grey hair you seek to cover, or just roots that differ from the rest of your color, then just doing a root touch-up makes a lot of sense. I don't have much grey hair, but there are some strands here and there, and this does an excellent job of covering them.

About Herbatint,

Herbatint, the main brand of Antica Erboristeria, was founded in 1970 following a brilliant intuition of its founder, the herbalist Michele Albergo, who focused his research on a coloring formula that could combine product efficacy with hair and skin health. Thanks to his outstanding knowledge of medicinal herbs, starting from formulations based on herbal extracts, he progressively reduced the percentage of chemical ingredients, including hydrogen peroxide.

 

Michele Albergo was strongly influenced by the Swiss herbalist with whom he had carried out his apprenticeship when he was young. He applied the knowledge gained, which had been passed down from generation to generation, in the production of Herbatint’s formulas. Thus, in a sector dominated by large multinational companies producing ammonia-based hair coloring, aimed only at product performance, Antica Erboristeria introduced a totally innovative formula: a permanent hair coloring containing herbal extracts without the use of ammonia and with a very low percentage of hydrogen peroxide. 

About the N and D Shades:

The N (Natural) Series shades color your hair while creating a natural, even color. Thanks to a consistent and odorless formula, Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel is easy to mix and apply, proving perfect results in just 40 minutes, every time! Herbatint’s gentle formula allows you to lighten your natural hair color up to a maximum of 2 shades.

The D (Golden) shade offers golden blond or brown highlights, depending on the degree of shade choice. Choose it for an intense, bright and natural result. Thanks to a consistent and odorless formula, Herbatint Haircolor Gel is easy to mix and apply, providing perfect results in just 40 minutes, every time! Herbatint’s gentle formula allows you to lighten your natural hair color up to a maximum of 2 shades.

Features:

• Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin.
• Gentle formula without ammonia, parabens and alcohol fragrance free.
• 8 Organic herbal extracts.
• A gel formula, easy to apply.
• 36 Mixable shades – can be mixed to create customized colors.
• Color gel and developer (unmixed) can be saved and reused allowing for additonal applications.

CONTENTS:

• 1 bottle of hair color gel
• 1 bottle of developer
• 1 sample of Royal Cream Conditioner
• *Gloves and instructions also included. Application kit sold separately.

Before coloring your hair do the following:

Sensitvity Test: Since the product may cause skin irritation on certain individuals, a preliminary sensitivity test should be performed. Click here to learn how to take a sensitivity test at home.

Color Strand Test: Herbatint recommends that you test the color on a part of your hair that contains the colors you want to cover. By doing a color strand test, it ensures you get that you get the first look of your desired color. 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Since Herbatint uses the most gentle formula possible, our product will only lift about one shade.  Herbatint is not capable of lifting multiple shades, so it is important to choose a color within one shade of your normal color, when going lighter.

Directions: To mix Herbatint Gel and Developer, use the Herbatint measuring cup found in the Herbatint Application Kit to mix equal parts of color and developer. The quantity you use depends on the length and volume of your hair. Note: If you don’t own an Application Kit, you can use a plastic or glass measuring cup, but NEVER use a metal measuring device.

Mix with a brush until you obtain a gel-like consistency. Starting at the root, apply the gel to dry, unwashed hair. Tilt your head back while you rinse so that the gel does not get into your eyes.

Once processed, rinse hair thoroughly until the water runs clear. Rinse by tilting head back (Do NOT use shampoo for 48 hours).

Ingredients for Light Chestnut 5N:

Available Shades:

Overall Assessment: I am so happy that I tried Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel, and it is definitely the nicest home hair color that I have tried. I already purchased 3 more boxes in Light Golden Chestnut 5D when I found them on sale! A+

$16.99 from Herbatint, Amazon, iHerb, Walmart and Swanson (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

How Influenced are You by Online Swatches and Reviews in 2025?

I wrote the article below on Monday, April 14, 2014, and at that time the beauty blogging world looked quite different. Most of the bloggers with whom I was friends back then no longer have beauty blogs, and at that time we spent a lot of time studying swatches, running to department stores to see the swatched products in person, and often we would succumb to unreasonably large hauls. I am wondering how your ideas have changed in the 11 years since I published this. I, for one, no longer run to the department stores to swatch whole collections, or return home with piles of purchased products. I also seldom study swatches online, and I don't find myself obsessively plotting my next purchases of lipsticks, lip glosses, blushes, eyeshadows and foundations. 

Here is what I wrote over 11 years ago:

The amount of time that beauty bloggers and beauty enthusiasts spend looking at, or "studying," swatches and reviews in order to select or reject upcoming purchases can become a rather time-consuming activity that can be a very costly undertaking (both in terms of the time spent "conducting research" and money spent in chasing down the next best thing).

Obviously my intention is not to undercut the value of beauty blogs and the various beauty forums for their ability to help each of us weed-out what might end up being frivolous purchases (or to introduce us to fantastic finds that we might have otherwise missed), but I do think that there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration before falling too far down this particular rabbit hole.

Swatches online do not faithfully indicate how this particular color will look on your skin. Nowhere is this more evident (and less forgiving) than with foundation swatches. This issue goes far beyond any disparity in the skin tone of the swatcher compared to the skin tone of the reader-- though the raw canvas of the swatcher's skin does indeed modify the appearance of the foundation. Of course the difference in the resolution and color of individual monitors also serves to distort these colors. Even if one establishes that they have a similar skin tone to the swatcher because they are both in the NC/NW blah blah range this doesn't take into account that many foundations have a tendency to oxidize, and even those that do not can suffer oxidation when commingled with the particularities of each person's unique body chemistry. I, myself, have tried to narrow down my color selections by studying swatches only to learn that the differences between what I saw online, and what I saw in-store were canyons apart. I realize that access, or lack thereof, to physical retailers make seeing for yourself an impossibility much of the time-- particularly when what is sought are hard-to-find niche products that can only be purchased online, or ordered from a store that is cities, states or even countries away. However, there is no beauty product that can make one look worse than wearing the wrong color of foundation.

Lipsticks, blushes and eyeshadows that are less than ideal can be tempered by blending them with other colors to make them work, but the wrong foundation shade can create the most artificial mask, or my face but worse, that sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm not saying that there is no value to seeing our swatches, but caveat emptor, because what you see isn't necessarily what you get. I always try my best to acquire foundation samples before making the purchase because history has proven time and again that it will help me be able to weed out the duds from the potential holy grails.

Shopping your own stash will reacquaint you with many of the wonderful products that you already have. I started Project Make-A-Dent for this very reason. I found myself so far down the rabbit hole of the latest releases, and realized that I had plenty of brand new products that were very similar to those that I didn't have and found myself coveting (in many cases my products were untouched and still in their boxes-- a particular problem that beauty bloggers often face as we generally leave new things unmarred in order to photograph them for our posts to show you the pristine product before it becomes ravaged by the brush). The potential for wastefulness when you have forgotten about so many products already in your possession should give each of us pause to at least take a good inventory before going and buying yet another nude lipstick or taupe eyeshadow that looks just like the many already collecting dust.

This is not intended as an indictment of our makeup & skincare purchases, or an anti-buy message to myself or others, but instead the call for a reasoned approach to acquiring more products, and perhaps a note to myself to try to avoid the many pitfalls of what can ultimately be very expensive purchases of ill-suited or duplicative products.

Chasing limited edition releases because of their perceived scarcity, and their limited time to be acquired can end up looking like a crazed addiction for those of us who get caught up in the mob mentality of needing to get that new thing that promises to be the one that you simply can't live without. Certainly the endless You Tube videos and blog posts that extol the virtues of these "must-haves" should be tempered by one's own common sense, discretionary funds available, and the objective interest in, or need for that particular product. The frequency of reading about these new releases, since everyone is talking about and swatching them at the same time, begins to feel like an effusive endorsement since so many bloggers are talking about them, but that doesn't necessitate buying all of these things. They will be discussed until the next release, and then will be forgotten about. The cycle continues in perpetuity because the collections just keep coming, and we keep talking about them.

I wish that I personally had the willpower to never find myself caught up in the hype of "needing" something that is over-hyped or hard to find, but I do find myself succumbing to these powerful impulses, albeit with less and less frequency.

Studying swatches is fine until it crosses that line from an interest to an irrational fetishistic desire to possess everything that your favorite bloggers adore, or that look just too pretty to pass up (not because you really want them per se, but because seeing them has become needing to possess them). Even though it may be the most perfected coral lipstick ever produced in the history of mankind, that changes absolutely nothing if coral lipsticks categorically look ghastly with your complexion.

I have contemplated these issues with sustained regularity, and even wrote a think-piece entitled Makeup Hoarding or Collecting: How Quickly the Edges Can Blur, and what I have come to believe is that what should be a fun and artistic endeavor (playing with makeup) can quickly devolve into a compulsive need to over-engage in conspicuous consumption (and to spend an inordinate amount of time reading about those very products). Neither buying, nor playing with makeup should be tainted by the uncomfortable compulsion to acquire in a frenzied state for fear of losing out on something that one will forever regret not having purchased (as though that special lipstick actually has within it the power to change our lives in any sort of appreciable way).

Truth be told, I (and I suspect many of you as well) tend to gravitate toward the same colors repeatedly (pinky nude lipsticks and lip glosses, pink blushes, taupe eyeshadows), and with each new compelling permutation of these shades I find myself seeking out what may be the best and most idealized version of each. Save for the disparity in finish, texture and overall quality-- what I am most often confronted with is the fact that I tend to repeatedly come home with shades that are close enough dupes to those already found in my stash.

I think that part of the problem becomes the fact that the purchase of coveted raved about products becomes aligned with the misperception that purchasing these products can become something that is needed in order to be granted access to the blogs and bloggers-- as though it is more than a product, but instead a membership card to a particular community to which one wants to belong. As though being without it one is hopelessly relegated to the sidelines and rendered mute on the particulars of this or that lipstick. It leaves one feeling as though they showed up to a lecture without having done their assignments, and then they need to sink down in their seat to avoid engaging because they have shown up unprepared.

Additionally, subjectivity must always be factored in since each of us has our own inherent likes and dislikes. For instance, if one has a particular aversion to matte lipsticks, or a particular penchant for shimmering eyeshadows, then one may be dismissive of the former and overly enthusiastic about the latter. In truth, it may be a fabulous matte lipstick formula worthy of consideration, and a mediocre shimmery eyeshadow in a lovely shade that may not be worthy of consideration.

Bottom line, the most important thing that each of us can do is let our common sense prevail, and try to remember to enjoy oneself rather than allowing something that should be lots of fun become a stressful enterprise predicated on excessive, and often unnecessary, acquisition. It is also important to remember that we as bloggers tend to test far more products than the average consumer, and that our experiences should help you avoid making purchases that ultimately won't work for you as much as our experiences introduce you to products that will be a good fit.

What are your thoughts on the subject?
How do you keep your purchases in check?
How influenced are you by pretty swatches and positive reviews?
Has your beauty cup runneth over, or have you maintained a levelheaded perspective?

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

PERFECT ONE FOCUS Smooth Cleansing Balm Thoughts One Year Later

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I have been using PERFECT ONE Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm for a little over a year now and the other day while I was using it I thought about just how much I love this cleansing balm, and that after a year of use, I can't see a time in which I won't want to use this gem of a product. Made in Japan, this ultra-effective cleansing balm is a joy to use not just because of its efficacy, but also because it has such an uplifting citrus aroma.

About PERFECT ONE,

At PERFECT ONE US, we’re passionate about being more than just a company; we aim to be a lifelong companion, ushering in a revolutionary era of beauty and wellness. We’re dedicated to developing products and services that resonate with the evolving needs of our times. Our mission is to continually prosper, enhancing the joyous moments of your everyday life.

Our vision is to elevate PERFECT ONE to the pinnacle of global skincare, becoming the leading all-in-one brand worldwide. We’re committed to promoting a lifestyle of simplicity that brings smiles to faces across the globe.

Every day, may you find your beauty dreams fulfilled with each use, like a crystal radiating clarity and majestic strength.

PERFECT ONE Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm is an effective cleansing balm with a wonderfully uplifting citrus aroma. Formulated to deeply clean pores, remove dirt, sebum and makeup, this balm effectively cleans the skin and leaves it soft, smooth and supple. It can either be used alone, or as the first step in a double cleansing routine (followed by your favorite cleanser). You simply scoop a small amount of this balm into your hands, where it melts at body temperature, and then massage it into the skin with a gentle circular motion, then rinse with warm water. I prefer to double cleanse, and therefore I use this balm as my first step to remove all dirt and makeup, and then I use one of my favorite lathering facial cleansers.

According to Perfect One,

Crafted with advanced technology that swiftly dissolves at body temperature, this luxurious cleansing balm minimizes friction while melting away makeup and pore impurities, achieving a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.

Key Benefits & Claims: 

1. Our gentle 'Cleansing Balm' swiftly dissolves blackheads and makeup residue from pores upon application.

2. Enriched with carefully selected moisturizing agents and plant extracts, it nurtures the skin to a hydrated state while tending to pores.

3. Effectively removes waterproof foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick.

4. Infused with natural citrus essential oils, it offers a revitalizing aroma. Within the fresh citrus scent, subtle notes of sweet bergamot add to the gratifying cleansing experience.

Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination.

Warnings: 1. Be careful when using this product, making sure that there are no abnormalities on your skin. If the cosmetics do not suit your skin, i.e. in the following cases, please discontinue use. If you continue use, the symptoms may worsen, so we recommend that you consult a dermatologist. (1) If any abnormalities such as redness, swelling, itching, irritation, loss of color (white spots etc.) or darkening appear during use. (2) If the above abnormalities appear on your skin after exposure to direct sunlight. 2. Do not use on areas with abnormalities such as wounds, swelling, and eczema. 3.(1) Be careful not to get it in your eyes. (2) If it gets in contact with eyes, please wash it away immediately without rubbing. (3) If a foreign body sensation remains in your eyes, please consult an ophthalmologist. 4.Do not store in places of high temperature such as bathrooms.

Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Wax, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Kaolin, Talc, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Water; Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Papain, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Inositol, Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Squalane, Isostearic Acid, Silica, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Myristyl 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate, Hydroxyproline, Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Juice, Cysteine/Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Juice, Pvp, Algin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Juice, Polyepsilon-Lysine, Soluble Collagen, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Crataegus Cuneata Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Succinoyl Atelocollagen, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Chitosan, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sodium Polygamma-Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid.

Overall Assessment: After a year of regular use, I can definitely say that I plan to keep using this cleansing balm, and the wonderful and uplifting citrus aroma is perfect for this summer season! 

$25.00 for 2.64 oz. from Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

June 2025 Empties for the Hair and Body

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

Surprisingly, I didn't use up a single skincare product in June, but instead just products for the hair and body. Of the 8 products that I used, there were 5 haircare products and three body products. 7 of the products were full-size, and one was a deluxe sample hair conditioner that came in a box of hair dye. I thoroughly enjoyed using each of these products and would happily use all of them again. However, I am currently swimming in shampoos and conditioners and won't buy any more until I use up a few more that I already have.

Herbatint Royal Conditioner ($16.99 for their Permanent Haircolor Gel from iHerb, Herbatint, Amazon, Walmart and Target): I recently discovered the Italian haircare company that makes what has become my very favorite hair dye. It is healthier than most permanent hair dyes and is far more forgiving on my scalp than most of the drugstore brands of hair color. I plan to review the Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel soon, but for now I want to state for the record that the Herbatint Royal Conditioner, that they include in their box of hair dye, is utterly covet-worthy. This lightweight conditioner, that you use immediately after coloring your hair, makes freshly colored hair soft, moisturized, smooth and shiny! Purchase Again? Without question! I bought 4 boxes when they were recently on sale!

Anihana Shampoo Bar in Manuka Honey & Almond ($9.97 from Anihana, Amazon): This delectably honey and almond scented shampoo bar forms a luscious creamy lather that thoroughly cleans the hair and it leaves behind no unwanted residue. It leaves hair clean, manageable and frizz-free. Purchase Again? Perhaps in the distant future when I don't have so many shampoos to use up first.

Anihana Conditioner Bar in Manuka Honey & Almond ($9.99 from Anihana, Amazon): This ultra-nourishing, and delectably honey and almond scented conditioning bar deeply conditions the hair without weighing it down. It leaves my curly hair manageable, frizz-free and shiny. Purchase Again? I would definitely use this again, but I have too many conditioners to use up first!

milk_shake leave-in conditioner in flower fragrance ($26.00 for 11.8 oz. from milk_shake and their Amazon Store): my latest discovery from this wonderful brand, and I can't say enough good things about it! I use leave-in conditioners every single day– I use them after I wash my hair and even on days when I don't since a good leave-in conditioner keeps my hair manageable and hydrated. This lovely leave-in detangles, offers my hair lasting hydration, and fights frizz and leaves my hair soft and shiny. It has a wonderful fragrance that is delectable and intoxicating, but if you don't use fragrant hair products, this one might not be for you. However, the aroma isn't imposing or distracting. It is formulated for all types of hair. Purchase Again? I already opened a new bottle! 

Philip B. Scent of Santa Fe Shampoo ($60.00 for 11.8 oz. from Philip B, Dermstore, Bloomingdale's): Philip B. Scent of Santa Fe Balancing Shampoo is a very hydrating and nourishing shampoo that is gentle enough for daily use, and it has the most incredible aroma punctuated by Sage and Juniper Berry. It smells like a beautiful Autumn day– which is an utter delight this time of year. It is suitable for all hair types, and it thoroughly cleanses without stripping the hair or scalp of their precious oils. Purchase Again? I have too many shampoos to use up first, but I would happily use this ultra-luxe shampoo again!

Baylis & Harding Natural Body Wash in Sea Kelp & Peppermint ($6.99 for 16.9 oz. from Target & Amazon): This heavenly body wash offers a refreshing reprieve from this sweltering summer heat. I run a lukewarm shower and use a body sponge to lather up this gorgeous refreshing aromatic body wash, and it is truly uplifting to the senses. The peppermint is tempered by the sea kelp, and it never overwhelms. This is my current go-to body wash, and it throughly cleans and leaves skin soft and never dry or stripped. Purchase Again? I just opened another bottle of their body wash! This British brand really knows how to make affordable luxury products!

Mrs. Meyer's Compassion Flower Hand Soap ($4.89-$5.12 for 12.5 oz. and a 3-pack for $14.64 from Amazon, Walmart and Target): This is not your typical floral scented hand soap, but instead the aroma is neither too sweet, nor too fragrant. It has a light and delicate floral aroma that is uplifting and understated. This is a very moisturizing hand soap that neither strips the skin, nor leaves behind an oily residue. Instead, it is utter hand soap perfection.  Purchase Again? I already opened another bottle!

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla & Earth ($12.00 for 2 oz. LAVANILA, Amazon, Target): This is a wonderful healthy deodorant formula that is effective, smells delicious and offers long-lasting protection. Available in a nice range of scents, their scrumptious smelling Healthy Deodorants offer odor protection all day long, and the healthy ingredients condition the skin. 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. It appears that they no longer make this particular scent, but their Pure Vanilla scent is actually my favorite– it is warm and creamy perfection, and I absolutely love it! Purchase Again? Without question!

 

Overall Assessment: While I didn't manage to finish a single skincare product, I think that I will finish up a couple of them next month. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in June? Any amazing finds or duds to report?

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

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

A Few Summer Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun

Now that summer is officially here, it is definitely time to take some safety precautions while spending lots of time outdoors. Here are a few tips that I follow:

1) Check the expiration on your sunscreens and replace them if they have expired. I do not leave the house wearing anything less than an SPF30 no matter what the weather is like, even to hang out in my backyard. Since we spend more time outside during the summer, it is imperative not to skip this step. Remember to reapply your sunscreen frequently. If you will be swimming, be sure to get sunscreens that are water-resistant or waterproof.

2) Visit your doctor to have your moles and other skin issues addressed. Spending time in the sun is a fun way to spend the lazy days of summer, but it is also an important time for your doctor to check any skin irregularities or anything in the least bit suspicious looking. Cancerous and precancerous lesions, and skin cancers is a real concern, and catching them early is very important, but avoiding them altogether is even better.

3) Limit your sun exposure. Seek shade whenever possible since it will help protect you against heat exhaustion and sunburn.

4) If you go hiking, or on long walks, for a run etc., make sure not to forget to bring your water. Opt for locations with plenty of shaded area, and exercise with great caution in the heat. Better yet, wait until it cools down. It is easier than you think to end up with heat exhaustion, or worse yet– heatstroke.

5) Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Carry a big bottle of water when you are out and about. If you will be out for long periods of time, bring extra thermal water bottles.

6) Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and light clothing when outdoors for longer periods of time.

7) Have a first aid kit available, whether you are at home and having a BBQ or at the beach for a picnic. You never know when you will need it while playing outdoors. I include extra hand sanitizers and face masks in mine, just in case they are needed.

8) Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, and that you have a charger with you (and a solar charger if you are without power). It is always important to make sure that you are prepared for an emergency situation, and a charged phone can be make all of the difference in the world.

What tips do you have to share?

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Bids June Farewell

The Boxwalla June Beauty Box featuring Nuori Skincare includes a full sized serum and moisturizer that are truly covet-worthy. This Danish beauty brand is extraordinary, and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog recommends ordering a box before they sell out.

Marsha from Marsha in the Middle believes in buying multiples of an item that really work for her.  It turns out she applies that same idea to seeing a particular play.

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style invites you to join her, and Shelbee's, monthly series. Each month there is a theme and all you have to do is send a photo, or two, and explain why your wardrobe item is a good buy or a good-bye.

When Angie from Your True Self Blog first explored the many different ways to wear asymmetric skirts, it was a bold new trend. Now, a couple of years later, it is becoming a classic style of the future.

Welcome to skincare 101! Barbie's Beauty Bits will answer the question: How can you take care of your skin every day? Proper skin care is essential for your health and overall well-being.

Sephora Sale Up to 50% Off Event

Affiliate Links

Sephora's up to 50% Off event is happening now online and in-store! Receive 25% Off on shampoos and conditioners and up to 50% Off on select makeup and fragrance! Coming soon: 20% Off facial moisturizers! If you having been planning on shopping at Sephora, then this is the time to do it!

Between 12:01am PT on 07/03/25 and 11:59pm PT on 07/08/25, select facial moisturizers, as identified, will be up to 20% off in Sephora US stores, Sephora Canada Stores, Sephora at Kohl’s stores, sephora,com, sephora,ca, and Kohls,com. Products may vary by day and are subject to availability. No rain checks will be provided. Not valid on La Mer, Augustinus Bader, Christian Dior, The Ordinary, Tower 28, previous purchases, packaging, taxes, shipping and handling charges, or on orders shipping outside the US or Canada. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers or rewards, unless otherwise specified. Sephora may modify or cancel offer at any time.

25% off on select shampoo and conditioner products between 12:01am PT on 6/26/25 and 11:59pm PT on 7/02/25. Offer valid in Sephora US stores, Sephora Canada Stores, Sephora at Kohl's stores, sephora,com, sephora,ca, and kohls,com. Buy Online, Pick Up In Store orders placed after 7/02/25 do not qualify. Not valid on Hair Value and Gift Sets, The Ordinary, Kérastase, Shu Uemura, Mizani, L'Oréal Professionnel, Pureology, Oribe, Davines, on Instagram shopping, previous purchases, gift wrapping, packaging, taxes, or shipping and handling charges. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Promotion offer has no cash value and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers, or rewards unless otherwise specified by Sephora. Sephora/Kohls may modify or cancel offer at any time, in its sole discretion.

One-time offer valid for Beauty Insider members who make a single merchandise purchase of at least $75 between 12:01 am PT on 6/26/25 and 11:59pm PT on 7/8/25 in Sephora US stores, Sephora Canada stores, on sephora,com, and on sephora,ca. Must enter promotion code at checkout to redeem. Buy Online, Pick Up In Store orders placed after 7/8/25 do not qualify. Bonus points will be automatically credited to your Beauty Insider account within 24 hours after purchase or 24 hours after your Buy Online, Pick Up In Store order has been picked up. Must be subscribed to Sephora marketing emails to receive confirmation of bonus points. Limit one bonus points offer per Beauty Insider account. Sephora is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen offer materials. Promotion offer and points have no cash value and may not be altered, bartered, sold, or transferred. Previous purchases, purchases of gift cards, purchases of Same-Day Unlimited subscriptions, packaging, taxes, or shipping and handling charges do not apply toward $75 minimum spend. Entire merchandise return will result in deduction of awarded points. Partial merchandise returns that reduce merchandise total to less than $75 will result in deduction of awarded points. Sephora and Kohl’s employees are not eligible for this offer. Sephora may modify or cancel offer at any time.

ANUA Ultimate Spot Duo Set

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

ANUA had the brilliant idea to take two of their most effective serums and create a the Ultimate Spot Duo. This beautifully curated set brings together two of ANUA’s best-selling serums, each made for specific skin concerns while working synergistically to help care for sensitive, blemish-prone skin for a healthier appearance. They will help to create a comprehensive routine for clearer, calmer, more even-toned skin.

Containing ingredients tested to help soothe the skin, ANUA’s Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum is a non-comedogenic soothing serum featuring 10% Azelaic Acid, 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid and ANUA’s Gentle Calming Complex™. The star ingredient, Azelaic Acid, is known to help with many skin concerns including acne, redness (rosacea) and hyperpigmentation. Ideal for troubled and oily skin types, it helps improve a skin environment prone to breakouts and prevent pores from clogging, creating an environment where pimples are less likely to form.

The serum’s benefits are further enhanced by ANUA’s Gentle Calming Complex™. This special complex consists of Blue Tansy Oil, Ubiquinone, Green Tea Leaf Water, Aloe Leaf Juice and 7 types of Cica to soothe irritation. It also gives the serum its natural green color. ANUA’s Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum also contains other calming and hydrating ingredients like Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Panthenol, Ceramides, Squalane, Glycerin, Beta-Glucan and Allantoin. 

Since this bright green serum helps calm blemish-prone skin and reduce visible redness, its benefits are complemented by using it with ANUA’s Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum. 

Often called the pink serum, it is formulated with ingredients like 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic that help even skin tone. It also contains 2% arbutin to help brighten and even skin tone by helping to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots. The formula is completed by hyaluronic acid and botanical oils to moisturize and soothe skin. With a watery, lightweight texture, this will be your new go-to serum to help fade and address enlarged pores, stubborn dark spots, hyperpigmentation, post-acne scars and marks, sun spots and other forms of discoloration effectively, while also helping to support healthy-looking skin and maintain an even tone.

This is a simple and effective two-step routine that helps fade dark spots, calm breakouts, soothe redness, and support skin barrier health– all while delivering that coveted glass skin glow.

Directions for Sensitive Skin:

When layering, apply the Azelaic Serum first in the morning, and use the TXA Niacinamide Serum at night. 

Morning or Before Makeup

Apply Toner → Use the Azelaic Serum → Moisturizer to finish.

Night or After Cleansing 

Apply Toner → Use the TXA Niacinamide Serum → Moisturizer to finish.

Directions for Non-Sensitive Skin:

Step 1. Toner after cleansing

Step 2. Azelaic Serum

→ Help calm irritation and reduce breakouts.

→ Acts as a soothing base.

→ Wait 5–10 minutes for full absorption.

Step 3. Niacinamide + TXA Serum (in small amounts)

→ Apply after the skin is fully settled.

→ Great for spot treating areas with pigmentation.

Step 4. Moisturizer to finish

→ Use a night cream or hydrating moisturizer.

Overall Assessment: This wonderful, and affordable, serum duo helps reduce acne, redness (rosacea) and hyperpigmentation. Make sure to use, and reapply, a high SPF sunscreen to keep skin protected. When treating hyperpigmentation skin is vulnerable to the effects of the sun, and therefore it is very important to be diligent about the use of sunscreen.

$44.00 for the set (each 1.01 oz.) ANUA Ultimate Spot Duo from Amazon. 

$22.00 for 1.01 for the ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum from Amazon and ULTA. 

$22.00 for 1.01 oz. for the ANUA Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum from Amazon and ULTA (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.