Dr. Althea Melaclear Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Dr. Althea Melaclear Cream is formulated to fade dark spots, and skin discoloration. It is a good pick if you have hyper-pigmentation, but before using anything to treat discoloration, it is imperative to see your doctor to make sure that the spots that you are seeking to treat are not precancerous or cancerous lesions, moles, oddly shaped and oddly colored skin, and the like. I regularly have my doctor check my skin– especially since I live in Southern California– since I am exposed to sun most months out of the year. I neither have acne, nor acne scarring, but this cream is formulated to help fade those marks on the skin as well.

This cream has the consistency and appearance of an ointment, but it is a little lighter in weight. It is a spot-treatment product and therefore one only needs to apply it to the impacted areas of the skin. I have used it on a spot of discoloration on my face– from sun damage– and it is slowly starting to get a bit lighter.

According to Dr. Althea,

Melaclear Cream is a targeted dark spot treatment designed to help fade discoloration, improve uneven skin tone, and restore a brighter, clearer-looking complexion.

Formulated with Tranexamic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, and Niacinamide, this cream helps fade the look of dark spots, acne marks, and uneven tone for a clearer, brighter complexion. Ceramide NP supports the skin barrier to keep skin hydrated, smooth, and healthy-looking.

This ointment-style cream melts into a lightweight cream-to-serum texture, delivering concentrated brightening care and hydration, and can be layered at night as an intensive brightening sleep mask.

Benefits:

• Improves uneven skin tone
• Helps fade dark spots & acne marks
• Spot treatment or overnight mask

Directions: 1. Apply a small amount to dark spots, acne marks, or uneven areas as the last step of your skincare routine. 2. Gently pat until absorbed. 3. For overnight care, apply a thicker layer and leave on as a brightening sleep mask.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Alpha-arbutin, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Propanediol, Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Ceramide Np, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Dna, Solanum Lycopersicum (tomato) Fruit Extract.

Overall Assessment: If you have any discoloration from sun damage or acne scarring, this is worthy of your consideration, but only after you have had your doctor evaluate your skin to make sure those impacted areas do not need to be treated by your doctor, rather than a skincare product.

$29.00 for 0.70 oz. from Dr. Althea, Amazon, YesStyle and Style Korean (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Macy's Friends & Family Sale Up to 30% Off Through May 3

Affiliate Links 

The Macy's Friends & Family Sale is going on now through May 3, 2026.  15% off Beauty & Fragrance and up to 30% off throughout the store.  Use Code: FRIEND at checkout. See Exclusions below. There are nearly 200 beauty offers available online, and a wonderful selection of gifts with purchase.

Visit: www.macys.com

EXTRA 30%, 25%, 15%, OR 10% OFF items labeled FRIEND: Extra savings end May 3, 2026. Extra savings cannot be combined with any coupon, extra discount, or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to already-reduced prices.

Sales:

• 30% OFF select reg.-priced, sale & clearance clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, jewelry, home items & luggage.
• 25% OFF select Michael Kors—online only.
• 15% OFF select reg.-priced, sale & clearance cosmetics, fragrance, watches & designer jewelry.
• 10% OFF select reg.-priced, sale & clearance small appliances, rugs, furniture, mattresses, lighting & toys.

TO GET EXTRA SAVINGS: Look for items labeled FRIEND. Once added to your bag, check how much you’ll save. All other items are excluded from the offer. Only one code may be used per transaction. A code may be applied to the first order of an Auto Replenish item but will not apply to any subsequent Auto Replenish orders of the same item.

EXCLUDES ALL: Bonus offers, Everyday Values (EDV), Great Values, Last Act Clearance, Macy’s Backstage, Macy’s Wine Shop, Our Lowest Prices of the Season, Specials & Limited-Time Specials, active gear, baby gear, beauty purchase-with-purchase offers, brand partnerships, gift cards, golf clothing, items sold by third-party sellers, jewelry trunk shows, kids’ & baby shoes, kids’ athletic clothing & accessories, previous purchases, restaurants, services, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, sterling flatware, The Abingdon Co., Aquatalia, Badgley Mischka, Baggallini, Barbour, Barnes & Noble, Bartesian, BaubleBar, Beautyrest Collections, Ben Sherman, Bentgo, Birkenstock, Bissell, Blackstone, Bogs, Bonobos, Born, Breville, Bric’s Milano, Briggs & Riley, Brooklyn Bedding, Brookstone, Bruno Magli, Camper, Caraway, Carlos Santana, Casafina by Costa Nova, Casper, Certina, Chilewich, Chubbies, Citizen, Cobian, Constant Covering, Contigo, Coravin, Crocs, David Donahue, Dearfoams, Derek Lam, Dolce Vita, Dominique, Dr. Scholl’s, DreamFarm, Dress the Population, Dyson, Eileen Fisher, Eileen West, Elomi, Epoch Hats, Ergopouch, Evaya by 12Park, Fantasie, Fila, Finish Line, FitFlop, Foot Petals, Freya, Giuseppe Zanotti, Global Cutlery, Global Views, Goddess, Guy Harvey, Hamilton, Hammitt, Hanky Panky, Havaianas, Heat Holders, Henckels, Honey Love, Hurom America, Hydroflask, iComfort by Serta, Instant Pot, Ipanema, iRobot, Jambu, Jansport, Jeffrey Campbell, Johnston & Murphy, Jordan, Juicy Couture, Kahala, Kangol, Keurig, KitchenAid, Koolaburra by UGG®, La Canadienne, Le Creuset, Le Mystere, LEGO®, Lids®, Little Me, Longines, Loungefly, MacKenzie-Childs, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Marc Joseph New York, Marciano, Marcella, Mason Pearson, Marmot, Maverick & Co., Mavrans, Merrell, Minnetonka, Michael Aram, Montblanc, Movado, Natori, Nic + Zoe, Nike, Ninja, P448, Pajar, Pandora, Pendleton, Philips, Playtex, Rag & Bone, Rebecca Minkoff, Reiss, Reyn Spooner, Rodd & Gunn, Rothy’s, Rowenta, Royal Copenhagen, Royal Doulton, Rubbermaid, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sanuk, Sarto by Franco Sarto, SAXX Underwear, Scala, Schutz, Serta, Seville Classics, Shark, Smeg, Soia & Kyo, Sorel, Spanx, Sperry, Stearns & Foster, Stoney Clover Lane, Sunday Afternoons, Taft, TAG Heuer, Tempur-Pedic, Teva, The North Face, Theory, Thomasville, Timberland, Tissot, Tommy Bahama, Toms, Tori Richard, Tory Burch, Totes, Tumi, Tupperware, UGG®, Under Armour, UNOde50, Urban Expressions, Urban Originals, Uttermost, Victorinox, Viking, Vitamix, Von Dutch, Wacoal, Waterford, Wedgwood, Wrangler, Wusthof, and Zwilling.

EXCLUDES SELECT: capsule collections, china/crystal/silver, contemporary clothing, cookware, cosmetics & fragrance, designer bridge clothing/dresses/handbags/shoes/lingerie/hosiery/sleepwear, footwear accessories, gourmet food, home & kitchen items, jewelry & watches, leased & licensed depts., maternity, men’s & women’s clothing & accessories, men’s & women’s coats & jackets, outdoor clothing & shoes, pet accessories, seasonal footwear, swimwear, tech, vendor-direct brands, water bottles, adidas, Aldo, Balmain, Brooks Brothers, Calphalon, Champion, Charles & Colvard, Clarks, COACH, Cole Haan, Columbia, Cotton On, Cuisinart, Ecco, Florsheim, Fossil, Free People, Frye, GUERLAIN, GUESS, Hugo Boss, Hunter, kate spade new york, Lacoste, Lauren Ralph Lauren, LensCrafters, Michael Kors, Nambé, Oxo, Perry Ellis, Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, Rains, Reebok, Reef, Roxy, Ryka, Sam Edelman, Sealy, Starter, Steve Madden, Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, Ted Baker, The Sak, and Vince Camuto.

EXCLUDES SELECT, ONLINE ONLY: Augustinus Bader, CHANEL, DIOR Prestige, Frederique Constant, Liverpool Los Angeles, Philipp Plein, Rado, Sanctuary, and Versace. EXCLUDES SELECT, IN STORE ONLY: Calvin Klein, DKNY Sport, ID Ideology, and Nespresso & Nespresso pods.

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Late April Week in Review

mixsoon Bean Cream is a gorgeous daily moisturizer for all types of skin, and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves that it delivers intense hydration all day long, and that it is affordable!

The Thrifty Six, featured by Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style, show their April theme: Put a belt on it– where 6 Bloggers show pre-loved clothing and hope to inspire you to look for second hand pearls.

Terri from Our Good Life shares practical, expert-backed techniques for shaping and maintaining eyebrows at home, emphasizing working with your natural brow shape and using the right tools for precision.

Angie from Your True Self Blog takes a look at how many ways we can wear plaid shirts for Spring and Summer, now that they are becoming a must-have staple for this time of year.

 

Allison from Never Say Die Beauty introduces us to her favorite Korean beauty skincare brand, Abib, and her moisturizers of choice. Efficacious and affordable, they’re worth a look!

Eco-friendly skincare is about feel-good beauty that actually does good, from plant-based ingredients to sustainable packaging. Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits shares how going green can be gentler on your skin and simplify your routine.

Nordstrom 12-Piece Beauty Gift with Purchase

Affiliate Links

Nordstrom is having lots of Beauty Gifts with Purchase right now, and with your $195.00 Beauty & Fragrance Purchase you receive a 12-Piece Skincare Gift with Purchase (Shown above). Also check out all of the brand specific Gifts with Purchase (HERE). Additionally, there are more than 50 brand gifts with purchase, and more than 500 top tier beauty products on sale online.

FREE 12-Piece Gift with Purchase: Indulge in luxe beauty with this gift of samples from La Mer, Tata Harper Skincare, Shiseido and more—yours when you spend $195 in Beauty & Fragrance. A $245 value, and most are deluxe size! Online only, while supplies last; qualifying purchases do not include third-party sellers.

12-Piece Gift with Purchase Includes:

• 111SKIN Eye Lift Gel NAC Y2 (0.1 oz.)

• ARMANI beauty Skin Tint Tinted Serum (shades F3, M1, T1 & D3, each 0.03 oz.)

• Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (0.2 oz.)

• BeautyBio JellyDew Smoothing Seaweed Hydration Serum (0.1 oz.)

• Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum (0.16 oz.)

• La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream (0.1 oz.)

• Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Recovery Serum (0.23 oz.)

• Mind Games Queening Extrait de Parfum (0.25 oz.) with Travel Pouch

• MOROCCANOIL Lumière du Jour Eau de Parfum (0.13 oz.)

• Shiseido Future Solution LX Intensive Firming Brilliance Serum (0.27 oz.)

• Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Le Parfum (0.06 oz.)

• Tata Harper Skincare Regenerating Cleanser (0.5 oz.)

Qualifying purchases do not include third-party sellers. Online only. One gift per person, while supplies last. 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. Gift cannot be shipped to international addresses. Past purchases do not apply. If you return the qualifying items, please return the gift.

New Tatcha Gift with Purchase

Affiliate Links

The Tatcha Gift with Purchase Event starts is happening now through May 6th. Curate Your Own Set Dressed in Cherry Blossoms. Receive a keepsake box filled with your chosen formulas when you shop with their set curator. Use Code: SAKURA26

*Get 2 complimentary minis of your choice and a gift box with code: SAKURA26 on "Curate Your Own Set" orders. Promotion valid through 11:59 PM PT on 5/6/2026. Qualifying gifts are while supplies last and are subject to change. Promotions and discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases, gift cards, taxes, shipping or processing charges or combined with any other coupons or discounts. Valid on in-stock items only. Cannot be used on orders that include any items on Subscribe & Save. Gifts with purchase are not eligible for return or exchange. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered or ineligible use of offer and to modify or cancel this promotion due to system error or unforeseen problems..

Visit: www.tatcha.com

Bloomingdale's Beauty Benefits 11 Days of Free Gifts

Affiliate Links

Bloomingdale's is having their Beauty Benefits 11 Days of Free Gifts with Purchase. This special event ends on 4/26/26, and while supplies last.

There are more than 50 different gifts with purchase from premium brands such as: Eighth Day, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, Augustinus Bader, La Prairie, Clé de Peau Beauté, Charlotte Tilbury, Guerlain, 111Skin, Diptyque and many more.

$50.00 reward for every $250.00 you spend on beauty (through April 19).

Spend $285.00 in Beautyspace Boutique at Bloomingdale’s and receive a GWP valued at $505.00 (Shown above, and while supples last).

Receive a 25-piece Multi-Branded Beauty Bag gift (a $505.00 value) with any $285.00 BEAUTYSPACE purchase.

Gift Includes:

- 111SKIN Black Diamond Eye Cream 0.1 oz.

- AKT London SC.01 Orange Grove Mini Tube 0.17 oz.

- Alterna CC Cream 0.17 oz.

- EVE LOM Cleanser 0.27 oz.

- IRENE FORTE Hibiscus Night Cream 0.5 oz.

- ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF 0.34 oz.

- JVN Complete Air Dry Cream 1 oz.

- Kat Burki Amino Protein Mask 0.5 oz.

- Maison Louie Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil Mini Roller 0.1 oz.

- Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Cleanser 0.34 oz.

- Miriam Quevedo Mini Dose Black Baccara Hair Multiplying Shampoo 1 oz.

- Monpurse Shimmer & Hydrate Hair & Body Oil 0.17 oz.

- Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Treatment 0.34 oz.

- Natura Bisse Cocoon Sheer Eye Cream 0.07 oz.

- OLAPLEX No. 3 Plus 1 oz.

- ORIBE Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm 0.5 oz.

- PHILIP B Weightless Volumizing Shampoo 2 oz.

- R+CO Sun Catcher Power C Nourish + Refresh Styling Spray 1 oz.

- DR. BARBARA STURM Face Cream 0.68 oz.

- True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Advanced Clinical Cream 0.25 oz.

- VERB Ghost Oil 0.54 oz.

- Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask 0.68 oz.

- Yoé Ympossible Cream 0.27 oz.

- Pink Cosmetics Case

Visit: www.bloomingdales.com

Dr. Althea ABC Glow Whipped Serum Review

 

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Dr. Althea ABC Glow Whipped Serum is a unique hydrating and radiance-boosting serum that is dispensed as a foam, but quickly transforms into a watery liquid that is very fast-absorbing. It leaves behind no unwanted residue, it has no scent, and it leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple and deeply hydrated. Furthermore, it plumps fine lines and leaves my skin with a wonderful glow. This vegan K-Beauty serum locks in hydration and calms and soothes irritated skin. It is effective, fun to use and affordable!

According to Dr. Althea,

ABC Glow whipped Serum is a foam-to-water glow serum that delivers toner-level hydration, and serum-like glow. Its moisture-boosting air bubbles absorb quickly with a lightweight, non-sticky finish. 

With 90% vegan collagen water, bakuchiol, vitamin tree water and allantoin, it boosts elasticity, soothes skin, and enhances natural radiance while keeping skin smooth, hydrated, and makeup-ready.

Benefits:

- 3-in-1 care: Toner & Serum & Bubble Pack

- Foam-to-Water Formula

- Fast-Absorbing & Lightweight

Directions: After cleansing, dispense 1–2 pumps into your hands and gently massage over the face as your first skincare step until fully absorbed. For an intensive glow treatment, apply about 3 pumps in a thicker layer and use it as a hydrating-boosting bubble mask in place of a sheet mask.

Ingredients: Collagen Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, C12-14 Alketh-12, Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract, Fructan, Glucose, Hydroxyacetophenone, , Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Allantoin, Bakuchiol.

Overall Assessment: Dr. Althea, is a remarkable K-Beauty brand, and they make such effective and affordable products. This serum is a nice addition to my skincare routine, and it is adding vital hydration to my skin during all of the hot days we have been having lately.

$21.90 for 3.38 oz. from Dr. Althea, YesStyle, Olive Young, Amazon and Style Korean (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

mixsoon Bean Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

mixsoon Bean Cream is a daily moisturizer that is formulated for all types of skin. While it is emollient and rich, it is remarkably lightweight and fast absorbing. My skin, which is largely normal with some activity in my t-zone, is perfectly suited to this type of facial cream. It offers plenty of moisture, is completely non-greasy and residue free, and it leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple, hydrated and luminous. I note that my skin feels comfortable and hydrated all day long after a single application– even when I reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Additionally, this K-Beauty moisturizer has no detectable aroma and it plays well with all of my other skincare, sunscreen and makeup.

According to mixsoon,

A rich yet lightweight cream that delivers intense hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. Formulated with a skin-friendly pH of 5~6, it helps maintain a healthy balance while supporting barrier function. Powered by fermented soybean extract, it locks in moisture for soft, smooth, and nourished skin all day. Enriched with barley, pomegranate, and pear extracts, it deeply nourishes, improves skin texture, and promotes a radiant, youthful-looking complexion. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, soothes irritation, prevents moisture loss, and leaves skin feeling balanced, silky, and revitalized. Suitable for daily use on all skin types.

Perfect for:

• Dry, dehydrated, or rough skin.

• Skin in need of barrier support and long-lasting moisture.

Directions: After cleansing, refine skin texture with toner. At the final step of your skincare routine, gently apply the cream over the entire face and let it absorb. For an extra boost of hydration, layer 2–3 times as needed to achieve a firmer, more moisturized feel.

Ingredients:

Overall Assessment: I really like this cream, and I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. mixsoon is definitely a brand worthy of your consideration.

$35.00 for 1.69 oz. from mixsoon, Amazon, Ulta, Olive Young, iHerb, YesStyle, Korean Style and Walmart (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Mid-April Week in Review

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog recently discovered the Dr. Althea Retinol Flat Iron Eye Roller, and thinks this is a perfect choice if you are seeking an Hyaluronic Acid infused anti-aging eye serum that depuffs, hydrates and plumps fine lines. 

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style hosts a monthly series called The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book. This month the theme was necklaces! Take a look at who joined us this time, and you should join us next time!

Angie from Your True Self Blog works from home but wants to practice how to dress down trousers on days when she goes to town. Think of them as classy sweatpants.

Terri from Our Good Life is helping women who are embracing streamlined capsule wardrobes built on versatile, high-quality athleisure pieces that transition seamlessly from activity to everyday life. 

Lip brushes may seem like small beauty tools, but in this lip brush guide, Barbie from Barbie's Beauty Bits covers how to use and care for a lip brush, and why adding one can elevate your overall makeup routine.

Have you tried a red light device for your skin or your hair? Have you researched the science behind red light therapy? Allison from Never Say Die Beauty shares an excellent article from a science writer from NPR that will fill you in on the benefits and possible limitations of red light therapy.

Boxwalla The Spring Sale Features 25% Off the Beauty Shop

Affiliate Links 

Boxwalla is having a 25% Off Sale on The Beauty Shop while supplies last! Boxwalla fans will not want to miss!

Use Code: newthings25 for 25% off in the Beauty Shop and on the Limited Edition Beauty Boxes. PLUS, just this week, receive the following gifts:

•  Tier 1: Orders $80 and more will receive the gorgeous Twelve Beauty Ideal Rebalancing Level serum

• Tier 2: Orders $130 and more will receive the Twelve Beauty Serum AND the exquisite Neck serum from Symbiome.

Visit: www.theboxwalla.com