Friday, August 7, 2026

haruharu wonder Centella Calm Cloud SPF 60+ Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

haruharu wonder is a K-Beauty brand making quite a splash in the US this summer, and the haruharu wonder Centella Calm Cloud SPF 60+ is the perfect product with which to familiarize yourself with this brand this season. 
About haruharu wonder,

Since entering the U.S. market, haruharu wonder has rapidly built a loyal following through its barrier-first skincare philosophy and thoughtfully formulated products, recently expanding nationwide at Target while continuing to grow as one of Amazon's fastest-rising Korean skincare brands.

Inspired by the Korean phrase haruharu, meaning 'day by day,' the brand transforms skincare into intentional rituals that nurture both skin and spirit. With Centella Calm Cloud SPF 60+, haruharu wonder extends that philosophy to daily sun protection, making SPF an effortless step that supports long-term skin health while fitting seamlessly into everyday routines.

haruharu wonder Centella Calm Cloud SPF 60+ is a lightweight and fragrance-free chemical sunscreen that is cruelty-free, PETA Approved, vegan, breathable and it leaves behind no white residue. Unlike many sunscreens, it includes Hyaluronic Acid– which retains hydration while the sunscreen protects the skin from the sun. This sunscreen layers nicely with makeup and it neither pills, nor does it cake up. It is formulated for all types of skin, and it is made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, drying alcohols, oxybenzone, octinoxate or synthetic dyes. Not only is it an effective sunscreen, but it is also affordable!

Furthermore, this sunscreen is, "powered by haruharu wonder's barrier-first philosophy, the formula features soothing Centella Asiatica Extract, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, and skin-strengthening Ceramides to help calm the look of redness and support a healthy skin barrier while maintaining lasting comfort throughout the day."

According to haruharu wonder,

Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ with UV filters that delivers trusted daily UVA/UVB protection with a breathable feel made for everyday wear, not just beach days.

Breathable, cloud-light texture with a lotion-like feel that wears comfortably all day with no greasy residue or white cast, blending seamlessly into every skin tone and layering easily under makeup.

Powered by Centella Asiatica, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), and Ceramide NP to help keep skin calm, hydrated, and comfortably balanced while wearing SPF daily.

haruharu wonder Centella Calm Cloud SPF 60+ is a Oxybenzone-free, Octinoxate-free, fragrance-free formula made for sensitive, dry, and combination skin, with a lightweight feel that stays comfortable throughout daily wear. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, drying alcohols, or synthetic dyes. Vegan certified by V-Label and cruelty-free certified by PETA.

Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ combines effective UV protection with a weightless, breathable feel for effortless daily wear.
Overall Assessment: This is such a nice sunscreen! It feels comfortable on the skin, offers an SPF 60+ and it calms redness, hydrates the skin and offers skin barrier protection.

$15.30 for 1.69 oz (Regularly $18.00) from haruharu's Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

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

Thursday, August 6, 2026

WYLYS Phyto Green Cleansing Balm Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

As previously noted, I fell head-over-heels in love with WYLYS skincare when I first tried it in one of my favorite Boxwalla Beauty Boxes, and since that time my love has only grown. WYLYS is a luxury K-Beauty brand, but they marry the best of K-Beauty with extraordinary French manufacturing. WYLYS (When You Love Your Skin) produces highly effective products that boast stunning textures, real results and a skincare experience to be savored.

About WYLYS,

A great skincare routine should tend to the soul as much as the skin. It’s a moment to look forward to—however quick of a moment it is—with products that do what they say will. At the same time, skincare is about so much more than products. It’s about the joy of self caring, of letting your inner beauty reveal itself. This is why we created WYLYS [pronounced will-ess], which stands for When You Love Your Skin.

We’ve been obsessed with skincare for decades. As K-beauty enthusiasts, who had so adored researching and introducing friends to the best products for their skin, we first launched OHLOLLY seven years ago—though we couldn’t just stop there. It was only a matter of time before everything we had tried, loved, and raved about funneled into creating a skincare line of our very own.

Korean spirit, French wisdom. WYLYS is the modern take on the skincare industry's premium standards that have been prized for generations. We’ve sought the right ingredients for real-time results, and have ruthlessly pursued iteration after iteration to ensure these textures and scents are exactly what we’ve been looking for. We knew we couldn’t release a single product until each one was just right, and that digging for gold has finally paid off. The time is right to meet WYLYS.

When you love your skin, you know that its routine is something to treasure. We hold sacred and have kept in mind that entire experience, from sourcing and production, to the time the sink fills and a washcloth warms your face. These are the products for those moments that exist just for you—welcome to the best part of your day.
WYLYS Phyto Green Cleansing Balm is an utterly gorgeous cleansing balm that melts into the skin and it does an exquisite job cleaning dirt and makeup. It transforms from a lightweight balm to a creamy and milky emulsion, and it rinses completely clean and leaves behind no oily residue, whatsoever. It leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and hydrated. It is very concentrated, and therefore you only need to massage a tiny amount into your skin. It has a wonderful herbaceous aroma, but it isn't in the least bit imposing, instead it is very pleasant and calming.
According to WYLYS,

A dose of all-natural plant-powered aromatherapy to ease into your routine. The Wylys Phyto Green Cleansing Balm is a luxurious daily cleanser that transforms from balm-to-oil-to-creamy milk to remove dirt, makeup, and sunscreen while nourishing the skin without any residue.

The Wylys Phyto Green Cleansing Balm is a self-care experience from the moment you feel it. Made with plant-based oils, essential oils, and botanical extracts, its silky consistency melts into the skin to easily remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and debris without stripping the skin or disturbing its delicate acid mantle. The signature, naturally herbaceous, grounding scent is light enough to refresh without being overpowering. It is truly a luxurious start to any skincare routine. Making natural products without synthetic fragrances, artificial colorants or other additives means that there will be varying colors and/or scents from batch to batch. Rest assured, every Wylys product is made with utmost care, expertise, and highest quality to ensure maximum performance. Mindfully packaged in a glass jar, UV-coated to protect the all natural scent and color.

Directions: Scoop a small amount and spread balm over dry skin. Massage balm in circular motions to melt, cleanse and remove makeup. Add water to emulsify. Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:
  • Babassu Seed Oil for softening skin texture.
  • Green Tea Seed Oil for hydration.
  • Apricot Kernel Oil for reducing the look of fine lines.
  • Jojoba Seed Oil to balance natural oil production.
  • Grape Seed Oil for brightening.
  • Vitamin E for lessening signs of UV damage.
  • Rosemary Seed Oil to fight breakouts and clarify.
  • Lavender Oil for reducing acne and acne scars.
Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Synthetic Wax, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Cedrus Atlantica Wood Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Amber Powder, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Limonene, Linalool.
Overall Assessment: I have lots and lots of cleansing balms, but none are like this one! This is truly exceptional, and what I have found is that is true of WYLYS skincare products in general. A+

$48.00 for 3.53 oz. from Nordstrom, Ulta, Bloomingdale's and WYLYS (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

YETI Sidekick 3L Waterproof Gear Case in Pace Purple Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

When I purchased my YETI Camino Zip 18L Carryall Tote Bag in Pace Purple (Reviewed HERE)– for weekends away, and to carry my laptop– I knew that I would probably also purchase the YETI Sidekick 3L Waterproof Gear Case in Pace Purple because it conveniently attaches to to outside of the tote, but can also be used separately. Since it is waterproof, I figured it was a great way to stash my toiletries when traveling, but also the 3 liter container had enough space for my wallet, keys, cell phone, charger and anything that I need to quickly access. Since Pace Purple is a limited Edition color– like my bag– I decided to buy it before it sold out. I purchased mine online at REI, and picked it up in person, and when we had the salesperson open the package to make sure it was the right color and not damaged, she said, "wow, this is such a gorgeous color!" In fact, it is much prettier than the pictures convey. It easily attached to my tote bag, and I also ordered one in Desert Bloom to go with my YETI Camino Tote 35 in Desert Bloom (Reviewed HERE) since I use it all of the time while traveling for more than a couple of nights away. I am still waiting to receive the one in Desert Bloom, and can't wait to attach it to my large YETI Tote.
According to YETI,

Perfect for your phone, keys, wallet and trail map—and more, depending on the size—the YETI Sidekick Dry Gear Case is designed to keep essentials out of your pockets and dry for on-water adventures. Keep everything you need for a day on the water — out of the water.
Features:
  • DRYHIDE™ shell is constructed from similar materials as high-performance whitewater rafts.
  • HYDROSHIELD™ magnetic closure uses powerful magnets to create a waterproof shield.
  • Durable hook-and-loop closure, plus RF-welded seams that repel any rogue wetness.
  • Interior mesh pockets to help you stay organized.
  • Can be used on its own or attached to the YETI Sideclick™ strap (not included)
  • Compatible with all YETI Camino and Hopper products (not included) and the YETI Panga pack (not included).
  • WARNING: SideKick Dry® Gear Case contains magnets. Placing near a pacemaker may cause interference.
Dimensions, Details & Capacity:
3 L: 3 liters
Gear Capacity (cu. in.): 3 L: 183 cubic inches
Waterproof: Yes
Materials: DRYHIDE
Dimensions: 3 L: 11.4W x 9.75H x 2.8D inches
Weight: 3 L: 13 ounces

Velcro and Magnetic Closure
There is 3 liters of space in this bag
The back has velcro straps that attach to the YETI Tote Bag, and other Yeti products such as their coolers.
This is what it looks like when I attached it to my YETI Camino Zip 18L Carryall Tote Bag in Pace Purple.
Available Colors:
Overall Assessment: YETI makes top quality products, and I am thrilled with my totes, this Sidekick, my water bottles and my coffee mug. This was a very worthwhile purchase, and I am so happy that I bought it! A+

$55.00 for size 3L from YETI, REI, Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Ace Hardware and Academy (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

WYLYS New Day Glow Brightening Serum Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I fell head-over-heels in love with WYLYS skincare when I first tried it in one of my favorite Boxwalla Beauty Boxes, and since that time my love has only grown. WYLYS is a luxury K-Beauty brand, but they marry the best of K-Beauty with extraordinary French manufacturing. WYLYS (When You Love Your Skin) produces highly effective products that boast stunning textures, real results and a skincare experience to be savored.
About WYLYS,

A great skincare routine should tend to the soul as much as the skin. It’s a moment to look forward to—however quick of a moment it is—with products that do what they say will. At the same time, skincare is about so much more than products. It’s about the joy of self caring, of letting your inner beauty reveal itself. This is why we created WYLYS [pronounced will-ess], which stands for When You Love Your Skin.

We’ve been obsessed with skincare for decades. As K-beauty enthusiasts, who had so adored researching and introducing friends to the best products for their skin, we first launched OHLOLLY seven years ago—though we couldn’t just stop there. It was only a matter of time before everything we had tried, loved, and raved about funneled into creating a skincare line of our very own.

Korean spirit, French wisdom. WYLYS is the modern take on the skincare industry's premium standards that have been prized for generations. We’ve sought the right ingredients for real-time results, and have ruthlessly pursued iteration after iteration to ensure these textures and scents are exactly what we’ve been looking for. We knew we couldn’t release a single product until each one was just right, and that digging for gold has finally paid off. The time is right to meet WYLYS.

When you love your skin, you know that its routine is something to treasure. We hold sacred and have kept in mind that entire experience, from sourcing and production, to the time the sink fills and a washcloth warms your face. These are the products for those moments that exist just for you—welcome to the best part of your day.
WYLYS New Day Glow Serum is a creamy-dreamy serum that is the final serum layer if you also use lighter weight serums, and what a delight this is to use. This serum feels a bit more like a lightweight cream with the absorption of a serum. It is filled with skin-loving lipids that moisturize and nourish the skin, and it is likewise filled with actives formulated to brighten the skin. My skin feels thoroughly moisturized, brightened, calm and supple whenever I use this gorgeous serum. 

WYLYS employs the use of Niacinamide and Vitamin C to give the skin an ethereal healthy glow, and they use a combination of cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides to nourish the skin and provide skin barrier protection and repair. The addition of bakuchiol– which was selected for its ability to offer the skin gentle renewal without skin irritation– refreshes the skin gently and beautifully. Skin will greatly benefit from their inclusion of Jojoba, Squalane and Sea Buckthorn since this symphony of ingredients nourishes and softens the skin leaving it smooth and supple. For people with sensitive skin that is prone to irritation, you will be delighted that Panthenol was selected to calm and pamper irritable skin.
According to WYLYS,

A multi-active treatment serum that combines hydration with anti-aging benefits to reduce dullness, revive firmness, and strengthen skin's moisture barrier. It is packed with vitamin C, bakuchiol and niacinamide for firmer, plumper, smoother-looking skin.

Using bakuchiol, a gentle yet potent derivative of the babchi plant, plus stabilized vitamin C, this gel-like, creamy serum helps to catalyze collagen production to lessen the appearance of fine lines, rough spots, and hyperpigmentation. Its pressed serum texture adds extra hydration under a cream, or also works well on its own as a daytime moisturizer.
Directions: After cleansing and toning, warm a small 2-3 pumps between fingers and then apply to face and neck in upward motion. Gently tap and press for full absorption. Follow with cream or moisturizer, as needed.

Active Ingredients & Their Attributes:

Bakuchiol: a gentle retinol alternative that helps to fade fine lines, smooth skin, and stimulate collagen-producing receptors for a firmer, bouncier texture. May also help to improve acne and acne-scarring, especially in sensitive skin.

Niacinamide: a form of vitamin-B3 that helps to fortify the skin barrier, build keratin molecules, regulate oil production, fade hyperpigmentation, and retain moisture so skin appears smoother, firmer, and with less noticeable pores.

Vitamin C: water-soluble yet oil-loving stabilized form of vitamin C. A staple of well-aging routines for its ability to help fade lines and wrinkles, brighten dark spots, balance oil production, improve skin texture and appearance, and help prevent damage from UV rays, especially when used in conjunction with sunscreen.

Squalane: a sustainable plant-based powerhouse ingredient that is effortlessly absorbed into the skin for nourishing, barrier-boosting, redness-reducing benefits.

Ceramide NP: a major component of skin’s outer layers, known to reinforce skin’s barrier strength to better resist external stressors. It also improves hydration, elasticity, and collagen production.

Sea Buckthorn: a vibrant red fruit oil rich in antioxidants, phytosterols, and skin-benefiting fatty acids that moisturizes, reduces redness, and helps with cell regeneration.

Ingredients: Water, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Bakuchiol, Arginine, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid.
Overall Assessment: This luxurious cream-like serum is very effective, lives up to its claims, and it is a pure joy to use. WYLYS is on the very short list of my all-time favorite skincare brands, and this serum is nothing short of extraordinary! A+

$125.00 for 1.69 oz. from Nordstrom, Ulta, Bloomingdale's and WYLYS (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Monday, August 3, 2026

Boxwalla Features Votary London: The Art of Glow July Beauty Box

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

If you subscribe to Boxwalla, or receive their emails, then you have undoubtedly heard that the warehouse they use is closing, and they have to vacate the premises. As a result, they are having a 40% sitewide warehouse closing sale (Use code thankyou40), but this Votary Box is excluded from it. Subscription boxes will be paused until Boxwalla secures a new warehouse. Therefore, the July box is your last box until they find a new warehouse. Their last order from this warehouse will go out on August 7, so they will accept orders until August 5th or 6th.

The Skincare Box from Boxwalla is the best beauty box subscription curated for the luxury-loving skincare enthusiast. In our beauty boxes, you will discover the most effective & innovative plant-based clean beauty products that redefine luxury skincare. By showcasing not only the benefits of each product we feature but also demonstrating how they can be incorporated into your skincare routine, we help you figure out how to take care of your unique skin needs.
The Votary London: The Art of Glow Limited Edition Box features two lovely products from Votary, just perfect for summer. In June, the Twelve Beauty products will bring back stillness to the skin. In July, the Votary products will make it laugh while amping up the glow!

Boxwalla July Skincare Subscription BoxThe July Beauty Box features two gorgeous products from Votary Beauty.

The contents of the July Skincare Box are

  • Votary Vitamin C Glow Serum ($95.00)
  • Votary Ultimate Rich Cream ($123.00)
  • Price of the box: $59.95
About Votary,

Votary is a high performance plant powered skincare British brand founded by Arabella Preston and Charlotte Semler. Arabella is a former beauty editor and a makeup artist (whose clients include Kate Middleton & Stella McCartney), who used to blend pure plant oils for years for both herself & her clients. On a lunch with friends, when entrepreneur, friend & former boss Charlotte realized that Arabella blended her own oils to cleanse and moisturize her skin as well as her clients’ skin, she decided to team up with her to bring these gorgeous plant oil based formulations to the world. And so Votary was born.

Beautiful skin begins with properly clean skin, which is why the Votary cleansing routine is at the heart of everything we do. Votary cleansing oils and 100% pure cotton face cloths are simply the best way to clean and care for your face. It’s where great skin begins.

The Votary Skincare range now spans cleansing oils, facial oils, deeply nourishing creams, masks and powerful serums to give you healthy, happy, glowing skin.
Votary Vitamin C Glow Serum: This lightweight magical serum features a very stable and effective form of Vitamin C, and this antioxidant-rich serum– which effectively combats free radical damage– is formulated to diminish the appearance of discoloration (age spots, sun damage), and it gives skin a gorgeous ethereal glow. However, unlike some Vitamin C serums– which I have found drying for my skin– this one includes Hyaluronic Acid, and therefore it deeply hydrates the skin while leaving the complexion soft, smooth, supple and more even on tone. It contains no detectable aroma, does not irritate my sometimes finicky skin, and it is as joyful to use as it is effective.

According to Boxwalla,

A great Vitamin C serum is a very useful thing to have in your skincare toolkit, especially in summer when it becomes even more crucial to combat the free radical damage caused by UV rays. I have been loving this new Vitamin C serum from Votary – the dark spots that usually appear on my skin in summer seem to have been kept at bay by this serum (and sunscreen).

It contains 3.5% Vitamin C in the form of the ester Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate that helps stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and brighten the skin. It also has 5% Niacinamide that makes skin more resilient and refines it, and Alpha Arbutin, which further evens out the skin tone by helping to fade spots.
Directions: Use in the morning after cleansing, before applying moisturizer.
Step 1: Apply a few drops to freshly cleansed skin in the morning.
Step 2: Gently massage into your face and neck using upward motions.
Step 3: Follow with your favourite moisturiser or facial oil to lock in hydration.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Alpha-Arbutin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, CI 15985 (Yellow 6), Tocopherol, CI 16035 (Red 40).
Votary Ultra Rich Cream: What is remarkable is the fact that Votary accidentally sent Boxwalla their Ultra Rich Cream instead of their Ultimate Light Cream, and I am grateful for this mistake! This is my new all-time favorite face cream, and it is utterly magical. The peptides were selected for their ability to smooth and firm the skin while the ceramides support the skin barrier while locking in vital moisture. While this is a rich cream, the texture is light to mid weight, and it melts into the skin immediately without leaving behind a greasy residue. It leaves my skin soft, supple, moisturized and remarkably luminous. It has a very light herbal aroma, informed by the natural ingredients– not added fragrance– and it feels and smells ultra-luxe.

According to Boxwalla,

This beautiful cream is another must-have in my skincare toolkit. Sometimes my skin craves a moisturizer that feels deeply comforting without becoming heavy or greasy—and this one delivers beautifully. It wraps the skin in lasting nourishment while still feeling elegant and absorbing effortlessly. Your skin simply drinks it up, feeling replenished, comforted, and wonderfully radiant.

This cream contains a Biomimetic Peptide Duo that strengthens the skin’s structure while improving firmness and resilience. Ceramides help repair and reinforce the skin barrier, reducing sensitivity and improving moisture retention, while Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) soothes, hydrates, and supports overall skin comfort. The result is skin that feels stronger, smoother, and beautifully nourished with every use.
Directions: Apply after cleansing and any serums, morning and/or night.

Step 1: After cleansing, take a small amount and massage gently into face and neck using your fingertips.

Step 2: Allow the cream to absorb fully for deeply nourished and hydrated skin.

⚠ Contains Vitamin A. Consider your daily intake before use.

IngredientsAqua (Water), Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Squalane, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil, Magnesium Sulfate, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Zinc PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Flower Oil*, Linalool*, Linalyl Acetate*, Limonene*, Pinene*, Terpineol*, Geraniol*, Geranyl Acetate*, Farnesol*. *Naturally occurs in Essential oils
Overall Assessment: I am a devoted fan of both Boxwalla and Votary, and this skillfully curated box is simply exquisite. I highly recommend getting this box– especially since Boxwalla's warehouse search will mean that this could be the last beauty box for a few months. A+

$59.95 from Boxwalla. The Votary box is now also available as a One-Time Purchase. Press Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Things to do in LA: Vintage Grocers and a Picnic at Zuma Beach

PSA (Unaffiliated Links)

If you are looking to spend a wonderful summer day in Malibu, and want a peaceful drive down Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1, then one of my favorite things to do is to pick up lunch at Vintage Grocers, and then drive across the street to have a picnic at Zuma Beach. However, if you prefer not to eat on the beach, then Vintage Grocers has a big patio with plenty of seating. They have a wonderful full-service deli, and delicious food to eat.

Zuma is a wonderful place to enjoy the beach in Malibu, and you can often watch a fun Beach Volleyball game while you are there.

Vintage Grocers: 30745 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265-3647
Zuma Beach: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Saturday, August 1, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Greets August

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog just discovered the TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Calming CreamNot only is it soothing and calming for sensitive and irritated skin, but it is also a great choice for anyone after exfoliating the skin.

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style never wears orange, but we all have something blue in our closet. A blue monochrome look is what Nancy is wearing. And check out those glitter sneakers!

Terri from Our Good Life discusses the timeless beauty and symbolism of pearl engagement rings, has practical advice for choosing and caring for one, and she explores why pearls are becoming a unique and elegant choice for modern couples.

Angie from Your True Self Blog found style inspiration for women who would like to look their best at home even if no one is going to see you. How about upgrading your loungewear as if you were having a pajama party for one?

Friday, July 31, 2026

July 2026 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

I managed to use up 7 items in July, and I would use all of them again and again. Of the 7 products used, 4 were full-size and 3 were deluxe samples. I really enjoyed using all of them, but that is always the case since I don't tend to continue using products that I don't like or love– life is just too short!
Anua Rice + Ceramide Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder ($18.00 for 1.41 oz. from YesStyle and Amazon): This is another winning skincare product from Anua, and it is so easy to use. This high quality K-Beauty brand not only makes exceptional products, but they are actually affordable. This rice bran-infused cleansing powder is activated with water, and once you have a paste of your desired consistency you gently massage it into the skin. It deeply cleans, without stripping the skin, and leaves it clean, hydrated, soft, smooth and luminous. If you need a deeper cleaning, it can be used as a mask to clean congested pores. That it is a powder makes it ideal for travel. Purchase Again? I would definitely use this again, but I have so many facial cleansers to use first.

ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild (Currently on sale for $17.00 (regularly $19.90) for 6.75 oz. from Anua's Amazon Store): This cleansing oil is ideal for sensitive skin, and it offers a fragrance-free formula that is light in texture, offering less irritation when rolling and emulsifying. 

The Mild version is non-comedogenic and it only contains only 11 ingredients, and ANUA increased the amount of heartleaf extract (20,000ppb) to soothe the skin. The Original formula, which has 22 ingredients, includes half the amount of heartleaf extract (10,000 ppb). Other key ingredients include sunflower seed oil to moisture and hydrate and rosemary leaf oil to control and balance sebum.

This cleansing oil is appropriate for all skin types, including very sensitive skin. It emulsifies when in contact with water, and if effectively removes dirt, makeup and it helps to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads. Purchase Again? I would happily use it again, but I currently have several other cleansing oils that I need to use before I get more!

Chantecaille Pure Rosewater Face Mist ($88.00 for 3.4 oz. and $45.00 for 1.5 oz. from Chantecaille, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue & Bluemercury): This is the most refreshing and uplifting facial mist that I have used. It is formulated with the rare extract of the Rose de Mai, and this antioxidant-rich formula really perks up skin and hydrates it. The rosewater aroma is absolutely gorgeous. Purchase Again? If I can find it on sale, then I will! It's amazing!

Dr. BRID C Moisture Basic Serum ($22.90 for 1.01 oz. from Dr. BRID C and their Amazon Store): This is a wonderful antioxidant-rich serum that offers the skin serious, and sustained, hydration and protection from free-radical damage. It boasts a blend of novel peptides that help boost collagen production, and the result is the appearance of firmer skin and plumped fine lines. Their antioxidant formula, which is infused with Niacinamide, Bisabolol and Citric Acid, helps to brighten the skin and fade hyperpigmentation. The serum is mid-weight, fast absorbing, non-sticky and fragrance-free, and it leaves my skin soft, supple, smooth and incredibly luminous. This K-Beauty brand is Cruelty-Free, effective and affordable. Purchase Again? Absolutely! 

Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($46.00 for 8.5 oz. from Kérastase, Sephora, Target & Amazon): The sulfate-free formula is absolute perfection for chemically treated hair. It is such a wonderfully emollient shampoo that it makes hair so smooth and soft, and tangle free. I can actually get a comb through my hair after using this shampoo, and before even using a conditioner! It is perfect for frizzy hair, and it has no real lather, and it never strips the hair. It is wonderful for naturally curly hair like mine! Purchase Again? I will happily splurge on this shampoo once I use up a few more bottles of shampoo that are cluttering my shower!

Tory Burch Electric Sky Eau de Parfum ($155.00 for 3oz. from Tory Burch, Bloomingdale's & JOMASHOP): This was a deluxe sample that I received as a gift with purchase from somewhere. I actually didn't think that I would like it, but I popped it in my travel bag and actually used it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. According to Tory Burch, "Electric Sky captures the essence of freedom. Vibrant and rapturous, like the energy after a storm, it is an unexpected mix of refreshing cactus flower, lavender and wood. Saltwater lends a mineral quality to the fragrance, blended with blue sage and a Palo Santo accord for warmth and positivity." I would say that it is a salty floral aroma that feels like summer. Purchase Again? I am swimming in perfumes, and am not looking to purchase more, but I would definitely use this if I had more!

Maison Margiela Paris Replica Bubble Bath Eau de Toilette ($89.00 for 1.05 oz. from Maison Margiela, Amazon, Sephora & JOMASHOP): This is yet another deluxe sample I received as a gift with purchase, and that I also had in my travel bag. I used every single drop and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is described as, "The relaxing memory of a me time moment in the bubbles of a hot scented bath. Sweet memories of relaxing moments enjoying a hot bubble bath....This gentle floral fragrance is a bubble of comfort and freshness. The soothing notes of coconut milk blended with the clean freshness of the soap bubble accord recreate the relaxing feeling of a hot foaming bath....This cocooning sensation is brought by enveloping notes of white musks and delicate floral notes of Rose Superessence." It is a musky floral that is surprisingly easy to wear, and quite fetching. Purchase Again? As noted above, I am swimming in perfumes right now, and I have no plans to purchase more, but I would definitely continue wearing it if I had more left.
Overall Assessment: I really enjoyed using these products, and would happily use them all again, but I have so many open products to use before purchasing more. What did you finish up, toss out, give away or return in July? Did you discover any amazing products or over-hyped duds?

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

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