Gorgeous Potted Lavender at Trader Joe's

Purchased (Unaffiliated Links)

The other day, when I was grocery shopping at Trader Joe's, I was struck by the beauty of the potted lavender plants that they had for sale. They only had two left that day, and at $7.99 each for healthy plants, I grabbed them both immediately. I have a lot of lavender in my yard– both in pots and in the ground– but I lacked this particular variety. I planted one in the ground and the other in a pot, and they are both happy, thriving and beautifully fragrant. If you shop at Trader Joe's, and are looking for some potted plants to enhance your home and garden, I highly recommend taking a look at their offerings. I also noticed some healthy rosemary and basil that I will likely get on my next trip to the store.

Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter is an ultra-emollient and seriously moisturizing lip treatment. It is lightweight, very nourishing and it effectively and efficiently heals even the most chapped lips. Lips are left remarkably soft, smooth, and unmistakably hydrated. It has a light herbal aroma, but it isn't overwhelming, or long-lasting. I leave a tube in my desk drawer and one in my purse, and I buy two at a time! This cruelty-free lip butter is worth its weight in gold for me, and I will continue buying as long as they make it!

According to Weleda,

Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter intensively nourishes even the driest, chapped lips. Leave lips feeling sublimely soft, especially in cold weather conditions, with this ultra-hydrating plant oil blend. Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter is formulated with a combination of Sunflower Seed Oil, Chamomile and Calendula extracts for lips that crave nourishing care. The formula glides on and melts into lips, leaving them feeling supple with a slight glossy sheen. Can be used alone or with makeup. Skin Food Lip Butter is dermatologist tested, free from synthetic fragrances, colors, preservatives, and raw materials derived from mineral oils, and never tested on animals.

Features and Claims:

• Hydrating lip butter for soft, smooth lips.
• Butter-smooth formula melts into lips with a non-sticky finish and leaves a subtle glossy sheen.
• Intensively nourishing plant oil blend formula infused with Sunflower Seed Oil, Chamomile, Calendula and Pansy extracts.
• Can be worn alone or with makeup.
• Dermatologist approved.
• Certified Natural per NATRUE standards.
• Cruelty-free and always free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, dyes and raw materials derived from mineral oils.

Directions: Swipe this rich, oil-based botanical blend over lips for smooth hydration.

Overall Assessment: This is currently my very favorite lip butter/balm. A+

$8.49 for 0.27 oz. from Weleda, Amazon, iHerb, Target and Dermstore (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream is a cream that I have been meaning to try for quite a while. Years ago I tried their original Skin Food– which is much richer– and I loved everything about it, but it was a bit too rich for daily use on my normal/combination skin. Therefore, for me, a lighter version of that wonderful formula was perfect for the daily needs of my skin. This cream is quite emollient and nourishing, and it is very fast absorbing– especially when applied to slightly damp skin. It melts into the skin and leaves it hydrated, soft, supple and luminous. It has a delightful light herbal aroma, but it is neither distracting, nor long-lasting. This eco-friendly and cruelty-free cream is housed in an environmentally friendly metal tube, and features very little plastic (only the cap is plastic). I am so happy with this cream, and use it on my face, neck, décolleté, and on any part of my body that needs a little extra nourishing moisture. Additionally, this cream is affordable at $22.99 for 2.5 oz.

According to Weleda,

A lighter, fast-absorbing version of the classic Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream. All the benefits of the original in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula. The nourishing formula is packed with extracts of Pansy, Chamomile and Calendula to help soothe skin and reveal a healthy-looking glow for all skin types. 

The new cream is a more light and fluid version of our best-selling Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream. A vibrant herbal blend of chamomile, calendula, and pansy invigorates your senses while feeding dry skin a dose of moisture.

Features and Claims:

• Instantly hydrates skin.
• All the benefits of the classic Skin Food Original in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula.
• A beauty multi-tasker: can be used to highlight facial contours, tame unruly brows, as a primer for makeup looks that last all day, and mixed with cosmetics for smoother application.
• Ultra-hydrating formula includes skin-fortifying Sunflower Oil and nutrient-rich Pansy extract.
• Ideal for everyday use on face and body, especially in warmer climates.
• Ideal for all skin types, including oily.
• NEW aluminum tube, same iconic formula! The new tube is made from 95% recycled aluminum and is easily recyclable.
• Dermatologist approved.
• Certified Natural per NATRUE standards.
• Cruelty-free and always free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, dyes and mineral oils.

Directions: Apply as needed, whenever and wherever skin needs immediate moisture on hands, face or body. Suitable for use on face or body.

Overall Assessment: I love this affordable and effective cream, and if you love their original formula, and are seeking something lighter for the warmer weather, then this is a must-have!

$22.99 for 2.5 oz. from Weleda, Amazon, iHerb, CVS, Dermstore, Macy's and Target (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Greets May

Dr. Althea ABC Glow Whipped Serum is a perfect product if you are looking for luminous, soft, smooth, supple and hydrated skin. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves this effective and affordable K-Beauty gem, and thinks you will too.

Have you ever tried TikTok shopping? Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style discovered some very nice ladies who sell clothes a few times a week on TikTok, and she tried it and was totally a fan of it!

Terri from Our Good Life argues that improving water quality, especially switching from hard to soft water, can simplify your beauty routine by helping skin retain its natural oils, leading to smoother, more radiant skin with fewer products.

If you have a difficult time getting fragrance to last on you, try layering. And not just layering with any fragrance-free lotion. Allison from Never Say Die Beauty has been layering with Rare Amber Vanilla Fragrance Layering Balm.

Angie from Your True Self Blog shares a style tip on how to revive old classics and make trends work for you. And if you don’t like the thought of following trends, there is a way to use them so that they fit right into your outfits.

In this guide, Barbie from Barbie's Beauty Bits explains how to choose handcrafted jewelry colors that complement your skin tone and personal style. It covers how to choose pieces that look good on you rather than just following trends.

NORDSTROM SALE: NEW MARKDOWNS UP TO 40% OFF

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Nordstrom is having up to 40% Off Sale! on. new markdowns! This end-of-season sale is really excellent! Check out their newest markdowns! There are some spectacular savings on top products from top brands!

Nordstrom has tons of new markdowns that they have added to their current sale, and they have so many great beauty finds on sale! I spend a long time looking at the sale items and there are some spectacular savings on top products from top brands.

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

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

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

Trader Joe's Jelly Bean Flavored Lip Duo Review

Purchased (Unaffiliated Links)

I recently found myself with very chapped lips, and when I reached into my purse I realized that I had left my tube of lip balm in my book bag instead. I was out running a few errands, and ran into Trader Joe's to pick up a few missing ingredients, and saw the new, and limited edition, Trader Joe's Jelly Bean Flavored Lip Duo and thought why not. Normally I wouldn't choose a jelly bean flavored lip balm, but I was desperate to put something on my lips immediately, and the duo consisted of a lip balm in a convenient squeeze tube and an overnight lip mask in a little pot. 

The moment that I got back to my car, I opened the package and applied the lip balm. It doesn't overwhelm the senses with a jelly bean taste, or aroma, and is actually quite pleasant. It is super emollient, has a nice glossy finish and it lasts for quite a while. More importantly, however, it is very moisturizing and healing for dry lips. I actually use the lip mask interchangeably with the lip balm, and find that it leaves my lips soft, smooth and hydrated. Both went a long way to healing my chapped lips, and they are quite pleasant to use. 

According to Trader Joe's,

Spring has just about sprung—and with it comes the arrival of another luscious, limited-edition, candy-inspired Lip Duo! Like its Gummy Bear Flavored predecessor, Trader Joe’s Jelly Bean Flavored Lip Duo comes with one tube of Lip Balm Butter and one pot of Overnight Lip Mask. They’re both packed with some of mother nature’s finest moisturizers (like coconut oil, avocado oil, and shea butter), and they come packaged together in a cute, perfectly Easter-basket-sized gift box with a convenient, ornament-style loop on top. 

Keep the Jelly Bean Flavored Lip Balm Butter on hand for those moments when you need some midday moisture or a boost of shine, then at night, right before you drift off into dreamland, apply a generous amount of the Jelly Bean Flavored Overnight Lip Mask to help soften your smackers while you sleep. Thanks to their sweet and slightly fruity Jelly Bean flavor, lip care has never tasted so good... Quantities are limited, though, so pucker up and head to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s posthaste!

Overall Assessment: I only bought this because I was in desperate, and immediate, need of some lip balm for my very chapped lips, but I am glad that I bought it because I have been reaching for this duo regularly! They both did an impressive job healing my very chapped lips, and this duo is an excellent value since you get two lip products for $6.99.

$6.99 from Trader Joe's (Unaffiliated Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

April 2026 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

During the month of April, I finished up 8 products: 6 were full size and 2 were deluxe travel sizes. I can say, without hesitation, that I would happily use all of these products again, and I was delighted by each one of them. Here is what I finished in April 2026:

The A Method Reti-Xo Retinol Exosome Serum is a highly effective gel-based retinol serum that is worthy of note. The lightweight gel serum, which is cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free and vegan, is effective, easy to use and it doesn't dry out my skin or leave it flaky. It stimulates cell turn-over and collagen production and skin fresh and glowing. 

It is extraordinarily important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using retinol-based products because they can cause photosensitivity, and in the absence of a high SPF sunscreen the use of a retinol-based product can lead to hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation. It is also very important to consult with your doctor and/or dermatologist before adding a retinol-based product into your skincare routine. You may have suspicious moles, spots or lesions that could be cancerous or pre-cancerous, and they need to be treated medically before adding cosmetic treatments that could exfoliate those skin conditions. Your doctor may say that retinol-based products simply aren't a good core for your skin. Additionally, some medications that you may be taking may create photosensitivity, and your doctor should evaluate the products that you are thinking of adding to your skincare routine before you decide to try them. Purchase Again? If I can find it on sale! 

($135.00- $349.00 for 1.52 oz from The A Method and Amazon)

Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen is made by a wonderful K-Beauty skincare brand, and this SPF50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen is lightweight and it leaves behind no white cast, whatsoever.  Formulated with green tea leaf water, and seven different types of centella extract to, "reduce redness and leave skin feeling refreshed. Sodium DNA in the mix enhances skin barrier repair. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and oily skin." It has no scent, and it feels very comfortable on the skin. I have also noted that it serves as a very nice base for my foundation or tinted moisturizer, functioning much like a primer. Purchase Again? Definitely! 

($19.90 for 1.52 oz. from YesStyle, Style Korean and StyleVana) 

Dr. Althea Aqua Glowing Sunscreen is the second sunscreen (the first is reviewed HERE) that I have used from Dr. Althea, a notable K-Beauty brand, and I really like it a lot. It is a very lightweight and non-sticky chemical sunscreen, with an SPF 50+, that is hydrating and sinks into the skin without leaving behind any sort of white filmy residue. It actually feels more like a serum than a sunscreen, and it offers excellent protection from the sun. Of course, one has to reapply it frequently to benefit from it, but it is so pleasant to use that it isn't an issue having to reapply it. Additionally, this sunscreen is formulated with "bamboo water, sea grape extract and vegan seaweed-derived PDRN to hydrate skin and accelerate skin barrier repair. Also enriched with panthenol to soothe irritated skin." Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and dry skin. Purchase Again? YES! 

($19.90 for 45ml. from Dr. Althea, Stylevana and YesStyle)

Twelve Beauty Rewarding Body Balm is a gorgeous body balm is aptly described as a "lush body pudding"– and it really must be experienced to be believed. The velvety texture of this thick and rich cream melts into the skin leaving it indescribably soft, smooth, deeply moisturized and luminous. The antioxidant-rich formula adds a layer of protection against free-radical damage, and the soothing and nourishing ingredients pamper the skin. The light aroma is luscious and exhilarating, but is neither imposing, nor long lasting. It is the perfect pick for dry skin that really needs deep moisture. Purchase Again? In a heartbeat! 

($75.00-$90.00 for 6.8 oz. from Twelve Beauty and Boxwalla)

Siam Seas Kwam Rak Radiance Body Serum is an absolutely delectable hybrid body serum that deeply hydrates and moisturizes the body with the efficacy of a rich body lotion and an emollient body oil combined. It has a remarkably lightweight texture that is creamy and it melts into the skin in the most satisfying way. Skin is left soft, smooth, supple, radiant and silky to the touch. The complex aroma transforms from a spicy earthy scent to a more complex floral punctuated by Jasmine Sambac.

This beautiful serum made in a base of aloe and this allows it to absorb into dry skin with great efficacy, but I still prefer applying it to slightly damp skin since it spreads and absorbs quicker and more efficiently. Purchase Again? OH YES! 

($103.00 for 3.4oz. from Siam Seas and Beauty Heroes)

Trader Joe's Pink Pomelo Grapefruit Hand Soap is a wonderful hand soap that produces a satisfying lather, and yet they neither strip, nor dry out the hands. The  aroma isn't an overly powerful citrus, but instead, it is uplifting, pleasant and delightful. Hands are left soft, nourished and lightly hydrated. Purchase Again? I already have!

($3.99 for 17 oz. from Trader Joe's)

Herbatint Royal Conditioner is the conditioner that comes in each box of Herbatint Permanent Hair Color. This hair color is healthier than most permanent hair dyes and is far more forgiving on my scalp than most of the drugstore brands of hair color. 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! I managed to finish up two tubes of it this month! Purchase Again? Without question! 

($17.99 for their Permanent Haircolor Gel from iHerb, Amazon and Walmart)

Overall Assessment: I am such a huge fan of these brands, and specifically these particular products. As noted above, I would happily use all of them again, and again! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in April? Did you make any amazing product discoveries, or did you try any over-hyped duds?

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

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

TATCHA FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE 20% OFF SITEWIDE: MAY 14-25

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Shop the TATCHA 20% Off Sitewide Friends & Family Sale!

Share the joy of Japanese skincare with 20% off sitewide. You’ll have exclusive, 48-hour early access starting 5/14/26 through 5/25/26.

**Promotion starts 5/14/2026 and is valid through 11:59 PM PT on 5/25/2026, or while supplies last. 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. Exclusions apply. 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

Novex My Curls My Style Leave-In Conditioner Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Novex My Curls My Style Leave-In Conditioner is, as the name suggests, a leave-in conditioner for curly hair. This leave-in conditioner can be used on damp or dry hair, and it makes hair soft, smooth, manageable and frizz-free. It does have an aroma that lingers for quite a while, and while it isn't too strong, it might be bother people who prefer unscented products for their hair. This is a real affordable treat for my naturally curly hair, and fans of this Brazilian haircare brand simply cannot go wrong.

According to Novex,

This blend of natural coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, extra virgin olive oil and argan oil work to moisturize your waves and curls giving them the light, bouncy finish they need to look their best. Trust this natural leave in for all of your hydration needs. Apply to freshly cleaned and conditioned curl and style as usual.

This product works well to protect hair from heat if you are diffusing your curl or blowing them dry. If you use an iron to finish your style this product will protect your hair from the heat. If you braid, wrap or twist set your hair this product provides the viscosity and slip to protect your hair.

Give your curls the shine and touchable feeling you want in your hair. This formula closes the hair shaft and allows curls to be shiny and protected from outside humidity that can cause frizz.

One best way to protect hair is to not break or stretch hair when you detangle. Apply roots to ends and comb from ends to roots. This product creates slip and helps detangle safely with no discomfort. Great for sensitive scalps.

Having hair that is properly balance and with the proper elasticity helps to reduce breakage during styling, detangling, braiding and other high tension styling. Use this leave in to condition before every style.

Directions: To detangle hair, apply to damp or dry hair and do not rinse.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycine Soja Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Parfum, Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Ceteareth-20, Diisopropyl Adipate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium Edta, Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Bht, Sorbic Acid, Peg-90M, Sodium Acetate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, D-Limonene, Cellulose, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Achyrocline Satureiodes Flower Extract, Verbascum Thapsus Extract, Fabiana Imbricata Leaf/Stem Extract, Arginine, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Sodium Pca, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.Afe/Proc.

Overall Assessment: This is a very effective leave-in conditioner for people with curly hair, but if you prefer unscented haircare products, this might be a miss for you. I love how manageable my curly hair is whenever I use this leave-in.

$21.99 for 17.64 oz. from Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

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.