Sunday, October 31, 2021
Saturday, October 30, 2021
The Beauty Spotlight Team Rings in Halloween Weekend
Halloween and Thanksgiving mean pumpkin spice season is here! Allison from Never Say Die Beauty has been loving the pumpkin spice facial skincare products from Pumpkin & Spice. Enter to win her giveaway of Pumpkin Spice Exfoliator Scrub!
Which is better, over-the-counter, teeth whitening versus professional teeth whitening, and do over-the-counter teeth whiteners really work, and are they safe? In this post Barbie’s Beauty Bits will share the difference between the two.
Victorian Gothic or Goth style is mysterious, poetic, edgy and dramatic. Whether you are Goth or just looking into it for Halloween, Angie at Your True Self Blog has some beautiful up-to-date ideas for how to get inspired by Gothic style.
It’s always fun to learn of new cosmetic products and Cindy of Prime Beauty has done that. True + Lucscious has created a palette that contains beautiful clean beauty shades that can be used for bronzing, contouring, and highlighting. This is a must have!
Friday, October 29, 2021
Derma E 25% Off Sitewide
Derma E is having a 25% Off Sitewide Sale this weekend–which makes their already reasonably priced products even more affordable. I highly recommend their Vitamin C Collection, but they have so many amazing products from which to choose! Use Code: TREAT25
Thursday, October 28, 2021
October 2021 Empties Galore
Here is what I finished this month:
Lancôme Crème Mousse Confort Comforting Creamy Foaming Cleanser for Dry Skin ($28.00 for 4.2 oz. from Lancôme, Macy's, Nordstrom, Ulta and Bloomingdale's): This cleanser is very rich, luxuriously creamy and gentle. It effectively melts away makeup and cleans the skin without stripping it. While it is formulated for dry skin, it worked beautifully on my balanced to combination skin. Repurchase? Not any time soon because I have a lot of cleaners to use, but I really loved using this hidden gem.
Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar ($40.00 for 3.4 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom, Sephora, Violet Grey, Revolve, Amazon and Look Fantastic): Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar does an exceptional job cleaning and exfoliating my skin, and it does so without drying, stripping or irritating. Skin is left soft, clear and luminous, and while it is now said to be formulated for all skin types, it used to be for normal, combination and oily skin types. I would say that dryer skin types would only use it periodically for its deep cleaning and exfoliating abilities, but not as a daily soap. I do like to use it with a cleansing oil, but sometimes I use it alone. My one grievance is that the bar used to be a hefty 6 oz., which was far more satisfying to use, and now it is nearly half the size. Repurchase? I just opened another bar.
NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Repair Shampoo ($6.00 for 2.5 oz and $14.00 for 11.5 oz. from Ulta, NatureLab Tokyo and Amazon): This nourishing shampoo has a satisfying lather, it thoroughly cleans my hair, and yet it isn't stripping. The aroma, which they describe as, "inspired by Japanese bamboo forests with a hint of green tea and cypress" is what I would describe as a refreshing green tea. However, the aroma isn't in the least bit imposing or long-lasting. Repurchase? Definitely.
NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Repair Conditioner ($6.00 for 2.5 oz and $14.00 for 11.5 oz. from Ulta, NatureLab Tokyo and Amazon): This is a really lovely and nourishing conditioner that left my hair soft, manageable and hydrated. Like its companion shampoo, that shares its fragrance profile, I once again would describe it as a refreshing green tea aroma. Repurchase? Definitely.
Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Mask ($44.00 for 6 oz. from Ouidad): I am a huge proponent of deep masking, and advocate doing it often during the cold months of the year. This formula is ultra-conditioning, and leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable after only 10 minutes of use. I like to leave it on for about 20-30 minutes when my hair is feeling particularly dry and unruly, and it does the trick every single time. Repurchase? As soon as I finish up the deep conditioning masks that I have left.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Restore + Revive Bi-Phase ($32.00 for 6.8 oz. from Ouidad, Ulta and Macy's): This pretty pink bi-phase treatment, that you need to shake well to incorporate the ingredients, includes a cocktail of antioxidant-rich natural oils that nourish and moisturize the hair. The formula protects hair from free-radical damage while defining curls, fighting frizz and leaving hair shiny, soft and smooth. Furthermore, like the gel, it neither flakes, nor does it become crunchy and unnatural looking. There is a very light clean scent in the bottle, but I detected no fragrance in my hair. Repurchase? It is on my list!
Overall Assessment: I'm so pleased that I managed to finish up so many products this month, and hopefully I can finish up a lot of my open products by the end of the year. I really don't want anything to go bad before I can finish them! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return this month? Any fabulous finds or total duds to report?Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Vasanti BrightenUp! Exfoliator Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator for Perfectly Glowing Skin
A gentle yet powerful facial exfoliator. This papaya and aloe enriched exfoliator will remove dead skin, reveal a radiant complexion and fight common skin concerns like dull skin, dark spots, acne scars, wrinkles & more. You'll see results after just one use. An oil-free, deep pore cleansing exfoliator that helps brighten your complexion. Contains professional dermatology grade microdermabrasion crystals and papaya enzymes to help remove dead skin cells. Provides instant results with visibly smoother skin.
Benefits:
♥ Removes dead skin
♥ Reveals a radiant complexion
♥ Gives you an at-home microdermabrasion facial
♥ Enriched with papaya, professional microcrystals and aloe
♥ Fights dull skin, dark spots, scarring, wrinkles & more!
♥ See results after just one use!
♥ This is a cruelty-free product from a cruelty-free company.
Directions: Wet face and massage a pea-sized amount in a circular motion, focusing on problem areas. Rinse with warm water and pat dry to reveal an instantly brighter complexion. Use 3-5 times a week for straight-from-the-spa results. Leaving it on clean skin allows the product to double as a mask!
$34.00 for 4.23 oz. from Vasanti and Amazon (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Holiday Shopping Amid Supply Chain Problems: Things to Consider
1) Consider making this a far less commercial and gift-oriented holiday. This is the first year that many people will be having family gatherings for the holidays because of the pandemic, and my guess is most of them will care less about presents and more about seeing the people they love in-person.
2) Buy less, but if you are shopping online consider shopping really early. Retailers and e-tailers are anticipating long delays, and really popular items may not arrive until after the holidays. If you are trying to buy this year's it-toys, for instance, then order them early. Less popular items will be more widely available.
3) Shop locally. This way you can support your local businesses and economy, and you don't have to worry about the gifts arriving on time.
4) Instead of purchasing things, purchase or create experiences. Making memories that last a very long time can easily be achieved if you buy tickets to a museum exhibition, concert, play, musical etc. That way you can spend the day with your loved one and treat them to something that they might not do for themselves.
5) Purchase a subscription or membership. If you know this person would love a subscription to the New York Times, Spotify, Netflix, to a museum etc., then this is the type of gift that they can enjoy all year long.
6) DIY gifts. Making DIY gifts can be a very thoughtful and meaningful way to give gifts. It can be expensive, but there are also affordable ways to make things that the people on your list will enjoy.
7) Gift Cards. I usually don't buy them because they aren't very personal, but truth be told a lot of recipients prefer them since they can get just what they want or need.
What ideas do you have for your holiday gift-giving this year?
Monday, October 25, 2021
Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Replenishing Hand Cream
According to Molton Brown,
Imbued with vibrant rhubarb leaf, yuzu and comforting rose, this moisturising hand cream is perfect for on-the-go indulgence.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Coconut Alkanes, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Fragrance (Parfum), Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Tuber Aestivum Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Amodimethicone, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate80, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Oleate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, C12-14 Sec-Pareth-5, C12-14 Sec-Pareth- 7, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Triethanolamine.
Overall Assessment: This wonderful hand cream is the perfect choice to keep my perpetually washed and sanitized hands soft and moisturized, and the scent absolutely delights the senses! A+$15.00 for 1.4 oz. from Molton Brown, Saks Fifth Avenue and SkinStore (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Sephora Beauty Insider Holiday Savings Event
VIB:15% Off from 11/9-11/15
Insider: 10% Off from 11/11-11/15
ALSO receive 30% Off All Sephora Collection Friday, November 5-Monday, November 15
*20% offer valid for Rouge members 11/5/21 - 11/15/21 at 11:59pm PT; 15% offer valid for VIB members 11/9/21 - 11/15/21 at 11:59pm PT; and 10% offer valid for Insider members 11/11/21 - 11/15/21 at 11:59pm PT. Offer only valid on merchandise purchases made (if open) in Sephora U.S. and Canada stores, in Sephora inside JCPenney stores, on sephora.com and Sephora Canada.
Saturday, October 23, 2021
The Beauty Spotlight Team Late October Week in Review
Angie at Your True Self Blog explores the fundamentals of how to look terrific in flares. She starts with basic styling tips and follows up with plenty of outfit combinations.
Retinol and Vitamin C are two of the cornerstone ingredients of an anti-aging skincare routine. Allison from Never Say Die Beauty is smitten with new City Beauty Advanced Retinol System, a two-in-one bottle with separate serum featuring each of the cornerstone ingredients. And it’s on sale at 50% off for a couple of more days. Check out the details.
Barbie’s Beauty Bits shares all the incredible details about Spa Sciences professional skincare devices that can be used in the comfort of your own home without spending a fortune.
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffers are perfect holiday gifts, and with aromas such as Sicilian Blood Orange, Mediterranean Peach, Ibiza Bloom and Tunisian Moon you just can’t go wrong. Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog is obsessed with this collection and thinks that you will be too!
Fall is all about cooler weather, pumpkins, pumpkin spice and planning for holidays. All this can cause havoc with your skin if you become stressed but Prime Beauty thinks that MyChelle’s Strengthen line of pumpkin based skincare will take away the worries.
Friday, October 22, 2021
Nature's Beauty Sleep Collection in Lavender Chamomile
Directions: Dispense into a shower puff and lather over moist skin. For a bath, pour into warm running water. Hop in, lay back and relax.
Nature's Beauty Lavender Chamomile Sleep Body Butter ($8.99 for 6.7 oz. from Nature's Beauty, and Amazon): This rich and nourishing body butter smells delectable, and it leaves skin deeply moisturized. I like to put it on my feet and wear fluffy socks to bed, and my feet are so soft when I wake up the following morning.
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Elina Organics Activated Honey Peel Review
According to Elina Organics,
Activated Honey Peel contains nourishing Manuka honey which soothes inflamed complexions. It also possesses important antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This peel contains fulvic acid with a specific blend of herbs and ammonia-oxidizing probiotics that work to gently smooth the texture and protect the healthy microbiome of your skin. This peel can even be used on the most sensitive skin over both the face and body. Acne-prone complexions will also greatly benefit from this peel. This peel is specifically beneficial for bumpy areas on the upper arms (keratosis pilaris), especially when combined with Treatment Enzyme Gel.
Directions: This peel can be used during a facial or as a leave-on serum. Apply a thin layer over the skin for 5-10 minutes. Remove with water or herbal tea and proceed with moisturizer.
Ingredient Highlights:
Manuka Honey Infused with Oxygen - antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, balances pH, exfoliates, helps skin retain moisture.
Fulvic Acid - reduces scarring and discolorations, antimicrobial properties, neutralizes toxins, reduces inflammation, diminishes wrinkles, a powerful antioxidant beneficial for sun-damaged and aging complexions, assists in every stage of cellular rejuvenation, provides a nutritious cocktail of trace minerals and electrolytes which nourish and heal rosacea-prone complexions.
Willow Bark Extract - a natural source of salicylic acid, reduces inflammation, provides gentle exfoliation, speeds healing process, reduces acne and excess oil, hormone-balancing botanical, antibacterial properties.
All Phyto Ingredients Certified Organic: Distilled Water, Manuka Honey Infused with Oxygen, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Horsetail) Extract, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract, Calendula (Marigold) Extract, Plantago Major (Plantain) Extract, Taraxacum (Dandelion) Extract, Fulvic Acid, Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Aesculushippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Salix Alba (Willow Bark) Extract, Sunflower Liposomes, Xanthomonas (Xanthan Gum).
Overall Assessment: Elina Organics makes high performance products that do what they say they will do, and they do so without harmful ingredients.$68.00 for 2 oz. from Elina Organics (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Derma E Vitamin C Glow Face Oil Review
$19.95 for 1.3 oz. from Derma E and Ulta (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffers
According to Spongelle,
Dreamy sunsets, coastal air and the scents of the Cote d’ Azur infuse Spongellé’s Riviera collection of Body Wash Infused Buffers. Formulated to relax, unwind, pamper, and refresh your body and soul with sun ripened basil and lemon oil. Good for 20+ washes.
Available in 4 Phenomenal Fragrances:
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffer in Tunisian MoonSpongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffer in Ibiza Bloom
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffer in Sicilian Blood Orange
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffer in Mediterranean Peach
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffer in Tunisian Moon:
Fragrance Notes:
Top: Italian Mandarin, Crisp Green Apple, Golden Neroli
Mid: Creamy Coconut, Orange Blossom, Jasmine
Base: Dark Vanilla, Cedar, Cashmere Woods
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffer in Ibiza Bloom:
Fragrance Notes:
Top: Orange Flower, Magnolia, Green Vines
Mid: Jasmine Buds, Tuberose, Ylang
Base: Sandalwood, Musk, Amber
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffer in Sicilian Blood Orange:
Fragrance Notes:
Top: Blood Orange, Starfruit, Gerandine
Mid: Passionfruit, Mango Water, Dahlia Flower
Base: Sandalwood, Aquatic Musk
Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffer in Mediterranean Peach:
Fragrance Notes:
Top: Peach Water, Garden Greens, touch of Mint
Mid: Geranium, Basil, Flowering Sage
Base: Vetiver, Crisp Musk
Overall Assessment: The Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffers are an absolute delight to the skin and the senses, and they make perfect gifts this holiday season! A+$18.00 each from Spongellé (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Monday, October 18, 2021
Boiron Arnicare FootCare Foot Pain Relief
Boiron Arnicare FootCare is a moisturizing and soothing cream ideal for foot massage. Made with fresh mountain daisies (Arnica montana) from the French Alps, this homeopathic medicine relieves foot pain and other aches due to overuse and minor injuries. It also reduces pain, swelling and discoloration from bruises associated with sprains and strains.* Try it for foot rubs and heel, arch, ankle, and joint pain. Arnicare FootCare does not contain menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate, or capsaicin. It works without the traditional strong medicine smell of topical pain relievers, and is free of fragrances, dyes, and parabens. It does not mask symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem. Arnicare FootCare is available over the counter in a 4.2 oz tube.
Benefits and Features:
- The single active ingredient is Arnica montana, a mountain daisy.
- Ideal for foot massage and heel, arch, ankle, and joint pain.
- Soothes, moisturizes, and spreads smoothly for foot rubs.
- No traditional strong medicine smell; does not contain menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate, or capsaicin.
- Free of fragrances, dyes, and parabens.
- Won’t mask symptoms of a more serious condition.
$15.99 for 4.2 oz. from Boiron, Amazon, Walmart and iHerb (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2021 www,lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.