Beauty Empties to Write Home About in July 2022

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

In July, I managed to use up 8 full-sized products and 4 deluxe samples, and I am pleased that I was able to spare them from the garbage can. My ability to do this each month is my pragmatic approach: I simply make everything I am focussed on finishing very visible. Onto the counter, into the shower, and always within reach, and at eye level whenever possible. I just feel so wasteful and guilty when I am forced to toss out something that turned bad before I finished it. Here is what I finished in July:

Arcona Toner Tea Bar ($42.00 for 4 oz. from Nordstrom): This is a wonderful antioxidant cleanser for aging, normal, oily or problem skin. It has a delectable smell that is reminiscent of steeping tea, and it feels absolutely amazing on the skin. It leaves the face soft, supple and hydrated, but never stripped or dry. It can be used alone, or with a cleansing device like the FOREO LUNA. Purchase Again? At some point, but I have quite a few cleansers to use before I consider purchasing another one.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($14.00 for 8 oz. from Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Bluemercury, Space NK, Macy's and Bloomingdale's): This is a gentle non-foaming cleanser that removes every trace of makeup. This hardworking cleanser lifts dead skin, oil, dirt, and makeup, but does so without stripping the skin. After use my skin is left unbelievably clean, silky and soft. I have even used it on my feet because it leaves them soft, smooth and gently exfoliated– thanks to the enzymes that sweep away dead skin cells. Purchase Again? I recently opened another bottle!

Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Crème ($120.00 for 0.50 oz. from Tata Harper, Nordstrom, Space NK UK, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Cult Beauty and The Detox Market):  Described as an, "age-defying eye cream with a universal pearl blush tint that minimizes the look of lines and wrinkles and instantly illuminates with diamond dust"– I thought that this would be the perfect combination of a luminizer and a nourishing eye cream, and it does not disappoint.

If you love Tata Harper skincare, then this eye cream definitely lives up to the rest of the line. It is a lightweight cream that has a creamy and smooth texture and consistency that resides somewhere between a serum and a lotion. It melts into the skin upon contact, can be used on the eyelids as well as below the eyes, and feels refreshing against the skin. It is filled with nourishing ingredients and hydrators, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and all sorts of active extracts and oils that smooth and plump fine lines, reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles and leave skin soft, smooth, hydrated and supple. Additionally, the "Diamond Dust Mineral Blend" subtly illuminates the skin and optically blurs imperfections. It has a light pink tint, that is pearl infused, as you can see in the swatch below, but when it sinks into the skin it imparts no color, but just a light luminosity.

It has a very light herbal aroma from the natural ingredients, not from artificial fragrances, but it in no way irritates my very sensitive eyes. It takes very little to make my eyes water, and there is absolutely no hint of irritation or discomfort for me when using this cream. Purchase Again? Oh yes, this is spectacular!

Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub ($32.50 for 2 oz. from derma e, Ulta): This is a wonderfully effective facial scrub. This exfoliator features tiny, and densely populated, exfoliating particles suspended in a creamy base that has enough grit to sweep away dead skin cells effortlessly. The formula is gentle, effective and non-stripping. Skin is left soft, silky smooth, supple and refreshed. It is a very concentrated formula– so this 2 oz. jar should last a long time unless you are using it on your face and body. Derma e suggests that it can be used on your hands, elbows, feet, knees– or anywhere you need to exfoliate rough skin, and I definitely agree that it is quite effective on rough skin in those regions as well. Purchase Again? I just opened a fresh new jar!

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar ($40.00 for 3.4 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom, Sephora, 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. Purchase Again? I am currently using a full-size bar, and I have an unopened bar waiting!

Erno Laszlo Detox Cleansing Oil ($64.00 for 6.4 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom): It is not very often that a deluxe sample sells me on a product since you don't get enough product to get a really good sense of how well it will work for your skin, but that wasn't the case here! I immediately fell in love with this cleansing oil and I am plotting a purchase. It is described as a lightweight clarifying oil that "harnesses the power of Charcoal and Shea Butter Seedcake Extract to deeply cleanse, dissolving surface impurities and makeup without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Through Color-Change Technology, the dark oil turns creamy-white upon application for activated cleansing you can see." It has a wonderful creamy texture and it pairs perfectly with the Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar. Purchase Again? I have only used this sample, but I plan to buy a bottle when they have their next sale!

Erno Laszlo Firming Essence ($86.00 for 6.7 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom): According to Erno Laszlo, "This firming gel-essence delivers a surge of moisture for a complexion that’s visibly plumped and lifted. Super hydrator Hyaluronic Acid binds water to the skin alongside skin-conditioning Spirulina Maxima. Through our Cooling Technology, these actives are encapsulated until the moment they burst upon the skin, releasing the full potency of their revitalizing benefits." I liked this, and while it was definitely hydrating, it didn't really stand out as any more hydrating than any of the other Hyaluronic Acid-based products that I have. Purchase Again? I have limited experience with this product, since I have only used this one sample, but I didn't fall in love with it, and therefore I have no plans to purchase a bottle.

René Furterer 5 Sens Enhancing Dry Oil ($48.00 for 3.3 oz. from René Furturer, Amazon and LovelySkin): This is a beautifully fast absorbing dry oil that can be used on the hair and body. It has a lovely soft aroma that is a treat to the senses, but it isn't long lasting or in the least bit cloying. When I use it on my body, it melts into the skin and leaves it soft, supple, hydrated and nourished. For the hair, it offers extraordinary hydration and leaves locks soft, smooth and manageable. It tames frizz and fly-aways, and it gives hair a glossy shine. Purchase Again? This was my last sample, and I have a full-size bottle in use!

Ooh La La Bay Runner Handmade Soap with Olive Oil and Shea Butter ($6.50 from Ooh La La): Like the Bay Runner Silky Foaming Hand Soap, the scent of this bar soap is truly divine– it is a delightful spicy orange with hints of patchouli, clove and cinnamon. This soap thoroughly cleans, has a very satisfying creamy lather, and it leaves skin moisturized, but without an oily residue. Purchase Again? Most definitely!

Viori Citrus Yao Conditioner ($13.00 for 2.8 oz. from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): The delectable citrus aroma is extraordinarily pleasant and delightful. This nourishing conditioner leaves my hair very manageable and my scalp comfortably hydrated. It detangles hair, fights frizz and leaves hair soft, silky smooth and shiny. It does not weigh hair down or leave behind an oily residue. Purchase Again? I have one more of their shampoo bars to use, but once I finish it, I will purchase another!

Davines OI Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion ($48.00 for 4.56 oz. from Davines, Nordstrom, Cult Beauty and Amazon): This is a mid-weight silicone-based hair oil that effectively hydrates, tames frizz and fly-aways, detangles, adds shine and makes even the most temperamental hair manageable. It does wonders for my naturally curly hair, and it is so concentrated that only a tiny amount is needed for excellent results. It can be used on wet or dry hair, and I tend to pump a small amount into the palm of my hands then work through my hair. I either let my hair dry naturally or use my blow dryer, and la voilà! It has a very faint nondescript scent, but it isn't long-lasting. Purchase Again? Yes, but I need to use up a few products first.

As I was digging through the pictures that I took of the Viori products that I had tested, I found this picture of my beloved Lola sniffing what was being photographed. It absolutely broke my heart, but also made me smile as I remember that day so vividly. The 6 month anniversary of her death, which is on August 2, is rapidly approaching, and I deeply miss her and I continue to grieve this tremendous loss. However, I thought that I could spread a little joy with this picture.

René Furturer Triphasic Reactional Concentrated Serum ($74.00 for 12 vials x 0.16oz from René Furterer, Dermstore, LovelySkin and SkinStore): This is a 100% drug-free leave-in serum that is formulated to treat temporary thinning hair. This means that it isn't for genetic hair loss, but instead temporary hair thinning that is caused by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, and stress. I purchased it during the pandemic because I noticed that I was shedding a bit more hair than I normally would, and this was incredibly effective. I used it for three months, and now my hair is back to normal. After running a few tests to see if I was having any sort of health issues, my doctor said everything was normal and that it was simply a stress reaction to a scary global pandemic. I also used their shampoo and conditioner, and will be posting my review of all three very soon. Purchase Again? Only if I ever need it again, but this is absolutely first rate!

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

• Addresses the three main factors that contribute to sudden, temporary hair thinning. 
• Lotus Mineral Complex minimizes the effects of stress on the skin and preserves the scalp's natural balance.
• Pfaffia extract helps maximize the supply of nutrients available to the scalp and optimize conditions for strong, healthy-looking hair.
• Lemon essential oil helps to stimulate microcirculation and revitalize hair.
• ATP provides an essential source of energy to the hair follicles.

Overall Assessment: I am pleased that I finished up all of these products, and hope that I do as well in August. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in July? Any real winners or duds to report?

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

The Beauty Spotlight Team End of July Week in Review

Boxwalla's August Beauty Box: A Saucerful of Skincare Secrets features 2 full-size products from African Botanics. Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog thinks you should not miss this box featuring the sublime and divine Silver Rescue Cream and Eye Contour Gel-Serum!

Blonde hair can get dehydrated, damaged, and brassy due to natural elements, over-styling and processing. But no worries, Barbie's Beauty Bits has some great tips to keep help keep your blonde locks hydrated, so you look like you've just left the salon!

Styling pajamas as daywear isn't as hard as you might think. Angie at Your True Self Blog talks about how to get away with it and look great while you're at it! She also gives ten ideas to guide your casual outfit creations. Age doesn't matter.

Think you can't use Vitamin C and Retinol at the same time? Well, think again! Vitamin C actually stabilizes Retinol and the two are even more effective together. To that end, Allison from Never Say Die Beauty has been using organically and freshly made Green Chemistry Alpha C Serum with both of those power ingredients, and she is so impressed with the products and her results! 

Charlotte Tilbury Big Summer Sale Up to 40% Off!

Affiliate Links

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Big Summer Sale is happening now, and you get up to 40% Off. Check out all of the sale items HERE. 

Visit: www.charlottetilbury.com

Boxwalla August Beauty Box: A Saucerful of Skincare Secrets Featuring African Botanics

 

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Boxwalla's eco-luxe beauty boxes are an extraordinary value, and the products themselves are nothing short of spectacular. Their carefully curated cruelty-free green beauty boxes are a tremendous value, with steep discounts, and they feature truly covet-worthy luxurious, and sustainably crafted beauty products. 

This is an extraordinary value for outstanding products. A Beauty Box for the luxury loving skincare nerd, this box lets you experience the most effective and exquisite beauty products that harness the potency of plant-based ingredients. 

The August Beauty Box ($49.95. Retail Value $310.00): The theme of the August Box is inspired by an early Pink Floyd Album: A Saucerful of Skincare Secrets and features two wonderful full-sized products from African Botanics.

The August Beauty Box features (Cost to Subscribe: $49.95; Retail Value: $310.00)

1. African Botanics Silver Rescue Cream (full size, $140.00)

2. African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum (full size, $170.00)

Both products are unscented and do not contain any added essential oils. The products were formulated and made fresh for our box in an  ISO 9001 GMP-certified scientific lab.

The August Subscription Box is available here. Subscriptions will be open till August 25 or until they sell out, whichever happens first.

Longtime readers know that African Botanics is my all-time favorite skincare brand, and that I am friends with the owners, Julia and Craig Noik. They are incredible people, and they make the most amazing skincare products using ingredients from their country of origin, South Africa.

About African Botanics:

African Botanics was created by Julia & Craig Noik back in 2012. We are thrilled to celebrate 10 years of their unique, pioneering work with this very special August Beauty Box. African Botanics is designed, formulated, and made from start to finish in South Africa, paying homage to the cultural history of the people of South Africa and the vast biodiversity of its landscape. The products thoughtfully combine the unique botanicals native to South Africa with the most cutting-edge skincare technology to create luxuriously effective products that surprise and delight. Along with well-researched lab-synthesized actives, they go the extra mile to use only sustainably and ethically harvested wild-grown and biodynamic botanical ingredients in their formulations, working with independent networks of individuals, and supporting local women-owned businesses whenever possible. 

African Botanics Silver Rescue Cream (1.2 oz for $140.00): This is a fragrance-free cream that is soothing, healing and filled with anti-inflammatory ingredients. It does an exemplary job calming red and irritated skin, reducing inflammation and leaving skin soothed, calmed, hydrated, soft and supple. 

It is right in between a lightweight and a mid-weight cream, and it is lusciously emollient and nourishing, and yet it melts into the skin in the most divine and visceral way. I had an irritated spot on my chin that was peeling because of a skincare product reaction, and within a day the spot had healed and the redness, irritation and flakes were gone. It is not only incredibly healing, but is also a wonderful daily cream for people with sensitive and reactive skin.

According to African Botanics,

Silver Rescue Cream harnesses the soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of full-spectrum CBD (Cannabis Sativa Leaf extract) and the vital power of Colloidal Silver, known for its anti-microbial and healing properties. Working together they help reduce redness, inflammation, and scarring while improving skin barrier function and relieving the signs of skin stress. This unique cream helps calm and revive skin with an extraordinary blend of protective medicinal plants (Resurrection plant and Devil’s Claw), rich in glycosides, Phytosterols, Flavonoids, Trehalose sugar, polysaccharides and arbutin which aid skin regeneration and rapid hydration, resulting in minimal trans epidermal water loss. Highly concentrated moisturizing ingredients like the Baobab fruit, Vitamin E, Squalane, Marula Oil, Rosehip and Marigold extract help protect the skin and reduce skin reactivity and redness. Their soothing, restructuring and lipid-restoring properties strengthen the skin, improving its quality and reducing sensitivity. Formulated for sensitive skin and all skin types temporarily irritated by modern environmental conditions including pollution, stress, extreme weather patterns and non-invasive procedures. Free from essential oils, fragrance, parabens, silicones and mineral oil. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Texture: Cream

Scent: Unscented and EO free

Features:

• Sensitive and reactive skin

• Inflammation and visible redness

• Dryness and dehydration

• Scars and blemishes

• Uneven texture

• Therapeutic for acne-prone skin

Key Benefits:

• Skin soothing and moisturizing

• Hydrates and restores comfort

• Calms irritation and redness

• Protects and defends sensitive skin barrier

• Decreases excessive sebum production

Directions: Apply morning and evening after cleansing to the face, neck and  décolletage in upward smoothing movements, starting at décolletage and working up. As a primer smooth a thin layer evenly over clean skin before makeup application. Silver Rescue Cream has been designed to bring comfort when applied on its own. However, for skin in need of added nourishment, apply a few drops of Pure Marula or Neroli infused Marula Oil.

Eco Packaging: African Botanics is committed to reducing stress on the environment. Their boxes are made from 100% post-consumer paper. Silver Rescue Cream comes in a 100% recyclable glass bottle and aluminum pump. Once you are done with your product, please separate the pump from the bottle before placing it in the recycling bin.

African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum (0.5 oz. for $170.00): This gel-serum is a serious holy grail eye product that is unlike anything that you have tried before. It has an emollience not generally found in eye gels, and it does so much– even when you use the tiniest amount. It softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it effectively reduces puffiness, lightens dark circles and lifts and tightens the skin without any pulling. Furthermore, this serum is cooling, hydrating and it leaves the delicate skin around the eyes soft, smooth and luminous. The thick gel melts into the skin immediately leaves it comfortable, and without leaving behind any sort of residue. It can be used beneath the eyes, but also on the eyelids, and it offers itself as an effective base for makeup. It is gentle, without sacrificing efficacy, and the unscented formula does not irritate my sensitive eyes!

According to African Botanics,

Eye Contour Gel-Serum is an energizing and highly concentrated cooling gel-serum that targets the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles while visibly soothing, tightening and reinforcing the barrier function of the skin for a more youthful appearance. 

The powerful combination of Ceramides, Lupine Oligosaccharides, Yeast Beta-Glucan, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C and fucoidan-rich Seaweed extract help plump and deeply moisturize while supporting the synthesis of epidermal elastin production and effectively awakening the eye contour. Caffeine, Arnica, Copper and Dragon’s blood extract help drain, revitalize and activate microcirculation reducing puffiness and dark circles. This age-defying serum provides an instant tightening effect and sinks into skin quickly, making it a perfect base for make-up.

Texture: Thick Gel

Scent: Unscented and EO free

Features:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Dark circles

• Loss of firmness and elasticity

• Puffiness

Key Benefits:

• Instantly soothes and awakens the under eye area

• Helps reduce the look of puffiness

• Visibly firms and tightens

• Softens the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles

• Provides a cooling and lifting effect

Directions: AM/PM After cleansing, gently apply a small amount (about the size of a rice grain) press under the eyes and across the eyelids extending from the inside out. Pat with fingertips to stimulate microcirculation and to boost radiance. May cause cooling and tingling sensation. Can be stored in the fridge for an even more intense cooling effect. Caution: Avoid direct contact with eyes. For external use only. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Overall Assessment: This is a truly exceptional box that features my all-time favorite skincare brand, created by two of my favorite people, and curated by the amazing Lavanya. The value is unbelievable, and I highly recommend getting this box before it sells out. DON'T. MISS. THIS. BOX! A+

*THIS IS A SUBSCRIPTION* You will be charged immediately when you purchase. Automatic renewal occurs every two months until you cancel. June Subscriptions are now open. They will be open until August 25. However, it will likely sell out before then. 

To order your Boxwalla August Beauty Box visit: www.theboxwalla.com  

$49.95 ($310.00 value) from Boxwalla (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Sisi Spray n' Style Hair Brush Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Sisi Spray n' Style Hair Brush is a recent discovery that has all but kicked my other brushes to the curb. This brush, which boasts a combination of boar bristles and nylon pins, feels so gentle and comfortable against the scalp that it has made me really love brushing my hair. It detangles without pulling, and it has a built-in spray bottle that makes it very convenient to spray my detangler into my hair before brushing it.

Sisi Spray N’ Style was created by Jessica Urzua, and it was inspired by her daughter’s, "sensory needs and a popular comb and spray combination from the ‘80s" and Jessica "added the modern needs of women today to create her own unique design." It includes a funnel and three refillable bottles for any of your spray products, and it is really easy to use.

According to Sisi Spray n' Style, 

It all began with the classic tale of a mom trying to comb through her daughter's knotty hair! One day while chasing her daughter around the house with a brush in one hand, while simultaneously searching for detangle spray, she thought to herself...why isn't there a detangle brush on the market that's convenient for everyone to use? If the product was directly inside the brush handle wouldn't it make things a little easier?

Introducing the first detangling hairbrush with an interchangeable spray handle. Simply fill a spray bottle with your hair product of choice and slide directly inside the brush handle! It's great for everyday use and convenient for travel. The Sisi Spray N' Style is excellent for adults and children and works on all hair types. It can be used on wet or dry hair with any hair product. It's mixed massaging bristle design, tackles knots with ease, without pulling your hair. Take your Sisi Brush to the gym or the beach, and say goodbye to the days where brushing your child's hair was a nightmare!

Features:

💜 COMES WITH THREE REUSABLE AND INTERCHANGABLE SPRAY BOTTLES: Can be filled with any hair product. Bottles easily slide into brush handle. All in one design to make getting ready faster and easier.

💜 EXCELLENT FOR EVERYDAY USE OR FOR TRAVEL: Perfect for the person on the go- use it everyday and take it anywhere.

💜 DETANGLES AND SMOOTHS HAIR: Mixed massaging bristles- this curved design, which consists of boar hair bristles and nylon pins, contours to your head and gently massages your scalp. It distributes oils evenly and helps to stimulate hair follicles which encourages hair growth.

💜 FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: Men, women, and children with all different hair types, enjoy the convenience and gentle design of this brush. It works on straight, curly, thick, or thin hair.

💜 FOR USE ON WET OR DRY HAIR: The vented brush head design makes blow drying your hair faster, whether you brush wet or dry the Sisi Spray N' Style glides through knots with ease.

Overall Assessment: This brush is just so good that I often use it to just massage my scalp! A+

$29.99 from Sisi Spray n' Style and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Sciabica California Lemongrass Olive Oil Soap & Lavender Olive Oil

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

Sciabica California Olive Oil is a new-to-me brand that makes wonderful olive oils to eat, and olive oil-based skincare products. I have tried two of their skincare products, a moisturizing oil and a soap, and they are both sensational.

Sciabica's Lemongrass Olive Oil Soap ($8.00 from Sciabica California Olive Oil): This beautifully aromatic soap boasts a luscious creamy lather, a delectable lemongrass aroma and the gorgeous scent lingers. It thoroughly cleans the skin and leaves it soft and moisturized. I am utterly obsessed with this soap, and if you love lemongrass, then this is a must-have.

According to Sciabica California Olive Oil,

Our 100% natural California olive oil is carefully blended with healing essential oils and botanical buds or refreshing fresh-harvested fragrances, to create soothing aromatherapeutic soaps that produce a richly fragrant creamy lather to moisturize and rejuvenate your skin. Artisan-crafted and detailed by hand, each bar is a unique piece of art that looks as good as it feels!

Research has shown that it contains powerful antioxidants that neutralize damaging free radicals that can lead to skin aging, as well as linoleic acid which helps prevent skin moisture from evaporating which is something anyone who is the designated dishwasher of the house can appreciate! Sciabica blends their 100% natural California olive oil with essential oils, botanical buds and refreshing fresh-harvested fragrances resulting in soap that keeps your skin feeling rejuvenated.

Ingredients: Water, Lye (Sodium Hydroxide), Olive Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, and Yellow Mica Powder.

Sciabica Lavender Olive Oil Skin Moisturizer ($12.00 for 1.69 oz. from Sciabica California Olive Oil): This beautifully fragrant lavender olive oil can be used on the face, body or hands, and it deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin. However, this food grade oil can also be used on food. I have been using it as a hand and body oil, and it leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple, moisturized and lightly fragranced.

According to Sciabica California Olive Oil,

Sciabica presses their award-winning extra virgin olive oil with locally harvested English Lavender, known for its gentle healing properties, to produce a sensational, delightfully fragrant, 100% all-natural Lavender Olive Oil. Apply the hydrating 2-ingredient moisturizer to the face, hands, or body or even enjoy it in lavender scones or coffee cake. Imagine how nourishing skincare that is good enough to eat will be for your skin needs!

Packaged in a specially designed "airless" pump bottle, which dispenses creamy small portions, you can use as much or little as needed to apply onto your hands, face and body. It is so light that your skin will promptly absorb the creamily dispensed olive oil to help give you a softer, smoother and younger-looking appearance.

Helpful hint: One pump is perfect for dry hands. Takes 60-90 seconds to absorb. This creamy olive oil is so sheer, you can use it on your hair for added shine and light styling. Try as a "tummy" moisturizer during pregnancy.

Overall Assessment: I'm obsessed with these, and I definitely want to try more from this lovely brand.

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Royal Locks Curl Care Haircare Review

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Royal Locks Haircare offers a wonderful range of products formulated for the precise needs of curly and wavy hair. Given that I have naturally curly hair, I was very eager to try this brand since their products are made with my hair in mind.

About Royal Locks,

Royal Locks Curl Care was born in 2014 when a classic curly girl got tired of mixing multiple gels and creams to get the benefits she desired. It became apparent to her the curl community was seeking an effortless approach to curl care.

The idea of Pro Curl Cream Gel was born. Pro Curl takes a multi-functional approach to traditional curl care to nourish your locks like a cream and defines and holds them like a gel. Since then, our product line has expanded to offer the best curl support, from shower to style, to give you beautiful locks from waves to curls to coils.

It all started with having her first child. When Casey Simmons experienced all the hormonal changes of motherhood, her formerly pin straight hair became wavy. Struggling with her new identity as a mom, her different look added an extra layer to figure out. But it’s just hair, right? Wrong. Casey knew finding confidence and balance would take time, but she liked that her new wavy look seemed to express who she is: unique, approachable and fun. So, she started with the hair.

Of course, finding the right products was a journey in itself! Casey’s research found that many women like her experience changes in hair texture throughout their lives or choose to stop straightening and wear their hair naturally curly. These women were also overwhelmed when attempting to understand how to manage their new curly patterns. Additionally, they too felt a connection between their look and individuality. Changing your hair changes how you feel, and for many it is important to have your look represent the real you.

When Casey discovered Royal Locks Curl Care, she loved that the products worked with simple steps that fit into her new lifestyle while delivering beautiful results.

Royal Locks Clean Curls Shampoo ($17.00 for 7.5 oz. from Royal Locks): This sulfate-free, and non-stripping or drying shampoo, gently and thoroughly cleans the hair without leaving behind a greasy residue that weighs it down. It is a low-lather shampoo that is satisfying to use and it rinses clean. It offers curly hair hydration and manageability, and it has a pleasant light aroma. You can also purchase the Royal Locks Curl Cleansing Set ($35.00 from Royal Locks) which includes their shampoo and conditioner.

According to Royal Locks,

A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo for curly hair that won’t strip the natural oils your curls need to create their best shape. Our pH balancing shampoo is sulfate free, low lather, to keep curls fresh and maintain an important foundation of moisture + hydration.

Features:

- For all waves, curls, and coils

- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free

- Shine, softness

- Creates a foundation of healthy hair with moisturize + hydration

- Safe for color-treated or permed hair

Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Lauryol Glutamate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide MIPA, Aqua (and) Sodium Levulinate (and) Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Polyquaternium-11, Sodium PCA, D-Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Macadamia Seed Oil.

Royal Locks Curl Quench Conditioner ($19.50 for 12 oz. from Royal Locks): This lightweight, and ultra-emollient, conditioner is incredibly nourishing and hydrating, and it gives curly and wavy hair all of the pampering and moisture that it needs, but without ever weighing it down and leaving it feeling greasy. It fights frizz and fly-aways and leaves curls bouncy and supple. It has a light, and pleasant, aroma, but it is neither long-lasting, nor in the least bit cloying.

According to Royal Locks,

One of the best conditioners for curly hair created to nourish and protect waves, curls, and coils without weighing them down. Made with argan oil, macadamia seed oil and amino acids to penetrate, hydrate and heal for soft, bouncy curls.

Argan oil-based conditioner that provides weightless moisture + repairs damage. For all types of wave curls, classic curls, and coil curls of all textures and thickness.  

Features:

- Protects and maintains moisture + hydration

- Repairs Damage 

- Safe for color treated or permed hair

- Nourishing and lightweight to support coil curls that are easily damaged \

Directions: Work into curls. Leave product in hair for two minutes while detangling curls, allowing it to penetrate the hair shaft, hydrate and heal. Rinse.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Argan Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Parfum, Dimethicone, D-Panthenol, Amodimethicone, Macadamia Seed Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Triethyl Citrate (and) Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Benzoic Acid, Aqua (and) Wheat Amino Acids (and) Soy Amino Acids (and) Arginine HCl (and) Serine (and) Threonine.

Royal Locks Pro Curl Cream Gel ($22.00 for 7.5 oz. from Royal Locks): This is a concentrated curl cream, and therefore it is essential to take a less-is-more approach. it is lightweight and nourishing, and it does an exemplary job fighting frizz and fly-aways while defining curls. It offers hold, while leaving curls soft, touchable and moisturized. It has a light and clean aroma that isn't long-lasting or cloying. 

According to Royal Locks,

Our 3-in-1 lightweight curl cream gel was created to make curls work for you. This unique original, proprietary blend of high-performing ingredients plus natural botanicals works to create well-defined curls while holding shape, moisturizing, taming frizz and drying with a touchable softness. Created for Classic Curls of fine to medium texture. 

This product is concentrated. If you use too much and get a cast or crunch you’re not loving, don’t fret. Just combine a tiny amount of leave-in conditioner + water in your hard and scrunch hair upwards- your curls will hold, but the crunch will be moisturized and soft.

Features:

- Tames frizz

- Define, enhance, hold with softness

- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free

- All-in-one curl definer

- Moroccan Argan oil for moisturizing

- Safe for silver, color-treated, or permed hair

- Styling Method: Wet Styling. Follow up with Party Curl Activating Spray for touch-ups

- *If you prefer Damp Styling try Dream Cream.

Directions: Wet styling. Applying cream gel to sopping wet hair. The water and heat help activate the product. Creates beautiful, well-defined curls with touchable softness. It also reduces frizz.

After turning the shower off, stay in the shower area and dispense a nickel size (it’s concentrated!) of Pro Curl Cream Gel. Distribute evenly into SOPPING WET HAIR.

Scrunch curls with tee shirt or microfiber towel to help them form & remove excess water.

Plop curls on top of head in tee shirt or towel, let air dry (NO touching, it causes frizz), or if you prefer, diffuse.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, VP/VA Copolymer, PVP, Parfum, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, dl-alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Benzoic Acid.

Overall Assessment: If you have waves or curls, you owe it to yourself to place Royal Locks on your must-try list. A+

Press Sample. Available from Royal Locks (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.