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Tuesday, April 30, 2024

APRIL 2024 EMPTIES FOR THE FACE, BODY, HAIR & HOME

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

It is hard to believe that the month of April came and went alarmingly fast, and I was so busy at work that I feel as though I barely took in the month! I managed to finish up 12 products– of which 10 were full-size and the remaining two were deluxe samples.
Spongellé Enchanted Night Body Wash Infused Buffer (Was $18.00, but it was a seasonal limited edition buffer for Halloween from Spongellé): The scent of this Halloween inspired buffer is a wonderfully deep and alluring aroma that is citrusy punctuated by a warm and musky base. It is utterly delectable. I wish that they still had this one available! Purchase Again? I would, but I am happy with the scent I just opened!

Spongellé He'e Berry Hawaiian Body Wash Infused Buffer ($22.00 from Spongellé): This delectable scented buffer is the embodiment of Hawaii, and it makes a great gift. They make brilliant body wash-infused sponges effectively and gently clean and exfoliate the skin, and they also leave the it deliciously baby soft, smooth, supple and moisturized. They really excel in their ability to clean and exfoliate the skin while delighting the senses with their delightful aromas. 

You simply dampen the Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffers with water to activate the very satisfying lather. Each sponge is filled with enough body wash for a minimum of 20 washes, but I always get more washes from each of their buffers. Once you have used up all of the body wash, the sponge itself is left quite intact, and therefore all you need to do is use it in conjunction with your favorite liquid or bar soaps. The hanging ribbon allows the buffer to dry out easily, but I recommend hanging it outside of the moist environment of the shower to avoid bacterial growth. Purchase Again? I just opened another scent!
Bootleg Bath Salted Margarita Bath Bar ($9.95 for 4.4 oz. from Bootleg Bath and their Amazon Store): This is a mildly exfoliating bar that leaves skin soft and smooth without stripping it. This handcrafted bar has a deletable citrus aroma that is an uplifting treat to the senses, and it is a perfect gift for yourself and the people on your holiday gift list. Purchase Again? I definitely will!

The Bootleg Bath Growth Formula Conditioner Bar ($16.95 for 1.76 oz. from Bootleg Bath): is a hair conditioner that is formulated to stimulate hair growth and scalp health. This nourishing, and antioxidant-rich, conditioner nourishes and moisturizes the hair and scalp without leaving the hair limp or greasy. I do not have their matching shampoo that works in tandem with this conditioner, but I will say that my hair looks and feels nourished, frizz-free and very well conditioned when I use this conditioning bar. I can't detect any additional hair growth to substantiate those claims, but I assume that I would need to use it much longer and in conjunction with the shampoo bar from this collection. Purchase Again? Not likely because I currently have far too many open hair conditioners.
MyKirei by KAO Onsen Therapy Soothing Steam Eye Mask ($15.00 for a 5-pack from MyKirei and their Amazon Store): is a very easy-to-use eye mask that utilizes a unique mineral-based warming technology that "enhances calm and relaxation and promotes a more restful night’s sleep while reducing the look of puffy eyes." The scent, Japanese Hinoki, is a delectable combination of a bright citrus aroma combined with cedar wood and evergreens.

The mask bathes eyes and the delicate eye area in warm steam. The mask remains at a comfortable temperature for about 10-15 minutes, and this steam bath for the eyes helps release the tensions of the day, reduces puffiness and it effectively soothes and quiets the mind. This is the perfect before bedtime treat, and it is a wonderful way to pamper yourself during stressful times, or whenever you want to relax and unwind. Purchase Again? I still have a few masks left, but I suspect I will buy more when I finish all of them.

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla ($12.00 for 2 oz. from LAVANILAAmazon and Target): This is a wonderful healthy deodorant formula that is effective, smells delicious and offers long-lasting protection. Available in a nice range of scents, their scrumptious smelling Healthy Deodorants offer odor protection all day long, and the healthy ingredients condition the skin. 

If you are seeking an antiperspirant, then be advised that this does not prevent sweating. This has been my favorite healthy deodorant for many years now, and I will use it as long as LAVANILA makes it. It applies to the skin effortlessly, without tugging, and it never leaves a residue or stain on the clothes. This is a cruelty-free brand and their deodorants are free of aluminum and parabens.

The Pure Vanilla scent is warm and creamy perfection, and wearing the deodorant and fragrance together is delectable! Purchase Again? I already opened another one!

Stark Skincare Eclipse Enzymatic Cleanse + Mask ($35.00 for 4 oz. from Stark Skincare and Boxwalla): This lovely gel cleanser, which has a very slight foam, can be used as a traditional cleanser, or as a mask. It boasts a base of Aloe juice that is punctuated by fruit sugar-based Alpha Hydroxy Acids that gently exfoliate without ever stripping the skin. It has a delectable aroma that is informed by cardamom, but it isn't in the least bit overpowering. This antioxidant-rich cleanser leaves skin beautifully exfoliated, hydrated, renewed and glowing. Purchase Again? I would definitely entertain getting it again, but not until I use up more of my open facial cleansers.

Annmarie Aloe Herb Cleanser ($31.50 for 50ml and $58.00 for 100ml from Annmarie Skin Care and their Official Amazon Store): is a lightweight and creamy Aloe Vera-based cleanser that thoroughly cleans the skin and leaves it soft, smooth and hydrated without feeling greasy or stripped. While it doesn't lather, it also lacks the heaviness of a cream cleanser. Instead, it behaves like a gel cleanser that washes clean. It has a wonderful light aroma informed by citrus, floral and herbal ingredients, and it is best described as pleasant and refreshing. It leaves my skin thoroughly cleansed and luminous, and it as effective as it is gentle. Suitable for all types of skin. Purchase Again? I have a full size bottle that I just opened!

TATCHA The Rice Wash Soft Cream Cleanser ($50.00 for 8 oz., $40.00 for 4 oz. and $18.00 for 1.7 oz from TATCHA, Amazon and Sephora): This is an effective foaming cream cleanser that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and washes away dirt and makeup without stripping. Skin is left a soft and with a lovely luminosity. I had this in my travel bag and used every last drop! Purchase Again? While I have so many open cleansers, this is at the top of my purchase list!
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Fig ($32.00 each from Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Violet Grey): Victoria Beckham Beauty is a cruelty-free brand, and the liners are infused with Vitamin E, hydrating pro-vitamin B5, and calming chamomile. They are quite kind and gentle to sensitive eyes like mine, and they can also be used on the waterline and for tight-lining. The colors are spectacularly beautiful independently, but they can also be blended to soften or intensify the lighter and darker shades, respectively. Fig is a rich matte aubergine, and it is a real showstopper. Purchase Again? YES, it's gorgeous!
Archipelago Botanicals Jar Candle in Peppermint (Was $32.50 from Archipelago and Nordstrom): was a holiday-perfect candle that is made with a blend of essential oils and wax housed in an elegant glass container. This ultra-luxe candle is the aromatic embodiment of the holiday season. Rather than an ordinary peppermint, this gorgeous blend of peppermint bark, mint leaf and chocolate creates a delectable mouthwatering aroma that fills the room with its comforting scent. Purchase Again? I would, but it was a limited edition holiday fragrance. I hope that they offer it again during the holidays this year!

Spongellé Morning Bloom Private Reserve Candle ($40.00 from Spongellé): The fresh scent boasts a gorgeous citrus aroma that is mixed with musk, intoxicating florals and a touch of spice. It is a wondrous candle that fills the room with its magnificence without overly exerting itself. The healthy hand-poured soy candle is made in Los Angeles and it burns for about 50 hours. This luxe candle is an elegant show-stopper that comes in a beautiful gift box that is almost too pretty to recycle! Purchase Again? I am currently burning another one of their wonderful candles, and will definitely try another one soon! 
Overall Assessment: I am quite please with the number of empties that made it into my recycle bin, and hope that I can do as well next month! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return to sender in April? Did you make any incredible discoveries, or perhaps you experiences some overhyped duds? Do tell! 

Purchased and Press Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. 
Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved. 

6 comments:

  1. Love reading this. You took a lot of baths and showers in April.

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    1. Thanks, Marcia! These are my favorite posts to do, they really force me to reflect on what I have used and enjoyed each month!

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  2. Oops, I forgot my name on my comment.

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  3. Well done, as always! I am going to try the My Kirei steam eye mask when I run out of the ones I now have. The scent sounds so lovely! And VB Fig eye pencil is one of my faves. I didn't realize they were sold at Neiman Marcus. I hate paying for shipping so I will buy my next one there when I go to Boston! Thank you

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    1. Thanks, Allison! I think that you will like the MyKirei Steam Eye Masks! They feel so soothing, like the others that I have tried. Fig is such a lovely purple shade, and yes, VB is sold at NM. I hope that it is eventually sold at Nordstrom! I hate paying for shipping as well, and when one is spending at premium prices, free shipping would be nice!

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