lola's secret beauty blog

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water for Refreshed & Hydrated Skin This Summer

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I am a huge fan of thermal water sprays, and French Pharmacy finds, and Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water is a truly wonderful mineral water spray that I have used for at least 5 years now. It is so refreshing and hydrating, and it is utter perfection all year long, but it is especially refreshing during the warm weather.

This water is sourced directly from French volcanoes, and its only ingredient is water. This soothing and refreshing spray feels amazing against the skin, and I often spritz it on right after I apply my favorite beauty oil to help speed up absorption, and because it allows me to use less oil. This can be used any time of the day, but I do like to spritz my face before going to bed for a little extra hydration. However, in the warm and hot weather, I keep this in the refrigerator and use it whenever I need to cool down and feel refreshed, and since the weather has been very hot in LA, I have been reaching for this wth great frequency! Furthermore, it can be used to moisten makeup sponges, used to help set makeup.

According to Vichy,

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water enriched with 15 rare minerals. 15 clinical studies have proven the skin health benefits of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water. Recognized by the French Academy of Medicine for its soothing and fortifying properties. Completes every skin care regimen and infused in all Vichy skin care products. 100% pure and natural. Preservative free. Paraben free. Fragrance free. Alcohol free. Non comedogenic. Allergy-tested.

Features:
- Extremely soothing and infused with antioxidants, Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water is a natural solution for boosting skin quality and health
- A unique combination of 15 rare minerals that give the Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water its remarkable ability to fortify & protect the skin from environmental aggressors
- Spray on face before makeup application or as a booster throughout the day
- Can be used to wet makeup sponges

Ingredients: AQUA / WATER.

Overall Assessment: Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water has been a staple for me for more than 5 years, and I will happily buy this again and again and again!

$11.99 for 5.1 oz. from Ulta, Amazon, Dermstore and Target (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

My Fragrance this Summer is SAFA's Rosé Oil in Bulgarian Damask Rose

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SAFA Rosé Fragrance Oil Roller in Bulgarian Damask Rose is a wondrous rose fragrance that is as affordable as it is delectable. I have been wearing this fragrance for about 1 1/2 years, and it has been my go-to fragrance for the summer of 2025!

SAFA's Rosé Oil is formulated with 100% pure plant extracts and phytonutrients, and they pride themselves on their high quality ingredients. They do not use caprylic/capric triglyceride, which is vegetable derived and can clog pores, but instead, they use ingredients that are vegan, organic, cruelty-free, free of parabens, phthalates, alcohol, and other harmful chemicals and toxins. Their ingredients are all natural, safe and effective, and selected for their ability to nourish the skin.

This enchanting scent feels like a walk through a well-tended rose garden that is filled with the most fragrant decades old roses. It is sweet, but not cloying, and it has enough complexity to differentiate itself from other rose fragrances. It sits close to the skin, instead of announcing itself as one enters a room. It doesn't last all day, but it is easy to carry and reapply when the scent begins to fade.

According to SAFA,

In the Kazanlak Fields of Rose Valley, Bulgaria, lies the rare Bulgarian Damask Rose. SAFA Rosé Perfume oil is blended with Bulgarian Rose fragrance and infused with rose petals to transport and indulge you into a garden full of fresh, deep roses. Known as 'liquid gold' it takes 30 Bulgarian roses to form one drop of essential oil. Highly coveted for its rarity by perfume makers, roses are hand-picked at dawn when the flower is most fragrant. We have chosen quality organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined carrier oils to ensure moisture and longevity of the fragrance.

We believe carrier oils matter in the fragrance oil. Almond oil, rich in vitamins A,B,D, and E, penetrates deep within your skin's epidermis moisturizing and extending the longevity of the fragrance on your skin. Apricot oil is rich in omega 3,6, and 9 fatty acids that are essential to boost skin cell turnover maintaining fresh, dewy skin. Morrocan Argan oil is packed with antioxidants and squalane to transform, repair, and restore.

Directions: Apply to pulse points for an intimate fragrance experience.

Ingredients: Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil, Indian Rose Petals, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Oil, Moroccan Argan Oil, Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol).

Overall Assessment: If you love rose fragrances, then SAFA Rosé Fragrance Oil Roller in Bulgarian Damask Rose is a gorgeous gem worthy of daily wear!

$19.00-$22.99 for 0.33 oz. from SAFA and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, July 28, 2025

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Review

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Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is an emollient gel cream, from this wonderful K-Beauty brand, that is ultra-lightweight and that immediately melts into the skin. It contains Niacinimide that reduces the appearance of dark spots and blemishes, but it is for all types of skin, not just people who are acne prone. It leaves skin soft, moisturized and radiant.

The Hyaluronic Acid provides deep and sustained hydration, and gently plumps fine lines. It is filled with soothing ingredients, such as Panthenol, that calm irritated skin– including breakouts. My skin isn't prone to acne, but it can get irritated, and this wonderful moisturizer really calms it down when my skin is reactive. I will also say that it is such a wonderful daily moisturizer during the summer since it is lightweight and thoroughly hydrating.

According to Dr. Althea,

345 Relief Cream is a regenerating ointment gel cream rich in nutrients that skillfully combines ingredients to address blemishes, nourish the skin, and provide soothing care, resulting in a well-rounded skincare solution.

Shield your skin from environmental damage with this antioxidant-rich cream featuring resveratrol, turmeric extract and Vitamin E. Adenosine and niacinamide provide anti-aging and brightening effects. It contains nourishing and soothing ingredients including heartleaf extract and evening primrose flower extract. Fragrance-free formula is gentle on skin.

This cream contains a potent blend of Niacinamide, Panthenol, and Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, each present in significant concentrations (10,000ppm), delivering numerous benefits for the skin.

Directions: 1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser suited for your skin type.

2. Apply less viscous skincare products like toner first. 3. Apply an adequate amount of the 345 Barrier Cream as your final or semi-final step in your skincare routine.

Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polydecene, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Empetrum Nigrum Fruit Juice, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C14-22 Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesqu, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyquaternium-51, Tromethamine, Fructooligosaccharides, Adenosine, Beta-Glucan, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Resveratrol, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Oligopeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

Overall Assessment: I really like this moisturizer, and I have been reaching for it a lot this summer!

$27.00 for 1.69 oz. from Dr. Althea, iHerb, Stylevana, Amazon and YesStyle (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Wishing You a Beautiful Summer Sunday

Saturday, July 26, 2025

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Summer Week in Review

Barbie’s Beauty Bits shares, can you lighten hair naturally without bleach or dye? By choosing a shade 1–2 levels lighter than your natural color, you can create beautiful, natural-looking highlights instantly...no bleach, no dyes, no regrets.

Angie from Your True Self Blog has a simple style tip for you: an outfit formula that can help you combine your tops and bottoms in summery fabrics with other things you own in a way that looks classy.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has tips for happy feet all summer long. They are easy to do and they make you feel very pampered!

Marsha from Marsha in the Middle prefers Fall to Summer and wool to cotton. But, when the heat hits, she has a favorite fabric when it’s just too hot!

Allison from Never Say Die Beauty is a mosquito magnet. Is it her blue eyes or her blood type that attracts those pests? She has found a natural way to avoid mosquito bites that may be worth a try for you, too!

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style tried a color combination she never ever liked: yellow and white, and now she is loving her butter yellow and white outfit.

Friday, July 25, 2025

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm, from a wonderful K-Beauty brand, is a real pleasure to use. If you are anything like me, and love a good cleansing balm, then this is definitely one worth trying. Simply scoop out a small amount of this luscious balm and then gently massage it into the skin. As soon as you add water to this oil-based balm it transforms into a delectable creamy and milky emulsion. I massage it into the skin for a few more seconds and then rinse it off with warm water. Sometimes I double cleanse and follow with one of my lathering cleansers, but sometimes I just use this cleansing balm, and my skin is left remarkably soft, silky smooth and hydrated. It rinses clean without any sort of oily residue, and its light and pleasant aroma disappears altogether. It is such a pleasure to use this cleansing balm, and a little goes a very long way. Therefore, this jar should last a very long time– even with regular use.

According to BANILA CO,

Our bestselling Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm offers a soft, warm touch to your skincare routine, effortlessly melting away even the most stubborn face and eye makeup.

With a rich formula designed to care for all skin types, it works to remove impurities while hydrating the skin in one simple step. Apply the perfect amount to ensure beauty and balance, making it the ideal first step in your double-cleansing regimen.

Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Onsen-Sui, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/IPDI Copolymer, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer.

A proprietary blend of actives that effectively cleanses skin deeply without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance.

Formulated with Active botanicals, Hot Springs Water, Vitamin E and Vitamin C for a healthy complexion.

Directions: Use spatula included to scoop balm. Gently massage in circular motions onto dry skin using your fingertips to breakdown all makeup and residue. Add water to emulsify the oil and massage again. Rinse well with lukewarm water or wipe off with face cloth or tissue.

Overall Assessment: I am a huge proponent of cleansing oils and balms and use them every single day, and this one is truly covet-worthy. A+

$29.00 for 16.08 oz. from BANILA CO, Ulta Beauty, iHerb, Amazon and YesStyle (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

BLUEMERCURY UP TO 50% OFF SALE ON AMAZING BRANDS

(Affiliate Links)

bluemercury is having an up to 50% Off Sale on so many amazing brands!

Visit: www.bluemercury.com

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

The Boxwalla August Beauty Box Sneak Peek Featuring WYLYS and CLĒ

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Here is a sneak peak at the Boxwalla June Beauty Box featuring WYLYS and CLĒ. This is a lovely box featuring exceptional products! More soon!

This is a bi-Monthly Beauty Subscription Box: 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.

*This is a bimonthly Subscription* You will be charged immediately when you purchase. Automatic renewal occurs every two months until you cancel. Make sure to cancel before the 15th of the preceding month to not get billed!

Boxwalla August Skincare Subscription Box: The August Beauty Box features three gorgeous products from two Korean-American brands, WYLYS and CLĒ

The contents of the August Beauty Box are:

WYLYS Phyto Green Cleansing Balm ($68)

CLĒ Serumide |4% Ceramide Concentrate ($68)

CLĒ Melting Lip Powder mini set of 6 ($36)

WYLYS Phyto Green Cleansing Balm: According to Boxwalla, "This luscious cleansing balm has become a firm Boxwalla favorite, and I’m thrilled to be able to finally share it with you. A universally appealing cleanser, it contains Babassu seed oil for softening, Green tea seed oil, Apricot kernel oil, soothing Melia Azadirachta extract, Turmeric extract & more! As you massage it onto your face, it both melts onto the skin and melts away the day’s grime, rinsing clean – no residue! I dare you not to fall in love with it!"

CLE Serumide: According to Boxwalla. "This is another potion that is so easy to fall in love with – I haven’t been able to stop using Serumide. It is a silky, skin-soothing serum containing a 4% ceramide concentrate to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the skin deeply hydrated. It also protects against environmental stressors, delivering antioxidants, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid for visibly brighter, plump skin. It has extracts of Mistletoe, Barley sprout, Licorice, and Astragalus root, and more! I cannot wait for you to try it."

CLE Melting Lip Powder Mini Set: According to Boxwalla, "Most of you know that I don’t typically include makeup in the Beauty Boxes. But this melting lip powder blew me away! It starts off as a pigmented lip powder that literally melts into the lip to become a beautiful stain with a lovely matte finish that doesn’t dry the lips. We have chosen to include the full mini set, so you can find the color that is most flattering for your specific skin tone and undertone."

Price of the box: $59.95 (or $54.95 with the three box and $49.95 with the six box subscription plan). We have also have a Gift with Purchase worth $169 from Twelve Beauty with the six-box plan!

Retail value: $172.00. Price of the box: $59.95 (or $54.95 with the three-prepaid boxes and $49.95 with six-prepaid box subscription plans) from Boxwalla.

Visit: www.theboxwalla.com

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

THE LAST DAY OF THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE IS AUGUST 3

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If you are a Nordstrom shopper, like me, then you will want to take advantage of their Anniversary Sale. Prices go up on August 4, and therefore your last day to shop the sale is Sunday, August 3. Information about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale can be found HERE.

Sale: Beauty | Women | Men | Kids | Home

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

Visit: www.nordstrom.com