December 2020 Empties

Purchased and Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I close out the year 2020 with my December Empties, and I made one last push to use up largely empty containers in an effort to live more sustainably, waste less, buy less and to use what I have. I also burned a lot of candles this month because I found that it helps reduce some of the stress that I have been experiencing in this very difficult time.

SALT By Hendrix Magical Rose Sugar Soufflé (This appears to have been discontinued): Of all of their body scrubs, this was by far my very favorite. As the name rightly suggests, it really was a magical scrub. This sugar-based exfoliator has a light and fluffy soufflé texture that is neither too dry, nor too oily. It contains a lovely symphony of oils that hydrate and nourish the skin while the sugar particles exfoliate dead skin cells–revealing soft, smooth, supple and moisturized skin. It has a light rose aromatic veil that is very soft and feminine. This lovely scrub is cruelty-free and free of toxic ingredients, and the sugar melts completely, and therefore will not clog your drain (and is safe for the environment). Purchase Again? I most certainly would if they still made it!

Nubian Heritage Goat's Milk & Chai Bar Soap ($4.00 for 5 oz. from Swanson Vitamins): This lovely bar soap gently exfoliates dead skin cells while hydrating, softening and conditioning the skin. It boasts a creamy light lather that neither strips the skin, nor does it leave behind a greasy residue. It has a faint warm aroma from which one detects rose, honey and chai. I keep this bar at my bathroom sink, and love how soft it makes my hands. Purchase Again? Eventually, but I have lots of soaps to use before purchasing more.

Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Bar Soap ($4.00 for 5 oz. from Swanson Vitamins): I love the rich warm and creamy scent of this soap lathers so nicely, and it contains exfoliating particles, but it never strip the skin or leave it dry and uncomfortable. Purchase Again? Eventually I will.

LAVANILA Vanilla Bean Creamy Body Oil ($20.00 for 3.4 oz. from Beauty Encounter): This lightweight, super-hydrating creamy oil smells divine, and it delivers instant hydration without leaving behind a greasy residue. It leaves skin soft, smooth and supple and lightly fragranced. The consistency is thin, it melts into the skin immediately, and leaves behind an ethereal glow. The warm veil of vanilla bean aroma is comforting and rich, and it lingers for quite a while. Purchase Again? Yes! This is either my second or third bottle, and I really love this stuff so much!

Bodyography Lip Scrub and Mask ($25.00 from Bodyography): My lips have periodically been chapped throughout this winter season, and I have been using so many lip balms and oils to deal with this issue. Bodyography is a brand that I absolutely love, and this duo does not disappoint. This cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free scrub and oil duo is very effective, easy to use and it is filled with antioxidant-rich and hydrating ingredients. The scrub gently and effectively removes dead skin without causing further damage, and the oil deeply nourishes, hydrates, smooths and restores dry lips. There is no detectable taste or fragrance, and therefore it should pose no problem for people sensitive to scented products. Purchase Again? Probably not, but I really liked this a lot.

3 Graces Radiant Lip Scrub ($18.00 from 3 Graces Beauty): This wondrous antioxidant-rich lip scrub has a delectable aroma that is best described as warm, creamy and comforting. Simply apply a tiny amount and gently massage it into clean lips and then remove with a damp cloth. The nourishing formula removes dead skin, heals chapped lips and it leaves them smooth and hydrated. It is the perfect way to prep your lips for your lipstick, lip gloss or lip balm. Purchase Again? Probably not, but I loved it!

Vichy Liftactiv Hyalu Mask ($40.00 for 1.69 oz. from Vichy, Dermstore, Amazon, Target and SkinStore): is an ultra effective Hyaluronic Acid-based hydrating mask that is a perfect pick for dehydrated, stressed and dry skin. This is every French Pharmacy fanatics dream-come-true hydrator, and its refreshing water-gel texture feels cooling and amazing against the skin. It plumps fine lines, deeply hydrates and leaves skin soft, smooth and supple. It is formulated for all types of skin, and it is paraben-free, oil-free and fragrance-free. Purchase Again? I already have a new jar!

The A Method C Gel Facial Mask ($75.00 for a set of 6 from The A Method): These wonderful masks have a delighful light citrus aroma, and they are cooling and soothing on the skin. The Stabilized Vitamin C does a wonderful job brightening dull skin and softening the appearance of fine lines. After 20-30 minutes, my skin was richly hydrated, soft, smooth and luminous. If you love high quality sheet masks, then you will revel in the magnificence of this one! Purchase Again? I still have a couple left, but I like these a lot a will likely purchase more when I use up more of my sheet masks.

INNA Organic Frankincense Rich Revitalizing Eye Mask ($71.89 for 5 ey mans and 5 face masks from Amazon): Frankincense Rich Revitalizing Eye Masks do a tremendous job nourishing and hydrating the delicate area under the eyes. These serum soaked cotton masks plump fine lines, diminish the appearance of dark circles and leave the skin lifted, soft, smooth and supple. Purchase Again? After I finish up my collection of other eye masks, I will definitely consider buying these.

Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub ($38.00 for 8.8 oz. from Sephora): While I only had a deluxe sample, I used it long enough to know that I really liked this scrub, but not long enough to review it. Purchase Again? Maybe eventually, but I have several body scrubs to use up first.

Oribe Curl by Definition Crème ($48.52 for 5.9 oz. from Walmart): This is one of the most incredible styling products that I have ever used on my curly hair. If you have curly hair, you know just how challenging it can be to find products that are effective, that don't weigh down curls, that don't dry out the hair, or leave it greasy. While this styling crème is quite expensive, it has always been money well-spent for me. It has a rich, creamy and moisturizing formula that tames frizz, smoothes hair, defines and controls unruly curls, without weighing them down, and it offers hair a beautiful glossy shine. If you have wavy or curly hair, then the ultra-luxe Oribe Curl By Definition Crème is a phenomenal haircare option worthy of your serious consideration. Purchase Again? I will definitely consider it when I finish some of the other products that I am currently using.

Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream ($19.50-$52.00 for 1.7 oz. and 5 oz. from Nordstrom): I have a few samples of this Moisturizing Cream and I am quite happy with the results so far. It is described as, "a high-gloss, leave-in conditioner that restores even the driest hair, calming frizz and elevating shine for touchable softness." Purchase Again? I am seriously considering it!

Rituals Indian Rose Scented Candle (It looks as though this has been discontinued): The moment that I opened the box and smelled this gorgeous candle, it was true love. I love rose scented candles, and this one is really special. The aroma features the pairing of Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil, and it is warm, sweet, but not too sweet, and perhaps one of the most lovely roses imagined. Purchase Again? I would in a heartbeat!

Tiziana Terenzi White Fire White Glass Candles ($45.00 for 6 oz. from Amazon): Notes: fir, jasmine, bergamot, fresh ice, honey. I received these in a Barneys New York LOVE YOURSELF Gift Bag years ago, and I loved using them. Purchase Again? At some point I will consider purchasing more, but for now I am swimming in candles.

Alora Ambiance Bimbi Candle ($50.00 for 9 oz. from Alora Ambiance): is a study in refinement and elegance, and it would not be an overstatement to suggest that it is a candle with which I am thoroughly transfixed and obsessed. The lovely aroma, which is a delectable blend of Bimbi Lavender, Chamomile and Bergamot, is a luscious composite of the three scents, and together they yield the most extraordinary citrusy floral that is neither too sweet, nor too assertive. The ultra-high quality soy candle, with a cotton wick, burns for about 50 hours, and it fills the air with the most intoxicatingly beautiful and calming aroma. Furthermore, the glass vessel is so beautiful that you will want to save it to display your makeup brushes or eye pencils.

Diptyque Baies Candle ($36.00-$68.00 for 2.4 oz. and 6.5 oz. from Nordstrom, Diptyque and Space NK): I love Diptyque candles, and this one is really lovely. It is described as, "An irresistibly fresh and fruity scented candle that warms your heart and home." I used this on my nightstand, and it was calming and beautiful. Purchase Again? Very likely.

Rebel & Mercury Botanical Candle in Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Clove ($8.00 value for a custom tin from Boxwalla and the full size candle is $42.00 for 8 oz. from Rebel & Mercury): This delectable candle has an otherworldly aroma that is punctuated by top notes of sweet orange that give way to a refined combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove with a subtle undercurrent of cardamom. It smells like the holiday season distilled into a perfect little candle. As Boxwalla has noted, one can dip their fingers into the tin and actually use this as a solid perfume, and I have tried this and find it utterly hypnotic! I am transfixed my its warm holiday scent, and look forward to purchasing more Rebel & Mercury's candles. Purchase Again? It is on my list!

Overall Assessment: It's hard to believe that 2020 is coming to a close. Let's hope for a much better 2021! Cheers to a Happy New Year, and a healthy one in which Covid-19 is no longer an issue.

What did you use up, toss, give away or return in December? Any particularly good or bad products to report? Do tell!

Press Sample and Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links). Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Glosses in Pink Nude and Nude Review and Swatches

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

As you already know, I am a devout lip gloss girl, and that I am so elated to have discovered 3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Glosses. They are free of unwanted chemicals, they are cruelty-free and their beautiful glosses are beautifully pigmented. The two shades that I reviewed before, Coral and True Red, are highly pigmented high shine lip glosses, instead of the more sheer lip glosses on the market. Colors such as Pink Nude and Nude, featured in this review, are not quite as opaque as you will see in the swatches below, but they are gorgeous high shine glosses with shimmer and enough pigmentation to look dazzling on the lips.

Their Radiant Lip Glosses are moisturizing and leave lips feel soft, smooth and nourished. I have had no problem with feathering or having the glosses settle into lip lines, and they boast such a luscious shine. Pink Nude and Nude are both punctuated by gorgeous twinkling shimmer, and are the perfect shades for people like me who prefer to wear peachy nudes and pink nudes. Furthermore, their glosses offer the perfect amount of stick-free cushion for comfortable wear. 

3 Grace Beauty Radiant Lip Glosses in Coral and True Red (Reviewed HERE) and 3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Scrub (Reviewed HERE). 3 Graces Beauty has graciously offered Lola's Secret Beauty Blog readers 20% Off on their new Lip Scrub though August 31, 2020. Use Code: LOLASGRACE

According to 3 Graces Beauty,

Starting with our Radiant Lipgloss, it’s the ultimate multifunctional 3-in-1 with the coverage of lipstick, the shine of a gloss and the lip treatment to keep your lips feeling nourished. The lip treatment is the proprietary complex base of the 3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lipgloss starring Moringa Oil, Knapagnan Butter and other clean beauty ingredients. The color pigments are ethically sourced, clean ingredients that will add the pop of color to the hydrating lip treatment, leaving your lips feeling soft.

Nude: A wear-every-day, goes-with-anything nude color that is understated, sophisticated, and elegant.

Pink Nude: A soft pink with just a touch of shimmer, giving you perfectly luminous lips.

About 3 Graces Beauty,

3 Graces Beauty was founded by moms, we understand the importance of time, efficiency and multitasking to get through the day. Our products are created to be multifunctional with clean beauty ingredients to give your skin what it needs: hydration. With multifunctional products that address multiple concerns, it leaves you with more time, creates efficiency and is multitasking. The best part, for us, is that we can share it with our daughters and nieces without worrying about harmful ingredients as we use clean beauty ingredients.

Clean beauty means products without ingredients that are shown or suspected to be harmful to your health. This also means that your children or pet can accidentally use the clean beauty product and it won’t harm them. One less thing to worry about! For 3 Graces Beauty, clean beauty is our minimum standard. We also want high performing products that make a difference on your skin, feel luxurious and add inspiration to your day. You don’t deserve to compromise anymore with 3 Graces Beauty Clean Beauty.

As the founders of 3 Graces Beauty have been in the cosmetic industry for over 25+ years, they are extremely knowledgeable about ingredients. When 3 Graces Beauty first product was created and formulated, the vision was to create the first high performing, clean beauty lipgloss starring moringa oil that would bring hydration to your lips and a pop of color, all without the harmful ingredients, parabens, silicone, synthetic fragrances and sulphates. 3 Graces Beauty clean beauty products use scientific studies to curate a list of ingredients that will work in synergy to bring you the performance you deserve.

Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Glosses in Nude is a stunning peachy nude with shimmer.

Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Glosses in Pink Nude is the perfect soft pink gloss with shimmer.

 Top to Bottom: 

Radiant Lip Gloss in Nude

Radiant Gloss in Pink Nude

Nude Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ozokerite Wax, Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer, Trihydroxystearin, Phenoxyethanol, Coco Caprylate /Caprate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoeate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

May Contain: Acid Yellow 23 (FD&C Yellow 5 Lake), D&C Red 30 Lake, Acid Red 92 (D&C Red 28 Lake), Mica, Pigment Red 57 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Pigment Red 57: 1 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Pigment Red 57:1 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Synthetic Fluorophlogopite (and) Titanium Dioxide (and) Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (E171), Iron Oxides.

Pink Nude Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ozokerite Wax, Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer, Trihydroxystearin, Phenoxyethanol, Coco Caprylate /Caprate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoeate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

May Contain: Acid Yellow 23 (FD&C Yellow 5 Lake), D&C Red 30 Lake, Acid Red 92 (D&C Red 28 Lake), Mica, Pigment Red 57 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Pigment Red 57: 1 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Pigment Red 57:1 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Synthetic Fluorophlogopite (and) Titanium Dioxide (and) Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (E171), Iron Oxides.

Overall Assessment: I really love these glosses and Pink Nude and Nude are my very favorite types of shades! Next I must try their Restoring Facial Balm!

$20.00 each from 3 Graces Beauty (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Scrub Review: Exclusive 20% Off Discount for Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Readers

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links) 

Not along ago, I extolled the many virtues of 3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Glosses (Review and Swatches HERE), and now I am just thrilled to share their newest launch– the amazing Radiant Lip Scrub!

3 Graces Beauty has graciously offered Lola's Secret Beauty Blog readers 20% Off on their new Lip Scrub though August 31, 2020. Use Code: LOLASGRACE

This wondrous antioxidant-rich lip scrub has a delectable aroma that is best described as warm, creamy and comforting. Simply apply a tiny amount and gently massage it into clean lips and then remove with a damp cloth. The nourishing formula removes dead skin, heals chapped lips and it leaves them smooth and hydrated. It is the perfect way to prep your lips for your lipstick, lip gloss or lip balm.

According to 3 Graces Beauty,

Introducing a little self-care for lips with our brand-new Radiant Lip Scrub. We are excited to launch this little beauty that helps keep lips gorgeously soft and smooth!

3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Scrub is an essential lip care product, formulated to gently exfoliate and hydrate so your lips can maximize the treatment benefits found in the Radiant Lip Gloss. Using a lip exfoliator helps lip colors apply smoothly, wear better, and can be a gentle and effective way to remove lip gloss or lipstick at the end of the day.

Select Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar + Moringa Oil + Vitamin E.

Ingredients: Organic Cane Sugar (Sucrose), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Silica Silylate, Menthol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Mica, Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Natural Flavor, Titanium Dioxide, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Iron Oxides.

Like all 3 Graces products, the Radiant Lip Scrub is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic fragrances. Cruelty Free, never tested on animals. The product is formulated and manufactured in the U.S.A.

Overall Assessment: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! A+

$18.00 for 0.5 oz. from 3 Graces Beauty (Unaffiliated Links).
Receive 20% off through August 31, 2020! Use Code: LOLASGRACE
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Glosses are Amazing!

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

I am a devout lip gloss girl, and I always have been– therefore, I am so excited to have discovered 3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lip Glosses. They are free of unwanted chemicals, they are cruelty-free and their beautiful glosses are ultra-pigmented.  If you are among the many people who prefer pigmented high shine lip glosses, instead of the sheer variety, then you will want to see the lovely shades that 3 Graces offers. Their Radiant Lip Glosses are moisturizing and leave lips feel soft, smooth and nourished. I have had no problem with feathering or having the glosses settle into lip lines, and they boast a luscious shine. Furthermore, the glosses that I tried offered the perfect amount of stick-free cushion for comfortable wear.

According to 3 Graces Beauty,

Starting with our Radiant Lipgloss, it’s the ultimate multifunctional 3-in-1 with the coverage of lipstick, the shine of a gloss and the lip treatment to keep your lips feeling nourished. The lip treatment is the proprietary complex base of the 3 Graces Beauty Radiant Lipgloss starring Moringa Oil, Knapagnan Butter and other clean beauty ingredients. The color pigments are ethically sourced, clean ingredients that will add the pop of color to the hydrating lip treatment, leaving your lips feeling soft.

About 3 Graces Beauty,

3 Graces Beauty was founded by moms, we understand the importance of time, efficiency and multitasking to get through the day. Our products are created to be multifunctional with clean beauty ingredients to give your skin what it needs: hydration. With multifunctional products that address multiple concerns, it leaves you with more time, creates efficiency and is multitasking. The best part, for us, is that we can share it with our daughters and nieces without worrying about harmful ingredients as we use clean beauty ingredients.

Clean beauty means products without ingredients that are shown or suspected to be harmful to your health. This also means that your children or pet can accidentally use the clean beauty product and it won’t harm them. One less thing to worry about! For 3 Graces Beauty, clean beauty is our minimum standard. We also want high performing products that make a difference on your skin, feel luxurious and add inspiration to your day. You don’t deserve to compromise anymore with 3 Graces Beauty Clean Beauty.

As the founders of 3 Graces Beauty have been in the cosmetic industry for over 25+ years, they are extremely knowledgeable about ingredients. When 3 Graces Beauty first product was created and formulated, the vision was to create the first high performing, clean beauty lipgloss starring moringa oil that would bring hydration to your lips and a pop of color, all without the harmful ingredients, parabens, silicone, synthetic fragrances and sulphates. 3 Graces Beauty clean beauty products use scientific studies to curate a list of ingredients that will work in synergy to bring you the performance you deserve.

Top to Bottom: 

Radiant Lip Gloss in Coral

Radiant Gloss in True Red

Coral Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ozokerite Wax, Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer, Trihydroxystearin, Phenoxyethanol, Coco Caprylate /Caprate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoeate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

May Contain: Acid Yellow 23 (FD&C Yellow 5 Lake), D&C Red 30 Lake, Acid Red 92 (D&C Red 28 Lake), Mica, Pigment Red 57 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Pigment Red 57: 1 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Pigment Red 57:1 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Synthetic Fluorophlogopite (and) Titanium Dioxide (and) Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (E171), Iron Oxides.

True Red Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ozokerite Wax, Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer, Trihydroxystearin, Phenoxyethanol, Coco Caprylate /Caprate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoeate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

May Contain: Acid Yellow 23 (FD&C Yellow 5 Lake), D&C Red 30 Lake, Acid Red 92 (D&C Red 28 Lake), Mica, Pigment Red 57 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Pigment Red 57: 1 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Pigment Red 57:1 (D&C Red 7 Lake), Synthetic Fluorophlogopite (and) Titanium Dioxide (and) Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (E171), Iron Oxides.

Overall Assessment: I really love these glosses, and I need their Nude and Pink Nude since those are my go-to type of shades!

$20.00 each from 3 Graces Beauty (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.