September 2024 Empties for the Face, Body and Hair

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

In the month of September I used more haircare and body products than anything else. In fact, I only finished one skincare product, and it was a deluxe sample. I finished 9 products, and 8 of them were full sized and one was a deluxe sample. I loved everything that I used up in September, and would happily use all of these products again. I should note that all of the haircare products had been open and in use for quite some time, and there wasn't a lot left in them at the beginning of September, and therefore it didn't take much time to finish them up.

Spongellé Rose Botanica Body Wash Infused Buffer ($18.00 for 3.5 oz. from Spongellé): It appears that this particular scent has sold out, but there is still something left from this collection. These sponges not only effectively remove dead skin cells, but they also leave the skin deliciously baby soft, smooth, supple and moisturized.  Body wash infused body buffers are such a treat to use, and the Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffers really excel in their ability to clean and exfoliate the skin while delighting the senses with their delightful aromas. Purchase Again? Oh I definitely would, but this was a limited edition collection.

Spongellé Private Reserve Spongette in Peony Flower ($12.00 for 1.75 oz. from Spongellé): This delightful spongette, which has a minimum oil 7-10 washes, effectively exfoliates dead skin cells, leaves skin soft, smooth and supple. The scent, of fresh peonies, is an utter delight to the senses. The size makes it perfect for travel, or for an overnight guest staying for a little while. Purchase Again? Definitely! This is a perfect gift!

Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Hand Soap ($4.99 for 12.5 oz. and a 3-pack for $13.94 from Amazon, Walmart and Target): Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Hand Soap is a glorious lemon verbena scented hand soap that is cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified. It moisturizes the skin, and leaves the hands very soft and clean without any sort of residue. It has a satisfying lather, a delectable fresh citrus aroma, and it makes washing hands a joy rather than a drab experience. Purchase Again? I purchased multiples and just opened another one!

milk_shake Leave-In conditioner ($24.00 for 11.8 oz. from milk_shake and their Amazon Store): This is a revelation in hair care! I am a huge fan of their curly hair range of products, that I have been using for a while, but this leave-in conditioner is my all-time favorite product from them! Made for all types of hair, this conditioner offers hair tremendous manageability and moisture without weighing it down or leaving an unpleasant oily residue. It fights frizz and fly-aways, detangles, nourishes and protects the hair shaft and hair. Additionally, it offers UV protection, is color-safe and it smells utterly delectable. In fact, the sweet and creamy vanilla aroma smells so good that I would actually wear the scent as a fragrance during the summer! This is a truly covet-worthy leave-in conditioner! Purchase Again? I already have another bottle!

milk_shake Curl Passion Curly Hair Conditioner ($27.00 for 10 oz. and $66.00 for 33.8 oz. from milk_shake and their Amazon Store): Getting a conditioner just right for curly hair can feel like an exercise in futility, but some brands just get it right, and that is certainly the case with milk_shake. They really understand the needs of curly hair, and that is such a relief. This delectably scented fruity conditioner fights frizz, leaves hair manageable and never weighs it down. Hair is left soft, smooth, moisturized and curls are beautifully enhanced. Purchase Again? I have an unopened bottle ready to go!

Playa Every Day Shampoo ($35.88 for 7.6 oz. from Amazon Store): This gentle, non-stripping shampoo, effectively cleans hair and leaves it hydrated and manageable without leaving behind any sort of oily residue. The light lather coupled with warm creamy aroma makes using this delectable shampoo a treat to the senses. I need to get the companion conditioner to experience the two together, but my guess is that it is just as incredible as the shampoo. Purchase Again? I definitely would consider it, but I am currently swimming in shampoos!

Abhati Suisse Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo ($37.00 for 250ml. from Boxwalla): This luxurious shampoo, which has a delectable aroma, is formulated to work well on all types of hair. It effectively cleans the hair without ever stripping it, and without sacrificing a very satisfying creamy and rich lather. This hydrating, nourishing and fortifying shampoo contains the Vitamin C-rich Indian Gooseberry that encourages hair growth and curbs dandruff. It also contains Neem Leaf Extract, Himalayan Wild Cherry Oil, Moringa Leaf Extract, Swiss Edelweiss Extract and more nourishing ingredients that make this an exceptional shampoo. Purchase Again? I would absolutely love to use this shampoo again, but I won't be buying any shampoo for quite a while!

René Furterer Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate ($56.00 for 1.6oz. from René Furterer, Revolve and Amazon): René Furterer Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate is a pre-shampoo treatment that detoxes the scalp, by cleansing and purifying it, and the warming effect helps to improve microcirculation. It is soothing, invigorating and makes the scalp feel amazing, and my hair also looks and feels wonderful after using it. You simply apply it to the scalp and then massage for a few minutes, and then leave it in for about 5-10 minutes. Be sure to shampoo twice, to remove the residual oil, and then condition hair as you would normally. It has a wonderful orange aroma that is punctuated by the lavender oil, and it is such an amazing treat to the senses.

I like to follow by using René Furterer 5 Sens Enhancing Dry Oil (Reviewed HERE), which 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? Without question!

Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil ($125.00 for 1/2 oz. and $225.00 for 1 oz. from Nordstrom, Furtuna Skin's Amazon Store, blue mercury and Neiman Marcus): I have wanted to try this face oil for a very long time, and in a recent Nordstrom purchase I received a deluxe sample of this beautiful oil, and I fell for it the moment that I tried it. This biphase oil, which is made from the ingredients grown on La Furtuna Farm, is filled with sustainably farmed ingredients from the hills of Sicily where their farm is located. One must shake this luxurious oil very well to incorporate the oil and non-oil based ingredients. The texture is lightweight and silky smooth. The potent ingredients sink into the skin and do not leave behind an oily residue. Instead, this deeply moisturizing oil melts into the skin and leaves it soft, smooth and luminous. After sustained use, I noticed a light plumping of fine lines and a stunning ethereal glow. The fruity floral aroma is heavenly, but for those with a sensitivity to aromatic skincare products, it is important to note that the aroma fades quickly. I loved everything about this oil when I tried it for the first time, and a full-size bottle is definitely in my future. Purchase Again? Without a doubt! It's really that good!

 

Overall Assessment: I really loved everything that I finished up in September, and would definitely use all of these items again, and again! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in September? Any great discoveries, or over-hyped duds to report? Do tell!

Press Sample and Purchased (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

May 2024 Empties for the Face, Body, Hair & Home

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I am a little surprised that this month I mostly used up body and hair care products, and that there was a single skincare product and a candle to finish off the month of May. Of the 10 items used, 9 were full size, and one was a travel size (that I used at home, incidentally). Here is what I finished up:

Spongellé Mini Buffer Bits ($10.00 from Spongellé): Inspired by delectable tiny donut holes, these Mini Buffer Bits are a sweet extension of Spongellé’s skin-nourishing Confection Body Wash Infused Buffer Line. Available in four mood-enhancing scents (Jasmine Brûlée, Burnt Sugar, Cocoa Bon and Chiffon Rose), these adorable, dual-sided mini buffers are the perfect size for precise deep-cleansing, softening cuticles, nails, heels or any other areas of the body with small dry patches. They feature a special soft cleansing surface on one side and a gentle textured exfoliation on the other. Each Buffer Bit is infused with skin-softening triple butter and exfoliating sugarcane extract. These are especially effective after gardening since they really clear all of the dirt from under the nails! Purchase Again? I have another set in a different scent that I am just about to open!

Spongellé Love Always | Bulgarian Rose Heart Buffer ($14.00 from Spongellé): This delightful body buffer makes skin look and feel incredible, and the scent is heavenly. "Send a love letter with Spongelle’s Love Always Heart Buffer in Bulgarian Rose. Perfect for travel, these heart-shaped body wash infused buffers will cleanse, exfoliate, massage and love your skin." Fragrance Notes: Top: Cinnamon Sticks, Sliced Ginger, Sweet Clove, Juicy Orange, Middle: Tuberose, Base: Whipped Vanilla, Cozy Musk. Perfect for travel, this heart-shaped body wash infused buffers cleanses, exfoliates and pampers the skin. Purchase Again? I have another one that is ready to open!

Spongellé Private Reserve Body Wash Infused Buffer in Blood Orange: (Was $16.00 from Spongellé): "These buffers with built-in body wash are infused with extracts of yuzu, edelweiss and vetiver root to cleanse, exfoliate, massage, and hydrate the skin for a spa-like pampering experience at home." Fragrance Notes: Top: Orange, Mandarin, Peach. Middle: Jasmine, Rose, Lychee. Base: Patchouli, Vetiver, Vanilla, Musk. This body buffer smells heavenly, and it is so refreshing. Purchase Again? It appears that they no longer have this Private Reserve scent, but if they bring out back I am going to buy several!

Spongellé Florica Candle in Mystic Rose ($45.00 for 8 oz. from Spongellé): is an ultra-luxe cruelty-free soy candle with a flickering wooden wick. Like to diffuser, the aroma is beautiful amalgam of Rose (top note), Water Lily (middle note) and Sweet Musk (base note), and the result is a complex floral that is neither too sweet, nor too musky. The substantial glass housing is beautiful, and it perfect to use for makeup brushes, eye pencils or pens after the candle has been used. The stunning gift box is truly noteworthy, and a true show-stopper. Purchase Again? I have had many of their candles, but this is definitely my very favorite. I will definitely splurge and buy another one!

Abhati Suisse Mahakali Nourishing Conditioner ($58.00 value from a Boxwalla box): This nourishing and hydrating conditioner weightlessly treats the hair and gives it a glossy shine without leaving behind any buildup or residue. Hair is left manageable, frizz-free and utterly gorgeous. It has a wonderful herbal aroma that lingers in the most pleasant, rather than cloying, way. Purchase Again? I would love to get this again, but I need to use up a lot of conditioners before purchasing another. I am still using their shampoo, and I absolutely love it!

René Furterer KARITÉ HYDRA Hydrating Day Cream ($36.00 for 3.3 oz. Karité Hydra Hydrating Day Cream from René Furturer): is one of my most reached-for hair hydrators. It is a leave-in that has a wonderful lightweight creamy-gel texture and a delectable light aroma. It is very emollient, and it offers sustained hydration throughout the day, but it does so without ever weighing down the hair. It fights frizz and fly-aways, makes hair more manageable, and it gives hair a lustrous shine. It is suitable for normal to dry hair, and it is a real gem for my naturally curly hair. I use the entire Karité Hydra Hydrating haircare collection, and I highly recommend it to anyone with hair in need of hydration. It is a game-changer for me, and it makes my curly hair manageable, frizz-free and decidedly glossy. Purchase Again? I will continue to buy this as long as they make it!

Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray ($46.00 for 8.5 oz. and $24.00 for 2.1 oz. from Oribe, Amazon, Sephora, Nordstrom and bluemercury): I haven't met an Orbit haircare product that I didn't love, and this is, without question, the nicest Beach Wave spray that I have tried. This one actually imparts moisture, offers a light hold and a lovely shine. It doesn't leave hair crunchy, flaky or stiff and it has that wonderful Oribe aroma! Purchase Again? Without question, it is well worth the splurge!

Curél Deep Moisture Spray ($15.00 for 5 oz. from the Curél Amazon Store): is an amazing find, and it is just perfect for the warmer weather! This ultra-fine moisture mist can be used on the face and body and it sinks in immediately leaving skin nourished and hydrated. It is fragrance-free, easy to use and effective. It is especially satisfying on a hot day to refresh the skin with a spritz here and there. Additionally, because it is so light and hydrating it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It does not, however, contain a sunscreen, so you will need to add your sunscreen after you apply this spray. Purchase Again? I just opened another one!

MyKirei by KAO Yuzu Flower Foam Hand Soap ($18.00 for 8.5 oz. from MyKirei and their Amazon Store): is, without question, the most charming hand soap that I have tried. Each pump of this fetching hand soap produces a floral shaped dense and creamy foam that is soft and creamy to the touch. It thoroughly cleans the hands, without ever stripping, and in fact leaves them moisturized. The lovely Yuzu aroma is uplifting and refreshing, but it doesn't linger for long after rinsing. Everything about this beautiful hand soap is wondrous. Purchase Again? I plan to buy the refill, and will continue to use this bottle.

Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Repair Balm ($280.00 for 1.7 fl.oz. from Erno Laszlo and Nordstrom): is a great product to use when you have irritated skin. If you have a break out, a sunburn, or red and irritated skin that requires something gentle, nourishing and healing, then this mighty balm really helps. It makes this a perfect choice post-peel and post-exfoliation for that very reason. I recently had a bad allergic reaction to a product that I was testing, and it left an irritated patch of skin on my face that was dry, red and peeling, and nothing seemed to help it heal. 

Thankfully, I already had this balm, and while I had little hope that it would help, I decided to try it anyway. Much to my surprise the flaking, peeling, itching, redness and irritation went away after a couple of days of use. It is very concentrated, and only requires a tiny, tiny bit. It is very easy to overdo it and use far more balm than necessary, and therefore I start out with very little and add more as needed. Not only is it calming, but it is also incredibly hydrating and it leaves the skin very soft, smooth and supple. It is definitely a luxury product with a luxury price tag, but it is so concentrated that it will last a very long time. It contains no fragrance, Phthalates, Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Urea, or colorants. Purchase Again? While I really loved this balm, I have far too many open balms, creams, serums and lotions to justify purchasing it again.

Overall Assessment: Well, there you have it. While I thought that I would use up more skincare products this month, I did finish up 10 products. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return to sender in May? Did you discover any amazing products or any much-hyped products that fell short of your expectations? Do tell!

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

BOXWALLA One-Time Haircare Box Featuring Abhati Suisse Shampoo and Conditioner

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 holiday season Boxwalla has some fantastic one-time haircare boxes, and the one featuring an Abhati Suisse Shampoo and Conditioner are sure to delight the senses while nourishing the hair.

Boxwalla has a wonderful curated set for you (Each Cost: $49.95, Retail Value: $112.00):

- One-Time Boxes

- Free U.S. Shipping

- Effective Plant-based Ingredients

- Always Cruelty-Free

BEAUTY BOX: ABHATI SUISSE: This Limited Edition Box features two full sized HAIR products from the wonderful Swiss-indian brand Abhati Suisse (Total Retail Value: $112.00).

 

About Abhati Suisse,

Abhati Suisse was created by Anju Rupal, a British-born Indian social worker turned entrepreneur, who lives in Switzerland. Anju wanted to develop a beauty company that would disrupt how brands give back, by using its profit to directly fund initiatives that would get girls in India to school & keep them there.

Since its launch, Abhati has earned the first ever B Corp certification in Switzerland & has used its proceeds to educate over 350k girls from some of the most vulnerable communities in India. We will be donating 100% of the proceeds from this box to this cause.

 

What's in the Box?

 

1) Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo ($54.00 value). 

2) Mahakali Nourishing Conditioner ($58.00 value). 

 

Please Note: The fragrance in this duo is made from a mixture of essential oils, raw ingredients & safe synthetics all derived from plant materials (a choice that Anju made for reasons of sustainability. choosing the .0001% of the synthetic fragrance materials used where it was the more sustainable option). The fragrance was designed with perfumer Geza Schön of Eccentric Molecules.

This Hair Care box contains an amazing shampoo & conditioner duo: Yamuna Shampoo & Mahakali Conditioner from Abhati Suisse. This duo combines botanicals from India & Switzerland, and delivers soft, shiny healthy hair. The shampoo lathers well, cleansing without stripping and is one of the best shampoos I have found! The conditioner is lightweight & softening, conditioning the hair without weighing it down. 

100% of the profits from this will be going to support the NGO that Anju Rupal the founder works with to educate girls in India.

Abhati Suisse Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo ($54.00 value): This luxurious shampoo, which has a delectable aroma, is formulated to work well on all types of hair. It effectively cleans the hair without ever stripping it, and without sacrificing a very satisfying creamy and rich lather. This hydrating, nourishing and fortifying shampoo contains the Vitamin C-rich Indian Gooseberry that encourages hair growth and curbs dandruff. It also contains Neem Leaf Extract, Himalayan Wild Cherry Oil, Moringa Leaf Extract, Swiss Edelweiss Extract and more nourishing ingredients that make this an exceptional shampoo.

According to Abhati Suisse,

Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo is a gentle, yet highly effective detoxifying formula of organic botanicals for hair and scalp. Yamuna cleanses, hydrates, and fortifies hair and scalp, leaving it wonderfully fragrant. Yamuna rids your hair and scalp of build-up that accumulates from regular use of conventional hairstyling products, which weigh hair down. 

Indian gooseberry is our vital botanical ingredient and an ayurvedic herb. This vitamin C powerhouse is a potent antioxidant, which encourages the hair’s healthy growth, natural pigmentation and helps curb dandruff. Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo doesn’t make you choose between natural ingredients and luxurious lather – it lets you have it all. 

Directions: Apply Yamuna to wet hair and massage in for a creamy, rich lather. Rinse and follow with Mahakali Nourishing Conditioner. To fully detox hair and remove dulling build-up, we recommend using Yamuna Nourishing Shampoo for a period of 3 months.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside (plant-based surfactants), Glycerin, PCA Glyceryl Oleate , Sodium Chloride, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf Extract*, Leontopodium Alpinum (Edelweiss) Extract*, Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract*(Moringa), Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian gooseberry) Fruit Extract*, Prinsepia Utilis Seed (Himalayan wild cherry) Oil**, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract*, Sericin, Saccharide Isomerate, Bisabolol (Chamomile), Panthenol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Oleate (plant based conditioner), Hydroxypropyl Guar (guar gum), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Beer, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Potassium Sorbate (naturally derived preservative), Sorbic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Sodium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate. *Organic **Wild Crafted

 

Abhati Suisse Mahakali Nourishing Conditioner ($58.00 value): This nourishing and hydrating conditioner weightlessly treats the hair and gives it a glossy shine without leaving behind any buildup or residue. Hair is left manageable, frizz-free and utterly gorgeous. It has a wonderful herbal aroma that lingers in the most pleasant, rather than cloying, way.

According to Abhati Suisse,

Mahakali Nourishing Conditioner is the natural way to condition hair after shampooing. Its hydrating effect makes it perfect for dry, stressed, or chemically treated hair. Mahakali brings natural Indian and Swiss botanicals together to restore precious moisture, create weightless volume, and add shine. It helps detangle hair, making combing a pleasure and preventing damage.

Abhati Suisse’s signature blend of Himalayan wild cherry and moringa oils join neem leaves and fenugreek with Swiss edelweiss and sunflower lipids. They weightlessly nourish hair and provide shine without build-up. Mahakali Nourishing Conditioner actually enters each individual strand to rescue and repair hair, leaving it healthy from within. No tangles, no dulling build-up and, naturally, that fabulous lingering fragrance.

Directions: Apply to damp hair after shampooing, leave in for at least one minute and rinse thoroughly. For a weekly hair masque treatment, mix with a few drops of Abhati Suisse Chambal Sacred Hair Oil.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Cetyl Alcohol (derived from plants), Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Derived from rapeseed oil) Saccharide Isomerate, Leontopodium Alpinum (Edelweiss) Extract*, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Leaf Extract*, Phragmites Communis herb Extract*, Poria Cocos Extract, Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (Fenugreek) Seed Extract*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf Extract*, Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian Gooseberry) Fruit Extract**, Panthenol, Phospholipids, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Prinsepia Utilis (Himalayan Wild Cherry) Seed Oil**, Sericin, Hydrolyzed corn starch, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzoic Acid, Beer, Cetyl Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Limonene*, Linalool*, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Potassium Sorbate (natural preservative) , Citronellol, Sodium Citrate, Lactic Acid. *Organic **Wildcrafted

Overall Assessment: This is an extraordinary value from Boxwalla, and this shampoo and conditioner are real ultra-luxe gems. A+

*THIS IS A ONE-TIME PURCHASE, NOT A SUBSCRIPTION* 

To order your Boxwalla Haircare Box visit: www.theboxwalla.com  

$49.95 each (a $112.00 value) from Boxwalla (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.