Showing posts with label Arcona. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

February 2023 Product Empties for the Face, Body and Hair

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

While February was a short month, I still managed to finish up 7 face, body and hair products. I would most happily use all of them again, but I won't likely be repurchasing anything until I have finished more products from each of these products. I am swimming in open bottles, tubes and jars and don't want them to spoil before I use them up. Here is what I finished in February:

Patchology Serve Chilled Bubbly Eye Gels: An effervescent eye gel to help refresh your skin. The eye gels are formulated with resveratrol from grapes along with orange extract to help protect from environmental stressors that can lead to early signs of aging. Niacinamide helps brighten dull under-eye skin. Purchase Again? I still have a couple of packs left, but I would definitely buy these when I finish them. ($15.00-$35.00 from Patchology, Ulta, Nordstrom, bluemercury and Macy's)

LilyAna Naturals Rose & Pomegranate Face Cream: is moisturizer that is very nourishing, gentle and calming. It has a lightweight consistency, and it immediately melts into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. It is formulated for all skin types, and it offers superior and sustained moisture. It is so gentle and calming that it is a perfect choice to help heal dry, chapped and peeling skin, and that is certainly appreciated during the cold months of the year. Skin is left comfortable, soft and luminous. It is my go-to choice after I have done an at-home peel and after exfoliation. This face cream does not contain sunscreen, and therefore I use a high SPF sunscreen in addition to this moisturizer. I do not detect any aroma, and therefore it should not bother people who are sensitive to scented skincare products. Purchase Again? I really like this a lot, but I have too many open tubes, bottles and jars of face cream to use before I consider purchasing more. ($29.99 for 1.7 oz from LilyAna Naturals, their Amazon Store, CVS and Walmart)

Arcona Brightening Gommage: is a wonderful facial exfoliator that is good for all skin types. This is, without question, a very good exfoliators. The exfoliating beads are small and in abundant supply, and they effectively remove dead skin cells revealing radiant skin with pronounced clarity and improved tone. It smells and feels amazing, and it lasts a long time. Purchase Again? I have a new tube that I am about to open! ($56.00 for 3.4 oz. from Nordstrom)

NUXE Huile Prodigieux Shower Oil: The aroma, which might be described as a warm nutty floral, is utterly delectable, and its rich and crazy aroma fills the bathroom and delights the senses. NUXE Prodigieux Shower Oil is a lightly lathering and richly moisturizing cleanser that fills the senses with the most delectable rich and warm blend of sweet almond oil, orange blossom, magnolia and vanilla. It has a gorgeous quasi-iridescent glow from the golden pearls that impart a slight golden sheen to the skin. Skin is left hydrated, soft, supple and delicately fragranced. Purchase Again? Without question! ($15.00 for 6.7 oz. from Amazon, and Look Fantastic)

Spongellé Courageous Sugar Crush Body Wash Infused Buffer: makes brilliant body wash-infused sponges that effectively and gently clean and exfoliate the skin, and they 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. Sugar Crush is a delectable and vibrant scent with the following notes: Top: Pomegranate Seed, Custard Apple, Red Berries. Middle: Star Jasmine, Muguet, Cherry Blossom and Base: Sugar Musk, Golden Amber, Vanilla Cream. Purchase Again? I love this scent, but I have other scents that I will use next. ($14.00 from Spongellé)

Typology Hydrating Cleansing Bar with Palmarosa: is a handcrafted face and body bar that is non-stripping, nourishing and thoroughly hydrating. It achieves a very satisfying lather, and it leaves skin remarkably soft, smooth and hydrated. Therefore, it is never drying, and it will not leave skin in the least bit taut or uncomfortable. Furthermore, it has a wonderful light and refreshing Lemongrass aroma that is truly delightful. Purchase Again? YES! ($16.90 for 3.53 oz. from Typology)

Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Conditioner: is the embodiment of a luxe conditioner. The ultra emollient formula, coupled with the delectable scent, makes using this conditioner a supremely enjoyable sensory experience. Like its matching shampoo, Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Conditioner boasts the highly innovative and cutting-edge time-released botanical delivery system that imparts hair with unprecedented moisture and shine over a sustained period of time. While one only needs to leave it on for a minute, I prefer to leave it on for 10-20 minutes for deeper hydration. It infuses hair with lasting moisture, glossiness, bounce, and the delectable scent of pure Oud. Purchase Again? If it ever goes on sale, I will. In the meantime, I have many conditioners to use first. ($38.00-$98.00 for 2oz and 6oz. from Nordstrom and Dermstore)

Overall Assessment: I am happy that I finished 7 products in February, and thankfully I didn't have to toss out anything that was spoiled! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in February? Any winners or duds to report?

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

Sunday, July 31, 2022

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?

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

November 2021 Empties Galore!

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

November turned out to be a good month in the land of empties, as it turns out! I somehow didn't think that I would finish up this month, but I did before some of my older products were about to turn! Here is what I finished this month:

Arcona Wine Oil ($58.00 for 1 oz. from Ulta, Dermstore, SkinStore and Nordstrom): is an antioxidant-rich, powerhouse of an anti-aging beauty oil, if ever there was one. This beautiful resveratrol-based formula harnesses the power and potency extracted from grapes, and delivers its anti-aging benefits deep into the skin for long-lasting and intensive hydration. It boasts a lightweight and fast absorbing consistency that immediately hydrates, moisturizes and nourishes the skin. This light golden elixir has an ultra-luxe velvety texture that leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and decidedly luminous. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated skin, while its anti-aging properties plump fine lines and improve the overall texture of the skin. The utterly delectable warm aroma, which is punctuated by cloves, is luscious and intoxicatingly delicious. The aroma alone reminds me of Autumn, and it is one of my most reached for beauty oils this time of year. If you are seeking a special beauty oil to add into your routine, then I highly recommend this wonderfully conceived and executed facial oil. Purchase Again? Maybe at some point, but I have a lot of face oils to use before I can justify buying another!

Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub ($38.00 for 1.7 oz. and $75.00 for 3.5 oz. from Bloomingdale's, Skincare RX, Space NK, Skinstore, Credo Beauty, Cult Beauty): is a very effective exfoliant formulated for all skin including: normal, combination, blemish-prone, dry, mature and sensitive types. The base is densely populated with tiny exfoliating particles that aren't jagged, and therefore they aren't harmful to the skin. However, it should be noted that there is considerable grit to its consistency, and therefore one should use a very light hand, rather than brute force when exfoliating with this scrub (or any scrub for that matter). That it does an exquisite job exfoliating dead skin cells is evident after a single use, and it leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and radiant. Furthermore, unlike many facial scrubs, this one is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, which helps retain moisture and that helps to plump fine lines. It has no added fragrance, and only the most faint aroma can be detected from the ingredients themselves, but it is unlikely to register for even the most sensitive noses. It should be noted that it is highly concentrated, and therefore the 3.5 oz. jar should last a long time. Purchase Again? As soon as I use up my current face scrubs!

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel ($25.00 for 3.38 oz. from The Body Shop): The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel is definitely worthy of your attention! While housed in a beautiful bright green pump bottle, the gel is itself clear rather than tinted in any way. You simply dispense about 2 pumps of this gentle exfoliating gel and massage it into the skin, avoiding the eye area, until the gel begins to pill up as it dislodges and removes dead skin cells. You only need to massage it into your face for a mere 20 seconds, and then rinse your face thoroughly.

Once you pat your skin dry, you will immediately note that it is silky smooth, soft as soft can be, and that all dry patches and dead skin cells give way to the most luminous and vibrant skin. I neither experienced tingling, nor burning in the least bit, but you should patch test it before applying it to your entire face to test for sensitivities. I am very impressed by the results! Purchase Again? DEFINITELY!

Kerstin Florian Correcting Multi-Vitamin Day Creme SPF 30 ($64.00 for 2 oz. from Kerstin Florian and SkinStore): One of my very favorite sunscreens, with its ultra-luxe and divine texture, and its nourishing skincare ingredients is unquestionably Kerstin Florian Multi-Vitamin Day Creme SPF 30. This day cream is richly emollient, seriously moisturizing, and fast absorbing. It applies evenly, it melts into the skin immediately, and it neither leaves behind a greasy film, nor does it leave an undesirable white cast. Furthermore, the antioxidant-rich formula protects the skin while its active botanicals, and other nourishing ingredients, leave skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous. It is the height of luxury given its glorious velvety texture, its impressive efficacy and its enviable ability to play well with makeup. In fact, I have found that it serves as a wonderfully effective primer for all of the foundations that I have paired it with. It has a delectable light and clean aroma, but it fades soon upon application. Purchase Again? YES! This is one of the very best sunscreens that I have ever used!

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 ($65.00 for 2 oz.from TATCHA and Sephora): This sunscreen boasts a lightweight and nourishing formula that doubles as a primer to extend the wear of your makeup while protecting your skin. It is a thick cream housed in a beautiful blue squeeze tube. A light squeeze dispenses the perfect amount of sunscreen without any waste. The sunscreen itself defies expectations in that its thick texture suggests that it might require a great deal of effort to work into the skin, and that there will invariably be a white residue that will prove to be incompatible with makeup. Yet, TATCHA was able to create the most luxurious silky-smooth sunscreen that melts into the skin as soon as it meets the warmth of the body, and it transforms from an opaque cream into one that is completely invisible. Additionally, there is no greasy residue left to contend with– that so often alters the consistency of your makeup. It neither feels, nor smells like a sunscreen, but instead behaves more like an ultra-luxe nourishing hydrating cream. Purchase Again? Unquestionably, this is a really amazing sunscreen!

Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Remover ($7.66-$10.99 for 6 fl oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Walmart and other mass retailers): This is a wonderful ultra-gentle oil-free bi-phase liquid eye makeup remover that even removes waterproof formulas! Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Remover, which uses silicone instead of oil as its main ingredient, allows you to remove every trace of makeup without a leaving behind a greasy residue. Formulated with Aloe Vera, Ginseng, and Green Tea, this makeup remover is soothing and gentle enough for sensitive eyes like mine. Purchase Again? YES!!!

Kneipp Body Wash Enjoy Life May Chang & Lemon ($14.00 for 6.76 oz. from Kneipp): Kneipp makes among my very favorite body washes because they are soap-free, non-stripping and they are infused with essential oils. They leave skin gently, and yet thoroughly, cleansed and have the added benefit of leaving skin hydrated without a greasy residue. The lemon aroma is uplifting and invigorating– not to mention scrumptious. Purchase Again? Oh, most definitely!

Kneipp Body Wash Relaxing Lavender (14.00 for 6.7 oz. from Kneipp): With natural lavender oil, the soap-free and pH balanced formula cleanses gently and leaves skin soft, supple and hydrated. The lavender scent calms the mind, and it fills the shower with its lovely aroma. Purchase Again? Absolutely!

Baylis & Harding Natural Hand Wash Lemongrass & Ginger ($5.99 each for 16.9 oz. from Target): is a delicious blend of Lemongrass that is tempered by the spiciness of ginger, and it has a beautiful complexity to it. This is an affordable and sustainable luxury wash that is a joy to use and it smells utterly delectable. Furthermore, it leaves your hands soft and moisturized, rather than dry and stripped. Purchase Again? I already have more!

Potager Soap Co. Sugared Balsam Soap ($7.98 for 4.5 oz. from Potager Soap Co.): This luscious richly moisturizing soap, with a satisfying lather, has a warm and creamy aroma that is underscored by the Balsam and peppermint, and it is at once soothing and uplifting. Purchase Again? I have several more of their beautiful soaps that I can't wait to use!

Goldfaden MD Hands to Heart Anti-Aging Brightening Hand Treatment ($38.00 for 3 oz. from Bloomingdale's, Space NK, Credo Beauty, Dermstore, Amazon, SkinStore and Skincare RX): This hand treatment works very well in its ability to hydrate and heal dry, rough and cracked hands, and it leaves them very soft, velvety smooth, supple and moisturized. The texture is lightweight, and yet very emollient, and it immediately sinks into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. Furthermore, it is formulated as an anti-aging hand cream that is supposed to fade dark spots, but I do not have dark spots on my hands to test these claims. However, I will say that my hands appear luminous and brightened. I should note that it has a light citrus aroma, that is incredibly pleasant, but it does fade rather quickly. Purchase Again? Absolutely, this is one of the very best hand creams that I have ever used.

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Replenishing Hand Cream ($15.00 for 1.4 oz. from Molton Brown, Saks Fifth Avenue and SkinStore): This is a truly obsession-worthy hand cream, and it is so good that I have gone through many tubes of it over the years. I remain obsessed with, and loyal to, this hand cream because it is fast absorbing, unbelievably nourishing and hydrating, and it smells heavenly. It leaves my hands unbelievably soft and supple, and the delectable scent lingers, but it is never cloying. It is a beautifully articulated fruity floral that offers the perfect balance between the zesty citrus, Rhubarb and the Rose extract. This hand cream is unmitigated perfection in my view. Purchase Again? Eventually!

African Botanics Marula Stretchmark Botanical Body Oil ($100.00 for 3.58 fl. oz. from African Botanics, Violet Grey): While the perfect choice to treat and prevent stretchmarks or scars– it is likewise the ultimate collagen-boosting, antioxidant, vitamin, mineral and essential fatty-acid-rich moisturizer that leaves skin deeply nourished, hydrated, soft, supple, firm and lifted. It effectively prevents, and treats stretchmarks and scars, but generally firms, lifts and improves the texture of the skin.

Among the key ingredients that account for its efficacy is the potent blend of cold-pressed oils, regenerating Grapefruit and Neroli that tone and regenerate, fast-absorbing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish, firm and reduce the appearance of scars and stretchmarks. Furthermore, the highest quality Marula, Baobab and Avocado oils strengthen and nourish the skin while Rosa Mosqueta Oil reduces that appearance of stretch marks, and aids in their prevention in the first place. This healing body oil is the perfect anti-aging choice for premature skin damage from overexposure to the sun, and it is a perfect choice to treat post-surgical scars. Furthermore, if you experience crepey skin or body acne, this delectable oil will improve the texture of the skin with remarkable efficacy. Purchase Again? I have more of their body oils to use!

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil ($48.00 for 4.08 oz. from REN, Sephora and Net-A-Porter): This beautifully fragranced bath oil hydrates and nourishes the skin while enveloping and enrapturing the senses. It leaves the skin soft, supple, luminous and exceedingly hydrated. This is one of the very best bath oils that I have ever used, and it offers the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Purchase Again? There is definitely another bottle in my future!

Mario Badescu Lecithin Nourishing Shampoo ($8.00 for 8 oz. from Amazon and Mario Badescu): This is a shampoo that is perfect for people with dry and frizz-prone hair, therefore it is a great fit for my dry and curly hair. It has a satisfying lather, but it is non-stripping and non-drying, and it leaves hair soft and moist without an undesired oily residue. It has a very light and pleasant aroma, but it does not linger. Purchase Again? I have far too many bottles of shampoo to use before I buy any more, but I love this stuff.

Spongellé Botanics Candle in Rose ($38.00 for 8 oz. from Spongellé): I love aromatic rose fragrances, and this one is particularly special. The Turkish Rose comes through in all of its glory, but the bottom notes add a creamy woodsy aroma and the top citrus note adds a touch of zing. It is one of my all-time favorite permutations of the perfected rose. Purchase Again? Yes, this candle is utterly magnificent!

Fragrance Notes: Top: Citrus. Middle: Turkish Rose, Jasmine, Armoise. Bottom: Patchouli, Guaiac Wood.

Overall Assessment: I doubt that I will manage to use up quite so many almost-empties in December, but we will see! What did you use up, give away, toss out or return in November? Any real winners or duds to report?

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

A Luxury Face Oil that is the Embodiment of Fall

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

With fall upon us, it is time make some adjustments to our skincare routines, and lighter products that are appropriate for the warm weather give way to richer ones that offer added hydration and nourishment for the colder season. I wanted to revisit one of my favorite face oils for the colder months of the year, and it is such a pleasure to use that it is actually quite addictive!

ARCONA Wine Oil is an antioxidant-rich, powerhouse of an anti-aging beauty oil, if ever there was one. This beautiful resveratrol-based formula harnesses the power and potency extracted from grapes, and delivers its anti-aging benefits deep into the skin for long-lasting and intensive hydration.

ARCONA Wine Oil boasts a lightweight and fast absorbing consistency that immediately hydrates, moisturizes and nourishes the skin. This light golden elixir has an ultra-luxe velvety texture that leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and decidedly luminous. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated skin, while its anti-aging properties plump fine lines and improve the overall texture of the skin. The utterly delectable warm aroma, which is punctuated by cloves, is luscious and intoxicatingly delicious. The aroma alone reminds me of Autumn, and it is one of my most reached for beauty oils this time of year. If you are seeking a special beauty oil to add into your routine, then I highly recommend this wonderfully conceived and executed facial oil. This lovely oil is suitable for all skin types– unless, of course, you are sentivie or allergic to any of its ingredients.

I apply this morning and/or night, to warm, damp, freshly washed skin, and gentle massage it in an upward motion to my face, neck and décolleté. It is a treat to the senses, and it has a calming effect that quiets the mind– making it a perfect part of my pre-bedtime routine.

According to ARCONA,

Harnessing the anti-aging power of resveratrol – an anti-oxidant molecule found in the skin of red grapes – ARCONA Wine Oil reverses signs of skin damage and rejuvenates dry skin, nourishing it to increase radiance and improve elasticity. Wine Oil’s grape seed oil base with linoleic and oleic acids provides anti-inflammatory, moisturizing support to the skin. Use daily before your regular hydrator. Suitable for all skin types, ideal in dry climates.

Features:

Defends against environmental damage with resveratrol.
Repairs skin damage and hydrate dry skin with grape seed oil.
Stimulates and tones skin with cinnamon leaf oil.
Supports and nourishes skin with linoleic and oleic acids

Skin Type: Dry, Mature, Normal, Oily and Sensitive
Function: Ultra Daily Hydrator
Use: AM / PM

Use AM or PM when needed: Apply 2-3 drops to face and neck before hydrator.

Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Resveratrol, Tsuga Canadensis Leaf Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract. *Denotes organically sourced

Overall Assessment: This ultra-luxe face oil really is a luscious embodiment of fall, and it is such a treat for the skin and the senses.

$58.00 for 1 oz. from Arcona, Ulta, Dermstore, SkinStore, Nordstrom (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Friday, July 20, 2018

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE JULY 20 - AUGUST 5

Affiliate Links

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public sale on Friday, July 20 and runs through August 5. There are so many amazing things available, and it is definitely one of the very best times of the year to shop. I have selected some of my favorites that I either already have, want, or have ordered from this sale!

Important Dates: July 20-August 5: their biggest sale of the year opens to the public.Click on the individual product links for detailed information about each of the items featured.

SHOP THE SALE: