Empties Post October 2019

Purchased & Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I managed to finish up a decent number of products in the month of October, and I wanted to share the highlights with you. Here is what I used up:

1) Tula Purifying Cleanser ($28.00 for 6.7 oz. from Tula, Nordstrom, Ulta and Neiman Marcus): While I only had a deluxe sample of this cleanser, I used it in my travel bag and found that it thoroughly cleaned my skin without drying or stripping. I have used lots of other products from Tula, and find their probiotic range of skincare quite effective. Purchase Again? I am currently swimming in facial cleansers, and it will be a long time before I need to purchase any, but I would consider buying this one when the time comes.

2) African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil ($120.00 for 1 oz. from African Botanics, Dermstore, Violet Grey, Credo Beauty, Net-A-Porter, Neiman Marcus, Bluemercury and Cult Beauty): This glorious lightweight oil is fast absorbing and deeply nourishing. It smells divine, and imparts an unbelievable healthy glow. African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil remains one of my all-time favorite oils because it keeps my skin perfectly balanced, deeply nourished and moisturized, and with an unbelievable luminosity and clarity. It is so nourishing and moisturizing, in fact, that I am able to forgo an added moisturizing cream at night. I have even used this as my sole moisturizer during the day and my skin looked and felt amazing. I often add a few drops to my foundations and tinted moisturizers and it most definitely enhances their effects. Purchase Again? YES! While I have finished up my travel sizes of this miracle elixir, I have a full bottle in rotation, and I will replace it as soon as I need another one. This remains one of my holiest of holy grail face oils!

3) Sisley Paris Black Rose Precious Face Oil ($235.00 for 0.84 oz./ 25 ml. from Nordstrom, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Selfridges (£136.00), Liberty London (£136.00), Harvey Nichols (£143.00) and John Lewis (£136.00). This is an antioxidant-rich anti-aging dry oil that is rich in Omegas 3 and 6, and it offers a very high concentration of active ingredients. This silky-smooth elixir sinks in quickly and deeply nourishes the skin, and one of the most immediately obvious effects is that skin is left feeling like velvet to the touch. This luscious velvet rose miracle is a joy to the senses because the tactile effects coupled with the glorious rich rose scent makes its use a truly extraordinary sensory experience.

I apply a few drops of this luxurious oil to my warm and freshly cleansed face, neck and décolleté and it sinks in immediately. My skin is immediately left deeply moisturized and nourished, and it is rendered soft, supple and glowing. Furthermore, my skin appears even in tone, lifted, and my fine lines are softened and plumped. Purchase again? Absolutely, even though I have many open bottles of luxury face oils open– it's really that good.

4) evanhealy Rosehip Treatment Facial Serum ($34.95 for 0.5 oz. from evanhealy and Amazon): This stunning amber elixir is nothing short of a miraculous achievement in my assessment because it is tremendously lightweight and fast absorbing, but it is likewise among the most nourishing and hydrating oils that I have ever tried. Not only does it plump fine lines and fade hyperpigmentation, but it also evens skin tone and balances the skin. Furthermore, skin is left with an unmistakable ethereal glow that one comes to expect from the highest quality luxury face oils, but in this case at a fraction of the price, and it does so without sacrificing a thing. It is an utter delight to use, and the heavenly rose scent is just divine. Purchase Again? Definitely, this is a first-rate face oil.

5) The Organic Pharmacy Rose Plus Marine Collagen Anti-Aging Complex ($235.00 for oz. from Nordstrom, Barneys New York, Bloomingdale's and Selfridges): This intensive anti-aging treatment lifts, firms, nourishes, protects, and renews skin without any harsh chemical compounds.
I have also found that Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex is moisturizing to the extent that during the warmer months I don't find it necessary to use an additional moisturizer for my normal-combination skin. Rose Marine Plus Collagen Complex has a light scent that is a toned down quasi floral/rose that dissipates soon after application. Purchase Again? Absolutely!

6) Sponge Skincare Gel Katharistiko Cleanser (Their website is no longer online): Sponge Skincare products were made in Greece by a family who had been making natural skincare products for more than thirty years. Among the key ingredients used by Sponge is olive oil, Vitamins D & E,  and organic and wild crafted herbs. This wonderfully aromatic, and hydrating cleanser, cleans without stripping and leaves skin soft, hydrated and nourished. Luckily I had backup bottle that I will thoroughly enjoy, but I miss the days when I could buy their products at Barneys New York. Purchase Again? I would in a second. I really hope that they didn't go out of business because their skincare products were absolutely extraordinary.

7) Le Couvent des Minimes 3 in 1 Micellar Water (Reviewed here): I love love love this delicious rose scented Micellar Water! It effectively and gently removes makeup from face, lips and eyes, and leaves skin soft and smooth! I went to purchase another bottle and discovered that their website no longer exists. I did a little further digging and it appears as though L'Occitane has sold this company. I hope that this product becomes available again, because I really loved it! Purchase Again? Without question, if it becomes available again.

8) Artnaturals Lavender Essential Oil ($29.95 for 4 oz from Amazon and iHerb): Artnaturals has a large selection of essential oils, and I have a large collection of them. Their products are consistently high in quality and they are always a pleasure to use. Purchase Again? I just opened another bottle of Lavender Essential Oil, but would definitely buy more from this brand when the time comes.

9) Aroma Foundry Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Regularly $18.00 for .5 fl oz from Aroma Foundry and Aroma Foundry Amazon Store): I love using Ylang Ylang on my wrists, and in my diffuser before I fall asleep because it has a tremendous calming and relaxing effect. Its unique earthy, quasi-floral aroma is one that I find utterly hypnotic. Purchase Again? I have numerous essential oils from Aroma Foundry, and would definitely purchase more from them. Their Ylang Ylang is one of my favorites!

10) Yuni Muscle Recovery Gel ($17.00 for 2 oz. from Yuni, Target, Ulta and The Detox Market): This gel  gives serious relief to aching muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are sore or overworked. The peppermint oil eases pain, offers relief to tired muscles, and the effective anti-inflammatory properties of the Arnica heal bruising while reducing inflammation. Purchase Again? Definitely!

11) African Botanics Detoxifying Salt & Sugar Body Scrub ($55.00 for 6.76 oz. from African Botanics, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, Violet Grey, Blue Mercury and Neiman Marcus): This is an antioxidant-rich body scrub that gently and effectively eliminates dead skin cells while it increases blood flow– which accelerates the removal of toxins. The exfoliating particles, which are comprised of raw cane sugar and mineral-rich pink Himalayan crystal salt, densely populate the oil-infused formula, and they do an exemplary job removing dead skin cells. These particles are not jagged, and therefore do not damage or traumatize the skin, and they naturally dissolve against the skin– unlike scrubs with synthetic particles that pollute the waterways. The warm, Neroli and Grapefruit aroma is delectable and calming– while the formula is itself ultra-nourishing. Once the sugar and salt dissolve, a thin veil of nourishing oils coat the skin and offer it deep moisture, and stunning luminosity. Unlike many oil-based body scrubs, African Botanics Marula Detoxifying Salt & Sugar Body Scrub thankfully does not leave an oil-slick on the shower floor. Without fail, once I emerge from the shower, my skin is left ultra soft, silky-smooth, supple, hydrated and luminous. The formula is so gently and soothing that it is suitable for all types of skin. Purchase Again? Without question. This is one of the very best scrubs that I have ever used!

12) Senteurs D'Orient Tuberose Soap ($36.00 for 7.2 oz. from Net-A-Porter): I have previously waxed poetic about the wonders of Senteurs d'Orient's truly amazing handcrafted luxury soaps (Reviewed HERE, HERE and HERE), and unsurprisingly feel equally effusive about their Tuberose Hammam Soap. The Senteurs d' Orient Hammam soaps are the most beautiful soaps imaginable. From the gorgeous design of the soap itself to the otherworldly aroma of the creamy, delectable Tuberose used to make this ultra-luxe bar.  The rich and creamy lather gently cleanses the skin without stripping it, while the beautiful aroma delights the senses. This gorgeous soap is suspended on a rope– which allows it to effectively dry out between uses. This is the perfect hostess gift, holiday gift or gift for yourself, and I assure you that the recipient will be thrilled by this gorgeous gem of a soap. Purchase Again? Yes, definitely! Their soaps are on my holiday gift-giving list, and I have already opened a fresh bar for myself!

Overall Assessment: I would love to hear what you used up, tossed out, gave away or returned this month. Were there any winners that are worth considering? Any big misses to avoid? Do tell!

Purchased and Press Sample (Affiliate Links).
All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2019 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Aroma Foundry Essential Oils and Infinity Jars Obsessions

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I realize that I haven't said much, in these virtual pages, about my love of essential oils, but suffice it to say, I have had this penchant for many years. I periodically add a few drops to body products, or apply a drop to my wrists, but my all-time favorite use is adding them to my diffuser to create the most inviting and relaxing physical environment in my home. When applying essential oils to the skin, and to body products, one ought to be mindful of the fact that many have medicinal effects, and should be handled with great care and caution. Therefore, seeking advice from a specialist, and learning about the specific properties, and effects, of each of the essential oils that you are considering is of paramount importance. They are also very concentrated and should be used very sparingly, and they can cause serious skin irritations when used improperly. 

While each essential oil has a whole host of aromatherapeutic properties and attributes, I tend to choose them based upon a more visceral reaction to the aromas themselves– particularly since I primarily use them in a diffuser, rather than on the skin, to create an aromatic experience in my house. Also because we live with animals, I use essential oils in a diffuser to deodorize the house. 

My most recent discovery for high quality essential oils is Aroma Foundry, and they do not disappoint! 

Aroma Foundry sells a line of 100% pure, and all natural, essential oils. Each of their essential oils have been sourced from, "native locales around the globe known for their purity for that oil." They assert that their team carefully selects "the best representation of the essence of each plant"– and therefore brings the highest quality essential oils to the consumer.

I also have a great love of small pretty boxes and containers in which to store makeup and skincare, and prefer to look at beautiful things that follow the tenet of form following function. When I sought to take pictures of the Aroma Foundry essential oils, I looked at my beautiful Infinity Covered Glass Dish, and decided that it would be the perfect home for my new essential oils.

Infinity Jars makes high quality, high performance storage containers that can be used for "cooking ingredients, dried herbs, bitters, tea, coffee, cosmetics, nuts, oils, etc." They feature highly effective, "airtight and light optimized" containers that protect the contents from air and light, and therefore they extend the shelf-life of the products that they store. 

Aroma Foundry Ylang Ylang Oil, from Madagascar, (Regularly $22.98. On Sale for $11.98 for .5 fl oz from Aroma Foundry and Aroma Foundry Amazon Store): I love using Ylang Ylang on my wrists, and in my diffuser before I fall asleep because it has a tremendous calming and relaxing effect. Its unique earthy, quasi-floral aroma is one that I find utterly hypnotic.

According to Aroma Foundry,

Sourced from a country where Ylang Ylang is so popular that it's even eaten in ice cream, our Madagascar ylang ylang essential oil is 100% Pure, All Natural, and so good that they named it twice. You'll reach for it again and again once you get a whiff of its delicate, jasmine-like sweet floral scent.

Aroma Foundry Lavender Essential Oil, from the USA, (Regularly $17.98. On Sale for $9.98 from Aroma Foundry and Aroma Foundry Amazon Store): This is one of the most lovely lavender essential oils that I have ever tried. In fact, its silky smooth aroma retains all of the finest qualities associated with high quality lavender, while having none of the pungency that some of the lower quality oils feature. I feel as though I am standing in a lavender field each time I smell this lovely oil.

According to Aroma Foundry,

Our Best Selling Essential Oil, Lavender is one of the most useful, unique, and popular essential oils. We get ours in the United States; when you catch a whiff it'll recall lavender flowers you walk by in a planter or garden. Steam distilled from the violet blue flowers, ours is 100% Pure and All Natural. We should add that it is also 100% made from lavender oil; many sellers dilute it and still claim it to be lavender.

Aroma Foundry Bergamot Essential Oil, from the Netherlands, (Regularly $20.98. On Sale for $11.48 from Aroma Foundry and Aroma Foundry Amazon Store): This delectable, mood-enhancing, citrus is one of my all-time favorite essential oils to use in my diffuser. It makes the house smell glorious, it elevates the mood of everyone in the house, and its refreshing aroma is very refreshing.

According to Aroma Foundry,

Bergamot blossoms during the winter, but its powerful spicy lemony aroma is enjoyable during any season. Diffuse our emerald-green 100% pure and all natural Netherlands Bergamot Essential Oil in your home to promote a warm and soothing sedation to your body.

Aroma Foundry Mandarin Essential Oil, from Italy, (Regularly $19.98. On Sale for $10.98 from Aroma Foundry and Aroma Foundry Amazon Store): This delicious smelling citrus has a slightly spicy aroma that effectively deodorizes my house and fills the air with the most beautifully refreshing citrus aroma.

According to Aroma Foundry,

We're excited to offer 100% Pure and All Natural Italian Mandarin Oil, because Italy's mandarin is the most well-respected on Earth by aromatherapy, cosmetic, and flavoring experts. 

Infinity Jars 100 ML Glass Covered Dish with Glass Lid (Regularly $69.00. On Sale for $49.00 from Infinity Jars and Infinity Jars Amazon Store): From the first moment that I saw this covered dish, I knew that I had to have it! It is the perfect size to house a beautiful bar of soap, loose setting powders, jewelry, herbs and anything else that you want to store in a beautiful and elegant minimalist container. It boasts a high quality glass construction with a snug fitting lid, that creates an airtight seal, and light-blocking opaque UV glass that helps to preserve the contents of the vessel.

According to Infinity Jars,

We are proud to present our most unique product yet, the 100 ml (3.38 fl oz) All Glass Covered Dish! Dishes like this are rare but are so useful! This dish is the perfect size for 'pinchable' spices in the kitchen, a dish for the handmade soap for the bathroom and a place to charge medicinal herbs for your morning ritual. The dish comes with an all ultraviolet glass lid, ground specially to create an airtight seal once placed on the top of the dish. This stops all your delicious aroma or potency from escaping and keeps damaging oxygen out. In addition, the UV glass itself increases preservation by selectively allowing in healing and energizing infrared and UVA light and completely blocking all visible light that accelerates the rate of decay on organic matter.

Features:

• 100 ml Capacity (3.38 fluid ounce)
• Scientifically Proven to Extend the Freshness and Potency of Your Stored Materials For 6 Months or Longer
• Blocks Out Light, Airtight, and Smell-Proof. Optimum Performance
• Premium Eco-Friendly, European-Made, Durable Lab-Tested Glass.
• Locks In Freshness and Fragrance with All-Glass Lid
• Sleek Jet Black Exterior Style, Shines Ultraviolet When Held up to Light
• Height: 1.1"/ Diameter of Bowl : 4.8"/ Diameter of Opening: 4.8" 

Height: 1.1"/ Diameter of Bowl : 4.8"/ Diameter of Opening: 4.8" 

Overall Assessment: If you are seeking a source for high quality essential oils or high quality glass storage solutions, then I definitely recommend taking a closer look at Aroma Foundry Essential Oils and Infinity Jars. I am so happy with their products that I am already studying their websites to see what I want to try next!

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.