Empties Post Volume XLII: March 2016

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My strategy of leaving mostly used up products in plain view proved, once again, to effectively encourage me to finish them up. Whether I make a discreet pile in the shower, or on the bathroom vanity– I am far more apt to use things that I see, and that can be easily gotten to. If you find yourself with lots of half-used products, then I definitely recommend trying this method.

Overall, I am pleased with the number of products that I finished up in March, and definitely have some true-loves to report about.

MANUKA SECRETS Exfoliant (Reviewed HERE): I love to exfoliate my skin on a regular basis, and there are always about 4-6 different varieties to choose from in my shower at any given moment.

This exfoliant is good for all types of skin, and it effectively and gently removes dead skin cells– leaving skin soft, velvety smooth and unbelievably hydrated. It contains two different sized exfoliant particles: bamboo plus jojoba pearl and white clay, and this combination eliminates dead skin cells gently, while the Shea Butter and Rice Bran and Coconut Oils leave skin hydrated. Furthermore, Cucumber Extract softens and soothes the skin. The end result is gorgeous glowing skin.

Beautisol Exscrub Me? (Reviewed HERE): This Citrus Face Exfoliant is densely packed with fine Jojoba beads that effortlessly remove dead skin cells with great speed and precision. They are expertly crafted and uniformly shaped without any jagged protruding edges that scratch and damage the skin. That said, trust me when I say that one only needs to use a very light hand because this scrub is more than capable of getting rid of every trace of dead skin cells with a very gentle touch. The citrus peel and extracts, which lend this jewel a scrumptious scent, perform miracles by leaving skin cleansed, clarified, glowing and utterly refreshed.

RADICAL Skincare Youth Infusion Serum (Review Forthcoming): This lightweight and hydrating serum lifts and plumps skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles very effectively. RADICAL utilizes cutting-edge proprietary technology and the highest quality ingredients in their ultra-luxe anti-aging skincare line that is gentle and highly effective.

Jan Marini Marini Holiday Exfoliator (Reviewed HERE) While Jan Marini is, no doubt, a skincare expert– that does not mean that her products have to be be run of the mill and predictable. No product makes this more clear than the Marini Holiday Exfoliator in Cranberry Orange. Not only does it smell like the holiday season in the most delectable sort of way, but it is also one of the most effective and gentle exfoliators that I have had the pleasure of using.

ARCONA Peptide Hydrating Complex (Review Forthcoming): This lotion is rich peptides, flavonoids and a myriad of nourishing ingredients to hydrate, smooth, lift and regenerate the skin. While it is a lightweight, it is a rich lotion that deeply hydrates dry and sensitive skin, but it also works spectacularly well for my normal/combination skin. I have already opened another bottle because I am so in love with this formula.

37 Extreme Actives High Performance Anti-Aging Cream is luxury anti-aging cream that delivers impressive moisture, and leaves skin ultra-hydrated and lifted. The sample was not large enough to really determine any sort of long-term benefits, but I really likes the way that it made my skin feel. I would definitely be interested in testing it further.

Trader Joe's Orange Blossom Hand Soap is one of my repeatedly purchased liquid hand soaps because it smells delicious and it thoroughly cleanses without drying out hands. I highly recommend trying it on your next trip to Trader Joe's.

Hemp Nation Infused with Exotic Kiwi Mango Fruit Blend Body Wash is a tropical scented body wash that hydrates skin, and never leaves is in the least bit stripped. I liked the scent a lot, and would definitely use this again.

Little Twig Baby Wash Calming Lavender (Reviewed HERE) is an all-natural blend of "soothing lavender, restorative chamomile and gentle bubbles" that provides aromatherapeutic benefits that are calming and relaxing, and that encourage a better night’s sleep for babies and adults. It is also wonderful when used as a shower gel, and I found that it even did an exemplary job as a shaving gel for my underarms and legs. It leaves skin soft, hydrated and smooth. The scent is not in the least bit pungent, but instead it is a mellow lavender that delights the senses.

Key West Aloe Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo (Reviewed HERE) If you seek a shampoo that is gentle enough for everyday use, then Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo is a great choice. The formula is gentle, non-stripping, and offers enough moisture without weighing hair down.

Key West Aloe Aloethera Keratin Conditioner (Reviewed HERE) If you need a conditioner that combats frizz, detangles, and moisturizes without weighing down your hair, then Key West Aloe Aloethera Keratin Conditioner is a definite must-try. It leaves my hair soft, silky and ultra manageable.

OGX Healing + Vitamin E Conditioner (Reviewed HERE) leaves my hair hydrated, manageable, detangled and frizz-free. I can even get a comb through my curly hair after using this conditioner!

Beauty and the Bees Tasmanian Real Beer Shampoo Bar (Reviewed HERE) is a beautiful handmade bar that is not only chemical free, but it is filled with richly conditioning plant and nut oils as well as hops and beer. It cleans hair thoroughly yet is so gentle and moisturizing that it never strips the hair.

Badger Argan, Jojoba & Baobab Botanical Hair Oil (Reviewed HERE) Badger, who is best known for their iconic balms, also make amazing hair oils, and their Argan, Jojoba & Baobab Botanical Hair Oil Daily Leave-In Conditioning is an unbelievably effective treat for dry and damaged hair. It has a delightful citrus scent that elevates the mood delights the senses, and is so pleasant to use that you might even be inclined to drench yourself in it!

Kiwi Glow Daily Skin Oil Moisturizers in Amaya (Reviewed HERE) is a delightful warm floral with flashes of lily of the valley. Kiwi Glow describes it as having "hints of dandelion and lily of the valley" and conjures images of "lovely subtle petals on your body." The light floral that only leaves behind the slightest traces of scent once it sinks in. It sinks in quickly and deeply nourishes skin leaving it soft, supple and luminous. I even use it as a hand moisturizer, and quickly chapping gives way to soft and smooth skin.

What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return in March? Were there any winners or losers that you want to talk about? Do Tell!

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Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Badger Argan, Jojoba & Baobab Botanical Hair Oil Daily Leave-In Conditioning Review

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You may not know it, but our friends at Badger, who are best known for their iconic balms, also make amazing hair oils, and their Argan, Jojoba & Baobab Botanical Hair Oil Daily Leave-In Conditioning is an unbelievably effective treat for dry hair and damaged hair. It has a delightful citrus scent that elevates the mood delights the senses, and is so pleasant to use that you might even be inclined to drench yourself in it!

According to Badger,

Argan Oil penetrates deeply to repair damaged hair and smooth split ends.
Baobab Oil strengthens the hair cuticle and improves elasticity, to restore and maintain healthy hair.
Can be used daily as a leave-in conditioner, or as a weekly intensive treatment.
Moisturize & Repair The right oil is the cornerstone for healthy hair. When hair is healthy, it looks shiny and bright because light reflects from its smooth surface. Damaged hair has a rough, uneven surface that creates split ends, knots up easily, and appears dull and lifeless. When nourishing oils, such as Badger's Argan Hair Oil is applied to damaged hair, it reestablishes its healthy balance and protects hair from heat, chemicals, and UV damage.

...if one oil is great, a blend of nourishing oils must be outstanding! Precious Argan Oil is rich in vitamins, proteins, and essential fatty acids, which strengthen and soften hair at the same time. Jojoba deeply moisturizes, while Baobab strengthens. Each oil selected for this blend contains potent antioxidants that prevent free radical damage, and protect hair from the elements.

Directions for use:
Step 1: Apply Argan Hair Oil evenly and sparingly to damp, clean hair. Work from the tips to the roots, starting from the back of the head working forward. Amount will vary depending on hair type and length. Use a few drops to 1 pump for normal to thick hair or a few drops to 2 pumps for thick, dry and damaged hair.
Step 2: Style as usual and enjoy beautifully soft, healthy, shiny hair.

That I have naturally curly hair means that it tends to be inherently dry, and as a result I have to continually add nourishment to keep my tresses happy and healthy. Badger truly made a masterpiece with this delectable oil not just because it smells scrumptiously good, but also because it works miracles on dry and damaged hair. After trying this exceedingly high quality oil, one becomes immediately aware that very high quality oils can be obtained without going into debt, and this combination makes this exceptional product available to the budget conscious and beauty-splurgers alike ( and without having to make any concessions in quality).

I like to use a single pump that I warm up in my hands before applying it to either dry or damp hair from tips to roots. I kid you not when I tell you that the results are immediate-- my hair is quickly nourished and becomes shiny, soft and silky. If Jojoba & Baobab Botanical Hair Oil Daily Leave-In Conditioning can have this kind of effect on unruly curly hair-- just imagine what it can do for straight and wavy hair! It makes short work of taming and defrizzing even the most unruly hair when used consistently. This antioxidant rich and vitamin packed blend of precious oils works miracles on the hair cuticle, scalp, and the hair from the roots to the tips-- and trust me you will see and feel the difference. In fact, this does for the hair and scalp what luxury face oils do for your complexion-- it imparts a healthy nourished and glowing effect that reflects the deeper levels of hydration and nourishment that occur below the surface. If your scalp is dry try massaging this lovely oil into your scalp, and then brushing it though to the ends before going to bed each night, and you will be astonished by the results.

Overall assessment: Simply amazing!

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Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.