January 2026 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

I somehow thought that I was going to finish more products in January, but instead I only managed to use up 4 full-size products. I loved all of them, and would happily use them again! Here is what I finished up in January 2026:

BIODERMA Hydrabio H20 Moisturizing Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution ($5.99- $20.99 for 3.38 oz. to 16.9 oz from Ulta, Target, Amazon and Dermstore): This is a very gentle micellar water that is specifically formulated for dehydrated, sensitive skin.  Bioderma suggests that it is, "a cleansing and make-up removing water that respects the fragility of sensitive skin and stimulates moisture." It effortlessly sweeps away makeup, pollutants and dirt without stripping the skin or depleting its moisture levels. It leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and hydrated. I don't often use it in lieu of a cleanser, but on the occasions when I am too tired to do my full nighttime skincare routine, it does a great job thoroughly cleansing my skin. Purchase Again? Oh yes, definitely! 

Dove Beauty Bar Original ($5.39-$14.99 for 2-8 bar packs from Amazon, Target, Walgreens): This gentle, creamy cleansing bar contains ¼ moisturizing cream that leaves skin soft smooth and very clean. I have used it for many years, and absolutely love it! Purchase Again? Unquestionably! 

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Shampoo ($56.00 for 300ml / 10 oz from Sephora, Shu Uemura Art of Hair and Amazon): Ultimate Reset Shampoo is a restoration shampoo that is specifically formulated for ultra-damaged hair. It gently cleanses, without stripping the hair or scalp, and without weighing down the hair or leaving it greasy. It rinses clean and leaves hair feeling nourished and hydrated. The shampoo has a pleasant fragrance, but it doesn't linger for very long, and I do not smell it in my hair once it has dried. Purchase Again? Happily, but I will wait for a sale since this is an expensive shampoo!

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Conditioner ($64.00 for 250 ml / 8 oz. from Sephora, Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Amazon): This conditioner is superb for very dry and damaged hair because it is intensely moisturizing and yet it rinses clean and free of any residue. The consistency is mid-weight and emollient, and yet remarkably lightweight feeling in the hair. It deeply nourishes and hydrates hair, fights frizz and efficiently and effectively detangles it. It also has a pleasant fragrance, but it is neither imposing, nor long-lasting. Purchase Again? Yes, but only when it is on sale!

Overall Assessment: I loved all of these products, and will definitely use them all in the future. The shampoo and conditioner are favorites, but I will have to wait for a good sale before replacing them! What did you use up, toss out, return or give away in January? Any great finds or great disappointments to report?

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

Copyright © 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

August 2025 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I managed to finish up 11 products during the month of August, and only one was a travel size. I really liked these products and I would definitely use all of them again. That said, I am swimming in products for the hair face and body, and I don't need to replace any of them just yet. I did, however, have replacements of several of these products, and have already started using them.

Vichy Mineral 89 ($29.99 for 1.69 oz. from Ulta, Amazon, Dermstore and Walgreens): is described as a "new generation face moisturizer." It features 89% of Vichy's iconic Mineralizing Thermal Water that is further enhanced by Hyaluronic Acid to deeply boost hydration and fortify the skin. The consistency is that of a lightweight gel-like serum that sinks into the skin immediately leaving it hydrated with a luminous, ethereal glow. Dehydrated and dull skin gives way to comfortable, refreshed and moisturized skin without any greasy residue or stickiness. Furthermore, this fragrance-free moisturizer plumps fine lines, nourishes the skin and leaves skin soft, smooth and supple. It offers my normal/combination skin enough moisture and hydration during the warmer months that I can forgo a regular moisturizer altogether, and it pairs beautifully with my favorite serums and face oils, but during the rest of the year I layer it with richer moisturizers. Purchase Again? I already opened a new bottle, it's that good!

BIODERMA Hydrabio H20 Moisturizing Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution ($5.99- $20.99 for 3.38 oz. to 16.9 oz from Ulta, Target, Amazon and Dermstore): This is a very gentle micellar water that is specifically formulated for dehydrated, sensitive skin.  Bioderma suggests that it is, "a cleansing and make-up removing water that respects the fragility of sensitive skin and stimulates moisture. " It effortlessly sweeps away makeup, pollutants and dirt without stripping the skin or depleting its moisture levels. It leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and hydrated. I don't often use it in lieu of a cleanser, but on the occasions when I am too tired to do my full nighttime skincare routine, it does a great job thoroughly cleansing my skin. Purchase Again? I just opened another bottle of another Bioderma micellar water!

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water ($11.99 for 5.1 oz. from Ulta, Amazon, Dermstore and Target): The is a truly wonderful mineral water spray that I have used for at least 5 years now. It is so refreshing and hydrating, and it is utter perfection all year long, but it is especially refreshing during the warm weather.

This water is sourced directly from French volcanoes, and its only ingredient is water. This soothing and refreshing spray feels amazing against the skin, and I often spritz it on right after I apply my favorite beauty oil to help speed up absorption, and because it allows me to use less oil. This can be used any time of the day, but I do like to spritz my face before going to bed for a little extra hydration. However, in the warm and hot weather, I keep this in the refrigerator and use it whenever I need to cool down and feel refreshed, and since the weather has been very hot in LA, I have been reaching for this wth great frequency! Furthermore, it can be used to moisten makeup sponges, used to help set makeup. Purchase Again? Without question!

The A Method Reti-Xo Retinol Exosome Serum ($349.00 for 1.52 oz from Amazon): This highly effective gel-based retinol serum is worthy of note. The lightweight gel serum, which is cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free and vegan, is effective, easy to use and it doesn't dry out my skin or leave it flaky. It stimulates cell turn-over and collagen production and skin fresh and glowing. 

It is extraordinarily important to use a high SPF sunscreen when using retinol-based products because they can cause photosensitivity, and in the absence of a high SPF sunscreen the use of a retinol-based product can lead to hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation. It is also very important to consult with your doctor and/or dermatologist before adding a retinol-based product into your skincare routine. You may have suspicious moles, spots or lesions that could be cancerous or pre-cancerous, and they need to be treated medically before adding cosmetic treatments that could exfoliate those skin conditions. Your doctor may say that retinol-based products simply aren't a good core for your skin. Additionally, some medications that you may be taking may create photosensitivity, and your doctor should evaluate the products that you are thinking of adding to your skincare routine before you decide to try them. Purchase Again? I just opened another bottle!

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Color Lustre Sulfate-Free Brilliant Glaze Shampoo ($56.00 for 10 oz. from SHU UEMURA Art of Hair, Sephora, Amazon): This sulfate-free formula provides delicate cleansing of color-treated hair, while giving it a polished touch. Color Lustre Sulfate-Free Brilliant Glaze Shampoo is remarkably gentle and moisturizing, and it is perfect for my curly hair. So perfect, in fact, that it is my shampoo of choice even when my hair isn't colored. It effectively and gently cleans my hair without doesn't stripping it, and that is a rare combination. Purchase Again? I have too many shampoos to purchase more, but I would definitely use this again!

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Color Lustre Brilliant Glaze Conditioner ($64.00 for 8 oz. from SHU UEMURA Art of Hair, Sephora, Amazon):This is a nourishing conditioner that adds vibrancy to hair color for a polished touch from roots to ends. Lightweight conditioners seldom deliver tremendous moisture and shine without weighing down hair, but this magical conditioner is like a high quality moisturizing serum. My hair is left soft, shiny and moisturized. It is an absolutely amazing conditioner. Purchase Again? That is a definite yes, but not in the near future because I am swimming in hair conditioners!

JR Liggett’s Tea Tree & Hemp Oil Shampoo Bar ($8.49 for 3.5 oz. from JR Liggett's, Amazon, iHerb): This is a bar shampoo that effectively treats dry and flakey scalp and it's formulated to calm dermatitis. While I do not have dermatitis, I recently found that a drugstore hair dye formula had changed and left my scalp very irritated, itchy and dry. This shampoo has definitely helped return my scalp back to its pre-hair dye equilibrium. It boasts a satisfying lather and it rinses clean without leaving behind an unwanted oily residue. Purchase Again? I have so many shampoos to use before I consider buying any more, but I liked this one a lot.

JR Liggett’s Herbal Formula Shampoo Bar ($8.49 for 3.5 oz. from  JR Liggett's, Amazon, iHerb and Walmart): This bar isn't just great for washing hair, but it is also an effective and moisturizing soap for the body. It boasts a rich and creamy lather– which is quite satisfying– and it has a wonderful light herbal aroma. It effectively cleans without stripping and drying out the hair and skin, and it rinses thoroughly without leaving behind an oily residue. I actually ended up using this as an ode bar even more than for my hair! Purchase Again? As I said above, I have far too many shampoos to use before I buy any others, but I liked this one.

Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Hand Soap ($4.89 for 12.5 oz. and a 3-pack for $13.47 from Amazon, Walmart and Target): This is a truly exceptional Lemon Verbena scented hand soap, and it is cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified. After using it daily for over a year, I can say, without hesitation, that this is my all-time favorite hand soap. It moisturizes the skin, and leaves 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? Without question!

Baylis & Harding Goodness Natural Body Wash in Oud, Cedar & Amber ($8.99 each for 16.9 oz. from Amazon and Target): is a wonder to the senses and the skin. Best described as aromatic and uplifting, this wondrous scent is creamy and warm and perfectly suited for the cold weather. It is neither overpowered by the patchouli, nor overdone by the citrus. Instead, it is has the perfect amount of spice to make it one fetching scent that perfectly embodies the season. Baylis & Harding make luxurious products that are inherently affordable, and thoroughly enjoyable. This is a must-have for me this season. Purchase Again? Most definitely, this is utterly divine!

JR Liggett’s Shaving Foam ($9.99 for 1 oz. travel size and $14.99 for 7 oz. from JR Liggett's and Amazon): What a wonderful shaving foam it is! It is gentle on the skin, beautifully emollient and moisturizing and it washes clean without leaving behind any sort of oily residue. It has a light and clean aroma, but it is barely noticeable and therefore should not bother people who prefer no aromas in their body care products. I used up this travel size pretty quickly because I reached for it all of the time! Purchase Again? I would use it again, but I will not need a shaving cream or foam for quite a while.

 

Overall Assessment: It was very satisfying tossing all of these empty containers into my recycle bin, and I would happily use all of these products again! What did you use up, toss out, return or give away in August? Any real winners or losers to report?

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

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

BIODERMA Hydrabio H20 Moisturizing Micellar Water Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

If you love micellar water, then you have inevitably heard of, if not tried, BIODERMA. Their French Pharmacy micellar waters are iconic, and their products can help to streamline your morning and nighttime beauty routine by replacing your makeup remover, toner and cleanser with a single micellar water. I have used their micellar water for about a decade and will always repurchase it.

Bioderma's products are developed by expert skincare professionals who select the finest natural and safe ingredients, and they do not use parabens, alcohol, fragrance or harsh chemicals.

BIODERMA Hydrabio H20 Moisturizing Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution is a very gentle micellar water that is specifically formulated for dehydrated, sensitive skin.  Bioderma suggests that it is, "a cleansing and make-up removing water that respects the fragility of sensitive skin and stimulates moisture. " It effortlessly sweeps away makeup, pollutants and dirt without stripping the skin or depleting its moisture levels. It leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and hydrated. I don't often use it in lieu of a cleanser, but on the occasions when I am too tired to do my full nighttime skincare routine, it does a great job thoroughly cleansing my skin.

According to Bioderma,

Bioderma Hydrabio H2O is a no-rinse micellar cleanser and makeup remover specially formulated for dehydrated, sensitive skin. Its fatty acid esters, the constituent elements of micelles, are similar to the phospholipids of the skin cell membranes and naturally help rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic film. Thus, Hydrabio H2O guarantees unrivaled tolerance and comfort for optimum make-up removing efficacy. Moreover, its Aquagenium exclusive biological patent stimulates the skin's ability to retain moisture. 

Directions: Soak a cotton pad with Hydrabio H2O and use it to cleanse and/or remove makeup from your face and eyes. Lightly dab your face with a clean cotton towel afterwards. Use daily, day and night.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Disodium EDTA, Mannitol, Xylitol, Cetrimonium Bromide, Rhamnose, Niacinamide, Hexyldecanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Tocopherol, Fragrance (Parfum).

Overall Assessment: If you love using micellar water, then you definitely need to try Bioderma. Bioderma is a runaway cult-favorite for a reason, and this micellar water most definitely lives up to its hype!

$5.99- $20.99 for 3.38 oz. to 16.9 oz from Ulta, Target, Amazon and Dermstore (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own 

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

BIODERMA Hydrabio, Sensibio and Sébium Micellar Waters | Details and Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

If you love micellar water, then you have inevitably heard of, if not tried, BIODERMA. Their French Pharmacy micellar waters are iconic, and it's worthy to note that one bottle of their Sensibio H20 formula is sold around the world every two seconds! Their products can help to streamline your morning and nighttime beauty routine by replacing your makeup remover, toner and cleanser with a single micellar water.  

Bioderma's products are developed by expert skincare professionals who select the finest natural and safe ingredients, and they do not use parabens, alcohol, fragrance or harsh chemicals.

BIODERMA Hydrabio H20 Moisturizing Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution ($6.90- $16.90 for 100ml-500ml from Beautylish, b-glowing and Walmart): is a very gentle micellar water that is specifically formulated for dehydrated, sensitive skin.  Bioderma suggests that it is, "a cleansing and make-up removing water that respects the fragility of sensitive skin and stimulates moisture. " It effortlessly sweeps away makeup, pollutants and dirt without stripping the skin or depleting its moisture levels. It leaves skin feeling fresh, clean and hydrated. I don't often use it in lieu of a cleanser, but on the occasions when I am too tired to do my full nighttime skincare routine, it does a great job thoroughly cleansing my skin.

According to Bioderma,

Bioderma Hydrabio H2O is a no-rinse micellar cleanser and makeup remover specially formulated for dehydrated, sensitive skin. Its fatty acid esters, the constituent elements of micelles, are similar to the phospholipids of the skin cell membranes and naturally help rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic film. Thus, Hydrabio H2O guarantees unrivaled tolerance and comfort for optimum make-up removing efficacy. Moreover, its Aquagenium exclusive biological patent stimulates the skin's ability to retain moisture. 

How to Use: Soak a cotton pad with Hydrabio H2O and use it to cleanse and/or remove makeup from your face and eyes. Lightly dab your face with a clean cotton towel afterwards. Use daily, day and night.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Niacinamide, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Hexyldecanol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Cetrimonium Bromide, Fragrance (Parfum). [bi 546v1]. Non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic.

BIODERMA Sensibio H20 Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution ($6.90-$16.90 for 100ml-500ml from Beautylish, b-glowing and Walmart): Bioderma Sensible H2O is known as the, "French cult-classic cleansing water" that started the micellar revolution. This no-rinse micellar water and makeup remover gently breaks down and sweeps away makeup. dirt, debris and toxins without stripping or irritating even the most sensitive skin. The hypoallergenic formula is very soothing and calming on sensitive and/or irritated, but effective enough to remove waterproof makeup.  Skin is left soft, clean and thoroughly refreshed.

According to Bioderma,

Sensitive skin expresses itself through sensations of heat and widespread or localized redness. It becomes dehydrated easily and the ensuing dryness auto-maintains its fragility and leads to unpleasant feelings of tightness.

Innovative micellar technology cuts through impurities (even waterproof makeup) while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. Soothing cucumber extract leaves even dry, irritated, and sensitive skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Directions: Soak a cotton pad with Bioderma and gently wipe to remove makeup from the face and eyes. Use a cotton swab dipped in Bioderma to clean up eyeliner and lipstick.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Propylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Cetrimonium Bromide. Free of soap, fragrance, alcohol, and parabens. Hypoallergenic

BIODERMA Sébium H2O Purifying Cleansing Micellar Solution ($6.90-$16.90 for 100ml-500ml from Beautylish, b-glowing and Walmart): is the first makeup removing micellar water that was specially made to address the needs of combination, oily and acne-prone skin. It is formulated to remove makeup, dirt and debris while regulating sebum production without stripping or drying the skin.

According to Bioderma,

Bioderma Sébium H2O is a no-rinse micellar water and makeup remover that gently cleanses makeup, dirt, and debris from the skin while regulating sebum production for a fresh, matte finish without drying or stripping.

Innovative micellar technology cuts through impurities (even waterproof makeup) while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. Patented Fluidactiv® complex regulates sebum production and prevents clogged pores for a fresh, clear complexion. Enriched with purifying agents, zinc gluconate and copper sulphate, Sébium H2O purifies the skin and limits sebaceous secretion.

Directions: Soak a cotton pad with Sébium H2O. Gently cleanse and/or remove make-up from your face. Re-apply until the cotton pad becomes clean. Lightly dab your face with a clean cotton towel.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau. PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium Citrate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Sulfate, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Manitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Cetrimonium Bromide, Fragrance (Parfum). Free of soap, alcohol, and parabens.

Overall Assessment: If you love using micellar water, then you definitely need to try Bioderma. It is nice to have different formulas to address the needs of many skin concerns, rather than taking a one size fits all approach. I tend to reach for the Hydrabio and Sensible formulas the most, but on the occasions that my skin breaks out, or my t-zone is more active, then I reach for Bioderma's Sébium Micellar Water. Bioderma is a runaway cult-favorite for a reason, and their micellar waters most definitely live up to the hype! A+

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.