June 2024 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Press Sample, Purchased & GWP (Affiliate Links)

It's hard to believe that summer is already here, and that June is already almost gone! I managed to finish up 9 products in June, and 5 of them were full-size and the remaining 4 were travel sizes for the hair. Featured are some of my favorite brands, and I would happily use all of these products again. I am posting my empties a couple of days early this month because there is no way that I will finish anything else before my July empties post! 

Spongellé Private Reserve Body Wash Infused Buffer in Rose Cassis: (Was $16.00 from Spongellé): Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffers really excel in their ability to clean and exfoliate the skin while delighting the senses with their delightful aromas. These brilliant body wash-infused sponges effectively and gently clean and exfoliate the skin, and they also leave the it deliciously baby soft, smooth, supple and moisturized. This body buffer smells heavenly, and it is so refreshing. Fragrance Notes: Top: Grapefruit, Black Currant, Touch of Spice. Middle: Velvet Rose, Magnolia Petals, Jasmine. Base: Warm Amber, Sweet Musk, Vanilla.  Purchase Again? It appears that they no longer have this scent, but if they bring out back I am going to buy another one!

René Furterer KARITÉ HYDRA Hydrating Shine Shampoo ($12.00-$64.00 for 1.6 oz, 5 oz. and 20.2 oz from René Furterer, SkinStore, Dermstore and Amazon): I have to preface this by stating that I am thoroughly obsessed with this truly amazing shampoo because it is everything that someone with dry and curly hair, like me, could ever want in a shampoo. It has a satisfying lather, but it never strips the hair, and it rinses clean without leaving behind an oily residue. It has a light, and pleasant aroma, but it isn't long-lasting or cloying. It moisturizes dry hair, without ever weighing it down, and it leaves hair remarkably soft and shiny. It is, in a word, extraordinary! Purchase Again? I already purchased another one!

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo ($26.00-$52.00 for 1.3oz.0- 8.5 oz. from Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Oribe): Described as a "transformative dry shampoo"– this wonderful smelling Oribe gem extends hair styles between shampoos, and it offers hair texture while maintaining touchable soft locks. Purchase Again? I have lots of dry shampoos to use first, but this is one of the best that I have tried!

milk_shake leave-in conditioner in flower fragrance ($10.40 for 2.5 oz and $24.00 for 11.8 oz. from milk_shake and their Amazon Store): is one of my my latest discoveries from this wonderful brand, and I can't say enough good things about it! I use leave-in conditioners every single day– I use them after I wash my hair and even on days when I don't since a good leave-in conditioner keeps my hair manageable and hydrated. This lovely leave-in detangles, offers my hair lasting hydration, and fights frizz and leaves my hair soft and shiny. It has a wonderful fragrance that is delectable and intoxicating, but if you don't use fragrant hair products, this one might not be for you. However, the aroma isn't imposing or distracting. It is formulated for all types of hair. Purchase Again? I have more bottles!

Oribe Côte d'Azur Hair Refresher ($26.00 for 1.6 oz from Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's): This hair refresher fights static and neutralizes odors. I neither have static, nor odor issues, but I found that it gave my hair a nice pick-me-up between shampoos. Purchase Again? I would use it, if I had it, but I would run out to buy their dry shampoo before this.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($26.00-$52.00 for 2.2 oz and 8.5 oz from Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale's and Oribe): This dry hairspray, which is weightless, adds volume and texture to hair, and it is glorious to use! Purchase Again? YES!

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll-On (Bundle of three for $15.00 from Amazon in a bundle of $6.79 for 2.25 oz. from Walgreens, Walmart): Their deodorants are available in a delightful array of scents, and an unscented variety, these natural roll-on deodorants offer me all-day protection and they neither stain clothing, nor do they irritate my sensitive skin. They are not antiperspirants, and therefore will not prevent sweating. The Lavender & White Tea has a wonderful and light herbal/lavender aroma that in't in the least bit imposing, and it offers me all-day protection. Purchase Again? I will definitely be purchasing one of the three-packs from Amazon since it offers a great savings.

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla ($12.00 for 2 oz. from LAVANILA, Amazon and Target): is a wonderful healthy deodorant formula that is effective, smells delicious and offers long-lasting protection. Available in a nice range of scents, their scrumptious smelling Healthy Deodorants offer odor protection all day long, and the healthy ingredients condition the skin. 

If you are seeking an antiperspirant, then be advised that this does not prevent sweating. This has been my favorite healthy deodorant for many years now, and I will use it as long as LAVANILA makes it. It applies to the skin effortlessly, without tugging, and it never leaves a residue or stain on the clothes. This is a cruelty-free brand and their deodorants are free of aluminum and parabens.

The Pure Vanilla scent is warm and creamy perfection, and wearing the deodorant and fragrance together is delectable! Purchase Again? A already opened another one!

Curél Anti-Wrinkle Hydrating Serum ($18.68 for 1.3 oz from Amazon): This serum is a gift to my dehydrated skin. The hot weather outdoors immediately followed by the air conditioned indoors has definitely dehydrated my skin, and this mighty little serum is really helping. This mid-weight serum melts into the skin immediately, and it offers serious on-demand hydration. Formulated with Ginger Root Extract, which reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and Ceramides, to firm and hydrate, skin is left soft, smooth, supply, hydrated and lines softened. It is fragrance-free, with to detectable scent at all, and therefore it should pose no problem to people with sensitive skin, or sensitivities to scented skincare products. Purchase Again? I have far too many serums to use up before buying another one, but I would definitely use this again! 

Overall Assessment: I am pleased that I recycled 9 empties in June, and hopefully I will use up a fair number of open bottles, jars and tubes in July! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in June. Any spectacular discoveries to report? Any serious disappointments?

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

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

Empties Galore for the Face, Body, Hair and Home for August 2023

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

This month I managed to finish up 11 products (9 full size, 1 deluxe sample and 1 perfume sample), and I am pretty pleased by the empties in my recycle bin this month! Here is what I used up this month:

My Kirei by Kai Yuzu Flower Foam Hand Wash ($18.00 for 8.5 oz. from MyKirei and their Amazon Store): This 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 a refill!

Spongellé Burnt Sugar Confection Buffer ($20.00 from Spongellé): Light, sweet and fluffy, this sugary strawberries and cream buffer smells good enough to eat– though I don't recommend it! It also does an exceptional job cleaning and exfoliating the skin! Purchase Again? I would definitely buy this one again, but not until I use up my unopened Spongellé Body Buffers.

Thinksport Epsom Salt Bubble Bath ($7.99-$8.49 for 8 oz. from Thinksport and Amazon): is an effective, and cruelty-free, bubble bath that is formulated to relieve sore muscles. Whether your muscles are sore from a vigorous workout or from a long and exhausting day, this bubble bath offers the perfect peaceful soak that soothes the spirit and relieves sore muscles. Instead of a pungent therapeutic aroma, that can be cloying, this wonderful bubble bath has a lovely citrus floral scent. I was so relaxed after my first use that I slept like a baby! Purchase Again? I just opened another tube!

Banish All Clear Mint Cleanser ($39.00 for 59ml from Banish): which is a gentle lathering cleanser, is formulated for oily, combination, normal and dry skin types. I was initially a bit concerned that this cleanser was going to be too minty for me, and that this could be a problem for my sensitive eyes, but I am pleased to say that was not the case. In fact, the aroma is informed by a mixture of the ingredients, and the result is a lightly herbal scent. The lather is satisfying, but it's neither drying, nor stripping in the least bit. Furthermore, it thoroughly cleans the skin without leaving an oily residue. Each time that I use it, my normal/combination skin is left clean, soft and lightly hydrated. Purchase AgaIn? While I liked it a lot, I have far too many facial cleansers to use before buying another one.

Erno Laszlo Phelityl Day Lotion SPF 15 ($122.00 for 3 oz. from Erno Laszlo and Nordstrom): This is a weightless moisturizer that includes broad-spectrum UV protection. It is very hydrating and leaves skin soft, smooth and supple. Erno Laszlo used to make this same lotion without an SPF, and I actually preferred that version since this version only has an SPF 15, and I use a much higher SPF sunscreen on my face. Purchase Again? No, but I would if it had a higher SPF, or if they brought back the original formula without sunscreen since I add a sunscreen after my lotion.

Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask ($49.00 for 0.50 oz. and $120.00 for 1.35 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom and SkinStore): This is a phenomenal sleep mask, and I wish that I had discovered it sooner. This is a wonderfully hydrating overnight mask with a bouncy gel texture that melts into the skin immediately, and it leaves behind no residue whatsoever. I simply massage a small amount into my face, neck and décolleté directly after cleansing my skin, and it is immediately lusciously hydrating. However, when I wake up the next morning, I really note the extent to which my skin is dewy, soft, smooth and hydrated. I also have noticed that it plumps fine lines and makes my skin look and feel rejuvenated. There is a barely-there whisper of an aroma, from the ingredients themselves, but I do not detect a scent once it is applied to my skin. For even more impressive results, I use this mask directly after the Erno Laszlo AHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum (Reviewed HERE), and this combination of products gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin, and the following morning my skin has a pronounced clarity and luminosity. Truly a dynamic duo! Purchase Again? Yes, the next time Erno Laszlo has a sale!

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll-On in Chamomile & Green Tea (Bundle of three for $15.00 from Amazon and $6.79 for 2.25 oz. from The Crystal and Walgreens, Walmart): I have used  most of their scents, but there is something so pleasant about this one. It has a wonderful and light herbal/floral aroma that in't in the least bit imposing, and it offers me all-day protection. Purchase Again? I will definitely be purchasing one of the three-packs from Amazon since it offers a great savings.

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Silent Street ($85.00 for 1.7 oz. from Macy's and Amazon): This is the type of fragrance that wraps itself around your senses in the most subtle way. It sits close to the skin, invites frequent deep breaths to take it in, and it is light and elegant enough to actually wear to work. While it is decidedly in the floral family, it has an undercurrent of White Musk that makes it the perfect clean floral for those among you who don't often reach for florals. While this is a remarkably feminine and fetching scent, it isn't a girly floral. The White Musk effectively tempers the light floral sensibility, and it has a very calm and peaceful demeanor. It is a light scent, which might lead you to believe that its sillage would be entirely elusive, and while it is not among the airborne fragrances that sit aloft in the air for a long period of time, after you leave the room, this scent remains intimate in its desire to remain close to the skin without imposing itself on everyone else in the neighboring zip codes. It is, in a word, lovely. Purchase Again? I have far too many perfumes to use before purchasing more, but I will consider buying it again if and when I need a new fragrance.

Abel Black Anise Eau de Parfum ($180.00 for 50 ml. from Abel): Abel describes this fragrance as, "A vibrant, smoky amber with dynamic star anise top notes, a rich blackcurrant and cacao heart, and a distinctive tobacco base. Black Anise is a dark and sultry scent that is sure to surprise. Long-lasting, powerful and deeply memorable." Purchase Again? This is an indescribably beautiful fragrance, and I would love a full size bottle. The sample size didn't provide enough perfume to review it, but when I am in "need" of a bottle of perfume, I will definitely revisit Abel.

Philip B. Maui Wowie Volumizing & Thickening Beach Mist ($30.00 for 5.07 oz. from Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's): Philip B. Maui Wowie Volumizing & Thickening Beach Mist is an ultra-light, non-sticky spray that gives hair tousled beachy waves with a gorgeous glossy shine. It moisturizes my hair, while enhancing my curls and adds textured volume. It also has a delightful beachy aroma that I really love. Purchase Again? Oh, definitely, this is my favorite volumizing and thickening hair mist!

Spongellé Florica Floret Mystic Rose Diffuser: ($60.00 from Spongellé): This is by far the most stunning diffuser that I have ever seen in my entire life. I am not exaggerating in the least bit, and opening up the ultra-luxe box to find this work of art was utterly breathtaking, and in fact I let out a gasp when I first saw it in person. Suffice it to say, pictures simply do not do it any justice.

The wonderful time-released fragrance lasts for about 8 weeks and each 8 oz. bottle is good for 2 uses (16 weeks) since Spongellé suggests using about 4 oz. Refill bottles can be purchased separately.

The rich and bold color of the leaves are stunning to look at, and the aroma released is a 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. In my estimation, it is the embodiment of the perfect home fragrance. I keep mine in my home office, and it makes it a real pleasure to sit and work at my desk. Purchase Again? I need to order a refill!

Overall Assessment: I am pleased that I continue finishing up so many open products before they go bad. I have no duds to report this month, what about you? Any hero products to share?

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

Copyright © 2023 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll-On in Chamomile & Green Tea

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll-On deodorants are available in a delightful array of scents, and an unscented variety, these natural roll-on deodorants offer me all-day protection and they neither stain clothing, nor do they irritate my sensitive skin. They are not antiperspirants, and therefore will not prevent sweating. 

When I was recently asked by a reader what my current go-to natural deodorant was, I immediately responded that Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll-On in Chamomile & Green Tea is what I have been using every single day lately. I have tried most of their scents, but there is something so pleasant about this one. It has a wonderful and light herbal/floral aroma that in't in the least bit imposing, and it offers me all-day protection. My bottle is the old style, but you can see what it currently looks like at the bottom of the post. I will definitely be purchasing one of the three-packs from Amazon since it offers a great savings.

According to Crystal,

Treat yourself to some relaxing aromatherapy at home or on the go, plus fight skin oxidation around the clock. This Crystal-infused combination of Chamomile & Green Tea rolls on lightly, unlike most roll-ons sold today. Its smooth rolling ball feels great going on, while the power of natural mineral salts naturally eliminate odors all day long.

Available in the following scents: Vanilla Jasmine, Chamomile & Green Tea, Pomegranate, Lavender & White Tea and Unscented.

Directions:  For best results, use daily and apply to clean skin.

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Potassium Alum (Natural Mineral Salts), Natural Fragrance made with essential oils and extracts, Cellulose (plant derived), Sodium Bicarbonate, Benzoic Acid (natural preservative), Zinc Gluconate (natural preservative).

Contains No Harmful Chemicals: No Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Zirconium, Parabens or Phthalates.

Overall Assessment: If you are looking for an effective natural deodorant, I have had great success with this one.

Bundle of three for $15.00 from Amazon in a bundle of $6.79 for 2.25 oz. from The Crystal and Walgreens, Walmart (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2023 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

March 2023 Empties for the Face, Body and Hair

 

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I somehow managed to use up 9 full-size products in the month of March, and I am a bit surprised that I finished up 3 face creams. There wasn't a lot left in any of them, but it was so cold this month that I definitely used more moisturizers than usual. Here is what I finished in March:

Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Repair Cream ($295.00 for 1.7 oz. from Erno Laszlo): is a rich and healing face cream loaded with Niacinamide and Panthenol to keep skin unbelievably hydrated. It is rich and emollient, and yet fast absorbing. I find that this luxurious cream is quite concentrated, and therefore I only require a tiny amount for my balanced/combination skin. I use it in morning and/or evening, and it leaves my skin silky-smooth, ultra-soft and it plumps fine lines. It is very calming and healing, and when my skin is irritated it quickly reduces the redness and irritation. I also love using this after exfoliation or an at-home peel, and it really works wonders. It has a faint, and nondescript, aroma that fades very quickly. My skin looks and feels incredible when I use this cream, and it is my favorite of the Erno Laszlo creams. I reach for it often, and savor massaging it into my face, neck and décolleté. This is a very expensive cream, and thankfully I bought it during a generous sale, but for me it is worth every cent because of its level of efficacy. Purchase Again? I loved this cream so much, and in fact it is my favorite Erno Laszlo cream, but I have too many open creams at the moment to make this considerable splurge.

100% Pure Coffee Bean Face Cream ($25.00 for 1.7 oz. from 100% Pure): This is a lightweight, and yet remarkably emollient and fast-absorbing, face cream that deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Skin is left unbelievably soft, silky-smooth and luminous, and the delightful aroma is a treat to the senses without being long-lasting or overpowering. Purchase Again? Maybe at some point, but as I said above, I have too many open face creams to buy any at this point.

100% Pure Watermelon + Cucumber Water Locking Moisturizer ($25.00 for 1.7 oz. from 100% Pure): This is a lightweight, and yet very emollient, moisturizer that immediately melts into the skin and leaves behind no residue, whatsoever. Its aroma is informed by the watermelon and cucumber waters, but the lovely aroma immediately dissipates. Skin is left lusciously hydrated, soft, smooth and plumped. Purchase Again? I won't be buying any face creams for quite a while, but I really enjoyed using this one.

Rituals T'ai Chi Foaming Shower Gel (Scent discontinued): I fell in love with this innovative shower gel formula from the very first moment that I used it. As I have said before, it's an extraordinary take on the ordinary, and for me it makes my bathing experience anything but mundane. The unique gel to foam technology not only makes it immensely fun to use, but it exceeds my every expectation of what a body cleansing gel should do. It cleans beautifully, smells glorious, and leaves the skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Furthermore, the rich dense foamy texture lends itself to being one seriously amazing shaving cream that cleanses, softens, and gives a seriously close shave. My legs have been transformed into the most soft and silky skin imaginable, and this gorgeous product has quickly given the boot to all of my other shaving creams! Purchase Again? I have a couple of other scents from Rituals, and I just opened another one!

Spongellé Hand and Body Washes ($22.00 each for 11 oz. from Spongellé): are extraordinary additions to Spongellé's collection. Spongellé, a Los Angeles based company, creates beautiful products that delight the senses and the skin, and they make wonderful gifts.

There are 8 beautiful scents, of which I have three, and they are truly dreamy. Bulgarian Rose, Sugar Dahlia and Freesia Pear are absolutely gorgeous scents and they clean the skin without any stripping or drying. In fact, these beautifully aromatic Hand and Body Washes leave skin soft, smooth and hydrated. Purchase Again? In a heartbeat!

Spongellé Let's Celebrate Butterfly Holiday Gift Set (on Sale for $12.00 for a set of 2 from Spongellé): This delectable Hope Orange Blossom Body Wash Infused Buffer has the wonderful aroma of orange blossom, cinnamon, clove and rich amber. I absolutely love everything about the smell and its ability to thoroughly clean and exfoliate the skin. Purchase Again? I think that I might buy another set because they are on sale!

L'Occitane Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream is a cult-classic for good reason– it is really is utterly extraordinary! This ultra-rich creamy balm deeply moisturizes skin leaving even the most parched skin silky. soft and smooth. Over the years I have gone through countless tubes of this fantastic cream, and I love that it is rich without leaving behind an oily residue. This is a definite must-have for the colder months of the year. Purchase Again? Yes! ($30.00 for 5.1 oz. from L'Occitane, Nordstrom, Amazon, Sephora and Ulta)

shu uemura muroto volume lightweight care conditioner ($62.00 for 8oz. from shu uemura art of hair and Sephora): This is a wonderfully lightweight and ultra-emollient conditioner that really hydrates my dry and fine curly hair. It rinses clean, fights frizz, hydrates hair and leaves it shiny with the right amount of volume. It has a light and pleasant aroma, but it isn't long lasting. Purchase Again? Yes, but when I need a splurge-worthy conditioner!

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll On ($4.99-$5.29 for 2.25 oz. from The Crystal and Walgreens, Walmart): Available in a delightful array of scents, and an unscented variety, these natural roll-on deodorants offer me all-day protection and they neither stain clothing, nor do they irritate my sensitive skin. I am particularly fond of the Vanilla Jasmine scent! They are not antiperspirants, and therefore will not prevent sweating. Purchase Again? I just opened another scent!

Overall Assessment: I am pleased that I finished up 9 products before they went bad! Nothing bothers me more than having to throw products away because I didn't use them before they spoiled. What did you use up, toss out, return or give away in March. Any great, or awful, products to report?

Purchased and Press Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2023 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

January 2023 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I managed to use of 7 full-size products in January, and I am pleased by this accomplishment. I liked everything enough to purchase each of them again, and I definitely enjoy using products from these brands. Here is what I finished up in January:

Derma E Vitamin C Gentle Daily Cleansing Paste ($16.95 for 4 oz. from Derma E, Ulta, Target and iHerb): is a wonderful hardworking gently exfoliating lathering cleanser that can also be used as an effective mask. As an exfoliating cleanser, you simply apply it to your face, neck and décolleté and the lovely lather and exfoliating particles effectively and gently clean the skin and remove dead skin cells without stripping or drying it out. As a mask you just apply a generous amount to the face and leave it on until it dries down (about 5 minutes), then with damp fingers gently massage to activate the exfoliating particles. then thoroughly rinse with warm water. The result is scrumptiously soft and smooth skin. There is no detectable scent, therefore if you are sensitive to aromatic skincare, you will have no issue with this cleansing paste. Purchase Again? I have another tube ready to go!

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil ($15.00-$98.00 for 1.69 oz to 15.22 oz. Shu Uemura USA): This ultra-luxe rich and emollient cleansing oil has a luscious lightweight consistency that leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and luxuriously hydrated. While it can be used by all skin types, I suspect that it will be coveted by people with normal to dry skin. When water is introduced, this cleansing oil also transforms into a rich and creamy milky emulsion that gently removes every trace of dirt and makeup without ever stripping the skin, and it leaves skin velvety soft and smooth without leaving behind a greasy residue. It has a warm and creamy aroma that I find intoxicatingly delicious. Purchase Again? I am about to open another bottle!

Spongellé Sugar Dahlia Hand & Body Wash ($24.00 for 11 oz. from Spongellé): is an extraordinary additions to Spongellé's collection. Spongellé, a Los Angeles based company, creates beautiful products that delight the senses and the skin, and they make wonderful gifts. This is an absolutely gorgeous scent, and it cleans the skin without any stripping or drying. In fact, all of their these beautifully aromatic Hand and Body Washes leave skin soft, smooth and hydrated. Sugar Dahlia: Top: Citrus Nuances, Solar Accord. Middle: Midnight Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Freesia, Muguet, Neroli. Base: Musk. Purchase Again? I just opened another scent!

Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Caring Shower Oil ($12.50 for 6.7 oz. from Rituals): is a wonderfully moisturizing shower oil for the body that functions in precisely the same way as the many facial cleansing oils that have recently flooded the market. You simply apply a small amount of oil to your skin and as soon as it has contact with water it emulsifies and turns from an oil consistency to a thin milky emulsion that effectively cleans the skin, and leaves it delectably soft smooth and moisturized. The beautiful scent of Cherry Blossom is a delight to the senses, and fills the air with its lovely aroma. While the scent is lovely it does not linger since it is, for the most part, washed away. Skin is left clean, soft, smooth and hydrated. Purchase Again? I have more of their Shower Oils waiting to be opened!

Potager Soap Co. Minted Lemon Tea ($9.98 for 4.5 oz. from Potager Soap Co.): When Potager states that the scent of spearmint is mood elevating, they are not exaggerating. The smell of this bar puts me in a very good mood. The spearmint is tempered by a hint of lemon, and the way in which the aroma bursts forth is enough to put a smile on your face. The rich and creamy lather is very satisfying, and the moisturizing formula leaves the skin soft and supple. Purchase Again? Definitely!

Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream ($19.99 for 3.4 oz. from Ulta and Select Salons Nationwide): My sister introduced me to this styling wonder years ago, and I fell in love with it immediately. A small amount is all you need to fight frizz and fly-aways, make unmanageable hair silky smooth, shiny and absolutely gorgeous. It has a sweet aroma that is pleasant and unobtrusive. You do not have to have curly hair to benefit from it, just the desire for manageable silky smooth hair. For reference, while my hair is wildly curly, my sister's is perfectly straight, and we both use this stuff! Purchase Again? I have a lot of styling products to use, but I will definitely get this again in the future.

CRYSTAL Essence Pomegranate Mineral Deodorant Roll-On ($6.79 for 2.25 oz. from The Crystal, Walmart and Walgreens): Available in a delightful array of scents, and an unscented variety, these natural roll-on deodorants offer me all-day protection and they neither stain clothing, nor do they irritate my sensitive skin. They are not antiperspirants, and therefore will not prevent sweating. Purchase Again? YES!

Overall Assessment: I am actually a little surprised that I finished up this many full-size products in January! What did you finish, toss out, give away or return in January? Any particularly good or products to report?

Press Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2023 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll-On and Crystal Body Stone | Review

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

If you are seeking to wean yourself from mainstream chemical deodorants, and want a natural alternative, then Crystal Essence deodorants are worthy of your consideration.

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll On ($4.99 for 2.25 oz. from The Crystal and Walgreens, Walmart): Available in a delightful array of scents, and an unscented variety, these natural roll-on deodorants offer me all-day protection and they neither stain clothing, nor do they irritate my sensitive skin. They are not antiperspirants, and therefore will not prevent sweating.

According to Crystal,

Treat yourself to some relaxing aromatherapy at home or on the go, plus fight skin oxidation around the clock. This Crystal-infused combination of Chamomile & Green Tea rolls on lightly, unlike most roll-ons sold today. Its smooth rolling ball feels great going on, while the power of natural mineral salts naturally eliminate odors all day long.

Available in the following scents: Vanilla Jasmine, Chamomile & Green Tea, Pomegranate, Lavender & White Tea and Unscented

Directions:  For best results, use daily and apply to clean skin.

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Potassium Alum (Natural Mineral Salts), Natural Fragrance made with essential oils and extracts, Cellulose (plant derived), Sodium Bicarbonate, Benzoic Acid (natural preservative), Zinc Gluconate (natural preservative).

Contains No Harmful Chemicals: No Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Zirconium, Parabens or Phthalates.

Crystal Body Deodorant Stone ($6.99 for 5 oz. plus dish from The Crystal and Swanson Health Products): This unique mineral stone, made of a single ingredient (Ammonium Alum Mineral Salts), effectively controls odor all day and it neither stains my clothing, nor does it irritate my sensitive skin. You simply moisten the top of the stone and apply it to your underarms, and then return it back to its dish. This is not an antiperspirant, and therefore will not prevent sweating.

According to Crystal,

The Original Mineral Deodorant, this smooth, contoured mineral stone eliminates and blocks odor before it starts without harmful or harsh chemicals offering long-lasting, natural mineral protection for up to 24 hours. With daily suggested use, can last over a year.

Features:
- Contains one ingredient: Pure Mineral Salt.
- Prevents odor safely for up to 24 hours.
- No residue, no staining, no white marks.
- Made without Aluminum Chloride/Chlorohydrate/Zirconium, Parabens, and Fragrance.
- Dermatologist tested; unscented.
- Vegan and Cruelty Free.

Directions: Moisten the top of the stone and apply to underarms.

Ingredients: Ammonium Alum (Mineral Salts).

Overall Assessment: These are definitely wonderful if you are seeking a natural deodorant, but they are not antiperspirants– therefore they will not arrest sweating.

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