August 2024 Empties for the Face, Body and Hair

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During the month of August I managed to finish 8 products, and I am already missing some of those products! There is not a single product that I would not happily use again and again. Here is what I used, and what I thought about each product.

Renpure Tea Tree & Mint Purifying Body Wash ($6.16 for 24 oz. from Walmart): This is yet another big hit from Renpure! This ultra-refreshing body wash awakens the senses while it thoroughly cleans the skin. It has a satisfying creamy lather that effectively cleans the skin without stripping it or leaving a residue. In fact, it moisturizes the skin and leaves it soft, smooth and supple. Purchase Again? Without question!

Spongellé Botanica Citrus Aurantium Petigrain Body Wash Infused Buffer ($18.00 for 3.5 oz. from Spongellé): Spongellé Botanica Collection comes in four lovely scent profiles, and they are shaped like butterflies! These sponges not only effectively remove dead skin cells, but they also leave the skin deliciously baby soft, smooth, supple and moisturized.  Body wash infused body buffers are such a treat to use, and the Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffers really excel in their ability to clean and exfoliate the skin while delighting the senses with their delightful aromas. Petitgrain Botanica Body Buffer (Yellow) has the following fragrance notes: Top: Lemon, sparkling water, grapefruit. Middle: Mandarin, navel orange, cassis. Bottom: Musk, sea salt. Purchase Again? Oh yes, I love this uplifting scent!

Curél Foaming Face Wash ($15.00 for 5 oz. from the Curél Amazon Store): Curél Foaming Facial Wash is one of my favorite discoveries from this affordable and effective Japanese skincare brand. I was particularly interested to see whether this foaming and moisturizing cleanser, which is made for dry and sensitive skin, would be a good match for my normal/combination skin. I am a fan of hydrating cleansers that are gentle enough for sensitive skin, but I like them to rinse clean without leaving behind any sort of residue that requires a second cleanse (when they would be used last in a double cleansing routine). This cleanser exceeded my expectations. It has a wonderful and dense foam that thoroughly cleans the skin without stripping it in the least bit, and it rinses clean without any sort of residue. It is fragrance-free (and unscented) and it leaves my skin silky-smooth and hydrated without feeling as though I need to wash my skin again to feel clean. It is gentle, a pleasure to use, and it feels like a great match for my normal/combination skin. Purchase Again? Just as soon as I need another cleanser!

[ comfort zone ] SACRED NATURE Youth Serum ($81.00 for 1 oz. from [ comfort zone ], Nordstrom and Amazon): is yet another reason that I have fallen head-over-heels in love with this magnificent Italian brand. This antioxidant-rich serum, which helps to fight free-radical damage, plumps fine lines while it delivers intense moisture to the skin. Formulated for all skin types, it leaves skin very soft, smooth, supple and unmistakably luminous. It melts into the skin immediately and leaves behind no residue whatsoever. It has a light fruity/herbal aroma, that is informed by its ingredients, but it does fade quickly. It is an ultra-luxe serum that is very effective and a joy to use. Purchase Again? Yes, but not for quite a while since I need to use up quite a few serums before purchasing another one.

Lovinah Dragon-C Vitamin C and Bio-Retinol Brightening Elixir ($155.00 for 1 oz. from LOVINAH, Boxwalla and Macy's): This antioxidant-rich Vitamin C based facial oil is my current favorite luxury face oil, and for me that is a significant claim– given my longstanding love of luxury face oils. This brightening elixir, which is composed in a base of Dragon Fruit Oil, also includes Kakadu Plum Oil, Goji Berry Oil, Lingonberry Oil, Raspberry Oil , Mongongo Nut Oil, Mongongon Nut Oil– to name a few of its nourishing oils.

Unlike many Vitamin C based products that quickly oxidize, Lovinah Dragon-C Vitamin C and Bio-Retinol Brightening Elixir contains a very stable form of Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, selected because it is a highly absorptive form of oil-soluble Vitamin C. Furthermore, Kakadu Plum, Dragon Fruit and Goji Berry were selected since they are very rich in Vitamin C. 

The texture of this oil is like crushed velvet, and the scent has a heavenly natural fruity sensibility that defies description. This otherworldly oil, which is lightweight and fast-absorbing, melts into the skin and leaves it soft, smooth, moisturized, brightened and glowing. I can't recall ever being quite this impressed by, or obsessed with, a face oil. This is truly covet-worthy. Purchase Again? This is one of the best face oils that I have used in years, and I will definitely buy another bottle.

Annmarie Anti-Aging Facial Oil ($149.00 for 30ml. from their Official Amazing Store): is a seriously gorgeous luxury face oil. While this glorious face oil is formulated for dry and mature skin, it is one of the finest and most effective oils to have graced my normal to combination skin. This ultra-luxe antioxidant-rich facial oil, which is velvety-to-the-touch, is infused with herbs and a symphony of more than 13 nourishing oils. Ingredients such as chia, goji berry, and broccoli firm and tighten the skin, and therefore soften the appearance of fine lines. Deeply moisturizing, this beautiful oil is lightweight and it effortlessly melts into the skin. It is neither greasy, nor does it leave behind any residue. I prefer to apply it to moist and warm freshly washed skin, and it immediately leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous.  It is quite concentrated, and therefore I find the a single pump offers plenty of oil to cover my face, neck and décolleté, but your use may vary. It has the most hypnotic herbal aroma, but is not long-lasting or overpowering. Purchase Again? I love this face oil, and there is definitely another bottle in my future!

milk_shake curl passion leave-in spray for curly hair ($25.00 for 10.1 oz. from milk_shake and their Amazon Store): is a product that I have been using for more than a year, and it is so incredible that I can't imagine not using it. I have naturally curly hair, and it can be unruly at times, and therefore a reliable and effective leave-in spray is essential to keep my hair in great shape. It fights frizz, hydrates and leaves hair manageable. It doesn't weigh hair down, it doesn't flake, but instead it nourishes and it facilitates bouncy and perfected soft-to-the-touch curls. I always use leave-in treatments to make my hair manageable, and this one is definitely obsession-worthy. It also has a delectable fruity aroma that smells like summertime captured in a bottle! Purchase Again? I already have another bottle!

SHU UEMURA Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Treatment for Ultra-Damaged Hair ($73.00 for 6 oz. from Sephora and SHU UEMURA Art of Hair): If you seek a rich, ultra-moisturizing deep conditioning hair mask, then this mask will prove to be a real treat for your damaged tresses. Its rich and dense buttery texture is emollient and nourishing, but it leaves behind no greasy residue. It transforms my dry, color-treated naturally curly hair into soft, supple, manageable and shiny locks. Furthermore, it tames fly-aways and frizz, and the delectable fruity-floral aroma is the ultimate treat to the senses. Purchase Again? I just opened a new jar of another shu uemura hair mask!

Overall Assessment: Such great products, and not a dud in the bunch! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return to sender in August? Any serious winners? Any over-hyped misses?

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

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

Curél Intensive Moisture Care Trial Kit Enrich

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If you have been tempted to try Curél Japanese Skincare, which is Japan’s #1 brand for dry, sensitive skin, then the Curél Intensive Moisture Care Trial Kit Enrich is definitely worthy of your consideration. Better yet, Curél is participating in Amazon Prime Day July 16-17, this kit will be 25% Off and their best sellers will be 15% Off! Here are a few of my recent Curél reviews HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE. 

According to Curél,

Japanese skin care for dry, sensitive skin with this two week skin care kit for women and men. These four trial size toiletries and facial skin care products are infused with ceramides and make up a complete skin care routine, with all of CurélJapanese Skin Care Intensive Moisture Care line represented in this compact face skin care kit for women and men. Start with a pre-cleanse — the Curel Japanese Skin Care Makeup Cleansing Gel for face is the perfect face wash for dry, sensitive skin. The second step in our double cleansing routine is the Curel Japanese Skin Care Foaming Facial Wash, a foaming cleanser that gently washes away dirt, oil, and impurities. Don't forget to hydrate! Use the facial moisturizer Curel Japanese Skin Care Moisture Facial Lotion Enrich and our award-winning Japanese Skin Care Intensive Moisture Facial Cream to replenish ceramides and effectively restore moisture-dense skin for long-lasting hydration. 

In the Kit:

Curél Intensive Moisture Care Trial Kit Enrich includes: two week trial & travel kit for dry, sensitive skin. Contains two cleansing & two moisturizing products.

Makeup Cleansing Gel (1 oz.): This facial cleanser for dry skin gently and thoroughly removes waterproof makeup without heavy rubbing

Foaming Face Cleanser (3 oz. Reviewed HERE): The soft lather of this foaming face wash for dry, sensitive skin thoroughly cleanses without stripping hydration

Hydrating Water Essence (1 oz.): Apply a few drops of this dry skin face moisturizer before your face cream for a hydrated, more radiant looking complexion

Intensive Moisture Facial Cream (0.3 oz. Reviewed HERE): Intensive Moisture Facial Cream is formulated to replenish ceramides and effectively restore moisture-dense skin for long-lasting hydration. 

Directions: The Trial Kit Enrich provides all of the steps you'll need to complete your traditional Japanese Ritual of double-cleansing and double-moisturizing. Simply follow the steps below:

Step 1: Apply a cherry sized amount of Curél® Makeup Cleansing Gel to dry hands and gently massage onto dry skin. To remove eye makeup, gently smooth over eyelids from top to bottom, then lift eyelashes and brush away makeup. CAUTION: Avoid eye contact. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

Step 2: dispense 2 pumps of Curél® Foaming Facial Wash into your palm and apply to wet skin. Work into a light lather, rinse, and gently pat dry. NOTE: You can use the Foaming Facial Wash

Step 3: After cleansing and drying your face, dispense 3-4 pumps of Curél® Hydrating Water Essence into your hands. Gently smooth into your skin until absorbed to prepare the skin for the next moisturizing step.

Step 4: Apply a grape size amount of Curél® Intensive Moisture Facial Cream to cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. Smooth cream over your face, working from the inside to the outside in long, soft strokes.

Ingredients:

Makeup Cleansing Gel: Sorbitol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Water/Aqua, Octyldodeceth-20,Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Ethylparaben, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tocopherol.

Foaming Facial Wash: Water/Aqua, Glycerin, Maltitol, Propylene Glycol, PEG-150, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben.

Hydrating Water Essence: Water/Aqua, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-32, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Succinic Acid, Arginine, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Methylparaben.

Intensive Moisture Facial Cream: Water/Aqua, Glycerin, Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Trisiloxane, Dimethicone, PEG-3 Dimethicone, Allantoin, Magnesium Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Succinic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Bis-Methoxypropylamido Isodocosane, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Methylparaben.

FRAGRANCE FREE, pH BALANCED, COLOURANT FREE - Everything in this face skin care kit is specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin.

Overall Assessment: This is such a great kit with which to familiarize yourself with Curél's wonderful skincare products, and the sizes are perfect for travel!

Press Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

During Prime Day, July 16-17, Curél is offering discounts on their already reasonably priced skincare products. Discount only on their Amazon Storefront: 15% off bestsellers, 25% off (Regularly priced $19.50) for the Trial Kit.

June 2024 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

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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.

Curél Deep Moisture Spray for the Summer Season Revisited

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Curél Deep Moisture Spray is one of my very favorite moisturizers for the warmer months, and I have been using it for more than a year, and plan to use it as long as they make it! It is just perfect for the warm/hot weather, and I use it daily. This ultra-fine moisture mist can be used on the face and body and it sinks in immediately leaving skin nourished and hydrated. It is fragrance-free, easy to use and effective. It is especially satisfying on a hot day to refresh the skin with a spritz here and there. Additionally, because it is so light and hydrating it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It does not, however, contain a sunscreen, so you will need to add your sunscreen after you apply this spray.

I keep mine in the shower, and use it there as well. I spray it on lightly towel dried skin, and then let it sink in before getting dressed. It offers wonderful hydration and it is just so easy to use.

According to Curél,

Ultra-fine moisturizing spray for an instant boost of hydration for face and or body whenever needed. Uniquely formulated with a concentration of moisturizing ingredients and ceramides in a spray form.

About Curél Deep Moisture Spray:

FACE HYDRATING SPRAY - Use before or after makeup for a boost of glowing hydration. Simply spray in a circular motion, pat dry, and go!

FOR BODY AND FACE - Use this ceramide infused moisturizer whenever you need extra hydration as an all-in-one facial and body moisturizing spray.

REPLENISH CERAMIDES - Dry skin lacks ceramides, a key component of the skin's moisture barrier. This moisturizing spray is designed to protect ceramides.

FOR DRY, SENSITIVE SKIN - This moisturizer for dry skin is specifically formulated to be Fragrance Free, Colorant Free, pH Balanced, and Free from Drying Alcohols.

SPRAY ON MOISTURIZER - Simplify your skincare with a gentle, nourishing moisturizer spray that can be applied in seconds.

Directions: Hold can 20cm away from your face and spray in a circular motion. Press your face softly with palms of your hands. Can be used over makeup. 

Ingredients: Water/Aqua, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Cholestrol, Sodium Methyl Stearyl Taurate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Adipic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol.

Overall Assessment: This is a go-to moisturizer for me during the warm weather, and it is nice that it is both effective and affordable.

$15.00 for 5 oz. from the Curél Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

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