Empties Post Volume LVII: August and September 2017

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I was so busy in August and September that I barely had time to think about my Empties post, and therefore combined the two months together. As you can clearly see from the products that I used, the majority of the products that I finished were the products that I used in the shower. Other than that, I finished up a couple of deodorants, a body oil and some perfume samples. However, the one thing that I endeavored to do was to throw away really old makeup that was no longer suitable for use. Here's what made it into the recycle bin:

Vermont Soap Sweet Orange Bar Soap ($6.98 for 3.25 oz. from Vermont Soap): This delectable natural soap leaves the skin soft, supple and hydrated. The creamy lather is non-stripping, and perfectly suited for shaving legs and underarms. The aroma is a sunny, sweet orange that invigorates and refreshes the skin and the senses. Would I purchase a replacement? Definitely, but I have a drawer filled with soaps– so I won't need to buy any for quite a while.

Dove White Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): This gentle, creamy cleansing bar contains ¼ moisturizing cream that leaves skin soft smooth and very clean. Would I purchase a replacement? Absolutely, but I have quite a few bars to finish first.

Dove Pink Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): This creamy soap contains ¼ moisturizing cream to help make skin soft, smooth and hydrated. It doesn't strip skin in the least, nor does it leave it taut. Would I purchase a replacement? Absolutely, but I have quite a few bars to finish first.

Reverie Farms Citrus Lavender Natural Soap ( $6.00 for a 4 oz. bar from Reverie Farms): Reverie Farms, a small company that makes biodegradable, eco-friendly bar soaps that are crafted with natural and organically grown ingredients that are free of fillers, artificial ingredients or synthetic colors and fragrances. This soap smells absolutely heavenly! It has a rich lather, but it is non-stripping thanks to the saponified oils used. Furthermore, it leaves behind no greasy residue, whatsoever. Would I purchase a replacement? Absolutely, but I have quite a few bars to finish first.

The Body Shop Hemp Soap on a Rope (Regularly $12.00 from The Body Shop): This non-drying soap effectively removes dead skin cells without stripping the skin, and it leaves skin soft, supple and hydrated. It is enriched with Hemp Seed Oil and Shea Butter– making it a wonderful choice for dry skin in need of added moisture.  It has a warm earthy scent that is neither overpowering, nor does the aroma linger on the skin for a long period of time. Would I purchase a replacement? Definitely.

ColorProof SuperRich Moisture Shampoo (Available in 2 oz., 10.1 oz. and 25.4 oz. from Salons): Finding a non-stripping and nourishing shampoo that is gentle and hydrating on color treated hair is always a challenge, but when you add natural curly hair into the mix– this becomes a real imperative. ColorProof SuperRich Moisture Shampoo adds lightweight moisture to the hair while effectively cleansing it, and it leaves hair soft and shiny. It has a light aroma that nearly resembles a warm, creamy coconut, but is is neither cloying, nor does it linger. Would I purchase a replacement? Yes, but I have a lot of shampoos to use up before purchasing another one.

StriVectin HAIR Shampoo for Color Treated Hair ($23.00 for 8.5 oz. from Nordstrom, Ulta, Sephora, and Macy's): This pleasantly scented shampoo boasts a sulfate-free and dye-free formula that is gentle enough to use daily without stripping the hair or causing color to fade. While I don't wash my hair daily, because it is naturally dry and  curly, I could if I wanted to. This shampoo works very well for my hair because it gently removes all product build-up and leaves my hair soft and shiny. Would I purchase a replacement? I really liked this shampoo a lot, but am interested in trying one of their newest shampoos next time. That said, this was really great for my color-treated hair.

StriVectin HAIR UV Spray for Color Treated Hair ($29.00 for 5 oz. from Ulta, Sephora and Macy's): Not only does this spray offer UV protection, that helps preserve color and protect the hair, but it also smoothes and hydrates hair. It boasts an antioxidant-rich formula that protects against free-radical damage, and its emollience serves as an effective detangler. Would I purchase a replacement? Yes, definitely!

Dove Cucumber & Green Tea Foaming Body Wash ($5.99 for 13.5 oz. from Target, Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond): I love the texture of this creamy foam, and the aroma is absolutely delicious. If you love foaming body washes, then I highly recommend trying this refreshing treat. Would I purchase a replacement? Absolutely!

Vermont Soap Castile Liquid Soap with Aloe & Olive Oil in Country Lavender ($6.96 for 8 oz. from Vermont Soap): This has such a beautiful lavender aroma that lingers in the air, makes your house smell like Province, and it leaves you with a sense of wellbeing. This is a fantastic, eco-friendly multi-purpose liquid soap that can be used for the hands and body, but you can also use it for dishes, floors, walls, laundry, bathrooms, cars, or diluted in a spray bottle to clean up just about anything. Would I purchase a replacement? Definitely!

Dr. Canuso Daily Exfoliating Cleanser ($29.95 from Dr. Canuso): This is an amazing daily exfoliator that is specifically formulated for daily use on feet. Dr. Canuso makes the very important point that one should clean the shower floor with bleach in order to kill fungus that gets transferred to our feet, and this often neglected step with go a long way to eradicating foot fungus that one often associates with the gym, and not the home. With daily use, I quickly noted that my winter-worn calloused feet became soft and callous-free. While I do not have signs of foot fungus, I definitely noted a vast improvement in the condition of my feet. Would I purchase a replacement? Definitely, in fact I have already opened another tube!

Frownies Immune Shield Vitamin E Serum ($32,00 for 66ml. from Frownies, Walgreens and StrawberryNet): This multipurpose oil-based serum can be used on the face to nourish and moisturize, heal blemishes, and give skin a dewy radiance. Furthermore, it can be used on the body to nourish the skin, but its high concentration also helps to heal scars and stretch marks. It is a mid-weight oil that sinks into warm, damp skin quickly and it nourishes and hydrates the skin very effectively. It smells like Vitamin E, but its natural aroma fades after its absorbed not the skin. It is wonderful when used alone on the face and body, but my favored method is to mix it with Aroma Therapy Daily Body Lotion and to use it on my body. This combination is deeply nourishing, and it leaves skin unbelievably soft, silky smooth, moisturized and luminous. Would I purchase a replacement? I definitely liked it enough to use it again, but I have far too many body oils to use before purchasing another one.

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Grapefruit ($14.00 for 1.7 oz. from LAVANILA, Sephora and Dermstore): I am a longstanding proponent of healthier deodorants, and have been using them since I was a teenager. Though I have occasionally used mainstream deodorants, I do prefer to avoid the chemicals. LAVANILA makes wonderful healthy deodorants that are effective and smell wonderful (though they also make an unscented variant for sensitive skin). Their Vanilla Grapefruit scent is probably my favorite because it smells utterly scrumptious, and offers long-lasting protection. Would I purchase a replacement? Without question. This is one of my holy grail deodorants

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla ($14.00 for 1.7 oz. from LAVANILA, Sephora and Dermstore): I am thoroughly obsessed with the warm and creamy aroma of this deodorant, and think that it may just be my favorite scent among the LAVANILA Healthy Deodorants. Would I purchase a replacement? YES!

PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask ($9.99 for two pairs from Target): is an ultra-hydrating foot mask that noticeably softens and moisturizes parched feet, and aids in the repair of cracked and calloused skin. Used in conjunction with the PediSpa Exfoliating Foot Mask, this mighty duo makes feet pedicure and sandal-ready in no-time. Would I purchase a replacement? I still have a few masks left, and will likely purchase another box when I run out.

Global Beauty Care Green Tea Makeup Remover Wipes (Full Size. Retail $1.99): I can never have too many makeup remover wipes– both for normal use– and for the veritable swatch-fests in which I engage regularly! I haven't tried these, but they have a nice and clean green tea scent that I like.  Would I purchase a replacement? I liked these a lot, and would definitely reuse them in the future, but right now I have a lot of makeup remover wipes to use up first.

YUNI Beauty Sweat, Refresh, Go Kit is the perfect kit to toss in your gym bag. It contains four of Yuni's best-selling natural products that are perfect for people on the go who don't have a chance to shower after a trip to the gym, yoga or pilates studio. The four portable products come in a small canvas cosmetic bag that is perfect for your gym or travel bag. I used up the two Shower Sheets while traveling, and think that they were absolutely great! You simply use them as you would a washcloth by gently wiping the Shower Sheet across skin to cleanse and refresh. They are great after a long flight or drive when you don't yet have access to a shower.

Assorted Savvy Travelers Wipes:

In the Klear ($10.00 for 10 wipes from Savvy Travelers, Savvy Travelers Amazon Store and Nordstrom): In the Klear wipes are lint-free, and therefore perfect for cleaning the lens on your phone, camera, screens and glasses.

Lift Offz ($10.00 for 10 wipes from Savvy Travelers): These are individually wrapped nail polish removers.

Speak Eazy ($2.50-$10.00 from Savvy Travelers): These are breath freshening wipes that can also clean food from your teeth– what a clever idea!

Klean Upz ($10.00 for 10 wipes from Savvy Travelers and Nordstrom): These are very convenient hand wipes that keep your hands clean and moisturized. I always carry a couple packets in my purse! Would I purchase a replacement? I still have quite a few of each of their wipes, but I would definitely buy more for traveling.

Assorted Perfume Samples: While I love testing out perfume samples, in the hopes of discovering an amazing must-have fragrance, I didn't love the way that any of these smelled on me.

Tossed out: As you may recall from my feature on When to Toss Your Old Makeup, I have been in the midst of throwing away old makeup that I deem no longer usable. I have been ruthlessly going through drawers and carefully checking for changes in smell, texture and consistency, and if things no longer seem right I throw away the contents and recycle the packaging. All of these things featured here either smelled weird, now had strange textures, or had hardened. Some of these things are very old, and I just didn't feel comfortable using them any longer. You will note, for instance, that there are five Bobbi Brown eye shadow singles from back when they made round screw-top lids, and among them are the originals that came without clear see-through lids!

What did you use up, giveaway, toss out or return in August and September? Were there any real hits or misses to report?

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

Frownies Aroma Therapy Daily Body Lotion and Immune Shield Vitamin E Serum | Review

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I have tried a few products from Frownies, and have been consistently pleased with their quality, but I recently received two of their products that I decided to mix together, and the result was truly amazing! In fact, their Aroma Therapy Daily Body Lotion and Immune Shield Vitamin E Serum pair together perfectly.

Frownies Aroma Therapy Daily Body Lotion ($19.95 for 4 oz. from Frownies): Formulated to protect and nourish the skin, this body lotion is comprised of pure steam distilled organic, and therapeutic grade. essential oils and organic Aloe Vera that hydrate and soften the skin. It is lightweight, very emollient, fast absorbing and ultra moisturizing. It leaves skin soft, silky smooth and very moisturized. It has a pleasant and mild sweet floral aroma, but it does fade soon upon application.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed, Oil, Aveno Stevia (Oat oil), Sodium Steryl Lactylate, Emulpro, GSB, Glycerin USP Kosher, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, ( Aniba rosaeodora (Rosewood oil), Tocopherol Oil (Vitamin E), Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang), Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens(Geranium), All essential oils are steam distilled!

Frownies Immune Shield Vitamin E Serum ($32,00 for 66ml. from Frownies, Walgreens and StrawberryNet): This multipurpose oil-based serum can be used on the face to nourish and moisturize, heal blemishes, and give skin a dewy radiance. Furthermore, it can be used on the body to nourish the skin, but its high concentration also helps to heal scars and stretch marks. It is a mid-weight oil that sinks into warm, damp skin quickly and it nourishes and hydrates the skin very effectively. It smells like Vitamin E, but its natural aroma fades after its absorbed not the skin. It is wonderful when used alone on the face and body, but my favored method is to mix it with Aroma Therapy Daily Body Lotion and to use it on my body. This combination is deeply nourishing, and it leaves skin unbelievably soft, silky smooth, moisturized and luminous.

According to Frownies,

Immune Shield Immune Shield is a barrier serum, meaning it builds the natural skin barrier. Rich in antioxidants, peptides and beneficial lipids to soften and smooth the appearance of your skin.

Immune Shield is high in ceramides acting identical to skin membrane to support the structure of the skin and improve skin appearance,was created as an after sun care to keep skin looking younger and for over exposure to UV rays. UV rays cause oxidation on and in the skin leaving the skin looking aged and damaged.

Features:
100% pure natural antioxidants
No artificial fragrance
No animal products or testing
Made in USA

Ingredients: Hemp Seed Oil, Grape seed Oil, Raphanus Sativus Seed Oil (Diakon Radish Oil), Macadamia Nut Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil (Oat Oil), Olive Squalane, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Comfrey, Vegicide (Glyceryl Monocaprylate (and) Glyceryl Monoundecylenate),Sea Buckthorn Oil,Vitamin E MT-50 (Tocopherol Oil), Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower Oil).

Overall Assessment: While Frownies Aroma Therapy Daily Body Lotion and Immune Shield Vitamin E Serum are fantastic individually, I love to mix them. They leave my skin silky smooth, baby soft and ultra moisturized. 

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Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Frownies Eye Gels, Rose Water Hydrator and Aroma Therapy Cellulite Cream | Review

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I recently tested out a few Frownies products that I wanted to share with you, but I am especially enthusiastic about their Eye Gels because they feel so soothing and refreshing on the eyes that I just can't get enough of them!

Frownies Eye Gels ($29.95 for 3 sets of Eye Gels from Frownies, Amazon, C.O. Bigelow, Walgreens and Drugstore.com): If you love eye treatment masks, then the Frownies Eye Gels are a real treat.  The gels are infused with a short list of natural ingredients, and they can be used multiple times until they eventually dissolve. They smooth and soften the delicate skin under the eyes, diminish the appearance of fine lines and reduce he appearance of dark circles. Furthermore, these antioxidant-rich gels deeply hydrate the skin leaving it luminous and refreshed. In order to reactivate the gels after they have been used, you simply spray them with the Frownies Rose Water Hydrator and place them in a ziplock bag and refrigerate them– and continue to do this until they finally disintegrate. I kid you not, the gel medium used feels so incredible and cooling against the skin that it gives one a tremendous sense of wellbeing. I love to use them after I have had a particularly long commute home from work because they just melt away the stress.

According to Frownies,

The weight of the anti-wrinkle patch smooths and softens the under eye area while natural ingredients are directed to the specific area. Frownies Eye Gels promote beauty and provide antioxidants to help fight free radical damage. Natural ingredients are good for the skin.

The combination of Frownies' wrinkle treatment Eye Gel Patch and Immune Shield active vitamin E serum, will help improve the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and discoloration. Use your first set of Eye Gels three night in a row for 15 to 30 minutes, then use them once a week for best results. Just before applying make-up for a special event is a good time to do a 30 minute treatment as well. Keep Gels moist with Frownies Rose Water Hydrator between usage.

Directions: On clean skin apply Immune Shield to under eye and eye lid area with a light touch of the pad of one finger.. Next remove the eye patch tray from the foil packet. Apply one patch to one under eye area adjusting it to cover the corner and under the eye. Then apply the patch to the other eye area. Once on the skin gently smooth out all the lines under the patch with the pad of your finger over top of the patch, so all areas of the skin are affected by the active ingredients.Leave on for 30 minutes. You may use the treatment patch on the eye lid or around the mouth and lip area as well. 

How To Store: Gently remove the patch and place back in the eye patch tray. Re-wet the patch in the tray with FROWNIES Rose Water Toner Hydrator to extend the life of the patch, place it in a sealed plastic bag and put in the refrigerator to use again. The patch starts to dry and become brittle because the ingredients are the patch, they are being applied to the skin. Re-wet the patch with Rose Water Hydrator between applications to keep it active for as many uses as you can before it dissolves.

Ingredients and their Attributes:

Glycerin:is a natural humuctant.

Cactus collagen: is thought to boost the collagen and promote skin elasticity.

Vitamin C: helps build collagen.

Vitamin B3 Niacin: increases circulation.

Vitamin E: is a powerful anti-oxidant to reduce oxidation damage on the skin.

Bear Berry Extract (Arbutus): is used to brighten skin.

Aloe Vera: is absorbed into the skin and stimulates the fibroblasts to replicate themselves faster and it is these cells that produce the collagen and elastin fibers, so the skin becomes more elastic and less wrinkled.

Hyaluronic Acid: Recognized as the most effective moisturizer ever discovered. Hyaluronic acid is such an excellent water reservoir, and ideal lubricant, that in skin care products it helps lead to a perceptible, and visible improvement, in skin condition.

Ingredients: Aqua, Natural moisturizing glycerin, Cactus collagen, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Arbutin, Aloe Vera,Hyaluronic Acid, Perfume (Essential Oil).

Frownies Rose Water Hydrator ($12.95 for 2 oz. from Frownies, Amazon, C.O. Bigelow, Walgreens and Drugstore.com): This spray not only refreshes and refreshes the eye gels between uses, but it is also a great hydrator that can be used whenever you seek added hydration. It also sets makeup, and is the perfect size to carry in your handbag whenever you need a pick-me-up. The beautiful rose aroma delights the senses and calms the spirit.

According to Frownies,

For soft beautiful skin, after cleansing use Frownies anti-wrinkle treatment Rose Water Hydrating Spray on the entire face, neck and décolletage. Frownies Hydrating Spray compliments the pH balance of the skin and helps reduce the appearance of pore size as it begins to plump fine lines and wrinkles. Rose Water from essential oil of rose is an antibacterial wrinkle treatment and helps prevent blemishes on the skin. The anti-aging benefits of the rosewater and hyaluronic acid are a wonderfully refreshing pick up after exercising, during air travel or anytime a warm dry environment threatens to dehydrate and age your skin. Frownies Rose Water Hydrating Spray can be used throughout the day to refresh the face and neck or as a anti-wrihbnkle treatment. Carry it in your hand bag and freshen the face as needed.

Ingredients: Aqua, Rose Hydrosol (Rose Demascena Flower Extract), Organic Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis), Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), Gluconodeltalactone & Sodium Benzoate, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Comfrey ( Symphytum Officinale Leaf).

Frownies Aroma Therapy Cellulite Cream ($39.95 for 4 oz. from Frownies, Fresh Fragrances and Yes Style): While I do not have a lot of cellulite, I really like this cream because it is fast absorbing, it does an excellent job moisturizing the skin, and it leaves it soft and supple. I also do not have loose skin against which to test its efficacy, but I can say that I do notice that my skin feels a bit more taut when I use this cream. I love the natural ingredients and light citrus aroma, and will definitely continue to use this cream because it feels so good on the skin.

According to Frownies,

Legs, hips, under arms build cellulite and skin becomes loose with age. Frownies' Aroma Therapy Cellulite Cream combines 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oils,with natural caffeine and plankton. This silky, nourishing body cream helps improve the appearance of hips,thighs,belly and underarms.

What is not there is important as well. Frownies Aroma therapy Cellulite Cream is truly, 100% Pure - never any artificial fragrances, synthetic chemicals, toxic preservatives, or any other unsafe ingredients. Frownies products are made only with the highest quality, nutrients for your skin.

Select Ingredients: 

Plankton extract has been shown to help improve body tone, redefine the silhouette and help with arm sagginess. It mimics the effect of endurance training with great results that are increased when combined with physical activity. Plankton incorporated into daily body care can provide a more toned and redefined silhouette.

Therapeutic blend of essential oils are reported to assist in the break down of fat stores that result in the appearance of cellulite while also stimulating the lymphatic and circulatory systems.*

MSM is considered nature's beauty mineral due to its ability to help keeping the skin smooth, and youthful. A little known benefit to this wonderful skin care additive is its absorption enhancing ability, you get delivery of other active ingredients where you want them.*

Caffeine is included due to its definite impact on fluids and the way that they are stored in the tissues. Caffeine is well known for its ability to increase micro circulation, and reduce puffiness. Because of the circulation enhancement caffeine has the ability to reduce water retention in the tissues resulting in a slenderizing effect. In a Journal of Cosmetic Medicine (2008) article caffeine was reported to have been very effective for 80% of the subjects tested. The treatment was analyzed after 30 days with 2x daily applications of a 7% treatment. Noticeable slimming effects were observed for the lower and upper thighs as well as the hips.

Ingredients: Aqua, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Plankton Extract, Caffeine, DimethylSulfone (MSM), Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG 100 Stearate ECOCERT, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate ECOCERT, Glycol Stearate, Populus Tremuloides (Aspen) Bark Extract, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Glycerin USP Kosher, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tocopherol Oil, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Paradisii (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium), Cedrus Atlanticus (Atlas Cedar), Cymbopogon Martinii (Palma Rosa), Picea Mariana (Black Spruce), Boswelia Carterii (Frankincense), Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime), Zingiber Officinale (Ginger), Citrus Deliciosa (Mandarin), Citrus sinensis (Orange) SD Peel Oil, Juniperus communis Berry Oil, Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) Leaf Oil, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Root Oil.

Overall Assessment: I really like these products, but have to say that my Pavlovian response to the Eye Gels means that I will definitely have to purchase a box as soon as I finish up this one! 

Press Sample. All views are categorically my own.

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