Sunia K. Sabrah 100% Pure and Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil | Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

Sunia K. Sabrah 100% Pure and Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil is one of my latest luxury face oil discoveries, and the story behind the brand is one of inspiring empowerment. Sunia K., the woman behind the eponymously named skincare brand, is a busy working woman, who sought to prevent flare-ups of her psoriasis with effective and natural products that were simple to use. She began this journey in 2007, while living in Montreal, and during one of the coldest winters she experienced her worst case of psoriasis. Having tried traditional medications and lots of expensive beauty products to seek relief, none of which helped reduce the inflammation or offered her relief, Sunia decided to change her lifestyle (diet, exercise, clothing and household and beauty products) in an effort to reduce her inflammation and heal her psoriasis. Eventually her research led her to try the anti-oxidant-rich, lightweight and fast-absorbing Prickly Pear Seed Oil in order to stay hydrated and to help heal her skin, and soon thereafter Sunia K skincare was born.

Sunia K. Sabrah Oil Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil is an ultra-lightweight single ingredient antioxidant-rich beauty oil that sinks into the skin effortlessly, and remarkably fast, without leaving behind a greasy residue. It deeply moisturizes the skin, leaves it silky smooth, and it helps to plump fine lines. Additionally, this formula is rich in fatty acids, Omegas 6 and 9, and Vitamins E and K. It deeply nourishes the skin, helps to fade hyperpigmentation and dark circles and helps to reduce inflammation, redness and soothe irritation and relieves itching. Furthermore, it helps to regulate sebum production and is suitable for most types of skin including very sensitive skin types.  Skin is left healthy, balanced and luminous. It should be noted that it neither contains essential oils, nor many hidden artificial fragrances, but instead its light and rather nutty aroma is simply the 100% Opuntia Ficus Indica Oil (Prickly Pear) itself. This oil is very concentrated– therefore a few drops is all that you need for your face, neck and décolleté. When applied to warm, damp and freshly cleansed skin even less oil can be used. Therefore, while expensive, this 1.7 oz. bottle should last a very long time.

Product Claims:

• Hydrates, moisturizes, softens and plumps dry & mature skin
• Prevents and reduces wrinkles, dark spots and sun damage
• Brightens under-eye circles
• Calms overactive sebum glands to reduce acne
• Soothes the itch and irritation of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea
• Reduces redness and hypersensitivity
• Instantly helps skin look and feel fresh, radiant and nourished

According to Sunia K.,

Our light-weight prickly pear seed oil is sustainably sourced from our eco-certified organic grower in Zelfène, Tunisia, known as the ideal climate to grow prickly pears. Sabrah Oil absorbs quickly into your skin, leaving no greasy residue, yet packs so many nutrients into each drop that some skin care experts are calling it ‘Liquid Gold’.

Sabrah Oil is exceptionally high in Vitamins E and K, essential fatty acids, and powerful antioxidants called betalains that nourish, soothe and balance all skin types, especially dry, mature skin and hypersensitive skin. Tunisians love to eat the antioxidant-rich prickly pear fruit to stay healthy and hydrated during the summer. Just as the cactus has evolved to protect itself from dryness and heat, the oil from its seeds offers a similar defense, resulting in skin, hair and nails that are smooth and moisturized.

...Sabrah oil is composed of very small molecules which allows it to penetrate deeply into your skin. It’s specific and rare composition make it unique.You do not need much to get the benefits. Use one to three drops with every facial application and your bottle of 50 ml can last up to 6 months.

You Should Also Know:

• All Sunia K. cosmetic oils are 100% pure and natural, sustainably sourced and packaged, and fairly produced. We have never and will never test products on animals.

• Because prickly pear seeds are only 5% oil, it takes one ton of fruit and ten full days of labor to carefully harvest and slowly cold-press one liter of pure oil— making it the most costly skincare oil to produce but one that contains the most concentrated nutrients for your skin. Only 2-3 drops are needed for each use.

• Your purchase helps to pay a fair salary to women and men who live in an area of Tunisia with over 40% unemployment, reducing poverty, empowering women, and strengthening community.

• Unlike the strong-smelling cheaper brands that are often macerated with cactus flowers or fruits or extracted with chemicals to save costs, Sabrah Oil is 100% pure cold-pressed seed oil. Its light, nutty scent may remind you of sun and fresh-cut hay.

Ingredients: 100% Opuntia Ficus Indica Oil. *Certified Organic, First Cold-Pressed on Demand for Sunia K.

Overall Assessment: I am very impressed by Sunia K. Sabrah 100% Pure and Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil, and can hardly wait to try their Rose Water La Vie En Rose 100% Pure and Organic to use in conjunction with this lovely beauty oil.

$197.00 for 1.7 oz. from Sunia K (Unaffiliated Links)
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2018 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Antonym Certified Organic Highlighting Blush Cheek Crush | Review and Swatches

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

You, my lovely friends, have asked me to feature more natural makeup brands, and I have quite a few new discoveries to share with you. The first that I wanted to share is the gorgeous Antonym Certified Organic Highlighting Blush Cheek Crush, and truth be told I wanted to wear it so badly that I rushed to photograph it so that I could start testing it immediately. Their products are housed in chic sustainable bamboo palettes that feel wonderful to the touch. This blush, however, has a rather large compact that you might find a bit cumbersome for travel, but I assure you it is so attractive that you will likely opt to leave it out on your vanity.

About Antonym,

Antonym organic makeup combines the latest technology with clean ingredients, eco friendly packaging and zero tolerance for animal cruelty. The high performance range strives to offer the best organic makeup, which consists of highlighter, eye shadows, lipstick pencils, mascara, eye pencils, foundations, blushes. Antonym products are free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, petrochemicals or phthalates. Each product is certified by Ecocert ensuring that the ingredients are natural and also serves as quality control standard for manufacturing, packaging and storage. Antonym is 100% cruelty free makeup.

Antonym Certified Organic Highlighting Blush Cheek Crush is a covet-worthy baked highlighting blush in the most stunning clean peachy pink shade. It is very finely milled and it deposits color evenly and glides across the skin effortlessly. It neither settles into fine lines, nor does it emphasize pores, but instead it creates a natural flush and an ethereal luminous glow. This light color is a wonderful blush for complexions that range from very pale to medium shades. Darker complexions may like to use this as a highlighter with a light hand, but it is likely not dark enough to serve as a blush.

According to Antonym,

It’s a two for one to die for, an organic baked blush that gives your cheeks a sweep of gorgeous color, while highlighting and sculpting your cheekbones.

The signature blend of brilliance and color imparts a radiant glow and the weightless texture gives your skin a silky and velvety feel.

The compact is made from eco-friendly bamboo.

I thought that I would compare the color to the original Tom Ford Cheek Color in Frantic Pink for reference. Frantic Pink, which is a gorgeous pinky peach, has more pink undertones compared to Antonym Certified Organic Highlighting Blush Cheek Crush.

Left to Right: Antonym Certified Organic Highlighting Blush Cheek Crush  and Tom Ford Beauty Cheek Color in Frantic Pink.

Ingredients: Mica, Zea Mays Starch/Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Squalane, Octyldodecanol, Hectorite, Aqua/Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Benzyl Alcohol, Lauroyl Lysine, Sorbic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Silica, (+/-) May Contain / Peut Contenir: 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Ci 77007, Ultramarines, Ci 77491/Iron Oxides *Ingredients from Organic Farming

99.09% of total ingredients are from natural origin. 10.98% of the total ingredients are from organic farming. Natural and organic cosmetic certified by Ecocert Greenlife according to ECOCERT

 NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS

Overall Assessment: Absolutely stunning! I highly recommend this beauty!

$42.00 for .22 oz. from Sephora, Revolve, Aha, JCPenney and Neiman Marcus (Affiliate Links).
Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

REN Rose O12 Moisture Defence Oil: The Cure for Dry Winter Skin

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

REN Rose O12 Moisture Defence Oil is such a glorious, rich beauty oil that this is actually the second bottle that I have purchased. It is a very luxurious and deeply moisturizing beauty oil that is comprised of 12 oils that were carefully selected to protect, hydrate and condition dry and dehydrated skin. It leaves skin utterly soft, silky smooth, luminous and it softens the appearance of fine lines. Furthermore, it calms and soothes irritated and inflamed skin, and therefore is a good oil choice after peels and exfoliation.

While I have decidedly normal to combination skin, I find that this beauty oil is perfect for my face during the colder months of the year, and it is perfect for my neck and décolleté all year long. It has an irresistibly beautiful rose aroma that is both elegant and intoxicatingly addictive and calming, but its fragrant bouquet fades soon after it sinks in. While it is a rich oil, it absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn't leave behind a greasy residue– unless, of course, you use too much. It is quite concentrated, and therefore a little goes quite a long way. If you apply it to warm, slightly damp freshly washed skin, then a few  drops is all that you need for your face, neck and décolleté.

According to REN,

This concentrated cocktail of 12 oils locks in moisture to plump the skin, helps restore natural radiance, softness, and elasticity, and protects against free radicals to combat visible signs of premature aging. It's enriched with an array of ingredients that work together to create skin that's hydrated and smooth. Ceramides from carthame oil, phospholipids from soybean, and essential fatty acids from seabuckthorn berry oil and rosehip seed oil help to repair skin. Octacosenoic acid from ximenia oil locks moisture into the skin to restore softness, elasticity, and optimum comfort. Tocotrienols from cranberry seed oil protect the skin against oxidative damage and premature aging.

Directions: Apply to freshly cleansed skin in the morning, before moisturizer.

Key Ingredients and their Attributes:
• Contains Essential fatty acids help to reduce skin inflammation.
• Cranberry seed oil protects the skin against free radicals.
• Jojoba, rice germ and macadamia oils improve the skin's barrier function against moisture loss.

Ingredients: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Macademia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, Myroxylon Pereirae (Balsam Peru) Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Linalool, Citral, Farnesol, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Lipid, Oryzanol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Safflower Glyceride/ Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Tocopherol. Free of Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates.

Overall Assessment: This is such a lovely beauty oil, that I will definitely purchase yet another bottle once I finish this one.

$80.00 for 1.02 oz. from REN, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Space NK, Sephora, John Lewis and Walmart (£42.00) (Affiliate Links).
Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog's Top 5 Picks from African Botanics

Press Sample (Affiliate Links) 

Given my devotion to, and love of, African Botanics it should come as no surprise that it is nearly impossible for me to adhere to the rules of The Beauty Spotlight Team's Favorites post. We decided that each member would select their Top 5 Products from one of their all-time favorite brands, and while I immediately selected African Botanics, it was nearly impossible to narrow my favorite products down to a mere 5. Therefore, in order to achieve this I narrowed down the field by excluding their body care products, and instead focused on their anti-aging skincare products for the face. While I could have easily upped the number from five to all ten of their products for the face, I decided to stick to the rules. African Botanics is a cruelty-free, eco-friendly line that believes in sustainability and  handcrafted, ultra-luxe products made with the highest quality naturally sourced ingredients.

Here are my choices:

 African Botanics Fleurs d’Afrique Intensive Recovery Oil (Reviewed HERE. $250.00 for 1 oz. from African Botanics, Violet Grey, Credo Beauty, Cult Beauty, Need Supply Co. and Net-A-Porter): 

Fleurs d' Afrique is a highly concentrated luxury oil that is lightweight in texture and fast absorbing. The texture, is itself, ultra-silky and it leaves skin feeling like the softest cashmere conceived. It has an utterly intoxicating aroma that is a delectable fusion of the Jasmine Grandiflorum, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Kalahari Melon Seed Oil and Marula Seed Oil. It is a warm and earthy floral that delights the senses, calms the mind and nourishes the skin. This is an oil to be savored, and the tactile and sensory experience is so exquisite that one immediately slows down to really relish the experiential component of this highly effective ultra-luxe beauty oil. 

From its very inception, African Botanics Fleurs d’Afrique Intensive Recovery Oil was envisioned and conceived as a new type of antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory anti-aging oil– the likes of which did not yet exist. Unlike many luxury oils that add water to break down water-soluble actives, African Botanics opted not to dilute the oils, but instead utilized highly potent oil soluble actives. Furthermore, they source rare ingredients of the highest quality from remote locations, and the end result is a staggeringly unique beauty oil that easily rivals the most potent and effective anti-aging serums in the marketplace today

African Botanics Fleurs d’Afrique Intensive Recovery Oil utilizes a visionary delivery system that allows the ingredients to penetrate the skin deeply in order to effectively nourish the skin, to stimulate skin cell renewal, to restore and regenerate skin and to protect and heal. Furthermore, this unique formula softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while fading hyperpigmentation, and it reduces inflammation and redness.

My skin is notably different in that the overall texture is more even in tone and the small areas of light hyperpigmentation have noticeably faded. My fine lines are softened and my skin appears more taut and lifted. Furthermore, it effectively encourages skin cell-turnover to eliminate dull and dry dead skin cells in order to reveal luminous fresh skin.

This oil balances skin, and has regulated my active T-zone while simultaneously fighting redness and inflammation during my monthly hormonal cycle. I also found it remarkable that it healed a hormonal breakout overnight because of its ability to regulate hormonal skin and radically reduce inflammation.

While I do not have particularly enlarged pores, I have noted that mine are now far less noticeable. Additionally, the pores that have always been prone to clogging on my nose and chin no longer appear congested.

African Botanics claims that African Botanics Fleurs d’Afrique Intensive Recovery Oil will leave skin, "luminous, more youthful with increased firmness, elasticity and clarity" and I can attest to the veracity of this statement. This lovely oil leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous unlike anything else that I have tried.

For all skin types, including skin exposed to urban stress, pollution, harsh, dry climates, sun damage and is recommended for hormonal, inflamed, mature, unbalanced and sensitive skin.

Concerns Addressed by African Botanics Fleurs d’Afrique Intensive Recovery Oil:

• First signs of aging: fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness

• Dullness, dry, aging skin with uneven skin tone and pigmentation

• Hormonal and sensitive skin. Inflammation, redness and irritation from breakouts, sun damage and environmental exposure

• Excess oil, acne-prone, seborrheic and unbalanced skin

• Enlarged pores and clogged pores

Ingredients: Citrillus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon)* Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)* Seed Oil, Jasmine Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Oil, Adansonia Digitata*, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Rosa Moschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyseride, Cylindrotheca Fusiformis (Microalgae) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Helichrysum Angustifolium (Immortelle) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Myrothamnus Flabellifolius (Resurrection) Extract, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos)* Extract, Bulbinella Nutens (Bulbinella) Extract, Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo)* Oil, Cyclopia (Honeybush) Extract, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C Ester), Retinol (Vitamin A),  Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract. *Wild-Harvested. Not tested on animals.

African Botanics Marula Neroli Infused Marula Oil (Reviewed HERE. Please note that the bottle above is the old packaging that has recently changed. $120.00 for 1 oz. from African Botanics, Space NK, Violet Grey, Cult Beauty, Credo Beauty, Skin Care RX and Net-A-Porter): 

African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil is a lovely fast absorbing and deeply nourishing lightweight oil that smells divine, and imparts an unbelievable healthy glow. This glistening jewel remains one of my all-time favorite oils because it keeps my skin perfectly balanced, deeply nourished and moisturized, and with an unbelievable luminosity and clarity. It is so nourishing and moisturizing, in fact, that I have been able to forgo an added moisturizing cream at night. I have even used this as my sole moisturizer during the day and my skin looked and felt amazing. I often add a few drops to my foundations and tinted moisturizers and it most definitely enhances their effects.

Marula Oil has been shown to:

• Intensely boosts skin's ability to repair, accelerating recovery.
• Neutralizes free radicals that cause signs of aging.
• Protects skin from harmful environmental agents & provides powerful anti-oxidant protection.
• Restores skin elasticity, firmness & improves skin tone.
• Ideal treatment following facials, provides pre-and-post support for chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
• Excellent moisturizer that can help plump up the skin to reduce & minimize fine lines.
• Rejuvenates and recovers skin’s luminosity, radiance and suppleness.
• Soothes irritation.
• Have anti-pollution, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging benefits.

Essential oil of Neroli has been shown to:

• Regenerates skin cells. Improves suppleness.
• Protects against free radicals & environmental stresses.
• Powerful antioxidants that fill cells with water & nourishment, prolonging their life & vitality.
• Strengthens the skins flora.
• High in Vitamin C – essential for the production of Collagen.
• Stimulates circulation, clears blemishes. Assists in the release of toxins.

Ingredients: Sclerocarya birrea (Marula Essential Oil), Citrus aurantium (Neroli Essential Oil). 

African Botanics Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum (Reviewed HERE. $160.00 for 1 oz. from African Botanics, Net-A-Porter, Violet Grey, Credo Beauty, and Cult Beauty £132.00):

This lightweight, and fast absorbing, gel-like serum is filled with an array of healthy, antioxidant-rich botanicals, highly effective Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes and Peptides, Retinol, Resveratrol and Green Sea Algae– to name but a few of its potent, carefully selected ingredients. African Botanics Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum increases collagen synthesis, accelerates skin cell-turnover, plumps and reduces the appearance of fine lines, improves elasticity and tone, deeply nourishes and hydrates skin and it reveals luminous, youthful skin. 

My skin appears refreshed, luminous, even in texture and skin-tone, lifted and ultra-hydrated. I simply massage a small amount into my face, neck, décolleté and under eye area and go to sleep, and when I awaken my skin appears as though I had a serious rejuvenating, anti-aging facial and peel. This serum is suitable for all skin types, and is non-comedogenic.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Hamamelis Virginia (Witch Hazel) Distillate Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Arnica Cordifolia Extract, Aloe Ferox (Bitter Aloe) Leaf Extract*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Myrothamnus Flabellifolius (Resurrection) Plant Extract, Sambucus Nigra (Elder) Flower Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Pellitory) Extract, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Phytic Acid, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)* Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab)* Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract*, Sorbitol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Hydrocotyl (Centella Asiatica) Gotu Kola Extract, Chamomile Martricaria Extract*, Chlorella Vulgaris (Green Algae) Extract, Lepidium Sativum Sprout (Swiss Garden Cress) Extract, Lecithin, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos Tea) Extract, Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Essential Oil, Eriocephalus Punctulatus (Cape Chamomile)* Essential Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary)* Leaf Essential Oil. *Organic and Wild-Harvested Ingredients. Free of Parabens, preservatives and chemicals.

African Botanics Intense Skin Repair Balm (Reviewed HERE. $160.00 for 2 oz. available from African Botanics, Net-A-Porter, Space NK, Bloomingdale's, Credo Beauty, Cult Beauty and Violet Grey): 

African Botanics Intense Repair Balm is an ultra-luxurious face balm, that is unlike any other beauty balms that you have experienced. It is the perfect ultra-hydrating moisturizer that immediately nourishes and hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation and redness, plumps fine lines, evens skin tone, improves elasticity, firms, and improves overall clarity.  

It is extremely concentrated, therefore a pea size amount is all that you need to use for your  entire face, neck and décolleté. Warmed between the hands or fingers, this balm transforms into an exceedingly luxurious serum that melts into the skin effortlessly. The silky texture coupled with the gorgeous aroma, that is a fusion of Jasmine Grandiflorum, Damask Rose and Bergamot, makes using this luxury balm an extraordinary sensory experience.

This nourishing and healing balm is the perfect year-round moisturizer for people with dry and dehydrated skin, but the benefits of its use are so pronounced that I use it all year long on my normal/combination skin. It soaks in the same way that a beauty oil does, and therefore is not unlike using a beauty oil because it liquefies in the same way once it is warmed up. It soaks in immediately and leaves skin unbelievably soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. If you are left with a greasy residue, then you have neither adequately warmed it up, nor have you used a small enough amount. 

Additionally, this unique formula offers healing benefits that effectively treat skin conditions such as acne (or monthly hormonal breakouts), hyperpigmentation and it softens the appearance of scars. People with sensitive, irritated, and damaged skin will be astonished by the immediate soothing and healing properties that are embodied in this potent healing elixir, and won't ever want to be without this magical balm. This is also a great post-treatment balm that immediately calms down skin that has been subjected to a peel or vigorous exfoliation. I have used it after an at-home peel, and after thorough exfoliation, and my skin immediately feels and looks better. My skin can, at times, be rather sensitive, and this balm has proven to be the perfect soothing and calming remedy for just about every skin irritation that I have experienced. It is a multipurpose balm, that boasts extraordinary efficacy, and just so happens to be the perfect face cream. It delivers moisture and nutrients more effectively than any balm that I have tried, and its texture and aroma are utterly addictive. Once you try it, I suspect that you will become as obsessed with it as I am!

Ingredients: Trichilia Emetica (Cape Mahogany) Mafura Seed Butter*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil*, Aqua (Water), Squalane, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Beeswax, Jasmine Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil*, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Oil, Isoamyl Laurate, Niacinamide, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Citrillus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon) Seed Oil*, Helichrysum Angustifolium (Immortelle/Everlasting) Oil, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Rosa Moschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Pichia (Resveratrol) Ferment Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Bulbinella Nutens (Bulbinella) Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis (Green Rooibos) Tea Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), D-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C Ester), Squalane. *Wild-Harvested, Unrefined and Fair Trade ingredients. Never tested on animals.

African Botanics Marula Résurrection Eye Crème (Reviewed HERE. $95.00 for 0.51 oz. from African Botanics, SpaceNK and Cult Beauty): 

The texture of Résurrection Eye Crème resides somewhere between a healing balm and an eye cream thanks, in part, to the Shea Butter. However, the texture is silky smooth and ultra refined without any of the granular particles typically found in many Shea Butter based products. This lovely eye cream is healing, hydrating and restorative– leaving the delicate eye area looking refreshed, hydrated, lifted and youthful. It is incredibly concentrated– therefore the smallest amount delivers noteworthy results. A small spatula is provided in order to avoid contaminating the contents of the jar, but one needs only to scoop out the tiniest amount for both eyes.

It plumps my fine lines, lifts the skin, and gives the delicate skin of the eye area an unprecedented clarity and luminosity. On those days when I don't get enough sleep and wake up with dark circles, Résurrection Eye Crème works wonders on diminishing those unsightly reminders of fatigue-- not to mention that it makes short work of reducing unwanted under eye puffiness.

This elegant and understated eye cream can (and should) be used day and night because the results are astounding. However, it is the combination of its extraordinary efficacy, healthy potent ingredients, and its superior visceral tactile and subtle aromatherapeutic sensation that take this eye cream where none have gone before.

Skin Concerns Résurrection Eye Crème Addresses:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Stressed, dry, taut, dehydrated skin
• Redness and inflammation
• Dark circles and puffiness

Ingredients: Aqua (De-ionised water), Myrothammus flabellifolia (Resurrection) plant extract, Aspalathus linearis (Green Rooibos) tea extract, Coffee Arabica (Coffee) Essential Oil, Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) Seed Oil**, Arnica Montana (Arnica) Oil, Adansonia digitata (Baobab) Oil, Daucus Carrota (Carrot) Seed Oil, Butyrosperum parkii (Shea Butter), Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop) Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Hamamelis (Witch Hazel), Mel millis (wild flower honey), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Essential Oil, Rose Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Citrus aurantium (Neroli) Essential Oil, Citric Acid (Vitamin C), Acetyl TETRAPEPTIDE-9, Argentum Potabile (Colloidal silver), Palm Glycerine BP, Copernicia cerifera (Carnauba wax), Xantum gum, D-Tocopherol (Vitamin E). ** Certified Organic.

For an in-depth guide to using all of the African Botanics products, please visit Lola's Secret Beauty Blog's African Botanics At-Home Luxury Spa Day.

Overall Assessment: African Botanics truly is in that elusive top 1% of the most extraordinary natural luxury skincare brands. Their visionary approach, brilliant and ultra-potent formulas, unprecedented efficacy and high quality natural ingredients keep their beautiful products forever at the forefront of luxury skincare brands. However, the extent to which their products are a joy to use cannot be sufficiently underscored. Their textures and aromas create an incredible visceral experience that soothes the skin and calms the senses. African Botanics is the holy grail of holy grail skincare lines, and you owe it to yourself to try their gorgeous gems.

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

May Lindstrom Skin The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist | Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

There is no question that May Lindstrom has a magical touch when it comes to high quality natural  skincare. As I have previously noted, May Lindstrom is an exquisite luxury natural skincare line that evokes a powerful visceral reaction when using any of her exquisite handcrafted skincare gems. Each of May's lovingly handmade, ultra-luxe products boast to-die-for textures, otherworldly aromas, and enviable efficacy. The entire line is utterly covet-worthy, and each product is to be savored and enjoyed slowly and meaningfully. 

May Lindstrom Skin The Jasmine Garden Botanical Mist soothes, heals, hydrates skin and gives it an enviable glow. While this elixir of the gods stimulates microcirculation, it also calms inflammation and elevates the mood. The delectable aroma, which is punctuated by Jasmine, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla And Cocoa, is sensuous, otherworldly, and utterly intoxicating.

Suggested use,

Mist generously over freshly cleansed skin before and after oils to seal in hydration and nutrition and again after makeup to set and impart a gorgeous glow. Spritz head to toe all throughout the day to revive and elevate mood, skin and hair.

This gorgeous antioxidant-rich mist is also perfect when you need a little pick-me-up throughout the day, or when it is warm and you seek a refreshing spritz. It can also be used as a post-cleansing toner, and it helps your beauty oils absorb more effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, it offers the perfect way to hydrate your skin while traveling, and if you fly frequently– you will quickly learn that this is an indispensable travel companion!

According to May Lindstrom Skin,

Discover lightness and magic in skin dewy with botanical nectar. Tantalize skin with a fluttering of aromatic kisses, each delicious droplet infusing cells with antioxidant protection, restoring elasticity, stimulating micro-circulation and freeing delicate complexions of redness and inflammation. 

Romance and tempt your exotic spirit with the sensory experience of a lush botanical garden in the tropics, somewhere near a field of cocoa beans drenched in warm rain.

Formulated with Certified Organic and wild harvested ingredients. Beneficial for all skin types including delicate, inflamed skin. 

Features:

• Cruelty-Free
• Vegan
• Gluten-Free
• 100% Natural
• Handmade in the USA

Ingredients: Pure Water (Aqua), *Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Argentum Metallicum (Silver), Jasmine (Jasmine) Grandiflorum Absolute, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, *Rosa Damascena (Rose) Oil, *Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Oil, *Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Co2 Total Essential Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Oil. *Certified Organic

Overall Assessment: Unmitigated perfection. A definite must-have in my collection, and I suspect that you won't want to live without it after your first spritz. A+

$60.00 for 3,38 oz. from May Lindstrom, Barneys New York, Violet Grey, Cult Beauty (£48.00), Beauty Habit, Beautylish, Net-A-Porter, Levert Beauty, Spirit Beauty Lounge, Shen Beauty, Aha Life and The Detox Market (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

African Botanics Marula Regenerating Body Hydro Serum: A Whole New Territory in Luxury Skincare | Review

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

African Botanics is, without question, one of the very best luxury skincare lines on the market today. That Craig and Julia Noik founded it in 2012 speaks volumes about the exquisite quality their visionary line. African Botanics has carved out pride of place on every beauty editor's desk, and with some of the most prestigious international retailers. Everything that the Noik's create is wonderfully executed, and once you try this beautiful line you will remain a faithful devotee.

Their exacting standards prevent them from launching new products until they have reached a state of perfection seldom seen, and their newest products are absolute perfection.

I must preface this review by stating that African Botanics Marula Regenerating Body Hydro Serum is peerless. This groundbreaking product has no equivalent in the marketplace against which it can be compared. This is, in fact, a new breed of antioxidant-rich anti-aging body serums– a truly unprecedented creation of the very highest quality.

African Botanics Marula Regenerating Body Hydro Serum is a highly concentrated lightweight, fast absorbing and non-sticky gel textured serum that, "helps oxygenate, stimulate, tone, soothe and regenerate the skin leaving it fully replenished and protected with restored elasticity, firmness and radiance."

The unique and rich botanical complex is comprised of the essential oils of Cedar, Cypress, Lemon, Peppermint and Thyme that naturally stimulate and tone the skin. The microcirculation produces and creates a refreshing thermal cooling sensation that is uplifting, energizing, and utterly luxurious. Not only does this wondrous elixir create a pronounced sense of well-being, but the scent is a heavenly and indescribably fusion of the essential oils that invites deep inhalation. Furthermore, the tiny refined light-reflecting particles give the skin a subtle ethereal glow that is further enhanced by the essential oils.

African Botanics Marula Regenerating Body Hydro Serum was created to address the needs of skin that is dehydrated, stressed or sagging as a result of diminished elasticity. It is also a perfect product to use on UV exposed skin, and on achy bodies after strenuous workouts.

Directions: "Apply once or twice a day after shower/bath onto damp skin to the areas that need treating (upper arms, stomach, legs, thighs, bust and hips). Massage in with upward circular movements until completely absorbed. May be layered under other bodycare products. Ideal as a post-workout or as a cooling relief for swollen legs, feet and as an aftersun treatment."

After use, in addition to the lovely cooling effects, one immediately notes that skin is deeply hydrated and plumped, healthy and luminous. It soothes and calms irritated skin, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation (sun spots) and protects and rejuvenates skin thanks to the antioxidant-rich anti-aging formula. Furthermore, it retexturizes and smooths cellulite because of the caffeine in conjunction with the carefully selected botanicals– all of which mitigate the orange-peel appearance associated with cellulite. Skin is left, soft, supple, hydrated, even in tone and texture, and utterly luminous.

Key Benefits & Results: Provides a tissue structuring effect, plumping, moisturizing and reinforcing the skin’s elasticity and tone.

TARGETS CELLULITE: "Caffeine works to help break down cellulite and combat the build-up of toxins while stabilizing fluid levels in the body. Buchu Plant, Nettle, Juniper Berry and Elder Blossom target the factors responsible for the orange-peel appearance and help encourage their elimination."

ANTIOXIDANTS: "Resurrection plant, Green Rooibos tea, Honeybush and Aloe Ferox extracts are rich in antioxidants and are known to protect and shield the skin against environmental stresses as well as support the rejuvenation and renewal of skin cells."

SOOTHES & REDUCES SUNSPOTS: "Active compounds in Aloe Ferox, Kigelia and Marula Oil soothe inflamed, dry, irritated skin, relieving itchiness. The combination of active elements in Kigelia (quinones, irridoids, coumarines and flavonoids) and in Green Rooibos Tea extract also reduce sun damage and sunspots. Hehapeptide-3 and Hyaluronic Acid continuously moisturize whilst strengthening the skin’s natural barrier."

Note the beauty and luminosity

 The texture is lightweight, luxurious and fast absorbing.

 A more beautiful and effective body serum, I know not.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Myrothamnus Flabellifolius (Resurrection) Plant Extract, Aloe Ferox (Bitter Aloe) Leaf Extract*, Hamamelis Virginia (Witch Hazel) Distillate Oil, Sambucus Nigra (Elder) Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Sodium PCA, Menthol, Hexapeptide-3, Menta Piperta (Peppermint) Essential Oil, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Barosma Betulina (Buchu) Leaf Oil, Citrus Limonium (Lemon) Essential Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil*, Cedrus Deodora (Cedarwood) Essential Oil, Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry) Essential Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Essential Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Essential Oil, Camelia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Oil*, Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Tea Extract, Cyclopia Genistoides (Honeybush) Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, May Contain ± [CI 77019, CI 77891]. *Organic and Wild-Harvested Ingredients. Never tested on animals.

Overall Assessment: African Botanics is far more than a skincare line, it might more aptly be described as a luxury wellness line. This visionary, family-owned, company creates healthy skincare products that utilize highly effective indigenous ingredients that are responsibly sourced from the Noik's native South Africa. The end result is a carefully curated ultra-luxe line that is healthy, profoundly effective, and a true joy to use. I cannot sufficiently underscore the extent to which African Botanics Marula Regenerating Body Hydro Serum is a brilliant example of what is possible when the Noik's carve out new territory in luxury skincare.

$85.00 for 5.07 oz./150 ml from African Botanics, Net-A-Porter and Cult Beauty £60.00 (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.