Empties Post Volume XXXIII: May 2015

 Press Samples & Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)

Somehow the stars lined up this month and I managed to finish up lots of products that had either been nearly empty for a while. I also went through a fair number of sample sizes that had been in my travel bag. Truthfully one of the things that gives me the greatest satisfaction in finishing up products, is placing all of those empty containers into my recycle bin. Since we became dedicated to recycling, there has been a marked reduction in what ends up in our garbage can, and a huge increase in what ends up in our recycle can. I have also made an effort to try to buy things with the least amount of extraneous packaging so that I can further reduce what I consume.

1) Keratin Perfect: Perfect Cleanse Shampoo (Reviewed here): I really liked this shampoo a great deal. It was very gentle and non-stripping, and it left my hair hydrated. It will be quite a while before I need to purchase another shampoo, but I would definitely use this again.

2) Taya Amazon White Clay Thickening Whipped Clay (Reviewed here): This definitely adds lots of body and thickness to hair, and is great if you need to add volume to your tresses.

3) Mario Badescu Citrus Body Wash (Reviewed here): I will happily buy this over and over again. This is a thoroughly refreshing and gentle body cleanser with the most delicious citrus scent! I love everything about it!

4) Trader Joe's Lavender & Chamomile Hand Soap is a staple in my household, and I routinely buy it in multiples when I shop at Trader Joe's. The often pungent nature of lavender is tempered by the more mellow chamomile, and the result is a very comforting herbal scent. Not only is it non-stripping, but it is actually very moisturizing! I love this hand soap.

5) Desert Essence Island Mango Hand and Body Lotion (Reviewed here): This is an ultra delicious smelling cream that is thick, rich and very hydrating. I have only ever loved the products that I have used from Desert Essence.

6) Gold Sakura Hinoki Deitanseki Facial Cleansing Foam with Charcoal and Hinoki Oil (Reviewed here): This is a highly concentrated purifying cleanser that produces a rich and heady foam. The charcoal really draws out impurities, and skin is left squeaky clean. It is definitely better suited to combination to oily skin types, and would likely be far too drying for drier skin.

7) Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion (Reviewed here): I am almost incapable of being objective about this toner because I began using it as a teenager. Erno Laszlo was the first high-end skincare line that I used, and therefore it evokes a certain nostalgic response in me. That said, I still think that this is a really great toner, and while it does contain alcohol I do not find it drying.

8) Natracare Cleansing Make-up Removal Wipes (Reviewed here): I really like these wipes, and find them both gentle and effective.

9) Clayspray Hydrate H20 Spray (Reviewed here): This ultra-fine misting spray hydrates and refreshes the skin, and feels wonderful!

10) Clarins UV Plus HP Ecran Multi-Protection SPF 40 (Reviewed here): This remains one of my all-time favorite sunscreens! It is non-whitening, does not interfere with makeup application and wear, and has an SPF 40. I will repurchase this when I need another SPF for my face.

11) Trader Joe's  Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizers & Vitamin E is a go-to in my household, and yet another Trader Joe's product that we buy in multiples. We stash these everywhere! I always keep one in my car, one in my work bag, one in my purse, and anywhere else that I can think of!

12 & 13) Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Hair is a winning combination! I have used Oribe shampoos and conditioners for years, and they continually rank among my very favorites. The Beautiful Haircare line is great for over-processed hair, and while my hair can't be described as that– it is naturally curly and dry so the added moisture that these products provide are much appreciated!

14) Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Conditioner with Mega Bounce is one of the most mind-glowingly effective conditioners that I have ever tried. It is described as, "perfect for reviving, defining and de-frizzing curls; creating sleek, swingy blowouts; and plumping up fine, limp hair for lasting volume." It leaves my hair unbelievably soft, manageable and frizz-free!

15) Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is a really nice nourishing and hydrating moisturizer. It is no-frills, and makes no wild claims, and it does exactly what it's supposed to do.

16) Malin+Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer is a really nice thick and rich, yet oil-free, antioxidant moisturizer for the hands and body. I wouldn't mind having a full size bottle in my bathroom!

17) Radical Skincare Youth Infusion Serum is  lovely serum from one of my favorite skincare lines. I have only used a sample, but that's enough to know that I would love a full-size bottle! It is designed to boost hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines. My skin  looks and feels amazing when I use it.

18) Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs (Reviewed here): What a miraculous exfoliator this is.Skin is left unbelievably velvety soft and supple, and it is more like a gentle microdermabrasion treatment than a simple exfoliating pad. I will use these as long as Dr. Colbert makes them!

19-21) Assorted Samples: Lucky Number 6 for Women, Eslor The Art of Beauty Soothing Refiner & Cleanser and Firming Collagen Day Cream. Like with most sample packets, there just isn't enough product in them to form an opinion.

What did you use up, throw out, give away or return in May? Were there any real duds or winners that you have to report?

Press Samples, Gifts with Purchase and Purchased by me (Affiliate Links)
All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Empties Post Volume XXIII: July 2014 Edition

Given the number of new products that I have been testing, I am actually a touch surprised that I finished up any full-size products in July. That said, most of them needed little use to be finished off. However, that doesn't make tossing the empty containers into the recycle bin any less satisfying. I did pretty well finishing up deluxe samples, and the odds and ends that came in little sample pots. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with my progress-- as if there is actually such a thing--given that I continue to collect more products (full size and sample). Therefore, it might be more apt to suggest that I just reallocate my storage space to accommodate new products as I use up old ones.

Here's what I thought of the products that I finished:

Caress Juicy Escape Body Wash (reviewed here): I really liked this body wash because it smells delicious and does a nice job cleaning the skin without stripping it. I already have a replacement!

Sponge Krema Niktas Night Cream (reviewed here): This is a lovely antioxidant rich anti-aging night cream. It feels amazing on the skin, and it leaves it soft, supple, moisturized and lifted. 

Red Flower Body Wash in Blood Orange: I really do have to buy the full size because the blood orange scent is absolutely amazing-- especially as the aroma bursts forth when combined with warm water.

Vitabath Cupcake Couture Dreamy Pink Frosting Body Wash (discussed here): In a word:
D E L I C I O U S!

Miscellaneous Assorted Samples: Not much to report primarily because each of the samples didn't provide enough product to determine how well they worked, or to form much of an opinion about them.

Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream (reviewed here): This is a wonderfully hydrating and lightweight eye cream, and it feels wonderful on the kin. I find that it provides more than enough moisture for my delicate eye area, and it never causes me to get milia.

Anna Naturals Glowing Naturals Walnut Face & Body Scrub (discussed here): This is a nice scrub, but I didn't have enough in this sample pot to have much else to say about it. I only tried it on my body, and it did leave it smooth and moisturized. I wouldn't mind having a full size jar!

Naturalis Cose di Natura Aloe Vera Shampoo and Conditioner: They seemed like nice products, but once again the samples didn't last long enough for me to be able to really say how well they worked on my naturally curly hair.

TATCHA Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (reviewed here): This is an unbelievably wonderful cleansing oil! It is light in feel and weight, and once you add a touch of water it emulsifies and effortlessly removes every bit of makeup and dirt. Skin is left more soft and smooth than you can imagine. It can be used as a pre-cleanser or a cleanser.

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Nourishing Body Lotion (discussed here): This is a nice lotion and it smells good. The texture is light and hydrating, and it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth with a light pleasant fragrance.

Left to Right: Gold Sakura Beauty Bar and Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap.

I took pictures of both soaps at the beginning of the month before they were used up since I long ago tossed their packages. I managed to finally use up both bars completely by the end of the month, and largely was able to do so because I kept them in the shower.

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap (reviewed here): I started using this soap when I was 17 years old, and used it for quite a few years. My skincare wonder-lust eventually led me in lots of other directions, but I really wanted to try it again. I was quite pleased with the results-- it's an exfoliating soap that is best when used in conjunction with the Erno Laszlo Phelityl Oil.

Gold Sakura Beauty Bar from the Hinoki Kurocha Line (reviewed here): This is a really interesting soap that one places into a little plastic net to activate a very dense lather once a little water is introduced. It leaves skin squeaky-clean, and is probably best suited for combination to oily skin types.

What did you use up, give away, return, or toss in July? Do tell!

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Empties Post Volume XVII: January 2014 Edition

January proved to be the month of moisturizing for me, and you can see by my empties that I managed to finish up three full-size creams/lotions. I slathered lotions, creams and oils on my body all month long because of the cooler weather (and the big shifts from warm days to cold nights). I also used up lots of haircare samples that were crowding up my samples drawer.

The Highlights:

Kai Body Butter (reviewed here): I am still wildly in love with this delightful scent. Their Body Butter is so rich and emollient that it works wonders on dry winter skin while the scent evokes tropical days frolicking in the sun. You don't even need to ask, I am already working on another jar!

Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter (reviewed here): I love this rich and thick coconut scented body butter. I kept this jar on my desk and dutifully used it every day, and it kept dry winter skin at bay.

Surya Brasil Amazonia Preciosa Hand & Body Lotion (reviewed here): Amazonia Preciosa Hand & Body Lotion is a lovely lightweight lotion that sinks in quickly but leaves skin soft, silky and unmistakably moisturized. I used this down to the very last drop!

Tom's of Maine Daily Moisture Beauty Bar with Olive Oil and Vitamin E (reviewed here): This is a super hydrating beauty bar that leaves skin very soft, silky and hydrated. I even used it for shaving since it was gentle and moisturizing enough to nourish the skin while creamy enough to get a close shave.

DermOrganic Daily Conditioning Shampoo (reviewed here): This sulfate-free formula is gentle and very conditioning. It does not strip the hair in the least bit, but it does have a lovely lather. I loved this shampoo right to the bottom of the bottle.

Gold Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam Shirasu Line (reviewed here): You will notice that this tube is a bit tattered courtesy of Lucy who managed to bring it back to her hoarder's lair to chew on for a while before I found and reclaimed it! This is a deeply cleansing facial wash that leaves skin baby soft. It's lovely used alone, but extraordinary when paired with a Clarisonic.

Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion (reviewed here): This is my very favorite toner because it is so effective and gentle, and it contains no alcohol.

Dr. Sebagh Eye Primer Lift Eye Contour Gel: I normally wouldn't even bother to comment on a single small sample packet, but I really liked this eye gel a lot. It is thicker gel that deeply moisturizes the delicate eye area. I want to get another couple of packets to try it a while longer, but I was impressed enough that I am contemplating its purchase.

Radical Skincare Peptide Infused Antioxidant Serum (review forthcoming): I am just about ready to review this lovely serum, and have already made quite a dent in my full size bottle. I can say without reservation that it is extraordinary.

Radical Skincare Anti-Aging Replenishing Extreme Moisture (review forthcoming): I covet my big jar of this amazing face cream. It is, without question, my very favorite cream to date. Radical Skincare is a true game changer, and if they make it I will use it!

Hair samples: Sachajuan, Bumble and Bumble, Rahua, Philip B: I didn't use any of these products long enough to determine how effective they were long term-- therefore I don't really have much to say about them.

What did you use, toss, give away or return in January?

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

By Request: My Stash of Facial Cleansers

I received a request to reveal my entire skincare stash, but that would make for one mighty overwhelming post to contemplate. Therefore, I decided the only sane way to tackle this task was to break it into types of products. As a result of this choice, logic dictated that I do so in the order that I would use the products- thus I began with my cleansers. 

I tend to rotate cleansers based upon the needs of my skin at any given moment. The exception is when I am testing out new products because one has to use them for an uninterrupted and sustained period of time in order to determine their efficacy.

1) Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (review forthcoming). Best cleansing oil that I have tried!

2) *Relogy Dual Action Treatment Foam (reviewed here). Very effective and gentle!

3) *Coral Actives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser (reviewed here). You had me at Retinol! Wonderful!

4) Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser (reviewed here). Nice creamy lather!

5) Sponge- Gel Katharistiko (reviewed here). One of the best cleansers I have ever used!

6) *vbeauté Evidence Eraser (reviewed here). Wonderfully effective and so gentle.

7) Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser (review forthcoming). I really like this cleanser. 

8) *Gold Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam Shirasu Line (reviewed here). Leaves you squeaky clean!

9) *Gold Sakura Hinoki Deitanseki Facial Cleansing Foam with Charcoal and Hinoki Oil (reviewed here). A lovely deep cleaning cleanser.

10) Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (review forthcoming). Unquestionably the best of the best!

11) *Gold Sakura Beauty Bar Soap from the Hinoki Kurocha Line (reviewed here). Unique and lovely cleansing experience.

12) Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap (reviewed here). Tried and true. It has fine exfoliating granules that leaves your skin silky smooth!

While cleansing waters aren't cleansers in the traditional sense, they are nonetheless cleansers of sorts- and thus warranted inclusion.

13) Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water (reviewed here). An absolute staple, and my very favorite cleansing water of all time!

14) La Roche-Posay Solution Micellaire Physiologique (reviewed here). A very nice cleansing water.

*Denotes Press Samples

Gold Sakura Facial Mask Shirasu Line- Review

Gold Sakura Facial Mask from the Shirasu Line is a really unusual treatment mask in that it looks and feels a bit like a typical purifying clay mask- yet it is also quite moisturizing and softening. I have never imagined it possible for these opposing properties to exist in a single mask. In fact, quite often after applying a clay mask, I am forced to load up of moisture because clay masks are most often quite drying (even on my combination skin). Facial Mask from the Shirasu Line is really a whole different breed of facial masks. While it has the purifying properties of a clay mask- it also has the properties of a moisture mask- making in a bit of a two in one product. After using it I immediately notice that my pores are clean and that my skin is remarkably soft, supple, and hydrated. My complexion is left positively radiant, glowing and hydrated after each application of this lovely mask. This product has undoubtedly made the cut, and has earned a spot in my weekly beauty routine!

Highlights
– Smooth and creamy texture; Easy application; Olive fruit oil, vegetable Glycerin and Squalane, Shirasu Volcanic ash, Aloe extract, Pearl protein, Royal jelly extract, Collagen, Soybean seed extract and Vitamin E.
Action 
– Softens skin, enriches with minerals, removes impurities, helps to improve skin complexion.
Results
– Moisturized, silky, and rejuvenated skin. Even, luminous complexion.

According to Gold Sakura, "Olive fruit oil, Glycerin and Squalane soften skin. Pearl protein, Royal jelly extract, Collagen, Soybean seed extract help to regenerate skin and improve complexion. Aloe leaf extract moisturizes. Bentonite and Kaolin clays remove impurities. Volcanic ash provides deep pore cleansing."

Gold Sakura suggests that it is suitable for all types of skin, and that it can be used 3 to 4 times a week.

Directions:
-Apply the facial mask to clean skin
-Smooth over the face, being careful to avoid your eyes and lips
-Leave for 5-10 min
-Before the mask gets dry, rinse thoroughly

Warnings: Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Do not use on areas of broken, wounded, or irritated skin. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Ingredients: Water, bentonite, volcanic ash, trehalose,  olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, cethyl alcohol, ethylhexyl palmitate, stearic acid, glycerin, butylenes glycol, glyceryl stearate SE, squalane, caprylic capric triglyceride, dextrin, titanium dioxide, kaolin, retinyl palmitate, tocopherol, royal jelly extract, aloe arborescens leaf extract, hydrolyzed conchiolin protein, hydrolyzed collagen, polyquaternium-51, glycine soja (soybean) seed extract, peg-150 stearate, xanthan gum, rapeseed (brassica compestris) oil, alcohol, phenoxyethanol.

Overall assessment: Another big winner from Gold Sakura! I love this mask- it is a kinder and gentler version of a clay purifying mask, but is so much more than that. It is one of the most unique masks that I have used in years. This one earns an A+, and will remain in my beauty arsenal!

3.5 oz $22.00 from Gold Sakura.
PR Sample send for consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own. Stock photo courtesy of Gold Sakura.

Gold Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam Shirasu Line Review

Gold Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam from the Shirasu Line is a really lovely and unusual cleanser. The volcanic ash lends itself to deep cleansing and the removal of impurities all the while the Yoshino Cherry extract moisturizes the skin so as not to leave it stripped. It is both powerful and gentle, and these opposing forces are beautifully united in one highly effective cleanser. Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam also comes with a special net to create a very rich lather- as I have already shown you with their Beauty Bar from the Hinoki Kurocha Line. I find that I generally prefer using the Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam without the net and the Beauty Bar with the net, but it really depends upon my mood because all of the variations are highly effective. 

The Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam leaves my skin deeply cleansed to the extent that congested pores seem to be quickly cleared of debris and sebum. My skin is left nearly squeaky clean, but thanks to the moisturizing properties of the Yoshino Cherry my face is left moisturized rather than stripped and taut. My skin is left baby bottom soft and thoroughly cleansed. 

Details:
1) Volcanic ash and Yoshino cherry (Sakura) extract; Smooth and creamy texture; Rich lather and pleasant aroma.
2) Gently cleanses pores and removes impurities without irritating skin; Moisturizes and enriches with minerals and vitamins.
3) Suitable for all skin types
4) Comes with a special mesh bag create lavish foam.
5) Highly concentrated, and therefore very economical. Only a very small amount needed to create rich lather.
6) Does not cause a taut feeling skin.
7) Made in Japan

How it works: "Volcanic ash deep-cleans pores and removes impurities while enriching skin with essential minerals. Sakura extract moisturizes the skin. Blackstrap powder nourishes your skin with minerals and vitamins. Gentian root extract provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Paeonia Albiflora root extract helps maintain skin health. Plantago major seed extract soothes skin. Rich lather creates a cushion between your skin and hands to protect your skin from unnecessary rubbing."

Directions:

-Squeeze a small amount (size of a pearl) in the palms of the hands

-Add warm or cold water and work up a thick, rich lather using the enclosed net (or without the net)

-Apply lather onto the face with gentle massage strokes

-Rinse thoroughly

Warnings: Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Do not use on areas of broken, wounded, or irritated skin. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Ingredients: Water, myristic acid, glycerin, stearic acid, potassium hydroxide, cocamidopropyl betaine, dipropylene glycol, volcanic ash, glycol distearate, palmitic acid, lauric acid, black strap powder, polysorbate 60, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, gentiana lutea root extract, paeonia albiflora root extract, plantago major seed extract, prunus yedoensis leaf extract, butylene glycol, pentasodium pentetate, titanium dioxide, phenoxyethanol.

Overall assessment: A very lovely cleanser, indeed! It cleans thoroughly and deeply while simultaneously moisturizing the skin- which is a lovely combination of attributes to be found in a single cleanser. You will be shocked by how soft and supple it leaves your skin. It is extraordinarily concentrated- so one tube is bound to last you a good long time. I highly recommend it!

3.5 oz. $18.50 from Gold Sakura.
PR sample sent for consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Gold Sakura- Beauty Bar Soap from the Hinoki Kurocha Line- Review

Gold Sakura has an extraordinary range of skincare products, and their Beauty Bar Soap from their Hinoki Kurocha line is a definite stand-out product. Not only is this a highly effective cleanser, but using it is a unique and delightful experience. You simply place the bar into the provided plastic mesh bag, add a touch of water to activate the soap, and rub it until the heady foam forms. The soap is very concentrated- so you will only need the smallest amount to thoroughly clean your skin. I found that my combination skin was thoroughly cleansed (almost squeaky clean, but not stripped), soft and supple to the touch, and looked utterly fantastic. It really is so much fun to use that I find myself actually wanting to wash my face even when I don't need to!

According to Gold Sakura, "Froth like foam creates a silky cushion between your skin and hands to avoid unnecessary rubbing. Bamboo charcoal powder helps deep clean pores, absorbing impurities and excess oils. Sea mud gently cleanses skin and delivers nourishing minerals. Organically cultivated tea leaves help even out skin tone. 6 moisturizing ingredients (collagen, coenzyme Q10, ceracute, ceramide, hot spring water, lipidure and hyaluronic acid) help provide complete moisturizing and increase skin elasticity. Refreshing and soothing scent of Hinoki cypress oil reminds of walks in the forest and can boost your mood."

Details:

1) “Marshmallow”froth-like foam with luxurious beautifying ingredients. 

2) It has a natural Hinoki cypress scent. 

3) Key ingredients include: organically cultivated Green tea leaves, Sea Mud, Bamboo Charcoal, Coenzyme Q10, and Collagen.

2) Helps deep clean pores, even out skin tone, and provide moisturizing to increase skin elasticity. The results are soft, moisturized, radiant skin.

3) Comes with a special mesh bag to increase foam.

4) Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

5) Made in Japan

Ingredients: Soap base, water, palm fatty acid, palm core fatty acid, tea leaves, charcoal, Tanakura clay, hot spring water, hydrolysis collagen, hyaluronic acid Na, ubiquinone, lecithin, (methacrylic acid glyceric acid ethyl/ methacrylic stearyl) copolymer, ceramide 1, ceramide 3, ceramide 6II, polyquaternium-51, polyquaternium-7, olive oil PEG-7, glycerol, PEG-60 hydrogenation castor oil, phytosphingosine, cholesterol, PPG-9 diglyceryl, etidoronic acid, etidoronic acid 4Na, potassium chloride, laurol lactic acid Na, carbomer, xanthangum, PEG-65M ,BG EDTA-4Na, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, copper chlorophyllin Na.

Overall assessment: An amazing quality soap that is so lovely to use that you will want to wash your face even when you don't need to! This is a soap that is definitely worth trying out!

2.8 oz. bar $22.00 special price (regular price $27.00). From Gold Sakura.
PR sample for consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own. Stock photo courtesy of Gold Sakura.

Gold Sakura Hinoki Deitanseki Facial Cleansing Foam with Charcoal and Hinoki Oil- Review

Gold Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam from the Hinoki Deitanseki Line is a lovely creamy foam cleanser that deeply cleans the skin, but leaves it soft and supple--not stripped or taut. Facial Cleansing Foam gently absorbs impurities which helps to improve the complexion, and the result is clean and sumptuously soft skin.

Product features:
-Light and silky consistency
-Creamy foam
-Beautiful silver color
-Natural Hinoki cypress scent
-Wood charcoal micro particles
-Softening benefits of Glycerin and Olive fruit oil
-Economical – a small amount needed to create rich lather.
-Daily use – great for everyday cleansing and light make-up removal.
-Great Travel Companion – perfect size and convenient packaging.

According to Gold Sakura, "Charcoal works like a magnet, drawing out and absorbing impurities to leave your skin clean and rejuvenated. Vegetable Glycerin helps to maintain skin’s moisture balance and makes skin soft. Silky, rich lather forms a cushion between your skin and hands to avoid unnecessary rubbing. Refreshing and soothing scent of Hinoki cypress oil reminds of walks in the forest and can boost your mood."

This is a very concentrated cleanser- it really only takes the smallest amount in order to build a lovely rich lather. This cleanser is also a fantastic companion to my beloved Clarisonic- this combination really means business when it comes to removing all traces of makeup and grime buildup from being out and about. My combination skin really feels fantastic and unbelievably clean when I use this cleanser. The Kaolin clay really does wonders for drawing out the impurities, but it remains remarkably gentle. However, the Kaolin may cause this cleanser to be a bit too active for people with dry and very dry skin to use it twice daily.

Directions: Using lukewarm water, work into a rich lather in your palms. Wash face with this luxurious rich lather and then rinse thoroughly.

Ingredients: Myristic acid, water, glycerin, potassium hydroxide, stearic acid, PEG-30, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, palm kernel amide DEA, glyceryl stearate, polysorbate 60, maltitol, lauric acid, oliea europaea fruit oil, charcoal powder, fragrance (Hinoki oil), BHT, pentasodium pentetate, methylparaben, propylparaben, kaolin (white clay), bentonite.

Overall assessment: What a wonderful surprise! This is a really lovely cleanser that is fantastic used alone or with a Clarisonic. Gold Sakura makes fantastic products, and I can hardly wait to introduce you to more of their treasures! 

Special price: $13.50 (regularly $16.50) from Gold Sakura. Made in Japan.
PR Sample sent for consideration, all views expressed are categorically my own.