Empties Post Volume XV: October 2013 Edition

October was a very good month for finishing up a lot of full-sized products. Truthfully I'm not quite sure how I managed to finish up so many products this month. I was aware that I was getting close on many of the things featured here, but was caught off guard when I hit the last pump on the two My serums and the Dr. Brandt Glow Overnight Resurfacing Serum. Because those three are housed in air-free opaque pump containers I really never knew what was left in the bottles until they simply stopped dispensing product!

The HYD For Men Shave Cream (reviewed here) is a wonderful creamy and moisturizing shave cream that is just lovely to use. While it belonged to my husband, I did dip into it on more than one occasion because I liked it so much! 

The La Roche-Posay Solution Micellaire Physiologique (reviewed here) is a nice cleansing water, but I would prefer it to be completely fragrance free. I still prefer the Koh Gen Do Spa Cleansing Water-- I have yet to find anything that compares to this lovely product!

DermOrganic Daily Hydrating Conditioner with Argan Oil (reviewed here): This is a wonderfully moisturizing conditioner that works wonders on my naturally curly hair. I will definitely be purchasing a replacement bottle.

Michael O'Rourke Rock Your Hair Leave-In Conditioner Weightless Detangler (reviewed here): Don't let the whimsical packaging fool you- this is a highly effective Leave-In Conditioner. I will definitely be purchasing a replacement bottle!

Painted Earth Blueberry Cranberry Oxygen Scrub (reviewed here): This is a very very nice face scrub, and I liked it so much on my face that I tried it on my body (and what a treat that was!).

Dr. Hauschka SPF 30 Sunscreen Cream for Children and Sensitive Skin: This is a nice sunscreen, but it had become quite old (and no doubt had expired) so after one last spin I emptied the last little bit into the garbage and recycled the tube.

Tom Ford Jasmine Rouge Eau de Parfum sample: I am actually quite fond of this scent. It is far too sharp when I first apply it, but once it settles in it is quite lovely.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel (reviewed here): This is a highly effective non-foaming cleanser that is gentle while being highly effective. It removes dead skin cells effortlessly and leaves skin so silky smooth. It is unquestionably one of my Holy Grail cleansers!

Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion (reviewed here): Another hit by Mario Badescu!! This is a gentle alcohol-free toner that has become my very favorite toner. On the rare occasions that I am too tired to wash my face- I saturate a cotton ball with this toner and it removes every trace of makeup (not made for eye makeup removal) and leaves my skin feeling wonderful!

Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream (reviewed here): This is an excellent moisturizing eye cream that is light, quick absorbing, and highly effective! 

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 17: This is very moisturizing oil free moisturizer that is great for combination or oily skin types. 

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula (overview here): This two-step at home peel is amazing. I only have a few packets left, and find this system so effective that I plan to buy the biggest box that they make during Sephora's upcoming F&F or VIB sale!

The Organic Pharmacy Collagen Boost Mask (reviewed here): I think at this point that it has become fairly obvious that I am thoroughly obsessed with everything that I have tried from The Organic Pharmacy, and their Collagen Boost Mask is just as amazing as you might imagine! It tightens, lifts and brightens the skin- giving your face an instant radiance and glow. I love this mask, and often use it as a serum!

Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads: Radical Skincare is utterly amazing (stay tuned- I will be reviewing many products from the line soon). Their Age-Defying Exfoliating pads are highly effective, and brilliantly conceived. One side of the round disk has a rougher texture (but not too rough) to encourage the exfoliation of dead skin cells, and the other side is smooth to whisk away those dead cells and even out the surface of the skin. This is an amazing product.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream: Nice, but I didn't find it particularly unique. 

Armani Maestro Eraser Concealer sample packet: I love this concealer and have a full-size tube. One of these days I will get around to reviewing it. It spreads easily and doesn't cake up or settle into fine lines. The texture is very nice and smooth.

Kiss My Face Cucumber Green Tea Deodorant: Gentle, lovely, effective, and not filled with potentially harmful chemicals. I have replaced this several times, and will continue to buy it!

TATCHA Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (reviewed here): Absolutely divine! This is an amazing cleansing oil. It is so effective at removing every trace of makeup, and it so thoroughly cleanses the skin  that you really don't need to double cleanse. I love TATCHA products!

My Dynamic Lifting Serum (reviewed here): This is a lovely gel-based lifting serum that absorbs quickly and has a definite lifting and firming effect on the skin. A lovely product from an amazing line!

My Skin Recovery Formula (reviewed here): This is an amazing lightweight skin-brightening serum that targets damaged skin to even out skin-tone, restore radiance, promote firmness, and diminishes the appearance of acne scarring, age or sunspots, and wrinkles. This is a wonderfully hardworking serum filled with all sorts of healthy ingredients! A+

Dr. Brandt Glow Overnight Resurfacing Serum with 2% Active Retinol (reviewed here): This is a very nice nighttime retinol based serum, and despite the high percentage of retinol it never caused my skin to peel. I really like this product, but the next retinol-based product that I plan to try is prescription Retin-A because I want to experience the difference between the over-the-counter and prescription versions.

What did you finish, toss, give away, or return in October? Anything that you will repurchase?

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is Featured on the iFabbo Blogger Spotlight!!!!

I am very pleased to tell you that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is featured on the iFabbo Blogger Spotlight here! I am delighted and honored to have been chosen!

HYD For Men: Shave Cream, Buffer Stick & Razor Shield Review! 20% Off for Lola's Readers!

Press Sample 

When I had the opportunity to receive the HYD For Men Shave Cream, Buffer Stick & Razor Shield for my husband to try out- I jumped at the chance. Not only does this mark the very first review not written by me, but it also marks his first blog post! Enjoy!

HYD For Men Shave Cream ($12.99 for 5.07 oz.) "allows your razor to glide effortlessly across your skin, resulting in a comfortable, more precise shave." HYD For Men Shave Cream "hydrates and rejuvenates your skin by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."

Our unique blend of natural oils and moisturizers allows your razor to glide effortlessly across your skin, reducing friction and irritation.Our soothing low lather formula is designed to provide superior coverage while using less shave cream. As a result, your razor will perform better and your blades won’t clog from excess shave cream.

Directions: Wet face with warm water. Apply shave cream. Shave slowly in direction of hair growth. Rinse with cold water to close pores. For an even better shave, apply HYD Razor Shield to blade following each shave. Not recommended for use with a shaving brush.

Ingredients: Aqua (Deionized Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice,Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine,Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Leaf Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Mineral Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Proteins, Hydrolyzed Wheat Proteins, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin-E), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Dimethicone, Sodium Stearate, Citrus Aurantium (Orange) Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Aceteyl Hexapeptide-8, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. 

HYD For Men Buffer Stick ($24.99 for 2 oz.) "Eliminate 50 million barriers to healthy skin with this one-step microdermabrasion treatment. Buffer Stick combines hydration and long-lasting, skin-enriching treatment with professional-quality microdermabrasion." Buffer Stick offers instant results with no pain or irritation, increased absorption of your skin care products and minimizes the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. Add to your grooming routine to hydrate your skin and gently remove dead skin cells while fighting ingrown hairs. Directions: Wet clean face with water. Wet stick, press onto skin and move in circular motion for 30-60 seconds across face. Rinse clean with warm water. Use once per week to start and increase treatment as needed. Do not use more than 3 times per week. Microdermabrasion is strongly discouraged on any person with very sensitive skin, acne or rosacea. Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Aluminum Oxide, Nonyl Nonoxynol-150, Water, Sodium Stearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Ferocactus Wislizenii (Cactus) Extract, Orchis Maculata Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Caffeine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, PVP, Trihydroxystearin, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol.

HYD For Men Razor Shield ($17.99 0.5 oz. 90 uses lasts 3-12 months depending on grooming frequency)."A proprietary formula that coats and protects razor blades, preventing oxidation and calcification to greatly extend razor blade life."Razor Shield creates a liquid barrier, protecting razor blades from the corrosive chemical reactions that dull blades and make shaving uncomfortable. Sharp blades coated in our proprietary blend of natural oils keep your face smooth and revitalized, making for a clean shave. Save your blades. And your face. All while saving money.Directions: Apply directly onto blade after each shave. Store in normal conditions. Complement with HYD Shave Cream for optimal results. Not for use on electric razors.Ingredients:Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice, Petrolatum, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Isopropyl Palmitate, BHT, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree Oil). 

My experience: Ask any man "encouraged" to shave everyday by the traditional convention of his profession and you'll find that we envy the whiskered hipsters who've abandoned the razor. Though excuses why I didn't shave on any given day are plenty, often I just wanted to give my skin a break. Well, I may have just lost my best excuse not to shave. The shaving set from HYD For Men is everything it purports to be, and more. And after 30 plus years of dragging a razor across my face, the razor is now gliding back and forth effortlessly, leaving my skin moisturized and sans stubble. The Shave Cream has a pleasant citrus scent that is not overpowering yet still slightly invigorating.  For those of us that abandoned cologne in college, the mild scent is a plus.  Out of the tube, very little shave cream is needed to achieve coverage. The cream feels more like a post-shower moisturizer than a more traditional slick-feeling shave gel or cream.  The first time I used the shave cream I had not yet applied the razor shield so while the experience was better than average, I had yet to experience a paradigm-shifting shave. The next morning, after my razor had bathed in the Razor Shield, I had an amazing experience. It was as if I had a layer of lubricant on my face that kept the razor off my skin, yet it effortlessly snipped the stubble.  After rinsing the remnants off, my face felt soft and smooth. There were no areas of tightness nor did I experience any of the razor burn I was accustomed to before using this product. The Razor Shield also claims to increase the lifetime of your blade. I use one of the more expensive razors so I am looking forward to not having to continue raiding my 401K as often when I need new blades. Overall, the Shave Cream and Razor Shield have carved out a permanent place in my daily regime. The HYD For Men Buffer Stick is intended to exfoliate the skin, minimize the appearance of dark spots, lines and small scars, and prevent ingrown hairs. Used up to three days a week, it certainly lived up to its billing with respect to exfoliation.  How well it addresses the spots and lines on my chronically sun-kissed face remains to be seen. I used the Buffer Stick after shaving and it definitely made an impact. My skin was fresh looking, albeit a touch pink. I'm informed by others that this means its working! One caveat, if you spend as much time as I do at the beach or in the sun in general, be sure to slather on the sunscreen if you've recently used the Buffer Stick. Overall assessment: In conjunction with the Shave Cream and Razor Shield, the Buffer Stick fills out the trifecta of a new morning routine that gets me out the door with a smile on my face. Available from HYD For Men #HYDForMen www.facebook.com/HYDForMen www.twitter.com/HYDForMen www.pinterest.com/HYDForMenSpecial 20% off your entire purchase with this special link: http://bit.ly/11ARXvI Use Promo Code: SAVE20 Expires 9/01/2013Press Samples from iFabbo. All views expressed are categorically my own. (Link provided by iFabbo). Stock photo courtesy of HYD For Men.Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.