Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)
It is safe to say, that one of things that I have learned about working from home during the pandemic is that I am really motivated to use up open products before they expire, or start to spoil. I actually surprised myself in March because I did better than I expected. I hope that I am able to finish up as many opened products in April, but I am not sure that will happen unless I find lots of nearly finished open products.
African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil ($120.00 for 1 oz from African Botanics, Dermstore, Credo Beauty, Bluemercury and Net-A-Porter): Neroli Infused Marula Oil is a lovely fast absorbing and deeply nourishing lightweight oil that smells divine, and imparts an unbelievable healthy glow. African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil 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 have even been adding a few drops to my foundations and tinted moisturizers and it most definitely enhances their effects. Purchase Again? This is an old bottle that I had nearly finished while I had a nw bottle already open. Thankfully the last bits were still good so I finished it up! This is one of my all-time favorite luxury face oils.
African Botanics Rose Treatment Essence ($160.00 for 1.7 oz./50 ml.from African Botanics, Credo Beauty and Net-A-Porter): is a truly unique multipurpose treatment gel that transforms from a gel into a aromatic Rosa Centifolia infused liquid that immediately melts into the skin. Formulated to tone, temporarily diminish the appearance of enlarged pores, hydrate, brighten, detoxify and refine the skin– this magical vitamin and mineral infused antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory elixir is nourishing, moisturizing, refreshing, healing and calming. My skin feels remarkably soft, supple, toned, hydrated and luminous after use, and it pairs perfectly with any of my face oils for that matter. I simply apply this in the morning and evening to freshly cleansed skin before my beauty oil, and let it work its magic.
If you have a tendency to breakout, or have sensitive skin and inflammation, then this gentle healing gel is worthy of your attention. I have noticed such a difference in the appearance of my skin since I started using this gem. While my skin isn't generally prone to serious irritation and inflammation, it can be sensitive at times, and this gel really makes a big difference. Since I test a lot of skincare products, there are times that I have to endure product related dermatitis when my skin has a reaction to certain products, and this works wonders to heal my skin. What I noted was immediate relief, a swift reduction in the inflammation and itch, and a quick return to balanced happy skin. Purchase Again? I need to see if I have another bottle in my drawer, but will definitely want this again if I don't!
African Botanics Marula Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum ($160.00 for 1 oz./30ml. from African Botanics, Credo Beauty and Cult Beauty): The 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 their potent, carefully selected ingredients. This 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. Purchase Again? I just opened another bottle!
Tatcha The Indigo Cream ($85.00 for 1.7 oz. from TATCHA, Sephora and Violet Grey): If you have ultra sensitive skin, Eczema, or Rosacea, and you seek a highly effective anti-aging cream that will soothe, rather than further irritate your skin, then TATCHA has created the perfect cream to calm, heal and lift your skin. This healing cream made with Japanese Indigo and 3% Colloidal Oatmeal– both of which are highly effective ingredients that soothe, calm and comfort irritated and volatile skin. Furthermore, the ingredients chosen are highly effective for nourishing and moisturizing while simultaneously lifting and firming the skin. While I neither have eczema, nor rosacea– my skin can become sensitive and irritated at times. Periodically, while testing out new products, my skin becomes irritated and reactive, and one of the hallmarks of this type of skin eruption is the appearance of product related dermatitis. When this occurs I develop unsightly (at least to me) small patches of dry skin that peel and flake. While this is a good barometer for products, or ingredients, to avoid it is unpleasant and difficult to treat– particularly if you want to avoid pharmaceutical medicines, as do I. This cream immediately leaves irritated skin soothed, calmed and comfortable. Purchase Again? I just opened another jar! 
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil ($9.80-$96.00 for 1.69 oz to 15.22 oz. Shu Uemura USA): This ultra-luxe rich and emollient cleansing oil has a luscious lightweight consistency that leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and luxuriously hydrated. While it can be used by all skin types, I suspect that it will be coveted by people with normal to dry skin. When water is introduced, this cleansing oil also transforms into a rich and creamy milky emulsion that gently removes every trace of dirt and makeup without ever stripping the skin, and it leaves skin velvety soft and smooth without leaving behind a greasy residue. It has a warm and creamy aroma that I find intoxicatingly delicious. Purchase Again? Not in the near future, because I have numerous cleansing oils to use first.
Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil ($32.00 for 6.7 oz. from Origins, Macy's, Amazon, John Lewis and Selfridges (Affiliate Links).not only highly effective, but as the name suggests it is also very gentle, and is even perfectly suited for sensitive skin types. Furthermore, it is exceedingly pleasant to use, and the mild herbal and citrus scent is lovely, but is neither overpowering, nor is it pungent. In fact, the scent fades so quickly that it becomes barely detectable. The oil, itself, is lightweight and easy to use. After massaging it into dry skin, simply add a touch of warm water to your hands and the oil quickly transforms into a milky emulsion that removes every trace of makeup and dirt, and it washes away completely leaving behind no oily residue. Skin is left scrumptiously soft, supple and moisturized. Purchase Again? Definitely. 
Colbert MD Tone Control Facial Disks ($80.00 for 20 disks from Dermstore and Olivela): Most of the solution soaked exfoliating pads that I have used are thin and double sided, Colbert MD has broken this mold by opting for a very plush and thick single-sided pad. The generously saturated pre-moistened disks include a small tab on the back that makes holding them very easy, and it allows one to maintain effortless control. While I thought that I had achieved exfoliating pad nirvana with the Colbert MD Intensify Facial Disks, I discovered that Colbert MD Tone Control Facial Disks are a whole different level of paradigm shifting exfoliating pads. Not only do these pre-moistened disks provide effective, and gentle, microdermabrasion from the surface texture of the pad, but they also encourage cell turnover that aids in the promotion of collagen production. Skin, unobstructed by a proliferation of dead skin cells, is then able to effortlessly and effectively absorb skincare products. The end result is unbelievably silky soft, smooth, supple and luminous skin. Additionally, Colbert MD Tone Control Facial Disks are saturated with ingredients that even out skin tone, lighten dark spots (hyperpigmentation), soothe redness and brighten the complexion. Repurchase? I have an unopened box ready to go! 
Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask ($38.00 for 6 masks from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom, SkinStore, LOOKFANTASTIC, Violet Grey and Saks Fifth Avenue): I received mine as a gift with purchase, and I am so glad that I did because I wouldn't have likely tried them otherwise. Described as a multitasking eye mask infused in a serum of Vitamin B3, Algae Extract and Amino Acids, this mask promises to soften the appearance of dark circles, reduce under eye puffiness and soften the appearance of fine lines. In addition to those wonderful attributes, I also found that this eye mask refreshed my skin and left it soft, smooth, hydrated and radiant. I am very pleased with the results, and am thrilled that this wonderful gel mask made its way into my over-Zoomed life! Purchase Again? I have another pack of two sets that I am about to use. I definitely like these enough to purchase more! 
I have some fine lines, but it was really the need to treat dark circles and under eye puffiness that I have sought to treat. While I would neither characterize my dark circles and under eye puffiness as extreme, by any means, they both occur whenever I don't get enough sleep (which is quite often). I work very long hours, sit in Los Angeles traffic commuting for what seems like incalculable amounts of time on a daily basis, and often continue to work when I finally return home. The outcome is that I often don't get enough sleep, and when that happens I often wake up with dark circles and under eye puffiness, and therefore this eye cream and this Ridoki Massage Applicator Massage Tool seemed like a justifiable expense to me. Purchase Again? Maybe, but I have lots of other lip products to use first.VENeffect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment ($85.00 for 0.34 oz./10ml. from VENeffect and Space NK): When your lip balm obsession has reached a fever pitch, and you seek a powerhouse antioxidant rich anti-aging lip product that is less a balm and more of a cream-based treatment, then it is time to enter the fold of VENeffect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment. The consistency of this elegant treatment feels more like a lightweight eye cream than a balm, but it works faster and more effectively than a balm. It sinks into the lips and the surrounding skin quickly leaving behind a thin veil of moisture. It imparts immediate hydration while it gently plumps and smooths the skin. Additionally, if you have vertical lines around your lips, into which lipsticks bleed, it is worthy to note that VENeffect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment is formulated to soften, reduce and plump them. Furthermore, this potent little pot serves as a wonderful lipstick base that enhances the longevity of of wear-time and prevents lipstick from bleeding. Purchase Again? I have another little pot in use already!
By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Balm ($60.00 for oz. from Bloomingdales, Space NK, Nordstrom, Violet Grey, Dermstore and Cult Beauty): I love this lip balm and it does wonders for my lips when they are very chapped. Baume de Rose has a rather thick consistency that thoroughly coats the lips without feeling heavy or uncomfortable. It is not sticky in the least bit, and has the perfect amount of cushion. It has the quintessential By Terry rose scent, which I find delightful, but may be problematic to those who avoid scented lip products. I often use it at night and when I wake up my lips feel like velvet. Purchase Again? I have a full size pot open already.
GODAI SOAP SKY 空 (CALMING BAR SOAP) $8.95 for Single Godai Soaps (4 oz.): "The Sky, or void, element represents a higher conscious state of peace and calm, and Godai’s 空 Sky Bar Soap & Shampoo draws from this element with a calming blend of lavender oil, eucalyptus, and orange oil to soothe irritation by reducing inflammation and dryness." One might think that the combination of lavender, eucalyptus and orange might be too sharp and assertive, and yet this blend is smooth, warm and comforting. Purchase Again?: I have a few more of their bars that I am currently using.
GODAI SOAP WATER 水 (MOISTURIZING BAR SOAP) $8.95 for Single Godai Soaps (4 oz.): "Water is the element that is necessary to all life on Earth, and Godai’s 水 Water Bar Soap & Shampoo mirror this element through a hydrating mix of organic cocoa butter, shea butter, and white clay to provide a smoother, healthier complexion." The sweet orange, tangerine and ylang ylang oils create a rich, smooth, and creamy aroma that is punctuated by the citrus notes that are neither too assertive, nor in the least bit cloying. Purchase Again? I have a few more of their bars that I am currently using.
Sibu Sea Berry Therapy Cleansing Face & Body Bar ($7.95 for a 3.5 oz. bar from Sibu and Amazon): This hydrating face and body bar puts forth a rich and creamy lather, and yet it is not in the least bit stripping to the skin. It also works wonders for shaving legs and underarms because of its delectable lather, and its intoxicating citrus aroma is uplifting and invigorating. Purchase Again? I liked this soap a lot, but I have too many bars of soap to purchase any for the foreseeable future! 
Baylis & Harding Lemongrass & Ginger Hand Wash ($5.99 for 16.9 oz. from Target). I have said it before, and it bears repeating, that during the pandemic this much hand washing is more enjoyable when I use lovely soap. Everything about this made in the UK hand wash is ultra-luxe– except for the very affordable price tag. It has a lovely rich lather, a delectable lemongrass and ginger scent, and it thoroughly cleans without stripping the skin. Furthermore, their company believes and practices sustainability and their products are cruelty-free and vegan. Purchase Again? I just opened up another bottle, and I will definitely purchase more!
Farmhouse Fresh Maypop Steeped Milk Lotion ( $31.00 for 8 oz. glass bottle from Farmhouse Fresh): is an infused milk that is blended into the lotion, and the result is a rich and creamy moisturizer that leaves the skin soft, smooth, supple, nourished and scented with a delectable passion fruit aroma. While it is very moisturizing, and perfectly suited for dry skin, it does sink in very quickly, and it does so without leaving behind a greasy residue. The aroma, which is the perfect embodiment of summer, is hypnotic and intoxicatingly beautiful. Purchase Again? I have too many body lotions to purchase any for quite a while, but I really did thoroughly enjoy this on! 
By Terry Baume de Rose Hand Cream ($50.00 for 75 grams or 2.62 oz. from By Terry, Space NK, Dermstore, Bluemercury, Amazon, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's): If you love high quality delectable rose scented body products, then be prepared to fall madly in love! This is an ultra-luxe, very moisturizing hand cream with the most refined and elegant rose aroma. It has done wonders for my over-washed and over-sanitized hands and cuticles, and it leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple and a little bit luminous. While it is thick and emollient, it is fast absorbing and leaves behind no greasy residue, whatsoever. However, the delectable veil of fragrance is so hypnotic and delightful that I simply can't stop using this treasure! Purchase Again? I have another deluxe sample tube open, and I will reassess after I finish it! To date, this is one of my very favorite hand creams.
L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream ($24.00 for 2.6 oz.from L'Occitane, Sephora and Nordstrom): This light-medium weight hand cream is utterly luxurious in its smooth and creamy texture, and its delightful lavender scent. The formula is fast absorbing and fast-acting– it immediately renders hands soft, supple and ultra-hydrated. The lavender aroma is neither cloying, nor in the least bit pungent. Instead, it leaves a thin veil of scent close to the skin, and it fades away altogether after a couple of hours. I have a tube this in my work bag, and in my purse, and I delight in using it every single day! Purchase Again? YES!!
Vitabrid C¹² Scalp Shampoo ($32.00 for 10 oz. from Vitabrid C¹²): is formulated to improve scalp and hair health by gently cleansing the hair and scalp while moisturizing and infusing them with antioxidant-rich vitamins. It thoroughly and effectively cleanses without stripping the skin and hair, and leaves both moisturized without leaving behind any sort of residue. I noted an increase in the volume of my hair, and it is decidedly softer and smoother after use. I should note that it does have a light, clean aroma, but it is neither cloying, nor in the long-lasting. Purchase Again? I just opened a new bottle!
Vitabrid C¹² Hair Tonic Set ($80.00 for Powder: 0.05 oz/1.5g. and Tonic: 3.7 fl oz/110ml. from Vitabrid C¹²): You simply mix all of the powder into the tonic and give it a good shake before each use. It has a light cooling effect on the scalp and hair appears healthier and fuller after use. After using the tonic and shampoo exclusively for the last few months, I have definitely noticed less hair in my drain and my hair brush. I suspect the combination of a bit less stress overall and these two products have been the reason why. Purchase Again? I just opened a new bottle!
Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Multi-Purpose All-in-Oil Milk Nourishing and Shaping Leave-In Spray ($46.00 for 3.3 oz. from Shu Uemura Art of Hair): an ingenious multitasking spray that makes hair manageable while detangling, controlling frizz, softening, nourishing and hydrating. It can be used on wet or dry hair, and I use it both ways and don't prefer one over the other. It is such a treat for my dry and curly hair, and it never weighs it down or makes it feel greasy. It has a very pleasant warm and creamy aroma that I really like a lot, but it doesn't linger for too long. Purchase Again? I have a fresh bottle waiting to be opened! It is that good! 
LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant ($14.00 for 1.7 oz. from LAVANILA and Ulta): I do prefer to avoid the chemicals in my deodorants, and LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorants have been my daily deodorants since I began using them. They make wonderful healthy deodorants that are effective and smell delectable (though they also make an unscented variant for sensitive skin). Their Vanilla + Water for Peace scent is probably one of my favorites these days! Purchase Again? Definitely! I have a couple of their other scents open right now. Overall Assessment: I'm not sure that I will be able to top this next month, but if I find lots of nearly empty products, I could. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in March? Any really winners or duds to report?
Press Sample and Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links). Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
