Empties Post Volume XLV: June 2016

Press Sample, Purchased, Samples & GWP (Affiliate Links)

I am not entirely sure why June was such a slow month with respect to Empties, but for some reason I 

really did not finish many products compared to previous months. I did, however, manage to finish up several full size products. Here is what I used up:

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($5.99-$9.99 for 6 oz. from Neutrogena, Drugstore.com, Amazon, Walgreens and Target. Reviewed here): This mask offers dry or over-processed hair intense moisture without leaving it heavy or limp. Whether you have naturally curly hair, colored hair, or hair that you subject to flat irons, blow dryers or curling irons, then this is a great rescue mask to help those traumatized tresses recover.

Neutrogena recommends that  you use it weekly, or as often as needed, and you only need to leave it in for about 5 minutes. I will say, however, that I have left it in for up to an hour, and it leaves my hair silky soft, frizz-free, shiny and remarkably moisturized. It has a light, yet pleasant, scent that seems to fade very quickly. I am picking up another jar on my next trip to the drugstore!

PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask ($9.99 for two pairs from Target. Reviewed here): is an ultra-hydrating foot mask that noticeably softens and moisturizes parched feet, and aids in the repair of cracked and calloused skin. Used in conjunction with the PediSpa Exfoliating Foot Mask, this mighty duo makes feet pedicure and sandal-ready in no-time. 

PediSpa Exfoliating Foot Mask ($9.99 for 1 pair from Target. Reviewed here): is a gentle foot exfoliant in the form of two treatment-filled booties that are worn like socks for the duration of the treatment cycle. This foot mask eliminates calluses and visibly removes dead skin cells within two weeks of use.

Within a few days of use, skin begins to peel away revealing soft and supple skin. This is a more gentle formula than some exfoliating foot masks, but you can amplify the results by soaking your clean feet in warm water for a few minutes to soften up the skin before applying the foot mask to your feet. Furthermore, using the PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask less than a week after the PediSpa Exfoliating Foot Mask helps to accelerate the peel by delivering serious hydration to your feet. 

L'Occitane Peony Shower Gel ($20.00 for 8.4 oz. from L'OCCITANE. Reviewed here): The scent of the fresh Peonies is neither too sweet, nor is it overpowering, instead it is light, pleasant and refreshing. The Peony Shower Gel is delectably scented and uplifting lathering gel that delights the senses. The formula moisturizes the skin, while gently cleansing, and it leaves it soft and supple. The scent sits close to the skin, but fills that bathroom with an enchanting light floral scent.

TOM FORD Private Blend Café Rose Eau de Parfum ($220.00 for 1.7 oz., $300 for 3.4 oz. and $535.00 for 8.4 oz. from Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Sephora, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus): I loved this scent so much that I purchased a 3.4 oz. bottle that makes me deliriously happy. It is a warm and exotic rose that is so fetching that I basque in it every chance that I get!

TOM FORD asserts,

Convention is abandoned and unexpected ingredients converge with bewitching and intoxicating results. Iconic seasonal flowers open, dropping innocent façades to reveal the subversive beauty and fierce elegance normally kept hidden.

Enticing, exotic, seductive. Café Rose descends into a hidden labyrinth where the finely bred rose gives way to darker pleasures.

Lifetherapy Escape Hand & Body Wash ($24.00 for 12 oz. from Lifetherapy and Open Sky. Reviewed here): This non-stripping hand and body wash leaves skin moisturized, soft, and supple. The fragrance fills the shower and thankfully lingers in the air for a while so that the enjoyment doesn't end when you finish showering. This also works beautifully for shaving legs and underarms!

The scent is a delectable fresh scent that I cannot get enough of!

Frizz Keratin Conditioner sample packets: Not enough use to comment on one way or another.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment ($85.00-$175.00 from Nordstrom, Sephora, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Reviewed here): Kate Somerville's Exfolikate is a seriously powerful exfoliating treatment, it is so effective (and potent) that you only need to leave it on your face for 30 seconds and voilà your skin is smooth and bright, and your pores are deeply cleaned. It is like getting a super effective 30 second facial. I like to apply mine in the shower about 2 times a week to keep my skin in tip top shape. If you have very sensitive skin then this is likely to be too strong, if not irritating, for you. For those with sensitive skin try Exfolikate Gentle instead- you will find it far more gentle. I have tried both and prefer the strength of Exfolikate. This definitely tingles and you may find that your face becomes a bit red after use, but that usually subsides after a few minutes. However, if you find it unpleasant or uncomfortable that is a good indication that the formula is too active for your skin. I already have a replacement tube, it's that good!

RADICAL Skincare Peptide Infused Antioxidant Serum ($190.00 for 1 oz. Available from Radical Skincare, SpaceNK US, SpaceNK UK (£125.00), Barneys New York, Sephora, Dermstore, Beauty Bar, Net-a-Porter, Bloomingdale's & Harrod's £125.00. Reviewed here): It is a very potent antioxidant rich anti-aging serum that not only protects the skin, but also moisturizes and imparts an unmistakable ethereal glow. The richly packed peptides increase collagen production and the antioxidants work overtime protecting the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals. The Trylacel suspension technology maintains maximum potency of the antioxidants, and that makes Radical Skincare products exceedingly effective.

RADICAL Skincare Youth Infusion Serum ($170.00 for 1 oz. from Radical Skincare, Sephora, Barneys New York, Space NK, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Dermstore, Harrods, Skin Store, QVC, Beauty Expert (UK) and Look Fantastic (US & CA). Reviewed here): This is, without question, one of my most reached for serums because it delivers noticeable results. Conceived to rejuvenate aging skin, this serum, which features plant based stem cells, promotes skin cell turnover without drying the skin, and it simultaneously reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, Algae extract, which boosts collagen production, helps to tighten and lift that has started to become slack. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates the skin and plumps fine lines, while Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice soothes irritated and inflamed skin. The result is ultra-hydrated skin with vastly improved moisture retention, with overall improved skin tone, noticeably lifted skin, and the diminishment in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, I noted that my skin was far more radiant, soft and supple.

What did you finish up, give away, toss out or return in June? Were there any dud or praiseworthy products to report? Do tell!

Press Samples, Purchased, GWP. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Lifetherapy Escape Hand & Body Wash, Body Lotion and Eau de Parfum | Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I am what one might consider fanatical about using soaps and lotions that feel and smell heavenly. I definitely slow down and relish the experience of the lovely textures and scents, and this tends to set the pace for the way that I greet the rest of the day.

Lifetherapy, is a new-to-me line, that features a "mood-boosting bath and body collection created with thoughtful ingredients and luxury packaging. The entire collection is made in the U.S.A. and is healthy for your body: sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, and vegan friendly. They’re also cruelty-free!"

That I was delighted at first use, is an understatement. The scent of their Escape line is a lovely commingling of Gardenia, Pineapple Leaf, Sensuous Musk, Palm Bark, and this combination is extraordinarily lovely. The Gardenia is tempered by the fruity, woodsy and musky scents, and the end result is a beautifully refined gardenia with warm and subtle edges.

I luxuriate in using the Escape Hand & Body Wash followed by their lotion, and then topped off by a few spritzes of their Eau de Parfum. My skin is left soft, supple, moisturized, and deliciously fragrant.

Escape Hand & Body Wash ($24.00 for 12 oz. from Lifetherapy and Open Sky): This non-stripping hand and body wash leaves skin moisturized, soft, and supple. The fragrance fills the shower and thankfully lingers in the air for a while so that the enjoyment doesn't end when you finish showering. This also works beautifully for shaving legs and underarms!

Softly fragranced wash specially formulated with an LT Complex, shea butter, coconut oil and vitamins E & D. 

This luxurious wash will moisturize while cleansing leaving skin soft and healthy looking. Also makes a lush moisture-rich soothing bubble bath.

The sparkling pineapple leaf top note of Escape gives way to sweet gardenia, anchored by the warmth of palm bark and musk. This multi-layered fragrance is a treat for the senses and will set your mind free to wander. 

Notes: Gardenia, Pineapple Leaf, Sensuous Musk and Palm Bark.

Key Ingredients & Attributes:

Enhanced with vitamin E and glycerin for a natural, healthy clean without drying skin. Can also be used as a soothing, skin softening bubble bath. 12 oz.

Glycerin- Found naturally in skin, glycerin is an effective humectant that conditions skin, helping it to maintain its softness.

Vitamin E- Improves skin texture and tone, helps skin to stay healthier and more supple.

Sodium PCA- A natural humectant derived from the amino acid L-Glutamic Acid, known to be abundant in skin. 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (Derived from Coconut Oil), Cetyl Betaine (Derived from Coconut Oil), Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance, PEG 150 Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Wheatgermamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Polyquaternium-10, Glycerin, Butylated Hydroxy Toluene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrasodium EDTA.

Escape Hydrating Body Lotion ($24.00 for 12 oz. from Lifetherapy and Open Sky): This is a lightweight, fast absorbing, nourishing and ultra-hydrating lotion. It is beautifully emollient and leaves skin unbelievably silky smooth, delectably soft, and deeply moisturized. It sinks in so quickly that you don't have to wait for it to dry down before getting dressed. The scent is heavenly, and it layers perfectly with their Eau de Parfum.

Our hydrating lotion is rich in skin conditioners, natural oils and vitamins that work in harmony to leave skin silky soft and moisturized. 

The sparkling pineapple leaf top note of Escape gives way to sweet gardenia, anchored by the warmth of palm bark and musk. This multi-layered fragrance is a treat for the senses and will set your mind free to wander. 

Our hydrating lotion is rich in skin conditioners, natural oils and vitamins that work in harmony to leave skin silky soft and moisturized. Care has been taken to source only the highest quality raw materials.

Notes: Gardenia, Pineapple Leaf, Sensuous Musk and Palm Bark.

Key Ingredients & Attributes:

Organic Shea Butter: A superb moisturizer, rich in vitamins A, E and fatty acids which help the skin retain moisture and elasticity. 

Sunflower Seed Oil: Also rich in vitamin E, this natural extract helps the skin retain moisture, keeping it looking healthy and vibrant.

Almond Oil: A natural extract with an abundance of proteins, vitamins and minerals that help protect the skin from sun damage and can help rejuvenate and soften skin.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Zemea Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Glyceryl Stearate, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadendsis Leaf Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Cetereath-20, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Hydroxide, Bisabool, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellol.

Escape Eau de Parfum ($48.00 for 1.7 oz. from Lifetherapy and Open Sky): As this fragrance dries down, on me, it becomes a lovely fruity Gardenia that elevates the mood and soothes the senses. It stays close to the skin so that you don't announce yourself before anyone sees you.

The sparkling pineapple leaf top note of Escape gives way to sweet gardenia, anchored by the warmth of palm bark and musk. This multi-layered fragrance is a treat for the senses and will set your mind free to wander. 

Notes: Gardenia, Pineapple Leaf, Sensuous Musk and Palm Bark.

Key Ingredients & Attributes:

Made with Zemea, petroleum free and environmentally sustainable. Formulated with the finest essential oils for subtle yet long lasting fragrance. 1.7 oz/50 ml

Zemea propanediol- an innovative, skin-friendly, 100% natural moisturizer, which is approved by Ecocert and the Natural Products Association. Zemea is petroleum-free, environmentally sustainable and is certified by the USDA as 100% biobased.

Ingredients: Alcohol, purified water, fragrance (parfum), *zemea propanediol. (*Zemea Propanediol, is an innovative, skin-friendly, 100% natural moisturizer, which is approved by Ecocert and the Natural Products Association. It is used as a humectant personal care products. Zemea is petroleum-free, environmentally sustainable and is certified by the USDA as 100% biobased).

About Lifetherapy:

Lifetherapy was founded upon the fundamental belief that when we live positively with scent and color, we can directly impact our outlook; we empower ourselves to meet life’s outcomes with a positive frame of mind. Lifetherapy combines one-of-a-kind scents and vibrant colors with luxurious, high quality products, all while cultivating mindfulness: for the mind, for the body, for the spirit.

Each Lifetherapy fragrance has been thoughtfully developed to evoke a positive experience. With gentle hand and body washes, moisturizing body lotions, all natural body scrubs, decadent body cremes, eau de perfume and alcohol-free roll-on fragrances, Lifetherapy infuses the art of subtle fragrance with indulgent self-care products made with intention. And, because we believe that living well should extend beyond the ritual, all of our products are formulated without sulfates, mineral oil, petroleum, DEA or parabens, are not tested on animals, and are proudly made in the USA. Available in Play, Escape, Chill, Vacation and Flirt scents, each Lifetherapy product is designed to create a positive association—and daily practice—for its wearer.

Overall Assessment: An absolutely delightful trio to cleanse, hydrate and adorn the skin with the a magical scent. Truly lovely.

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.