Beauty Product Empties for April 2023

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I managed to use up 9 full-size products in April 2023, and I am a bit surprised that I finished 4 full-size body products, 2 full-size haircare products and 3 full-size skincare products. Here is what I finished:

Spongellé Body & Soul Detox Buffer in Eternal Mint ($28.00 each from Spongellé): is a body wash infused buffer with ashwagandha root extract, and it includes its own chakra stone for meditation and cleansing. Helping to wash away negativity, each crystal creates a new found sense of energy– based upon the 7 chakras. This collection is such a meditative way to enhance your bath and shower experience, and they also make fantastic Mother's Day gifts! Purple is Eternal Mint (Third-Eye Chakra), and it smells and feels amazing! Purchase Again? I have more of their beautiful body wash infused buffers to use before I purchase any, but I will certainly when I run out.

Rituals Sensation Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom Foaming Shower Gel Sensation and Rituals Yogi Flow Indian Rose & Sweet Almond Oil Foaming Shower Gel Sensation (both are discontinued scents): I fell in love with this innovative shower gel formula from the very first moment that I used it. As I have said before, it's an extraordinary take on the ordinary, and for me it makes my bathing experience anything but mundane. Their unique gel to foam technology not only makes it immensely fun to use, but it exceeds my every expectation of what a body cleansing gel should do. It cleans beautifully, smells glorious, and leaves the skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Furthermore, the rich dense foamy texture lends itself to being one seriously amazing shaving cream that cleanses, softens, and gives a seriously close shave. My legs have been transformed into the most soft and silky skin imaginable, and this gorgeous product has quickly given the boot to all of my other shaving creams! Purchase Again? I have a couple of other scents from Rituals, and I am about to open another one! I will definitely purchase their current scents as soon as I finish my last can!

Rituals Sakura Spring Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom Foaming Shower Oil (discontinued scent): You simply apply a small amount of the shower oil to your skin and as soon as it has contact with water it emulsifies and turns from an oil consistency to a thin milky emulsion that effectively cleans the skin, and leaves it delectably soft smooth and moisturized. The scent is delightful and uplifting, but not  too sweet. While the scent is lovely it does not linger since it is, for the most part, washed away. Purchase Again? I have one bottle of one of their other scents left, and once I finish that I will purchase one of their current scents.

Derma E Ultra Lift Firming DMAE Moisturizer ($23.95 for 2 oz. from Derma E and Ulta): I liked this face cream a lot. It was hydrating, not-too-rich and it left my skin soft, smooth and supple. Purchase Again? I have so many open jars of cream that it is unlikely that I will replenish this.

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Wipes ($62.00 for a 3-pack from Macy's, Amazon, Violet Grey and Neiman Marcus): My eyes can be particularly sensitive when it comes to makeup and makeup removers, and I have even found many so-called gentle eye makeup removers to be very irritating to my eyes. When I was first introduced to Koh Gen Do's Cleansing Water and Cleansing Water Cloths I assumed that I would be disappointed as I had been so many times before. However, much to my surprise these products actually lived up to the claims made (in fact exceeded them). Not only did my eyes not sting, but it removes all traces of makeup, and the surrounding skin was left feeling soft and supple. Purchase Again? Without a doubt, I love these fabulous wipes, they are by far the best that I have ever used.

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey 2-in-1 Face Scrub & Cleanser ($15.99 for 3 oz. from Mielle Organics, Target and Walmart): Not only is Mielle a leader in superb haircare, you can also enjoy their easy-to-use skincare products! Now, you can simplify your skincare routine with this two-in-one face scrub & cleanser combo. It gently exfoliates and cleanses the pores while removing dirt, oil and impurities for skin that is smooth and soft to the touch. A little goes a long way, and with daily use, your face will be glowing and flawless. Purchase Again? I have a lot of facial scrubs to use up first, but I would definitely use this again!

Mop C-System Hydrating Conditioner ($22.00 for 8.45 oz. from Amazon): This color-safe, antioxidant-rich conditioner hydrates, and smooths my unruly curly tresses, and it does an impressive job making it frizz-free. I will definitely need to get another bottle when I finish this one up! Purchase Again? I have one bottle left!

Viori Citrus Yao Conditioner ($18.00 for 2.8 oz. from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): The delectable citrus aroma is extraordinarily pleasant and delightful. This nourishing conditioner leaves my hair very manageable and my scalp comfortably hydrated. It detangles hair, fights frizz and leaves hair soft, silky smooth and shiny. It does not weigh hair down or leave behind an oily residue. Purchase Again? I have their unscented bar to finish first, but yes!

Overall Assessment: I am pleased that I was able to finish 9 full-size products in April, and I didn't have to toss anything out that went bad before I was able to finish it. What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return in April? Any real winners or losers to share?

Press Samples & Purchased (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2023 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights reserved.

MOP Haircare Picks for the Holidays

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Given that we are in the midst of the holiday season, I thought that I would feature some fantastic haircare products that make easy work of holiday hairstyles. MOP, Modern Original Perspective, is a wonderful salon haircare brand that I have been using for quite a while, and its botanical-infused formulas are both effective and a pleasure to use.

About MOP Products,

For over 15 years, MOP® has been making some of the best products available in salons. Our mission from the beginning has always been to make products that use the best ingredients while never sacrificing our Modern Original Performance. What does this mean… well, it simply means that we will never sacrifice performance for the latest ingredient fad, but we always want to make our clients feel good about what they use on their heads. That is why we use vegetable and fruit derived ingredients, botanicals and natural extracts wherever possible in our formulas. It also means that we never test our products on animals and that wherever possible we try to make all of our formulas Vegan. We know that this is a Modern Original Perspective and we hope that you will embrace it too.

MOP Orange Peel Molding Cream ($22.00 for 2.6 oz. from MOP): This molding cream, with its orange aroma, is a perfect pick for short hair styles that need fantastic hold. It offers hair added texture without flaking or breaking down during the course of the day. My husband loves this molding cream!

According to MOP,

Orange Peel Molding Cream is used for separation and hold that won’t break down throughout the day. Licorice and Orange Peel produce a textured look that adds depth and a matte finish to create a modern style.

MOP Basil Mint Clay ($22.00 from MOP): This firm hold styling clay can be used on wet or dry hair, offers impressive hold, and never flakes. It is extremely concentrated, and therefore I recommend a less is more approach. It has a wonderful aroma that is equal parts mint and basil. This is another styling favorite for my husband.

According to MOP,

Looking for a versatile firm hold styling product with a matte finish? MOP Basil Mint Clay is your dream come true. Basil Mint Clay delivers a strong hold that lasts all day and night. A small amount goes a long, long way. Apply Clay to wet or dry hair to create a variety of different holds and styles. You can also use the MOP Clay to piece out ends or to add texture where needed. The possibilities are endless.

MOP C-System Firm Finish Hairspray ($24.00 for 10 oz. from MOP): If you are seeking an eco-friendly hairspray, with a delectable citrus aroma, then this is a special product worthy of your attention. It offers firm hold, and it neither leaves hair crunchy, nor does it flake.

According to MOP,

This eco-friendly, zero-impact aerosol spray delivers a firm and lasting hold for all hair types. Our proprietary citrus fragrance is absolutely heavenly. Contains fruit and citrus extracts for optimal hold, anti-oxidant support and UV protection. Humidity resistant.

MOP Volume Whip ($22.00 for 8 oz. from MOP): If you love high quality hair mousses that offer medium hold, touchable hair and a wonderful aroma, then this aromatic lemongrass scented mousse is a great find. It leaves hair soft, voluminous, conditioned and shiny. I am obsessed with this mousse.

According to MOP,

Big and bouncy hair has never been so easily achieved. MOP Lemongrass Volume Whip creates moveable volume with a medium hold. Lemongrass adds volume while Grape Seed Oil adds strength, conditioning and shine. Natural UV protectors fight damage from heat styling and help to preserve color.

MOP® Lemongrass Volume Shampoo ($20.00 for 8.45 oz. from MOP): This delectably aromatic lemongrass shampoo gently cleanses hair, removes product build-up without stripping, and it leaves hair shiny and more full.

According to MOP,

Lemongrass, Chamomile and vegetable derived cleansing agents help fine hair to be fuller, shinier and healthier. Gently softens and soothes the follicle while controlling buildup of excess oil.

Overall Assessment: MOP is a really great haircare brand that is definitely worth trying.

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

Stocking Stuffer Haircare Picks from MOP and Cricket

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If you are still looking for a few stocking stuffers, or some new haircare products for yourself, then MOP and Cricket have some great picks for your consideration. Here are a few of my top picks:

MOP C-System Hydrating Shampoo ($20.00–$38.00 from MOP and Amazon): I love high quality moisturizing shampoos that are color-safe and nourishing, and this one is particularly gentle an non-stripping on my dry, curly hair. It leaves my hair very soft, manageable and frizz-free.

According to MOP,

Drench your hair & scalp with this moisture rich shampoo that is packed with vitamins and fruit extracts. Our sulfate free formula leaves hair soft, manageable and fantastic. Best of all its pH balanced and color safe. Adds healthy shine to your hair. Fruit extracts infuse the hair with moisture for soft, pliable hair.

MOP C-System Hydrating Conditioner ($22.00–$40.00 from MOP and Amazon): This color-safe, antioxidant-rich conditioner hydrates, and smooths my unruly curly tresses, and it does an impressive job making it frizz-free. I will definitely need to get another bottle when I finish this one up!

According to MOP,

This antioxidant rich formula provides exceptional slip and hydration. Ideal for color treated and naturally course hair. Leaves hair with a beautiful, Smooth, Healthy Sheen.

Plant derived moisturizers provide exceptional conditioning slip. Wheat, soy and other proteins bring hydration deep into the hair shaft. Fruit extracts rich in Vitamin C support a UV shield for color protection.

Cricket makes a wide range of great hair brushes, and if you blow dry your hair and need a high quality thermal brush, here are a couple to consider.

Cricket Centrix Heat Boss Thermal Brush ($24.95 from Ulta and Sally Beauty):

According to Cricket,

Take control back with the innovative Heat Boss Thermal Brush by Cricket. With a Patent-pending control barrel heat and temperature release and Patent-pending static free Ceramic, Tourmaline, Ionic infused bristles that can take the heat. Extreme HEAT! Up to 570°. With a turn of the Heat Force Dial, you can control the heat. Wanna lock the heat in? Seal in heat with the Heat Force Dial as well. Want the heat to flow? Keep the dial open and style your way.

With the Lux Barrel your Hair glides effortlessly through the chrome plated seamless barrel, producing a smooth, polished finish. The Boss Handle is contoured for comfort and control, the Boss Handle knows who's in charge.

Cricket Technique Silk Brush ($15.99 from Ulta and Sally Beauty):

According to Cricket,

Cricket Technique Round #390 Silk Brush features Silicone & Ceramic infused seamless barrel, allows for flawless styling and lustrous results. Each barrel has been infused with Silicone and Ceramic properties. The Silicone works with hair, minimizing breakage & offering a silky, smooth transition through the barrel. When heated, the Ceramic produces far-infrared heat to help seal the hair cuticle and reduce frizz. The union produces soft, radiant, silky hair full of body.

The heat resistant bristles are infused with Tourmaline & Ionic properties. This assists with reducing unwanted static and helps add shine to hair. Seamless smooth barrel produces even heat for flawless styling and reduces snagging hair. This brush offers the patented sectioning pick stored at the base of the soft touch handle.

Cricket Happy Hair Ties Tin ($8.95 from Ulta): This super cute tin filled with hair ties is a great stocking stuffer for anyone who wears a pony tail, and is constantly losing their hair ties.

Cricket 99 Bobby Pins ($9.95 from Ulta): If someone on your holiday list uses bobby pins, then this cute little tin filled with bobby pins will be most appreciated.

Overall Assessment: If you are looking for stocking-stuffers, or are looking for a few new haircare picks to add to your arsenal for the holidays, then these are worthy of your consideration.

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).

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