Empties Galore for March 2024

Purchased & Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I managed to use up 11 full-size products in March 2024, and I am quite pleased by this since I was traveling for work so much of the month! I enjoyed everything that I used, and I would happily use these products again. Here is what I finished in March 2024:

PurelifeBiotics Burst of Brilliance Luxury Shower Steamers in Tangerine, Orange and Tea Tree ($20.00-$30.00 from PurelifeBiotics and Macy's): is a delectable and pleasant way in which to enhance your shower experience. The lovely citrus aroma, with a touch of tea tree and menthol, is such a beautifully aromatic way in which to start or end the day. I absolutely love using these, they really take my shower to the next level. Purchase Again? Without question!

Spongellé For the Two of Us | Sugar Dahlia Heart Buffer ($14.00 from Spongellé): This delightful body buffer makes skin look and feel incredible, and the scent is heavenly. Fragrance Notes: Top: Citrus Nuances, Solar Accord; Middle: Midnight Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Freesia, Muguet, Neroli; Base: Musk. "Send a love letter with Spongelle’s For The Two Of Us Heart Buffer in Sugar Dahlia. Perfect for travel, these heart-shaped body wash infused buffers will cleanse, exfoliate, massage and love your skin." Purchase Again? I have another one waiting in the wings!

Spongellé Bulgarian Rose Body Lotion ($22.00 for 11 oz. from Spongellé): is a gorgeous emollient lotion that deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin, and the aroma is an absolute delight to the senses. Purchase Again? YES! I haven't loved a lotion this much in a really long time!

MyKirei by Kao Paw Print Foam Hand Wash ($18.00 for 8.5 oz. from MyKirei and their Amazon Store): This paw print is something your kids are going to absolutely love, and it will make them want to wash their hands frequently! It has a fresh and uplifting citrus fragrance from the Yuzu fruit, and it is a dense and creamy foam that feels wonderful against the skin. Purchase Again? I just opened another one of their amazing hand soaps! They make handwashing fun for kids of all ages!

Ethique Luxurious Face Cleansing Trio Discovery Pack ($12.99 from Ethique and their Amazon Store): from the sustainable and cruelty-free New Zealand brand Ethique, features two gentle soap-free face cleansers and an exfoliating face scrub. All three products are gentle and non-stripping on the skin, and they leave it soft, smooth and supple. The Bliss Bar is unscented, the Deep Green Bar has a light orange aroma and the Gingersnap Face Scrub smells of ginger and spice. All three are a pleasure to use, and Ethique's sustainability practices makes this a brand worth supporting. Purchase Again? Eventually, yes, but I have a lot of facial cleansers to use up first.

Pai Skincare Sea Aster & Wild Oat Instant Calm Redness Serum ($79.00 for oz. from Credo Beauty, Dermstore and Bloomingdale's): This serum has the texture of a lovely light and emollient water-based lotion, and it is formulated to calm and soothe skin and to reduce redness and irritation. Furthermore, it nourishes and hydrates, pampers sensitive skin without any irritation and it leaves it comfortable, soft, supple and luminous. It has a very very light herbal aroma, but it is so faint that it isn't detectable on the skin. Purchase Again? I would definitely use this again, but I don't need another serum right now because I am swimming in them!

Erno Laszlo AHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum ($115.00 for 1 oz. from Nordstrom): I am a big fan of overnight exfoliators that do the work while you sleep. This sleep serum uses a mixture of Lactic, Glycolic and Citric acids to exfoliate dead skin cells, and reveal smooth, refreshed and luminous skin in the morning. One of the remarkable features about this serum is that it is actually quite gentle on the skin, and I haven't experienced visible peeling, redness or any irritation. It boasts an antioxidant-rich formula that includes ingredients such as Goji Berry and Plum Extracts that help to protect skin from free-radicals, and they also hydrate the skin. The serum, itself, is lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing, and it leaves behind no residue. After several weeks of use, I have noted that my skin is soft, smooth, supple and brightened. Fine lines are softened, skin is more luminous and it looks thoroughly refreshed. As with any exfoliating product, you need to make sure to be vigilant in your use of a high SPF sunscreen to protect your exfoliated skin. Purchase Again? I am giving it serious consideration because this is a very effective serum!

Archipelago Botanicals Jar Candle in Hope ($32.50 from Archipelago Botanicals): is the embodiment of Christmas! It is such a thing of beauty, and the blend of Holiday Pine, Bayberry and Clove smells like a Christmas tree and a warm and cozy home. The aroma is green and aromatic with a hint of spice, and the scent fills the room in the most glorious way. Housed in a keepsake glass jar, this ultra-luxe candle is a great gift idea for people on your holiday list, but you may also want one to use since it will fill your home with warmth and holiday spirit. Purchase Again? This was a holiday candle, and it is no longer available, but I have several of their candles and absolutely LOVE them!

Celestial Silk Sleep Mist with Lavender & Chamomile (Currently $7.99- $8.99 regularly $17.99 for 4 oz. from Celestial Silk and their Amazon Store): is a cruelty-free bed linen spray with a delectable lavender and chamomile aroma. It has a calming effect on the senses and the busy mind, and it is a bit like an aromatic lullaby. I mist it over my bedding and close my eyes and breathe deeply, and it is grounding, comforting and calming. It definitely helps me fall asleep faster, and gives me a pronounced sense of wellbeing. Purchase Again? Oh yes, this is so pleasant right before bedtime!

Bootleg Bath Hydrating Shampoo Bar ($16.95 for 2.2 oz. from Bootleg Bath and their Amazon Store): is such a delight to senses, and the grapefruit and bergamot aroma really lifts the spirits. This cruelty-free shampoo bar is formulated for dry hair in need of some hydration, and it works quite well. It forms a very creamy lather that releases its delectable citrus aroma, and it leaves hair soft, smooth, manageable and hydrated. Additionally, while it thoroughly cleans the hair, it neither leaves hair stripped, nor greasy. This eco-friendly soap is a winner, and it means fewer shampoo bottles end up in the recycle bin, or worse yet in the landfill. Purchase Again? I would definitely use this bar again, but I have far too many open bottles of shampoo waiting to be used, and I also have a few that I haven't even opened yet!

Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner ($28.00 for 0.01 oz. fromLancôme and Neiman Marcus): in Bronze Riche, which has been reformulated, is a very long-wearing waterproof and transfer-proof formula that never tugs or pulls the skin, and it lasts all day on me without any smearing or fading. There is a smudger sponge on one end of the pencil that works beautifully in its ability to soften the line or enhance a smoky eye. I like to use it quickly because I have found that once the liner sets it really doesn't budge. The fine point offers precision foolproof application, and the creamy formula is very easy to work with. The gorgeous colors are exceedingly flattering, and can be built up to maximum opacity with a few passes. Purchase Again? Yes, this is a gorgeous eyeliner!

Overall Assessment: I hope that I can finish up a few more open products next month, but we will have to wait and see! What did you finish up, toss out, give away or return in March? Any spectacular products to report? Any complete duds?

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

Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Skin, Body Care and Makeup Empties for June 2021

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

I somehow thought that I would use up a few more open products in June than I did, but I did manage to use up a few things before they started to turn. I have to preface this by stating that I have really shifted my attention to using up products that I love, and that I would happily use again. That said, I am swimming in skincare and body care products, and it will likely be a while before I need to repurchase anything.

Here is what I used up in June 2021:

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerating Oil ($44.00 for 1 oz. from Credo Beauty, Beauty Expert, Follain, The Detox Market, Free People, Pai's Amazon Store, Cult Beauty and Goop): This amber colored nourishing oil, which is suitable for all types of skin, is ultra-rich in Omegas that help regenerate skin without irritating even the most sensitive skin types. It is formulated to combat dullness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, blemishes, flaky skin, scars, sun damage and dryness.

It is a lightweight, and fast absorbing oil, that neither leaves behind an oily residue, nor an amber stain on the skin. It has a warm and earthy natural aroma that fades soon upon absorption. I simply apply it to warm, and slightly damp, freshly cleansed skin, and immediately note that my skin feels soft, smooth, supple, deeply moisturized and luminous. Its antioxidant-rich anti-inflammatory ingredients calm and soothe irritated skin, and it effectively reduces inflammation when skin is irritated from breakouts or post-peel redness. Repurchase? At some point I definitely will!

African Botanics Résurrection Eye Crème ($180.00 for 0.50 oz. from African Botanics, Revolve and Credo Beauty): The consistency of Résurrection Eye Crème is lightweight and fast absorbing, and this silky smooth cream absolutely melts into the skin in the most luxurious way imaginable. It has a silky, ultra-refined texture without any of the granular particles typically found in many Shea Butter- based products. Unlike the original eye cream, that was housed in a glass pot, this new eye cream comes in an elegant air-tight glass bottle with a pump. 

This beautiful eye cream is healing, hydrating and restorative– leaving the delicate eye area looking and feeling refreshed and youthful. This beautiful, and effective formula, plumps fine lines, lifts and nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes, deeply hydrates the skin, and leaves skin with an pronounced clarity and luminosity. The potent healthy ingredients, serious efficacy and superior texture make this eye cream such a joy to use. This luxe eye cream can be used day and night, and because the results are so astounding it is doubtful that you will ever want to use another eye cream. It is remarkably concentrated– therefore, only the smallest amount delivers enviable results, and therefore this bottle will last much longer than expected. Repurchase? I opened another bottle already (it is now in a pump bottle rather than a jar).

Colbert MD Intensify Facial Disks ($70.00 for 20 discs from Dermstore, Olivela and the official Colbert MD Amazon Store): I have regularly used various types of facial exfoliating pads for many years, and have to confess that my experience with Colbert MD Intensify Facial Disks was a real game changer for me all of those years ago. While most of the solution soaked exfoliating pads that I have used are thin and double sided, Colbert MD has reimagined its form and instead has opted 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 the disk easy, and allows one to maintain effortless control.

The combination of the mild microdermabrasion action from the surface of the pad coupled with the enzyme action of the solution immediately and effectively encourages 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 soft, smooth, supple and luminous skin. Repurchase? At some point I definitely will, but I have a few other similar products to use up first!

Spongellé Hand Defense Hand Wash Infused Buffer ($14.00 each or $56.00 for a 4-pack from Spongellé): Spongellé Hand Defense is a wonderful new addition to the Spongellé line, and this launch offers a perfect way to thoroughly wash hands during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, you won't mind how often that you need to wash your hands given that these soap infused sponges thoroughly clean and exfoliate, plus they get into every hard to reach spot. Additionally, they don't strip the skin, but instead they leave it hydrated, soft and smooth. The four available scents are delicious, and the creamy lather is incredibly satisfying to the touch. Spongellé suggests that each sponge offers 40+ washes, but I always find that I get more washes out of all of their products than they suggest. Repurchase? I have two more to use before I will need to purchase more.

Fruits of the Islands Toasted Coconut Glycerin Loofah Bar: Several years ago, a very good friend of mine bought me several glycerin loofah bars while on vacation in Hawaii. These appear to have come from a candy company, and they do not appear to sell these anymore, but there are many other companies who produce glycerin soap infused loofahs. They offer such a wonderful way to clean and exfoliate at the same time, and they are great for hand washing as well as bathing. Repurchase? I have lots of soaps to use first, but I definitely liked this enough to use something like it again!

Rituals Shower Happy Buddha Sweet Orange & Cedar Foaming Shower Gel Sensation (Full size $15.00 for 6.7 oz. from Rituals): Longtime readers already know how much I love Rituals products, and their rich and creamy Shower Gels are among my very favorite body washes. Happy Buddha's delectable dense foam, coupled with its intoxicating sweet orange and cedar aroma, make this a shower-time treat that delights the senses. Furthermore, this is a very moisturizing body wash that thoroughly cleanses the skin without any stripping. I also love to use this to shave my legs and underarms! Repurchase? I have another can of this scent, and quite a few others to use first. However, I love their Foaming Shower Gels, and once I run out of them I will buy another one!

Philip B Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo ($84.00 for 7.4 oz. from Philip B., Nordstrom, Space NK and Net-a-Porter.): is utterly unbelievable! This ultra-nourishing shampoo features time-released botanical moisturizers that make hair soft, supple, hydrated and give it a praiseworthy glossy shine. Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo is able to give my naturally curly hair unprecedented shine, and those among you with curly tresses know the extent to which it is difficult achieve shiny curly hair, but this miracle formula really delivers serious shine. Repurchase? Oh what decadent luxury! Perhaps one day, but I do have another Philip B shampoo to use first.

Philip B. Oud Royal Thermal Protection Spray ($32.00 for 4.23 oz. from Bloomingdale's, Dermstore, and Net-A-Porter): This is a weightless and lovely-scented spray that protects hair from from heated styling tools while imparting greater shine. Furthermore, it is loaded with a mixture of botanical hydrators that condition hair. Repurchase? I am searching to see if I have one more bottle of this magic potion, and if I don't I will; purchase another!

Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick in Vanilla Suede and So So Vain ($56.00 from Nordstrom and Sephora): Tom Ford's creamy dreamy lipsticks are a true thing of beauty, and they are gorgeous on the lips with their impressive pigmentation and finish. I used up most of Vanilla Suede, but when I went to use it recently, I noticed that it had become rancid. So So Vain, which is an extraordinarily beautiful shade, also turned rancid. I am more upset about the latter, than the former– what a waste. Repurchase? I am trying to purchase cruelty-free products that are clean, and both of these shades appear to have been discontinued anyway.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation SPF 15 in Pale Dune (Discontinued formula): I absolutely loved this foundation formula, and color, so much. It offered light and seamless coverage. I wanted to photograph it before I tried to pry the top off to get the last few drops at the bottom of the bottle. Would I repurchase it if it were still made? That is a tough question. I am really moving away from brands filled with chemicals, and that are not cruelty-free. 

COCOFLOSS ($9.00 each. Available at Credo Beauty and goop): Cocofloss is a very effective dental floss that deeply cleans teeth and is gentle and soothing on the gums. It actually makes flossing something that I look forward to, and it is available in 4 coconut infused flavors: Delicious Mint, Pure Strawberries, Fresh Coconut and Cara Cara Orange. Repurchase? Definitely, I love this stuff– especially the Delicious Mint. However, I need to use up the other floss that I have first.

Overall Assessment: I called it last month when I said that I wasn't going to be able to finish as many open products in June as I did in May, but I am glad that I finished up some of my favorite products before they became unusable! What did you use up, toss out, return or give away in June? Any great discoveries or regrettable purchases?

Purchased and Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links). Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Boxwalla June Beauty Box Review: Three Ways to Savor Summer (With a Little Help From My Friends)

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Boxwalla enthusiasts know that Boxwalla's eco-luxe beauty boxes are an extraordinary value, and that the products themselves are nothing short of spectacular. Their carefully curated green beauty boxes are a tremendous value, with steep discounts, and they feature truly covet-worthy cruelty-free organic beauty products. 

BEAUTY BOX June Box | $49.95: A Beauty Box for the luxury loving skincare nerd, this box lets you experience the most effective and exquisite beauty products that harness the potency of plant-based ingredients. 

- Bi-Monthly Delivery

- Free U.S. Shipping

- Effective Plant-based Ingredients

- Always Cruelty-Free

The Boxwalla June Beauty Box is themed: Three Ways to Savor Summer (With a Little Help From My Friends), and this extraordinary box ships in June. There are three brands in this Box and three full sized products. Retail Value: $185.00!

Nini Organics Natural Detox Foam ($52.00 value): This delectable detox foam is an ultra-finely milled powder cleanser, with a luscious minty aroma, that transforms into a creamy dreamy foamy mousse with a few drops of water. While you could certainly mix it in a bowl, I prefer to cup my hand and mix it with my finger, and then apply it directly to me face. Boxwalla posits that it can be used as a first cleanse if you aren't wearing makeup and a second cleanse if you are.

The coconut-based foaming agent gives this cleanser its creamy texture and the green clay deeply cleans the skin. Ingredients such as white willow bark gently exfoliates and helps fight acne without stripping the skin. This magical powder is filled with nourishing and antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as neem, spirulina, broccoli and baobab extracts, camu camu and goji that leave skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous.

According to Nini Organics,

Natura Detox Foam is a unique water-free foaming cleanser supercharged with detoxifying dried vegetables and super antioxidants. A super gentle foaming agent derived from Coconuts helps create a super effective foaming cleanser. Broccoli powder rich in vitamin C & A helps to mop up all the daily pollutants and free radical damage whilst Organic Baobab powder helps promote skin’s collagen formation, boosting skin’s natural elasticity and smoothness. White Willow Bark contains salicylic acid which gently exfoliates your skin helping to fight acne / hormonal breakouts leaving your skin feeling fresh and looking radiant. Organic Goji Berry powder is rich in antioxidants helping to further reduce environmental damage.

Directions: Use 2/3 times a week as a recharging cleanser designed to give your skin a full detoxifying cleanse. Add a small amount to the palm of your hand, slowly add droplets of fresh water to create a supercharged foam ready to deeply & effectively cleanse your skin. Apply in circular motions onto dry skin adding more water to activate more foam, massage in for around 30 seconds before washing off with cold water for a more refreshing feel.

NINI Tip: Mix with our Coffee & Cacao Face Scrub for a more exfoliating cleanser or use as a second cleanse to our Halo Cleansing Elixir. Can also be used as a second cleanse to any existing routine. 

Please Note: The subscriber bottles will come in the newly designed outer boxes that are under production.

Ingredients: Sodium cocoyl isethionate (coconut foaming agent)**, Sodium bicarbonate ***, Citric acid**, Montmorillonite (Green Clay)**, Spirulina platensis powder (Spirulina)*, Azadirachta indica leaf extract (Neem)*, Spinacia oleracea leaf powder (Spinach)*, Brassica oleracea italica extract (Broccoli)*, Adansonia digitata fruit extract (Baobab)*, Lycium barbarum fruit extract (Goji Berry)*, Myrciaria dubia fruit extract (Camu Camu)*, Maltodextrin**, Salix alba bark powder (White Willow Bark)*, Mentha spicata herb oil (Spearmint)*, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil (Rose Geranium)*, Citrus aurantium flower oil (Neroli)**, D-Limonene****, Linalol****, Citral****, Geraniol****, Farnesol****. *Organic or Wildcrafted **Natural ***Aluminium Free **** Naturally Occurring

Pai Skincare Sea Aster & Wild Oat Instant Calm Redness Serum ($78.00 value): This serum has the texture of a lovely light and emollient water-based lotion, and it is formulated to calm and soothe skin and to reduce redness and irritation. Furthermore, it nourishes and hydrates, pampers sensitive skin without any irritation and it leaves it comfortable, soft, supple and luminous. It has a very very light herbal aroma, but it is so faint that it isn't detectable on the skin.

According to Pai,

Our Instant Calm Redness Serum is expertly formulated restore calm and confidence to reactive complexions. This lightweight and hydrating serum is enriched with Sea Aster, a flowering plant that actively calms troubled skin and reduces visible redness and blotchiness. Combined with Wild Oat, rich source of Oleic and Linoleic fatty acids, it helps to comfort areas of dryness and soothe sensitivity. To reduce flare-ups caused by dehydration and dryness, this ultra gentle formula is carefully balanced with filtered water.

This serum is free from ingredients thought to dry or irritate redness, Eczema and Rosacea-prone skin, including: Alcohol (denat.), Benzoyl Peroxide, Synthetic Fragrance, Methylisothiazolinone (MI), Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate.

As well as instantly calming flushed skin, Sea Aster also strengthens surface blood vessels to improve and prevent redness over time.

Directions: Massage 1 pump into clean skin at night.

Boxwalla asserts: I use this after a toner/hydrating mist and under an oil and cream/balm, as you would a hydrating water based serum. It also layers beautifully under Monastery Aloe. It is very versatile - If you experience redness, in addition to using it as a serum, you can also dab on red areas after your skincare routine. It is also useful to layer under more active serum if you want a bit of a buffer while using active serums.

Ingredients: Full Ingredients (INCI): Aqua - Purified Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water* - Orange Fruit Water, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract* - Oat Extract, Glycerin - Organic Derived Vegetable Glycerine, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate - Naturally Derived Emulsifier, Cetearyl Alcohol - Naturally Derived Emulsifier. Aster Maritima/Tripolium Extract - Sea Aster Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate - Hyaluronic Acid. Carya Ovata Bark Extract - Hickory Bark Extract, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil* - May Chang Oil, Adesmia Boronioides Flower / Leaf / Stem Oil* - Paramela Oil Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil* - Sunflower Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - Naturally Derived Emollient, Acacia Senegal Gum - Gum Arabic, Xanthan Gum - Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate - Naturally Derived Preservative, Sodium Anisate - Naturally Derived Preservative, Glyceryl Caprylate - Naturally Derived Emulsifier, Tocopherol - Natural Vitamin E, Lactic Acid - pH Regulator, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract* - Rosemary Leaf Extract.

Naturally occurring in essential oils: citral*, limonene*.  Certified Organic by the Soil Association (*Organically produced 79% of product). Suitable for Vegans. Not tested on animals. Nut free formula.

African Botanics Marula Botanical Hand Cream ($55.00 value): The ultra-emollient luxury oil-infused cream boasts a refreshingly creamy lightweight texture that sinks into the skin immediately and doesn't leave hands in the least bit greasy. If you adhere to the belief that one needs to use thick and greasy hand creams in order to stave-off and heal dry and chapped hands, then you will be astonished by the efficacy of this ingenious hand cream.  In fact, I think that it is more accurate to classify Marula Botanical Hand Cream as a cutting-edge antioxidant-rich anti-aging serum/cream hybrid that protects, nourishes, hydrates, soothes, brightens and repairs the skin with great efficacy.

Not only are my hands soft, supple and ultra moisturized, but they are left with the type of pronounced luminosity that I have only ever experienced in luxurious serums and beauty oils for the face. The delectable warm and earthy scent heightens the sensory experience of using this luxe hand cream, but it does fade soon upon application, and therefore won't pose a problem for those among you who prefer scent-free products.

It is noteworthy that the formula is very concentrated, and the effects are very long-lasting– therefore a single tube goes a very very long way.  If you treat yourself to one new body product this season, then African Botanics Marula Botanical Hand Cream should be at the top of your list. I kid you not, this hand cream is that extraordinary.

According to African Botanics,

Formulated to regenerate, repair, deeply hydrate, soothe, even skin tone, brighten and restore comfort. Reduces dark spots and lightens with Swiss Garden Cress. Protects and fights aging with Alpine Rose plant stem cells, plant peptides and Hyaluronic Acid while promoting healing.

Packed with a bespoke blend of wild-harvested African oils, exotic butters and moisturizing botanicals that naturally soothe, soften and deeply hydrate while combating dryness and the appearance of age spots. Sinks deep into the skin and delivers vitamin rich restorative hydration providing an uplifting and calming aromatic experience with Wild Rosemary Leaf and Cape Rose Geranium. Quick-absorbing treatment leaves hands soft, soothed and well protected.

A unique combination of antioxidant and omega-rich Marula, Baobab and Kigelia oils calm, hydrate and increase skin elasticity. Mafura, Mango and Shea butters nourish, soothe and help reduce inflammation. Green Rooibos Tea and Swiss Garden Cress, rich in phytonutrients help reduce age spots, pigmentation and even out skin tone. Hyaluronic acid, Alpine Rose Plant Stem Cells and plant peptides visibly smoothe, strengthen and enhance the lipid barrier function to protect and maintain moisture.

Ingredients: Aqua (Spring Water), Aloe Ferox (Bitter Aloe) Leaf Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)* Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Decyl Oleate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)* Butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango)* Seed Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Trichilla Emetica (Cape Mahogany Mafura)* Seed Butter, Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract, Lecithin, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab)* Seed Oil, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Globularia Cordifolia Ferment, Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Tea Extract, Cyclopia Genistoides (Honeybush) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexapeptide-3, Pelargonium Graveolens (Cape Geranium) Essential Oil, Rosarinus Officinalis (Rosemary Leaf) Essential Oil, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Essential Oil, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E). *Organic and Wild-Harvested Ingredients.

Overall Assessment: Not only are each of the products in the June Box extraordinary, but the value is unbelievable! I highly recommend Boxwalla June Beauty Box: Three Ways to Savor Summer (With a Little Help From My Friends). A+

*THIS IS A SUBSCRIPTION*  You will be charged immediately when you purchase. Automatic renewal occurs every two months until you cancel. Make sure to cancel before the 20th of the preceding month. The June Box will ship in June.

To order your Boxwalla June Beauty Box visit: www.theboxwalla.com  

$49.95 from Boxwalla (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Boxwalla June Beauty Box Sneak Peek: Three Ways to Savor Summer (With a Little Help From My Friends)

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

The Boxwalla June Beauty Box is themed: Three Ways to Savor Summer (With a Little Help From My Friends), and this extraordinary box ships in June. My full review is forthcoming, and you will see it very soon, but here is a sneak peek of what's in this amazing box.

There are three brands in this Box and three full sized products. Retail Value: $185:

1) Nini Organics' Natural Detox Foam ($52): The Detox foam is a finely milled powder. With a few drops of water it transforms into a creamy, foamy mousse. It uses a mild coconut based foaming agent along with deeply cleansing green clay to cleanse the skin. It also contains very nourishing ingredients like neem, spirulina, broccoli and baobab extracts, antioxidants like camu camu & goji. There is also white willow bark that gently exfoliates skin. Even though it is an exfoliating cleanser, it leaves the skin very nourished, soft, smooth, supple and glowy.

Use & Notes: Use just a few drops of water and mix (I usually just mix in the palm of my hand but you can use a bowl as well). You can use this as a first cleanse, if you aren't wearing makeup or a second cleanse, if you are. I like to use it a couple of times a week.

Please Note: The subscriber bottles will come in the newly designed outer boxes that are under production. 

2) Pai Skincare's Sea Aster & Wild Oat Instant Calm Redness Serum ($78): This is a light lotion-y serum, water-based serum, that is very calming and soothing. It contains sea aster which calms skin the skin, reinforces the skin barrier and also inhibits the cutaneous neuropeptides that cause the skin to flare up, thus helping to reduce redness. It also contains wild oat which is rich in fatty acids and soothes reactive skin, helping to protect it against environmental irritants.

Use & Notes: I use this after a toner/hydrating mist and under an oil and cream/balm, as you would a hydrating water based serum. It also layers beautifully under Monastery Aloe. It is very versatile - If you experience redness, in addition to using it as a serum, you can also dab on red areas after your skincare routine. It is also useful to layer under more active serum if you want a bit of a buffer while using active serums. 

3) African Botanics' Botanical hand cream ($55): This is a lightweight hand cream that is quick absorbing and non greasy. In addition to moisturizing hands, it also helps even out the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, repairing and regenerating skin. It combines ingredients like aloe ferox, marula oil, baobab oil, shea & mango butters with green rooibos. tea, swiss garden cress, alpine rose plant stem cells, plant peptides and hyaluronic acid. Together it provides protection & hydration while repairing the skin.

Use & Notes: Since this cream is so lightweight, it is especially lovely to use in the day as it is really easy to reapply regularly throughout the day after washing hands (without having to wait long for it to absorb). It is wonderful to use overnight as well. However, if it is winter where you live, you can also layer this under a thicker balm.

*THIS IS A SUBSCRIPTION*  You will be charged immediately when you purchase. Automatic renewal occurs every two months until you cancel. Make sure to cancel before the 20th of the preceding month. The June Box will ship in June.

To order your Boxwalla June Beauty Box visit: www.theboxwalla.com  

$49.95 from Boxwalla (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Revisiting Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil's Magnificence

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I have been using Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil for over a year, and after purchasing my second bottle I realized that I really needed to extol its virtues again. Typically once I finish up face oils it is only the most special that are actually considered for re-purchase (because I have so many face oils to use up before they turn), and this one is unquestionably among the few to be purchased again and again. There is no question that this face oil has a cult following, and between its efficacy and relative affordability it is easy to see why.

This amber colored nourishing oil, which is suitable for all types of skin, is ultra-rich in Omegas that help regenerate skin without irritating even the most sensitive skin types. It is formulated to combat dullness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, blemishes, flaky skin, scars, sun damage and dryness.

It is a lightweight, and fast absorbing oil, that neither leaves behind an oily residue, nor an amber stain on the skin. It has a warm and earthy natural aroma that fades soon upon absorption. I simply apply it to warm, and slightly damp, freshly cleansed skin, and immediately note that my skin feels soft, smooth, supple, deeply moisturized and luminous. Its antioxidant-rich anti-inflammatory ingredients calm and soothe irritated skin, and it effectively reduces inflammation when skin is irritated from breakouts or post-peel redness. It softens the appearance of fine lines and scars over time, and unlike many of my most coveted luxury face oils, this one comes with a surprisingly approachable price tag, and I cannot sufficiently underscore the extend to which I am happy with this magical amber elixir.

I should note that I inadvertently subjected my décolleté to a bit more sun exposure than I had anticipated the other day, while doing strenuous yard work, and despite the fact that I was wearing and reapplying sunscreen my skin was still over-exposed and left dry and a bit irritated (not sunburned). I used this oil exclusively on my neck and décolleté following my exposure and it really nourished, soothed and rehydrated it.

According to Pai,

Our bestselling skin hero is the ultimate multi-tasker. With regular use, it deeply conditions skin, improving firmness and elasticity and promoting a clear, even skin tone.

Its high concentrations of essential nutrients feed the skin, fuelling its essential overnight regeneration processes without irritation.

Among other things, Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil can be used to improve: dry patches, flaky patches, blemishes, dull skin tone, fine lines, scars, and sun damage.

It can even be used to help improve the appearance of scarring or mixed into your Body Cream as a soothing after-sun. You'll wonder what you did without it!

We wanted to create an Oil that was more effective, fresher and longer-lasting, so we use volcanically sourced CO2 supercritical extraction to derive a unique blend of Rosehip fruit and seed oil.

It's more expensive than cold-pressing but it’s the gentlest way to extract these incredible oils and it allows us to preserve the complete properties of the plant without oxidation or contamination.

The result is a beautiful deep orange Oil, packed with twice the regenerative sterols and five times more carotenoids than your average cold-pressed rosehip seed oil.

Completely free from GM ingredients and grown without pesticides or synthetic chemicals, our Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil is certified organic by the Soil Association.

Full Ingredients (INCI):
Rosa Canina Seed Extract*- Rosehip Seed Extract
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract*- Rosehip Fruit Extract
Tocopherol - Natural Vitamin E
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract*- Rosemary Extract
Certified Organic by the Soil Association (*Organically produced 99% of product).

Pai asserts, "Our commitment to product purity means we never use artificial fragrances, alcohol (denat.), parabens (including japanese honeysuckle), phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, formaldehyde (including sodium hydroxymethylglycinate), sodium lauryl sulfate or other skin irritants. Suitable for Vegans. Not tested on animals. Nut-Free Formula."

Overall Assessment: I absolutely LOVE this oil, and will definitely purchase yet another bottle once I finish the one that I recently opened. This amber elixir earns an A+!

$44.00 for 1 oz. from Neiman Marcus, Credo Beauty, Skin Store, Shen Beauty, Beauty Expert, Violet Grey, Follain, The Detox Market, Free People, Pai's Amazon Store, Cult Beauty, lookfantastic and Goop (Affiliated Links).

Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2019 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.