November 2022 Face, Body & Hair Product Empties

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

During the month of November, I managed to finish 8 products– of which 7 were full-size and one a travel-size. Unlike last month, where I didn't finish a single face product, I managed to finish 4 of them in November. Here is what I managed to finish:

Spongellé Love Always | Bulgarian Rose Heart Buffer ($14.00 from Spongellé):  Spongelle’s Love Always Heart Buffer in Bulgarian Rose is utterly delectable. The size is perfect for home or travel, and it effectively cleanses and exfoliates the skin. Their body wash infused buffers are a treat to the skin and the senses, and their Bulgarian Rose is one of my all-time favorite scents! Purchase Again? Oh, definitely!

Fragrance Notes:

• Top: Cinnamon Sticks, Sliced Ginger, Sweet Clove, Juicy Orange
• Middle: Tuberose
• Base: Whipped Vanilla, Cozy Musk

Walton Wood Farm Warm Cranberry Shea Butter Soap ($8.99 for 3.5 oz from Walton Wood Farm): This delicious cranberry scented soap smells like the holidays! It has a wonderful lather, and rather than drying out skin the shea butter moisturizes and pampers the skin. Purchase Again? Once I finish up a few more of my bar soaps, I will definitely!

RITUALS Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel (Discontinued scent): This is yet another masterpiece from Rituals, and this is not an exaggeration. Their Foaming Shower Gels are decadent things of beauty, and once you try them you will be hooked. The gel formula turns into a dense and rich foam upon contact with water. It is highly concentrated so a little goes a very long way, and it not only cleanses skin effectively, but it leaves skin soft, supple and moisturized. Furthermore, it doubles as one of the most effective and emollient shaving creams that effortlessly facilitates a very close shave. The scent is a gorgeous fusion of Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil, and this exotic blend not only leaves the skin with a sensual veil of fragrance, but it also leaves the bathroom smelling delectable. Purchase Again? I would in a heartbeat, but they seem to have discontinued this scent.

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Wipes ($62.00 for a 3-pack from Sephora, Dermstore, 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.

Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder ($68.00 for 2.1 oz from Tatcha, and Sephora): I'm just so incredibly impressed by Tatcha in general, and really believe that they make some of the very finest skincare products on the market. Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder is a very effective, yet a remarkably gentle, exfoliating cleanser. I really enjoy the metamorphosis from powder to paste, and the routine itself is immensely pleasurable. There is just enough grit to the texture of this refined and silky paste to loosen and remove all debris and dirt. Purchase Again? I have a full size jar that I recently opened. This is a refillable travel size, and I will refill it for my next out-of-town trip.

Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub ($32.50 for 2 oz. from Ulta): This is a wonderfully effective facial scrub. This exfoliator features tiny, and densely populated, exfoliating particles suspended in a creamy base that has enough grit to sweep away dead skin cells effortlessly. The formula is gentle, effective and non-stripping. Skin is left soft, silky smooth, supple and refreshed. It is a very concentrated formula– so this 2 oz. jar should last a long time unless you are using it on your face and body. Derma e suggests that it can be used on your hands, elbows, feet, knees– or anywhere you need to exfoliate rough skin, and I definitely agree that it is quite effective on rough skin in those regions as well. Purchase Again? I just opened another new jar!

Phytomer Rosée Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion ($40.00 for 8.4 oz. from Phytomer and SkinStore): This two-in-one gentle makeup remover and toner, with the lovely scent of rosewater, gently and effectively cleanses and removes makeup without drying or irritating the skin, and it doesn't leave behind an oily film. The alcohol-free formula effectively removes dirt, debris, oil and makeup without causing any skin irritation. When I use resilient waterproof makeup, however, I definitely prefer using a duo-phase eye makeup remover to breakdown and remove my makeup, but this definitely removes non-waterproof eye makeup formulas with ease. Purchase Again? At some point I will, but I already miss using it!

Royal Locks Curl Quench Conditioner ($19.50 for 12 oz. from Royal Locks): This lightweight, and ultra-emollient, conditioner is incredibly nourishing and hydrating, and it gives curly and wavy hair all of the pampering and moisture that it needs, but without ever weighing it down and leaving it feeling greasy. It fights frizz and fly-aways and leaves curls bouncy and supple. It has a light, and pleasant, aroma, but it is neither long-lasting, nor in the least bit cloying. Purchase Again? I have to go through quite a few bottles of conditioner before I need to buy another, but I will definitely consider purchasing this lovely conditioner in the future.

 

Overall Assessment: I am pleased with my progress toward using open products before they go bad! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in November? Do you have any faves or duds to report?

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

Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Royal Locks Curl Care Haircare Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Royal Locks Haircare offers a wonderful range of products formulated for the precise needs of curly and wavy hair. Given that I have naturally curly hair, I was very eager to try this brand since their products are made with my hair in mind.

About Royal Locks,

Royal Locks Curl Care was born in 2014 when a classic curly girl got tired of mixing multiple gels and creams to get the benefits she desired. It became apparent to her the curl community was seeking an effortless approach to curl care.

The idea of Pro Curl Cream Gel was born. Pro Curl takes a multi-functional approach to traditional curl care to nourish your locks like a cream and defines and holds them like a gel. Since then, our product line has expanded to offer the best curl support, from shower to style, to give you beautiful locks from waves to curls to coils.

It all started with having her first child. When Casey Simmons experienced all the hormonal changes of motherhood, her formerly pin straight hair became wavy. Struggling with her new identity as a mom, her different look added an extra layer to figure out. But it’s just hair, right? Wrong. Casey knew finding confidence and balance would take time, but she liked that her new wavy look seemed to express who she is: unique, approachable and fun. So, she started with the hair.

Of course, finding the right products was a journey in itself! Casey’s research found that many women like her experience changes in hair texture throughout their lives or choose to stop straightening and wear their hair naturally curly. These women were also overwhelmed when attempting to understand how to manage their new curly patterns. Additionally, they too felt a connection between their look and individuality. Changing your hair changes how you feel, and for many it is important to have your look represent the real you.

When Casey discovered Royal Locks Curl Care, she loved that the products worked with simple steps that fit into her new lifestyle while delivering beautiful results.

Royal Locks Clean Curls Shampoo ($17.00 for 7.5 oz. from Royal Locks): This sulfate-free, and non-stripping or drying shampoo, gently and thoroughly cleans the hair without leaving behind a greasy residue that weighs it down. It is a low-lather shampoo that is satisfying to use and it rinses clean. It offers curly hair hydration and manageability, and it has a pleasant light aroma. You can also purchase the Royal Locks Curl Cleansing Set ($35.00 from Royal Locks) which includes their shampoo and conditioner.

According to Royal Locks,

A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo for curly hair that won’t strip the natural oils your curls need to create their best shape. Our pH balancing shampoo is sulfate free, low lather, to keep curls fresh and maintain an important foundation of moisture + hydration.

Features:

- For all waves, curls, and coils

- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free

- Shine, softness

- Creates a foundation of healthy hair with moisturize + hydration

- Safe for color-treated or permed hair

Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Lauryol Glutamate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide MIPA, Aqua (and) Sodium Levulinate (and) Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Polyquaternium-11, Sodium PCA, D-Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Macadamia Seed Oil.

Royal Locks Curl Quench Conditioner ($19.50 for 12 oz. from Royal Locks): This lightweight, and ultra-emollient, conditioner is incredibly nourishing and hydrating, and it gives curly and wavy hair all of the pampering and moisture that it needs, but without ever weighing it down and leaving it feeling greasy. It fights frizz and fly-aways and leaves curls bouncy and supple. It has a light, and pleasant, aroma, but it is neither long-lasting, nor in the least bit cloying.

According to Royal Locks,

One of the best conditioners for curly hair created to nourish and protect waves, curls, and coils without weighing them down. Made with argan oil, macadamia seed oil and amino acids to penetrate, hydrate and heal for soft, bouncy curls.

Argan oil-based conditioner that provides weightless moisture + repairs damage. For all types of wave curls, classic curls, and coil curls of all textures and thickness.  

Features:

- Protects and maintains moisture + hydration

- Repairs Damage 

- Safe for color treated or permed hair

- Nourishing and lightweight to support coil curls that are easily damaged \

Directions: Work into curls. Leave product in hair for two minutes while detangling curls, allowing it to penetrate the hair shaft, hydrate and heal. Rinse.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Argan Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Parfum, Dimethicone, D-Panthenol, Amodimethicone, Macadamia Seed Oil, Polyquaternium-10, Triethyl Citrate (and) Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Benzoic Acid, Aqua (and) Wheat Amino Acids (and) Soy Amino Acids (and) Arginine HCl (and) Serine (and) Threonine.

Royal Locks Pro Curl Cream Gel ($22.00 for 7.5 oz. from Royal Locks): This is a concentrated curl cream, and therefore it is essential to take a less-is-more approach. it is lightweight and nourishing, and it does an exemplary job fighting frizz and fly-aways while defining curls. It offers hold, while leaving curls soft, touchable and moisturized. It has a light and clean aroma that isn't long-lasting or cloying. 

According to Royal Locks,

Our 3-in-1 lightweight curl cream gel was created to make curls work for you. This unique original, proprietary blend of high-performing ingredients plus natural botanicals works to create well-defined curls while holding shape, moisturizing, taming frizz and drying with a touchable softness. Created for Classic Curls of fine to medium texture. 

This product is concentrated. If you use too much and get a cast or crunch you’re not loving, don’t fret. Just combine a tiny amount of leave-in conditioner + water in your hard and scrunch hair upwards- your curls will hold, but the crunch will be moisturized and soft.

Features:

- Tames frizz

- Define, enhance, hold with softness

- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free

- All-in-one curl definer

- Moroccan Argan oil for moisturizing

- Safe for silver, color-treated, or permed hair

- Styling Method: Wet Styling. Follow up with Party Curl Activating Spray for touch-ups

- *If you prefer Damp Styling try Dream Cream.

Directions: Wet styling. Applying cream gel to sopping wet hair. The water and heat help activate the product. Creates beautiful, well-defined curls with touchable softness. It also reduces frizz.

After turning the shower off, stay in the shower area and dispense a nickel size (it’s concentrated!) of Pro Curl Cream Gel. Distribute evenly into SOPPING WET HAIR.

Scrunch curls with tee shirt or microfiber towel to help them form & remove excess water.

Plop curls on top of head in tee shirt or towel, let air dry (NO touching, it causes frizz), or if you prefer, diffuse.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, VP/VA Copolymer, PVP, Parfum, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, dl-alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Benzoic Acid.

Overall Assessment: If you have waves or curls, you owe it to yourself to place Royal Locks on your must-try list. A+

Press Sample. Available from Royal Locks (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.