May 2026 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

I managed to finish up 9 products in the month of May, and only one was travel size bottle. I should state that all of these products, except for the hand soap, had been open for some time, and all of them were quite well-used before I pulled them to finish them up in the month of May. In an effort not to waste products, I routinely check expiration dates and target products that are more than half empty. Wasting products bothers me a lot, and therefore I really try to avoid tossing things out because they expired and I simply didn't get around to using them before they turn bad.  

ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild ($20.00 for 6.75 oz. from Ulta, Stylevana, Target, Walmart and Anua's Amazon Store): The Mild version is non-comedogenic and it only contains only 11 ingredients, and ANUA increased the amount of heartleaf extract (20,000ppb) to soothe the skin. This cleansing oil is appropriate for all skin types, including very sensitive skin. It emulsifies when in contact with water, and if effectively removes dirt, makeup and it helps to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads. This is a really effective cleansing oil that really does what it claims, and it is nice that it is formulated to address the needs of sensitive skin. Purchase Again? I just opened a different one of their cleansing oils.

Vitabrid C¹² Wrinkle Serum ($72.00 for 1.01 oz. from Vitabrid C¹² and Amazon): This wonderful antioxidant-rich serum offers skin incredible hydration and protection from free-radical damage. It boasts a blend of novel peptides that help boost collagen production, and the result is the appearance of firmer skin and plumped fine lines. Their antioxidant formula, which is infused with Niacinamide, Bisabolol and Citric Acid, helps to brighten the skin and fade hyperpigmentation. The serum is mid-weight, fast absorbing, non-sticky and fragrance-free, and it leaves my skin soft, supple, smooth and incredibly luminous. Purchase Again? I just opened another bottle.

Vitabrid C¹² Wrinkle Cream ($70.00 for 1.69 oz. from Vitabrid and Amazon): This is a mid-weight rich cream that melts into the skin, and the Shea Butter delivers serious moisture. Stabilized Vitamin C helps to even skin tone and lighten hyperpigmentation, and the novel peptides help plump fine lines leaving the skin smoother looking in appearance. This ultra-luxe, and velvety-textured, cream is such a pleasure to use and it makes skin look and feel exquisite. While I do not have wrinkles, I do have some fine expression lines, and this cream has definitely softened their appearance. There is no fragrance, and therefore people who are sensitive to fragrant skincare products will not have any problems with this cream in that regard. Purchase Again? I just opened another jar!

Vichy Normaderm 3-in-1 Micellar Solution ($19.99 for 6.76 oz. from Amazon, Ulta, CVS and Dermstore): Discontinued, but Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin is even more impressive. It actually feels the same to me, and thankfully this gentle micellar water is widely available. It gently removes makeup and dirt and leaves skin soft and clean. Purchase Again? I will continually repurchase the Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 Micellar Water!

René Furterer KARITÉ HYDRA Hydrating Shine Shampoo ($12.00-$64.00 for 1.6 oz, 5 oz. and 20.2 oz from René Furterer, Dermstore and Amazon): I have to preface this by stating that I am thoroughly obsessed with this truly amazing shampoo because it is everything that someone with dry and curly hair, like me, could ever want in a shampoo. It has a satisfying lather, but it never strips the hair, and it rinses clean without leaving behind an oily residue. It has a light, and pleasant aroma, but it isn't long-lasting or cloying. It moisturizes dry hair, without ever weighing it down, and it leaves hair remarkably soft and shiny. It is, in a word, extraordinary! Purchase Again? I just opened another tube!

milk_shake cool brunette shampoo ($28.00 for 10.1 oz, $10.00 for 1.7oz. from milk_shake, Beauty Plus Salon and Amazon): If you have brown hair and need to neutralize red & orange tones to maintain cool brown hair, then this dark blue pigmented shampoo will reduce that unwanted warmth and brassiness. Purchase Again? I would definitely get this again, but I have another brand to finish first.

Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Daily Conditioner ($38.50 for 8.5 oz from Amazon): First I have to say that the aroma of this conditioner is delectable, and if I had to describe it I would say that the jasmine and tuberose are the most legible of the scents.  The aroma does linger for a while before fading altogether. This mid-weight conditioner is very emollient and moisturizing without weighing hair down or leaving behind a greasy film. It effectively fights frizz and fly-aways, moisturizes dry hair and leaves it shiny and manageable. It is a wonderfully effective conditioner for my color treated naturally curly hair. Purchase Again? I would love to use this again, but I have many bottles of conditioner to use first.

Trader Joe's Bergamot & Vetiver Scented Hand Soap, ($3.99 for 12 oz. from Trader Joe's):  What an absolute delight this is. In fact, I went back to buy 3 more bottles. This beautiful citrusy floral scent is such a treat to the senses, and rather than drying out my hands, they are left lightly moisturized. The last time that I went to the same Trader Joe's they didn't have any left, but I plan to try again to get a few more bottles before they are gone altogether. I hope that there is enough demand for this lovely liquid hand soap that Trader Joe's considers making it part of their regular collection of hand soaps! A+ Purchase Again? In a heartbeat! I check to see if there are any bottles left every single time that I go to TJ's, and I think that they are gone for good.

Goldfaden MD Body Surge Hydrating & Restoring Body Moisturizer ($65.00 for 5 oz. from Goldfaden MD Amazon Store, IPSY and eCosmetics): This ultra-luxe, creamy moisturizer is mid-weight, and yet it melts into the skin immediately. It leaves skin deeply moisturized, soft, supple and luminous without a greasy residue. Skin looks restored and dry and parched skin is healed and hydrated. It has a light and refreshing citrus aroma, but it is neither imposing, nor long-lasting. Furthermore, it is cruelty-free, silicone-free, gluten-free, mineral oil-free, paraben-free and alcohol-free. Purchase Again? I have lots of open bottles and tubes of body lotions and creams that I need to use first, but I would very happily use this ultra-luxe moisturizer again!

Overall Assessment: I really liked all of these products a lot, and would happily use each of them again. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in May? Any great discoveries, or over-hyped duds to report?

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

Copyright © 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Moisture Shampoo and Velvet Divine Daily Conditioner

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

If you chemically treat your hair, then you may be interested to learn about the Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Collection that is formulated to maintain color and keep hair strong and healthy.

Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Moisture Shampoo ($27.50 for 8.5 oz & $70.00 for 25.4 oz.): This sulfate-free shampoo gently cleans hair without stripping it in the least bit. In fact, the formula contains Avocado Oil, Keratin Amino Acids and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein that hydrate the hair without leaving an oily residue behind. Additionally, it is an ideal shampoo for frizzy, damaged, dry, curly, course, and generally unduly types of hair. It has a wonderful calming aroma that is primarily punctuated by lavender, citrus and rose.

According to Saints & Sinners,

A sulfate-free shampoo ideal for chemically treated, frizzy, thermally damaged, dry, curly, unruly, coarse hair types or anyone searching for moisture, brilliant shine, smooth condition and manageability. Infused with Avocado Oil, Keratin Amino Acids and Hydrolyzed Soy Protein. Free of sulfates, gluten, parabens, phthalates, iron oxides, mineral oil, petroleum derivatives, synthetic colors, nut ingredients, palm oil and 100% Vegan. Cruelty free.

Fragrance Profile: Lavender Stone Roses
Top: Tonka Bean, Fresh Citrus
Middle: French Lavender, Rose
Base: Vanilla, White Musk

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Bis-Ethyl(Isostearylimidazoline) Isostearamide, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glyceryl Oleate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Decyl Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Laureth-4, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Quaternium 80, Fragrance/Parfum

Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Daily Conditioner ($27.50 for 8.5 oz & $70.00 for 25.4 oz.): First I have to say that the aroma of this conditioner is delectable, and if I had to describe it I would say that the jasmine and tuberose are the most legible of the scents.  The aroma does linger for a while before fading altogether. This mid-weight conditioner is very emollient and moisturizing without weighing hair down or leaving behind a greasy film. It effectively fights frizz and fly-aways, moisturizes dry hair and leaves it shiny and manageable. It is a wonderfully effective conditioner for my color treated naturally curly hair.

According to Saints & Sinners,

Ideal for chemically treated, frizzy, thermally damaged, dry, unruly, curly, coarse moisture starved hair types or anyone searching for brilliant shine, moisture, condition and manageability while eliminating frizz. Free of gluten, parabens, phthalates, iron oxides, mineral oil, petroleum derivatives, synthetic colors, nut ingredients and palm oil. Cruelty free.

Directions: After shampooing with Saints & Sinners Shampoo, apply Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Daily Conditioner and work throughout damp hair, root to ends. Leave for 1-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. For best results, follow with the complete range of Saints & Sinners Styling Products for optimal results.

Fragrance Profile: Tuberose Sublime
Top: Jasmine, Leafy Greens
Middle: Tuberose, Orange Blossom
Base: White Musk, Golden Amber

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Isododecane, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, Panthenol, C10-11 Isoparaffin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Oleate, Polyquaternium-37, Isopropyl Alcohol, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate

Overall Assessment: I am really pleased with this shampoo and conditioner. This mighty duo pampers my hair and it is such a pleasure to use.

Saints & Sinners Velvet Collection is available on realsaintsandsinners.com, as well as in select Sinnergy™ Salons and Spas nationwide.

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Saints & Sinners Medusa Divine Curl Cream

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

If you have curly hair, as do I, then you know how finicky it can be, and the extent to which you need to use the right products– otherwise pure unmitigated chaos will ensue! It just takes a slightly stripping shampoo, a conditioner that isn't moisturizing enough, or drying styling products to cause curly hair to turn into a frizzy dried out mess. Therefore, I always take care to get super nourishing and hydrating products, and use leave-in conditioners and curl creams.

The first time I tried Saints & Sinners Medusa Divine Curl Cream, I was hooked. It has a very lightweight consistency that adds moisture and shine to curly tresses, and it fights frizz and fly-aways effectively, efficiently and with much-needed longevity. It does an exquisite job in its ability to define curls without giving them that dreaded crunchy texture that most-often flakes. It is cruelty-free, color-safe and it smells delectable. Hair is left with a glossy shine and it is manageable and touchable.

According to Saints & Sinners,

Concentrated! Define curls without crunch! Adds moisture and shine, eliminates frizz and protects color in a luxe formula infused with Shea Butter, African Date Seed Oil, Brazilian Pequi Fruit Oil, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive and Chia Seed Extract. Free of gluten, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, iron oxides, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic colors, nut ingredients, palm oil, talc and sodium chloride. 100% Vegan. Cruelty free. Luxury Performance, No Bad Stuff.

Get ready for your curls to be transformed! Introducing Saints & Sinners NEW! Medusa Divine Curl Cream – a concentrated formula designed to define curls without the crunch. Medusa Divine Curl Cream adds moisture and shine, eliminates frizz and protects color in a luxe formula infused with botanicals such as Indica Seed Butter, Shea Butter, African Date Seed Oil, Brazilian Pequi Fruit Oil, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive and Chia Seed Extract. Designed for every hair type, this product was created with WaveMax technology to block out all humidity and create the perfect curl formation.

Now let's talk about the dreaded "S" word - silicones.  Diana Wilson, Founder of Saints & Sinners explains: 'Silicones are widely misunderstood.  We use breathable silicones that evaporate but there ARE bad silicones that inhibit the absorption of ingredients (they sit on the cuticle).  We respectfully disagree with no silicones but once someone feels that ALL silicones are bad it's hard to turn them.  There are 1,000s of differing silicones - breast implants are different than WD-40 is different that Saints & Sinners as an example.'

Directions: Directions: Use sparingly. Massage throughout clean, damp hair. Air-dry or style as desired.

Product Benefits:
• Luxurious cream formula
• Defines curl without crunch
• Soothes & smooths erratic texture
• Adds moisture & shine
• Thermal, color and humidity protection
• Eliminates frizz
• Antioxidants
• Emollient Fatty Acids
• Anti-inflammatory scalp conditioners
• Anti-statics
• Unique Consistency
• Infused with botanicals
• For all hair types

Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:
• African Date Seed Oil – desert date seed oil found in Africa and Middle East rich in protein, fatty acids, vitamins
• Brazilian Pequi Fruit Oil – super conditioning fatty acid from Brazilian Pequi Fruit, emollient, moisturizer, antistatic, eliminates frizz
• Shea Butter – oil and fat rich seed pulp from African Shea Tree, emollient skin conditioner, aids in moisture retention, antibacterial, aids in healing as it mimics skin function, soothing
• Jojoba Seed Oil – extracted from seeds of desert shrubs indigenous to California, Arizona and Mexico, emollient skin conditioning
• Indica Seed Butter – healing properties, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory derived from the fruit of the tree indigenous to India
• Olive Fruit Oil – super moisturizing fatty acids, ideal for sensitive skin/scalp; high levels of amino acids, proteins, vitamins
• Chia Seed Extract – skin conditioning emollient from Spanish sage, fatty acids, antioxidants
• Coconut – emollient, skin conditioning, fatty acid
• WaveMax Technology – offers ideal curl formation, humidity control

Medusa Divine Curl Cream is vegan and cruelty free and is made WITHOUT gluten, nut ingredients, palm oil, parabens, phthalates, iron oxides, mineral oil, synthetic colors, SES sulfates, SLS sulfates, petrolatum, microbeads, sodium chloride, nanoparticles, talc.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Isohexadecane, Propanediol, Polyquaternium-37, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polysorbate 80, Dimethicone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyacrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Amodimethicone, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Balanites Aegyptiaca Kernel Oil, Polysorbate 20, Benzyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propoxytetramethyl Piperidinyl Dimethicone, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Cetrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Quaternium-80, Lauryl Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Polyquaternium-113, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Trideceth-12, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Alcohol, Citral, Limonene, Linalool.

Overall Assessment: This is such a great discovery, and it now has pride of place in my collection of finishing products and curl creams. If you have curly hair, then this is definitely worthy of your consideration.

Medusa Divine Curl Cream retails for $27.50 for 6 oz. from found at realsaintsandsinners.com, as well as in select Sinnergy™ Salons and Spas nationwide. (Unaffiliated Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.