November 2023 Empties Galore for the Face & Body

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

This month I managed to finish 12 products, and two of them were sample sizes. I liked everything that I used up, and thoroughly enjoyed them. I should note that while this pile of empties seems like a lot, in the spirit of transparency they were all quite used up, and I simply focused on finishing them before they spoiled. Here is what I finished up in the month of November:

Erno Laszlo Phelityl Night Cream ($146.00 for 1.7 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom and Amazon): is pH-balancing and formulated to repair, strengthen and hydrate your skin while you sleep. It is very thick, but miraculously lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy. It quickly melts into the skin, leaves behind no residue whatsoever, and deeply moisturizes. When I wake up my skin is so soft, supple, moisturized and luminous. Additionally, it softens the appearance of fine lines and makes my skin look incredible. It can also be used during the day, but it contains no sunscreen, and therefore you need to use a separate sunscreen if you use this during the day. It has a very light and pleasant aroma that quickly dissipates, and it can be used for all types of skin. It is perfect for my normal/combination skin, but I think that people with dry skin might prefer a richer cream at night. Purchase Again? I will definitely purchase more at some point in the future, but for now I have far too many open jars of cream to use first.

Fleur & Bee Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer ($40.00 for 1.5 oz. from Fleur & Bee and Amazon): is a wonderfully effective and affordable cruelty-free brand. This rich and nourishing antioxidant cream, which is formulated for all types of skin, features 0.03% retinol to increase skin cell turnover and lighten hyperpigmentation, and plant stem cells to protect and rejuvenate the skin. To offset any of the drying and peeling effects, often associated with retinol-based skincare products, Evening Primrose was selected to moisturize and smooth the skin. Unlike many retinol-based skincare products, Youth Fairy is quite gentle, and I experienced no redness, irritation, itching or peeling. The thick and emollient cream melts into the skin immediately leaving it nourished and luminous. It does take up to 12 weeks to see the full effects of the retinol, but I noticed that my skin was brighter after just a couple of weeks. This cream is also gluten-free and it has no detectable aroma. If you are seeking a gentle retinol, then this is a really nice one to consider. 

It should be noted that it is very important to use a high SPF sunscreen, and reapplying it frequently, when using retinol-based products since they remove dead skin cells and leave the skin more vulnerable to the elements. It is also very wise to have your doctor check your moles and any skin irregularities– including, but limited to hyperpigmentation– to make sure that you do not have pre-cancerous lesions or spots, or skin cancer. Since I am not a medical doctor, I would urge you to see your physician to discuss the safety of adding retinol to your routine, and to make sure that none of your skin irregularities need medical attention instead of a skincare product. My doctor is very accustomed to looking over the ingredients in products that I seek to use, and she always carefully checks my skin for anything that might be, or could become, problematic. Purchase Again? I have several open jars and tubes of retinol-based products to use first, but I would definitely use this again!

Vitabrid C¹² Wrinkle Cream is ($70.00 for 1.69 oz. from Vitabrid C¹², Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom) 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 think that I might have another jar stashed somewhere, and will definitely use it!

Annmarie Skin Care Anti-Aging Facial Oil ($118.00 for 30ml. from Annmarie Skin Care and their Official Amazing Store): is a seriously gorgeous luxury face oil. While this glorious face oil is formulated for dry and mature skin, it is one of the finest and most effective oils to have graced my normal to combination skin. This ultra-luxe antioxidant-rich facial oil, which is velvety-to-the-touch, is infused with herbs and a symphony of more than 13 nourishing oils. Ingredients such as chia, goji berry, and broccoli firm and tighten the skin, and therefore soften the appearance of fine lines. Deeply moisturizing, this beautiful oil is lightweight and it effortlessly melts into the skin. It is neither greasy, nor does it leave behind any residue. I prefer to apply it to moist and warm freshly washed skin, and it immediately leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous. It is quite concentrated, and therefore I find the a single pump offers plenty of oil to cover my face, neck and décolleté, but your use may vary. It has the most hypnotic herbal aroma, but is not long-lasting or overpowering. Purchase Again? I am using a full size bottle as we speak, and I love it!

Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment ($85.00 for 0.8 oz. from Aesop, Nordstrom, Space NK, Bluemercury, Revolve and Saks Fifth Avenue): is undoubtedly a very deeply nourishing and moisturizing face oil that will do wonders for dry and/or distressed skin, but it has also done incredible things for my normal/combination skin as well. It is a very concentrated, vitamin infused treatment oil that serves as a potent remedy for skin that needs intense hydration, but is so gentle and nourishing that my skin happily drinks it up and is left soft, supple, glowing, balanced, and very moisturized. I only need a couple of drops that I warm between my hands before massaging it into my slightly damp and warm face, neck and décolleté. It sinks in immediately and effortlessly, and it has an intoxicatingly hypnotic warm earthy rose scent that simply delights the senses. It is neither too rich for my skin, nor has it caused me to break out in the least. It just makes my skin look and feel amazing. Purchase Again? I will definitely consider it once I have finished some of my many open face oils.

Goldfaden MD Fleuressence Native Botanical Cell Oil ($129.00 for 1 oz. from Goldfaden MD, Credo Beauty, Bloomingdale's and Amazon): If you are looking to try a new-to-you luxury face oil that is lightweight, fast-absorbing and incredibly nourishing and hydrating, then Goldfaden MD Fleuressence Native Botanical Cell Oil is worthy of your consideration. This delicate and delectable golden elixir boasts a light floral aroma that is an utter delight to the senses. This silky smooth ultra-luxe oil melts into the skin immediately moisturizing the skin and leaving it soft, smooth, supple and luminous. It boasts a thoroughly non-greasy texture that makes it the perfect candidate to be added to your daily moisturizer for added hydration, and it can be added to your favorite foundation for added luminosity. Furthermore, the antioxidant-rich formula, which is rich in Omega fatty acids, helps protect the skin against free-radical damage. After repeated use for about 5 weeks, I noted that the appearance of my fine lines were softened and my overall skin tone appeared more even and brightened. Purchase Again? DEFINITELY!

Fleur & Bee Just Dew It Hydrating Serum ($34.00 for 1 oz. from Fleur & Bee and the Fleur & Bee Amazon Store): This Hyaluronic Acid serum includes 14 nourishing actives that pamper and hydrate the skin with extraordinary efficacy. It is a lightweight and yet rich gel that leaves skin soft, smooth, hydrated and with a dewy glow. It is fast absorbing, it has a wonderful slightly floral aroma, and it softens the appearance of fine lines. This cruelty-free and vegan serum is as much a treat to the senses as it is to the skin, and it is remarkably affordable for such a luxurious serum. It is formulated for all skin types, and it is perfect all year long. Purchase Again? Definitely!

Elina Organics Vitamin C Elixir ($63.00 for 2 oz. from Elina Organics and their official Amazon Store): is a nourishing serum that contains Vitamin C, Rose Hips, Almond Oil, Green Tea and Sea Buckthorn to nourish and even skin complexions. This serum, which has the consistency and appearance of a lightweight moisturizer, melts into the skin and offers it immediate nourishment and hydration. If you have normal to combination skin, like me, then you can actually use this gem as your daily moisturizer, and if you have dry skin, then you will want to use it as a serum underneath your moisturizer. It also brightens the complexion, it fades hyperpigmentation and scars over time, and it soothes irritated skin. My skin is left soft, smooth, supple, brightened and with a pronounced clarity. It has a light herbal aroma, informed by its ingredients, not added fragrance, but it dissipates altogether once it is absorbed by the skin. Purchase Again? I just opened up a different Vitamin C serum, but I would love to get this one again in the future.

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar ($44.00 for 3.4 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom and Look Fantastic): Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar does an exceptional job cleaning and exfoliating my skin, and it does so without drying, stripping or irritating. Skin is left soft, clear and luminous, and while it is now said to be formulated for all skin types, it used to be for normal, combination and oily skin types. I would say that dryer skin types would only use it periodically for its deep cleaning and exfoliating abilities, but not as a daily soap. I do like to use it with a cleansing oil, but sometimes I use it alone. My one grievance is that the bar used to be a hefty 6 oz., which was far more satisfying to use, and now it is nearly half the size. Purchase Again? Absolutely!

Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffers ($12.00-$20.00 each from Spongellé): This particular buffer was limited edition from a while ago, but you really can't go wrong with any of their buffers. These sponges not only effectively remove dead skin cells, but they also leave the skin deliciously baby soft, smooth, supple and moisturized. Body wash infused body buffers are such a treat to use, and they really excel in their ability to clean and exfoliate the skin while delighting the senses with their delightful aromas. You simply dampen the body buffer with water to activate the lather to effortlessly clean and exfoliate the skin. Each sponge is filled with enough body wash for a minimum of 14 washes, and once you have used up all of the body wash, the sponge itself is still quite intact, and therefore all you need to do is use it in conjunction with your favorite liquid or bar soaps. The hanging ribbon allows the buffer to dry out easily, but I recommend hanging it outside of the moist environment of the shower to avoid bacterial growth. Purchase Again? I just opened up a new one!

Spongellé Botanica Candle in Tobacco Flower ($35.00 for 8 oz. from Spongellé): This is amazing candle has a rather hard to describe scent profile. The bottom notes, cedarwood and sandalwood, account for the tobacco flower sensibility, but it is mellowed by the top and middle notes to create a brilliantly conceived amalgam of these carefully selected aromas. If this were a perfume, it would be described as decidedly unisex in its composition and conception. Fragrance Notes: Top: Bergamot, Green Fig. Middle: Rosemary, Juniper, Sheer Lavender. Bottom: Cedarwood, Sandalwood. Purchase Again? I just start burning another one of their delectable candles!

Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Velvet Violet ($29.00 for 10g. from Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Beautylish, Selfridges, Cult Beauty and John Lewis): This wonderful formula is so creamy to the touch and easy to blend, and it glides across the skin without any tugging or pulling, and it deposits color evenly and effortlessly. It allows you to create a very clean crisp line, but gives you enough time before setting to make a smoky smudged line as well. Once it does set, it is completely budge-proof, and lasts on me all day long, and without a primer. I do not experience any transfer, smudging or fading, but I do not have very oily eyelids, and your wear-time may vary if you do. Purchase Again? I just opened another one!

Overall Assessment: I hope that I can do this well in December! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in November? Any excellent or mediocre products to report?

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

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

Typology Hydrolate Organic Orange Blossom Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

I know that I have been waxing poetic about everything that I have tried from the wonderful French brand, Typology, but their products really are amazing and affordable! If you happen to love the smell of orange blossoms, then be prepared to be transported– the scent of their Hydrolate Organic Orange Blossom is enough to make you wonder why you didn't know about this gem sooner (at least that's been my response).

You simply apply this antioxidant-rich and hydrating hydrolate to your skin with your fingers or a cotton ball, after cleansing and before your serum or face cream, and it revitalizes the skin and leaves it luminous. The light and watery liquid smells delightful and immediately sinks into the skin.

According to Typology. 

Revives radiance and helps to regenerate the skin. Orange blossom hydrolate is rich in flavonoids. These molecules belong to the family of polyphenols so give it a strong antioxidant powers. It fights free radicals and helps restore radiance to the complexion and illuminate the skin. Orange blossom hydrolate is also recognized for its regenerating properties and helps tone dull and weakened skin.

Features:

- Hydrolate obtained by steam distillation of organic orange blossoms.

- 99% naturally-derived ingredients.

- Vegan and cruelty-free.

Skin Concerns:

- Dull skin, skin lacking radiance

- Devitalized skin

- This orange blossom hydrolate is suitable for all skin types.

Directions: Apply the orange blossom hydrolate to the entire face in the morning and / or evening, using a cotton ball or directly with fingers. Apply to clean skin, before a serum and / or face cream.

Overall Assessment: What a delightful step for my morning and evening routine! 

$13.40 for 3.51 oz. from Typology (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

How Has This Last Year Changed Your Skincare Routine?

It has been a full year since we were issued our stay-at-home order here in Los Angeles, and because I have spent this entire time working remotely I thought that it would offer me the unprecedented opportunity to really pamper my skin (since I was home all of the time), but instead interesting new patterns have emerged.

I found that given the sheer amount of time that I am forced to Zoom each week that I am consistently left with very tired eyes. Therefore, I used far more eye masks than I ever would have imagined. This has definitely been helpful, but it feels more about treating puffiness, dark circles, and overall eye fatigue, and less about actual pampering. While enjoyable, it is perhaps more like placing Cortisone on a rash.

I also noted that I had a few more breakouts, and not just maskne, and I attribute that to the general stress of this time, and also working very, very long hours every day. Therefore, stress, wearing a mask and probably unconsciously touching my face while working have all contributed to the need to spot treat these eruptions as they occur.

I also noted that during the colder months, and after Milo's untimely death, that I took lots of hot baths to relax and to try to help ease my mourning, but that stopped when the weather started to get a little bit warmer, and when the acute nature of my grief gave way to sadness and acceptance that my beloved kitty actually died.

Once of the most interesting things that emerged for me during this time has been a nostalgic return to using some Erno Laszlo products. As I have said before, I began using Laszlo when I was 17, and my mom, sister and I all used this skincare brand religiously, and exclusively, for many years. What was most interesting, and I was very consciously aware of this, is that I gravitated back to Laszlo not because I needed more skincare products (which I certainly do not), but because the memories associated with its use came from a time unfettered by a global pandemic, and the ability to see my family regularly. I told my mom and sister that I had purchased a few things from the brand, and they were both amused. The three of us relived those amazing times that we shared, and where we bonded over our Laszlo products and the lovely days we spent replenishing our supplies, having lunch in the City and then returning home to play with our new products. We relished these experiences with utter abandon and joy. Of course it was less about the products, and more about our time together, but Laszlo served as a visceral and luxurious backdrop for those amazing memories during a much more simple time.

I thought that I would have spent this year pampering my skin in a much more thorough way, and on a daily basis, but it seemed to be more about spot treatments than engaging in any sort of organized routine. I also thought that working from home would somehow grant me extra time to take care of myself since I wasn't commuting and spending excessive amounts of time away from home. Instead, like many people working from home, I have observed that the spaces between "home" and "work" have essentially dissolved, and that while my slipper-clad feet commute only down the hall that I actually work much longer hours than I did before. Don't get me wrong, I am tremendously grateful to have a job, a roof over my head and food on my table, but this stressful time has certainly been fraught with its own daily complications beyond what is happening outside the walls of my house.

Have you been taking better care of yourself during this time? Have you been pampering yourself and engaging in self-care as a means of coping with this difficult era? I would love to hear your experiences!

Summer Skincare Tips for a Safe & Healthy Season

Purchased & Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

This is undoubtedly the time of year when we tend to spend a great deal more time outside, and as a result we often inadvertently overwork and under-protect our bodies and skin. Here are a few things that I have been trying to do to take better care of my skin this time of year:

1) Avoid overexposure to the sun. A couple of years ago I was overexposed to the sun while out running errands on one of the hottest days of the year in Los Angeles, and the effects were frightening and potentially devastating. I was outside for long stretches of time (I was exposed to the baking sun and hot asphalt), and the weather was so extreme that I ended up with a case of serious dehydration– it was unlike anything that I had ever experienced, and thankfully I didn't end up with heat stroke. Be mindful of the heat and your exposure time, and the very young, the elderly, people with mitigating health issues and pets should also be carefully monitored since the effects of overexposure to the sun can be particularly devastating to them.

2) Drink plenty of water. I know that this is painfully obvious, but it is something that I often don't do nearly enough of– particularly when I am on the go during the warmer months. Carrying around a good quality water bottle definitely helps remind you to drink water, and for me I either carry my 25 oz. S'well Water Bottle (Reviewed HERE), Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (Reviewed HERE) or my 16 oz. bkr Water Bottle (Reviewed HERE).

3) Be diligent in your use of a high SPF sunscreen (at least an SPF 30- though I use between an SPF 30-SPF 50 most of the time). The key is to remember to reapply sunscreen frequently. I often find myself applying my sunscreen in the morning and then forgetting to do so again throughout the day. That first and only application offers us a false sense of sun protection, but it does not last from morning until night. I have forced myself to carry sunscreen with me to reapply it, but of course this means that I need to reapply some foundation, tinted moisturizer, blush, or whatever I am wearing on my face that day. While this isn't terribly convenient it is necessary, and definitely worth the trouble. It should be applied to all exposed areas, and remember that the harmful rays also penetrate your clothing. Vulnerable areas like the ears, back of the neck, the drivers side of your face and body, the back of the hands, and feet are most often neglected. My all-time favorite sunscreen for my face, neck and décolleté is: TATCHA SILKEN Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 (Reviewed HERE).

4) Wear a wide brim hat. I try to do this when I am sitting outside reading, gardening, going for walks or hiking.

5) Exfoliate Skin once a week to remove dead skin and to ensure that your skincare is penetrating deeply enough. Of course this should be avoided if you have sunburned skin, but if your skin isn't traumatized by the elements and can handle a gentle exfoliation then this will go a long way to allowing your products to penetrate more deeply. If you see any suspicious looking moles that have been changing shape and size- then avoid this step and go to your doctor to have it looked at. I can't underscore the importance of this enough- it is very easy for them to identify precancerous and cancerous lesions that you want to deal with immediately. I have had numerous suspicious looking things removed that could eventually become skin cancer.

6) Consider adding in an anti-aging face serum to help fight free radicals. Even if you are young and aren't seeing fine lines pop up yet, the benefits of antioxidant-rich anti-aging serums do wonders for their ability to scavenge free radicals.

7) Add a nourishing face oil into your rotation. They penetrate the skin more deeply and moisturize the skin. They also give the skin a beautiful healthy glow. They can also be used in lieu of heavier skin creams when you want something lighter and faster absorbing. Fear not, they are made for all types of skin from oily to dry and everything in between.

8) Consider adding Hyaluronic-based lotions or gels into your product rotation because it helps to raise, and maintain, the moisture level of the skin.

9) If you have a beloved medium to full coverage foundation that is a perfect match for you, but is too heavy for the season, then blend a small amount with your favorite facial lotion or cream, and you will have the perfect tinted moisturizer. Add a touch of primer and sunscreen, and then you have a BB Cream. When I do this I use the back of my hand to mix it- it's a fast and convenient method. I would still highly recommend using a separate sunscreen to make sure that you have sufficient coverage. Again, you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (approximately every 60-80 minutes).

10) Use a good moisture mask at least once a week, or as needed.

11) Don't forget about your lips! Apply a moisturizing lip balm with an SPF underneath your lip gloss or lipstick to keep them protected. Reapplication throughout the day is the key to remaining protected.

12) Don't forget your hair! Not only can the sun wreak havoc on hair, but the scalp is also subject to sunburn as well. Use a deep conditioner on a weekly basis to keep your hair in good shape, and consider a good spray on SPF that is formulated for the hair.

13) A good pair of sunglasses won't just protect your eyes, but will also protect the vulnerable under eye area. Repeated sun exposure will cause sun damage to that vulnerable area and subject your skin to skin cancer and premature aging.

What are your favorite tips to get your skin through the summer months?

Copyright © 2019 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved (Affiliate links).