Empties Post Volume XXXIII: May 2015

 Press Samples & Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)

Somehow the stars lined up this month and I managed to finish up lots of products that had either been nearly empty for a while. I also went through a fair number of sample sizes that had been in my travel bag. Truthfully one of the things that gives me the greatest satisfaction in finishing up products, is placing all of those empty containers into my recycle bin. Since we became dedicated to recycling, there has been a marked reduction in what ends up in our garbage can, and a huge increase in what ends up in our recycle can. I have also made an effort to try to buy things with the least amount of extraneous packaging so that I can further reduce what I consume.

1) Keratin Perfect: Perfect Cleanse Shampoo (Reviewed here): I really liked this shampoo a great deal. It was very gentle and non-stripping, and it left my hair hydrated. It will be quite a while before I need to purchase another shampoo, but I would definitely use this again.

2) Taya Amazon White Clay Thickening Whipped Clay (Reviewed here): This definitely adds lots of body and thickness to hair, and is great if you need to add volume to your tresses.

3) Mario Badescu Citrus Body Wash (Reviewed here): I will happily buy this over and over again. This is a thoroughly refreshing and gentle body cleanser with the most delicious citrus scent! I love everything about it!

4) Trader Joe's Lavender & Chamomile Hand Soap is a staple in my household, and I routinely buy it in multiples when I shop at Trader Joe's. The often pungent nature of lavender is tempered by the more mellow chamomile, and the result is a very comforting herbal scent. Not only is it non-stripping, but it is actually very moisturizing! I love this hand soap.

5) Desert Essence Island Mango Hand and Body Lotion (Reviewed here): This is an ultra delicious smelling cream that is thick, rich and very hydrating. I have only ever loved the products that I have used from Desert Essence.

6) Gold Sakura Hinoki Deitanseki Facial Cleansing Foam with Charcoal and Hinoki Oil (Reviewed here): This is a highly concentrated purifying cleanser that produces a rich and heady foam. The charcoal really draws out impurities, and skin is left squeaky clean. It is definitely better suited to combination to oily skin types, and would likely be far too drying for drier skin.

7) Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion (Reviewed here): I am almost incapable of being objective about this toner because I began using it as a teenager. Erno Laszlo was the first high-end skincare line that I used, and therefore it evokes a certain nostalgic response in me. That said, I still think that this is a really great toner, and while it does contain alcohol I do not find it drying.

8) Natracare Cleansing Make-up Removal Wipes (Reviewed here): I really like these wipes, and find them both gentle and effective.

9) Clayspray Hydrate H20 Spray (Reviewed here): This ultra-fine misting spray hydrates and refreshes the skin, and feels wonderful!

10) Clarins UV Plus HP Ecran Multi-Protection SPF 40 (Reviewed here): This remains one of my all-time favorite sunscreens! It is non-whitening, does not interfere with makeup application and wear, and has an SPF 40. I will repurchase this when I need another SPF for my face.

11) Trader Joe's  Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizers & Vitamin E is a go-to in my household, and yet another Trader Joe's product that we buy in multiples. We stash these everywhere! I always keep one in my car, one in my work bag, one in my purse, and anywhere else that I can think of!

12 & 13) Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Hair is a winning combination! I have used Oribe shampoos and conditioners for years, and they continually rank among my very favorites. The Beautiful Haircare line is great for over-processed hair, and while my hair can't be described as that– it is naturally curly and dry so the added moisture that these products provide are much appreciated!

14) Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Conditioner with Mega Bounce is one of the most mind-glowingly effective conditioners that I have ever tried. It is described as, "perfect for reviving, defining and de-frizzing curls; creating sleek, swingy blowouts; and plumping up fine, limp hair for lasting volume." It leaves my hair unbelievably soft, manageable and frizz-free!

15) Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is a really nice nourishing and hydrating moisturizer. It is no-frills, and makes no wild claims, and it does exactly what it's supposed to do.

16) Malin+Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer is a really nice thick and rich, yet oil-free, antioxidant moisturizer for the hands and body. I wouldn't mind having a full size bottle in my bathroom!

17) Radical Skincare Youth Infusion Serum is  lovely serum from one of my favorite skincare lines. I have only used a sample, but that's enough to know that I would love a full-size bottle! It is designed to boost hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines. My skin  looks and feels amazing when I use it.

18) Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs (Reviewed here): What a miraculous exfoliator this is.Skin is left unbelievably velvety soft and supple, and it is more like a gentle microdermabrasion treatment than a simple exfoliating pad. I will use these as long as Dr. Colbert makes them!

19-21) Assorted Samples: Lucky Number 6 for Women, Eslor The Art of Beauty Soothing Refiner & Cleanser and Firming Collagen Day Cream. Like with most sample packets, there just isn't enough product in them to form an opinion.

What did you use up, throw out, give away or return in May? Were there any real duds or winners that you have to report?

Press Samples, Gifts with Purchase and Purchased by me (Affiliate Links)
All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Empties Post Volume XXIX: January 2015 Edition

*Press Samples & Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)

I must confess that I really didn't make any sort of concerted effort to finish up products in my current skincare rotation this month, and the things that I did finish had been very close to empty the month before. Nonetheless, I did manage to finish up 7 full size products and 4 sample packets. In January my greatest obsession was undoubtedly moisturizing my skin, and if these cold nights persist I will probably have a few moisturizer empties in February as well!

1) *Suave Softening Body Wash with Awapuhi Ginger & Honeysuckle (reviewed here): Lovely smelling, leaves skin soft and clean. I also used this to shave my legs and underarms! I am working on another bottle as we speak!

2) *Belli Pure & Pampered Body Wash (reviewed here): This is a wonderful body cleanser with a light lavender scent. It gently cleans, and leaves skin scrumptiously soft and hydrated!

3) J.R. Watkins Naturals Hand Soap in Aloe & Green Tea (reviewed here): I love J.R. Watkins, and they make my all-time favorite hand soaps. I continually purchase these in multiples! I love the Aloe & Green Tea scent, but am currently using the Lemon which is utterly luscious!

4) *Taya Amazon White Clay Thickening Shampoo (reviewed here): Taya makes really lovely haircare products, and their shampoo and conditioner are among my favorites from their line. The shampoo thoroughly cleanses without stripping, and the conditioner leaves hair tangle-free, soft and shiny!

5) Caudalie Divine Oil (reviewed here): As the name suggests, this is one divine oil! The moment that I finished my bottle I opened another! The scent is gloriously warm and rich, and it leaves skin soft silky and hydrated. I also use a small amount in my hair, and the results are amazing.

6) Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil: Spectrum makes amazing organic products, and I absolutely love their Organic Coconut Oil! While it is fantastic for cooking, I left this jar on my nightstand and used it each night from my scalp to my toes (not on my face). Organic Coconut Oil is a great way to moisturize the skin, and it is one of my absolutely favorite products to use on my feet before putting on fluffy socks. Since it has been cold at night, I have been layering it beneath a heavy cream.

7) *Shea Yeleen Shea Butter Soap in Lemongrass Peppermint (reviewed here): Shea Yeleen makes amazing products, and their earthy soaps are definitely a favorite. They clean the skin thoroughly without stripping, and skin is left soft and hydrated. I have been keeping a bar at my bathroom sink since it prevents my hands from drying out!

8) *Natracare Cleansing Make-Up Wipes for Sensitive Skin (reviewed here): These wipes are highly effective, unbelievably gentle, and well worth trying if you have sensitive skin and/or eyes!

What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return in January? Did you make any great new discoveries? Any duds to report?

Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved (Affiliate Links).

Taya Amazon White Clay Styling Products to Give Your Hair VAVAVOOM Body | Review

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Taya is a haircare line with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, and their products are formulated without parabens, sulfates and animal products. Taya is a cruelty-free line that sources indigenous botanical Rainforest ingredients through environmentally sustainable programs, which are free of toxic ingredients. agrochemical agents, and genetically modified ingredients. Furthermore, Taya ensures that the "local communities directly benefit from their harvests and conservation efforts."

Taya's products promise to add body to fine, thin or lifeless hair, and while my naturally curly hair isn't particularly fine, and definitely isn't thin or lifeless– I was interested in seeing how the line would add thickness, richness and body to my tresses.

1) Amazon White Clay & Acacia Collagen Hair Plumper: Adds body, richness and thickness to fine, thin, lifeless hair. An innovative, fast-drying mousse and hairspray, all-in-one formula, that allows you to instantly and effortlessly add fullness and plumpness to your style, creating volume, lift, dimension, and texture. Formulated with Amazon White Clay and Acacia Collagen, this unique recipe maximizes your hair’s body and substance, creating denser, fatter looking hair as it hydrates each strand. Encourages thicker, more abundant, luscious, plumping looking hair, and helps infuse every strand with rich moisture, shine and a long lasting flexible hold that helps create natural, movable, bouncy, healthy looking styles.

This is a wonderfully innovative fast drying mousse and hairspray in one that instantly delivers thickness and volume as well as flexible hold. Hair looks and feels natural and movable, but does not appear to be heavily product-laden. Furthermore, hair is left hydrated and shiny.

$24.00 for 8 oz. from Taya and Amazon.

2) Amazon White Clay Thickening Whipped Clay: Adds body, richness and thickness to fine, thin, lifeless hair. Amazon White Clay, Whipped Thickening Clay is formulated with Amazon Clay, extracts of Croton Lechleri resin and raw avocado oil, which help to expand, enrich, and add fullness, body, bounce, and control to fine, thin, or weakened hair. This highly concentrated, whipped, fluffy formula creates fullness, texture and density while helping control your style, creating a full and texturized look. Perfect for fine, thin, lifeless or brittle hair in need of body and texture.

How to use: "Depending on hair length, spray a small amount of this whipped, fluffy, rich formula into hand. Rub hands together, apply evenly to hair, and texture and style as desired. For best results, use with Taya Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner."

This is a light and fluffy mousse that is ultra concentrated. I use only a small amount to achieve control over my hair, but my hair isn't left crunchy or unnatural looking.

$24.00 for 6 oz. from Taya.

3) Amazon White Clay Thickening Hair Spray: Adds body, richness and thickness to fine, thin, lifeless hair. Amazon White Clay Thickening Hair Spray is a medium hold, thickening finishing spray, formulated with Amazon White Clay, extracts of Croton Lechleri Resin and Raw Avocado Oil that provides a long lasting, strong, yet flexible hold, that helps create natural, movable, healthy looking styles, while helping to expand, enrich and infuse body and fullness to every hair strand. Perfect for fine, thin, lifeless or brittle hair in need of body.

I don't often use hairspray, but on the rare occasions that I it absolutely imperative that it offers flexible hold. If I can't run my fingers through my hair, then I won't use it because I don't like the feeling of immovable hair cemented into place. This thickening hair spray offers strong hold, but it is flexible enough that I can still run my fingers through my hair. I only need to use the smallest amount to achieve big results.

$24.00 for 8 oz. from Taya, Beauty.com and Amazon.

4) Amazon White Clay Thickening Hair Spray (Non-aerosol): Adds body, richness and thickness to fine, thin, lifeless hair. Amazon White Clay Thickening Hair Spray is a medium hold, thickening finishing spray, formulated with Amazon White Clay, extracts of Croton Lechleri Resin and Raw Avocado Oil that provides a long lasting, strong, yet flexible hold, that helps create natural, movable, healthy looking styles, while helping to expand, enrich and infuse body and fullness to every hair strand. Perfect for fine, thin, lifeless or brittle hair in need of body.

I like this non-aerosol version of their Thickening Hair Spray, and find that it works just as well as their aerosol version, but with the convenience of a see-through non-aerosol bottle. It offers flexible hold, and is concentrated– therefore I only need to use the smallest amount to achieve my desired results.

$24.00 for 8 oz. from Taya.

5) Amazon White Clay Thickening Leave-In Mist: Adds body, richness and thickness to fine, thin, lifeless hair. Amazon White Clay Thickening Leave-In Mist is a medium hold, thickening finishing spray, formulated with Amazon White Clay, extracts of Croton Lechleri Resin and Raw Avocado Oil that provides a long lasting, strong, yet flexible hold, that helps create natural, movable, healthy looking styles, while helping to expand, enrich and infuse body and fullness to every hair strand. Perfect for fine, thin, lifeless or brittle hair in need of body.

This Leave-In Mist is not a leave-in conditioner that should be applied liberally, but is instead a finishing spray that offers strong and flexible hold. You only need to use the smallest amount for big results.

$22.00 for 6 oz. from Taya and Beauty.com.

6) Amazon White Clay Thickening Styling Crème: Adds body, richness and thickness to fine, thin, lifeless hair. Amazon White Clay Thickening Styling Creme is formulated with Amazon White Clay, extracts of Croton Lechleri Resin and Raw Avocado Oil, which help to expand, enrich, and add fullness, body, bounce, and control to fine, thin, or weakened hair. This light-weight formula creates texture and density while helping control your style and smoothing down fly-aways, creating a glossy, finished look. Perfect for fine, thin, lifeless or brittle hair in need of body.

I absolutely love this styling cream! It is a lightweight and moisturizing styling cream that adds body and bounce to hair without making it feel crunchy. It tames frizzes and fly-aways, and leaves hair glossy and polished looking. 

$22.00 for 6 oz. from Taya, Beauty.com and Amazon.

Overall Assessment: A lovely sustainable line the delivers real results. Excellent job, Taya!

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Empties Post Volume XXV: September 2014 Edition

I somehow thought that I would use up more products in September, but I suppose that testing out so many new products prevented me from using up many of my near-empties (many of which will likely be finished in October). The few things that I did get through in September were mostly much loved products that I will likely repurchase when the time comes. (Press Samples & Purchased by me. Affiliate Links).

The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Gel (discussed here): This is an amazing antioxidant rich anti-aging gel that is fast absorbing and very lightweight. It lifts, tones, improves the texture of the skin, and imparts glorious radiance. This is a definite repurchase item for me, and yet another masterpiece from The Organic Pharmacy.

Aroma M Camellia Body/Bath Oil (reviewed here): Aroma M makes some of the most amazing oils that I have tried! Maria's Camellia Body/Bath Oil is a luxurious and delectable oil that leaves skin so soft and moisturized, and the smell is utterly divine.

Aroma M Camellia Face Oil (reviewed here): This is a golden wonder with a hypnotic scent, and what it does for the skin is nothing short of miraculous! My skin is left soft, silky and glowing after each use, and the experience of using it makes me very happy.

Rituals Magic Touch Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk Whipped Body Cream: This is an utterly amazing body cream! The whipped texture feels amazing to the touch, and this baby really nourishes the skin leaving it unbelievably soft, supple and silky. The scent is sweet and very pleasing.

Red Flower Moisturizing Body Lotion Blood Orange: I love this lotion so much because it imparts the perfect amount of moisture to the skin and the Blood Orange scent is intoxicatingly delicious!

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash in Lavender: A very nice body wash with a lovely lather and the delightful scent of lavender!

Bikini Soft Shave Oil (reviewed here): This is a really effective shave oil that facilitates a close shave and it leaves skin unbelievably soft and silky!

Almay Oil Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads: These makeup remover pads are so effective at removing every single trace of makeup-- no matter how stubbornly it clings to my eyes. Despite the fact that it is referred to as gentle-- it actually stings my super sensitive eyes. If your eyes are not very sensitive and you if are looking for a very effective eye makeup remover-- then these are worth your consideration. If, however, your eyes are like mine-- then these may sting too much to be worth trying. While I loved their efficacy, I won't be repurchasing them.

Alaffia African Black Soap (reviewed here): This is a definite repurchase item! Alaffia's African Black Soap is a multipurpose unscented earthy soap that can be used from head to toe. It's a definite favorite in my household!

J.R. Watkins Aloe Green Tea Hand Soap (reviewed here): J.R. Watkins Hand Soaps are just amazing! They leave your hands soft, silky and hydrated-- plus the scent is so lovely! I will always repurchase their hand soaps because the quality is so outstanding, and using them is just so pleasurable!

TAYA Amazon White Clay Thickening Conditioner (reviewed here): A lovely moisturizing and thickening conditioner that leaves hair so soft and shiny. I'm very pleased with TAYA products!

What did you finish up, throw away, give away, or return in September? Did you make any new skincare or makeup discoveries that have you smitten? Any duds never again to be repurchased?

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

TAYA Amazon White Clay Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner | Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

TAYA Amazon White Clay Thickening Shampoo and Amazon White Clay Thickening Conditioner were created to add "body, richness and thickness to fine, thin, lifeless hair." While my naturally curly hair can hardly be considered fine, thin or lifeless-- I have to say that I found both the shampoo and conditioner to be nourishing and enriching. Each time that I use these products my hair feels silky smooth and manageable, and the extent to which it becomes volumized is not akin to 1980s mall hair. I would describe it more as lending my hair added body in a good way.  If you have thin and lifeless hair I think that you will find this shampoo and conditioner pairing a lovely addition to your haircare routine.

According to TAYA,

Amazon White Clay Thickening Shampoo is formulated with Amazon White Clay, extracts of Croton Lechleri Resin and Raw Avocado Oil which help to expand, enrich, and infuse body and fullness to every hair strand. Perfect for fine, thin, lifeless or brittle hair in need of body.

Amazon White Clay Thickening Conditioner is a highly concentrated, super thickening conditioner formulated with Amazon White Clay, extracts of Croton Lechleri Resin and Raw Avocado Oil to help expand, thicken, and infuse body and fullness to every hair strand. Superb for fine, thin, lifeless or brittle hair in need of body and fullness.

Shampoo Ingredients:

 Conditioner Ingredients:

About TAYA:

TAYA is the spirit and promise of the rainforest..... the rare power to beautify..... our source of life, spirit, and replenishment.

Unprocessed, raw, natural...... the super-botanicals of the rainforest..... like Cupuaçu Oil, the Durabundi Nut, the Annato Plant, Buriti Oil, and the Brazillian Açai Berry..... have provided for the enrichment and regeneration of its indigenous peoples' body and spirit since the beginning.

These timeless traditions and their intimate connectedness to the rainforest..... to the earth, the sky, the river, and to the forest itself..... are the extraordinary hair and body products of TAYA.

Meaning "I am" in the Wayuu dialect, and symbolizing the timeless relationship between ourselves and the rainforest, TAYA products embody those unique combinations of the rainforest's botanical treasures that have been passed down from mother to daughter..... for untold generations.

All TAYA products are formulated free of sulfates, parabens, animal products, and animal testing.

All indigenous rainforest botanical ingredients are sourced through environmentally sustainable programs which are free of toxic and agrochemical agents, or genetically modified elements, and where the local communities directly benefit from their harvests and conservation efforts.

Overall Assessment: TAYA is definitely a line worth exploring. Their products are lovely and effective.

Shampoo $20.00 for 10 oz. available from Taya and Beauty.com
Conditioner $22.00 for 10 oz. available from Taya and Beauty.com (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.