February 2025 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliated Links)

I managed to finish up 9 products in the short month of February, and only one was a deluxe travel size. This is another month in which I can state that I would happily use each one of these products again, and in most cases I have already opened another one of these finished products.

Spongellé With Love | in Bulgarian Rose & French Lavender Heart Buffer (These scents are sold out, but they have other scents available. $14.00 from Spongellé): Perfect for travel, these heart-shaped body wash infused buffers will cleanse, exfoliate, massage and love your skin." Spongellé Body Buffers are brilliant body wash-infused sponges effectively and gently clean and exfoliate the skin, and they also leave the it deliciously baby soft, smooth, supple and moisturized. They really excel in their ability to clean and exfoliate the skin while delighting the senses with their delightful aromas. Purchase Again? I just opened another one!

Mrs. Meyer's Compassion Flower Hand Soap ($4.99 for 12.5 oz. and a 3-pack for $14.64 from Amazon, Walmart and Target): I should state that I did not use up two full size bottles in February, but instead that I finished up what was left of them. These were used at two different sinks (bedroom bath and kitchen), and those are high traffic areas. This is not your typical floral scented hand soap, but instead the aroma is neither too sweet, nor too fragrant. It has a light and delicate floral aroma that is uplifting and understated. This is a very moisturizing hand soap that neither strips the skin, nor leaves behind an oily residue. Instead, it is utter hand soap perfection.  Purchase Again? I already opened another bottle!

TATCHA The Water Cream ($72.00 for 1.7 oz. from TATCHA, Sephora): This is something that I simply could not resist purchasing. I have a serious penchant for gel-cream textured moisturizers that immediately melt into the skin, that deeply hydrate and that leave behind no greasy or sticky residue. This antioxidant-rich cream, with its oil-free formula, boasts an emollient lightweight gel texture that melts into the skin upon contact and immediately delivers deep hydration. Skin is left silky smooth, soft and supple with a gorgeous dewy glow. It balances excessive oil production, without drying or mattifying the skin. It is recommended for normal to oily skin types, as well as for people seeking anti-aging benefits. Everything about this moisturizer is luxurious from its packaging to its beautifully experiential application, to its undeniable results. Purchase Again? Yes!

Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion ($75.00 for 6.8 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom): This is among their remaining iconic products that I began using at the age of 17. Throughout the years, it is among the products that I return to again and again. Originally intended for normal, combination and oily skin types, it is now marketed for all skin types. It does contain alcohol, and therefore if your skin is particularly dry, and you avoid alcohol-based toners, then this probably isn't the best choice for you. However, while it does contain alcohol, I do not find it drying for my normal skin. It is a gentle and effective toner that binds moisture to the skin, because of the glycerin, while it effectively exfoliates dead skin cells without stripping. It leaves skin glowing, balanced and smooth. It does contain a light fragrance, but I find it quite pleasant. Of course for me the scent is a familiar one that evokes many memories, and my visceral reaction to this product goes well beyond its efficacy. I will say that using them is like visiting a beloved friend that I have known since childhood, and that familiarity is very comforting. Bottom line, though, it is still a great toner. Purchase Again? I just opened a deluxe sized bottle that I bought during their sale. I will say, however, that Erno Laszlo has discontinued so many products, raised prices and reduced sizes a lot over the last few years. Much of the brand is no longer all that familiar to me, and with all of the times that the company has sold over the years a lot of what made their products excellent has changed as they have formed a new brand identity.

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla ($12.00 for 2 oz. LAVANILA, Amazon, Target): This is a wonderful healthy deodorant formula that is effective, smells delicious and offers long-lasting protection. Available in a nice range of scents, their scrumptious smelling Healthy Deodorants offer odor protection all day long, and the healthy ingredients condition the skin. If you are seeking an antiperspirant, then be advised that this does not prevent sweating. This has been my favorite healthy deodorant for many years now, and I will use it as long as LAVANILA makes it. It applies to the skin effortlessly, without tugging, and it never leaves a residue or stain on the clothes. This is a cruelty-free brand and their deodorants are free of aluminum and parabens. The Pure Vanilla scent is warm and creamy perfection, and wearing the deodorant and fragrance together is delectable! Purchase Again? Without question! I just opened another scent from their collection! Pure Vanilla, however, remains my very favorite.

Verité Spa Organics Japanese Lemon, Vanilla & Jasmine Hand Cream ($28.00 for 2.36 oz. from Boxwalla) This is an absolutely otherworldly hand cream. It is mid-weight, intensely emollient, and the antioxidant-rich formula melts into the skin immediately. Skin is left soft, velvety, unmistakably nourished, moisturized and delectably scented. The aroma is indescribably beautiful! It is a sublime mixture of Japanese Lemon, Rose Damascena Flower Water, Vanilla and Jasmine. You really have to experience it for yourself to understand its true beauty. This is, without question, my very favorite hand cream. This is leaving my chapped hands soft, smooth, supply and richly moisturized, and the aroma brings me tremendous joy! Purchase Again? Without question, but I need to use up a few more hand creams before buying more.

OUAI Dry Shampoo (Discontinued): This is the only deluxe travel size that I used up this month. I have absolutely no idea why OUAI discontinued this dry shampoo because it was absolutely amazing! It not only was a perfect pick for the days that I don't wash my hair, but it also added volume and was a great styling aid! Purchase Again? I don't want to buy pre-owned bottles online, and therefore I will just move on to the next dry shampoo that I have open.

 

Overall Assessment: I am please that I was able to finish up so many products in the short month of February. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in February. Any great discoveries to report? Any over-hyped duds?

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

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Boxwalla Vérité Spa Beauty Box Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Boxwalla currently has some amazing limited edition beauty boxes, and the Vérité Spa Beauty Box is worthy of the highest praise. This box features two full-sized products, from this beautiful skincare brand from New Zealand, and I cannot sufficiently underscore the extent to which this is a must-try cruelty-free beauty box.

According to Boxwalla,

In this box we feature two full-sized potions touched by Elven magic & Hobbit heart, that together soothe, heal, and impart a startling glow. This beautiful brand, Verite Spa, all the way from New Zealand was founded by Janin Dei-Conti and then handed over to Christian Fladgate to nurture and grow.

The Vérité Spa Beauty Box features two magical products from the brand (it costs $75.00, A $157.00 value. Subscribers save 15% in their retail shops every day):

• Verite Spa Papaya & Blue Tansy Pressed Serum, 50ml ($79.00 value)
• Verite Spa Sattva Glow + D Bakuchiol Serum, 30ml ($78.00 value)

Papaya & Blue Tansy Pressed Serum (value $79.00 for 50ML/ 1.69oz): This soothing and healing serum smells utterly heavenly, and while I detect the Jasmine and Lavender, there is a richness and complexity in the aroma that is a result of the medley of aromas inherent in the other ingredients as well. This serum is a lightweight balm that melts into the skin immediately. It is a perfect choice for dry, dehydrated, irritated skin because this potent balm calms and soothes irritated skin while the extraordinary aroma soothes the spirit and quiets the mind.

According to Vérité,

PAPAYA & BLUE TANSY calm + repair pressed serum, crystal charged with Moonstone, Amethyst, Rose quartz, and Lapis Lazuli gemstones. This little beauty is perfect for dry, inflamed, irritated, red and unhappy skin, as it instantly calms, soothes (skin and mind) and repairs with blue tansy oil, exceptional botanical oils, gemstone elixir and paw paw oil which is high in vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes. This serum is perfect for helping to heal acne, rosacea, dark spots and all skin that requires healing and brightening.

A Pressed Serum is a super intensive combination of powerful ingredients that is a cross between a serum, balm and moisturiser - meaning it can be used as a serum alone or as a moisturiser. 

Warning: While the amount we have used should not affect there is a Caution for Blue Tansy- potential to interact with (inhibit) certain OTC and drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.3 Due to the presence of camphor, caution with epileptics, pregnant and/or nursing women, and those who have high blood pressure.

Directions: Gently apply a small amount to skin after cleansing. Can be used alone or after moisturizer.

Ingredients: Sclerocarya Birrea, *Butrospermum Parkii, *Theobroma Cacao, *Prunus Armeniaca, Carica Papaya, *Camelia Oleifera,**Terminalia Ferdinandiana, *Cucurbita Pepo, **Rubus Idaeus, Vaccinium Macrocarpon, * Tanacetum Annuum L., *Euterpe Oleracea * Persea Gratissima, Crystal Elixir (Tourmaline, Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Crysocolla, Lapis, Amethyst), Euphorbia Antisyphilitica, Natural Tocopherols, *Boswellia Carterii, Jasminum Grandiflorum,*Lavendula Angustifolia *Certified Organic** Cold Pressed.

Sattva Glow + D Bakuchiol Serum (value $78.00 for 30 ml./0.67 oz.): If you love a beautiful glowing complexion, then this Vitamin D serum, which is formulated in a base of Rose Water, is the perfect pick. This light textured emulsion melts into the skin and leaves it hydrated, soft, smooth and luminous. It has a delectable aroma that is informed by the Rosa Damascene Flower Water and the Jasmine, and it is truly luscious.

According to Vérité,

Sattva is a hug for your skin, a beautiful glow,  a sense of calm , it is balancing, smoothing renewing and healing high in Vitamin D and natural retinol- with key ingredients of Reishi and Shitake mushroom, Bakuchiol, st Johns wort, Desert Rose, Helichrysum, Hyaluronic acid and Jasmine. It's what your skin has been waiting for! 30ml

 

Sattva is a sanskrit word and is one of the 3 modes of existence- it is the quality of balance, harmony, goodness purity, holistic, positive attitude, luminous, serenity, beingness, peace and virtuosness.

Directions: Apply 1 pump to skin and massage lightly into skin. Use twice daily.

Ingredients: *Rosa Damascena Flower Water, *St Johns Wort Extract, *Selaginella Lepidophylla, Lactobacillus Ferment,Ganoderma Lucidum(Reishi) Extract/Lentinus Edodes (Shitake) Extract, (Psoralea Corylifolia (Bakuchiol), Olive Squalene, *Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Sclerotium Rolfii, Limnanthes Alba, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Helichrysum Angustifoleum, Jasminum Grandiflorum, Citrus Bergamia, *Organic.

Overall Assessment: Individually, these two products are truly amazing, but together they are perfection. If you seek happy glowing and moisturized skin, then this duo really delivers. A+

$75.00 from Boxwalla (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Visit: www.theboxwalla.com

Verité Spa Organics Japanese Lemon, Vanilla & Jasmine Hand Cream

Verité Spa Organics Japanese Lemon, Vanilla & Jasmine Hand Cream (Affiliate Links): This hand cream is absolutely otherworldly. It is mid-weight, intensely emollient, and the antioxidant-rich formula melts into the skin immediately. Skin is left soft, velvety, unmistakably nourished, moisturized and delectably scented. The aroma is indescribably beautiful! It is a sublime mixture of Japanese Lemon, Rose Damascena Flower Water, Vanilla and Jasmine. You really have to experience it for yourself to understand its true beauty. This is, without question, my very favorite hand cream. Boxwalla offered this wondrous hand cream in their February Beauty Box this year, but it is so fantastic that it is stocked in their Beauty Shop. After having used this incredible cream since I received it, it became clear to me that it deserved to be featured by itself. If you are looking for an incredible hand cream, then look no further than this one!

According to Verité Spa Organics,

For the hand cream, my inspiration was of course the huge amounts of handwashing everyone is doing at this time, and for my best friend who is a nurse and uses hand cream a hundred times a day. It needed to be moisturizing, protective, absorb really well, not have an overpowering scent and be long lasting. So, I put together oils such as Meadowfoam (for its amazing moisturizing and rejuvenating properties, it also prevents moisture loss), NZ flaxseed oil which is rich in essential fatty acids which help repair skin cells. Hemp seed oil and Comfrey oil are wonderful anti-inflammatory oils, and Hemp seed oil is really high in vitamins like omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin C, D, and B. I used Baobab to improve skin elasticity. Then, Hyaluronic acid was to really increase those hydration & moisture levels and soften and restore elasticity to the skin. I think Yuzu (Japanese lemon) is the most delightful and uplifting scent. It just evokes feelings of sunshine and joy really & it’s also revitalising to the skin! Jasmine is wonderful for dry or irritated skin. Its gorgeous scent along with vanilla is calming & produces positive feelings (so necessary during these times!).

Ingredients: New Zealand Spring water (Aqua), *Rosa Damascena flower water, * Butyrospermum parkii butter, *Theobroma cacao butter, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, *Prunus Amydalis dulcis, *Harakeke seed oil, *Adasonia digitata, Symphytum officinale, Limanthes alba,Olive Squalene, *Cannabis sativa seed oil, Natural mixed tocopherols, Hyaluronic acid , Sacharide isomearate, Benzyl alcohol and Dehydroacetic acid , Citrus junos (Yuzu), Cocos nucifera, Vanilla planifolia, Pogostemon cablin (Pachouli), Jasmine offcinalis.*certified organic ingredients.

Overall Assessment: This hand cream is magical, and I suspect that you will love it as much as I do. Visit: www.theboxwalla.com  

$28.00 for 2.36 oz. from Boxwalla (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Boxwalla February Beauty Box: The Truth about Gardens and Dreams Featuring Verité Spa Organics

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

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

The February Beauty Box ($49.95. Retail Value $163.00): The Truth about Gardens and Dreams, featuring New Zealand-based brand Verité Spa Organics, is an extraordinary value for outstanding products. 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. 

Each Box Contains Two Full-Size Products (Retail Value: $163.00):

- Goodnight Recovery and Repair Sleep Mask ($136.00 for 1.69 oz.)

- Japanese Lemon, Vanilla & Jasmine Hand Cream ($27.00 for 2.36 oz.)

- Bi-Monthly Delivery

- Free U.S. Shipping

- Effective Plant-based Ingredients

- Always Cruelty-Free

February Subscriptions are currently open and will close on February 20 (or when Boxwalla sells out, whichever happens first).

Verité was founded by Janin Dei Conti who is a trained aromatherapist. She says, "I had become quite disenchanted with the skincare industry and advertising that made me feel I had to conform to a certain standard to be okay, to look okay, skin treatments that left my skin feeling worse than when I arrived, and no real connection between therapist and customer. So I began to create a range of skincare and treatments that I would want to experience in a spa environment. Researching, and working with the most skin-loving plant botanicals to create a truly holistic experience. Treatments that when you walked out of one, you felt completely loved, nurtured, replenished, and rejuvenated on all levels."

Verité Spa Organics Goodnight Recovery and Repair Sleep Mask ($136.00 for 50 ml): This gorgeous sleep mask is thoughtfully crafted in a base of New Zealand Springwater & Damask Rose hydrosol. It contains Manuka Honey, that is sustainably sourced directly from the beekeeper who has a small number of hives filled with happy and healthy bees, at their small farm in Matakana, New Zealand. Additionally, it contains anti-inflammatory Pohutukawa extract, Quandong (which is very rich in Vitamin C), Kakadu Plum and Marshmallow Extract.

The overnight mask has a truly luscious jelly texture that melts into the skin in the most glorious way. It is lightweight, fast-acting and intensely nourishing. It is extraordinarily soothing, comforting and hydrating, and I can get away with using it and nothing else after washing my face, and before going to bed. My skin feels comfortable, soft, smooth, hydrated and luminous in the evening when I use it, and even more so when I wake up the following morning. It has a very faint aroma from the ingredients, but it is barely detectable.

Directions from Lavanya at Boxwalla: "This is one of the few overnight treatments that I actually use alone, without layering with oils and serums! On clean skin, I mist with a hydrating mist. And then apply a thick layer all over my skin. Depending on how thick a layer you apply, it can take a few seconds to a few minutes to dry down. Rinse off when you wake up or during your morning cleanse.If you want to layer serums under this (which is not required), make sure to apply at least 10-20 minutes before applying the mask. You can also layer a balm over the mask, but  again, for most skin that will not be necessary."

According to Janin, 

When I created the sleep mask it was to create a tiny space in the day for a skincare ritual when you don't really have any time! So if you take a few minutes to breathe in the calming scent, and put on your sleep mask as you go to bed, you don't have to think of really just one more thing, it’s all done for you,  and it does all its work while you sleep (of course you can also use it during the day if you want to and add it to a full skincare ritual). When formulating I thought: what are all the things you want for your skin and how do you want it to feel like, when you wake up? It needed to be light, not messy, and I wanted it to infuse a lot of vitamins and antioxidants into the skin, and also I wanted it to make you feel calm and happy after a long day. The calming scent of Neroli and Melissa is what I chose to fragrance the mask - these 2 exquisite oils (2 of my favourites! - although its hard to pick favourites when you love essential oils as much as I do !) smell like sweet nectar and calm an active mind, help to relieve stress,  and neroli also helps to regenerate the skin.

Janin used a combination of extracts, such as Gotu kola which is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phyto compounds like Quercetin, The mask contains Pohutukawa which is traditionally used in Maori medicine for wound-healing & is highly anti-inflammatory. There's Quandong, native to Australia and incredibly high in vitamin C and also contains rutin (which can help with reducing dark under-eye circles). Janin also uses beautiful oils like Marula as well as Kakadu Plum and Rosehip (both rich in Vitamins C and A). Hydrating Hyaluronic acid, Marshmallow extract, and Saccharide Isomerate are used to keep the skin deeply hydrated.

Verité Spa Organics Japanese Lemon, Vanilla & Jasmine Hand Cream ($27.00 for 2.36 oz.): This hand cream is absolutely otherworldly. It is mid-weight, intensely emollient, and the antioxidant-rich formula melts into the skin immediately. Skin is left soft, velvety, unmistakably nourished, moisturized and delectably scented. The aroma is indescribably beautiful! It is a sublime mixture of Japanese Lemon, Rose Damascena Flower Water, Vanilla and Jasmine. You really have to experience it for yourself to understand its true beauty. This is, without question, my very favorite hand cream.

According to Janin,

For the hand cream, my inspiration was of course the huge amounts of handwashing everyone is doing at this time, and for my best friend who is a nurse and uses hand cream a hundred times a day. It needed to be moisturizing, protective, absorb really well, not have an overpowering scent and be long lasting. So, I put together oils such as Meadowfoam (for its amazing moisturizing and rejuvenating properties, it also prevents moisture loss), NZ flaxseed oil which is rich in essential fatty acids which help repair skin cells. Hemp seed oil and Comfrey oil are wonderful anti-inflammatory oils, and Hemp seed oil is really high in vitamins like omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin C, D, and B. I used Baobab to improve skin elasticity. Then, Hyaluronic acid was to really increase those hydration & moisture levels and soften and restore elasticity to the skin. I think Yuzu (Japanese lemon) is the most delightful and uplifting scent. It just evokes feelings of sunshine and joy really & it’s also revitalising to the skin! Jasmine is wonderful for dry or irritated skin. Its gorgeous scent along with vanilla is calming & produces positive feelings (so necessary during these times!).

Ingredients: New Zealand Spring water (Aqua), *Rosa Damascena flower water, * Butyrospermum parkii butter, *Theobroma cacao butter, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, *Prunus Amydalis dulcis, *Harakeke seed oil, *Adasonia digitata, Symphytum officinale, Limanthes alba,Olive Squalene, *Cannabis sativa seed oil, Natural mixed tocopherols, Hyaluronic acid , Sacharide isomearate, Benzyl alcohol and Dehydroacetic acid , Citrus junos (Yuzu), Cocos nucifera, Vanilla planifolia, Pogostemon cablin (Pachouli), Jasmine offcinalis.*certified organic ingredients.

Overall Assessment: This thoughtfully curated box, which features two full-size products from Verité Spa Organics, is an incredible value. This sleep mask and hand cream are really worth having in your skincare collection this season, and I think that you will be as delighted by them as I am. A+

*THIS IS A SUBSCRIPTION* You will be charged immediately when you purchase. Automatic renewal occurs every two months until you cancel.

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

$49.95 ($163.00 value) from Boxwalla (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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