lola's secret beauty blog: Viori

Showing posts with label Viori. Show all posts

Saturday, November 30, 2024

November 2024 Empties for the Face, Body and Hair

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

I managed to use up 8 products in the month of November. Among the empties are 4 body products 2 hair products and two face products. 7 were full size and 1 was a deluxe sample. The biggest surprise was getting through two bottles of hand soap, though in all fairness one had mostly been used up in October, and the other had about 2/3 left when the month of November began.

Spongellé Botanica Lavender Body Wash Infused Buffer (Was $18.00 from Spongellé): While this particular Body Wash Infused Buffer was limited edition, and is no longer available, there are many different types from which to choose. These buffers with built-in body wash are infused with extracts of yuzu, edelweiss and vetiver root to cleanse, exfoliate, massage, and hydrate the skin for a spa-like pampering experience at home. Purchase Again? It appears that they no longer have this, but I have other scents to use next!

Mrs. Meyer's Compassion Flower Hand Soap ($4.99 for 12.5 oz. and a 3-pack for $13.94 from Amazon, Walmart and Target): 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!

Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Hand Soap ($4.99 for 12.5 oz. and a 3-pack for $13.94 from Amazon, Walmart and Target): is a glorious lemon verbena scented hand soap that is cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified. It moisturizes the skin, and leaves the hands very soft and clean without any sort of residue. It has a satisfying lather, a delectable fresh citrus aroma, and it makes washing hands a joy rather than a drab experience. Purchase Again? Yes, forever and ever!

Lovinah Goddess Glow Shimmering Body Oil ($30.00 for 1 oz. from Boxwalla and Lovinah Skincare): This is the shimmering body oil by which all shimmering body oils should be judged. It is a brand new product by Lovihan Skincare, and it is magical. As Boxwalla asserts, "it feels like a perfumed river of gold." It offers skin gorgeously fragrant moisture and its golden shimmer is absolutely gorgeous. I would like to bathe in this masterpiece! Purchase Again? I will buy another bottle this coming summer!

Viori Native Essence Unscented Conditioner ($18.00 for 2.8 oz. from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): This nourishing and emollient conditioner has a light herbal aroma, though there is no added fragrance, and it is both delightful and effective. It detangles hair, fights frizz and leaves hair soft, silky smooth and shiny. It does not weigh hair down or leave behind an oily residue. Purchase Again? I have other bar shampoos and conditioners to use up before I buy any others, but this will be at the top of my list.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Color Lustre Brilliant Glaze Treatment of Color Treated Hair ($73.00 for oz. from Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Sephora and Amazon): This nourishing treatment mask is very hydrating and nourishing, and it makes hair shiny and manageable. It preserves hair color longer and it can be used weekly for fine hair.

While one only needs to leave this treatment masque on for 2-3 minutes, I prefer to leave it on a bit longer. It deeply nourishes and moisturizes my hair, and leaves it soft, shiny and silky smooth! It's absolutely amazing, and I will promptly buy another jar just as soon as I finish this one. Purchase Again? It is on my wish list!

Go-To Face Hero Facial Oil ($34.00 for 1 oz. from Go-To): Formulated for all types of skin, this face oil is lightweight, fast absorbing and lusciously moisturizing. It has a rich and velvety texture that melts into the skin– leaving it silky smooth, luminous and lightly plumped. Not only does it brighten dull skin, but after sustained use it lightens dark spots. The antioxidant-rich formula helps to protect skin against free-radical damage, and the anti-inflammatory ingredients help to calm and soothe irritable skin. For this reason, I find it particularly effective when my skin is a bit sensitive, or when I use a peel or exfoliant. It has a delectable warm aroma that is informed by the beautiful variety of oils used, but also from the Orange Blossom & Rose Gardenia natural fragrances. Purchase Again? YES!

Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream ($22.50 for 1.4 oz. from Amazon): is a richly moisturizing, and yet lightweight and fast-absorbing, fragrance-free cream that is formulated for dry, sensitive skin. While my skin is decidedly normal/combination, this beautiful facial cream offers the perfect amount of moisture without being too rich, or in the least bit greasy. In fact, this cream melts into the skin, has no greasy residue and it leaves my skin soft, smooth and supple. This is a beautifully moisturizing cream that works wonders on my normal/combination skin, and it is very affordable. Purchase Again? Yes!

Overall Assessment: I thoroughly enjoyed using these products in November, and would happily use all of them again! What did you finish up, toss out, give away or return in November? Any great finds or real duds to report?

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

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Beauty Product Empties for April 2023

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I managed to use up 9 full-size products in April 2023, and I am a bit surprised that I finished 4 full-size body products, 2 full-size haircare products and 3 full-size skincare products. Here is what I finished:

Spongellé Body & Soul Detox Buffer in Eternal Mint ($28.00 each from Spongellé): is a body wash infused buffer with ashwagandha root extract, and it includes its own chakra stone for meditation and cleansing. Helping to wash away negativity, each crystal creates a new found sense of energy– based upon the 7 chakras. This collection is such a meditative way to enhance your bath and shower experience, and they also make fantastic Mother's Day gifts! Purple is Eternal Mint (Third-Eye Chakra), and it smells and feels amazing! Purchase Again? I have more of their beautiful body wash infused buffers to use before I purchase any, but I will certainly when I run out.

Rituals Sensation Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom Foaming Shower Gel Sensation and Rituals Yogi Flow Indian Rose & Sweet Almond Oil Foaming Shower Gel Sensation (both are discontinued scents): I fell in love with this innovative shower gel formula from the very first moment that I used it. As I have said before, it's an extraordinary take on the ordinary, and for me it makes my bathing experience anything but mundane. Their unique gel to foam technology not only makes it immensely fun to use, but it exceeds my every expectation of what a body cleansing gel should do. It cleans beautifully, smells glorious, and leaves the skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Furthermore, the rich dense foamy texture lends itself to being one seriously amazing shaving cream that cleanses, softens, and gives a seriously close shave. My legs have been transformed into the most soft and silky skin imaginable, and this gorgeous product has quickly given the boot to all of my other shaving creams! Purchase Again? I have a couple of other scents from Rituals, and I am about to open another one! I will definitely purchase their current scents as soon as I finish my last can!

Rituals Sakura Spring Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom Foaming Shower Oil (discontinued scent): You simply apply a small amount of the shower oil to your skin and as soon as it has contact with water it emulsifies and turns from an oil consistency to a thin milky emulsion that effectively cleans the skin, and leaves it delectably soft smooth and moisturized. The scent is delightful and uplifting, but not too sweet. While the scent is lovely it does not linger since it is, for the most part, washed away. Purchase Again? I have one bottle of one of their other scents left, and once I finish that I will purchase one of their current scents.

Derma E Ultra Lift Firming DMAE Moisturizer ($23.95 for 2 oz. from Derma E and Ulta): I liked this face cream a lot. It was hydrating, not-too-rich and it left my skin soft, smooth and supple. Purchase Again? I have so many open jars of cream that it is unlikely that I will replenish this.

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

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey 2-in-1 Face Scrub & Cleanser ($15.99 for 3 oz. from Mielle Organics, Target and Walmart): Not only is Mielle a leader in superb haircare, you can also enjoy their easy-to-use skincare products! Now, you can simplify your skincare routine with this two-in-one face scrub & cleanser combo. It gently exfoliates and cleanses the pores while removing dirt, oil and impurities for skin that is smooth and soft to the touch. A little goes a long way, and with daily use, your face will be glowing and flawless. Purchase Again? I have a lot of facial scrubs to use up first, but I would definitely use this again!

Mop C-System Hydrating Conditioner ($22.00 for 8.45 oz. from Amazon): This color-safe, antioxidant-rich conditioner hydrates, and smooths my unruly curly tresses, and it does an impressive job making it frizz-free. I will definitely need to get another bottle when I finish this one up! Purchase Again? I have one bottle left!

Viori Citrus Yao Conditioner ($18.00 for 2.8 oz. from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): The delectable citrus aroma is extraordinarily pleasant and delightful. This nourishing conditioner leaves my hair very manageable and my scalp comfortably hydrated. It detangles hair, fights frizz and leaves hair soft, silky smooth and shiny. It does not weigh hair down or leave behind an oily residue. Purchase Again? I have their unscented bar to finish first, but yes!

Overall Assessment: I am pleased that I was able to finish 9 full-size products in April, and I didn't have to toss anything out that went bad before I was able to finish it. What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return in April? Any real winners or losers to share?

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

Friday, December 30, 2022

December 2022 Beauty Empties to Bid the Year Farewell

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I used up 6 full-size products in the busy month of December, and not a single one of them was a skincare product! I only used hair and body products, but they were all absolutely noteworthy.

Rituals Zensation Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom Foaming Shower Gel (Discontinued scent): I fell in love with this innovative shower gel from the very first moment that I used it. It's an extraordinary take on the ordinary, and for me it makes my bathing experience anything but mundane. The unique gel to foam technology not only makes it immensely fun to use, but it exceeds my every expectation of what a body cleansing gel should do. It cleans beautifully, smells glorious, and leaves the skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Furthermore, the rich dense foamy texture lends itself to being one seriously amazing shaving cream that cleanses, softens, and gives a seriously close shave. My legs have been transformed into the most soft and silky skin imaginable, and this gorgeous product has quickly given the boot to all of my other shaving creams! Purchase Again? I have a couple of other scents from Rituals, and will open another one soon!

Spongellé Body & Soul Detox Buffer in Cosmic Lavender ($28.00 from Spongellé): This is a body wash infused buffer with ashwagandha root extract, and it includes its own chakra stone for meditation and cleansing. Helping to wash away negativity, each crystal creates a new found sense of energy– based upon the 7 chakras. The scent is lovely, and it thoroughly cleans and leaves skin soft and exfoliated. Violet is Cosmic Lavender (Crown Chakra). Purchase Again? I have more from this collection that I am about to open!

Potager Soap Co. Rosemary Lemongrass Soap ($9.98 for 4.5 oz. from Potager Soap Co.): This soap strikes the perfect balance between the aroma of the Rosemary and the Lemongrass. Each scent tempers the other in the most delectable way. It is a very moisturizing bar with a very satisfying creamy lather, and it is an absolute delight to use. Purchase Again? I just opened another Potager Soap Co.!

Viori Shampoo Hair Bar Hidden Waterfall™ Sweet-Musk Scented ($18.00 for 3.5 oz. from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): This beautifully fragrant shampoo bar boasts a satisfying lather that thoroughly cleans the hair and scalp without drying, stripping or leaving behind an oily residue. This particular bar is best suited for dry and normal hair, and it's gorgeous decorative floral motif is a luxurious delight to behold. Purchase Again? I have a lot of shampoo to use up first, but I will happily buy this in the future.

The Viori Shampoo Hair Bar Hidden Waterfall Sweet-Musk Scented box is a keepsake work of art!

Spongellé Eau de Toilette in Peony Flower ($28.00 for 0.3 oz. from Spongellé): This is a striking floral that is the perfect embodiment of a huge bouquet of sweet peonies. The fruity floral aroma, which is informed by Rose, Waterlily and Papaya Flower also has a touch of crisp Red Apple, and the Musk in the base adds a beautiful layer of complexity to this lovely composition. Once again, this fetching fragrance sits close enough to the skin that it will never enter the room before you do. Purchase Again? I have a lot of open fragrances to use, but would happily use this again!

Spongellé Eau de Toilette in Blackberry ($28.00 for 0.3 oz. from Spongellé): What a lovely surprise, and it really does smell like "summer in a bottle" as Spongellé asserts. The Citrus and Blackberry are harmoniously juxtaposed with the Pink Jasmine and Vanilla Sugar, and the base notes of Sweet Musk and White Amber give the overall composition a warm and creamy depth without sacrificing the light elements that the top and middle notes provide. It is a gorgeous and infinitely wearable scent that delights the senses, and it sits close enough to the skin that it never enters the room before you do. Purchase Again? I would happily use this again!

Overall Assessment: I throughly enjoyed using all of these products, and really love all four of these brands. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in December?

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Beauty Empties to Write Home About in July 2022

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

In July, I managed to use up 8 full-sized products and 4 deluxe samples, and I am pleased that I was able to spare them from the garbage can. My ability to do this each month is my pragmatic approach: I simply make everything I am focussed on finishing very visible. Onto the counter, into the shower, and always within reach, and at eye level whenever possible. I just feel so wasteful and guilty when I am forced to toss out something that turned bad before I finished it. Here is what I finished in July:

Arcona Toner Tea Bar ($42.00 for 4 oz. from Nordstrom): This is a wonderful antioxidant cleanser for aging, normal, oily or problem skin. It has a delectable smell that is reminiscent of steeping tea, and it feels absolutely amazing on the skin. It leaves the face soft, supple and hydrated, but never stripped or dry. It can be used alone, or with a cleansing device like the FOREO LUNA. Purchase Again? At some point, but I have quite a few cleansers to use before I consider purchasing another one.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($14.00 for 8 oz. from Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Bluemercury, Space NK, Macy's and Bloomingdale's): This is a gentle non-foaming cleanser that removes every trace of makeup. This hardworking cleanser lifts dead skin, oil, dirt, and makeup, but does so without stripping the skin. After use my skin is left unbelievably clean, silky and soft. I have even used it on my feet because it leaves them soft, smooth and gently exfoliated– thanks to the enzymes that sweep away dead skin cells. Purchase Again? I recently opened another bottle!

Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Crème ($120.00 for 0.50 oz. from Tata Harper, Nordstrom, Space NK UK, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Cult Beauty and The Detox Market): Described as an, "age-defying eye cream with a universal pearl blush tint that minimizes the look of lines and wrinkles and instantly illuminates with diamond dust"– I thought that this would be the perfect combination of a luminizer and a nourishing eye cream, and it does not disappoint.

If you love Tata Harper skincare, then this eye cream definitely lives up to the rest of the line. It is a lightweight cream that has a creamy and smooth texture and consistency that resides somewhere between a serum and a lotion. It melts into the skin upon contact, can be used on the eyelids as well as below the eyes, and feels refreshing against the skin. It is filled with nourishing ingredients and hydrators, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and all sorts of active extracts and oils that smooth and plump fine lines, reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles and leave skin soft, smooth, hydrated and supple. Additionally, the "Diamond Dust Mineral Blend" subtly illuminates the skin and optically blurs imperfections. It has a light pink tint, that is pearl infused, as you can see in the swatch below, but when it sinks into the skin it imparts no color, but just a light luminosity.

It has a very light herbal aroma from the natural ingredients, not from artificial fragrances, but it in no way irritates my very sensitive eyes. It takes very little to make my eyes water, and there is absolutely no hint of irritation or discomfort for me when using this cream. Purchase Again? Oh yes, this is spectacular!

Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub ($32.50 for 2 oz. from derma e, 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 a fresh new jar!

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar ($40.00 for 3.4 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom, Sephora, Amazon 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? I am currently using a full-size bar, and I have an unopened bar waiting!

Erno Laszlo Detox Cleansing Oil ($64.00 for 6.4 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom): It is not very often that a deluxe sample sells me on a product since you don't get enough product to get a really good sense of how well it will work for your skin, but that wasn't the case here! I immediately fell in love with this cleansing oil and I am plotting a purchase. It is described as a lightweight clarifying oil that "harnesses the power of Charcoal and Shea Butter Seedcake Extract to deeply cleanse, dissolving surface impurities and makeup without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Through Color-Change Technology, the dark oil turns creamy-white upon application for activated cleansing you can see." It has a wonderful creamy texture and it pairs perfectly with the Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar. Purchase Again? I have only used this sample, but I plan to buy a bottle when they have their next sale!

Erno Laszlo Firming Essence ($86.00 for 6.7 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom): According to Erno Laszlo, "This firming gel-essence delivers a surge of moisture for a complexion that’s visibly plumped and lifted. Super hydrator Hyaluronic Acid binds water to the skin alongside skin-conditioning Spirulina Maxima. Through our Cooling Technology, these actives are encapsulated until the moment they burst upon the skin, releasing the full potency of their revitalizing benefits." I liked this, and while it was definitely hydrating, it didn't really stand out as any more hydrating than any of the other Hyaluronic Acid-based products that I have. Purchase Again? I have limited experience with this product, since I have only used this one sample, but I didn't fall in love with it, and therefore I have no plans to purchase a bottle.

René Furterer 5 Sens Enhancing Dry Oil ($48.00 for 3.3 oz. from René Furturer, Amazon and LovelySkin): This is a beautifully fast absorbing dry oil that can be used on the hair and body. It has a lovely soft aroma that is a treat to the senses, but it isn't long lasting or in the least bit cloying. When I use it on my body, it melts into the skin and leaves it soft, supple, hydrated and nourished. For the hair, it offers extraordinary hydration and leaves locks soft, smooth and manageable. It tames frizz and fly-aways, and it gives hair a glossy shine. Purchase Again? This was my last sample, and I have a full-size bottle in use!

Ooh La La Bay Runner Handmade Soap with Olive Oil and Shea Butter ($6.50 from Ooh La La): Like the Bay Runner Silky Foaming Hand Soap, the scent of this bar soap is truly divine– it is a delightful spicy orange with hints of patchouli, clove and cinnamon. This soap thoroughly cleans, has a very satisfying creamy lather, and it leaves skin moisturized, but without an oily residue. Purchase Again? Most definitely!

Viori Citrus Yao Conditioner ($13.00 for 2.8 oz. from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): The delectable citrus aroma is extraordinarily pleasant and delightful. This nourishing conditioner leaves my hair very manageable and my scalp comfortably hydrated. It detangles hair, fights frizz and leaves hair soft, silky smooth and shiny. It does not weigh hair down or leave behind an oily residue. Purchase Again? I have one more of their shampoo bars to use, but once I finish it, I will purchase another!

Davines OI Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion ($48.00 for 4.56 oz. from Davines, Nordstrom, Cult Beauty and Amazon): This is a mid-weight silicone-based hair oil that effectively hydrates, tames frizz and fly-aways, detangles, adds shine and makes even the most temperamental hair manageable. It does wonders for my naturally curly hair, and it is so concentrated that only a tiny amount is needed for excellent results. It can be used on wet or dry hair, and I tend to pump a small amount into the palm of my hands then work through my hair. I either let my hair dry naturally or use my blow dryer, and la voilà! It has a very faint nondescript scent, but it isn't long-lasting. Purchase Again? Yes, but I need to use up a few products first.

As I was digging through the pictures that I took of the Viori products that I had tested, I found this picture of my beloved Lola sniffing what was being photographed. It absolutely broke my heart, but also made me smile as I remember that day so vividly. The 6 month anniversary of her death, which is on August 2, is rapidly approaching, and I deeply miss her and I continue to grieve this tremendous loss. However, I thought that I could spread a little joy with this picture.

René Furturer Triphasic Reactional Concentrated Serum ($74.00 for 12 vials x 0.16oz from René Furterer, Dermstore, LovelySkin and SkinStore): This is a 100% drug-free leave-in serum that is formulated to treat temporary thinning hair. This means that it isn't for genetic hair loss, but instead temporary hair thinning that is caused by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, and stress. I purchased it during the pandemic because I noticed that I was shedding a bit more hair than I normally would, and this was incredibly effective. I used it for three months, and now my hair is back to normal. After running a few tests to see if I was having any sort of health issues, my doctor said everything was normal and that it was simply a stress reaction to a scary global pandemic. I also used their shampoo and conditioner, and will be posting my review of all three very soon. Purchase Again? Only if I ever need it again, but this is absolutely first rate!

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

Addresses the three main factors that contribute to sudden, temporary hair thinning.
Lotus Mineral Complex minimizes the effects of stress on the skin and preserves the scalp's natural balance.
Pfaffia extract helps maximize the supply of nutrients available to the scalp and optimize conditions for strong, healthy-looking hair.
Lemon essential oil helps to stimulate microcirculation and revitalize hair.
ATP provides an essential source of energy to the hair follicles.

Overall Assessment: I am pleased that I finished up all of these products, and hope that I do as well in August. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in July? Any real winners or duds to report?

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Viori Shampoo & Conditioner Bars as Gorgeous Sustainable Gifts

Press Sample (Affiliated Links)

Viori is a brand that I recently discovered, and their beautiful handcrafted shampoo bars and conditioners are a true thing of beauty. Not only will you be astounded by the craftsmanship and efficacy, but they are so gorgeous that you will be tempted to keep them for yourself!

Viori is cruelty-free certified through Leaping Bunny. Their products are color-safe, sulfate-free, paraben-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, gluten-free, sustainable, and ethically sourced.

According Viori,

Viori's mission is to partner with the Red Yao on projects they believe will help their communities thrive. They have always been our heroes, we're here to simply play a supportive role in helping them accomplish their goals.

We do this by working with the Red Yao directly to initiate projects they believe aim to bring about economic prosperity, ecological harmony, cultural preservation, and community wellbeing for their tribe. We call this our 'Beautiful Reason,' Viori's reason for existence, and your reason to feel good and to feel beautiful as you buy and use Viori's beauty products.

We recognize that our existence and mission as a company are inextricably tied to the extraordinary Red Yao people, forever. We are fully committed to respecting this relationship by playing a supportive role in helping preserve this unique culture. We do this by (a) paying a fair and sustainable premium for all Longsheng rice and products we purchase from the tribe and (b) reserving a minimum of a least 5% of profits for initiatives that go directly back to Red Yao communities. Taking on such a role comes with great responsibility. It requires sensitivity, patience, curiosity, and above all, a mindset that keeps the well-being of the Red Yao people at its core.

Read more about Viori's impact to date, HERE.

Viori Bamboo Shampoo Bar Holder ($12.00 from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): The handcrafted bamboo bar holders are beautiful, functional, and they can be used in lieu of a gift box that will end up in the landfill or the recycle plant. This is a beautiful and functional alternative that is sustainable and pragmatic!

According to Viori,

All-natural, bamboo bar holders. Handcrafted by local villagers in southern China. These bamboo bar holders are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and 100% sustainable. You can also stack these holders in order to save space in your shower. One bamboo holder set comes with one lid and one bottom. The stacking photos in the carousel with multiple bars are just to show how multiple sets can be used together.

Viori Shampoo Hair Bar Hidden Waterfall™ Sweet-Musk Scented (Shown on the left. $18.00 for 3.5 oz. from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): This beautifully fragrant shampoo bar boasts a satisfying lather that thoroughly cleans the hair and scalp without drying, stripping or leaving behind an oily residue. This particular bar is best suited for dry and normal hair, and it's gorgeous decorative floral motif is a luxurious delight to behold.

According to Viori,

A musky, sweet, vanilla-scented shampoo bar reminiscent of the amber aroma found along the forested paths to hidden Longsheng waterfalls. They are handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori™ shampoo bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. Bamboo holders sold separately. Best for dry to normal hair.

Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Longsheng Rice Water, Cocoa Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Stearic Acid, Rice Bran Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Vitamin B8, Vitamin B5, Bamboo Extract, Broccoli Seed Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E Acetate, Jojoba Oil, *Fragrance

*This fragrance is infused with natural essential oils, including cedarwood oil, mandarin, jasmine, sandalwood, and amber. This fragrance is made with natural and/or natural-equivalent compounds. Our fragrances are free from known parabens, phthalates, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, mutagens, organ toxins, acute toxins, prop 65 chemicals, and any other potentially hazardous chemicals often found in fragrance. Our products and scents are IFRA compliant.

Viori Shampoo Hair Bar Citrus Yao™ Citrus Scented (Shown on the right. $18.00 for 3.5 oz from Sephora, Viori and the Viori Amazon Store): If you love the invigorating scent of citrus, a satisfying lather, and you have normal to oily hair, then you will love this stunning bar. It is non-drying, non-stripping and a delight to use. The gorgeous decorative motif is a gorgeous addition that makes its use very satisfying.

According to Viori,

A fresh, citrus-scented shampoo bar straight from the baskets of the Red Yao fruit stands. They are handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori™ shampoo bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. Bamboo holders sold separately.

Best for normal to oily hair. For more product information, see the information tabs above or the information below.

*This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils, including grapefruit, orange, lemon, mandarin, peach, and vanilla. This fragrance is made with natural and/or natural-equivalent compounds. Our fragrances are free from known parabens, phthalates, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, mutagens, organ toxins, acute toxins, prop 65 chemicals, and any other potentially hazardous chemicals often found in fragrance. Our products and scents are IFRA compliant.

Ingredients Explanations: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: a natural cleanser derived from coconut. Behentrimonium Methosulfate: a sulfate-free, vegetable-source conditioner derived from the colza plant. Cetyl Alcohol: plant-source fatty alcohol. Stearic Acid: plant-source fatty alcohol. Sodium Lactate: derived from the natural fermentation of sugars found in corn and beets.

According to Viori,

The Red Yao tribe has been naturally cultivating Longsheng Rice high upon the rice-terraced mountains of Longsheng for over 2,000 years. In the spirit of that raw, natural simplicity, we created the unscented Natural Essence conditioner bar with no added fragrance. Although no added fragrance, this bar has a light earthy, rice-bran, barley, tea leaves scent derived from the natural ingredients added directly to this bar. A pure reminder of the Red Yao legacy. They are handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori™ conditioner bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. Bamboo holders are sold separately. Fragrance-Free.

Ingredients: Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cocoa Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Longsheng Rice Water, Shea Butter, Stearic Acid, Rice Bran Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Vitamin B8, Vitamin B5, Bamboo Extract, Broccoli Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E Acetate, Jojoba Oil. No Added Fragrance. 100% Raw, Natural Bar.

Ingredients Explanations: Behentrimonium Methosulfate: a sulfate-free, vegetable-source conditioner derived from the colza plant. Cetyl Alcohol: plant-source fatty alcohol. Stearic Acid: plant-source fatty alcohol. Sodium Lactate: derived from the natural fermentation of sugars found in corn and beets.

According to Viori,

A fresh, citrus-scented conditioner bar straight from the baskets of the Red Yao fruit stands. They are handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori™ conditioner bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. Bamboo holders sold separately.

Overall Assessment: Viori is one of my greatest discoveries in 2021, and I highly recommend their products for you and the people on your gift list who would be delighted by such a thoughtful and stunning gift.