Last Minute Beauty Gifts and Stocking Stuffers

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

If you are still scrambling to find last minute gifts to give, and if you have stockings to stuff, I thought that I would share some amazing finds with you. All of these products are loved, and used, in my household, and are definitely worthy of consideration. 

Alora Ambiance Isola Reed Diffuser (Shown below. $60.00 for 8 oz. Reed Diffuser and $90.00 for 16 oz. from Alora Ambiance and from the official Beautyhabit Amazon Store): which is their most popular fragrance for good reason, is a delectable floral mix of gardenia, tuberose and fig. It is a light and airy fragrance without being too sweet, and it isn't in the least bit pungent. The fragrance might be likened to the experience of walking through a fragrant garden during a warm summer breeze– it is at once ethereal and deeply pleasurable. I have mine in my master bathroom, and each time I open the door I am greeted by its delectable aroma. 

Alora Ambiance also makes equally amazing candles. In fact, the Alora Ambiance Bimbi Candle ($50.00 for 9 oz. from Alora Ambiance): is a study in refinement and elegance, and it would not be an overstatement to suggest that it is a candle with which I am thoroughly transfixed and obsessed. The lovely aroma, which is a delectable blend of Bimbi Lavender, Chamomile and Bergamot, is a luscious composite of the three scents, and together they yield the most extraordinary citrusy floral that is neither too sweet, nor too assertive. The ultra-high quality soy candle, with a cotton wick, burns for about 50 hours, and it fills the air with the most intoxicatingly beautiful and calming aroma. Furthermore, the glass vessel is so beautiful that you will want to save it to display your makeup brushes or eye pencils.

NaturaBrasil, which is Brasil's number 1 beauty brand, works with communities in the Amazon to, "to develop the best natural ingredients for skin and hair – and to help keep the Amazon forest standing for generations to come." They engage in sustainable practices, and have created a whole beauty brand devoted to well-being. I have been using some of their bath & body, skincare and haircare products, which range from $9.00-$54.00, and their textures, aromas and efficacy make them such a joy to use. My current obsessions are their Cacau Body Scrub ($25.00), which has a delectable aroma and leaves skin unbelievably soft and smooth,  and their Maracujá Whipped Body Mousse ($24.00) which melts into the skin, leaves it soft, supple and moisturized, and it smells heavenly.

About NaturaBrasil,

NaturaBrasil is a natural and vegan beauty brand that works directly with communities in the Amazon rainforest (educating locals on best practices and business acumen) to sustainably source exotic Amazonian ingredients. Through this community program and many others, NaturaBrasil has saved over 635,000 acres of rainforest. With every purchase, a bit more of the rainforest can be preserved. Natura was recently named one of the 'Most Ethical Companies in the World' by Ethisphere Magazine and was honored with the United Nations Champions of the Earth Award. 

The brand is known not only for the quality of its beauty products, but also for its commitment to transparency, sustainability and the promotion of well-being (what Natura calls "bem estar bem"). What started in 1969 as a single store on the famous Oscar Freire shopping street in Sao Paulo has grown into Brazil’s largest single beauty brand and a major force in beauty throughout Latin America and continues to grow globally with the recent acquisitions of The Body Shop and Aesop.

Nubian Heritage Body Care products ($2.99- $14.99 from Nubian Heritage, Swanson Health, Target, Jet.com, Walmart and The Vitamin Shoppe): make some of my all-time favorite, and affordable eco-friendly bath and body products. Their Raw Shea Butter range and their new Peppermint & Aloe Bath Bombs rank among my most reached for this season. Their products are perfect as stocking stuffers, and to stock your bathroom for holiday guests.

European Wax Center Slow It Body Wash and Lotion ($20.00 each from European Wax Center): If someone on your gift list loves to wax, then the European Wax Center has a wonderful range of products to deter ingrown hairs, exfoliate the skin, and moisturize and pamper the skin. Their Slow It Body wash is filled with gentle exfoliating particles that leaves the skin soft, smooth and supple and it effectively deters ingrown hairs. Their Slow It Body Lotion is healing, nourishing, hydrating and very fast absorbing. These make great stocking stuffers or guest bathroom treats!

WEN by Chaz Dean ($15.00-$32.00 from WEN, QVC, and Walmart): Years ago, when I first discovered, and used, WEN by Chaz Dean– I was so thrilled to see the way in which his detergent-free non-lathering Cleansing Conditioners were so gentle and effective on my dry, curly hair.

My current favorite is the WEN® Cucumber Aloe Cleansing Conditioner which is described as, "a revolutionary step towards beautiful, healthy, shiny hair." You use it in lieu of your regular shampoo and conditioner, and it does an enviable job cleaning and conditioning the hair, and leaving it detangled, soft, hydrated, and it does not weigh it down or leave hair greasy. They also suggest that it can be used as a shaving cream, and I love using it in this capacity as well!

SUN BUM ($3.99-$19.99 from Sun Bum and Ulta): Sun Bum makes some of my family's very favorite sunscreens, but they also make some remarkable haircare products worthy of mention. 

My current favorite, which my husband loves too, is SUN BUM Texturizing Sea Spray, which smells like the ocean breeze and gives you tousled beach waves and extra body. It is lightweight, defines hair and prevents frizz. My husband loves it because it has a matte finish and enough hold to keep hair from getting too messy, but not so much as to prevent it from moving naturally.

OZNaturals ($15.48-$19.99 each from OZNaturals): I recently began using some products from OZNaturals, and I am impressed by the quality of their natural products, and their efficacy and inherent affordability make them very worth trying. They make perfect stocking stuffers, and would be wonderful to have in a guest bathroom over the holidays. 

I am currently rather obsessed with their Vitamin C Facial Cleanser ($15.49) because it is gentle, non-stripping and yet it thoroughly cleans the skin. Their Vitamin C + AHA Facial Serum ($19.95) exfoliates dead skin cells effectively, but instead of drying and irritating the skin, it brightens without leaving it dry red, or inflamed. They also have a wonderful Vitamin C + Sea Hydration Mask ($19.99) that banishes dry skin, and leaves it soft, deeply hydrated and brightened. I just started testing their Super Youth Retinol Facial Moisturizer ($19.99), and am excited to see whether their claim that it is gentle but effective, and that it "delivers visible results without the irritation, redness, dryness and flaking commonly associated with prescription and other retinol creams" turns out to be the case for my skin.

According to OZNaturals, 

We create high quality, effective and affordable skincare products that combine the best science with the power of nature. Cruelty-free and vegan, our products use carefully sourced ingredients and are formulated without the use of potentially harmful synthetic chemicals.

At the heart of all we do is a deep-rooted commitment to environmental sustainability and awareness. Our unique cold-process manufacturing methods are energy efficient and create a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional processes. In addition, OZNaturals sources raw, natural ingredients where harvesting helps support the economic health of the community. We believe we have a responsibility to our customers, our employees and our planet to protect and celebrate our natural environment.

Formulated without: Parabens, GMOs, Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic fragrances, Synthetic Colors, Petrochemicals, Propylene glycol, PEGs, Formaldehyde.

Passport to Beauty Sheet Masks ($18.50 each from Passport to Beauty): I am among the people who absolutely love sheet masks, and I am always so excited to try them out. Passport to Beauty sent me three to test, and I am pleased to report that they are wonderful.

Australian Beauty Secret Tea Tree Clarifying Face Mask has "natural antibacterial properties in the oil are great for clearing blemishes, while Centella Asiatica extract soothes the skin leaving it cool and refreshed."

Singapore Beauty Secret Bird's Nest And Pearl Lifting And Firming Face Mask is "a rich in Collagen and Vitamin C and is known to deeply nourish dry skin, while Pearl is rich in amino acids, antioxidants and signal proteins, protecting skin and boosting collagen regeneration. This amazing beauty secret will lessen the appearance of wrinkles and leave skin radiant, even and smooth."

Korean Beauty Secret Too-An Herb Revitalizing Face Mask "takes all of the amazing benefits used by the Korean women to the next level by blending it with revitalizing Ginseng extract for energy and Cinnamomum Cassia Bark extract, which helps to restore elasticity and vitality, improving your skins’ overall health. Follow this K Beauty secret and glow on with your day."

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Lip Hints Conditioning Lip Balm in Berry ($12.50 for 0.2 oz. from MyChelle, Amazon, and iHerb): This is a seriously delectable, nourishing and healthy, tinted lip balm that is ultra-moisturizing and healing. It has a light spearmint taste and tingle, but it is neither unpleasant, nor long lasting. It offers a beautiful shine and a very sheer wash of color, and it is completely non-sticky.

According to MyChelle Drmaceuticals,

A rich, melting balm with a decadent blend of Shea Butter and Coconut, Kalahari Melon, and Meadowfoam Oils for a soft, dewy look that is never sticky. This 4-in-1 lip treatment nourishes, soothes, deeply hydrates, and primes lips to maximize the wear time of your lip color, or wear alone for a sheer, gloss finish.

In formulating our Lip Hints™ Conditioning Lip Balm, we traded the synthetic waxes, artificial colors, fake flavors, and petroleum-based ingredients of traditional lip products for pure plant oils and waxes, essential oils, and natural extracts.

Made without Phthalates, Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Ureas, Artifical Fragrances and Colors, Petroleum, GMOs, and Gluten. FD&C Dye Free Color.

Ingredients: Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Beeswax, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Tocopherol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa Kernal Oil, Mica, Iron Oxides

Overall Assessment: I would be thrilled to receive any of these as a gift, and think that you just can't go wrong with any of these for yourself, or for the people left on your holiday gift list.

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2018 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Empties Post Volume XX: April 2014 Edition

April ended up being a vigorous month for the production of Empties. Honestly, I didn't consciously set out to use up so many products-- and in fact would go so far as to say that I didn't give it much thought. Yet somehow I managed to use up lots and lots of things that were full-size, deluxe samples, regular samples, and sample packets. I was so busy with work that I didn't give much thought to what was getting close to empty, or the fact that traveling with sample packets was going to result in lots of Empties. I also didn't spend any time looking at the growing pile of empty products in the bag on my closet floor to realize that I was actually doing a pretty good job of using things up this month!

Skin Within Purify Cleanse + Foaming Cleanser: This was a half-used hand-me-down from my sister when she was purging stuff before she moved. I finished it up in the shower, and thought that it was a really nice cleanser. It cleaned my skin beautifully without any stripping whatsoever.

Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner (reviewed here): I really loved this shampoo, and will probably eventually buy another one. However, at this point I am swimming in shampoos and conditioners so won't be buying any until I have used up a few in my current rotation. I do find that I have to rotate the Wen shampoos with others, otherwise it does tend to build up over time.

Caress Emerald Rush Body Wash (reviewed here): This is one yummy smelling gardenia and white tea scented body wash. It makes the shower, and the bathroom for that matter, smell delectable. I didn't use an entire bottle in less than a month, as you will note that my review was posted on April 9th, but instead an over-zealous shipping company tossed it on my porch making all of the bottles leak everywhere. I managed to salvage some, but thankfully the kind people at Caress sent me a new box of goodies. I will definitely pick more of these body washes up once I use up what I have.

Crest 3D White Strips Glamorous White: This did a great job removing coffee and tea stains from my teeth, and I will definitely repurchase them because I have no intention to stop drinking coffee or tea!

Bodycology Exfoliating Sugar Scrub in Enchanted Forest (reviewed here): This was a very effective and modestly priced body exfoliator that left my skin ridiculously soft, and didn't leave a oil slick on the bottom of my shower.

Rare Elements Pure Shampoo: This is a lovely shampoo that is free of sulfates, silicones, parabens and synthetic fragrances. I loved how nice my hair felt after using it, and I found it kind and gentle on my naturally curly hair.

Trader Joe's Face and Body SPF 30: This is a good staple to have on hand. I always left this bottle on a shelf near the back door as a reminder to use it, and I did!

Sponge Ladi Avokanto (reviewed here): I still love this lovely face oil! It sinks in nicely-- especially when warmed up between the hands and applied to warm damp skin-- and it leaves behind a lovely glow! I just opened another bottle!

Sunday Riley Start Over Eye Cream (reviewed here): This eye cream is very effective at eliminating under eye puffiness, but if your eyes are sensitive you will probably want to try out a sample packet first. It makes the eyes sting a bit and then they water for a while, but once that is over the puffiness is quite diminished. Some people find the stinging and watering to be too much for them, while others do not. Therefore, you might want to try it before you buy it. It is a very lightweight eye cream, and won't provide enough moisture for many people, but if you have a chronically puffy under eye area and don't need a rich eye cream-- then you might really love this one.

Of the samples shown above, I only have the Organic Pharmacy Purifying Seaweed Clay Mask (review forthcoming) and the Rituals Zensation Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom Foaming Shower Gel Sensation (review forthcoming) in full sizes. Both are quite lovely, and I imagine that I will continue to use them for some time to come. Shannon's Soaps Cocoa Butter Love (reviewed here) is a delicious smelling and amazingly moisturizing thick and rich cream that is just scrumptious! I also have to note that the Serge Normant Meta Velour Conditioner was quite lovely, and that it's definitely on my list of future hair product purchases. It left my hair soft and manageable without weighing it down at all!

I'm actually rather shocked that I used up a staggering 70 sample packets-- I had to count a few times to make sure that the number was correct, and it is! I was able to achieve this feat because I used sample packets while traveling in April, and in some cases I used lotion and cream packets intended for the face on my hands and body instead. Single packets don't generally provide enough product to determine whether or not it will be a good fit because you can't use it long enough to see whether or not your skin will react adversely, or thrive. Thus unless I have many packets of a particular product, I tend not to use those intended for the face on my face. The many TATCHA products were used during my travels, and in many cases there were enough duplicates that I used them on my face with great results. I did have a few packets of their new Indigo line, and have to say that I am quite impressed by it.

Of the packets shown, I only have full sized versions of:

Radical Skincare Age Defying Exfoliating Pads (reviewed here): This is an ingenious product, and so highly effective. The pads themselves boast two different textures: one side boasts large raised concentric circles that offer added abrasion while the other side is smooth. This allows for an enhanced level of exfoliation-- it's a bit like a gentle version of coarse grit and fine grit sandpaper. It is a kind and gentle exfoliator loaded with anti-aging properties. I love this product!

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength (discussed here): This two part peel is a fantastic maintenance program between professional peels, but also is highly effective if you never seek out professional peels. I am very impressed by the efficacy of this product, but the Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength will not be suitable for sensitive skin. They also offer the Alpha Beta Original Formula which is a far more gentle variant.

TATCHA Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (reviewed here): This powder cleanser leaves skin indescribably soft and supple. It cleans without stripping, and I'm pretty well convinced that it contains magical fairy dust because it's hard to believe that a cleanser could ever leave skin that soft! It comes in three different formulas: Classic (normal to combination skin), Gentle (sensitive skin) and Deep (oily skin).

TATCHA Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (reviewed here): An amazing cleansing oil that can be used to pre-cleanse or as a cleanser by itself. It effectively removes every trace of makeup!

Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment (review forthcoming, but shown here): I fell so in love with this luxury face oil after using up a few sample packets that I knew almost immediately that I had to have it. While it is supposed to be for drier skin types, I have found that it does an outstanding job with my decidedly combination skin.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (reviewed here): I have been reaching for this tinted moisturizer with greater frequency these days because the weather has been heating up here in LA. I love the light to medium buildable coverage and the lovely natural effect. I imagine that I will be reaching for this very often during the summer months.

What did you finish, toss, return, or give away in April?

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

Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner Review: Perfection for the Dry Cold Weather!

Purchased by me (Affiliate links)

Initially when I purchased the Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner, I had some misgivings about using a non-lathering conditioning shampoo, but that soon gave way to elation when I saw the effects of this product on my dry-leaning curly hair. I assumed my hair would be left feeling less than clean and weighed down, and I simply could not have been more wrong.

Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner is, "a five-in-one conditioning cleanser designed to improve hair health, reduce frizz, moisturize, add shine, and retain color."

Pamper and invigorate your stressed-out tresses with this luxurious, multitasking cleanser and conditioner designed to impart shine, luster, and softness. The lightweight, low-lather formula is a universal product that caters to all your haircare needs, regardless of hair type. Herbal extracts like aloe leaf juice and sweet almond oil help your locks retain moisture, while protecting them from daily and future damage. 

Designed to streamline your daily hair cleansing routine, this formula replaces shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, and leave-in conditioner. This product is ideal for brittle, broken hair that has been weakened from coloring, relaxing, or heat styling. 

Here are their claims: 

Research results:

Based on a 3-week study of participants using the Cleansing Conditioner: 

- 97% agreed their hair was shinier 

- 90% agreed their hair had more bounce and body 

- 90% agreed their hair was less frizzy 

Based on a 4-week independent study: 

- 75% of respondents reported added moisture to their hair after 4 weeks 

Clinically proven to: 

- Reduce frizz up to 50% 

- Increase hair strength up to 70% after one use 

- Increase hair manageability up to 70% after one use 

- Give hair up to 95% less breakage after one application

My experience: I immediately noticed that my hair was remarkably soft and silky after use. There is no residue left behind, and it does not weigh down my hair in any way. While their suggested use asserts that you should use 10-15 pumps of product- I find that amount completely unnecessary and wasteful. I have long hair and only use about two pumps of product and massage it into my hair and leave it on for the duration of my shower. When I rinse it out my hair is completely cleansed, conditioned, and free of tangles. The Sweet Almond Mint scent is invigorating and very pleasant, but I do find that the scent dissipates soon after my hair dries. Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner leaves my hair with an unmistakable sheen as well as glossy manageable curls-- and for this alone I love it! As with any shampoo or conditioner, I find that it is important to maintain product efficacy by not using the same products too many days in a row. Therefore, every few weeks I tend to use a clarifying shampoo in order to start anew. I must say that Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner is so nourishing that it is one of my very favorite haircare products during the colder months of the year, thus it is among my most reached for products right now!

Their Suggested Usage:

-Rinse hair thoroughly, and then apply 10-15 pumps of conditioner to your palms and rub together. Add more for longer and thicker hair. 

-Apply to your scalp, massaging vigorously and add a splash of water to create a slight foaming effect. WEN does not contain sodium laurel sulfate so it won’t lather. 

-Massage vigorously for one to three minutes. 

-Rinse hair thoroughly, massaging scalp and running fingers through to the ends. 

-For best results, Chaz suggests you cleanse, rinse, and repeat. If you do, use half the recommended pumps for each cleanse. 

-Botanical Extracts: Nourish and condition; impart shine and softness to damaged hair. 

-Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Helps moisturize the scalp and hair. 

-Sweet Almond Oil: Emollient high in protein and fatty acids; helps nourish and moisturize the scalp and hair. 

Does not contain: Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Sodium Laurel Sulfate, Phthalates or Triclosan. 

Overall assessment: LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is a fantastic product!

$32.00 for 16 oz. Available from Sephora. (Affiliate link)
Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Top Pick Holiday Skincare, Body Care & Haircare Products!

When Katie Jones from The Huffington Post & My Daily asked me to contribute my number one pick for her article entitled The Beauty Gifts Girls Want For Christmas- my choice was quite easy! Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil is a peerless luxury face oil that is simply extraordinary! This is my number one must have beauty treat.

If you are on a more conservative budget, but love luxury face oils- then say hello to Sponge Ladi Avokanto. This oil makes me deliriously happy, and it gives my skin an undeniable glow.

Sponge Gel Katharistiko Wild Herb Cleanser has been my Holy Grail cleanser since I began using it. It cleans thoroughly- yet it is so unbelievably gentle. It feels as though you have used a nourishing serum rather than a cleanser. It is also decadent paired with a Clarisonic!

If you haven't yet experienced the wonders of Tatcha skincare, I implore you to at least try a sample. Tatcha is taking the beauty world by storm, and I can tell you it is one of the few lines out there that really truly lives up to the hype. Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (review forthcoming) is an otherworldly experience- your skin is left baby soft after use!

Tatcha Pure One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (review forthcoming) is an incredibly effective cleansing oil that removes every trace of makeup, and leaves your skin soft and supple. I have yet to meet a Tatcha product that I don't love!

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water is a staple in my stash, and has been for some time. The Cleansing cloths are saturated with their famous Cleansing Water, and are the best cleansing cloths that I have tried to date.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate is a phenomenal exfoliating treatment that is unbelievably effective at removing dead skin and unclogging pores. I use the regular version (shown above), but there is also a Gentle version for people with sensitive skin. It's pricey, but thankfully it is available in multiple sizes to accommodate a variety of budgets. 

REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask is astoundingly effective peel mask. Unlike many, this one does not dry down and "peel" off. Instead, you simply wash it off and voilà new skin is revealed!

Clarins UV PLUS HP Ecran Multi-Protection SPF 40 (review forthcoming) is my newfound love, and has quickly become my Holy Grail sunscreen. It may not seem like a sexy gift, but supple smooth protected skin is! Since the day that I bought this I have used it without fail, and I must say this is true love. It is a 100% mineral rather than chemical sunscreen, and it plays well with makeup. I prefer it to anything that I have ever tried at any price point!

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Lip Balm is a beautiful product that feels divine on the lips, and leaves them remarkably moisturized. 

Kai Body Buffer is a lovely uplifting product that will make your shower a delightful experience for the senses! It's a huge plus that it leaves your skin lusciously soft and moisturized!

Oh là là c'est incroyable! Caudalie Divine Oil is simply sublime. 

WEN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner (review forthcoming) required a bit of a paradigm shift, but once I adjusted to the non-foaming cleansing conditioner I was surprised by how happy it made my hair. It is constantly soft and shiny with beautifully formed glossy curls. This is a definite winner in my book!

Mason Pearson Hair Brushes are, in my opinion, the best hair brushes that money can buy. They come in a variety of bristle types and lengths geared toward your specific needs. I bought mine years ago and it still looks new. This is the last hair brush you will ever need to buy.

What are your top picks?