Spongellé Hand Creams are Perfection for Chapped Hands this Winter

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Spongellé Hand Creams are the perfect antidote for dry hands during the cold months of the year. I have used their hand creams several years now, and have been reaching for them constantly this winter. Spongellé Hand Creams are available in 8 delightfully fragrant scents, and they offer serious hydration. They feature ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Argan Oil and Macademia Seed Oil that deeply moisturize and heal chapped hands, and the Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and plumps fine lines. After using these hand creams, my poor chapped hands have been soft, smooth, nourished, hydrated and luminous! I wish that I could choose a favorite scent, but I really love the distinctly different fragrance profiles for all eight of these beautiful hand creams.

According to Spongellé,

Our Hand Cream Assorted Pack includes all eight of our signature Flower Collection fragrances. Infused with Spongellé’s signature scents & patented Salsphere® ingredients, our Hand Cream will help soothe, nourish and hydrate your hands & cuticles. This moisturizing formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, argan and macadamia seed oils.

Features:

• Emollient formula provides the perfect hydration for your hands and cuticles

• Vegan Friendly, Cruelty-Free

• Made in the USA

Select Ingredients: water, shea butter, argan oil, Macadamia oil, hyaluronic, fragrance.

Available in 8 Scents:

Bulgarian Rose: Top: Cinnamon Sticks, Sliced Ginger, Sweet Clove, Juicy Orange. Middle: Tuberose Base: Whipped Vanilla, Cozy Musk.

Coconut Verbena: Top: Coconut, Peach. Middle: Jasmine, Floral. Base: Amber, Lemon.

French Lavender: Top: Hesperides. Middle: Tea Rose, Amber. Base: Lavender Tea, Spicy, Woody.

Freesia Pear: Top: Lemon, Grapefruit, Pear. Middle: Freesia, Peony, Floral Bouquet. Base: Woody, Musk, Amber.

Papaya Yuzu: Top: Mélange Of Fruity Notes. Middle: Floral Notes Of Cyclamen And Bois De Rose. Base: Sweet Sugary Caramel.

Honey Blossom: Top: Musk, Aldehydes. Middle: Lavender. Base: Powdery Notes, Creamy Vanilla.

Beach Grass: Top: Spicy, Fruity, Green. Middle: Jasmine, Rose, Powdery. Base: Aquatic, Woody, Musk.

Sugar Dahlia: Top: Citrus Nuances, Solar Accord. Middle: Midnight Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Freesia, Muguet, Neroli. Base: Musk.

Overall Assessment: These are outstanding hand creams, and they not only work brilliantly, but they also smell utterly delectable. I have one on my nightstand, one in my purse, one in my travel bag, one in my desk drawer at home and one in my desk drawer at work. They really are that good!

$21.00 each for 2 oz. from Spongellé (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

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

Verité Spa Organics Japanese Lemon, Vanilla & Jasmine Hand Cream

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I have been using Verité Spa Organics Japanese Lemon, Vanilla & Jasmine Hand Cream for a couple of years, and it is really helping my very chapped hands in this cold weather. 

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 Japanese Lemon, Vanilla & Jasmine 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. This is leaving my chapped hands soft, smooth, supply and richly moisturized, and the aroma brings me tremendous joy!

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: If you have dry and chapped hands, this beautifully fragrant hand cream is a game-changer. A+

$28.00 for 2.36 oz. from Boxwalla (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Adirondack Fragrance Farm Balsam & Cedar Vintage Hand Cream for the Fall

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I have been happily using Adirondack Fragrance Farm Balsam & Cedar Vintage Hand Cream since the beginning of the year, and really love it so much. As I used it this morning, its woodsy scent transported me to Autumn, and I think it is the perfect hand cream for the upcoming season. It really is the embodiment of the upcoming season, and it is really worth having!

Founded by Sandy Maine in 2012, Adirondack Fragrance Farm is located in the Adirondack Mountain Region of New York State, and every product is designed and made at the Adirondack Fragrance Farm in Northern NY State to ensure the highest quality. To learn more about this incredible brand, click HERE.

Adirondack Fragrance Farm Balsam & Cedar Vintage Hand Cream is a rich and nourishing hand cream that immediately moisturizes even the most dry and chapped hands. The Balsam and Cedar scent evokes a walk through the Adirondacks on a crisp and cool afternoon. The woodsy scent is at once uplifting and intoxicatingly beautiful, and it isn't in the least bit overpowering. Sandy created this scent because she loves Balsam Fir and the essence of Northern White Cedar leaf combined with the "esters of white pine needles released on the wind on a sunny day." It is a beautiful embodiment of this amalgam of woodsy aromas, and it is a joy to use.

According to Adirondack Fragrance Farm,

Our hand cream will soften and nourish your hands with Adirondack forest’s all-natural ingredients. 

The Balsam Cedar scent was born of Sandy’s love for Balsam Fir and her penchant for the essence of Northern White Cedar leaf combined with wafts of esters of white pine needles released on the wind on a sunny day. She mixed all of these amazing gifts of nature in her mind before she ever tried to mix them in her product development lab where she sought the correct ways to incorporate them into the products we all know and love. 

This rich emollient cream is made in small batches using the finest skin-loving oils and butter. Scented with a creative blend of fir and cedar tree and other essential oils, ADK Balsam Cedar Hand Cream is rich and will easily soften and nourish your skin while never feeling oily. Especially in the winter when our skin will be drier, they can work wonders for you. Packed in a convenient 2.3 oz metal tube to carry in a purse or leave on your work desk. Every time when you apply this hand cream, the Balsam Cedar scent will take you back to nature wherever you are.

The benefits of using hand cream are vital. Hands can age just as fast as your face. People often neglect how much work our hands do for us. Especially when washing your hands frequently, your hands can be drier and hard to retain the natural oils. Therefore, our ADK Balsam & Cedar hand cream which is full of natural ingredients from the unique Adirondack forest of NY can save your day! It can boost your moisture level and prevents premature aging. So start to take care of your hands now!

Overall Assessment: This is a wonderfully effective hand cream that imparts serious moisture to dry cracked hands (and feet!), and I highly recommend it! If you love woodsy aromas that aren't in the least bit overpowering, then Adirondack Fragrance Farm Balsam & Cedar Vintage Hand Cream is a great choice.

$19.00 for 2.3 oz. from Adirondack Fragrance Farm and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

BeeSpa Total Body Set Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

After having tried the BeeSpa Honey Lips Hydrating Lip Masque (Reviewed HERE), and really liking it, I was really looking forward to testing their Luxury Body Cream and Hand + Foot Cream. The BeeSpa Total Body set includes both of these products, and it is a wonderful way to treat dry skin as we move from the hot summer to the cooler fall season.

The Set includes:

• .05 oz mini Beespa hand and foot cream
• 3.4 oz Beespa luxury body cream 
• organza gift bag

Ingredients:

BeeSpa Ultra Moisturizing Hand + Foot Cream ($12.99 for .5 oz): Rich in inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin, the beeswax in this nourishing cream hydrates and restores cracked feet and hands. It is a rich and thick cream that works wonders on dry hands and feet. It leaves parched skin remarkably moisturized as well as soft and supple. A little goes a long way, and it feels so good! This healing cream is perfect for the upcoming cold season.

According to BeeSpa,

Repair and revitalize your feet with this nourishing natural foot cream made with botanical, vegetable-based and vitamin-rich ingredients selected for their proven effectiveness.  Essential oils, beeswax and shea butter deeply moisturize while anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants nourish. Soothe and repair dry, cracked feet and lock in moisture for more youthful and healthy skin. 16% Beeswax.

Features:

• Refillable
• Perfect for purse or travel!
• Repairs and smoothes dry, cracked feet and hands
• Hydrates and softens with shea butter, essential oils and beeswax
• Helps maintain skins elasticity by enabling skin to retain moisture and removing dry skin.
• Contains Vitamins E, A and D; Rich in antioxidants
• No harsh ingredients, no artificial fragrances. Never tested on animals.

BeeSpa Luxury Body Cream ($18.50 for 3.4 oz): As a natural emollient beeswax prevents dryness by locking in moisture, and unlike many artificial ingredients beeswax is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores. Infused with all natural beeswax, BeeSpa Luxury Body Cream keeps your skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. It is lightweight in texture, it melts into the skin and immediately imparts moisture to dry skin.

According to BeeSpa, "Softens and smooths with all natural beeswax and coconut oil."

Overall Assessment: These are both such moisturizers, and they are perfect for the upcoming change in seasons. If you are considering both, then buy the set because you will save a little and get the gift bag.

$29.99 from BeeSpa (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Adirondack Fragrance Farm Balsam & Cedar Vintage Hand Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Founded by Sandy Maine in 2012, Adirondack Fragrance Farm is located in the Adirondack Mountain Region of New York State, and every product is designed and made at the Adirondack Fragrance Farm in Northern NY State to ensure the highest quality. To learn more about this incredible brand, click HERE.

Adirondack Fragrance Farm Balsam & Cedar Vintage Hand Cream is a rich and nourishing hand cream that immediately moisturizes even the most dry and chapped hands. The Balsam and Cedar scent evokes a walk through the Adirondacks on a crisp and cool afternoon. The woodsy scent is at once uplifting and intoxicatingly beautiful, and it isn't in the least bit overpowering. Sandy created this scent because she loves Balsam Fir and the essence of Northern White Cedar leaf combined with the "esters of white pine needles released on the wind on a sunny day." It is a beautiful embodiment of this amalgam of woodsy aromas, and it is a joy to use.

According to Adirondack Fragrance Farm,

Our hand cream will soften and nourish your hands with Adirondack forest’s all-natural ingredients. 

The Balsam Cedar scent was born of Sandy’s love for Balsam Fir and her penchant for the essence of Northern White Cedar leaf combined with wafts of esters of white pine needles released on the wind on a sunny day. She mixed all of these amazing gifts of nature in her mind before she ever tried to mix them in her product development lab where she sought the correct ways to incorporate them into the products we all know and love. 

This rich emollient cream is made in small batches using the finest skin-loving oils and butter. Scented with a creative blend of fir and cedar tree and other essential oils, ADK Balsam Cedar Hand Cream is rich and will easily soften and nourish your skin while never feeling oily. Especially in the winter when our skin will be drier, they can work wonders for you. Packed in a convenient 2.3 oz metal tube to carry in a purse or leave on your work desk. Every time when you apply this hand cream, the Balsam Cedar scent will take you back to nature wherever you are.

The benefits of using hand cream are vital. Hands can age just as fast as your face. People often neglect how much work our hands do for us. Especially when washing your hands frequently, your hands can be drier and hard to retain the natural oils. Therefore, our ADK Balsam & Cedar hand cream which is full of natural ingredients from the unique Adirondack forest of NY can save your day! It can boost your moisture level and prevents premature aging. So start to take care of your hands now!

Overall Assessment: I really love this effective hand cream, and the aroma makes me deliriously happy. If you love woodsy aromas that aren't in the least bit overpowering, then Adirondack Fragrance Farm Balsam & Cedar Vintage Hand Cream is a great choice. A+

$19.00 for 2.3 oz. from Adirondack Fragrance Farm and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Bee & You Ultra Hydrating Care Hand Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliated Links)

Bee & You is, as previously noted, a new-to-me cruelty-free brand, which is made in Turkey, that harnesses the benefits of raw honey, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom in their products– in an effort to promote healthy skin.

Bee & You Ultra Hydrating Hand Cream is just what I needed during this cold weather. This is a very rich and emollient hand cream that is surprisingly fast-absorbing. It is nourishing, very moisturizing and it heals the driest hands and cuticles swiftly and effectively. If your hands are dry, this wonderful cruelty-free hand cream is just what they need to remain comfortable and happy during these cold months.

According to Bee & You,

Fast absorbing daily hand cream to help prevent and protect chafed, chapped, or cracked skin. BEE&YOU Hand Cream is infused with shea butter, vit B5, propolis extract and sesame oil for dry, tough skin that repairs and keeps skin soft. Leaves hands noticeably softer and smoother after just one application.

100% CRUELTY-FREE & FRAGRANCE FREE: BEE&YOU doesn’t test on animals and our products are fragrance free.

Directions: Apply generously to your hands whenever you need.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Coco Caprylate/Caprate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Panthenol (VitaminB5), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Physalis Angulata Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Propolis Extract, Honey.

Overall Assessment: This is just what my dry hands needed this winter!

$11.99 for 1.69 oz. from Bee & You, Amazon and Walmart (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Spongellé Daily Dose Hand Cream in Coconut Verbena Review

 

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Spongellé Daily Dose Hand Cream in Coconut Verbena is a convenient and travel-friendly way to carry hand cream. Spongellé Hand Creams offer dry hands and cuticles serious hydration. They feature ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Argan Oil and Macademia Seed Oil that deeply moisturize and heal chapped hands, and the Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and plumps fine lines. After using their hand creams, my poor chapped hands have been soft, smooth, nourished, hydrated and luminous! The Coconut Verbena scent is refreshing and intoxicatingly beautiful, and it embodies a warm summer breeze.

Benefits:

• Daily Dose Dispensing Sachets  
• Emollient Formula for Hands and Cuticles 
• Multi-Function, Multi-Use, 7 Uses 
• 100% Recyclable  
• Easy Snap Technology
• Vegan Friendly
• Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free
• Dermatologist-tested
• Perfect for Travel 
• Recyclable 
• Made in Los Angeles

According to Spongellé,

Soothe and soften skin with Spongellé’s Daily Dose Hand Cream Collection in Coconut Verbena. Each travel-savvy sachet is enriched with moisture-magnet hyaluronic acid, nourishing Shea butter, and conditioning Argan and Macadamia Seed oils. This skin-enhancing portable cream is infused with gentle  ingredients and our signature blend of calming coconut, delicate jasmine, and lemon verbena to hydrate your hands and cuticles while leaving a lasting fragrance for 7 uses. 

Smells Like: A fresh island breeze 

Feels Like: Diving into the creamy comfort of rich coconut  

Fragrance Notes:

• Top: Coconut, Peach  
• Middle: Jasmine, Floral 
• Base: Amber, Lemon 

Key Ingredients: 

• Aloe Vera Leaf Extract - Increases the water content of the outermost layer of the skin.
• Argan Oil - Naturally rich in Vitamin E, it deeply nourishes the skin to improve texture and moisture.
• Avocado Oil - Nourishes the skin with fortifying Vitamins A and E.
• Caffeine - Firms and tones the skin while boosting elasticity for vibrant skin.
• Fig Extract - Boosts skin hydration by minimizing water loss.
• Hyaluronic Acid - Acts as a moisture magnet to plump and hydrate the skin.
• Macadamia Seed Oil - A source of Squalene and Omega 6, it helps strengthen the skin’s barrier.
• Shea Butter - A multi-purpose skin healer, it amplifies moisture while soothing skin issues.
• Sunflower Extract - Rich in Vitamin E, it keeps skin looking fresh while retaining moisture.

Overall Assessment: I love to carry these in my purse, and love the convenience of these travel-friendly packets. A+

$10.00 for 7 sachets from Spongellé (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

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

OCTOBER 2022 BEAUTY EMPTIES

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

October was a rather slow month with respect to finishing up opened beauty products. As you can clearly see, I only finished 5 full-size products, and not a skincare product to be found! I was so busy at work that I didn't take the time that I should have to really pamper myself, but I still finished up two shampoos, one body wash, one hand cream and one perfume.

Vitabrid C¹² Scalp+Shampoo ($32.00 for 10.14 oz. from Vitabrid C¹² and Nordstrom): is formulated to improve scalp and hair health by gently cleansing the hair and scalp while moisturizing and infusing them with antioxidant-rich vitamins.  It thoroughly and effectively cleanses without stripping the skin and hair, and leaves both moisturized without leaving behind any sort of residue. This shampoo was a real skin and hair savior for me this winter since both were left dry and dehydrated because of the chilly season. Furthermore, I noted an increase in the volume of my hair, and it is decidedly softer and smoother after, and this shampoo does not disappoint. I should note that it does have a light, clean aroma, but it is neither cloying, nor in the long-lasting. Purchase Again? There is definitely another bottle in my future, but right now I have to many open shampoos to use.

SHU UEMURA Gentle Radiance Cleanser ($59.00 for 13.4 oz from SHU UEMURA ART OF HAIR and Sephora): This shampoo is so gentle and non-stripping that my hair is manageable before I even condition it.  It deeply and gently cleanses the hair and scalp, and it hydrates without overdoing it. Hair is never left greasy or feeling dirty, but instead feels nourished, moisturized, volumized, balanced and soothed. Purchase Again? I just opened another bottle!

Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Body Wash is a non-stripping, richly lathering body wash with an absolutely hypnotic aroma. The pink peppercorn is enriched by a fusion of ginger and rich, warm patchouli. I tend not to like most patchouli scented body care products, but it is so tempered by the other aromas that it is scarcely recognizable. Purchase Again? It appears that this has been replaced by Fiery Pink Pepper Body Wash ($35.00 for 10 oz. from Molton Brown, Neiman Marcus and bluemercury), and I will definitely try it! 

Spongellé Hand Creams ($18.00 each for 2 oz. from Spongellé): are available in 8 delightfully fragrant scents, and they offer serious hydration. They feature ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Argan Oil and Macademia Seed Oil that deeply moisturize and heal chapped hands, and the Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and plumps fine lines. After using these hand creams, my poor chapped hands have been soft, smooth, nourished, hydrated and luminous! I wish that I could choose a favorite scent, but I really love the distinctly different fragrance profiles for all eight of these beautiful hand creams. Freesia Pear: is a wonderful hand cream with the most beautiful aroma that is composed of: Top: Lemon, Grapefruit, Pear. Middle: Freesia, Peony, Floral Bouquet. Base: Woody, Musk, Amber. Purchase Again? Yes, this is a must-have for me!

kai eau de parfum ($80.00 for 1.7 oz. from Nordstrom, Dermstore and Anthropologie): I remain utterly enchanted by kai eau de parfum. This beautiful floral is composed of gardenia and white florals, and the result is a rich and delectable aroma. It is perfect for the summer, but I love the scent so much that I wear it all year long. I have gone through quite a few bottles of the eau de parfum and perfume oil over the years, and I always replace them once finished. Purchase Again? Without question! 

Overall Assessment: I suppose finishing up 5 full-size products isn't too bad, but I definitely feel that it was a slow month because I was so busy. What did you finish up, toss out, give away or return in October? Did you discover new favorites, or total duds?

Press Sample and Purchased (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Stocking Stuffers for a Perfect Night of Sleep

Press Sample (Affiliated Links)

If you are seeking must-have stocking stuffers for men and women who wish to luxuriate in a wonderful and restorative night of sleep, then you need a formal introduction to essential products from Manta Sleep and the consciously crafted personal care picks from Walton Wood Farm.

Walton Wood Farm Warm Cranberry Shea Butter Soap ($8.99 for 3.5 oz from Walton Wood Farm): This delicious cranberry scented soap smells like the holidays! It has a wonderful lather, and rather than drying out skin the shea butter moisturizes and pampers the skin.

According to Walton Wood Farm, 

The perfect winter gift for yourself or someone you care about. The box is printed with two poems or inspiring quotes. 3.5 oz Shea Butter bar made in Vermont.

Made in Vermont. Vegan, cruelty-fee, and free of harsh ingredients (like SLS).

Walton Wood Farm Me Time Hand Rescue ($12.00 for 2 oz. from Walton Wood Farm): This beautiful hand cream is rich, incredibly moisturizing and its lime and sugar aroma really does smell just like a Mojito! This is a perfect stocking stuffer for the cold weather.

According to Walton Wood Farm,

Indulge in our super hydrating Mojito Magic scented hand cream in a handy purse or pocket-sized tube, made with a moisturizing blend of Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Green Tea.

Features:

• Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free
• SLS, Paraben, Phthalate, and Dye-Free
• Moisturizing blend of Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Green Tea
• Thick and rich, never greasy

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Emulsifying Wax, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Grape Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Green Tea, Vitamin E, Allantoin, Optiphen, Fragrance (Parfum).

Walton Wood Farm Go the F to Sleep Pillow Spray ($19.99 for 4 oz. from Walton Wood Farm): This aromatic pillow spray calms and relaxes a busy mind while cradling as sleepy head. The mixture of Chamomile, Lavender and Mint is so soothing, calming, relaxing and utterly hypnotic.

According to Walton Wood Farm,

This super relaxing Chamomile, Lavender + Mint pillow spray gives you exactly what you need, exactly where you need it when it's time to go the F to sleep. Just spray some on your pillow before bed, and you'll be counting sheep in no time.

Features:

• Vegan-Friendly, Cruelty-Free, and Gluten-Free
• SLS, Paraben, Phthalate, and Dye-Free

Ingredients: Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Sunflower Seed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Isoamyl Cocoate, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Fragrance

Manta Sleep Mask ($35.00 from Manta Sleep and Amazon): This is, without question, the perfect gift for someone who enjoys taking naps, or who wants a perfect night of deep sleep. This mask is constructed to optimize the deepest sleep because it provides 100% blackout conditions without being uncomfortable. It conforms to the face perfectly and doesn't let any light– facilitating a restful night of sleep. Include: a Manta Sleep Mask, premium ear plugs and case/wash bag. 

According to Manta Sleep,

The world’s comfiest 100% blackout sleep mask. Includes Manta Sleep Mask, premium ear plugs and case/wash bag. 100% machine washable. Meet the sleep mask that single-handedly made all other masks obsolete.The only mask designed, constructed and optimized for deepest-possible sleep in any environment.

Features:

• 100% blackout for deeper sleep.
• Infinitely adjustable for personalized fit.
• Soft, breathable, durable materials.
• Zero pressure on eyelids or lashes.

Overall Assessment: These are perfect gifts for a perfect night of sleep!

Press Sample. Available from Manta Sleep and Amazon and from Walton Wood Farm and Amazon (Affiliated Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

GYV Mesoamerican Beauty Hand Creams & Candles are Obsession-Worthy

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

I am so thrilled to have discovered GYV Mesoamerican Beauty, a breathtakingly beautiful cruelty-free brand, that creates the most divine self-care products that indulge the spirit and the senses. GYV's delectably aromatic candles and hand creams, which celebrate Mesoamerican culture and heritage, are intended to make you feel good and to enhance and refresh your physical environment. Founded by a husband and wife team, they donate a portion of their proceeds of every purchase to charity. Learn more HERE.

About GYV Mesoamerican Beauty,

(verb \ˆgiv\)

GYV is about more than just giving, it is more than a verb, more than an acronym.

The sophistication and strength of the Mesoamerican culture are infused into every luxurious fragrance and personal care product designed by GYV Mesoamerican Beauty. Our company’s mission is to celebrate the rich history of the land, spanning from Central America to Mexico, by showcasing the voices, scents, flavors, and places of this historic region. Mesoamerica is the cradle of civilization in the Americas, and the rich culture continues to flourish in the 21st century. The deeply rooted knowledge of the ingredients that define Mesoamerica has flourished for centuries, and GYV is here to share that beautiful story with the rest of the world through our diverse line of proprietary formulas.

The inspiration for the name GYV is simple: Gabrielle y Victor, my daughter, and my son. When you read GYV out loud, it sounds like give, the perfect word to inspire positive change in our families, our communities, and the world. To us, GYV is more than just a name. We want our brand to inspire people to GYV love to the people who feel forgotten, hope to those who are too afraid to dream, and freedom to those who feel confined by their circumstances. We want to JUST GYV to make a difference in the hearts of people across the globe.

GYV Love, GYV Hope, GYV Freedom.  JUST GYV

How it all began:

The inspiration for GYV came to me on one sunny afternoon while I was enjoying a Raspado de Mango, a sweet, tangy treat of shaved ice with mango, lime, and a hint of chile.  At that moment, I reflected on how the flavors and fragrances that are so prevalent in my life have become global trends, disconnected from the people and land that first cultivated them in Mesoamerica.  Ingredients like vainilla, maìz, and calabaza are sold in products across the globe but are only known as vanilla, corn, and pumpkin, with little or no mention of their origin.  

I started thinking about my experience in beauty, personal care, and fragrance, and how Mesoamerican staples are key ingredients in today’s formulas.  After taking a closer look at the industry, it was disheartening to realize that the staples that our ancestors used to create entire civilizations were being blended into products that are no longer relatable to the very cultures that introduced them.  

GYV strives to be a prestige brand for all.  We want everyone to reap the benefits of the lush botanical ingredients born from Mesoamerica and to collectively celebrate the history of the cultures who introduced these rich ingredients to the world.

- Horacio Portillo, Founder

GYV Agua Fresca Papaya Scented Candle ($28.00 for 6 oz. from GYV): GYV partnered with five Latin graphic designers worldwide to create the Aqua Fresca Candles that benefit a non-profit of the artists choice. Each of these 5 candles has a different fragrance, gorgeous packaging created by a different artist, and benefits a different organization.

The Papaya Candle is quite possibly the loveliest permutation of papaya in which I have indulged. The papaya is tempered by the spiciness of the black currant, with a hint of raspberry, and warmed up by the vanilla. It is a true treat to the senses. When lit, this gorgeous candle fills the room with its beautiful aroma, and it creates a sense of wellbeing. The stunning glass vessel, in which the candle is housed, is elegant and ethereal, and it will be a keepsake to hold makeup brushes or pens and pencils long after I have finished enjoying the candle.

Scent Notes: Papaya, Raspberry, Vainilla, Grosella (Black Currant)

Artist: Fiorella Martinez

Organization: Cuidando a las que nos cuidan

Wax: Coconut natural blend

Burn Time: Approximately 40-50 hours

GYV Mesoamerican Beauty Jamaica Hand Cream ($25.00 for 3.5 oz. from GYV): This beautiifully aromatic hand cream is nourishing and ultra-hydrating. It is lightweight and emollient and it melts into the skin leaving it soft, smooth and luminous. The scent is a luscious amalgam of Orange, Oaxacan Pineapple, Guava, Hibiscus flower, Caramel and Oak Moss. It is neither too sweet, nor woodsy, but instead it is a perfect balance of notes.  

According to GYV,

Rich in moisturizing botanicals using our proprietary formula and our signature fragrance Jamaica to leave your hands feeling beautifully soft and smooth.

Our four-staples enriched hand cream leaves your hands feeling softer and smoother after each use. Jamaica, pays homage to one of our favorite agua fresca. This scent is a luxurious mix of Orange, Oaxacan Pineapple, Guava, Hibiscus flower, Caramel and Oak Moss.

Directions: Apply a small amount to hands, and massage into hands until fully absorbed. Reapply as required throughout the day.                

This cream is Paraben Free, No testing on animals was done.

Overall Assessment: GYV Mesoamerican Beauty is an extraordinary discovery for me, and their products need to be on your wishlist! 

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