Things That I Miss

The other day when I was sorting through the files on my computer, I stumbled upon thousands of pictures that I had taken at events, and of products, for Lola's Secret Beauty Blog. In many ways it was a bit melancholic since it marked a very different time– not just because of the pandemic disruption, but also because many of the brands and retailers no longer exist. Since that time, most of my favorite beauty blogs no longer exist.

The things that I really miss the most:

1) Barneys New York: I loved Barneys so much, and very early in the life of Lola's Secret Beauty Blog (established in 2011) the company reached out to me to establish a longterm relationship. I covered all of the LOVE YOURSELF beauty bag events, and would routinely receive updates from them, as well as texts telling me to rush down to the store to cover events. I met many of the owners of the brands, had swatch-fests with new collections, and forged very meaningful friendships that outlasted the company. While Saks Fifth Avenue bought the licensing rights to BNY, it isn't the same as the good old days.

2) Space NK: Like Barneys New York, I worked closely with Space NK and covered their events regularly. They even offered special purchases exclusively for Lola's Secret Beauty Blog readers. I had lots of friends who worked there, and I was likewise distraught when this wonderful UK company left the US. Like Barneys, I loved going there, and often helped them work their big events. In July 2025, Ulta announced that it acquired Space NK, and I am wondering whether that means that physical stores will return to the US, or whether it will be something akin to what Saks did with BNY.

3) The serious camaraderie between bloggers, and bloggers and their readers: There used to be such a wonderful sense of community that no longer exists in the way that it once did. People are busy, but also many of the longstanding beauty bloggers quit blogging, and therefore the landscape has profoundly changed.

4) So many brands no longer exist: No doubt many beauty brands didn't survive the pandemic, and others couldn't survive an oversaturated market flooded with so many brands. However, a few that I really miss are: Rodin Olio Lusso, Ren, Clarisonic, Bite Beauty, Aubrey Organics, Lilah b., Marc Jacobs Beauty and Vapour Beauty. Many more went out of business, but those are the ones that I miss the most.

What do you miss?

All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog All Rights Reserved.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Named Top 30 Best California Beauty Blogs and Websites in 2025

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has been selected by the FeedSpot panelist as one of the Top 30 Best California Beauty Blogs and Websites in 2025. FeedSpot asserts that his is the most comprehensive list of Top 30 California Beauty Blogs on the internet, and I'm honored to have been selected by them! Of the Top 30, Lola's Secret Beauty Blog was named Number 6!

Summer Doesn't End Until September 22!

While Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, the season doesn't actually end until September 22! While I was outside enjoying the outdoors this holiday weekend, I was once again struck by the fact that retailers and commercial businesses deemed that it was already fall and it was therefore time to buy Halloween and Christmas items and start sipping pumpkin spice lattes. I understand that we are in the midst of everything related to the back-to-school time of year– but that doesn't change the fact that it is still summer. I, for one, want to enjoy that last month of summer without thinking about pulling out long sleeve shirts and sweaters, and embracing all things related to Autumn. And frankly the hot weather in Southern California would make it rather strange to dress for the fall and sip pumpkin spice lattes. Enjoy the rest of the summer, we have plenty of time to embrace the fall and everything that makes it a wonderful season soon enough.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog's Review of Aftelier Perfumes Biblioscents Bookmarks Featured on Perfumer & Flavorist!

(Unaffiliated Links)

I was utterly delighted to learn that my review of Aftelier Perfumes Biblioscents Bookmarks (Reviewed HERE) was just featured in the perfume industry publication Perfumer & Flavorist. I am profoundly humbled and flattered for their coverage of my review of Mandy Aftel's gorgeous scented bookmarks.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Named Among the 60 Best American Beauty Blogs & Websites in 2025

(Unaffiliated Links)

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has the distinct honor of having been chosen among the 60 Best American Beauty Blogs & Websites in 2025! In fact, Lola's Secret Beauty Blog was named No. 11! Check out the full list HERE.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Turns 13 Years Old!

Thirteen years ago today, on November 6, 2011, I wrote my first Lola's Secret Beauty Blog article. Since that time a lot has changed in the blogosphere, but I have continued to post something every single day. I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to stop in daily- it means the world to me. What saddens me is the fact that my kitty, Lola, after whom I named this blog, is no longer here to sit on my lap as I wrote.

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Fall Doesn't Begin Until September 22

This weekend we spent a lot of time doing yard work, and trying to dodge the blazing hot summer sun the entire time. While I was outside, it really struck me that retailers and commercial businesses deemed that it was already fall when, in fact, fall doesn't start until September 22. Yet pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween costumes and candy are already being heavily marketed. I understand that Labor Day, which is still a week away, marks the unofficial end of summer– and that we are in the midst of everything related to the back-to-school time of year– but that doesn't change the fact that it is still summer. I, for one, want to enjoy that last month of summer without thinking about pulling out long sleeve shirts and sweaters, and embracing all things related to Autumn. And frankly the hot weather in Southern California would make it rather strange to dress for the fall and sip pumpkin spice lattes. Enjoy the rest of the summer, we have plenty of time to embrace the fall and everything that makes it a wonderful season.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Turns 12 Years Old Today

It is hard to believe that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog turns 12 years old today! On November 6, 2011, I sat down to pen my first LSBB post, and all of these years later I still post daily– despite the fact that the landscape of blogging has dramatically changed. I thank all of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to stop by each day, I am grateful to you. Cheers! xo

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Makes the Top 35 California Beauty Blogs!

It is always such an honor to get recognition for your hard work, and therefore I was quite thrilled when I received word that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog was named one of the Top 35 California Beauty Blogs and websites. Selected by the panelists at Feedspot, they assert that this is the most comprehensive list of Top 35 California Beauty Blogs on the internet, and I'm tremendously honored that LSBB was named number 9!

Barn Yarn Hand Knit Wool Cat Toys with Catnip that are Zoe Approved!

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I have to tell you that I am just so enchanted by Barn Yarn Hand Knit Wool Cat Toys with Catnip that I had to share them with you. Zoe first received one, a darling bumble bee, as a gift from a pharmacy who filled a prescription for her. She was so obsessed with this little bumble bee that she would sleep with it, lick it and then pounce on it. Of course, the fact that it is filled with catnip didn't hurt, but these two have been inseparable since the bee entered our lives.

I searched everywhere online to find a replacement for Zoe's beloved bee, and we finally emailed the pharmacy, along with pictures of Zoe and her bee, and asked them where we could buy more. They gave us the brand name, and within minutes we ordered more! If you have cats, these are the best catnip toys I have ever purchased. They are enchanting and cats love them!

Given the disparity between the "Before Zoe" and "After Zoe" bee, I think that you can clearly see how much this little gray tabby loves her baby.

She isn't a fickle feline, and she still loves her bee, but she also loves some of her new friends as well. I gave her two new  Barn Yarn Hand Knit Wool Cat Toys, and put the other ten away (for now).

According to Barn Yarn,

Barn Yarn Animals are Handknit Wool Cat Toys - Filled with Premium Catnip. These are made of 100% wool and are made in the Northern Highlands of South America by descendants of the Inca Indians. The Incas have handed down the craft of knitting through many generations. Chilly Dog, the manufacturer, directly employs two families to knit their toys and sweaters and practices within the guidelines of Fair Trade. 

Features:

- Handmade from Peru

- Catnip toy that will entertain for hours

- Average size is 3.5 inches long

- Assorted animals and colors, no two are the same!

Overall Assessment: ZOE LOVES THEM!

$29.99 for 12, $16.99 for 6 and $7.99 for 1 from Amazon (Affiliate Links). Purchased. 

All views expressed are categorically Zoe's, but I agree with her. 

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

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Turns 11!

11 years ago today, I sat down to write my first feature for Lola's Secret Beauty Blog. I had absolutely no idea that more than a decade later I would still be writing at least one post per day, or even maintaining an interest in so doing. This space has always been a refuge for me, and as long as I continue to enjoy it, I will continue to write for LSBB. Of course, much has changed in these 11 years, and the world looks very different today than it did then. One of the notable differences is that my beloved kitty Lola, after whom I named this blog, is no longer alive and sleeping on my lap as I sit at the computer, and that will always be a bittersweet reflection. Thank you for your loyal readership all of these years, and know that I am endlessly grateful that you take time out of your day to stop by and peruse my musings. xo, H

🍅🍅🍅Lola's Secret Garden Treasures🍅🍅🍅

Not long ago, we made the discovery that a volunteer tomato plant had taken root on the side of our house in the most precarious of places. It was wedged in front of a gate that rests against the house, and it only had a few inched of space in which to grow and thrive. To make matters worse, it was next to the concrete path that we use to take our garbage, recycling and green cans to the curb. Therefore, I carefully dug it up and placed it in a terracotta pot, and it is now thriving.

As of this morning, there are 18 tomatoes growing...

And there are many more blooms that are about to turn into little tomatoes!

This would be amazing if I had intended to grow a tomato plant, but if feels miraculous that this plant decided to take root on the side of my house in one of the least hospitable locations.

🍅🍅🍅I tend to this plant every day, and marvel at its resilience and beauty🍅🍅🍅

REST IN PEACE MY BELOVED LOLA (2005-February 2, 2022)

My dearest and most beloved Lola ❤️,

I am weeping as I write to you, and my despair and grief have shattered my heart into billions and billions of tiny pieces. I hope that somehow my farewell letter finds its way to you. We shared 17+ years together, and that simply wasn't enough time with you. 

Your beginnings were rough since an unkind human tossed you, your siblings and your mom into a dumpster in LA when you were just a little baby. Thankfully, there were kind humans from a rescue organization who discovered and saved you and your whole family. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of you and your brother, Milo (Tribute HERE), at an adoption event, and it was love at first sight. I immediately filled out the adoption papers for you and your brother and anxiously awaited the day that we could bring you home.

The day that we picked you up to bring you home was an unusually hot summer afternoon in LA, and as soon as I saw you and Milo my heart nearly burst in my chest. I was filled with such love that I couldn't contain it. In the car ride home, which was only a couple of miles, Milo sat in the back of your shared carrier frightened and distraught. You, on the other hand, not only sat in the front of the carrier, but you reached your paw through the metal perforated door to touch my arm. From the very beginning, your big personality, curiosity, assertiveness, rich character, intelligence and fearlessness could not be confined by your tiny frame. These wonderful attributes lasted your whole life.

You were an extraordinary creature in every possible way, and there are so many details of your magnificence that I have to clutch in my memory as I mourn you. You had such a loud and infectious purr, and I loved every moment when you would curl up on my chest and lick my face.

This blog was named after you because whenever I sat at my desk to work you were either on my lap or sprawled across our shared desk. 

You and Milo were so close, and when he died a year ago I worried that you would be immobilized by the loss of your brother, as I was, but your resilience, strength and resolve allowed you to survive this tremendous loss with grace.

You had the sweetest little voice, and you had the sweetest greeting when our eyes would lock. It was a single meow in a short staccato that was the sweetest audible "nya." This sweet hello always melted my heart and brightened my mood. You would crinkle your nose and open your mouth as you did it, and this gesture brought pure joy to anyone who witnessed it.

When I was remiss in giving you a fresh glass of water, and yes– not to anthropomorphize you, but you demanded a glass rather than an uncivilized bowl for animals– you would just sit next to the water and look at me. You would refuse to drink that several hours old water, and you knew that I understood your request. I would always immediately bring you fresh water and in response you would purr, blink your eyes and then proceed to drink from your glass.

Whenever one of the humans in your family walked into the kitchen, your keen superhero hearing alerted you to the opportunity for a treat (even if you were fast asleep). You would run into the kitchen and leap heroically onto the counter and make it clear that you were poised and ready for a snack. You were far too regal, and had too much dignity to reduce yourself to begging, but instead your expression clearly indicated that this was a right and not a request.

I am so sorry that I couldn't save you, and that is something for which I am riddled with guilt. There were no visible signs that something was wrong until the day before. You had been acting as you always had until the day that you didn't. 

I am also sorry that Zoe sat attentively while you ate your special food on your last day, even though she got her own. She simply couldn't resist trying to snack from your plate. She was just following her instincts, and I am pretty sure that you would have done the same thing. You will be happy to know that she hasn't left my side since you died. She understands how upset I am, and she sleeps resting her head on mine, and she never lets me out of her sight, and she pays very close attention to my moods. As soon as she senses my distress, whether or not I am crying, she sits on me, looks straight into my eyes and meows and purrs, as if to assure me that I will survive this grief and that she will take care of me. She senses you are gone, and she understands that I am suffering as a result.

Please know that you were always my sweetest and most deeply beloved baby, and that I will forever hold you deep in my heart. I will never stop missing you or grieving your loss, but I hope that one day I can do it without weeping.

It gives me a measure of peace imagining that you are reunited with Milo– you spent your entire lives together until his untimely death last year, and now I hope that you are playing, napping and happily together again.

If you feel enveloped by a warm and loving sensation, you probably already know that is me and your human dad embracing you with our love. I will spare you any of the typical platitudes that humans use when someone they love dies. Just know that I have always loved you so deeply that words utterly fail to express my feelings for you. 

Play and nap in peace, my sweetest Lolita Bonita. I am sorry that your body betrayed you and took your life from you. I didn't know that day was going to be your last day, and I am grateful that I was with you the whole time.

It is impossible for me to tell you how much I love you, but I think that you know that. Just carry the knowledge in your heart that you were, and will always remain, deeply loved. I am sending an abundance of love to you and Milo.

Je t'aime plus qu'hier moins que demain, ma petite Lola. 

xoxox, ₍⸍⸌̣ʷ̣̫⸍̣⸌₎ﾉ♡

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Turns 10 Today!

Ten years ago today, on November 6, 2011, Lola's Secret Beauty Blog was born. I didn't set out to start LSBB, but it organically happened as an escape from the rigors of my career. Ten years later, I continue to post every single day, and am grateful to all of you who have been with me since the beginning and all of you who came along later. In a world so busy, I am honored that you make the time to stop by. Thank you so much for making this such a nice space. Cheers! Helen and Lola (the kitty after whom this blog was named).

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Email Subscription is Moving July 1

Hello everyone! You may have already heard that Feedburner is retiring their email subscription service in July, and that everyone (including Lola's Secret Beauty Blog) is migrating to other email subscription services. 

I have migrated to follow.it, and you simply need to click on the purple "follow" icon in the top right column of the website, or you may also click on it in this post above (or HERE). By doing this, you will continue to receive daily emails from LSBB. You can sign up today to start receiving your daily emails immediately.

Below is what the email will look like when it is sent to you each day. I post every single day, and if you have trouble receiving your daily dose of Lola's Secret Beauty Blog, please let me know. xo

Gemma The Great

This is my darling friend, Gemma the squirrel🐿🐿🐿. She hangs out in my backyard, and I love the days that I can work from home because she’s such a pleasure to watch.

Be Joyous

The other day, when I was driving home from work, and about ten minutes away from very congested Los Angeles commuter traffic, I noticed that the car next to me had a vanity plate that read "Be Joyous." As I braced myself to sit in traffic for a very long time, and yet very few miles away from home, I let the sentiment behind those words wash over me. The utility of the message on a car, with its potential to inspire and calm LA commuters, was not lost on me. In fact, it put a smile on my face– which replaced the sense of impending doom that often accompanies sitting in hours of traffic. It reminded me that while we can't control our surroundings, we can control our reactions to them, and that even in the most bleak of circumstances- to which commuting certainly does not belong– we have the choice to be joyous. It is a great idea to periodically remind oneself of this, and it is a great antidote to foreseeable and unforeseeable stresses that can radically impact one's mood and outlook. Be joyous! xo

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy New Year! xo, Helen & Lola

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog Named TOP 50 Beauty Blogs in 2018

It is always such an honor when your blog is named among the top beauty blogs, and therefore I am so happy to share that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog was named among the TOP 50 Beauty Blogs in 2018. The Review Institute published their Top 50 Beauty Blogs that you need to know HERE.

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas! xoxo, Helen & Lola