Empties Post Volume LII: February 2017

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

February proved to be yet another month that I was able to clear out a lot of my mostly used up beauty products. Each month I dig through my cabinets and pull out the products that have largely been finished up, and I place them on the counter, and in the shower, so that I will remember to use them. I decided to use this method several months ago in an effort to declutter my cabinets, but also to reduce waste by using up products before they expire. I have to confess that it is very satisfying tossing all of those containers into my recycle bin each month, and while I still have a lot of decluttering to do– this method is proving to be quite successful for me.

Here is what I finished up in February:

Le Mieux Perfect Renewal (Review Forthcoming): The bottle is only empty because I poured the contents into the jar of exfoliating pads to activate them. I have not finished using it, but instead simply needed to recycle the empty bottle.

MANUKA SECRETS Night Crème (Reviewed HERE): This antioxidant-rich night cream is very lightweight and fast absorbing. It has a very emollient texture that delivers deep levels of hydration and moisture instantaneously, and it leaves skin nourished, soft, smooth and soothed. Manuka Honey soothes and softens the skin, Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture and plumps fine lines, Shea Butter deeply moisturizes, and CoQ10 supports skin's natural regeneration. It leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. It has a light earthy scent that quickly dissipates.

Belli Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator (Reviewed HERE): is a lightweight ultra hydrating moisturizer, filled with botanical humectants, that softens and nourishes the skin. My skin is immediately hydrated and illuminated. While this is suitable for all skin types, those among you with particularly dry skin may want to use this more as a hydrating serum under a richer cream. On my normal to combination skin, however, Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator provides all of the moisture and hydration that I need. It has a very light citrus scent that smells wonderful, but it does fade soon upon application, and therefore should not bother people who prefer unscented facial products.

Arbonne RE9 Intensive Renewal Serum (Reviewed HERE): is a lightweight and fast-absorbing anti-aging serum that is formulated to hydrate, firm, lift, and soften the appearance of fine lines. It leaves my skin soft, supple, hydrated and fine lines are noticeably softened and plumped. It has a light orange aroma that, while delectable, fades as soon as it is absorbed.

Mirai Clinical 3-in-1 Multi-Tasking Face Serum (Reviewed HERE): In addition to being a serum, this multi-tasker is also a toner and a moisturizer. It is lightweight, fast-absorbing and immediately hydrating. The antioxidant-rich formula nourishes and protects the skin, and leaves it soft and supple. It is very concentrated– therefore one only needs to pump out a small amount to get optimal results. It can be used day or night, and can be worn alone or under your favorite moisturizer.

derma e Evenly Radiant Brightening Serum with Vitamin C (Reviewed HERE): is a very lightweight and fast absorbing gel-based skin-brightening serum that is formulated to even out skin tone, and to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and discoloration. While I don't have a lot of hyperpigmentation I definitely noticed that this serum brightened my skin, made it more luminous, and more even in tone. Furthermore, this antioxidant-rich formula offers my skin much needed hydration.

derma e Firming DMAE Serum (Reviewed HERE): is a firming serum that lifts skin and softens the appearance of fine lines. The very first thing that I noticed about this milky serum was that it felt silky smooth to the touch, and that it left my skin feeling that way as well. It is fast absorbing leaving behind no residue whatsoever, and it leaves skin feeling exceedingly hydrated. I only noticed a slight lifting effect after the first few uses, but did notice that my skin my fine lines appeared softened after about a week.

Monat Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive (Reviewed HERE): is a very nourishing blend of luscious oils that nourish the hair and skin effortlessly. For the hair, I warm a dropper full between my hands and massage it into damp hair from scalp to tips. My hair is rendered more manageable and tangle free, and once dried it is soft, glossy, tangle-free, and frizz-free, but never greasy. I also use it on dry hair for styling, and for taming any frizzies or fly-aways. My curls form into glossy ringlets that look and feel gorgeous. Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive is unquestionably outstanding in its capacity as a luxury hair oil.

As a face and body moisturizer, Rejuveniqe is a decadent oil that is lightweight and fast absorbing. I apply it to warm and damp freshly cleansed skin and massage it in until it disappears completely. The result is deeply nourished skin that is soft, supple, glowing and deeply hydrated. It does everything that I expect from a high quality luxury beauty oil, and it smells utterly divine. The scent is a delectable subtle fruity floral that smells edible!

Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer Hydroactive Cleanser (Reviewed HERE): This is a lovely gentle cleanser that effectively sweeps away makeup, dirt and surface oils without stripping the skin. It has a wonderful whipped texture that becomes a creamy lather when water is added. Skin is left clean, smooth and hydrated, but not stripped. It works well on its own, but also works beautifully with cleaning devices like the FOREO LUNA and Clarisonic.

Silkriller Moisture Cream (Reviewed HERE): This is a wonderfully lightweight and fast-absorbing moisturizer that plumps fine lines, deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, and leaves it silky soft and radiant.

vbeauté Buying Time Everyday Crème (Reviewed HERE):  is a highly effective anti-aging twice daily face cream that is light in feel, but  heavy on moisture. This cream delivers deep moisture and hydration,  but it is not so rich that you must sit and wait for it to sink in before applying your finishing products.

LAVANILA The Healthy Body Wash 3-IN-1 Sport Luxe (Reviewed HERE): This sulfate-free body wash deeply and gently cleans the skin and leaves skin feeling utterly refreshed. It is formulated to gently cleanse the skin post-workout by removing excessive sweat, dirt and oil.

Mary Tylor Naturals Organic African Black Soap with Shea Butter all Natural Hand Made (Reviewed HERE): This is a wonderful 100% organic African Black Soap that thoroughly cleans the skin without stripping it.

Propolis Soap with Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil (Reviewed HERE): This is a nourishing and rich soap that achieves a creamy lather, and it thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it. It has a warm earthy scent that does not linger, but it is exceedingly pleasant. It is formulated for use on the face, hands and body, but I have been using it as a hand soap at my bathroom sink.

Nature's Form African Black Soap (Reviewed HERE): African Black Soap has long been held as a natural healing remedy to treat a plethora of skin conditions such as Dermatitis, Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis and dry skin. It is also very nice to treat dry skin during the colder months of the year.

Svelta Luxe Coffee and Raw Sugar Body Scrub (Reviewed HERE): is filled with coffee, raw sugar, olive oil, and other high quality natural ingredients, and together they create a delectable, and highly effective exfoliator.  Skin is left silky smooth, supple, luminous and toned. The consistency is thick, rich, and oily, and it needs to be rinsed off with soap and water to remove the excess oils, but it is such a lovely scrub that it is worth the extra step. The smell is a mouthwatering combination of coffee and cardamom that delights the senses from the moment that the jar is opened.

Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E (Reviewed HERE): This is ultra thick and rich, and miraculously softens and moisturizes dry skin. I wash my hands frequently during the cold and flu season, and I routinely find the need to use a lotion or cream in order to avoid drying out my hands, and Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E works miracles on ultra dry hands.

Amlactin Cerapeutic Restoring Body Lotion (Featured HERE): While I generally neither have dry, nor rough skin, Amlactin Cerapeutic Restoring Body Lotion leaves my skin very moisturized and smooth.  It effectively and efficiently exfoliates dry skin and reveals soft and supple skin. The texture is light and sinks into the skin quickly leaving behind no greasy residue.

Hask Kalahari Melon Oil Color Protection Shampoo (Reviewed HERE): is a gentle and non-stripping shampoo that preserves  hair color, and leaves hair nourished, manageable and shiny.

ColorProof SuperRich Moisture Condition (Reviewed HERE): This is a lightweight, and yet ultra hydrating color-safe conditioner that leaves my hair soft, frizz-free, detangled, hydrated and shiny. There is a minty aroma that smalls and feels refreshing and exhilarating.

Assorted Perfume Samples: While I managed to finish up more fragrance samples, none of them worked well enough with my body chemistry to warrant purchasing a full size bottle.

What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in February? Any hits or misses that you want to share?

Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

By Request: My Stash of Facial Cleansers

I received a request to reveal my entire skincare stash, but that would make for one mighty overwhelming post to contemplate. Therefore, I decided the only sane way to tackle this task was to break it into types of products. As a result of this choice, logic dictated that I do so in the order that I would use the products- thus I began with my cleansers. 

I tend to rotate cleansers based upon the needs of my skin at any given moment. The exception is when I am testing out new products because one has to use them for an uninterrupted and sustained period of time in order to determine their efficacy.

1) Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (review forthcoming). Best cleansing oil that I have tried!

2) *Relogy Dual Action Treatment Foam (reviewed here). Very effective and gentle!

3) *Coral Actives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser (reviewed here). You had me at Retinol! Wonderful!

4) Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser (reviewed here). Nice creamy lather!

5) Sponge- Gel Katharistiko (reviewed here). One of the best cleansers I have ever used!

6) *vbeauté Evidence Eraser (reviewed here). Wonderfully effective and so gentle.

7) Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser (review forthcoming). I really like this cleanser. 

8) *Gold Sakura Facial Cleansing Foam Shirasu Line (reviewed here). Leaves you squeaky clean!

9) *Gold Sakura Hinoki Deitanseki Facial Cleansing Foam with Charcoal and Hinoki Oil (reviewed here). A lovely deep cleaning cleanser.

10) Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (review forthcoming). Unquestionably the best of the best!

11) *Gold Sakura Beauty Bar Soap from the Hinoki Kurocha Line (reviewed here). Unique and lovely cleansing experience.

12) Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap (reviewed here). Tried and true. It has fine exfoliating granules that leaves your skin silky smooth!

While cleansing waters aren't cleansers in the traditional sense, they are nonetheless cleansers of sorts- and thus warranted inclusion.

13) Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water (reviewed here). An absolute staple, and my very favorite cleansing water of all time!

14) La Roche-Posay Solution Micellaire Physiologique (reviewed here). A very nice cleansing water.

*Denotes Press Samples

The Beauty Spotlight Team Sends Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog to Their Desert Island- What Were My Must-Have Beauty Picks?

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When it was my time to be dropped off on The Beauty Spotlight Team Desert Island I found myself enchanted by the idea of getting away from the stress of work and peacefully sitting on the beach and sipping a Mojito. That I was only allowed to take 12 items on this adventure meant that I really had to think through what I absolutely needed to have under those circumstances. The choices that I did make needed to be pragmatic, and the products needed to rank among my favorites, whenever possible. I also decided to take a more literal approach to being abandoned on a desert island. Realizing that I would have little need for makeup- I opted to make it all about skincare (both face and body). The nearby residing mermen provide the island guests with sunscreen and lip balm- therefore I was not required to bring those two items with me since they were available in limitless supply.

I didn't bring tweezers or a razor in order to eliminate unwanted hair- because I assumed that the mermen were adept at using found objects on the island to take care of such matters (these mermen are sea spa certified aestheticians, and are both inventive and highly skilled at their craft). I am, therefore, embracing the idea that my island getaway is ostensibly a beauty retreat. I also didn't bring shampoo, conditioner, or a brush- because it is my hope that my ingenious mermen will have a solution, or that one of my Beauty Spotlight Team friends left some of these items behind. However, in a pinch I can always use a few of my beauty products to keep my hair clean and conditioned.

I decided that since I was going to be exposed to the elements that I needed to bring lots of serums and potions that would fight free-radicals, and offer plenty of added anti-aging protection. My rationale was that anti-aging products coupled with a high SPF sunscreen would combat the aging effects of my exposure to the elements, and by the time that I was rescued my skin would be healthy, glowing, and gorgeous.

For the Face:

For the Body:

The individual products:

1) FutureDerm Time Release Retinol 0.5 (reviewed here): I swear by high quality retinol based products- they keep skin clear and lines at bay. I use it at night only, and then load up on sunscreen the following day to keep my skin ultra-protected after treatment (retinol can cause photosensitivity- therefore it is imperative to use a sunscreen everyday). My exposure to the elements on the desert island requires that I take extra good care of my skin- therefore I knew that I had to bring this retinol with me!

2) vbeauté It Kit (reviewed here): The It Kit includes large travel sizes of Undercover Agent Anti-Wrinkle Protecting Serum (reviewed here), Rub Off Gentle Facial Exfoliator (reviewed here), Evidence Eraser Gentle Foaming Cleanser (reviewed here), Buying Time Everyday Crème (reviewed here) and Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Crème (reviewed here). The It Kit is the perfect skincare travel companion because it really does include everything that you need for a getaway. I will use these products day and night, and the result will be gorgeous, clean, glowing skin. The carrying case is so chic, and it includes a nice big mirror that I will surely use daily on the island. 

3) Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water (reviewed here): This amazing cleansing water will be the perfect must-have beauty treat while I am a resident on the Beauty Spotlight Team Desert Island. Not only is it a refreshing tonic for the skin, that I can use whenever my skin feels a little dirty, but it can also be used it lieu of a cleanser whenever I'm too tired to wash my face. 

4) The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum (review forthcoming).

5) The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Gel (review forthcoming).

6) The Organic Pharmacy Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex (review forthcoming).

These three serums can be used individually or in concert, and when combined they are a triple threat in the realm of anti-aging products. The Antioxidant Face Firming Serum is a lovely face oil that has the fresh bouquet of oranges and orange blossom. It effortlessly melts into the skin leaving behind an amazing glow and exquisite hydration. When used with the Antioxidant Face Gel and Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex, the skin is not only protected against free radicals, but the texture and clarity of the skin are markedly improved. My skin looks bright, clear, hydrated, and utterly amazing because of these three little bottles! They definitely rank among my greatest recent skincare discoveries, and will serve me well on the Desert Island (and when I return to civilization).

7) vbeauté Lip Spread (reviewed here): Lip Spread was chosen for this trip not only because it is filled with anti-aging properties, but also because it is a gorgeous pink-tinted lip gloss that I can also use lightly on my cheeks if I want an added pop of color. This is one of those Holy Grail products that I won't leave  home without, and it was an obvious choice for my Desert Island retreat.

8) My Prime Skin Recovery Formula (reviewed here): This is an amazing serum that is a very lightweight skin-brightening treatment that gives skin an unmistakable dewy glow while simultaneously targeting skin damage. I wouldn't even consider braving the elements of the Desert Island retreat without having this little beauty warrior in my arsenal. This corrective serum will offset any inadvertent damage that the island weather conditions may cause, and the more prepared that I am- the better are my chances of maintaining beautiful and healthy skin! No desert island destination would be complete without the inclusion of this Holy Grail skincare magician! 

9) Kate Somerville Exfolikate (reviewed here): While I do have a lovely exfoliator in my It Kit, I still had to include Exfolikate. Exfolikate is no normal exfoliator, instead it resides somewhere between a peel and a physical exfoliant. Exfolikate literally melts away dead skin because of all of the fruit enzymes and Salicylic Acid, and the effects are truly remarkable. It is a very powerful treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines, gives the skin an unbelievable glow, and unclogs pores. On the evenings that I use this, I will skip my retinol, and just use a serum and moisturizer. I will continually repurchase this unbelievably effective product.

10) Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body Oil (reviewed here): This is definitely my very favorite body oil of all time. It is luxurious and delightfully moisturizing- making it an obvious choice. I can also use it in my hair for added moisture and conditioning. 

11) Sponge Galaktoma Somatos Body Lotion (reviewed here): This gorgeous body lotion is filled with all sorts of anti-aging ingredients, and it was for this reason that I decided to bring it to use in conjunction with Olio Lusso. I will need to treat the rest of my body with the same care and respect that I would my face, and this lotion will offer ample protection.

12) kai deodorant (reviewed here): This is definitely my very favorite deodorant, and the lovely floral scent evokes an island paradise- therefore it is befitting that it would be one of my twelve choices. 

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The gracious mermen told me that they would bring me any lip balm and sunscreen that I would like to use during my stay- even if my choices were extravagant. I needed no time to decide what I wanted- so I submitted my order, and then waited on the beach for the merman to arrive.

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Poor Sebastian the merman was swimming as fast as he could to make the delivery! And once he arrived, he handed me these three magical Holy Grail products and made me a Mojito. We chatted and he told me about some of the beauty treatments that I would be enjoying while getting some much needed R&R!

Since the sunscreens and lip balms were being provided to me in a limitless supply, I decided to use my beloved Clarins UV PLUS HP Ecran Multi-Protection SPF 40 (reviewed here) from head to toe! I also decided that I would choose two lip balms instead of just one because Sebastian suggested that some variation would be good. He asserted that I should use one with sunscreen for day use, and another without for use during the evenings. I chose my beloved Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm for the evenings (enthusiastically reviewed here), and the glorious By Terry Baume de Rose (reviewed here) for the days that I frolic in the sun since it contains an SPF. Between these two lip balms and my Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinting Lip Gloss- I will be set!

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After Sebastian swam away, I crawled into my hammock and took the most peaceful nap without a worry or a care. Later I will take a nice long walk on the beach, and a dip in the ocean to hang out with the school of mermen. My stay on this lovely island is so peaceful that I might just hide when the Beauty Spotlight Team comes to retrieve me after my two week stay comes to an end!

While I am decidedly a city girl, and my idea of the perfect island looks more like this- I have to admit the peace and quiet of the Beauty Spotlight Team Desert Island offered me a level of relaxation that is seldom found in the midst of a busy bustling city.

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vbeauté Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinting Lip Gloss Review & Swatches

vbeauté is, without question, a fantastic skincare line that makes high quality very effective products. I have tried every single product that they make, and can honestly say without hesitation that this is an amazing luxury line.

Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinting Lip Gloss is a wonderful lip gloss that protects the lips while simultaneously hydrating them. The formula is concentrated- therefore a little goes a long way. It is unbelievably comfortable on the lips, is hydrating, has anti-aging ingredients, and is completely non-sticky. I find that I am able to get several hours of wear out of the gloss itself, but it leaves a lovely stain behind that lasts for another 3-4 hours on me. That said, I tend to reapply lip glosses to retain the shine. I love the fact that your own body chemistry dictates the color of this gloss-- making it a bit like a mood ring for the lips. On me Lip Spread is a lovely shade of pink- as shown in my arm swatch below. As a huge fan of pink lip glosses, I was elated by the shade.

 Who wants soft, perfectly tinted, luscious lips? We all do! Lip Spread Anti-Age Tinting Lip Gloss delivers silky smooth, lightweight moisture while imparting your lips with an anti-aging gloss. Formulated with self-adjusting vBotanicals that react with your lip chemistry to create your very own afterglow. The formulation also keeps your lips feeling soothed and hydrated, while working to correct and prevent environmental damage. 

vStep: "Apply throughout the day for a unique tint to match your skin tone. Spread across the lips using the slanted applicator, pressing lips together to ensure even coverage."

bBenefits: "Antioxidant Hydration Correction Prevention Tinting Paraben free Fragrance free Gluten free Nut free Oat free."

vComplex: "is a potent Swiss cellular concentrate based on Swiss Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (ARBT), an age-antagonist that helps the skin naturally prevent the cycle of aging. Specific to each formulation, vComplex is designed specifically to stop signs of aging in their tracks… at any age. Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (Antioxidant) vBotanicals (Tinting) BioCellular Peptide (Correction, Prevention) Sweet Cherry (Hydration) Pomegranate (Hydration)."

For my overview and assessment of the whole line with links to individual reviews click here. For my It Kit review click here.

According to Julie Macklowe (Founder and Owner of vbeauté), 

"...I do love Lip Spread and wear it every day. Since I’m slightly addicted to lip gloss, I made sure that ours had all the right elements. Lip Spread actually goes on clear, but changes to a lovely pink color after you apply it. It has vBotanicals that react with the natural pigments in your skin, and bring out a color that is all your own. The gloss actually looks different on everybody."

Macklowe posits that, "staying true to our focus on anti-aging products, Lip Spread has our BioCellular Peptide to get rid of those unwanted lines and wrinkles. Not to mention, Cherry and Pomegranate fruit extracts keep your smile looking silky smooth by hydrating your lips. Most importantly, the gloss feels lightweight and isn’t sticky—I didn’t want a gloss that my hair would stick to!"

"Apply throughout the day for a unique tint to match your skin tone. Spread across the lips using the slanted applicator, pressing lips together to ensure even coverage."

 The gloss turns a lovely shade of pink when combined with my body chemistry.

 I was delighted that even once the gloss wore away, that it left behind a gorgeous stain!

Ingredients: Octyldodecano, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydrogenated Styrenen/Isoprene Copolymer, Hexyldecanol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxystearic Acid, Citric Acid, Punica Granatum Sterols, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Prunus A Vjum (Sweet Cherry) Fruit Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Glycerin, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Red 27, Red 28 lake.

Overall assessment: I am a lip gloss fanatic, and Lip Spread now ranks among my favorites! It is non-sticky, comfortable to wear, has anti-aging benefits, and is hydrating. I also really love that it turns into the perfect shade of pink on my lips, and doubles as a lip stain.

$28.00 10 ml 0.34 fl oz Available from vbeauté and Bergdorf Goodman.
PR sample sent for my consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own. Stock image courtesy of vbeauté.

vbeauté It Kit: An Elated Review!

vbeauté has quickly become one of my very favorite all time Holy Grail skincare lines. It is a paraben free, fragrance free, gluten free, oat free, nut free, and cruelty free skincare line that makes amazing high quality luxury skincare products. Indeed, it is one of the most well-edited, and highly effective skincare collections to have hit the over-saturated luxury skincare market in years. This is truly a case of the cream rising to the top. 

For my Overview & Initial Assessment of the whole line click here.

The It Kit includes everything that you need for traveling, and it's housed in a very chic and sophisticated clutch. It's a pretty shiny thing that is sure to make even the most discriminating makeup and skincare magpie swoon! It is one of the most beautiful treasures in my stash, and every single time I see it I have to pick it up! What is even more delightful is the fact that it is as durable as it is gorgeous!

The It Kit® is a customizable skincare system that houses the products you need to give your skin the treatment it deserves. An elegant gunmetal clutch, the It Kit® holds your five skincare essentials, easy to take anywhere, anytime. With a patented design, the It Kit is refillable; perfect on-the-go sizes of your favorite products are available for replenishment.

Inside the It Kit you will find deluxe travel sizes of: Undercover Agent, Rub Off, Evidence Eraser, Buying Time and Eye Never.

1) Undercover Agent Anti-Wrinkle Protecting Serum (reviewed here): I immediately noticed a healthy glow, and my skin was hydrated and radiant after use. Fine lines seem more refined and less noticeable, and my skin has an overall clarity when I use this highly effective product. According to vbeauté, "Undercover Agent Anti-Wrinkle Protecting Serum is a power-plant cocktail of bio-botanical age-delay properties, that helps the skin repair itself from the inside out. Undercover Agent is an intensive serum bringing together Alpine Rose Botanical Technology and BioCellular Peptide as an antidote for age signs. Oil free."

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Propanediol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Citrulline, Phenoxyethanol, Isomalt, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Lactic Acid.

2) Rub Off Gentle Facial Exfoliator (reviewed here): Unlike so many physical exfoliants on the market today, Rub Off Gentle Facial Exfoliator truly is gentle. However, don't believe for a second that gentle equals ineffective- this is a powerhouse exfoliator with a very delicate sensibility. What I am left with after use is radiant even skin, clean pores, and no dead skin or debris. vbeauté asserts that, "Rub Off Gentle Facial Exfoliator whisks away the day's accumulated debris and perhaps those old dull cells you're finished with anyway. This exfoliating cleansing gel also helps to regulate oil, purify, and minimize pores. Exfoliate morning or night. Oil free."

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Polyethylene, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cellulose Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Isomalt, Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid.

3) Evidence Eraser Gentle Foaming Cleanser (reviewed here): Evidence Eraser is gentle and non-stripping, but it cleans the skin thoroughly. It is wonderful all by itself, and it amazing with a Clarisonic. My skin feels soft and supple after use, and my active t-zone is left balanced. According to the company,"Evidence Eraser Gentle Foaming Cleanser is formulated to erase the evidence of the day or night with tender attention to your skin's everyday needs. This luxe foam-burst gel cleanser gently washes away makeup and dirt so your skin can feel pore-minimized, softened and toned. Oil free."

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Butylene glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Hexylene Glycol, Benzoic Acid, Isomalt, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, CI 42090 (Blue 1), Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid.

4) Buying Time Everyday Crème (reviewed here): This is a lovely cream with a light texture, but that is rich in moisture. It sinks into my combination skin effortlessly, and provides all day hydration (and no breakouts!). According to vbeauté, "Buying Time Everyday Crème is twice as nice as any daily moisturizer you've ever encountered. It watches over your skin both day and night with powerful replenishing ingredients, including Alpine Rose Botanical Technology, BioCellular Peptide and Ceramide 2 and 3. Think of Buying Time as your round the clock way of putting time in your hands." 

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Isostearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Polyacrylamide, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceteareth-20, Panthenol, Boswellia Serrata gum, Allantoin, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Seed Extract, Hexyldecanol, Alcohol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide 2, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Carbomer, Ceramide 3, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Oleate, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Citric Acid, BHT, Dehydroacetic Acid.

5) Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Crème (reviewed here): Where to begin? I am prone to milia when I use super rich eye creams, but sometimes lighter eye creams don't do much. The skin around my eyes is neither dry, nor oily- but I am prone to dark circles. I want something hydrating that treats the delicate eye area without over doing it. Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Crème has never even hinted at giving me milia, but it does soften fine lines and keeps my dark circles at bay. It also has the distinction of having a luxuriously silky texture that feels magnificent on the skin! vbeauté posits, "Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Crème is like an eyelift in a jar. An age-defying, line-concealing eye cream that immediately smoothes and silkens the delicate skin around your eyes. Caffeine minimizes the appearance of puffiness, BioCellular Peptide and Sensytens correct lines and wrinkles, and Nylon 12 leaves you looking instantly younger."

Ingredients: Aqua (water), C12-18 Acid Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Triethylhexanoin, Octyldodecanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Potassium Behenoyl Hydroxyproline, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Stearoyl Inulin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Panthenol, Behenic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Punica Granatum Bark Extract, PEG-8, Caprylyl Glycol, Isomalt, Tocopherol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Diaminopropionoyl Tripeptide-33, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Lactic Acid.

Overall assessment: This is the most brilliant and chic travel kit that I have ever imagined, let alone seen with my own two eyes. The contents rank among my Holy Grail skincare products, but the travel clutch takes the whole experience to the next level! You can bet that this will be in my travel bag every time that I am away from home- whether for a short or extended trip. This is both exceedingly pragmatic and infinitely stylish, and it is rare that those two go together when it comes to housing skincare products. This is a well-thought out high quality product that earns an uncontested A+ from me, and that is not something that I say lightly.

$165.00 from vbeauté and Bergdorf Goodman. All of the It Kit refill sized products are sold individually here, and they are also a great way for you to acquaint yourself with wonderful skincare line! (Contains an Affiliate Link)

PR sample sent for my consideration, but all views expressed are categorically my own. Stock image and video provided by vbeauté.

vbeauté Lite Up Intense Brightening Agent- Review

vbeauté is a paraben free, fragrance free, gluten free, oat free, nut free, and cruelty free skincare line that  makes amazing high quality luxury skincare products. The entire line features one of the most well edited, and highly effective skincare collections to have hit the over-saturated luxury skincare market in years. This is a line well worth your consideration, and to learn more about the entire line see my link below.

For my overview and initial assessment of the entire line click here!

vbeauté Lite Up Intense Brightening Agent "has the power to rev up your skin wattage no matter how life has dulled your glow. Alpine Rose Botanical Technology fights free radicals to maintain your porcelain beauty while Watercress Skin Lightening Complex and Niacinamide work to banish age spots, discoloration and surface blemishes. Oil free." 

Lite Up is a magic potion that lightens, brightens, and fades spots from sun damage. It does this so well, that I imagine that it would do wonders helping to fade acne scars. It encourages skin cell turnover revealing fresh and more youthful skin. This antioxidant-rich serum not only helps to eliminate damage caused by exposure to the sun, but it also fights free-radicals that cause cellular damage in the first place. It also gives my skin added hydration, which makes my skin look and feel soft and supple with a luminous glow from within. My skin has a very smooth and even tone, and my sun damage, while not bad to begin with, has faded considerably. The texture of my skin is smooth, and my pigmentation is even and uniform. In fact, my skin looks so great that I can skip my foundation or tinted moisturizer altogether if I so choose! This serum will definitely remain in my beauty arsenal.

Benefits: 

Lightens and brightens

Prevents dark spots

Controls problem skin

Provides antioxidants and hydration

vComplex: "is a potent Swiss cellular concentrate based on Swiss Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (ARBT), an age-antagonist that helps the skin naturally prevent the cycle of aging. Specific to each formulation, vComplex is designed specifically to stop signs of aging in their tracks… at any age."

Additional Benefits From:

Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (Antioxidant)

Pure Alpine Soft Spring Water (Hydration)

BioCellular Peptide (Correction, Prevention)

Niacinamide (Correction, Prevention)

Watercress Skin Lightening Complex (Correction, Prevention)

"Watercress Skin Lightening Complex and Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (ARBT) not only assure porcelain beauty, it strengthens skin, stimulates collagen and helps clear acne and blemish prone skin and reduces inflammation. While Lite Up is busy banishing those unsightly age spots it does double duty putting the glow back in your glam."  

Directions (AM & PM): Dispense one pump of serum into the palm of your hand. Smooth over the entire face and neck using your fingertips, or apply to troubled areas as a spot treatment.

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc PCA, Carbomer, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Isomalt, Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Lactic Acid.

Overall assessment: This is a fantastic serum that truly does exactly what it claims! A definite must-have for me!

1 oz. $150.00 from vbeauté and Bergdorf Goodman.
PR Sample sent for consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own.

vbeauté Undercover Agent Anti-Wrinkle Protecting Serum Review

vbeauté is a paraben free, fragrance free, gluten free, oat free, nut free, and cruelty free skincare line that makes amazing high quality luxury skincare products. The entire line features one of the most well edited, and highly effective skincare products to have hit the over-saturated luxury skincare market in years. This is truly a case of the cream rising to the top. 

For my overview and initial assessment of the entire line click here!

Undercover Agent® Anti-Wrinkle Protecting Serum is "a power-plant cocktail of bio-botanical age-delay properties, that helps the skin repair itself from the inside out. Undercover Agent® is an intensive serum bringing together Alpine Rose Botanical Technology and BioCellular Peptide as an antidote for age signs. Oil free."

After having used this brilliant serum for a couple of months I have noticed that my skin is unbelievably hydrated and radiant. My fine expression lines seem more refined and far less noticeable since I began using this serum. Surprisingly, the anti-inflammatory powerhouse that is this product took the red out of the recent hormonal breakout that I had-- I mean literally it knocked down the inflammation in no time. The overall texture of my skin is improved by this serum, and it has taken on a whole new level of refinement and clarity. This is an anti-oxidant rich serum that protects the skin from assaults from the environment that speed up the signs of aging, and the Lactic Acid helps encourage cell turn over- thus revealing more radiant and youthful skin. I experimented using it once a day, and then switched to twice a day, and I definitely noticed a difference in the luminescent quality of my skin when I increased to using it twice a day. This is one of the very best anti-aging serums that I have ever tried. This serum, and indeed this entire line, is extraordinary. If you are looking for a more healthy luxury skincare line that is extremely effective, and a pleasure to use-- then you really need to take a closer look at vbeauté.

Instructions (AM + PM): Dispense one pump of serum into the palm of your hand. Smooth over the entire face and neck using your fingertips.

Benefits:
Age delay serum
Super hydrated enviroment
Anti inflammatory benefits
Corrects and prevents
Provides hydration
Paraben free
Fragrance Free
Not tested on animals
Dermatologist tested

vComplex: is a potent Swiss cellular concentrate based on Swiss Alpine Rose Botanical Technology (ARBT), an age-antagonist that helps the skin naturally prevent the cycle of aging. Specific to each formulation, vComplex is designed specifically to stop signs of aging in their tracks… at any age.

Additional Benefits From:
Alpine Rose Technology (Antioxidant)
BioCellular Peptide (Correction, Prevention)
Panthenol Pro Vitamin B (Anti Inflammatory)
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hydration)
Watermelon Skin Protector (Antioxidant)

Ingredients: Aqua (water), Propanediol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Citrulline, Phenoxyethanol, Isomalt, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture, Lecithin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Lactic Acid.

Overall assessment: This is an A+ serum that offers a plethora of benefits. Despite the fact that this is unquestionably a luxury brand- this serum is conservatively priced relative to so many of the anti-aging serums on the market today (many of which are far less effective). You can also try the small refill size  for only $35.00- which is a brilliant way to sample the product first.

Full Size 30 ml 1.0 fl oz $135.00 Available from vbeauté and Bergdorf Goodman
PR sample sent for consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own.