lola's secret beauty blog

Sunday, August 30, 2026

New K-Beauty Brand Launch! APRILSKIN Available on Amazon

(Affiliate Links)

K-Beauty sister brand to medicube, APRILSKIN has three new exciting products that JUST launched on Amazon. The brand has expanded its lineup with a lightweight SPF serum, a nourishing lip gloss, and two new shades of the fan-favorite long-lasting lip stain.

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my package, but I simply had to share this launch with you because it is already creating a buzz!

Mugwort Calming Sunscreen SPF50 (on sale for $13.00 on Amazon. $21.80 value): Delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a lightweight, serum-like formula that absorbs quickly with no white cast or greasy residue. Infused with soothing mugwort and brightening niacinamide, it helps calm stressed skin, balance excess oil, and support the skin's moisture barrier. Its fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula is clinically tested and suitable for even sensitive skin.

Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stain in Espresso and Toffee Nut Latte ($9.90 on Amazon): In two new shades, this lip stain features innovative wipe-off technology that develops in as little as 10 seconds to three minutes, revealing vibrant, transfer-proof color that lasts up to 24 hours. Infused with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba seed oil, the lightweight formula helps lips appear fuller while delivering lasting hydration and comfortable, non-drying wear throughout the day.

Hero Glaze Lip Gloss ($9.90 on Amazon): A crystal-clear, high-shine finish that enhances your natural lip color for a fuller-looking pout. Infused with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba seed oil, the lightweight, non-sticky formula deeply hydrates, helps support the moisture barrier, and leaves lips feeling smooth, nourished, and glossy all day long.

More to come soon, but I thought that this affordable K-Beauty brand should be on your radar! (Affiliate Links).

Saturday, August 29, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Prepares to Greet September

WYLYS Nightinol Cream is a gentle retinol cream the utilizes 3 types of Vitamin A, and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is thoroughly impressed by its efficacy while pampering and hydrating the skin.

Angie from Your True Self Blog has a style tip that will help you get the greatest variety of outfits from a tiered skirt. This piece is a recurring trend since it can be worn just about anywhere, any time of year and with just about anything.

Aladdin, harem, name these trousers what you want but Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style is living in them this summer! Greens, browns, burgundy, rich warm colours that are not only for fall, but for summer months too!

LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths to address aging, acne, pigmentation, and inflammation, and Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits explains how choosing the right LED color provides targeted skin support without invasive treatments.

Terri from Our Good Life's skin doesn’t need fixing, it needs listening to, and learning to give it the care, moisture, and attention it needs in this season of life.

Friday, August 28, 2026

WYLYS Rose Quartz Spatula Facial Tool Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

WYLYS Rose Quartz Spatula is such a wonderful way to enhance your skincare routine. Do you need a WYLYS Rose Quartz Spatula? Of course not! Would you enjoy it if you had one? Well, I sure do and I was hesitant to buy it, and thought that I was being a bit frivolous. However, that all changed when I tried it. It isn't just a tool to scoop cream from a jar, it is really so much more than that. It can be used to gently massage and de-puff the under-eye area, it enhances circulation and it helps encourage lymphatic drainage. It is even more soothing and effective when you store it in the refrigerator because the cooling effect helps to de-puff much more efficiently, and it feels amazing. This is such a wonderful treat after a long day at work, or when it is very hot outside and you need a little extra relief in your self-care skincare routine.

According to WYLYS,

Facial Tool to Scoop, Soothe, and Depuff. Small but mighty, this beautiful Rose Quartz spatula can be used not only as a spatula for your favorite cosmetics (cleansing balm or moisturizer) but also as a tool to boost circulation to achieve a glowing complexion.

Rose quartz has a pleasant cooling effect that can help soothe sensitive, easily reactive skin, or have inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea. We love this cleverly designed tool for being practical, as well as adding a touch of luxury to our skincare routine.

We recommend cooling it in the refrigerator for soothing and depuffing benefits, or heating in a glass of warm water to help with circulation and decongestion.

Benefits:

Enhances skincare routine.
Helps increase circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Perfect for around eye area to minimize puffiness and dark circles.
Carved to be used as a spatula for any creamy skincare products for a more hygienic routine.

Features:

Great for: All Skin Types.
Skin Concerns: Dullness, Tension, Tired.
Material: 100% Natural Rose Quartz Stone.
Texture: Smooth and Rock-like.
Size: One Spatula Facial Tool (Approx. 3 inches long).
Makes Skin Look & Feel: Radiant and relaxed.

Directions: For a cooling effect, keep Spatula in the refrigerator. For a warming effect, heat it up in a glass of warm water for a few minutes. Scoop a desired amount of your favorite product (cleansing balm or moisturizer) and apply to skin. Wipe clean after each use. Use to massage around your eyes, in between the eye brows, right under your lower lips, and more.

Overall Assessment: I am so happy that I purchased this because it is getting far more use than I would have imagined. Nota Bene: I clean it after use, and before returning it to its home in my refrigerator.

$28.00 from the WYLYS Amazon Store, Nordstrom, Ulta and Bloomingdale's (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, August 27, 2026

YETI Sidekick 3L Waterproof Gear Case in Desert Bloom Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

When I purchased YETI Camino Tote 35 in Desert Bloom (Reviewed HERE), I was tempted to purchase the YETI Sidekick 3L Waterproof Gear Case in Desert Bloom to match, but decided to wait to see if I loved the large tote before buying accessories for it. Since I fell in love with the tote, and use it all of the time, I decided to purchase the matching Sidekick. I wish I had simply purchased it at the same time now, but since I already have YETI Sidekick 3L Waterproof Gear Case in Pace Purple for my YETI Camino Zip 18L Carryall Tote Bag in Pace Purple (Reviewed HERE)– I decided to purchase it as well– though after I purchased my tote. I am delighted to say that it was a very worthwhile purchase, and it is the perfect spot to carry my skincare products while traveling. I no longer have to dig around in my bag to find what I need, and since it is waterproof, any inadvertent spillage is no longer an issue.

The YETI Sidekick 3L Waterproof Gear Case conveniently attaches to outside of the tote, but can also be used separately. Since it is waterproof, I figured it was a great way to stash my toiletries when traveling, but also the 3 liter container had enough space for my wallet, keys, cell phone, charger and anything that I need to quickly access. Since Desert Bloom is a limited Edition color– like my bag– I decided to buy it before it sold out. It easily attached to my tote bag, and I also ordered one in Desert Bloom to go with my YETI Camino Tote 35 in Desert Bloom since I use it all of the time while traveling for more than a couple of nights away.

According to YETI,

Perfect for your phone, keys, wallet and trail map—and more, depending on the size—the YETI Sidekick Dry Gear Case is designed to keep essentials out of your pockets and dry for on-water adventures. Keep everything you need for a day on the water — out of the water.

Features:

DRYHIDE™ shell is constructed from similar materials as high-performance whitewater rafts.
HYDROSHIELD™ magnetic closure uses powerful magnets to create a waterproof shield.
Durable hook-and-loop closure, plus RF-welded seams that repel any rogue wetness.
Interior mesh pockets to help you stay organized.
Can be used on its own or attached to the YETI Sideclick™ strap (not included)
Compatible with all YETI Camino and Hopper products (not included) and the YETI Panga pack (not included).
WARNING: SideKick Dry® Gear Case contains magnets. Placing near a pacemaker may cause interference.

Dimensions, Details & Capacity:

3 L: 3 liters

Gear Capacity (cu. in.): 3 L: 183 cubic inches

Waterproof: Yes

Materials: DRYHIDE

Dimensions: 3 L: 11.4W x 9.75H x 2.8D inches

Weight: 3 L: 13 ounces

The back has velcro straps that attach to the YETI Tote Bag, and other Yeti products such as their coolers.

This is what it looks like when I attached it to my YETI Camino Tote 35 in Desert Bloom. It places everything, you need to frequently access, right at your fingertips!

Available Colors:

Overall Assessment: YETI makes top quality products, and I am thrilled with my totes, my Sidekicks, my water bottles and my coffee mug. This was, once again, a very worthwhile purchase, and I am so happy that I bought it! A+

$55.00 for size 3L from YETI, REI, Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Ace Hardware and Academy (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

WYLYS Liquid V-Lift Replenishing One-Step Serum Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

As previously noted, I first fell head-over-heels in love with WYLYS skincare when I first tried it in one of my favorite Boxwalla Beauty Boxes, and since that time my love has only grown. WYLYS is a luxury K-Beauty brand, but they marry the best of K-Beauty with extraordinary French manufacturing. WYLYS (When You Love Your Skin) produces highly effective products that boast stunning textures, real results and a skincare experience to be savored.

I was so thoroughly impressed by their products that I purchased the products that I had finished up, and even purchased products that I had not yet tried, such as the WYLYS Liquid V-Lift Replenishing One-Step Serum.

About WYLYS,

A great skincare routine should tend to the soul as much as the skin. It’s a moment to look forward to—however quick of a moment it is—with products that do what they say will. At the same time, skincare is about so much more than products. It’s about the joy of self caring, of letting your inner beauty reveal itself. This is why we created WYLYS [pronounced will-ess], which stands for When You Love Your Skin.

We’ve been obsessed with skincare for decades. As K-beauty enthusiasts, who had so adored researching and introducing friends to the best products for their skin, we first launched OHLOLLY seven years ago—though we couldn’t just stop there. It was only a matter of time before everything we had tried, loved, and raved about funneled into creating a skincare line of our very own.

Korean spirit, French wisdom. WYLYS is the modern take on the skincare industry's premium standards that have been prized for generations. We’ve sought the right ingredients for real-time results, and have ruthlessly pursued iteration after iteration to ensure these textures and scents are exactly what we’ve been looking for. We knew we couldn’t release a single product until each one was just right, and that digging for gold has finally paid off. The time is right to meet WYLYS.

When you love your skin, you know that its routine is something to treasure. We hold sacred and have kept in mind that entire experience, from sourcing and production, to the time the sink fills and a washcloth warms your face. These are the products for those moments that exist just for you—welcome to the best part of your day.

WYLYS Liquid V-Lift Replenishing One-Step Serum is a serum unlike any that I have thus far tried. It has a watery consistency, a lovely floral herbal aroma and this Vegan peptide-rich serum– which is filled with ultra-effective ingredients such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vegan Collagen, Vegan Elastin and Baobab Extract– to name a few– was formulated to be a hydrating and serious anti-aging heavyweight contender. The watery fluid is immediately absorbed by the skin, and it leaves behind no sort of unpleasant residue. It was carefully conceived to hydrate the skin and leave it soft and smooth, and it plumps fine lines and it actually lifts the skin– do not ask me how, but it really plumps and lifts fine lines where other products have failed. This is a magical elixir that is worth its weight in gold, and it pairs perfectly with the other WYLYS products.

According to WYLYS,

Harnessing the power of peptides and antioxidants to minimize the effects of time, the Liquid V-Lift is a proprietary treatment formula made to help lift, firm, and reinforce the skin barrier, while catalyzing production of collagen and elastin. Skin is revitalized to appear noticeably firmer, more supple, and with a vibrant glow.

This water-like serum is addictive from very first application. Featuring AFA-GS Alga Complex, an exclusive extraction of a peptide-rich freshwater alga that contains over 65 perfectly balanced vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, this helps to protect dermal cell DNA, fortify sensitive skin, and preserve hydration in the deeper layers of the skin. With a clean, natural scent, its lightweight texture is immediately absorbed, transforming dry patches with a silky softness that relieves tightness while plumping and revealing skin’s inner radiance. In addition to providing noticeable short-term brightening and firming benefits, ingredients will continue to work and improve the skin over time.

Making natural products without synthetic fragrances, artificial colorants or other additives means that there will be varying colors and/or scents from batch to batch. Rest assured, every WYLYS product is made with utmost care, expertise, and highest quality to ensure maximum performance.

Benefits & Claims:

Great for: All Skin Types, especially for Mature.
Skin Concerns: Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Sagging, Dark spots, Dullness.
Scent: Herbaceous with a clean hint of floral.
Texture: Lightweight and fluid liquid-like serum.
Makes Skin Look & Feel: Lifted, firm, bright and hydrated.

Directions: Apply 3-4 drops to cleansed skin and gently pat to absorb. Follow with a moisturizer. Use day and night. Please note, separation can occur due to all natural ingredients. Simply shake before use.

Active Ingredients:

Vegan Collagen: to replenish protein within the skin responsible for elasticity, firmness, and increased blood flow.
Vegan Elastin: to improve skin cell connectivity and fullness for a firmer, bouncy complexion.
Multiple Peptides RH-Polypeptide-11 (FGF AND FGF-1), Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): to stimulate the skin’s production of collagen by supplying necessary amino acids for growth.
AFA-GS Alga Complex: to provide skin-plumping omega-3 fatty acids, hydration, and help prevent acne formation and collagen breakdown. Extracted through a proprietary method to preserve potency.
Baobab Extract: to hydrate and strengthen weak or thin skin barrier with vitamins B, C, and Omega 3s.
Licorice Root Extract: to soothe the skin and help eliminate redness while balancing oil production and fading dark spots.

All Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Elastin (Plant-Based), Vegetable Glycerin, Collagen (Vegan), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Rh-Polypeptide-11 (FGF And FGF-1), Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Fruit Extract, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (AFA) Blue Green Algae Extract, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Levulinic Acid, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), Virgin Cocos Nucifera (Fractionated Coconut) Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra(Licorice) Root Extract, Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract, Prunus Yedoensis (Cherry Blossom) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil.

Overall Assessment: I haven't been this impressed by an anti-aging serum in years, this golden elixir harnesses some serious anti-aging power and potency, and while this was a definite splurge, it has proven to be a very worthy one. A+

$195.00 for 1.01 oz. from the WYLYS Amazon Store, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Ulta and eCosmetics (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

WYLYS Nightinol Cream Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I first fell head-over-heels in love with WYLYS skincare when I first tried it in one of my favorite Boxwalla Beauty Boxes, and since that time my love has only grown. WYLYS is a luxury K-Beauty brand, but they marry the best of K-Beauty with extraordinary French manufacturing. WYLYS (When You Love Your Skin) produces highly effective products that boast stunning textures, real results and a skincare experience to be savored.

I was so thoroughly impressed by their products that I purchased the products that I had finished up, and even purchased products that I had not yet tried, such as the WYLYS Nightinol Cream.

About WYLYS,

WYLYS Nightinol Cream is a 2% Retinol Complex Overnight Renewing Moisturizer that contains three different types of Vitamin A to gently and effectively encourage skin cell turnover while deeply nourishing and hydrating the skin. It has an ultra-luxe whipped texture that melts into the skin leaving it soft, smooth and supple. It effectively diminishes the appearance of fine lines, fades discoloration from sun damage and overall evens out skin tone. What is even more surprising is the fact that unlike most retinol-based night creams, this one doesn't dry out my skin, or leave it flaky, red and irritated. This cream is quite concentrated, and therefore a little goes a very long way, and that means that this jar won't need to be replaced for quite a while. It has a light and very pleasant aroma that might best be described as a fruity herbal scent, but it isn't in the least bit imposing.

As I always emphatically state in all of my reviews that feature products that fade the appearance of sun damage and discoloration, it is imperative to have your skin evaluated by your physician or your dermatologist before using retinol-based products– to make sure that you are not attempting to treat spots that could be precancerous or cancerous lesions.

It is also a good idea to spot test when you are using a retinol-based product to make sure that your skin doesn't react to it. For me, I had no negative reaction to this retinol, but my skin is actually quite used to retinol since I have used it for years– from over-the-counter cosmetic brands to prescription Tretinoin. Therefore, for me, my skin didn't require an adjustment period when I started using WYLYS Nightinol Cream. This is, by far, the most effective non-prescription retinol that I have tried, and it is ultra-luxe and a serious pleasure to use. In fact, like the rest of the WYLYS products, this night cream is such a delight to use that it encourages you to slow down and really enjoy the ritual associated with excellent quality skincare products.

According to WYLYS,

A potent concentration of three different types of Vitamin A plus algae and ceramides, the Nightinol Cream works while the skin is at rest to optimally nourish and restore. It boosts collagen production, evens out skin tone, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

While other retinol creams can feel sticky, harsh or greasy, the Nightinol Cream has a whipped-like consistency that easily melts into the skin with a rich, nourishing application. Formulated with AFA-GS Alga Complex, an exclusive extraction of a peptide-rich freshwater alga, combined with an advanced retinol concentration of 2%, this is a potent treatment for noticeable signs of improvement while still being surprisingly gentle (even for sensitive skin). Its performance is aided by skin-plumping wheat ceramides and the amino acids serine and arginine—which together fortify the skin, hold onto moisture while smoothing and refining the complexion over time. Its subtle scent has a calming, grounding natural aroma that adds to the luxurious overall experience of this cream.

Made Without:

Cruelty-free and vegan. Free of parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colors, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), hydroquinone, mineral oil, plus another 1,300+ ingredients banned by the European Union.

Features & Claims:

Great for: All skin types, especially for Dry or Mature
Skin Concerns: Fine lines, Wrinkles, Sagging, Dark spots, Dullness, Thin
Scent: Subtle, herbaceous, sophisticated, luxurious
Texture: Rich and creamy
Makes Skin Look & Feel: Plump, bright and moisturized

Directions: As the last step of your nighttime skincare routine, apply evenly and gently tap your face and neck for absorption. May require some time to acclimate to vitamin A’s. Pro Tip: Start using 2-3 nights a week for a couple of weeks to build up tolerance to using every night.

Active Ingredients:

Triple Vitamin A (plant-derived complex of vitamin A, retinal, and encapsulated retinol): to stimulate cell renewal, collagen production, lessen redness, and smooth noticeable fine lines and wrinkles.
AFA-GS Alga Complex: to provide skin-plumping omega-3 fatty acids, hydration, and help prevent acne formation and collagen breakdown. Extracted through a proprietary method to preserve purity and potency.
Wheat Ceramides: to strengthen skin cells, binding them together to improve hydration, elasticity, and collagen production.
Wheat Proteins: to create a nourishing, hydrating shield over the skin, minimizing moisture-loss and improving texture.

All Ingredients: Demineralized Water/Aqua/Eau, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (AFA) Blue Green Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Farnesene (Hemisqualane), Decyl Oleate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Powder Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Protein, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Arginine, Serine, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Wheat Ceramides, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Retinal, Retinol, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Aniba Rosodora (Rosewood) Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Extract.

Overall Assessment: What a beautiful, and ultra-effective retinol night cream. It was a splurge, but it was money well spent because my skin looks and feels great, and I can definitely see a difference.

$215.00 for 1.7 oz. from the WYLYS Amazon Store, Nordstrom, Ulta and Bloomingdale's (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, August 24, 2026

JOICO Defy Damage Protective Masque Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I have color-treated naturally curly hair, and that means that my hair needs added moisture and TLC, and I rely upon good hair masks and leave-in conditioners to keep my hair moisturized and in tip-top shape. I recently started using the JOICO Defy Damage Protective Masque, and I am quite impressed by the results. I simply leave this mask on for 5-6 minutes and rinse thoroughly and it leaves my dry-leaning hair silky-smooth, unbelievably soft and beautifully moisturized. It doesn't leave behind any sort of greasy residue, and it makes my hair manageable and easy to brush out. It does, however, contain fragrance– as its last ingredient– but the aroma is detectable, and pleasant to me, but it may bother people with fragrance sensitivities. However, I note– on my hair– that the scent fades quickly.

According to JOICO,

Joico Defy Damage Protective Masque is an intensive damage prevention masque to help replenish strength and moisture balance for soft, healthy-looking hair.

Claims & Benefits:

80% less breakage.*
5X stronger hair.*
You want to maintain over 90% of color vibrancy.**
See results after the very first use.
Helps to rebuild broken hair bonds.
Deeply replenishes hair without weighing it down.
Proactively builds hair's resistance to damage.
Leaves hair soft, shiny and healthy.
*Against combing breakage on damaged hair during heat styling; when using Defy Damage Protective Shampoo & Masque vs.a non conditioning shampoo.
**After 10 shampoos; when using Defy Damage Protective Shampoo and Masque.

Directions: Apply to clean, damp hair. Leave in 2-5 minutes. Rinse.

Key Ingredients:

Protective Lipid: The exact kind found in healthy hair - acts as the first line of defense to prevent thermal, chemical, styling, and UV damage. Results are visible with the very first application.

Moringa Seed Oil: A plentiful source of hydration, shine, and softness, bathes hair in the richest antioxidants, Vitamins A and E, Zinc, and Silica - ingredients that are fundamental to creating healthy, strong, damage-resistant hair.

Arginine: Smart-bonding molecule with both positive and negative sites that strengthens hair bonds and encourages bond renewal.

Full Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Sorbitol, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Oleate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Peptide, Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Arginine HCl, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Phosphatidylcholine, Tocopherol, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearyl Dihydroxypropyldimonium Oligosaccharides, Steartrimonium Chloride, Octyldodecanol, Propylene Glycol, Arginine, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-6 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate, PEG-90M, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Fragrance/Parfum.

Overall Assessment: This is such a nice addition to my haircare routine since I have color-treated, and naturally curly, hair that requires a lot of extra TLC. This is a first-rate hair mask, in my humble opinion, and it definitely works for my hair.

$28.50 for 5.1 oz. from Ulta, Amazon & Macy's (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Aveda Nutriplenish Replenishing Overnight Serum Review

Gift with Purchase (Affiliate Links)

As I have mentioned many times over the years, I have naturally curly hair that tends to be a bit on the dry side, and it requires extra TLC and plenty of moisturizing hair products. I am always on the lookout for products to nourish my tresses, and I was delighted to discover Aveda's Nutriplenish Replenishing Overnight Serum in a Nordstrom GWP a while ago.

Aveda Nutriplenish Replenishing Overnight Serum is a very lightweight hair serum that is formulated to hydrate al types of hair, but is probably the most effective for people with dry, very dry, color treated and otherwise chemically processed hair. For me, my hair is a bit dry and color treated, therefore I routinely pamper it to keep it manageable, nourished and healthy.

This serum can be used day or night, and can be applied to dry or damp hair. When I use this serum I definitely see a difference. My hair is more manageable, more smooth, softer to the touch and it is noticeably more moisturized. What is more surprising is the fact that it actually gives my hair a nice shine– which is not typical for my curly hair.

I should note that this serum has an aroma that Aveda describes as, "our own Pure-Fume™ aroma with notes of cocoa, certified organic ginger, cardamom, and other pure flower and plant essences." I find it rather pleasant, but if you can't tolerate aromatic hair products, you may not be enthusiastic about this aspect of the hair serum. I will say, however, that I do not find that the scent lingers.

According to Aveda,

Lightweight hair serum that increases hydration and replenishes lipids day and night.

Hydrate with the power of vegan nutrition. See healthy-looking hair that’s soft and smooth to the touch.

This lightweight serum helps restore lost moisture and replenishes dry, depleted hair with nutrient-dense superfoods. (Think ingredients like plant-derived oils and rich butters.)

Claims:

• 2X more hydrated hair*

• Provides 8 hours of continuous hydration and lipid replenishment

• Works instantly and over time to restore moisture with vital nutrients

• “Pillow-proof” formula doesn’t leave residue when used at night

• Leaping Bunny Approved

• Vegan

Suitable for:

• All hair types and textures

• Dry to severely dry hair

• Safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair

Directions: Apply to damp or dry lengths and ends. Do not rinse. If using during the day, style as usual. If using at night, style as usual the following morning. Use as often as desired.

Select Ingredients and their Attributes (Superfood Complex):

• A complex of pomegranate seed oil, certified organic coconut oil, and mango butter helps make hydration easy. First by replenishing a key element of hair health — lipids — and increasing moisture levels within the hair shaft, hydrating from within. Then by creating an invisible protective barrier on the hair cuticle, to seal in moisture.

• Pomegranate seed oil, rich in Omega-5, helps revitalize dull, dry hair with hydration.

• Certified organic coconut oil has a low molecular weight and easily penetrates hair to help moisturize.

• Mango butter, packed with essential fatty acids, helps soften and nourish hair.

Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Glycerin, Propanediol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Cetyl Esters, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Coco-Glucoside, Arginine, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Citral, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Citronellol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Farnesol, Cinnamal, Lactic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol <ILN99065>.

Overall Assessment: I am quite pleased with Aveda Nutriplenish Replenishing Overnight Serum, and I see a full-size bottle in my future.

$56.00 for 3.4 oz from Aveda and Nordstrom (Affiliate Links). Gift with Purchase. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Late August Week in Review

Angie from Your True Self Blog gravitates towards dresses and skirts for hot weather, so she came up with inspiration on how to wear midi skirts more and is sharing it with you in this style post.

WYLYS Phyto Green Cleansing Balm is a gorgeous balm that melts into the skin, feels ultra-luxe and gently removes every trace of makeup and dirt. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves that it leaves skin soft, clean and hydrated.

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style hosts The Thrifty Six, and the theme this month is Summer Sparkle, a beautiful theme for this sunny time of the year. But it has to be pre-loved, secondhand or thrifted.

Beauty after 60 isn't about looking younger, it's about feeling confident, cared for, and completely like yourself. Terri from Our Good Life is sharing five simple beauty habits that help her feel put together every day.

Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits discusses why hiring a wedding planner is the secret to a stress-free luxury wedding, from managing vendors, budgets, timelines, and logistics to providing creative direction, and more.

Friday, August 21, 2026

Kryolan Dermacolor Fixing Powder Review & Swatches

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

If you are looking to keep your makeup looking fresh and long-lasting in the heat this summer, then Kryolan's Dermacolor Collection is a perfect choice for the task. These products are designed to provide lightweight yet highly pigmented coverage that lasts through heat, movement, and long wear without transferring onto your clothing. It is formulated for everyday wear, and it is suitable for makeup users of all skill levels.

About Kryolan: Founded in Germany more than 80 years ago, Kryolan is a family-owned global cosmetics company known for its high-performance makeup trusted by artists, performers, and consumers worldwide. As one of the world’s original professional cosmetics brands, Kryolan develops and manufactures its own proprietary formulas for stage, screen, editorial, and everyday wear. Cruelty-free, sustainability-minded, and formulated for long-lasting coverage.

Kryolan Dermacolor Fixing Powder is a talc-free setting powder that is waterproof, sweat-proof, smudge-proof and very long-wearing. It was formulated to work with Kryolan's Dermacolor Camouflage Creme, but you can use it with any other makeup that you want to set. It has a very refined and silky texture, does not dry out my normal/combination skin, and it is lightweight on the skin. It doesn't look or feel chalky, and has a natural looking matte-leaning finish. This is a great choice for daily use, as well as for stage and film production– where keeping makeup in place is of paramount importance.

According to Kryolan,

Dermacolor Fixing Powder is the perfect finishing touch to set, waterproof, and mattify your Dermacolor Camouflage Creme. It’s a must-use product within the Dermacolor System. Its lightweight, talc-free formula ensures a smooth, natural finish. Trusted by make-up artists and consumers alike, this professional-grade powder locks in coverage, making it ideal for long-lasting, smudge-proof results.

Directions: Perfect camouflage starts with proper application. Begin by cleansing and moisturizing the skin to create a smooth, balanced base. Mix one or more Dermacolor Camouflage Creme shades to achieve the closest possible skin match, then apply the product in thin, stippling layers. Thanks to its exceptionally high pigment concentration, only a small amount is needed to build natural-looking, flawless coverage.

Once the desired coverage is achieved, press Dermacolor Fixing Powder over the application to lock it in place. Allow the powder to set before gently removing any excess, then finish with Dermacolor Fixing Spray for maximum durability. The result is a comfortable, natural-looking finish that is smudge-resistant, water-resistant and designed to last throughout the day.

Ingredients: Mica, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Magnesium Myristate, Magnesium Stearate and may contain: [+/- Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499].