A Reminder Why LANCÔME Paris Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover Remains my Holy Grail

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Last September I posted a follow-up review of LANCÔME Paris Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover because a longtime reader emailed me to see if it was still my holy grail eye makeup remover of all-time, and in that review I affirmed that it remained my very favorite! Fast forward to January 2026, when I was traveling, I ran out of my travel size of LANCÔME Paris Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover, and had to use what was on hand at my friend's house. The difference was stark, and it once again reaffirmed that this effective formula is utter perfection. It is an ultra-gentle and emollient bi-phase makeup remover that is formulated with the perfect balance between the water and the oils used. 

It effectively removes every single trace of makeup without tugging– including waterproof varieties– and it doesn't need to be rinsed off. It nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes as well as the lashes, and it is suitable for people with sensitive eyes and skin. It has no detectable aroma, and it can also be used to remove even the most tenacious matte lipsticks, and it does so with ease. This has been my favorite eye makeup remover for many years, and I have yet to find one that comes close, by comparison. 

According to LANCÔME, 

Award-winning eye makeup remover with a cult following, that is gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.

The lipid phase lifts eye makeup off, while the water phase uses unique emollients to leave skin feeling perfectly cleansed; product is as fresh as water. Doesn’t leave feeling greasy or sticky; instantly and effortlessly removes eye makeup residues and is one of the best makeup removers for eyes. An essential for makeup bags and any professional makeup kit, Bi-Facil easily removes mascaras and smokey eye looks.

Suitable for all skin types, from normal to sensitive skin, combination to dry skin or oily skin – it’s also great for contact lens wearers. 

Directions: Before each use, shake the bottle to activate the formula / mix the 2 phases. Saturate a cotton round or cotton ball with Bi-Facil and hold over closed eyes to moisten and soften makeup. Then, gently swipe over makeup to remove. Repeat until all eye makeup is removed.

PRO Tip: Saturate or dab Bi-Facil onto a cotton swab or makeup corrector brush to fix makeup application mistakes when applying eye makeup.

Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Sodium Chloride, Poloxamer 184, Hexylene Glycol, Dipotassium Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Quaternium-15, Benzalkonium Chloride, Parfum / Fragrance, Citronellol, Geraniol.

Overall Assessment: This makeup remover is very gentle on my sensitive eyes and it effortlessly removes every stitch of makeup without pulling, tugging or irritating the delicate skin around my eyes, and it doesn't sting my sensitive eyes in the least bit. I won't run out again!

$36.00 for 4.2 oz., $52.00 for 6.7 oz.and $75.00 for 13.5 oz from LANCÔME, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, Bloomingdale's and Macy's (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

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

Aftelier Perfumes Patchouli Noir Perfume Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

Mandy Aftel is an award-winning, and brilliant, natural perfumer who makes the most sublime fragrances, and their quality is truly beyond comprehension. Her newest fragrance, Patchouli Noir, is available in an Eau de Parfum, Perfume and Solid Perfume. There are also samples for sale, for only $8.00 each, that allow you to test the scent and select your favorite formula.

Aftel describes this fragrance as a, "A sumptuous perfume radiating a dark sensuality, Patchouli Noir is the perfect ménage à trois of boozy, woody and musky facets, draped in smoke" and this is such an apt and elegant description of this otherworldly fragrance. If your perception of patchouli is the pungent, edgy and ultra-assertive fragrance from the 1960s, then it is important to underscore the fact that this graceful fragrance has none of the hallmarks of those unfiltered mid-twentieth century permutations of the patchouli oil that could be found at health food stores. This fragrance, instead, is a captivating dark, smokey, musky and woodsy aroma that sits close to the skin and once it dries down it is the most sublime and balanced articulation of the constituent notes that define this fragrance. Against the backdrop of my personal body chemistry, a woodsy aroma punctuated by the ylang ylang and blood orange commingles with the patchouli, and the result is a warm, smooth, creamy and musky aroma that delights the senses in the most otherworldly way imaginable. 

Character: smoky, boozy, woody, musky, smooth.

Fragrant Notes:

• Top Notes: blood cedarwood, blood orange, pink pepper, damascenone.
• Middle Notes: tomato leaf, ylang ylang concrete, spikenard, nutmeg absolute.
• Base Notes: patchouli absolute, antique patchouli, patchouli EO, patchoulyl acetate, pine tar, ambergris, ambrettolide, cognac, coumarin.

According to Mandy Aftel,

A sumptuous perfume radiating a dark sensuality, Patchouli Noir is the perfect ménage à trois of boozy, woody and musky facets, draped in smoke.

This rich patchouli is created from four patchouli essences: patchouli absolute, patchouli essential oil, the natural isolate patchoulyl acetate, and the one-of-a-kind hundred-year-old antique patchouli. The sweet smoky darkness of pine tar causes the patchouli to smolder in the most fetching way!

Each aspect of this magnificent medley of patchoulis is enriched: the boozy facet by cognac and spikenard; the fruity woodiness, by a blend of blood orange, tomato leaf and blood cedarwood, and the musky by ambergris and ambrettolide. A wisp of floral counterpoint comes from the superb ylang concrete. Each facet is full of rich mystery and darkness, which is magnified many-fold when they are merged.

Overall Assessment: This fragrance must be experienced to be believed. The brilliance of Mandy's visionary approach to perfume-making is profoundly evident in Patchouli Noir. This is an extraordinary fragrance that is unlike any perfume that you have worn.

Press Sample. Available from Aftelier Perfumes (Unaffiliated Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Surface Bassu Hydrating Oil Review

 

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Surface Bassu Hydrating Oil is a lightweight hydrating oil that leaves hair soft, silky smooth and shiny. It does not leave hair greasy, and it is perfect to use on wet or dry hair, and as a styling aid for flat iron use, or without heated styling tools at all. A warm a small amount in my hands are apply it to my naturally curly hair, and it leaves my hair manageable, frizz-free and hydrated. It has a light, rather fruity, aroma, but it is neither overpowering, nor long-lasting.

About Surface,

Surface was established in 2008 and is headquartered in Saskatchewan, Canada. Inspired by salon owner and international hair stylist Wayne Grund. Surface was founded on the principle of respecting personal health and the Earth. The Surface culture is committed to growth while encouraging personal health, respecting the Earth and helping others. The name Surface came from a passion to develop superior, all natural products that create a strong surface of success from which salons and their guests could grow. The Surface Tree represents a strong foundation of life from which there will be never-ending growth.

We offer a culture of education, guest service and technical expertise. Surface is committed to giving back to the environment, providing natural, organic ingredients for their products and packaging as well as giving back to the community.

According to Surface,

A lightweight hydrating oil to restore moisture, enhance shine, and lock in color. High in antioxidant protection Babassu Oil delivers weightless moisture, naturally balances oil production for the skin and locks in hair color.

Ingredients: Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Flax) Oil, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Fragrance (Parfum), Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Ceramide NP, Myristyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Allantoin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, SD Alcohol 40-B, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein.

Directions: Use Wet: Apply to damp hair and style. Use dry: Detail into dry hair, for maximum restoration, press with hair iron.

Overall Assessment: I love how this hair oil tames frizz, makes my curly more manageable, and gives it a lovely sheen. 

$41.75 for 2 oz. from Surface and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Blinc Eyeliner Pencil in Black Review

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Blinc Eyeliner Pencil in Black is a gel-like eyeliner pencil that glides across the skin effortlessly without any tugging or discomfort. It deposits color evenly, is waterproof and budge-proof, but it is gentle on my sensitive eyes. I have only tried their black eyeliner and can attest to the fact that it is richly pigmented and ultra-smooth. The retractable, twist-up, pencil has a sharper built into the bottom, and it allows you to sharpen it to a fine point if you prefer working your liner into your lash-line. While the formula is creamy, it dries down and won't smear everywhere. Whether you prefer a defined, sharp or smokey look, this eyeliner delivers. If you are looking for a really good cruelty-free eyeliner pencil, this one is definitely worthy of your consideration!

According to Blinc,

An ultra-longwearing, clean, vegan, and waterproof gel-like eyeliner pencil that effortlessly combines bold color, precision, and clean beauty innovation for stunning, all-day definition.

Claims:

- Intense, Mesmerizing Color: Delivers bold, highly pigmented color in a single swipe.

- Smudge-Free Perfection: Waterproof and fade-proof formula resists smudging, transferring, and fading all day.

- Comfort Meets Performance: Hydrating Vitamin E and soothing Chamomilla Recutita pamper and protect your delicate eye area.

- Effortless Application: Glides smoothly across lids and waterline, allowing for easy layering, blending, and a seamless matte finish.

- Convenience Redefined: Retractable design with a built-in sharpener ensures precise application every time.

Directions: Glide the pencil along the waterline, close to the lashline to tightline, or gradually increase and build the line to create a more dramatic or graphic look. Work on one eye at a time and blend immediately after application with a brush or your finger. Remove with any makeup remover.

Key Ingredients:

• Vitamin E: Hydrates and nourishes to protect delicate skin.
• Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract: Soothes and calms the eye area while reducing irritation.

Ingredients: Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Methicone, Silica, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Propylene Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopherol, MAY CONTAIN (+/-): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 42090.

Overall Assessment: I really like this eyeliner pencil a lot, and want more colors! A+

$24.00 for 0.3 g / 0.01 oz. from blinc, Ulta, Macy's and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Blinc Cosmetics The Rare Gem Palette Review & Swatches

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Blinc Cosmetics The Rare Gem Palette is a stunning eyeshadow palette that features 12 stunning gemstone inspired shades. This cruelty-free palette includes a mixture of mattes, pearls, and metallics that can be worn subtly or dramatically from day to night. All of the shadows have a smooth texture, deposit color evenly– without skipping– and are buildable. I have tested all of the shadows and experienced no fallout, and they wore all day without creasing or fading on me. If you have oily eyelids, however, you probably use a primer with your shadow, and likely would with thee as well. The neutral shades are stunning, and work very well individually or together. 

According to Blinc Cosmetics,

The Rare Gem is a perfectly compact eyeshadow palette with 12 beautiful gemstone inspired shades that include buttery-smooth mattes, gorgeous pearls, and glimmering metallics. All shades are highly pigmented, comfortable to wear and blend out like a dream to create an endless number of looks, complimenting you no matter what the occasion. A staple daily palette, you will use every single shadow, as they pair well with other colors and even more unconventional shades.

Features & Claims:

Highly Pigmented: Delivers vibrant, long-lasting color that’s comfortable to wear all day.

Smooth Texture: Buttery, high-quality formula glides on effortlessly for a flawless application.

Blendable Formula: Effortlessly blends for a seamless finish, allowing for creative layering and shading.

12 Versatile Shades: Includes a mix of mattes, pearls, and metallics to create everything from everyday natural looks to bold, dramatic designs.

Daily Staple: Every shade is thoughtfully crafted to complement one another, ensuring no color goes unused.

Compact Design: Perfectly sized for travel or daily use, making it an essential addition to your makeup collection.

Universal Appeal: A palette designed to flatter all skin tones and pair well with other colors, including unconventional shades.

Clean Beauty Commitment: Cruelty-Free, Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, Oil Free, And Fragrance Free. Free of harsh ingredients, aligning with Blinc’s commitment to clean beauty. Made in the USA.

Endless Creativity: Offers a versatile range of shades and finishes for infinite eye makeup looks.

Ingredients: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Silica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Talc, Boron Nitride, Zinc Stearate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Mica (CI 77019), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Sorbic Acid, Alumina, Carmine (CI 75470), Poloxamer 338 , Iron Oxides CI 77492, Ultramarines CI 77007, Caprylyl Glycol, Carmine CI 75470, Hexylene Glycol,Poloxamer 338, Copper Powder (CI 77400), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Calcium Sodium Borosilicate,Tin Oxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite.

Left to Right: Howlite, Opalite, Pink Topaz and Rose Quartz

Left to Right: Tiger's Eye, Tourmaline, Red Jasper and Garnet

Left to Right: Golden Obsidian, Serpentine, Axnite and Orgonite 

Overall Assessment: This is an excellent eyeshadow palette, and the colors are really versatile, beautifully saturated and easy to wear.

$36.00-$45.00 from Blinc Cosmetics, Macy's, Amazon, JOMASHOP, eCosmetics and Strawberrynet  (Affiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Wishing You a Beautiful Sunday

I stood in my yard exchanging glances with this gorgeous owl perched high up in a tree, and I was utterly awed by its majesty. Wishing you a wonderful long holiday weekend. 

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Mid-January Week in Review

Blinc Eye Repair Peptide Complex is an effective and affordable eye cream that hydrates, reduces puffiness and dark circles, and softens fine lines. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog recently discovered this gem, and highly recommends it!

Terri from Our Good Life explains how to adjust your skincare routine in winter by using gentle, hydrating products, maintaining a consistent routine, and protecting your skin from dryness and UV exposure to keep it soft and healthy.

Allison from Never Say Die Beauty shares her favorite cosmetics that she tried for the first time in 2025. They’re all products that have made it into her routine now.

A basic black turtleneck is a timeless classic that is chic, powerful and edgy depending on how you wear it, and Angie from Your True Self Blog came up with almost 100 ways to wear a black turtleneck!

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style hosts, with her blogger friend Shelbee, a series called The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book, and this month the theme was leggings. Take a look at how we wear ours, and we hope you would like to join us next month!

Dove Beauty Bar Original Prices Vary

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The other day I actually ran out of soap in the shower, and when my husband texted me to say that he was stopping by the grocery store on his way home from work, he asked if there was anything I needed him to buy. I immediately said Dove Beauty Bar Original. I love the formula and have been using it for years. However, I was shocked that he was charged nearly $10.00 for a 2-pack. I do not know if this price was a mistake, or the actual price, but I do know that it is available elsewhere for much less. Therefore, if you love this bar, as I do, then make sure to take careful note of the price before tossing it into your grocery cart.

Dove Beauty Bar Original ($5.39-$14.99 for 2-8 bar packs from Amazon, Target, Walgreens): This gentle, creamy cleansing bar contains ¼ moisturizing cream that leaves skin soft smooth and very clean. I have used it for many years, and absolutely love it!

Overall Assessment: This is still my very favorite drugstore bar soap, but I can't believe that we spent almost $10.00 on two bars!

Purchased (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

UA Hawai'i Mana Eau de Parfum Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

UA Hawai'i Mana Eau de Parfum smells like a walk on the beach in Hawai'i. It feels like the ocean punctuated by Jasmine, Gardenia, Lemon Flower and Apple Blossom, and tempered by the woodsy Sandalwood and Oak. It is sophisticated, and yet casual, and it sits close to the skin instead of overly asserting itself. When it dries down, it mellows into a woodsy floral that calms the senses.

Top Notes: Lemon Flower, Gardenia, Clove Leaf

Mid Notes: Jasmine, Apple Blossom, Geranium

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Oak, Musk

According to UA Hawai'i,

Growing up in Hawai’i taught me to have a deep connection and respect for the island. From snow-capped Mauna Kea to Kīlauea with its lava reaching down to the ocean, this unique island connects us to the elements from which the islands were formed and from which all life springs. It’s this connection to the island that inspired me to create these scents.

Each fragrance embodies these qualities to immerse yourself in: Mana / Power, Pōhaku / Stone, Kupu / Grow, Wena / Glow, Nalu / Wave, and Hā / Breath. I wanted to share that experience through fragrance.

Just as none of the elements are singular in nature, we invite you to layer in creating your own sense of expression. Whether it's combining fire and water with Wena and Kai, or centering on Hā and Mana, there are elements to explore in creating your personal fragrance.

Ingredients: Sugarcane Alcohol (Ethyl Alcohol), Fragrance/Parfum, Aqua/Water/Eau.

Overall Assessment: Just lovely!

$32.00 for .34oz. from UA Hawai'i (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2026 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
 

Mandy Aftel's New Book Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems

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My wonderful friend, and world-renowned natural perfumer, Mandy Aftel, has just published her latest book: Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems, and it is not to be missed. That Mandy is as brilliant a writer as she is a perfumer cannot be sufficiently underscored. Her creative genius and intellectual curiosity is evident in all of her endeavors, and her elegant writing is sure to delight all of her readers.

This extraordinary undertaking, in writing about Baroque emblems, is articulated with precision, but in a very approachable and edifying way. If you are at all curious about the iconography of the extraordinary emblems discussed in this book, then you will be utterly delighted from the first page turn to the last. This is a stunning achievement, and a book that is most certainly worthy of your collection.

About the Author,

Mandy Aftel, an internationally known artisan perfumer and authority on natural fragrance, is the owner of Aftelier Perfumes and the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents in Berkeley, California. Her other books include Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume, which helped sparked the natural perfume renaissance and has been translated into sixteen languages. Aftel's work has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and numerous other major outlets.

Publisher: ‎ Abbeville Press

Publication date: ‎ December 16, 2025

Language: ‎ English

Print length: ‎ 224 pages

ISBN-10: ‎0789215225

ISBN-13: ‎978-0789215222

About Symbolorum: The Secret Wisdom of Emblems,

Discover the esoteric insights and enchanting imagery of the Baroque emblem book, a long-lost cousin of the tarot.

The emblem book, which reached the peak of its popularity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, presented mysterious allegorical images―rather like those we now find on tarot cards―alongside Latin mottoes. A learned text explained the connection between image and motto, and the lessons each emblem held for the reader’s life. Drawing on sources such as medieval bestiaries and Aesop’s fables, emblem books reflected an enchanted view of nature in which our human lives were intertwined with plants, animals, the moon and the stars.

World-renowned natural perfumer Mandy Aftel first encountered emblem books in the course of her researches into antique botanical illustrations, and quickly became entranced. Here she presents one hundred emblems from perhaps the finest emblem book, the Symbolorum et Emblematum of Camerarius, originally published in four parts between 1590 and 1604. Aftel has sensitively tinted in watercolor the bewitching circular engravings of the Symbolorum, in which giant hands reach from the sky; lions, bears, and unicorns gambol; and distant spires beckon. The mottoes and explanatory texts are given in translation from the original Latin, along with Aftel’s own commentary. An illustrated introduction illuminates the history and magic of emblem book.

Symbolorum will be a treasure for anyone who is drawn to uncover ancient wisdom and feel the breath of the universe.

Overall Assessment: What a stunning book, and such a distinctly delightful and satisfying read.

$20.00 from Aftelier Perfumes and Amazon (Affiliate Links). 

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