lola's secret beauty blog

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].

Swatch of P3N

Available in 5 shades

Overall Assessment: This is an effective setting powder whether or not you use other products from the Kryolan Dermacolor Collection.

$39.95 for 1.4oz. from Kryolan and YesStyle (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Stick Review & Swatches

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

The Dermacolor Collection from Kryolan is perfect for the summer because their products are sweat-proof– which is essential if you want to retain coverage in the blistering heat of summer. The Dermacolor Collection is designed for everyday wear, and it is suitable for makeup users of all skill levels. The Dermcolor Camouflage Creme is made in the US, and it is cruelty-free, sustainability-minded, and formulated for long-lasting coverage.

Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Stick is their wonderful Camouflage Creme in an even more convenient stick-form.

Dermacolor Camouflage Stick is an especially highly pigmented makeup that is designed to correct and cover skin, and it is available in 20 shades. It offers lightweight, but highly pigmented, coverage that is long-wearing, transfer-proof and waterproof. It can survive high temperatures, exercise and bright lights. I swatched it below in the shade D4, and once blended it disappears– which is precisely what you want it to do. On me, this shade is perfect, and after application, it stays put all day until I remove it in the evening. Their products are so pigmented that many people use them to cover up their tattoos for the stage and screen.

According to Kryolan,

Dermacolor Camouflage Stick delivers the trusted coverage of Dermacolor Camouflage Creme in a convenient stick format. Its creamy texture allows for precise application, making it perfect for targeted corrections. The mineral oil-free formula provides durable, flawless coverage. When set with Dermacolor Fixing Powder, the result becomes waterproof and smudge-proof—ideal for any occasion. Blend with a brush or sponge to achieve an even coverage.

Unblended swatch of D4 above and blended swatch of D4 below.

Available Colors

Overall Assessment: If you are seeking waterproof and sweat-proof coverage, this handy little stick really delivers on its promise to last all day long!

$24.50 for 6.5 grams from Kryolan (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Creme Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Dermacolor Camouflage Cream is an especially highly pigmented makeup that is designed to correct and cover skin, and it is available in over 20 shades. It offers lightweight, but highly pigmented, coverage that is long-wearing, transfer-proof and waterproof. It can survive high temperatures, exercise and bright lights. I swatched it, but it disappeared against my skin (Shade D 61)– which is precisely what you want it to do. On me, this shade is a little light, but it somehow still works. After application, it stays put all day until I remove it in the evening. Their products are so pigmented that many people use them to cover up their tattoos for the stage and screen.

According to Kryolan,

Dermacolor Camouflage Creme in a handy round packaging. Dermacolor Camouflage Creme is an especially highly pigmented make-up which is designed to correct and cover skin disfigurements, discolorations and tattoos. Dermacolor Camouflage Creme is especially suitable for face and neck. With proper use of the Dermacolor Camouflage System skin abnormalities can be easily corrected. Once Dermacolor Camouflage Creme is fixed using Fixing Powder and Fixing Spray from Dermacolor it will be waterproof and protects the skin from harmful environmental influences. Dermacolor Camouflage could last even under extreme conditions like swimming, heat and physical strain. Dermacolor Camouflage Creme is available in an extensive range of shades and those are intermixable which gives the make-up a natural appearance when applied correctly.

Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Paraffin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Cetyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Magnesium Myristate, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Petrolatum, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Oleth-10, Propylene Glycol, BHT, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Citric Acid and may contain: [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Ultramarines CI 77007, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Red 7 Lake CI 15850, Carmine CI 75470, Yellow 6 Lake CI 15985, Manganese Violet CI 77742, Red 36 CI 12085, Chromium Hydroxide Green CI 77289, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Red 40 Lake CI 16035, Chromium Oxide Greens CI 77288, Red 22 Lake CI 45380, Yellow 10 Lake CI 47005, Mica] May contain carmine as a color additive.

Overall Assessment: If you are looking for serious coverage that can stand the heat, then this camouflage cream is worthy of your consideration.

$21.50 for 4 grams/ 0.14oz. from Kryolan, YesStyle and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

JOICO Defy Damage in a Flash 7-Second Bond Builder Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

JOICO Defy Damage in a Flash is a surprise find for my color-treated naturally curly hair. It works very quickly, and leaves my hair soft smooth, silky in texture– without weighing it down– and shiny. My hair is less prone to frizz, and more moisturized, when I use this. It feels as though they had my hair in mind when they created this product, and it is something that I will continue to use since may hair is quite manageable since adding this to my haircare routine. It does have a fragrance, that I neither find cloying, nor long-lasting, and it only lingers for a while in my hair after rinsing it out. However, if you are particularly sensitive to scented haircare products, then this may be a slight issue for you, but the scent does fade.

According to JOICO,

With the innovative power of Defy Damage, Joico In A Flash helps build bonds - delivering a dazzling, 7-second transformation you can see and feel.

Our nearly instantaneous 7-second hair bond transformer for strong, resilient, silky soft, healthy-looking hair.

The essential building block of healthy hair, makes up 80% of human hair and can be lost during chemical services or when hair has been damaged.Builds bonds and strengthens hair fibers for healthy-looking results you can see and feel.

A unique formula that undergoes an exothermic reaction when it comes into contact with water creating a liquid-to-crème treatment.

Joico Defy Damage In A Flash 7-Second Bond Builder provides damage protection, extra boost of resilience and shine, replenishes moisture, reduces hair breakage, leaves hair silky smooth, weightless, and healthy-looking for a perfect everyday look.

Claims:

Hair is up to 20X more resistant to breakage*
Creates bonds and strengthens the hair structure
Leaves hair silky smooth without weighing down
Safe for color-treated hair
PETA-approved, global animal test-free
Formulated Without Silicones

Directions: Apply Defy Damage In A Flash directly to hair, from mid-length to ends, avoiding roots. Work into hair until liquid turns into a creamy texture. Leave in for 7 seconds. Rinse.

Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Myristyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Parfum (Fragrance), Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Lauryl Alcohol, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Geraniol, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate.

Overall Assessment: My color treated and naturally curly hair is happy and manageable when I use this product, and I really like the results.

$32.00 for 6.76oz. from Ulta, Amazon and Macy's (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, August 17, 2026

mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 is my latest sunscreen obsession. I am a big fan of the K-Beauty brand, mixsoon, and I am also quite enthusiastic about high quality, high SPF sunscreens. Therefore, this sunscreen is of particular interest to me.

This sunscreen is not only very lightweight, but it also boasts a lovely creamy texture and an SPF 50 to offer skin serious protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is a chemical, rather than mineral, sunscreen and it neither leaves behind a white cast, nor is it greasy or sticky. Instead, it absorbs quickly is filled with skincare ingredients and it is moisturizing and nourishing. It applies smoothly, feels breathable on the skin, rather than heavy and unpleasant, and it leaves skin soft and radiant. It is fragrance-free, water-resistant and it doesn't interfere with makeup, and it does not pill.

According to mixsoon,

Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen is a lightweight SPF 50 moisturizer that provides broad-spectrum protection without no white cast. Infused with fermented botanicals and brightening niacinamide, this K-Beauty sunscreen is fragrance-free and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

Formulated with fermented soybean, pomegranate, barley, and Korean pear extracts, it nourishes the skin, improves elasticity, and supports lasting hydration throughout the day. The smooth, breathable, moisture-rich formula glides on effortlessly, absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft, dewy, and radiant. Water-resistant and tested for skin irritation, it is gentle enough for sensitive skin and provides long-lasting protection while layering seamlessly under makeup. Registered as an OTC sunscreen, mixsoon’s Bean Sunscreen is designed for everyday sun protection whether used indoors, outdoors, or as the final step of your morning skincare routine.

Directions: Apply an appropriate amount on skin at the last step of am skin care routine 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.

Benefits & Claims:

Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protects against UVA/UVB without white cast
Hydrates and soothes dry, sensitive skin with fermented botanicals
Advanced chemical SPF filters disappear on all skin tones
Strengthens the skin barrier to defend against environmental stress
Lightweight, non-greasy texture perfect for daily wear
Fragrance-free formula ideal for sensitive skin

Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:

Soybean Ferment – Boosts hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and fights signs of aging.
Barley Seed Ferment – Deeply moisturizes, soothes redness, and enhances skin elasticity.
Niacinamide – Brightens complexion and smooths uneven texture.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – Calms irritation and supports skin repair.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) – Shields skin from environmental damage with antioxidant power.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Homosalate, Octocrylene, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces/Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate.

Overall Assessment: This is my current go-to sunscreen, and I am quite impressed by its efficacy. Like any sunscreen, you must reapply it frequently for it to protect the skin and remain effective. I reapply about every 60-75 minutes, to be safe. If I am gardening, I sometimes reapply within the first hour, and I wear a wide-brim hat for added protection.

$18.00-$21.00 for 1.69 oz. from Olive Young, Amazon and Ulta (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Wishing You a Very Happy Summer Sunday: A View from the Garden

One of my favorite plants in my garden is my Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow bush (Brunfelsia pauciflora) because this gorgeous flowering bush starts out with vibrant purple flowers that then turn lavender and then finally white as they mature. The blooms are abundant, and it is such a visual pleasure to experience.

More impressive than what I grow in my garden, is the array of wildlife that visit on a regular basis. Some of my most impressive sightings are the Cooper's Hawks who visit my yard.

This particular hawk stayed for quite a long time. It drank from the fountain, walked around the ground searching for food, and spread its wings to dry off and take in a little sun.

It is such an awe-inspiring sight, and when it eventually took flight, its impressive wingspan made me gasp. Such a stunning creature.

Standing on the water fountain where it lingered for quite a while.

We also have gorgeous owls who visit the yard, but most often we only hear them, rather than see them. It is such a treat when they are actually visible. When this particular owl finally took flight, it flew over my house and I was able to see it's shockingly impressive wingspan.

A rare sighting of an Owl in the daytime.

The neighborhood squirrels are regular guests at the bird feeders, and this one is quite memorable because of her unusual ringed tail. Have a beautiful summer Sunday!

Saturday, August 15, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Greets Mid-August

Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits explains what fungal acne, or Malassezia folliculitis, is and how it differs from bacterial or hormonal acne, what causes it, and which treatments may help.

WYLYS New Day Glow Brightening Serum is a nourishing, hydrating and brightening lotion-textured serum that is formulated for all types of skin. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves this luxury brand, and this serum earns an A+ rating for its efficacy.

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style loves the month of August. It's her birthday month, but she has to wait for that until the very last day. In the meanwhile she is enjoying this beautiful summer month to the fullest.

Casual clothing makes up the largest part of the wardrobe for most people. Terri from Our Good Life discusses options for keeping good pieces for a casual wardrobe.

Need to revive your skin from exposure to the summer sun? Allison from Never Say Die Beauty found an affordable K-beauty, calming facial essence with ceramides and green tea extract that soothes and hydrates irritated and inflamed skin.

People are wearing t-shirts in support of various candidates as we approach elections, and they are expressing themselves through their clothing. Angie from Your True Self Blog has more than 15 powerful ways to speak your truth with a t-shirt .

Friday, August 14, 2026

TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Tea Pads Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Tea Pads offer a gentle way to exfoliate, lock in moisture, calm, soothe and depuff the skin. I gently use the soft gauze side to gently exfoliate my skin– without applying pressure– and then the smooth side to deeply hydrate the skin. The whole process feels so hydrating, refreshing and calming. On the days when my skin is irritated, these pads calm it down, and they feel so good in the process. One should avoid contact with the eyes when using these, and I can't speak to the efficacy of the deputing claim since I have not had to contend with puffiness, but I really love using these pads for all of the other reasons that I listed. While there is no fragrance listed among its ingredients, these pads do have a faint herbal scent from the ingredients themselves, but it isn't in the least bit overpowering or long-lasting.

According to TIRTIR,

2 in 1 benefit of a matcha-infused pad. Start with the soft gauze side to refine skin texture, then flip to the smooth matcha side to lock in soothing hydration for a healthy, recharged glow.

Powered by 10,000ppm of Jeju Island-derived Vegan Matcha PDRN, this matcha-rich pad provides immediate calming support. Reduces visible redness from irritation and restores skin balance in just one use.

Infused with 82% soothing ingredients including EGCG, Centella Asiatica, and Tea Tree to comfort stressed skin and help defend against daily skin irritation.

Balanced blend of plant-derived AHA & PHA. Ideal for daily exfoliation on sensitive, redness-prone skin while keeping moisture intact without irritation.

Enhanced with 2% Niacinamide to visibly refine pores and uneven skin tone, helping skin appear smoother, more polished, and revitalized instantly.

Directions: Wipe the pad over your face once daily in your skincare routine. Avoid contact with eyes. For external use only. Do not ingest.

Double-Sided Pads: soft gauze side & smooth side.

Directions: Wipe the pad over your face once daily in your skincare routine. Avoid contact with eyes. For external use only. Do not ingest.

Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Propanediol, Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Trehalose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Citrate, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Madecassoside, Glycerin, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Gluconolactone, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium DNA, Fructan, Glucose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Epigallocatechin Gallate.