Loving Lately: MyKirei by KAO Onsen Therapy Soothing Mineral Bath Soak

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A soothing mineral soak after a vigorous workout, or a long day at work, is the perfect way to relieve aching muscles, calm the mind and give one an overall sense of wellbeing. It is also such a wonderful way to quiet the mind in times of stress. If you love a good soak, or need a little extra soothing, then the MyKirei by KAO Onsen Therapy Soothing Mineral Bath Soak is the perfect antidote to the stresses of daily life. The Japanese Hinoki fragrance boasts a calming woodsy aroma that is a delight to the senses, while the mineral-rich tablet relieves the tension in sore muscles. A soak before going to bed helps one achieve a calm and deep sleep.

I have used this soak for a long time, and recently discovered that I had another box of these wonderful tablets of joy!

According to MyKirei by KAO,

Inspired by natural Onsen—Japan’s geothermal hot springs—and made for the body and mind, this bath soak soothes tired muscles and deeply relaxes and rejuvenates during a calming soak. Designed to recreate the Onsen experience with soothing steam and moisture while helping to ease stress and body tension. Use any time to relieve muscle tension and stress, soothe sore feet or hands, or unwind for deep relaxation before sleep. Suitable for all skin types. Tablets are 95% biodegradable and free of parabens, phthalates, PABA, dyes, and water. Film pouches are 100% recyclable with TerraCycle®*. 

A mineral-rich bath soak tablet that utilizes steam, moisture, and minerals to relieve tired muscles, tension, stress, and strain to achieve deep relaxation and a new level of well-being.

We are all connected with nature and must take care of it. Scientific research has shown the multiple benefits of nature’s therapies to help the body and mind reenergize, reinvigorate, and recover. Inspired by that connection, this bath soak harnesses nature's healing powers to achieve a high level of relaxation and relieve tension in the body. The Onsen Therapy Soothing Mineral Bath Soak formula is free of parabens, phthalates, PABA, dyes, and water, plus vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.

Directions: Fill your bath or basin with warm water and drop in a single MyKirei by KAO Onsen Therapy Mineral Bath Soak. Let the single-dose tablet completely dissolve, and then take a relaxing soak with soothing Japanese hinoki fragrance to relax and release tension.

Full Ingredients: Fumaric Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Sulfate, PEG-150, Magnesium Sulfate, Glucose, Fragrance, Dextrin, Magnesium Oxide, Glycine, Calcium Silicate, Sucrose Stearate, Citral, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool.

Fragrance Ingredients: 2-Phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, Acetyl cedrene, BHT, Camphyl cyclohexanol, Geranyl Acetate, Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol, Juniperus Virginiana Wood Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Phenethyl phenylacetate, Pinene, Tetrahydrolinalool.

Overall Assessment: If you love a calming and relaxing bath, then this is a real treat worthy of your consideration. I can't say enough good things about this wonderful mineral bath soak. A+

$12.49 for a 5 pack from MyKirei by KAO and Amazon (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

A Glimmer of Hope in LA

The heroic work of all of the firefighters has led to significant containment of the two main fires in Los Angeles County, and that coupled with a break from the Santa Ana winds has given us all a glimmer of hope. The levels of grief for the people who lost their lives, and the people who remain missing cannot be expressed in words. The devastation to the impacted neighborhoods is beyond comprehension. So many houses, businesses, schools and landmarks were reduced to rubble, and many areas are no longer recognizable. Yet the resilience of everyone impacted is inspirational and a lesson in humility in the face of unthinkable loss. While it will be a long time before things are back to something close to normal, because of the sheer scale of this devastation, the people of LA County are resilient and optimistic about the future. 

TATCHA GIFT WITH PURCHASE: SPEND $100 or $200 & RECEIVE A GIFT WORTH $100 or $200

PSA (Affiliate Links)

TATCHA is having a wonderful gift with purchase! Spend $200.00 and receive a lucky bag filled with $200.00 worth of skincare! Spend $100.00 and receive a lucky bag filled with $100.00 worth of skincare. Use Code: LUCKY25

Details: *Enjoy a complimentary lucky bag with your $100+ or $200+ USD order after discount with code: LUCKY25. Promotion valid through 11:59 PM PT on 1/19/2025. Qualifying gifts are while supplies last and are subject to change. Promotions and discounts cannot be applied to previous purchases, gift cards, taxes, shipping or processing charges or combined with any other coupons or discounts. Valid on in-stock items only. Qualifying amount is the subtotal of the purchase and does not include taxes, shipping or gift wrapping. Gifts with purchase are not eligible for return or exchange. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered or ineligible use of offer and to modify or cancel this promotion due to system error or unforeseen problems.

Visit: www.tatcha.com 

The Firefighters, Police & National Guard are the Angels of Los Angeles

I am in a state of awe about the dedication of the LA Fire Department, LAPD and the National Guard in their heroic bid to fight the fires in Los Angeles County. Mexico and Canada have also sent teams to fight the fires, and so have many fire departments throughout California and out of state. The firefighters are working grueling 24 hour shifts to ensure the safety of our residents, and many are getting injured in the process. There simply are no words to express our profound gratitude to the people who answer their calling to protect citizens. I marvel at their work as they comfort traumatized people, put out the blazes and even take time to sift through the rubble to help people find precious mementos. These efforts are extraordinary, and in the City of Angels, these people are the true angels.

UNITED WE STAND IN LA

This is day 7, and while the fire fighters have been doing heroic work fighting all of the wildfires in LA, we are all concerned about the potential damage that could occur when the next Santa Ana wind event starts. We remain under a red flag warning through Wednesday, and we all pray that it will not stoke the flames. 

Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, who is a proud lifelong Angeleno, wrote a beautiful poem about our wonderful city. Her poem, Smoldering Dawn, can be heard here and here. Pray for LA.

The Beauty Spotlight Team Week in Review

Cold winter weather calls for a richer face cream to provide ample moisture, and Rothea Resilience Cream really delivers. This nourishing cream is a Lola's Secret Beauty Blog favorite, and it is worthy of your consideration this season.

Want to strengthen your facial skin barrier during the winter when it may be more stressed than usual? Allison from Never Say Die Beauty has been trying out Paula’s Choice new Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer, a new barrier-strengthening addition to their collagen peptide skincare collection.

Angie from Your True Self Blog has a style tip on how to stay warm in the winter without the bulk.

Do you know your best neutrals? Find out from Pamela at Style Yourself Confident. No hot fashion colors that quickly go out of style but timeless classics in flattering neutrals ready to create the perfect Capsule! 

Barbie's Beauty Bits has the hottest nail trends for 2025! From winter wonderland-inspired designs to Valentine’s Day looks you’ll adore, to chic tortoiseshell, this year’s styles are all about creativity and flair.

And the Fires Rage On

It is difficult to express the extent of my sorrow as parts of Los Angeles and LA County are reduced to rubble. Each night when I go to sleep I wonder if I will awaken to an evacuation order, and if the fires have spread even further. Part of what makes all of this feel so apocalyptic is not just that the main fires (in Pacific Palisades and Altadena) keep growing, but that new fires are constantly popping up. The Santa Ana winds continue to be a driving force that is spreading these fires, and the drought conditions, and lack of rain, have provided the perfect conditions for this firestorm. 

As a native Californian, earthquakes and wildfires are part of the world in which I live, but I have never seen anything that comes even close to the scale of these devastating wildfires. New evacuation orders have been issued reaching parts of the San Fernando Valley, and UCLA and Brentwood have been told to prepare for evacuation. I am impressed by the swift evacuation orders because keeping people and animals safe should always be a priority, but I also mourn the lives lost and the lovely neighborhoods (houses and businesses) that have perished. As I watch the news, and view online videos that document the destruction, I witness houses and businesses that meant a lot to me disappear into flames. Melted metal, rubble and glowing embers remain. The images look less like evidence of a catastrophic colossal scale fire, and more like pictures of the bombed out remains of a world war. There really are no words to express the level of devastation and loss Angelenos are experiencing, and sadly these fires continue to burn. Please send your good thoughts and prayers to everyone being impacted by these devastating fires.

The Devastating Los Angeles Area Fires

I am sure that all of you have seen news coverage of the apocalyptic fires simultaneously ravaging many areas in Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. While my neighborhood has thus far been spared, I can tell you that the devastating effects are impacting everyone in the vicinity. Some people have lost their lives, many people have lost their homes, their businesses, their jobs and their favorite places to frequent. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and dreams have been shattered. The Santa Ana winds have been unrelenting, and they have been carrying live embers great distances- resulting in further devastation. Many people have lost everything, and while things can be replaced that doesn't change the fact that they are displaced, frightened and in shock. Please send your warm thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted by these catastrophic fires.

dearcloud sunny defense SPF 50+ Review

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As previously noted, I am quite enchanted by dearcloud products, and I am happy to be trying more of their skincare products. My most recent discovery is the dearcloud sunny defense SPF 50+, and I am pleased to report that I really like it.

About dearcloud,

Inspired by the natural shade provided by clouds, dearcloud™ products offer a shield that helps to safeguard your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. In fact, dearcloud™ offers the 1st full line of Korean sun care (for both face and body) to be certified by the FDA. It is important to note that while several other k-beauty brands offer SPF options, they are not FDA-certified.

dearcloud sunny defense SPF 50+ is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that comes in a convenient twist up stick. It is emollient, hydrating, and can be applied to the face, neck, décolleté, ears and body. It spreads easily, and it leaves no greasy film or white cast. It is so easy to apply and reapply, and it readily stows away in a pocket, bag or purse. It has no detectable aroma and doesn't irritate my sometimes finicky skin. If you only use mineral/physical sunscreens, then be advised that this is a chemical sunscreen, but if you use both types, then this is definitely worth trying.

According to dearcloud,

Dearcloud's Sunny Defense SPF Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ provides broad spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays - with no white cast. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, and Cica to help blur fine lines and blemishes after each use. Compact, portable sun care.

Features:

• Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection Helps blur the appearance of fine lines and imperfections.
• SPF 50/PA++++: Broad spectrum protection against UVA, UVB rays.
• No white cast. Teardrop precision applicator for an easy glide.
• Can be worn under makeup to help prime skin For face and body.
• Made in Korea.
• Formulated without paragons and sulfates.

Directions: Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure your skin has absorbed the SPF essence. Use as the last step in your skincare routine, before applying any makeup. Open the cap and glide the stick in an upward motion. Apply to face, décolleté, ears, and body.

Precautions: Effectiveness may vary per skin type. For external use only. Stop use immediately and consult a physician if irritation occurs.

Ingredients: Active: Avobenzone 2.5%, Homosalate 9.5%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 9.5%. Inactive: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Synthetic Wax, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

Key Ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Ultra-hydration for a smoothing effect.
• Cica: Helps brighten dark spots.
• Allantoin: Moisturizing for supple, soft skin.

Overall Assessment: This sunscreen is quite effective and it is so easy to apply and reapply. I love how easy it is to carry in my bag, and how well it protects my skin with its high sun protection factor.

$18.00 for 0.68 oz. from Ulta and $20.00 from dearcloud (Affiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Winter Skincare Tips

Winter weather can really wreak havoc on the skin, and dry and dehydrated skin can cause serious discomfort. Here are really easy steps to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated throughout the coldest months of the year. The important thing to remember is to layer your products in the proper order, from the lightest and fastest absorbing to the heaviest textures in order to maximize their efficacy.

1) Use a gentle non-stripping cleanser. When needed, use a gentle exfoliator in lieu of a cleanser. During the colder months try to avoid more stripping cleansers because your skin really needs to retain its natural oils. I rotate my cleansers all year round, and I tend to reach for more moisturizing cleansers during the colder months of the year.

2) Add a moisture or hydration rich serum. Serums, such as hyaluronic acid, deliver much needed hydration to winter skin. Gently massage the serum into your face, neck and décolleté. Since this is the lightest of the product layers that you will be using, it should be applied first.

3) Consider adding oils into your beauty routine. Oils are such a great moisture delivery system, and while they aren't for everyone-- they are the gold standard for many people (myself included). There are so many different face oils to choose from on the market right now, and they are available from those economically priced to those in the upper tiers of the luxury price range- so they can accommodate every budget.

4) Massage your favorite lotion or cream into your face, neck and décolleté. Once it has been absorbed into your skin, then proceed to the final step.

5) Since sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products that you can use, invest in a good one that has an SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously to your face, neck and décolleté, and be sure to reapply it numerous times throughout the day (typically every 75 minutes).

6) Remember exposure to indoor heaters followed by outdoor cold air wreaks havoc on your skin- as it is given no time to recover from these extreme conditions (each being extreme in their own right). This is a good time to switch up your moisturizer in favor of something more nourishing and hydrating. I always use a face oil as a serum beneath my moisturizer AM and PM. This leaves my skin super hydrated, soft, and with a gorgeous glow.

7) Speaking of your neck, chest and hands-– don't forget to moisturize them!! They are generally over-exposed to the elements, and will likely age at a more rapid pace than your face– in large part because we often neglect them. Do to these areas what you do to your face–otherwise your neck, chest and hands will sustain more damage and appear more aged than your face. Use richer creams specifically targeted for these areas, or just something richer and more emollient than you might normally use.

8) Consider a nighttime moisture to add moisture to the skin while yo Nigh sleep. Nighttime is when your skin naturally goes into repair mode– so giving it a little help can go a long way.

9) Don't forget your delicate eye area– and it may require a slightly richer eye cream during the colder months. This is tricky for me since rich eye creams often give me milia- so I tend to look for moisture rich eye creams that are lighter in texture, rather than thick dense ones that generally cause me so much trouble.

10) Don't forget about your lips! Consider a lip mask at night, or a rich lip balm. Lips need more moisture than usual this time of year. I also always apply just a small dab of lip balm under all of my lip products. This locks in moisture, and when applied sparingly functions as an effective lip primer.

11) Haircare– This is a good time to use a clarifying shampoo to remove all product build-up, and then use your favorite deep conditioner or mask to keep your hair happy and conditioned during the colder weather.

12) Body care– This is a good time to switch to a more hydrating soap (liquid or bar), and to switch from a lighter body lotion to a richer cream or balm. I like to use a body oil first and then a richer body cream or balm on top. Don't forget about sunscreen for the body– especially the parts getting more exposure to the elements.

At night, repeat steps 1-4 and skip the sunscreen. These steps will only take you a few minutes, and the benefits are really worth the time spent. I also drink plenty of water to help keep hydrated– which helps a lot. What do you do to care for your skin during the winter?

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