UA Hawai'i Kupu Eau de Parfum Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

UA Hawai'i Kupu Eau de Parfum is yet another beautiful fragrance from this exquisite Hawaiian brand, and it is a delight to the senses, to be sure. There is something indescribably magical about this unusual fragrance. This is an ultra clean, green scent that has an added dimension from the base notes of Amber, Cedar and Musk. They add a richness without in any way overshadowing the light and green sensibility. It achieves what seems like an impossible balance between what might be considered competing notes, but instead these notes commingle beautifully. This fragrance sits close to the skin, and invites the constant sniffing of one's wrist. 

UA Hawai'i Kupu Eau de Parfum Notes:

Top: Fern, Coconut Water, Earth

Mid: Oakmoss, Magnolia, Vanilla Blossom

Base: Amber, Cedar, 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: This is a truly exceptional fragrance, and I am madly in love with the way that it sits quietly against the skin emitting the most delectable light aroma.

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

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

Crate & Barrel Up to 60% Off Clearance Sale

(Affiliate Links)

Crate & Barrel is having an up to 60% Off Sale on their clearance section across departments, and there are so many amazing products included in the sale. I regularly shop their sales, and I have found some of my most prized items for my kitchen and home from them. I have scored amazing Emile Henry baking dishes during their sales, and there are currently a few on clearance now. There are many additions to the sale, and many that I am finding too hard to resist. It is worth taking a look if you are looking to find some great deals. They are also having lots of other sales, but I found some treasures on clearance!

Visit: www.crateandbarrel.com

UA Hawai'i Hā Eau de Parfum Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

UA Hawai'i Hā Eau de Parfum is yet another gorgeous fragrance from this enchanting Hawaiian brand. This fragrance boasts a warm and soft woodsy aroma that is punctuated by the creamy Vanilla Flower and citrus. It is inviting, alluring and sits close to the skin. As it dries down, the citrus emerges, but the sharp edges are rounded out by the warmth of the other carefully selected notes. This fragrance is calming, grounding and a lovely discovery.

Hā Eau de Parfum Notes:

Top Notes: Coconut Waters, Bergamot, Lemon Peel

Mid Notes: Clove, Fir Needle, Lime Blossom

Base Notes: Cedarwood, Vanilla Flower, Oakmoss, Santal

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

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.

Overall Assessment: This fragrance is so lovely and calming to the senses, and I am thrilled that I discovered this brand.

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

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

Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gifts for 2026

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Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gifts for 2026 are now available! This year there are six gifts from which to choose, and one exclusively available to VIB and VIB Rouge members. One is free with a $25.00 minimum purchase. Visit: www.sephora.com

Beauty Insiders can redeem one birthday gift per year in Sephora US and Canada stores, on sephora.com and Sephora Canada, in Sephora at Kohl’s stores, and on kohls.com, while supplies last. See gifts below.

A purchase of $25 or more is required for online redemption on sephora.com and sephora.ca. Minimum purchase threshold determined before taxes and shipping and after all discounts have been taken. Gift selection may vary when shopping in store or online. A birthday gift of 250 points is available in Sephora US and Canada stores and on sephora.com and sephora,ca only. Online-exclusive birthday gifts are redeemable by VIB and Rouge clients only and are not available on kohls.com. Redeem two weeks before or after your birthday or any time during your birthday month. Birthday gift is provided “as is.” Substitutions may occur. All applicable Beauty Insider program terms apply. Sephora may modify or cancel offer at any time. 

UA Hawai'i Pohaku Stone Eau de Parfum Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

As you are likely aware, I became acquainted with the lovely fragrances made by UA Hawai'i last year, and I have been enjoying them ever since. Recently, I have been wearing UA Hawai'i Pōhaku Eau de Parfum, and it may actually be my favorite one, so far. 

Pōhaku Eau de Parfum Notes:

Top Notes: Midnight Breeze, Cyclamen Flower, Clove

Mid Notes: Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Amber

Base Notes: Patchouli, Cedar, Musk

The magical blend of top, middle and base notes create a complex symphony of scents that mingle in the most beautiful and ethereal way. The top notes, punctuated by the clove is tempered by the Jasmine and Cyclamen flowers, and then the aroma is deepened by the Amber, Patchouli, Cedar and Musk. This beautiful combination transforms into a warm and creamy floral with a musk undertone, and it is an utter delight to the senses. As is the case with their other fragrances, I find that Pohaku Stone Eau de Parfum sits close to the skin, and it never enters a room before I do. It is sophisticated and a subtle treat to the senses.

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: I am delighted by UA Hawaii's fragrances, and I can't wait to share more of them with you.

$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.

Sephora Skincare Deals Daily

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Sephora is having their Skincare Deals Event from January 1 through January 17 on select brands. The generous discounts make this worth checking out, and you may find that some of your favorite products are on sale!

Visit: www.sephora.com

Between 12:01am PT on 01/02/26 and 11:59pm PT on 01/17/26, select skincare brands, as identified, will be 50% off in Sephora US stores, Sephora Canada Stores, Sephora at Kohl’s stores, on sephora,com, sephora,ca, kohls,com, DoorDash and Instacart. Products may vary by day and are subject to availability. No rain checks will be provided. Not valid on previous purchases, packaging, taxes, shipping and handling charges, or on orders shipping outside the US or Canada. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Due to heavy demand, Sephora Same-Day Delivery times cannot be guaranteed for this promotion. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers or rewards, unless otherwise specified. Sephora may modify or cancel offer at any time.

††Beauty Insider members will earn four (4) points per dollar spent on all skincare products and five (5) points per dollar spent on all Sephora Collection skincare from 12:01am PT 1/5/26 through 11:59pm PT 1/14/26 in Sephora US and Canada stores, Sephora at Kohl’s, and on sephora,com, sephora,ca, and kohls,com by entering the promotion code 4XSKIN at checkout. Buy Online, Pick Up In Store orders placed after 1/14/26 do not qualify. Bonus points will be automatically credited to your Beauty Insider account within 24 hours after purchase or 24 hours after your Buy Online, Pick Up In Store order has been picked up. Points not earned on previous purchases, purchases of Same-Day Unlimited subscriptions, gift cards, gift wrapping, packaging, taxes, or shipping and handling charges. Points have no cash value and may not be bartered, sold, or transferred. Merchandise return will result in deduction of awarded points. If stacked with other point multiplier offers, points earned will increase by 1X. No minimum purchase required. Sephora may modify or cancel offer at any time.

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Welcomes the First Week of 2026

After Christmas and Year-End Clearance Sales are exceptionally good this year, and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has found some amazing deals to consider.

Do you have to be a certain type to wear leopard prints? Angie from Your True Self Blog talks about how to tame the leopard-print image.

Each month Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style hosts a series called The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book, and the theme for January is leggings.

Reviewing the FDA-cleared Glotech™ Hair Pro by LED Aesthetics, Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits examines whether red light therapy can support thinning hair and hair loss when the correct wavelengths and technologies are used.

Allison from Never Say Die Beauty was blown away by the quality and craftsmanship of the Winged Wonder Coat she bought online from young fashion designer, Max Alexander. By all means, check it out! 

Terri from Our Good Life says that finding your colors helps you create a wardrobe that feels cohesive, confidence-boosting, and easy to wear every day. When you dress in colors that truly suit you, you save money by shopping with intention and loving more of what you already own.

Rediscovery: Nurive CoreVital Retinol Cream for 2026

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Nurive CoreVital Retinol Cream is an effective and affordable cruelty-free retinol-based cream that I first discovered two or three years ago, and that I rediscovered recently. I regularly use retinol creams, and love finding effective and affordable versions, whenever possible. I have been using it nightly for a few months and forgot how much I really liked this one!

This retinol cream gently encourages skin cell turnover while nourishing, hydrating and smoothing the skin. It helps fade sun spots after extended use, and it is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. My skin is acclimated to retinol-based products because I use them regularly, and therefore there was no break-in period for me with this gentle retinol cream. However, It is always a good idea to patch test retinol products before using them on your whole face, and it is always a good idea to have your doctor evaluate your skin before using a product that exfoliates the skin. Suspicious dark spots and moles should be evaluated to make sure that they aren't cancerous or pre-cancerous since it would be a very bad idea to apply exfoliating products to those areas. Furthermore, it is very important to use a high SPF sunscreen on the skin when using products such as retinol since they leave the skin more vulnerable, and therefore one needs to further protect the skin. My skin doesn't peel or become dry with this retinol cream, and instead it looks refreshed and luminous.

According to Nurive,

CoreVital™ Retinol Cream is one of Nurive's CoreVital line that encapsulates our core vision of what luxury skincare can and will be: Skincare for all.

With sensitive skin in mind, we carefully formulated CoreVital Retinol Cream with gentle ingredients.

Features:

• Retinol: Helps relieve wrinkles
• Cica: Soothes irritated skin.
• Okra & Squalane: Hydrates skin.
• Tocopherol: Antioxidant & anti-aging.
• Clean and Ethical Beauty.
• Certified Vegan, Cruelty Free, Carbon Free by Carbon Fund.

Caution: For external use only. Keep away from direct contact with eyes, and avoid direct sunlight when applied. Immediately stop using and consult a doctor if skin becomes red, swollen and/or itchy during use. Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature.

Overall Assessment: This is so effective and affordable, and I am so happy to be using it again.

$21.99 for 1.69 oz. from Nurive and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

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

Wishing You a Very Happy New Year!

December 2025 Empties for the Face, Body and Hair

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

During the busy month of December, I managed to finish up 5 full-size products, and would happily use all of them again. I finished up 2 face products, 2 body products and 1 hair product. 

Y'OUR Cleanser (Available from Y'OUR Skincare and their Amazon Store): This cleanser is a very gentle and lightly lathering, and it thoroughly cleans without ever stripping my skin. It rinses clean and leaves my skin soft and comfortable. Additionally, it is fragrance-free, nourishing and leaves my skin lightly hydrated. It is gentle enough to use morning and night. Purchase Again? I am swimming in facial cleansers right now, but I would happily use this one again!

Dieux Skin Instant Angel Lipid Rich Facial Moisturizer ($45.00 for 50ml and $78.00 for 100ml. from Dieux and Sephora): This is a thoughtfully created cruelty-free and vegan moisturizer that is richly moisturizing. It is a peptide and ceramide-rich formulation that is barrier-supportive and immensely moisturizing for dehydrated skin and skin with a compromised barrier. It is rich and thick, and yet it melts into the skin quickly leaving behind an ethereal glow. It is fragrance-free, with no detectable aroma, and it makes the skin feel so soft, smooth and supple. If you have acne-prone skin, this cream will likely be too rich for you, and you might want to try Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream instead. However, if you have dry or dehydrated skin, then this lipid-rich moisturizer is truly heavenly! Purchase Again? I have too many open face creams to purchase another one right now, but I love this moisturizer and will happily use it again in the future!

Renpure Oat Milk & Ceramides Sensitive Skin Body Wash ($7.50 for 24 oz. and $14.99 for a 2-pack from iHerb, Amazon): This is a lightly fragranced body wash that boasts a very satisfying lather and it leaves skin soft and moisturized, rather than dry and irritated. This body wash is perfect for anyone, but it is formulated especially for people with sensitive skin. It has become my very favorite body wash. It is emollient and delectable, and it rinses clean without any sort of residue. Purchase Again? Without any hesitation. This is currently my very favorite body wash!

TOA WATERS Liquid Bath Bomb in Lockwood Forest ($8.50- $10.99 for 50ml from TOA WATERS, Macy's, TOA WATERS Amazon Store, and ETSY): is a pretty enchanted scent, a truly luxurious to experience in the bath. TOA WATERS describes the Lockwood Forest scent as "Earthy and natural. Infused with Oakmoss, Amber, Vanilla, Sage, and Lavender." It is calming, warm and creamy and utterly delectable. It is moisturizing, rather than drying and it feels utterly luxurious against the skin. Each bottle will give you two wonderful bubble baths, and they are perfect for the cold weather and after a long day on your feet. Purchase Again? I will happily use this again and again!

Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel in Light Golden Chestnut 5D ($17.49 from Herbatint, Amazon, iHerb, Walmart):  For many years I used drugstore brand at-home hair dyes, but the last couple of times that I did I noticed that my scalp became dry and irritated. I decided to try something a little different, and I kept seeing Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel, and I decided to try it. This Italian brand, founded in 1970, is cruelty-free, vegan and it has a wide range of colors from which to choose. I have naturally curly dark brown hair that naturally lightens up in the summer, and therefore during the cooler months I tried their Light Chestnut 5N, and for the summer I tried their Light Golden Chestnut 5D, and both are stunning shades.

I mixed the hair color gel and the developer until it became a thick gel that was uniform in color. I carefully brushed it from roots to tips and then left it on for 40 minutes. This formula was tested on sensitive skin, and it definitely did not irritate, burn or tingle my scalp. I rinsed it out after 40 minutes and then applied their wonderful Royal Cream Conditioner– which comes with the hair color. This conditioner is lightweight and yet incredibly emollient and moisturizing. When I was done my hair was uniformly a gorgeous chestnut shade, but it was darker than on the box since my hair was quite dark to start with. 

This formula neither dries out my scalp, nor my hair, and the color lasts for a few months before I need a touch up.

Herbatint encourages mixing shades to customize your hair color, and they also suggest that you can mix up just a small amount if you only need to do root-touch up. Whether you have any grey hair you seek to cover, or just roots that differ from the rest of your color, then just doing a root touch-up makes a lot of sense. I don't have much grey hair, but there are some strands here and there, and this does an excellent job of covering them. Purchase Again? I already have!

Overall Assessment: I was pleased to recycle 5 containers in the month of December, and would happily use all of these products again. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in December? Any serious discoveries or duds to report?

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

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