lola's secret beauty blog

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Wishing You and Your Loved Ones A Happy Easter and Passover

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Easter and Passover.

Saturday, April 4, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team's First Week of April in Review

Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits says skip the all-diamond engagement ring route and get a sapphire engagement ring. That pop of color changes everything, adding contrast, personality, and a look that actually stands out instead of blending in.

Out of endless ways to wear a denim jacket, Angie from Your True Self Blog chose three style tips that make you look special in jean jackets .

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog absolutely loves Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer, and thinks it is the perfect warm weather pick for hydrated skin.

Sometimes life sets you back from your daily routine and then it is time to build things up again and make a change, or some changes. Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style tells us what did set her back. Time to rethink things and make a few changes.

Terri from Our Good Life highlights the most versatile dainty diamond necklace styles, from layered and vintage-inspired designs to modern geometric and personalized pieces, all chosen for their ability to elevate everyday outfits.

Itchy scalp? Need some help stimulating hair growth? Allison from Never Say Die Beauty has been using Everist EVERBOOST Multi-Peptide Scalp Serum to help solve a couple of hair issues. So far, so good!

Friday, April 3, 2026

Open Edit Flannel Boxer Pajama Pants on Sale for 60% Off at Nordstrom!

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I have been needing to buy some new pajamas for a while, and when I found the Open Edit Print Flannel Boxer Pajama Pants on sale for up to 60% at Nordstrom, I ordered three pair without hesitation! While these are flannel, they are not thick and heavy, and therefore can be worn year round. They are loose fitting by design and they are ridiculously comfy. They are 60% cotton, and therefore when I washed them they did shrink a tiny bit. They come in 6 cute prints– see below– and you just can't go wrong with them!

According to Nordstrom,

Nothing says 'comfiest night ever' like these boxer-style pajama pants cut from from cotton-enriched flannel in a relaxed, straight-leg fit.

Features:

28" inseam; 22" leg opening; 12" front rise; 15" back rise (size X-Small)
Elastic waist
60% cotton, 40% polyester
Machine wash, tumble dry
Imported
Size info: XS=0-2, S=4-6, M=8-10, L=12-14, XL=16.

Overall Assessment: This was a great find, and I bought them sight-unseen online, and am so happy that I did! I highly recommend them– especially at this price. They are so comfy and cozy, and I plan to buy a few more before they sell out. A+

$19.60-$21.99 on Sale. Regularly $49.00 from Nordstrom (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, April 2, 2026

NORDSTROM END-OF-SEASON SALE: UP TO 50% OFF

Affiliate Links

Nordstrom is having their up to 50% Off Sale! This end-of-season sale is really excellent! Check out their newest markdowns! There are some spectacular savings on top products from top brands!

Nordstrom has tons of new markdowns that they have added to their current sale, and they have so many great beauty finds on sale! I spend a long time looking at the sale items and there are some spectacular savings on top products from top brands.

Shop by Department:
Sale: Beauty | Women | Men | Kids | Home

Women's Clothing | Women's Shoes | Handbags & Accessories

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel Revisited

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel is an exfoliating Glycolic and Salicylic Acids gel cleanser that effectively removes dead skin cells, cleans the skin, dissolves makeup and leaves skin deeply cleansed, soft, smooth and radiant without stripping or drying out the skin. I have used this cleanser for more than 2 years, and I absolutely love it. This cleanser forms a satisfying lather and it has a light citrus aroma that is neither long-lasting, nor overpowering. For my normal to combination skin, I can use this cleanser once a day and it doesn't dry out my skin or leave it uncomfortable in any way. It is formulated for all types of skin, but people with dryer skin types will want to use it less frequently than people with oilier skin. Your usage will depend upon your skin type, and your need for exfoliation.

According to Peter Thomas Roth,

Luxurious, anti-aging facial cleansing gel provides an exhilarating, peachy clean freshness to help produce a beautiful, fresh, youthful-looking complexion. An advanced exfoliating and cleansing action helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores and other signs of aging. Ideal for all skin types except sensitive, including dry, normal, combination, oily and sun-damaged. Effectively cleanses pores, dissolves makeup, emulsifies oil and helps improve the look of skin texture as it chemically exfoliates with Glycolic and Salicylic Acids. Brightening botanicals help clarify the look of skin, leaving it with an ultra-clean, refined and revitalized appearance.

Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

Directions: Combination, oily and acne prone skin, use once or twice daily. Normal, dry and sun damaged skin, use two to three times a week at first, increasing usage if well-tolerated. Apply a small amount of cleansing gel over moistened skin with the fingertips. Work into a rich, foamy lather and massage gently for one minute. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat dry. Follow with PTR treatment product, moisturizer and/or sun protection.

Ingredients: Water/aqua/eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Quercus Alba Bark Extract, Prunus Persica (peach) Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (lime) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (lemon) Fruit Extract, Arginine, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Isostearamide Mipa, Glyceryl Laurate, Sodium Glycolate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/parfum, Red 40/CI 16035, Yellow 5/CI 19140.

Overall Assessment: This is a very effective exfoliating cleanser, and it is gentle on my finicky skin. It leaves it unbelievably soft, smooth and radiant. I will use this cleanser, as long as they make it!

$35.00 for 6.7 oz. from Peter Thomas Roth, Sephora, Ulta, Dermstore, Macy's, Amazon and Target (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

March Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Press Sample & GWP (Affiliate Links)

I managed to finish up 8 products in the month of March, and I can easily and emphatically state that I would happily use all of these products again. Four of them were full size products that I have been using on a daily basis, and four of them were in my travel bag. Since I was out-of-town with some regularity, I managed to finish up four trail size products before I got back home. Here is what I finished up in March:

Full Size Empties:

dearcloud Milky Whip Facial Cleanser ($14.00 for 5oz. from Ulta and Nordstrom Rack): dearcloud milky whip facial cleanser is gentle and effective in its ability to thoroughly clean the skin without stripping it and leaving it dry. It forms a rich, creamy and thoroughly satisfying lather, and it is formulated for all types of skin. I have normal skin with some activity in my t-zone, but not enough to be true combination skin, and it works very well for me. This rinses clean without any sort of residue, and it has the most faint clean scent of matcha. Purchase Again? Without question, I love this cleanser!

Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream ($27.00 for 1.69 oz. from Dr. Althea, iHerb, Ulta, Olive Young, Amazon, Soko Glam, YesStyle, and StyleVana): This is wonderfully moisturizing cream that is formulated to strengthen the skin barrier while nourishing the skin. This cream is lightweight, very emollient and it melts into the skin effortlessly. It leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous, and without any sort of greasy residue left behind. It has no detectable aroma and it feels very luxurious as it sinks in, and it can be used in the morning and evening. Purchase Again? Definitely!

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Vitamins & Minerals SPF50 ($65.00 for 1.86oz. from Credo Beauty, bluemercury and Amazon): I have used quite a few luxury sunscreens over the years, but this one is particularly special. This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen offers excellent protection against the harmful rays of the sun, but in addition to using Zinc Oxide in its formulation, they employ the use of Tulip Extract, Bisabolol, Shiitake Mushroom extract, Kakadu plum extract, Plum pine fruit extract and Burdekin plum fruit extract. Therefore, this antioxidant-rich sunscreen scavenges free-radicals and nourishes, hydrates and brightens the skin. The serum consistency is such a pleasure to use, and has quickly become my most coveted sunscreen. It has a light tint that evens out skin tone, and gives skin a beautiful radiance. Purchase Again? I have numerous open bottles of sunscreen in use, but this is a splurge that I will make in the future because it is such a great sunscreen (hopefully I can find it on sale!).

Nurive CoreVital Retinol Cream ($21.99 for 1.69 oz. from Nurive and their Amazon Store): This 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. Purchase Again? Eventually, but I have other retinol creams to use up first.

Travel Size Empties:

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Grapefruit ($13.00 for 2 oz. from LAVANILA, Amazon and Target): This is a wonderful healthy deodorant formula that is effective, smells delicious and offers long-lasting protection. It is described as a, "citrusy blend of pink grapefruit, zesty lime and soft vanilla." It smells delectable and the uplifting aroma lasts all day on me. This is a travel size, but I most often use the full size instead of (even when traveling).

If you are seeking an antiperspirant, then be advised that this does not prevent sweating. This has been my favorite healthy deodorant for many years now, and I will use it as long as LAVANILA makes it. It applies to the skin effortlessly, without tugging, and it never leaves a residue or stain on the clothes. This is a cruelty-free brand and their deodorants are free of aluminum and parabens. Purchase Again? I already opened another one!

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil ($29.00 for 8.4 oz. from Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, Target and Amazon): I remember trying it many years ago, and thinking it was fantastic, and I remembered accurately. This lightweight shower oil, which has a delicate almond aroma, transforms into a milky emulsion when water is introduced. It forms a very light foam and the lovely aroma fills the bathroom and delights the senses. It gently cleans the skin and leaves it silky smooth, soft to the touch and moisturized. Furthermore, it rinses clean and leaves behind no greasy residue. Purchase Again? Absolutely, I am obsessed with this shower oil!

milk_shake Leave-In Conditioner in Flower ($28.00 for 11.8 oz and $12.00 for 2.5 oz. from milk_shake, Amazon, Target and Walmart): I use leave-in conditioners every single day– I use them after I wash my hair and even on days when I don't since a good leave-in conditioner keeps my curly hair manageable and hydrated. This lovely leave-in detangles, offers my hair lasting hydration, and fights frizz and leaves my hair soft and shiny. It has a wonderful fragrance that is delectable and intoxicating, but the aroma isn't imposing or distracting. It is formulated for all types of hair. Purchase Again? I just opened a full size bottle!

milk_shake Cold Brunette Conditioner ($28.00 for 8.4 oz. and $10.00 for 1.7 oz. from milk_shake, Amazon, Target and Walmart): This conditioner has a dark blue pigment that, "reduces unwanted warmth while renewing brown hair." It prevents color fading and dulling, and helps prolong color-treatment. It keeps any brassiness at bay. Purchase Again? I only had the travel size, but I really liked it a lot. I may purchase it in the future.

Overall Assessment: I thoroughly enjoyed using these products and will happily use all of them again! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in March? Any great discoveries or over-hyped duds to report?

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

Monday, March 30, 2026

Dr. Althea Retinol Flat Iron Eye Roller Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Dr. Althea Retinol Flat Iron Eye Roller is an eye serum that has a metal application tip that Dr. Althea aptly describes as a built-in gua sha roller. It rolls the serum into the delicate skin under the eyes and the cool metal soothes and depuffs. It feels so uplifting and refreshing against the skin, while the deeply hydrating serum offers long-lasting hydration. The Hyaluronic Acid delivers and retains hydration, and it plumps fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, it has no detectable scent, and it didn't irritate my sensitive eyes in the least bit.

Benefits:

- Instant Face Lift Serum & Wrinkle Care

- Hands-Free Gua Sha Eye Roller

- Non Artificial Coloring & Vegan

According to Dr. Althea,

Our special built-in gua sha roller applicator is designed to enhance lifting effects while helping to deliver elasticity and lifting benefits without irritating the skin. The eye roller provides hygienic and effective care for delicate wrinkles around the eyes.

Blended with 1,000ppm retinol and bakuchiol to help reduce wrinkles and support a lifting effect. Bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient known for retinol-like benefits, works synergistically with retinol to enhance anti-wrinkle results.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting moisture while soothing the skin without irritation.Made only with natural ingredients, this eye serum is suitable for sensitive skin and its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula leaves no sticky residue on the skin.

Enriched with Cica Retisome, Centella and Madecassoside to help soothe the skin while supporting hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier for a longer-lasting hydration care.

Our products are free from artificial coloring, fragrance, and parabens, ensuring it is gentle on the skin. Additionally, it is Vegan-certified to meet ethical and eco-friendly standards.

Directions: Press gently to dispense a small amount. Roll the applicator around the eye area for gentle absorption.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Retinol, Tromethamine, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Cholesterol, Panthenol, Disodium Edta, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Tocopherol, Ceramide Np, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Madecassoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Bakuchiol, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Sodium Dna, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8.

Overall Assessment: Dr. Althea is a highly effective K-Beauty skincare brand, and this eye serum is a real treat to use. It is effective, refreshing and affordable.

$23.00 for 0.84 oz. from Dr. Althea, Amazon, YesStyle and Style Korean (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Skincare Tips for the Warm Weather

1) Check the dates on your sunscreens and replace all of them that have expired. I know that this is obvious, but that doesn't change the fact that many of us forget to check the dates on the bottles and tubes, and thus apply ineffective and expired sunscreens.

2) Be diligent in your use of a high SPF sunscreen (at least an SPF 30- though I use between an SPF 30-SPF 50 most of the time). The key is to remember to reapply sunscreen frequently. I often find myself applying my sunscreen in the morning and then forgetting to do so again throughout the day. That first and only application offers us a false sense of sun protection, but it does not last from morning until night. I have forced myself to carry sunscreen with me to reapply it, but of course this means that I need to reapply some foundation, tinted moisturizer, blush, or whatever I am wearing on my face that day. While this isn't terribly convenient it is necessary, and definitely worth the trouble. It should be applied to all exposed areas, and remember that the harmful rays also penetrate your clothing. Vulnerable areas like the ears, back of the neck, the drivers side of your face and body, the back of the hands, and feet are most often neglected.

3) Wear a wide brim hat. I try to do this when I am sitting outside reading- even though I do so under an umbrella. Not only can the sun wreak havoc on your tresses, but the scalp is subject to sunburn as well. You can also use a deep conditioner on a weekly basis to keep your hair in good shape, and consider a good spray on SPF that is formulated for the hair.

4) Wear sunglasses! A good pair of sunglasses won't just protect your eyes, but will also protect the vulnerable under eye area.

5) Drink plenty of water. I know that this is painfully obvious, but it is something that I often don't do nearly enough of– particularly when I am on the go during the warmer months.

6) Consider adding in an anti-aging face serum to help fight free radicals. Even if you are young and aren't seeing fine lines pop up yet, the benefits of anti-aging serums do wonders for scavenging free radicals.

7) Add a nourishing face oil into your rotation. They penetrate the skin more deeply and moisturize the skin. They also give the skin a beautiful healthy glow. They can also be used in lieu of heavier skin creams when you want something lighter and faster absorbing. Fear not, they are made for all types of skin from oily to dry and everything in between.

8) Consider adding Hyaluronic-based lotions, serums or gels into your product rotation because they help retain and elevate hydration.

9) If you have a favorite medium to full coverage foundation that is a perfect match for you, but is too heavy for the season, then blend a small amount with your favorite facial lotion or cream, and you will have the perfect tinted moisturizer. Add a touch of primer and sunscreen, and then you have a BB Cream. When I do this I use the back of my hand to mix it- it's a fast and convenient method. I would still highly recommend using a separate sunscreen to make sure that you have sufficient coverage. Again, you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (approximately every 60-80 minutes).

10) Use a good moisture mask at least once a week, or as needed.

11) Don't forget about your lips! Apply a moisturizing lip balm with an SPF underneath your lip gloss or lipstick to keep your lips protected. Reapplication throughout the day is the key to maintaining protection.

What are your favorite tips to get your skin through the warm weather?

Saturday, March 28, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team End of March in Review

Finding the right lipsticks isn’t easy, but you can mix your own to get the perfect shades you're looking for. Angie from Your True Self Blog helps you to discover how to make your lipstick colors look spectacular!

If you are seeking a refreshing and delightful new body wash, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog highly recommends Native Body Wash in Cucumber & Mint. It's truly amazing and perfect for the season!

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style sees pastel shades everywhere in the new collections, and butter yellow in particular. She had already bought an amazing pair of yellow jeans last year, so they will be coming out of the closet again soon.

April Fools or the real thing? Shinesty’s latest underwear will definitely make you do a double-take. Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits explains that odor-neutralizing fabric technology is real and improving.

Terri from Our Good Life explores how mindful beauty and wellness practices reduce stress, engage the senses, and help create a more personal, sustainable rhythm in everyday life.

Need a little color in your cheeks? Allison from Never Say Die Beauty loves LYS Beauty Higher Standard Cream Glow Blush Stick! It’s perfect for dry skin, easy to apply and doesn’t fade like other creams.

Friday, March 27, 2026

Herbatint Hair Color Sale Up to 20% Off on Amazon