lola's secret beauty blog

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Epicutis Luxury Skincare Set Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

As previously noted, I was recently introduced to several products from EPICUTIS, and I am quite impressed by their ultra-luxe textures and product efficacy.

About EPICUTIS,

Epicutis® represents the forefront of skincare innovation, bringing together a team of respected scientists and health advocates united by a common goal: to bring real, measurable value to skincare.

In a field frequently dominated by empty promises and passing fads, we've dedicated ourselves to creating a new benchmark—one based on thorough research, observable results, and steadfast integrity.

The entirety of our library of ingredients are 100% non-toxic and non-disruptive. Every ingredient in our formulations are safe for all skin types. Our products are designed to strengthen and protect your barrier.

EWG Verified™ / Vegan / Non-GMO / Gluten-Free / 100% Non-Toxic / Sulfate Free Paraben Free / Cruelty Free / Synthetic Fragrance + Dye Free / Dermatologist Recommended / Responsibly Sourced + Produced / Not Tested On Animals / Meets California Recycling Standards / Prop 65 Compliant / Approved For Use In The EU/ Made in the USA.

The Epicutis Luxury Skincare Set is comprised of a full-size Lipid Serum (1 oz) and a full-size Hyvia Crème (1.7 oz). The two products together deeply nourish and hydrate, and they also calm irritated and stressed skin.

According to Epicutis,

The Luxury Skincare Set combines two powerful steps: Treat and Hydrate. It includes the Lipid Serum and Hyvia® Crème, both formulated with exclusive patented active ingredients unique to EPICUTIS®.

With therapeutic concentrations of TSC, our patented anti-inflammatory ingredient, this silky serum delivers an instant dose of relief for inflamed, stressed, sensitive or post-procedure skin - PLUS proven skin-health benefits that build over time.

The Hyvia® Crème combines the best of nature and science. It includes proprietary ingredients, complemented by a selection of pure, responsibly sourced botanicals that offer proven benefits for the skin.

Epicutis Lipid Serum ($250.00 when sold alone) is a thick and emollient serum that melts into the skin, and leaves it deeply hydrated and it calms inflammation, redness and irritation. This serum is very concentrated, and therefore a tiny amount is enough for the face, neck and décolleté. This can be used day and night, and after about a week I noticed that my skin was not only soft, hydrated, smooth and supple, but also that my fine lines were plumped and barely detectable. I used this serum after an exfoliation that left my skin a little irritated and red, and it calmed and left it comfortable very quickly. It has no detectable scent, and it is neither oily, nor sticky. It is a very solid performing serum.

According to Epicutis,

PURE MINIMALIST MAGIC: With only eight ingredients, this gentle formula is an essential member of your healing arsenal.

With therapeutic concentrations of TSC, our patented anti-inflammatory ingredient, this silky serum delivers an instant dose of relief for inflamed, stressed, sensitive or post-procedure skin—PLUS proven skin-health benefits that build over time.

Thanks to the lipid-like properties of TSC, EPICUTIS® Lipid Serum absorbs quickly—carrying a network of calming nutrients beneath the skin’s surface to soothe redness and fight collagen break down at the cellular level.

Features:

TSC to instantly lock in hydration + calm inflammation
Hyaluronic acid to instantly boost skin’s moisture level
Propanediol for skin plumping + anti-microbial benefits
Glycerin to help serum glide gently across skin’s surface

Directions: Apply a pea-sized amount of serum to clean fingertips. Gently spread it evenly over your face until it is fully absorbed. For your neck and décolleté, use an additional drop. For optimal results, use morning and night.

Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium Tetramethylhexadecenyl Succinoyl Cysteine, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid.

Epicutis Hyvia Crème ($195.00 when sold alone) is a creamy-dreamy facial cream with a delectable velvety texture. It is thick and rich, but it melts into the skin and doesn't leave behind a sticky or greasy residue. It deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin and leaves it soft, smooth, supple and luminous. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with the Epicutis Lipid Serum, skin is treated to serious pampering. My skin has a kind of indescribably clarity and luminosity, and it remains comfortably hydrated and moisturized all day long. It has a very light aroma– which is informed by its ingredients, not artificial fragrance– but it is light, pleasant and it fades quickly. This cream can be used morning and night, and like the serum it is quite concentrated. After prolonged use, it is supposed to fade hyperpigmentation, but since I use retinol, most of my small spots of sun damage have faded considerably.

According to Epicutis,

This rich, velvety treatment crème is the perfect marriage of nature and science—our proprietary powerhouses, backed by a fresh crop of pure, responsibly sourced botanicals with proven skin benefits.

HYVIA®, a patented moisturizing agent derived from organic non-GMO chia seed oil, instantly drenches the skin in deep hydration while blocking blue light damage. DSD works to shield the skin from harmful aggressors like UV rays.

Shea butter and evening primrose extract are also hard at work, helping the skin absorb and retain key nutrients and antioxidants—for a complexion that instantly looks plump and dewy, with additional skin-health benefits that build over time.

Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:

HYVIA® to boost hydration + barrier function.
DSD to help protect skin from environmental aggressors.
Shea butter for deep conditioning with a dewy finish.
Evening primrose extract to brighten + fade hyperpigmentation.

Directions: Apply a pea-sized amount to generously cover the face, neck, décolleté, and eye area. Gently spread and press until absorbed into the skin. For optimal results, use morning and night.

Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Limnanthes Alba Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearyl Alcohol, Steareth-20, Tocopherol, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, DSD (Disodium S-Phytyl Diglycoloylcysteine), Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, Isocetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Phytosterols, Ferulic Acid, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Hydroxide.

Overall Assessment: These are ultra-luxe treats for the skin, and they are wonderful separately, but even better together. I love how hydrated and luminous my skin is when I use these two products together. After having tried a few of their products, I am curious to try more of their offerings since they are really quite effective, and such a pleasure to use.

$395.00 for the set ($445.00 when sold separately) from Epicutis and eCosmetics (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

APRILSKIN Mugwort Calming Sunscreen SPF50 Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

K-Beauty sister brand to medicube, APRILSKIN recently launched their lightweight SPF serum on Amazon, and it is definitely a noteworthy find.

APRILSKIN Mugwort Calming Sunscreen SPF50 is a lightweight serum-like chemical sunscreen that absorbs quickly and leaves behind no white cast or an unpleasant greasy residue. If offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and it is infused with soothing mugwort and brightening niacinamide. Formulated for all types of skin, this sunscreen is fragrance-free and it helps calm irritated skin, and is even suitable for sensitive skin. As with every sunscreen– even with a high SPF– they only remain effective if one reapplies them as directed. I typically reapply every 75-90 minutes.

According to APRILSKIN,

Defends your skin against harmful UV rays with high-performance, broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection to help protect skin from UV exposure.

Driven by Mugwort to help soothe stressed skin and Niacinamide to help balance excess oil and improve the skin barrier.

A weightless, fast-absorbing formula that provides lasting hydration without leaving a white cast, heavy feel, or greasy residue.

Formulated to deeply hydrate, help support the skin's moisture barrier, and instantly cool skin temperature. Rigorously tested to be non-comedogenic, low-irritating, and fragrance-free.

Clinically tested to blend invisibly into all skin tones with zero chalky residue. A transparent, low-irritating finish for even the most sensitive skin.

Directions: Smooth evenly onto your face and neck as the final step of your skincare routine.

Ingredients: See below.

Overall Assessment: This is a very nice sunscreen, and it feels wonderful on the skin. If you prefer mineral sunscreens, then you may not be interested in this one since it is of the chemical variety, but it is effective and pleasant to use.

$21.80 for 1.69 oz. (at the time of this writing it was on sale for $13.00) from the APRILSKIN Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, October 5, 2026

Amazon Prime Day is Tuesday, October 6 Through Wednesday, October 7

(Affiliate Links)

Amazon Prime Day is Tuesday, October 6 through Wednesday, October 7! Save on everything imaginable! Whether you are buying things to enjoy during the fall or you are doing holiday shopping, the deep discounts will save you a bundle. One of my favorite things to shop for are discounts on streaming services such as Britbox, Acorn TV, etc. They offer heavy discounts for a few months, and that gives you enough time to watch the shows you love, and decide whether you want to subscribe longer term.

Visit: www.amazon.com

Sunday, October 4, 2026

NORDSTROM EXTRA 20% OFF CLEARANCE SALE!

(Affiliate Links)

Nordstrom is offering an EXTRA 20% OFF on their Clearance Sale. Check out their New Markdowns!

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

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

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

Saturday, October 3, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Week in Review

PURELY BELLA Dream Skin Night Cream is a luxurious nighttime retinoid cream that moisturizes, nourishes and pampers the skin without leaving it dry, irritated or flaky. Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves that it gently encourages skin cell turnover and leaves skin moisturized.

It's October, so now is your chance to choose outfits for the Spooky Season! Angie from Your True Self Blog has all the outfit ideas and style elements you need to celebrate Halloween every day this month. Age doesn't matter.

Dental care matters, but the cost can make it easy to put it off. In this post, Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits discusses how dental plans can help make a healthier smile more affordable .

Friday, October 2, 2026

KISS NEW YORK Bright Vita Charge Toner Pad Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

K-Beauty brand, KISS NEW YORK, is one of those brands that I like more and more with each new product that I test out. Their products are affordable, effective and a pleasure to use.

Kiss New York Bright Charge Vita Pad is my latest discovery from the brand, and it does not disappoint. This two-sided exfoliating pad is formulated to be used after cleansing the skin, and it removes anything that the cleanser may have missed. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells and it can be used by all skin types, including sensitive skin. Each pad is soaked in a blend of AHA and BHA to exfoliate the skin and refine the pores, but it is balanced by the use of ingredients such as Panthenol and Allantoin to calm the skin. Additionally, it includes brightening ingredients such as Niacinamide, Glutathione, and CoQ10 that help to brighten the skin, fade dark spots and leave the skin luminous. I find that it effectively exfoliates my normal/combination skin without drying it out or irritating it in any way. One side gently exfoliates, while the other sides smoothes the skin. It includes fragrance among its ingredients, and I would describe it as a light and pleasant citrus scent.

As with all exfoliating products, it is important to have your skin evaluated by your doctor or dermatologist to make sure that you are not exfoliating what could be precancerous or cancerous skin lesions. It is also imperative to use high SPF sunscreens when using products of this type.

According to KISS NEW YORK,

Experience the ultimate skincare upgrade with the Kiss New York Daily Toner Pad collection. Designed for those who demand efficiency without sacrificing results, these pre-soaked toner pads offer a one-step care solution that transforms your complexion after every cleanse.

Whether you are battling stubborn pores or looking to revive a dull skin tone, our dual-action formula ensures your skin remains moisturized, exfoliated, and perfectly balanced. Choose between our two specialized formulas to meet your unique skin goals. The Clear Refine Pore pad is an essential for sensitive skin types. Formulated with a powerhouse blend of AHA and BHA, it dives deep to dissolve makeup residue and sebum, while Panthenol and Allantoin work in harmony to soothe irritation and strengthen the skin barrier.

For those seeking a luminous, 'glass skin' effect, the Bright Vita Charge pad utilizes Niacinamide, Glutathione, and CoQ10 to brighten dark spots and even out skin tone. The addition of PHA ensures that even the most delicate skin can enjoy gentle exfoliation without redness.

Features & Claims:

These dual-sided toner pads provide comprehensive post-cleansing care by removing makeup residue, gently exfoliating, and smoothing skin texture in one easy swipe.
The Bright Vita Charge features a potent blend of Niacinamide, Glutathione, CoQ10, and PHA to deliver a soothing effect and visible brightening care.
The specialized embossed side effectively lifts away impurities and dead skin cells, while the smooth side delivers deep hydration and calms the skin for a refined finish.
Unlike traditional liquid toners, these pre-soaked pads can be used as a targeted mini mask on areas requiring extra moisture or intensive pore care.
Designed for convenient and hygienic use, these pads replace the need for separate cotton pads and toner, streamlining your routine for smooth skin and a healthy glow.

KISS NEW YORK'S Directions: Our dual-sided facial pads feature a textured embossed side designed to physically and chemically lift away dead skin cells and impurities. Flip the pad over to the smooth side to refine your skin texture and prep your face for serums and moisturizers.

For an extra boost of hydration, place the smooth side on your cheeks or forehead for 3-5 minutes as a mini mask. Our pore pads are housed in a secure packaging system that prevents evaporation. Use the enclosed tweezers to pick up each pad, ensuring your skincare remains sterile and effective from the first pad to the last.

Overall Assessment: These exfoliating pads are effective, gentle on my skin and quite affordable.

$15.99 for 5.46 oz (70 count) from the KISS NEW YORK Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, October 1, 2026

EPICUTIS Oil Cleanser Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I was recently introduced to several products from EPICUTIS, and I am quite impressed by their ultra-luxe textures and efficacy.

About EPICUTIS,

EPICUTIS Oil Cleanser is a very luxurious cleansing oil, from its thick glass bottle– which can be recycled– to the lovely oil itself. EPICUTIS suggests applying the oil to dry skin– with dry hands– and then gently massaging it into the skin using a circular motion. Then wet your fingers and the oil emulsifies and then should be rinsed thoroughly. If you are an advocate of double cleansing– like me– then you will want to follow using your favorite cleanser. This cleansing oil leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated, but without an oily residue left behind. It calms irritated skin, leaves it soft, thoroughly cleanses, effortlessly removes makeup and sunscreen and leaves skin beautifully hydrated. It has no added fragrance, and the faint aroma is from the ingredients themselves.

According to EPICUTIS,

Typical oil cleansers work great for preserving natural skin oils but don’t wash off completely, leaving your skin feeling greasy. EPICUTIS® Oil Cleanser uses two special botanical based fatty acids that when in contact with water create a mild cleansing action to leave the skin feeling soft, cleansed and not greasy.

We redefine how you clean your skin by using gentle yet effective oils to remove unwanted dirt, makeup, and oil without stripping your skin of what it needs.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil help unclog pores while melting away makeup, dirt, sebum, and sunscreen – creating a combination of powerful responsibly sourced botanicals to clean your skin the right way.

Directions: Dispense 2-3 pumps of Oil Cleanser onto clean, dry hands, and apply to a dry face. Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin in circular motions. Add a small amount of water to finger tips to emulsify the product, then rinse it thoroughly with water. For optimal results, use morning and night.

Select Ingredients and Their Attributes:

HYVIA® to boost hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Hinoki Wood Oil to cleanse and calm skin.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil to unclog pores and hydrate.
Sunflower Seed Oil to melt away dirt and makeup.

Full Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquioleate, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil.

Overall Assessment: What a luxurious, and effective cleansing oil. This is such a pleasure to use.

$85.00 for 4 oz. from EPICUTIS, eCosmetics and Just Glo Backbar & Skincare App (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

September 2026 Empties for the Face, Hair & Body

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

During the month of September, I managed to finish up 8 full-size products, and I loved and would happily use each of them again and again. Items such as face creams won't be replaced any time soon since I have so many open face creams that I need to finish first, and I always make a concerted effort to finish things up before they expire so that I avoid unnecessary waste, but sometimes that is hard to achieve when I test so many products on a regular basis. Here is what I finished up in September:

Trader Joe's Bergamot & Vetiver Scented Hand Soap: This was a limited-time hand soap, and it sold out. What an absolute delight this is, and I really hope that they bring it back. This beautiful citrusy floral scent is such a treat to the senses, and rather than drying out my hands, they are left lightly moisturized. A+ Purchase Again? I would in a heartbeat if they relaunched it!

($3.99 for 12 oz. from Trader Joe's).

Spongellé Hand Cream in Bulgarian Rose: Spongellé Hand Creams are the perfect antidote for dry hands during the cold months of the year. I have used their hand creams many years now, and I reach for them constantly. They feature ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Argan Oil and Macademia Seed Oil that deeply moisturize and heal chapped hands, and the Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and plumps fine lines. After using these hand creams, my poor chapped hands have been soft, smooth, nourished, hydrated and luminous!

My favorite scent, and one that I have replaced more than once, is the Bulgarian Rose. If you are a fan of rose scented body care products, then this one should not be missed! It has an elegant and hypnotic rose aroma that is utterly beautiful and a delight to the senses. Bulgarian Rose: Top: Cinnamon Sticks, Sliced Ginger, Sweet Clove, Juicy Orange. Middle: Tuberose Base: Whipped Vanilla, Cozy Musk. Purchase Again? Definitely, but I need to use up some of my other hand creams first!

($21.00 for 2 oz. from Spongellé).

René Furterer 5 Sens Enhancing Dry Oil is a beautifully fast absorbing dry oil that can be used on the hair and body. It has a lovely soft aroma that is a treat to the senses, but it isn't long lasting or in the least bit cloying. When I use it on my body, it melts into the skin and leaves it soft, supple, hydrated and nourished. For the hair, it offers extraordinary hydration and leaves locks soft, smooth and manageable. It tames frizz and fly-aways, and it gives hair a glossy shine. Purchase Again? Without question, this dry oil is sublime!

($54.00 for 3.3 oz. from René Furterer, Amazon).

Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel in Light Golden Chestnut 5D: 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. I simply use half the normal amount, as Herbatint suggests, and it works perfectly! Purchase Again? I already have– in fact the last time that they had a sale, I bought quite a few boxes!

($17.99 from Amazon, iHerb, Walmart).

Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Cleansing Jelly: This is such a special and unique cleanser, and is such a distinct pleasure to use. The jelly melts into a glorious balm when it meets the warmth of the skin, and then it emulsifies into a milky emulsion in the presence of water. Simply massage it into the skin and it effectively removes dirt, makeup and sunscreen, and it rinses clean without leaving behind any sort of residue. This antioxidant-rich formula leaves skin soft, glowing and hydrated. Purchase Again? I am currently swimming in open tubes of cleansers that I need to finish first, but I would happily use this wonderful cleanser again!

($29.00 for 3.5 oz. from Amazon, Ulta, Credo Beauty and Bluemercury).

Dr. BRID C Barrier Defense Basic Cream is a daily moisturizer– for the morning and night– suitable for all types of skin, including for with sensitive skin. The peptide-rich formula was created to support the skin's moisture barrier to protect it from environmental stressors that can wreak havoc on the skin. It is a lightweight and fast absorbing cream that leaves skin soft, smooth, hydrated and luminous. It leaves behind no unwanted greasy residue and has no detectable scent. It is a really nice, hardworking and dependable daily moisturizer that feels luxurious. Furthermore, this cruelty- free K-Beauty brand makes affordable products that are an absolute joy to use. Purchase Again? Definitely, but not until I need more face cream!

($19.99 for 0.67 oz. from their Amazon Store).

Dr. BRID C Intensive Moisture Basic Cream is an unbelievably effective face cream that I have been using for many months, but what I discovered is that it is exquisite in its ability to pamper my skin this summer. It has a superb velvety texture, and it feels like an ultra-luxe facial cream– at an affordable price– that provides serious moisture. It is mid-weight and yet it melts into the skin immediately leaving it soft, smooth, supple and luminous. It leaves behind no greasy residue, and while it is formulated for dry and/or dehydrated skin, I find it particularly effective for my normal skin with some t-zone activity. It offers my skin ample moisture that lasts all day, and prevents my skin from becoming dehydrated during the hot months of summer. There is no detectable aroma and there are no parabens or silicones in this lovely cream. Purchase Again? I already opened another tube!

($21.99 for 0.68 oz. from their Amazon Store).

Victoria Beckham Beauty Eye Khol Pencil in Bronze: This brand makes my very favorite eyeliner pencils and their Bronze and Cocoa shades are my very favorite colors to wear daily. I think that the formula is absolutely superior to everything else on the market. They are creamy to the touch, ultra-pigmented, and once they set they do not budge. They are waterproof without being harsh, and they glide across the skin effortlessly, deposit color evenly and they do not bleed or feather. There is a sponge-tip applicator on each liner that allows you to smudge effortlessly, and you have enough time to smudge before the liners set. On me, these liners stay put until I remove them at the end of the day. Bronze is aptly described as, "a golden brown with shimmer"– and it is gorgeous!

Victoria Beckham Beauty is a cruelty-free brand, and these liners are infused with Vitamin E, hydrating pro-vitamin B5, and calming chamomile. They are quite kind and gentle to sensitive eyes like mine, and they can also be used on the waterline and for tight-lining– though I avoid shades with shimmer for tight-lining. The colors are spectacularly beautiful independently, but they can also be blended to soften or intensify the lighter and darker shades, respectively. I like to wear several of them at the same time. For instance, I like to first line my upper and lower lids with a color such as Bronze, and then I smudge Black into my lash line to intensify the effect, but also to frame my eyes using a darker color in my lash line for a more stunning visual effect. is a decadent rich matte brown. Purchase Again? I already have!

($35.00 each from Victoria Beckham Beauty, bluemercury, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman).

Overall Assessment: As I said above, I loved everything that I finished up in September, and would happily use all of them again. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in September? Did you make any amazing product discoveries, or were you disappointed by mediocre over-hyped products? Do tell!

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

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

PURELY BELLA Gentle Renewal Exfoliating Pads Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

As previously noted, I recently discovered PURELY BELLA skincare products, and I am nothing if not impressed by their skincare gems.

About Purely Bella and the Founder, Cathi Carrier, Licensed Esthetician For 32+ Years:

For over three decades I had my hands on women’s faces. I opened my own spa in Old Saybrook and built a practice on one belief: skin tells the truth. I saw what stress did, what sun did, what time did.

Then women in their forties started arriving with a new problem. Dry, dull, reactive, unpredictable. The routine that had served them for years suddenly stopped serving them. I listened, and I wanted better answers for their changing needs.

Hormonal changes can be part of the picture. I wanted effective skincare with clearer guidance for women whose skin had changed.

So I brought my ingredient knowledge and hands-on experience to a team of skincare chemists. Together, we built PURELY BELLA around the needs I had heard about for years.

The room got bigger. The standard did not change. Today PURELY BELLA reaches women beyond my treatment room. I bring the same care and attention to the brand that I brought to the women sitting three feet in front of me.

Purely Bella Gentle Renewal Exfoliating Pads are gentle two-sided exfoliating pads that lift dead skin cells, unclog congested pores, and reveal soft, smooth and supple skin. In addition to including ingredients such as Mandelic and Lactic Acids to exfoliate dead skin, this formula includes glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate the skin as it is being exfoliated. I love to use this at night before I go to bed, and I can see a real difference in my skin when I wake up. It is left soft, smooth, supple and hydrated. I do not use it when I am using Retin A or other retinoids because I do not want to over-exfoliate my skin, and I always use an SPF 50 to keep my skin protected after this type of exfoliation– which can leave the skin vulnerable to environmental exposure. What is especially noteworthy is the fact that that these exfoliating pads do not dry out or irritate my skin, and it doesn't peel, burn or become red and inflamed.

According to PURELY BELLA,

Gentle exfoliating pads that smooth texture, brighten dullness, and refresh mature skin without over stripping.

Refresh the look of dull, uneven texture with mandelic and lactic acids in convenient dual-sided pads. Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and botanical extracts complement the exfoliating formula.

Directions: After cleansing in the evening, gently sweep one pad across dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Use light pressure without scrubbing. Do not rinse. Follow with moisturizer. Start once weekly and increase only as tolerated, to no more than three times weekly. Avoid other exfoliating products on the same day and introduce separately from vitamin A products. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day. Patch test and stop if irritation occurs.

Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:

Mandelic and lactic acids: exfoliating AHAs.
Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate: help hydrate skin.
Green tea, chamomile, aloe, turmeric, and willow bark extracts: botanical ingredients that complement the formula.

Ingredients: Aqua, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Butylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol 12M.

Cruelty-free. Formulated without parabens, phthalate, or artificial dyes.

Overall Assessment: This a very solid brand that is effective, cruelty-free and a pleasure to use. These exfoliating pads are exceptionally good.

$40.00 for 4 oz. from PURELY BELLA and the PURELY BELLA APP (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, September 28, 2026

PURELY BELLA Tight & Bright Peptide Eye Gel Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

As I noted last week, I recently discovered a new-to-me brand, PURELY BELLA, that was founded by, Cathie Carrier, a licensed esthetician with decades of experience. I am quite impressed by their products, and I loved their PURELY BELLA Dream Skin Night Cream that I already shared with you, and now want to share my review about the PURELY BELLA Tight & Bright Peptide Eye Gel.

About Purely Bella and the Founder, Cathi Carrier, Licensed Esthetician For 32+ Years:

Hormonal changes can be part of the picture. I wanted effective skincare with clearer guidance for women whose skin had changed.

So I brought my ingredient knowledge and hands-on experience to a team of skincare chemists. Together, we built PURELY BELLA around the needs I had heard about for years.

PURELY BELLA Tight & Bright Peptide Eye Gel is a very lightweight and moisturizing eye gel that melts into the skin without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue. The metal applicator tip has a cooling effect that helps to de-puff and refresh the under eye area while helping the eye gel absorb into the skin. This is a very concentrated gel, and therefore only a tiny amount is necessary. Rich in peptide duo, niacinamide, astaxanthin, jojoba oil, aloe vera cucumber and centella, this effective antioxidant formula protects the skin against free-radical damage while moisturizing it, de-puffing the skin under the eyes and reducing the appearance of dark circles. Furthermore, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous. I have sensitive eyes, and often worry when I try new eye creams and gels, but I am happy to report that this gel didn't irritate my eyes, or the delicate skin beneath them.

According to PURELY BELLA,

Tight & Bright brings a lightweight moisturizing step to dry, tired-looking under-eyes. A peptide duo, niacinamide, and astaxanthin help support a smoother, more even-looking eye area, while the metal applicator adds a cooling touch.

Benefits & Claims:

Hydrates the delicate under-eye area without a heavy finish.
Helps soften the appearance of dryness-related fine lines.
Supports brighter, more refreshed-looking under-eyes.
A metal applicator adds a cooling touch during application.

Directions: Use a rice-grain amount per eye along the orbital bone, with light pressure. Keep away from the lash line and avoid direct eye contact. Apply before moisturizer in the morning or evening. Patch test first and stop use if irritation occurs.

Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:

Peptide duo: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 help support firmer-looking skin.
Niacinamide and licorice root extract: complement the formula’s brightening focus.
Astaxanthin: an antioxidant in the formula.
Jojoba oil, aloe, cucumber, and centella: help condition and moisturize the eye area.

Ingredients: Aqua, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Sodium PCA, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder, Astaxanthin, Sodium Lactate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Centella Asiatica Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Officinale (Dandelion) Extract Taraxacum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.