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.

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

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.

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

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:

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 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.

Overall Assessment: I have already become a big fan of PURELY BELLA, and this eye gel really works quite well.

$64.00 for 1 oz. from PURELY BELLA and Nordstrom (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Happy First Autumn Sunday

I hope that you have a joyous first weekend of Autumn!

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Welcomes Autumn

Angie from Your True Self Blog has a few style tips to help you accessorize business outfits in classy ways. You can be sure that you’ll polish and brighten your look when you try these ideas!

If you are seeking an effective and affordable face oil, then Lola's Secret beauty Blog is delighted to recommend haruharu wonder Black Rice Facial Oil! It is a lightweight and fast absorbing dry oil that nourishes and moisturizes, and it gives skin an ethereal glow!

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style has had a two week vacation, but sadly not to her beloved England as she is on the transplantation list for donor lungs. Staying in her own country gives her plenty of places to go for cycling, shopping or visiting a museum. 

Personal care is now being seen as part of overall well-being, rather than a purely cosmetic concern. Barbie from Barbie's Beauty Bits shares how self-care habits, wellness routines, and long-term health goals are all shaping how people approach their hair, skin, and daily rituals.

PURELY BELLA Dream Skin Night Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

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 am excited to share the PURELY BELLA Dream Skin Night Cream with you.

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 Dream Skin Night Cream is an antioxidant-rich night cream that is lightweight, and yet quite emollient, and it sinks into the skin immediately. Filled with nourishing and hydrating ingredients, such as Shea Butter, this nighttime renewal cream moisturizes, rather than dries out the skin– all while the Retinyl Palmitate (which is a Retinoid) encourages skin cell turnover. Therefore, this should be used at night, and one needs to make sure to use a high SPF sunscreen whenever using retinoids. I use an SPF 50 to really make sure to keep my skin protected. I find that this night cream is gentle on my skin and does not leave it red, irritated, dry or flakey. It does an excellent softening the appearance of fine lines and revealing more even-toned skin since it helps to fade and lighten areas discolored by skin damage. As I always emphatically state, it is imperative to see your doctor or dermatologist to evaluate your skin before using a retinoid. They can determine whether moles or spots of discoloration are pre-cancerous or cancerous, and the last thing one should do is apply a product that encourages skin cell turnover to something that is potentially a malignancy. I love the aroma of Lavender essential oil, and Dream Skin Night Cream includes it among its ingredients, and its calming aroma is quite evident when you apply this cream. However, I note that a few minutes after application that the aroma dissipates.

According to Purely Bella,

Bring dry-feeling midlife skin back to a softer, more supple feel. Dream Skin combines nourishing moisture with astaxanthin and retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative, for a smoother-looking nighttime finish.

Benefits and Claims:

• Nourishes dry-feeling skin overnight.
• Helps skin look smoother and more radiant.
• Leaves skin feeling soft and supple.
• A moisturizing cream step that can be used alone or under a small amount of facial oil.

Directions: After cleansing, apply a pea-sized amount to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Start every other evening and increase only as tolerated. If using the Renewal Oil Serum, press a small amount over the cream. Do not start several vitamin A or exfoliating products at once. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day.

Contains essential oils. Patch test before facial use, especially if your skin reacts to botanicals or essential oils. Avoid irritated skin and stop use if irritation occurs.

Key Ingredients and Their Attributes:

• Astaxanthin: an antioxidant in the formula.
• Retinyl palmitate: a vitamin A derivative, not retinol.
• Shea butter and squalane: emollients that soften and condition skin.
• Lavender essential oil: contributes to the formula’s aroma.

Ingredients: Water, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tridecyl Stearate (and) Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate (and) Tridecyl Trimellitate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate (and) Glyceryl Oleate (and) Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dl-alpha Tocopherol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Retinyl Palmitate, Astaxanthin, Citric Acid.

Overall Assessment: This is a wonderful nighttime cream, and PURELY Bella is a lovely brand. I can't wait to share more of their products with you.

$68.00 for 1.76 oz. from Purely Bella, the Purely Bella App and Nordstrom (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Kiss New York Collagen Plump Jelly Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

 

Kiss New York Plump Glow Collagen Jelly Cream is a thick collagen gel that is formulated deeply hydrate the skin, plump the appearance of fine lines and leave skin unmistakably radiant. Furthermore, the inclusion of Collagen, Sodium PDRN, and Vitamin B12 make the skin appear firmer and smoother. While it is a very thick gel, I find that it melts into the skin quickly and leaves behind neither a greasy, nor an oily residue. This ruby-colored gel has a fruity-floral aroma, and fragrance is listed among its ingredients, but I find the aroma detectable in the jar, and not on my skin. It can be used as an overnight sleep mask, or during the day. I have only used it at night, but Kiss New York says to use a small amount when you wear it under makeup to avoid pilling.

According to Kiss New York,

This collagen jelly cream features a cushiony, bouncy texture that glides on smoothly and absorbs comfortably, helping leave skin looking plump, fresh, and glowing.

Formulated with Collagen, Sodium PDRN, and Vitamin B12 to help support a firmer-looking, smoother, more luminous complexion with a healthy-looking glow.

Use a light layer as a daily glow moisturizer for hydrated, radiant-looking skin, or apply a thicker layer as an overnight sleeping mask for extra moisture and care.

Rich in moisture yet comfortable after absorption, this jelly cream leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated without a heavy finish, making it suitable for all skin types including combination and oily skin.

Comes with a handy spatula for clean, convenient, and hygienic application, making it easy to scoop the perfect amount every time.

Directions:

Ingredients:

Overall Assessment: I love how thick and rich this gel feels, but am thrilled that it melts into the skin quickly, rather than taking an eternity to sink in.

$15.99 for 2.70 oz. from the Kiss New York Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Kiss New York Radiant Glow Vita Capsule Cream Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

K-Beauty brand, Kiss New York, has some very effective skincare products that are worthy of attention. I have really liked the products that I have tried a lot, and the Kiss New York Radiant Glow Vita Capsule Cream is my current favorite product from their lineup. This Vitamin C facial moisturizer is unique in that small moisture cream capsules– which look like boba– are suspended in a thick hydrating gel, and you can select your preferred ratio of gel to cream based upon the needs of your skin at the time of application. When blended together they hydrate and moisturize the skin. Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid attract and retain hydration, while Vitamin C brightens the skin. It also boasts ingredients such as Niacinimide and Glutathione, and the gel– in which the yellow capsules are suspended– is enriched with vegan collagen, PDRN, and peptides, "to support a luminous, even-looking appearance and leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortably hydrated." This leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple, hydrated, moisturized and luminous. It sinks into the skin quickly, leaves behind no residue whatsoever, and it is neither sticky, nor greasy. It is formulated for all types of skin, and can be used all year long. It has a very faint aroma that I can detect in the jar, but I can't smell it on my skin as I apply it, but fragrance is listed among its ingredients.

According to Kiss New York,

Radiant Glow Vita Capsule Cream features yellow capsules and clear gel that blend together for a customizable skincare step tailored to your preferred texture and moisture level.

This face moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and is especially ideal for those looking to refresh the look of dullness and support a healthy-looking glow.

Capsule-infused formula with Niacinamide, Glutathione, and Vitamin C blends with a clear gel enriched with vegan collagen, PDRN, and peptides to support a luminous, even-looking appearance and leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortably hydrated.

Personalize your routine by adjusting the capsule-to-gel ratio—try 1:1 for daily care, 2:1 for extra radiance-focused care, or 1:2 for added hydration.

The capsules melt seamlessly into the gel for easy mixing and even application, creating a dewy glow without a heavy or greasy feel.

Directions:

Ingredients:

Overall Assessment: This is an affordable and effective beauty find, and I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. It is also fun to use!

$16.99 for 1.94 oz. from the Kiss New York Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Lanese Signature Finishing Oil in French Crème for Gorgeous Hair

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

I recently discovered Lanese, and beautiful haircare brand that makes nourishing scented hair oils, and I am thrilled to have made this discovery. Their products are free of silicones, parabens, and heavy fillers, and they smell delectable and feel amazing.

The Founder’s Story:

I founded Lanese because I couldn’t find a hair oil I actually enjoyed using.

Most of the oils I tried promised shine and softness, but felt heavy, greasy, or just not 'right'. Sometimes it was the texture. Sometimes it was the scent. Often, it was looking at the back of the label and seeing a million ingredients I couldn't even pronounce.

I wanted a finishing oil that completed the routine instead of competing with it. Something that worked across all hair textures, didn’t rely on silicones, and felt intentional. When I couldn’t find that product on the market, I decided to create it.

Inclusivity was always part of that vision. Too often, haircare is designed with one hair type in mind, forcing people to choose between performance and representation. I wanted Lanese to work across textures, from straight to coily, without requiring separate products or categories. Just high-quality haircare that doesn’t exclude anyone.

Scent also mattered more to me than I expected. Haircare feels personal, and fragrance plays a big role in how we feel throughout the day. I wanted scents that stayed close and set a tone, not something loud or overpowering. Especially because I live with chronic migraines, subtlety wasn’t optional. That’s how Island Dream, French Crème, and Marshmallow Cloud came to be.

I built Lanese independently. I was raised in a single-parent household in Hampton, Virginia, without industry access or shortcuts. Building this brand matters to me because I hope it shows what’s possible: that thoughtful, inclusive beauty brands can be built intentionally, and that founders who don’t fit a traditional mold still belong.

Today, Lanese sits at the intersection of clean ingredients, intentional design, and emotional well-being. I hope you love Lanese just as much as I do. 🤍

Dr. Niya Gray, DPT

Founder, Lanese Beauty

Lanese Signature Finishing Oil French Crème is a nourishing and hydrating hair oil that smoothes out frizz and fly-aways, makes hair more manageable and offers it a gorgeous glossy shine without being greasy or sticky. Furthermore, hair is left soft and lustrous. The subtle fragrance– of French Crème- is described as a "warm whipped vanilla and caramelized brown sugar" that "come together in a creamy, rich scent that feels soft, elevated, and a little addictive." The warm and creamy aroma isn't overpowering, but instead it is truly magical, comforting and ethereal. This oil is intended as the last step in your hair routine, and you simply warm a few drops in your hands and work the oil through your hair. I have naturally curly hair– with ringlets– and a good hair oil is essential for my dry-leaning hair that needs extra love to keep frizz and fly-aways at bay, and this beautiful hair elixir definitely pampers my locks perfectly.

According to Lanese,

Meet the scented finishing oil your routine has been missing. French Crème smooths frizz, softens dry ends, tames flyaways, and adds glossy shine without feeling heavy or greasy. Use a few drops to finish your style or refresh second-day hair.

Warm whipped vanilla and caramelized brown sugar come together in a creamy, rich scent that feels soft, elevated, and a little addictive.

Features & Claims:

• For All Hair Types.
• Our botanical blend melts in to hydrate, smooth, and leave a natural glow.
• Smooths Frizz – Instantly tames flyaways for a polished look.
• Locks in Moisture – Deeply nourishes with lightweight plant oils.
• All Hair Types – Perfect for every texture, from silk-straight to tight coils.
• Subtle Scent – Designed to linger softly without overwhelming.

Directions: Apply 1–3 drops to dry or styled hair. Warm between palms and smooth through mid-lengths and ends for shine, softness, and frizz control.

Ingredients: Abyssinian Oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Broccoli Seed Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Batana Oil, Vitamin E, Fragrance.

Overall Assessment: What a gorgeous hair oil, and Dr. Niya Gray's story really resonates with me. This is a brand worth trying, and a company worth loving and supporting. A+

$28.00 for 1.7 oz. from Lanese (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

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

Skincare Tips To Welcome Autumn and the Colder Weather

Autumn is officially a day away, and that means it is time to recalibrate our skincare routines for the cooler weather. If you are already experiencing a little chill in the air, then it is time to switch from your summer skincare routine to one that is appropriate for the cooler season. Welcoming the new cooler weather can really wreak havoc on the skin, and dry chapped skin and dehydration can cause serious discomfort. Therefore, I wanted to share some of the changes that I have implement to my skincare routine when the season gets cooler.

Here are five 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.

5 Easy Steps to Pamper Your Face:

Step 1: Use a gentle non-stripping cleanser. When needed, use a gentle exfoliator in lieu of a cleanser.

Step 2: Use a lightweight and fast absorbing serum, such as hyaluronic acid-based serum that will 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.

Step 3: Follow by massaging your favorite facial oil into your face, neck and décolleté. Once this has begun to sink into your skin, then move on to step 4.

Step 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.

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 (I tend to use an SPF 50). Apply it generously to your face, neck and décolleté, and be sure to reapply it numerous times throughout the day (typically every 75 minutes).

At night, repeat steps 1-4 and skip the sunscreen. These 5 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. 

If your hands and feet are dry and chapped, and in need some TLC, then here are my super-easy, and ultra-relaxing at-home tips to restore their moisture. You really don't have to go out and buy any fancy and expensive products, instead use what you love and already have on hand.

Six Easy Steps to Pamper Your Hands and Feet:

Step 1: Wash your hands and feet with warm soapy water in a basin.

Step 2: While your hands and feet are soaking in the basin, gently exfoliate dead skin cells with your favorite body scrub. Tip: Exfoliate gently because the water softens up your skin, and therefore you don't need to use any force.

Step 3: Thoroughly rinse hands and feet and empty the basin.

Step 4: Rinse out the basin and refill it with warm water and add a small amount of bath or body oil to moisturize your freshly exfoliated skin. Let your hands and feet soak for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse.

Step 5: Massage additional body oil into your slightly damp hands and feet, and let it sink in thoroughly.

Step 6: Massage a rich cream or body butter into your hands and feet, and then put on fluffy cotton socks, and cotton gloves (if you want to further pamper your hands).

Additionally, this is a good time to replace your lighter body lotion with a heavier cream, and it is also a good time to deep condition your hair.

What changes do you make to your skin and hair care routines as summer gives way to the cooler months of the year?

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