lola's secret beauty blog

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Happy Halloween!

Wishing you a safe, fun and happy Halloween!

Friday, October 30, 2026

October 2026 Empties for The Face, Body & Hair

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

During the month of October, I managed to finish 8 full-size products and 1 deluxe travel size, and I would most happily use all of these products again. I realize that this is a theme in my empties, but there its a logical reason for that: I simply do not finish using products that are a bad for my face, body and hair. Instead, I either repurpose them, or give them to someone who can use them. Here is what I used in October:

ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam ($13.00 for 5.07 oz. from Amazon): This cleanser contains salicylic acids and heartleaf powder which together effectively remove impurities and sebum from the skin and simultaneously exfoliating dead skin cells. The formula is non-stripping and gentle for sensitive and acne-prone skin since, and it leaves the skin soft, soothed and comfortable. Purchase Again? I am swimming in cleansers right now, and it will be quite a while before I need to purchase another one, but I would happily use this cleanser again!

Cure Natural Aqua Gel ($34.50 for 8.5 oz. from the Cure Amazon Store): This is a very fun exfoliant to use because after you massage it into your skin for a short amount of time it transforms into a rather milky gel that causes dead skin cells to pill on the skin. The next step is to simply rinse the gel and dead skin cells off of your face or body, and you will be delighted by the extent to which your skin is left soft, smooth, supple and luminous. I routinely use it on my hands and feet, and am thrilled by the results. Furthermore, it is fragrance-free, free of harmful chemicals and so satisfying to use! Purchase Again? I finished this up early in the month of October and already made a dent in a new bottle!

Lovinah Ocean Rituals AHA+BHA Cleansing Balm ($45.00 for 1.7 oz. from Macy's): This gorgeous vibrant blue gem, which evokes the sea, is the most luscious and ultra-luxe cleansing balm imaginable. This is such a thing of beauty from its velvety smooth texture– which is a tactile experience that creates profound joy (pun intended)– that I am nearly at a loss for words. It has a light and natural aroma that is calming, uplifting and it beautifully engages the senses. This antioxidant-rich balm, which is composed of oils such as Milk Thistle, Blueberry & Kakadu Plum, also includes effective ingredients such as Sea Lettuce & Blue Spirulina. In addition to effortlessly and effectively cleaning the skin, the encapsulated Lactic and Salicylic Acids gently exfoliate dead skin cells, and reveal glowing, healthy skin. Unlike many oil-based cleansing balms, this balm undergoes a metamorphosis from balm-to oil-to milk that can easily be rinsed off with warm water. Skin is left soft, smooth, supple and unmistakably luminous. This is a truly extraordinary cleansing balm. Purchase Again? In a heartbeat!

Lovinah Skincare Power Vitamin C Cleansing Balm ($45.00 for 1.7 oz. from Macy's): This delectable cleansing balm is truly sublime. It melts into the skin and deeply cleans, moisturizes and exfoliates.This antioxidant-rich balm helps to protect the skin by scavenging free-radicals while it unclogs congested pores, removes makeup and pampers the skin. The gorgeous deep maroon hue coupled with the beautiful aroma makes this a treat to the senses and skin. Purchase Again? Without question! This is an exceptional cleansing balm!

Dr. BRID C Basic Hydro Relief Cream ($21.99 for 0.67 oz. from Dr. BRID C and their Amazon Store): This is a lightweight and very fast absorbing cream that feels like a gel cream, and that melts into the skin and neither leaves behind a greasy, nor a sticky residue. It is refreshing and feels immediately hydrating and nourishing, and it leaves my skin soft, smooth and supple. It has no detectable aroma, and it offers sustained hydration throughout the entire day. It feels wonderful during the warm weather, and I have reached for this wonderful cream every day since opening this tube. During the warmer months my normal/combination skin requires a lighter face cream, and this is just perfect. Purchase Again? I would definitely use this again, and happily, but I have far too many open creams to use first.

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo ($15.99 for 20 oz. and $9.99 for 12 oz. from Mielle Organics and their Amazon Store): This gentle shampoo, which has a lovely Rosemary and Mint aroma, thoroughly cleans the hair without ever stripping it. It moisturizes, but rinses clean and never weighs down the hair. Purchase Again? Definitely, but I need to use up a few shampoos before buying more!

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Conditioner ($15.99 for 20 oz. and 9.99 for 12 oz. from Mielle Organics and their Amazon Store): This uplifting conditioner, which smells so refreshing, moisturizes and pampers the hair and scalp without feeling heavy. It detangles, fights frizz and leaves hair very manageable without weighing it down. Purchase Again? Without question, but not until I use up quite a few of my open conditioners!

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant in Fresh Vanilla Lemon ($15.00 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. Made from Pure Madagascar vanilla and Lemon Peel Oil, this delicious fragrance is a treat to the senses. It is a refreshing blend of zesty lemon and Madagascar vanilla delivers a crisp and clean experience.perfection, and wearing it is a real pleasure. This is the mini size for travel, but I actually prefer to buy the full size for home and travel use.

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 have another scent open!

Trader Joe's Neroli Blossom Scented Hand Soap ($3.99 for 12 oz. from Trader Joe's): This hand soap is a beautiful citrus with an earthy and slightly musky aroma that is utterly sublime. The soap has a wonderful and satisfying lather, and it never strips or dries out the skin. Purchase Again? I bought 12 of them since this was a seasonal scent during the summer! I hope that they bring this scent back, because it is simply amazing!

Overall Assessment: I definitely will miss using these products, for which I do not have backups, but I would happily use all of them again in the future. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in October? Did you make any amazing discoveries, or did you have any particularly disappointing products? Do Tell!

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

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Beautiful Cork & Mill White Marble Tissue Box Cover Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I have been searching for an attractive, and very heavy, tissue box cover for a while, and less as a design element, and more as a practical weight that prevents my tissue box from moving around every time that I reach for a tissue. If I didn't have allergies that caused me to continually reach for tissue– including in the middle of the night– then I wouldn't even have a box of tissue on my nightstand. I have seen plenty that are made from lightweight materials, but I wanted something heavy that wouldn't budge.

I found the Cork & Mill Marble Tissue Box Cover on Amazon, and was delighted to learn that this company was founded by a couple who sought, "to transform everyday items into objects of beauty." Mission accomplished! This heavy, solid marble, tissue box, looks beautiful on my nightstand, and the heavy natural marble makes single-hand dispensing a breeze. It works with tissue boxes from big brands such as Kleenex, as well as Trader Joe's, and the open bottom makes it very easy to refill when the box is empty. It also has little rubber pads on the bottom to protect any surfaces from getting scratched, but the bottom is quite smooth and wouldn't likely damage any surfaces.

According to Cork & Mill,

Instantly transform any room with the timeless elegance of this genuine solid white marble tissue box cover, replacing unattractive designs with sophisticated luxury.

Weighs ~6 pounds- heavier than ceramic or resin alternatives by design. The weight is what keeps it planted while you pull tissues, but plan to place it on a sturdy surface.

The heavyweight solid marble construction ensures your kleenex box cover stays securely in place for smooth tissue retrieval, preventing slips and slides.

Embrace the natural beauty of real marble; each white tissue box cover features distinct veining and color variations, ensuring your piece is truly one-of-a-kind.

Perfectly sized (5.5" W x 5.25" D x 5.5" H) to accommodate standard cube tissue boxes up to 4.75" W x 4.5" D x 5.25" H, including most major brands.

Overall Assessment: I am very happy with my purchase! This tissue box cover is high quality, beautiful and built to last.

$39.99 from Amazon (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

The IKEA JÄRNVÄG Rug Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I have to confess that it has been quite a few years since I have had any area rugs in my house. It isn't that I didn't like the idea of an area rug, or desire something other than wood or tile floors underfoot. It was a pragmatic choice because we had cats and dogs that made it a messier idea in practice. We went from several cats and two dogs, who were all advanced in years, and who sadly passed away, down to a single cat. This meant that we could replace couches that had become scratching posts with couches that we actually enjoyed using. When that day came, my sister said, "it's time to get a rug for your living room. I said that I didn't want to spend a fortune on a rug that could be subjected to Oliver's hairball gifts, and my sister– who has cats and dogs– said, "buy an inexpensive rug that looks good." She then texted me a picture of a super cute rug that she had just purchased, and used to great effect in her mid-century modern house with period appropriate furniture. She said that she found it at IKEA and that it actually goes nicely with her modern aesthetic, and makes her house feel just a touch more eclectic.

I have not shopped at IKEA in many years, but I loved the way that the rug looked at my sister's house, and since we have the same modern taste in furniture, I knew that it would work at my house.

The JÄRNVÄG Rug, from IKEA, has a low pile, with an ornamented pattern in pink/beige. Available in two sizes, and two colors, I selected the large one– which measures 7 ' 10 "x10 '– in pink/beige. I needed something that was big enough to place in the center of two large couches, a large chair with a pouf, a large coffee table, and in front of a big low slung modern wooden media console. This rug amply fills the space in my large living room, and as my sister said, it works perfectly with our modern aesthetic. While it works beautifully with more traditional furnishings, it really is quite lovely for people with a more modern design sensibility. Additionally, this rug is so soft and cozy underfoot, and Oliver delights in napping on it when he isn't stealing my UGG Throw (Reviewed HERE) from me! The rug does off-gas at first, but if you let it air out outside, it loses the new rug smell pretty quickly.

While IKEA describes this rug as a one that is patterned in pink and beige, I find that the pinks are a bit more rosy to plum, and they are offset by grayish blues, and most importantly they don't fight with any of the other colors in my living room.

According to IKEA,

This rug with soft pastel tones feels modern, but with clear inspiration from classic oriental rugs. Its durability makes it stand the test of time even in the busiest of spaces.

Materials:

Surface: 100 % polypropylene
Backing: 100 % Synthetic rubber

Care: Airing and vacuuming will help to eliminate the smell that the rug can have when it is new. Do not wash. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Do not iron. Do not dry clean. Vacuum, shake and rotate the rug regularly. Remove dried spots immediately by scraping carefully towards the middle of the spot. Do not rub wet spots. Absorb moisture with paper towels, and clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Professional carpet cleaning when needed. Always use the standard floorhead, never the rotating brush, when vacuuming the rug.

Overall Assessment: This was an outstanding purchase, and I am happy that I didn't spend thousands of dollars on a rug in a high traffic area– particularly when I have a kitty.

$229.99 for 7 ' 10 "x10 ' and $129.99 for 5 ' 3 "x7 ' 7 " from IKEA (Affiliate Links). Also available in beige/dark beige. Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Philip B Velvet Oud Leave-In Conditioning Water Review

Gift from my sister (Affiliate Links)

Philip B Velvet Oud Leave-In Conditioning Water is a leave-in conditioning spray that has the divine scent of Philip B's luxurious Oud. Like the Philip B Forever Shine Body Wash and Philip B Forever Shine Body Crème, the Philip B Velvet Oud Leave-In Conditioning Water is a truly decadent treat for the senses. The richness of the base notes (Oud, Sandalwood and Patchouli) are mellowed by the fruity top notes (Mandarine, Peach, Apple and Lemon) and the floral middle notes (Jasmine, Rose and Lily of the Valley). The end result is something infinitely wearable and beautifully refined in its fragrant sensibilities.

Not only does this conditioning water offer the hair light moisture, but it also makes hair more manageable. It fights frizz and flyaways and leaves hair smooth and silky. The aroma is pure magic, but if you can't tolerate scented hair products, then this may prove to be too much for you. I do not find it in the least bit overpowering, but instead the scent gives me a feeling of wellbeing. I also like to use this on the days that I do not shampoo and condition my hair because it really refreshes my hair and makes it look and feel amazing.

According to Philip B,

Get the sumptuous results of a rinse-out conditioner and shine spray without the weight or the wait time. Our light revitalizing spray leaves hair looking glossy with a supremely smooth, silky feel. The result: Your sexiest hair ever.

My original Weightless Conditioning Water was an overnight hit and offered something new and much-needed in the industry. Its success inspired me to create Velvet Oud Leave-In Conditioning Water, an elevated formula with an opulent, woody-floral scent. My original Weightless Conditioning Water has a floral magnolia fragrance profile, so I wanted to give people more options, and the velvet oud scent is perfect for sultry nights. I’m also happily satisfying the many people who love my Detangling Toning Mist with Velvet Oud and have been begging me to make a conditioning water with the same scent!

Overall Assessment: This is, without question, my very favorite leave-in conditioning spray, and it is such a pleasure to use.

$56.00 for 5.07 oz. from Philip B, the Philip B Amazon Store, Macy's, Dermstore and Revolve (Affiliate Links). Gift from my sister. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, October 26, 2026

Philip B Forever Shine Body Crème Review

Gift from my sister (Affiliate Links)

Philip B Forever Shine Body Crème is a gorgeous Oud body cream that was inspired by their extraordinary Forever Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, and like their decadent Philip B Forever Shine Body Wash, this stunning cream is a delight to the senses. The base notes of Oud, Sandalwood and Patchouli have softened edges because they are tempered by the fruity top notes (Mandarin, Peach, Apple and Lemon) and the floral middle notes (Jasmine, Rose and Lily of the Valley). Once the aroma warms up against the skin it settles into a rich, warm and creamy oud with the lightness of the fruit and floral sensibilities. The body cream is mid-weight, but ultra emollient and deeply moisturizing, and it melts into warm and freshly cleansed skin quickly while maintaining the beautifully veil of fragrance. It leaves skin soft, smooth, sumptuously supple and with a slight glow.

According to Philip B,

Our kind of overachiever, this luxurious supercream absorbs quickly to help you appear velvety and glowing. A rich cocktail of Amino Acids and Peptides tightens and conditions skin; Shea Butter and Vitamin E offer a concentrated dose of moisture; and time-released Safflower Oleosomes help you feel hydrated longer. Even better, the formula pampers you with the fresh, sophisticated scent of Velvet Oud. Crafted from plant-based citrus, floral and woody notes, it's one of the most exquisite fragrances we've ever composed.

For years, fans of our bestselling Forever Shine Shampoo and Conditioner had been asking me to create body products to go with them, in hopes of extending the luxurious Forever Shine experience from head to toe. Forever Shine Body Wash and Body Crème both feature top-tier skin-care ingredients to leave you feeling cleansed and refreshed. And while the shampoo and conditioner are scented with Royal Oud, I developed a new, complementary fragrance that's fresh and sophisticated.

Directions: Massage into body skin after bath or shower, or whenever you desire a hydration boost.

Overall Assessment: What a gorgeous moisturizer and the fragrance is just heavenly. A+

$85.00 for 6 oz. from Philip B, the Philip B Amazon Store, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Dermstore and Harrods (Affiliate Links). Gift from my sister. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Sunday, October 25, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Late October Week in Review

Topanga Scents Goats Milk Lotion– in Santa Monica and The Grove– nourish and moisturize the skin, and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves their aromas and that the lotions are each named after well-known Los Angeles locales.

Barrel jeans are still super trendy and Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style already has 4 pairs. Is that the start of an addiction? In this post she shows her brown ones combined with a raspberry knit top and slouchy boots.

Terri from Our Good Life discusses 7 Self-Care Essentials for the Holidays, and she emphasizes that taking time for yourself is an important part of enjoying the festivities, rather than simply getting through them.

Leave the werewolf look to your Halloween costume! Say goodbye to unwanted hair this Halloween with laser hair removal. Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits shares what to know about this long-lasting treatment for smoother skin.

From her Animal Print Series on Your True Self Blog, Angie is sharing a style tip on how to use leopard prints in new ways. It takes some thinking outside the box and putting a twist on your usual outfits. Older is bolder, so age doesn’t matter.

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Bergdorf Goodman 125th Anniversary Beauty Gift with Purchase

(Affiliate Links)

For their 125th Anniversary, Bergdorf Goodman is having a beauty gift with purchase. While Spend $375.00+ on beauty and you will receive a complimentary 10-piece deluxe gift (9 deluxe product samples and a Bergdorf Goodman train case). Free shipping with purchases of when $150.00 or more. Use Code: SHIPBG at checkout. Offer Ends 11/1/26. While supplies last.

Beauty Bag: Your gift with any qualifying beauty purchase of $375 or more, while supplies last. Offer ends 11/1/26. Quantities limited. Offer online and in store. Online offer may vary. Qualifying items will be designated on the site; some exclusions apply. For online orders, gift will be automatically added at checkout if available and shipped at the time of your order; one gift per order, per customer, while supplies last. The value of your beauty order must total $375 before shipping & tax. Does not apply to previous purchases.

Visit: www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Friday, October 23, 2026

Philip B Forever Shine Body Wash Review

Gift from my sister (Affiliate Links)

I was utterly delighted when my sister gave me three beautiful products from Philip B. I have loved Philip B products as long as I can remember, and their ultra-luxe haircare and body care products are a serious joy to use.

Philip B Forever Shine Body Wash is the most luxurious and utterly delectable body wash that I have ever used. It is quite moisturizing, it has a very creamy and satisfying lather, and the aroma is a dream! This isn't just ultra-luxe, it is actually quite decadent to use– especially when paired with the Philip B Forever Shine Body Cream (review forthcoming)– and the aroma lingers beautifully. This is the same wondrous Royal Oud from their iconic shampoo and conditioner, and this permutation– the fresh Velvet Oud– blends the woodsy oud with fruit and floral top and middle notes. The end result is an intoxicatingly beautiful oud that is lightened by the fresh fruits and florals. It is strikingly gorgeous, and such a pleasure to use. I always pair it with their body cream for a satisfying and luxurious treat to the senses.

According to Philip B,

This luxurious daily wash contains a mix of skin-care powerhouses to leave you feeling cleansed and refreshed. Amino Acids and Peptides support radiant, healthy-looking skin, while Safflower Oleosomes help lock in moisture for a soft, dewy feel.

The fresh Velvet Oud scent (with citrus notes that open to florals and exotic woods) is naturally derived, sophisticated and spirit-lifting.

Notes:

Mandarin, Peach, Apple, Lemon
Jasmine, Rose, Lily of the Valley
Oud, Sandalwood, Patchouli

Directions: Dispense directly onto your hands or loofah and massage over wet skin to form a rich foam, then rinse thoroughly.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Sodium PCA, Limonene, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Aspartic Acid, Disodium EDTA, PCA, Hydroxycitronellal, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Citronellol, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Geraniol, Glycine, Alanine, Coumarin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-1M, Serine, Valine, Tetrasodium EDTA, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 15985 (Yellow 6), CI 16035 (Red 40), Tin Oxide (CI 77861), CI 42090 (Blue 1).

Overall Assessment: I am eternally grateful to my beloved sister for such an amazing gift! 🩷🩷🩷 A+

$85.00 for 11.8 oz. from Philip B, the Philip B Amazon Store, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Harrods (Affiliate Links). Gift from my sister. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Affordable & Very Stylish Square Green and White Geometric Pouf

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

On my recent quest to find a very stylish pouf to go with my modern furniture, I decided to find something more affordable but that would be comfortable and modern. My primary motivation was to find a footrest for my chair, but I also wanted it to provide extra seating, when needed. I searched high and low in-person and online, and the moment I happened upon the World Market Square Green and White Cotton Geo Pouf, I purchased it. I bought it online and then picked it up in person because I wanted the ability to return it on the spot, rather than ship it back, if I didn't like it. Luckily, I loved it the moment I saw it! It is lightweight, and therefore easy to move around, and it is a cotton and polyester blend. It is stylish, gorgeous, affordable and it is eclectic enough to go with a wide range of styles. This was an excellent purchase, and I couldn't be happier that I bought this practical pouf!

According to World Market,

Add an effortlessly boho vibe to any living room, bedroom, or reading nook with our exclusive square pouf. It's skillfully handcrafted in India with a 100% cotton fabric printed with a white and green geometric pattern, creating a focal point of both rich texture and global pattern. An ottoman, an extra seat, and chic decor all in one - this multifunctional cushion is the perfect solution for small spaces.

Features:

Handcrafted of polyester and cotton with foam filling
Due to handcrafting, slight variations may occur
Spot clean only
World Market exclusive
Dimensions: 20"Sq. x 14"H

Overall Assessment: This will be great year round, and it is a perfect foot rest, but it will also prove to be vital added seating during the holidays! I am so happy with my purchase!

$99.99 from World Market (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.