Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)
I somehow imagined that I wouldn't finish up quite as many products in October, but thankfully I managed to get through a good number of largely used up products. I have so many open products, and I really wanted to finish them before they started to go bad. Here is what I finished this month:
Lancôme Crème Mousse Confort Comforting Creamy Foaming Cleanser for Dry Skin ($28.00 for 4.2 oz. from Lancôme, Macy's, Nordstrom, Ulta and Bloomingdale's): This cleanser is very rich, luxuriously creamy and gentle. It effectively melts away makeup and cleans the skin without stripping it. While it is formulated for dry skin, it worked beautifully on my balanced to combination skin. Repurchase? Not any time soon because I have a lot of cleaners to use, but I really loved using this hidden gem.
Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar ($40.00 for 3.4 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom, Sephora, Violet Grey, Revolve, Amazon and Look Fantastic): Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar does an exceptional job cleaning and exfoliating my skin, and it does so without drying, stripping or irritating. Skin is left soft, clear and luminous, and while it is now said to be formulated for all skin types, it used to be for normal, combination and oily skin types. I would say that dryer skin types would only use it periodically for its deep cleaning and exfoliating abilities, but not as a daily soap. I do like to use it with a cleansing oil, but sometimes I use it alone. My one grievance is that the bar used to be a hefty 6 oz., which was far more satisfying to use, and now it is nearly half the size. Repurchase? I just opened another bar.
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask ($65.00 for 1 oz. from Tata Harper, Sephora, Space NK, Saks Fifth Avenue, Credo Beauty, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's and Cult Beauty): I had used numerous sample jars of this before I bought the deluxe size, and I used every last bit because it is that good! This is one of those miraculous masks, in my estimation, that delivers real results for glowing skin. While it contains clay in its list of ingredients, it is not a clay mask, but instead it has a gorgeous fluffy gel texture that dries down in the manner of gel-type masks. It is a beta-hydroxy mask, from White Willow Bark and Pomegranate Enzymes, that is intended for all types of skin, and it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs congested pores, and it leaves skin luminous and hydrated. I simply apply it to freshly cleansed skin, with the brush provided, and leave it on my skin for 20-30 minutes. There is a light tingling sensation, but it is neither uncomfortable, nor in the least bit irritating. It dries down, but doesn't pull the skin, and it is very easy to wash off unlike some masks that can be difficult to remove. However, unlike many exfoliating masks, that are intended for healthy glowing skin, this one is not drying to the skin. Instead, the inclusion of Beet Root Extract and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice leaves skin hydrated rather than taut and dry. The end result is very soft, smooth, hydrated and luminous skin, and it is one of my very favorite gentle exfoliating masks. I should note that the mask, and the cleanser, both have an earthy, rather fruity, aroma that is subtle and unobtrusive. Repurchase? ABSOLUTELY! 
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Rose Gold Eye Masks ($25.00 for 6 pairs from Wander Beauty): are absolutely amazing for tired and puffy eyes. They deeply hydrate the delicate under eye area, they brighten the appearance of dark circles and they plump fine lines. Additionally, they are so refreshing and cooling after a long day that I actually can't wait to use them after being stuck in rush hour traffic! If you are a fan of eye masks, then these are sure to delight you. Repurchase? I actually used up two sets this month, and will definitely repurchase once I use up my other eye masks. 
Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Body Butter ($48.00 for 6.8 oz. from Tatcha): This is a profoundly moisturizing treatment cream that offers even the driest skins great relief. It is a rich, fast absorbing and non-greasy body cream that leaves behind the most lusciously supple, soft and deeply moisturized skin imaginable. The anti-inflammatory rich formula soothes redness and skin irritation swiftly, effortlessly and with great efficacy. The subtle warm clean scent is utterly intoxicating, but it fades quickly and will not to interfere with any fragrances that one might wear. Repurchase? YES!
Philip B. Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash (Discontinued): Philip B Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash was described as a,"warming, energizing body wash" that "revives your senses and leaves skin silky and glowing." Its aroma is intoxicatingly delicious, and the warm, sensual scent really does echo the spicy goodness of a high quality Chai Latte. This unisex body wash moisturizes the skin and leaves it velvety soft and smooth. The aromatic and rich lather also works beautifully for shaving legs and underarms, and it truly delights the senses. Repurchase? I wish that I could, and I am so sad that Philip B. no longer makes this!
NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Repair Shampoo ($6.00 for 2.5 oz and $14.00 for 11.5 oz. from Ulta, NatureLab Tokyo and Amazon): This nourishing shampoo has a satisfying lather, it thoroughly cleans my hair, and yet it isn't stripping. The aroma, which they describe as, "inspired by Japanese bamboo forests with a hint of green tea and cypress" is what I would describe as a refreshing green tea. However, the aroma isn't in the least bit imposing or long-lasting. Repurchase? Definitely.
NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Repair Conditioner ($6.00 for 2.5 oz and $14.00 for 11.5 oz. from Ulta, NatureLab Tokyo and Amazon): This is a really lovely and nourishing conditioner that left my hair soft, manageable and hydrated. Like its companion shampoo, that shares its fragrance profile, I once again would describe it as a refreshing green tea aroma. Repurchase? Definitely.
Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Mask ($44.00 for 6 oz. from Ouidad): I am a huge proponent of deep masking, and advocate doing it often during the cold months of the year. This formula is ultra-conditioning, and leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable after only 10 minutes of use. I like to leave it on for about 20-30 minutes when my hair is feeling particularly dry and unruly, and it does the trick every single time. Repurchase? As soon as I finish up the deep conditioning masks that I have left.
Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Restore + Revive Bi-Phase ($32.00 for 6.8 oz. from Ouidad, Ulta and Macy's): This pretty pink bi-phase treatment, that you need to shake well to incorporate the ingredients, includes a cocktail of antioxidant-rich natural oils that nourish and moisturize the hair. The formula protects hair from free-radical damage while defining curls, fighting frizz and leaving hair shiny, soft and smooth. Furthermore, like the gel, it neither flakes, nor does it become crunchy and unnatural looking. There is a very light clean scent in the bottle, but I detected no fragrance in my hair. Repurchase? It is on my list!
Overall Assessment: I'm so pleased that I managed to finish up so many products this month, and hopefully I can finish up a lot of my open products by the end of the year. I really don't want anything to go bad before I can finish them! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return this month? Any fabulous finds or total duds to report?Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
AS usual a great selection of products. What a shame that EL bought Rodin and then stopped making the products. What a waste.
ReplyDeleteHi Marcia, I definitely have been trying hard to finish open products before they go bad! I completely agree, I think that it is a horrible waste that EL closed down Rodin! It is such a huge loss, and I can only imagine how upsetting that it must be for Linda!
DeleteOMG, you have used up so many beauty products this month! I am so sad for you that EL closed Rodin Olio Lusso. Why didn't EL leave well enough alone?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Allison! I am really trying to finish up some of my favorite products before they go bad. Oh, don't even get me started– it is so senseless that EL shut down Rodin Olio Lusso. They shouldn't buy small companies like that if they aren't willing to keep them going. A huge corporate model shouldn't be applied to small companies because it is destined to fail. There is no way that a company like Rodin could have sales like other companies in the EL portfolio (like EL, MAC, La Mer, Tom Ford etc.). I am heartbroken, and can only imagine the way that Linda Rodin must feel.
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