BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES FOR MARCH 2022

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It's hard to believe that March 2022 has already come and gone, but now it is springtime! I didn't use as many skincare products as I thought that I might, but I still manages to work my way through the remainder of 9 full-size products. Here is what I finished up in March: 

Potager Soap Co. Natural Secret Garden Soap ($8.98 for 4.5 oz. from Potager Soap Co.): Secret Garden is a wonderful amalgam of lavender, patchouli, geranium and rose petals. The notable pungency of the patchouli is tempered by the rose, geranium and lavender and the result is a warm, rich and creamy aroma that is an utter delight to the senses. The rich lather rinses clean, but never strips the skin. Purchase Again? YES! I already started using another soap from this wonderful company!

Baylis & Harding Rose & Geranium Natural Hand Wash ($5.99 each for 16.9 oz. from Target): is the perfect pick if you love the aroma of freshly cut roses with a slight twist of geranium. Their hand soaps are affordable and sustainable luxury washes that are a joy to use and they smell utterly delectable. Furthermore, they leave your hands soft and moisturized, rather than dry and stripped. Purchase Again? YES! I already opened another bottle!

AHAVA Mineral Botanic Velvet Cream Wash in Lotus & Chestnut: This body wash gently cleanses the skin without stopping it, or leaving it taut. It soothes and moisturizes the skin with macadamia oil, organic plant extracts and Dead Sea Minerals– leaving skin silky smooth. It has a delicious nutty, fruity aroma that I find intoxicatingly good! Purchase Again? I would, but they appear to have discontinued this scent!

African Botanics Marula Botanical Hand Cream ($55.00 for 2 oz. from African Botanics, Net-A-Porter, Bluemercury and Revolve): The ultra-emollient luxury oil-infused cream boasts a refreshingly creamy lightweight texture that sinks into the skin immediately and doesn't leave hands in the least bit greasy. If you adhere to the belief that one needs to use thick and greasy hand creams in order to stave-off and heal dry and chapped hands, then you will be astonished by the efficacy of this ingenious hand cream. In fact, I think that it is more accurate to classify Marula Botanical Hand Cream as a cutting-edge antioxidant-rich anti-aging serum/cream hybrid that protects, nourishes, hydrates, soothes, brightens and repairs the skin with great efficacy.

Not only are my hands soft, supple and ultra moisturized, but they are left with the type of pronounced luminosity that I have only ever experienced in luxurious serums and beauty oils for the face. The delectable warm and earthy scent heightens the sensory experience of using this luxe hand cream, but it does fade soon upon application, and therefore won't pose a problem for those among you who prefer scent-free products.

It is noteworthy that the formula is very concentrated, and the effects are very long-lasting– therefore a single tube goes a very very long way.  If you treat yourself to one new body product this season, then African Botanics Marula Botanical Hand Cream should be at the top of your list. I kid you not, this hand cream is that extraordinary. Purchase Again? YES! This is a truly amazing hand cream!

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Murato Volume Hydro-Texturing Mist ($42.00 for 3.3 oz. from Shu Uemura Art of Hair and Sephora): This texturizing spray adds volume to hair, and is perfect for making beachy waves. It has the same light aroma as the other products from this collection, but the scent dissipates very quickly. Purchase Again? DEFINITELY! I already miss it!

Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask ($38.00 for 8.2 oz. from Space NK, Sephora and Nordstrom): That I have naturally curly hair means that I must deeply condition it, and I must do so frequently. I need a deep conditioner that really hydrates my hair, but doesn't weigh it down, and that tames frizz and fly-aways. This mask is cruelty-free, as is Briogeo in general, and it contains 98% natural ingredients. There are no silicones to weigh down my hair, and it does not contain parabens, phthalates or artificial dyes. Additionally, it is safe for color treated and otherwise chemically processed hair. It deeply nourishes and hydrates my hair, gives it a glossy shine and leaves it unbelievably soft and manageable. Furthermore, it effectively detangles hair, and banishes frizz and flyaways. The rich and thick mask is concentrated, therefore you don't have to use a lot, and it has a delectable non-lingering aroma. I generally leave it on for about 10 minutes, but when I really want to take it to the next level I leave it on for 30-45 minutes. Purchase Again? It's at the top of my list once I finish a few more of my open hair masks. 

LOVINAH Copper Peptide & EGF Pro-Aging Collagen Ampoules with Sea Kelp Bioferment ($125.00 for 4 x 5ml ampoules from LOVINAH, and Macy's): This is a "watery, supercharged serum with Copper Peptides and vegan Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Copper peptides are potent skin regeneration actives that improve the appearance of skin, helping to increase skin thickness & reducing the appearance of wrinkles. EGF has a multitude of benefits including the acceleration of skin healing, skin renewal & the slowing down of the thinning of skin. It helps to boost collagen & elastin in the skin." Note: This serum is like a booster serum and doesn't contain any lipid components. You can either layer under another water-based serum (and then oil on top) or directly under an oil. You can also add it like a booster to your moisturizer or serums (that do not contain acids) The only restriction is that it cannot be layered with vitamin C - L-Ascorbic acid, or added to any serum with vitamin C (oil soluble vitamin C esters are ok). Purchase Again? At some point, definitely.

May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon Solid Oil Facial Concentrate ($180.00 for 1.69 oz. from goop): Aptly named, one immediately wants to be completely enveloped by this wondrous melting balm. While this balm evokes the color of the Adriatic Sea, this glistening gem melts into an irresistible oil serum upon being greeted by the warmth of the skin. This delectable anti-inflammatory multipurpose balm deeply nourished and hydrates the skin, eradicates redness and skin irritations and makes skin soft, supple, balanced, healed and luminous. 

I cannot sufficiently underscore the extent to which this is a truly special skincare treat. This magical balm is unlike anything else that I have tried, and not only does it nourish and treat the skin, but it also creates the most heavenly sensory experience. I begin by slowly and deeply inhaling its aroma directly from the jar, and then I remove a tiny amount from the jar and warm it between my fingers before massaging it into my freshly cleansed and damp face, neck and décolleté. The botanical aroma is a warm and earthy amalgam of its ingredients from which slight traces of Vanilla Planifolia and Lavender emerge. The scent essentially defies a lucid description because it has an otherworldly aroma, and is unlike anything else that I have experienced. 

Once this balm, which boasts the efficacy of the finest serums and beauty oils, sinks into the skin one immediately notices that their skin becomes ultra-hydrated, soft, supple and nourished. Furthermore, this ultra-luxe balm immediately calms sensitive skin that is reactive and easily irritated. It soothes and treats inflammation of all sorts, and is a wonderful choice for rosacea, eczema and acne-prone skin. The Blue Cocoon Beauty Balm Concentrate is also a great post-treatment, post-peel and post exfoliation product choice since its potent anti-inflammatory ingredients boast an efficacy that is seldom found in a single product. 

This potent, antioxidant-rich balm is also the perfect choice if you seek ultra-effective anti-aging skincare products that are healthy and effective. It should also be mentioned that this multipurpose healing and nourishing balm can be used to spot treat irritated skin, and that it works extraordinarily well as an eye cream and lip balm.  Additionally, if you have dry skin, or dry patches you will be astonished by the speed with which these conditions will be reversed. The Blue Cocoon Beauty Balm Concentrate activates the senses, elevates the mood and transforms the skin. It is, indeed, a magical unicorn that is filled with healthy, potent actives that together perform miracles for the skin and the spirit. Purchase Again? It's on my list!

Spongellé Botanics Candle in Rose ($38.00 for 8 oz. from Spongellé): I love aromatic rose fragrances, and this one is particularly special. The Turkish Rose comes through in all of its glory, but the bottom notes add a creamy woodsy aroma and the top citrus note adds a touch of zing. It is one of my all-time favorite permutations of the perfected rose. Features: 100% Soy Wax | Hand-poured in the US | Special flickering wooden wick | Burns up to 50 hours | Purchase Again? I still have three of their candles left to use first, but this is definitely worth buying! Plus the rose aroma is utter perfection!

Overall Assessment: I should be finishing up a few more skincare products next month since I have nearly finished up a few more things this month, but we will see! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in March? Do you have any duds or winners to report?

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