ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Ralph Lauren Pig Pony Yellow Eau de Toilette Review

Big Pony Yellow is a sunny floral scent.  The opening sparkles with a blend of fresh citrus, bright yellow flowers, and sweet pear.  The opening notes are followed by dewy white florals with musk in the backdrop.  The floral notes quickly disappear into a clean musk base.  Notes include: Pear, Mimosa. 

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Purple Eau de Toilette Review

Pig Pony Purple is a fruity-oriental scent.  The fragrance opens with a synthetic cherry note that mellows over time into a lasting vanilla-amber accord.  As the fragrance fades, the vanilla-amber accord lightens with a sprinkling of fresh florals and red berries.  Notes include: Wild Cherry, Purple Amber. 

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector (Invisible Light) Review

Instant Perfector has a silky powder-mousse texture and a soft beige tint.  The formula spreads easily and settles to a weightless, velvety matte finish that controls shine for a few hours.  The formula’s silicones fill in the pores and smooth the surface of the skin, while the beige tint helps to even out the skin tone.  This product can be applied over or under makeup, but it flakes off when applied over some skin products.

Dior Diorshow New Look Mascara (New Look Black) Review

New Look Mascara creates long, spiky lashes with decent volume.  The mascara has a small plastic brush that helps to cover even the tiniest lashes.  However, the brush does a poor job of separating the lashes, causing them to stick together.  The mascara dries quickly and it has great staying power.  New Look Black is a rich black shade. 

Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask Review

Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask is a sticky orange gel with a sparkling citrus scent.  The formula includes lactic acid, papaya enzymes, fruit extracts, and citrus oils.  The mask should be applied to clean skin and left on for 10 minutes.  The mask feels thick and oily on the skin, but it rinses clean.  The lactic acid, fruit acids, and enzymes provide light exfoliation, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. 

Kate Somerville SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen Review

SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen is a lightweight milky fluid without added fragrance.  The formula contains an effective blend of chemical sunscreens and a few antioxidants.  The milky serum absorbs rapidly into the skin without stickiness or white residue.  It leaves behind a comfortable, semi-matte finish that holds up throughout the day.

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment Plus Review

Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment Plus is a solid butter-like substance that turns to oil when warmed between the palms.  The treatment combines the natural oils of palm, palm kernel, castor seed, vetiver root, sunflower, and citrus.  The treatment should be applied to dry hair and left on for 20 minutes.  The rich oils coat the hair heavily, but they wash out with the use of a regular shampoo.  The treatment leaves the hair soft, smooth, and shiny without weighing it down.  This product has a soft nutty scent.

Givenchy Dahlia Noir Eau de Parfum Review

Dahlia Noir is a powdery-floral scent.  The opening features a peppery mimosa with a backdrop of mandarin and velvety powder.  The mimosa accord fades over time to a tender bouquet of rose and iris with hints of patchouli and soapy citron in the undertones.  The fragrance leaves behind a faint trail of woods and tonka bean.  Notes include: Pink Pepper, Mandarin, Mimosa, Rose, Iris, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Tonka Bean.

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Review

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is a lightweight sunscreen lotion without added fragrance.  The lotion combines transparent micronized zinc with octinoxate to protect the skin from sun damage.  The formula is also enriched with niacinamide to reduce the appearance of acne and improve the skin tone.  The lotion has a silky feel and it glides effortlessly over the skin.  The lotion absorbs quickly to a non-greasy, sheer finish with only a hint of shine.

Edward Bess All Over Seduction (Sunlight) Review

All Over Seduction is a subtle cream highlighter housed in a small black compact with a mirror.  The highlighter has a lightweight, creamy texture that blends seamlessly into the skin and stays put.  Sunlight is a pale beige shade with fine shimmer that creates a barely-there glow suitable for daytime wear.  This product has a fruity scent.

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara (Black Brown) Review

Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara offers clean lash definition for a natural daytime look.  The mascara features a tapered rubber brush and a brush wiping system inside the tube.  The brush wiping system ensures that the brush is coated with just enough of the mascara formula.  The lightweight formula has a slight chemical odor, but it goes on without any clumps or smudging.  The mascara separates and defines each lash, but it requires multiple coats to build volume and length.  The mascara stays on all day with minimal flaking.  Black Brown is a soft black shade.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm SPF 15 (Nourishing Nude) Review

Colour Riche Balm is a cross between a sheer lipstick and a lip balm.  The formula has a lightweight, creamy texture that glides smoothly over the lips, adding subtle shine and a hint of color.  The lip balm hydrates and softens the lips without a heavy, sticky feel.  Nourishing Nude is a transparent rosy-nude shade that mimics natural lip color.  This product has a sugary scent.

Paula’s Choice All Over Hair and Body Shampoo Review

All Over Hair and Body Shampoo is a clear cleansing gel without added fragrance or colorants.  The formula includes cleansing/lather agents, wheat protein, mango butter, cocoa butter, and shea butter.  The shampoo lathers nicely and it cleanses the hair and body without overdrying.  The lather rinses off easily, leaving the hair and skin soft and refreshed.  The shampoo can leave fine hair a bit flat.

Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara (Blackened Brown) Review

Revlon Mascara has a rubber bristle brush with a rounded tip.  The bristles on the tip of the brush easily reach even the smallest lashes.  The mascara has a lightweight formula that goes on evenly, without clumping or smudging.  The mascara creates long, defined lashes and adds a bit of volume.  The mascara stays on all day without flaking.  Blackened brown is a soft black shade.

Sephora Collection Outrageous Volume Mascara (Ultra Black) Review

Outrageous Volume Mascara creates thick jet-black lashes.  The mascara features a rubber brush with rows of short, fine bristles extending all the way to the tip.  The mascara has a heavy, wet formula that clumps easily unless you wipe down the brush prior to application.  The mascara builds nice volume and length, and it stays on throughout the day.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum (Deep Brown) Review

Eye Booster Eyeliner is a silver pen-style liquid liner formulated with a lash stimulating peptide.  The liner has a fine nylon brush tip that allows for easy, precise application near the lash base, or it can create a more dramatic line.  The liquid formula dries quickly to a matte dark brown finish.  The liner stays put all day without smudging or flaking.

Bvlgari Omni Coral Eau de Toilette Review

Omni Coral is a fresh fruity-floral scent.  The fragrance opens with a synthetic-smelling blend of citrus and red berries.  The opening notes eventually lead to a floral bouquet of aquatic water lily and tropical hibiscus with fresh pomegranate in the undertones.  The pomegranate outlasts the floral notes and mingles with sheer woods in the drydown.  Notes include: Bergamot, Goji Berries, Hibiscus Flower, Water Lily, Pomegranate, Cedar Wood.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel Review

Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel is a two-step peel system featuring two jars of pre-moistened treatment pads (also available in individual packettes).  The Step 1 pad is saturated with a weightless peel solution that contains AHA/BHA acids, alcohol, witch hazel, and anti-irritants.  The Step 2 pad neutralizes the peel action in Step 1 with a water-based solution of baking soda, antioxidants, anti-irritants, and retinol.  The peel should sit on the skin for two minutes before applying the neutralizing solution to the skin (no rising is required).  The two-step system visibly smoothes and softens the skin with just one application, but the high alcohol content can cause dryness and irritation with regular use.

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca Eau de Toilette Review

Herba Fresca is a fresh green scent, but the opening disappoints with the aroma of peppermint chewing gum.  The opening eventually mellows to a natural mint scent with touches of citrus, herbs, and green grass.  Later in the composition, the mint mingles with soft florals before fading to a soothing green tea base.  Notes include: Citrus, Clover Leaf, Italian Lemon, Peppermint, Green Tea, Lily of the Valley, Cyclamen, Pear Blossom.

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune Eau de Toilette Review

Pamplelune is a refreshing grapefruit scent.  The top accord energizes with juicy grapefruit and fresh-woody petitgrain.  As the fragrance evolves, the grapefruit blend is softened with sweet black currant and a touch of florals.  The fragrance gradually settles to a sheer fruity-vanilla finish with patchouli and musk in the undertones.  Notes include: California Grapefruit, Italian Bergamot, Neroli, Petitgrain, Black Currant, Patchouli, Vanilla.

MAC Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer Review

Vibrancy Eye Primer creates a smooth canvas for concealer application and doubles as a lightweight eye cream.  The primer is a pearly pink gel-cream that subtly brightens and hydrates the eye area.  The gel-cream absorbs to a non-greasy natural finish that helps extend the wear of concealer.  The fragrance-free formula is enriched with caffeine, antioxidants, algae, and peptides.

Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum Review

Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum is a yellowish lotion-serum with subtle golden shimmer and no added fragrance.  The formula features niacinamide, panthenol, amino-peptide, vitamin E, and green tea.  The serum feels silky and moist as it glides over the eye area.  After a few minutes, the serum absorbs to a weightless natural finish without noticeable shimmer.  The serum lightly hydrates the eye area, softens fine lines, and works well under concealer.  Dry skin types may need an additional moisturizer on top of the serum.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer (Combination Skin) Review

Purely Nourishing Moisturizer is a lightweight cream with a natural lavender scent.  The formula is rich in minerals, antioxidants, botanical extracts, and skin conditioners.  The moisturizer goes on easily and absorbs to a velvety-soft natural finish.  The moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated and fresh-looking throughout the day.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Purifying Facial Cleanser Review

Purifying Facial Cleanser is a silky gel cleanser with a natural lavender scent.  The formula combines mild cleansing agents, minerals, natural oils, and fruit extracts.  The gel cleanser works into a soft, creamy lather that gently cleanses the skin and removes makeup.  The formula rinses without residue and leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and comfortable.

Bremenn Research Labs Hylexin Serious Dark Circles Treatment Review

Hylexin is a lightweight eye cream with a soapy floral scent.  The formula features a great array of botanical extracts, peptides, and antioxidants.  The eye cream also contains a mineral pigment that instantly brightens the eye area.  The cream glides easily over the skin and quickly absorbs to a non-greasy, semi-matte finish.  The formula helps to reduce puffiness with regular use, while the mineral pigment temporarily lightens the dark circles.  This product may not be emollient enough for dry skin types.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara (Espresso) Review

Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara is enriched with botanical extracts, plant oils, and minerals to help condition the lashes.  The mascara has a large tapered brush applicator with soft bristles.  The formula is thick and goopy, but the brush deposits the mascara evenly and without clumps.  The mascara visibly thickens, lengthens and lifts the lashes with just one coat.  The formula stays on all day without smudging or flaking.  Espresso is a deep brown shade.

Paula’s Choice Redness Relief Treatment Review

Redness Relief Treatment is a clear liquid toner without added fragrance.  The formula’s key ingredients are aspirin, vitamin C, willow herb, and green tea.  The aspirin, willow herb, and green tea help to diminish redness and calm irritated skin, while the vitamin C provides antioxidant protection.  The toner absorbs quickly, leaving a silky veil of moisture on the skin.  This product is particularly effective at soothing the skin after shaving.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Review

Daily Smoothing Treatment is a beige serum-lotion with 5% glycolic acid.  The formula also includes a multitude of antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin conditioners.  The treatment feels moist going on and quickly absorbs to a sheer natural finish.  The glycolic acid smoothes and softens the skin without irritation, but it stings a bit when you first apply the treatment to the skin.  This product has a “plasticky” melon scent.

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Toner Review

Skin Balancing Toner is a clear lightweight liquid without added fragrance.  The formula is enriched with niacinamide, antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin conditioning agents.  The toner helps to remove traces of cleanser, dirt, and makeup from the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.  The toner dries without stickiness or residue.

Wet n Wild Idol Eyes Crème Shadow Pencil (Pixie) Review

Pixie is a taupe cream shadow with a frosty shimmer.  The shadow pencil has a soft, creamy texture that glides effortlessly over the skin and blends easily.  The taupe shade goes on sheer, leaving behind a veil of silver/champagne shimmer.  The shimmer can be blended into the skin to create a subtle sheen/highlight suitable for daytime wear.  The shadow creases but it stays on for several hours.

Mineral Fusion Skin-Soothing Facial Toner Review

Skin-Soothing Facial Toner is a clear water-like liquid with a clean herbal scent.  The toner is formulated with minerals, anti-irritants, antioxidants, skin conditioners, and essential oils.  The key beneficial ingredients in the formula include: aloe, panthenol, allantoin, licorice root, magnesium, zinc, copper, hyaluronic acid, cucumber, and green tea.  The toner removes any residue left after cleansing without overdrying the skin.  The formula helps to soothe the skin while adding a touch of hydration.

Boscia Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment Review

Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment is a lightweight gel-cream with a faint botanical scent.  The formula contains a blend of amino acids, plant extracts, and natural moisturizers.  The cream glides easily over the eye area and soaks in within a few minutes.  It leaves behind a dewy, non-greasy finish that works well under concealer.  The formula softens and nourishes the eye area, but it does not help much with dark circles or puffiness.

Vera Wang Lovestruck Eau de Parfum Review

Lovestruck is a lighthearted fruity-gourmand scent.  The opening sparkles with juicy pink guava and sunny tangerine.  The fruit notes quickly fizzle to reveal a blend of delicate florals, creamy vanilla, and a touch of caramel.  The fragrance mellows to a soft vanilla-musk finish with a whisper of woods.  Notes include: Pink Guava, Mandarin, Tuberose, Lotus Blossom, Woods, Musk.

Chloé L'Eau de Chloé Eau de Toilette Review

L'Eau de Chloé is a fresh floral scent.  The opening blends crisp citrus with fresh greens.  The opening notes are followed by a clean rose accord with cool musk undertones.  The rose accord predominates in the composition and gradually fades to a base of clean, slightly leathery patchouli.  Notes include: Citrus, Rose Petals, Rose Water, Patchouli.

Fendi Fan di Fendi Eau de Parfum Review

Fan di Fendi is a youthful fruity-floral scent.  The fragrance opens with a fleeting tangerine note followed by a pairing of rose and juicy black currant.  Later in the composition, bright yellow jasmine infuses the blend with a touch of freshness.  The fragrance gradually fades to a fruity-vanilla base with hints of soft leather and muted patchouli.  Notes include: Pear, Black Currant, Tangerine, Pink Peppercorn, Damascena Rose, Yellow Jasmine, Patchouli, Soft Leather.

Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 45+ Review

Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 45 is a milky fluid sunscreen for all skin types.  The formula protects the skin from sun exposure with a potent blend of chemical sunscreens and several antioxidants.  The lightweight fluid goes on easily and quickly absorbs to a non-greasy, non-whitening finish with a hint of shine.  This product is formulated without added fragrance, but it has a chemical sunscreen odor. 

Paula’s Choice Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish with Microsponge® Technology Review

Shine Stopper is a lightweight white lotion formulated to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface.  To apply, you gently dab a small amount over oily areas before or after makeup application.  The lotion quickly disappears into the skin, leaving behind a colorless, silky powder finish; however, the skin can appear streaky if too much product is applied.  This product blurs the look of pores and keeps the skin shine-free for a few hours. 

MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash Mascara Review

Zoom Fast Black Lash Mascara creates long jet-black lashes.  A slim, tapered brush applies the mascara evenly and without clumps.  The formula is wet, but it dries quickly and does not smudge when applied carefully.  The mascara lengthens, separates, and fans out the lashes while building volume.  The mascara stays on without flaking, but it smears a bit at the end of the day.  This product has a slight chemical odor. 

Paula’s Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Review

RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment is a translucent, toner-like liquid with 10% glycolic acid, antioxidants, and anti-irritants.  The nighttime treatment applies like a regular toner, but it stings the skin while it dries.  The formula leaves the skin lightly hydrated and with minimal stickiness.  The treatment can be left on overnight or, if the skin is not accustomed to glycolic acid, rinsed off after 10 minutes.  The glycolic acid in this product leaves the skin soft, smooth, and glowing after just one treatment.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 Review

RESIST Cellular Daily Defense Moisturizer is a moisturizing white cream with a whipped, airy texture.  The formula contains a mineral-based sunscreen (titanium dioxide) and several antioxidants.  The cream glides on easily, but it looks pasty as you rub it into the skin.  The cream absorbs with only a trace of white residue; leaving behind a moist, dewy finish that may be too heavy for normal and oily skin types.  This product is fragrance-free.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion Review

Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion is a lightweight lotion with 1% salicylic acid.  In addition to salicylic acid, the formula contains anti-irritants and skin conditioners.  The lotion feels moist when applied to the skin, but it quickly dries to a weightless matte finish.  The formula gently exfoliates the skin and leaves it smooth and even-toned.  This product has a somewhat unpleasant “sour cucumber” scent that quickly fades away.

Nars Cream Blush (Penny Lane) Review

Penny Lane is a nude pink blush with peachy undertones.  The cream blush has a smooth, non-greasy texture that turns to a silky, weightless powder when applied to the skin.  The blush leaves a natural-looking flush of color on the skin that stays on most of the day.  The formula also contains micro-shimmer for a subtle glow without sparkles of glitter.

Versace Yellow Diamond Eau de Toilette Review

Yellow Diamond is a sunny floral scent.  The opening is reminiscent of yellow wildflowers with clean, lemony undertones.  The opening notes quickly evolve into a sparkling, airy bouquet of water lily, freesia, and other flowers.  The bright floral notes gradually fade to a fresh musk finish.  Notes include: Citron, Pear Sorbet, Neroli, Bergamot, Freesia, Orange Blossom, Mimosa, Water Lily, Amber, Woods, Musk.

Goldfaden 3-in-1 Daily Moisutrizer Review

Goldfaden 3-in-1 Daily Moisturizer is a lightweight gel-lotion with a subtle citrus scent.  The formula combines hyaluronic acid, seaweed extract, and red tea to hydrate and nourish the skin.  The moisturizer glides over the skin and quickly absorbs to a non-greasy, natural finish.  The moisturizer feels soothing when applied, and it leaves the skin soft and hydrated.

Paula’s Choice Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 15 Review

Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen is a lightweight white lotion designed for normal to oily/combination skin.  The oil-free formula combines chemical sunscreens (avobenzone and others) and antioxidants to protect the skin from sun exposure.  The lotion applies easily, but it leaves the skin shiny and a little tacky.  The formula is free of fragrance and colorants.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner Skin Remodeling Complex Review

Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner is a milky liquid without added fragrance.  The formula is enriched with a multitude of antioxidants, anti-irritants, emollients, and other skin conditioners.  The toner gently cleanses the skin while adding a boost of moisture.  The formula softens, soothes, and refreshes the skin without stickiness or greasy residue. 

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara (Espresso) Review

Flawless Definition Mascara creates long, defined lashes while adding a bit volume.  The mascara features a tapered brush with rows of fine, short rubber bristles.  The slim brush applies the mascara evenly and combs out clumps.  The formula is slightly wet, but it does not smudge when applied carefully.  The mascara dries quickly and stays on throughout the day without flaking.  Espresso is a rich brown-black shade.

Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment with 2% BHA Review

Weightless Body Treatment is a lightweight body lotion with 2% salicylic acid.  In addition to salicylic acid, the formula also includes antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin conditioners.  The lotion glides on easily and quickly absorbs to a matte, non-greasy finish.  The salicylic acid minimizes the rough patches and bumps on the skin for a smoother appearance.  The formula is fragrance-free, but it has a plasticky melon scent that quickly fades.

Paula’s Choice RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser Review

RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser is a non-foaming lotion cleanser without added fragrance.  The creamy formula combines gentle cleansers with skin conditioners.  The silky lotion glides over the face, dissolving makeup and grime.  The cleanser rinses well, leaving behind just a trace of moisture that comes off after toweling.  The cleanser leaves the skin feeling clean and not too tight.

Lancome Trésor Midnight Rose Eau de Parfum Review

Midnight Rose is a fruity floral scent.  The fragrance opens with dark, sumptuous berries and a sprinkling of pink pepper.  As the opening notes soften, the fragrance reveals a smooth blend of rose and jasmine with a creamy raspberry backdrop.  The floral bouquet gracefully dries down to a soft vanilla finish with a touch of musk.  Notes include: Raspberry, Black Currant Bud Absolute, Rose Absolute, Jasmine, Vanilla, Musk.