ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

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.

Especially Escada Eau de Parfum Review

Especially Escada is a fresh floral scent.  The opening blends crisp pear with dewy, springtime florals.  The pear and fresh young rose quickly emerge as the key notes in the composition.  Over time, the fragrance becomes somewhat aquatic with a clean musk drydown.  Notes include: Pear, Rose, Ambrette Seeds, Ylang-Ylang, Musk.

Arcona Pumpkin Lotion 10% Review

Pumpkin Lotion 10% is a lightweight yet emollient pink lotion.  The natural formula contains glycolic acid, pumpkin extracts, pumpkin seed oil, pumpkin enzymes, and other skin nourishing ingredients.  The lotion spreads easily and absorbs well, leaving the skin moist and soft.  The glycolic acid slightly tingles upon application as it gently exfoliates the skin.  The lotion has a rather heavy spiced pumpkin scent that slowly fades to a soft, powdery fragrance.

Physicians Formula Gentle Refreshing Toner Review

Gentle Refreshing Toner is a watery blue liquid without added fragrance or alcohol.  The toner has a basic formula that includes glycerin and extracts of cucumber, ginseng, and white oak bark.  The toner helps to clean the skin without drying it out.  The toner leaves the skin refreshed and lightly hydrated.  This product is recommended for dry, sensitive skin.

Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly Review

Aloe Vera Gelly is a thick, cloudy aloe vera gel with a slight medicinal scent.  The formula consists of 99% aloe vera as well as vitamins A, C, and E.  The gel goes on easily and is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving it temporarily tight but not sticky.  The gel adds a touch of cooling hydration to the skin.

StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles Review

Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles is an emollient lotion with a rosy fragrance.  The concentrate features NIA-114 (a derivative of nicotinic acid), peptides, antioxidants, botanicals, and skin conditioners.  The lotion goes on smoothly and absorbs without greasy residue, but it flakes off a bit under concealer.  The formula hydrates the eye area, softens fine lines, and slightly lightens dark circles.

Vince Camuto Eau De Parfum Review

Vince Camuto is a sophisticated gourmand-floral scent with a warm, sensual base.  The opening notes of rum absolute and osmanthus nectar morph together into a creamy berry infusion with hints of vanilla, honey, and brown sugar.  As the opening notes soften into the backdrop, the composition reveals a velvety bouquet of rose and jasmine with soft leather undertones.  The fragrance gradually comes to rest on a warm base of amber and vanilla with touches of patchouli and musk.  Notes include: Rum Absolute, Osmanthus Nectar, White Rose, Leather, Jasmine, Vanilla Absolute, Patchouli, Amber, Musk.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid Review

Anthelios 60 is a lightweight milky fluid.  The formula protects the skin from sun exposure with chemical sunscreens (avobenzone and others) and senna alata leaf extract.  The formula contains alcohol, but it does not feel drying on the skin.  The sunscreen blends easily into the skin and quickly dries to a velvety soft, semi-matte finish.  The sunscreen is fragrance-free.

Versace Vanitas Eau de Parfum Review

Vanitas is a sheer floral scent.  The fragrance opens with green citrus that quickly gives way to a delicate pear-gardenia blend.  The pear-gardenia accord quietly lingers on the skin before fading to a tender bouquet of freesia and rose petals.  The fragrance settles to a clean, woody finish with lingering floral notes.  Notes include: Lime, Freesia, Tiare, Tonka Bean, Cedar.

Almay Intense I-Color Volumizing Mascara (Brown Topaz) Review

Intense I-Color Volumizing Mascara thickens the lashes and gives them nice length.  The mascara has a plastic applicator brush with short, scratchy bristles.  The mascara formula is a bit gooey and needs to be applied with care to avoid clumping.  The mascara dries quickly and stays put without flaking or smudging.  The Brown Topaz shade is a rich brown color that helps to enhance blue eyes.

Paula’s Choice Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator Review

Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator is a beige gel-lotion without added fragrance.  The silicone-based lotion blends vitamin C, niacinamide, and lactoperoxidase to help fade acne marks and prevent future breakouts.  The lotion spreads easily over the skin and quickly absorbs to a natural, semi-matte finish.  The formula moisturizes the skin and leaves it soft and smooth. 

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion Review

Mega-Rich Body Lotion is a hydrating lotion with a green-citrus scent.  The lotion is formulated with multiple emollients, shea butter, panthenol, and vitamins C and E.  The lotion glides easily over the skin and absorbs quickly.  The lotion helps to soften, smooth, and moisturize the skin without leaving a greasy residue.  The formula is heavily fragranced and may not be the best choice for sensitive skin.

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Wash Review

Mega-Rich Body Wash is a yellow-tinted cleansing gel with an energizing grapefruit scent.  The body wash is enriched with micro-beads containing vitamins A, C, E, and panthenol.  The vitamin micro-beads dissolve as you work the body wash into a lather.  The lather has a silky, creamy texture, and it cleanses the skin without stripping its moisture.  The formula rinses easily and leaves the skin feeling clean.

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Shampoo Review

Mega-Rich Shampoo is a clear gel shampoo with a green-citrus fragrance.  The silicone-free formula combines cleansing agents, polyquartenium-10, glycerin, biotin, panthenol, and vitamins C and E.  The shampoo foams up nicely and works easily into the hair.  The shampoo rinses off without heavy residue, leaving the hair clean and manageable.

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Conditioner Review

Mega-Rich Conditioner is a silky lightweight cream with a green-citrus scent.  The formula blends light conditioners with biotin, panthenol, and vitamins C and E.  The conditioner spreads readily through the hair and soaks in quickly.  The formula helps to ease tangles and smooth dry ends.  The conditioner rinses out well and leaves the hair soft and shiny.

Oscar de la Renta Live in Love Eau de Parfum Review

Live in Love is a subtle green-floral scent.  The fragrance opens with clean floral notes and crisp bergamot.  As the top notes mellow, the composition reveals a delicate bouquet of jasmine and orange flower enveloped in a green, slightly earthy veil of galbanum.  The floral bouquet warms up a bit with amber before fading to a sheer woody-musk base.  Notes include: Ginger Orchid, Green Muguet, Bergamot, Hyacinth, Galbanum, Jasmine, Orange Flower, Rose, White Amber, Musk, White Woods, Sandalwood, Cedarwood.

Burberry Body Eau de Parfum Review

Body is a fruity rose scent with a warm woody base.  The opening blends sweet peach with fresh freesia and a whisper of rose in the undertones.  The rose gradually strengthens as the peach and freesia fade into the background.  The young and lively rose stays grounded with a touch of green-woody iris and a drop of dark fruit liquor.  The rose gently fades to a warm base of woods, pale amber and a hint of vanilla.  Notes include: Freesia, Green Absinthe, Peach, Rose, Iris, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber, Vanilla.

Boscia Vital Daily Moisture SPF 15 Review

Vital Daily Moisture is a lightweight white gel-lotion without added fragrance.  The formula blends two chemical sunscreens with olive fruit oil, rice bran oil, wine yeast, marine complex, jojoba leaf, and willowherb.  The lotion goes on smoothly and quickly sinks into the skin, leaving behind a non-greasy veil of moisture.  The lotion keeps the skin soft and hydrated throughout the day.

Rainbow Research Colloidal Oatmeal Bath and Body Wash (Fragrance-Free) Review

Colloidal Oatmeal Bath and Body Wash is an unscented, clear cleansing gel.  The formula combines mild cleansers with colloidal oatmeal, aloe, chamomile and other skin conditioners.  The body wash generates ample lather that gently cleanses the skin without overdrying it.  This product leaves the skin feeling clean and comfortable.

Mineral Fusion Fortifying Mineral Shampoo Review

Fortifying Mineral Shampoo is a translucent-iridescent gel shampoo with a clean citrus scent.  The formula blends mild cleansing agents with minerals, natural oils, and vitamins.  The shampoo foams up nicely and thoroughly cleanses the hair without leaving a residue.  The shampoo alone does not ease tangles; it should be followed with a conditioner to improve hair’s manageability.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Day & Night Lash Boosting Serum (Clear) Review

Eye Booster Serum is a clear liquid serum housed in a silver pen applicator.  The applicator is fitted with a fine nylon brush tip that dispenses a precise amount of serum to the lash base.  The serum dries quickly and without residue.  The serum’s active ingredient (myristoyl pentapeptide-17) is said to enhance eye lash growth.  After using the serum for two months, I noticed a slight increase in the thickness and length of my lashes.

Sephora Collection Lip Attitude Glamour (Innocent Beige 19) Review

Innocent Beige is a great nude lipstick, but it does not have staying power.  The lipstick shade is a sheer peachy-pink with a glossy finish.  The lipstick has a smooth, creamy texture that feels like lightweight lip balm.  The formula has a soft fruity scent.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Candlelight) Review

Candlelight is a lightweight eye shadow primer with a subtle golden tint.  A tiny dot of the primer is all you need to cover both eyes lids.  The primer spreads easily and sets quickly on the skin, adding a shimmering golden glow to the eye lids.  When applied under an eye shadow, the primer subtly brightens the shadow and keeps it from fading.  This product creases a bit after a few hours of wear.

Paula’s Choice Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner Review

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner is a clear hydrating liquid without added fragrance.  The toner is enriched with a host of antioxidants and skin conditioners.  The formula tingles upon application, but the sensation only lasts a minute.  The toner quickly absorbs into the skin and leaves it clean and lightly hydrated.

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner Review

Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is a water-like liquid free of fragrance and colorants.  The formula contains green tea and grape seed extracts, anti-irritants, and light hydrators.  The toner cleanses and refreshes the skin while adding a touch of moisture.  The formula dries quickly without a sticky or greasy residue.

B. Kamins Calming Lotion Review

Calming Lotion is a lightweight green lotion without added fragrance.  The formula is enriched with a host of antioxidants, anti-irritants, and moisturizers that include: licorice, caffeine, ącai, seabuckthorn, oat derivative, and bio-maple compound.  The lotion glides easily over the skin and quickly absorbs to a non-greasy, natural finish.  The formula helps to hydrate, soothe, and soften the skin.

CoverGirl Lash Perfection Mascara (Brown) Review

Lash Perfection features a tapered brush with short rubber bristles that reach and coat every lash.  The mascara goes on easily, creating clean lash definition, good length and decent volume.  The formula stays on all day without smudging or flaking.  The brown shade is a deep coffee color.  The only drawback is that the formula tends to quickly thicken and dry out in the tube, causing clumping during application.

Jennifer Aniston Eau de Parfum Review

Jennifer Aniston’s debut fragrance is a clean floral scent.  The fragrance opens with dewy lilies and fresh jasmine enveloped in a crisp citrus veil.  As the citrus veil dissipates, the fragrance mellows into a soft white floral bouquet with a backdrop of fresh linens.  The fragrance gradually settles into a clean musk base with a hint of woods.  Notes include: Citrus Grove Accord, Rose Water, Jasmine, Violet, Amazon Lily, Musk, Amber, Sandalwood.

Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau de Toilette Review

Butterfly is a fruity-gourmand scent.  The opening features a cloying blend of strawberries and vanilla with a touch of jasmine in the undertones.  Once the opening notes mellow a bit, the composition reveals a subtle floral accord of rose and ylang-ylang.  Regrettably, the floral notes are quickly overwhelmed by a sugary mix of vanilla and berries.  Eventually, the fragrance becomes more wearable as it fades to a smooth base of powdery vanilla and creamy almond.  Notes include: Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Red Currant, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Vanilla, Praline, Patchouli, Sandalwood.

Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! Eau De Parfum Review

Oh, Lola! is a lighthearted fruity-floral scent.  The fragrance opens with sweet berries and pear.  As the fragrance evolves, the fruit notes blend with soft florals against a warm backdrop of vanilla and tonka bean.  The fragrance dries down to a subtle vanilla finish with a hint of woods.  Notes include: Raspberry, Vanilla, Peony, Magnolia, Pear, Cyclaman, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean.

Cartier Eau de Cartier Essence D’Orange Eau de Toilette Review

Essence D’Orange is a clean summer scent.  The opening features a subtle blend of bergamot, orange, and cedarwood.  The opening notes gradually mellow into a sophisticated soapy accord with orange and violet undertones.  The fragrance fades to a sheer patchouli finish with a touch of woods.  Notes include: Orange, Bergamot, Violet Flower, Patchouli, Cedarwood.

Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash Review

Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash is an emollient cream cleanser.  The formula combines mild cleansing agents with oatmeal and rich skin conditioners.  The creamy wash produces no lather, but instead it forms a slippery film on the surface of the skin that protects the skin barrier during washing.  The wash rinses off easily and leaves the skin feeling clean and soft.  The formula is fragrance-free but is has a slight sour odor.

Juice Organics Pommist Environmental Toner Review

Pommist Environmental Toner is a cloudy water-like liquid housed in a spray bottle.  The formula blends plant and fruit extracts in a base of apple and aloe juices.  The toner can be misted over the face or applied with a cotton pad.  The toner dries quickly on the skin with only a hint of stickiness.  The formula helps to cleanse and refresh the skin but it offers little hydration.  This product has a natural fruity scent.

Caudalie Premier Cru La Crème Review

Premier Cru La Crème is a lightweight yet emollient cream with a soft herbal-citrus scent.  The formula contains a blend of plant oils, antioxidants and a small amount of peptides.  The cream spreads easily, but it takes a while to fully absorb into the skin.  The cream nourishes dry skin and leaves it moist and dewy.  This product may be too heavy for oilier skin types.

Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Eye Cream Review

Miraculous Anti-Aging Eye Cream is a pale yellow cream with a strange waxy texture.  The cream is slow to absorb and it leaves behind a shiny finish.  The strange texture aside, this product does a good job of smoothing and hydrating the eye area.  The formula contains a good array of anti-aging ingredients that include niacinamide, vitamin C, retinoids, and peptides.  The niacinamide and retinoids may be irritating to sensitive skin.

Estēe Lauder Sensuous Nude Eau de Parfum Review

Sensuous Nude is a warm floral-woody scent.  The opening blends crisp citrus notes with a touch of sweet fruit and soft rose.  The opening notes are followed by a bouquet of muguet, jasmine and a sprinkling of black pepper.  The floral bouquet is somewhat cloying, but the floral notes gradually soften as they come to rest on a smooth woody base.  Coconut and honey sweeten the composition over time, and the fragrance fades to a vanilla-musk finish.  Notes include: Bergamot, Baie Rose, Mandarin, Black Pepper, Jasmine, Muguet, Coconut Water, Honey, Musk, Melted Woods, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Heliotrope, Vanilla.

Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex Review

Wrinkle Revolution Complex is a lightweight white gel-cream with a strong floral scent.  The silicone-based formula is enriched with niacinamide, biopeptide, and antioxidants.  The cream feels like a silky powder when you rub it into the skin.  The cream lightly hydrates the skin and absorbs to a weightless semi-matte finish.  This product contains micro-fillers and light-diffusing pigments that subtly enhance the complexion.  The formula’s active ingredients help to smooth away fine lines over time. 

DKNY Golden Delicious Eau de Parfum Review

Golden Delicious is a fresh floral scent.  The opening pairs delicate orange flower water with golden delicious apple, but the tart apple note quickly overpowers the former.  The apple gradually mellows into the backdrop, revealing a crisp bouquet of muguet and fresh lilies.  Later in the composition, the notes of white rose and vanilla orchid give depth to the floral bouquet.  The floral notes settle into a soft woody-musk finish.  Notes include: Orange Flower Water, Mirabelle Plum, Golden Delicious Apple, White Rose, Casablanca Lily, Vanilla Orchid, Muguet, Musk, Sandalwood, Teakwood.