ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

EmerginC Multi-Vitamin + Retinol Serum Review

Multi-Vitamin + Retinol Serum is a clear gel that holds an assortment of multicolored beads containing encapsulated retinol, vitamins and plant extracts.  The pump dispenser breaks up the beads to deliver the active ingredients into the skin.  The gel and bead mixture absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves it lightly hydrated.  The retinol in this formulation does not produce dramatic improvements in the appearance of the skin, but it’s a gentle option for sensitive skin types. 

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads Review

Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads are saturated with a lightweight peel solution and measure about 2.5 inches in diameter.  The peel solution contains a 20% blend of glycolic, lactic, salicylic and linolenic acids as well as antioxidants, plant extracts and retinol.  You are instructed to leave the peel on the skin for up to 3 minutes before rinsing with water.  The solution tingles upon contact but it’s relatively gentle on the skin.  The peel rinses completely and leaves the complexion silky smooth and with a rosy glow.  This product is fragrance- and alcohol-free.

Dolce & Gabbana 10 La Roue de la Fortune Eau de Toilette Review

10 La Roue de la Fortune is a sweet oriental scent.  The fragrance opens with syrupy sweet fruit and a hint of spice.  The fruit notes permeate into the heart of the fragrance and combine with creamy vanilla, smooth florals and a whisper of woods.  The fragrance dries down to a soft blend of vanilla and patchouli with touches of benzoin and orris.  Notes include: Pink Pepper, Pineapple, Tuberose, Gardenia, Jasmine, Vanilla, Orris, Benzoin, Patchouli.

Dolce & Gabbana 6 L’Amoureux Eau de Toilette Review

6 L’Amoureux is a woodsy unisex scent.  The top notes feature aromatic woods, juniper berry, a pinch of pink pepper and a hint of bergamot.  The opening is followed by a soothing blend of birch leaves and orris root.  The fragrance has a woody base with sensual oakmoss undertones.  Notes include: Bergamot, Juniper Berry, Pink Pepper, Cardamom, Birch Leaf, Orris, Musk, Woods.

Dolce & Gabbana 18 La Lune Eau de Toilette Review

18 La Lune is a fruity floral scent with a soft musk finish.  The fragrance opens with sweet apple and a touch of bergamot.  As the fragrance develops, the apple note is paired with fresh lily and a muted tuberose.  The composition slowly transforms into a powdery soft blend of rose and orris.  The fragrance fades to a sheer musk base with hints of leather and woods.  Notes include: Apple, Bergamot, Lily, Rose, Tuberose, Orris, Leather, Sandalwood, Musk.

Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Impératrice Eau de Toilette Review

3 L’Impératrice is a fruity floral scent.  The fragrance opens with a juicy sweet blend of red currant, kiwi and rhubarb.  The sweetness gradually mellows and the fruit notes mingle with soft pink florals in the middle accord.  The fragrance dries down to a sweet musky base with a hint of soft woods.  Notes include: Rhubarb, Red Currant, Kiwi, Pink Cyclamen, Fresh Watermelon, Jasmine, Musk, Sandalwood, Grapefruit Wood.

Dolce & Gabbana 1 Le Bateleur Eau de Toilette Review

1 Le Bateleur is a fresh unisex cologne.  The opening features a crisp blend of woods, herbs and a touch of citrus.  The top notes quickly evolve into a refreshing aquatic accord with a whisper of woods in the backdrop.  The woods intensify in the drydown and eclipse the cool aquatic notes.  Notes include: Cardamom, Juniper Berry, Birch Leaf, Aquatic Accord, Coriander, Vetiver, White Cedarwood, Olbanum.

Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Smoothing Scrub Review

Sensitive Gentle Smoothing Scrub has a watery clear gel base with a moderate concentration of small polyethylene beads.  The scrubbing beads are not overly abrasive and help to gently polish the skin.  The scrub rinses easily and leaves no residue on the skin.  This product is fragrance-free.

Clinique All About Eyes Review

All About Eyes is a refreshing gel-cream with a pale peach tint.  The silky formula absorbs quickly and leaves a non-greasy, velvety finish on the skin.  The cream contains plant extracts and skin conditioners that moisturize and smooth the eye area but are not very effective against dark circles and wrinkles.  This product is fragrance-free.

Clinique Mild Liquid Facial Soap Review

Mild Liquid Facial Soap is a silky clear gel cleanser with no added fragrance.  The gel produces a soft lather that dissolves most makeup and grime without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.  The cleanser rinses away completely and leaves the skin soft and clean.  The formula utilizes sodium laureth sufate as a cleansing agent, which may be irritating to some skin types.

L’Occitane Bergamot Tea Eau de Toilette Review

Bergamot Tea is a spicy tea scent.  The fragrance opens with zesty bergamot, warm mandarin and cardamom.  As the citrus notes soften, the cardamom blends with a soothing black tea note.  The black tea accord is further enhanced with dry woods.  After the woods fade you are left with a refreshing aroma reminiscent of Earl Grey tea.  Notes include: Bergamot, Mandarin, Cardamom, Grapefruit, Black Tea, Wild Rose, Blond Wood, Black Wood, Musks.

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex Review

This new and improved serum is a tinted liquid-gel similar to the original Advanced Night Repair.  The serum is lightweight and absorbs into the skin without a sticky or greasy residue.  The updated formula combines three new ingredients (arabidopsis thaliana extract, tripeptide-32, lactobacillus ferment) with the antioxidants and skin conditioners found in the original formulation.  The serum soothes, softens and lightly hydrates the skin.  This product has a soft chamomile-like scent.

Estēe Lauder More Than Mascara Review

More Than Mascara creates soft, naturally-looking lashes with a tapered brush and a moisturizing formula.  The brush is easy to use and helps to separate and lengthen the lashes without clumping.  The lashes are soft, weightless and well-defined.  The mascara stays on without flaking but it smudges after a day’s wear.

Michael Kors Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum Review

Very Hollywood is a sensual gardenia scent.  The fragrance opens with a sparkling blend of citrus and red fruit.  The fruit notes are quickly followed by a lush gardenia accord with creamy amber undertones.  The floral bouquet fades into a clean base of white moss and vetiver.  Notes include: Mandarin, Iced Bergamot, Raspberry, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Gardenia, Orris, Creamy Amber, Soft White Moss, Vetiver.

Jessica Simpson Fancy Love Eau de Parfum Review

Fancy Love is a sweet floral scent with creamy undertones.  The fragrance opens with crisp bergamot, sweet fruit and fizzy champagne.  The sweet fruit extends into the heart of the fragrance where it blends with smooth florals and a touch of silky cream.  The fragrance dries down to a woody musk base with hints of sweet amber and patchouli.  Notes include: Peach Blossom, Bergamot, Goji Leaf, Pink Champagne, Lotus, Peony, Plumeria, Jasmine, Turkish Rose, Creamy Amber, Blonde Woods, Musk, Patchouli.

Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Cleansing Wash Review

Sensitive Gentle Cleansing Wash is a clear liquid with a pump dispenser.  The pump transforms the liquid into light, airy foam that easily removes dirt and makeup.  This mild cleanser rinses without residue and leaves the skin comfortably clean.  This product is free of fragrance, lanolin and harsh detergents. 

Boots Expert Anti-Blemish Serum Review

This clear watery gel absorbs quickly into the skin and provides light hydration.  The serum contains soothing willow bark extract that also helps to control oil and blemishes.  The formula is not as potent as salicylic acid-based acne treatments, but it can double as a non-greasy moisturizer for problem skin.  This product is fragrance-free.

Bvlgari Eau de Parfum II Review

Eau de Parfum II is a floral scent with a sheer woody finish.  The opening is subtle and lightly sweet with a blend of violet, licorice, star anise and mandarin.  The top notes are followed by a cool watery note that is quickly eclipsed by the floral heart of the fragrance.  The floral bouquet features powdery iris with violet and rose undertones.  The fragrance has a woody musk base with touches of amber and tonka bean.  Notes include: Violet, Star Anise, Licorice, Mandarin, Iris Absolute, Patchouli, Vetiver, Benzoin, Ambergris, Cistus Flower, Musk.

Emilio Pucci Vivara Eau de Parfum Review

Vivara is a multi-faceted green floral scent.  The fragrance opens with bergamot and slightly bitter greens.  The opening notes gradually mellow into a soft vegetal-floral accord with a hint of dry leaves.  The base notes develop slowly but you are eventually rewarded with a warm, sensual base of patchouli, amaretto and iris butter.  Notes include: Italian Bergamot, Amaretto, Sambac Jasmine, Narcissus, Indonesian Patchouli, Iris Butter.

Clinique High Impact Mascara (Black) Review

High Impact Mascara has a dense brush with soft bristles.  The brush helps to build volume and some length but the soft bristles are not ideal for separating the lashes.  The formula feels wet going on and requires a steady hand to avoid smudges.  The mascara stays put throughout the day with minimal flaking.  The rich black shade adds definition to the eye area.

Clinique Different Lipstick (Think Bronze) Review

Think Bronze lipstick is a medium rose-pink with subtle gold shimmer.  The lipstick offers good coverage and leaves a smooth, lasting finish on the lips.  The formula is fragrance-free.

Estēe Lauder Private Collection Jasmine White Moss Eau de Parfume Review

Jasmine White Moss is a classic green floral scent.  The fragrance opens with a sharp burst of bergamot and crisp greens.  As the top notes soften, the composition transforms into a luxurious garden of jasmine, ylang-ylang and other white florals.  The floral bouquet mellows and mingles with clean white moss as it dries down.  The fragrance has a sensual woody base with touches of patchouli and vetiver.  Notes include: Black Currant Bud Absolute, Bergamot, Galbanum, Jasmine Sambac Absolute, Jasmine Absolute, Ylang Ylang, Violet, Orange Flower, Orris, Patchouli, Vetiver, White Moss Mist.

Aqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri Eau de Toilette Review

Arancia di Capri is a natural citrus scent with a soothing green maté base.  The fragrance opens with a refreshingly tart blend of grapefruit, lemon and petitgrain.  The crisp citrus notes are followed by sweet orange and tangerine with a gentle kiss of cardamom.  The composition gradually develops a lasting maté base with a whisper of warm musk in the finish.  Notes include: Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange, Tangerine, Petitgrain, Cardamom, Maté, Musk, Caramel.

Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum Review

Lola is a sensual gourmand-floral scent.  The fragrance opens with sweet pear, a dash pink peppercorns and a hint of citrus.  The fruit accord quickly transforms into a smooth, creamy floral arrangement.  The floral bouquet combines soft peony and rose petals with sweet vanilla and a touch of powder.  The base of the fragrance is a lingering blend of creamy musk, vanilla and tonka bean.  Notes include: Pink Peppercorn, Pear, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Peony, Rose, Geranium, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Creamy Musk.

Giorgio Armani Idole d'Armani Eau de Parfum Review

Idole d'Armani is a smooth floral scent with a soft, cashmere-like finish.  The opening features a sophisticated pear accord spiced with ginger.  The opening notes are followed by a sensual blend of jasmine, rose and saffron with slightly sweet, creamy undertones.  The fragrance has a velvety base of woods and patchouli that stays close to the skin.  Notes include: Pear, Clementine, Ginger, Devana, Jasmine, Rose, Saffron, Vetiver, Patchouli.

Avalon Organics Olive & Grape Seed Moisturizing Shampoo Review

Grape & Olive Shampoo is a silky clear gel that foams lightly and requires two applications for thorough cleansing.  The formula contains mild cleansers, plant oils, panthenol and allantoin.  The shampoo is gentle and lightly moisturizing but it should be followed with a suitable conditioner to reduce tangles.  The shampoo rinses without a residue and leaves the hair clean and bouncy.  This product is free of fragrance, silicone, sulfates and parabens.

Avalon Organics Olive & Grape Seed Moisturizing Conditioner Review

Grape & Olive Conditioner is a fragrance- and silicon-free moisturizing crème that spreads throughout the hair with relative ease.  The conditioner is enriched with natural plant oils, panthenol and soybean protein to nourish and soften the hair.  The creamy formula provides light conditioning without weighting the hair down.  The conditioner rinses easily but leaves a few tangles.

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Balancing Facial Toner Review

This natural toner helps to cleanse and condition the skin but it has a slightly sticky afterfeel.  The formula contains many skin-beneficial ingredients that include stabilized vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate), plant extracts and natural moisturizers.  This product is scented with orange and other essential oils and is free of artificial fragrance, dyes, alcohol and parabens.

Avalon Organics CoQ10 Perfecting Facial Toner Review

This plant-based toner is made without alcohol, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances or parabens.  The toner balances and refreshes the skin, leaving it clean and residue-free.  The formula contains the antioxidant CoQ10, plant extracts and humectants.  The toner has a refreshing herbal aroma with lavender and bergamot undertones.

Emilio Pucci Sole 149 Eau de Toilette Review

Sole 149 is a radiant floral scent.  The opening is fresh, sunny and green with notes of tomato leaf, galbanum and tangerine.  The opening notes are closely followed by a sensual jasmine heart that gently caresses the skin.  The fragrance mellows into a soft musk base with clean citrus undertones and a whisper of patchouli.  Notes include: Tomato Leaf, Galbanum, Tangerine, Sambac Jasmine, Turkish Rose, Vetiver, Patchouli, Musk.

Emilio Pucci Aqua 330 Eau de Toilette Review

Aqua 330 is a refreshing marine floral scent.  The fragrance opens with a crisp aquatic accord sprinkled with sea salt.  The aquatic notes spill into the heart of the fragrance, where they blend with clean white florals.  The fragrance has a cool musk base with a touch of watery freshness.  Notes include: Violet Leaf, Bitter Orange, Pink Berry, Aquatic Accord, Egyptian Jasmine, Frangipani Flower, Musk, Tonka Bean, Moss.

Emilio Pucci Sabbia 167 Eau de Toilette Review

Sabbia 167 is a warm floral scent with a sweet praline backdrop.  The fragrance opens with an aromatic blend of praline, barely-there citrus and a hint of plum.  The praline accord gradually fades into the background to reveal a powdery soft iris intermingled with refreshing jasmine notes.  The fragrance has a soft woody base with lingering praline undertones.  Notes include: Tangerine, Lemon, Bergamot, Iris, Hedione, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Praline.

Max Factor Lash Perfection Stretch & Separate Mascara (Deep Blue) Review

Stretch & Separate Mascara provides natural-looking length, definition and a bit of volume.  The brush consists of short rubber bristles that are tapered at the tip.  The brush is a little scratchy but it separates and fans out the lashes without clumping.  The mascara dries quickly and stays on throughout the day without flaking.  The dark navy formula looks nearly black on the lashes.

Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel Review

Positively Smooth Shave Gel turns into a luxuriously silky, creamy lather that’s not too thick.  The gel is formulated with natural soy and other emollients that allow the blade to run smoothly over the skin for a very close shave.  The gel softens and conditions the skin while helping to minimize irritation.  The formula has a sweet almond scent.

Bond No. 9 Bleecker Street Eau de Parfum Review

Bleecker Street is a refreshing unisex cologne with herbaceous undertones.  The opening features a brisk aquatic-citrus accord with hints of woods and greens.  As the fragrance evolves, it reveals a blend of minty thyme and fresh florals.  The base of the fragrance is clean with a lingering green tea-like note.  Notes include: Violet leaf, Cassis, Jasmine, Cinnamon, Oakmoss.

Bond No. 9 Fire Island Eau de Parfum Review

Fire Island is a warm floral scent.  The fragrance opens with a burst of creamy tuberose and a whisper of neroli.  The neroli gradually strengthens as the tuberose fades away and becomes slightly soapy.  At the heart of the fragrance are sweet neroli blossoms paired with soft musk.  The drydown is a blend of musk, soft patchouli and ozone.  Notes include: Cardamom, Neroli, White Musk, Tuberose, Patchouli.

Estēe Lauder Pure White Linen Pink Coral Eau de Parfum Review

Pink Coral is a subtly sweet floral scent.  The fragrance opens with a sprinkling of berries over velvety soft spring blossoms.  The opening notes gradually transform into a creamy floral bouquet featuring sweet heliotrope.  The fragrance mellows into a soft base of sandalwood and vanilla.  Notes include: Apple Blossom, Clear Aldehydes, Waterfruits, Pink Peppercorns, Chinese Berry Mist, Jasmine, Pink Peony, Camellia Flower, Cherry Blossom, Sweet Pea, Honeysuckle, Vanilla, Heliotrope, Sandalwood. 

Estēe Lauder Pure White Linen Eau de Parfum Review

Pure White Linen is a clean floral scent.  The opening combines zesty mandarin with a fresh air accord.  While the citrus fades quickly, the fresh notes provide a lasting backdrop for the fragrance.  At the heart of the composition is a white floral bouquet with touches of honeysuckle and crisp greens.  The fragrance has a clean base with hints of patchouli and woods.  Notes include: Italian Mandarin, Cool Fresh Air Accord, Raspberry, Dewy Greens, White Freesia, Red Tulip, Rose Absolute, Wild Honeysuckle, Gardenia Petals, White Cedarwood, Patchouli, White Heliotrope. 

Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 (Light/Medium) Review

Almost Bronzer is a two-shade bronzing powder with a hint of shimmer.  The two shades are not too brown or orange and look natural on light complexion.  The bronzer helps to create a healthy sun-kissed glow that deepens with additional applications.  The shimmer is barely noticeable and leaves the skin with a subtle radiance.  The formula contains titanium dioxide for enhanced sun protection. 

Clinique Self Sun Body Daily Moisturizer (Light/Medium) Review

Self Sun Body Daily Moisturizer is a rich creamy lotion that absorbs gradually into the skin.  The lotion helps to achieve a natural-looking bronze glow without streaks or orange undertones.  The sunless tan deepens with daily use and fades evenly.  This product has a faint self-tanner odor that washes away easily. 

Isomers Sunscreen With UV Pearls SPF 20 Review

Isomers Sunscreen is a pasty white lotion that requires some rubbing in, but it absorbs to a comfortable semi-matte finish.  The sunscreen leaves a noticeable white residue on the skin that gradually fades away.  The formula incorporates zinc oxide and octinoxate to protect the skin from the sun.  The lotion is fragrance-free.

Stella McCartney Sheer Summer 2009 Eau de Toilette Review

Sheer Summer is a fruity rose scent reminiscent of tea rose.  The fragrance opens with a refreshing blend of lemon, sweet apple and perhaps a hint of rosewood.  The fruit notes blend effortlessly with delicate roses to create a lighthearted floral arrangement.  The amber base note is discreet and gently rounds out the rose accord.  Notes include: Lemon, Green Apple, Rose, Amber.

CLEAN Summer Eau Fraiche Review

Summer is a clean musk fragrance.  The opening is a blend of crisp citrus and fresh linens.  Once the citrus notes fade, you are left with a rather generic clean scent.  The fragrance dries to a soft musk base.  Notes include: Italian Limoncello, Bergamot, Rose Ice, Mirabelle Plum, Lily of the Valley, Musk.

Nature’s Gate Papaya Velvet Moisture Body Wash Review

Papaya Velvet Moisture Body Wash is a silky shower gel with a sweet pineapple-mango scent.  The body wash is formulated with coconut-based cleansers, extracts of papaya and pineapple, natural oils and skin conditioners.  The formula produces a nourishing lather that gently cleanses the skin and rinses without a residue.  The body wash leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable.

Nature’s Gate Aloe Velvet Moisture Body Wash Review

Aloe Velvet Moisture Body Wash is a well-formulated shower gel with an unpleasant fragrance.  The body wash contains gentle coconut cleansers, extracts of aloe, cucumber and chamomile, and natural skin moisturizers.  The formula lathers well and cleanses the body without stripping moisture from the skin.  The wash and the fragrance rinse out easily. 

Nature’s Gate Organics Lemongrass & Clary Sage Volumizing Shampoo Review

This gentle shampoo has a thick gel texture and a fresh herbal scent with hints of apple and pear.  The gel is low-foaming and requires a second application for thorough cleansing.  The shampoo alone does not help with tangles and should be followed with a conditioner for best results.  The formula rinses easily and does not weight the hair down.

Nature’s Gate Organics Chamomile & Lemon Verbena Body Lotion Review

This lightweight yet emollient body lotion quenches dry skin on contact.  The lotion leaves the skin velvety soft and comfortable but it takes a few minutes to absorb.  The formula includes a great array of botanical extracts, natural oils, and antioxidants.  The lotion has an herbal scent with hints of chamomile and apple.

CLEAN Purity Eau de Parfum Review

Purity is a subtle tea scent with herbal undertones.  The opening features a distinct tea note with hints of dry grass and citrus.  As the fragrance evolves, the tea note is enhanced with minty geranium, jasmine and muguet.  The tea accord gently mellows into a sheer woody musk base.  Notes include: Bergamot, Mandarin, Tea, Dewberry, Rose, Jasmine, Muguet, Geranium, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Leather, Musk.

CLEAN Simply Soap Eau de Parfum Review

Simply Soap is a clean scent with hints of musk.  The fragrance opens with fresh soapy notes and a whisper of citrus.  The soapy notes combine with clean musk and watery florals in the middle accord.  The fragrance dries down to a soft musk base with aquatic undertones.  Notes include: Bergamot, Frangipani, Lotus Blossom, Rose Oil, Violet, Musk.

CLEAN Shower Fresh Eau de Parfum Review

Shower Fresh is a clean floral scent.  The fragrance begins with a zesty blend of citrus fruit.  The citrus is quickly followed by a white floral bouquet with a touch of soapy musk.  After the florals fade, the musk is paired with soft woods for a subtle finish.  Notes include: Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Lily of the Valley, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Musk, Sheer Woods.