ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

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.

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.

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. 

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser (For Normal Skin) Review

The cleanser has a cream-mousse texture and a pearly pale pink tint.  It lathers nicely and removes makeup and grime without over-drying the skin.  The cleanser rinses off with a “squeaky” sensation and leaves a slight non-greasy film on the skin.  This product has a soft rosemary scent. 

Clinique Advanced Stop Signs Eye Preventative Cream SPF 15 Review

This lightweight eye cream absorbs easily into the eye area and adds a hint of luminescence.  The formula contains antioxidants, plant extracts and zinc oxide for sun protection.  The cream is free of fragrance, but it has a pale pink tint.  This product may not be emollient enough for dry skin types.

Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara Review

Naturally Glossy Mascara creates soft, natural-looking lashes; however, the glossing effect is not obvious.  The brush has soft, dense bristles that separate and define the lashes without clumps or smudges.  The mascara builds some length but not a lot of volume.  The formula stays put all day without flaking.

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 (Air Kiss) Review

Glosswear lasts longer than most lip glosses but it’s sticky.  The lip gloss has a moist, lustrous finish with a soft shimmer and sheer touch of pink.  It leaves lips feeling hydrated and visibly fuller.  The formula contains a blend of chemical sunscreens and is fragrance-free.

Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara Review

Lash Doubling Mascara has a sturdy applicator wand with a tapered bristle brush.  The formula feels overly wet and requires skillful application to prevent clumps and smudges.  The mascara creates decent volume and a bit of length but does not lift or curl the lashes.  The formula has good staying power with minimal flaking.

Clinique Different Lipstick (Shy) Review

Shy is a sheer berry-plum shade that would flatter most skin tones.  The color can be intensified with multiple layers.  The formula is smooth and hydrating and it has a natural moist finish.  The lipstick lasts longer than most sheer coverage formulas.

Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial Review

Instant Facial is a lightweight mask/scrub that combines the benefits of chemical and mechanical exfoliation.  The formula contains acetyl glucosamine, salicylic acid, plant extracts and fine scrubbing granules that work together to dissolve and remove dead skin cells.  You are instructed to apply this product like a mask and leave it on the skin for five minutes.  The mask dries very quickly and removes easily with water.  The scrubbing granules are quite abrasive and should be massaged gently over the face as you rinse off the mask.  The facial leaves the skin soft and silky smooth.  This product is fragrance-free but contains a light blue colorant.

Clinique Turnaround Radiance Peel Once-A-Week System Review

This two-step peel system consists of eight single-use vials of Radiance Peel and a tube of Calming Cream.  The peel is an alcohol-based liquid solution that contains a combination of salicylic acid, lactobionic acid, acetyl glucosamine and plant extracts to exfoliate the skin.  The liquid tingles upon application and dries quickly on the skin.  The peel should be followed with the Calming Cream or another soothing moisturizer.  This product visibly brightens and smoothes the skin and helps to refine the pores.  The formula may not be suitable for dry or sensitive skin because of the high alcohol content. 

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula Review

This fine grain scrub has a thick cream base with no added fragrance or coloring.  The scrubbing grains are slightly coarse and should be massaged lightly over the skin to avoid irritation.  The cream base leaves a residue on the skin that removes easily with cleanser and water.  The scrub helps to soften and polish the skin without overdrying. 

Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream Review

Repairwear is a white gel-cream for normal to dry skin.  The cream is rich in antioxidants, plant extracts and other skin-beneficial ingredients that help to fight skin aging.  The formula works well to combat dryness and flaky skin, but it seems to coat the skin instead of absorbing into it.  This product is fragrance-free. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel Review

DDMG is an ultra-light gel/lotion that is best suited for oily or problem skin.  The gel absorbs readily and without a residue.  It delivers just enough moisture for the skin to feel comfortable.  The formula is free of oil and fragrance and it contains a blend of anti-irritants and sodium hyaluronate.  This product performs well in hot, humid weather.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Review

DDML does a decent job of relieving dry, flaky skin.  The lotion is lightweight and absorbs fairly quickly but leaves a slight shine on the skin.  The formula is very basic and contains mostly water, mineral oil and sesame oil.  This product has no added fragrance but it smells a bit like vegetable oil.

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion Review

This mild liquid toner is a good choice for all skin types.  The formula contains a low concentration (0.5%) of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and refine pores.  The toner leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed without any dryness or stinging.  This product is alcohol- and fragrance-free but contains a green colorant.