ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Estée Lauder Sensuous Eau de Parfum Review

Sensuous is a warm, woody scent that’s not overly sweet or spicy.  The fragrance opens with a lush floral accord, sweet honey, and a touch of woods.  The floral notes fade quickly as the woody notes intensify.  Sandalwood dominates the heart of the fragrance while amber and honey add a layer of warmth and sensuality.  The scent doesn’t change much in the drydown.  Notes include: Ghost Lily, Magnolia, Jasmine, Ylang Essence, Mandarin Orange Pulp, Honey, Black Pepper, Sandalwood, Amber.

Estēe Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent Review

Bronze Goddess smells like a tropical beach vacation.  Fittingly, the fragrance opens with a touch of citrus and a generous splash of coconut.  Lush tropical flowers blend with a sweeter, creamier coconut note to create an intoxicating middle accord.  The finish is warm and sweet with a honey-like amber note, sugary caramel, more coconut and a hint of woods.  Notes include: Bergamot, Manadrin, Tiare Milk, Orange Flower, Jasmine, Magnolia, Myrrh, Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Caramel, Coconut Cream.

Estēe Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Review

This water-like eye makeup remover is fragrance- and oil-free.  It works very well to remove all makeup (repeat application is required to remove all traces of waterproof mascara) and leaves no sticky or oily residue.  The formula stings a little if it gets into the eyes.

Estēe Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 30 for Normal/Combination Skin Review

DayWear Plus is a slightly thick, green lotion with a strong cucumber-like scent.  The lotion feels little greasy at first, but it absorbs quickly and leaves a semi-matte finish on the skin.  This antioxidant-rich formula combines zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, octinoxate and octisalate to safeguard skin against harmful sun rays.  The hygienic squeeze bottle keeps the antioxidants stable during use, but it takes some effort to get the remainder of the product out.

Estēe Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Review (Sand Box)

Sand Box is a moderately pigmented eye shadow with a silky-smooth texture and a matte finish.  It blends well and wears all day with minimal creasing.  The color is a light tan/beige that works well as an everyday neutral, especially on those with blue eyes.  This product is housed in a sleek, translucent compact with a small mirror and an applicator. 

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex Review

This silicone-based, gel-like moisturizer absorbs easily into the eye area leaving it smooth and hydrated.  The formula is rich in antioxidants, but the jar packaging will diminish their effectiveness over time.  While this is a nice hydrating eye treatment, I saw no reduction in the appearance of lines, puffiness or darks circles when using this product.  People with a very dry eye area may opt for a more emollient moisturizer. 

Estēe Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher Review

This silicone-based serum has a smooth, creamy consistency that leaves a silky matte finish on the skin.  Estēe Lauder claims that this product significantly reduces the look of enlarged pores and improves the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance.  After using this product morning and night for nearly five weeks, I saw no permanent improvement in the appearance of my skin or pores.  The silicone in this formula fills in the fine lines and pores for a smoother appearance but the results are only temporary.  This product would work better as a makeup primer.

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex Review

This water-based serum absorbs well into the skin with virtually no residue.  The serum has some moisturizing properties, but it is meant to be used under your regular moisturizer.  What I enjoy most about this product is its ability to calm and soothe the skin.  I use it in conjunction with my retinol and AHA treatments to minimize the risk of irritation from those ingredients.  The serum contains a nice array of skin-beneficial ingredients, including kola extract, squalane, sodium rna, sodium hyaluronate, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, bisabolol, pantethine, and chamomile.

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Recovery Boosting Serum Review

This serum is a new and purportedly improved version of the original Advanced Night Repair.  It has a thicker, more velvety texture than the original due to its silicone content, and is said to be formulated with 5 times the concentration of the patented recovery complex found in the original formula.  The serum is to be used for 21 consecutive nights, every 3-4 months.  I find that the original and the concentrate work equally well to calm and soothe the skin.  I am not sure if I’ll continue using the concentrated version because I get similar results from the original formula at half the price. 

Estēe Lauder Pure White Linen Light Breeze Eau de Parfum Review

There is nothing light about “Light Breeze.”  Upon application I get a blast of laundry detergent freshness.  The fragrance does not evolve on my skin and remains the same hours after application.  You might enjoy it if you like very sharp, soap-like fragrances.  Notes include: Bergamot, Orange Zest, White Grapefruit, Darjeeling Tea, Water Kumquat, Yellow Freesia, Osmanthus, Linden Flowers, Rose Petals, Teakwood, Cedarwood, Soft Skin Accord and Acacia Honey.