ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Purito Centella Unscented Serum Review

Centella Unscented Serum is a lightweight water-based serum.  The formula combines 49% centella asiatica extract, niacinamide, ceramide NP, sodium hyaluronate, peptides, and other skin soothing ingredients.  The silky formula glides easily over the skin and absorbs without stickiness or residue.  The serum leaves skin soft, calm, and lightly hydrated.

COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner Review

Propolis Synergy Toner is a hydrating essence-like toner without added fragrance.  The formula features 72.6 black bee propolis extract, 10% honey extract, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, and other skin conditioners.  The toner dries down without stickiness or residue and leaves skin soft, comfortable, and lightly hydrated.

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum Review

Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum is a green gel-cream without added fragrance.  The formula combines microencapsulated retinol, two natural retinol alternatives (bakuchiol and arophira), anti-irritants, antioxidants, natural oils, and other hydrators.  The serum goes on easily and absorbs to a lightweight non-greasy finish.  The retinol and retinol alternatives in the formula should help smooth and refine skin texture over time.

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Review

10% Azelaic Acid Booster is a lightweight fragrance-free cream.  The formula features azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and licorice to help smooth, brighten, and clarify skin.  The silky formula spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a non-greasy hydrating finish.  The booster leaves skin softer, brighter, and more even with regular use.

Kérastase Masque Force Architecte Review

Masque Force Architecte is a hydrating gel-cream hair mask with
a fresh fruity scent.  The mask combines a pro-keratin complex, ceramides, and other hair conditioners to restore dry, damaged hair.  The mask distributes easily through hair, removes tangles, and rinses off easily.  The formula leaves hair smooth, shiny, and nourished without weighing it down. 

Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum Review

Just Breath Clarifying Serum is a clear water-based serum without added fragrance.  The formula combines niacinamide, willow bark extract, zinc, salicylic acid, and horse chestnut seed extract to soothe skin and refine pores.  The silky formula spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a weightless
non-sticky finish.  The serum leaves skin calm and lightly hydrated, while helping acne-prone skin stay clear. 

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Review

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a lightweight gel-cream without added fragrance.  The formula features niacinamide, licorice, retinol, and ceramides to help fade post-acne marks and refine the skin’s texture.  The formula spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer natural finish.  The serum adds lightweight hydration without stickiness, shine, or an oily feel. 
The combination of niacinamide, licorice, and retinol should gradually brighten, clarify, and resurface blemish-prone skin. 

Christophe Robin Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk with Shea Butter Review

Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk has a creamy lotion-like texture and no added fragrance.  The formula is 99% natural and features aloe, shea butter, moringa seed extract, and other hair conditioners.  The formula can be applied to clean damp hair before heat or air-drying, or to dry hair as a touch-up.  The milk leaves hair soft, hydrated, and less frizzy, but it has a slight dulling effect. 

Rene Furterer Triphasic Texturizing Conditioner Review

Triphasic Texturizing Conditioner is a creamy yet lightweight hair conditioner with a citrusy scent.  The formula combines pfaffia extract and adenosine triphosphate to nurture the scalp and hair follicles, while wheat protein increases hair volume.  The conditioner works easily into hair and helps to detangle and lightly hydrate it.  The conditioner rinses out without residue, leaving hair soft, shiny, and full.

Kérastase Aura Botanica Masque Fondamental Riche Review

Aura Botanica Masque Fondamental Riche is a silky hair mask with a subtle floral-botanical scent.  The natural formula combines sunflower seed oil, brazil nut oil, and rice bran oil to condition and hydrate the hair.  The formula glides easily through hair, easing tangles and nourishing each strand.  The mask rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, shiny, and hydrated while adding bounce and movement. 

Shu Uemura Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Shampoo for Dry Hair Review

Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Shampoo is a thick gel shampoo with a subtle neutral scent.  The shampoo features soybean oil, moringa seed extract, and red algae.  The concentrated formula lathers generously and cleanses hair thoroughly.  The shampoo rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, shiny, and full.  However, the formula may not be hydrating enough for those with very dry hair.

Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel Review

Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel is a soap-free shower gel with a refreshing watermelon-like scent.  The low-foaming shower gel cleanses skin without overdrying and rinses off easily.  The formula leaves skin soft, clean, and comfortable. 

Edible Beauty Turmeric Beauty Latte Serum Review

Turmeric Beauty Latte Serum is a clear lightweight serum with a subtle herbal scent.  The formula is enriched with extracts of snow mushroom, white cypress leaf, turmeric root, licorice, and rumex root to help clarify, brighten, and hydrate the skin.  The silky serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to
a sheer non-sticky finish.  The formula leaves the skin soft, lightly hydrated, and brighter.

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner Review

Glycolic Acid Toner is a clear exfoliating toner without added fragrance. 
The formula combines 10% glycolic acid with 5% witch hazel water to remove dead skin cells and excess oils from the skin.  The toner slightly tingles when applied and dries down to a light hydrating finish.  The formula leaves the skin noticeably smoother and softer after just a few applications.  This product contains a small amount of alcohol that may be problematic for sensitive skin types. 

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Collagen Lip Cushion Review

Hyaluronic Marine Collage Lip Cushion is a nourishing lip treatment with a unique gel-lotion texture.  The gel-lotion glides easily over lips and absorbs to a smooth primer-like finish.  The lip treatment includes sodium hyaluronate, natural oils, collagen amino acids, marine extracts, centella asiatica, and other lip conditioners.  The formula keeps lips looking soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 Review

Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 is a tinted eye treatment with an all mineral sunscreen.  The formula combines marine and plant extracts, vitamins, peptides, and other ingredients that benefit the eye area.  The treatment applies easily over the skin and sets to a hydrating satin finish.  The formula leaves the eye area soft, smooth, and less puffy.  The peachy beige tint helps to cover moderate dark circles with minimal creasing.

By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Concealer (No. 2 Vanilla Beige) Review

Terrybly Densiliss Concealer is a creamy serum-like concealer with a weightless feel.  The lightweight formula applies effortlessly over the skin and sets to
a smooth matte finish that does not crease or cake.  The concealer provides light yet buildable coverage, but it may not fully cover dark under-eye circles.  Vanilla Beige is a neutral beige shade that would be suitable for light to medium skin tones. 

Benefit Gimme Brow + Volumizing Eyebrow Gel (Shade 3) Review

Gimme Brow is a tinted brow gel that creates natural-looking volume and definition.  The product features a small tapered brush that allows for
a precise application where needed.  The lightweight gel formula dries to
a natural finish and stays put without smudging. Shade 3 is a neutral light to medium brown. 

Shu Uemura Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Treatment Review

Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Treatment is a thick hair mask with
a subtle neutral scent.  The formula features nourishing emollients, soybean oil, moringa seed extract, and red algae.  The mask distributes easily through damp hair, softening it and easing tangles.  The mask rinses off without residue and leaves hair smooth, shiny, and hydrated.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner Review

Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner is a milky essence-like toner without added fragrance.  The formula combines squalane, oat milk, colloidal oatmeal, wild oats, honey, and other soothing ingredients.  The toner can be applied directly onto the skin using fingertips.  The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin to a non-greasy natural finish.  The toner leaves the skin soft, lightly hydrated, and comfortable. 

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum Review

Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum is a jelly-like serum with a subtle fruity scent.  The serum features skin-smoothing bakuchiol, blueberry fruit extract, tremella mushroom, polyhydroxy acids, and other skin conditioners.  The serum spreads easily over the face and absorbs quickly with just a hint of tackiness.  The formula provides lightweight hydration and helps smooth skin over time. 

Wella Invigo Nutri-Enrich Nourishing Anti-Static Spray Review

Nutri-Enrich Nourishing Anti-Static Spray has a thin lotion-gel texture and
a clean fruity-floral fragrance.  The spray should be applied to damp hair from mid-lengths to ends.  The formula is enriched with panthenol, vitamin E, oleic acid, and goji berry extract to nourish the hair.  The spray helps to control static and leaves hair soft and lightly hydrated without weighing it down. 

The Inkey List PHA Toner Review

PHA Toner is a water-like liquid without added fragrance.  The formula features polyhydroxy acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera juice.  The toner helps remove cleanser residue from the skin while adding lightweight hydration. 
The polyhydroxy acid gently and gradually exfoliates the skin leaving it soft and smooth. 

Tarte Quench Lip Rescue in Opal Review

Quench Lip Rescue in Opal is a nourishing lip balm with a milky pink tint and
a shiny finish.  The emollient-rich formula glides easily over the lips and leaves them feeling smooth and hydrated.  The milky pink tint lightens the natural lip color but the tint wears off quickly.  The formula has a refreshing minty flavor. 

NEOSTRATA Enlighten Brightening Eye Cream Review

Enlighten Brightening Eye Cream is a silky lightweight cream without added fragrance.  The formula features antioxidants, peptides, algae extracts, PHA acids, and other ingredients benefitting the eye area.  The eye cream glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a non-greasy hydrating finish.  The formula leaves the eye area soft, reduces puffiness, and helps a bit with dark circles.

PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5 Pure Retinol Night Review

Intensive Clarity Treatment is a hydrating lotion-serum for acne-prone skin. 
The formula features salicylic acid, retinol, niacinamide, and bakuchiol to treat blemishes and increase cell turnover.  The treatment spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a soft, nourishing finish.  With regular application, the treatment keeps skin blemish-free while it promotes a smooth, even-toned complexion.  New retinol users should limit application to 2 times per week until the skin adjusts.

Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+ PA+++ Review

Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+ is a truly unscented gel-cream sunscreen.  The formula combines two UV chemical filters, niacinamide, centella asiatica, and lightweight emollients.  The sunscreen goes on easily and absorbs to a non-greasy hydrating finish without stickiness or white residue.  This product is gentle enough to be used near the eyes. 

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner Review

Niacinamide Brightening Toner is a hydrating essence-like liquid without added fragrance.  The formula combines niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin,
and licorice to help brighten and even out skin tone.  The toner can be applied directly onto the skin using fingertips or a cotton pad.  The formula leaves skin lightly hydrated and refreshed without stickiness or residue. 

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum Review

Discoloration Correcting Serum is a clear lightweight serum without added fragrance.  The serum is formulated with niacinamide and tranexamic acid to help fade discoloration and brighten skin over time.  The formula also features three forms of hyaluronic acid to increase the skin’s hydration.  The silky serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer hydrating finish.

Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaplasme Hair Primer Review

Blond Absolu Cicaplasme Hair Primer can be used as a heat protectant or a lightweight air-dry serum.  The primer has a silky lotion-like texture, a soft lavender tint, and a refreshing citrusy scent.  The formula is enhanced with lightweight emollients, sodium hyaluronate, and the extracts of edelweiss and mallow flower.  The primer distributes easily through the hair and leaves it soft, hydrated, and smooth.  The formula may not, however, be smoothing enough for coarse, frizzy hair.

Phyto Phytojoba Moisturizing Care Gel Review

Phytojoba Moisturizing Care Gel is a hydrating leave-in gel for dry hair. 
The formula features mallow extract, jojoba milk, pea protein, sodium hyaluronate, and other hair conditioners.  The silky gel can be applied daily to dry or damp hair without weighing it down.  The formula softens and hydrates the hair while adding some shine. This product has a fruity-vanilla scent that lingers long after application. 

Klorane Anti-Pollution Purifying Mist with Aquatic Mint Review

Anti-Pollution Purifying Mist is a clear lightweight spray formulated to refresh hair between washes.  The formula features aquatic mint extract to protect hair from pollution, and menthol to impart a cooling sensation on the scalp. 
The spray dries down without a noticeable residue and helps to neutralize odors with zinc and a refreshing minty scent.  The formula is alcohol-based and may not be suitable for those with dry hair and sensitive skin. 

Fresh Black Tea Firming Eye Serum Review

Black Tea Firming Eye Serum is a light yet hydrating gel-serum with a rose and black tea scent.  The formula features goji fruit extract, a black tea complex, a firming peptide, and vitamin E.  The serum glides easily over the eye area and absorbs to a non-greasy natural finish.  The serum leaves the eye area soft, smooth, and hydrated while minimizing puffiness. 

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo Review

Gold Lust Dry Shampoo is a spray-on dry shampoo with a refreshing fruity-citrus scent.  The formula combines fine powders with extracts of watermelon, lychee, edelweiss, chamomile, lavender, myrrh, and celery seed.  The shampoo comes out as a sheer powder mist that brushes through easily and leaves hair less oily, naturally soft, and free of powdery residue. 

Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum Review

Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum is a thick yet lightweight amber-colored serum without added scent.  The formula features licorice, vitamin C, and niacinamide to help brighten skin with continued use.  The formula feels slightly tacky going on but it quickly absorbs to a non-sticky weightless finish.  The serum leaves the skin soft and lightly hydrated. 

Versed Vacation Eyes Brightening Eye Gel Review

Vacation Eyes Brightening Eye Gel is a clear hydrating gel without added fragrance.  The formula combines ginseng root extract, coffee seed extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide.  The lightweight gel glides easily over the eye area and absorbs to a natural, non-sticky finish.  The formula leaves the eye area refreshed and hydrated, but it may not be hydrating enough for dry skin types.  The formula does little for dark circles or puffiness. 

Pevonia Micro-Retinol Essential Toner Review

Micro-Retinol Essential Toner is a watery liquid with a pleasant floral scent. 
The toner is enriched with sodium hyaluronate, chamomile, aloe, green tea, vitamin C, vitamin E, and retinol.  The toner helps remove makeup and cleanser residue while adding a hint of hydration.  The formula leaves skin clean and refreshed and dries to a weightless finish. 

Kérastase Crème Chronologiste Hair Mask Review

Crème Chronologiste Hair Mask is a creamy hair mask with a fresh unisex scent.  The mask features vitamin E, plant oils, ceramides, and abyssine.  The buttery formula glides effortlessly through the hair, easing tangles and deeply nourishing each strand.  The mask rinses off without residue and leaves hair soft, shiny, and smooth.  Those sensitive to fragrances may not appreciate the formula’s strong scent. 

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo Review

Naturia Dry Shampoo is a spray-on dry shampoo with a fresh green scent. 
The formula combines rice starch, kaolin clay, silica, and essentials oils to absorb excess oil and odors from the hair.  The dry shampoo sprays on as a fine beige powder that brushes out easily and keeps hair from looking too ashy.  
The formula leaves hair refreshed, voluminous, and less oily at the roots.

Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière Review

Bain Lumière is a clear gel shampoo with a pleasant citrus-woody scent. 
The formula features hyaluronic acid and the extracts of edelweiss and mallow flower to hydrate and soothe the hair and scalp.  The shampoo lathers well and cleanses hair without drying it out.  The formula rinses out easily and leaves hair soft, full, and luminous. 

Pixi Collagen & Retinol Serum Review

Collagen & Retinol Serum is a watery serum with a cucumber-like scent. 
The formula features retinol, acacia collagen, niacinamide, rosemary, chamomile, vitamin C, and vitamin E.  The serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer, non-sticky finish.  The formula leaves skin soft, smooth, and lightly hydrated.  The retinol in this formula is gentle and does not cause irritation.

Kitao Matcha & Chia Essence Lotion Review

Matcha & Chia Essence Lotion is a deeply hydrating liquid with no added fragrance.  The formula features acai, chia seed oil, quinoa seed extract, matcha green tea, vitamin C, cocoa butter, ceramides, and other skin conditioners.  The essence quickly absorbs into the skin and leaves it soft, smooth, and nourished without stickiness or greasiness.

Olay Sensitive Hungarian Water Essence Calming Makeup Remover Wipes Review

Hungarian Water Essence Wipes are soft cleansing cloths without added fragrance.  The cleansing formula is enriched with niacinamide, aloe, cucumber, and green tea to condition and soothe the skin.  The wipes gently cleanse the face and remove light makeup, but leave behind traces of mascara.  The skin feels clean, refreshed and comfortable after cleansing. 

 

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Lite Review

Miracle Leave-in Lite is a spray hair conditioner with a watery lotion texture and a clean floral scent.  The formula features panthenol, rice protein, silk amino acids, and extracts of acai, green tea, sunflower seed, ginger, and marshmallow root.  The conditioner can be sprayed directly onto clean damp hair or applied to hands and massaged into hair.  The formula helps to ease tangles and leaves hair soft, hydrated, and less frizzy without added weight.  Those with fine healthy hair can use this product in lieu of a rinse-out conditioner. 

Phyto PHYTODÉFRISANT Botanical Straightening Balm Review

Phytodéfrisant Botanical Straightening Balm is a lightweight heat-activated gel that helps achieve a smoother blow-dry.  The natural formula features marshmallow root, chamomile, sage, horseradish and other botanical extracts that help hydrate and protect hair during heat-styling.  The silky gel distributes easily through damp hair and leaves it shiny, soft, and smooth after blow-drying.  This product is fragrance-free.

PCA Skin Revitalizing Mask Review

Revitalizing Mask is a gentle exfoliating mask with papaya enzymes, fruit extracts, honey, vitamin E, and green tea.  The mask has a hydrating gel texture and a yellowish green color.  It spreads easily over the skin and can be left on for 2-5 minutes.  The mask washes off easily and leaves skin soft, smooth, and with a subtle glow.  This product has a natural herbal scent. 

Rene Furterer Okara Blond Brightening Shampoo Review

Okara Blond Brightening Shampoo is a shimmery gel shampoo with a smooth floral scent.  The shampoo is enriched with lemon peel extract, soy-derived okara, amino acids, panthenol, and sugar cane extract.  The shampoo lathers well, cleanses the hair without overdrying, and rinses easily.  The formula leaves the hair soft, bouncy, and looking brighter.

Rene Furterer Okara Color Protection Shampoo Review

Okara Color Protection Shampoo is a pearlescent gel shampoo with a smooth floral scent.  The sulfate-free formula features mild cleansing agents,
soy-derived okara, witch hazel extract, amino acids, and panthenol. 
The shampoo creates a rich lather that cleanses hair gently yet thoroughly and rinses without residue.  The shampoo leaves the hair clean, soft, shiny, and smooth.

Alpha H Vitamin A Serum Review

Vitamin A Serum is a lightweight milky serum without added fragrance. 
The serum features retinol, retinyl propionate, squalane, tomato fruit extract, and natural plant oils.  The serum absorbs easily into the skin and leaves it soft and hydrated.  The formula’s retinol helps to reduce fine lines and improves the overall skin texture without excessive redness or irritation.  New retinol users should limit application to 2-3 times a week until they develop a tolerance.

 

Edible Beauty Glowing Skin Smoothie Review

Glowing Skin Smoothie is a silky lightweight serum without added fragrance.  The formula features extracts of broccoli, kale, apple, banana, and milk thistle.  The serum applies easily over skin and absorbs to a sheer hydrating finish without stickiness.  The formula leaves the skin soft and smooth while imparting a subtle glow.