ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Boscia Cherry Blossom and Bakuchiol Resurfacing Lip Repair Review

Cherry Blossom and Bakuchiol Resurfacing Lip Repair is a nourishing lip treatment with a barely-there pink tint.  The formula features a blend of plant oils and extracts, lactic acid, and bakuchiol.  The treatment leaves lips buttery soft, smooth, and hydrated with a slightly sticky finish.  This product is fragrance-free.

Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Toner Review

Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Toner is a clear hydrating toner without added fragrance.  The toner contains 85% bamboo water along with sodium hyaluronate, polyglutamic acid, and soothing plant extracts.  The toner gently removes makeup and cleanser residue while adding lasting hydration. 
The formula leaves skin soft, refreshed, and comfortable. 

Urban Decay Lash Freak Volumizing Mascara Review

Lash Freak Volumizing Mascara creates long, voluminous lashes in a rich black shade.  The mascara features a uniquely shaped plastic brush designed to separate and lift the lashes.  The brush is awkward to use, but with some practice, it visibly lengthens, thickens, and fans out lashes with just one coat of mascara.  The formula is somewhat goopy, so be sure to wipe the excess off the brush to prevent clumping.  Once set, the mascara stays on all day without flaking or smudging. 

Sephora Collection Clear Skin Days Brightening Peel Pads Review

Clear Skin Days Brightening Peel Pads are lightly saturated with a mild peeling solution of 2% glycolic acid, 1% salicylic acid, and 0.5% niacinamide.  The peeling solution absorbs readily into the skin with only a hint of tackiness.  The formula’s acids and niacinamide gently exfoliate and refine the skin’s texture with regular use.  This product is fragrance-free. 

Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Mask with Aloe Vera Review

Hydrating Melting Mask has a silky cream texture and a fresh unisex scent.  The 98% natural formula includes aloe vera, argan oil, flaxseed oil, plant extracts, and lightweight hydrators.  The mask spreads easily through the hair and rinses out without residue.  The formula leaves hair soft and lightly hydrated, but it may not be smoothing enough for frizzy, dry hair. 

Kérastase Resistance Ciment Anti-Usure Conditioner Review

Resistance Ciment Anti-Unsure Conditioner is a creamy hair conditioner with
a fresh fruity scent.  The formula is enhanced with a pro-keratine complex, ceramides, and resurrection plant extract to help strengthen damaged hair.  The conditioner works easily into damp hair and helps to smooth and nourish each strand.  The formula rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, hydrated, and manageable. 

Purito Centella Unscented Toner Review

Centella Unscented Toner is a clear essence-like liquid.  The formula features centella asiatica extract, witch hazel extract, purslane extract, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and other skin-benefiting ingredients.  The toner can be applied directly onto the skin using fingertips or a cotton pad.  The formula dries down without stickiness and leaves skin feeling refreshed and lightly hydrated.

COSRX Refresh ABC Daily Toner Review

Refresh ABC Daily Toner is a clear water-like toner without added fragrance.  The formula features kiwi fruit extract, dragon fruit extract, willow bark and apple fruit water, niacinamide, and a touch of AHA/BHA acids.  The toner cleanses and refreshes the skin without residue or stickiness.  The AHA/BHA exfoliators gently smooth and refine skin texture with daily use. 

Rene Furterer Astera Sensitive High Tolerance Shampoo Review

Astera Sensitive High Tolerance Shampoo is a pearlescent gel shampoo with a fresh oceanic scent.  The shampoo features hamamelis floral water and asteraceae extract to protect and soothe the scalp.  The shampoo cleanses hair gently yet thoroughly without irritating the scalp.  The formula leaves hair clean, soft, and lightweight.

Garnier Whole Blends Almond Milk Nurture Conditioner Review

Almond Milk Nurture Conditioner is a creamy yet lightweight hair conditioner with a sweet almond milk fragrance.  The formula is enriched with almond and agave extracts to help nourish the hair.  The conditioner spreads easily through the hair and helps to smooth and hydrate it.  The formula rinses off without residue, and leaves hair soft, manageable, and full of body.

Vanicream Gentle Body Wash Review

Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is a pearlescent gel cleanser without dyes, fragrance, or parabens.  The formula features mild cleansing agents and panthenol.  The body wash lathers well and cleanses without irritating the skin.  The formula rinses easily and leaves skin feeling clean and comfortable. 

Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Review

Genesis Masque Reconstituant is a thick, creamy hair mask enriched with extracts of edelweiss and ginger.  The mask spreads easily through the hair, helps with detangling, and rinses off without residue.  The formula leaves hair silky soft and lightweight, but it may not be moisturizing enough for dry hair.  This product has a clean unisex fragrance. 

Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo Review

Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant is a lightweight gel shampoo with a crisp citrus scent.  The silicone-free formula features extracts of edelweiss and ginger to strengthen both the hair and scalp.  The shampoo lathers well and cleanses hair thoroughly.  The formula rinses clean and leaves hair soft, shiny, and light.  This product is intended for normal to oily hair and may not provide enough moisture for drier hair.

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting and Brightening Serum Review

Bright Idea Serum is a hydrating gel-lotion with a subtle orange fragrance. 
The formula combines vitamin C, tri-peptide, licorice, squalane, vitamin E, and other skin-benefitting ingredients.  The serum spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a non-greasy natural finish.  The serum instantly softens and hydrates the skin, while vitamin C and licorice help brighten it over time. 

Amika Flash Instant Shine Mask Review

Flash Instant Shine Mask is a clear gel-serum hair mask with a sweet floral scent.  The mask features hydrolyzed flax seed, red wine extract, soybean germ extract, sea buckthorn oil, wheat germ extract, and amino acids.  The silky hydrating gel glides easily through the hair and rinses off without residue.  The formula leaves hair soft, shiny, and smooth without weighing it down.

Clé de Peau Beauté Cream Blush (Perfect Peach 4) Review

Perfect Peach Cream Blush is a rosy nude blush with a fruity rose scent. 
The silky formula spreads easily over the skin and sets to a sheer, non-greasy finish.  The blush creates a natural flush and leaves the cheeks with a subtle glow.

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush (Precious) Review

Precious Cream Blush is a pastel peach blush with a natural satin finish. 
The formula is enriched with natural plant oils and extracts.  The blush feels soft and creamy in the container, but slightly drier when applied to the skin.  The formula is nicely pigmented and leaves the skin with a warm peachy glow. 

Living Proof No Frizz Intense Moisture Mask Review

No Frizz Intense Moisture Mask is a creamy hair mask with a fresh citrus scent.  The silicone-free formula features shea butter, a proprietary anti-frizz molecule, amino acids, and other hair conditioners.  The mask disperses well through the hair, helps with detangling, and rinses off easily.  The formula leaves hair soft, shiny, and lightly hydrated, but it is not smoothing enough to tame frizz.

OUAI Leave-in Conditioner Review

OUAI Leave-in Conditioner has a silky lotion texture and a strong floral-woody fragrance.  The conditioner combines natural plant oils, vitamin E, panthenol, amino acids, and hydrolyzed proteins.  The spray on formula works easily into the hair, removing tangles and adding hydration.  The conditioner leaves hair soft and light, but it may not be smoothing enough for frizzy, coarse hair.

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.