ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

StriVectin Super C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum Review

Super C Retinol Serum is a silky hydrating serum with vitamin C and retinol.  The formula also includes acerola cherry fruit extract, niacin, green tea, and other skin-benefitting ingredients.  The serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer natural finish without shine or stickiness.  The serum helps brighten and smooth skin with daily use.  The only drawback is a strong fruity fragrance that may not be compatible with sensitive skin.

EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 (Untinted) Review

UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is a 100% mineral sunscreen with a lightweight creamy texture.  The formula is enhanced with ginger root extract, squalane, and antioxidants.  The sunscreen spreads easily over the face and absorbs to a sheer non-greasy finish with a slight white cast.  This product is fragrance-free.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Conditioner Review

Cleansing Oil Conditioner is a gel-cream hair conditioner for all hair types. 
The formula features lightweight emollients, conditioning polymers, and bergamot essential oil.  The conditioner distributes easily through the hair and rinses out without residue.  The conditioner leaves hair manageable, lightly hydrated, and voluminous.  This product has a pleasant fresh scent. 

Replenix Smoothing Body Lotion Review

Smoothing Body Lotion is a thick nourishing lotion without added fragrance.  The formula features retinol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, green tea, resveratrol, caffeine, and other skin-conditioning ingredients.  The creamy formula applies easily and absorbs to a velvety soft finish.  The lotion leaves skin hydrated, smooth, and comfortable. 

Nécessarie The Body Serum Review

The Body Serum is a silky gel-cream without added fragrance.  The formula features sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, panthenol, and a ceramide to hydrate and replenish the skin.  The serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer, non-sticky finish.  The formula leaves skin soft and hydrated, but those with dry skin may find it not hydrating enough when used alone.

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment Review

Overnight Exfoliating Treatment is a lightweight leave-on serum without added fragrance.  The formula combines glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid with vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate.  The serum absorbs readily into the skin with only a slight tingle and minimal stickiness.  The formula’s exfoliating acids leave skin soft, smooth, and more refined.

Alpha H Vitamin C Serum with Grape Seed Review

Vitamin C Serum with Grape Seed is a lightweight yet hydrating serum without added fragrance.  The serum features vitamin C derivative ethyl ascorbic acid, grape seed extract, sodium hyaluronate, and licorice root extract.  The silky formula spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer hydrating finish.  The serum helps brighten and smooth skin with regular use. 

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Review

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a no-rinse exfoliating toner with a subtle rosewater scent.  The formula features glycolic acid, aloe vera, amino acids, plant extracts, and other skin conditioning ingredients.  The toner tingles slightly when applied and dries down quickly.  The formula’s glycolic acid helps smooth and refine skin texture with regular use. 

Pureology Strength Cure Conditioner Review

Strength Cure Conditioner is a creamy hair conditioner for damaged, color-treated hair.  The conditioner features plant oils, hair-strengthening keravis, and a color-protecting complex.  The buttery formula glides easily through the hair and helps to smooth and nourish each strand.  The conditioner rinses off without residue and leaves hair soft, hydrated, and manageable.  This product has a creamy fruity-floral fragrance. 

Pureology Nanoworks Gold Conditioner Review

Nanoworks Gold Conditioner is a creamy hair conditioner with a warm floral scent.  The formula features panthenol, shea butter, marula oil, keravis, and
a color-protecting complex.  The conditioner spreads easily through the hair, detangling it and adding moisture.  The formula rinses off without residue and leaves hair soft, hydrated, and shiny.  The conditioner may not be smoothing enough for coarse, frizzy hair. 

Pureology Nanoworks Gold Shampoo Review

Nanoworks Gold Shampoo is a creamy gel shampoo with a warm fruity-floral scent.  The sulfate-free formula features panthenol, marula oil, shea butter, and a protein complex to hydrate and strengthen hair.  The shampoo lathers generously and cleanses hair without stripping away moisture.  The formula rinses easily and leaves hair soft and luminous without weighing it down. 

Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo Review

Bain Ultra-Violet Purple Shampoo is a deep purple shampoo with a refreshing citrus-woody scent.  The formula is enhanced with hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and extracts of edelweiss and mallow.  The shampoo lathers generously, cleanses hair thoroughly, and rinses off easily. 
The formula leaves hair softer, brighter, and a bit less brassy. 

Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaflash Conditioner Review

Cicaflash Conditioner is a lightweight yet emollient hair conditioner with a lavender tint and a citrusy scent.  The conditioner is enriched with hyaluronic acid and extracts of edelweiss and mallow.  The silky formula glides easily through hair, detangling it and adding hydration.  The conditioner rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, smooth, and lightweight. 

Kérastase Resistance Bain Force Architecte Strengthening Shampoo Review

Bain Force Architecte is a pearlescent gel shampoo with a fresh fruity scent.  The formula features a pro-keratin complex, ceramides, and resurrection plant extract to condition and strengthen hair.  The shampoo lathers well and cleanses hair thoroughly without drying it out.  The formula rinses out easily and leaves hair soft, shiny, and voluminous. 

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial Review

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a weekly exfoliating mask with a nourishing creamy texture.  The formula features a 25% AHA blend of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acid, 2% BHA (salicylic acid), marula oil, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and plant extracts.  The mask should be applied to clean dry skin and left on for 20 minutes (or less depending on skin sensitivity).  The creamy formula spreads easily over the skin and tingles slightly upon applications.  After rinsing, treated skin appears noticeably smoother, brighter, and more refined.

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.