ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Peach and Lily The Good Acids Pore Toner Review

The Good Acids Pore Toner is a watery blue liquid without added fragrance. 
The formula features turmeric, allantoin, aloe, botanical extracts, and a
low-strength combination of glycolic and salicylic acid.  The toner cleanses and refreshes the skin without drying it out.  The formula instantly soothes and brightens skin while providing gentle exfoliation over time.

Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence Review

Wild Dew Treatment Essence is a clear toner-like liquid with a faint eucalyptus scent.  The formula includes niacinamide, panthenol, lotus extract, bamboo extract, hyaluronic acid, and other skin nutrients.  The essence can be applied directly onto the skin using fingertips or a cotton pad.  The formula leaves skin soft, refreshed, and lightly hydrated without a noticeable residue. 

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum Review

Glass Skin Refining Serum is a silky clear gel without added fragrance. 
The formula combines niacinamide, peach extract, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and other skin-benefiting ingredients.  The serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer natural finish without stickiness or a greasy feel. 
The formula feels slightly drying when used alone, but it may work well for oily skin types or under a moisturizer.

Bioderma Hydrabio Essence Lotion Review

Hydrabio Essence Lotion is a clear water-like liquid with a rosy scent. 
The formula features niacinamide, sodium PCA, salicylic acid, vitamin E, and lightweight hydrators.  The lotion works like a toner to remove traces of makeup and impurities while adding a touch of hydration.

Pevonia RS2 Gentle Lotion Review

RS2 Gentle Lotion is a water-like toner with a soft rosy scent.  The alcohol-free formula features green tea, chamomile, and licorice to soothe sensitive skin.  The formula leaves skin clean, comfortable, and lightly hydrated without stickiness or residue.

Pevonia After-Sun Soothing Gel Review

After-Sun Soothing Gel is a thick, tacky gel with a soothing floral scent.  The formula features extracts of water lily, green tea, and chamomile to calm and cool sun-exposed skin.  The gel does not have a lot of slip, but it applies easily and absorbs to a natural non-sticky finish.  The formula leaves skin comfortable and lightly hydrated. 

Lancome Advanced Génifique Sensitive Dual Concentrate Review

Advanced Génefique Sensitive Dual Concentrate features two individual formulas that blend together prior to first use.  The resulting mixture has a silky serum texture and a pleasant fruity-floral scent.  The serum features vitamin E, ferulic acid, cornflower extract, pineapple fruit extract, centella asiatica, sodium hyaluronate, and other skin-benefiting ingredients. 
The serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a lightweight non-sticky finish.  The formula leaves the skin soft, hydrated, and comfortable. 

Klorane Sun Radiance Nourishing Shampoo with Ylang-Ylang Wax Review

Sun Radiance Nourishing Shampoo is a pearlescent yellow gel shampoo with a honeyed floral scent.  The formula features ylang ylang wax to nourish hair and protect it from sun, salt, and chlorine exposure.  The shampoo creates a rich creamy lather that cleanses hair thoroughly and rinses clean. 
The shampoo leaves hair soft, shiny, and full of body.

Flower Beauty Blush Bomb Color Drops for Cheeks (Nectar and Pinched) Review

Blush Bomb Color Drops for Cheeks is a silky gel-cream blush with a precision dropper applicator.  The formula is nicely pigmented and blends easily into the skin.  The blush sets to a lightweight natural finish that lasts throughout the day.  Nectar is a peachy-apricot shade that creates a warm sun-kissed glow.  Pinched is a subtle peachy-pink shade that imparts a healthy flush.

Vita Liberata Moisture Boost Body Treatment Review

Moisture Boost Body Treatment is a lightweight gel-lotion for the face and body.  The formula combines lightweight emollients and organic botanical extracts to nourish and condition the skin.  The lotion goes on easily and absorbs quickly into the skin.  The formula leaves the skin soft and hydrated without a greasy, sticky residue.  This product is fragrance-free. 

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel Review

Renew Eye Gel is a lightweight yet hydrating gel-cream for the eye area. 
The formula combines peptides, niacinamide, fruit extracts, antioxidants and other skin conditioners. The formula spreads easily around the eye and absorbs to a sheer, non-greasy finish that flakes off slightly.  The eye gel helps to hydrate and brighten the eye area while reducing puffiness. This product is fragrance-free. 

PCA Skin Hydrating Toner Review

Hydrating Toner is a liquid toner with a natural rosemary scent.  The formula features apple, watermelon, and lentil fruit extracts, evening primrose oil, and a seaweed extract.  The toner helps remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup from the skin while adding moisture.  The formula leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and lightly hydrated.

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Lotion Review

Turnaround Revitalizing Lotion is a hydrating gel-liquid without added fragrance.  The formula is enriched with centella asiatica, caffeine, amino acids, humectants, and other skin conditioners.  The lotion absorbs quickly into the skin without stickiness or residue.  The formula leaves the skin soft, comfortable, and lightly hydrated.

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Night Rehab Lip Mask Review

Volupte Night Rehab Lip Mask is a light yet nourishing lip treatment with a barely-there pink tint.  The formula is enriched with apricot kernel oil, macadamia oil, shea butter, coconut fruit juice, and other emollients.  The lip mask goes on sheer and moisturizes without a sticky, goopy feel.  The formula leaves the lips soft, hydrated and with subtle shine.  This product has a fresh watermelon-like scent. 

CoverGirl Flourish by Lash Blast Mascara Review

Flourish by Lash Blast is a great everyday mascara that creates long defined lashes with natural-looking volume.  The formula is enriched with natural oils that keep lashes soft and nourished.  The mascara features a tapered plastic brush that applies the formula easily and without clumps.  The mascara stays on all day without flaking or smudging.

Glossier Super Glow Serum Review

Super Glow Serum is a water-like serum with a stable form of vitamin C and magnesium PCA.  The serum spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a weightless finish, but the watery texture makes it a bit tricky to apply. 
The serum helps brighten the skin with continued use.  This product is fragrance-free. 

Glossier Super Bounce Serum Review

Super Bounce serum is a silky serum with hyaluronic acid and panthenol. 
The lightweight formula glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer natural finish without stickiness or shine.  The serum leaves the skin lightly hydrated and soft.  This product is fragrance-free.

Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate Review

Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate is a lightweight gel moisturizer with dissolvable antioxidant beads.  The fragrance-free formula features aloe, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine, marine extracts, and other skin hydrators.  The concentrate glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a light, non-greasy finish with minimal stickiness.  The formula leaves skin soft, smooth, and hydrated throughout the day.

Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Hydration Gel Review

Rejuvenate Hydration Gel is a silky clear gel without added fragrance. 
The formula features hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, ginger root extract, green tea, and other skin conditioners.  The gel spreads easily and absorbs to a light, slightly tacky finish.  The formula leaves the skin soft and hydrated without a greasy residue.

Kérastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Sulfate-Free Shampoo Review

Bain Chromatique is a pearlescent gel shampoo for color-treated hair. 
The formula features sulfate-free cleansers, rice bran oil, soybean oil, UV filters, and other hair conditioners.  The shampoo works into a rich creamy lather that cleanses the hair easily and thoroughly.  The shampoo leaves hair clean, soft and smooth, but it may not be hydrating enough for dry, processed hair.  This product has a subtle fruity-floral fragrance.    

Kérastase Reflection Fondant Chromatique Hair Conditioner Review

Fondant Chromatique is a lightweight gel conditioner with a fruity-floral scent.  The conditioner is enriched with zinc gluconate, rice bran oil, soybean oil, vitamin E, and extracts of yuzu and lychee.  The conditioner spreads easily through the hair and helps to smooth and hydrate it.  The formula rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, shiny, and light.

Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer Review

Cactus Water Moisturizer is a thick green gel with no added fragrance.  The formula includes sodium hyaluronate, peptides, cactus flower extract, and other botanical extracts.  The gel glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer non-greasy finish.  The moisturizer leaves the skin soft and hydrated without shine or stickiness. 

Ren AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum Review

AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum is a silky serum-lotion with a sweet citrus scent.  The formula features shea butter, lactic acid, probiotics, and other skin conditioners.  The serum glides effortlessly over the skin and leaves it soft, smooth, and hydrated.  The formula’s lactic acid promotes gentle exfoliation, but the inclusion of citrus peel oils may irritate sensitive skin.

Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Review

Bain Extentioniste is a clear gel shampoo with a subtle fresh scent. 
The shampoo is enriched with amino acids and ceramides to help strengthen hair.  The shampoo lathers lightly, but it cleanses the hair thoroughly and rinses clean.  The shampoo leaves hair soft, fresh, and voluminous.

Isomers Pro-Barrier CICA Eye Gel-Cream Review

Pro-Barrier CICA Eye Gel-Cream is a lightweight gel-cream without added fragrance.  The formula features centella asiatica, haloxyl, and vitamin K1 to hydrate and brighten the eye area.  The gel-cream spreads easily and absorbs to a weightless natural finish.  The formula softens and lightly hydrates the eye area, but it is minimally effective at reducing dark circles and puffiness. 

Bliss Eye Do All Things Hydrating Eye Gel Review

Eye Do All Things Eye Gel is a pale blue gel-cream with a steel rollerball applicator.  The formula features peptides, caffeine, antioxidants, plant extracts, and other ingredients benefiting the eye area.  The eye gel absorbs quickly and leaves behind a sheer natural finish.  The formula provides light hydration while the blue tint subtly brightens the eye area. 

Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Pure Lightness Treatment Masque for Fine Hair Review

Muroto Volume Hair Masque has a light gel-cream texture and a clean scent.  The formula features lightweight emollients and Himalayan salt.  The masque spreads easily through the hair, smoothing it and adding moisture.  The formula rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, shiny, and full of body. 

Klorane Purifying Shampoo with Citrus Pulp Review

Purifying Shampoo with Citrus Pulp is a weekly clarifying shampoo with
a unisex citrus scent.  The formula is enriched with citrus pulp, glycolic acid, glutamic acid, and panthenol to help purify and condition the hair and scalp.  The shampoo lathers well and deeply cleanses the hair without overdrying.  The formula rinses easily and leaves hair thoroughly clean, soft, and shiny.  

Philip B Weightless Conditioning Water Review

Philip B Weightless Conditioning Water is a weightless hair mist with a white floral scent.  The formula combines a lightweight silicone and multiple plant extracts to smooth and strengthen hair.  The water-like spray covers hair evenly and can be used on damp or dry hair.  The formula leaves hair soft, reduces frizz, and lightly detangles without weighing it down.  Fine hair types could use this product in place of a rinse-out conditioner. 

Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream Review

Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream is a lightweight gel-cream with a subtle fresh scent.  The formula combines niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, licorice, antioxidants, natural oils, and other skin conditioners.  The gel-cream spreads easily over the eye area and absorbs to a sheer, natural finish without stickiness or shine. 
The formula leaves the eye area soft and hydrated, but dry skin types may need a more emollient formula. 

Dove DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief Gentle Cleansing Body Wash Review

Gentle Cleansing Body Wash is a thick, creamy cleanser with no added fragrance.  The emollient formula combines gentle cleansing agents with soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, lauric acid, and other skin conditioners.  The body wash lathers lightly and cleanses without irritating or drying out the skin.  The formula rinses without residue and leaves skin clean, soft, and comfortable. 

Glossier Super Pure Serum Review

Super Pure Serum is a silky water-based serum with no added fragrance. 
The serum combines niacinamide and zinc to help calm and balance acne-prone skin.  The serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a weightless, non-sticky finish.  The serum keeps skin clear and less oily, but sensitive skin types may find it too potent for daily use. 

Coola Liplux SPF 30 (Original Formula) Review

Coola Liplux is a hydrating lip balm with chemical sun filters.  The formula is enriched with aloe, vitamin C, shea butter, and natural plant oils.  The lip balm has a smooth, buttery texture and a lightweight, non-sticky finish.  The formula softens and hydrates the lips while adding subtle shine. 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara Review

Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara is formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and keratin to hydrate and nourish lashes.  The mascara features a tapered brush and a goopy formula that can smudge and clump if applied hastily.  When applied carefully, the mascara creates thick dark lashes with a soft feel. The mascara stays on throughout the day without flaking or smudging.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo for Normal Hair and Scalp Review

Cleansing Oil Shampoo is a silky gel-oil shampoo with a fresh floral scent. 
The formula features avocado oil, salicylic acid, gentian extract, and other hair conditioners.  The shampoo lathers well and cleanses hair gently yet thoroughly.  The formula rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, shiny, and full.

Pevonia RS2 Concentrate Review

Pevonia RS2 Concentrate is a silky clear serum with a natural rosy scent. 
The formula features extracts of green tea, chamomile, and licorice to soothe and comfort irritated skin.  The serum glides easily over the face and absorbs to a natural, non-greasy finish.  The formula leaves the skin hydrated and comfortable, but it is less effective at reducing redness. 

Pevonia Power Repair Intensifier Micro-Pores Bio-Active Serum Review

Power Repair Intensifier is a clear gel-serum with no added fragrance. 
The formula aims to nurture and balance out the skin with a combination of sebum-reducing red clover extract, a rejuvenating marine peptide, and sodium hyaluronate.  The serum spreads easily and absorbs to a weightless natural finish without stickiness or a greasy feel.  The serum provides lightweight hydration and keeps skin looking fresh throughout the day.

Vichy Fresh Cleansing Gel Review

Fresh Cleansing Gel is a clear gel cleanser with a refreshing fragrance. 
The cleanser works into a rich lather that removes makeup and grime without drying out the skin.  The formula rinses easily and leaves skin thoroughly clean and refreshed.

 

Edible Beauty N°3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum Review

N°3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum is a silky gel serum with a soft citrus scent.  The formula includes sodium hyaluronate, beta glucan, and the extracts of edelweiss, kakadu plum, lilli pilli, white tea, and acerola cherry.  The serum glides effortlessly over skin and absorbs to a sheer, natural finish with minimal stickiness.  The serum leaves skin soft, lightly hydrated, and with a bit of a glow. 

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue Review

Orange Sanguine is a clean citrus scent.  The opening accurately captures the aroma of freshly peeled oranges, sweet mandarin, and bitter orange peel.  As the bright citrus notes dissipate, the fragrance transforms into a soft, slightly soapy floral accord with a backdrop of bitter orange and geranium.  The floral accord settles to a base of clean musk with a hint of sandalwood and bitter orange.  Notes include: Blood Orange, Bitter Orange, Red Mandarin, Jasmine, Geranium, Black Pepper, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Cedar.

Kilian Good Girl Gone Bad Eau de Parfum Review

Good Girl Gone Bad is a harmonious floral blend with a soft woody base.  The opening features a warm, sweet apricot that quickly softens to reveal a delicate, slightly spicy white floral.  The fragrance becomes slightly creamier in the middle accord with a touch of tuberose, jasmine, and a fleeting tea rose note.  The composition gracefully fades to a silky woody base with hints of fruit and musk.  Notes include: Osmanthus Absolute, Orange Blossom, Rose, Tuberose Absolute, Jasmine, Narcissus, Cedar, Amber.

Stella McCartney Stella Peony Eau de Toilette Review

Stella Peony is a woody-floral scent with a touch of spice.  The opening is fresh and floral with freesia, lotus flower, and mandarin.  The top notes quickly transform into a peppery woody-floral accord with fresh peony, geranium, and a hint of earthy patchouli.  The fragrance gradually fades to
a smooth base of woods, patchouli, and amber.  Notes include:  Mandarin, Freesia, Lotus Flower, Pink Peony, Geranium, Black Pepper, Amber, Patchouli, Cedar.

CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin Review

SA Body Wash is a thick gel cleanser with skin-smoothing salicylic acid. 
The fragrance-free formula also features niacinamide, ceramides, and other skin conditioners.  The body wash lathers well and cleanses the skin without overdrying.  The formula leaves skin clean and comfortable while helping to smooth its texture over time.  This product is fragrance-free.  

Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo Review

Sunday Shampoo is a weekly clarifying shampoo with a blue gel texture and
a fresh scent.  The formula is enriched with the extracts of ginseng, rosemary, and sage to refresh and stimulate the scalp.  The shampoo works into a rich lather that spreads easily through the hair and cleanses it thoroughly. 
The shampoo rinses without residue and leaves hair squeaky clean and refreshed.  Those with dry hair should apply a deep conditioner after shampooing.

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Dew It All Eye Gel Review

Hyaluronic Marine Dew It All Eye Gel is a yellow gel-cream for the eye area. 
The fragrance-free formula combines sodium hyaluronate, marine extracts, licorice, caffeine, and other skin conditioners.  The gel glides easily on the skin and absorbs to a weightless, natural finish.  The gel adds a touch of hydration and helps minimize puffiness, but it is not emollient enough for dry skin.

Replenix Pluming Lip Treatment SPF 30 Review

Plumping Lip Treatment is a clear serum-oil with a glossy finish.  The formula features a blend of chemical sun filters, peptides, plant extracts, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and other lip hydrators.  The lip treatment feels warm and tingly when applied, and causes the lips to swell and turn red for an hour or so.  While some may enjoy the plumping effect of this product, I find that it causes the lips to look irritated.  On the plus side, the treatment goes on smoothly and leaves the lips soft and hydrated. 

Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Pure Lightness Shampoo Review

Pure Lightness Shampoo is a clear gel shampoo for fine hair.  The silicone-free formula features lightweight hydrators and Himalayan salt.  The shampoo lathers well and cleanses the hair thoroughly yet gently.  The shampoo rinses without reside and leaves hair soft, silky, and light.  This product has a clean floral scent with musky undertones.

Quai Hair Oil Review

Quai Hair Oil is a lightweight oil with a gardenia-tuberose scent. 
The silicone-based formula is enriched with plant oils and natural extracts that include sweet almond oil, borage oil, baobab oil, ama oil, and galanga root extract.  The oil distributes easily through the hair and absorbs without a greasy residue.  A few drops of the oil leave hair soft, smooth, and less frizzy.

EltaMD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44 Review

UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44 is a mineral sunscreen with a warm beige tint.  The fragrance-free formula combines zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin from the sun, and also features vitamin C ester and sodium hyaluronate.  The silky cream spreads easily over the face and settles to a comfortable semi-matte finish.  The tint helps to even out the skin tone, but it may be too warm for lighter skin tones.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream Review

Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream is a pale blue cream for the eye area. 
The lightweight cream features a multitude of anti-aging ingredients that include niacinamide, peptides, antioxidants, retinol, caffeine, cucumber, and algae. Unfortunately, the jar packaging is not ideal for keeping the ingredients stable.  The eye cream spreads easily and absorbs quickly to a soft, natural finish.  The formula leaves the eye area hydrated and soft, but dry skin types may find this product lacking.