ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

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.

Lumene Valo Glow Boost Essence Review

Glow Boost Essence is a clear serum-like formula with a fresh citrus scent. 
The essence features cloudberry fruit and seed extracts, vitamin C, sodium hyaluronate, and lightweight hydrators.  The silky serum glides easily over skin and absorbs to a weightless, non-sticky finish.  The formula leaves skin lightly hydrated and refreshed. 

Lumene Valo Glow Refresh Hydrating Mist Review

Glow Refresh Hydrating Mist is a watery liquid with a crisp citrus scent. 
The formula features cloudberry fruit and seed extracts, and vitamin C. 
The mist covers the face evenly and dries to a weightless finish.  The formula leaves skin refreshed and adds a hint of hydration.

Philip B Lovin Leave-In Conditioner Review

Lovin Leave-In Conditioner is a lightweight finishing cream with a heavy
fresh-floral scent.  The formula features lightweight conditioning agents, dimethicone, hazelnut oil, panthenol, soy protein, wheat amino acids, and botanical extracts.  The silky cream works easily through hair and can be used on damp or dry hair.  The formula softens and hydrates hair without weighing it down, but it may not be smoothing enough for dry, frizzy hair.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Review

Sensibio H20 is a micellar cleansing water for sensitive skin.  The no-rinse formula is enriched with humectants, cucumber extract, and lightweight emollients.  The cleansing water gently removes makeup, dirt, and oil without drying out the skin.  The formula leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and comfortable.  This product is free of fragrance and alcohol.

Klorane Anti-Pollution Protective Conditioner with Aquatic Mint Review

Anti-Pollution Protective Conditioner with Aquatic Mint is a silky lotion-like hair conditioner with a refreshing minty scent.  The formula features aquatic mint extract to purify and protect both the hair and scalp from pollution.  The lightweight conditioner spreads easily through the hair, smoothing it and adding hydration.  The conditioner rinses well and leaves hair soft, shiny, and full of body.  This product may not be hydrating enough for dry hair types. 

Bliss Ex-glow-sion Radiance Boosting Eye Cream with Vitamin C Review

Ex-glow-sion eye cream is a lightweight yet emollient cream with a sweet waxy aroma.  The formula features vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, caffeine, natural plant and fruit extracts, and other skin conditioners.  The silky formula glides effortlessly over the skin and absorbs to a non-greasy, hydrating finish.  The eye cream softens, nourishes, and subtly brightens the eye area.

Rene Furterer Okara Blond Brightening Conditioner Review

Okara Blond Brightening Conditioner is a lightweight yet emollient hair conditioner with a smooth floral scent.  The conditioner combines panthenol, amino acids, soy-derived okara, and lemon peel extract to hydrate and brighten hair.  The conditioner distributes easily through the hair, easing tangles and adding hydration.  The conditioner rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable without added weight. 

Alpha H Vitamin B Serum Review

Vitamin B Serum is a transparent blue serum enriched with niacinamide, chia seed extract, ferulic acid, and copper tripeptide.  The serum spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a non-greasy, hydrating finish with a slightly tacky feel.  The serum leaves the skin soft, smooth, and nourished, while niacinamide and ferulic acid help brighten it over time.  This product has a medicinal smell typical of ferulic acid. 

Davines Naturaltech Renewing Serum Superactive Review

Renewing Serum Superactive is a weightless anti-aging hair serum. 
The water-based formula features extracts of spinach and maqui berry to revitalize and protect the hair from the effects of aging.  The serum can applied to dry or damp hair and requires no rising.  While the formula’s anti-aging benefits are not immediately apparent, the serum adds a hint of moisture, shine, and fullness to the hair.  This product has a green floral scent. 

Kérastase Specifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm Review

Bain Vital Dermo-Calm is a blue gel shampoo for sensitive scalp. 
The silicone-free formula features salicylic acid, calophyllum oil, piroctone, and menthol to soothe the scalp.  The shampoo lathers well and cleanses the hair and scalp gently yet thoroughly.  The shampoo rinses clean and leaves the scalp comfortable and hair feeling soft and light.  The shampoo has a fresh marine scent. 

First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream Review

Retinol Eye Cream is a lightweight eye cream without added fragrance. 
The formula features retinol, caffeine, vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other skin conditioners.  The eye cream spreads easily around the eye area and absorbs to a soft, non-greasy finish.  The eye cream hydrates and subtly brightens the eye area while the active ingredients help to lessen lines over time.  The formula is gentle enough for daily use. 

Davines Naturaltech Renewing Shampoo Review

Renewing Shampoo is a silky gel shampoo with a crisp green-floral scent.  
The sulfate-free formula is enriched with spinach extract, maqui berry, and lightweight polymeric conditioners.  The shampoo creates ample lather and cleanses the hair gently yet thoroughly.  The shampoo rinses without residue and leaves hair soft, shiny, and full of body. 

Wella Invigo Brilliance Mask for Fine/Normal Hair Review

Invigo Brilliance Mask is a thick hair mask with a crisp fruity scent.  The mask features lightweight emollients and hair conditioners, amino acids, vitamin E, and lime caviar extract.  The mask distributes easily through the hair and helps to smooth and hydrate the strands.  The formula rinses easily and leaves hair soft, shiny, and smooth without weighing it down.

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 Review

Amino Acids + B5 is a clear liquid-serum without added fragrance.  The formula features panthenol, multiple amino acids, sodium PCA, and other skin conditioners.  The liquid-serum spreads easily over the skin and absorbs without stickiness or a greasy feel.  The formula leaves the skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Bioderma Atoderm Gentle Shower Gel Review

Atoderm Gentle Shower Gel is a light blue gel cleanser with a fresh marine scent.  The formula is enriched with multiple humectants to protect the skin from drying out.  The gel creates a light silky lather that cleanses the skin thoroughly and rinses residue-free.  The formula leaves the skin soft and comfortable, but it is not very hydrating. 

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo Review

Scalp Shampoo is a clear gel shampoo with a subtle rosemary scent. 
The formula features piroctone olamine, climbazole, ginger extract,
salicylic acid, menthol, and rosemary to treat dandruff and irritated scalp. 
The formula lathers well and cleanses hair gently yet thoroughly.  
The shampoo leaves hair clarified, shiny and light, and the scalp comfortable.

EltaMD Laser Enzyme Gel Review

Laser Enzyme Gel is a clear lightweight gel without added fragrance. 
The formula features sodium hyaluronate, kiwi fruit extract, and a pineapple enzyme to help soothe irritated skin.  The gel spreads easily over the skin and dries to a weightless non-sticky finish.  The gel helps cool and calm the skin but it provides little hydration. 

Sweet Chef Ginger + Vitamin C Fresh Pressed Sheet Mask Review

Ginger + Vitamin C Fresh Pressed Sheet Mask is a soft sheet mask generously saturated with a hydrating, non-greasy serum.  The formula features ginger, vitamin C, honey, centella asiatica extract, peony extract, chamomile, and other soothing ingredients.  The mask feels cool and refreshing on the skin and adheres well to the face.  Once the mask is removed, the serum absorbs readily into the skin with only a touch of stickiness.  The formula leaves the skin hydrated, soft, and glowing.  This product has no discernible scent. 

Alder New York Everyday Face Serum Review

Everyday Face Serum is a clear watery serum without added fragrance. 
The serum features niacinamide, rosemary extract, willow bark, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate.  The serum glides easily over the skin and absorbs to a sheer, non-sticky finish with a touch of hydration.  The formula helps keep skin clear, balanced, and even-toned, but some skin types may be sensitive to niacinamide at high concentrations.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum Review

Vitamin C Serum is a lightweight water-based serum with a natural citrus scent.  The formula combines sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a stable form of vitamin C), hyaluronic acid, konjac root powder, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and chamomile.  The serum spreads easily over the face and absorbs to an ultra-light finish without shine or stickiness.  The serum adds a touch of hydration and helps to brighten skin over time. 

Maison Margiela REPLICA Beach Walk Eau de Toilette Review

Beach Walk features a floral sunscreen accord with touches of citrus, coconut, and musk. The fragrance opens with lemony citrus notes, soapy white florals, and a hint of coconut.  Overtime, the fragrance transforms into a sunscreen-like accord blended with coconut, ylang-ylang, and musk.  The coconut and floral notes gradually dissipate, leaving behind a crisp aquatic-musk base.  Notes include: Bergamot, Lemon, Pink Pepper, Ylang-Ylang, Coconut Milk, Musk, Heliotrope.

Maison Margiela REPLICA Tea Escape Eau de Toilette Review

Tea Escape is a fresh yet creamy green tea fragrance.  The fragrance opens with fresh sweet mint, bitter greens, and bergamot.  The top notes quickly give way to a somewhat heady accord of green tea and white florals with gourmand undertones.  Within an hour, the fragrance mellows to a comforting base of sweet milky green tea, toasted rice, and delicate powdery notes.  Notes include: Bergamot, Pink Peppercorn, Osmanthus, Jasmine, Milky Notes, Puffed Rice, Green Tea.

Maison Margiela REPLICA Lipstick On Eau de Toilette Review

Lipstick On is a powdery floral scent with warm balsamic undertones. 
The opening features tonka bean, green galbanum, and a waxy lipstick-like note.  The opening notes quickly transform into a velvety violet accord with a powdery-balsamic backdrop.  The violet accord dries down to a smooth base of vanilla, tonka bean, and patchouli.  Notes include: Neroli, Galbanum, Orange Blossom, Iris, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Patchouli.

Maison Margiela REPLICA By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette Review

By the Fireplace is a woody-gourmand scent with smoky undertones. 
The fragrance opens with spiced vanilla and smoky wood.  The smokiness gradually recedes allowing vanilla and dry woods to take center stage against a backdrop of toasted marshmallows and chestnut.  The fragrance dries down to a creamy vanilla base with nutty undertones.  Notes include: Red Berries, Woody Accord, Neroli, Vanilla, Orange Blossom, Chestnut.

Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence Calming Review

Ultimate Hydration Essence Calming is a water-like liquid in a slim spray bottle.  The formula features niacinamide, chamomile, and aloe to hydrate and soothe the skin.  The spray dries to a weightless finish that provides a touch of hydration.  This product has a perfume-like floral scent that fades quickly. 

RapidLash RapidEye Firming Wrinkle Smoother Review

RapidEye Firming Wrinkle Smoother is a lightweight yet emollient eye cream without added fragrance.  The formula includes a peptide, retinol, caffeine, sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, and other skin conditioners.  The eye cream glides easily over the eye area and absorbs to a comfortable, non-greasy finish with a slight cooling effect from menthyl lactate.  The eye cream leaves the eye area soft, smooth, and hydrated; however, sensitive skin types may not appreciate the cooling sensation. 

Osmotics Under Eye Rejuvenator Review

Under Eye Rejuvenator is a lightweight cream for the entire eye area. 
The formula includes anti-aging peptides, natural oils, and other skin conditioners.  The cream spreads easily over the eye area and absorbs to a hydrating, non-greasy finish.  The formula instantly hydrates and brightens the eye area while softening fine lines over time.  The formula does not appear to visibly reduce puffiness, but the results could vary from person to person. 
This product is fragrance-free. 

Le Labo Fleur D’Oranger 27 Eau de Parfum Review

Fleur D’Oranger 27 is a refined orange blossom fragrance.  The opening blends fresh orange blossom, tart citrus, petitgrain, and a touch of licorice.  The top notes dissipate quickly to reveal a warmer, spicier orange blossom with a backdrop of musk.  The aroma of orange blossom gradually fades into a subtle musk base with fresh floral undertones.  Notes include: Bergamot, Lemon, Petitgrain, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Musk.

Pureology Clean Volume Conditioner For Fine Color-Treated Hair Review

Clean Volume Conditioner is a light yet creamy conditioner with a clean, slightly powdery scent.  The formula features lightweight emollients, vitamin E, soy protein, aloe vera, and a sun filter.  The conditioner spreads easily through the hair and rinses without residue.  The formula leaves hair soft, light, and bouncy; however, it may not provide enough hydration for drier hair types. 

Kiehl’s Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water Review

Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water is a hydrating cleansing liquid with a soft herbal scent.  The formula features gentle surfactants, soothing herbal extracts, salicylic acid, and arginine.  The cleansing water removes lightweight makeup, dirt, and oil without drying out the skin.  The formula leaves skin soft and comfortable, and requires no rinsing.

Bioderma Hydrabio Toning Lotion Review

Hydrabio Toning Lotion is a clear water-like toner with a fresh clean scent.  The formula features niacinamide, allantoin, humectants, and other skin conditioners.  The toner removes makeup and cleanser residue while adding a touch of hydration.  The formula leaves the skin thoroughly clean and balanced.

Bioderma Sensibio Toning Lotion Review

Sensibio Toning Lotion is a clear hydrating toner for sensitive skin. 
The fragrance-free formula features a blend of humectants, cucumber fruit extract, and allantoin.  The toner gently removes all traces of makeup and cleanser, leaving skin soft, clean, and hydrated.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Review

Lip Sleeping Mask is a thick, slightly sticky lip salve than can be used day or night to soften and nourish dry lips.  The formula features rich emollients, berry mix extracts, and other botanical ingredients.  The mask keeps lips buttery soft and hydrated for hours with a soft shine finish.  This product has a sweet berry scent. 

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.