ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Versace Signature by Versace Eau de Parfum Review

Versace Signature is a lush, sparkling floral.  The fragrance opens
with a fresh (somewhat sharp) floral bouquet, and a sprinkling of fruit.  Bright floral notes predominate in the middle accord as the initial sharpness mellows.  The base of this bouquet is clean and almost aquatic.  The staying power is average.  Notes include: Living Dew Drops, Guava, Icy Black Currant, Purple Wisteria, White Lilac, Lotus Flower, Living Orchid, Angel White Jasmine, White Lights Azalea, Snowbird Azalea, Musks, Cedar, Cashmirwood, Amberwoods.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Powder Review (Translucent 2)

This finely milled, talc-based powder leaves a long-lasting matte finish on the skin.  It works very well to reduce shine and excess oil, but my skin appeared chalky and dry after application (perhaps the shade is too light for me).  The powder is available in three translucent, slightly peachy shades.  The large jar packaging is very elegant but inconvenient to carry around for touch-ups. 

Yves Saint Laurent Elle Eau de Parfum Review

Elle is a hybrid fragrance.  It’s a unique combination of a fruity-floral with some woody, borderline masculine notes.  The fragrance opens with sweet berries, lychee and a hint of woods/leather that permeates throughout the composition.  Gradually, soft florals emerge as the sweetness from the fruit fades a little.  I detect a hint of soft rose in the floral bouquet.  The drydown is sweet, slightly spicy and woody.  Notes include: Cedrat, Peony, Lychee, Pink Berries, Freesia, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vetiver, Ambrette.

Gucci by Gucci Eau de Parfum Review

Gucci by Gucci opens with honeyed pear, exotic guava and a hint of earthiness from the patchouli.  As the fruit softens, the fragrance becomes increasingly musky.  The Tahitian Tiare flower adds a touch of the tropics to the blend.  The musk fades in the drydown, leaving behind a warm, honey-amber finish. Notes include: Guava, Pear, Tahitian Tiare Flower, Musk, Honey, Patchouli. 

Estēe Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 30 for Normal/Combination Skin Review

DayWear Plus is a slightly thick, green lotion with a strong cucumber-like scent.  The lotion feels little greasy at first, but it absorbs quickly and leaves a semi-matte finish on the skin.  This antioxidant-rich formula combines zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, octinoxate and octisalate to safeguard skin against harmful sun rays.  The hygienic squeeze bottle keeps the antioxidants stable during use, but it takes some effort to get the remainder of the product out.

Chanel Bronze Universel de Chanel Sun Illuminator Review

Bronze Universel is a non-greasy, cream-to-powder bronzer that blends beautifully on the skin.  The color is a medium golden brown with just a hint of shimmer to enhance the complexion.  Apply the bronzer to the cheeks, nose and forehead for a natural, sun-kissed look.  The price is steep, but the large jar should last for months, if not longer.

Estēe Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Review (Sand Box)

Sand Box is a moderately pigmented eye shadow with a silky-smooth texture and a matte finish.  It blends well and wears all day with minimal creasing.  The color is a light tan/beige that works well as an everyday neutral, especially on those with blue eyes.  This product is housed in a sleek, translucent compact with a small mirror and an applicator. 

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Eye Cream Review

I was pleasantly surprised by this inexpensive yet effective, non-greasy eye cream.  The formula combines the anti-wrinkle ingredient Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid, known for its moisturizing properties.  It also contains anti-irritants, antioxidants and other skin-nourishing ingredients.  After using this product for two months, I am happy to report that my fine lines appear less noticeable.  Please note that you may experience some initial redness and irritation when using this eye cream.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex Review

This silicone-based, gel-like moisturizer absorbs easily into the eye area leaving it smooth and hydrated.  The formula is rich in antioxidants, but the jar packaging will diminish their effectiveness over time.  While this is a nice hydrating eye treatment, I saw no reduction in the appearance of lines, puffiness or darks circles when using this product.  People with a very dry eye area may opt for a more emollient moisturizer. 

Paula's Choice One Step Face Cleanser Normal to Dry Skin Review

This one is a favorite of mine.  This basic cleanser is silky, creamy and lightly foaming.  It removes all makeup, rinses clean and is not too drying.  The formula is fragrance- and colorant-free, and it contains soothing chamomile and aloe.

Estēe Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher Review

This silicone-based serum has a smooth, creamy consistency that leaves a silky matte finish on the skin.  Estēe Lauder claims that this product significantly reduces the look of enlarged pores and improves the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance.  After using this product morning and night for nearly five weeks, I saw no permanent improvement in the appearance of my skin or pores.  The silicone in this formula fills in the fine lines and pores for a smoother appearance but the results are only temporary.  This product would work better as a makeup primer.

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex Review

This water-based serum absorbs well into the skin with virtually no residue.  The serum has some moisturizing properties, but it is meant to be used under your regular moisturizer.  What I enjoy most about this product is its ability to calm and soothe the skin.  I use it in conjunction with my retinol and AHA treatments to minimize the risk of irritation from those ingredients.  The serum contains a nice array of skin-beneficial ingredients, including kola extract, squalane, sodium rna, sodium hyaluronate, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, bisabolol, pantethine, and chamomile.

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Recovery Boosting Serum Review

This serum is a new and purportedly improved version of the original Advanced Night Repair.  It has a thicker, more velvety texture than the original due to its silicone content, and is said to be formulated with 5 times the concentration of the patented recovery complex found in the original formula.  The serum is to be used for 21 consecutive nights, every 3-4 months.  I find that the original and the concentrate work equally well to calm and soothe the skin.  I am not sure if I’ll continue using the concentrated version because I get similar results from the original formula at half the price. 

Estēe Lauder Pure White Linen Light Breeze Eau de Parfum Review

There is nothing light about “Light Breeze.”  Upon application I get a blast of laundry detergent freshness.  The fragrance does not evolve on my skin and remains the same hours after application.  You might enjoy it if you like very sharp, soap-like fragrances.  Notes include: Bergamot, Orange Zest, White Grapefruit, Darjeeling Tea, Water Kumquat, Yellow Freesia, Osmanthus, Linden Flowers, Rose Petals, Teakwood, Cedarwood, Soft Skin Accord and Acacia Honey.

SkinCeuticals Serum 20 AOX Review

This water-based serum combines ferulic acid with high levels of vitamin C (20% L-ascorbic acid) to fight premature aging.  The serum tingles slightly upon application and the high vitamin C content could be problematic for sensitive skin (this line offers serums with lower concentrations of vitamin C that would be more suitable for sensitive skin types).  The serum has a strange but tolerable scent.  After using this product for several months I saw no visible improvement to my skin, but to be fair, this product claims to prevent rather than correct existing skin damage. 

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum Review

This chypre-inspired fragrance is a creamy, sensual blend of musk, woods, florals and amber.  The fragrance subtly lingers on the skin and clothing hours after application.  Give it a try if you enjoy musk!  Other notes include: Pink Chypre, Pink Floral, Voluptuous Woods, Soft Amber, Sheer Chypre, Flower Honey, Tactile Woods, Amber Light. 

Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum Review

Alien starts off with a strange, synthetic smelling top note.  The middle accord is cloying and tenacious, with a dominant jasmine note.  If you resist the temptation to wash off the fragrance, you’ll eventually be rewarded with a warm, powdery base of amber, vanilla and soft woods.  This fragrance has great lasting power.  Notes include: Solar Accord, Jasmine Sambac, Green Notes, Cashmeran, Vanilla, Transparent Amber.

Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Fresh Energizing Fragrance Review

This is the only fragrance offered by this French skincare line.  The fragrance starts off with a refreshing blend of fresh citrus fruit, with a hint of grape and green mate in the background.  As the citrus notes fade, the woody notes of sandalwood emerge and linger on the skin.  This is a nice refreshing scent for a hot summer day.  Notes include: Grape Blossom, Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Blackcurrant Bud, Green Mate, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Grape, Lemon and Orange Botanical Waters, Trace Elements, Mineral Salts.

Nars Powder Blush (Orgasm) Review

This peachy pink blush with golden shimmer creates a natural flushed appearance.  The subtle shimmer adds luminosity to the skin but it also can draw attention to large pores and blemishes.

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15 Review

This lightweight, watery moisturizer would be suitable for most skin types, but not for very oily skin or skin sensitive to chemical sunscreens.  It leaves the skin soft and supple with some residual shine after a few hours of wear.  The sun protection in this formula comes from Avobenzone (2.5%), Octinoxate (7.5%) and Oxybenzone (2.0%).  The formula also contains several good antioxidants.  This moisturizer has a pleasant fruity scent.

Paula's Choice 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel Review

This lightweight gel is a great choice for people battling minor blemishes and blackheads.  It contains 1% salicylic acid (BHA) to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.  This formula also contains several good anti-irritants.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum Review

Chance is a floral oriental fragrance with hints of spice.  The top notes sparkle with citrus and pink pepper, and the floral elements combine seamlessly with the amber for a sweet and spicy finish.  Patchouli adds a hint of earthiness.  The fragrance needs to be applied sparingly as it can be overwhelming.  Notes include: Hyacinth, White Musc, Pink Pepper, Jasmine, Fresh Vetiver, Citrus, Iris and Amber of Patchouli.

Olay Total Effects Daily Moisturizer Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish Review

This is a fine choice for someone looking for a good moisturizer that also treats blemishes.  The moisturizer contains effective levels of salicylic acid (1.5%) to treat acne and exfoliate the skin.  The texture of this lightweight lotion is smooth and silky and it absorbs well into the skin.  The formula also contains light reflecting pigments for some instant radiance.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cream Review

This is a nice oil-free moisturizer for problem skin.  It contains 2% salicylic acid to help with blemishes and retinol to combat lines and wrinkles.  In the first two weeks of use I experienced some mild redness and irritation but it subsided with continued use.  Overall, this is a nice alternative to some high-end retinol products.  The only drawback is the strong fragrance.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

Emporio Armani Diamonds Eau de Parfum Review

This fragrance is pleasant but forgettable.  It opens with ripe fruit (lychee and raspberry) and quickly evolves into a sweet, sugary, concoction with a bit of powder.  I can only detect a hint of rose in this fragrance, and the vanilla seems to dominate the base notes.  The fragrance has good lasting power.  Notes include: Lychee, Raspberry, Rose, Freesia, Lily of the Valley, Vetiver, Cedar Wood, Patchouli, Vanilla.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder Review

This is a nice surprise from a drugstore brand.  The powder is finely milled, oil-free, and it comes in a nice range of colors.  I apply this product with a large powder brush for a smooth, weightless coverage without any chalkiness.  Packaging needs improvement.

Givenchy Amarige Mariage Eau de Parfum Review

This fragrance is too perfumey for my taste.  The top notes of bitter orange and bergamot are quite sharp, the middle notes of jasmine and magnolia smell a bit synthetic, and the powdery/balsamic base is pleasant but unremarkable.  This one just doesn’t agree with my chemistry.  Notes include: Sicilian Bitter Orange, Calabrian Bergamot, Magnolia, Egyptian Jasmine, Ceylon Cinnamon, Siam Benzoin, Sandalwood, Patchouli.

Lancome DÉFINICILS High Definition Mascara Review

This mascara won’t give you a dramatic look but it will separate, lengthen and define your lashes beautifully.  It lasts all day without flaking. 

CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara Review

This mascara is ideal for a natural daytime look.  The patented brush defines and lengthens the lashes without clumps, flakes or smudges.  The mascara stays on throughout the day.  For a more dramatic effect you should try CG’s Volume Exact mascara. 

CoverGirl Volume Exact Mascara Review

This mascara adds considerably more volume than Lash Exact.  Like Lash Exact, it defines and lengthens the lashes without clumping, and it stays on all day with minimal to no flaking.

Philosophy Falling In Love Fragrance Review

This fragrance is soft, sweet and uncomplicated.  This harmonious blend of blackberry, soft florals, vanilla and musk will please someone looking for a subtle, comforting scent.