ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Hawaiian Tropic Oil Free Faces Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 Review

This lightweight sunscreen absorbs into the skin without any greasiness or shine (those with dry skin may need an additional moisturizer).  Hawaiian Tropic claims that this product offers effective sun protection with less chemical sunscreens.  This fragrance-free formula also contains antioxidants and plant/fruit extracts.  The lotion stings quite a bit if it gets into the eyes.  This product may stain clothing.

Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 (Sensitive Skin Version) Review

Complete Defense is a good lightweight moisturizer with effective sun protection.  The formula is fragrance-free and contains vitamin E, aloe, and green tea extract.  The lotion absorbs easily but leaves a subtle whitish tint on the skin (the sheer tint works well to even out my light/medium complexion, but it may be too pronounced on darker skin tones).

Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30 Review

This lotion contains microfine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (paired with octocrylene, octinoxate and ensulizole) to protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun.  The formula is fragrance-free, oil-free, irritant-free and non-comedogenic.  The texture of this product is not quite as impressive.  The lotion is difficult to spread, slow to absorb, and leaves a noticeable white film on the skin.

Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau de Parfum Review

The One is warm, sweet, sensual and very wearable.  The fragrance begins with a beautifully balanced fruit accord.  The floral notes that follow are fresh and luminous.  A delectable plum note further enhances the composition.  Vanilla and amber create a soft, sensual finish that gently caresses the skin.  Notes include: Bergamot, Mandarin, Lychee, Peach, Madonna Lily, Muguet, Plum, Jasmine, Vetiver, Vanilla, Amber, Musk.

Armani Code Pour Femme Eau de Parfum Review

Armani Code is a floral oriental that would be appropriate for autumn/winter or evening wear--it may be too cloying in warm weather.  The fragrance opens with a spicy citrus note but soon evolves into a sumptuous floral bouquet (with a discernible jasmine note) sweetened with vanilla and honey.  The drydown is soft, woody, and quite powdery.  Notes include: Blood Orange, Ginger, Pear Sorbet, Jasmine Sambac, Orange Blossom, Seringa Flower, Lavender Honey, Precious Woods Complex, Vanilla.

Armani Code Sheer Eau de Toilette Review

Armani Code Sheer is a lighter take on the original eau de parfum.  The top note is clean and slightly synthetic but gradually fades into the background as the floral notes emerge.  The florals are sheer and soft and warmed by a honey note.  The finish is clean and musky.  Notes include: Orange Blossom Petals, Cyclamen, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Honey, Delicate Musk.   

Isomers Vitamin C Serum MAP + E High Potency Blend Review

Isomers Vitamin C Serum is a blend of vitamin E (an antioxidant) and Magnesium Ascrobyl Phosphate (a derivative of vitamin C) in an ultra-light flax seed base.  Magnesium Ascrobyl Phosphate helps to support collagen in the skin and fights free radicals.  The watery serum absorbs completely and wears well under a moisturizer.  This product is stable, non-acidic and suitable for all skin types.

Isomers One for Face Serum Review

One for Face claims to target multiple signs of aging (lines, wrinkles, firmness and hydration) with a potent anti-aging blend of Argireline, Matrixyl, trace minerals and biopeptides in a light sodium hyaluronate base.  This thin gel-serum glides easily over the skin and provides light hydration.  This product is fragrance-free and can be used on sensitive skin.  While the ingredients in this formula could benefit the skin over time, I saw no visible changes in my skin’s appearance after using the serum for two months.

Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum (Fragrance Free) Review

Olay Regenerist is a thick silicone-based serum with a nice array of skin-beneficial ingredients (niacinamide, panthenol, amino-peptides, vitamin E, green tea, and allantoin).  The serum is quite moisturizing and leaves a soft matte finish on the skin.  The silicone in this product helps to smooth out the skin’s surface by filling in the fine lines and pores.  The serum can be used anywhere on the face, including the eye area (Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum is very similar to this product but costs more per ounce). 

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Review

Bright Crystal is a soft fruity floral fragrance.  The top accord is sweet, fruity and reminiscent of strawberries.  The floral heart of this fragrance is slightly synthetic, with a distinguishable peony note.  The finish is sweet with a hint of musk.  Bright Crystal is a pleasant but not very original scent.  Notes include: Iced Accord, Yuzu, Pomegranate, Peony, Magnolia, Lotus Flower, Acajou, Vegetal Amber, Musk.

Estēe Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent Review

Bronze Goddess smells like a tropical beach vacation.  Fittingly, the fragrance opens with a touch of citrus and a generous splash of coconut.  Lush tropical flowers blend with a sweeter, creamier coconut note to create an intoxicating middle accord.  The finish is warm and sweet with a honey-like amber note, sugary caramel, more coconut and a hint of woods.  Notes include: Bergamot, Manadrin, Tiare Milk, Orange Flower, Jasmine, Magnolia, Myrrh, Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Caramel, Coconut Cream.

Estēe Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Review

This water-like eye makeup remover is fragrance- and oil-free.  It works very well to remove all makeup (repeat application is required to remove all traces of waterproof mascara) and leaves no sticky or oily residue.  The formula stings a little if it gets into the eyes.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment Review

This lightly hydrating watery gel absorbs quickly and without a residue.  The formula contains salicylic acid (2%) to treat blemishes and to exfoliate the skin’s surface and inside the pores.  It also contains green tea and cucumber extracts to soothe the skin and reduce irritation.  This well-formulated acne treatment has a fresh cucumber scent.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Fresh Moisture Ultra-Light Moisturizer Review

Oil-Free Fresh Moisture is a lightweight gel-like moisturizer that feels cool and refreshing on the skin.  The oil-free formula absorbs completely and leaves skin soft and hydrated without greasiness.  The scent is clean and slightly soapy.  This is a good choice for the hot summer months.

Olay Body Age Transform Intensive UV Defense Serum SPF 15 Review

This impressive (yet affordable) body formulation is full of skin-beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol, green tea extract, vitamin C and more.  The formula also contains sunscreen to protect skin from premature aging (this product is also available in a sunscreen-free version).  The serum looks and feels like a body lotion and leaves skin soft and moisturized.  The only drawback is a heavy floral scent.