ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Estēe Lauder Sensuous Eau de Parfum Review

Sensuous is a warm, woody scent that’s not overly sweet or spicy.  The fragrance opens with a lush floral accord, sweet honey, and a touch of woods.  The floral notes fade quickly as the woody notes intensify.  Sandalwood dominates the heart of the fragrance while amber and honey add a layer of warmth and sensuality.  The scent doesn’t change much in the drydown.  Notes include: Ghost Lily, Magnolia, Jasmine, Ylang Essence, Mandarin Orange Pulp, Honey, Black Pepper, Sandalwood, Amber.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream (Deep Wrinkle) Review

This lightweight cream absorbs well and leaves skin soft and moisturized.  The formula contains retinol to reduce the signs of aging as well as hyaluronic acid and shea butter to boost moisture levels in the skin.  This product is quite effective in improving the overall tone and clarity of the skin and it may lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with extended use.  Surprisingly, this cream caused no peeling or irritation as is common with many retinol products (those with sensitive skin may need to limit use until skin adjusts).  This formula is fragrance-free.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (Night Formula) Review

This oil-free cream provides good moisture without a greasy residue.  The formula is fragrance-free and contains retinol, vitamin E, green tea extract and panthenol.  This is a well-formulated, relatively gentle retinol treatment; just don't count on it to reverse the signs of aging overnight.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product.

Burberry The Beat Eau de Parfum Review

The Beat is interesting but not great.  The top notes are warm and sweet with a hint of citrus.  The pink pepper adds a bit of interest to the otherwise temperate top accord.  The floral notes in the middle accord are soft but not overly feminine.  A smoky musk note competes with the florals and becomes more prominent in the drydown.  Notes include: Bergamot, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Mandarin, Iris, Bluebell, Ceylon Tea, White Musk, Vetiver, Cedarwood.

Vera Wang Flower Princess Eau de Toilette Review

Flower Princess is a fresh springtime floral.  The fragrance opens with crisp white flowers and a touch of green.  The floral notes are never sharp or overpowering and soften as the fragrance wears off.  The drydown is clean, slightly aquatic and musky.  Notes include: Green Ivy, Tangerine, Water Lily, Orange Flower Petals, Moroccan Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Riviera Mimosa, Apricot Skin, Amber, Woods, Musk.

Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette Review

Princess is a sweet, playful scent.  The fruity top notes are slightly overshadowed by a delicious pink frosting accord that permeates throughout the composition.  As the fragrance develops it becomes warmer and sweeter with a hint of chocolate and a light touch of florals.  I detect vanilla and some musk in the drydown.  This fragrance is for the young or the young at heart.  Notes include: Water Lily, Lady Apple, Mandarin Meringue, Golden Apricot Skin, Ripe Pink Guava, Tahitian Flower, Wild Tuberose, Dark Chocolate, Pink Frosting Accord, Precious Amber, Forbidden Woods, Royal Musk Captive, Chiffon Vanilla.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelée for Body (Medium-Deep) Review

Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gelée is a translucent, runny gel with a light orange tint.  Contrary to the product’s claims, this gel takes a long time to dry, but it develops a nice, dark tan (I recommended using a dry tissue to remove the excess product from the knees, elbows and ankles to prevent those areas from turning brown).  The fragrance is quite strong but bearable.   

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes for Body (Medium Natural Tan) Review

These individually wrapped towelettes are saturated with a lightly scented self-tanning solution that dries quickly after application.  This product develops a natural-looking sunless tan but it can look streaky if not applied evenly (I find that applying the wipes in circular motion helps with streaking).  The color lasts a few days and fades naturally. 

Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel Review

This moisturizing gel feels slightly greasy going on and takes a while to absorb.  This product develops a natural golden tan without streaks or blotches (apply it sparingly around elbows, knees and ankles).  The color fades evenly and lasts up to a week.  The fragrance is tolerable.

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion Review

This mild liquid toner is a good choice for all skin types.  The formula contains a low concentration (0.5%) of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and refine pores.  The toner leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed without any dryness or stinging.  This product is alcohol- and fragrance-free but contains a green colorant.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Blasting Mascara Review

Lash Blast creates long, defined lashes without clumping.  The mascara is housed in a chunky orange tube with a thick rubber bristle brush (the size of the brush makes it a bit more difficult to apply the mascara near the corners of the eyes).  While this product adds some volume, I find that CG’s Volume Exact mascara builds thicker lashes.  I also prefer the latter’s sleek packaging.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette Review

Daisy is a light floral scent suitable for casual wear.  The fragrance starts with a sweet strawberry note and a hint of citrus.  The floral heart of this fragrance is fresh and a bit green.  The base notes are clean and musky with a touch of warmth from the vanilla.  This fragrance is pleasant but not very memorable.  Notes include: Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 Review

Dry-Touch has a light, creamy texture and it leaves a dry matte finish on the skin (there is some shine with extended wear).  The product is formulated with a powerful blend of chemical sunscreen ingredients that offer advanced sun protection.  The formula is waterproof, sweatproof and has a light floral scent.  This sunscreen stings the eyes and may not be best suited for sensitive skin.