ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Lancome Magnifique Eau de Parfum Review

Magnifique is a woody floral scent with a touch of spice.  The fragrance opens with rose, ripe berries and a hint of creamy vanilla.  These notes are closely followed by a dusty spice accord.  The spices add a surprising twist to the otherwise conventional fruity-floral blend.  As the top notes soften, a veil of sheer, dry woods envelops the blend.  The rose reappears once more before fading into a sweet (slightly powdery) woody base.  The key ingredients in this fragrance are saffron, rose and nagarmota.

Lancome O de Lancome Eau de Toilette Review

O de Lancome is a fresh chypre scent.  The top notes are a crisp, zesty blend of bergamot, lemon and mandarin.  The citrus notes are followed by a green-herbal accord with no discernible floral notes.  A clean, aldehyde-like note keeps the fragrance fresh and breezy.  As the scent dries down it becomes very woody with a balanced combination of oakmoss, vetiver and sandalwood.  This fragrance has good staying power.  Notes include: Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, Basil, Rosemary, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Oakmoss.

Vera Wang Bouquet Eau de Parfum Review

Bouquet is a green floral scent.  The fragrance starts with crisp green notes and a touch of bergamot, followed by fresh-cut flowers.  A touch of powder softens and sweetens the floral accord.  As the florals fade the scent becomes clean and aquatic with a pleasant musk note in the drydown.  Notes include: Dew Drops, Radiant Sicilian Bergamot, Black Currant Leaves, Paperwhite Narcissus, Honeysuckle, Lavender Musk Accord, Moroccan Cedar, White Iris Root.

Bvlgari Eau Parfumee White Tea Review

This soft, relaxing white tea scent is suitable for men and women.  Initially, the fragrance smells strongly of alcohol but it evaporates quickly revealing a tender white tea note.  Later in the composition the tea note is paired with leafy greens and a hint of white pepper.  The drydown is watery fresh with a touch of musk and woods.  Notes include: Artemisia Leaves, Ambrette, White Pepper, White Tea, Musk, Woody Amber.

Bvlgari Voile de Jasmin Eau de Toilette Review

Voile de Jasmine is fresh, subtle and never overpowering.  The fragrance opens with sheer, indistinct white florals.  The floral bouquet quickly morphs into a shower-fresh skin scent with soft, soapy notes.  The drydown is clean and understated with hints of musk and woods.  Notes include: Living Jasminum Sambac, Italian Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Rosewood, Ylang-Ylang, Living Mimosa, Living Rose.

Maybelline Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper (Born With It) Review

Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper is a creamy, non-sticky lip gloss with good staying power.  The lip gloss is housed in a sleek, shiny plastic tube with a slanted dispenser/applicator tip.  The formula causes a tolerable tingling/swelling sensation; just don’t expect visibly fuller lips.  Born With It is a glossy, sheer pink shade with a fruity scent.

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Washable Lengthening Mascara Review

This product features a unique brush design and sleek, functional packaging.  The brush is curved, flexible and comprised of short rubber bristles.  The curve of the brush hugs the eyelashes and allows for an even application of the mascara.  The flexibility of the brush enables a lighter touch but I prefer a firm, steady brush.  The mascara tube has a build-in wiper to dispense the ideal amount of formula onto the brush.  The mascara lengthens and defines the lashes without clumps or flaking; however, it does not create a lot of volume. 

Maybelline Line Stylist (Espresso) Review

Line Stylist never needs sharpening.  This mechanical eyeliner pencil has a thin tip for precise application and control.  The pencil is a bit hard and causes some pulling and dragging along the lash line.  Once applied, the liner stays put with minimal smudging.  Espresso is a rich, dark brown shade that accentuates the eyes without looking too harsh.

Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector Concealer Review

Cover Stick is great for concealing blemishes and small imperfections.  The formula is thick, opaque and offers good coverage and staying power.  The product may be applied with fingertips or a small brush for more precision.  For extra staying power, the concealer can be set with face powder.  The product is available in six skin shades and three color correctors. 

Dior Miss Dior Chérie Eau de Parfum Review

Miss Dior Chérie is a playful, girly scent.  The top note is a cheerful, sparkling strawberry.  The strawberry softens with wear and a hint of sugary, caramelized popcorn adds warmth to the blend.  The strawberry accord lasts into the drydown with only a whisper of florals.  The finish is soft and sweet with a touch of light musk and patchouli.  Notes include: Green Tangerine, Violette, Pink Jasmine, Patchouli, Crystalline Musk, Strawberry Leaves, Caramelized Popcorn, Strawberry Sorbet.

Chanel Allure Eau de Toilette Review

Allure is a floral oriental scent.  The fragrance starts off strong with a slightly synthetic blend of citrus and water lily.  The top notes quickly fade into a somewhat heady floral bouquet with a soft, powdery backdrop.  The floral notes linger on for a while before mellowing into a warm comforting base of creamy vanilla, powder and a touch of almond.  Notes include: Bergamot, Mandarin, Water Lily, Magnolia, Jasmine, May Roses, Vetiver, Vanilla.