ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Givenchy Absolutely Irresistible Eau De Parfum Review

Absolutely Irresistible is a smooth floral scent with a warm finish.  The fragrance opens with sweet red berries and a hint of citrus.  A muted red pepper note trails behind the fruit until both fade into the floral accord.  Jasmine is at the heart of the accord without overwhelming the overall composition.  The florals meld seamlessly into a soft, sensual base of amber with hints of cedar and patchouli.  Notes include: Green Mandarin Orange, Red Berries, Red Pepper, Egyptian Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Heliotrope, Cedar, Patchouli, Amber.

Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System Review

This two-step exfoliation treatment consists of a microdermabrasion scrub/mask and a lactic acid peel.  The scrub contains a generous amount of micro-crystals in an emollient, vitamin-enriched base.  The crystals polish the skin and prepare it for the lactic acid peel.  The peel is a clear, lightweight gel that’s applied directly over the crystal scrub.  The gel dissolves the crystals, releasing conditioners to the skin’s surface.  The lactic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells while hydrating the skin.  The treatment rinses clean and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.

Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel Review

The Microdelivery Peel is very similar to Olay’s Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System (reviewed separately).  Both treatments feature a vitamin-enriched crystal scrub/mask and a clear gel acid peel (Philosophy’s scrub also contains peptides).  The leave-on crystal scrub is applied first to polish and condition the skin.  In the second step, the acid peel dissolves the scrubbing crystals to deliver more nutrients to the skin.  The lactic and salicylic acids gently slough off dead skin cells for a smoother, fresher appearance.

Ralph Lauren Notorious Eau de Parfum Review

Notorious is an elegant floral oriental fragrance that’s not too sweet or spicy.  This well-balanced composition opens with rich black currant, bergamot and a touch of patchouli.  Sparkling floral notes keep the fragrance from being dark and heady.  A subtle veil of vanilla, patchouli musk and iris gently envelops the blend.  The chocolate cosmos note is barely noticeable.  Notes include: Black Currant, Pink Peppercorn, Bergamot, Chocolate Cosmos, White Frost Peonies, Carnation, Patchouli Musk, Vanilla, Iris.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum Review

Viva La Juicy is a sweet fruity scent with an oriental touch.  The fragrance begins with a burst of berries and mandarins.  The floral notes are largely indistinct but for a whisper of rose.  The drydown is laced with praline and vanilla.  A hint of amber adds depth and dimension.  Notes include: Wild Berries, Mandarins, Honeysuckle, Gardenia, Jasmine, Amber, Caramel, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Praline.

TanTowel Full Body Application Classic and Plus Review

These individually wrapped towelettes are pre-moistened with a lightly scented, quick-drying self-tanning solution.  A single towelette measures 9 inches by 12 inches and is sufficient for a full body application.  This product is available in two natural-looking bronze shades: Classic (for fair to medium skin tones) and Plus (for medium to dark skin tones).  The sunless tan is uniform, begins to develop in four hours, and lasts up to a week.  For best results, the towelettes should be applied to clean, dry, exfoliated skin (you can go over an area twice to ensure complete coverage). 

NOTE: I received a free sample of the TanTowel Classic and Plus from the makers of the product.

Calvin Klein Secret Obsession Eau de Parfum Review

Secret Obsession is a floral oriental scent.  The fragrance opens with spiced fruit and a hint of rose.  Robust white florals appear early in the composition but the transition from fruit to flowers is neither smooth nor seamless.  I detect a fleeting soapy note as the florals fade.  The drydown is a subtle blend of amber and woods.  The woods intensify as the fragrance wears off.  Notes include: Exotic Plum, Mace, Rose de Damas, Egyptian Jasmine, French Orange Flower, Tuberose, Cashmere Woods, Burnt Amber, Australian Sandalwood.

Queen Helene The Original Mint Julep Masque Review

The Original Mint Julep Masque is a thick mineral clay paste with green tint and a fresh mint scent.  The formula contains natural kaolin and bentonite clays that help to purify and cleanse the skin.  As the masque dries on the skin it absorbs dirt, impurities and excess oils.  I recommend applying the masque only to the oily areas of the face to avoid overdrying. 

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque Review

This thick masque combines natural kaolin and bentonite clays to draw out impurities from the skin.  The masque also contains fruit acids, but they are not as effective as glycolic or salicylic acid at exfoliating the skin.  Aloe, chamomile and zinc oxide are added to the formula to help reduce the risk of irritation.  The masque removes dirt and excess oils from the skin and leaves it feeling refreshed and clean.  This product would be suitable for most skin types.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel Review

This oil-free gel provides light hydration without a greasy residue.  The gel would work well for someone with oily or acne-prone skin, but those with drier complexions will need an additional moisturizer.  This product is quite expensive considering that the formula only contains water, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin B5 and a preservative.  The gel is fragrance-free.

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning (For Face and Décolleté) Review

This self-tanning fluid has a thin, milky texture and can be applied with fingertips or a cotton pad.  The self-tanner absorbs well and leaves skin feeling soft and lightly moisturized.  The skin develops a subtle, streak-free golden glow with only a hint of yellow.  The skin should be exfoliated the night before application to achieve a longer-lasting, even tan.  This product has a light, warm scent.

John Varvatos Eau de Parfum Review

John Varvatos is a grown-up fruity floral scent with a warm, sensual base.  The top accord is sweet and fruity with pronounced notes of plum and aromatic grappa.  Sophisticated florals trail behind the fruity notes but are quickly eclipsed by a sweet amber accord with hints of patchouli.  The base is subtly enhanced with a touch of woods.  Notes include: Coriander Flower, Apricot, Plum, Golden Mandarin, Grappa Accord, Lily, Rose Attar, Jasmine Grandiflora, Narcissus, Tolu Balsam, Adriatic Oakmoss, Styrax, Extra Pure Patchouli, Wild Honey, Tonka Beans, Hibiscus Seeds.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub Review

This cleanser/scrub has a runny, gel-like texture.  The formula contains small scrubbing beads to gently exfoliate the skin and salicylic acid to treat acne (a leave-on salicylic acid acne treatment should be used in conjunction with the wash for better results).  The cleanser foams well and rinses clean but it can be drying if used too often.  The wash has a refreshing pink grapefruit scent.

Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel Review

Acne Mark Fading Peel treats acne and exfoliates the skin to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks.  This blue gel formula contains salicylic acid to clear breakouts and enzymes to exfoliate the skin’s surface.  The formula also contains tiny scrubbing beads that provide gentle exfoliation when you rinse the gel off after the recommended 5-10 minute usage time.  This product leaves skin soft and smooth but I also experienced some temporary redness after using the formula.  The peel has a strong scent.

Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara Review

The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara has a large, thick brush with a slightly tapered tip.  The brush helps to lengthen and separate the lashes with little clumping.  The mascara creates natural-looking volume and good definition.  The formula feels slightly wet going on but it dries quickly.  The mascara stays put all day with minimal flaking.  This product has a strange but tolerable scent.  The mascara is available in two shades of black.