ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream Review

Repairwear is a white gel-cream for normal to dry skin.  The cream is rich in antioxidants, plant extracts and other skin-beneficial ingredients that help to fight skin aging.  The formula works well to combat dryness and flaky skin, but it seems to coat the skin instead of absorbing into it.  This product is fragrance-free. 

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Review

Micro-Sculpting Cream is a luxuriously emollient formula for normal to very dry skin.  The cream sinks in readily (if used sparingly) and helps to soften and hydrate the skin.  The formula contains a good concentration of anti-aging ingredients that include niacinamide, vitamin E, peptides and green tea.  The cream has a strong fruity floral scent.

Shiseido Zen Eau de Parfum Review

Zen is a soft fruity floral scent.  The fragrance opens with bright citrus notes and a touch of honeyed florals.  The citrus notes are followed by sweet fruit and a rosy floral bouquet.  The fruity floral blend mellows into a sweet warm finish.  Notes include: Pineapple, Grapefruit, Blue Rose, Freesia, Violet, Lotus Flower, Chinese Rose, Patchouli, Musk, Amber.

Estēe Lauder Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang Eau de Parfum Review

Amber Ylang Ylang is a cozy oriental scent where the individual notes meld together in harmony.  The fragrance has a warm balsamic opening with touches of ylang ylang, bergamot and geranium.  While the ylang ylang is the leading note in the composition, it’s not nearly as heady and exotic as the pure essential oil.  The blend is gradually enveloped in a softening veil of amber and sheer woods.  Creamy vanilla adds a sweet finishing touch.  Notes include: Ylang Absolute, Italian Bergamot, Geranium Oil, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Cinnamon Ceylon, Incense, Vanilla Bean, Sandalwood, Amber. 

Estēe Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia Eau de Parfum Review

Tuberose Gardenia is a heady white floral scent.  The fragrance features crisp floral top notes of neroli, lilac and rosewood.  The top notes are quickly followed by a rich blend of tuberose and gardenia.  The tuberose and gardenia duo persists for quite a while, and as the fragrance dries down the gardenia note becomes the more predominant of the two.  The fragrance has a creamy floral finish without a trace of vanilla.  Notes include: Neroli, Lilac, Rosewood, Tuberose, Gardenia, Orange Flower, Jasmine, White Lily, Carnation, Vanilla Bourbon.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector Review

Double Face Perfector is a dual-ended wand with a concealer on one end and a highlighter on the other.  The concealer is lightweight and offers sheer to medium coverage for under-eye circles.  The formula spreads easily and does not settle into fine lines.  The highlighter subtly illuminates the eye area and can be worn alone or with concealer.  The highlighting liquid blends easily on the skin; however, it’s a bit runny and seeps out of the container.  This concealer/highlighter duo works best on the eye area but can be used all over the face.  The shade options depicted on the wand are very close to the actual shades. 

Bond No. 9 Bryant Park Eau de Parfum Review

Bryant Park is a sophisticated fruity floral scent.  The opening note is a sweet rose accented with raspberries and rhubarb.  The rose is quickly overshadowed by a spicy dry blend of pink pepper and lily of the valley, but it reappears briefly after the pepper fades.  The fragrance has a soft raspberry finish with a touch of amber and patchouli.  Notes include: Lily of the Valley, Rhubarb, Pink Pepper, Rose, Patchouli, Raspberry, Amber.

L’Occitane Green Tea Eau de Toilette Review

Green Tea is a fresh unisex cologne.  The fragrance opens with sweet citrus and a soft jasmine with waxy undertones.  As the scent evolves, the citrus notes become tart and slightly herbaceous and the jasmine fades away.  The zesty citrus notes are complemented with refreshing green tea and the blend slowly dries down to a clean musk finish.  Notes include: Bitter Orange, Orange, Green Tea, Musk, Cedar, Thyme, Jasmine.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel Review

DDMG is an ultra-light gel/lotion that is best suited for oily or problem skin.  The gel absorbs readily and without a residue.  It delivers just enough moisture for the skin to feel comfortable.  The formula is free of oil and fragrance and it contains a blend of anti-irritants and sodium hyaluronate.  This product performs well in hot, humid weather.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Review

DDML does a decent job of relieving dry, flaky skin.  The lotion is lightweight and absorbs fairly quickly but leaves a slight shine on the skin.  The formula is very basic and contains mostly water, mineral oil and sesame oil.  This product has no added fragrance but it smells a bit like vegetable oil.

Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours Elixir de Parfum Review

Always Yours is a fresh floral scent with musky undertones.  The fragrance opens with crisp, slightly sharp floral notes.  The floral bouquet is a bit generic and consists predominantly of white flowers.  The floral notes soften with wear and a touch of clean musk is added to the composition.  The fragrance becomes increasingly clean and musky as it dries down.  The base notes of oakmoss and patchouli are barely noticeable.  Notes include: Freesia, Ginger, Sun Goddess Rose, Lotus Flower, Day Lily, White Violet, Musk, Patchouli, Oakmoss.

Eucerin Calming Body Wash Daily Shower Oil Review

Calming Body Wash is a light golden oil with a faint fishy odor.  The formula contains soybean oil, castor seed oil and mild cleansing agents.  The wash foams lightly but does a good job of cleansing the skin.  The oil rinses clean and the fishy smell dissipates quickly.  This product leaves the skin soft and comfortable but not greasy.  I recommend adding a bit of lavender essential oil to the wash to cover up the natural scent of the oil. 

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Cleanser Review

Purity Made Simple is a runny liquid cleanser with a luxuriously silky feel and a fresh rosewood scent.  The formula is low-foaming and contains gentle cleansing agents, meadowfoam seed oil and a blend of essential oils and plant extracts.  The cleanser thoroughly removes dirt, oil and makeup and rinses clean without over-drying the skin.  This product is suitable for all skin types. 

Isomers Anti-Redness Serum Review

This creamy peach-colored liquid spreads easily and absorbs well.  The serum is oil-free but it leaves the skin soft and moisturized.  The formula contains safflower oleosomes, ceramides, cholesterol and plant extracts to soothe and replenish the skin.  This product is best suited for someone with dry, irritated skin.  The serum has a natural nutty aroma.