ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 (Soft Caramel) Review

Soft Caramel Revitalizing Lip Balm has a subtle frosted taupe shade with a hint of cool pink.  The color stays on longer than your typical tinted lip balm.  The lip balm has an unusual oval shape but it glides on easily.  The formula wears comfortably and leaves the lips moist and smooth.  The lip balm offers sun protection with chemical sunscreens octinoxate and oxybenzone.  This product has a watermelon-banana scent.

Isomers Retiniacin Age Diffuser Review

Retiniacin is a lightweight milky serum with a subtle sandalwood scent.  The serum combines niacinamide, retinol, a peptide and antioxidants in a hydrating base of water and safflower oleosomes.  The formula spreads easily and absorbs quickly, leaving a softening veil of moisture on the skin.  Within a few weeks of nightly use, the serum noticeably improved the tone and texture of my skin, decreased pore size, and reduced blemishes without causing excessive dryness or irritation. 

Lolita Lempicka Si Lolita Eau de Parfum Review

Si Lolita is a warm floral scent with a touch of spice and vanilla.  The fragrance opens with bright citrus, crisp florals and a generous sprinkling of pink pepper.  The top notes quickly mellow into the backdrop revealing a smooth, slightly creamy floral bouquet with fruity-vanillic undertones.  Later, the floral accord is enhanced with hints of patchouli, woods and tonka bean.  The fragrance has a soft, subtly sweet vanilla finish that stays close to the skin.  Notes include: Pink Peppercorns, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Wallflower, Sweat Pea, Heliotrope, Elemi Gum, Patchouli, Tonka Bean, Amber.

MAC Lustre Lipstick (Syrup) Review

Syrup is a medium pink-mauve lipstick with lavender undertones and a soft vanilla scent.  The lipstick provides sheer to medium coverage with a moist, slightly glossy finish.  The lipstick has a silky, creamy formula that wears comfortably without over-drying the lips.  The formula has average staying power. 

NYX Round Lipstick (Frosted Flakes) Review

Frosted Flakes is a frosted beige lipstick with tiny specks of metallic shimmer.  The frosty finish is subtle enough for daytime wear.  The lipstick goes on smoothly but feels drying on the lips.  The color fades quickly leaving behind a touch of beige shimmer on the lips.  This product has a clean, soapy scent. 

L’Oreal Color Riche Lipstick (Fairest Nude) Review

Fairest Nude is a muted pink-nude shade with a matte finish.  The lipstick’s coverage is opaque and slightly pasty; it would benefit from a touch of gloss.  The formula is smooth, non-drying and it has a good staying power.  This product has a waxy-floral scent.  

L’Oreal EverSleek Reparative Smoothing Shampoo Review

EverSleek Reparative Smoothing Shampoo is a translucent cleansing gel with a slightly “perfumey” scent.  The formula is free of silicones and sulfates and it features mild cleansing agents and sunflower oil.  The shampoo lathers lightly but it does a good job of cleansing the hair.  The formula rinses easily and adds shine and bounce to the hair.  The shampoo alone is not overly smoothing or moisturizing and it should be followed by a conditioner to improve hair’s manageability. 

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Extra-Mild Review

Liquid Facial Soap Extra-Mild is a silky, lightweight cleansing cream with no added fragrance.  The formula is free of foaming cleansers and includes olive oil, plant extracts, anti-irritants and other skin conditioners.  The creamy cleanser melts away makeup and grime without over-drying the skin.  The cleanser rinses away with water but it leaves a trace of oily residue on the skin that can easily be removed with a towel.