How We Test Products at ELLE

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE is committed to only recommending products that we absolutely love. With the constant stream of new launches, now more than ever, it’s crucial to have a dependable shopping partner in your corner to tell you all the pros and the cons before making any purchases. We use our industry connections to get early access to items, giving us an opportunity to put them to the test before making any recommendations. We also enjoy interviewing countless experts and sifting through verified customer reviews.

Why Should You Trust Us?

Our team strives to be that constant source you can turn to take the stress out of shopping, whether you’re thinking about splurging on the latest beauty gadget or investing in a designer handbag. That means we’ll do the research to find out everything you need to know about an item—the good and the not so great. And we don’t just rely on our years of expertise in the business, we also work closely with a network of experts across the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle landscape, from board-certified dermatologists to veteran stylists. Together, ELLE’s community of experts work around the clock, testing the latest and most innovative launches.

What’s Our Testing Process?

First, we identify the items that need testing, whether it’s a capsule designer collaboration that we know everyone will be talking about or a celebrity-endorsed makeup launch. Then, we work closely with brands to make sure that we get early access to the most coveted drops. When selecting products, we always keep diversity at the forefront of our minds, from size offerings in fashion to the needs of various skin tones and hair textures for beauty releases. Our fashion team examines garments and accessories closely, noting the craftsmanship, materials, and intricate details. Our beauty team dives deep into packaging, formulas, and their effectiveness.

And we don’t just examine items at our desks. We go out and see how they can stand the elements. For example, we’ll see how a pair of trendy clogs actually feels after a long day of walking, or whether that new hairspray can last through humid weather. Once we’ve gathered all the pros and the cons, we share them with you.

Who Are the Experts Testing the Products?

AlexisBennettParker

Alexis is the Commerce Content Lead at ELLE.com. In this first-of-its-kind role, she gets to combine her love for shopping with her obsession for innovative content strategy. When Alexis isn’t browsing the market for the latest fashion trends, you can find her nerding out listening to a business podcast or taking a hot girl walk.

Dale Arden Chong

Dale hunts the internet for the best and most stylish fashion so you don’t have to. (Oversized blazers? Got ’em—and in multiple styles and shapes.) She’s passionate about how fashion often reflects the current climate. She also loves noodles. You can find her outside, or getting distracted down the rabbit hole of her own random thoughts.

Nerisha Penrose

Nerisha covers all things beauty for ELLE.com, especially when it comes to shopping. Whether she’s rounding up the top launches of the month or seeking out the best retinol body lotions, Nerisha always knows what’s trending. Our resident “cozy girl” has a penchant for athleisure and nude lip glosses, and spends a ton of time re-watching ’90s sitcoms.

Meg Donohue

Meg is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she tries her very hardest to keep up with the trends. When she’s not working, you can find her practicing yoga, planning her next trip, or gardening. Meg appreciates the simple pleasures in life, like chocolate milk, a good deli, and having the windows down in the car.

Carol Lee

Carol is the associate e-commerce writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine. She’s always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, NewGirletc.) over and over again.

How Do We Make Money?

At ELLE, we only promote items that we truly love. In some cases, some of the brands and retailers featured may offer us a small commission rate—at no extra cost to you, of course. Still, everything on ELLE’s website is vetted by our team of editors, experts, and reviewers. We think of it as a bonus that supports the work that we do and the high editorial standards that we’re committed to providing for you.

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