Product Review: M.A.C. Slimshine Lipstick

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: M.A.C.
Name: Slimshine Lipstick
Size: 2.3 g / 0.08 oz
Price: $17.50 CAD

Shade Tried: Gaily

I suffer from extremely sensitive and dry lips, but I yearn for fabulous looking lips. So when I was at the shopping mall this week I decided it was time I again tried to find that perfect lipstick.

From the website: “A new Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.”

To Purr About:
- 24 fabulous colours to choose from
- glides on effortlessly
- does not irritate my lips

Claws Out:
- a tiny bit drying
- doesn’t stay on super long

Final Comments:
Although I’ve been using MAC products since high school, I haven’t bought a MAC lipstick in years. The last time I did I remember it being very heavy and matte, so I was a little apprehensive since my lips have unfortunately become very sensitive and finicky. However I thought I’d give it another shot in my search for the perfect lips. I was really interested in their non-traditional lipsticks like their slimshine and lip glosses, but I decided on the slimshine as I wanted a less glossy look & a more smooth and silky look.

The outcome - I was really happy with this MAC’s slimshine lipstick. The lipstick looked awesome on and glided on so smoothly. I am definitely going to try more of MAC’s lip products in the near future.


Rating (out of 5):




If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.


Disclosure: This product was purchased by Suziesaurus.


image: maccosmetics.com

Survey Help Request

Morgan, a first year MBA student at Baruch College in New York is doing a marketing research project and needs our help!

Take a few minutes to complete this survey (it's all about makeup and beauty) and help out! I just finished filling it out, and it's really quick and painless, I promise!

http://baruch.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_3lVjme9eNz4pfFy&SVID=Prod

Contest: Thymes $500 Gift Contest

Brand: Thymes
Deadline to enter: December 7, 2009

Big or small, touching or outrageous, give Thymes a peek inside your favorite holiday tradition and you could win over $500 in Thymes gifts, wrapped and delivered, for 6 people on your Holiday shopping list. (Plus a little something for yourself, of course!)

Logon to http://www.thymes.com/ before December 7 and submit your favorite holiday tradition. You may even get to knock a few people off your holiday list in 1fell swoop!

Please see their site for eligibility and full rules and regulations.

Product Review: Olay Botanical Fusion Body Wash - Hydrate

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Olay
Name: : Botanical Fusion Body Wash - Hydrate
Size: 345 ml
Approximate Price: $7.00 CAD

From Olay’s website: "Olay brings advanced skincare into the shower with Olay Botanical Fusion. Olay conditioners, fused with scents inspired by nature, are formulated to delight your senses while hydrating your skin from the comfort of your own shower. The rich, creamy formula wraps your skin with nourishing moisturizers that leave you naturally beautiful and hydrated. It's healthy looking skin inspired by nature. Try hydrate to nourish dry skin and promote more even tone."

To Purr About:
- very moisturizing
- lathered up super well and was super silky
- very subtle, but nice, botanical smell

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
After the success I had with Olay`s cleanser I was excited to try more of their products. With the cold harsh winter approaching I am gearing up to keep my skin properly moisturized, and so I was especially intrigued by Olay`s 'hydrate' body wash.

After the first use I was sold. It lathers up so well and feels amazingly silky in the shower. And it also left my skin feeling very moisturized afterwards. I am definitely loving Olay's products!

Rating (out of 5):




If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten.

image: olay.com

back from vacation with some changes...

Back from vacation and ready to get this blog going again. While I was away, I did spend some time thinking about how to make this blog even more useful for you, my readers.

In the past, I've generally kept my posts to about one per day (at the most) and the only time I did multiple posts were if I had already posted something earlier in the day and a Bonus Gift offer was announced.

I've had many readers comment or email me about including even more product announcements and deal-alerts, so I've been trying to come up with a way to include those as well.

So, basically, it means that there will be many more posts coming out, which may mean several a day. I will generally only post online-deals or deals to places that are available in many locations, because I just wouldn't be able to access or include everything for everyone. I'll also post more new product release news as it becomes available to me.

What does this mean? More (hopefully useful) information for you! But it also means there could be multiple posts on some days, so in other words - be sure to check it all out! I'll try to keep most posts organized in some sort of template (kind of how the product reviews and new product alerts are already done) so that you can easily skim for the info you want/need.

All in all, I hope this means a more informative and useful blog for all my readers.

Also, if there are any online deals that you hear of, email me at cinnamonkitten@gmail.com so I can include them!

Cinnamon Kitten is on vacation!

I'm taking a much needed vacation (first time going away in 2 years!) and spending a week in Las Vegas! :)

So this blog will be on hiatus for a week. I'll be back next weekend with a pile of new product alerts and even more product reviews!

Thanks for reading everyone - see you in a week!

Product Review: Merlot Natural Grape Seed Moisturizer

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Merlot
Name: Natural Grape Seed Moisturizer
Size: 118 ml / 4 fl oz
Price: approx. $15 USD

(from the product)
Creme de Vin is made of natural red grape seeds polyphenols. It offers sensational antioxidant properties thereby helping to inhibit the aging process.
- Natures most powerful antioxidant
- Anti-Aging
- SPF 15
- Fragrance Free
- Non-Oily

To Purr About:
- has SPF 15
- not greasy
- absorbs quickly into the skin
- subtle scent

Claws Out:
- not super moisturizing

Final Comments:
I didn't find anything wrong with this product, but it didn't stand out as anything extraordinary either.

It kept my face moisturized and soft enough throughout the day, but didn't give my skin any extra pizzazz. I was definitely more impressed with Merlot’s purifying peel-off mask.

It's a shame I'm so insanely picky about my moisturizers nowadays.

Rating (out of 5):



If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten.

image: merlotskincare.com

Product Review: Skindinävia Dance! Makeup Finish

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Skindinävia
Name: : Dance! Makeup Finish
Size: 59 mL / 2 fl oz.
Price: $19 USD

From Skindinävia’s website: "Dance! Makeup Finish holds makeup all night without touchups. Created for very active women, clubbers, and professional dancers. As you move around, your body heat immediately starts to melt and smudge makeup. Weightless mist chills the makeup surface by up to 20°F degrees for hours greatly extending wear and quality throughout very active use. Avoid the need for constant reapplying of foundation, eye shadow, blush, and concealer. A must-have for proms, dance competitions, nights out, and those who like to move. Works with all types of makeup."

Their website boasts the key benefits of:
- Surface cooling technology holds temperature to avoid melting or sliding
- Greatly extends makeup wear
- Revives fatigued makeup
- Formulated for very active use
- Saves up to 50% of makeup usage
- Helps control shine

To Purr About:
- light - does not add another layer to makeup
- seemed to extend the time my makeup lasted
- provides decent shine control

Claws Out:
- feels weird to spray something on my face after I've applied full make-up

Final Comments:
I'm not sure if this product meets all the specifications it mentions, but it did seem to extend the amount of time my makeup lasted. I usually find my makeup looking a bit dull after a couple of hours, but while using this makeup finish it seemed to hold up pretty well.

I'm not a super active person (don’t dance much or go clubbing or exercise all that much), but on a normal day-to-day it seemed to prolong my makeup life. Also, it's quick and easy and I can't even tell it's on.

For those reasons alone it has made it's way into my makeup routine.

Rating (out of 5):



If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten.

image: skindinavia.com

NEW Product Line: NARS 2009 Holiday Collection

This Holiday season, NARS brings out the festive shimmer, with a colour collection that offers deep and bold shades.

"For the holidays, I think it's a great time to feel beautiful and sexy…with a little bit of movie star attitude," says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics.


Soft Touch Shadow Pencil, $24 USD
The soft touch shadow pencil is a new addition to the NARS product line that offers a convenient delivery system and multi-purpose formula. Available in 3 playful shades:
- Goddess: a cool, ethereal, glistening pink champagne
- Aigle Noir: a smoky, bold black infused with gold shimmer named for the dark, noble raptor that soars the Himalayas
- Skorpios: an irresistibly iridescent copper named for the alluring Greek isle

Duo Eyeshadow, $32 USD
- Brousse: deep, subtly shimmering hues of eggplant and the darkest wood create an earthy, yet sophisticated palette
- Eurydice: bordeaux with hints of iridescent blues and coal rich with metallic greens
- Taiga: a surprising contrast of bright, yet intense hues in the sheerest of textures

Cream Eyeshadow, $21 USD
- Mousson: a shimmering, spicy pine cream eyeshadow is named for the monsoon – natural and unpredictable

Nail Polish, $16 USD
- Rouge Andalou: Lasting and lustrous, like its namesake region – this classic, incandescent candy apple red nail hue is sultry, and sexy

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $24 USD
- Pop Life: a bold, bright and modernly matte holly red hue that slips on with a velvety texture
- Toundra: a richly pigmented Barolo wine shade that's creamy, long-lasting and matte for strong, seamless color

Multiple, $37 USD
- Luxor: An iridescent pink to be used on eyes, cheeks, lips and body for dynamic highlights and a perfect, glowing complexion

images: press release

NEW Product Line: MAC Magic, Mirth and Mischief!

"Magic, Mirth and Mischief! is what MAC Holiday '09 is made of! All the sparkle, shine and seduction you need to dazzle and delight, with holiday colour to bring out the mischievous minx in each and every one of you. Have a ball!" (from the website)

MAC always brings out a huge collection for the holidays and this year is no different. I love the main collection - full of flirty, feminine colour with a touch of sparkle and shine - perfect for all those holiday parties!


Mineralize Eye Shadow (Duo), 2.5 g / 0.07 us oz, $23.50 CAD
2 coordinating shades of Mineralize Eye Shadow baked together in a single pan compact. A superb way to experience Mineralize’s unique properties: exceptionally sheer and lightweight application, and easy, rich colour. Finishes include super-fine pearl that leave a soft dimensional shimmer on the skin.
- Devil-May-Care: rich light violet; crescent: silver
- Mayhem: dirty brown gold; crescent: silver
- Under Your Spell: light yellow, peach pink; crescent: rich copper
- It's a Miracle: deep blue burgundy; crescent: gold
- Midnight Madness: dirty grey brown; crescent: gold
- Blue Sorcery: bright turquoise; crescent: silver

Softsparkle Eye Pencil, $17.50 CAD
A creamy pencil-style liner infused with micro-fine glitter. Soft and easy to apply. Defines and adds sparkle to the top and bottom eye line. Not recommended for use on inner eye rim. Limited edition.
- Iris Accents: pale violet with silver pearl
- Nightsky: true black with silver pearl

Pro Lash, 7.5 g / 0.25 oz, $15.50 CAD
Lengthening, thickening, non-flaking, non-smudging... totally hard-wearing. Apply one coat of Pro Lash for enhanced, defined lashes. For more drama, build up the layers. To layer - apply, allow to dry, then apply again. Pro Lash works the hardest when applied right from the roots of the lashes to the tips. For volume, apply Pro Lash to the top side of the lashes first, and then to the under side.
- Coal Black: honest-to-gooness black


Lipstick, 3 g / 0.1 us oz, $16.50 CAD
Colour plus texture for the lips. What made MAC famous.
- Pervette (glaze): soft bright pink with violet opalescent shimmer
- Surprise me (lustre): mid-tone peach
- Utter Fun (lustre): fuchsia cherry pink
- Total Wow! (glaze): blue pink berry

Dazzleglass, 11.5 g / 0.4 us oz, $25.00 CAD
Lipcolour that dazzles with light and shine to bring an exciting dimensional pop to your lips. Large particle pearls reflect and refract light to mimic the brilliance of quartz and opal crystal. Provides exceptional shine with a crystalline iridescence. Non-sticky, non-tacky, lightweight and moisturizing. Glides on. Wear alone, or layer over lipstick or Lipglass for dramatic effect. Features our signature A·C vanilla aroma.
- Phiff!: sheer yellow peach
- She-Zam: sheer silver with silver and red pearl
- Jingle Jangle: yellow pink with sapphire pearl

Cremesheen Glass, 2.4 ml / 0.08 us fl oz, $21.50 CAD
A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of MAC Lipglass. Soft, comfortable, non-sticky. Use as a top layer to its namesake Lipstick or on its own.
- Ever So Rich (cream): sheer lilac
- Boy Bait (cream): light neutral beige with pearl
- Partial to Pink (cream): light creamy yellow pink with light gold pearl


Mineralize Blush, 3.2 g / 0.1 us oz, $25.00
Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer.
- Conjure Up (frost): dirty, mid-tone plum
- Superdupernatural (frost): mid-tone coral

Nail Lacquer, 10 ml / 0.34 us oz, $14.50 CAD
Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection.
- $$$$$ Yes (frost): metallic silver foil
- Lucky Number (frost): metallic blue pink

images: maccosmetics.com

Clinique Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears
Minimum amount you need to spend: $26.50 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: until Nov. 11, 2009


What You Get:
- Youth Surge Age Decelerating Moisturizer SPF 15
- Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
- Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent
- Blushwear Cream Stick in Glow Blush
- Different Lipstick in Shy
- Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Glamour-full
- Lash Doubling Mascara in Black

image: e-flyer

Product Review: Merlot Natural Grape Seed Purifying Peel-off Mask

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Merlot
Name: Purifying Peel-off Mask
Size: 177 ml / 6 fl oz
Price: approx. $16 CAD

(from the product)
"Gently rid skin of imperfections with easy-to-apply formula.
- Rids skin of impurities
- Soothes stressed skin
- Retains skin's natural moisture

Formula works to cleanse skin, eliminate blackheads and impurities, and minimize appearance of pores. Skin is left feeling soft and looking clean and clear."

Instructions for use: Smooth an even layer of formula over face, leaving set for 10 to 15 minutes. Slowly peel mask away, working from bottom of face to top or forehead."

To Purr About:
- left skin feeling super soft and clean
- did not dry out my skin the way other facial masks often do

Claws Out:
- slightly irritated my super-sensitive skin
- a bit messy as product doesn’t peel easily off and can leave bits and pieces dependant on application techniques/skills

Final Comments:
I love trying peels, as they give me that super pampered spa feeling at home.

The first time I applied this product on my face I was sceptical that in 15 minutes I would be able to peel it off, but it proved me wrong. I was able to peel it off mostly and quickly washed off the remnants. I did find application and removal easier with each time I repeated the process as I got used to the product.

After cleaning my face I did find my skin was just ever so slightly red due to irritation, but it wasn't major and I'm not sure if this was just a product of the combination of my cleanser and the peel. My skin did look a little more radiant after each time I use it, so for a twice a week thing I don't mind the slight skin irritation at all.

Rating (out of 5):

If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten.

image: merlotskincare.com

Product Review: e.l.f. Candy Shop Lip Gloss

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: e.l.f. (eyes lips face)
Name: Candy Shop Lip Gloss
Size: n/a
Price: approx. $2 USD

Shade Tried: Candy Fix

From e.l.f.’s website: "Got a sweet tooth? With double the amount of gloss you can enjoy the candy without the cavity! A modern twist to an old favorite, the unique ultra durable sliding lip tin holds your favorite lip gloss in 7 deliciously juicy flavors to choose from."

To Purr About:
- the price is definitely right
- cute sliding lip tin is ultra fun
- comes in 7 sensible shades (coconut crazed, frosting fanatic, mocha maniac, melon mayhem, candy fix, berry pop and cherry bomb)
- glides on easily
- super glossy and shiny end result
- keeps my lips moisturized
- doesn’t feel gunky when I put on lots of product
- did not irritate my super sensitive lips
- long-lasting

Claws Out:
- not a fan of having to apply lip product using my fingers

Final Comments:
I am always weary of trying a new lip product, because my lips are super sensitive. However, I am constantly looking for new products because there are so few that I can use for long periods.

I loved the cute little sliding top tin that this product came in. And after I applied it for the first time – I knew it was a winner. It didn’t feel too heavy and didn't dry out my lips like most other products do. It gives my lips a very shiny glossy look and the smell is sweet like candy. I can't really find anything negative to say about this product, except the fact that I don't really like having to apply it with my fingers.

I'm glad to say I've found another product to add to my short list of lip products to use.

Rating (out of 5):



If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

Disclosure: This product was purchased by Cinnamon Kitten.

image: eyeslipsface.com

Product Review: Boots No7 Refine & Rewind Intense Perfecting Serum

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Boots No.7
Name: : Refine & Rewind Intense Perfecting Serum
Size: 30 ml / 1 US fl oz
Price: $28 CAD

Remember when Boots No.7 Restore & Renew (Protect & Perfect in the UK) caused a buying frenzy after the media started promoting the scientific studies that proved the product worked? I reviewed the product when it first came out in Canada, and now Boots has another product that "according to the research, people using No7 Refine & Rewind Intense Perfecting Serum notice an immediate difference, as skin appears more radiant...after two weeks, skin feels firmer and after three weeks, fine lines and wrinkles are less visible...by four weeks, skin is younger looking. Long term, No7 Refine & Rewind Intense Perfecting Serum has been proven, in an independent clinical trial, to restore skin’s structure, visibly improving deep lines and wrinkles. "

In case you can't find the product in your local store, in the UK and the US, No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum is the new name for No7 Refine & Rewind Intense Perfecting Serum. (why can't we just stick to one name???)

To Purr About:
- pump packaging makes application easy
- very smooth, light product
- goes on easily and is non-greasy
- a little serum goes a long way
- leaves skin feeling super soft and silky

Claws Out:
- when you get near the bottom of the glass bottle, it's hard to get the remaining product out (a problem with many glass-pump bottles
- expensive

Final Comments:
I fell in love with the original No7 product and this serum is just as good. After use, my skin feels extra silky and soft and a little serum goes a long way, so the price tag isn't as expensive as I originally thought when you consider you don't need to use very much of it. I have not used it for a month yet, so I'm not sure if the "long-term benefits" are true, but I do admit that my skin feels softer since starting to use this regularly. I do not, however, see much difference between this and the No7 Restore and Renew I have also tried.

Rating (out of 5):



If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten.

image: press kit

Product Review: Lise Watier Mineral Brush Foundation

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Lise Watier
Name: Mineral Brush Foundation
Size: 35 ml / 1.1 fl oz
Price: approx. $35 CAD

Shade Tried: Beige beige

"With vitamin A, E, Tourmaline and Camomille Mineral fluid formula for made-to-measure coverage and flawless, perfectly natural look." (from the web site)

Instructions: "Turn the brush head to the ON position. Gently squeeze the tube until a small amount of foundation appears on the brush. Apply with light strokes on forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. Blend from the center of the face outwards, with the brush or fingertips."

To Purr About:
- comes in 12 different shades
- smells good
- comes with brush built in which is very convenient
- allows you to "turn-off" product which means safe storage

Claws Out:
- a little messy until you get used to it

Final Comments:
When I first opened this product I made a bit of mess, but once I got used to it and realized a little goes a long way I was on a run.

It's been a while since I used a liquid type foundation, so the heaviness of it was a bit overwhelming at first. This is definitely a huge jump from those cheaper foundations I used when I was younger that caked on my face.

I love that this product is convenient with a built in brush applicator and it smells very nice. The shade I tried was pretty perfect for me and the product glided on easily and gave a good overall even skin tone.

My only warning is not to use too much of this product at a time as with most other foundations it can end up looking cakey & heavy if too much is used.

Rating (out of 5):




If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten.

image: lisewatier.com