Splendid Reads for July 19 & 20

From the Splendicity community, comes this week best in beauty, fashion and shopping.

FASHION

Tops 2 Bottoms gets some styling inspiration from Military-inspired waistcoats.

Style Manila invites readers to say hi to makers of fabulous dresses.

Style...a work in progress asks what four words you'd use to describe your style?

Lucy of the chic tee-shirt line Rose La Biche answers some questions about her design life for Indie Style File

Her Accessories has been scoping out the Fall handbag previews and like what she sees!

Vote for your favorite celebrity look of the week over at CelebLOOK.

Just A Formality loves this silk and satin champagne gown from Tadashi.

SHOPPING

Bullitt (the cat) over at NY Spender has found a great deal: skinny jeans for only $39.00!

Shopalicious is tickled pink by a cute chemise for $23.90, and invites you try your chance to win a $25 certificate from Oh Cheri!

ShopDiary is craving for Eairth, an edgy yet sustainable clothing line.

Check out this Chloe suede ankle boot with an open back at Shoe Blitz.

Glamour Gift Guide adores this L.A.M.B. ombre patent tote in glossy red.

BEAUTY

Beauty and Fashion Tech tells you how to kill calluses and soften your feet with AB Skin Care Happy Feet.

Beauty Secrets Revealed is giving away 6 Bestselling Skin Care e-books.

Viva Woman finds out if your sunscreens can double up as moisturizers.

Beauty Bento Box experiments on a couple of Dove hair care products formulated for coloured or treated hair.

Looking for a eco-friendly way to dry your hair? All That & a tries the new Barbar eco 800 hair dryer and loves it!

Krizia from Beauty Match talks to Dr. Paul Cohen about Skincare cosmetic rejuvenation treatments for men over 35.

The Mineral Makeup Blog features a review about the newly reformulated, talc and paraben free Alison Raffaele Mineral Concealer

Cinnamon Kitten checks out the colourful and popular Danish cosmetics line - Gosh Cosmetics - now available in Canada!

Be my friend on MySpace

CinnamonKitten has decided to join the fray and has created a MySpace account. I never was one for these huge "popularity contest" sites, but I think it would be a great chance to connect with readers and have another way to chat about beauty products and find out what's happening around the world.

So, if you're on MySpace and want to say hi, add me! My MySpace ID is cinnamonkittenblog and my page is here:

http://www.myspace.com/cinnamonkittenblog

Product Review: CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals Blush

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: CoverGirl
Name: TruBlend Minerals Blush
Size: 18 g
Price: Approx. $14 CAD

I recently tried Covergirl’s TRUblend Pressed Mineral Foundation and absolutely loved it, so I was excited to try their other mineral based products.

I have tried a couple of other mineral blushes, but they didn’t seem as effective as my normal non-mineral blushes, but since I was so happy with Covergirl’s TRUblend mineral foundation I just had to give it another shot.

"Blush in a hue that's true to you! This sheer loose powder blush contains natural minerals that instantly give a brightened appearance, for a natural-looking kiss of color." From CoverGirl’s website.

To Purr About:
- available in 2 shades
- very light and airy feeling
- affordable price
- doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin
- comes with a powder press for application

Claws Out:
- obviously not convenient to carry around for touch-ups
- creates a bit of a mess during application
- the powder press it comes with is not very good for applying mineral makeup
- very shiny, has gold flecks in it
- a little too light looking (not blush enough)

Final Comments:
This product is very light & airy feeling which is a definite must for me. The only major flaws with this product were that I had to apply quite a bit for my flushed look and it was a bit too shiny for my liking due to the gold flecks in it. I might pick up the other shade next time - I think this shade (Shimmering Sands) might work better with lighter skin tones, but seeing as I’m not cosmetician it’s probably better to consult the salesperson when buying to make sure you choose the right shade.

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.

image: covergirl.com

NEW Product Line: GOSH Cosmetics

GOSH Cosmetics, the bold Danish cosmetic line gaining popularity in Europe and around the world, has now made its Canadian debut. Shoppers Drug Mart is the exclusive retailer of GOSH in Canada and the line is now available at more than 200 stores across the country.

Glamour, In Style, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen are just a few of the magazines raving about this adventurous line. Known for expressing loud, primary colours in daring new ways, GOSH Cosmetics has worked its magic within the entire colour spectrum over the years, offering a vast array of stylish hues. Each season, GOSH unveils limited-edition products and shades in tandem with the European market and leading the hottest global beauty trends.


Shoppers Drug Mart carries a range of core GOSH Cosmetics products:

GOSH Quattro Eye Shadow, $18 CAD
- features 4 complimentary colours in a sleek, circular package

GOSH Velvet Touch Eye Liner, $12 CAD
- smooth, defined finish
- dramatic shades such as Blue Lagoon and Metallic Brass
- available in a waterproof version to avoid smudging

GOSH Amazing Length’n Build Waterproof Mascara, $10 CAD

GOSH Lip Gloss, $14 CAD
- make a statement with luscious lips

GOSH Velvet Touch Lip Liner, $10 CAD
- available in an array of colours

Also available is the GOSH Golden Glamour line for Summer 2008 full of metallic shine!

GOSH Giant Sun Powder, $25 CAD
- add a subtle sheen to your cheeks with this lustrous pressed powder

GOSH Trio Eye Shadow, $16 CAD
- Silver Fox or Gold Digger eyes are sure to seduce

GOSH Effect Powder, $12 CAD
- Steel and Glamour shades combine edge and elegance for a dramatic look

GOSH Extreme Art Eye Liner, $15 CAD
- these Gold and Silver liners are stylish and extremely waterproof

images: Gosh press kit

Product Review: Zensation Bio Regenerating Serum

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: Zensation
Name: Bio Regenerating Serum
Size: 30 mL
Approx. Price: $150 USD

I am always on the lookout for new products to try on my extremely sensitive and stubborn skin and was intrigued when I found out about this product.

Zensation’s products are free from alcohol, colorant, synthetic fragrance, animal ingredients, mineral oils and parabens derivatives to preserve the purity and effectiveness, thus minimizing any allergic reactions.

From the website: "Bio Regenerating Serum is enriched with liposomes which contain Echinacea Extract for soothing, moisturizing and regenerative virtues. They also present anti-aging, anti-blotch, antiseptic, firming and anti-oxidising properties."

To Purr About:
- subtle scent of roses that is very nice
- convenient pump dispenser
- gorgeous glass bottle
- my extremely allergy prone skin did not have any allergic reactions to it
- actually seems to make my skin smoother and softer

Claws Out:
- it is currently hard to find this product in North America
- price

Final Comments:
I guess beauty comes with a price. All-in-all a very good product, I only wish it was more easily found in North America, but I guess I just have to be patient. Just thinking about the plethora of beauty products that we’ve never even heard of in Canada makes me drool.

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.

image: zensationbeaute.com

Product Review: Costa Blu Body Lotion

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Costa Blu
Name: Body Lotion
Size: 250 mL
Price: approx. $7.99 CAD

Scent Tried: Honey, Lemon and Sweet Almond

The Costa Blu line is a new line, just launched this past spring and is a premium line of bath and body products only available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada. At affordable prices, women can now enjoy spa-like products at home.

There are 3 fragrance combinations available:
- Honey, Lemon and Sweet Almost (which I tried)
- Bergamot, Orange and Grapeseed
- Rosemary, Fennel and Olive

Other products in the line include Body Wash, Dry Oil Body Spray and scented candles.

To Purr About:
- heavenly scent is light and refreshing
- lotion is light
- absorbs quickly
- makes my skin soft , feels hydrated
- gorgeous blue packaging

Claws Out:
- although skin is moisturized, it's not "silky soft"

Final Comments:
I love the packaging of this product, the deep blue colour is so relaxing and gorgeous. The lotion is light and the fragrance is lovely. I hope that they expand this line past body washes and lotions - it would be great to have other products to expand my spa experience!

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.

Product Revew: Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Secret
Name: Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Size: 2.6 oz / 73 g
Approx. Price: $9 USD

The Secret Clinical Strength anti-perspirant/deodorant was a recent winner of the Allure Best of Beauty Readers’ Choice Award - Breakthrough Award and is a clinically proven and doctor endorsed prescription strength wetness protection without a prescription anti-perspirant/deodorant. Available in 3 distinct products including Hypo-Allergenic, Light and Fresh, and Powder Fresh.

This is different from some other antiperspirants I've tried as it's formulated for nighttime application.

To Purr About:
- very good antiperspirant
- light scent wasn't overpowering or too fragrant
- didn't leave any white marks on my clothes (if applied properly and allowed to dry)

Claws Out:
- instructions are to apply this product at bedtime, which is a little weird to me
- since I was applying it at night, I didn't really like that it was fragranced

Final Comments:
This antiperspirant works really well, although it took me a little while to get used to applying it at bedtime as opposed to in the morning when I was getting to dressed. I don't really think the fragrance was necessary since I'm wearing this overnight, but it wasn't a major issue.

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.

image: secret.com

NEW Product: Bodyform tins

Bodyform, a UK brand of feminine hygiene products, is launching an exciting new partnership with the Preen fashion label and is unveiling a stylish set of 4 new protective tins designed by Preen, the British fashion label of Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi.

While this doesn't have much to do with beauty, I'm a sucker for a cute tin and also I'm sure a lot of girls would love to have these cute tins in their purse to hold some items that they'd rather not have accidentally fall out of their purses!

Consultant relationship psychologist and life coach, Anjula Mutanda, has given her professional analysis of the 4 unique and feminine designs and what each says about the woman who chooses it: a candy pink floral tin for the romantic and creative woman with a ‘secret desire for passion and intimacy’; a lavender tin with a celery green bow to suit the ‘witty, youthful and go-getting’ character; a tangerine and sky blue tin with bird cage pattern for the ‘smart, persuasive and dynamic’ woman; and a crimson red tin with woven fish net pattern for the ‘more daring and flirty character who is not afraid to let her naughty side out to play.’


The 4 tins have been designed by Preen exclusively for Bodyform and will be available on special packs in-store from May to July 2008 (subject to availability and while stocks last). The tins have been designed to provide a discreet, fun and fashionable way for women to carry feminine products.

Bodyform is stocked in major supermarkets and pharmacies across the UK.

image: press release

The Cutting Chair Hair Gallery

I love my hairdresser, Ivan. He's like my favourite guy, after my husband, of course. I can bring in any photo of any hairstlye and Ivan will make me look good in it.

The problem is that sometimes I have a hairstyle image in my head, but I can't find a good photo of it online. I hate paying money for hair magazines and then STILL not find what I'm looking for, so usually I rely on the Internet.

There are a lot of web galleries of hairstyles, but often they're really small thumbnails or when I try to print them out they end up really small or blurry.

Well, I've just been introduced to The Cutting Chair - a great new web site that's devoted to all things hairstlye.


A slick-looking site filled with tons of useful hair info, one of my favourite features is the Style Gallery. Filled with great hundreds of photos for both men and women, you can browse through the categories, like bob, ethnicity (I love that they have a category for Asian hair!) or search hairstyles by length, texture, facial shape and colour. The gallery is constantly growing so the odds of finding something you like are really good! And another bonus point - each photo has a "printer friendly" option!

I've already spent hours browsing through this site, learning cool hair tips, picking out my next hairstyle and reading the useful articles, so go check it out yourself - www.thecuttingchair.com.

Bath & Body Works Coming to Canada!

I was first introduced to Bath & Body Works by a good friend, who would rave about the great products and amazing deals they had at this store in the US, but I had never been to one myself until last year. When I first stepped into a B&BW I went crazy! Everything smelled so good and of course, who can resist those pump-bottle soaps at 5 for $15 USD???

I was super excited to read that B&BW is going to open stores in Canada!!!

Limited Brands Inc., the company that owns B&BW has unveiled the locations for six Canadian B&BW stores set to open this fall.

Three of the stories will be in the GTA: at Yorkdale, Fairview and Erin Mills Town Centre. The other locations include Stone Road mall in Guelph, Whiteoaks in London and the West Edmonton Mall.

Product Review: Pantene Pro-V Always Smooth Anti-Frizz Serum

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Pantene Pro-V
Name: Always Smooth Anti-Frizz Serum
Size: 50 ml
Price: approx. $5.99 CAD

Thie anti-frizz serum claims to:
- help hair resist humidity
- smooth frizz and provide shiny, healthy-looking style
- help protect hair from everyday styling damage

To Purr About:
- nice light fragrance
- made my hair silky smooth and very soft
- the recommended amount was enough to tame my frizzy hair
- I used it after towelling off my hair and before blow-drying - usually after blow-drying, my hair is really frizzy and puffy, but after using this serum it was much better. Not perfectly smooth, but noticeably tamer

Claws Out:
- the serum is really oily and leaves a greasy, slick coating on hands after use. I had to wash my hands for several minutes with lots of soap to get rid of the oil

Final Comments:
This serum really did tame the frizzies and made my just-washed hair nice and smooth. The pump is really convenient, but the oily-residue on my hands was a bit of a turn-off. There was no oil-feel on the hair though, so it must be only on the hands. The fragrance is light, but I would have preferred an unscented version so that it doesn't compete with my shampoo/conditioner.

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.

image: pantene.ca

Product Review: CoverGirl TRUBlend Liquid Makeup

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: CoverGirl
Name: TRUblend Liquid Makeup
Size: 30 mL
Price: approximately $14 CAD

Shade Tried: 3 - Natural Beige

I recently tried CoverGirl’s TRUblend Pressed Mineral Foundation and absolutely loved it, so I was excited to try the liquid makeup they offer.

"TruBlend Liquid Makeup has colorspheres that go beyond just matching your skin tone to actually merge with your skin, for a naturally flawless look."

To Purr About:
- available in 6 shades
- very smooth – blended well on to my skin
- not oily
- very light and airy feeling
- looks very natural
- affordable price
- doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin
- convenient pump dispenser
- easier and less messy to apply than mineral makeup

Claws Out:
- obviously not convenient to carry around for touch-ups (would need to carry a mirror and sponge in addition to the bottle itself)
- does not reduce shine
- does not cover as well as the mineral powder

Final Comments:
I'm overly impressed with this product. CoverGirl sure has come a long way from when I was a teenager. The liquid makeup was light and airy and helped even out my skin tone. However, as I noted above, it didn’t cover as well as their TRUblend mineral powder (which I was SUPER impressed with), so I think for now I’m going to stick with that.

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.

image: CoverGirl PR contact

GUEST Product Review: Every Man Jack Citrus Body Wash & Shower Scrub

Guest Reviewer: DC

Brand: Every Many Jack
Name: Citrus Body Wash & Shower Scrub
Size: 355 mL / 12 fl oz
Approx. Price: $5 CAD

To Purr About:
- great citrus smell
- not harsh on my skin like other scrubs were
- lathers up really well
- seemed to help exfoliate my skin

Claws Out:
- skin was not super moisturized afterwards

Final Comments:
I would definitely buy this body wash again.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

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.

image: everymanjack.com

Sorry about the Comment Moderation

Frequent commenters here at Cinnamon Kitten will notice that comment moderation is now turned on (before you could just leave a comment and type one of those funny words to post a comment).

I had to turn it on because there's some website spamming my comments section and leaving ads in the comments section of all my posts and it looks like they're working their way from my older posts to newer ones so I'm hoping that if I moderate the comments for awhile and delete all of their posts then they'll stop.

So once they give up I'll turn off comment moderation and we can all go back to being the happy little beauty blog we were before without the bad spammers! :)

Of course, everyone else is encouraged to leave lots of comments as I'll happily let the other non-spam comments through as quick as possible.

Want to say Yes to Carrots?

So, did you check out my post about the New Product Line: Yes to Carrots and wanted to learn more? Or did you read S.K.Y.'s product review of Yes to Carrots C Through the Night and wanted to try it for yourself?

Well, Cinnamon Kitten has a lovely package of Yes to Carrots products to give away to one luck reader!


Prize Package (valued at approximately $56 CAD):
- 1 Yes to Carrots C How to Shower Shower Gel
- 1 Yes to Carrots C Through the Dry Spell Body Butter
- 1 Yes to Carrots C Through the Night Night Moisturizing Cream for Dry to Sensitive Skin
- 1 Yes to Carrots C Today or C You in the Morning Moisturizing Day Cream for Dry to Sensitive Skin

How to enter:
Send an email to cinnamonkitten@gmail.com with "I Say Yes to Carrots" in the subject line and include your full name and the country where you live in the message.

Entries must be received by July 18, 2008. Only 1 entry per person, please. Winner will be chosen at random and you'll be notified by email.

Like this contest? Want more chances to win? Subscribe to the Cinnamon Kitten newsletter for your chance to win prizes every month!