NEW Products: ecoTOOLS brushes (and how-to videos!)

Brand: ecoTOOLS

I'm a huge fan of ecoTOOLS - their brushes are high-quality, environmentally friendly and very affordable. So it's always great to hear when they add new brushes to their line up!

And as an added bonus, ecoTOOLS teamed up with celebrity makeup artist Meredith Baraf to create 4 instructional videos on www.eco-tools.com so everyone can get some extra pointers on creating their favourite looks.

First, the new brushes:

6 Piece Eye Brush Set, $7.99 USD
This great little set comes in a compact travel case with mirror and each brush is printed with its name to ensure proper usage every time. The set includes:
- a Large Eye Shadow Brush
- an Angled Crease Brush
- a Petite Eye Shading Brush
- a Domed Highlighting Brush
- a Smudge Brush

Bronzer Brush, $9.99 USD
This is the perfect tool for attaining an even and natural golden glow! Brush the incredibly full head of super soft bristles across skin where the sun naturally hits, resulting in a warm, sun-kissed glow. The beautiful, solid bamboo handle is professionally designed for ease of use and proper application of bronzer onto the face and neck.

And now the really easy-to-follow videos (I particularly loved the cunning cat-eye one)!

- A cunning cat-eye
- A flawless face
- A sultry smoky eye
- A touched-up face for day to night

image: press release

Product Review: Biore Moonlighting Night Moisturizer

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Biore
Name: : Moonlighting Night Moisturizer
Size: 50 mL
Price: approx. $20 CAD

From Biore’s website: "Bioré® moonlighting moisturizer works while you sleep, alleviating dry skin, uneven texture, and dullness so you wake up to smooth, glowing skin. This non-greasy cream with Botanamide technology, a ceramide-based technology with botanicals and natural antioxidants, provides 24 hour moisturization and smoothes the appearance of fine lines. Immediately boosts skin hydration over 85% and continues to hydrate for a full 24 hours."

To Purr About:
- keeps skin moisturized and feeling great
- not oily or greasy
- absorbed quickly into my skin
- small bottle with locking pump allows for easy travel packing
- no scent
- did not irritate my super sensitive skin

Claws Out:
- 50 mL is not a lot of moisturizer, meaning I’ll have to run out and buy more very soon

Final Comments:
I haven’t used Bioré products since I tried those Bioré pore clearing nose strips, so I figured it was high time for me to try some Bioré products.

I was hesitant to try a new night cream, because I was really loving my last night, but I am so happy I did. I really loved this product. It made my face feel moisturized, soft and healthy. I don’t know if it kept my skin moisturized for a full 24 hours, but it did keep my skin moisturized in the evenings. It’s definitely not as rich as other night creams I’ve used in the past, but is a nice change as it’s not as heavy.

I think the only thing missing from this great product, was that my skin didn’t glow or look superbly radiant during use. However, it was definitely impressive and worth the price.

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: biore.com

Product Review: Olay Fusion Body Wash - Restore

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Olay
Name: : Fusion Body Wash - Restore
Size: 345 mL
Price: $7 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 restoring moisturizers that leave you naturally beautiful and vibrant. It's healthy looking skin inspired by nature. Try restore to help restore skin's youthful vibrance."

To Purr About:
- super moisturizing
- lathered up super well and was super silky
- very subtle, but nice, botanical smell
- did not irritate my super sensitive skin

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I had previously tried Olay’s Botanical Fusion Body Wash – Hydrate, and it was AMAZING, so I decided to try another in the line-up to try to combat the pesky winter dry skin.

It was just as amazing as the Hydrate body wash. I’m not sure I can tell a difference between the "hydrate" or the "restore" products, but I think I did enjoy the scent of Hydrate just a tad more. Olay’s Restore body wash was equally as moisturizing and left my skin feeling super soft

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.ca

NEW Product: Remington Frizz Therapy Iron

Brand:Remington
Name: Frizz Therapy Iron
Size: n/a
Price: approx. $50.00 USD

For all my curly-haired friends out there who complain about the frizzies - Remington has launched a flat iron has already received rave reviews as one of Good Housekeeping Research Institute’s prestigious V.I.P. (Very Innovative Product) Award winners (the only beauty product of the bunch) – and was recently featured in the New York Daily News as one of the "9 Smartest Buys in 2010".

The Frizz Therapy Iron dramatically reduces frizz (the claim is 65% less than a traditional iron) and helps your hair resist humidity for up to 15 hours to maintain a silky smooth style.

The iron features next generation ceramic plates with special porous properties infused with a blend of frizz-resistant micro-conditioners that are emitted during styling. Complete with digital heat settings that range from 300°-430°F and a one-hour auto-safety shut off.

NEW Product: The Body Deli Dark Chocolate Truffle Scrub

Brand:The Body Deli

Name: Dark Chocolate Truffle Scrub
Size: 16 oz.
Price: $32.00 USD

Mmmm, chocolate. This product sounds absolutely decadent and would be a perfect treat for Valentine's Day.

- made of extra fine dead sea salts and certified organic raw cacao beans and organic cocoa butter, this scrub polishes skin and leaves a delicious aroma
- pure, all-natural therapeutic essential oils are used to impart the healing essence of true aromatherapy on the skin
- made of fresh, natural ingredients and packaged in recyclable containers.
- all products contain an expiration date to showcase when they lose their maximum potency.

Available online at www.thebodydeli.com for a limited time only.

image: press release

Product Review: Olay Quench Advanced Relief Body Lotion

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Olay
Name: : Quench Advanced Relief Body Lotion
Size: 350 mL
Price: $10 CAD

From Olay’s website:
"Intensive moisture from Olay quenches dry skin and helps prevent it from coming back.

Quench, fragrance free with vitamin E & Vita-Niacin, is advanced body care. This highly effective, non-greasy formula does more than simply moisturize, it helps strengthen skin's moisture barrier to prevent dry skin from coming back.

First, Quench provides an immediate burst of intensive moisture that continues for 24 hours. Then, drawn deep into the skin;s surface, it repairs and nourishes the moisture barrier, strengthening skin’s resilience against everyday drying conditions.

The Result?
Advanced moisturization that breaks the cycle of dry skin."

To Purr About:
- provides moisturizing relief to dry skin
- has a very subtle and pleasant scent
- not oily or heavy
- did not irritate my super sensitive skin

Claws Out:
- not as super moisturizing as my extremely dry skin needed it to be

Final Comments:
I don’t usually use body lotion, but with the dry winters my skin was definitely crying out for some moisturizing. Since I had so much success with Olay’s body washes and other products, I figured it was time for me to try their body lotion.

I didn’t find this product as moisturizing or long lasting as I would like, but it was better than some lotionsI’ve tried in the past. Keeping in mind I have super dry skin, it did have enough positive qualities that I am definitely going to try more of Olay’s body moisturizing products – perhaps the "ultra moisturizing" labeled ones.

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.ca

Product Review: Elizabeth Grant Vitamin C Day Treatment

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Elizabeth Grant
Name: : Vitamin C Day Treatment
Size: 50 mL / 1.7 fl. Oz.
Price: $130 CAD

"Vitamin C Day Treatment is rich in Vitamin C, recognized as being the most efficient anti-aging vitamin in skincare because it helps to strengthen Collagen – the support structure of the skin. Collagen and Elastin fibers provide the skin with its support structure and elasticity. As the skin ages, less Collagen and Elastin is produced, resulting in decreased skin firmness and increased appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin C helps to strengthen Collagen, helping to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant that helps to reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules in the environment caused by pollution, smoking and ozone that damage the skin, precipitating hyper-pigmentation marks and dull, sallow complexion. The infusion of Vitamin C in Vitamin C Day Treatment helps keep the skin looking clearer, brighter and more radiant."

To Purr About:
- left skin looking radiant
- a little bit of product goes a long way
- glides on easily & absorbs quickly in to skin
- leaves skin feeling moisturized
- not greasy or oily
- pleasant subtle citrus scent
- doesn’t irritate my super sensitive skin

Claws Out:
- a bit pricey

Final Comments:
I love the fact that this product has vitamin C, so I’m absorbing vitamin C right through my skin!
This day treatment proved to be pretty impressive. It was so light that I quickly forgot that I even had it on and it kept my skin looking radiant during the day. It also gave my skin that special little bit of boost that not every moisturizer can and made my skin look extra special. Most impressive it actually seemed to help reduce the appearance of some of my very stubborn wrinkles!

Unfortunately it’s a bit pricey and as a result not something I can work in to my usual routine. But if you can afford to indulge yourself and would like to have a great moisturizer I would definitely suggest you try this one.

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: elizabethgrantcom.com

Product Review: Michael Todd Naked Kiss Lipstick

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Michael Todd
Name: : Naked Kiss Lipstick
Size: n/a
Price: $16 USD

Shade Tried: Affection

From the Michael Todd website: "Naked Kiss glides on beautifully and feels absolutely weightless. Our special Anti-Aging Concentrate treats your lips throughout the day while moisturizers keep lips soft and super kissable!"

Currently available in 14 shades – ranging from nudes, to deep purples and reds, Naked Kiss is ideal for everyone.

To Purr About:
- extremely light-weight lipstick
- went on easily
- did not dry my lips at all
- smaller size was easy to tote around
- the bright red shade that I tried was very flattering and looked great (and I never usually wear such bold colours)

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I was a little hesitate to try this lipstick because of the bold shade of red that I was sent (I never wear dark lipsticks, generally opting for lighter shades), but I was happily suprised on all accounts.

This lipstick is extremely light and after application I didn't feel like I had anything on at all. My lips didn't feel dry or heavy, there was no caking and the colour was very vibrant (and flattering). You have to apply and blot a couple of times because it doesn't stay on very long if you plan on eating/kissing/drinking, etc, but this lipstick is all about the feel and look and doesn't claim to be a "stay-put" lipstick, after all.

I was very happy with the application, feel and richness of this lipstick and love how light it feels.

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: www.michaeltoddcosmetics.com

NEW Product: Vera Wang Glam Princess

Brand:Vera Wang
Name: Glam Princess
Size & Price:
- 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, $45 USD
- 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, $72 USD

This fun addition to the Princess line is for the bold girl who is ready to celebrate and rule the world in the most glamorous way. A blend of guava, pear, honey, vanilla orchid, marshmallow and cedarwood.

This is a limited edition Vera Wang scent.

image: sephora.com

NEW Product: NARS Orgasm Illuminator

Brand:NARS
Name: Orgasm Illuminator
Size: 1.1 oz / 30 ml
Price: approx. $29 USD

There's no denying that the NARS Orgasm line is immensely popular. Although personally I've never jumped on the bandwagon, I am a huge fan of NARS. So whenever they launch a new product, I definitely want to have a look!

The Orgasm Illuminator is a new product category for NARS.

A sheer, weightless fluid that instantly makes skin refreshed, radiant and glowing, while flecks of gold, peach and pink shimmer softly diffuse light.

The Orgasm Illuminator joins the Orgasm franchise which includes Blush, Lip Gloss, Nail Polish and The Multiple. Popular with makeup artists, celebrities and consumers worldwide, NARS Orgasm products have been the recipient of numerous beauty accolades.

image: benefit.com

NEW Product Line: Aveeno positively nourishing Hair Care Collection

I love Aveeno because it offers my favourite body lotion of all time so I'm always keen on trying out new Aveeno products. Now, Aveeno has launched a new hair care line.

The Aveeno positively nourishing hair care collection was developed with a team of experts, including a leading dermatologist and hair stylist, in order to create products that help to make hair healthy looking and beautiful, naturally.

Aveeno has captured the natural benefits of Wheat Protein and combined it with advanced science to create the newest Active Naturals technology, Nourishing Wheat Complex, which targets and strengthens damaged hair to make hair less prone to breakage and resistant to future damage.

The Nourishing Wheat Complex formula contains an effective blend of Wheat Germ Oil plus Wheat Protein, which helps replenish lost moisture. While Wheat Protein can readily be found in many hair care products, this cutting-edge complex uses one large, non-hydrolyzed protein polymer, which is by definition not soluble in water and won’t break down with use in water. In scientific testing, the Nourishing Wheat Complex shampoo and conditioner systems showed significantly greater conditioning efficacy versus a non-conditioning shampoo.

positively nourishing MOISTURIZE Shampoo and Conditioner, 310 mL, $8.99 USD
Goes beyond cleansing and conditioning to moisturize dry, damaged hair. Combines the Nourishing Wheat Complex and Hydrating Oat Protein to quickly quench the hair, replenishing vital moisture. Gentle enough for color-treated hair.

positively nourishing REVITALIZE Shampoo and Conditioner, 310 mL, $8.99 USD
Specifically formulated to help protect hair’s moisture balance and repair everyday damage. Infused with the Nourishing Wheat Complex, the formula intuitively feeds hair with moisture. Gentle enough for colour-treated hair.

positively nourishing VOLUMIZE Shampoo and Conditioner, 310 mL, $8.99 USD
Uses a unique blend of lightweight conditioners to infuse hair with lush, rich body. This exclusive formula, infused with the Nourishing Wheat Complex, plus Anti-Oxidant Blue Lotus Flower, is designed to replenish moisture and amp-up body in fine, hair by replenishing essential moisture and protecting fragile hair from everyday damage. Gentle enough for color-treated hair.

positively nourishing SHINE Shampoo and Conditioner, 310 mL, $8.99 USD
Specifically formulated to replenish moisture and promote shine. Infused with the Nourishing Wheat Complex and shine-enhancing Palm Extract, the SHINE formula smoothes and hydrates to illuminate the dullest hair, giving it shiny, vibrant life. Gentle enough for colour-treated hair.

positively nourishing SOOTHE Shampoo, 310 mL, $8.99 USD
Helps to soothe dry, itchy scalp by calming and soothing the scalp with a combination of the Nourishing Wheat Complex, soothing Lavender and cooling Peppermint. Gentle enough for color-treated hair, the formula addresses the weakest part of hair, fortifying it with protein where it needs it most while soothing the scalp.

positively nourishing CONDITIONING Leave-In Treatment, 153 mL, $8.99 USD
Formulated for intensely dry and extra damaged hair, this Leave-In Treatment works to quench overly-dry hair by giving it an infusion of moisture. Gentle enough for color-treated hair, it contains the Nourishing Wheat Complex, to instantly revitalize and repair severely ravaged hair. The treatment works quickly to intensely replenish moisture.

Lancome Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Lancome Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears and sears.ca
Minimum amount you need to spend: $34 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: January 22 - February 15, 2010


What You Get:
- Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow
- Bi-Facil Double-Action eye Makeup Remover
- Definicils High Definition Mascara in Black
- eye and lip brush set
- cosmetic bag & companion

Your choice of:
- Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Cream, 15 ml and Absolue Ultimate Rx Replenishing and Restructering Serum, 15 ml
OR
- High Resolution Refill-3x Triple Action Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15, 15 ml and High Resolution Collaser 5x Intense Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum, 15 ml
OR
- Renergie Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Treatment, 15 ml and Renergie Microlife R.A.R.E. Intense Targeted Repositioning Lifter, 15 ml

Your choice of:
- Colour Design Sensational Effects Lip Colour in Natural Beauty
OR
- Colour Design Sensational Effects Lip Colour in Love It

image: www.sears.ca

Helping Haiti: Hairdressers Helping Haiti (Toronto Alert)

If you live in Toronto, this may be a great time to get a hair cut and help a great cause. Hair Dressers for Haiti is a 3-day event during which hair dressers from over 25 salons around Toronto will donate their time and services with all proceeds going to the Red Cross in support the relief efforts happening in Haiti.

From Sunday, January 24 through Tuesday, January 2, John Donato of Donato Salons and Artist Choice has reached out to all the salons across the GTA to have a Cut-a-thon to benefit the Haiti relief effort.

WHAT: Hairdressers Helping Haiti is a Cut-a-Thon hosted at the Artist Choice Studio, with hairstylist and colourists from salons across the city donating their time in an effort to raise as much money as possible for the Haiti relief effort.

WHO: Toronto’s best hairstylists and colorists join forces in an effort to raise money for the Red Cross in support of the relief efforts happening in Haiti. Every dollar raised at the Cut-a-Thon will be directly donated to the Red Cross.

WHEN:
- Sunday, January 24, 10am – 7pm
- Monday, January 25, 10am – 9pm
- Tuesday, January 26, 10am – 9pm

WHERE:
Artist Choice Studio
3253 Lake Shore Blvd West,
Toronto ON M8V 1M2
(Lakeshore, one block west of Kipling)

Pricing is as follows:
Haircut Level 1- $30 Level 2- $60
Colour Level 1- $40 Level 2- $60
Highlights Level 1- $75 Level 2- $150

Helping Haiti: Misikko and Hana Salon

Misikko (one of my favourite sites to learn about new hair care tools) wanted to support the Haiti relief efforts and Hana Salon's CEO Steve Voudouris is helping them achieve this goal.

For every Hana that is purchased between January 20 and February 3, Steve will send a $25 blank check to the customer along with a stamped envelope for the customer to send a donation to the charity of their choice. You can see the letter he wrote in support of this cause below (click for a larger image).

About Hana Salon: Hana's goal is to provide serious professional flat irons and styling tools without meaningless marketing hype. As the makers of the world's first and only 1 1/2" pure ceramic plate iron, the Hana Salon line of Professional flat irons are technologically sublime - the largest and best ceramic ionic heaters (up to 3x standard size), high to pure ceramic content & tourmaline plates and damp to dry versatility. Luxury salon irons at a fraction of the price of similar irons mean high-end styling for everyone! (Plus an impressive 2 Year Warranty.)

About Misikko: Located outside of Philadelphia, Misikko emerged from a desire to easily shop and compare the best professional styling tools & beauty products on the market. Our goal is to help you learn about the tools of the trade so you can find the right salon tools and products at the right prices. We look for high quality products that deliver on their promises.

Helping Haiti

There is so much going on in the world that I'm sure you have your own causes and charities to support and I have always tried to keep this blog strictly about beauty.

But in case you're looking for a way to support the relief efforts happening in Haiti at this very moment, please take a moment to read some of my Helping Haiti posts, which include ways that the beauty community is getting involved in the Haiti relief efforts (and how you can take part).