Friday, July 30, 2010

a little slower than usual

Hi readers,

I just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts this past week. I was hit with a really bad case of flu, which then developed into bronchitis. So needless to say, I've been in bed, lacking energy to do much anything, including blogging. Yes, I'm so sick that even the internet isn't a nice distraction.

Anyhow, I'm hoping that my road to recovery has started and I plan on being back up to full power by next week and will have lots of new products and product reviews to share with you!

Hug,
Cinnamon Kitten

NEW Product: Estee Lauder pleasures bloom

Brand: Estee Lauder
Name: pleasures bloom
Size & Price:
- 1.7 oz / 50 ml spray, $65.00 CAD
- 3.4 oz / 100 ml spray, $86.00 CAD

Estee Lauder has launched a new "more playful, contemporary expression" of pleasures - the new pleasures bloom.

From the press release: "Reinterpreted for the contemporary consumer, pleasures bloom is a fruity floral fragrance, which embodies the vibrancy and playfulness of modern life with a blend of luscious fruits and colourful florals. The fragrance opens with a fresh and playful, fruity blend."

Opening: a burst of grapefruit and raspberry while lychee adds a modern feel to the delicate charm of violet flower
Middle: florals of pink peony, rose, jasmine and green lily
Closing: a musk blended with a touch of patchouli and vanilla

Available beginning August 2010.

image: press release

Sunday, July 25, 2010

NEW Product: BH Cosmetics 120 Palette, 3rd Edition

Brand: BH Cosmetics
Name: 120 Palette, 3rd Edition
Size: n/a
Price: $34.95 USD

BH Cosmetics has just launched a stunning 120 Palette, 3rd Edition eyeshadow palette. Custom-designed to work together, creating all the latest looks for summer into fall and the holiday season. The colours are high-quality and long-lasting.

- 1 palette with 2 layers
- super-fine powder produces even, long-lasting makeup
- includes matte and shimmer shadows
- case size is 9" x 6"

image: press release

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Product Review: Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub


Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Tree Hut
Name: : Shea Sugar Body Scrub
Size: 595 g / 21 oz.
Price: approx. $6.99 USD

From their website: "Delight your senses as you smooth your skin with this rich, exfoliating sugar body scrub. Made with real honey for smoothness, real almond bits to gently buff away dead skin cells and sweet almond oil to soften."

Key Ingredients:
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Honey
- Safflower Seed Oil
- Avocado Oil

To Purr About:
- lovely sweet almond scent
- leaves skin feeling rejuvenated and incredibly soft
- rids skin of bumps that are often left from shaving and ingrown hairs

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
In a bid to improve the look and feel of my scar revenged legs I decided to try a body scrub for the first time. I was really intrigued by this product as it combines the oils of two super foods – almond and honey. This combination is evident when you open the jar and smell the sweet almond scent which is so yummy and delightful I wanted to eat it.

After scrubbing my legs with this product in the shower I am super impressed. It leaves my skin feeling rejuvenated, younger and incredibly soft. My legs used to be bumpy from all the ingrown hairs and the shaving and this scrub has completely made those bumps a thing of the past. And although my scars still persist, using the scrub for only a couple of weeks appears to have reduced the darkness of the scars. I love this body scrub.

Another pro is that it forces me to take some time in the shower to increase the circulation to my legs and thighs while massaging the body scrub into them. I’ve heard this is good to get rid of cellulite, and although it’s yet to be proven to me it can’t hurt!

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: treehutshea.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

NEW Product Collection: NARS Sephora Limited Edition Lip Gloss Collection


Brand: NARS
Name: Sephora Limited Edition Lip Gloss Collection
Size: n/a
Price: $24 USD

Exclusively at Sephora, NARS Cosmetics has introduced 5 must-have lip glosses named after signature NARS Blushes. This limited-edition collection includes shades inspired by their blushes and offers playful pouts in a variety of finishes.

Shades Available:
- Albatross: luminous glow
- Angelika: cotton candy pink with gold and silver sparkle
- Oasis: sparkling pink champagne
- Super Orgasm: peachy pink with gold glitter
- Luster: sheer golden apricot

image: sephora.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

NEW Product Collection: Milani 3D Holographic & Milani NEON nail lacquer

Brand: Milani
Name: 3D Holographic nail lacquer
Size: 0.45 fl oz / 13.2 ml
Price: $4.99 USD

A specialty nail lacquer that has a unique 3D Holographic effect. The nail lacquer appears to color-shift as the illumination source or the viewing angle changes. This color phenomenon is based on Holographic Image Technology that makes a very thin, bright, embossed metallic flake look like a rainbow.

Available in 6 shades:
- HD
- 3D
- Hi-Tech
- Cyberspace
- Digital
- Hi-Res


Brand: Milani
Name: NEON Specialty nail lacquer
Size: 0.45 fl oz / 13.2 ml
Price: $4.99 USD

Nail lacquers created to give your nails a POP of brilliance, these bright neon shades capture the explosion of color that has made an impact on the latest colour trends and are here to stay.

Available in 8 shades:
- Techno Red
- Awesome Orange
- Totally 80's
- Fresh Teal
- Dude Blue
- Rad Purple
- Pink Hottie
- Pink Rocks!


image: press release

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Cosmetic Blogs and you

Take 5 minutes to do a short survey about cosmetic blogs.

Caroline is a postgraduate student completing a Master in Marketing at the University of Plymouth, UK. She's currently conducting a research study on analyze the influence of cosmetic blogs on purchasing decisions.

She'd love it if you took a few minutes to complete her questionnaire. It's completely anonymous and all data collected will be held confidential.

As a beauty blogger, I'm definitely interested in learning more about readers and how useful they find blogs like mine, so Caroline's results will be interesting to read!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Product Review: Biore PURIFY Steam Activated Cleanser

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Biore
Name: : PURIFY Steam Activated Cleanser
Size: 150 ml
Price: $12.99 CAD

Biore has come out with a new cleanser and I`m excited to try their new PURIFY Steam Activated Cleanser. From Biore’s website: "NEW Bioré PURIFY Steam Activated Cleanser with SteamActiv beads harnesses the steam in your shower to give you your best clean! The unique SteamActiv beads are activated as the cleanser is lathered, providing a mint infused sensorial experience you will want to experience everyday!"

To Purr About:
- refreshing mint smell that is very relaxing
- leaves my skin feeling tingly and clean
- doesn't dry out my skin
- did not irritate my super sensitive skin
- handy pump dispenser

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I really enjoy using Biore’s PURIFY Steam Activated Cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling so clean and refreshed. I love the tingly sensation it leaves my face with and the mint scent is so relaxing.

I think it is doing a very good job of cleansing my skin as toning afterwards doesn’t find any extra dirt and I haven’t had any break-outs since I started using it.

One thing I’ve learned with all these types of cleansers is that I have to beware not to get the beads in my eye as that can cause major irritation.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: well.ca

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Product Review: ROC Complete Lift Flash-Serum

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: ROC
Name: : Complete Lift Flash-Serum
Size: 30 ml
Price: approx. $45 USD

"Innovation: This highly concentrated daily serum combines our exclusive THPE + Burgrane technology with wheat polymer to lift your skin instantly.

Results: Your skin looks immediately lifted and firmed. Used daily, its fast absorbing formula enriched with energising ingredients helps sculpt your face contour."

To Purr About:
- absorbed very quickly into my skin
- left my skin feeling uber soft
- did not irritate my super sensitive skin
- no irritating scent
- seemed to improve the overall look of my skin

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
As usual, I can’t really comment on the “lifting and firming” properties as I’m not currently battling saggy skin, but I did really enjoy using this product for a few months none the less. It absorbed quickly into my skin which meant applying moisturizer/cream and makeup was easy and left my skin feeling firm and pliable and overall seemed to give my skin a healthy appearance. It also seemed to keep my chronic wrinkles at bay which was a bonus.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: rocskincare.ca

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Product Review: Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Roller

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Olay
Name: : Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Roller
Size: 6 ml / 0.2 fl oz
Price: approx. $35.00 CAD

Featuring precision micro-rollers that gently massage in a concentrated, hydrating anti-aging treatment, this product not only help reduce eye puffiness, but also regenerate skin's appearance to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

- dermatologically tested
- non-comedogenic

To Purr About:
- very easy to use
- light gel cream
- cool sensation
- slight greasy feel
- skin feels nice and moisturized after use

Claws Out:
- slight greasy feeling
- application can be difficult

Final Comments:
I like the idea of this product. The roller balls do gently massage your eye area and apply a light gel cream. Because of the width of the product and where the 3 rollers are situated, I can't get the cream close to my eye, and can only apply it to the areas around my eye. Since that means I then have to use my fingers to spread the gel closer to my eye, it kind of defeats the purpose of the rollers.

Anti-aging products are obviously hard to review, but I can say that the area around my eye is cooled and feels great after I use the massage roller on it.

It's quite pricey and as it's a lighter product, I tend to use more of it than thicker eye creams.

Rating (out of 5):




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


image: well.ca

Monday, July 12, 2010

NEW Product: Rosebud Salve in a Tube

Brand: Rosebud
Name: Salve in a Tube
Size: 0.5 oz
Price: $6 USD

" A cult-favorite, multitasking miracle balm in a convenient tube format. This beloved multi-purpose essential not only moisturizes and soothes dry lips; it also calms and heals irritation, soothes the sting of minor burns, helps heal cuts, tames mangled cuticles, helps fix ashy elbows and knees, and minimizes diaper rash. A hint of rose scent adds a delicately aromatic touch, without overpowering or cloying. Whether in a tube or a tin, Rosebud Salve is a mini moisturizing miracle."

Free of:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

I love that this product is now available in a tube. When Sephora first opened in Toronto, the very first product I bought there was the Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm and I love it, so I'm excited to try this new formulation.

image: sephora.com

Friday, July 09, 2010

Product Review: Lucky Tiger Head-to-Tail Shampoo & Body Wash

Reviewer: Guinea Hubby

Brand: Lucky Tiger
Name: Head-to-Tail Shampoo & Body Wash
Size: 240 ml / 8 fl oz
Price: $19.50 USD

From the web site: "a rich, non-drying peppermint body wash and shampoo that’s good for both you and the environment. Still made the old-fashioned way, this concentrated, vegetable-based men’s body wash and shampoo is gentle and long lasting, offering an invigorating cleanser scented with pure Peppermint oil. Preserved naturally, Lucky Tiger Peppermint Shampoo & Body Wash is made from a select combination of natural botanicals, including:
- Pure Peppermint Oil: nourishes dull skin, improves oily skin and gives a cooling effect to the skin and head.
- Olive Oil: packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E, olive oil moisturizes the skin and improves hair texture
- Coconut Oil: relieves dry, rough and wrinkled skin while promoting healthy hair growth and a healthy complexion.
- Rosemary Extract: offers antioxidant protection."

To Purr About:
- a little goes a long way - 4 squirts took care of hair and upper body
- cool tingling feeling
- great minty scent
- skin doesn't feel dry as usual

Claws Out:
- bottle fell in shower and even though the plastic bottle stayed intact, the nozzle (which comes out further than the bottle is wide) broke off

Final Comments:
Another great Lucky Tiger product, the scent of this product is minty and cool. A small amount of the product went a long way and left my skin feeling pretty good - definitely not as dry as usual.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: getluckytiger.com

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Product Review: Head & Shoulders Ocean Lift Shampoo & Conditioner

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Head & Shoulders
Name: : Ocean Lift Shampoo & Conditioner
Size & Price:
- shampoo: 420 ml, approx. $13 CAD
- conditioner: 400 ml, approx. $8 CAD

(from the website): "Shampoo, conditioner and 2-in-1 –with a sea mineral essence. The shampoo cleanses while the conditioner cares for the hair. The result is soft, supple hair and a scalp free from flakes and relieved itchiness."

I generally cycle Head & Shoulders into my regular hair routine whenever I notice some flakes starting to show and was happy when H&S re-vamped most of their products to become more than just a "dandruff" shampoo. With very dark brown hair, flakes tend to show up immediately.

I usually use the "Smooth and Silky" line from H&S but was definitely willing to try the Ocean Lift collection because in the summer I tend to opt for more light and "fresh" scents.

To Purr About:
- fair felt extra clean after just one wash
- my scalp had started to itch lately, with the hot and humid weather and after two washes, all the itchiness disappeared
- afterwards, hair was shiny and manageable
- very light, fresh scent smelled really nice in the shower (actually was kind of invigorating) and was just as fresh aftewards

Claws Out:
- hair was not as soft as with my usual shampoo/conditioner combination

Final Comments:
Another great H&S product that delivers instant dandruff and itch relief. I really liked the fresh, invigorating scent and my hair felt super clean after just one use. The flakes were definitely gone. I still prefer the Smooth and Silky collection from H&S thought because I did notice that Ocean Lift didn't leave my hair as soft as Smooth and Silky does. But I have really thick, long hair so I need extra conditioning help.

My husband uses this product as well and he loves it - it's fresh, clean and works really well.


Rating (out of 5):




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

image: headandshoulders.com

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Show off those smooth legs this summer - Cinnamon Kitten contest!

What's the hottest summer accessory? Smooth, sleek legs! They go perfect with shorts, skirts, dresses, and of course, bathing suits. :)

Just in time for the heat, Skintimate is giving Cinnamon Kitten readers the chance to win a lovely, luxurious gift basket.


Valued at over $80, the gift basket includes:
- a super-soft pink sweater robe
- Skintimate Moisturizing Cream Shave Extra Gentle with Vitamin E, a mild, dye-free cream designed for sensitive skin types
- Skintimate Moisturizing Cream Shave Dry Skin with Olive Butter, a luxurious cream made especially for dry skin to give extra hydration
- Schick Quattro for Women razors with dual conditioning strips with aloe and vitamin E

The contest is open to Canadian residents only.

To enter:
- Mandatory: Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favourite summer accessory is. Don't forget to leave an email address where I can reach you if you win!
- Optional: For an extra chance to win - follow my on Twitter (@CinnamonKitten) and tweet about this contest (don't forget to use @CinnamonKitten so that I can see your Tweet). For each daily tweet I'll give you one extra entry!

Notes:
Contest ends Friday, July 23, 2010.
Winner will be contacted and announced on this blog shortly after.

Monday, July 05, 2010

Product Review: Lise Watier Solo Eyeshadow

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Lise Watier
Name: : Solo Eyeshadow
Size: 2 g / 0.07 oz
Price: $17.00 CAD

Shade Tried: Orange Crush

As mentioned in a previous post here on Cinnamon Kitten about the product line, "The SOLO eyeshadow family by Lise Watier adds 3 new shades to the regular line-up: a trio of delectable sorbet flavours that share a sublime affinity with the Neon Love trend.

- Blanc Neige: snowy white with frosted accents
- Orange Crush: an electric fruity hue
- Bleu Curacao: an icy aqua"

From their website: "A light, finely textured eye shadow that is gently applied for a translucent or opaque finish, depending on the desired effect."

To Purr About:
- comes in over 30 different shades – lots of amazing colours to choose from
- applies and blends easily
- allows for subtle (translucent) to a more dramatic look (opaque) depending on application
- long lasting (even without a primer)

Claws Out:
- doesn't come with an applicator brush

Final Comments:
I`ve had wonderful experiences with Lise Watier`s lip products, so I was super excited to try one of their new Solo Eyeshadows.

I haven’t really worn eye shadow on the daily basis in a long time, but with the summer weather here I was really excited to try to splash up my look with summery colours starting with this Orange Crush eye shadow.

I love corals, but have stayed away from this colour palette in the past – until now! I really loved this colour and this product. The shadow was creamy and allowed for easy application. It was very easy to apply just a little or a lot depending on how I felt that day.

Overall, another great product from Lise Watier.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: press release

Saturday, July 03, 2010

ShopSmart magazine finds out the real deal on old beauty beliefs

The July 2010 issue of Consumer Reports's ShopSmart Magazine takes a closer look at 10 Beauty Myths. Along with busting some bad beauty advice, the article gives some tips to what does work. Grab a copy of ShopSmart to check out all the tips!

Pores

THE MYTH: You can shrink your pores.
THE TRUTH: Using a cleanser with glycolic acid causes mild swelling of the skin, which makes pores look smaller, but only temporarily. You can also make your pores look smaller by unclogging them regularly with skin products that contain salicylic acid or a retinoid.

Acne


THE MYTH: Eating chocolate will give you acne.
THE TRUTH: Chocoholics rejoice: the sweet treat has been exonerated as a cause of acne. But downing lots of starchy, sugary foods may worsen acne. Cutting back on dairy products, on the other hand, may help.

Hair

THE MYTH: Brushing your hair 100 strokes per day will make it healthier.
THE TRUTH: Diligent brushing will distribute oil that’s produced by your scalp throughout your strands, which can make your hair look shiny and glossy, but brushing can’t actually affect the health of your hair. And if you have thinning hair or you shed hair easily, you’re better off gently brushing your hair to neaten it up and then putting the brush down.

Nails

THE MYTH: Eating Jell-O will make your nails stronger.
THE TRUTH: Gelatin neither helps nor hurts your nails. If you have thin or breakable nails that are prone to splitting, taking biotin supplements may help strengthen them, but it can take 3-6 months to see a difference.

Shaving

THE MYTH: Shaving will make your hair grow back thicker.
THE TRUTH: Absolutely not! The hair on your legs, underarms, and other spots may feel thicker when that prickly stubble first appears. However, that’s only because when you shave, you’ve cut that hair off at the thicker part of the hair shaft. But as the hair grows out, it will become tapered at the tip again, resulting in the same overall thickness.

Under-Eye Circles

THE MYTH: Too little sleep causes dark under-eye circles.
THE TRUTH: Sleep alone doesn’t cause dark circles. Dark under-eye circles tend to run in families and often stem from a combination of dilated blood vessels, pigmentation, sun damage, fluid accumulation, and age-related thinning of skin. Using an alpha hydroxy acid or vitamin C cream for pigmentation changes, or a laser treatment to improve dilated blood vessels, may help.

Under-Eye Puffiness

THE MYTH: Applying Preparation H can deflate under-eye puffiness.
THE TRUTH: Some people swear by this strategy, but there isn’t any scientific evidence that it actually works. If you’re prone to puffiness, sleep with your head on a pillow and apply a cold compress for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning to constrict the blood vessels.

Varicose veins

THE MYTH: Crossing your legs will give you varicose veins.
THE TRUTH: Crossing your legs at the lower thigh can put downward pressure on blood vessels and impede blood flow from your legs, but it isn’t likely to cause veins to become enlarged and gnarled. Genetics and how strong the valves in your veins are play a more significant role. If you do get varicose veins, promoting blood flow by exercising regularly and elevating your legs while sitting can reduce discomfort and may prevent them from worsening.

Tanning

THE MYTH: Tanning can help get rid of pimples.
THE TRUTH: Years ago, dermatologists did use ultraviolet (UV) light treatments for acne. But the pimples will show up again once your tan or sunburn fades, and you might be trading one skin problem (acne) for the potential of another, more serious one (cancer). Topical products or oral medications are more effective ways to treat acne.

Stretch Marks

THE MYTH: Applying cocoa butter will prevent stretch marks.
THE TRUTH: While there’s very little you can do to prevent stretch marks, whether they develop depends on genetic factors and the molecular structure of the proteins in your skin. Stretch marks are a type of scar tissue that occurs when the dermis is stretched beyond its natural elasticity. If you catch stretch marks early when they’re in their fresh, red phase, applying a topical prescription retinoid cream can boost collagen production and make the marks less noticeable.

Friday, July 02, 2010

Product Review: Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave

Reviewer: Guinea Hubby

Brand: Lucky Tiger
Name: : Liquid Cream Shave
Size: 150 ml / 5 fl oz
Price: $18.50 USD

(From the web site): "Lucky Tiger Liquid Cream Shave is a modern take on classic shaving cream. It goes on smooth like lotion, but turns into a rich creamy lather designed to soften even the manliest of beards. Made from a select combination of natural botanicals, including:
- Certified Organic Chamomile: calms and soothes the skin while replenishing and enriching dry or sensitive areas.
- Certified Organic Olive Fruit Oil: lubricates and protects the skin to promote a close, comfortable shave.
- Certified Organic Calendula: cools, heals and soothes the skin while rejuvenating, softening and brightening the surface of the skin.
- Borage Oil: clinically proven to help the skin retain moisture, borage oil penetrates the surface to promote truly hydrated and healthy skin.

To Purr About:
- provides a really smooth shave
- don't need to use much - a little goes a long way
- smells great - not too over-powering
- skin isn't dried out after use
- has organic ingredients

Claws Out:
- none

Final Comments:
This product is really easy to shave with - the blade just glides without tugging the skin at all. I was surprised how little you need to use - the cream goes quickly from a lotion to a thick lather. The packaging is really cool too - with a very old barbership feel and look. I'm definitely impressed with this product and the brand.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: getluckytiger.com

NEW Product: kō demark Organic Jasmine & Neroli Body Lotion

Brand: ko denmark
Name: Organic Jasmine & Neroli Body Lotion
Size: 150 ml / 5 fl oz
Price: $36 USD

I've just been introduced to another popular Danish brand - kō denmark. Meaning "the little one", this brand is a boutique, luxury, natural beauty collection.

The Organic Jasmine & Neroli Body Lotion:
- has an aroma that provides a soothing effect
- is ultra moisturizing
- smooths skin surface and prevents skin cracking
- is said to prevent and and reduce the appearance of scarring and stretch marks

All kō denmark products have NO mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, perfumes, artificial colours or animal ingredients and are gentle enough for sensitive skin.

image: press release

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day to all my lovely Canadian readers and fellow beauty enthusiasts!

Cinnamon Kitten is spending the next four days relaxing and lounging around at home. I'll also be catching up on product reviews and blogging, so look forward to lots of new reviews and posts coming soon!

How are you spending Canada Day???
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