NEW Product: Jack Black It's the Balm Trio

Brand: Jack Black
Name: It's the Balm
Price: $19.50 USD


Exclusively for Holiday 2010, Jack Black has released a limited edition set of 3 full-size tubes of their popular lip balm with SPF 25. This trio comes in a clear, portable bag and includes:
- Natural Mint & Shea Butter - a Jack Black best-seller
- Grapefruit & Ginger - new & limited edition
- Black Tea & Blackberry - new & limited edition

image: sephora.com

NEW Product Collection: Lavanila Laboratories Baby Collection

Brand: Lavanila Laboratories


Healthy Baby Wash, $16 USD
This 100% natural 2-in-1shampoo and body wash gently cleanses without stripping skin of essential moisture.

Healthy Baby Lotion,$15 USD
Providing daily nourishment and hydration, this weightless, fast-absorbing lotion strengthens and supports the development of healthy skin with 30 vitamins and minerals.

Healthy Baby Bottom, $15 USD
Developed to calm irritation and soothe redness, this 100% natural formula provides superior protection and prevention of diaper rash with natural zinc oxide instead of petrolatum, a harsh chemical derived from oil wells during gasoline production.

Healthy Baby Butter, $14 USD
Providing ultra-rich hydration to soothe dry skin and calm redness, this 100% natural nourishing butter is formulated with 30 vitamins and minerals selected to strengthen and support the development of healthy skin.

Healthy Baby Block, $20 USD
Combining titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, this chemical-free, healthy sunscreen protects delicate skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays to provide 100% natural SPF 40 protection.

image: press kit

Clinique Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears

Duration: October 23 - November 10, 2010

Minimum amount you need to spend: $26.50 CAD (before taxes)

What You Get:
- High Lengths Mascara in Black, 4 mL
- 2-in-1 Lipstick & Gloss Duo in Different Raspberry Glacé, 1.3 g
- Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Fireberry, 4.5 mL
- Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent, 60 mL
- Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser, 30 mL
- Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, 30 mL
- cosmetics bag
- pop-up brush with mirror

image: e-flyer

NEW Product Collection: NARS Vintage Nail Polish Collection

Brand: NARS
Name: Vintage Nail Polish Collection
Price: $16 USD


Available as of October 1, NARS Vintage Nail Polish Collection includes 5 shades, resurrected by popular demand, with NARS’ signature longwearing formula.

With classic cinema as their common theme, below are the shades (with original launch dates), their descriptions and the movies that inspired them.

Mash , 1996
Army green infused with gold
The comedy about the staff of a Korean War field hospital using humor to keep their sanity in the face of war. The film inspired the TV series M*A*S*H.

King Kong, 1996
Copper brown infused with gold
A classic movie about the infamous giant ape who becomes smitten with beauty

Midnight Express, 1996
Deep navy
The 1970s film for an inmate’s opportunity to escape from prison

Zulu, 1996
Forest green
A British war movie starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine, directed by Cy Endfield in 1964

Full Metal Jacket, 1998
Gunmetal grey
An epic Vietnam War movie directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1987

image: press kit

NEW Products: Arbonne FC5

Brand: Arbonne

Arbonne has recently announced 5 new products to its popular FC5 line.

Developed with vital cell nutrients from 5fruits and vegetables – kiwi, strawberry, carrot, mango and pumpkin – Arbonne’s FC5 products restore hydration to deliver radiant, beautiful skin.

The FC5 line features products designed to address specific skin care needs, from normal/dry or oily/combination, to all skin types. All FC5 products are formulated without gluten, vegan certified and dermatologist tested.

Deep Cleansing Mask, $32 USD
Features a formula with glacial clay to draw out impurities and excess oils, refining pores for exceptional clarity and a revitalized appearance.

Intense Hydration Mask, $32 USD
Restores hydration and revitalizes dehydrated skin to promote a softer, more radiant appearance.

Cooling Foot Crème, $18 USD
Moisturizing, non-greasy foot crème hydrates rough, dry skin, and soothes, cools, and comforts tired feet.

Exfoliating Body Scrub, $30 USD
Exfoliates, gently foams and polishes skin leaving it smooth, fresh and visibly hydrated.

Travel Fresh Set
The Travel Fresh Set includes 6 travel-size FC5 products including Nourishing Daily Shampoo, Nourishing Daily Conditioner, Invigorating Body Cleanser, Conditioning Body Moisture, Ultra-Hydrating Hand Crème and Cooling Foot Crème in a convenient travel bag.

Amazing John Frieda contest

Ok, jet lag is officially kicked to the curb and I'm hoping to have this blog back into full swing this week!

So...to kick things off, especially for those of you in in Canada - have I got an opportunity for you!

A recent survey commissioned by John Frieda in January 2010, showed that 74% of women stick with a hairstyle that suits their face. But how do you know if it is the right one? What if you had the chance to talk to an expert and determine what's best for you (and win some awesome hair products as well?!)

Well, Cinnamon Kitten has a great opportunity for one lucky reader!

The Grand Prize winner will receive a virtual consultation with John Frieda Canadian Creative Consultant, Alain Larivée, as well as a hair gift basket customized to their hair style. Four Runners-up will receive a customized hair gift basket to suit their hair style as well! How's that for awesome?

What do you have to do?

To enter, send a photo of yourself to cinnamonkitten@gmail.com and explain why you think you are in need of hair advice.

The top 5 entries (as chosen by me) will be sent to Alain, who will select the grand prize winner.

Notes:
- The contest is open to Canadian residents only
- Contest ends midnight Sunday, October 31, 2010.
- Winner will be contacted via e-mail and announced on this blog shortly after.
- By entering this contest you give me permission to post your first name and location if you're chosen as the winner on this blog, as well as request a photo of you with your prize.

Giveaway: Eyedews Under Eye Treatment

Due to my being away on vacation, I've extended this contest to October 31 - get your entries in now!)

Ahh...autumn. The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler...there's school, work, holidays...is it any wonder that our eyes are feeling a little more tired than usual?

Although I generally never suffer from bags under my eyes, I have lately felt that they're much more tired and strained than usual. *sigh*. So I've been looking at lots of different eye care products to keep me looking and feeling bright-eyed. One of the products that have crossed the Cinnamon Kitten desk recently were Eyedews. Check out Suziesaurus' 5-paw review of Eyedews that she did back in August. These definitely seems to be what this weary brown-eyed girl needs!

What about you? Want your own set of Eyedews Under Eye Treatment to pamper yourself with? These single use, under-eye rejuvenation treatments will give you a nice little pick-me-up and Eyedews has generously given Cinnamon Kitten FOUR sets to give away to readers!

To enter:
- Leave a comment on this post telling me what gives you tired, strained and weary eyes and why Eyedews would help rejuvenate you! Don't forget to leave an email address where I can reach you if you win!

Notes:
- The contest is open to US residents only
- (Extended contest) ends Friday, October 31, 2010.
- Winner will be contacted via e-mail and announced on this blog shortly after.

- By entering this contest you give me permission to post your first name and location if you're chosen as the winner on this blog, as well as request a photo of you with your prize.

Lancome Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Lancome Bonus Time!

Retailer: The Bay
Minimum amount you need to spend: $34.00 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: until October 31, 2010

Choose your bag in red, black OR white and then:

Choose your skincare routine:

- High Resolution Refill-3x Triple Action Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15 and High Resolution Eye Refill-3x Triple Action Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

OR

- Renergie Lift Volumetry Volumetric Lifting and Reshaping Cream and Renergie Eye Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Eye Treatment

OR

- Absolue Premium Absolute Replenishing Cream and Absolue Eye Premium Absolute Replenishing Eye Cream

Choose your extra skincare item:

- Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

OR

- Nutrix Royal Body Intense Lipid Repair Cream

Choose your compact:

- Blush Subtil Powder Blush

OR

- Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow

Choose your lipstick:

- Color Design Sensational Effects Lip Color - Trendy Mauve OR Vintage Rose

You also get:

- Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Black

- Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base

image: e-flyer

Clinique Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

Retailer: Holt Renfrew

Duration: October 15 - 24 2010

Minimum amount you need to spend: $35 CAD (before taxes)

What You Get:
- Lash Building Primer

- Lash Doubling Mascara in Black

- Instant Lift for Brows in Soft Blonde

- Long Last Lipstick in Bamboo Pink

- Youth Surge Night Age Decelerating Night Moisturizer

- Clinique Colour Compact with Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Frosted Blossom and Chocolate Chip and Blushing Blush Powder in Iced Lotus

- 7-Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula

- Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips

- cosmetics bag

image: e-flyer

Back and catching up!

I had a lovely two-week trip in Hong Kong and Japan (it was really cool seeing some brands I had never heard of before). I totally needed the vacation and came back very happy and relaxed.

Although jet-lag really had me down and out for the past week, I'm hoping that I'm finally recovered and can start focusing on the blog again. So this coming week I'll be playing catch up - there's lots of new products coming out for the fall season and lots of products to be reviewed!

See you soon!

NEW Product: benefit prrrowl

Brand: benefit
Name: prrrowl
Size: (mascara) 7.5 g / 0.26 oz; (gloss) 6.5 ml / 0.22 US fl oz
Price: $28 USD

A 2-in-1 product! An iridescent mascara topcoat matched with a shimmering lip gloss.

The double-ended wand includes:
- iridescent peacock-blue mascara topcoat
- shimmering lip gloss

image: benefit.com

Product Review: Milani Buzz Worthy Lip Gloss

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Milani
Name: : Buzz Worthy Lip Gloss
Size: 0.17 oz / 4.86 g
Price: $5.49 USD

Shade Tried: Bee Rich

From the website: "Lips will gleam with this extraordinary high shine, deliciously fragranced lip gloss that delivers a smooth and precise application with its easy to use slanted tip applicator. For moisturized and smooth lips, this gloss was formulated with Honey Extracts, Cranberry Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil and enriched with Vitamins A & E. Available in 9 nourishing shades."

To Purr About:
- available in 9 great shades
- not sticky or heavy
- feels moisturizing
- convenient applicator tip allows for easy application
- lips look luscious and glassy
- affordable price

Claws Out:
- not too fond of the scent (artificial watermelon?)

Final Comments:
I'm always on the look-out for great lip products since my extremely dry and chapped lips reject a lot of products, so I jumped at the chance to try a brand I'm unfamiliar with.

After using Milani’s Buzz Worthy lip gloss for a while I must say I’m quite pleased with it. Not only is it at a very affordable price point, but it was super glossy and didn’t dry out my lips at all. In terms of lasting power, I found it was quite comparable to other glosses. I wasn’t too fond of the scent, but I can’t say there are too many lip glosses out there that pass in that area for me.

All in all I think this is a great product and would recommend it.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: milanicosmetics.com

NEW Product Line: Sonia Kashuk

Makeup artist Sonia Kashuk has spent over 25 years working on editorial layouts and
behind the scenes at major fashion shows, collaborating with some of the most recognizable names in fashion.

The Sonia Kashuk collection for Target offers outstanding quality, beautiful design and price points that allow all women to glow. The Target "Expect More, Pay Less" philosophy truly embodies what Sonia Kashuk’s brand is all about.


Velvety Matte Lip Crayong, $7.99 USD
- Rosey Nude

Eye Shadow Quad, $12.99 USD
- Brown Eyed Girl

Lay It On The Line Eyeliner Palette, $12.99 USD

Nail Colour, $4.99 USD
- Tauped
- Taunting Teal
- Rock Star
- Stop Whining
- Starry Night

image: press kit

Product Review: Dead Sea Spa Magik Mild Exfoliant

Reviewer:Annabella from Skin Scrubs

Brand: Dead Sea Spa Magik
Name: : Mild Exfoliant
Size: 5 ml / 2.5 fl oz
Price: GBP £6.95 / approx $11.15 CAD

The Dead Sea Spa Magik range is one of those underrated brands that doesn't seem to get much publicity. Maybe because it's more of a spa range rather than a sexy product that you would see in a magazine. I discovered Dead Sea Spa Magik when I was living in London and I was fed up of my face feeling constantly grimy from the pollution and dirt. I wanted something that actually felt like it cleaned my face.

This contains sea sand, natural clay, and coconut oil.

To Purr About:
- even though this says it's mild it is actually quite rough but doesn't scratch your face
- rinses clean
- has a lovely sea salt smell
- cheaper than most scrubs

Claws Out:
- if you are a packaging junkie then you might find this is a bit boring but otherwise no complaints

Final Comments:
While this says it's a mild scrub it actually isn't which I was pleasantly surprised about. I don't do mild scrubs. This is a lovely fine sandy paste that really takes away dirt, dead skin and gives your face a lovely glow. I think this would work best for oilier skins as this might upset dry or sensitive skin, however if you have acne I would advise you speak to your doctor before using this.

I've used this scrub for about eight years now and even though I buy loads of other face scrubs I always have this in the bathroom. I almost always use it before I apply a face mask so that it feels like a real spa treatment. If I use this in the shower I also use it on my neck area as it feels really nice and makes it really smooth. My fiance James also loves it and uses it before he shaves to lift the hairs.

Rating (out of 5):

Product Review: Rimmel Lasting Finish Blendable Powder Blush

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Rimmel
Name: : Lasting Finish Blendable Powder Blush
Size: 0.15oz. / 4.5g
Price: approx. $5 USD

Shade Tried: 003 Pink Rose

From their website: "Blendable powder blush. Long lasting. Natural sheer finish. Smudge resistant."

To Purr About:
- available in 4 fun shades
- looks very natural
- blends very well
- very light feeling
- super compact and convenient - not messy to carry around
- comes with a brush for application
- affordable price

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I’ve been using mineral foundation, powders and blushes lately and it’s been a while since I used a blush that didn’t come in a loose powder form so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But after just a few uses I was in love with this product.

At an affordable price point this blush not only blends easily and well into with my foundation, but it gives a nice natural healthy looking glow. In addition it comes with a convenient brush applicator and I was quite surprised that the small flat brush would give such a natural looking application. I also love that I can carry this blush easily in my purse or makeup bag for easy touch-ups without adding much bulk to my already bursting bag.

Rating (out of 5):





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

image: press kit

NEW Product: Korres Raspberry Liquid Lipstick

Brand: Korres
Name: Raspberry Liquid Lipstick
Size: 3.5 ml / 0.12 fl oz.
Price: $22 USD

The water-based formula of the new Korres Raspberry Liquid Lipstick represents the best of both worlds, combining the pros of a lipstick and a gloss in one antioxidant-rich natural lipstick. Formulated with naturally moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, the lipstick delivers vivid, lost-lasting colour and shine with a lightweight feel.

Korres chose Rasberries because "raspberry oil is rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant with powerful regenerating properties. It's also one of the greatest sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits...[it also] helps protect against UVA and UVB radiation." (from the press release)

Available in 6 shades:
- Soft Pink
- Nude Beige
- Natural
- Fuchsia
- Red
- Berry

image: press release

Product Review: Softsoap Pure Cashmere Body Wash

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Softsoap
Name: : Pure Cashmere Body Wash
Size: 532 mL
Price: approx. $6 CAD

From the website:
- Enriched with cashmere extract and moisturizing cream, leaving skin soft, smooth and irresistible to the touch
- Silky soft formula is proven to soften and hydrate as it cleans
- Special formula features our latest body wash technology

To Purr About:
- lathers up really well
- left skin feeling clean, fresh and healthy
- sweet, but not overpowering smell

Claws Out:
- doesn’t leave skin feeling super moisturized

Final Comments:
I have used Softsoap liquid hand soap many times before, but this is the first time I’ve tried their body wash.

I was quite impressed with this product. Although it wasn’t the best body wash I’ve ever used, it ranked somewhere in the middle and you definitely get a lot for what you pay. It lathers up very well, so only a little product is necessary making the bottle last longer.

This body wash left my skin feeling very clean and fresh, but unfortunately not super moisturized. All-in-all I think it’s a good body wash which will suit people that don’t suffer from extremely dry skin.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: This product was purchased by Cinnamon Kitten.

image: colgate.ca