Product News: beautyblender pure kit

Brand: beautyblender
Name: pure kit
Price: $49.95 USD each

Where to buy: For a list of retailers please visit www.beautyblender.net.

What it says in the release:

For the beauty maven that’s always travelling, pure kit includes everything needed for the perfect skin care application regimen both at home and on-the-go! beautyblender pure utilizes the innovative shape, texture and material of the famed beautyblender makeup sponge and strips it to its core to provide women with the perfect tool for prepping their skin for makeup application. pure is designed to be used with moisturizers, eye treatment serums and lotions, makeup primers and makeup removers to be a truly hygienic, gentle way to ensure optimal use of the most advanced skin care products.


You can also use the pure tool to apply your makeup for flawless coverage. The elliptical shape makes application fool-proof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Included in the pure kit is the new solid cleanser. This travel friendly alternative to the original liquid blendercleanser provides the same cleansing results and the soothing lavender fragrance for your beautyblender applicators and make up brushes.

The pure kit contains:
- one beautyblender pure sponge
- one solid cleanser
- a mesh pouch that allows light and air to pass through, allowing your beautyblender to dry thoroughly and completely


image: from release

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a very safe holiday season, filled with great memories with family and friends.

I'm taking a few days off from the blog to spend time with my family - there are lots of Christmas dinners and events planned.  :)

But not to worry - I'll be back soon with lots of product reviews, giveaways and more product news to share.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

My December Glymm Box

This past month I've had a lot of parcels arriving on my doorstep due to all the online shopping I've been doing for the holidays. But when my hubby texted me that there was "another pink box" waiting for me at home, I was still pretty excited. Last month's Glymm box was one of my favourites, so I was anxious to see what was inside.

Since I love my lip products so much, if there's a lipstick or lip gloss in the box, I'm usually instantly happy. Although this month seemed a little emptier compared to last month, I still can't wait to try the products inside as each one is a good size and all are things I want to try.

In my December Glymm box:
- Ahava Mineral Hand Cream, 20 ml / 0.68 fl oz
- Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, 15 ml / 0.5 fl oz
- Sula Natural Lip Gloss in First Kiss, 2.69 g / 0.167 oz
- Yves Saint Laurent La Parisienne, 0.25 fl oz / 7.5 ml
- $10 Gift Card to Glymm's Beauty Boutique
- red and white jelly beans

There's a bit of a hand-theme in this month's box and I'm really liking Sula's lip gloss. My mom is really going to like the min perfume (she collects them).

So, fellow Glymm members - did you get something different in their Glymm box or was yours identical to mine?

Want a Glymm box of your own? Click on this link to get more info or to sign up!

2011 Holiday Gift Ideas - Volume 5 - Gifts for Him

Although I know GuineaHubby would normally prefer unwrapping a power tool than something in the "beauty" category, there are still some really cool grooming-related gift ideas that he and the guys in our lives would love to receive!


Cigar Box Grooming Gift Set, $50 CAD
This unique, limited edition gift set features several useful products for men packaged in a reclaimed cigar box. The contents of each box vary to include a custom mix of FIVE products from the following list (all in 2 oz. sizes):
- Shave Cream
- Shave Soap
- Shave Jelly
- After-Shave Splash
- After-Shave Balm
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Face Cleanser
Each box will also include a 2 ml sample of cologne.
- where to buy: select large format Indigo and Chapters stores


Old Spice Travel Gift Set – The Traveller, $13.99 CAD
This travel case will help your man smell and feel his best wherever he is in the world. This gift set includes:
- Old Spice Body Spray
- Old Spice Deodorant
- Old Spice After Hours Shower Gel
- where to buy food, drug and mass merchandise stores across Canada

2011 Holiday Gift Ideas - Volume 4 - Under the Mistletoe

This volume of the Holiday Gift Guide isn't really a gift guide for others but more for yourself. With all the holiday parties and special events that take place during the holidays, why shouldn't you take a minute to make sure your lips are looking their best? And who says you can't treat yourself to a little something while you're doing all this shopping for everyone else (it seems to be the way I generally shop anyway). Most of you know that I can't pass up a nice new lip product anyway!

Some of these would make cute stocking stuffers too!

Oh, and since we're in the middle of winter now, some of these aren't just to make your pout colourful, but to keep your lips happy and healthy too so that you're ready for all that "under the mistletoe" action! ;)


Eos Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Holiday Pack, $8.99 USD
The Eos Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Holiday Pack includes 3 of their popular USDA-certified organic, 100% natural lip balms.
- Passion Fruit (limited edition)
- Strawberry Sorbet
- Sweet Mint
- where to buy: Walgreens, Ulta, Drugstore.com, Target.com, evolutionofsmooth.com


Jack Black’s Balm Squad Lip Quad, $25.00 USD
Loved by men and women alike (including me and GuineaHubby), this gift set includes 4 of the famous Jack Black moisturizing SPF 25 balms.
- Shea Butter & Vitamin E (new): clean and comforting
- Mango & Mandarin (new): tropical citrus
- Natural Mint & Shea Butter (new): tingly and invigorating
- Lemon & Chamomile: mellow and subtly sweet - where to buy: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks, Bloomingdale’s and www.getJackBlack.com


Jouer Mini Glisten Up Lip Gloss Collection, $25 USD
- This 4-piece collection offers brilliant sparkling shine and is loaded with Vitamins A, C & E, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Pomegranate Seed Oil. The glosses also come with a Jouer bronzed card holder for a limited time only.
- Nude Glisten: sheer sparkling nude
- Coral Glisten: sheer sparkling coral
- Rose Glisten: sheer sparkling rose
- Glisten: sheer sparkling pink
- where to buy: Henri Bendel (in New York City) and www.jouercosmetics.com

Product News: Green Beaver Apres-Ski collection

Brand: Green Beaver
Name: Apres-Ski collection


Where to buy: http://www.greenbeaver.com/ and natural health stores across Canada

The Green Beaver Company has developed a natural winter skin care line called Green Beaver Apres-Ski. The products were formulated to protect and relieve the driest, roughest and itchiest skin. They are naturally rich with shea and cocoa butter for maximum hydration. Green Beaver Apres-Ski products are enriched with skin soothing collodial oatmeal and other nourishing plant extracts such as aloe.

 

Boreal Body Lotion, 240 ml, $14.99 CAD
Highly moisturizing shea and cocoa butters sink deep into the skin leaving it silky soft, comfortable and not greasy. Soothing colloidal oatmeal helps relieve itchy feeling skin. Vegan, biodegradable

 

Boreal Face Cream, 40 ml, $14.99 CAD
Extra rich shea and cocoa butter will replenish tight, dry skin caused by cold Canadian winters. Non-greasy and quick absorbing. Naturally suitable for sensitive skin. Vegan, gluten free, biodegradable

Boreal Hand Balm, 10 ml, 40 ml, $9.99 CAD
For instant relief from extra dry, cracked hands and cuticles. Extra rich shea and cocoa butter with plant waxes will replenish tight, dry skin caused by cold Canadian winters. Non-greasy and quick absorbing. Naturally suitable for sensitive skin. Certified organic, gluten free, biodegradable.

Winter Lip Balm, $4.99 CAD
A soft, long-lasting balm that will soothe and  protect red, dry lips caused by arctic winds.  Enriched with skin-healing aloe and Vitamin E. Unflavoured so you won’t lick your lips dry again. Gluten free, biodegradable.

 

Boreal Bath Oil ,120 ml, $13.99 CAD
Enjoy the pleasant and soothing aroma of the Canadian boreal forest. A warming and relaxing blend of organic balsam fir, black spruce and sweet birch essential oils, perfect for the winter months. Certified organic, vegan, gluten free, biodegradable.



images: press release

Beauty Bits

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Two-time Emmy Award-winning celebrity hairstylist Kiyah Wright is the new face of Clairol Professional.

Kiyah was discovered by Sean “Diddy” Combs as a teenager and has since gone on to style A-listers such as Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Faith Evans and Kerry Washington. Kiyah can also be found styling on-set for shows such as The Tyra Show, America’s Next Top Model and America’s Got Talent, and working behind the chair at the Warren-Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles.

* * * * *

Royal & Langnickel Brush, has added QR codes to its S.I.L.K Pro line beauty products, one of the first companies to do so in the beauty industry.

A QR code, short for quick response, is a unique bar code that lets customers and potential customers, instantly learn about products and services by scanning the code with a smartphone. The codes will appear on product packaging and take the viewer to a short video clip on how to use the particular brush. The videos, featuring two-time Emmy Award winning makeup artist, Kevin James Bennett, are currently available on 25 S.I.L.K line brushes with plans to expand to all Royal & Langnickel beauty products.

* * * * *

Topbox is holding holiday giveaway contest! You could win 5 FULL SIZED products from the Top beauty brands (valued at over $250)! You can only enter once, but for each friend you refer who signs up, you get a bonus entry. The contest closes on December 25. Check out all the contest details on their Facebook page.

* * * * *

Product Review: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Liquid Soap

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Dr. Bronner’s
Name: Peppermint Liquid Soap
Size: 16 oz
Price: $15.95 CAD

What it says on their website:
Our most popular fragrance. The peppermint essential oil tingles the body and clears the mind. Because therapeutically peppermint oil is a mild stimulant it increases vitality and clarity. All oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

What it says on the bottle:
INGREDIENTS: Water, Organic Coconut Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Organic Olive Oil, Mentha Arvensis, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol


To Purr About:
- relaxing peppermint scent
- leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed, and tingly (due to peppermint)
- lathers up quite well
- doesn’t irritate my super sensitive skin
- multi-purpose: in addition to being used as body and hand soap, it can be used for laundry, general cleaning, toothbrushing, shampoo, after-shave, body rub, etc.
- comes in 7 wonderful scents as well as unscented
- comes in bar version
- completely biodegradable & vegetable based
- made with certified fair trade and organic oils

Claws Out:
- is a bit expensive
- wasn’t moisturizing enough for winter weather

Final Comments:
When my friends first mentioned Dr. Bronner's soap I didn’t pay too much attention. At first glance it seemed too expensive and I'm not a stickler for using natural products so there didn't seem to be a big draw for me. But my interest was piqued as I learned more about the product. It was suggested that I might want to try it because my skin is so sensitive. With winter coming up I wanted to avoid the skin issues I went through in previous years. The final straw was when I found out it could be used for multiple purposes – I was sold.

A few weeks later I happen to come across Dr. Bronner's on sale so I grabbed a bottle. I chose the peppermint one because it's one of my favorite scents and I know for sure that I am not allergic to it.

I used the soap oil as a body wash for a couple of months and really enjoyed it. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean and a bit tingly due to the peppermint and I love it. It lathers up quite well considering how thin the consistency is (not thick like most body washes). That being said, with the colder weather's arrival I had to switch back to a more moisturizing body wash. Dr. Bronner's could not keep my dry itchy skin away and I started suffering from insane itchiness.

I think I will probably try using this product again when the warmer weather returns and when my skin isn't so dry and itchy (and for relaxing baths) as I love that the ingredients are organic and mostly natural.

I haven't used it for any other purpose (like washing clothes or my hair), but it’s nice to know I can if I ever need to.

Rating (out of 5):

Disclosure: This product was purchased by Suziesaurus

image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

2011 Holiday Gift Ideas - Volume 3 - Squeaky Clean

Ok, I know "soap" doesn't spring to mind when you first think of a good gift, but I know lots of people who would LOVE to get some of these gift sets - who doesn't want to create a spa-like oasis in their bathroom once in a while? The packaging on these lovely sets make them pretty presents as well!


Sothys Perfumed Soap Trio Box, $20 USD
This holiday box contains 3 luxurious soaps featuring subtle fragrances inspired by the new Sothys Body Escape Collection. Made in France, each soap is engraved with the Sothys logo and individually wrapped.
- Lemon & Petitgrain Escape: fresh citrus
- Orange Blossom & Cedarwood Escape: woody and musky
- Vanilla & Sandalwood Escape: woody and powdery
- where to buy: check www.sothys-usa.com for spa locations


Soap & Glory Do A Bubble Take Set, $36 USD
A Soap & Glory gift collection featuring different bath and body minis and a shower pouf in a lovely barrel bag.
- bubbly shower gel
- gloss-enhancing shampoo
- exfoliating body polish
- body butter
- hand cream
- moisturizing spray
- full-size shower pouf
- where to buy: Sephora & www.sephora.com


H2O Plus Bath Basics Shower Gel Gift Set, $13.50 USD
A collection of 6 Shower & Bath Gels from H2O Plus
- where to buy: H2OPlus.com


Aveeno Body Wash Tri-Pack, $14.99 CAD
Gift pack includes:
- Aveeno Hydrating Body Wash: contains fig and shea butter, helping to soften and improve skin’s appearance
- Aveeno Smoothing Body Wash: features a rice and pomegranate formula that naturally and gently exfoliates
- Aveeno Invigorating Body Wash: features grapefruit and rosemary, infused with natural ingredients and anti-oxidants
- where to buy: food, drug and mass merchandisers across Canada

Product Review: Montagne Jeunesse Verry Berry Face Masque

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Montagne Jeunesse
Name: Verry Berry Face Masque
Size: 15g / 0.5 oz
Price: $1.99 CAD


Where to buy: http://www.farleyco.ca

What it says on their site:
Bursting with the juice of pressed Blueberries and crushed Cranberries our fruity beauty is packed with antioxidants. Nourishing Peach Kernel oil and soothing Aloe will leave your skin refreshed and cleansed.

To Purr About:
- conveniently packaged for 1 time use
- relaxing berry scent
- didn’t irritate my super sensitive skin
- left my skin feeling very clean, refreshed and moisturized
- you get plenty of product in 1 package
- very affordable

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
When I can't make it to the spa (or I can't afford to) I really try to find things at home that I can do to pamper myself. And because I can't always find time to take a soothing bath, I find sitting back with a face mask to be quite relaxing. I was super excited to try Montagne Jeunesse's Very Berry Face masque. They come conveniently packaged for onetime use and there are so many by Montagne Jeunesse to try!

I really enjoyed this product. When I first started applying the product I noticed how generous a portion comes in each package. There is plenty of product to cover the face and neck, so you don’t have to worry about how much you're applying.


After applying it to my face I sat back & enjoyed the wonderful (but not overpowering) berry scent. The mask left my skin feeling clean, refreshed, relaxed and most importantly – moisturized. It was a perfect little pick-me-up for the weekend before the work week started.

Lastly, because these convenient packages are so affordable, you can try different masks without spending a fortune or committing to one in particular.

Rating (out of 5):

Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten
image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

World's First Nail Polish Adoption Agency: Parents Needed

I usually don't post too many press releases verbatim on my blog, preferring keep things simple and provide my readers with only the most relevant information, but when this release came into my inbox I just had to laugh - the gang at Nail Polish Canada definitely have a great sense of humour!

Oh, and this is for a "good cause" - a chance at free nail polish! Oh, I mean, a chance to help out a sad and lonely nail polish that's just waiting to be adopted into a good home! :)

Read the press release and then go apply to save a polish!

What it says in the press release: (I've done some minor edits to this)

Adoptapolish.org announces the world’s first adoption drive for in need nail polish, available for US and Canadian applicants.

Every day, thousands of nail polishes are abandoned or abused. They are not sticky or old, they're fine new polishes, stuck on a shelf because they're forgotten or out of season. All they desire is to be used, and maybe taken for a night on the town in return.

"We have so many polishes who need a good family to take them in." said AdoptAPolish.org executive director Nikki Smith. "All it takes is filling out an application form describing how you can provide a better life for one of our in need nail polishes. We select the best application and take care of all the expenses, delivering your newly adopted polish directly to your door.”

One current nail polish, Charleston, held back tears well describing his life, "I spent two years of my life stacked in a dark room crammed together with thousands of others just like me, hundreds pressing down on my shoulders at any given time. I’m a shimmer and I have never seen sunlight in my life."

Please don’t let the agony go on any longer than it has to. The first round of adoptions closes December 31st.

Apply to Adopt a Polish at http://www.adoptapolish.org/category/currentadoptions/

Product News: beautyADDICTS BeautifullLIPS Lipstick collection

Brand: beautyADDICTS
Name: BeautifullLIPS Lipstick
Price: $18.00 USD each

Where to buy: www.beautyaddicts.com


What it says in the press release:
These 8 rich and creamy colors are infused with intense hydration so your lips are always protected and nourished with enduring beautiful coverage. Created with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and other natural ingredients, this formula also plumps with natural peptides and stimulates collagen for a firmer, smoother more voluptuous lip.

Available shades:
- Affair: rose colour
- Flirt: delicate shade of pink
- Vintage: soft berry colour
- Femme Fatale: dark burgundy
- Shy: peach shade
- Toast: everyday shade that works on all complexions
- Peep Show: eggplant shade
- Sinful: red-orange shade

image: www.beautyaddicts.com

Contest: WIN a Infiniti Pro by Conair Volume Boost Styling Tool

Now that the Infiniti Pro by Conair Volume Boost 1875-Watt AC Motor 2-in-1 Styling Tool has replaced my old hair dryer (see my review here), I'd love to give one of my readers one as well! With all the holiday spending happening, why not try to get something for free? :)

To enter (mandatory):
- Comment below on which setting(s) on your hair dryer you use most often (hot, cool, combination). Don't forget to leave an email address where I can reach you if you win!

For extra entries - please leave a separate comment for each entry (and include your username so I can verify if you're chosen as the winner!)
- "Like" the Cinnamon Kitten Facebook Page
- Follow Cinnamon Kitten on Twitter

Notes:
- The contest is open to the USA only.
- Contest ends Wednesday, December 7, 2011
- Winner will be contacted via e-mail and announced on this blog shortly after.

Product Review: Infiniti Pro by Conair Volume Boost 1875-Watt AC Motor 2-in-1 Styling Tool

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Conair
Name: Infiniti Pro Volume Boost 2-in-1 Styling Tool
Price: approx. $39.99 USD

Where to buy:
mass market and drug store retailers and www.conairdryer.com

What it says in the press release:
This quiet, lightweight AC motor dryer lifts your hair for fullness and volume with the innovative volumizing attachment. It features an AC motor typically favored by professional stylists to provide a powerful air velocity for faster drying and up to a 3X longer life span as compared to typical (DC motor) consumer hair dryers. It utilizes ionic ceramic technology that controls frizz and promotes healthy, shiny looking hair. Additional features include:
- 3-heat/2-speed rotary switches
- True cold shot button
- Removable filter to prevent lint build-up and further extend the life of the motor


To Purr About:
- smaller than my normal hair dryer, making it easier to manage
- has 2 speed settings and 3 temperature settings so you have lots of combinations to work with
- the volumizing attachment is easy to use and much nicer than having to wield a hairbrush and dryer at the same time to try to get some volume in my hair
- attachments are easy to attach and remove
- removable filter is something new for me and makes cleaning the dryer (something I rarely EVER do) really easy
- has ionic ceramic technology which I use a lot because my hair gets really frizzy and static-y in the winter

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
Ok, first off, let me say that I'm not that picky about my hair dryers. I've been using the same one for years. I have really thick hair so I like to have a powerful one to really make hair-drying as fast as possible (I HATE drying my hair). The current one I use only has two settings (one is warm air and one is hot air) and does have ion ceramic technology. It may have come with attacments, but it's been so long I can't remember and if it did have attachments, I've obviously lost them a while ago.

So I was excited to try this new hair dryer, if only for the multiple settings. The toggle switches give you high and low speed settings and cool, warm and hot temperature settings. I really like the cool air option as I tend to switch back and forth between hot and cool so that I don't damage my hair too much with the heat.

The attachments were easy to use and the volumizer definitely made my life easier. With my old hair dryer, I had to have a big round brush in one hand and my dryer in the other, but the volumizing attachment gave my hair some lift without the use of the brush.

Since I haven't bought a dryer in a while, I'm not sure if the price is too high. I'm assuming that most people are like me and don't replace their dryers too often, so $40 doesn't seem like a lot to spend on a dryer that will last a long time.

Rating (out of 5):



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

2011 Holiday Gift Ideas - Volume 2 - NARS Holiday Gift Sets

I'm a big fan of NARS and their 2011 holiday gift sets (called "Modern Kabuki") have really captured me, especially since I'm also a big fan of Japan and these stunning Japanese-inspired collections include some really beautiful packaging and products!

These will definitely make great gifts (or for yourself!)


Hanamichi Kabuki-Inspired Eyeshadow Palette, $65 USD
Japanese for "flower path" - the Kabuki theatre walkway that extends into the audience was the inspiration for this eyeshadow palette, featuring a Kabuki-themed design and accompanied by a mini Kabuki Eye Brush. The eyeshadows are a beautiful pattern of an icy white background with flowers in rich shimmering deep rose, gold and matte black.
- where to buy: Nov. 1, 2011 on www.narscosmetics.com


Kudoki Kabuki Mini Lip Coffret, $125 USD
Named for an element of the Kabuki dance, this year’s take on the Bento Box set features 3 new limited edition shades poured into custom ceramic cups. Included is its own Kabuki Lip Brush and sleek keepsake wooden box.
- Ougi: deep red
- Takebue: neutral
- Botan: deep pink
- where to buy: Nov. 1, 2011 on www.narscosmetics.com


Mie Kabuki Mini Soft Touch Shadow Pencil Coffret, $55 USD
A collection of 6 mini, top-selling and limited edition Soft Touch Shadow Pencils. Just like their namesake Mie Kabuki (a moment of high emotion culminating in an extremely dramatic pose) these creamy, blendable, long-wearing crayons create bold, dramatic looks with just a few strokes.
- Tall Tale (new shade): deep metallic purple
- Magic Moon (new shade): deep metallic navy blue
- Ballets Russes (new shade): silver
- Aigle Noir: black infused with gold shimmer
- Palladium: turquoise with silver glitter
- Skorpios : copper
- where to buy: Nov. 1, 2011 on www.narscosmetics.com


Kuroko Kabuki Mini Nail Polish Coffret, $35 USD
The set includes 4 mini-sized nail polishes based on shades traditionally used in Kabuki theatre.
- Yoshiwara: red
- Shiro-Nuri: white
- Kata: black
- Senryou: gold
- where to buy: Nov. 1, 2011 on www.narscosmetics.com


Nagauta Kabuki Brush Set, $225 USD
Encased in a keepsake wooden bento box with red lacquer interior, this exquisite 5-piece brush set is named for the principal musical forms in Kabuki theatre and includes 2 new brushes exclusive to the set.
Set includes:
- Kabuki Eye Brush (new and exclusive to the set)
- Botan Brush
- Ita Brush
- Yachiyo Brush
- Kabuki Lip (exclusive to the set)
- where to buy: Oct. 2011 at Barneys New York

image: press release

Weekend Beauty Reads From The Beauty Blog Network

Phyrra shows you how to become a knockout with Knockout Nails!

Stylebell has this season’s hottest color trends for blondes, redheads, and brunettes straight from celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham!

Cinnamon Kitten chats with the vibrant Amy, founder of Sugarpill Cosmetics.

Sheila from Painted Ladies has fallen in love with the Real Techniques Your Base/Flawless Face Brushes.

Product Review: Jergens Overnight Fix Nightly Restoring Moisturizer

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Jergens
Name: Overnight Fix Nightly Restoring Moisturizer
Size: 496 ml
Price: approx. $7 CAD

What it says in the press release:
- replenishes skin's moisture reserves and quenches dry skin as you sleep
- alleviates a full week's work of dryness in just one night for visibly smoother, softer skin
- made with a blend of pure Evening Primrose extract and anti-oxidant vitamins from exotic superfoods known to help reduce free radical damage
- light and silky to aid in absorption before bedtime and the moisturizer contains a soothing fragrance

weight: bold; color: rgb(240, 130, 187);">Where to buy:
grocery, pharmacy and mass market retailers

To Purr About:
- pretty good moisturizing lotion
- light fragrance is very nice
- large bottle with a pump is handy and affordable

Claws Out:
- a little sticky upon application
- takes a little time to absrob

Final Comments:
This is the first body lotion that I've tried that is meant to be used overnight and promises to repair "a week's worth of damage" in one night.

As most of my readers know, I love a fast-absorbing lotion and this one isn't as fast-absorbing as some of my favourites. It's not greasy, but it's a little sticky and takes a little longer to be fully absorbed - which means that you need to apply this a little ahead of going to bed.

It has a nice, light scent (although I would have preferred something unscented).

Once I got used to applying it about 20 minutes before going to bed, I did find that after applying it to some really dry skin (the start of the cold weather is really hitting my skin hard), I woke up with skin that was pretty well moisturized so I can't complain about the effectiveness. From what I've experienced, this isn't a lotion I'll be using unless I'm using it for what it's for - overnight use.

At $7 CAD, you get a lot of product for a great price.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

Cinnamon Kitten Q&A with Amy of Sugarpill Cosmetics

Q&A Session with: Amy, Founder of Sugarpill Cosmetics

How Cinnamon Kitten discovered Sugarpill
After many readers told me that they liked the interviews I was doing with small independent cosmetic shop owners, they also suggested other shops for me to check out, including Sugarpill. I was immediately hooked on the bright colours and gorgeously outrageous looks on their web site!


* * * * *


Tell us a little about yourselves and what inspired you to start your own company, Sugarpill Cosmetics.

Hello! I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and currently live in Oakland with my four cats. I graduated from Cal State Hayward with a degree in journalism because I wanted to be a newspaper reporter. I never used my college degree. I ended up designing clothes instead, starting a clothing line called Shrinkle in 2003. It started out as a hobby, but took on a life of its own and became my full-time job. The clothes were flashy, trashy, slutty, colorful, and fun. I am a sucker for presentation, so whenever I'd photograph my clothing on models and myself, I made sure everyone wore the brightest, most obnoxious makeup possible to match the clothes. I got so many compliments and inquiries about the makeup in my photos, I decided to start selling Kryolan, the brand of theater makeup that I had been using in all my pictures. I love Kryolan and had a ton of fun selling for them, but after a while I found myself wishing I had control over the colors, formula, packaging, and brand image. I then realized that the only way I could have complete control was to start my own brand. It took 4 years from concept to completion before we launched Sugarpill.

Tell us about Sugarpill.

Sugarpill specializes in vibrant, colorful party makeup. My goal was to create a superfun product that makes the wearer feel adventurous and carefree, while maintaining the professional quality of a high-end brand. We are known for our intensely pigmented, long-lasting formula and unique colors.


Have you always had a fascination with beauty products?

Not really. My best friend Jen and I were "late bloomers," aka complete dorks. While all the other girls were experimenting with makeup and talking to boys, Jen and I were getting together to compare our awesome stamp collections. I never wore a stitch of makeup until I turned 16 and met our other BFF Zoeria, "the bad influence." Zoeria introduced me to black lipstick, and I was instantly hooked. I spent the rest of my high school years stalking the Wet 'N' Wild display at Rite-Aid and Googling pictures of drag queens and circus performers so I could try to copy their makeup using my 99-cent lipsticks and eye pencils.

Besides Sugarpill, what else occupies your days?

Sugarpill occupies 99.9999% of my day, but whenever I can, I love to sew and draw. My friend Jen got me into bird-watching too. We get sandwiches and hang out at Lake Merritt, North America's oldest wildlife refuge, and try to name every bird we see. Jen and I are also master thrift shoppers and can fill up the entire back seat of an SUV with our tacky vintage finds.

What is your most popular item? Why do my readers NEED to have it?.

Currently, Goldilux Chromalust loose eyeshadow is our most raved about color. Everyone who sees it says it puts all other golds to shame because they've never seen a more metallic gold eyeshadow anywhere. It's our flashiest color for sure, and can be seen from across the room in a dark club.

The beauty industry is constantly changing. How do you keep on top of trends?

I don't really pay attention to trends. I think the key to creating a unique product is to stay true to what YOU like and want, not what everyone else is doing. When I created my eyeshadow colors, I didn't research what every other brands' best sellers were or anything like that. I just sat down and made a list of my dream colors and what I would want to see in my own makeup bag.


Besides your own line, what beauty brands have made it onto your favourites list?

I adore Inglot! I tried their products for the first time when they were at The Makeup Show in L.A. last February. I ended up buying almost everything, and somehow ended up drinking wine with Mr. Inglot himself at the end of the evening. That was nuts, I'm such a fan. I also love OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics), Fyrinnae, and Make Up For Ever.

What are 3 beauty products you can’t live without.

I never leave the house without first slathering myself in Neutrogena sunblock in SPF 100. My friend Irene says anything above SPF 35 is a huge scam and she's probably right, but I don't care. I also can't live without false eyelashes. I don't wear them every day, but I never ever go out at night without them. Falsies are the quickest, easiest way to create instant glamour even when you look and feel like shit. And I'm currently addicted to colored cream/gel liners because they're so multi-purpose. I use them for everything. Eyebrows, eyeliner, eyeshadow, eyeshadow base... I think my friend Tess even paints her hair with it. I've yet to try that.

What’s in store from Sugarpill for the rest of 2011?

We've been working super hard to get our new collections launched before the end of the year. Everything just takes longer than anticipated because we're perfectionists and don't want to put out anything less than perfect. But I promise we have lots of fun in store, and we can't wait to show everyone!

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You can shop Sugarpill Cosmetics online here.

2011 Holiday Gift Ideas - Volume 1 - Scents for Her

I've already started to plan my holiday shopping and while I'm browsing for gifts, I'm coming across some great gift ideas for the holidays. So there's going to be lots of gift guides coming out in the next several weeks as I share some really cool products that may make great presents for your family and friends.

So my first Gift Guide of the season shows off some hot new scents - always one of my favourite gift ideas!

NOTES:
- all prices are approximate, retailers may sell for a different price
- images are based on press releases and/or web sites and may be slightly different in different countries and dependent on the product size you are buying


Kenzo Flower TAG
- scent: fruity notes: rhubarb, blackcurrant, mandarin; floral notes: peony, lily of the valley, jasmine; sensual notes: tea note, vanilla, musk
- where to buy: The Bay
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $79 CAD, 100 ml for $99 CAD


Calvin Klein forbidden euphoria
- scent: top notes: sparkling mandarin, peach blossom, iced raspberry; mid notes: pink peony, tiger orchid, jasmine; bottom notes: cashmere woods, patchouli, skin musk
- where to buy: The Bay
- Eau de Parfum: 50 ml for $78 CAD, 100 ml for $102 CAD
- Body Cream: 200 ml for $58 CAD


Vera Wang Lovestruck
- scent: top notes: pink guava, angelica flower; mid notes: tuberose; dry down: woods
- where to buy: The Bay, Sears, Ogilvy, Mills, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Sephora and Murale stores
- Eau de Parfum: 50 ml for $79 CAD, 100 ml for $105 CAD
- Body Lotion: 150 ml for $49 CAD
- Shower Gel: 150 ml for $42 CAD


ck one shock for her
- scent: top notes: passion flower, pink peony, jeweled poppy flower; mid notes: liquid chocolate accord, blackberry, narcisse, hypnotic jasmine; dry down: magnetic ambers, vanillin, patchouli, second skin musk
- where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $45 CAD, 100 ml for $65 CAD


Heidi Klum Shine
- scent: top notes: mandarin, pear Williams, pink peppercorn; mid notes: Mimosa Absolute, muguet (lily-of-the-valley), sunflower; dry down: vanilla, Tonka Bean Venezuela, musk Cosmone
- where to buy: select drug and mass retailers
- Eau de Toilette: 30 ml for $35

Product Review: Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Annabelle
Name: Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil
Size: 1.6 g / 0.05 oz.
Price: approx. $8.95 CAD

Shade Tried: Cocoaloco


What it says in their site:
The new generation of brightly coloured long wear eyeshadow. Waterproof, crease-free and mess-free, the Smoothie eyeshadow pencils will keep going as long as you do! Use them as a liner, as an eyeshadow by using only one shade all over the lid or by blending more colours of Smoothie pencils together, or even as an eyeshadow base to give your favourite powdered shadows a professional hold and an outstanding colour pay-off! The makeup junkie in you will be ecstatic! Easy to apply, convenient and fast, this versatile, creamy, light-weight pencil is available in a variety of vibrant hues. Our Smoothie pencils contain no parabens, no preservatives, no mineral oil and no paraffins.

To Purr About:
- hypo-allergenic
- available in 8 great shades
- very creamy and soft texture which allows for easy blending and application
- colour applies very vibrant & lasts for a long time
- pretty waterproof
- convenient

Claws Out:
- product creased and smudged a little over time, so might need to use primer underneath

Final Comments:
I was pretty bummed out when I heard Annabelle was discontinuing their thick eye shadow pencils a few years ago as I had been using them all throughout high school. So I was excited to see they released these eye shadow smoothies as they are in a similar family as the previous products I used to use.

I really love having my eye shadows in a pencil form. It makes it really easy and convenient when travelling.

The first thing I noticed when I applied this product was how smooth and easily it glided on. The colour is intense and vibrant and it sets very quickly. I have to be pretty quick if I want to blend.

After wearing it a few days I’m pretty impressed. It lasts for pretty much the whole day, but does smudge and crease a little so it might be better used in combination with a eye shadow primer first. The longer I let it set (with my eyes closed) the longer it seems to last. It’s also pretty waterproof which is great.


I’m still not very good at blending it since it does set so darn fast, but I love using it as an eye liner.

All in all I think this is a great product. I cannot wait to try the other colours and intend on adding this to my makeup bag.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

My November Glymm Box

When I popped the pink top off of this month's Glymm box, the first thing I saw made me so happy! It was a full-sized Annabelle Smudge Paint in Plummed - one of my favourite products of 2011 in my favourite shade (you can read my review here).

Purple seemed to be the colour of the day as I also got an amazing RGB polish (never tried them before, so that's going to be fun! in a stunning, deep purple shade and purple jelly beans!


In my November Glymm box:
- Lise Watier Flash Lift Radiance Vial, 1 ml / 0.03 US fl. oz
- Rahua Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner packs, shampoo - 10 ml / 0.34 oz.; conditioner - 8 ml / 0.27 oz
- Orlane Paris Light Smoothing Cream, 3.5 ml / 0.11 oz
- RGB Designer Nail Lacquer in Deep, 0.40 fl. oz. / 12 ml
- Annabelle Smudge Paint in Plummed, 0.07 oz. / 2 g
- $10 voucher for Brownshoes.com
- purple jelly beans

So, fellow Glymm members - did you get something different in their Glymm box or was yours identical to mine? I'm pretty happy with this month's sampler - the Annabelle Smudge Paint and RGB polish totally made my day.

Want a Glymm box of your own? Click on this link to get more info or to sign up!

SELF's Fragrance Awards 2011

As the year starts to wind down, a lot of beauty awards are being handed out. I love looking at these lists for a few reasons:

- I love seeing if my favourites made the list
- it's a great way to build a shopping list of things that I'd like to try
- with the holidays coming up, it's easy to pick up some great gift ideas

So, here's the first of several posts outlining some of these "best of" lists!

(All prices are approximate and in USD.)

Award Name: SELF's Fragrance Awards 2011


The Selection Process:

SELF sorted 248 bottles into 26 scent categories and set up a blind sniff test. Their panel tried every scent launched in the past year and picked the top 20.

Best Mood Lifter: Eau de Nous - Citrus Charm, $35
Best Nature-Inspired Scent: Emilio Pucci Vivaro Variazioni Verde 072, $59
Best Fresh Scent: Clean Skin, $69
Best Sexy-Without-Even-Trying Scent: Reveal by Halle Berry, $35
Best Make-a-Statement Scent: Tocca Colette, $68
Miss Congeniality: Mariah Carey's Lollipop Splash The Remix - Never Forget You, $35
Most Playful Scent: Reb'l Fleur by Rihanna, $59
Most Boldly Seductive Scent: Kim Kardashian Gold, $65
Best Unisex Scent: Bond No. 9 I Love New York for All, $105
Best Wear-It-Anywhere Scent: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Promise Me, $59
Best Planet-Friendly Scent: Liv Grn - Natural, $60
Flirtiest Scent: Someday by Justin Bieber, $45
Most Romantic Daytime-Date Scent: Hanae Mori No. 4, $95
Best Smells-Like Vacation Scent: Laugh Often by Reese Witherspoon, $23
Best I'm Such-a-Girly-Girl Scent: Laughter Jour, $60
Youth in a Bottle: S by Shakira Eau Florale, $28
Most Like a Field-of-Flowers Scent: Gucci Flora Eau Fraiche, $80
Best Girl-Next-Door Scent: Peace, Love & Juicy Couture, $52
Best Edgy Scent: Creed Royal-Oud, $300
Best A-List-Celebrity Scent: Beyonce Pulse, $49

You can read all about each scent and get more details in SELF's November issue.

Product News & Contest: Keri Lotions

After discovering the awesomeness of the Keri Advanced Lotion, I'm excited to share this great product with my readers and give you a chance to win a Keri Advanced Lotion of your own!

To enter (mandatory):
- Comment below why you need your own bottle of Keri Advanced Lotion! Don't forget to leave an email address where I can reach you if you win!

For extra entries - please leave a separate comment for each entry (and include your username so I can verify if you're chosen as the winner!)

- "Like" the Cinnamon Kitten Facebook Page

- Follow Cinnamon Kitten on Twitter

Notes:
- The contest is open to Canada and the USA only.
- Contest ends Friday, November 18, 2011
- Winner will be contacted via e-mail and announced on this blog shortly after.

Can't wait for the contest to end or need something different to soothe your skin? There are a variety of Keri Lotions to help provide you with continuous moisturization.

Use the handy product selector chart below to figure out which Keri lotion is best for your skin problems and head over to the Keri website for more information!