Product Review: The Body Shop body brush

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: The Body Shop
Name: : body brush
Size: n/a
Price: approx. $15 CAD

I've been on the hunt for a good body brush ever since I had to throw my Aveda one away. Every body brush that I've tried since then had issues - one had bristles that were too soft and another came apart so that you could use it with or without the handle, but it kept coming apart.

So I was super excited when my sister, Suziesaurus, bought me one from The Body Shop for Christmas. I can't seem to find a photo of it online, but it's a typical long-handled wooden body brush with long, stiff bristles.

To Purr About:
- really stiff bristles (which I love!)
- sturdy wooden handle that is easy and comfortable to hold
- long bristles

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I LOVE THIS BRUSH. I've finally found a brush that meets all my expectations. The long, wooden handle is comfortable to hold and makes reaching every part of the body really easy and the long, stiff bristles are great for exfoliating. The brush is well-made and very sturdy and looks like it will last a very long time. There's nothing that I don't like about this brush!

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: This product was purchased by Suziesaurus

Product News: Milani Lip Flash

Brand: Milani
Name: Lip Flash
Size: 0.1 oz / 2.8 g
Price: $6.99 USD

It seems that every beauty brand is jumping on the lip crayon trend and I can't wait to try them all out! I think the only one I've used regularly last year was Lise Watier, so I'm excited about all these new ones on the market. It's definitely a convenient way to put on lipstick!


Electrifying colour and immensely hydrating, Milani Cosmetics introduces Lip Flash - spring’s trendiest beauty accessory in Crayola-chic form! This highly-pigmented pencil allows you to perfect your pout with the convenience of a pencil and the coverage of a lipstick.

Lip Flash is easily sharpened, non-tacky and has a anti-feathering formula.

Available in 8 eye-catching shades:
- Lip Flash
- News Flash
- Flash Light
- Photo Flash
- Hot Flash
- Flashy
- In a Flash
- Star Flash

image: press release

Product Review: Gehwol Med Salve for Cracked Skin

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Gehwol Med
Name: : Salve for Cracked Skin
Size: 75 ml / 2.6 oz
Price:
- 20 ml for $2.96 CAD
- 75 ml for $16.73 CAD
- 125 ml for $26.60 CAD
- 450 ml for $75.97 CAD

Gehwol Med, a leader in footcare products, recently sent me their Salve for Cracked Skin, which couldn't have come at a better time as this year's winter has been extra tough on my skin for some reason, and my skin have been drier than usual, which has been driving me crazy.

An ointment for the treatment of heavily callused, brittle, dry and rough skin, Gehwol Med Salve for Cracked Skin contains a combination of natural essential oils, the skin-caring vitamin panthenol, and the anti-inflammatory chamomile component bisabolene.

To Purr About:
- a little product goes a long way
- massages in easily
- cracked skin is instantly softened
- good of very dry skin

Claws Out:
- strong medicinal smell
- quite greasy

Final Comments:
When I first opened the tube, I was a little turned off my the strong medicinal smell, but then, I guess this is why it's "salve" as opposed to a "cream". Anyhow, I got past the smell and started applying it onto the bottoms of my feet.

It's quite greasy, but that also means that it massages into skin very easily. I countered the greasiness by putting on socks after application, which is something I've been doing with most foot creams anyway.

The one thing that makes the smell and greasiness all worthwhile is that my skin was instantly soothed. I didn't get too excited at first, since most creams always offer instant, yet temporary, relief. However, the next day, I noticed that the skin on the bottoms of my feet, which were quite dry the day before, were still softened. And the day after that, and the day after that. In fact, after one application, my skin was more hydrated than it had been for weeks. And the hydration this salve provided actually lasts and makes a difference to my skin.

The only reason I wouldn't be able to use this every single day is the smell is quite strong (I could still smell it the morning after application), but it's definitely something to keep handy whenever my skin gets too dry.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: gehwolonline.com

Weekend Beauty Reads From The Beauty Blog Network

Gloria of DivaShop reviews & swatches 3 $1 e.l.f. eyeshadow quads.

Megan from Painted Ladies talks about Maybelline's Great Lash and other beauty pet peeves.

Phyrra has partnered with Apothica for a giveaway! Go enter!

A Touch of Blusher reviews RMK's spring 2011 makeup collection.

Cinnamon Kitten tests the herbal waters with a review of Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner.

Jeweled Thumb looks at one of the most peculiar NYFW trends of the week Caviar just isn't for eating.

Product Review: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Herbal Essences
Name: : Hello Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner
Size: 300 ml
Price: approx. $7 CAD each

Part of the new Herbal Essences line, the Hello Hydration pair promises to "deeply condition hair with essential moisturizers to help leave hair vibrant looking, silky and manageable."

This pair is infused with extracts of Hawaiian coconut and orchid.

To Purr About:
- I LOVE the scent of light coconut and orchi - very tropical
- shampoo left my hair squeaky clean, but it didn't feel like it was stripped
- conditioner left my hair very soft
- hair styled easily after drying
- bottles are designed so that they have flat bottoms at both ends - great for standing the bottles up so that all the product goes to one end

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
Let's start this off by saying that I'm NOT a fan of the Herbal Essences commercials - the ones where the women have fantasies of being actresses or rock stars and ends with the tag line "Someone's been doing the herbal". I just found it kind of silly.

But I used to use Herbal Essences so was definitely game on giving the new line a try. I chose Hello Hydration because winter definitely leaves my hair drier than normal and I was hoping this shampoo/conditioner combination would give me some added hydration.

First off, I LOVE the scent of this shampoo. It's a light coconut, mixed with orchid, and it's a very tropical without being too sweet.

The shampoo left my hair feeling very clean, almost squeaky clean, but without feeling like it had been stripped. The conditioner afterwards made my hair feel very moisturized and hydrated. After drying, my hair felt really soft and was easily styled.

The best part was the next day after I first used the shampoo/conditioner, it was really windy and I kept getting whiffs of the tropical coconut smell - a lovely, uplifiting scent on a cold, wintery day. :)

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: well.ca

Product News: Jack Black introduces 2 new Intense Therapy Lip Balms with SPF 25

Brand: Jack Black
Name: Intense Therapy Lip Balms with SPF 25
Price: $7.50 USD

Jack Black's amazing Intense Therapy Lip Balm with SPF 25 now comes in 2 new flavours, which expands the collection to 5. My favourite has always been Lemon & Chamomile, so I can't wait to try these 2 new ones. I know, Jack Black is a guys line, but these lip balms are amazing that they are a favourite of mine.

Flavours now include:
- Vanilla & Lavender - herbal, soothing and healing
- Natural Mint & Shea Butter - clean and tingly to freshen breath
- Lemon and Chamomile - mellow and refreshing to calm and soothe
- Grapefruit and Ginger (new) - fresh, subtly citrus and energizing
- Black Tea & Blackberry (new) - smooth and subtly sweet with powerful antioxidants

image: press release

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew

Canadians - It's Estee Lauder Bonus Time!

Retailer: Holt Renfrew

Duration: until February 11-20, 2011

Minimum amount you need to spend: $60 CAD (before taxes)

What You Get:

- Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Creme, 15ml

- Re-Nutriv Hydrating Creme Cleanser, 50ml

- Pure Color Compact - a selection for lips and eyes - 8 coordinating eyeshadows: Sugar Biscuit, Polished Platinum, Sepia Sand, Iridescent Violet, Peacock Blue, Amazing Grey, Newport Blue and Intense Violet; plus 3 lipsticks: Pink Parfait, Rubellite and Hot Kiss)

- Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Rose Tea, full size

- Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black, 10-day supply

- fashion tote

image: e-newsletter

Product Review: Honey'do Shampoo & Conditioner

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Honey'do
Name: : Shampoo & Conditioner
Size: 8 oz each
Price: $16 USD each (or $30 USD for a set of shampoo & conditioner together)

How adorable is this? As soon as I saw the photo of this shampoo and conditioner set, I knew I had to try it! Who hasn't drizzled delicious, golden honey out of a plastic bear? :)

I love honey in all its forms and I know that it's very healthy for you. It's one of nature's most perfect foods, so it's not surprising that many beauty companies have been looking for ways to take advantage of honey's many spectacular properties.

The Honey'do shampoo is formulated with organic honey and promises to gently clean without stripping your hair, so it's perfect for everyday use.

The Honey'do conditioner is lightweight and made with organic honey that leaves hair full of body and manageability.

Both products are paraben and sulfate free.

To Purr About:
- super sweet honey smell
- shampoo left hair squeaky clean
- conditioner left hair soft
- conditioner has a silky texture to it

Claws Out:
- smell may be too sweet for some
- shampoo doesn't lather up a lot, which I prefer

Final Comments:
After I got past the adorable packaging, I was a little blown away by the sweet smell. It smells exactly like honey, but that may be off-putting for some as it's super sweet. I didn't mind it too much, but would have preferred something a little more subtle.

I prefer shampoos that lather up, which this shampoo doesn't do, but it definitely left my hair squeaky clean. Literally. My hair felt really clean and I was concerned that it was a little harsh on my hair, but after finishing off with the conditioner, my hair felt great. It was soft and manageble.

For those that like sweet things, adorable packaging and light-lathering shampoo, this would be a great treat. It's also good for those that prefer a more natural shampoo and conditioner.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: abeautifullife.com

Product News: The Body Deli Dark Chocolate Truffle Scrub

Brand: The Body Deli
Name: Dark Chocolate Truffle Scrub
Size: 16 oz
Price: $32 USD

Made with raw Certified Organic Ecuadorian Cacao beans, The Body Deli's Dark Chocolate Truffle Scrub polishes away dull skin while leaving a sweet aroma on the skin.

This body scrub is formulated with rich organic African Shea, organic Cocoa and organic Virgin Coconut Butter. These amazing butters soften and leave the skin feeling hydrated, soft and buttery. Extra fine grain sea salt is used to create a gentle exfoliating skin polish that refines and smoothes the skin. Nutrient-rich precious oils further enhance this spa quality experience. Pure all natural therapeutic essential oils are used to impart the healing essence of true aromatherapy.

Only available in February, this delicious-sounding body scrub would be a lovely Valentine's treat.

image: press release

Product News: Earthly Elements Moroccan Vanilla Body Wash & Body Lotion

Brand: Earthly Elements
Name: Moroccan Vanilla Body Wash
Name: Moroccan Vanilla Body Lotion
Price: $9.99 USD each

Looking for an affordable Valentine's Day gift? Check out Earthly Elements new Moroccan Vanilla Body Wash and Body Lotion. This body wash and lotion helps keep skin touchably soft and hydrated and leaves behind a lovely scent.

The Moroccan Vanilla Body Wash soothes and nourishes skin with aloe, arnica, chamomile, lavender and white tea to calm.

The Moroccan Vanilla Body Lotion contains jojoba, flax seed, rose hip, extracts of lavender, chamomile, calendula, cucumber, green & white tea and borage oils for hydration that lasts all night.

To make this a sweet little beauty gift, each bottle is adorned with unique keepsake charms featuring messages like "HOPE", "SPIRIT" and "SERENITY". These cute charms can be used as a keychain, hair tie, cell phone or handbag trinket.

Each product is made with premium ingredients and pre-and pro-probiotics for balance. The ingredients do not include any parabens, glycols, SLS, phthalates, silicones, EDTA, artificial fragrances and petroleum based ingredients.

image: press release

Product News: NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil

Brand: NARS
Name: Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil
Price: $24 USD

The new NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil takes everything beloved about the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, and swaps the formula for one that’s glossy. The new pencils leave a non-sticky luminosity to lips, while featuring a lightweight formula enriched with Vitamin E and a blend of moisture-rich hyaluronic spheres for a lustrous look that’s exceptionally rich.

The convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick in a jumbo-size crayon design.

Available in 6 beautifully glazed shades:
- Happy Days: pink coral infused with gold shimmer
- Frivolous: iridescent seashell pink
- Baroque: raspberry sorbet
- New Lover: gold infused strawberry pink
- Hopi: honey beige
- Club Mix: sheer grape

image: press release

Clinique Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

I love the adorable bag and compact that comes with this bonus!

Retailer: The Bay

Duration: until February 27, 2011

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

What You Get:

- a cosmetics bag
- Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer
- Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
- Soft Pressed Powder Blusher in New Clover
- Long Last Lipstick in Pink Spice
- Quickliner For Eyes in Dark Chocolate
- Lash Doubling Mascara in Black

image: e-newsletter

Product Review: Rimmel Glam’Eyes Mascara

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Rimmel
Name: : Glam’Eyes Mascara
Size: 0.27 fl. oz. / 8 mL
Price: approx. $9 CAD

Shade: 003 Extreme Black

From their website: “Seductive Volume. Turn heads. New VolumFlex Brush styles lashes for sensational volume and instant separation. Ultra supple elasto-bristles groom each lash, lacquering them from root to tip for a spectacular 7 x more lash intensity. Big Lash Seduction. High Definition. Maximum lash impact. Impeccable definition. Smoothing formula glides through lashes, wrapping each one for ultimate volume yet perfect separation. Lashes look dramatically amplified yet sleekly defined - even up close and personal.”

To Purr About:
- brush is very defined
- bottle removes excess mascara from brush well so there isn’t that much extra gunk
- competitive price

Claws Out:
- makes my lashes very hard and crispy
- didn’t add any more volume to my lashes than the other mascaras I’ve tried
- dries out very quickly (in a few weeks)
- mascara still clumped on my lashes

Final Comments:
I’m definitely no pro when it comes to mascara as I only use it on very special occasions, but I’m always tempted when I see all the mascara commercials. When I recently had to go to a themed costume party during the holidays I decided to give a new mascara a try to add to the affect.

I’ve had really great experiences with Rimmel’s products, so I had pretty high hopes for their Glam’Eyes mascara. I really liked the brush. It was very defined and with a silicone type brush seemed to not have too much excess mascara on it. Also the bottle opening was so tight that it removed any excess very well.

Unfortunately I wasn’t too impressed with the result. It had a very odd texture and made my lashes very crispy and brittle feeling which didn’t bode well for the curling process. Also it didn’t seem to add any major volume to my lashes. My other major complaint is that it dried out in a few weeks meaning I used it about twice and then had to toss it out.

I don’t think I’ll be trying this product again. I still love Rimmel and use their products daily (like their blush), but won't be using Glam’Eyes again.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: rimmellondon.com

Product News: Finesse Clean + Simple

Brand: Finesse
Name: Clean + Simple


For those with sensitive skin, (or lips, like Suziesaurus), finding products that don't irritate their bodies can be a challenge. Many beauty brands now offer a lot of products specifically for this problem, but there haven't been many that offer this in the hair care field.

Finesse has just launched a new affordable, hypoallergenic hair care line - Finesse Clean + Simple - that is dermatologist tested to be non-irritating and free of allergens.

What Clean + Simple DOESN'T have:
- sulfates, a cleansing and foaming agent common in shampoos that's harsh to skin and hair, and can strip colour from hair
- parabens, a preservative believed to have properties similar to the hormone estrogen
- gluten, a protein often functioning as a conditioning agent, and a concern for those who suffer from gluten intolerance or dermatitis herpetiformis
- dyes, in personal products simply to improve appearance, and a frequent source of skin irritation.

What Clean + Simple does have:
- an extra gentle surfactant to cleanse hair without scalp irritation or excessive drying
- a light fragrance, certified hypoallergenic
- specially selected conditioning agents to leave hair soft and shiny without build up
- an advanced hairspray resin in a low alcohol hairspray formula.

Available in this collection:
- Clean + Simple Shampoo for Normal Hair, 10 oz
- Clean + Simple Conditioner for Normal Hair, 10 oz
- Clean + Simple Shampoo for Dry/Color Treated Hair, 10 oz
- Clean + Simple Conditioner for Dry/Color Treated Hair, 10 oz
- Clean + Simple Flexible Hold Hairspray, Non-Aerosol, 8.5 oz

image: press release

Weekend Beauty Reads From The Beauty Blog Network

Phyrra introduces you to a new company, Black Rose Minerals.

Sheila from Painted Ladies breaks down how to wear orange lipstick without making you feel like a clown!

A Touch of Blusher rounds up spring 2011's makeup trends.

The Makeup Divas is having a giveaway. Check it out and enter HERE.

What makes someone a professional? Jeweled Thumb discusses the creative fields in her post 'Pro Or No'.

Cinnamon Kitten checks out the bunny ears on the new Playboy fragrances for women.

Product News: Lavanila Laboratories I Love Lavanila gift set

Brand: Lavanila Laboratories
Name: I Love Lavanila gift set
Size: n/a
Price: $49.50 USD

Who doesn't like a good gift set? Especially one that provides some great, portable products for the girl on the go. And I LOVE the scent of these!

Each I Love Lavanila gift set includes (all in portable sizes):
- The Healthy Fragrance
- Healthy Body Butter
- Healthy Deodorant

And all the products featured in the gift set are free of petrochemicals, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicones, synthetic dyes, sulfates and parabens.

Available in 2 yummy scents:
- Pure Vanilla
- Vanilla Grapefruit

image: press release

Looking forward to 2011

Now that January is over, I've been spending a lot of time thinking about things I'd like to do on Cinnamon Kitten - things that, I hope, will make this blog even better.

When I started this little blog 4 years ago (WOW), it was just a place for me to run a few product reviews, meet some fellow beauty-product lovers and just really, gab about beauty in general. Never did I ever dream that it would still be going strong several years later! During that time I've met lots of great people, refined my blogging style, learned TONS about the beauty industry and had a huge amount of fun.

So, for 2011, one of my goals is to make this blog even better. I've kind of slacked off the past couple of months, spending more time focusing on relaxing and recharging, and now I'm really re-energized to improve and grow Cinnamon Kitten.

What's in store? Well, I've already launched the new colour scheme (you noticed that, right?), but more importantly, I'm hoping to increase the content on the blog. So, on top of the product reviews you've come to expect, there will be more Product News (to replace the NEW Products posts), expert advice, interviews with people in the beauty industry and more contests! I'm also working on a way for you to easily search through all of the past product reviews (more on that soon!)

I hope you like it and I want to hear from you! This blog wouldn't exist if not for all my lovely readers, so help me spread the word about Cinnamon Kitten! Or if you have any suggestions, questions, comments or want to do a guest product review, shoot me an email (cinnamonkitten@gmail.com) - I'd love to hear from you!