Cinnamon Kitten Contest: EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone cosmetic bags

Although Earth Day is officially on April 22, that doesn't mean we can't celebrate being eco-friendly year-round.

There are many companies who are doing their part to keep our world beautiful (and not just by selling cosmetics!) so to keep you in the "Earth Day" mood, Cinnamon Kitten is giving away a couple of fun cosmetic bags from EcoTools!

I'm a big fan of EcoTools and use several of their brushes in my daily routine. The EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone line features pretty, eco-friendly makeup bags in several sizes - you're bound to find something that fits your needs.

There are TWO ways to win, so enter twice to double your chances!

THE BLOG GIVEAWAY


Prize: EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone Brush Set and Bag

Prize Details:
A double compartment cosmetic bag with room for both your brushes and makeup essentials! Alicia chooses these brushes for a fresh complexion, rosy glow, and clean, natural look. There are also tips inside to achieve Alicia's natural look. EcoTools brushes feature bamboo handles, recycled aluminum ferrules and incredibly soft, cruelty-free taklon bristles. The bag is made with natural hemp and cotton, has a recycled PET lining, and the hangtag is printed on tree-free stone paper. Brush set includes:
- Blush Brush
- Mini Foundation Brush
- Mini Powder Brush
- Detailed Eye Shading Brush
- Spoolie Brush

To enter:
- Leave a comment on this blog post sharing your favourite eco-friendly tip (doesn't have to be beauty related). Don't forget to leave an email where I can reach you if you win!

THE FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY


Prize: EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone Cosmetic Bag

Prize Details:
Small enough for on-the-go and deep enough to hold all of your essentials! Alicia loves this bag because it's the perfect size for all of her beauty must-haves. The bag is made with natural hemp and cotton, has a recycled PET lining, and the hangtag is printed on tree-free stone paper.

To enter:
- "Like" the Cinnamon Kitten Facebook page and answer my wall post that asks what brand of cosmetic case you currently use. If you win, I'll send you a message through Facebook!

Notes (applies to both contests):
- The contest is open to Canadian & US residents only.
- Contest ends Monday, May 16, 2011
- Winner will be contacted via e-mail (or Facebook PM) and announced shortly after.

Clinique Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears

Duration: April 29 to May 17, 2011

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

What you get:
- Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
- 7-Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula
- High Impact Mascara in Black

- Different Lipstick in Tenderheart
- Eyes 1, 2, 3 Colour Compact in Goldens to Greens
- Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Apricot
- cosmetics bag

image: e-newsletter

Product Review: Aveeno Comforting Body Wash

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Aveeno
Name: Comforting Body Wash
Size: 473 ml
Price: approx. $7.50 CAD / $7.50 USD

Aveeno's body washes are soap-free formulations fortified with antioxidants to cleanse and moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and lightly fragranced long after you leave the bathroom.

The Aveeno Experiential body washes are a collection of rich formulas with some really amazing-smelling mixtures that include ingredients such as figs, grapefruits and lavender.

I was really excited to try this body wash since I'm a big fan of their Creamy Moisturizing Oil, plus I LOVE the scent of this Aveeno Comforting Body Wash - blackberry and vanilla!

To Purr About:
- light blackberry and vanilla scent was really nice in the shower - it lingered lightly afterwards, but not for long and not very strongly
- creamy body wash that lathers up very quickly
- good moisturizing body wash

Claws Out:
- depending on what you use to apply the body wash and how much you use, it may not be moisturizing enough

Final Comments:
So, I understand that this body wash wasn't labeled "extra moisturizing", but "comforting", so I had to keep that in mind when doing this review. I LOVE the scent of blackberries and vanilla, so it was lovely in the shower, but it wasn't too overpowering and didn't cling too strongly afterwards.

The first time I used this wash I used it a relatively small amount and didn't use a sponge or pouf, just my hands. The wash still lathered up decently, but left my skin feeling quite dry (enough that I had to apply a lotion right after). The next few times I used a shower pouf and a little more of the body wash. It lathered up like crazy and left my skin moitsurized.

I wouldn't say that this wash is extremely moisturizing, so if you're looking for some extra skin hydration from your body wash, this wouldn't be it. It does keep skin hydrated and sweet smelling though.

Rating (out of 5):




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

Product Review: Lise Watier HydraSmart 3D Hydration Creme

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Lise Watier
Name: : HydraSmart 3D Hydration Creme
Size: 50 ml
Price: approx. $40 CAD


From the press release: "Hydrasmart 3D Hydration Creme virtually drenches dry skin in moisture. Its unique formula enriched with ultra moisturizing peptides restores
skin’s ability to instantly capture and hold water inside the epidermis cells, 24 hours non-stop..."

"Light and non greasy, 3D Hydration Creme unveils a delicate, floral scent, a green bouquet with fresh, invigorating notes."

"Deeply hydrated with locked-in moisture, skin regains vitality, suppleness and softness for a sensation of unrivalled comfort. A smart approach to hydration!"

"This product is refillable - the empty inner cup can be recycled and replaced by a refill cup. The jar is therefore reusable! An ingenious idea to contribute to saving our planet, one little step at a time!"

To Purr About:
- alcohol and paraben free
- comes with little spatula to scoop cream out for use
- refillable cups mean less waste generated
- very light feeling
- leaves skin feeling super moisturized and supple
- not greasy

Claws Out:
- not too fond of the scent which reminds me of un-ripe citrus fruits

Final Comments:
I am always excited to try Lise Watier products for the first time as they are one of the brands I am consistently happy with. I think this is the first time I’ve tried a moisturizer by them, so I was a bit shocked when I first put it on that it stung my super sensitive skin initially. Happily it faded quickly and didn't seem to bother my skin at all after that.

This moisturizer leaves my skin feeling super hydrated and moisturized and super supple. It's a fantastic night cream and leaves my skin feeling fantastic and well rested and ready to take on the world the next morning.

As for the refillable cup – I do applaud Lise Watier for this option and I haven't come across too many products on the market that have thought of this, but it is a bit disappointing that our need for fancy packaging means that they had to turn to a refillable cup idea and not just simplify and slim down their packaging.

I used this product in conjunction with Lise Watier’s HydraSmart 3D Hydration Metamorphosis Cleanisng Gelée.

Rating (out of 5):




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

Product Review: Olay Skin Smoothing Cream Scrub

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Olay
Name: : Skin Smoothing Cream Scrub
Size: 177 ml / 6 fl oz
Price: approx. $10 CAD

"Deep cleans, gently exfoliates to rejuvenate, leaving skin radiant and noticeably smooth. Conditioning beta-hydroxy formula with microbeads. Dermatologist tested and oil-free."

To Purr About:
- light, creamy scrub with tiny beads
- scrubbing particles were pretty gentle and didn't scratch or hurt skin
- after use, skin didn't feel dry and did feel clean and smooth
- a little goes a long way

Claws Out:
- slightly drying for those with already dry or sensitive skin

Final Comments:
This scrub left my skin feeling clean and smooth and not too dry, although I'm used to putting on moisturizer after cleaning my face so it didn't really bother me. For those with skin that's on the dry or sensitive side, you may feel it dries your skin out a touch too much.

For me, I liked the light creaminess and gently scrubbers. This cream is very light and easily worked in. It's not greasy at all and washed off very easily, leaving nothing on the skin - no oily residue, not scrubbing particles, nothing which is really nice.

The amount that you need to give your face a good scrubbing is very little, making this a pretty good deal as you get a fairly good sized tube for $10.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten
image: well.ca

Weekend Beauty Reads From The Beauty Blog Network

Phyrra debuts Geek Chic Cosmetics new collection, N7 and gives you a sneak peek of an upcoming collection, Mana Screwed! So if you're a fan of Mass Effect or Magic the Gathering, you've gotta check them out.

To keep or to ditch? Megan from Painted Ladies reviews L'Oreal's new One Sweep eyeshadow.

Grey explores her brow obsession with Inglot!

Raging Rouge is thrilled to have found an inexpensive, hypoallergenic shampoo Finesse Clean + Simple!

The Makeup Divas are giving away three (3) full size jars of facial cream from True Promise Beauty. What a great gift this would make for you or for your mom this Mother's Day.

The Pink Sith Tells you all about her Super Fantastic Happy Happy Joy Joy Makeover from Armani Beauty at her local Neiman Marcus!

A Touch of Blusher loves Chanel Rouge Coco Shine.

Cinnamon Kitten chats with Sarah Crawley, founder of The Soap Girl.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic kicks off her concealer review series with a magnum opus on how and where to use undereye concealer to look awake.

Beauty Bits - green edition

In honour of Earth Day 2011, here are some eco-friendly beauty bits!

* * * * *

Lavanila Laboratories has an ongoing intiative to plant a tree for each purchase made on their web site. Plus, on April 21 & 22, 2011, for each new "Like" received on their Facebook page, Lavanila will plant a tree through the long-time partnership with The Nature Conservancy.

* * * * *

Tell Paul Mitchell how you're making the world a greener place for a chance to win a some carbon-neutral Tea Tree products and a 100% sustainable Paul Mitchell Bamboo Paddle Brush. Visit Paul Mitchell's Facebook page anytime between now and April 22, 2011 to enter.

* * * * *

10% of sales from the Juice Beauty USDA Collection will be donated to The Organic Center, plus:
- offer runs April 18-24, 2011
- free Organic Facial Rejuvenating Mask with every purchase
- 2 free Stem Cellular Repair Samples (moisturizer and eye treatment) with every order
- free shipping on purchases over $50

* * * * *

Get a free Naturals Lip Balm when you purchase 2 eligible Neutrogena Naturals products online at Neutrogena.com. Use promo code EARTHDAY at checkout. Offer ends May 1, 2011.

Product News: new La Senza Ooh La Nails and Ooh La Lips shades

Brand: La Senza
Name: Ooh La Nails
Price: $6.50 CAD each or 2 for $10 CAD

La Senza's new bright and playful nail polish colours adds a new spring touch to the La Senza Ooh La Nails collection.

The polish is long-lasting, chip-resistant and is DBP, toluene and formaldehyde-free.

New shades:
- Berry Barbados
- Ho Chi Mint
- Polynesian Purple
- Santorini Sunset


Brand: La Senza
Name: Ooh La Lips
Price: $7.50 CAD each or 2 for $10 CAD

La Senza has also added some new bold and bright colours to its Ooh La Lips lip gloss collection.

All lip glosses in the collection have super shine and a minty flavour.

New shades available:
- Coral Crush
- Orange You Sweet
- Pinking of You
- Pretty in Purple

image: lasenza.com

Cinnamon Kitten Q&A with Sarah Crawley of The Soap Girl

Q&A Session with: Sarah Crawley, Founder of The Soap Girl

How Cinnamon Kitten discovered The Soap Girl
Sarah had previously sent me samples of The Soap Girl products to review and I absolutely fell in love with the amazing scent of the Cranberry Citrus collection. The Solid Body Butter and Sugar Scrub is among the best I've ever tried out. You can read my review of The Soap Girl's Cranberry Citrus Sugar Scrub here.

* * * * *

Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start your own company.

I started the company originally 13 years ago. I had a baby daughter and wanted to be able to stay at home with her. It all began with one craft show and bath bombs! In November 2009 I launched a spa line The Soap Girl - which I am super excited about!


Tell us about The Soap Girl.

The Soap Girl is based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. We are a Canadian-based spa beauty company creating luxurious products that are infused with both organic oils and ingredients that have been ethically-produced (e.g. fair-trade sugar). This company has been built on a passion for creating beauty items that are beneficial and healthy for your skin. In our production kitchens, we hand-mix fresh ingredients including virgin coconut oil, organic soya bean oil, goji powders and clays that produce the highest quality products. The result is a collection of body polishes, body butters, shea butters and masques with a superior consistency, scent and quality that proves high standards and results.

Have both of you always had a fascination with beauty products?

I have always loved long relaxing luxurious baths - they are my favourite thing for "me" time! They became a real priority when I had three small children!


Besides The Soap Girl, what else occupies your days?

The Soap Girl takes up a lot of my time – production, sales, marketing and social networks – I am always trend spotting and testing beauty products. I try different products and scents to see what I like, I talk to women to get a sense of what they love or need or just can’t find, and I try out spa treatments and think of ways to make the ultimate spa product! But my full-time job that I love is being a “mom” this includes cooking, homework, chauffeuring and cheering from the sports sidelines…oh and some cuddle time!

What is your brand's most popular item? Why do my readers NEED to have it?

Our Thai Coconut Lime Collection is proving to be a favourite. With the power of antioxidants, virgin coconut oil and lime essential oil, the exotic island scented line provides not only essential skin benefits, but also evokes a feeling of relaxation and renewal. You cannot beat that this time of year!


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

That is so true. In addition to my own research and testing, I use the power of the internet. It keeps me up-to-date with what trends are taking place all the time! Reading blogs like yours is a great way - full of great information! :)

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

I choose and look for products that are made with natural ingredients, and fresh scents!

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

For makeup, I love Mac StudioFix and Spice Lipliner and mineral makeup eyeshadows. I also can’t live without shea butter for challenging winter skin dryness and of course, water! The best thing for glowing skin is lots of water.


What’s in store from The Soap Girl for 2011?

I really love what I do! We plan to keep growing and focusing on ingredients that are good for your body. I have a few new ideas we are working on, but don’t want to spoil the surprise. I am having so much fun with The Soap Girl and am so thankful for all the great customers!

* * * * *

You can shop The Soap Girl online here.

Product Review: Lise Watier Duo Glam Rouge Infini

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Lise Watier
Name: : Duo Glam Rouge Infini
Size: 6.8 g / 0.24 oz
Price: approx. $27 CAD

Shade Tried: Nude Beach Glam

Lise Watier's Duo Glam Rouge Infini combines a creamy, pigment-rich lipstick and a water-based liquid lip stain into one package.

Formulated with specially selected waxes, vitamin E, and a unique complex known to stimulate ceramide synthesis, this lipstick provides instant colour release without feathering. Its creamy and full coverage texture ensures ultimate comfort and a silky matte finish.

The two products can be used together or separately.

To Purr About:
- the stain is a very light liquid and has a slight glittery shine
- the stain provides a light colour coverage
- the stain dries fairly quickly if applied lightly
- both the stain and lipstick have a slight sweet, fruity scent and taste
- lipstick provides nice coverage and solid colour
- the thinner, angled design of the lipstick makes application really easy

Claws Out:
- none really
- lipstick doesn't last very long if worn on its own

swatch on the left: the lipstick in Nude Beach Glam
swatch on the right: the stain in Nude Beach Glam

Final Comments:
Another good product from Lise Watier, I love the look of the lipstick and the angled cut, which makes it easy for precision application. The stain lasts quite a long time and is light and non-drying.

The lipstick, if worn on its own, doesn't last very long, so it's better with the stain as a base. The colours available are pretty nice, and the one I use is pretty neutral and I wear it during the day to work as it's not too intense and lasts for a long time.

Rating (out of 5):

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

Beauty Bits

* * * * *

Glowing Beauty is offering an exclusive coupon code for Cinnamon Kitten readers to receive 10% off an Gehwol product at Glowing Beauty - a great Canadian online store. You can check out Cinnamon Kitten's review of Gehwol Med Salve for Cracked Skin for more info about the brand.

To get your 10% off, use coupon code cinnamonkittengehwol

Coupon expires on May 10, 2011.

* * * * *

Procter & Gamble is conducting a voluntary recall of 10 shades of Clairol Natural Instincts in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. The company said it's taking the step due to a mismatched ColorFresh!™ Revitalizer sachet in the kits that may create an unwanted colour result. The primary hair colourant is not affected and all of the products contained in the kit remain safe to use.

The following shades are affected:
Natural Instincts Shade 16 Light Auburn (Spiced Tea)
Natural Instincts Shade 35 Brown Black (Ebony Mocha)
Natural Instincts Crème Shade 03G Light Golden Blonde (Honey Crème)
Natural Instincts Crème Shade 7.5 Dark Blonde (Maple Crème)
Natural Instincts Crème Shade 21G Medium Golden Brown (Caramel Crème)
Natural Instincts Crème Shade 23R Medium Auburn (Raspberry Crème)
Natural Instincts Crème Shade 30R Dark Auburn (Cherry Crème)
Natural Instincts Crème Shade 31 Darkest Brown (Coffee Crème)
Natural Instincts Vibrant Shade 9 Light Blonde (Blonde Vibrance)
Natural Instincts Vibrant Shade 10 Extra Light Blonde (Sun-Kissed Blonde)

P&G is removing the products in question from store shelves and consumers with one of the impacted sachets can still use everything else in the kit, but should discard the ColorFresh.

People who have purchased the affected shades should call Clairol for a replacement coupon or refund at 866-493-0512 (M-F, 9 am - 6 pm ET)

Additional information is available at www.clairol.ca/alert

* * * * *

Skin MD Natural is giving one lucky winner a huge natural skin care prize pack worth an estimated $300 and 100 second place winners will receive samples of Skin MD Natural.

The giveaway is worth an estimated $300 and includes:
- 6 Bottles Skin MD Natural
- 6 Bottles Skin MD Natural SPF 15
- Natural loofah sponge with wood handle
- Natural lavender epsom salt bath soak
- Natural shower massage glove
- Relaxing scented candles
- Soothing gel eye mask
- Sea Sponge

You can visit the contest page here.

* * * * *

Suziesaurus picked up some adorable Hello Kitty products from the Sephora line recently.


Sephora Hello Kitty Nail Stickers - $7 CAD
Sephora Hello Kitty compact mirror - $23 CAD

You can check out the rest of the Sephora Hello Kitty Line here.

Beauty Bits

I often get lots of great beauty news, contest notifications and other useful information but just don't have time to post all everything that I come across, so I'm going to start a post called "Beauty Bits" which will just be quick pieces loaded with information that I think you may be interested in with links to more info.

Hope you enjoy them!

Lancome Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Lancome Bonus Time!

Retailer: The Bay

Duration: April 14 to May 8, 2011

Minimum amount you need to spend: $34 CAD (before taxes)

Choose 1 of the following:

- Renergie Lift Volumetry Volumetric Lifting and Reshaping Cream, 15 ml OR
- Absolue Premium Rx Absolute Replenishing Cream, 15 ml OR
- High Resolution Refill 3x Triple Action Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15, 15 ml

Choose 5 of the following:
- Genfique Youth Activating Concentrate, 7 ml
- Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, 50 ml
- Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Leg Gel with Pure Vitamin E
- Effacemes Long Lasting Softening Concealer
- Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss
- Color Design Sensation Effects Lip Color
- Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner Pencil
- Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow
- Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Black

Plus, you also get:
- Eclat Miracle Serum of Light Complexion Illuminator
- cosmetics bag

image: e-newsletter

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Estee Lauder Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears and sears.ca

Duration: March 31 to April 20, 2011

Minimum amount you need to spend: $34 CAD (before taxes)

Your choice of 1 of 2 gift sets

"Warm & Sunny" - What You Get:

- Pure Color Lipstick in Bois de Rose, 3.8 g
- Pure Color Eyeshadow Duo in Sugar Biscuit & Chocolate Bliss
- Sumptuous Mascara in Black, 2.8 mL
- Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, 30 mL
- Advanced Night Repair, 7 mL
- Resilience Lift Extreme SPF 15 for Dry Skin, 15 mL
- Blue Pattern cosmetic bag

"Cool & Fresh" - What You Get:
- Pure Color Lipstick in Plumberry, 3.8 g
- Pure Color Eyeshadow Duo in Tranquil Moon & Provocative Plum
- Sumptuous Mascara in Black, 2.8 mL
- Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, 30 mL
- Advanced Night Repair, 7 mL
- Resilience Lift Extreme SPF 15 for Dry Skin, 15 mL
- Blue Pattern cosmetic bag

If you spend a minimum of: $75 CAD (before taxes)


You'll get your choice of 1 of 2 gift sets (same choices as above) PLUS:
- Bronzer, Blush and Shimmer Powder compact
- matching pouch

image: sears.ca

Product Review: Olay Dual Action Cleanser + Pore Scrub

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Olay
Name: : Dual Action Cleanser + Pore Scrub
Size: 150 ml / 5.0 fl oz
Price: approx. $12 CAD

From their website: "Cleanses and exfoliates with a 2-in-1 foaming formula that helps minimize the appearance of pores.
- Removes two times more dirt and make-up than basic cleansing
- Exfoliates to refine skin and help minimize the appearance of pores
- Oil-free formula”

To Purr About:
- provides exfoliation
- leaves skin feeling refreshed and clean

Claws Out:
- have to be super careful not to get product in eyes
- exfoliating particles are not beads & can be a bit rough
- doesn’t help fight acne
- didn’t really help minimize the appearance of my pores
- pump dispenser can make quite a mess

Final Comments:
I love trying Olay products and I have been using this product twice a day for the last few months.

I think this product might be a good cleanser for those that are not prone to acne, but I am and although I haven’t had any breakouts since using this product I do seem to be getting more zits that usual.

I really enjoy the subtle scent and the way it leaves my skin feeling, but I am super careful not to get this product in my eye as I’m pretty sure it would cause major irritation if I did.

Lastly, I found the exfoliating particles a bit rough and scratchy for my sensitive skin. I would rate this product an average overall.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten
image: well.ca

Product Review: Olay Total Effects Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Olay
Name: Total Effects Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration
Size: 50 mL / 1.7 fl. oz.
Price: $28.99 CAD

From the Olay website: "Hydrate, to fight the signs of aging and refresh skin with a lightweight and oil-free daily moisturizer that contains a hint of mint extract for invigorating freshness.

- Moisturizes skin
- Contains vitamins, minerals and cooling mint extract for a fresh feeling
- Fights 7 signs of aging"

The 7 anti-aging benefits listed on the box are:
- line minizmization
- cooling moisturization
- energizes appearance
- gentle exfoliation
- pore refinement
- with antioxidants
- subtle firming

To Purr About:
- very light feeling – not tacky at all
- moisturizing
- glides on to skin easily
- absorbs quickly into the skin
- very subtle scent
- very gentle on skin
- seems to help keep wrinkles away

Claws Out:
- no SPF
- didn’t really make my skin look energized or feel firmed up
- might not be good for people with acne prone skin

Final Comments:
Every so often when my wrinkles start coming back I start to look for new products to help me fight against them. I’ve been using a lot of Olay products lately and decided to give their Total Effects Moisturizer a try.

I am using Olay’s Total Effects moisturizer in the mornings and in the evenings before I head to bed. It is very gentle and light feeling and works very well as a moisturizer even in dry winter conditions. I really liked how it absorbed quickly in to my skin and worked well under my makeup. It might be a bit heavy in the summer or for people with oily skin, but since I have dry skin it seems to work great for me.

I did notice that my furrow line/wrinkle has stayed away during the use of this product. Currently I am using an Olay cleanser/scrub face wash and a serum before bed, so I cannot say for sure this product is making my wrinkle disappear, but I think it is definitely playing a part in it.

I didn’t notice any major changes in my skin appearance for the better, like pore minimization or being “brighter” or more energized, but other than that and the fact that it doesn’t have SPF it is a great moisturizer.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten
image: olay.ca

Product New: Borghese Rapido Fast Dry Nail Lacquer collection

Brand: Borghese
Name: Rapido Fast Dry Nail Lacquer

The Borghese Rapido Fast Dry Nail Lacquer collection is a quick-drying, long-lasting formula in a variety of colours - from bold brights to chic Italian neutrals.

These long-wearing, nail-strengthening lacquers contain Borghese’s exclusive Aqua di Vita complex to help restore moisture and balance, while Micronized Gemstones add strength and brilliance. Each shade comes with a special Duale Curve Tip Brush custom designed to hug the shape of your nail for smooth, flawless application that lasts up to 7 days. The rich, saturated hues are free of DBP’s, Toluene and added Formaldehyde.

Shades available:
- Vigneto
- Marino
- Mochaccino
- Chroma
- Lira
- Menta
- Violetto
- Maraschino
- Siena
- Rosso
- Anemone
- Limoncello

image: press release

Product News: Reveal by Halle Berry

Brand: Halle Berry
Name: Reveal
Size & Price:
- Eau de Toilette 30 ml: $35 CAD
- Eau de Toilette 50 ml: $49 CAD

I'm not a fan of celebrity-inspired fragrances. I mean, I get the premise and the allure for both sides - for the celebrity, they put their name on something - make some money. For fans, they get to purchase something with their idol's name on it. I understand that in every aspect of retail, but fragrances always irk me because it's always "BY" the celebrity, as if they slaved away in the lab, creating the perfect scent to express themselves. Plus, there are, like, a million fragrances "by" celebrities on the market. It seems to be the latest fad to have a scent with your name on it.

So, I'm trying to look past the celebrity endorsements and more at the product and the packaging (I know you should never judge a book by its cover, but I personally know at least 3-4 gals that collect perfumes just for their bottles).

Halle Berry's latest fragrance, Reveal, comes in a vintage-style bottle shaped like a four-sided teardrop with ridges. The clear glass lets the golden fragrance show through and the bottle is topped off with a jewel-like cut cap.

Top notes: mimosa flower, juicy peach, honeydew melon, red berries
Middle notes: iris blossom, plumeria flower, neroli petals
Base notes: vetiver, cashmere woods, skin musk

image: press release

Product Review: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Too Faced
Name: Shadow Insurance
Size: 11 g / 0.35 fl oz
Price: approx. $24 CAD / $18 USD

When I ran out of my Urban Decay Primer Potion, I was determined to try another product as I was completely fed up with the fancy genie bottle that the UD primer came in. I found that so much product was wasted, I didn't want to waste my money on such annoying and wasteful packaging.

So for Christmas, I asked for (and received!) the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. It came in a handy tube, was silicone-based and the writing on the package promised to save me from "all fading, creasing, melting, blurring, oil-slicked shadow disasters."

It also says that it "locks [eyeshadows] down perfectly until you take it off. This soothing formula evens out the skintone on your lids and smoothes lines while securing a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup, so no shadow catastrophes will ever happen again...and it's concentrated: the size of a rain drop covers the entire lid."

To Purr About:
- a very tiny amount does take care of the entire lide
- doesn't mute eyeshadow or eyeliner colours
- if given ample time to dry, does last most of the day

Claws Out:
- very oily upon application and takes awhile to dry
- if it didn't dry completely before applying eyeshadow, my colours were creased by the end of the day

Final Comments:
This one took a while to get right. It's very oily-feeling when applied, although a teeny amount does give great coverage. After application, you have to really give it time to dry before applying any eye makeup. On days when I was rushed and didn't give it enough time to dry completely, I found my eyeshadow/eyeliner had faded and creased halfway through the day. On the days when I was more patient (very rare in the mornings) my eye makeup did last until the end of the workday, but not much longer. I almost always had to re-apply my eyemakeup before leaving the office at the end of the day if I wanted the same look I left the house in that morning.

In either case, the colour of the eyeliner/eyeshadows were pretty true to normal and weren't faded by the primer.

Although it's good on days when I'm not doing too much and for short trips, the Shadow Insurance definitely does NOT have the last power that my Urban Decay primer did. For the price, which is the same as the Urban Decay (for roughly the same amount), I'd go for UD, even if you have to really dig to get 1/5 of the product out of the genie bottle (or, like me, buy the huge Urban Decay Primer Potion Pro Version, that comes in a tube).

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: This item was purchased by Cinnamon Kitten
image: sephora.com

Product News: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Brand: March Jacobs Daisy
Name: Eau So Fresh
Size & Price:
- Eau de Toilette Spray 75 ml / 2.5 oz: $85 CAD
- Eau de Toilette Spray 125 ml / 4.2 oz: $110 CAD
- Body Lotion 150 ml / 5 oz: $45 CAD

One of my favourite things about the Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance is the bottle and packaging. Yes, there are many beautiful perfume designs out there, but this one always makes me think of spring. And with a long Canadian winter hopefully drawing to a close, I welcome anything that brings in the fresh spring feeling!

The Daisy Eau So Fresh is "a bright, floral, fruity fragrance. It radiates with a sunny and sparkling beauty."

The bottle is a take on the original Daisy bottle, but a little taller and slimmer and topped off with a bouquet of daisies on the gold cap.

Top notes: ruby red grapefruit, raspberry, green leaves, pear
Middle notes: violet, wild rose, apple blossom, lychee, jasmine petals
Base notes: musks, plum, cedarwood

image: press release