Product Review: Olay Pro-X Clear Intensive Refining Mask

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Olay
Name: : Pro-X Clear Intensive Refining Mask
Size: 50 ml
Price: approx. $33.00 USD

What it says on their website:
This sulfur acne treatment is applied as a refining mask and can be used up to twice a week to:
- Dry current breakouts
- Absorb oil
- Reduce overall shine

To Purr About:
- left skin feeling super clean, refreshed and soft
- really helped reduce the oil and shine on my face
- helped control breakouts
- didn’t leave skin feeling dry
- didn’t irritate my super sensitive skin

Claws Out:
- sulfer smell lingered in my skin for rest of the day


Final Comments:
I like to indulge once in a while on my skin with special treatments to help me feel pampered at home, so i was excited to try my first mask product by Olay. This product is targeted to reduce the oiliness in your skin which is perfect for me, because I do suffer from an oily complexion.

I am really impressed with this refining mask. I used it about twice a week and it left my skin feeling absolutely fantastic each time. It’s quick (only have to wait about 5 minutes for it to dry) and easy to use and is very effective. Best of all it didn’t irritate my super sensitive skin.

It is a bit steeper in price, but since you only have to use a little bit of product and it’s only meant to be used twice a week, I think it’s reasonable.

From what I hear, the sulfer ingredient is very effective in absorbing oil, but it also results in a sulfer smell that lingers around in my skin (for the rest of the day) which I didn’t really enjoy.

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 MUA: Anna Luciano

Makeup Artist Q&A Session with: Anna Luciano

Based in: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Connect with Anna:
- Blog: www.iheartmakeupart.wordpress.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iHeart.makeup.art
- Tumblr: www.iheartmakeupart.tumblr.com

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Tell us a little about yourself.

Gosh...there is so much to say about myself! In short, I’m 23 years young, I’m a girly girl in every aspect but at the same time I’m really rough (if that makes any sense). I’m energetic, outgoing, friendly, the life of every party. I’m just somebody people want to be around because of my no b/s, no drama lifestyle =)

Are you a full-time MUA? If not, what else do you do?

I work as a make-up artist, part-time. Trying my hardest to get my big break! I blog about makeup, too! Product reviews, tutorials, hauls, etc. Since my make-up artistry is part-time right now, I work administration full-time at a car dealership. What can I say? I love both my jobs!

What inspired you to become a MUA? Where did you learn/practice your art?

I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I decided this is what I wanted to do as a career. I started on myself, for fun. I never thought I’d be working on other people. I don’t have any professional training, I’ve learned by watching YouTube beauty gurus and practicing like a mad woman on anyone and everyone.


Do you have a specialty or a signature look/colour?

I really love bright lips. Most of the time, the focus is on the eyes but bright, bold lips are just as fun! I’ve got this thing for bright orange lips right now. It’s just so exotic.

What do you love most about being a MUA? What do you hate?

I love the people I met and the continuous learning. Every person is different, they have different ideas, different features, different personalities. I think that’s the most fun part of my job because it gets my creative juices flowing. As terrible as this sounds, I find washing my brushes such tedious work but it HAS to be done - after every use! But I look at it this way, if I’m washing my brushes it means I’ve been working and that’s always a great thing!

In your career as a MUA, what has been your favourite or most creative client job?

My MUA career is just getting started. Mostly, I’ve worked on brides & bridesmaids. I love seeing the look on a bride's face after I’m done. Especially the older brides who love feeling/looking young & youthful on their special day

If you could do makeup for a photo shoot for anyone in the world (living or dead, real or fictional), who would it be and why?

I want to work on Lady Gaga. She is so intense & so fierce.

What makeup brands do you use most in your job and why?

I use a mix of everything! From MAC to Lise Watier to Sleek Makeup and back again!


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

I cannot live without my MAC Fix+ spray, my Lise Watier Havana All Over Baked bronzer and Shiseido lipstick!

What current makeup trends are you loving? Any trends you hate?

I really love a subtle eye with a bright pop of color on the lips. It’s my everyday go-to look at my full-time job.

What’s one great beauty tip that you can share with my readers?

Ladies (and gents), please remember you are ALL beautiful with or without your
make-up. Be yourself, be happy, be healthy, be confident. That’s all beauty really is and we all have it in us.

Anything else before we go?

My services are mobile & I travel all over the Greater Toronto Area. To book me, please contact me via email makeupartbyanna@gmail.com.

You can see my work on my Facebook page and in the Gallery on my Wordpress blog.

Thank you for this awesome opportunity, Cinnamon Kitten!

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Product Review: Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Olay
Name: : Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo
Size: 1.9 g / 0.06 oz
Price: approx. $30.00 CAD

What it says on their website:
"Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo works together to remove find to medium facial hair from the upper lip, chin, cheek and jaw areas in two easy steps. First, a gentle Skin Guarding Balm conditions skin to it’s less prone to irritation. Then Olay Hair Removal Cream removes hair to reveal smooth, visibly hair-free skin. Gentler and effective together with less irritations.”

To Purr About:
- simple 2 step process
- no mess
- didn’t irritate skin
- removed hair very effectively
- left skin feeling super smooth and soft
- no major chemical smell

Claws Out:
- a bit pricey

Final Comments:
I’ve always on the lookout for products that will save me time and money, so when I saw this product I was interested to give it a try. I figured it might be a good alternative to waxing, threading, etc.

I was a bit surprised that about the need for "guarding balm", because it made me wonder how harsh the hair removal cream was since I’ve used hair removal creams before for my legs and don’t remember having to use a pre-product. But I suppose this is a good thing as the skin on our faces is probably more sensitive than the skin on our legs.

I am pretty impressed with this product. I have normal hair I think (not thick or dark) and was pretty careful to follow the instructions. In the end I found it to be effective, easy to use and absolutely no mess. It removed my hair and left my skin feeling super smooth. The complete process takes 6-8 minutes.

And although it is a bit pricier, it does last quite long because only a tiny bit of product is required during each use.

Rating (out of 5):



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

Product News: Bath & Body Works Autumn-themed Hand Soaps & Body Lotion

Brand: Bath & Body Works

Where to buy: Bath & Body Works stores and online at www.bathandbodyworks.com.

I love, love, love Bath & Body works' Anti-Bacterial hand soaps - there's always one in my bathroom and I love trying new scents (although our latest one, Pink Grapefruit, is proving pretty popular with both my and GuineaHubby). So it's always fun to see what else is on the shelves at Bath & Body Works!

There are 2 new collections coming out this fall - one with Autumn-themed scents and one creepy, fun collection for Halloween. Here are a few of the offerings in each collection:

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap, $5.50 USD
Soft bursts of lightweight foam gently wash away dirt and germs, while leaving skin soft and lightly scented.


Autumn-themed soaps:
- Pumpkin Caramel Latte
- Orchard Leaves
- Creamy Pumpkin
- Cranapple Crisp


Halloween-themed soaps:
- Sour Drop: a sweet blend of watermelon and cantaloupe
- Marshmallow: an addictive blend of marshmallow, toasted sugar with hints of roaring campfire, honeysuckle and vanilla
- Green Apple Candy: a juicy blend of fresh picked apples
- Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin: a blend of pumpkin pulp, fresh ginger, hint of rum and creamy vanilla


Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Body Lotion, travel size, $5 each or 3 for $10 (mix and match)
Bath & Body Works' Signature Body Lotion formula, fortified with powerful ingredients like super conditioning Shea Butter, fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and protective Vitamin E, hydrates skin with moisture that lasts all day. Our non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and completely to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished, making it the perfect daily moisturizer.
- Black Candy Apple: a blend of juicy apple, caramelized sugar and vanilla
- Plum Potion: a blend sweet plum, blood orange and black raspberry
- Wicked Spiced Pumpkin: a blend of white pumpkin, fresh ginger and whipped vanilla musk
- Sinful Vanilla: a blend of vanilla bean, whipped marshmallow and vanilla cream
- Spider Cider: a blend of juicy red berries, lemon and black sugar
- Scream-a-Colada: a blend of coconut, pineapple and a hint of rum

images: press releases

playing catch up...

Hi everyone!

I'm back from vacation (although I don't feel any more rested or relaxed - that's Vegas for you!) and trying to catch up on all the emails and stories that have accumulated while I took a break.

I'm hoping to really catch up on things this weekend and do a whole bunch of new reviews, so please bear with me as I wade through everything. :)

How was everyone's week while I was away?

Product News: Beyoncé Pulse

Brand: Beyonce
Name: Pulse

Where to buy (Canada): Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, PJC and Pharmaprix

I must admit, I'm not a huge fragrance girl. Mainly because my allergies are so sensitive that sometimes I will react to a fragrance even if I've worn it for months previously without a sneeze. So generally, I go without, although I do have a few scents that I love and stick to.

But one that always tempts me about fragrances are the amazingly creative bottles. They are so unique and beautiful that sometimes I want to start a fragrance collection just to display the bottles (I must get this from my mom who has a stunning collection of mini fragrance bottles).

Here's another example of a beautiful bottle.

The newest addition to the Beyoncé Parfums portfolio is Beyoncé Pulse, which will debut this October 2011.

Reflective of Beyoncé’s incredible energy and femininity, the fresh notes in Beyoncé Pulse intermingle to create a citrus, floral gourmand, anchored by Beyoncé’s favorite flower, the orchid.

At the heart of Beyoncé Pulse is the enticing Bluebird Orchid, renowned for its curvaceous shape, distinctive blue-indigo color and enchanting scent.

Top notes: Pear Blossom, Blue Curacao and frosted Bergamot
Middle notes: Bluebird Orchid, Peony and Midnight Blooming Jasmine
Base notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Musk and Woods

Packaged in an inverted chrome bottle, Pulse makes a visual statement. “I’m very proud of the Pulse packaging,” says Beyoncé. “I wanted to do something completely out of the box and modern, so we created the upside down, faceted bottle that highlights the blue juice inside. The chrome cap is inspired by my stage costumes, which I love because it incorporates fashion into the overall design…and I love fashion!”

image: press release

Cinnamon Kitten is off to Vegas!

Cinnamon Kitten is taking a little vacation so there won't be any updates to the blog until after I return on Thursday, Oct. 20.

Guinea Hubby and I are off to Las Vegas for some fun and frolic! I can't wait - this is my first vacation trip since we went to Hong Kong & Tokyo last November. I sooooo need a vacation!

Anyhow, if you're interested in seeing some of my Vegas photos as the action happens and you have Instagram, follow me! My username is "stormhound" :)

See you all soon!

My October Glymm Box

When I first opened this month's Glymm box, I was a tad disappointed with how empty it looked, but when I saw what was actually in it, I had to squeal just a tiny bit because it had something in it that I've been dying to try. :)


In my October Glymm box:
- Caudalie Premier Cru Cream, 2 ml / 0.06 fl. oz
- Lise Watier Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss in Melon Twist, 2.8 g / 0.10 oz
- Principessa Bacio Lip Balm, 14 g / 0.5 g
- Blinc Mascara in Black, 0.141 oz / 4 g
- orange and black jelly beans

I saw the Principessa lip balm first and thought that was pretty exciting (I LOVE lip products!) but when I saw the Blinc mascara, I was pretty excited. I've been dying to try this mascara for awhile now but have just been lazy to buy another mascara since I rarely wear it and I have quite a few right now.

But thanks to my Glymm box, I have one to try! Very exciting!

So, now the question is - did anyone get something different in their Glymm box?

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

Product News: Two new Eye Products from Aveeno

Brand: Aveeno


Aveeno Positively Ageless Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, 15 ml, approx. $30.99 USD
Works to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, nourish the skin, and visibly reduce dark circles, helping to reverse the visible signs of aging around the eyes.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator, 15 ml, approx. $23.99 USD
The Active Naturals Total Soy Complex works to brighten and even skin tone, and helps to fight dark circles and dryness around the eyes. Daily use leaves skin softer and smoother, with a healthier-looking glow. Brush applicator helps target the areas most in need. Oil-Free.

images: press release

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!

Oh wow, I can't believe that it's almost been a week since I last blogged! Sorry for disappearing like that, but, as many of you know, it was Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada this pas weekend, so I was really swamped with family getogethers (3 days = 3 family dinners!).

I'm going to be super-busy this week too - a short work week always makes this tougher, plus I'm going on vacation for the first time in over a year and spending 5 days in Las Vegas! Whoo-hoo! (More on that to come!)

I hope all my fellow Canadians had a wonderful and safe holiday weekend and that everyone is fully recovering from all the meals and family visits!

Product News: Olay launches three new products

Brand: Olay

Where to buy: anywhere Olay products are sold

Olay recently revealed three products that address the most hidden beauty concerns.

(please note: all prices are approximate.)


Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Wrinkle Revolution Complex, $39.99 CAD
A moisturizer that utilizes optics-based skincare to smooth skin and relax the appearance of wrinkles in an instant.

Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol, $49.99 CAD
A daily skin care regimen that's designed to treat acne and minimize the appearance of pores and refine texture. Specifically designed with the needs of adult skin in mind. The three-step system includes:
- step 1 - Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Pore Clarifying Cleanser: a wash off salicylic acid acne treatment that reduces oil and removes dead skin to help prevent clogged pores, while helping prevent new acne from forming.
- Step 2 - Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Skin Clearing Treatment: a full face leave-on salicylic acid treatment designed to bring acne under control and help prevent future breakouts.
- step 3 - Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion: a sheer moisturizer that hydrates to help fade the look of spots and redness for an overall renewed appearance.

Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo, $29.99 CAD
Olay’s first system that gently and effectively removes fine to medium unwanted facial hair. Available October 3, 2011. The easy-to-use, two-step system includes:
- step 1 – Skin Guarding Balm: This new-to-Olay technology is our first pre-treatment which helps prepare skin for hair removal by providing a thin guarding layer while still exposing hair.
- step 2 – Hair Removal Cream: This water-based cream is built on standard high pH, calcium thioglycolate technology. Infused with a fresh, light scent, the Hair Removal Cream is applied over the guarding balm to weaken and effortlessly remove fine to medium hair.

images: press release

Product Review: Mederma Scar Gel

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Mederma
Name: : Scar Gel
Size: 20 g / 0.70 oz.
Price: $19.99 CAD

What it says on their website:
"Original Mederma Gel is serious skin care for scars. It's clinically proven to improve the softness, texture and overall appearance of scars."


To Purr About:
- no strong odour
- easy to apply
- absorbs quickly into skin
- did lighten my scars a bit

Claws Out:
- have to apply it 3 - 4 times a day
- a bit pricey
- takes longer to work on older scars
- may cause itchiness
- scar didn’t completely go away in my case

Final Comments:
I was pretty excited to try Mederma’s Scar get, because I have extremely sensitive and irritable skin, so I am often left with many unattractive scars due to scratching and dry skin. I chose a larger scar that I’ve had for a few months to test this product out on.

I found this scar gel nice in that it didn’t have any strong odour (had a subtle and pleasant smell of aloe) and absorbed in to my skin quickly.

Although I have had so-so results with this product, I have to be fair since Mederma does suggest that this product yields the best results on newer scars and also suggests applying 3 to 4 times a day, but I just couldn’t be consistent enough with my applications. At most I applied this product twice a day.

After using a whole tube of this product my scar is definitely lighter, but it’s hard to tell if that was due to the product or just time and being moisturized constantly. I did enjoy using this product as my scar did lighten, but it is a bit pricey. I might pick up this product again, but due to the price it’d have to be a pretty bad scar and one I was desperate to get rid of.

Rating (out of 5):

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

Weekend Beauty Reads From The Beauty Blog Network

Phyrra disseminates this month's Independent Spotlight about the darkly delightful Distorria and Detrivore Cosmetics!

When Megan Murray from Painted Ladies takes on the Fall 2011 fashion and beauty report, you know it’s going to be amazing.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Dior Blue-Tie.

Pink Sith has fallen in love with yet ANOTHER nude lipstick. This time it's Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Whisper!

Beauty and Fashion Tech tells the story of a lipstick eating dog and Why Lancome Bi-Facial is the Best Makeup Remover Ever

Girl Gloss has a Tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner Swatch

Cinnamon Kitten starting Fall off with a clean (face) slate and gives away an OXY Clinical Acne Solutions pack.

Caroline from HelloDollface loves this dreamy skincare from Tara Walker.

The Shades Of U has swatches of the MAC Fall Colour Collection.

Beauty Bits - Breast Cancer Awareness edition

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and there are lots of beauty companies and products around the globe are out there supporting the cause!

Here are just a few highlights for 2011:

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The 2011 edition of OPI’s Pink of Hearts will follow in the footsteps of its namesake since 2007, in raising awareness of breast cancer during the month of October. Additionally, OPI will be making a donation of $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer. Pink of Hearts gives a crackled, 2-textured pink finish over any OPI hue and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Available October 2011 at Professional Salons and Spas for $10.95 CAD suggested retail price.

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Crabtree & Evelyn will be donating $1.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for each specially tagged Crabtree & Evelyn NEW Pink Rosewater item sold in the United States during the month of October, with a guaranteed donation of $20,000.

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For the month of October, TOCCA will be donating 15% of net proceeds from the sale of its Laundry Delicate line to Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

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For the month of October, Beautyblender, will donate 10% of all product sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

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LaLicious will donate 30% of sales from Sugar Kiss Sugar Souffle Body Scrub, sold during the month of October to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Price: $34, available at www.lalicious.com

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Dermelect Cosmeceuticals will be donating $15 from each Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ BCA special edition Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum sold during the month of October to the Young Survival Coalition, a NY-based charity that benefits young women battling breast cancer.

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Mama Mio will also donate $1 to Look Good... Feel Better for every purchase of Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer ($45 USD and packaged with a breast self-exam instructional pamphlet) made on www.mamamio.com during the month of October.

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For every eos Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet ($3.29 USD) purchased in October, 5% of proceeds will be donated to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to fund research for Breast Cancer treatment and prevention.

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Tweezerman is proudly introducing the new 2011 limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness version of their best-selling, perfectly precise Slant Tweezer – Precision in Pink ($20 USD). Blanketed in a white enamel color finish and adorned with the iconic BCA pink ribbon logo, made with pink Swarovski Elements. $1.00 from the sale of each limited edition Precision in Pink Slant Tweezer will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the CEW Cancer and Careers organizations among other charities throughout the country.