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.

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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.

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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/