Product Review: Clean & Clear Morning Burst Body Wash

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Clean & Clear
Name: Morning Burst Body Wash
Size: 473 ml
Price: $6.99 CAD

Scent Tried: Boost Mango and Papaya

What it says on the website:

"Get Clean! Get energized! Get Going! New Clean & Clear Morning Burst body wash is designed to help stimulate your senses and energize you all over. Mprning Burst is the only body wash infused with Bursting Beads that are suspended with exotic fruit extracts. Feel the boost of mango & papaya fill your shower as the bubbly formula leaves your skin clean and refreshed.

Skin TypeOily, Normal, Combination”

To Purr About:

- pleasant papaya scent that isn’t too strong
- doesn’t dry out skin
- lathers up well
- a little product goes a long way
- leaves skin feeling clean

Claws Out:
- isn't super moisturizing

Final Comments:

I’ve been using Clean & Clear’s Morning Burst Body Wash in Boost Mango & Papaya scent for the last few weeks and I’m quite impressed.

The first thing I noticed when I squeezed out some product on to my loofah was the nice pleasant papaya scent. It’s not too strong which is nice, but the scent also doesn’t last very long. The body is clear with a hint of yellow tint and has tiny beads suspended throughout – not sure what the beads do.

The product lathers up quite well and a little product goes a long way which is nice as the large bottle lasts a quite a long time. It leaves my skin feeling clean and clear and refreshed.

Overall this product is pretty good. The only con is that this product isn’t super moisturizing. I think it’s great for the summer months, but I’m not sure if my skin would be able to withstand the extremely dry winter months.


Rating (out of 5):







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

image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

Product Review: Chloé l’Eau de Chloé

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Chloé
Name: l’Eau de Chloé – Eau de Toilette
Size: 3.4 fl. oz. / 100 mL
Price: n/a

What it says on their website:
"…The work of the same perfumer, l’Eau de Chloé contains an exceptional concentration of distilled rose water, which lends it a rare refreshing feeling. Light as dew, this chypre rose seems suffused with pure oxygen. A delicate citrus harmony recalls summer’s luscious ice-cool lemonades. At once spirited and elegant, airy and ethereal, the rose leaves a subtle presence on the skin…"

To Purr About:
- gorgeous scent
- light and summery citrus smell
- comes in a lovely bottle
- scent lasts very long

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I’m definitely not a perfume expert – I actually find a lot of scents trigger my migraines, so I almost never wear them. I did however fall in love with Chloé’s Eau de Parfum and was super happy to find out it didn’t bother me. Needless to say I was uber excited to try their new l’Eau de Chloé (Eau de Toilette).

I didn’t know too much about this product, so I was surprised to see it was a pale green when I opened the box. It comes in the same iconic bottle as the Eau de Parfum, which is nice.

The scent is definitely different from the pink hued Eau de Parfum. Where I find the Eau de Parfum to be a luxurious and romantic rose inspired scent, this product invokes summer with its citrusy, light, playful scent. It is actually a great scent for those casual spring and summer days. In addition, only a couple of spritz last the whole day.

I’m pleased that I found l’Eau de Chloé – although I prefer the Eau de Parfum, l’Eau is a perfect day scent to contrast the Eau de Parfum which is more of a night scent.

Rating (out of 5):





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

Product Review: Bioré Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Bioré
Name: Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser
Size: 200 ml
Price: approx. $8 CAD

What it says on their web site:
Got skin that can’t make up its mind? Achieve the clean you want, without disturbing the natural moisture your skin needs. This cleanser removes all forms of impurities while leaving 90% of skin's natural moisture, giving your face an even, all-over clean.

- Oil-Free
- Non-Comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- Hypo-Allergenic
- Dermatologist Tested

To Purr About:
- convenient pump dispenser
- nice clean scent that isn’t too strong
- leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed
- doesn’t dry out skin
- doesn’t irritate my super sensitive skin
- affordable

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I was interested in trying Biore’s Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser because I’m always looking for a good cleanser for my dry skin that is affordable, but does the job.

My first impression of this product is the nice simple, no frills bottle. It has a convenient pump dispenser that really comes in handy in the shower and in the sink. The cleanser is a cream based (not foamy) and has a crisp clean scent that is not floral or sweet, but more of a traditional cleanser scent. It applies and rinses off easily and leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed.

I’ve been using this cleanser for a couple of months now and it’s quite nice. For a good price it does what it says – cleans and doesn’t strip my skin of its natural moisture.

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 AntiBacterial Hand Soaps Spring Collection

Brand: Bath & Body Works
Name: Antibacterial Hand Soap
Price: $5.50 USD each

Where to buy: Bath & Body Works stores

What it says in the release:

Inspired by handpicked fruits straight from the vine, this spring soap collection features fresh, juicy, luscious scents. The antibacterial hand washes infuse your home with the fresh scents of mouthwatering fruits every time you wash your hands.

Available scents:
- Fresh Picked Pears: The unforgettable scent of ripe, juicy Bartlett pears
- Fresh Picked Tangerine: The crisp scent of sweet tangerines picked straight from the tree
- Fresh Picked Strawberries: Lightly scented with luscious summer strawberries blended with fresh mango nectar and peach blossom
- Fresh Picked Lemons: Sparkling scent of sweet Meyer lemons fresh from the grove.
- Fresh Picked Cherries: Scented with sumptuous Bing cherries blended with pink champagne, fresh strawberry and star jasmine.

image: press release

Product News: Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty

Brand: Calvin Klein
Name: Sheer Beauty
Price:
- Eau de Toilette Spray, 50 ml, $78.00 CAD
- Eau de Toilette Spray, 100 ml, $102CAD

Where to buy: The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Marg, Pharmaprix, London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Sephora and Murale stores across Canada, www.calvinkleinfragrances.com

What it says in the release:
Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty is sparkling and carefree with a pure, sexy confidence.

Top notes: peach bellini accord, red berry extract, bergamot
Middle notes: pink lily accord, jasmine, peony
Finishing notes: musks, sandalwood, vanilla blossom

image:press release

Product Review: Batiste Dry Shampoo Tropical

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Batiste
Name: Dry Shampoo Tropical
Size: 50 mL / 30 g / 1.6 fl oz
Price: approx. $4.99 CAD

What it says on their website:
"Caribbean heat, coconut aromas and party vibes are locked into this Tropical edition. It’s the instant, deliciously exotic way to get clean, fresh hair full of body and texture. And there’s no need for water!"

To Purr About:
- quick and easy to apply and works fast
- reduces greasy/oily look and feel of unwashed hair
- leaves hair feeling soft
- makes hair feel cleaner
- eliminates itchy scalp from unwashed hair
- doesn’t leave any residue or white stuff in my hair
- “on the go size” is convenient for travelling on taking with you on the go
- product is available in 2 other sizes: normal and extra value size
- comes in 3 scents: original, blush, tropical

Claws Out:
- tropical coconut scent is a bit strong
- since it’s a spray, it is harder to control where product is going

Final Comments:
I’m really into products that make my life easier nowadays and I’ve been really interested in dry shampoos. So far, this is the second dry shampoo I’ve tried. Like the first dry shampoo I tried, Batiste’s Dry Shampoo is the aerosol type (not the powder type).

I’ve used this product a few times now and I’m pretty impressed with the results. I follow the easy instructions and spray it in to my hair, wait a bit and then brush my hair. Instantly my hair is less greasy, less itchy and looks much softer which is great. It doesn’t leave any residue in my hair that I’ve noticed.

One of the huge pros of this product is that it comes in a convenient travel size, in addition to a normal size and a extra value size.

The only major drawback I’ve found to Batiste’s Tropical dry shampoo is that I’m not a huge fan of the sweet scent. The scent lingers for the whole day, and while that may be a good thing for people that enjoy the scent, it is a drawback if you don’t. Also if you are a usual wearer of perfume or other scented products it might cause a weird mix of scents. I wish it had a more neutralizing scent – maybe I should try the “original”.

All in all I’m pretty happy with this product. I can’t wait to use it to freshen up after workouts, etc.

Rating (out of 5):

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

Product Review: Biotherm Beurre De Lèvres Lip Balm

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Biotherm
Name: Beurre De Lèvres Lip Balm
Size: 13 ml / 0.43 fl oz
Price: approx. $20 CAD

What it says on their website:
"Even the most dry, chapped lips can become smooth and plump with the high nutrition and protection of Beurre de Lèvres Lip Balm.

RESULTS: Lips immediately appear more smooth and beautiful while being nourished and protected from harsh weather conditions and dehydration.

TEXTURE: The deliciously addictive melting balm leaves a matte finish, perfect for men, women and for use under makeup. The delicate fragrance includes extracts of peach, lemon and rose."

To Purr About:
- buttery texture
- easy to apply
- leaves lips feeling amazingly soft, smooth and moisturized
- lasts hours
- no taste or scent

Claws Out:
- a bit pricey

Final Comments:
I was looking for a new lip butter/balm product when the in-store cosmetician suggested I try Biotherm’s Beurre De Lèvres Lip Balm. After testing out a couple of different products on the back of my hand, I picked this product because I really liked the buttery like texture.

Although this is more than I usually spend on a lip balm I decided to spludge a bit and try it. After using this product for about a week now I have to say I love it. The texture is buttery and glides on super easy. It leaves my lips feeling super soft and smooth and moisturized and is tasteless and scentless. Best of all my lips stay hydrated for hours with this lip balm.

I would definitely buy this product again. Although it’s a bit pricey it’s great for keeping the harsh dry weather at bay and i would invest in it again especially in the winter months.

Rating (out of 5):

Disclosure: This product was purchased by Suziesaurus
image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

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

Product News: beautyADDICTS BeautifullLIPS Lipstick collection

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

Where to buy: www.beautyaddicts.com


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

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

image: www.beautyaddicts.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

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

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

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


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

Claws Out:
- none really

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

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

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

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

Rating (out of 5):



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

Product Review: Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

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

Shade Tried: Cocoaloco


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

Product Review: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Gloss

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: 100% Pure
Name: Fruit Pigmented Lip Gloss
Size: 0.24 oz / 7 ml
Price: $16 CAD

Shade Tried: Pomegranate Wine


What it says on the product site:
The first and only cosmetics colored from antioxidant rich fruit and vegetable pigments. While other color cosmetics are colored with either synthetic dyes or minerals, only 100% Pure color cosmetics are colored with fruit & vegetable pigments (patents pending)! All the antioxidants and vitamins in fruits are in the actual color, so you will be applying all the healthy nutrients of the fruits directly on your skin! 100% Natural lip glosses made with Vitamin E from organic rice bran and beautiful colors from fruit pigments. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-aging antioxidant that drenches your lips with moisture and deeply softens.

What intrigued me most about this lip product was that the company said all the ingredients were completely natural. Check out the ingredients list for this lip gloss - everything can be traced back to something natural:

Ingredients: Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Pigmented Extracts of: Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Wine (Wine), Prunus Serotina (Cherry) Fruit, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Bean) and Prunus Domestica (Plum) Fruit, Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cera Alba (Beeswax), Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract (Strawberry Flavor)

To Purr About:
- slanted sponge applicator tip makes applying gloss easy
- lovely strawberry scent
- lovely sheer red colour
- lots of shine

Claws Out:
- a touch sticky
- colour is a little thin for those looking for a full coverage gloss

Final Comments:
As many of my readers know, I'm obsessed with lip products and have over 100 different lipsticks/lip glosses going at any one time. But this time - I'm in love.

Not only is this a stunning shade of sheer red, the gloss leaves a lovely shine on lips. It falls somewhere in the mid-range of stickiness - it's a little sticky but not super-sticky. It has a sweet (but not too sweet)

I also love that the ingredients list is so natural. I know lots of people (including my reviewers Suziesaurus and ShellySuperstar) who prefer more natural ingredients in their beauty products. Everything is fruit-based and yet I can't believe the super-pop of colour these fruits leave in the lip gloss.

For $16 CAD, it's not the most affordable lip gloss on the market, but I would definitely prefer spending my money on this gloss any day.


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

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

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

Product Review: Annabelle Smudge Paint

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Annabelle
Name: Smudge Paint
Size: 0.07 oz / 2 g
Price: approx. $10.95 CAD

Shade Tried: Plummed

What it says on the box:
- water resistant + long-lasting formula
- crease-resistant finish
- highly pigmented colour
- glides on smoothly

I love Annabelle eye products but wasn't sure about the Smudge Paints. They looked a little more complicated than my usual easy-breezy routine could handle, plus I'm no expert, so brushes and wet shadows aren't really my strong point.

I was excited to check out the Smudge Paint in Plummed, as the box and promos led me to believe that it was a deep, rich purple shade and I do love my purple eyeshadows!

The brush is built into the lid (as you can see from the photos - it's in 2 parts). You pull it out of the top, flip it upside down and snap it into place, giving you a longer brush to manage.


To Purr About:
- rich, dark pigments - a little goes a long way
- not greasy or too wet, the product glides on and then stays put
- dries almost instantly
- really great staying power
- lasts all day (and night)
- convenient little packaging

Claws Out:
- you really have to snap the brush together or it will fall apart
- purple is a little too dark (it's almost grey/black) for me
- opening is a little small


Final Comments:
At first, I was a little wary because the purple that I was expecting was more like a very dark charcoal purple (not the plum you would imagine when hearing the name), but after I snapped the brush together and started applying the product, I was hooked.

The brush is easily put together and isn't too bad (it's a little light, but you get used to it). I would have preferred the jar opening to be a little larger as you can't really swipe the brush across the product as much as you just dip it downwards into the shadow. It's definitely going to be difficult getting anything out of the nooks and crannies when this starts running low.

The shadow itself is amazing. It's very light and has a slightly greasy feel (reminds me of oil paints!) but once you brush it on (it literally glides on) it doesn't feel greasy at all. It dries within seconds and after it's completely dry - it doesn't move! It doesn't crease or fade or melt away. I put it on bare eyelid (one of the rare times I didn't use any primer) and it didn't budget at all during the day.

Because the brush is quite small and pointed, you can use Smudge Paints as liners or as shadows (I created a kick-ass smoky eye with this shade!)


At the price point, it's still fairly affordable and a little goes a long way so it's not too much of a bank-breaker. In fact, even though I already have Tar and Plummed, I'm tempted to go out and pick up Skyline as well - a dark smoky blue.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

Clinique Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

Retailer: The Bay
Duration: September 20 - October 8, 2011

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

What you get:
- Clarifying Lotion 2
- Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
- Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
- cosmetics bag

Your choice of colours:
- Dual-Ended Different Lipstick in Tenderheart OR Raspberry Glace
- Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Nudes OR Violets
- Long Last Lipstick in All Heart OR Bamboo Pink
- Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Cabana Crush OR Bamboo Pink

image: e-flyer

Product Review: Borghese Splendore All Over Body Bronzer

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten  

Brand: Borghese  
Name: Splendore All Over Body Bronzer
Size: 354 mL / 12 fl. oz.  
Price: approx. $29.50 USD  

What it says in the press release:
This bronzing powder comes with its own brush, so you can give a sun-kissed glow to your body (or face), all without looking unnatural or heavy. Apply as much or as little as desired for just the right amount of "no sun required" glow. What it does:
- provides a subtle shimmer and sun-kissed glow
- skin looks natural, bronzed and flawless
- talc-free, fragrance-free and mineral-oil free

Now that summer is coming to a close, my friends and I are looking for ways to keep that summery glow as long as we can. I've never been one for bronzers - I think because most of the time my skin is too fair and bronzers generally are much darker than I require. Blush is usually the way I go, but Borghese's bronzer seems lighter than mot and had a nice shimmer to it, so I figured I'd give it a try.

To use, you twist the neck of the brush to the right and shake it (the brush) gently to release some powder. To finish, just twist the neck to the left and the brush closes up and keeps powder from spilling out.  

To Purr About:
- built-in, large brush makes it convenient for application
- not that dark, gives a nice, shimmery glow  

Claws Out:
- a little too much shimmer for me for day-wear, but kind of nice when going out in the evening or on weekends
- doesn't really give you a tanned, bronzed look
- takes a little getting used to as you can't really see the powder on the brush  

Final Comments:
If you're looking for a deep, tanned, bronzed look to match your summer look, this probably isn't the bronzer for you. But, if you're looking for a subtle, shimmery "glow", this is a really nice product.

I appreciated the large, built-in brush, although because the powder comes out within the brush when you shake it, it's a little hard getting used to how much product there really is on the brush since you can't see it that well.

A really light touch is necessary, so I generally ran the brush across the back of my hand first in order to ensure I didn't get too much product when applying it to my face. The powder is light and shimmer and does leave skin with a nice "glow". But again, this probably isn't something I would wear to the office every day, but it's nice for going out with friends or a dinner date. :)

Rating (out of 5):  

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

image: borghese.com

Product News: Annabelle Smudgepaint

Brand: Annabelle
Name: Smudgepaint
Size: n/a
Price: approx. $10.95 CAD

Available: September 2011

What it says on the press release:
"The Annabelle Studio is expanding - catch the latest trend for smeared eyelids with Annabelle's new Smudgepaint. Daytime eyeliner or all-night party smudge, this long-lasting colour will survive anything life throws at you."

Other notes:
- 5 highly pigmented shades
- create-resistant finish that glides on smoothly
- sold in a striking printed box to easily identify your favourite shade
- apply in a thin line or smudge all over eyelid
- built-in brush is easy to use

Available in 5 shades:
- Muddy
- Sludge
- Tar
- Skyline
- Plummed


I do have the Annabelle Smudge Paint in Plummed and Tar and will be posting a product review shortly!

image: press release