Product News: Sephora + Pantone Universe 2013 Color of the Year Pantone 17-5641 Emerald Capsule Collection

Brand: Sephora
Name: Sephora + Pantone Universe 2013 Color of the Year Pantone 17-5641 Emerald Capsule Collection

Where to buy: Sephora stores and Sephora.com beginning March 2013, for a limited time

What it says in the release:
"Sephora and Pantone proudly announce the 2013 Color of the Year beauty collection featuring PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald. Inspired by the many facets of a gemstone, this collection features Sephora Collection’s high performance formulas in modern packaging, designed by Sephora and inspired by the iconic Pantone Chip. Each eye shadow, blush, eye liner, lip gloss, mascara and nail polish offers unique finishes like matte, metallic and lacquer to capture the sparkle and play off light unique to an Emerald, the perfect green – blue hue."

The 2013 Color of the Year Emerald Collection, $68 USD
A comprehensive collection of Emerald beauty:
- 1 Color Grid Eye Shadow Block in BIONIC
- 1 Color Code Prismatic Shadow
- 1 Color Cube Lid Liner Stain
- 1 Lightspeed Glitter Dust
- 1 Graphic Sculpt Waterproof Jumbo Eyeliner
- 1 Color Watt Highlighting Mascara

Colorbyte Lip Wands, $24 USD
This lip gloss set offers 4 shades, textures and finishes, leaving lips with a smooth and comfortable shine. Colours include:
- Touch of Emerald: clear with Emerald sparkle
- Crocus: lacquer lilac
- Georgia Peach: lacquer peach
- Cameo Brown: lacquer nude

Color Grid Shadow Bloc, $26 USD
Features 3 colour-coordinating eye shadows.
- Bionic: includes Emerald, White Alyssum and Crown
- Eclipsed: includes Emerald Glitter, Amberlight and Olivine
- Elemental: includes Emerald Shimmer, Appleblossom and Camel

Color Code Prismatic Shadow, $22 USD
A water-resistant high pigment cream formula for the eyes that goes on easily and lasts all day.

Color Cube Lid Liner Stain, $16 USD
A 3-in-1 mousse cream that can be used as a shadow, cream liner or lid stain.

Lightspeed Glitter Dust, $14 USD
A pot of Emerald loose glitter.

Graphic Sculpt Waterproof Jumbo Liner, $17 USD
Features a proprietary long-wearing easy glide formula, with a luminous shimmer finish.

Graphic Lift Liquid Liner, $17 USD
Features a flocked tip applicator and long-lasting formula in metallic shimmer finish.

Graphic Etch Waterproof Eyeliner, $17 USD
This retractable pencil features a waterproof easy-glide formula in a soft Emerald pigment finish.

Glitter Strobe Eyeliner Set, $18 USD
This 4 piece Emerald eyeliner set features finishes in glitter, iridescent, metallic and matte.

Color Watt Highlighting Mascara, $18 USD
A richly pigmented mascara in Emerald in a matte finish.

Color Theory Sculpting Blush, $24 USD
The perfect blush duo to compliment any Emerald colour accents featuring Dusty Pink and Pink Mist.

Color Charged Graphic Lacquer, $10 USD
The richest pigment of Emerald in a high gloss lacquer finish.

Mini Graphic Effect Lacquers, $18 USD
A collection of 3 mini polishes featuring finishes in Emerald (clear with Emerald glitter), shimmer (Emerald and silver) and matte metallic.

Color of the Year Accessories
- Color Contour Face Brush Set, $68 USD: 8-piece brush set with stand that includes Highlighting Fan Brush, Face Contour Brush, Angled Liner Brush, Short Smudge Brush, Cream Shadow Brush, All Over Shadow Brush, Crease Shadow Brush and Smudge Brush (all synthetic)
- Spectra Blend Eye Brush Roll, $20 USD: 3-piece mini travel brush in a magnetic pouch that features an Angled Blush Brush, Eyeshadow Brush and Shadow Blending Brush (all synthetic)
- Color Block Beauty Box, $38 USD: a hard cosmetic case featuring a removable travel box and organizing compartments
- Prismatic Glitter False Lashes, $10 USD: black false lashes featuring a strip of emerald glitter
- Color Sculpting Kabuki Brush, $22 USD: a travel-size kabuki brush (synthetic)
- Emerald Compact Mirror, $18 USD: a travel mirror for touchups, 2 sided featuring 3x magnification

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 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

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

Product News: Annabelle celebrates the best of black

Brand: Annabelle

Annabelle has long been a staple of my makeup drawer - I remember that for YEARS my favourite eye product was a gorgeous smoky blue-grey eye shade stick. I was so sad the day they discontinued it and still haven't found a suitable replacement in the years (I remember when I found out they were being discontinued that I went to every drugstore I could get to in order to buy up any I could find).

And I definitely found this piece of news interesting - usually brands launch collection based on the season or a product, but this is a collection launch based entirely on that staple colour - black.

Annabelle introduces the best of black by launching FIVE new eye makeup products.

(Please note that prices listed are suggested retail prices)


(New shade) Glitterama in Blast Off, $8.50 CAD
A great addition to the Glitterama family, this black and silver sparkle gel layers beautifully on your favourite eyeliner in a thin line or an all-over sweep for extra oomph.


(New) Liquid Eyeliner in Black Spark, $8.50 CAD
Liquid eyeliner takes on a modern and party-ready twist with a metalized shimmer finish. Easy to apply with the foam tip applicator, this formula will last from morning till late.


(New) Smoothliner in Metal Daze, $6.95 CAD
Super smooth application, intense black payoff, topped off with shimmering specks. Long-lasting, waterproof, metallic and hypo-allergenic.


(New) Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil in Licoriche, $8.95 CAD
Intense, creamy black jumbo eyeliner that you can apply in a thick line or blen out all over for a dark smokey eye. Extreme longwear that lasts up to 9 hours. Super smooth, glides on easily and makes a wonderful deep black base.


(New) Le Big Show Mascara, $9.95 CAD
Annabelle launches a new mascara that's all about volume. Mega volume from the first stroke, easy separating without clumping and lots of length.

images: press release

Product News: NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner

Brand: NARS
Name: Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner
Size: n/a
Price: $23.00 USD

Where to buy: narscosmetics.com

I'm a big fan of eyeliners. It's one product I can almost never leave the house without. Luckily for me, there are so many great eyeliners out there that I can have lots without breaking the bank. But I'm always on the lookout for new ones to try.

NARS is introducing a new eyeliner, the Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner that promises " a super-creamy, smudge-proof formula with an unparalleled long-lasting finish."

The sleek, soft-touch mechanical pencil features a convenient built-in sharpener.


Available in nine deeply dramatic shades, named after the most iconic streets in the world:
- Veneto: A deep black. One of the most famous streets in Rome, Italy. Federico Fellini's classic 1960 film La Dolce Vita was mostly centered around the Via Veneto area
- Santa Monica Blvd: A crisp white. One of the most famous streets in Los Angeles County, California.
- Via Appia: A copper brown. One of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic.
- Abbey Road: An iridescent turquoise. A street in London, England, after which the Beatles named one of their albums.
- Bourbon Street: A festive purple. A famous and historic street that spans the length of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. When founded in 1718, the city was originally centered around the French Quarter.
- Rue Bonaparte: A light almond. Laid down in the 16th Century, this French street accommodated some very fine distinctive mansions. Today it is an upscale home to fashion shops.
- Rue Saint-Honoré: A deep royal blue. The rue Saint-Honoré is an ancient street in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France. It is named after the collegial Saint-Honoré church situated in ancient times within the cloisters of Saint-Honoré.
- Madison Avenue: A slate gray. An avenue in New York City, that’s name has been synonymous with the American advertising industry since the 1920s.
- Rue de Rivoli: A metallic forest green. One of the most famous streets of Paris that features some of the most fashionable shops in the world.

image: press release

Product News: NARS Fall 2011 Night Series Eyeshadows and Nail Polishes

Brand: NARS
Name: Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner
Size: n/a
Price: $23.00 USD

Where to buy: narscosmetics.com

NARS has recently launched an Eyeshadow Palette and new Nail Polishes built on the success of their “Night Series” eyeshadows.

The eyeshadow palette is pretty cool, but I'm already in love with the Night Flight nail polish - it would be perfect for the fall!


Eyeshadow Palette, $55 USD
The limited-edition eyeshadow palette houses 6 shades used to perfect the sophisticated smoky eye. Wear them alone, layered to create depth, or wet for a high-impact effect.
Shades Included:
- Night Breed: black with silver glitter
- Night Star: sheer peach with gold pearls
- Night Rider: soft plum with silver glitter
- Night Porter: black with green pearls
- Night Flight: black with cobalt blue pearls
- Night Clubbing: black with gold pearls


Nail Polish, $17 USD each
Four new “Night Series” shades for nails - each shade creates a statement-making look.
- Night Breed: black with silver glitter
- Night Rider: soft plum with silver glitter
- Night Porter: black with green pearls
- Night Flight: black with cobalt blue pearls

image: press release

Product Review: Tarte Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Tarte
Name: Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo
Size: 4 g / 0.14 oz.
Price: approx. $17.00 USD

Shade Tried: Cream

From the website: "Unlike traditional cream shadows that crease and smudge, this new twist on the makeup artist trick is waterproof and creaseproof. The matching loose shadow in a roller ball applicator easily glides over cream shadow to lock color in and add luminosity so color lasts all day."

To Purr About:
- didn’t crease
- convenient package and great for touch-ups
- cream shadow and loose shadow matched nicely
- blends easily
- long lasting
- comes in 5 great shades

Claws Out:
- both cream and loose shadow are a bit hard to control
- don’t get a lot of product for the price

Final Comments:
Tarte’s Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo combines two great products into one. The cream shadow and the loose powder shadow can be used separately, but their real potential comes when they are used together.

After using this product for a bit I’m really impressed. I did have a bit of trouble at first applying this product, but I think I just needed some practice. I was a bit surprised how wet the cream shadow was, but now I realize how great it is for blending. Similarly, I found the loose powder a bit tricky as it’s not very precise in application, but again – blends brilliantly. This is probably a big con for those that want really precise control over their makeup application, but since I’m a blender and can’t apply makeup with precision for the life of me, it’s okay.


After getting the hang of applying this product – it really is quite easy to apply, blends well, lasts long, doesn’t crease and comes in 5 fun shades. I really love how convenient the applicator/packaging is which makes it great to slip in to your bag or purse.


The only con I can think of is that it doesn’t seem like a lot of product for the cost.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: This item was purchased by by Cinnamon Kitten

image: cinnamonkitten.blogspot.com

Product News: NARS Summer 2011 Collection

Brand: NARS
Name: Summer 2011 Collection

"The Summer 2011 Collection is a range of warm, sophisticated, shimmering shades, punctuated with shots of vivid, nature-defying colour. Eyes are washed in icy sea foam, silver-green and frozen turquoise. Lips are infused with mandarin orange gloss and hot pink matte colour. The look is finished with nails in bold sunflower yellow or matte opaque white for a modern, edgy effect that's strictly NARS."


Trio Eyeshadow, $45 USD
Delivers a cool wash of colour to lids. Wear each richly-pigmented hue solo for a delicate look or layer for a more nuanced effect.
- Cap Ferrat: inspired by the Alpes-Martimes region in southeastern France. icy sea foam, silver green and icy turquoise

Duo Eyeshadow, $33 USD
- Dogon: named for the Mali-based culture, this metallic taupe (with icy green sheen) and charcoal black duo eyeshadow delivers an unexpected twist on an otherwise neutral colour combo. when blended together, the shades create an iridescent green cast on the charcoal hue
- Exotic Dance: metallic white with silver sheen and metallic gold

Soft Touch Shadow Pencil, $24 USD
A smooth and creamy soft touch shadow pencil that can be swiped on lids and blended with fingertip. As a liner, a highlighter or a base for powder shadows, it lends eyes a clean, brilliant look.
- Queen: a majestic and modern citrus gold glitter


Highlighting Blush, $27 USD
Wear alone or over other cheer products as a highlight or for added dimension.
- New Order: a soft pink blush with gold and silver shimmer


Lip Gloss, $24 USD
Wear this lip gloss alone or over other lip colours for a shinier look with added depth.
- Wonder: shiny, sheer mandarin orange lip gloss laced with pink and gold shimmer

Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $25 USD
- Bolero: pink cantaloupe

Pure Matte Lipstick, $25 USD
- Carthage: named for the string of cities that line the Gulf of Tunis, this matte, hot pink hue saturates lips with rich, bold colour.

Lipstick, $24 USD
Wear alone or with other lip products.
- Mayflower: nourishing, sheer raspberry lipstick delivers subtle colour with a shimmery finish


Nail Polish, $17 USD
- Ecume: an opaque white nail enamel
- Kismet: metallic sunflower

images: press release

Product News: Lise Watier Bora Bora Collection

Brand: Lise Watier
Name: Bora Bora 2011 Collection

"Inspired by Bora Bora's timeless beauty, the Lise Watier Bora Bora 2011 Collection evokes intense light and the warm and sensual assortment of vibrant colours and soft, exotic fragrances.

With tropical hues ranging from papaya green to purest violet to deepest ocean blue and bold textures and ultra-shimmering effects, this collection evokes a new freedom to explore."


Palette Bora Bora, $38 CAD
This eyeshadow palette is a perfect infusion of tropical energy and has 5 tropical hues that evoke a tropical paradise, all in an attractive compact. Includes shades of pearl white, golden sand, green papaya, jungle green and violet. Limited edition.


Duo Shadow and Glitter, $25 CAD
Vibrant and colourful cream eyeshadows with a coordinated glitter powder.
- Blue Ray: hints of beauty and freshness of the sea
- Golden Wasabi: evokes lush rain forests
- Wild Orchid: pays tribute to the panopoly of tropical blooms


Glitter Eyeshadow Brush, $15 CAD
Lise Watier's newest brush has a silicon tip especially designed for precision application of loose glitter over eyshadow.


Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss, $18 CAD
Moisturizes and nourishes lips. The crayon format means it glides on easily and with precision, with a light-weight, satiny core, never sticky.
- Pink Jelly: a bright yet tender pink
- Mango Punch: as appetizing as the exotic fruit. Limited edition.


Rouge Plumpissimo, $20 CAD
A lipstick with impressive plumping and volumizing abilities.
- Melon d'eau
- Orange Tango


Nail Lacquer, $12 CAD
Limited edition.
- Ile Deserte
- ˆFun in the Sun


Bora Bora Eau de Toilette Spray, 50 ml, $50 CAD
Entice the senses with sensual and feminine notes of passion flower, jasmine and rose blended with the warmth of an exotic fruit cocktail, all on a soft base of warm amber and vanilla, and of wood and musk notes.

image: press release

Product News: Boscia introduces 3 new products in May

Brand: BOSCIA


Pore Purifying Black Strips, $15 USD
Combining active ingredients with botanicals and antioxidants in a unique delivery system, these strips are formulated with activated charcoal. Created to absorb excess oil and impurities while depositing the botanicals and antioxidants into the skin.


Restorative Eye Treatment for Under-Eye Bags, $48 USD
Give your under-eye area a refreshing boost! Restorative Eye Treatment for Under-Eye Bags is the latest member of the best-selling Restorative collection, which addresses the needs of parched, wrinkle-prone skin. This product provides intense hydration while preventing future free radical damage, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and dullness, and restoring brightness to the skin.


B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA ++, $36 USD
Beloved by celebs and makeup artists in Japan, B.B. Cream is a “blemish balm” that not only conceals imperfections, but also hydrates, firms and heals the skin. It’s not a tinted moisturizer, it’s not a foundation, it’s not a concealer — it’s all three and more. This ultimate multi-tasking product protects skin against both UVB and UVA rays while providing long-wearing, buildable coverage in a shade that suits most skin tones.

images: press release

Product News: MAC Fashionflower Collection

"A stylish fusion of the floral and the fashionable in a summer colour collection that evokes the cool side of the hottest season. Join these rare blossoms and succumb horticulturally to a bouquet that's equal parts fleur and couture!" (from the website)

I know that everywhere I look, most of the beauty trends for this Spring and Summer are bright, bold, intense colours. And who can blame anyone for wanting to pile on the super-bright colours after a long winter? But, I think that MAC's Fashionflower collection is also a nice look for Spring/Summer. Light and sweet - I love everything in this line!


Eye Shadow, 1.5 g / 0.05 us oz, $17.50 CAD
Get a cultivated connection to the greenhouse and the fashion house with daisy-debossed Eye Shadows in scintillating summer shades perfect for every budding beauty! Limited edition.
- Fresh Daisy: frosty white yellow
- Aqua: aqua blue
- Lucky Green: frosted midtone lime
- Free To Be: bright true coral
- Groundcover: midtone warm grey


Lipstick, 3 g / 0.1 US oz, $17.50 CAD
Colour plus texture for the lips. Limited Edition.
- Mlle: light white pink
- Summer Shower: light aqua
- Growing Trend: midtone taupe nude
- Ever Hip: bright creamy coral

Lipgelee, 15 ml / 0.5 US fl oz, $17.50 CAD
A soft jelly-textured glosser for the lips. Squeezes on. Distributes evenly and easily via its special slanted tip. Moisturizes and conditions the lips. Limited Edition.
- Fashionflower: pale pink
- Now In Season: pale yellow
- Budding Beauty: pale coral


Beauty Powder, 10 g / 0.35 US oz, $30 CAD
Unfolding and flourishing, perennial prima donnas embrace the growing trend of faces lightly dusted with daisy-debossed Beauty Powder. Limited Edition.
- Light Sunshine: pastel neutral pink with soft gold and pink sparkles
- Alpha Girl: soft peachy pink with gold nuances

images: maccosmetics.com

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 Review: Smashbox Eye Beam Double-Ended Brightener

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Smashbox
Name: : Eye Beam Double-Ended Brightener
Size: 3.18 g
Price: approx. $25 CAD

From Smashbox’s website: “This innovative double-ended brightener delivers the look of big, bright eyes while adding skin-boosting ingredients and moisture to the most delicate skin areas. Use the side labeled “highlight” at the inside corners of the eyes and beneath the brow to make eyes appear bigger and wider. Use the side labeled “rim” on the lower inner rim of eyes to makes the whites of the eyes pop.”


To Purr About:
- crayon stick makes application easy, fast and convenient
- 2 colours in 1 product which makes it more versatile
- blends easily
- soft and smooth and glides on easily
- very natural looking on many different skin tones
- adds great looking dimension and highlights to the eyes/brow area
- a great “on-the-go” product as it’s portable and doesn’t require much space

Claws Out:
- I would have preferred a bit more shimmer
- wish I could buy the shades separately as I like the “highlight” end more

Final Comments:
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Smashbox products and this is my first experience with them so I was really excited. I was looking for something to replace my current brow highlighter and decided to give this a try since it looked very similar but was $5 cheaper.

I think that coming in at $25 is still a bit pricey, but I find these crayon type eye shadows and brighteners last a very long time, so it’s worth a bit extra cash if you really love the product.

One problem I have with this product, and that I had with my previous brow highlighter, is that I’m not a fan of the double ended duos. I think it’s a great idea and great if you use both ends equally because it means you only have to bring 1 product with you for 2 purposes, but I always end up liking 1 shade more and wish I could buy just that shade alone and save some money/waste.

I enjoy using this product, and the more I use it the more I like it. I would have preferred if it had a bit more shimmer in it, but that is a minor con compared to all the great pros of this product and the fact that it is slightly cheaper than my previous brow highlighter. All in all, I will probably be buying this product again if I don’t see anything comparable that peaks my interest.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: This product was purchased by Suziesaurus

image: sephora.com