NEW Product Line: Green by Nature

An all natural bath and body care line, all the products in the Green by Nature line are "over 95% natural, and free of parabens, sulfates, DEA, petroleum, propylene glycol, sacchrine, dioxin and phthalate." They also guarantee that no animals were used in the testing of their products.

Each Green by Nature product contains the same blend of 6 bio-renewable ingredients: grapefruit seed extract, shea butter, pistachio oil, aloe leaf extract, rosehip oil and beeswax.

On top of being good of the Earth (all their packaging is made with 100% recyclabe materials), Green by Nature is part of the "1% for the planet" - an business alliance where companies donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes.

I was lucky enough to receive some samples of this new line so watch for product reviews soon!

LIPS


lip butter, 4.25 g / 0.15 oz, approx. $2.99 USD
Formulated with rich flavours and nourishing emoillient oils, this product maintains moisture and provides effective protection against chapped lips.
- chamomile rose
- banana shea
- ginger lemon
- lavender vanilla
- mint green tea
- lemon verbena
- shea nut
- coconut mlk
- almond cocoa
- beeswax

lip glaze, 14 g / 0.47 fl oz, approx. $4.99 USD
Mint-infused lip glaze formulated with peppermint oils to provide a refreshing cooling sensation.
- peppermint
- cherry mint
- mint green tea
- strawberry mint
- orange mint

BODY


body butter, 140 ml / 4.73 fl oz, approx. $11.99 USD
- banana shea
- almond cocoa
- mint green tea

body lotion, 210 ml / 7.10 fl oz, approx. $9.99 USD
A nourishing lightweight body lotion ideal for all skin types. Full of rich emollients that work gently to hydrate skin and lock in moisture. Deliciously scented with natural ingredients.
- banana shea
- almond cocoa
- mint green tea

body scrub, 140 ml / 4.73 fl oz, approx. $9.99 USD
- banana shea
- almond cocoa
- mint green tea

body wash, 210 ml / 7.10 fl oz, approx. $8.99 USD
- banana shea
- almond cocoa
- mint green tea

HANDS & FEET


hand cream, 85 ml / 2.87 fl oz, approx. $8.99 USD
A nourishing hand cream enriched with Vitamin E and aloe. A blend of jojoba, almond and avocado oils leave skin soft and supple.
- banana shea
- almond cocoa
- mint green tea

cuticle cream, 10 g / 0.35 oz, approx. $4.99 USD
A lemon verbana cuticle cream helps strengthen nails and soften cuticles. Beeswax and almond oils maintain moisture and condition cuticles.

If you want to find out more about the Green by Nature line, you can check out their web site at http://www.greenbynaturebeauty.com/.

images: greenbynaturebeauty.com

NEW Product: benefit powderflage

Brand: benefit
Name: powderflage
Size: 3.2 g / 0.11 oz
Price: $28 USD

I'm really interested in trying thise new concealer from benefit. The description on their website intrigues me:

"For camouflaging dark circles & fines lines, powderflage is fast, easy, light & breezy! Virtually weightless, this silky, light pink powder magically camouflages & diffuses. The "flager" brush conceals in 2 quick strokes. Use powderflage alone for light, bright concealing & diffusing or over your cream concealers for x-tra coverage."

I've had so much luck with benefit powders (dandelion and 10 are regulars in my makeup kit) that this one looks like another winner to me!

You can apprently use this product alone or over makeup and it comes complete with powder, "flager" brush and a beauty lesson card.

image: benefitcosmetics.com

Product Review: Quo Night Lite Lip Gloss

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Quo
Name: Night Lite Lip Gloss
Size: 6.3 ml
Price: $15 CAD

Shade Tried: Prince Charming

Months ago I reviewed Rimmel Underground's Light Beam Lipgloss which was a neat little lipgloss with a mirror on the side and a built-in light.

A few other brands have also release lip products with mirrors and lights, and now Quo has followed suit.

Available in four shimmering shades with names that REALLY appeal to me (London is my favourite city in the world):
- Hyde Park Spark
- Prince Charming
- Kew Gardens Apricot
- Big Ben Blush

To Purr About:
- lip gloss is smooth and thick
- mirror is large enough for a good view
- when they describe this lip gloss as "shimmering", they weren't kidding - there is A LOT of shimmer in this lip gloss! not something I'd wear during the daytime, but a great party gloss (which is where the mirror/light would come in handy)
- nice large packaging

Claws Out:
- lights are a little TOO bright so that they shine right into your eyes as you apply the gloss
- I'm not a big fan of applying lip gloss with a brush, preferring sponge applicators

Final Comments:
I love the shimmer and colour of this lip gloss. The light is a little bright, but the mirror is a good generous size and takes up the whole side of the tube. Not a big fan of the brush applicator, but the generous amount of gloss and the shimmer make up for it. I don't agree with Quo calling this an innovative new product as so many other brands have already put out lip glosses with lights and mirrors, but I must admit that the size of Quo's lip gloss makes it a better value and the sparkle of the gloss is amazing.

Rating (out of 5):



If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

image: Quo press kit

NEW Product: benefit benetint Lip Balm SPF 15

Brand: benefit

Name: benetint Lip Balm SPF 15
Size: 6.5 g / 0.23 oz
Price: $20 USD

I love the colour of this new lip balm from Benefit, and I love, love the fact that it has SPF 15, but I'm not a big fan of the "pots" since I love to toss lip products in my bag and hate having to use my fingers as the applicator.

This new lip balm from benefit has a blend of Vitamin E, sunscreen & light rose-petal fragrance to protect and lightly tint lips.

image: benefitcosmetics.com

2008 Best of Sephora Winners

The votes are in and the winners have just been announced! Check out this year's batch of "Best of Sephora" winners! Did any of your favourites make the list?

I've included the list of nominees again so that you can see who the competition was. Winners are highlighted in pink text. :)

COMPLEXION

CONCEALER
- Make Up For Ever Full Cover
- TheBalm TimeBalm Concealer
- Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Mult-Tasting Face
- Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing
- Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer

FOUNDATION
- Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals Foundation - SPF 15 Sunscreen
- Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation
- Philosophy The Super-natural Airbrushed Canvas SPF 15
- Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation
- Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation SPF 15

POWDER
- Benefit Cosmetics Get Even
- Urban Decay Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup
- Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil
- Sephora Brand Matifying Compact Powder
- Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

PRIMER
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
- Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer
- Laura Geller Spackle
- Perf-ekt Skin Perfection Gel
- Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Prime Time

TINTED MOISTURIZER
- LORAC ProtecTINT SPF 30 - Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
- Benefit Cosmetics You Rebel
- Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
- Cosmedicine Honest Face Skin Tint & Treatment SPF 20

EYES

EYELINER
- Sephora Brand Slim Pencil - Eye
- Smashbox Cream Eye Liner
- Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
- Stila Convertible Eye Color

EYESHADOW
- Stila Eye Shadow Pan
- NARS Duo Eye Shadow
- Urban Decay Eyeshadow
- Smashbox Eye Shadow Trio
- Sephora Brand Colorful Strass Mono Eyeshadow

MASCARA
- Dior Diorshow Mascara
- IMJU Fiberwig
- Blinc Kiss Me Mascara
- Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara
- Too Faced Lash Injection

LIPS

LIP GLOSS
- Smashbox O-GLOSS
- Stila Lip Glaze
- Sephora Brand Super Shimmer Lip Gloss
- NARS Lip Gloss
- Too Faced Mood Swing

LIP STICK
- Bare Escentuals bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipcolor
- Benefit Silky-Finish Lipstick
- Cargo PlantLove Botanical Lipstick
- NARS Lipstick
- Sephora Brand Maniac Long Wearing Lipstick

CHEEKS

BLUSH
- Tarte Cheek Stain
- Sephora Brand Blush Me! Mono
- NARS Blush
- Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten
- Smashbox O-GLOW

BRONZER
- Sephora Brand Luminous Trio - Bronze Trio
- NARS Bronzing Powder
- Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder
- CARGO Bronzer
- Benefit Boxed Powders Collection - Hoola

SKINCARE

EYE TREATMENT
- Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream
- Perricone MD Target Care - Advanced Eye Area Therapy
- Caudalie Contour Cream Eyes and Lips
- Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream with Biospheric Complex
- Cosmedicine Opti-mologist Eye Cream with Light Diffusers

FACE CLEANSER
- Fresh Soy Formula f21c Face Cleanser
- Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash
- Caudalie Instant Foaming Face Cleanser
- Philosophy Purity Made Simple
- Cosmedicine Healthy Cleanse Foaming Cleanser & Toner In One

FACE MOISTURIZER
- Philosophy Hope in a Jar
- Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion
- N.V. Perricone M.D. Face Finishing Moisturizer
- Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15
- Bliss The Youth As We Know It

SKIN SAVIOR
- Kinerase C6 Peptide Intensive Treatment
- N.V. Perricone M.D. Advanced Face Firming Activator
- DDF-Doctor's Dermatologic Formula Discoloration Reversal-Pod
- Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer
- Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

ZIT ZAPPER
- Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot and Area Treatment
- Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy
- DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask
- Zeno Pro Acne Clearing Device
- Murad Acne Complex Starter Kit

BATH & BODY

BODY CLEANSER
- Korres Showergel
- Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel
- Bliss Lemon + Sage Soapy Sap
- Fresh Sugar Lemon Bath Shower Gel
- Sephora Brand Body Wash Shower Gel

BODY MOISTURIZER
- Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter
- Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion
- LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter
- Sephora Brand Body Butter
- Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Shea Souffle

HAIR

TRESS REFRESHER
- Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray
- Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Wash & Wear
- Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo
- Jonathan Redo Freshen-Up Mist For Hair & Skin
- Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleanser

TRESS TAMER
- ghd IV Styler
- Phyto Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm
- Federick Fekkai Glossing Cream
- T3 Bespoke Labs Evolution Dryer
- Ojon Tunu Elastik Flexible Finishing Hairspray

SUN

SUN SHIELD
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++
- Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30
- DDF-Doctor's Dermatologic Formula Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection SPF 30
- Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30
- Clarins UV Plus SPF 40

FRAGRANCE

FRAGRANCE FOR HER
- Vera Wang Princess
- Juicy Couture Juicy
- Philosophy Amazing Grace
- Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue
- Aquolina Pink Sugar

FRAGRANCE FOR HIM
- Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme
- John Varatos Vintage
- Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme
- Lacoste Essential
- Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme

BEAUTY TOOL

- no!no! no!no!
- Clarisonic Skincare Brush
- Sephora Brand Eyelash Curler
- shu uemura Eyelash
- Sephora Brand Professional Refillable Powder Brush #54

BEAUTY INNOVATION

- no!no! no!no!
- N.V. Perricone M.D. Ceramic Eye Smoother
- Smashbox O-GLOSS
- CARGO blu_ray Pressed Powder
- Mystic Tan Perfect Tan Kit - Body

NATURAL WONDER

- Carol's Daughter Hair Milk
- Korres Natural Products Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer SPF 6
- Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
- Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum
- Juice Beauty Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer

CULT MUST-HAVE

- Anastasia Brow Enhancing Serum
- Talika Eyelash Lipocils
- Dr. Brandt Pores No More
- Dermadoctor KP Duty
- Urban Decay Primer Potion

BEST BEAUTY ADDICTS' WRITE-IN FAVE
- Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips

Clinique Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

I'm not crazy about the bag - it's just a simple cosmetic case, but I love the Repairwear series and you get 2 of those in this one and the minimum purchase price is nice and low!

Retailer: The Bay
Minimum amount you need to spend: $26.50 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Sept. 9 - 28, 2008

What you get: (UPDATED with product details)
- Blushing Blush Powder Blush with brush in Sunset Glow, 1.8 g
- High Impact Mascara in Black, 4 g
- Long Last Lipstick in Honeynut, 4 g
- Repairwear Intensive Night Cream, 15 ml
- Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream, 5 ml
- pop-up brush
- Clinique cosmetic bag

image: e-flyer

Product Review: Organic Surge Shampoo

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Organic Surge
Name: Citrus Mint Shampoo
Size: 250 ml
Price: $7.99 CAD

I’ve been noticing that my hair is quite dull lately. It’s lacking luster. So I figured now would be a perfect time to switch up shampoos and try something new!

This is the first time I’ve tried this brand thinkhappy.

From the website: "A happy blend of 99% naturally derived ingredients and certified organic extracts. For normal to dry hair."

To Purr About:
- heavenly mint scent that is not too strong – very relaxing
- cleaned hair well
- even without conditioner my hair felt very soft and smooth
- hair was shiny and not dull
- contains UV protection

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I really enjoyed this shampoo. I absolutely LOVED the minty scent as it is very relaxing and soothing – I would be content to just sit and sniff the bottle all day! I also enjoyed that even without conditioner my hair seemed to be nice and smooth and shiny.

Rating (out of 5):



If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

image: thinkhappy.com

NEW Product Line: Quo Fall Colour Story

Shoppers Drug Mart's exclusive cosmetics line, Quo launches its 2008 fall colour story across Canada. Quo takes its fall inspiration from the British countryside and England’s vibrant urban centres, showcasing a selection of autumn’s most alluring hues.

Quo’s fall line showcases a palette of graceful shimmers for lips and lovely shadows for eyes, to create looks that reflect the season’s trends. The fall palette is a combination of cool, city night greys and purples along with crisp neutrals and pinks.


Quo Night Lite Lip Gloss, 6.3 ml, $15 CAD
A handy lip gloss equipped with a light and mirror.
- Hyde Park Spark
- Prince Charming
- Kew Gardens Apricot
- Big Ben Blush

Quo Prime Time Eye / Face Primer, $22 CAD
A 2-in-1 primer to create a long-lasting, crease resistant and flawless finish.

Quo Double Decker Beauty Palette, $20 CAD
A palette that holds 4 silky smooth eyeshadows and hidden underneath are 2 lip colours and 1 blush.
- Piccadilly Pink: inspired by the colour Grey. Cool metallic undertones and evasive, medium greys and petrol blues combined with intense rich purple. The lip and blush colours shift to pinks, crimson and rubies for a feminine touch.
- Trafalgar Square Bare: inspired by nature and humanity. Featuring neutral tones complemented by luminous beiges, lined with subtle lip and blush colours.

Quo Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover, 125 ml, $8 USD
Designed to remove all eye make-up, this remover is ultra-mild, oil-free and enriched with pro-vitamin B5.

image: Quo press kit

Product Review: PedEgg

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: PedEgg
Name: PedEgg
Size: n/a
Price: $10 USD

A cute little egg-shaped pedicure tool, the PedEgg is an inexpensive way to keep your feet nice and smooth. The foot file removes calluses and dead skin and the emery buffing pads are a finishing touch

When I first pulled out the PedEgg, I was a little scared of it as the micro files look exactly the microplane I use to shave my chocolate, spices and other cooking ingredients so I figured it might be too harsh on skin, but I gave it a try anyway.

To Purr About:
- shape fits easily in my hand and is easy to hang onto
- little collector compartment holds the shavings until emptied, so it's neat to use anywhere
- on callused skin, I can't even feel the files
- noticeable difference on my feet immediately

Claws Out:
- you have to be very careful using this product as the files are pretty sharp

Final Comments:
This is one of the product I didn't think I'd ever own or find useful, but I actually have put it to good use. After a summer of flip flops and skipping around without socks, the skin on the bottom of my feet do need some extra pampering.

The PedEgg instructions should be followed carefully, but the results are really good. And for the price, it's a nice little pedicure tool that every sandal-loving gal should have.

For more information or to order your own PedEgg (if you can't find it in-stores), check out their site at PedEgg.com.

Rating (out of 5):



If you have a product that you've tried and would like to write a review, send me an email! Details on how to submit a review can be found in the left-hand sidebar.

image: pedegg.net

New Product Line: Organic Surge

Organic Surge is a line of natural skin and hair care products from the UK which is now available in Canada exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart and PharmaprixMD stores. The paraben-free products are made with a blend of naturally derived ingredients and certified organic extracts – such as grapefruit, lavender, mint, geranium and vitamin E.

Organic Surge products use antioxidants derived from natural compounds rather than harsh chemical antioxidants, and the line is proud to be cruelty free and vegan.

Organic Surge is also committed to making a real difference in the lives of orphans in Africa, with a portion of all product sales going to support childcare programs such as orphanages in Kenya and Uganda.


BODY CARE

tropical bergamot shower gel, 250ml, $7.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: bergamot, sweet orange oils, sweet corn, palm kernel oil, vitamin E and multivitamins
Bergamot moisturizes skin, sweet orange oils stimulate the lymph system, sweet corn is a soother, and palm kernels act as an antioxidant. Vitamin E and multivitamins leave skin cleansed and healthy.

lavender and geranium shower gel, 250ml, $7.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: coconut oil, fruit sugars, lavender, geranium and natural vitamin E
Coconut oil keeps skin strong and supple and prevents free radicals from harming the skin, fruit sugars nourish and moisturize the skin, lavender heals and is a natural antiseptic, geranium soothes and nourishes, and vitamin E repairs dry skin and is a powerful antioxidant.

fresh ocean shower gel, 250ml, $7.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: rosemary, lemon, lime, sweet corn, palm kernel oil, natural vitamin E and multivitamins
Rosemary stimulates cell renewal, lemon and lime revive the skin, sweet corn is a soother and palm kernels act as an antioxidant. Vitamin E and multivitamins leave skin cleansed and healthy.

HAIR CARE - GRAPEFRUIT

fresh grapefruit shampoo, 250ml, $7.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: grapefruit, lemon and lime, bergamot and vitamin E
Grapefruit, lemon and lime invigorate the senses leaving you feeling tingly and refreshed, bergamot breathes life back into tired hair, and vitamin E helps protect the hair shaft from environmental damage, leaving hair fresh and gleaming.

fresh grapefruit conditioner, 150ml, $7.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: grapefruit, lemon and lime, bergamot and Vitamin E
Grapefruit, lemon and lime invigorate the senses, bergamot hydrates and nourishes the hair and vitamin E helps maintain the hair’s desired colour, adding ultimate shine and manageability.

fresh grapefruit intensive hair treatment, 150ml, $9.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: grapefruit, grape seed oil and citrus oils
Grapeseed oil contains nutrifying vitamins and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), helping protect the hair protein from free radical damage while adding shine and elasticity.

HAIR CARE - CITRUS MINT

citrus mint shampoo, 250ml, $7.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: mint essential oil, lemon essential oil, bergamot and vitamin E
Mint oil is a natural antiseptic, lemon oil thickens, strengthens and improves hair’s manageability, bergamot brings life back into tired hair while vitamin E helps protect the hair shaft from environmental damage, leaving it fresh and shiny.

citrus mint conditioner, 150ml, $7.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: mint essential oil, lemon essential oil, yucca oil, bergamot and vitamin E
Mint oil is a natural antiseptic, lemon oil thickens, strengthens and improves hair’s manageability, yucca oil has great, gentle cleansing properties, bergamot hydrates and nourishes the hair while vitamin E helps maintain the hair’s desired colour, adding ultimate shine and manageability.

citrus mint intensive hair treatment, 150ml, $9.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: mint essential oil, lemon essential oil and grape seed oil
Mint oil is a natural antiseptic, lemon oil thickens, strengthens and improves hair’s manageability, grapeseed oil contains nutrifying vitamins and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), helping protect the hair protein from free radical damage while adding shine and elasticity.

HAND CARE

orange blossom hand wash, 250ml, $4.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: organic orange flower essentials oils and bergamot
Orange blossom helps to tone and tighten and healing bergamot helps nourish the skin for moisturized and rejuvenated hands.

orange blossom hand lotion, 250ml, $6.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: organic orange flower essentials oils and bergamot
Orange blossom helps to tone and tighten and healing bergamot helps nourish the skin for moisturised and rejuvenated hands.

lavender & geranium hand wash, 250ml, $4.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: organic lavender and geranium essential oils, natural vitamin E
Lavender heals damaged skin and acts as a natural antiseptic while geranium calms and nourishes for moisturized and soothed hands.

lavender & geranium hand lotion, 250ml, $6.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: organic lavender and geranium essential oils and natural vitamin E
Lavender heals damaged skin and acts as a natural antiseptic while geranium calms and nourishes for moisturized and soothed hands.

citrus mint hand wash, 250ml, $4.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: organic peppermint and lemon essential oils, orange blossom essential oil and natural vitamin E
Peppermint and lemon naturally cleanse and purify and orange blossom helps to tone and tighten the skin for moisturized and refreshed hands.

citrus mint hand lotion, 250ml, $6.99 CAD
Key Ingredients: organic lavender and geranium essential oils and natural vitamin E
Peppermint and lemon naturally cleanse and purify, and orange blossom helps to tone and tighten the skin for moisturized and refreshed hands.

If you want to find out more about the Organic Surge line, you can check out their web site at www.thinkhappy.com

images: Organic Surge press kit