Product Review: Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Rimmel
Name: : Moisture Renew Lipstick
Size: 0.14 oz / 4 g
Price: approx. $7 CAD

Shade Tried: #700 Nude Delight

I'm loving the nude lip look lately but I find that many good nude shades are quite drying. If they're not matte, then the nude shade doesn't offer enough coverage. I've had some luck in finding good nude shades lately (NARS is one of my favourites) so I was excited to find out that Rimmel had a nice nude colour coming out in its Moisture Renew Lipstick.

From the press release: "hydrates lips with polypeptides, hyaluronic acid and natural collagen ingredients, while vitamin A, C and E nourish lips, leaving them with a smoother surface for better colour wear.

To Purr About:
- really nice nude colour
- good coverage - the colour really covered my lips
- it has a matte finish, but isn't drying at all (like many matte lipsticks often are)
- leaves lips lightly moisturized
- goes on smoothly

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I love this lipstick. It gives my lips a great nude colour and has a matte finish, but without the dry feeling and goes on quite smoothly. THe main problem I usually have with nude shades is that my lips are naturally quite dark, so it takes a lot of lipstick to cover my natural lip colour, but this one only took one layer, which was pretty amazing.

I've been a fan of Rimmel since they came to Canada, so I wasn't surprised with this lipstick and how nice it was. The price is a great selling point - great lipstick for a great price. Can't beat that!

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: press kit

Product Review: Ms. Manicure Handy Dandy Mani

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Ms. Manicure
Name: : Handy Dandy Mani
Size: n/a
Price: $10 USD

From their website: "Handy Dandy Mani set is a tidy carry-all that has every tool you could require to manicure yourself solo. If you like to have your own personal tools when you go to the salon, just take this set with you! This all-in-one tool kit includes a Cuticle Nipper, Nail Clipper, Nail Scissors, Wood Cuticle Sticks, Nail Brush, Washable Salon Board, 4-way Nail Buffer, and Slant Tip Tweezers. And, they are all housed in a cute double-zippered pocked bag, one side to stash the tools and the other to hold your polish."

To Purr About:
- comes with all the great tools needed to prep your nails in 1 handy dandy kit
- 4-way nail buffer is so useful & compact that it`s great for using at home or
when travelling
- metal tools were good quality
- double-zippered pocket bag is versatile and great for travelling
- affordable price (much cheaper than buying all the items separately)

Claws Out:
- nail scissors do not come with a protective cover
- although the nail brush is useful & practical it is a but cheap looking/feeling
- I wish the cuticle sticks had rubbers tips to make them a bit ‘softer’

Final Comments:
To be honest – I don’t take very good care of my nails, but when I see girls with their beautifully manicured nails I am envious. I figured the best way to get started was to try out this great little manicure kit.

I am a big fan of Ms. Manicure products, having tried their 6-surfaced 'Call Your Bluff' filing stick, so I was excited to see they have little kits available.

When I first got my hands on this set I was a bit disappointed that it didn't come with any creams, polishes, etc. but in hindsight that’s probably better as it let's you save on the cost and put your money into the products you want.

There are definitely some great tools included in this set (like the 4-way nail buffer, washable salon board, nail scissors, nail clippers, etc. and it is a great set to get if you are needing to grab some great essentials to start you off, but I found some of the tools (cuticle sticks, nail brush) a bit flimsy. In the end, it’s still a great starter kit, which for a great price gets you all the tools you need to get you started.

Now if I could only figure out how to handle this cuticle nipper with my left hand.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: parispresents.com

Product Review: ToGoSpa Eyedews Under Eye Treatment

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: ToGoSpa Eyedews
Name: : Under Eye Treatment
Size: n/a
Price: 6-pack for $30 USD

From their website: "If you have circles, bags, puffiness, fine lines, stress, fatigue, hangover, or a Hot Date, Eyedews may be for you. A refreshing, single use, under-eye rejuvenation treatment, Eyedews are specifically formulated to help you look & feel great!"

To Purr About:
- convenient packaging that's great if travelling or on-the-go
- easy to use
- felt so amazing - refreshing for my tired eyes
- improved the look of the area under my eyes – reduced darkness and bags
- since they decently adhered to my face, I was able to keep moving around

Claws Out:
- will slowly slide down your face if you’re moving around (not lying down)

Final Comments:
As most people on the go can probably relate, my eyes are super tired by the end of the day, so these types of products aimed at soothing tired eyes and reducing the appearance of dark circles really appeal to me.

Eyedews are super easy to use, just open the package and put them on your face – and they feel great! Since I am always running around the house, I found them sliding around my face a bit, so I had to constantly re-adjust them, but obviously if I was lying down as suggested I wouldn’t have that problem. Not only did I feel super pampered and serene having them cooling and soothing my face, but the area under my eyes did seem to look improved when I took them off.

At approximately $5 a pop, I thought they were a bit pricey at first, but after using them and reconsidering the price compared to spa visits, other similar products, etc. or other things I indulge in to pamper myself over the course of the week, I think it’s quite reasonable for something that I would probably do maybe once a week to relax and wind-down.

Lastly, I absolutely love the idea of taking these on a plane as a pick me up right before landing, although I think I might get a few stares from fellow passengers if I put these on.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: eyedews.com

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Estee Lauder Bonus Time!

Retailer: The Bay

Duration: until September 6, 2010

There are two bonus offers from Estee Lauder, depending on the amount you spend.

Minimum amount you need to spend: $32.00 CAD (before taxes)

What You Get:
- Your choice of Lipstick, High Gloss and Eyeshadow Quad in WARM or COOL

- Your choice of Moisturizer: Resilience Lift Extreme OR Time Zone Creme, deluxe gift size

- Soft Clean Tender Creme Cleanser

- cosmetic bag

- foldover mirror

Minimum amount you need to spend: $75.00 CAD (before taxes)

What You Get:

- Your choice of Lipstick, High Gloss and Eyeshadow Quad in WARM or COOL

- Your choice of Moisturizer: Resilience Lift Extreme OR Time Zone Creme, deluxe gift size

- Soft Clean Tender Creme Cleanser

- Artist Eye Pencil
- Double-Ended Mascara & Lash Primer
- Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

- 2 matching cosmetic bags

- foldover mirror

image: website

Lancome Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Lancome Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears and Sears.ca
Minimum amount you need to spend: $34.00 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: August 26 - September 17, 2010


What You Get:
- signature bag & matching companion

Your choice of 6 items from the best selection of Lancome products:

- High Resolution Refill-3x Triple Action Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15

- High Resolution Collaser-5x Intense Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum

- Renergie Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Treatment

- Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Intense Targeted Repositioning Lifter

- Nutrix Royal Body Intense Lipid Repair Cream

- Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

- CILS Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base

- Colour Design Sensational Effects Lip Colour

- Colour Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow

- Juicy Tube Lip Gloss

- Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara

image: e-flyer

Product Review: Rimmel Fix and Perfect Foundation Primer

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Rimmel
Name: : Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer
Size: 1 fl oz / 30 ml
Price: approx. $8 CAD

From the press release: "an under-makeup base that enhances your complexion minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving skin looking smooth. The delicate peach tone helps reduce redness, resulting in longer radiant foundation wear."

To Purr About:
- extremely light
- blends into skin quickly and easily
- primer absorbs into skin and dries pretty quickly
- foundation lasted longer than without the primer
- helped keep my skin matte

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
Another great Rimmel product. I was surprised at the colour when I first opened the tube. It's a light peach colour, but that doesn't transfer onto the skin. It's a light, non-greasy formula that absorbs almost instantly into the skin without a trace.

It dries quickly and doesn't leave skin "rubbery" like some other primers. I did find my foundation lasted much longer throughout the day in comparison to no-primer (or even in comparison to some other primers) and I didn't find my face was as shiny as usual, so I think the primer helped to keep my face matte as well.

Because it was so light, a little bit goes a long way. Compared to some of my other favourite primers, the price point makes this a really great deal.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: press kit

pretty, pretty words

I'm addicted to Wordles. I love words, so it's probably no surprise that "word as art" intrigues me.

Check out the Wordle I created by plugging in this blog's URL - it's fun to see what words I've been using most recently in writing this blog...(click on the image to see the full size so you can actually read the words)

Product Review: Sensodyne iso-active Multi Action Foaming Gel Toothpaste

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Sensodyne
Name: : iso-active Multi Action Foaming Gel Toothpaste
Size: 100 ml
Price: approx. $10 CAD

I've never really had sensitive teeth, although this past summer I have noticed that sometimes my teeth are slightly sensitive whenever I eat or drink extremely cold foods or drinks. So when I received a sample of Sensodyne iso-active, I didn't hesitate to give it a try.

My husband (who reviews on this blog as GuineaHubby) uses Sensodyne regularly, but this was my first time trying out a Sensodyne product. Ii was extra curious because this one claims to be "unlike any other toothpaste you’ve ever tried before. It starts off as a gel on your toothbrush, then transforms into micro-fine foam as you brush your teeth. The foam penetrates hard-to-reach places to thoroughly clean your whole mouth and provide protection from sensitivity."

This is also available in a whitening formula.

To Purr About:
- light mint taste that isn't too strong or overpowering
- the gel changes to foam fairly quickly
- the gel expands quite a lot, so a little goes a long way
- mouth feels really clean after use
- less messy than tube toothpaste

Claws Out:
- the mint flavour is fairly light so I don't get that really minty fresh mouth feel after brushing
- a lot more packaging than regular toothpaste

Final Comments:
Wow. I was not expecting so much FOAM. The gel transforms quickly into a thick foam that really coats your whole mouth. So a little gel is all you need to get a really good cleaning. I did find that after a couple of weeks use, my teeth weren't as sensitive to cold drinks, so it definitely does protect teeth.

I love the dispense - it stands up on its own on my bathroom counter and is much less messy than regular tube toothpaste. However, it does mean a lot more packaging than tubes for those that are environmentally conscious.

It is very different than any other toothpaste I've tried and I love the foaminess of the toothpaste. If you have sensitive teeth, then I definitely recommend giving this a try.

Rating (out of 5):

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

image: well.ca

Product Review: Tree Hut Shea Body Lotion

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Tree Hut
Name: : Shea Body Lotion
Size: 11.75 oz / 347 ml
Price: $6.99 USD

From the press release: "A rich, non-greasy formulation infused with shea nut oil to hydrate skin, leaving it smooth and supple with a sweet scent of almond and honey. The addition of Vitamin E and Aloe Vera help soothe and condition itchy, sunburned skin."

Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, honey, aloe and safflower seed oil

To Purr About:
- convenient pump bottle
- very light lotion
- sweet almond scent
- non-greasy

Claws Out:
- absorbs quickly
- leaves skin feeling soft

Final Comments:
- This lotion is extremely light and absorbs pretty quickly, leaving my skin soft. It's not greasy at all, which is nice in a lotion.

The only thing I would prefer is a lighter scent. The sweet almond scent is nice, but when you use this lotion on your whole body, it can be a little overpowering. I've been using the lotion sparingly, and it leaves a nice fragrance, but you definitely can't wear any other scent to compete with it.

As a lotion though, it's really great - light, non-greasy, quickly absorbed and leaves skin very soft.

Rating (out of 5):





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

image: treehutshea.com

Product Review: Lise Watier Bleu Bold Smokey Kohl Liner

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Lise Watier
Name: : Bleu Bold Smokey Kohl Liner
Size: 3 g / 0.11 oz
Price: $18 CAD

Shade Tried: Blue

From the press kit: "With its practical pencil format and creamy texture (easy to blend with a fingertip!), even inexperienced users will be able to achieve the perfect smoky eye. Formulated with a specialty wax (which procures a rich, opaque finish with the very first application), light oils and vivid pigments, the Smokey Kohl Liner glides on softly for a full, deep line. Long lasting and comfortable, it offers an intense matte finish, without smudging or dripping."

I'm a huge fan of Lise Watier products and have rarely used any of their products that I haven't been at least a little impressed with. When I first opened this liner, I was very surprised by the shape and size...and right away I knew that this would be a disappointing product. Can you guess why?

To Purr About:
- intense colour that's very intense and rich
- smooth, creamy liner glides on easily and doesn't tug eyelid at all
- a very light application leaves a deep, intense colour

Claws Out:
- the shape of this liner is difficult to keep sharp

Final Comments:
The formula of the liner is like many other Lise Watier eyeliners - rich, creamy and intense. As with their other liners, it glides on smoothly and easily and doesn't pull the eyelid at all.

But my biggest complaint about this product is the shape. Because it's quite thick at the bottom - (think the base of a lipstick) that after a few uses, the tip gets quite dull and after awhile, it's difficult to keep sharp. As you can see, once you get past a certain point, it will be impossible to sharpen and is basically a waste of product. Not the best design as most of the product will have to be tossed.

Considering this product costs $18 CAD, it's seems a lot of money for a product you can only use part of.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: press kit