Product Review: CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: CoverGirl
Name: Lash Blast Mascara
Size: 13.1 mL
Price: Approx. $8 CAD

Shade Tried: Very Black

From Covergirl’s website: "Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look."

To Purr About:
- available in 4 shades
- didn’t irritate eyes
- didn’t smudge

Claws Out:
- not waterproof
- does not give that dramatic volume as shown in advertisements

Final Comments:
I saw the commercial for this product and let me just say that using this mascara did not give me that same dramatic volume-boosting that it gave Drew Barrymore. Those are definitely fake eyelashes. I mean, I guess I didn’t really expect such unreasonable results, but a girl can dream.

That being said, I think in terms of volumizing – this mascara was pretty on par. It did however impress me with the fact that it did not irritate my eyes or smudge on me. However, I would definitely pick up the waterproof version next time.

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: well.ca

Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler Event Announcement

NOTE: Some dates/locations have changed - please check the schedule!

"Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler, a new product for targeted application to frown lines, forehead lines and under-eye, contains a compound for instant visible line-filling results and long term visible wrinkle reduction." (from Shoppers Drug Mart web site)

Ingredients include:
- Gatuline Expression helps relax the look of facial tension and expression lines
- Kombuchka PH Extract plumps and smoothes wrinkles
- Argireline prompts skin into its re-build mode, boosting natural collagen production

Shoppers Drug Mart will be hosting demonstrations featuring Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler at select stores in Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa and Montreal.

Participating Shoppers Drug Mart locations, dates and times:

TORONTO area

Fri. Aug. 1, 5pm-9pm: 465 Yonge St., Toronto, 416-408-4000
Sat. Aug. 2,, 3pm-6pm: 4000 Hwy 7, Woodbridge, 905-851-2199
Sat. Aug. 2, 11am-2pm: 5230 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke, 416-233-3269
Sun. Aug. 3, 11am-2pm: 946 Lawrence Ave. E., Unit 2, Toronto, 416-444-4445
Sun. Aug. 3, 3pm-6pm: 388 King St. W., Toronto, 416-597-6550
Thurs. Aug. 7, 11am-3pm: 4841 Yonge St., Willowdale, 416-222-1174
Fri. Aug. 8, 5pm-9pm: 1800 Sheppard Ave. E., Unit 2075, Willowdale
Sat. Aug. 9, 11am-2pm: 2901 Bayview Ave., Unit 7A, Toronto, 416-225-3380
Sat. Aug. 9, 3pm-6pm: 550 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto, 416-485-3093
Thurs. Aug. 14, 5pm-9pm: 1355 Kingston Rd., Pickering, 905-839-4488
Fri. Aug. 15, 4pm-8pm: 8000 Bathurst St., Unit 1, Thornhill, 905-882-0201
Fri. Aug. 15, 1pm-9pm: 4000 Hwy 7, Woodbridge, 905-851-2199
Sat. Aug. 16, 12pm-5pm: 2290 Bloor St. W., Toronto, 416-769-1105
Sun. Aug. 17, 11am-5pm: 2501 Third Line, Oakville, 905 465-3000
Fri. Aug. 22, 12pm-6pm: 5230 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-236-1201

PETERBOROUGH

Sun. Aug. 10, 11am-5pm: 741 Landsdowne St. W., Peterborough, 705-748-6141

OTTAWA

Thurs. Aug. 21, 11am-5pm: 161 Bank St., Ottawa, 613-232-5723
Fri. Aug. 22, 11am-6pm: 50 Rideau St., Ottawa, 613-236-2533

MONTREAL

Sat. Aug. 23, 12pm-5pm: 5122 Cote-des-Neiges, Montréal, 514-738-8464
Wed. Aug. 27, 5pm-9pm: 2305 Rockland Rd., suite 191, Montréal, 514-739-5551
Thurs. Aug. 28, 11am-6pm: 15 Atwater, Montréal, 514-931-4283
Fri. Aug. 29, 11am-6pm: 1 Place Ville Marie, suite 11230, Montréal, 514-866-9881

Product Review: ecoTools Makeup Brushes

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: ecoTools

Name: Bamboo Angled Eyeliner Brush
Price: Approx. $3.99 USD

Name: Bamboo Blush Brush
Price: Approx. $6.99 USD

Back in March I blogged about a new line of brushes and beauty tools called ecoTools that were both earth-friendly and cruelty-free. I finally tried out a few of the makeup brushes and got to test out if they were as good as some of my other brushes.

To Purr About:
- comes in a re-usable plastic, resealable pouch
- Earth-friendly product (bamboo handles use a highly sustainable plant that is low-impact on the Earth's resources) and synthetic Taklon bristles are cruelty-free
- nice, sturdy handles feel really nice when held and have a good weight to them
- bristles are super-soft and pick up product really well
- price is really, really good
- the angled eyeliner brush works really well and I have no problem using it with my gel eyeliner

Claws Out:
- quality doesn't equal my favourite brushes (from MAC)
- not really available in Canada

Final Comments:
Even though they don't match my MAC brushes, the price and how friendly they are to both the Earth and animals makes these brushes very attractive. I love the weight of the brush and how soft the bristles are. At these prices, it's not hard to buy every brush in the set and equip yourself with all the tools you need!

If you're in the US, you can buy these brushes at several locations (check their site for more details) but retailers include Ulta and Walgreens. I hope they come to Canada soon!

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: parispresents.com

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew

Canadians - It's Estee Lauder Bonus Time again!

Retailer: Holt Renfrew
Minimum amount you need to spend: $55 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: ends August 10, 2008

What you get:
- Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme, 7-day supply
- Re-Nutriv Intensive Hydrating Creme Cleanser
- Golden Fluted Compact
- Sumptious Bold Volume Lifting Mascara, 10-day supply
- Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick
- a stylish deluxe tote with companion cosmetic bag

image: Holt Renfrew e-flyer

Product Review: Afterglow Organic Glow Bronzer

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Afterglow
Name: Organic Glow Bronzer
Size: 0.21 oz /6 g
Price: Approx. $18 USD

Shade Tried: Deep

A loose mineral bronzer that comes in light, medium and deep complexions and can be used on the apples of the cheeks, or as a contour. The colour bronzes the face leaving a warm, glowing look to the skin without the orangey color of traditional bronzers.

I'm not really a fan of bronzers only because I couldn't be bothered to "fake" a tan other than to use self-tanners to even out tan lines. However, I have started using bronzers on my face to give myself "cheekbones", which works really well since I have no cheekbones.

The sample of Glow Bronzer that I received was too dark for me (I would do well with the Light shade) but I did try it out anyway as a contour powder.

To Purr About:
- powder is soft and light
- after application, I couldn't feel the product on my skin at all
- made with "certified organic botanicals" and is "free of synthetic dyes, preservatives and fillers
- wide jar is easy to dip my brush into
- a little goes a long way, so the price isn't too bad

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I have actually stuck to this bronzer as a contour, but only because it's summer and I'm darker than usual. I probably wouldn't be able to use it during the winter, when I'm really pale.

Afterglow makes a whole line of mineral cosmetics and is available online and in select stores. You can check them out at http://www.afterglowcosmetics.com/ (a store locator is available on their site)

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: afterglowcosmetics.com

Product Review: Zensation Brightening Mask

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: Zensation
Name: Brightening Mask
Size: 50 g
Price: n/a

I was really impressed by Zensation’s Bio Regenerating Serum, so I decided to investigate their other products.

Zensation’s products are free from alcohol, colorant, synthetic fragrance, animal ingredients, mineral oils and parabens derivatives to preserve the purity and effectiveness, thus minimizing any allergic reactions.

From the website: "The Brightening Mask works to control the melanogenesis process, preventing and reducing unwanted or excessive pigmentation."

To Purr About:
- my extremely allergy prone skin did not have any allergic reactions to it
- my skin felt smoother and softer after use
- complexion seemed to be “brighter” and more improved after continual use

Claws Out:
- have to let set for 20 minutes
- cream has an odd smell
- skin felt a bit agitated by the cream
- it is currently hard to find this product in North America
- very expensive

Final Comments:
I’m not too sure about the whitening properties of this product, but my skin did feel smoother and softer after using it. The scent of this product was definitely a turn off for me. And merely wiping it off and going about your routine meant the smell was lingered until the next time I washed my face.

My skin felt a slight agitation during the 20 minutes before I wiped it off, but my skin is super sensitive and usually leaving any product on it for a long period of time has the same results.

The price is a bit steep, but I find their products very impressive – if they were a TINY bit more affordable I’d be completely addicted. Again, I wish Zensation’s products were more easily found in North America, but I’m hoping they will be soon.

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.

Product Review: Clean & Clear Advantage Invisible Patch

Cinnamon Kitten welcomes a new regular product reviewer - babycAt! She'll be joining me (Cinnamon Kitten) and S.K.Y. in bringing this blog regular product reviews, so watch for her recommendations!

Reviewer: babycAt

Brand: Clean & Clear
Name: Advantage Invisible Patch
Size: 1.9 g
Price: approximately $12 CAD

Clean & Clear Advantage Invisible Acne Patch claims to have "a breakthrough formula helps you more easily conceal breakouts. When you apply the liquid to a pimple, it will appear smoother and your makeup will go on more evenly." (from the Clean & Clear web site)

The site goes on to say that this product "has pimple smoothing technology that features the film forming polymer Chitosan PCA. This polymer essentially "pulls up" the low points and "pushes down" the high points on skin to create a smoother looking surface. This smooth surface makes it easier to apply makeup."

To Purr About:
- it's good to use overnight to treat pimples

Claws Out:
- while using make up with the gel-like patch, it clogs up the make up and makes it blotchy
- the film over the pimple is shiny, so I wouldn't use it during the day
- it also starts to peel off and get flaky after an hour or so

Final Comments:
It's a good pimple treatment patch if you put it on overnight and wash it off in the morning, but I wouldn't recommend it for day use with make up like the instructions suggested.

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: cleanandclear.ca

Product Review: Nubar Skin Essentials

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Nubar
Name: Hypnotic Lotion
Size: 2 oz
Price: approximately $4.99 USD

Nubar's line of Skin Essentials is its signature collection of aromatherapy lotions with anti-oxidants. Available in six delicious scented formulas, every lotion is formulated with rich shea butter, essential oils, vitamins A and E and are paraben-free.

Tried:
- Hypnotic - "Emotional Balance", a mesmerizing fragrance with tantalizing hits of citrus
- Pomegranate Delight - "Mind Clearing", a powerful cellular defense with sweet pomegranate extracts

Also available:
- Island Breeze - "Tropical Exotic", a tropical blend with coconut and mango
- Vanilla Passion - "Calming, Sensual", an exotic blend of vanilla and musk
- Delicious Pear - "Calming", a blend of cucumbers, melons and delicious ripe pear
- Euphoria - Spiritualizes the Intellect", derived from sensual vanilla

To Purr About:
- lotion is creamy and rich, but absorbs quickly
- I love the smell of the Hypnotic lotion - it's light and citrusy and really nice
- moisturizing
- small bottle is easy to toss into my bag and bring with me

Claws Out:
- I found the scent of Pomegranate Delight a little too overpowering and sweet, which I didn't really like
- the bottles can cost $4.99 USD for 2 oz and $10.99 for 8 oz, which is kind of expensive to me

Final Comments:
This lotion is really nice and rich, but absorbs quickly and has a nice scent. Of the two I tried, I really, really like Hypnotic but found Pomegranate Delight too sweet for my taste. I would love to try some of the other scents, especially Delicious Pear. My other major complaint is the price.

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: bynubar.com

Product Review: Gosh Velvet Touch Lipliner

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Gosh
Name: Velvet Touch Lipliner
Size: 1.2 g / 0.04 US oz
Price: approximately $10 CAD

Shade Tried: Nougat Crisp

As I recently reported here, Gosh GOSH Cosmetics is a popular line of makeup from Denmark that was recently launched in Canada and is sold exclusively in Canada at more than 200 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores.

To Purr About:
- creamy formula is applies very smoothly
- colour is full and rich
- easy to sharpen
- price is on par with other lip liners of this quality

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
During the summer, I rarely wear lipliner - I prefer a quick and light lip product because of the hot weather. However, this is a great lip liner and definitely something I would use in the fall/winter months. It applies extremely smoothly and goes on in a nice, rich, creamy way that you often don't get with lipliners. The shade that I tried is very similar to my past lipliners, so the colour works really well for me.

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: GOSH press kit

NEW Product: CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Blast Shades

As most beauty-addicts already know, this summer is all about the bright, BRIGHT colours. To keep up with this trend, CoverGirl has released a really colourful collection of pressed eye powders, "Blast" shades offer a bright, bold look.

Silky, sheer formula contains soft, fine, micro-sized powder particles and the applicator features a soft sponge tip.

Watch for a product review coming soon!

1-Kit Shades, approx. $4.99 CAD
- Gold Sizzle
- Lime Alive
- Kaboom Kelly
- Turquoise Tempest
- Shimmering Onyx
- Golden Sunrise
- Indigo Impact
- Purple Pop
- Knock Out PInk
- Melt-Down Mauve

3-Kit Shades, approx. $6.99 CAD
- Firecracker
- Blazing Blues

4-Kit Shades, approx. $6.99 CAD
- Tropical Fusion
- Dynamite Drama

images: marieclaire.com