Beauty Impulses - March 30

Here's my Friday Beauty Impulses list - 5 items that I'd buy on a whim at this moment in time if I didn't have to give a thought to counting pennies.

1. Benefit: Silky-Finish Lipstick
2. Bliss: Simply the Zest Lemon+Sage Spa-in-a-Box
3. Imju: Fiberwig Mascara
4. Neutrogena: Lip Nutrition Boosting Balm in Passion Fruit
5. Philosophy: Old Fashioned Lemonade Bubble Bath

Is there anything on this list that you've tried? Post a comment and let us know what you thought!

images: neutrogena.com, sephora.com

Product Review: Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm

Sephora notes: "Following in the Rosebud tradition of simple, easy to use products, this vintage-inspired tin contains a combination of rich emollients that lock-in moisture and banish dryness after only one application."

With a light strawberry fragrance, the Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm and Moisturizer is a slightly hard lip balm that's one of my favourite products to reach for when I feel my lips getting dry. It does a great job moisturizing and lasts quite a long time.

Light pink in the tin, the lip balm leaves no colour so it's great to wear under your favourite lipsticks. The only thing that would make this product even better is if it was available in a tube format for even easier application.

At $9.50 CAD/$7 USD for an 0.8 oz, this is slightly more expensive than most other lip balms, but this lip product has enough to last several months (or more, depending on how often you use it).

image: sephora.com productreviewrosebud

NEW Product: MAC Balloonacy High-Light Powder

Straight on the heels of the Barbie Loves MAC collection, MAC has released another fun, high-impact collection - Balloonacy.

There are lipsticks, eye products, nail lacquer, etc, but the product that caught my eye was the High-Light Powder.

Seems most brands are now coming out with these products that highlight the skin and give you a special "glow", just in time for the warmer months when we'll be shedding our coats to show off our skin.

The MAC powder costs $22 USD and is a limited edition product (so get yours quickly if you want to try it out!)

Product Notes:
- ultra-sheer veil of shine and colour
- ideal for cheeks or any part of the body that needs highlighting
- fun circle embossing on the powder surface

Colour info:
- currently available in 2 shades: Hullaballoo and Mellow Rave.

I'm narrowing my choices for the highlight powders and will probably buy one before the summer hits. My only pet peeve with this one is that it's a limited edition item, which means that if I fall in love with it, I'll have to kiss it goodbye sooner than I may want to. :(

image: maccosmetics.com

Product Review: Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer

I love my lip sticks, and I love my lip glosses, but sometimes my lips just need a break. And to find a great lip balm that gives a hint of shimmery colour just makes my day!

Many of you may have already heard of the amazing Burt's Bees lip balms. Well, their lip shimmers are just as amazing.

Burt's Bees notes: "They’re made from natural ingredients like vitamin E, coconut and sunflower oils to moisturize and highlight your lips."

I started using Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm a few years ago and love the tingle and smoothness it brought to my lips. It's one of the best lip balms I've tried in a long time and I much prefer it to Chapstick. So when I saw this coloured version, I was pretty excited.

I bought the Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Watermelon. There's 11 different shades to choose from and I plan on getting a few others to add to my makeup case. I've definitely found my lips getting healthier the more I use this great product.

image: burtsbees.com productreviewburtsbees

Beauty Impulses - March 23

Here's the first Beauty Impulses List - 5 items that I've recently seen and wanted without really knowing anything about them (in other words - they look cool & I haven't seen the price tag yet!).
1. Lise Watier: Rouge WOW, Fusion Creme Gloss
2. Bliss: The Youth As We Know It
3. Fusion Beauty: LashFusion Micro-Technology Pure Protein Lash Plump
4. Quo: Eye Primer
5. Smashbox: Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Is there anything on this list that you've tried? Post a comment and let us know what you thought!

images: sephora.com, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Beauty Impulses

Ever see something in passing and think, "I wouldn't mind having that..." just by looking at the product? If money were no object...

In that spirit, I'm starting the Beauty Impulse list. Every Friday (or as close to Friday as I can manage) I'll throw together 5 beauty items I've seen that I would buy on the spot if I had an unlimited supply of money. No info research, no price tag checking, the product looks captivating enough all by itself.

Who knows, you may see some of the items on these lists in future product reviews.

If you see something on my Impulse list that you've already tried, post a comment and let us know what you thought about it!

NEW Product: Neutrogena MoistureShine Soothing LipSheers

I love Neutrogena. I love their cleaners, their toners, and their moisturizers. And I would probably love their cosmetics too, if I had a chance to try them out.

Unfortunately for me, for some odd reason, Neutrogena cosmetics aren't available in Canada. And that makes me sad. :(

So I try not to pay any attention whenever I see Neutrogena's ads, but sometimes I just can't help look and be wistful.

And Neutrogena's MoistureShine Soothing Lipsheers make me very wisftul (you know I have a soft spot for lip products!)


Product Notes:
- moisture-infused formula containing SPF 20
- advanced formula contains moisturizing emollients and vitamin E
- a unique cooling sensation soothes on contact
- dermatologist developed, hypo-allergenic
- sleek metal case
- 0.06 oz

Colour info:
- currently available in 10 sheer shades: Sparkling Nude, Honey Breeze, Peach Sorbet, Cool Nectar, Sunny Berry, Shimmering Blush, Pink Splash, Fresh Rose, Plum Kiss and Ruby Bliss.

The ad says "lipgloss + lipstick + lipbalm = the most popular thing in your purse" and it's probably true. Unfortunately, until I can get to a drugstore south of the border or take a risk on eBay, I guess I won't be doing a product review on these babies for awhile!

Have any of you tried the Neutrogena MoistureShine Soothing LipSheers? Or any Neutrogena cosmetic product? Let me know what you think!

image: neutrogena.com

Wow! Double Your Money!

Fellow addicts - here's a deal that's REALLY hard to pass up!

e.l.f. is having a special promotion - for any eGift Card purchase of $25 or more they'll double your cash for free! That means if you buy a eGift Card worth $25, it automatically becomes a eGift Card worth $50!!! Do you know how much makeup you can buy at e.l.f. for $50? I mean, they're $1 each!

There is some small print to this offer:
- Maximum $100 eGift Card purchase or while supplies last
- Expires March 25th at 11:59 EST
- 1 card per recipient
- eGift Card can't be purchased with another eGift Card

coupon code: double

Even though I promised to cut back on my beauty purchases until I use up at least some of what's sitting around my room, this offer is definitely too good to pass up! Who's with me?

Product Review: Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

Winter really does a number on my skin. And for the past two weeks my hectic work schedule has really put a cramp in my body moisturizing (ok, I've been lazy).

In an attempt to shave some time off my daily routine and still keep my skin from looking like an alligator's, I bought Dove's Deep Moisture Body Wash (price ranges from $4-$8 CAD depending on where you purchase it).

Dove notes: "Transform your shower into a warm water treatment...works with the warmth of the shower to infuse your skin with all-day hydrating emollients. It deeply moisturizes dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth."

I used this product (along with a mesh sponge) every day for one week and almost instantly noticed a change. My skin was much better moisturized and felt softer and didn't need any extra products to keep it hydrated.

With a light, sweet fragrance that isn't overpowering, this is now a standard in my shower stall and in my daily routine. Goodbye winter blahs! Hello soft, touchable skin!

image: dove.ca productreviewdove

Estee Lauder Solid Perfume Compacts

I mentioned these compacts in a previous post and a couple of people have asked me about them so I've decided to post a few photos to show you why I want to collect these so badly (and also why I'll never be able to afford to have a large collection).

Every so often Estee Lauder puts out a collector compact that holds a solid perfume. They come in a wide range of prices, and can run anywhere from $35 USD to $500 USD and prices are often higher in the resale market. I've never even bothered to try to find one, but have been told that these sell out really quickly (they're produced in limited numbers) and not all Estee Lauder counters carry them (in Canada, Holt Renfrew is a good place to try).

Here are a few photos I found on eBay to show you just how beautiful these are. And yes, they do actually hold a solid perfume inside! Beauty really is art!

While searching for these photos, I also discovered a few other brands also put out similar compacts, including Avon and Max Factor. I'm definitely going to check these out as they might have a more affordable price tag!

p.s. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

NEW Product: Giorgio Armani Movie Lights Compact

This is beauty at its most glamourous!

Giorgio Armani has just introduced its Hollywood 2007 edition Collection and the masterpiece of this collection is the Movie Lights Compact. This sleek black compact holds a sheer shimmering powder in a light pink beige tone that gives your skin a soft, light glow.

But what makes this compact something to really lust for is the 8 LED lights that line the compact's mirror. Press a button on the side of the compact and voila! It's like a travel-size vanity mirror for all of us wannabe movie vixens!

I haven't seen this in stores yet, but the magazine that I first saw this in listed it at $110 CAD, so if you're lusting for this product, be prepared to dig deep into your piggy bank!

image: giorgioarmanibeauty.com

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at the Bay

Canadians - It's Estee Lauder Bonus Time! Although I don't currently use any Estee Lauder products, I have a soft spot for the company because of the highly collectible solid perfume compacts the company puts out. I've never been able to afford one, but if I ever start a high-end collection, these gorgeous compacts would be it.

Anyhow, here's the details of the tortoise-shell themed bonus:

Retailer: The Bay
Minimum amount you need to spend: $32 CAD
Ends: March 18, 2007

What you get (the description in the ads were kind of vague):
- light blue train case
- small brown cosmetics bag
- your choice of lipstick
- your choice of eyeshadow
- Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex
- "and more" (although if you look at the picture, "and more" only seems to be a mascara)

image: hbc.ca

A Couple of "Freebies"

FREE SHIPPING from MAC (to Canadian address only):
Receive free standard shipping with any purchase. The offer is valid through midnight EST Saturday March 24th on orders shipped to Canada addresses only. Please use offer code SPRFAVES at checkout.
FREE EYESHADOW From E.L.F.:
With any purchase of $10 or more, enter coupon code lucky to receive their Brightening Eye Color in their new shade Ivy (pictured above). Perfect for spring and St. Patrick's Day!

image: eyeslipsface.com

Product Review: Jergens Natural Glow

(As promised, all reviews in March will be for products that cost less than $10 CAD!)

When this product launched a few years ago, Oprah mentioned it on her show and it flew off the shelves so fast that it was impossible to find for months and was selling for upwards of $30 USD on eBay!

Well, now the craze has died down and tons of other brands have put out their own "tanning" moisturizer.

Jergens notes: "...delivers an optimum amount of color to even out and enrich the appearance of your skin. Formulated with a unique blend of non-drying Erythrulose, DHA and essential moisturizers to gradually develop a soft, natural glow, without streaking or orange coloration often experienced with using a self-tanner. Simply moisturize your skin to keep a beautiful and natural glow. It comes in three different shades to complement your unique skin tone."

The idea behind this product is that it's not a "self-tanner" but a moisturizer with a hint of colour. So, with daily use, you gradually "build up" a natural looking tan. The advantages with this gradual buildup is that you don't have to worry about those tell-tale streaks, uneven patches of colour or getting colour onto your clothes, towels, etc.

I've been using Jergens natural glow Daily Moisturizer for Medium Skin Tones for a few summers now, mainly to maintain a nice "tan" look, although I don't bother with it during the winter. The eventual colour is a great match for my Asian skin after it's gotten a little sun.

My main complaint about this product is the smell. There's a very persistent, slightly chemical smell that's fairly strong and quite noticeable. And since this is a "daily-use" product, the smell is constantly on my skin. I also noticed that the smell transfers, so after a week, my bed sheets smell too. The only solution is to not apply this cream every day and only once every 3 days or so to keep the smell from building up.

I do like this product because it's very natural looking and easy to use, although I think maybe this coming summer I'll try another brand, preferably one that's fragrance free.

image: jergens.com productreviewjergens

Revlon Warehouse Sale

For Mississauga, Toronto (and area) residents: There's a warehouse sale coming up that will include Revlon products (up to 75% off!)

Location: the International Centre (6900 Airport Road - Hall 6), Mississauga
Dates: Wed. Mar. 14 - Sun. Mar. 18
Hours:
Wed. - Fri.: 10 am - 8 pm
Sat.: 10 am - 6 pm
Sun.: 11 am - 5 pm

Some of the brands & products that the flyer lists includes: Revlon, Almay, blush, powders, mascaras, Jergens and Neutrogena.

For more details, check out the flyer by clicking here.

p.s. Happy International Women's Day everyone!

Product Review: E.L.F. Hypershine Gloss

(As promised, all product reviews in March will be for products that cost less than $10 CAD!)

I was a little cynical when I saw E.L.F. offering these lip glosses for $1 USD, especially at how large (or tiny) the product would actually be. But after I got my hands on one, I definitely think it's not a bad purchase considering the the affordable price tag.

E.L.F. notes: "Hyper, glass-like shine infused with micro-mirror technology to reflect light. Conditioning shine lasts for hours."

As you can see from the photo I've taken, the lip gloss is pretty much a standard size in comparison to other similar products. Available currently in 10 super-shiny shades, they all have a cotton candy scent.

E.L.F.'s Hypershine Gloss (I bought the Nude shade) is the first "twist-gloss" product I've tried (hence I had no other one to compare it to in a photo) and I found it annoying because it takes about 3-4 twists before any gloss appears (slowly) and when it does, it comes in tiny quantities, so I sometimes have to twist, apply, twist some more, apply again, twist even more, and apply just to get the amount of lip gloss I want. Which can get frustrating, and look a bit silly too. Maybe I just have to get used to twisting more than I think I need to before applying.

The product, when finally applied, is thick, a tad sticky, delivers a super shine, and does have the promised yummy cotton candy smell (there's no taste).

image: eyeslipsface.com, Cinnamon Kitten productreviewelf

e.l.f. March Madness

Hey everyone!

As if $1 wasn't cheap enough already, e.l.f. is having a special March sale.

30% off cosmetic cases
40% off predesigned kits
50% off Elements (their super-cool custom make-up compacts)

Just fill up your cart and enter coupon code: "march" for your discount.

Hurry! Offer expires March 11th at 11:59pm EST.

Product Review: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

(As promised, all reviews in March will be for products that cost less than $10 CAD!)
This product can cost less than $10 CAD depending on where you purchase it. I bought mine for $7.99 CAD for 8.5 fl. oz. at Shoppers Drug Mart.

I won't hide it - I ADORE Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner. It's one of the products I can't live without. I used to use harsh toners to remove makeup but found that they were quite drying.

Then I discovered this toner.

Neutrogena notes: "...refreshes skin without stripping its natural moisturizers. It is specially formulated to provide clean, refreshing toning without the harsh drying effects of alcohol. Special mild purifiers gently remove impurities and recondition skin. Skin will feel fresh and clean–without tightness, dryness or stinging. Oil-free; Non-comedogenic; Hypo-allergenic; Absorbs quickly."

It removes make-up very effectively, but without stripping skin's moisture. I use it at the end of the day to remove dirt and makeup and after a shower, if my skin feels a little tight, I lightly tap on some of this toner and it instantly feels better. I may be biased since I love this product so much, but it really does everything that it claims to do.

image: neutrogena.com productreviewneutrogena

Product Review: E.L.F. Professional Shine Eraser

(As promised, all product reviews in March will be for products that cost less than $10 CAD!)
There are several shine-blotting products available, but at $1 USD for 50 sheets, I had to try E.L.F.'s Professional Shine Eraser. I have a very oily T-zone area and have found that blotting sheets are the best products to keep the shine at bay without making me break-out.

E.L.F. notes: "These amazing little sheets instantly absorb oil, minimize pores and mattify shiny skin. Woven texture eradicates shine and keeps skin matte for hours. Green Tea Extract helps re-texturize skin, masking facial imperfections."

Although the paper is thinner and smaller than most other shine blotting sheets I've tried, they still work well in absorbing excess shine. Their smaller dimensions make them easy to tote around. I've taken photos with E.L.F.'s Professional Shine Eraser package next to a Lip Smacker as well as MAC's Blot Film ($12.50 USD for 30 sheets) so that you can get a better idea of the size.

image: eyeslipsface.com, Cinnamon Kitten productreviewelf