NEW Product: Benefit Gee...that was quick!

Brand: Benefit
Name: Gee...That Was Quick!
Size: 236.6 ml / 8 fl oz
Price: $19USD

Product Notes:
- make-up remover for eyes and face
- oil-free
- leaves skin feeling soft, clean, refreshed and hydrated
- thoroughly removes make-up without any oily residue

I love Benefit packaging - it's so cute! But as we all know, you can't judge a beauty product by the packaging alone. Good thing Benefit can usually back up their cute wrapping with effective products!

Many eye and make-up removers leave an oil slick on your face, which is difficult for oily/combination skin, so this oil-free remover sounds perfect!

images: benefitcosmetics.com

GUEST Product Review: N.Y.C. Eye Liner Pencil

Guest Reviewer: Ashley

Brand: N.Y.C.
Name: Eye Liner Pencil
Size: 1.8 g
Price: 1.99 CAD

I originally purchased this product as a piece of cheap stage make-up to add to my kit, thinking that I would never use it again after this show. I have always opted to purchase more expensive eyeliners thinking they would be better quality thank something worth 2 dollars. After using it for the first time I no longer use it just as stage make-up but have worn it everyday since I bought it.

To Purr About:
- goes on smooth and doesn't leave clumps or flakes
- lasts all day without fading or smudging into creases under my eye
- full-sized pencil and great price
- can both line and shade with the same pencil
- brown pencils actually match the colour of my eyebrows
- assorted shades and colours to choose from

Claws Out:
- doesn't fit in my makeup bag so it often gets lost in the deep dark depths of my purse!
- doesn't specify a colour on the product so may be hard to find another one when I run out
- colour is hard to judge by the outside of the pencil. The blue colour is way lighter and brighter than the pencil looks
- setting out samples in the store would be a good idea to test the colour before you buy, I noticed some had the seal broken in the store probably because of this!

Final Comments:
Overall I really love this product! I plan to continue purchasing it when I run out. I have finally found everything that I had been looking for in an eyeliner. I also like some of the funkier colours they have, it's great to have fun with bright colours when I go out and want to be noticed.

Rating (out of 5):



Thanks for the review, Ashley!

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.

images: newyorkcolor.com productreviewnyc

OMG, OMG, OMG...*breathe* must remember to breathe...

It's been a long time since I've been so excited to get my hands on a beauty product. I mean, I'm obsessed with products, but they usually don't instill a frenzy of squealing from me...

Until today. I got home after another long day at the office and there was a nice box waiting for me. Inside were some beautiful looking bottles of soap (to be reviewed later) and a small padded envelope that held untold treasure - a full-size tube of Boots No7 Restore & Renew beauty serum!!! EEEEEeeeee!

Ok, breathe, breathe. I don't want to get overly excited in case this product doesn't live up to the hype (and boy, has there been HYPE!) but I am super-jazzed to start trying this out.

Any beauty junkie worth her Smashbox Photo Finish primer has probably heard about this beauty serum from Boots. It sparked a shopping frenzy earlier in the summer in the UK (where it's named Protect & Perfect) with early morning line-ups and sold-out signs everywhere. Then it crossed the ocean to North America, where it got a new name, but had the same reaction from shoppers. Positive reports from the BBC and CNN probably helped.

Anyhow, the package promises:

"Reveal smooth and younger-looking skin with this light, non-greasy and fragrance-free serum. It glides on, instantly softening and smoothing your skin. With regular use, it works to renew your complexion, restoring radiance and helping to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks."

Which means that it will be a several weeks before I post a review, but in the meantime I'm going to have fun trying out this product, which I didn't think I'd get a chance to try for months!

The Beauty Surfer: Glossing Over It...

Site Name: Glossing Over It
URL: beautypov.wordpress.com

I only recently discovered Glossing Over It...but it's quickly become one of my favourite beauty blogs that I check daily. The author, JC, is fun, witty and we have a lot in common (obsessions with beauty products, tea and Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream, to name a few).

One of the best features of this blog is the author's makeup tutorials. From classic to retro to rocker, she shows step-by-step application techniques not only with written directions, but step-by-step photos (done on herself) which is rare and super-helpful! There's a solid collection of the tutorials on her blog already but I can't wait for more of these! Plus her tutorials really show the variety of products this girl has!


Enjoy!

Have a beauty blog that you think Cinnamon Kitten readers should know about? Send me an email and let me know - it could be featured in an upcoming Sunday Surfer!

Lancome Bonus Online

If you purchase your Lancome products online, now's the time to buy your essentials and pick up a nice bonus at the same time!

Retailer: online at Lancome.ca
Minimum amount you need to spend: $50 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: n/a


What you get:
- l'Extreme Mascara in Black, 2.1 g
- High Resolution Collaser Eye, 5 ml
- High Resolution Collaser Cream, 15 ml tube
- Color Design Lip in Fashion
- Line Image Compact (small)
- Cosmetics pouch

image: Lancome email

NEW Product: Bliss Steep Clean

Brand: Bliss
Name: Steep Clean
Size: 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz
Price: $54 USD

Product Notes:
- 15-minute facial
- dissolves blackhead buildup
- helps minimize the appearance of large pores
- helps remove dead cells and dark spots
- exfoliates, smoothes and brightens skin's surface
- digests dead skin cells with powerful microencapsulated enzymatic exfoliators
- slows excess sebum secretions to keep blackheads from building up
- promotes a glowing, even skin tone

The several user reviews I've read about this product look very promising. This facial looks like a great product if the reviews are to be believed and I'm considering splurging a little to buy this product to give it a try.

images: blissworld.com

NEW Product Line: MAC Smoke Signals

"Sexy, no doubt. The sizzle of the modern bombshell. Her smoke signals: intense blue, grey and aubergine shadows wafted over the eyes, bound by rings of creamy Eye Kohl. Igniting her lips: three new shades of Lipglass. There is no smoke without fire..." (description from MAC site)

As with many of MAC's daring and bold product lines, this one's in Limited Edition too.

I really like this new product line compared to the last few from MAC because it really captures the smoky eyes and nude lips look that's really hot right now. I'm a huge fan of MAC products so this new line is very promising! Sultry and sexy and perfect for those dates where you want to make a lasting impression.

There's quite a few products in this line so I guess I'll have to try and pick just a few! :(

Gentle Fume Eyes: Eye Shadow x 4, $43 CAD / $36 USD
- A monochomatic quad set of 5 modern cool-toned eye shadows in the sultry spirit of Smoke Signals
- Features 3 limited edition shades
- Texturally: an intense mix of matte and velvet
- Colours: Waft (limited edition), Gentle Fume (limited edition), Rondelle (limited edition) and Carbon

Smoking Eyes: Eye Shadow x 4, $43 CAD / $36 USD
- A smoking quad of four warmed-over neutrals that at its deepest starts with a rich, dark black
- Features 3 limited edition shades
- Colours: Next to Nothing (limited edition), Smoking (limited edition), Showstopper (limited edition) and Satin Taupe

Kohl Power Eye Pencil, $16 CAD / $13.50 USD
- A kohl pencil with the intensity and colour power of ultra-soft carbon
- Specially formulated to provide deep, fully opaque coverage
- Provides an intense, smoked finish with duo-chrome pearl
- Colours: Orpheus, Raven


Lipstick, $16.50 CAD / $14 USD
- Colour plus texture for the lips
- Colours: Brew (lustre), Barely Lit (lustre), Sparks Can Fly (frost), Mellow Flame (lustre), Burnin' (amplified creme)

Tinted Lipglass, $16.50 CAD / $14 USD
- Create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen
- Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick
- Contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and conditions lips
- Packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application
- Colours: Illicit (cream), Soft & Slow (cream), Bare Truth (cream), Bizaarish (frost)

Powder Blush, $21 CAD / $17.50 USD
- Colour for the cheeks & face
- Colours: Ablaze (frost), Emote (matte)

Pigment, $23.50 CAD / $19.50 USD
- A highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin
- Use to create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect
- Doesn't streak or cake, is easy to blend & long-lasting
- Colours: Silver Fog (frost), Smoke Signal (matte), Dark Soul

Nail Lacquer, $12 CAD / $10 USD
- New high gloss formula
- Provides no-streak/no-chip finish
- Contains conditioners and UV protection
- Colours: Wildfire (cream), Nocturnelle (cream)

images: maccosmetics.com

Lancome Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew

Like the Estee Lauder bonus, you have a choice in the shades for this Lancome bonus, but the price point is slightly higher (as with most Holt Renfrew bonuses), but this one looks pretty good as you get quite a few products.

Retailer: Holt Renfrew
Minimum amount you need to spend: $50 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: now - Sunday, September 9, 2007


You get to choose the shades you want - Warm or Cool - for the blush, eyeshadows and lipstick.

What you get:
- Blush Subtil compact
- Color Design Eye palette
- Rouge Absolu lipstick
- Absolue Premium Bx, 30 ml
- Absolue Eye Premium Bx, 4.2 ml
- Glow Sensuelle, 30 ml
- Bi-Facil, 50 ml
- L'Extreme Mascara in Black, 2 g
- metallic tote bag

image: Holt Renfrew e-mail

Free cosmetic bag with E.L.F. purchase

I'm a huge fan of e.l.f. cosmetics for one important reason - they offer really nice full-size makeup for $1 each. Ok, so it's not the highest quality cosmetics, but for $1, it's nice to have some fun lipglosses, eyeliners and eyeshadows to experiment with.

For those of you who are also e.l.f. fans, now is a great time to buy!

From now until August 31, you can get a free cosmetic bag with orders of e.l.f. products over $10 (think how many products you can get for such a large order!)


- Spend $10 and get a free liberty quilts brush case by entering code RED10 (case on the left)
- Spend $15 and get a free liberty quilts carry-all by entering code RED15 (case in the middle)
- Spend $25 and get a free liberty quilts train case by entering code RED25 (case on the right)

Click below and start shopping!

images: eyeslipsface.com

The Beauty Surfer: The Life of A Ladybug

Site Name: The Life of A Ladybug
URL: lifeofaladybug.typepad.com

Toya rocks. That's all I have to say. She's a wife, a mother, a make-up artist and a bellydancer AND she publishes an awesome blog!

With regular product reviews, beauty news, pop culture commentary and a rundown on her daily makeup and skincare use, this site is totally fun and informative.

I've been reading The Life of A Ladybug pretty much from before I started blogging and I always find it inspiring and a must-read.


Enjoy!

Have a beauty blog that you think Cinnamon Kitten readers should know about? Send me an email and let me know - it could be featured in an upcoming Sunday Surfer!

Major sale alert for Toronto product junkies!

I rarely post twice in one day, but this is too good to wait another minute to tell you about!

For those of you that read about my bank-busting cosmetic haul at the last invitation-only Estee Lauder/MAC warehouse sale in Toronto (see this post from this past June for details of what I bought and how much I spent) cringe along with me when I announce that there's another sale coming up next month!

Yes, readers, it's happening all over again September 7, 8 and 9. Oooh, I'm still debating whether or not to go, but for those of you who salivated over the deals you've heard about at this sale, sorry, it's invitation-only again and limited to those 16 and older. There's a whole bunch of other rules, but if you have the invitation, you'll know all the rules.

Invitations are pretty hard to get, so good luck for those looking!

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at HBC

This bonus gift is slightly different from the usual one - you get to choose the shades AND the bag - I love having options!

Retailer: HBC
Minimum amount you need to spend: $32 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Wednesday, August 15 - Sunday, September 2, 2007


You get to choose the look you want - Warm or Cool - and you'll get corresponding lip and eye products.

What you get:
- Full-size All-Day Lipstick
- High Gloss Lip Gloss
- Pure Colour EyeShadow Duo
- Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Creme SPF 15 - 7 day supply
- Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara
- MakeupBrush Duo
- Pleasures Eau de Parfum Spray
- patent makeup case
- travel bag in Paprika or Sage stripes

image: HBC e-flyer

NEW Product: Bare Escentuals Tutorials: Get Cheeky

Brand: Bare Escentuals
Name: Tutorials - Lesson 1: Get Cheeky
Approx. Price: $34 USD / $43 CAD


Includes:
- Blush in Lovely (shimmering tawny rose) - 0.02 oz
- All-Over Face Color in Pure Radiance (golden peac sheen) - 0.02 oz
- a double-ended seamless blending brush
- a detachable tip card

Following up on their Tutorials - Lesson 1: Smoky Eye set, Bare Escentuals has now released a limited edition tutorial set to help us all have that perfectly rosy and flushed look.

According to the product notes, blush is the number one misapplied cosmetic, but this handy little tutorial kit aims to put an end to that.

image: sephora.com

Product Review: bluebasins Strawberry Lip Smoothie

Brand: bluebasins
Name: Strawberry Lip Smoothie
Size: n/a
Price: $5.25 CAD

As most of you know, I'm a little lip-product obsessed, so I was excited to try a new lip balm from the bluebasins bath and body company.

From the company's notes about the product: "Our lip moisturizers use the best natural oils geared for great lips making lips look wet and shiny without the use of petroleum, a product of crude oil which coats the lips, not allowing them to breathe freely."

To Purr About:
- strawberry fragrance is very light and not overpowering
- clear product doesn't add any colour to the lips, which makes it great for wearing with your favourite lipsticks
- lips feel moisturized, not oil, sticky or slippery
- made my lips feel really smooth

Claws Out:
- would love to have it available in stick form, I'm not very fond of carrying little pots of lip products in my bag since I have to apply it with my fingers (yes, I'm lazy)

Final Comments:
This is a lovely product from a small Canadian company, which I love supporting. They also have other lip balms, including Orange, Peppermint and a Herbal Healing one. The only thing to note is that on their web site, you can't find Strawberry Lip Smoothie, but there is a Kissable Strawberry Lip Honey, which looks very similar, so I'm assuming it's the same product, but has been renamed (but possibly it has also been reformulated).

You can purchase this and other bluebasins items on their web site by clicking here.

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 near the top of the right-hand sidebar.

image: bluebasins.com productreviewbluebasins

NEW Product: Stila Mandarin Mist

Brand: Stila
Name: Mandarin Mist Eau de Parfum Spray
Size: 1 oz
Approx. Price: $36 USD / $46 CAD

This delightful new scent from Stila is a perfect summer fragrance. And the packaging is pretty and feminine - an adorable pink, foral bottle that is simple and lovely.

Product Notes:
- light, crisp and sweet citrus fragrance
- defined by notes of mimosa and yuzu fruit

image: sephora.com

Product Review: Rimmel Underground Light Beam Lipgloss

Brand: Rimmel Underground
Name: Light Beam Lipgloss
Size: n/a
Price: $11.99 CAD

Colour Tried:
- Spotlight

I recently received a Rimmel Underground Light Beam Lipgloss and was really excited to try it out. I'm already crazy about Rimmel Underground Loud Mouth and Rimmel Underground Sweet Stuff Lipstick so I had my fingers crossed that my luck would hold up.

The gimmick to the Light Beam Lipgloss is that the product comes with a built-in mirror and really bright LED light.

To Purr About:
- the lipgloss is light and non-sticky and adds a hint of sheer, shiny colour
- lipgloss has a lovely scent
- the mirror is extremely handy for application and touch-ups. I love being able to apply my lipgloss quickly without having to look for a nearby mirror or pulling out my compact

Claws Out:
- the position of the light is such that it often shines right into my eyes as I'm applying the lipgloss, and because of the brightness, I'm temporarily blinded
- the lipgloss is light enough that it doesn't have as much staying power as I'd like


Final Comments:
This is a very fun product. Although I didn't find the light to be very useful, I love the built-in mirror and because of the mirror, this is a lipgloss I've been carrying around with me ever since I received it. It makes application so easy! The lipgloss is glossy and shiny and adds just enough colour and the scent is a nice change from those funky smelling products out there. If Rimmel can bring out more colours to this lineup and perhaps some not-so-sheer tints, this would easily score a 5 with me!

Rating (out of 5):



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

image: ulta.ca productreviewrimmel

The Beauty Surfer: The Beauty Blog Network

I've been trying to come up with a new weekly post to replace the now-retired Beauty Buys posts I used to do every Sunday and I think I've come up with something useful.

I know so many great blogs do a weekly round-up of useful posts from other blogs, so I didn't want to add to that. Instead I thought that I'd use my Sunday posts to introduce you to other great blogs that I've come across in my weekly surfing. Some I check out once in a while, others I read on a daily basis, but all are definitely worth checking out.

These Sunday posts aren't going to be long nor are they going to be reviews of the blogs. It's just going to be a simple image, short intro and then a link. I think the quality of these blogs speak for themselves.

So here's the first in a series of The Sunday Surfer! Hope you like them!

Site Name: The Beauty Blog Network
URL: www.beautyblognetwork.com

What better way to start off The Sunday Surfer series than with The Beauty Blog Network? This amazing community of beauty bloggers brings together some of the best beauty blogs from around the world and puts them all into one place! I'm privileged to be a part of this invitation-only network and an honoured that they have included my little beauty blog!

From the main page you can see who's part of the network and also the latest posts from network blogs. If it's about beauty - you're going to find it here!


Enjoy!

Have a beauty blog that you think Cinnamon Kitten readers should know about? Send me an email and let me know - it could be featured in an upcoming Sunday Surfer!

image: beautyblognetwork.com

Back from my mini holiday!

Ok, I was pretty good with my spending on my jaunt over the border to the US. I bought a lot of clothes and not so much in the beauty area, so the beauty haul report is pretty slim.

I did hit a few beauty stores, including Bath & Body Works, Sephora, Target, and a bunch I can't remember right now, but I behaved...plus the pennies I saved were well worth it when my amazing hubby bought me a baby blue Burberry purse that I've been lusting after forever!!!

Anyhow, I did manage to pick up a few things:

From Sephora:
- Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer To Go in Color Adjust, 0.5 fl oz / 15 ml - $16.50 USD
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, 0.93 fl oz / 27.5 ml - $36 USD
- Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo, 2.5 oz - $19 USD

I debated for several minutes over whether to try Benefit's That Gal, but I've heard so many amazing things about the Smashbox primer that I went with that one instead.

From Target:
- Neutrogena Instant Nail Enhancer in Pearl Sheen, 0.2 fl oz / 5.9 ml - $5.84 USD
- E.L.F. Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Ruby Slipper, 0.06 fl oz / 1.8 ml - $1 USD

Of course, I went over to the Boots section at Target and stared for several seconds at the empty No7 Restore and Renew shelf, hoping the shelf would be restocked magically, but it didn't happen. Oh well - maybe next time!

Anyhow, hope everyone had a great couple of days! Watch for product reviews on these purchases soon!

Vacation Alert!

Hi readers!

Cinnamon Kitten will be taking a few days off as I head south of the border to do some shopping in the good ol' USA! :) I can't wait to see Sephora...and Target...and those outlets...

Anyhow, I'll be back on Sunday so it's only a few days off, but hopefully I'll have purchased more beauty goodies to review while I'm there!

NEW Product: Anthony Grab + Go Portables

Brand: Anthony Logistics for Men
Name: Grab + Go Portables
Size: n/a
Approx. Price: $35 USD / $37.95 CAD

A little while ago I posted about Cake's Plane Friendly Travel Kit, which was a cute little package for on-the-go women. Well, here's something for the guys - Anthony Logistics for Men has put out a convenient Grab + Go Portables pack.

Product Notes:
- everything guys need for face, body and hair
- all in convenient travel sizes
- comes in a clear, resealable zip-top plastic bag

Products Included:
- Glycolic Facial Cleanser, 2 oz
- Facial Scrub, 2 oz
- Cleansing Gel in Citrus, 2 oz
- Everyday Shampoo in Normal/Dry, 2 oz
- Astringent After Shave, 2 oz
- Shave Cream, 2 oz

This is a great gift idea for those guys in your life!

image: sephora.com productreviewanthony

Product Review: Neutrogena All-in-One Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes

Brand: Neutrogena
Name: All-in-One Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes
Size: 25 wipes (190 mm x 185 mm)
Price: $9.59 CAD

I finally have a summer holiday (a full week off!) and spent a few days up north in Ontario. On a quick shopping trip before I left last week I saw Neutrogena's All-in-One Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes, which promises to remove all types of face, lip and eye make-up, even waterproof mascara.

The wipes are premoistened and infused with a mild cleansing lotion which cleanses, tones and moisturises. This sounded like a great solution for travelling, since it would eliminate me carrying around bottles of cleanser, moisturizer, toner and a facecloth. So I grabbed a box and decided to give it a try.

Product notes:
- dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
- suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin
- gentle on eyes
- oil-free
- alcohol-free

To Purr About:
- the size of the wipe is nice and large
- nice, light fragrance
- took off dirt and make-up easily, including waterproof mascara and long-wearing lipsticks (such as L'Oreal Endless Kissable Lipcolour)
- left my skin feeling very refreshed, the same as after I use the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
- after my face dried my skin felt clean and very soft, completely moisturized
- the handy box and sealed pouch are extremely handy for travelling

Claws Out:
- none really, although the fragrance may bother some people (didn't bother me though)

Final Comments:
This is a great product. It's perfect for travelling and for me, reduces the amount of things I have to pack. I wouldn't use this long-term as I'd want a proper cleansing routine, but this is so perfect for weekends away or overnight trips. The wipes do everything they claim, removing make-up, toning and leaving my skin extremely soft and moisturized. I'm very impressed. For the price, this is totally worth it.

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 near the top of the right-hand sidebar.

image: neutrogena.ca productreviewneutrogena

Product Review: E.L.F. Moisture Care Lip Colour / Luscious Liquid Lipstick

Brand: E.L.F.
Name: Moisture Care Lip Colour / Luscious Liquid Lipstick
Size: .06 fl. oz. / 1.8 mL
Price: $1.00 USD

Shade Tried:
- Baby Lips

This is the third E.L.F. lip product I've ever tried (the first two being Hypershine Gloss and Plumping Lip Glaze) and I have to say that for $1, you get a full-size product that has some great value.

The reason for the two names is because on their site, this product is listed as the Moisture Care Lip Color, but on the product packaging, it's called the Luscious Liquid Lipstick.

This one looked promising - the applicator looks easy to use and it currently comes in 9 different shades.

E.L.F. promises that this lipstick has intensive hydrating agents along with natural pigments that will leave your lips with long last lip colour and moisture.

To Purr About:
- the shade I got was very subtle, which I was hoping for and really nice
- lovely vanilla-mint smell
- soft slanted applicator tip helps lipgloss glide on super smoothly and easily
- lightweight and not too sticky, very moisturizing

Claws Out:
- fuzzy applicator tip is a little weird
- this is going to sound weird, but the way the lip colour comes out of the tip really creeps me out - it looks like some bubbling growth thing
- not that long-lasting, so frequent applications are necessary

Final Comments:
I do like the colour and feel of this product, and the price is just so amazing. However, (go ahead, laugh, I know you want to!), when the product comes out of the applicator tip I get so grossed out that I just can't deal with this product in the long-term, so I think this may be a one-shot deal. It just looks like some gross "stuff" is bubbling out of a fuzzy background...ewww! However, if you can look past this (or just avoid looking at the applicator tip - maybe I should put this on without my glasses on) this is a great product to try. I've been using it regularly now and really like the way the product feels...I just don't stare at the applicator too closely!

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 near the top of the right-hand sidebar.

images: eyeslipstface.com productreviewelf

Elizabeth Arden Bonus Time at Sears

This is the first Elizabeth Arden Bonus Time event I've posted, so I hope it's useful!

Retailer: Sears
Minimum amount you need to spend: $38 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Saturday, August 4 - Sunday, August 26, 2007


What you get:
- leopard print compact with an Eyeshadow Duo in Sherbert & Topaz and Cheekcolour in Terrarose with cheek brush
- Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF 15 (7 mL)
- NEW Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules (7 day supply)
- Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Body Treatment (30 mL)
- Exceptional Lipstick in Autumn
- Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean EDP (5 mL)
- leopard print folding bag

image: Sears e-flyer

GUEST Product Review: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

Guest Reviewer: puddlejumper

Brand: L'Oreal
Name: True Match Super-Blendable Concealer
Size: 30 mL / 1 oz
Approx. Price: $10 - $14 CAD depending on where purchased (I bought some recently for $9.98)

Shade Tried:
- N2 Classic Ivory

To Purr About:
I love that it is oil free and has an SPF of 17. It's probably the closest matching foundation to my skintone that I have used; this is achievable as a result of True Match's unique system of classifying shades as warm, cool or neutral. It has a very smooth application with "adjustable coverage" that lets you concentrate more product where you need it most, without looking too heavy. It leaves a nice natural finish, not too matte yet not "dewy". I also appreciate how the "True Match" system guides you in choosing other products. The blushes and concealers in the line have a sticker on them indicating which shades of foundation and which family (cool, warm, neutral) they coordinate with, thus removing the guesswork.

Claws Out:
None (but L'Oreal, if you're listening could you please make this in a compact?)

Rating (out of 5):




Thanks for the review, puddlejumper!

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: lorealparis.ca productreviewloreal

GUEST Product Review: Ferme Kiss Me Waterproof Curl

Guest Reviewer: TorontoViewer

Brand: Ferme
Name: Kiss Me Waterproof Curl
Size: n/a
Approx. Price: $10 CAD

Shade Tried:
- Black

This isn't a regular product review, but I thought I'd share it anyway. A few months ago, TorontoViewer left this in the comments section (technically it was the first Guest Review Cinnamon Kitten received!) and this product sounds so great I thought that I should share it with all of you!

If anyone else has tried this out and would like to send in a full review, let me know! In the meantime, here's what TorontoViewer had to say:

Just got back from Japan where I always stock up on the world's best mascara. It's made by FERME and is called 'Kiss Me Waterproof Curl'.

I've used mascara ever since I was 14 and it's a very important part of my 'make-up' thus I've tried just about everything that's out there and can't find anything better than this for curl.

Routine: I curl my eyelashes and lightly apply this thin consistancy mascara which dries very quickly. I suspect by drying quickly it maintains the curl that I've crimped into my normally straight lashes.

The staying power of this stuff is amazing too: 12 hour days in the humid weather of Singapore with nary a smudge or a decrease in curl.

If you know anyone going to Japan beg beg BEG them to grab some of this for you. Oddly it's considered rather low-end and is available at the Japanese version of Kmart called DAIEI Department stores. Retails for Y1,000 which is $10 CAD (April 2007 exchange rate). Only available in black, waterproof mascara remover required.

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew

It's Bonus time at Holt Renfrew for all the Canadian Estee Lauder fans! This one has a much higher price point than usual, but from the look of the free gift, it may be worth it...

Retailer: Holt Renfrew
Minimum amount you need to spend: $60 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: now - Sunday, August 19, 2007

What you get:
- Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Creme (7 mL)
- Re-Nutriv Intensive Hydrating Creme Cleanser (30 mL)
- a sleek mirrored compact filled with an exclusive golden palette: 3 Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick shades, 3 Pure Colour EyeShadow shades, 2 Tender Blush shades
- Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick in Bois de Rose
- More Than Mascara in Rich Black
- Metallic Satin Quilted Deluxe Tote
- matching Metallic Satin Quilted Cosmetic Bag

image: Holt Renfrew email