GUEST Product Review: Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser

Reviewer: Magda

Brand: Aveeno
Name: Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
Size: 180 mL
Approx. Price: $14 CAD

Product notes from Aveeno on this cleanser include:
- Creates clear skin and prevents acne breakouts
- Contains moisture-rich soy extracts
- Contains acne-fighting ingredient Salicylic Acid
- Oil- and soap-free; won't clog pores
- Helps improve tone & texture and clears up blemished skin without over drying.

To Purr About:
- cleaner is mild & gentle on the skin
- didn’t make my face feel dry
- I like the light scent, its not overbearing
- pump is very convenient & it comes with a plastic cover (great for travel)
- the product contains salicylic acid in it but is not irritating to the skin or the eye area.

Claws Out:
None really. I think the product is great, I am using it also in conjunction with the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer for about a month now & I’m experiencing fewer breakouts.

Rating (out of 5):




Thanks for the review, Magda!

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

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at the Bay

Canadians - It's Estee Lauder Bonus Time!

Retailer: The Bay
Minimum amount you need to spend: $32 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: ends Mar. 16, 2008


Choose your shades in Warms or Cools:
- 2 Pure Colour Lipsticks, full size
- Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo
- Artist's Eye Pencil
- MagnaScopic Mascara, 10-day supply

Choose your moisturizer:
- Hydra Bright Skin-Tone Perfecting Moisturizer, 7-day supply OR
- Resilience Extreme Ultra Firming Creme SPF 15, 7-day supply

Plus:
- 2 matching bags

image: thebay e-flyer

NEW Product: MAC Slimshine Lipstick

Brand: M.A.C.

Name: Slimshine Lipstick

Size: 2.3 g / 0.08 oz
Price: $17.50 CAD

"Don't speak. Lips are in danger of all manner of delicious indiscretion. Seductive in colour, shine and staying power. Seven new Slimshine Lipsick shades and 13 bring-back shades invite colourful, ultra-glossy conversations. People will talk." (description from MAC site)

Product Notes:
A new lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.

Shades Available:
- Think Tan (frost): deep reddish brown with gold
- Assertive (frost): rusty brown with gold pearl
- Voile (frost): canary yellow with gold pearl
- Missy (cream): creamy pastel coral
- Grenadine (cream): creamy deep blue red
- Rock Out (frost): clean bright blue pink with gold pearl
- Intimidate (cream): creamy plummy pink
- Bare (frost): light neutral pink with subtle gold pearl
- Pleasing (frost): mid-tone violet with red and gold pearl
- Long Stem Rose (frost): light baby pink with subtle gold pearl
- Scant (frost): mid-tone dirty plum with gold pearl
- Mousse (cream): mid-tone caramel brown
- Lovey-Dove (frost): mid-tone terracotta with bronze pearl
- Prudeaux (cream): dark rich burgundy plum
- Ultra-Elegant (cream): light neutral beige
- Funshine (frost): shimmery soft apricot pink
- Urgent! (frost): classic mid-tone red
- Cocoamour (frost): neutral cool brown with matching pearl
- Most Wanted (frost): intense purplish red with metallic golden shimmer
- Gaily (frost): soft mid-tone berry pink with pearl

images: maccosmetics.com

Shiseido Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Shiseido Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears
Minimum amount you need to spend: $43 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: ends Mar. 2, 2008


What you get:
- Benefiance Creamy Cleansing Foam, 30 ml
- Benefiance Revitalizing Emulsion, 15 ml
- Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, 3 ml
- The Makeup Shimmering Lipstick SL5, 2.5 g
- nail file accessory
- Signature Shiseido pouch

image: sears.ca

Product Review: Head & Shoulders Shampoo & Conditioner

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Head & Shoulders
Name: Shampoo - Smooth and Silky
Name: Conditioner - Smooth and Silky
Size: 14.2 oz
Approx. Price: $7 CAD

Head & Shoulders has been, for years, the shampoo of people reach for when they start to see dandruff in their hair. But it's not really the shampoo you reach for when you want gorgeous hair. With a new ad campaign (did you try the "Mystery Shampoo"?) Head & Shoulders makes an attempt to change its image.

In the wintertime, I do notice a few flakes of dandruff because of the dry conditions so it was perfect timing for me to give this new shampoo and conditioner set a try.

To Purr About:
- nice, light floral scent
- hair came out soft and silky
- dandruff flakes were noticeably diminished after a week of use

Claws Out:
- I admit it, I'm lazy - I prefer my shampoo and conditioner in one bottle as opposed to having to shampoo, rinse, shampoo, rinse, condition and rinse.
- after a month, my hair started to get a little dull from the use

Final Comments:
I will definitely reach for this product whenever I notice dandruff and would happily use it for a week or so to get the dandruff under control and would not be worried about my hair losing its lustre or styleability. However, I will still switch back to my John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Conditioning Shampoo as my regular shampoo.

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: shoppersdrugmart.ca

NEW Product Line: Curel Life's Stages

Curel has developed a special collection of moisturizers to help us deal with the different stages in a woman's life. As we all know, our skin goes through drastic changes as we age, and we're constantly searching for different products to deal with those changes.

Each product in this collection contains carefully-selected nourishing ingredients and minerals and are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and gentle enough for daily use.


Pregnancy & Motherhood Nurturing Comfort Moisture Cream, $9.99 CAD
- skin concerns: pregnant women often experience dry, itchy skin; pregnancy hormones can worsen existing skin conditions; 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy
- helps to improve skin's elasticity and alleviate dryness throughout pregnancy so skin stays soft and comfortable, helping to reduce stretch marks
- increases elasticity 70% better than the leading pregnancy cream
- dermatologist and OB/GYN tested
- paraben and mineral oil free

Age Defying Youth Defense Moisture Lotion, $9.99 CAD
- skin concerns: drier skin; loss of connective tissue (collagen and elastin); uneven skin tone
- restores and revives tired skin
- contains powders to even and brighten skin tone
- clinically proven to feel and see healthier skin in 1 week
- dermatologist tested
- replenishes essential building blocks found in naturally young, healthy skin

Menopause & Beyond Skin Fortifying Moisture Lotion, $9.99 CAD
- skin concerns: loss of estrogen and progesterone causes skin to dry out; skin becomes fragile as the area between the epidermis and dermis begins to flatten out; thinner blood vessel walls makes skin more prone to bruising; loss of elasticity
- helps with synthesis of collagen and production
- helps prevent systems of hormone deprived skin
- helps maintain skin elasticity and helps prevent future loss
- dermatologist tested

images: curel.com

Product Review: Quo Total Perfection Face Primer

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: Quo
Name: Total Perfection Face Primer
Size: 28.4 g
Approx. Price: $20.00 CAD

For all those wondering – Quo is Shopper’s Drug Mart’s exclusive cosmetic line. This was a Christmas present and I was very excited to try my first Quo product.

The Total Perfection Face Primer is used to "Create the perfect canvas for foundation application. This formula fills in fine lines and pores to help skin appear visibly softer with a smooth finish."

To Purr About:
- a little goes a long way
- affordable price
- pump dispenser is handy
- glides on easily, feels silky smooth and leaves skin feeling silky smooth
- makes liquid foundation glide on easily & efficiently

Claws Out:
- see no difference in appearance when worn alone

Final Comments:
I’ve been using this product daily since the New Year and I must say that a little primer goes a long way. My liquid foundation glides on with more ease and I also find myself requiring less foundation resulting in a lighter and airier make-up feel. This is what it must feel like to have perfect skin!

I have worn this product alone (without foundation), but I find it pointless when used this way. What’s the point unless it’s under foundation?

I’m curious about how this product will feel when used in the summertime and also how this rates up against Smashbox’s "Photo Finish Foundation Primer" product, but for the time being I will most likely stick with this more affordable product.

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: shoppersdrugmart.ca

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew

It's Estee Lauder Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew!

Retailer: Holt Renfrew
Minimum amount you need to spend: $55.00 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Feb. 6-24, 2008

What you get:
- Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Creme
- Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Serum
- Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick
- More Than Mascara
- Exclusive Spring look Compact - complete look for lips, eyes and cheeks
- deluxe tote and matching cosmetic bag

image: Holt Renfrew e-newsletter

NEW Product: Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Light Breeze

Brand: Estee Lauder

Name: Pure White Linen Light Breeze

Sizes & Price:

- 1 oz - $35 USD
- 1.7 oz - $45 USD
- 3.4 oz - $65 USD

Product Notes:
- wet citrus notes of Bergamot, Orange Zest and White Grapefruit combine with Darjeeling Tea, colourful florals and sheer woods
- top notes: Darjeeling Tea blended with citrus accents of Bergamot, Orange Zest and White Grapefruit; water Kumquat enhances the freshness
- middle notes: floral heart is a blend of Yellow Freesia petals entwined with Osmanthus, Linden Flowers and Rose petals
- dry down notes: Teak Wood fused with Cedarwood; a drop of Acacia Honey brings softness

image: esteelauder.com

NEW Product: Clairol Perfect 10 by Nice 'n Easy

Brand: Clairol

Name: Perfect 10 by Nice 'n Easy

Size: n/a
Price: n/a

Perfect 10 by Nice ‘n Easy is a new at-home haircolor product that launches next month (March 2008). It's a new at-home permanent haircolour that provides glossy colour in just 10 minutes.

Product Notes:
- has a floral scent (not a harsh ammonia odour)
- includes a new patented PerfectColor Comb applicator
- key ingredient is AminoGlycine - a breakthrough agent/active ingredient that is less damaging than conventional permanent colour
- protects hair's surface, giving better hair quality over time
- takes just 10 minutes
- a thick creme formula prevents drips - no mess
- 15 perfectly formulated designer shades, all providing 100% long-lasting gray coverage

image: Marina Maher Communications press kit

NEW Product Line: MAC Fafi

"Preening, pouting, posing...the Fafinettes are here! The graphic expression of French graffiti artist Fafi, these chick-a-boom gals come alive in shades sparked with colourful pearl. Très chic!" (description from MAC site)

When I first glanced at the model image, I was pretty sure this wasn't going to be a collection for me. However, upon closer inspection, the actual offerings in this collection aren't too crazy and are actually really wearable.

There's also dolls and clothing in this collection, but I haven't included them here. If you want to check it all out, visit http://www.macfafi.com/.


Fafi: Lipstick, $16.50 CAD
A specially shaded Lipstick featuring a colourful Fafinette on the shiny black case. Limited edition.
- Fun 'N' Sexy (glaze): blue pink with blue pearl
- Not So Innocent (glaze): sheer tan with pink and peach pearl
- Utterly Frivolous (lustre): rosy coral with pink pearl
- High Top (glaze) grey purple with blue purple
- Flash-N-Dash (glaze): intense tangerine red with pink pearl
- Strawbaby (lustre): coral rose with rainbow pearl

Fafi: Lipglass, $16.50 CAD
A specially shaded Lipglass featuring a colourful Fafinette on the shiny black cap. Limited edition. - Cult Fave (frost): blue mid-tone pink with white pearl
- Sugar Trance (frost): creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl
- Squeeze It (frost): brassy plum
- Totally It (frost): sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl

Nail Lacquer, $12.00 CAD
High gloss formula provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection.
- Girls Will Be Girls (frost): pink with coral pearl
- Boom! (frost): rich eggplant with purple pearl

Fafi: Powder Blush, $22.00 CAD
A classic MAC Powder Blush in the collection's signature black glossy packaging. The MAC Fafi signaure logo is featured on the lid. Limited edition.
- Hipness (frost): intense coral with soft white pearl
- Fashion Frenzy (satin): mid-tone blue pink

Fafi: Iridescent Powder/Pressed, $25.00 CAD
An iridescent powder presented in a black glossy compact featuring a platinum-haired Fafinette on the front. Limited edition.
- Sassed-Up: soft coral pink with gold sparkle
- Verve-Acious: intense yellow gold with gold pearl
- Belightful: gilded peach bronze

Fafi Eyes, $43.00 CAD
A quad of Eye Shadows specially selected to complement the M·A·C Fafi colour collection. Housed in a black glossy compact with the collection’s 3 Fafinettes on the front.
- Fafi Eyes 1: Features limited edition shades of Howzat and Hey, together with Pink Venus and Vanilla
- Fafi Eyes 2: Features limited edition shades of Bold as Gold, You’re Fresh, Shockwave and Prankster

Paint Pot, $20.00 CAD
A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. The next generation of a popular M·A·C formula, Paint Pots maintains all the traits of its inspiration. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M·A·C shadows and liners.
- Nice Vice (frost): dirty purple with purple pearl
- Girl Friendly (cream): creamy grey pink
- Layin' Low (cream): creamy beige
- Cash Flow (frost): green gold with gold pearl
- Perky (satin): cream coral with white pearl
- Rollickin' (frost): aqua blue green with white pearl

Fluidline, 3 g/0.1 oz, $18.00 CAD
Ultra-smooth, Fluidline’s gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on "foolproof" with a brush (sold separately) in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing, smudge-proof.
- Blacktrack: solid flat black

Eye Kohl, 1.45 g/0.05 oz, $16.00 CAD
A soft-on pencil liner that lines, defines and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth, matte/pearl finish. Ophthalmologist tested.
- Smolder: intense black
- Fascinating: snake-eyes matte white

Zoom Lash, 8 g/0.28 oz, $13.00 CAD
This instant volume mascara lifts the lashes into length and curls them up. Precision control wand glides smoothly down lashes to provide a gorgeously silky upward "sweep". Smudgeproof and long-wearing.
- Zoomblack: rich black

129 SE Powder/Blush Brush: Fafi, $41.00
Soft, full with a rounded tip – the perfect brush for blush application. Short-handled, easily portable. For the MAC Fafi collection, this brush includes a clear plastic travel pouch screened with the images of our 3 MAC Fafinettes.

Rectangle MAC/Mini Clearly Fafi, $19.00
The classic, zip-up Rectangle MAC/Mini makeup bag gets the Fafinette treatment in this limited edition collection of clear plastic printed with a repeat pattern of all 3 MAC Fafi Fafinettes.

Rectangle MAC/Small Clearly Fafi, $31.00
The classic, zip-up Rectangle MAC/Small makeup bag gets the Fafinette treatment in this limited edition collection of clear plastic printed with a repeat pattern of all 3 MAC Fafi Fafinettes.

images: maccosmetics.com

NEW Product Line: MAC Lightful

"A new ultra-charged formula from the innovative, skin-brightening Lightful collection. Lightful Ultramoisture Creme: instantly hydrates and adds glow to the skin. For ongoing brightness wear solo or layered over Lightful Essence." (description from MAC site)


Lightful Ultramoisture Creme, 50 mL, 1.7 oz, $46.50 CAD
A lightweight creme with the freshness of a gel that provides hydration and high-level skin-brightening. Instantly creates a soft, luminous, natural-looking glow.

Lightful Cleanser, 100 mL, 3.4 oz, $26.50 CAD
Everyday cleanser with a soft foamy smooth-on, rinse-off action. Efficiently removes makeup. Manages oile areas, soothes dry skin and helps reduce redness.

Lightful Softening Lotion, 150 mL, 5 oz, $33.50 CAD

An ultra-fluid lotion that refreshes the skin, making it feel softer, moister, more refreshed. With ongoing use, brightens the skin, evens out skin tones, and helps reduce the look of skin discolouration.

Lightful Essence, 30 mL, 1 oz, $48.00 CAD
Highly concentrated, lightweight gel that easily absorbs into the skin without surface residue.

images: maccosmetics.com

Product Review: E.L.F. Brightening Eye Colour

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: E.L.F.
Name: Brightening Eye Colour
Size: 0.17 oz / 48 g
Approx. Price: $1 USD

Shades Tried:
- Silver Lining

I decided to try this eyeshadow after my eyeshadow ran out. The colours looked really nice and were similar to the shades I was already wearing, so I figured that it couldn't be that bad.

The packaging promises:
- light reflecting shades
- crease-resistant and long-wearing
- easy blending colour
- hypo-allergenic

To Purr About:
- the colours really compliment each other and I could use very little for a daytime look, but easily blend the darker shades for a nightime look
- long-lasting and crease-resistant
- great colour combo - I use all 4 shades in this palette
- easy double-ended applicator is very convenient
- tiny mirror (under appplicator) is good for emergency touch-ups
- as with most E.L.F. products - you can't beat the price!

Claws Out:
- the product turns to loose powder really easily and I find that they powders mixes in with all the other shades
- some inconsistency - I finished one palette and bought another and have found the purple shade isn't as vibrant as the first palette I bought, even though it's the same colour

Final Comments:
I do like all 4 shades in this palette and find that they really work well together. Although the palette is kind of small, it's only $1, so I guess I can't complain too much! I'm hoping that the lighter purple shade is just a bad batch and the next one I buy is back to the vibrant colour I got from the first one.

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: eyeslipsface.com

Clinique Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

Retailer: The Bay
Minimum amount you need to spend: $26.50 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Feb. 6-24, 2008

LOULOU Magazine has picked their favourite Clinique products to help yuo look fresh for spring - all available in the Clinique Bonus.

What you get:
- Mini Blended Face Powder & Puff in Transparency No. 3
- High Impact Mascara in Black
- Liquid Facial Soap Mild
- Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent
- Long Last Lipstick in Sugared Maple
- cosmetics bag

You also get 2 free issues of LOULOU magazine (when you fill in and send in your special LOULOU Magazine subscription card.

image: The Bay e-flyer

Product Review: Benefit Dandelion

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Benefit
Name: Dandelion
Size: 0.35 oz
Approx. Price: $35 USD

A soft pink, "perk-me-up" powder for instant radiance and a youthful appearance.

"It's the perfect shade of pink that brightens everyone's complexion without looking powdery or chalky." (from the Benefit web site)

When my MAC blush (Blushbaby) finished, I was going to go to MAC to pick up a replacement, but I had received some Sephora Gift Cards for my birthday so I decided to try a new blush. I was deciding between Nars Orgasm and Benefit's Dandelion and the Sephora salesperson said that Dandelion would look better on my skin tone, so off I went!

To Purr About:
- pink powder is light and complimentary
- the cute brush puts on the perfect amount of powder
- I can use it a little heavier on my cheeks as blush and then a light dusting all over for a very nice "glow" on my face

Claws Out:
- again, as with some other Benefit products I've tried, although the box packaging is really cute, it's very difficult to slip into a make-up case to use "on the go" and for quick touch-ups

Final Comments:
I'm really happy with this blush. The shade is a little lighter than my MAC blush, but I find that it's a little more natural looking and I can also use it on other areas of my face and then just put a little more on cheek area. My only complaint is the packaging. If Benefit ever came out with travel-friendly versions of their powders, I'd buy them all!

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: benefitcosmetics.com

*sigh* Do I really need to respond to the NYT article?

If you're a regular reader of beauty blogs, then you've probably already read about this. There's been some media coverage on beauty blogs in the last few days, especially thanks to an article in the New York Times.

In a nutshell, the article says that beauty bloggers are freebie whores who "beg" for samples and get tons of free "swag".

Ok, so my take on this - I hope that all my readers know how much I love beauty products and that I started this blog as a way to learn more about products and discover new things and share my thoughts about products that I've tried. Being new to the world of blogging, I never thought that I would ever become good enough at it to become noticed by beauty companies.

But I do get contacted by PR companies once in a while and yes, I do receive free products and samples to review. Just so you know, these usually aren't huge bags filled with goodies, just a bottle of the latest product and press material. I try everything that I'm sent and I review everything honestly. Regular Cinnamon Kitten readers know that not all the reviews on this site are glowing. We have given bad reviews in the past because we believe in being honest and true.

I obviously can't afford every single product I write about, however, that being said, I do buy A LOT of the products you read about on this site. And I don't work for any beauty-related company, so I have no biases.

Free stuff is a perk and I don't know anyone who doesn't like to get free things. But that's not why I blog. If I stopped receiving free products tomorrow I wouldn't stop blogging. I don't make much money off this blog, not even off the few ads I run (they make enough to buy me a coffee a week - maybe). Do you think that I would be more biased than beauty magazines who get millions of dollars from advertisers (hm, would they ever write a bad thing about a company that's paying them thousands of dollars for an ad in their publication?)

The NYT article also mentions some crazy free stuff - trips to Paris, designer handbags, etc. Haha! I wish! I've only ever received beauty products in the mail. But if I did get a free trip to Paris, would my readers really hold it against me? :)