Product Review: Biore Mandarin-Blossom Nose Strips

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Biore
Name: Mandarin-Blossom Nose Strips
Approx. Price: $ CAD

I've heard so many reports about these pore strips being bad for the skin, but ever since they came out years ago, I've been using them. I only use them once every 2 weeks or so, but they make such a difference to my pores.

I've always used Biore strips (and did notice when they decreased the stickiness from the original strips after all the hub-bub about the damage these things did). So when I was sent a few samples of the Limited Edition Mandarin-Blossom nose strips, I was keen to try them out.

To Purr About:
- lovely citrus scent that was obvious as soon as I opened the package, but it wasn't overpowering
- the scent was really nice to breathe in while I was using the nose strip - it was pretty faint, but just enough to make things pleasant
- the nose strips work just as well as the regular products, which I'm usually happy with

Claws Out:
- as with other Limited Edition products, I dislike getting hooked on any product that won't be available for sale after a small amount of time
- these strips (as with the regular ones) shouldn't be used too often - I use mine once a week, at most

Final Comments:
I love my Biore nose strips and have never really had a complaint about them. They work great for me and really help clean out my pores (I have slightly enlarged pores). I really like the citrus-scent - it's not necessary, but makes the whole process nice and pleasant. This product would have gotten a perfect score if it wasn't only available in Limited Edition!

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: Blue Silk Nutritive Perfection Creme

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Blue Silk
Name: Nutritive Perfection Creme
Size: 1.75 oz
Price: $32 USD

Although I'm pretty happy with my facial moisturizers, I'm always willing to try something new, as the "ideal" facial cream may be just around the corner (I'm still on a high from my recent discovery of the Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil for my body)

So, when I received a sample of the Blue Silk Nutritive Perfection Creme, I was happy to replace my normal facial moisturizer with this one for a few weeks.

The creme promises that "skin [is] quenched instantly upon contact as any sensation of dryness vanishes, lines and wrinkles ease up almost magically and your face is caressed with an aura of impeccable cleanliness, comfort and healing protection from the elements. In the brief moment it takes for your skin to literally consume this concentrated infusion of live nutrition, notice the distinct rosy color of restored health rise from within."

To Purr About:
- cream is extremely light and fast absorbing
- there is no greasy after-feel once cream is absorbed
- skin looks smoother and is significantly hydrated after a few days of use
- skin doesn't look oily after use

Claws Out:
- it's not fragranced, but there is a really odd smell to the cream that lingers after application - almost a rubbery/crayon-y smell that really bothered me

Final Comments:
I do like this cream and what it does for my skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin soft, smooth and it actually looks healthier. However, the smell, which may not bother some people, really bothered me and is definitely the factor that put me off this cream.

If you'd like to try this cream out for yourself, go to www.bluesilk.net

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: bluesilk.com

Readers - I Want Your Money-Saving Tips!

After I posted a review of Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion (which I love), reader Arianne directed me to a post on the blog, Clumps of Mascara, that exposed just how much product is left over after the little magic "wand" couldn't pull up any more primer potion! Shocking.

It got me thinking - how many other lovely tips and beauty secrets my readers have that would be useful for everyone to know?

I'm planning on doing a post listing the top 50 Beauty Money-Saving Tips every girl should know and I want your help!

If you have any tips/tricks/techniques that help you save a little money, I want to hear from you! I'm not looking for make-up application techniques or time saving tricks - I want to save $$$!

Here's how to submit:
1. Email your tips to cinnamonkitten@gmail.com by April 30, 2008
2. Include your tip(s) and the nickname you want the tip credited to
3. Sit back and feel good that you helped others save money!

Please note that not all submissions will be used and I'll be picking out the top 50 (or more, depending on the response).

NEW Product: Sephora Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain

Brand: Sephora
Name: Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain
Size: n/a
Price: $12 CAD

A unique tint for lips and cheeks from Sephora that's formulated with red wine extract. This lovely stain "mimics" a flushed look on lips and cheeks, but when applied has a cooling sensation on the skin's surface. Easy to apply and long-lasting, the gel-based formula has incredible body and texture. It has a sheer but buildable consistency that you can layer to the desired intensity, and is perfectly blendable.

With the warmer weather coming up, a lot of brands are coming out with stains and multi-use products to combat both the heat and also our "vacation" mode during the summer.

This product only comes in one colour, so it'd definitely something that each person needs to test on their own. It seems a little dark to me, but I'm not going to pass judgement until I've seen it in person and have had a chance to try it out!

image: sephora.com

NEW Product: MAC Beauty Powder Blush

Brand: M.A.C.
Name: Beauty Powder Blush
Size: 6 g / 0.21 us oz
Price: $22 CAD

"Shimmering fine particles impart soft colour in a hard candy palette, to sweet and subtle effect. 8 shades of giddy deliciousness with pearl sheen and jet-milled perfection, to keep the glow going. Limited edition." (description from MAC site)

I'm a big fan of MAC blushes and used MAC's Blushbaby for many years until I recently switched to Benefit's Dandelion. But I'm always easily lured back!

Colours Available:
- Shy Beauty: pastel apricot with gold pearl
- Feeling: dirty plum with silver pearl
- Sweetness: intense blue pink
- Joyous: peach with gold pearl
- True Romantic: mid-tone with silver pearl
- Serenely: deep brownish red with gold pearl
- Eversun: neutral peach bronze with gold pearl
- Secret Blush: dirty neutral plum with gold pearl

image: maccosmetics.com

Product Review: St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: St. Ives
Name: Oatmeal & Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash
Size: 532 ml
Approx. Price: $5.99 CAD

I’ve been recently trying to peel myself away from the traditional bar soaps and to the body wash + loofa system, and I picked this one up during a Shopper’s Drug Mart sale. While contemplating which product to try out, this one caught my eye because it was for "Extra dry skin", which I have.

St. Ives states that their oatmeal and shea butter body wash is "made with two of nature’s BEST ingredients. Oatmeal soothes dry, itchy skin, while Shea butter leaves skin visibly healthy. Specially formulated for extra-dry skin".

To Purr About:
- nice scent that is not overpowering - reminds me of almonds
- reasonable price

Claws Out:
- I didn’t find my skin extra moisturized after using

Final Comments:
It’s a bit hard to rate a body wash unless it’s totally amazing. How can you tell if it’s really cleaning you? I would rate this as an average product as I didn’t find it to be super moisturizing or soothing for my dry, itchy skin. This product is nothing to write home about and I will be trying a different product next even if that means shelling out a bit more money.

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: stives.com

InStyle Best Beauty Buys List

The first "Best Of" list of 2008 has come out and it's a good one! InStyle has completed their 13th annual survey and have published their 141 Best Beauty Buys.

141 products makes for a very long list, but I think it's totally worth it! With spring just around the corner, it's a great time to update your makeup bag and try something new! Or, give a little inner cheer when your favourites show up on the list (it makes me feel good to know I'm already using the best of the best!)

MAKEUP - Foundations

Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Liquid Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk
Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier
Mineral Foundation: Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation
Oil-Free Foundation: Laura Mercier
Inexpensive Foundation: L'Oreal True Match
Editors' Pick: Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation

MAKEUP - Concealers & Powders

Inexpensive Powder: CoverGirl Pressed Powder
Inexpensive Concealer: Max Factor Erace
Blemish Concealer: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Undereye Concealer: Cle de Peau Correcteur Visage
Powder: Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Powder
Editors' Pick: Prescriptives Site Unseen Concealer

MAKEUP - Cheek Colour

Cream Blush: Stila Convertible Colour
Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Light
Inexpensive Powder Blush: L'Oreal True Match
Luminizer: Stila Liquid Luminizer
Powder Blush: Nars
Editors' Pick: Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator

MAKEUP - Feeling Cheeky (Blush)

Pinks: Chanel in Narcisse; Nars in Desire; Cargo in Catalina
Peaches: Stila in Gerbera; Nars in Orgasm; Benefit in Georgia
Deep Hues: Giorgio Armani in Fluid Sheer No. 4; M.A.C. in Raizin; Nars in Crazed

MAKEUP - Lips

Long-Wearing Lip Colour: M.A.C. Pro Longwear
Inexpensive Lip Gloss: L'Oreal Colour Juice
Lip Gloss: Chanel Glossimer
Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Allure
Lip Balm: Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15
Editors' Pick: Go Light on My Lipis

MAKEUP - Colour Cues (Lips)

Peaches: Stila in Miranda; Chanel in Lola; Nars in Casablanca
Reds: Dior in Red Premiere; M.A.C. in Russian Red; Nars in Jungle Red
Berries: Clinique in Black Honey; Bobbi Brown in Rum Raisin; Givenchy in Flirting Brown
Nudes: Nars in Honolulu Honey; Stila in Emily; Nars in Belle de Jour

MAKEUP - Eyes

Inexpensive Eye Shadow: L'Oreal HIP
Cream Eye Shadow: Nars
Eye Pencil: M.A.C. Eye Kohl
Gel Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner
Powder Eye Shadow: M.A.C.

MAKEUP - Eye Candy (Eye Shadows)

Brights: Urban Decay in Kiddie Pool; M.A.C. in Aquadisiac; Nars in Twisted
Browns: Stila in Twig; Laura Mercier in Coffee Ground; Giorgio Armani in No. 33
Smoky: Nars in Night Fever; Nars in Night Flight; Bobbi Brown in Charcoal
Neutrals: Stila in Kitten; Nars in All About Eve; Dior in Five-Colour Palette

MAKEUP - Mascaras

Chanel Inimitable; Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof; Dior Diorshow; Lancome L'Extreme

MAKEUP - Nail Treatments

Base Coat/Top Coat: Seche Clear Base / Seche Vite Top
Nail Strengthener: Duri Rejuvacote

MAKEUP - Nail It! (Nail Polish)

Reds: Nars in Jungle Red; Essie in A-List; OPI in Big Apple Red
Darks: Sally Hansen in Pat on the Black; Essie in Wicked; OPI in Lincoln Park After Dark
Pinks: Essie in Pansy; Essie in Exposure; Nars in Schiap
Neutrals: Essie in Allure; Chanel in Ballerina; Essie in Mademoiselle

FACE - Cleansers & Moisturizers

For Sensitive Skin - Cleanser: Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam
For Sensitive Skin - Daily Moisturizer with SPF: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin - Cleanser: Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin - Daily Moisturizer with SPF: Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer for Oily Skin SPF 25
For Normal Skin - Cleanser: Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
For Normal Skin - Daily Moisturizer with SPF: Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45
For Dry Skin - Cleanser: Clarins Cleansing Milk
For Dry Skin - Daily Moisturizer with SPF: La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV SPF 30

FACE - Treatments

Facial Scrub: Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Rosacea Treatment: Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream
Acne Spot Treatment: Clearasil Ultra Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream
Radiance Mask: Ren Skincare Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask
Acne Regimen: Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit
Antioxidant Cream: Origins A Perfect World
Chemical Exfoliator: Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel
Eye Cream for Wrinkles: L'Oreal Advanced Revita Lift Double Eye Life
Spot Lightener: Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel
Eye Cream for Puffiness and Dark Circles: Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Eye Cream
Wrinkle Treatment: Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment
Editors' Pick: Kinerase Pro Therapy Lotion
Editors' Pick: Estee Lauder Perfectionist Correcting Concentrate for Deeper Facial Lines/Wrinkles

HAIR - Shampoos & Conditioners

Colour-Refreshing Shampoo: L'Oreal Professional Colorist Collection
Shampoo & Conditioner: Kerastase
Inexpensive Shampoo & Conditioner: Pantene Pro-V
Shampoo & Conditioner for Colour-Treated Hair: Redken Color Extend

HAIR - Styling Products

Shine Spray: Citre Shine Mist Spray Luminator
Anti-Frizz Product: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum
Volumizer: Phytovolume Actif Volumizer Spray
Styling Cream: Bumble & Bumble Styling Cream
Hairspray: L'Oreal Texture Infinium Spray
Editors' Pick: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Shape Paste

HAIR - Styling Tools

Flatiron: FHI Heat Runway
Inexpensive Brush: Spornette
Inexpensive Blow-Dryer: Conair Infiniti Tourmaline Ionic Styler
Paddle Brush: Mason Pearson Handy Brush
Blow-Dryer: Bespoke Labs Featherweight
Round Brush: Marilyn Ovali Pro
Curling Iron: Hot Tools Professional Spring Iron

BODY- Soaps, Scrubs & Creams

Body Wash: Olay Body Wash Plus Radiance Ribbons
Body Scrub: Kiehl's Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish
Hand Cream: ROC Retinol Correxion Hand Repair SPF 15
Foot Cream: L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream
Bar Soap: Dove Beauty Bar
Body Lotion: Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion

BODY- Self-Tanners & Glow Products

Gradual Self-Tanner: Jergens Natural Glow
Spray Self-Tanner: Model Co. Tan Airbrush in a Can
Shimmer Lotion: Scott Barnes Body Bling
Self-Tanner for Face: Clarins Liquid Bronze
Self-Tanner for Body: St. Tropez Auto Bronzant Lotioin
Editors' Pick: Chanel Beaute Initiale Energizing Multi-Protection Fluid Healthy Glow SPF 15

BODY- Suncare

Sunscreen for Face: Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55
and La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream SPF 15
Body Sunscreen Lotion: Banana Boat Sun Wear SPF 50
Body Sunscreen Spray: Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Body Mist SPF 45
Editors' Pick: Lancome UV Expert with Mexoryl SPF 20

Product Review: Boots No7 Reviving Eye Gel

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: Boots No7
Name: Reviving Eye Gel
Size: (topcoat) 15 ml
Approx. Price: $9.99 USD

On a recent trip to the U.S.A. I stopped by a target and picked up 2 Boots products. I picked up the Restore & Renew which Cinnamon Kitten has already reviewed and also this one – the Reviving Eye Gel. I’ve been loyal to Clinique eye creams up to now, but figured I’d give this one a try.

"Soothe away the signs of long hours and late nights with this gentle revitalizing eye gel, created to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles."

To Purr About:
- Price is affordable.
- Only a little is required, so 1 tube lasts quite a while.
- Does seem to keep the appearance of puffiness and dark circles away.
- Fragrance free.
- Very light and soothing.

Claws Out:
- Not moisturizing.

Final Comments:
This product does what it says - it keeps those dark circles at bay. It definitely a keeper, my only wish was that it were more moisturizing as I have a problem with dryness near my eyes.

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: target.com

NEW Product Line: EcoTools

Green beauty is the hot topic of this season, as more and more companies find ways to be environmentally friendly with their products.

If you feel like you need to be more "green" in your daily cosmetics routine, you definitely need to check out the new EcoTools Collection of cosmetic brushes and bath accessories.

"The cosmetic collection features animal-free taklon bristles (made from soft and pliable synthetic hair), with the metallic ferrule made from recycled aluminum cans. The beauty brushes are housed in reusable pouches and printed with plant-based ink."

In addition, 1% of EcoTools' annual sales will be donated to the organization 1% For the Planet and every EcoTools product has a "green" tip on the back of the package.


Products and suggested retail prices (all prices listed in USD):

Cosmetic Brushes:
- Powder Brush - $7.99
- Blush Brush - $6.99
- Foundation Brush - $5.99
- Eye Shading Brush - $3.99
- Angled Eyeliner Brush - $3.99
- Lash and Brow Groomer - $2.99
- 5 Piece Brush Set (includes Blush Brush, Eye Shading Brush, Eyeliner Brush, Concealer Brush, Lash and Brown Groomer all housed in a 100% Linen and Hemp cosmetic case) - $10.99

Bath Accessories:
- Bamboo Bristle Bath Brush - $5.99
- Bamboo Loofah Brush - $4.99
- Bamboo Bathing Sponge - $3.49
- Bamboo and Loofah Facial Buff - $1.99
- Recycled Bathing Sponge - $2.99
- Loofah and Cotton Body Buff - $1.99
- Exfoliating and Smoothing Bamboo Foot File - $1.99
- Body Polishing Natural Loofah Body Sponge - $1.99
- Gentle Cleansing Natural Bath & Shower Mitt - $2.99

I did receive some of these brushes and bath accessories to review, so watch for upcoming product reviews!

If you'd like to learn more about these great brushes and where to buy them, click here.

images: parispresents.com

Product Review: Cover Girl Outlast All-Day Lipcolour

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Cover Girl
Name: Outlast All-Day Lipcolour
Size: (topcoat) 1.9 g /0.06 oz; (colourcoat) 2.3 ml / 0.7 fl. oz.
Approx. Price: $9.50 USD

Shade Tried: 593 Nude

I've been trying a whole bunch of those new lipsticks that have been coming out that promise to last the entire day. I must admit, winter is probably not the best time to try these colour-stay lipsticks because most of them are quite drying compared to regular lipsticks/glosses.

Cover Girl's Outlast lipstick is another 2-step product. First, you apply the colourcoat to your lips with the spongetip and let it dry for 60 seconds. Next, you apply the topcoat (which is a regular lip balm type stick. You can keep applying the topcoat throughout the day for extra shine and moisturizing.

To Purr About:
- the colour really does last an insane amount of time. On my first "trial day" I was spending the whole day shopping - I put on one application in the morning around 9 am, shopped, ate, drank and at around 8pm at night I was still trying to get the colour off my lips with no luck (Vaseline did the trick in the end)

- topcoat is very moisturizing and gives a nice gloss to the lipstick

- both products were easily to apply - the sponge tip is easy to handle and control and the twist up tube of the topcoat is much more convenient for on-the-go touch ups

Claws Out:
- the colour was darker on my lips than in the tube/packaging so it wasn't a real "nude" on my lips and was much more coppery and shiny than I would have liked (although that's easily fixed with a different shade)

- this product was kind of drying and I had to keep applying the topcoat in order to get rid of the "dry lips" feeling

- there was a bit of caking near the end of the day in the corner of my mouth, which I couldn't get rid of until I got home since normal rubbing and wiping doesn't remove anything

- because there are 2 separate components to this product, you have to carry around 2 separate pieces which aren't attached in any way, which some other 2-part long-last lipsticks are

Final Comments:
I do love the staying power of this product and the topcoat is convenient and much better than other stay-put lipstics where the topcoat is in brush/sponge-tip form. I don't like that it's 2 separate pieces - just takes up more room in the makeup kit. The colour of this shade turned me off as it was coppery and way too sparkly. It's a nice shade in general, but shouldn't be named Nude. However, given the huge amount of shades this product comes in, I'm sure I'll be able to find another shade that I can fall in love with!

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: covergirl.ca

Shiseido Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Shiseido Bonus Time!

Retailer: The Bay
Minimum amount you need to spend: $43 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Wednesday, March 12 - Sunday, March 23, 2008


What you get:
- Benefiance Creamy Cleansing Foam, 30 ml
- Benefiance Balancing Softener, 30 ml
- Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer, 7 ml
- Shiseido The Makeup Shimmering Lipstick, 2.5 g in SL5
- tweezer accessory
- Shiseido pouch

image: thebay.ca

NEW Product Line: M.A.C. Strobe

"Three enlightened ways to brighten your look: Strobe Cream, our original blend of sheer soft-focus diffusers; Strobe Liquid, instant radiance in fluid, light-diffusion form; and for lips, Tinted Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15 with strobe pearl." (description from MAC site)

This is the one of the few MAC collections that has me itching to hit my MAC counter immediately! Several years ago I bought a Tinted Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15 that I absolutely loved. Of course, the product was discontinued and I was left using the Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in pots that MAC offers. So I'm definitely going to go and pick up one of these Sticks! And the colours look pretty good so I'll be at the MAC counter tomorrow!


Strobe Liquid, $38.00 CAD
Blending soft-focus diffusers with iridescent pigments, this ultra-fluid strobe formula produces a soft, radiant light on the skin, reducing the appearance of skin imperfections by providing a natural-looking skin. Spreads on smoothly and absorbs quickly. A lighter-weight addition to the popular Strobe Cream.

Strobe Cream, $38.00 CAD
The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals- de-snoozes, de-stresses, moistens, freshens and boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea. Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants.

Tinted Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15, 4.8 g / 0.16 oz, $17.50 CAD
Formulated with strobe pearl, this luxurious lip conditioner combines sheer soft-light-quenched colour with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection and moisture.
- Strobe Kiss: sheer coral with a golden strobe pearl
- Strobe Rays: light caramel with golden red strobe pearl
- Strobeblossom: light blue/pink with red strobe pearl
- Strobe Beam: clear with strobe pearl
- Strobe Current: sheer plum with golden red strobe pearl

images: maccosmetics.com

Product Review: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Urban Decay
Name: Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Size: 10 ml / 0.34 fl. oz.
Approx. Price: $18 CAD

As some of you may know, I love my MAC Paint in Untitled as my eyeshadow primer. It's a nearly nude shade of Paint that comes in a tube, is super easy to apply and makes my eyeshadow and eyeliner last all day until I take it off with makeup remover.

I've tried other eye-area primers (ie. Clinique) with not-as-good results, so I've always stuck to MAC. However, on a recent trip to Sephora, a friend of mine mentioned how much she loved this Urban Decay product so I had to give it a try.

Packaged in a cute lilac genie-inspired bottle, this product is "an ultra-sheer, totally nude eye base that glides on with the wave of a wand and then disappears instantly. It's the ultimate eye prep for smoother, longer-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow." (description from Sephora's web site)

To Purr About:

- although when first applied, there's a slightly white colour, when dry, this product is completely clear

- it takes a few seconds to dry and immediately I could feel the area that I applied it to was feeling primed and ready for makeup

- this primer didn't change the shade of my liner or shadow at all

- did really make my makeup last all day and didn't come off until removed with eye makeup remover

- built-in sponge-tip applicator makes it easy to apply

Claws Out:
- it's a little more liquid than I'm used to with most primers (face or eye-specific) so it takes a little practice to get the right amount onto your eyelid with the sponge applicator

- sponge applicator is a little long so it's sometimes hard to control when you're talking precision application in the eye area

Final Comments:
I must admit that this may be my new eyelid primer after my current supply of MAC Paint runs out. The one thing it has over the Paint is the fact that it's clear - sometimes if I'm sloppy you can see the Paint on my eyes because of the slight pink colour. With the Primer Potion there's no chance of that happening. I'm in love! It's rare that a new product bumps another out of my regular routine, but I think this may have happened!

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: sephora.com

NEW Product: Benefit Erase Paste

Brand: Benefit

Name: erase paste

Size: 4.4 g / 0.15 oz
Price: $26 USD

Product Notes:
- concentrated, creamy blendable concealer
- instantly brightens and camouflages
- 3 brightening neutral shades to choose from
- includes a step-by-step concealing and brightening lesson
- includes a handy little spatula

image: benefitcosmetics.com

NEW Product: Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme

Brand: Estee Lauder

Name: Resilience Lift Extreme

Price: $19.50 USD

Product Notes:
- minimizes lines, brightens dark circles and discolorations, and protects—all with Resilience Lift Extreme skincare technology
- sleek, swivel-up applicator makes it easy to apply concealer exactly where you need it
- fragrance free
- dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
- Available in 4 shades: Light, Light Medium, Medium and Medium Deep

image: esteelauder.com

Product Review: Thymes Red Cherie Cologne

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Thymes
Name: Red Cherie Cologne
Size: 1.75 fl. oz. / 50 ml
Approx. Price: $28 USD

I'm anticipating Spring. I've just HAD it with winter this year and can't wait to shed my big, heavy winter clothes for everything light and airy. So it was great to try a sample of this new perfume by Thymes. The packaging had me thinking Spring right away.

Red Cherie combines pomengranate (so hot these days), with the scent of ripe red cherries, passion flower and jasmine and subtle hints of Asian lychee and fruity musk.

To Purr About:
- light, fruity scent that isn't overpowering
- the scent is really pretty and feminine, without being too cloying and sweet

Claws Out:
- this is a scent that only works in the spring and summer, so I'm disappointed I can't wear it right now and will have to wait a couple of months to pull it out

Final Comments:
I'm very happy with this scent and am definitely going to be wearing this all through the spring and summer. It's light, fruity and smells so pretty! I've been wanting to find a new scent for awhile now and it looks like I have one lined up for the warmer weather.

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: thymes.com

Product Review: St. Ives Firming Masque

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: St. Ives
Name: Mineral Clay Firming Masque
Size: 170 ml
Approx. Price: $6.49

I used to use this product when I was a lot younger and thought I’d re-visit it to see how my skin reacts to it now.

St. Ives says their product "contains a firming clay that lifts away dead skin cells leaving skin feeling firm without drying. Herbal extracts deep clean while stimulating collagen production so skin looks replenished and younger, not dry and dull".

To Purr About:
- leaves my skin feeling refreshed
- leaves my skin feeling super tight

Claws Out:
- feels like it’s drying out my skin
- it is very irritating on dry cracked skin

Final Comments:
I used this mask daily for a couple of months and then scaled it back to once a week when my skin started becoming more and more dried out from the harsh winter weather. With my skin becoming more and more dry, I think I’ll stop usage of this product completely. It might be good for people with normal to oily skin, but I find it very abrasive on my already dry skin.

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: stives.com

NEW Product: Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

Brand: Stila

Name: Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

Size: 0.08 oz
Price: $24 USD

I saw this product when I was in Sephora recently and tried a teeny sample of it, but I don't want to review it until I get to try it for a longer amount of time. From my initial test, it seems like a really nice stain, the colour of my lips was really nice and the staying power was pretty good.

Product Notes:
- housed in a berry red click pen adorned with a silvery cherry blossom design
- reacts to the pH levels in the cheeks and lips creating a personalized colour
- scented and flavoured like a just-picked cherry
- contains cherry and pomegranate extracts to provide skin and lips with antioxidant protection
- vitamins A, C & E provide further antioxidant protection and drench the skin in moisture

image: sephora.com

Elizabeth Arden Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Elizabeth Arden Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears
Minimum amount you need to spend: $38 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: ends Mar. 23, 2008


You get an 8-piece gift set, which includes your choice of skincare:
- Ceramide Plump Perfect Moisture Cream SPF 15 (7 ml) and Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules Blister (7 capsules) OR
- Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF 15 (7 ml) and Intervene 3-in-1 Cleanser Exfoliator Primer (30 ml)

Unfortunately, the flyer doesn't list the other items you get in the gift set, but you can see them all in the photo.

image: Sears e-flyer