Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Product Review: TimeLapse Wand

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: TimeLapse
Name: TimeLapse Wand
Size: 2.76 g
Approx. Price: $25 USD

There are many products out there to help reduce the signs of aging and I’ve heard mixed things about starting to use anti-aging and anti-wrinkle creams too early, but after reading the description of this product I couldn’t help but try it. My one problem area is the crease on my forehead I have gotten from many years of furrowing my brow.

"Timelapse Wand works to diminish the appearance of forehead creases, crow’s feet, furrows, and laugh lines. It also removes puffiness and bags under the eyes."

To Purr About:
- convenient stick allows for easy carrying and application
- medium reduction in appearance of the crease
- only a light application will suffice, so this product will last a long time

Claws Out:
- once a day application doesn’t seem to result in any long term improvements
- twice a day application doesn’t seem to result in any long term improvements
- a little on the pricey side (but again – it lasts a long time)

Final Comments:
One more product I have to apply in the morning...I wonder how many products I can apply before they start creating some sort of biohazard on my face.

It was silly for me to hope that my crease would disappear for good so easily, but a girl can dream. After using this product for more than a month I haven’t noticed any long term reduction in my forehead crease. It’s still there & is there almost every morning. However I do notice that the crease is less noticeable for the time after applying the product. It seems to plump up (or fill out) the area around it. It’s a nice product for that woman on the go, but I would love to find a product for myself that is more long term.


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.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Product Review: Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Aveeno
Name: Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream
Size: 15 mL
Approx. Price: $24.47-$30.99 / $19.99 USD

My usual eye creams have always been from the Clinique line, but I recently gave this eye cream from Aveeno a try.

Description from the Aveeno site states that this eye cream is "clinically shown to visibly lift and firm skin around the eyes. It is specially formulated with a proprietary firming technology and natural light diffusers to brighten the appearance of skin around the eyes, reduce the appearance of dark circles, and deliver smoother, more supple skin. Additional Product Benefits Include: gentle enough for sensitive skin."

To Purr About:
- light subtle fragrance that's barely noticeable
- light cream that isn't greasy but still feels rich
- absorbs quickly
- leaves my skin feeling quite soft
- convenient little pump bottle makes it easy to get only what you need

Claws Out:
- i've been using it for a couple of weeks now and there's no visible difference in my eye area
- doesn't leave my skin quite as smooth as my usual eye cream, so make up application is slightly hampered
- no SPF

Final Comments:
I would probably use this eye cream more at night instead of during the day because of 2 reasons - no SPF and also because the slightly "rubbery" feel doesn't make makeup application as easy as my normal eye cream (which does have SPF). But it is a nice rich eye cream and I love the convenience of the pump.

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: aveeno.ca

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Clinique Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

It's been awhile since I've purchased anything just to get the bonus item, but this Clinique offer looks too good to pass up!

Retailer: Sears
Minimum amount you need to spend: $26.50 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Apr 25 - May 13, 2008


What you get:
- Different Lipstick in Tenderheart
- Long Last Lipstick in Beauty
- Zero Gravity Repairwear Life Firming Cream
- Liquid Facial Soal Mild
- Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Like Mink
- High Impact Mascara in Black
- your choice of bag

image: Clinique e-flyer

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Product Review: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Lustrous Touch Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: John Frieda Collection
Name: Brilliant Brunette Lustrous Touch Smoothing Shampoo
Name: Brilliant Brunette Lustrous Touch Smoothing Conditioner
Size
: 8.45 fl. oz / 250 ml
Approx. Price: $10 CAD

I love John Frieda's Brilliant Brunette and I've been a loyal user of the Moisturizing Shampoo for years (it's so moisturizing, I don't even bother with a conditioner).

So I'm not very anxious to switch my hair care products, although once in a while I do "switch out" for a couple of weeks, just to give my hair a product break.

However, I was intrigued to think that John Frieda had put out a product that would make my dark brown hair look even more shiny and brilliant and decided to give this shampoo and conditioner combo a try.

To Purr About:
- same sweet, coconutty smell as my regular John Frieda Brilliant Brunette
- my hair came out really soft and shiny

Claws Out:
- matching scent as the shampoo
- hair was silky soft after using the conditioner - I could tell the difference even when my hair was wet

Final Comments:
Being such a big fan of the Moisturizing Shampoo in the Brilliant Brunette Line, I had high hopes for the Lustrous Touch Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner. I wasn't disappointed. My hair came out soft, shiny, smelling wonderful and really easy to manage. The only difference that I noticed between this and my usual shampoo is that I had less flyaway hairs and my hair was smoother in general. Love 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 in the left-hand sidebar.

image: johnfrieda.com

Monday, April 21, 2008

Product Review: Skin Like Butter Shea Oil Lotion

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Skin Like Butter
Name: Shea Oil Lotion
Size: 8 oz.
Approx. Price: $10 USD

Scent Tried: Fresh Laundry

A few readers have told me that the only thing that keeps their skin soft and moisturized during the long winter months is Shea Butter and other products with Shea in it.

So I was keen to try Skin Like Butter's Shea Products.

To Purr About:
- although it's called a "oil lotion" this is a thick cream
- comes in a convenient pump
- it really does smell like fresh laundry (not my favourite scent to wear, but I have to give it points for being true to the promised fragrance)
- absorbs really quickly with no greasy after-feel
- good moisturization

Claws Out:
- scent is pretty strong, although this product does come in an unscented version
- although it leaves my skin well hydrated, it doesn't leave it "silky soft"

Final Comments:
I was highly impressed with how well this cream moisturized my skin. It wasn't oily or greasy at all, even with the "oil" in its name. Personally I would definitely opt for the Unfragranced one, but it's something I would definitely reach for when my skin is feeling kind of dry.

If you're interested in purchasing this lotion or learning more about products from Skin Like Butter, you can check out their website at http://www.skinlikebutter.com/.

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: skinlikebutter.com

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Product Review: Nubar Cuticle Oil

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: nubar
Name: Cuticle Oil
Size: 0.5 fl. oz. / 15 ml
Approx. Price: $6.99 USD

Scent Tried: Passion Fruit

nubar has recently introduced a new line of cuticle oils. The healing properties of Jojoba mixed together with Caramiane and Mulberry Root extract work to encourage the growth of beautiful, strong nails & healthy cuticles. The yummy fruity fragrances are a nice treat!

Available in Grapefruit, Passion Fruit, Vanilla and Sweet Almond.

I'm sure many of you suffer from dry hands (like I do) during the wintertime. But I hate greasy treatments because I use my hands so much that anything that isn't quick absorbing is just annoying. My cuticles suffer a lot during the winter and I've found a few other treatments to be effective, but non-absorbing, so I was interested in trying this one out.

To Purr About:
- the scent is light, but sweet and nice, and very pleasant
- the nail polish bottle and applicator brush make it very easy to apply and use
- made an instant difference to my cuticles, softeneing them up and making they drated

Claws Out:
- the oil doesn't absorb much so it just "sits" on my cuticles and fingertips - which isn't very appealing
- there weren't any instructions with the product, so I had no idea how much to apply, where to apply the product and how often I should use it

Final Comments:
The ease of application makes this a nice product and it smells nice and fruity. It did make a difference to the look of my cuticles, even after the first applcation. However, because it is an oil and isn't absorbed into the skin quickly so my fingers were left pretty oily for a long time until I wiped off the excess oil.

Rating (out of 5):




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

image: bynubar.com

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Lancome Bonus Time at The Bay

Canadians - It's Lancome Bonus Time!

Retailer: The Bay
Minimum amount you need to spend: $33 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Apr 17 - May 11, 2008


What you get:
- Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E., 15 ml
- High Resolution with Collaser-48, 5 ml
- Definicils mascara, 2.5 g
- BiFacil, 50 ml
- Color Design eye shadow quad
- Color Design lipstick
- your choice of colour of a Lancome signature cosmetic case and a Matching pouch

image: HBC e-newsletter

Monday, April 14, 2008

NEW Product: Dior Vernis Long-Wearing Nail Lacquer

Brand: Dior
Name: Vernis Long-Wearing Nail Lacquer
Size: 0.33 fl. oz.
Price: $19 USD

A nail polish shade inspired by the legendary Dior Midnight Poision fragrance. A long-wearing nail lacquer that's drama on your fingertips! A deep midnight blue nail polish in a silky smooth formula for long-lasting, glossy nails. Available only at Sephora.

image: sephora.com

Friday, April 11, 2008

NEW Product Line: M.A.C. Heatherette


"24-Hour Party People know what time it is when N.Y.'s counter-culture couturiers create a paint-by-numbers world of drama with 2glittering looks. Choose from Good Girl for day, Bad Girl for night...or be the superstar you are and flip it!" (description from MAC site)

Yet ANOTHER MAC Collection, but this one has some great colours! Perfect to usher in the warmer weather!


Heatherette: Lipstick, 3g / 0.1 us oz, $16.50 CAD
Traditional MAC Lipstick formula in limited edition hot pink case featuring a holographic foil decal of the Heatherette logo. Limited edition.
- Lollipop Loving (glaze): clean mid-tone coral with subtle green gold iridescence
- Fleshpot (satin): light neutral beige
- Hollywood Nights (satin): clean fuchsia pink
- Melrose Mood (amplified): clean pastel pink

Heatherette: Lipglass, 4.8 g / 0.17 oz, $16.50 CAD
Traditional MAC Lipglass formula in a limited edition vial with pink cap featuring a holographic foil decal of the Heatherette logo. Limited edition.
- Bonus Beat (frost): sheer yellow beige with gold pearl
- Sock Hop (cream): soft mid-tone coral
- Style Minx (frost): clean fuchsia pink
- Starlet Kiss (frost): clean pastel pink

Glitter, 7.5 g / 0.26 oz, $20.00 CAD
MAC Glitter can be applied directly to the skin or combined with products to create high-level glitter and sparkle effects on all areas of the face, skin and hair.
- Reflects Gold: translucent glitter with gold reflection
- 3D Silver: multi-reflective silver

Pigment, 7.5 g / 0.26 oz, $23.50 CAD
Pigment is 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. Pigment doesn't streak or cake, is easy to blend and long-lasting.
- Jardin Aires: gilded peach with silver reflect glitter
- Pink Pearl: midtone pink with blue reflection

Nail Lacquer, $12.00 CAD
Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Visibly different. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection.
- Lola Devine (cream): soft mid-tone coral
- $$$$$ Yes (frost): metallic silver foil

Heatherette: Beauty Powder, $26.50 CAD
A luxurious jet-milled pressed powder providing sheer tint with a pearlescent finish. Specially tinted to coordinate with the shades of the Heatherette collection. Packaged in a hot pink compact with holographic foil decal featuring the Heatherette logo. Limited edition.
- Smooth Harmoney: medium golden bronze
- Alpha Girl: pink with gold nuances


Heatherette Trio, $39.00 CAD
3 Eye Shadows in a hot pink compact with holographic foil decal of the Heatherette logo.
- Trio 1: features limited edition shades of Mood Ring and Hoppin’, together with Cloudburst.
- Trio 2: features limited edition shades of Baby Petals, V.I.P., and Cassette.

Dual Edge Eye Pencil, $20.00 CAD
A dual-edged pencil where 1 of the tips provides a creamy eye liner formula that gives smooth, precise application in classic tradition while the 2nd tip offers a glitter-finished eye liner. Use separately, as a dual line, or layer 1 over the other for an intense finish. Limited edition.
- Black Funk/Pop Blue: true black/turquoise with silver glitter
- Phone Me/Text Me: charcoal grey/metallic silver with silver glitter
- Nighthawk/Front Row: coffee brown/neutral peach with gold glitter
- Fab Orchid/Dash Lily: jewel-tone purple/mid-tone lavender with silver glitter

She's Good Lash, $13.00 CAD
A full-length upper lash featuring lush style, flirtatious length, and diva-style glamour. Finished in high-shine patent, the lashes are stylized version of the best selling 7 Lash. Limited edition.

She's Bad Lash, $13.00 CAD
A full-length upper lash featuring length, density and a glamorously edgy fishnet texture. Lashes are finished in high-shine patent. Limited edition.

images: maccosmetics.com

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Product Review: CoverGirl TruBlend Pressed Mineral Foundation

Reviewer: S.K.Y.

Brand: CoverGirl
Name: TruBlend Pressed Mineral Foundation
Size: 11 g / 0.39 oz
Approx. Price: $12.99 CAD

Shade Tried: 2 / Creamy Natural

I’ve been wanting to try mineral makeup after reading all the positive feedback, but haven’t been able to take the plunge due to the sometimes high prices. So I was pretty excited to find out that CoverGirl has introduced its new line of mineral makeup. It seemed like an affordable way for me to try mineral makeup.

"Get healthy-looking, flawless coverage that feels barely there! NEW TruBlend Minerals Pressed Mineral Foundation is a blend of pure, micro-fine minerals that's so silky-smooth, it goes on powder-light to cover like a liquid and help conceal imperfections beautifully."

To Purr About:
- available in 6 shades
- very convenient compact for the person-on-the-go
- very light and airy feeling
- looks very natural
- affordable price
- has a bit of a shimmer which leaves skin with a subtle healthy glow
- doesn't irritate my sensitive skin

Claws Out:
- included brush doesn't allow for blending into skin well
- no mirror included in compact
- makes a mess if you accidentally drop it like I did
- doesn't really allow for additional moisturizer after makeup application

Final Comments:
I’ve been using this foundation in combination with a face primer, blush, and a veil mineral powder for more than a month now and I am very impressed. It's very light and blends into my skin well giving me a naturally flawless look. I will definitely be a repeat customer of this product.

My only beef is that because it’s winter and my skin is very dry, I often need to apply additional moisturizer to my face after I’m done applying my makeup. I don’t think this last step goes well with mineral makeup. If anyone out there has found the solution to this problem – please let me know!

Now if only there was a way to carry around ALL the mineral makeup easily & compactly...

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.com

Sunday, April 06, 2008

NEW Product Line: International Orange Organic Body Products


Touted as a "start-to-finish body care system", this line of products by International Orange Spa Yoga Lounge (voted Best Spa 2006 by SF Magazine), is made from certified organic, biodynamically grown and "wildcrafted" ingredients, and the vegetable oils and butters are fair trade.

Available at International Orange in San Francisco (2044 Fillmore St.) or online at their website, the product line has all the elements you need for a full head-to-toe experience.


CLEANSE, 8oz, $38 USD
A body wash. A purifying body wash that prepares the skin for hydration. Bergamot Peel purifies and promotes circulation, Calendula Blossom hydrates and heals and Lavender Flower soothes.

ENRICH, 8 oz, $44 USD
A Body Lotion. Delivers highly restorative and enriching hydration. Avocado Oil is rich and rejuvenating while Aloe soothes. Shea Butter softens and heals with Vitamins A and E and Bergamot Peel has regenerative properties and an uplifting scent. Lastly, Tuberose Petals add an exotic scent.

RESTORE, 8 oz, $38 USD
A Hair Wash. A luxurious and healing hair wash that restores and cleanses. Nettle gently balances oils and stimulates hair growth. Bergamot Peel purifies and invigorates. Geranium Flower supports hydration and helps balance oils while Seaweed hydrates the hair and heals the scalp.

NOURISH, 8 oz, $44 USD
A Hair Conditioner. A multi-purpose conditioning hair cream to hydrate, protect and lightly scent with 12 herbal infusions and essential oils. Golden Jojoba and Macadamia Nut Oil enriches the hair while Jasmine Blossom and Tuberose Petal leave an exotic perfume.

BATHE, 16 oz, $75 USD
A Bath Soak. Sea Salt, Epsom Salt and Baking Soda draw out toxins and encourage circulation. Orange Blossom helps put the nervous system at peace. Vetiver Root aids in the release of muscle pain and tension. White Lotus is softly sweet.

BALANCE, 4 oz, $38 USD
A Body Deodorant. A neutralizing body deodorant with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Lavender Flower is refreshing and antibacterial which Echineacea Root increases bodily resistance to infection. Comfrey Leaf is an astringent and antioxidant.

ANOINT, 4 oz, $45 USD
A Body Oil. An antioxidant-rich body oil to heal, protect and hydrate the skin. The special Green Tea infusion and Grapeseed Oil helps eliminate free radicals and encourage cell rejuvenation. White Lotus and Jasmine Flower sooth and scent the skin.

I was lucky enough to receive samples of this product line and am currently using them (hellloooo spa experience!) Look for product reviews coming soon!

images: internationalorange.com

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Estee Lauder Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Estee Lauder Bonus Time!

Retailer: Sears
Minimum amount you need to spend: $32 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: Apr 3-23, 2008


What you get:
- your choice of lip and eye shades
- DayWear Plus Creme SPF 15, 7-day supply
- Projectionist Mascara, 10-day supply
- 3 makeup brushes
- 2 cosmetic bags

image: Sears e-flyer

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Product Review: Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Aveeno
Name: Creamy Moisturizing Oil
Size:
Approx. Price: $12 CAD

A few months ago I reviewed the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. It was my first use of an Aveeno product and I was very, very happy with the results. My only complaint about the Daily Moisturizing Lotion was that although it moisturized my skin better than any other lotion I've tried, it wasn't "silky smooth".

So I was excited to try the Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil when I read about it on the Aveeno site since it promises to "moisturize all day long to leave skin feeling soft and silky, without the greasy feel of body oil." I went out and bought it the next day.

To Purr About:
- light, creamy formula is super-hydrating and the moisturization lasts a long time
- absorbs quickly, without any greasy residue
- this "oil" (it's a cream) leaves my skin silky-soft - it's amazing

Claws Out:
- it's fragranced - i don't mind the smell (a light, almond scent), but I would much prefer it to by unscented

Final Comments:
I use this cream after my shower every day now and love the feeling of my skin - it's well-hydrated and actually "silky-soft". Also, the pump is super-convenient. This product would have gotten a perfect score if it was fragrance-free.

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: aveeno.com
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