Product Review: Clean & Clear Soft Daily Moisturizer

Reviewer: babycAt

Brand: Clean & Clear
Name: Soft Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
Size: 118 mL
Price: approximately $15 CAD

I (babycAt) continue my reviews of Clean & Clear products with the Clean & Clear Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 - "a lightweight, oil-free facial moisturizer that is designed specifically to soften and protect young skin." (according to the Clean & Clear web site)

To Purr About:
- it's a moisturizer while it protects you from the sun
- it smells good and it comes in a pump bottle

Claws Out:
- it gets really oily throughout the day if you wear make up over it because it's has a sun block texture

Final Comments:
I wouldn't use it as a daily moisturizer in the summer unless I was planning to be in the sun all day with no make up.

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: cleanandclear.ca

NEW Product: Bliss Problem Salved

Brand: Bliss

Name: Problem Salved
Size: 0.45 oz
Price: $19 CAD / $18 USD

I'm a big believer in products that do double duty because it saves time, money and space. Bliss has come out with a 20-in-1 "wonder balm". It's a compact, twist-up, purse-sized balm stick.

Here's 20 of the things Bliss says it's balm can do (among others):
1. soothe sunburn
2. soothe windburn
3. soothes skin after waxing upper lip
4. soothe skin after waxing eyebrows
5. soothing stinging from insect bites
6. soothes itching from insect bites
7. moisturize chapped heels
8. moisturize chapped elbows
9. moisturize chapped noses due to colds, flus or allergies
10. soothe stressed skin caused micro-dermabrasion
11. soothe stressed skin caused by AHA treatments
12. prevent runner's chafing
13. prevent shoe blisters
14. protect skin blisters
15. nourish your cuticles to enhance your manicure
16. helps repair ragged cuticles
17. tame flyaways in hair
18. helps seal split ends
19. groom eyebrows (ie. as an eyebrow wax)
20. provide a quick fix up for make-up mistakes (still need to wipe off with a cotton or tissue after using balm to dissolve makeup)

image: blissworld.com

Product Review: Green by Nature Lip Butter

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Green By Nature
Name: Lip Butter
Size: 4.25 g / 0.15 oz
Price: approximately $2.99 USD

Scent Tried: Shea Nut

My lips are a huge problem area for me. They are extremely sensitive and dry and often have allergic reactions to things, so I'm always on the lookout for products that I can use.

From Green By Nature’s website: "our lip butter is formulated with rich flavours and nourishing emollient oils. It maintains moisture and provides effective protection against chapped lips."

To Purr About:
- leaves my lips feeling very soft and moisturized
- didn’t irritate my supersensitive lips (which is actually quite amazing)
- stayed put on my lips and didn’t rub off too easily
- wasn’t greasy
- affordable price

Claws Out:
- leaves the area around my lips feeling a bit dry
- doesn’t contain any SPF to protect from the sun
- had to make sure lip butter was extended sufficiently out of the container, as the imperfect container easily scratched my lip/face

Final Comments:
I can’t get over how crazy the feeling of using this lip balm is. It actually feels like I’m rubbing butter on my lips, because it is so smooth and rich! I was additionally impressed that it didn’t feel greasy. I think this was the perfect product to wear around the house and to sleep, and if this product had SPF it’d be the lip product to end all lip products!

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: greenbynaturebeauty.com

NEW Product Line: NARS Holiday 2008 Collection

The holiday season always brings in many amazing colour collections and NARS is no exception. I love the colours of this collection - a lovely set of really lush and intense colours, perfect for all those holiday parties!

Super Orgasm Blush, $25 USD
NARS takes the classic Orgasm Blush to the next level with this new favourite. Richly concentrated and enhanced with more intense golden flecks.

Jolie Poupee Duo Eyeshadow, $32 USD
Chic and compact, this new eyeshadow boasts shades of vibrant violet and pearlescent purple.

Night Life Single Eyeshadow , $22 USD
Add light and shimmer to your lids with this ultra-festive silver shadow infused with silver particles.

Silent Night Single Eyeshadow, $22 USD
Gild your eyes with this new shadow enhanced with flecks of gold.

Canaille Lipstick, $24 USD
The ultimate in chic, this satin lipstick is now available in a shade of shimmering mahogany.

All Night Long Lip Gloss, $24 USD
Impart color and shine to your lips with this new semi sheer dusty raspberry shade.

Orgasm Nail Polish, $16 USD
Complete your holiday look with this new shade of polish in the classic peachy pink an golden shimmer hue.

image: press kit

Clinique Bonus Time at Sears

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time again!

Retailer: Sears
Minimum amount you need to spend: $26.50 CAD (before taxes) of Clinique products
Duration: Oct. 25 - Nov. 12, 2008


What you get:
- Different Lipstick in your choice of shade: Spiced Apple (Nudes) or Rose Aglow (Pinks)
- Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in your choice of shade: Butter Pecan (Nudes) or Chocolate Kiss (Pinks)
- Rince-Off Foaming Cleanser
- Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
- Clinique mirror
- High Impact Mascara in Black
- cosmetics bag

image: Sears e-flyer

Product Review: Stila Long Wearing Lip Colour

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Stila
Name: Long Wearing Lip Colour
Size: 0.04 oz
Price: approximately $25 CAD

Shade Tried: Coquette

A long wearing lipstick and lip gloss all in one.

Stila claims that this lipstick - is a blend of patent-pending polymers that provide long-lasting wear with rich pigment that glides on like your favorite lip gloss. The tip of the pen is contoured to provide easy, precise application - hugging every curve of you lip.

To Purr About:
- Coquette is a really pretty, nice soft rose shade that looked really good
- product glided on really easily
- slim design is easy to handle and apply
- once it was on, the product was smooth and light, but after a few seconds, I noticed that it got a little drier and actually felt like it "turned" from a lipgloss to a lipstick

Claws Out:
- slightly more expensive that I like to pay for every day lipgloss/lipstick

Final Comments:
I love this colour and the cute packaging of this lipstick. It really does apply like a lipgloss but then feels like a lipstick after a few minutes on the lips. It lasted quite a long time, but didn't have that harsh dry feel that many "long-lasting" lipsticks have. I think the price is a little high for a product I'd want to use daily, plus it's a "limited edition" item, which I'm also not a big fan of since after I fall in love with it, I won't be able to buy it again!

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 Line: MAC "Red" She Said

"The retro-starlet allure of Hollywood glamour, with a modern twist. A season where lips connive, then confess in shades of provocative holiday reds. Party season and passions flare! "Red" She Said, and no one could resist her... " (description from MAC site)

In a stunning contrast to the dozens of light pink hues coming out this fall, MAC is releasing a more dramatic colour collection that is rich, intense and very ooh-la-la. I'm torn. There are so many great MAC collections all coming out at the same time I doubt I'll be able to try them all and I want it all! :)


Mineralize Eye Shadow (trio), 2.2 g / 0.07 oz, $21.00 CAD
3 shades of Mineralize Eye Shadow all in 1. Each palette offers a complete eye look in the signature high colour, and dimensional pearl finish of this mineralized formula. Limited edition.
- Persuasive (frost): frosty light blue/silver pearl stripe/frosty indigo
- Word-of-Mouth (frost): frosty pale beige/copper pearl stripe/frosty blue grey
- Outspoken (frost): frosty plum/silver pearl stripe/frosty violet
- Danger Zone (frost): frosty true red/silver pearl stripe/frosty black
- Threesome (frost): frosty burnt red/copper pearl stripe/frosty mid-tone pink
- Inter-view (frost): frosty deep navy/copper pearl stripe/frosty bronzy brown

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 in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Brush sold separately.
- Blacktrack: solid flat black
- Silverstroke: richly metallic platinum

Eye Brows, 0.09 g / 0.003 oz, $17.50 CAD
Self-propelling, self-sharpening, brow defining. Like a pen, creates its own just-right point. Provides definition, shape, deepens/fills in colour. Easy to tote around. No sharpener needed.
- Lingering: soft taupe brown
- Stud: a deep rich blackened brown
- Spiked: bottle brunette

Fibre Rich Lash, 8 g / 0.28 oz, $14.00 CAD
Fibre-rich. Creams on. Clump proof...Spike-proof! The difference fibre makes is amazing.
- All Black: black

Lipstick, 3 g / 0.1 oz, $16.50 CAD
Colour plus texture for the lips. What made MAC famous.
- "Red" She Said (amplified): mid-tone blue red
- Crazeee (frost): frosty mid-tone coral red with pearl
- Pomposity (lustre): frosty mid-tone blue pink with pearl
- Soft Pause (lustre): sheer dark brownish berry
- Quiet, Please (lustre): sheer frosty pale beige

Dazzleglass, 1.92 g / 0.06 oz, $21.00 CAD
Lipcolour that dazzles with light and shine. Provides exceptional shine with a crystalline iridescence. Non-sticky, non-tacky, lightweight and moisturizing. Glides on. Wear alone, or layer over lipstick or Lipglass for dramatic effect. Features our signature MAC vanilla aroma.
- Date Night (frost): deep plum with blue and gold pearl
- Baby Sparks (frost): pale pink with violet pearl
- Miss Dynamite (frost): sheery orange-y copper pearl
- Love Alert (frost): raspberry red with red pearl
- Sugarrimmed (frost): Milky pale pink with red, teal and white pearl

Beauty Powder Blush, 6 g / 0.21 oz, $22.00 CAD
Silky-fine, shot with pearl, this blush inspires a subtle glow in tandem with a pure colour vibe. Ultra-smooth, delivers a light and alluring shimmer together with a sheer-colour payoff. Limited edition.
- Stark Naked (satin): shimmery mid-tone mauve with gold pearl
- Enough Said (satin): shimmery light bronze with gold pearl

Nail Lacquer, 10 ml / 0.34 us oz, $13.00 CAD
Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection.
- Rougemarie (cream): immodestly sexy red-bleu
- Beiged Bliss (frost): silken beige-brown

images: maccosmetics.com

Product Review: NARS Lip Gloss/Lip Stain Gloss Duo

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: NARS
Name: Lip Gloss/Lip Stain Gloss Duo
Size: 0.17 fl oz / 5 ml (x 2)
Price: approximately $28 CAD / $28 USD

Shade Tried: Stolen Kisses (gloss)/Pampa (stain)

A double-ended tube of lip gloss and stain from NARS that "streamlines your makeup routine by offering two of its best-selling products together in one convenient item." (from Sephora website)

I love lip gloss, but I generally don't use stains, so wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but this was quite easy to get used to.

To Purr About:
- the stain is super light, in an almost unbelievable way. when i was applying it, it didn't feel like anything was going on at all
- the stain delivers deep colour and long staying power
- the matching gloss worked really well with the shade of stain
- gloss was very light to apply and was not sticky or thick at all
- love the sponge tip applcator
- packaging (even the part I thought was glass) has that slight rubbery feel that is on all the other NARS packaging I've tried, which I love

Claws Out:
- a little expensive compared to what I would normally spend on a lip product
- only available in 4 duos

Final Comments:
Like their lipstick, I have fallen in love with NARS' lipgloss. It seems that this line is quickly becoming one of my favourites in the lip product category. Both the stain and gloss are extremely light and easy to wear and the colours are very nice. I love the rubbery feel of NARS packaging. Although this product is only available in 4 shades, they are all very neutral and probably would work for most skin tones.

Rating (out of 5):




Check out all of NARS' products on their website, http://www.narscosmetics.com/.

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: narscosmetics.com

NEW Product Line: MAC Manish Arora

"India's top designer, Manish Arora, teams up with MAC to create an extravagant limited-edition colour collection. With its kaleidoscopic clash of shades, gem-studded compacts and maximalist vibe, this makes Indian pop culture fashionably the rage!" (description from MAC site)

This collection is stunningly colourful. Although it still focuses on shades of pink, the eyeshadow palette pops with colour.


Manish Arora: Eye Shadow x 6, $44.50 CAD
A compact of six shades that convey the brilliance of the designer, Manish. The gold-coloured compact has a fuchsia lid decorated with heart-shaped gems dropped in the middle of a golden petal burst pattern. The outer carton features illustrated elements of Indian culture. Limited edition.


Manish Arora: Lipstick, $16.50 CAD
A MAC lipstick presented in the screened Lipstick case and packaging of the Manish Arora colour collection. Features two brilliant colours and finishes specially selected to reflect the high-colour vibe of the designer. Limited edition.
- Girl About Town (amplified): fabulous fuchsia
- Kiss Manish (amplified): frosty mid-tone burnt red

Manish Arora: Tinted Lipglass, $16.50 CAD
A shade of Lipglass created exclusively for the Manish Arora colour collection. The vial’s yellow cap is screened with the gold-coloured patterning specially designed by the designer for this brilliant namesake collection. Limited edition.
- Shine Manish: frosty bright clean orange with multi-dimensional pearl
- Pink Manish: frosted fuchsia with multi-colour pearl

Manish Arora: Powder Blush, 6 g / 0.21 oz, $22.00 CAD
Exclusive to the M∙A∙C Manish collection. A Powder Blush in an orange compact featuring the colourful patterning specially created by designer, Manish Arora, for this brilliant namesake collection. Limited edition.
- Pink Swoon (sheertone): clearly pink
- Devil (satin): bright iridescent coral orange

images: maccosmetics.com

Product Review: NARS Duo Eyeshadow

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: NARS
Name: Duo Eyeshadow
Size: 0.14 oz / 4 g
Price: approximately $38 CAD / $32 USD

Shade Tried: Demon Lover (iridescent storm blue/ deep indigo)

After falling in love with the NARS lipstick in Honolulu Honey, I couldn't wait to try another NARS product. I'm a big fan of eyeshadows in the purple family and thought the Demon Lover Eyeshadow Duo would be just what I was looking for.

To Purr About:
- 2 complimentary shades in 1 compact
- the eyeshadow is super silky smooth and glided on easily
- I found this eyeshadow powder very smooth and less powdery than almost any other shadow I've tried previously
- colour was very true to what it looked like in the compact

Claws Out:
- slight creasing on my eyelid, even though I used a eye primer
- no built-in applciator means you have to bring a brush with you if you want touch-ups (which I found unnecessary since it stayed on all day)

Final Comments:
I love the feel of this eyeshadow. It's super-light and silky smooth, but the colour is intense and very true to what you would expect. I'm also very impressed with the amount of shades available. There are over 50 colour combinations available, which means everyone should be able to find something to love. There was a slight creasing, even with an eye primer base, but perhaps I should apply a little bit more. The colour is so intense that a little goes a long way.

Rating (out of 5):




Check out all of NARS' products on their website, http://www.narscosmetics.com/.

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: narscosmetics.com

Product Review: Cargo PlantLove 100% Natural Origin Lipstick

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Cargo
Name: PlantLove 100% Natural Origin Lipstick
Size: 4 g / 0.14 oz
Price: approximately $20 CAD / $20 USD

Shade Tried: Sarah Chalke

I was really excited to try Cargo's lipstick for several reasons: it comes in environmental packaging, the box is embeded with wildflower seeds, $2 from each lipstick sold goes to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the shade I chose was named for a hilariously funny Canadian actress.

To Purr About:
- lovely, pale pink shade
- slight shine to the lipstick
- lipstick was creamy and easy to apply
- packaging is light and environmentally friendly

Claws Out:
- the pale pink is slightly too light, so I have to apply several coats before any colour is visible

Final Comments:
If you factor in everything about this lipstick, including the ingenious little box packaging with built-in seeds and the lovely, light formula, this lipstick has it all. Available in 20 shades, I have already found several that I really like, including Killarney and Lola.

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 Line: MAC Emanuel Ungaro

"Dreamy, softly impressionistic, reverential...To celebrate his exciting debut, It-Designer, Esteban Cortazar, celebrity makeup artist, Sharon Dowsett, and MAC come together backstage to create a colour collection in the spirit of today's Ungaro." (description from MAC site)

Continuing the trend of beautiful, pale pinks for this fall, MAC has released their Emanuel Ungaro Collection. I'm in love! But my pocketbook isn't. :)


Emanuel Ungaro: Lipstick, $16.50 CAD
The Lipstick selected for the Ungaro Fall ’08 runway look. Softly shaded to match the understated mood of the collection. Featured on the matte black outer casing: the Emanuel Ungaro logo in pink and a metallic silver MAC logo. Limited edition.
- Pure Rose (lustre): pastel pink with white pearl
- Freckletone (lustre): neutral yellow-toned beige

Emanuel Ungaro: Lipglass, $16.50 CAD
A Lipglass shaded exclusively for the Ungaro Fall ’08 runway look. Combines shine with a soft and understated look. Featured on the vial: the Emanuel Ungaro logo in pink and a metallic silver MAC logo.
- Pastel Emotion (frost): pastel pink with white pearl

Emanuel Ungaro: See Thru Lip Colour, $16.50 CAD
The See Thru Lip Colour selected for the Ungaro Fall ’08 runway look. Provides ultra-sheer colour and soft shine. Featured on the vial: the Emanuel Ungaro logo in pink and a metallic silver MAC logo. Limited edition.
- Not So Shy (sheer): jewel-tone berry stain

Emanuel Ungaro: Eye Shadow, $17.00 CAD
An Eye Shadow shaded exclusively for the Ungaro Fall ’08 runway look. Featured on its matte black compact: a repeat pattern of the Emanuel Ungaro logo in pink and a metallic silver MAC logo. Limited edition.
- Phoof! (frost): frosted off-white
- Mineral (satin): deep cool brown
- Lilac Touch (matte): dirty mid-tone violet
- Soft Flower (matte): clean, mid-tone coral

Emanuel Ungaro: Cream Colour Base, $20.00 CAD
A Cream Colour Base shaded exclusively for the Ungaro Fall ’08 runway look. Creamy and colour-intense. For use on lips and cheeks. Featured on its matte black compact: a repeat pattern of the Emanuel Ungaro logo in signature pink and a silver MAC logo. Limited edition.
- Crushed Bougainvillea (cream): jewel-tone berry stain
- Fresh Morning (cream): soft muted pastel pink

Emanuel Ungaro: Beauty Powder, $26.50 CAD
A Beauty Powder shaded exclusively for the Ungaro Fall ’08 runway look. Luxuriously jet-milled, provides sheer tint with a slight pearlescent finish. Featured on its matte black compact: a repeat pattern of the Emanuel Ungaro logo in pink and a metallic silver M·A·C logo. Limited edition.
- Flower Mist Dew: clean brightening pink

Technakohl Liner, $17.50 CAD
A mechanical pencil-style liner. In formula, soft and creamy, with an intense, rich, colour deposit. Blends on application: dries quickly to a long-wear, non-smudge finish. An easy way to line the top and lower lash line of the eye. When applied at a 90 degree angle, provides a thin precision line. For thicker application, apply at a flat angle.
- Auto-de-blu: intense jewel tone blue

Brow Set, 8 g / 0.28 oz, $16.00 CAD
Strokes on. Adds shine, style, and grooming to the brows. A brush-on gel that grooms and slicks brows into shape without flaking or stiffening the brows. May also be used on lashes, sideburns, and chops - any facial hair.
- Mink: dirty brown

Zoom Lash, 8 g / 0.28 oz, $14.00 CAD
This instant volume mascara power-lifts the lashes into length, curls them up...builds them faster than you can wink! Precision control wand glides smoothly down lashes to provide a gorgeously silky upward “sweep”. Smudgeproof and long-wearing.
- Lofty Brown: ultra-rich blackened coco-brown

images: maccosmetics.com

Product Review: Green by Nature Body Lotion

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Green by Nature
Name: Body Lotion
Size: 7.10 fl oz / 210 ml
Price: approximately $9.99 USD

Scent Tried: Almond Cocoa

A nourishing hand cream enriched with Vitamin E and aloe, with a blend of jojoba, almond and avocado oils. Available in Banana Shea, Almond Cocoa and Mint Green Tea.

To Purr About:
- extremely light lotion absorbs very quickly
- convenient pump bottle
- moisturizing
- I love the almond smell
- non-greasy

Claws Out:
- scent can be overpowering to people who prefer more lightly scented products
- not a deep moisturizing product

Final Comments:
A good, light moisturizer with a heavenly scent, this is something I would use in the summer, because of the tropical smell and also because I don't think it would be moisturizing enough for me during the harsh Canadian winters. Because it's so light, it absorbs extremely quickly, which is nice as there's no greasy after-feel.

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: greenbynaturebeauty.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to wish all my fellow Canadians a very happy and relaxing Thanksiving! No new posts today as I'm too busy feasting! Haha!

Product Review: Cargo PlantLove 100% Natural Origin Lipgloss

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Cargo
Name: PlantLove 100% Natural Origin Lipgloss
Size: 9 ml / 0.03 fl oz
Price: approximately $20 CAD / $20 USD

Shade Tried: Magnolia

How can you not love this Cargo lipstick? Available in earth-friendly packaging and part of Cargo's amazingly environmentally-friendly PlantLove collection, I was excited to try another Cargo product since I've had nothing but nice things to say about other Cargo products.

"Formulated with natural and organic ingredients that offer a high-shine, non-sticky finish. This gloss cares for your lips with a silky, luscious consistency that smoothes and hydrates. This environmentally friendly product is free of parabens, phalates, petro-chemicals, synthetic dyes, and fragrances, and comes in pretty, floral-inspired shades. The outer carton paper is made of 100% post consumer waste." (from the Sephora web site)

To Purr About:
- lovely, shiny pink shade
- great packaging that's papery, but very sturdy
- slanted sponge tip applicator is easy to use
- not sticky

Claws Out:
- a little more expensive that I would generally pay for a lip gloss
- the shade I tried is very light, but looks darker in the packaging
- has a slightly rubbery, funky smell
- doesn't have a very good staying power

Final Comments:
Although not my favourite lipgloss, this does come in pretty shades and the environmentally-friendly aspect will appeal to many people. The shade I tried was slightly lighter than I prefer, but was very shiny. Although the formula is light and non-sticky, I find that it disappears off my lips quite quickly.

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

Clinique Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time (wow, the bonus times are popping up all over the place!

Retailer: Holt Renfrew
Minimum amount you need to spend: $35 CAD (before taxes) of Clinique products
Duration: Oct. 8 - 26, 2008


What you get:
- Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser, 50 ml
- Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, 30 ml
- Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream, 5 ml
- Zero Gravity Repairwear Lift Firming Cream, 15 ml
- Long Last Lipstick, 4 g
- High Definition Lashes, 4 g
- Fresh Bloom Allover Colour with Brush, 1.8 g
- mini bag
- deluxe cosmetics bag

image: Holt Renfrew e-flyer

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) of Lancome products
Duration: Oct. 9 - Nov. 2, 2008


What you get:
- Your choice of either: (For mature skin) Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Superior Lifting Cream with SPF 15 and Renergie Microlife Eye R.A.R.E. Superior Lifting Eye Cream OR (To counter first wrinkles) Primordiale Skin Recharge Visibly Smoothing and Renewing Moisturizer with SPF 15 and Primordiale Eye Skin Recharge Visibly Smoothing and Renewing Eye Cream
- Colour Design Sensational Effects Lip Colour
- Colour Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad
- Definicils High Definition Mascara in Black
- 2 double-ended makeup brushes
- Lancome signature cosmetic case

You will also get a bonus Tote Bag if you purchase 2 Lancome products and meet the minimum amount required.

image: lancome e-flyer

NEW Product Line: MAC Cremesheen

"Watch out...This new lip colour speaks softly but says something shocking! Discover the finish that makes Cremesheen such hot gossip. With its smooth, creamy texture and 14 eloquent colours to choose from, the difference will speak for itself." (description from MAC site)

This fall is going to be so great (but bad for my pocket book). I love smoky purply/blue eyes and light, pinky lips, and that's what colours are all about this autumn! Yay!


Lipstick, 3 g / 0.1 us oz, $16.50 CAD
Colour plus texture for the lips.
- Creme d'Nude (Cremesheen): pale muted peach beige
- Dare You (Cremesheen): deep brown red
- Brave Red (Cremesheen): bright yellow red
- Hang-Up (Cremesheen): deep berry
- Crosswires (Cremesheen): clean pinky orange
- Fanfare (Cremesheen): mid-tone yellow pink
- Speed Dial (Cremesheen): light blue pink
- Modesty (Cremesheen): muted neutral pink
- On Hold (Cremesheen): mid-tone raspberry
- Party Line (Cremesheen): red-toned plum
- Hot Gossip (Cremesheen): mid-tone pinky plum
- Ravishing (Cremesheen): clean light peachy coral
- Speak Louder (Cremesheen): clean poppy blue pink
- Stay in Touch (Cremesheen): light yellow brown

Nail Lacquer, 10 ml / 0.34 us oz, $13 CAd
Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection.
- Seasonal Peach: creamy pale peachy pink

images: maccosmetics.com

Glow's Best in Beauty Awards 2008

One of the most popular places to purchase "drugstore" cosmetics in Canada is Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM). SDM puts out a monthlyy beauty magazine called Glow and recently Glow held its Annual Readers' Choice Beauty Survey to see what the most popular products were.

Along with the readers' favourites are the Editors' Picks.

The best thing about this list is that most of these products are drugstore brands, which means the prices are much more affordable than other "Best of..." lists. Time to go shopping, ladies!

I must admit though that not many of my own personal favourites made the list - how about yours?

Please note: All prices are in CAD $

EYES

Brow Enhancer: Revlon Brow Fantasy, $13
Eyeliner: L'Oreal Paris Lineur Intense, $14
Eyeshadow: Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Eye Shadows, $6 to $9
Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Naturale Mascara, $10
Editors' Pick: Gosh Extreme Art Eye Liner Extremely Waterproof, $15

LIPS

Lip Balm: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, $6
Lipstick: Cover Girl Continuous Color Lipstick, $9
Lipgloss: Lancome Juicy Tubes, $21
Editors' Pick: Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15, $18

FRAGRANCE

9-to-5 Favourite: Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker, $66
Date-Night Favourite: Chanel No. 5, $96
Weekend Favourite: Glow by J. Lo, $63
Editors' Pick: Lancome Magnifique, $95

HAIR

Shampoo - Curly Hair: Pantene Pro-V Hydrating Curls Shampoo, $7
Shampoo - Oily Hair: Herbal Essences Drama Clean Shampoo, $5
Shampoo - Colour-Treated Hair: L'Oreal Paris Vive Pro Shampoo for Colour-Treated Hair, $8
Shampoo - Fine Hair: Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo, $7
Deep Conditioner: Dove Intense Damage Therapy Conditioner, $7
Hairspray: Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray, $8
Texture Enhancer: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon, $11
Editors' Pick: Live Clean Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner, $8

FACE

Foundation: L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup, $16
Concealer: Cover Girl Invisible Concealer, $8
Blush: Cover Girl Cheekers Blush, $7
Face Powder: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder, $16
Editors' Pick: Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder & Brush Set, $72

SKINCARE

Facial Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $20
Daily Moisturizer with SPF: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer Plus SPF 15, $30
Night Cream: Lancome Renergie Nuit Recharging Night Treatment, $89
Anti-Aging Product: Vichy Myokine Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Dermo-Decontracting Care, $42
Editors' Pick: Clarins Paris UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40, $34

BODY

Body Lotion: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $14
Hand Cream: Glysomed Hand Cream, $5
Body Wash: Dove Deep Moisture Beauty Body Wash, $8
Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails, $3.50
Editors' Pick: Dior Capture Totale Haute Nutrition Body Creme, $135

Product Review: ecotools Bamboo Blush Brush

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: ecotools
Name: Bamboo Blush Brush
Size: n/a
Price: n/a

Nowadays everything seems to be going "green", so why not our makeup brushes?

Ecotools has come out with a whole line of "green" makeup tools. Every little bit helps, right? So I was definitely interested in trying out their brushes.

Ecotools boasts that their bamboo blush brush:
- evenly applies color to brighten up the face
- is made of cruelty free bristles
- and is made of natural & recycled materials

To Purr About:
- comes in a cute re-usable pouch that is greath for travelling
- tacklon bristles are soft and gentle on my skin
- has not lost any bristles that I’m aware of

Claws Out:
- isn’t very compact, and is therefore not optimal for travelling

Final Comments:
I threw out my Annabelle brush and replaced it with this one. Probably not the most eco-friendly thing to do, but what the hey. There was a definite difference between that brush and this one. My ecotools brush is 10 times softer and I guess I never realized how harsh my old 1 way until now. I can’t remember if it was always that harsh, or just got that way from years of use. I guess the bristles could always be softer, but they`re still pretty darn soft.

Overall, I was impressed with my new blush brush. Not only do they look great and feel great, but they come with a handy reusable pouch which I’ve actually been reusing a lot. It’s great for storing 1 or more of my brushes while I travel and even when I’m at home to keep the dust off.

I only hope that the bristles are still as soft after continual use.

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: parispresents.com

NEW Product Line: Lise Watier Les Cachemires

"Inspired by the tranquil beauty of the first days of the autumn season, Lise Watier has created a soft, candid collection. Les Cachemires presents a harmony of comforting shades and appealing textures." (description from Lise Water press kit)

I became a fan of Lise Watier when I tried their last collection. The lipsticks were so glossy and smooth. So I'm excited to try this new collection. Watch for product reviews soon!


Eye Shadow Quartets, $35 CAD
Colour quartets in soft, soothing shade. Nestled in a pretty knitted pouch. Limited edition.
- Cachemires Bleu: a grey-taupe, a sky blue, an anthracite blue and a luminous pale pink
- Cachemires Prune: a deep plum, a delicate lilac, a pink-tinged beige and a metallic gold

Metal Liners, $18 CAD
An ultra-precise blush applicator makes it easy to apply. The ultimate liquid eyeliners for the season's top beauty looks. Limited Edition.
- Lilas: a soft, metallic lilac
- Marine: a delicately sparkled navy blue

Eyeshine Marine, $16 CAD
The latest edition to the Eyeshine family. Adored for its velvety texture and waterproof wear.
- Navy Blue

Wow Deep Blue, $20 CAD
The same innovative brush and the same acclaimed formula as the original Wow - now available in a very special shade. Not too dark, not too muted, Wow Deep Blue mascara brings a hint of blue to your lashes.

Blush On Powder, $24 CAD
- Rose Cachemire: a soft, matte finish
- Natural Glow: a peach powder with a shimmer of gold, a natural-looking blush that brightens skin tone

Lipsticks, $18 CAD
- Cosmo Pink (part of the Rouge Sublime line): the perfect pink with a creamy finish
- Golden Apricot (part of the Rouge Sheer & Shine line): sheer and ultra-luminous, a fruity orange colour with a pearl of gold
- Pecan Pie (part of the Rouge Gourmand ): a frosted brown shade with pink highlights

Plumpissimo Le Gloss, $20 CAD
An innovative formula of Instaplump and vitamins protects and nourishes lips while making them look extra lush.
- Peche: a shiny, pearly gloss
- Naturel: a creamy neutral pink with a lacquered finish

Solos Eyeshadows, $17 CAD
- Rose Corail
- Rose Lilas
- Lavender Blue
- Charbon

image: Lise Water press kit

Lancome Bonus Online

Canadians - It's Lancome Bonus Time Online!

Retailer: lancome.ca
Minimum amount you need to spend: $50 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: while supplies last


What you get:
- Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Moisturizer tube, 15 ml
- Colour Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow
- Definicils High Definition Mascara in Black
- Le Rouge Absolu Lipstick SPF 15 in Champagne
- Lancome signature cosmetics case with matching cosmetics pouch

image: lancome.ca

Product Review: NARS Lipstick

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: NARS
Name: Lipstick
Size: 0.12 oz / 3.4 g
Price: approximately $24 USD

Shade Tried: Honolulu Honey (satin)

This is my first NARS product review and I'm really excited to be able to try this popular brand.

Their lipsticks come in 3 different formulas:

- Satin: moist, longwearing lipstick containing micro-bubble spheres to continually release lip conditioners which yield creamy, silky color that wears for hours.
- Semi-Matte: a highly pigmented matte, non-drying formula that provides a long-wearing, full-bodied, velvety finish.
- Sheer: long-lasting colour pigments have been suspended in this translucent formula to provide a sheer, natural tint to the lips.

Nourishing and Non-drying, with Vitamin E.

I had a lot of trouble picking out a shade to try because there were so many great colours. I finally chose Honolulu Honey because I'm still searching for that perfect nude lipstick.

To Purr About:
- stunning natural nude shade
- long-lasting shade but isn't drying
- doesn't dry out my lips
- full, rich colour
- the lipstick tube has a slightly rubbery feeling, which is kind of nice and different

Claws Out:
- although it's a "satin" finish, I find it slightly matte

Final Comments:
I have found my perfect nude lipstick. The moment I put this on my lips I was in love. The shade is beige, but not dull or flat and goes well with my tanned Asian skin. The lipstick is pretty moisturizing and goes on easily, but has a slightly matte finish, which I love.

I have fallen in love with this lipstick and can't wait to try out other NARS products!

Rating (out of 5):




Check out all of NARS' products on their website, www.narscosmetics.com.

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: narscometics.com