Help Cinnamon Kitten spend $50 - June 2011

Thanks to everyone for filling out my first ever Cinnamon Kitten Reader Survey (if you haven't already done the survey, please take a few minutes and help me out)! I'm learning a lot of really interesting and useful things, and you'll start seeing changes to the blog soon (for the better, I hope!). When the survey closes in a couple of weeks, I'll share some of these changes with you.

In the meantime...I've decided to start something fun...

Not that this is a big surprise, but the majority of readers who are answering my Reader Survey said that they loved product reviews and wanted to see even more, so here's the plan...

I'm putting aside $50 every month and I want YOU to tell me what to purchase with it!

Obviously, your suggestions must be beauty-related and it would really help if the product was available in Canada so I can easily purchase it.

I know, I know, $50 isn't a lot, but I'm on a pretty tight budget and I do still have to buy my regular beauty staples (and groceries...), so $50 is all can afford right now to spend on beauty impulses. Maybe after I win the lottery we can increase the spend, deal?

So, leave a comment and let me know what I should buy this month! Maybe something you think I should definitely have? Or something you think I should review? It could be a single product that costs $50 or lots of little items that equal $50. :)

In future months, I might pick a specific theme for your suggestions (ie. a particular brand, colour or item), but for this first month, anything goes!

I can't wait to see what you suggest!!!

Product Review: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Burt's Bees
Name: : Tinted Lip Balm
Size: 4.25 g
Price: approx. $7.99 CAD

Shade Tried: Honeysuckle


From their website: "Care for your lips with beautiful, sheer color. Our new tinted balms give you a hint of color with a soft, sweet flavor and natural ingredients that moisturize and condition your lips. Available in six flirty shades – Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Tiger Lily, Pink Blossom, Red Dahlia and Rose.”

To Purr About:
- comes in 6 fun shades
- 100% natural
- lasts a long time
- feels very creamy and moisturizing
- did not irritate my super sensitive lips

Claws Out:
- tint is a little too subtle
- gets a bit cakey if I apply too much
- scent is not very natural
- no SPF

Final Comments:
When I first got my hands on the packaging for this product I was already surprised with the big departure of the look of this new Burt’s Bees product. Instead of the usual yellow box it comes in a sophisticated brown tube that slides open to reveal a tinted lip balm.

A friend mentioned it would be perfect for her daughter who is just old enough to start foraying into lip balms and other kid’s products, and I can’t agree more. Because it’s 100% natural it makes it a great product for everyone and especially for young girls that can feel like they’re adults with this more mature packaging.

After using this product for a while I definitely like it more than Burt’s bees other lip products. I find it lasts longer and feels a lot more creamy and smooth. However, the scent is not as nice as their other products and it can get a bit cakey if you over-apply. Lastly, I found the tint of the Honeysuckle almost non-existent. I was hoping for a bit more colour. I think next time I’ll try a darker tint like Red Dhalia.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Suziesaurus
image: burtsbees.ca

Weekend Beauty Reads From The Beauty Blog Network

Phyrra shows you about a new indie company, Bokeh Face!

Daily Polish is giving away the Jason Wu for CND Collection!

The Pink Sith may be winning the war against oily skin and wrinkles with her new weapon, Dr. Brandt Pores No More Anti-Aging Mattifying Lotion. Come see how the battle is waged!

Sheila from Painted Ladies finished the first and only 365 Days of Eyeshadow project!!! Check out day 365 and check out the archives of past looks!

A Touch of Blusher reviews two of RMK's new cleansers.

Help Cinnamon Kitten out by taking the Cinnamon Kitten Reader Survey and you could win a $50 gift card to Sephora.

Clinique Bonus Time at Holt Renfrew

Canadians - It's Clinique Bonus Time!

Retailer: Holt Renfrew

Duration: May 27 to June 5, 2011

Minimum amount you need to spend: $35 CAD (before taxes)

What you get:
- All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage
- Youth Surge Age Decelerating Moisturizer SPF 15
- Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
- Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo
- Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss
- Long Last Lipstick in All Heart
- High Impact Mascara in Black

- Clinique Eyelash Curler
- cosmetics bag

image: e-flyer

Product News: Boscia introduces 3 new products in May

Brand: BOSCIA


Pore Purifying Black Strips, $15 USD
Combining active ingredients with botanicals and antioxidants in a unique delivery system, these strips are formulated with activated charcoal. Created to absorb excess oil and impurities while depositing the botanicals and antioxidants into the skin.


Restorative Eye Treatment for Under-Eye Bags, $48 USD
Give your under-eye area a refreshing boost! Restorative Eye Treatment for Under-Eye Bags is the latest member of the best-selling Restorative collection, which addresses the needs of parched, wrinkle-prone skin. This product provides intense hydration while preventing future free radical damage, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and dullness, and restoring brightness to the skin.


B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA ++, $36 USD
Beloved by celebs and makeup artists in Japan, B.B. Cream is a “blemish balm” that not only conceals imperfections, but also hydrates, firms and heals the skin. It’s not a tinted moisturizer, it’s not a foundation, it’s not a concealer — it’s all three and more. This ultimate multi-tasking product protects skin against both UVB and UVA rays while providing long-wearing, buildable coverage in a shade that suits most skin tones.

images: press release

Product News: Annabelle LipStain Markers

Brand: Annabelle
Name: LipStain Markers
Price: $8.95 CAD

A lot of brands have been coming out with these handy stain markers - and now Annabelle has joined the trend!

The new LipStain Markers are available in 6 shades:
- Rouge Alors
- Nude Ink
- Tangofolie
- Melon Splash
- Punky Pink
- Mauvelous

Available in participating Shoppers Drug Mart stores only.

image: annabellecosmetics.ca

Product Review: Korres Yoghurt Body Butter

Reviewer: Annabella from Skin Scrubs

Brand: Korres
Name: : Yoghurt Body Butter
Size: 150 ml/ 5.07 oz.
Price: approx. GBP £12.50 / approx $19.70 CAD

Korres is a Greek skincare and cosmetics company that prides itself on what ingredients it doesn't use. Every product is dermatogically tested and is free of Parabens, Silicone, Mineral Oil, Propylene Glycol, and Ethanolamine. They do extensive research on the effectiveness of ingredients rather than relying on traditional recipes and there is an extensive range of skincare, makeup and hair products. Korres is sold widely here in the UK at department stores and online but the range is so huge I've never seen it all in one place. They also do a fabulous men's products too!

Korres says this is an 'extra moisturising cream for dry skin conditions'. This contains full fat yoghurt, sunflower, avocado, and almonds oils, plus Shea butter thrown in for good measure. It comes in a convenient cylindrical pump much like toothpaste and it's easy to dispense the correct amount. It's nice and thick and does make you feel like you are spreading full fat diary products on your skin!


To Purr About:
- lovely texture and feel
- easy convenient tube
- nice fresh smell - won't interfere with perfumes
- skin stays hydrated all day

Claws Out:
- the price

Final Comments:
This took some time to sink in so it's definitely not for my skin type. I get the odd dry patch here and there but my skin is fairly hydrated most of the time with all the lotions and scrubs that I already use. I've had this problem before with other Korres body butters not absorbing quickly and I just think the formulation just isn't for me. This would be ideal for people who suffer from chronic dry skin especially in the winter.

Even though this is too heavy for me, it should work for people in more arid climates. I love Korres and I always have a least four of their shower gels on the go. I highly recommend trying their products if you get the opportunity.

Rating (out of 5):




image: Annabella from Skin Scrubs

Product Review: Reviva Labs Makeup Primer

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Reviva Labs
Name: : Makeup Primer
Size: 29.5 ml / 1 fl oz
Price: approx. $19.50 USD

From Reviva’s website: "Apply over moisturizer or instead of moisturizer. Lines fill in, pores are concealed, excess oil is controlled. Skin so touchable, so silky smooth, you will find it hard to believe.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), Olive Oil, Coenzyme Q10, Squalane."

To Purr About:
- glides on to skin very easily
- leaves skin feeling extremely smooth and silky
- slightly minimizes the look of wrinkles and pores
- creates a nice finish on the skin that allows for easy makeup application (I use mineral makeup)
- is efficient even without moisturizer
- no scent
- a little goes a long way
- extends life of makeup

Claws Out:
- might feel a bit heavy/greasy if you have oily skin

Final Comments:
Having a good base to start your beauty regiment is very important, which is why I’ve recently decided to to try some new makeup primers. I do suffer from things such as: dry skin, enlarged pores, acne scars, small wrinkles and skin imperfections, so a good makeup primer is pretty important.

The moment I applied Reviva’s Makeup Primer for the first time I was pretty blown away. The texture is so silky and smooth. At first it seemed a bit heavy on my skin and greasy on my fingers, but it very quickly absorbed in to my skin and created a nice finish to my skin ready for makeup application. Although I could still see pores, I did notice some of my wrinkles were now minimized.

I was impressed that even after a long work day my skin still felt soft and supple as a result of using this product. I really do love the way this product makes my skin feel. I don’t even have to use moisturizer any more and my skin feels great. I do notice my makeup lasts longer and is still there when I get home from work.

I would have preferred this product hide my pores and imperfections even more, but for this affordable price I think it does a great job.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten image: revivalabs.com

Cinnamon Kitten needs your help!

Who reads the Cinnamon Kitten blog?
What types of posts should I be writing?
Is now a good time to start wearing my summer nail polish colours?
Is glitter in eye products really a good idea?

These are just some of the things that keep me up at night. Well, some more than others.

In order to better understand my readers and get to know what you want from me, I'd love it if you took a few minutes to take the First Cinnamon Kitten Reader Survey!

I'm very excited about this - it will give me a better idea of who you all are, plus will give me some idea of how to make this blog more useful to you, my favourite readers!

And just to sweeten the deal, I'll be giving away TWO $50 Sephora Gift Cards to two lucky people who complete the survey!

Prize Details:
$50 Sephora Gift Card in either $CAD or $USD, depending on where you live. If you live outside these Canada or the US, I will send you $50 USD via Paypal so you can shop wherever is convenient for you.

To enter:
Complete the Cinnamon Kitten Reader Survey and enter your contact info at the end of the survey.

Notes:
- The contest is open to everyone.
- Survey will close on Friday, June 17, 2011
- Winner will be contacted via e-mail and announced shortly after.

Company News: Happy 100th Birthday NIVEA!

When I heard that NIVEA was turning 100 this year, I couldn't believe it. It's one of those brands I always saw growing up and always took for granted.


To celebrate this huge milestone, I'm learning more about NIVEA and hope to share some really cool product news and reviews with you soon, but in the meantime, here are some fun facts about NIVEA and their flagshop product, the NIVEA Creme:

- NIVEA Creme was introduced in 1911 and became the first stable skin cream based on a water-in-oil emulsion thanks to an invention by Dr. Isaac Lifchultz - a chemist who originally developed the emulsifier, Eucerit, for medical uses

- the name NIVEA means 'the snow white one' and is derived from the Latin word nix, nivis (meaning snow)

- the Creme's blue tin was introduced in 1925

- In 1936 NIVEA scientists conducted in-depth research into the effects of the sun's rays on the skin and develop the first sunscreen products, NIVEA Nut Oil and Ultra Oil

- every year more than 100 million tins of classic NIVEA Creme are sold in over 200 countries around the world

- if you lined up all the tins of NIVEA that have been sold up to the present day, they would almost reach the moon! In fact, the blue tin was the first skin cream to enter orbit in the year 1983 - on board the Space Shuttle Challenger

Check out this extremely cool and interesting timeline of the NIVEA history.

images: nivea.ca

Company News: June 4-5 = Wax Weekend at European Wax Center

I dread getting waxed. But I love the results. It's really a love-hate relationship.

So, for those lucky gals that live in Los Angeles, they can make their waxing experience just a little more pleasant at the European Wax Center.

Known for a unique and thorough four-step waxing process that not only cleanses and protects the skin, but rejuvenates the skin and allows for proper re-growth of the hair. European Wax Center boasts a proprietary, non-strip wax formula developed in Paris and impeccable service from their specially trained wax experts.

The exclusive Parisian wax made with the world’s finest elastomers and polymers features 100% natural beeswax that is applied at a comfortable bath-water temperature, which allows wax to be applied in larger sections compared to other waxes and our proprietary wax does not include alcohol which can often result in drying, cracking and irritation. Hair removal is also much more comfortable because the specialty wax only sticks to hair and not skin.

But aside from the technical wax points, European Wax Center’s wax pass program, afforadable pricing and operating hours make it easier than ever for everyone to enjoy the benefits of waxing.


European Wax Centers in Redondo Beach, Westlake Village and Woodland Hills
Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5, 2011
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (reservation time required)

During the inaugural Los Angeles “Wax Weekend” event, first-time guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary wax service, gift bags, coffee bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and live music for a day of personal refreshment with friends or family. Reservations are recommended and walk-ins will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

First-time guests interested in scheduling a complimentary reservation during “Wax Weekend” should call each location directly:
- Redondo Beach: (310) 937-2929
- Westlake Village: (805) 248-7060
- Woodland Hills: (818) 746-2683
- Manhattan Beach will celebrate its grand opening in July and dates for their “Wax Weekend” will be announced soon. Guests interested in attending the Manhattan Beach opening can reserve a space by calling (310) 297-9291.

Click on the postcard for a larger image:


images: press release

Beauty Bits

* * * * *

The voting has begun in the Skintimate Studios design contest. Now through May 18 vote for your favorite design online and be entered in the Skintimate Ready for Everything Sweepstakes for a chance to win weekly prizes such as $100 gift card, a Mara Hoffman scarf or a once in a lifetime trip for two to Miami, Florida for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Show. One winner and a guest or chaperone will receive a two night, three day trip to Miami, where they will have a front row into the world of fashion and a meeting with Mara Hoffman!

Enter the contest online at www.skintimatestudios.com.

* * * * *

Lots of celebrity beauty signings:
- As of July 2011, Eva Mendes and Naomi Watts will be the new celebrity ambassadors for Pantene. Eva Mendes will be representing the Breakage to Strength collection and Naomi Watts will be supporting the Flat to Volume collection.
- Paul Walker has teamed up with Davidoff Cool Water fragrance as the new face of the brand.
- COVERGIRL has announced that Sofia Vergara (best known for her role in Modern Family) will be appearing in ads scheduled to run in January 2012 to represent new COVERGIRL product additions.

* * * * *

cake beauty offer - receive 25% off all scrubs, hi-light luminour body lotin and glow-rious glistening body lotion. enter glowsecret at checkout to receive the discount. Offer valid through May 18, 2011.

* * * * *

3LAB will be opening 22 new 3LAB Skincare counters at The Bay stores across Canada. The Bay will feature the entire 3LAB line.

Product News: Coppertone launches new products for 2011

Brand: Coppertone

Yes, I know it's still only spring here in Canada (and it's raining and 8 degrees Celcius here in Toronto), but I LOVE dreaming about the days when it's sunny and hot, so when Coppertone sent over info about their new products for 2011 I couldn't wait to see what new sun products I might be trying out very soon (fingers crossed!)


Coppertone Sport High Performance Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100+
20 years after the makers of Coppertone created the sport category and launched its iconic high performance sunscreens, this new addition is specially formulated for active adults and is ultra sweatproof so it won't run into eyes and sting. It also contains antioxidants for extreme conditions that trigger sweating (heat, humidity, vigorous exercise) which can make skin more vulnerable to UV damage. Added antioxidants help replenish skin's natural defenses.

Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Offers tear-free, broad spectrum sun protection in a 2 oz. size ideal for the diaper bag. The formula is oil and fragrance-free, and ultra gentle for babies’ delicate skin and eyes.

Coppertone Tanning Lotion SPF 15
A non-greasy formula offering broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection with the classic Coppertone fragrance. Formulated with Aloe and Vitamin E and provides a moisturizing and fast-absorbing lotion.

Besides the new additions to the Coppertone family, the big news from Merck Consumer Care (makers of Coppertone) are the new foaming lotion sunscreens. The light, moisture-rich foams absorb quickly, and offer waterproof sun protection.

"My patients are constantly asking about lightweight suncare products that will help protect their skin from the sun without irritating it," said Dr. David J. Leffell, Professor of Dermatology and Surgery at the Yale School of Medicine and consultant for the COPPERTONE brand. "The most effective formulas are those that help consumers make sun protection convenient – sunscreen can be soft and gentle to the skin while providing powerful, broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays."


Coppertone Oil Free Foaming Sunscreen Lotion SPF 75+
Offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays in a foam for everyday use to help keep skin looking healthy and beautiful. The hypoallergenic formula comes in a silky-soft application that is fragrance-free and won't clog pores.

Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Foaming Lotion SPF 75+
Soft and gentle for babies’ skin; non-irritating and offers broad spectrum, waterproof sun protection.

image: press release

Weekend Beauty Reads From The Beauty Blog Network

The Pink Sith Adores her new Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Monaco but she wouldn't have purchased it had she not seen it in real life. Come see why on line swatches are not always what they seem.

Phyrra raves about Sonia Kashuk Makeup Remover and tells you why it's her favorite.

Enter for a chance to win 3 wonderful products worth $265 comprising a sexy gift set from Honey Cat Cosmetics, Soulgasm fragrance by Sasha Varon and the brand new Ferrum Styler. over at Beauty and Personal Grooming

Joanna Chien of Unt Skincare shares the Proper Summer Skincare Tips on Elke's Blog.

Raging Rouge starts her at home LED Light Therapy with Sirius Aurora!

Thu from Painted Ladies reviews TouchBack Brow Marker ... did she achieve brow perfection?

A Touch of Blusher reviews Elemis' Freshskin range.

Grey goes in depth as she reviews the Dinair Airbrush System.

Cinnamon Kitten tries out the new Borghese B Moisture Advanced Care Lipcolour.

Product News: MAC Fashionflower Collection

"A stylish fusion of the floral and the fashionable in a summer colour collection that evokes the cool side of the hottest season. Join these rare blossoms and succumb horticulturally to a bouquet that's equal parts fleur and couture!" (from the website)

I know that everywhere I look, most of the beauty trends for this Spring and Summer are bright, bold, intense colours. And who can blame anyone for wanting to pile on the super-bright colours after a long winter? But, I think that MAC's Fashionflower collection is also a nice look for Spring/Summer. Light and sweet - I love everything in this line!


Eye Shadow, 1.5 g / 0.05 us oz, $17.50 CAD
Get a cultivated connection to the greenhouse and the fashion house with daisy-debossed Eye Shadows in scintillating summer shades perfect for every budding beauty! Limited edition.
- Fresh Daisy: frosty white yellow
- Aqua: aqua blue
- Lucky Green: frosted midtone lime
- Free To Be: bright true coral
- Groundcover: midtone warm grey


Lipstick, 3 g / 0.1 US oz, $17.50 CAD
Colour plus texture for the lips. Limited Edition.
- Mlle: light white pink
- Summer Shower: light aqua
- Growing Trend: midtone taupe nude
- Ever Hip: bright creamy coral

Lipgelee, 15 ml / 0.5 US fl oz, $17.50 CAD
A soft jelly-textured glosser for the lips. Squeezes on. Distributes evenly and easily via its special slanted tip. Moisturizes and conditions the lips. Limited Edition.
- Fashionflower: pale pink
- Now In Season: pale yellow
- Budding Beauty: pale coral


Beauty Powder, 10 g / 0.35 US oz, $30 CAD
Unfolding and flourishing, perennial prima donnas embrace the growing trend of faces lightly dusted with daisy-debossed Beauty Powder. Limited Edition.
- Light Sunshine: pastel neutral pink with soft gold and pink sparkles
- Alpha Girl: soft peachy pink with gold nuances

images: maccosmetics.com

Product Review: Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Nivea
Name: : Express Hydration Body Lotion
Size: 400 ml / 13.5 fl oz
Price: approx. $9 CAD

Extra fast and long-lasting moisture for normal to dry skin, this body lotion is enriched with sea minerals and features Nivea's exclusive Hydra IQ Technology.

Leaves skin soft and supple and delicately scented in a blue lotus scent.

To Purr About:
- a little more gel like than most lotions
- absorbs very quickly
- leaves skin soft and hydrated
- light fragrance is very subtle

Claws Out:
- sometimes a little sticky after application

Final Comments:
This Nivea "Express" lotion definitely lives up to its name and absorbs very quickly. I think part of its difference is that it has almost a gel-like texture compared to most other lotions, which are more creamy. The light blue lotus scent is pleasant, although some people may prefer an unscented version.

The only thing I found was that sometimes after applying the lotion and letting it absorb, I find that there's a little bit left on my skin that hasn't been absorbed and becomes a little "sticky" (it's hard to describe). It's not greasy, just a slight rubbery-sticky feeling that I don't really care for.

Other than that though, this lotion does really do a good job moisturizing dry skin.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten

image: nivea.ca

Product Review: Borghese B Moisture Advanced Care Lipcolour

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Borghese
Name: : B Moisture Advanced Care Lipcolour
Size: 0.15 oz / 4.25 g
Price: approx. $24 USD

From the press release: "High fashion lip colour that treats your lips with anti-aging conditioners. Our shades come in two finishes - Creme or Luster. Smooth, yummy colour glides on lips providing all day moisturization.

What it does:
- full colour
- long-lasting
- minimizes the appearance of fine lines and encourages the production of collagen and elastin
- Vitamin E conditions lips
- Ceramide 1 nourishes and strengthens delicate lip area
- for maximum hydration

To Purr About:
- nice, sweet fragrance
- thick, rich colour
- smooth application
- elegant case with matching swirl on lipstick
- lips didn't feel dry

Claws Out:
- a little more expensive than my usual lipsticks

Final Comments:
I love this lipstick! It was my first time trying out a lip product from Borghese and I wasn't disappointed.

The lipstick glided on very smoothly and left lots of colour. The shades were very rich and intense and quite close to what I had expected. After application, the lipstick was very light-feeling and my lips didn't feel dry or cakey. Although it's not a super-long lasting lipstick, it still has quite good staying power.

Although not something I generally look for when purchasing lipsticks, I did appreciate the cool packaging (and the lipstick was embossed to match the case) and the sweet smell of the lipstick itself.

I also love the variety - with 16 available shades, you can definitely find something that looks good.

The price is a touch higher than I normally pay for my lipsticks but they make my lips feel pretty good so may be a nice splurge for a good pick-me-up.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten
image: borghese.com

Happy Mother's Day!

A special warm hug to all the wonderful mothers out there and especially to my mom! She has put up with a lot from me in my younger years and for that I'm truly grateful.

Oh, and thanks to my mom also for all the awesome beauty advice as I was growing up ("Wash you face!" "No, you can't wear makeup until you're 13." "Less is more.") and the always-impromptu ear piercing trips (apparently I could always convince my mom I needed an ear piercing whenever we were out for something else - ie. a movie)

What's the best beauty advice your mom has ever given you?

Weekend Beauty Reads From The Beauty Blog Network

Phyrra takes you on a excursion to see colors from the new company, Antoinette's Revolution Cosmetics!

The Pink Sith Declares her love for Inglot Eyeshadows and warns that you better skip this post if you don't want to become addicted too!

Thinking about becoming a makeup artist? Sheila from Painted Ladies lends some tips to get you in gear with the business aspects of makeup artistry.

Raging Rouge thinks this Pink Buttercream Tinted Lip Balm is a real "Treat"!

Cinnamon Kitten is giving away two eco-friendly makeup cases from the EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone collection.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser.

Product News: L'OCCITANE Mother's Day gifts

Brand: L'OCCITANE

For Mother’s Day, L’OCCITANE makes gift-giving easy by offering some lovely gift sets.


A Blossoming Gift of Peonies (w/ Mother’s Day Card included), $70 USD
This kit features:
- Pivoine Flora Eau de Parfum: the newest edition to the Peony collection – a floral elixir that creates a fragrant bouquet
- Pivoine Flora Shower Gel
- Pivoine Flora Body Lotion
- Bonne Mere Soap in Rose & Milk


Pamper Mom’s Delicate Hands, $26 USD
A pampering assortment of nourishing hand creams from L’OCCITANE. This gift set includes:
- Shea Butter Hand Cream
- Pivoine Flora Hand Cream (new)
- Cherry Blossom Petal-soft Hand Cream (limited edition)


Nourish Mom with Shea Adore (w/ Mother’s Day Card included), $65 USD
Set includes:
- Shea Butter Hand Cream
- Shea Butter Foot Cream
- Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream
- Shea Butter Soap in Milk & Verbena


Invigorate Mom with Sparkling Verbena (w/ Mother’s Day Card included), $55 USD
Set includes:
- Verbana Shower Gel
- Verbana Body Lotion
- Verbana Scented Sachet
- Shea Butter Hand Cream
- Shea Butter Soap in Milk & Verbena

images: press release

Product Review: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette Spray

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Marc Jacobs
Name: : Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette Spray
Size: 75 ml / 2.5 fl. oz.
Price: approx. $85 CAD / $70 USD

This fresh, spring update to the Daisy scent by Marc Jacobs was too pretty in pink for me to resist trying.

For more information about the scent and other available sizes, check out my original post on the Daisy Eau So Fresh line.

To Purr About:
- only need a small amount for a strong scent
- really fun, pretty bottle
- very sweet, floral scent

Claws Out:
- a little too sweet and clingy for my taste

Final Comments:
I love the look of this bottle and it's a sweet, floral scent that's perfect for spring. You get quite a large bottle for the price, and a little goes a long way.

The scent is pretty strong and lingers for quite a while, which means you only need a little big.

Personally, I prefer a less floral scent, so this isn't really to my taste, but when I wore it, I got a lot of compliments and I know several of my friends who really like flowery scents and this is right up their aisle.

Rating (out of 5):



Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten

image: sephora.com

Beauty Bits

* * * * *

On April 25, 2011, Lise Watier launched their new e-Boutique at www.lisewatier.com. Canadians can now purchase Lise Watier products through the online shopping site and also stay up to date on Lise Watier news and products.

* * * * *

Native Remedies is offering 10% off on any SkinSave product now through June 30, 2011. Please use skin10 at checkout. 1 time use only; not valid with other coupons.

* * * * *

This month, François Nars will be launching his newest book, Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself, the sequel to his best-selling beauty manual, Makeup Your Mind, that launched in 2001. Readers will learn about makeup application from François himself.

* * * * *

Skin MD Natural and SkinMDNatural.com have a great new design and to celebrate, customers can get 20% off any online order. Use code NEW11. Offer expires May 9, 2011.

* * * * *

Receive a brown leather pouch, deluxe mini eau do parfum and 1oz body lotion when you purchase a spray from the Chloé fragrance collection at Macy's or Dillards.

Product Review: The Body Shop Skin Primer Moisturize It

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: The Body Shop
Name: Skin Primer Moisturize It
Size: 25 ml / 0.84 fl. oz.
Price: $14 CAD

From their website: “Best if you want to create a perfect canvas for building a natural make-up look with a skin caring primer that creates a smooth and invisible layer to prepare the skin before the application of foundation, and helps make-up stay in place for longer.

Best for: normal, dry and sensitive skin types

How it works:
- Provides a moisturizing base that leaves skin feeling silky smooth.
- Vitamin E complex and Community Trade aloe vera to help soothe the skin.
- Community Trade beeswax to help protect the skin.”

To Purr About:
- moisturizing
- has a tiny bit of a shimmer in it
- very light feeling (not heavy)
- absorbs quickly into the skin
- improved the look of skin slightly
- did not irritate my super sensitive skin
- tube packaging means no wasted product

Claws Out:
- doesn’t hide pores and skin imperfections super well
- cannot be used alone to improve the look of skin.

Final Comments:
I’ve used a couple of skin primers in the past, so I had a few expectations.

I like that this skin primer has some ingredients such as vitamin E complex, aloe vera and beesewax in it to help protect and soothe the skin. I don’t think many other primers have health boosting ingredients in them, but maybe this is the new trend.

This primer is definitely less heavy than other primers I’ve tried which is a plus. It’s so light and absorbs so quickly into the skin it’s easy to forget you have it on which is nice.

The major downside to The Body Shop’s skin primer is that it does not hide pores and imperfections as well as other primers I’ve tried. I would prefer a primer that even on its own improves the look of my skin. To me this is pretty important as this is technically the main purpose of this product.

I think with a few tweaks The Body Shop definitely could have a winner on it’s hands.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: This product was purchased Suziesaurus
image: thebodyshop.ca