At Fashionism.ca we put tons of goodies to the test. From beauty products to water bottles, here is a list of stuff that we love.
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Tester: Ariela Ninka
Benefits Bathina Silky Glimmering Body Balm
When we first received Benefit’s new Bathina Silky Glimmering Body Balm, I must admit, I was a little sceptical. But as soon as I cracked open the cute red tin package and smelled the invigorating scent, I was sold! The balm was smooth to the touch with only a subtle hint of soft pink shimmer. It left the skin on my arms dewy and supple, with a healthy-looking pink glow. The cushion-y pink applicator is the cutest little addition. Plus, the balm is loaded with Vitamin E and antioxidants, so it’s not just a pretty face. I can’t wait to apply more of this in the spring, especially to newly-bare legs and arms. Available mid-February at Sephora (http://www.sephora.com/canada/) and other major Canadian retailers.
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Tester: Melissa Morra
Sorels
Some people think they're ugly, others think they are hot...either way I'm in love with my Sorels because I'm no longer a hostage to old man winter. My tootsies have never been so toasty, which keeps the rest of my body warm. For those of you hate winter as much as I do, get yourself a pair and get ouside. I almost guarantee they'll change your life.
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Tester: Melissa Morra
Jack Cards
I am HORRIBLE at remembering birthdays and special occasions so it’s pretty obvious why I love Jack Cards. With the invention of the internet things have become a lot less personal. We e-mail instead of write and call, and when we want to send a card it’s usually an e-greeting of some sort. But everyone loves getting snail-mail (as long as it’s not bills), which is why I signed up for Jack Cards immediately. This is how it works: you input your friends’ and family’s names, birthdates and mailing addresses and when their birthday is approaching Jack Cards will send you a reminder. Then you go onto their site and select a card. The card will then be mailed to you with a stamped envelope addressed to the recipient. All you have to do now is write a personal message and drop it into a mail box. Since discovering Jack Cards I'm suddenly the most thoughtful person ever!
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Tester: Melissa Morra
Vasanti Tinted Lip Balm
I swore off lipstick about 7 years ago (I just hated the texture and eventual dry flaky feeling) and started using Vaseline on my lips for a nice natural shine…then I met Vasanti and my lips’ life changed. Vasanti is a makeup line that was created specifically for women with yellow-based skin tones. Thank goodness they have launched a full makeup and beauty line for women with all skin tones. While they have tons of great products, the tinted lip balm is my favourite. It goes on silky smooth (even if my lips are super dry) and leaves a nice, natural looking colour on my lips. Plus, it hydrates them at the same time. Some days it’s all the makeup I wear!
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Tester: Lisa Felepchuk
Thomas Sabo Charm Club
I have to admit, I am addicted to Thomas Sabo charms. Though he has several stunning sterling silver collections with detailed designs and sparkling jewels, I have gotten hooked on collecting his fabulous charms. There are hundreds of charms topics to choose from - everything from zodiac signs to Disney characters, fashion to faith, glitter letters to good luck and so many more. I loved the charm bracelet I had started to create so much, I bought one for my Mom to start collecting too. Thomas Sabo is hugely popular across Europe and making its way to North America. If you're lucky enough to live in Toronto or Vancouver, two official stores open later this year - October 2009 in Toronto and November 2009 in Vancouver, but there are several authorized dealers across the country.
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Tester: Lisa Felepchuk
OPI - Yes, I Can-Can!
This is my go-to colour. Released last year for Fall/Winter 2008, I still find myself reaching for this dark, eggplant hue. Not only do I love how the rich colour goes on so smooth, I can’t help but enjoy the witty names each of their vibrant polishes is given. Yes, I should probably find a new shade for Fall/Winter 2009, but Yes, I Can-Can! will always have a special place in my heart.
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Tester: Lisa Felepchuk
Personal Trainer Walking for Nintendo DS
Working online means I spend a large chunk of my day sitting in front of a computer. The only time I’m on my feet is for the essential – meetings, Starbucks runs and washroom breaks. When Nintendo sent over Personal Trainer Walking, I was nervous to track the lack of steps I took each day. The activity meter is so small and lightweight, I just pop it into my wristlet in the morning and the steps I take are tracked. When you load the game into you Nintento DS at the end of the day, you can see your progress. Also, you get to create a personalized Mii character down to the colour of the track suit, which I love. This is a great tool to motivate yourself to walk a little more each day.
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Tester: Melissa Morra
Curel Itch Defence Skin Balancing Moisture Lotion
My skin is super-dry and itchy all year round so when I tried this new formula from Curel I was pretty much hooked. There is a whole bunch of science behind the new formula that I won’t bore you with. What’s most important is that it hydrates my skin like no other product I’ve tried, and doesn’t leave it feeling greasy. It lasts all day long, and it's the only moisturizer to be stamped with the National Eczema Association Acceptance Seal. Plus, it’s only around 10 bucks! Be the first in line to buy it when it launches in September 2009 -- just in time for the winter itch.
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Tester: Melissa Morra
The Body Shop Vitamin E Everyday Summer Face Lotion (Fair to Medium)
Every since I tried some of the gradual fake tanning lotions for the body a couple of summers ago, I’ve been dying to find a nice one for the face. I love gradual tanning lotions because there is no way you can mess up. The tan builds over a period of time so it’s near impossible to get a streaky fake looking tan. This Body Shop product came across my desk in May and I just love it. It’s a light everyday moisturizer that is formulated specifically for the face, plus it builds a nice natural looking tan in just a few days.
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Tester: Melissa Morra
Maybelline Superstay Gloss
There are so many long-lasting lip stains, sticks and glosses on the market today but my all time favourite is Maybelline’s double ended Superstay Gloss (colour 630). The slightly shimmery stain is moist a first and goes on easily. You let it dry for 2 minutes and then apply the clear gloss that's on the other end of the tube. To test the staying power I put it on before I brushed my teeth and the colour and shine didn’t budge.
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