Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Review

I review many new products here at Diary of a Trendaholic but I haven't forgotten the faithful classics. Today I will feature the popular Eight Hour Cream which was created by Elizabeth Arden back in the 1930’s and used to soothe and heal the skin. This apricot colored cream has a balm consistency and although it is quite thick and contains petrolatum and mineral oil it isn't overly greasy when applied in a thin layer. Some of the other ingredients are: vitamin E, castor seed oil, vegetable oil and beta-hydroxyl.

This product got its name for it's ability to heal a scraped knee in just 8 hours and is formulated to protect, restore, calm and relieve chapped, dry skin. It also helps smooth roughness, redness, burns and mild irritations. Although the directions state that you can use it anywhere, I like to use it on my hands, heels and on dry patches that need extra hydration. This is a great product to use in the winter when skin tends to need more moisture and after shaving it helps reduce sensitivity and irritation for both men and women. Due to the strong medicinal scent which I eventually grew accustom to, I apply the cream at night but an unscented version is also available. 

After application the cream seems to melt in and make skin feel soft and supple. You can use it to shape your brows, treat cuticles, and help alleviate sunburn and windburn due to environmental elements. I prefer not to use it on my face and usually apply it before bed so that it goes to work as I sleep. It works great on knees, hands, feet, elbows and any place that need softening and rejuvenation. Although the the texture feels a bit similar to Vaseline and is oily at first, it absorb quickly without transferring to my bedding or other surfaces. The Eight Hour Cream is available at Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart and the Bay, it retails for $21.00 U.S and $25.00 Canadian, you can visit Elizabeth Arden online by clicking HERE.

**Disclaimer: product was provided for review

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms Review

If you like lip products that provide great pigmentation, matte finish and comfortable wear then the new Colorburst Matte Balms are for you! Revlon has launched 10 gorgeous shades ranging from bright, neutral and deep. 

The balms are packaged as fun, colorful pencils that twist up to reveal beautiful pigment with no need to sharpen. The tapered end is ideal for lining the lips and for precise, tidy application but rubbing your lips together does help spread the color for better consistency. I like how smooth the formula glides on for long-wear coverage with no feathering. 

I have the balms in 3 shades: Striking- is a pretty orange red, Elusive-a subtle pink nude and Showy- a bright fuchsia. 

I am usually a bit hesitant to purchase matte formulas because they tend to be more drying but these balms are creamy and light-weight. Shea, coconut and mango butters provide rich hydration to keep lips moisturized without stickiness, shine or glitter and I recommend wearing the brighter hues when lips are exfoliated to avoid accentuating chapped skin.

The balms provide medium to full coverage and the colors can be layered and built-up to your desired saturation. They also feel alleviating and cool with a slight tingling sensation due to the peppermint oil in the formula.

The Colorburst balms retail for $8.96-$9.99 Canadian and can be found at most drug stores. You can check out the rest of the line by clicking HERE. 

**Disclaimer: Products were provided for review

Jamberry Professional Nail Lacquer and Nail Wraps Review

Recently I have been testing some great new brands of nail polish including those that contain fewer harmful chemicals and today I have a review on the Jamberry Professional Nail Lacquer- Limited Edition Poolside Collection. I was drawn to the bright tropical shades in this set because they seem perfect for vacation or lounging on the beach but I also like that a few shades are ideal for every season.

Jamberry lacquers are made in the US and are free of: DBP, formaldehyde, toluene, formaldehyde resin and camphor. The company offers high quality,  professional grade products that are designed for use at home. For those who love fun designs, colors and creative nail art the brand also has a large variety of fun nail wraps!

The lacquers are developed to provide salon quality, chip-resistant manicures that are long-wear, and have durable, life-proof formulas. The Poolside set includes:

*Kiss – classic medium pink

*Mermaid – creamy blue-green

*Lemon Drop – Sunny yellow

*Jamberry Glitter Effect Top Coat - with a sheer pink base

This set retailed for $54.00 and although it is no longer available the individual lacquers can be purchased for $15.00 each. There are also other sets online containing different shade selections.

Since Jamberry is known for their nail wraps I chose a design called Purple Herringbone which reminds me of the trendy chevron print. The wraps are available in a wide array of striking patterns and are made to last up to 2 weeks! Like the lacquers they can also be used on the toes and retail for $15.00.

The lacquer brushes are medium size and the formula is creamy with just the right consistency, (not to thin yet not ultra thick). Most cover well in 2 coats and work best with a base coat to prevent staining and a top coat to prolong their wear.

I found the formula very easy to work with, the polish provides good coverage and I didn't have any issues with pooling or air bubbles. The finish is nice and smooth with a touch of shine and I added a top coat for an ultra glossy effect and to enhance the colors.

Mermaid takes on a deeper hue indoors and under direct lighting or in the sun it appears minty. It applied wonderfully and dried quickly which is a big selling point for me!

I have a love-hate relationship with yellow lacquer; I love the color but find it tricky to work with and Lemon Drop didn't apply as opaque as the other shades. I used three coats to build up the pigmentation but because the formula is great it didn't apply thick or take long to dry.

Kiss is my favorite shade in the kit and matches well with the subtle Glitter Effect Top Coat. This is a classic pink that can be worn all year round and also looks great for pedicures.

Although there aren't many shades available on the website the quality is great and the longevity of my manicures was about average. For nail polish enthusiasts I think these will be a hit! You can visit the website by clicking HERE.

I've had terrible luck with nail stickers, wraps and press-ons in the past so I had my fingers crossed when trying these pretty nail wraps. It did take some time to get use to the application process which consists of: adjusting the wraps to fit, shaping, aligning, trimming and applying heat. Once completed I liked the results and unlike other brands I've tried the heat from my blow dryer seemed more effective in bonding the wraps for longer wear. Although I didn't test them for a full 2 weeks they did hold up well for a few days and lasted longer than my polish!

Overall I like these lacquers and I finally had success with nail wraps! Visit Jamberry's blog by clicking * HERE * to get the inside scoop on great deals and helpful application tips and tricks!

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Mayeblline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick Review

Birds are chirping, the sun is out and I'm enjoying whats left of the summer. One of my favorite trends of the season is bold, vibrant lips and a great lipstick can play up your features and add trendy flare to any outfit.

Today I have a review on Maybelline’s Color Sensational Vivid Lipsticks in three amazing shades. Fun pink transitions through spring and summer and bold red and flirty orange will take you from summer right into fall! The new Vivids are brighter, more electric and nourish lips with golden honey nectar.

I adore the creamy consistency of these lipsticks, they glide on smoothly to drench lips in bright, saturated color! These stunners are hydrating, long-lasting and come in 8 brilliant shades ranging from plum, red, orange, coral and pink.

895 On Fire Red is fierce, flashy and gorgeous! I love red lipstick because it is timeless and classy and this shade is sure to make a statement with its deep ruby finish.

865 Fuchsia Flash is a playfully bright, bubble gum pink. Toss your hair up into a careless bun, pop on your favorite pair of over-sized sun glasses and let your lips standout with this bodacious beauty!

885 Vibrant Mandarin is a shade I have been obsessed with for the last two summers and orange lipstick is also suitable for fall. This color is energetic and striking!

The color pay-off is phenomenal and I love the sleek tubes and bright neon caps. You can find the Vivids at most drug stores and they retail for about $7.49 U.S / $8.99 CAN. To view the other shades click HERE.

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review. 

Yves Rocher Beautifying Dry Oil Review

Today I’m going to take you on a journey to the mouth of the lush Amazon where unique botanical treasures lay hidden deep in the thick foliage. Yves Rocher has partnered with local women in Brazil to handpick the finest Andiroba nuts “that have fallen from the trees and are carried by the river.” These rich nuts are carefully washed, dried and pressed to extract the precious oil within and have been formulated into a luxurious new Beautifying Dry Oil.

Andiroba nuts

**Photo from: http://www.skincare-amazonia.de/andiroba-ol/?lang=en**

The unique oil is packaged in a convenient, easy to use spray bottle that mists the fragrant liquid lightly over the skin. The exotic, sweet, nutty aroma makes skin smell absolutely divine, and the warm scent is calming and enticing.

The oil is identified as "dry" because it feels dry to the touch which means it doesn't transfer to clothing, bedding or anything you touch. It seeps into skin and absorbs quickly with no greasy film or residue. Unlike some oils that appear shiny, and slick this oil is very light and drenches skin in a soft, hydrating sheen for a radiant, healthy glow.

The oil is formulated with 99% natural ingredients including sesame oil and contains no preservatives, parabens or mineral oil making it is suitable for those who are sensitive to artificial additives. It intensely nourishes with a high concentration of omega 9 to reveal satiny-soft, skin. I prefer to use this luscious oil after showering and you can spray it on evenly or rub it in for consistent coverage. It also works well to alleviate dryness and makes my skin feel marvelously smooth and supple. 

Andiroba nuts

**Photo From: http://www.forest.pt/produtos/andiroba.html**

*Andiroba Oil is also used to prevent cellulite and to treat eczema, acne, dandruff, skin disease and strengthen hair.

The oil is light enough to use during the summer months and will work wonders in the frigid winter when skin needs more moisture. If you haven’t tried this oil yet I recommend doing so and when you do you may even ditch your old oils or moisturizers and become totally obsessed! 

The Beautifying oil retails for $20.00 and you can find it by clicking HERE

***Disclaimer: Product was provided for review

So...? with Attitude Fragrance Review

Today’s review will feature a fun fragrance line I have been trying recently called So...? The name of the brand poses a question that you can fill in with whichever scent or attitude best suits your unique style or mood. The products are inspired by the latest catwalk trends coupled with “chic femininity” and incorporates a variety of body fragrances and eau de toilette with playful, edgy and sweet aromas.

So...? is a U.K. brand popular with the young, free spirited generation and encompasses vivid colors and trendy packaging. The fragrances have catchy names such as: So... Kiss Me, So...Fab, So...For Me, So...Sexy, So...Superstar and many more! Along with the core range there is also a Rock and Roll and a Couture line. The body fragrances come in canisters that dispense in a strong mist and the perfumes are available in cute glass bottles.

I have the perfume and body fragrance in the scent So...? Sinful which has notes of: warm violet, tantalizing pineapple and a decadent base of dark chocolate and vanilla. This scent is sweet but not overly so and is very captivating. It gives off a naturally sensuous aroma while still being light and ideal for everyday wear. I also like that it smells better as the day wears on and works well with my body chemistry to enhance the alluring notes. The body fragrance retails for just $4.99 and the perfume is $9.99.

So...? Kiss me contains notes of black currant and vanilla but the core aroma is citrus. Unlike So...? Sinful which is my preferred scent, this fragrance smells fresh, sugary and uplifting, I also detect a hint of sparkling grapefruit! The body fragrance can be tossed in a purse or gym bag for use on the go and vacation.

These fragrances make a great gift for both teens and women and the affordable gift sets are great for the holidays. This brand is available at Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart and you can visit them online by clicking HERE. 

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Lancôme Énergie De Vie Mico-Foam Cleanser Review

Since I enjoy pampering my skin with great products I particularly like reviewing renowned skin care brands. Lancôme’s Énergie De Vie skin care line includes: a day cream, night cream, body lotion and micro-foam cleanser. Today I will review the cleanser which is developed to tone, purify and recharge radiance!

The Micro-Foam has a gel consistency formulated to: “remove dead skin cells, makeup residue and impurities for a radiant glow.” It is “inspired by nature” and contains three root extracts from three different continents to “detoxify and energize.” The cleanser is made in Japan and although the packaging does list root extracts such as yam, there are also ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate which can be drying for some skin types; I usually prefer a milder cleansing agent for my skin.

The gel also has a very strong perfume/cologne scent that lingers after rinsing. Although I like sweet scents this one is too concentrated for my taste. If you have sensitive skin I recommend doing a patch test even though the packaging indicates that it is suitable for all skin types.

I like that the cleanser foams up into a nice lather and deep cleans to thoroughly clarify pores but following up with a moisturizer is necessary because it does not offer much hydration. It can also be used morning and night and may work best for oily skin since it successfully removes excess oil and buildup.

Overall I like the concept of using natural roots I just wish there were more natural ingredients and less perfume. It may be suitable for those who desire squeaky clean skin or wear heavy makeup. It retails for $38 and you can find it HERE.

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review. 

Yves Rocher Exfoliating Shower Gel Review - Organic Raspberry

Yves Rocher has always offered a great variety of bath products to suit many preferences but this summer they have created a whole new luxurious bath experience that will awaken your senses and lavish you in rich fruity scents. The exfoliating shower gel infused with organic raspberry is quite unique.

The first thing I noticed was the abundance of real fruit seeds swirling around in the gel which reminds me of the smoothies I make at home. Although the seeds exfoliate skin, the formula is gentle enough to be used every day and  fruits are high in beneficial antioxidants!

The raspberry shower gel also contains kiwi seeds, aloe and apricot kernel but if juicy raspberries aren't your thing there are other delicious options like: blackberry, coconut, vanilla, oats and olive.

When you uncap the tube the decadently sweet, tangy aroma of succulent raspberries smells fresh and incredibly natural and as you lather up, luscious soapy bubbles of fruit envelop you! Obviously this product is not for consumption but it smells good enough to devour! 

The invigorating formula is ideal for sensitive skin and comprised of 98% natural ingredients. It is also pH balanced, paraben free and cleanses to keep skin soft, supple and smelling wonderful! Although this is a soap product it is quite nourishing and does not make my skin feel tight, dry or uncomfortable. 

This is a great shower gel and ideal for those who avoid artificial fragrances and additives due to sensitive skin. I definitely recommend trying these, especially if you love fruit! They retail for $9.00 each and can be found online by clicking HERE.

* Disclaimer: Product provided for review

Niagara Falls Canada: Summer Fun!

Here in Ontario summer lasts a few short months before we transition into blustery fall. I make the most of the season by jam packing my schedule with fun activities and spending a lot of time outdoors. One of my favorite places in Ontario is Niagara Falls; not only is it the honeymoon capital of the world and home to one of the most spectacular natural wonders but it is also a great tourist destination for people of all ages!

Just an hour drive from home, my family and I regularly head down to Niagara on the Lake to picnic by the powerful Niagara escarpment. The escarpment is a heavy flow of water surrounded by rocky cliffs and greenery that flows towards the falls. Iv'e even been white water jet boating over these strong currents and it was exhilarating!

This region is also where we produce wine and the tours take you through vineyards where you can sample the province's deliciously sweet Ice Wine! The quaint little town of Niagara on the Lake is packed with restaurants, parks and cafes and don’t be surprised to see a horse and carriage pass by!

To appreciate Niagara Falls you should see it in person, photos cannot do it justice!

Sometimes the water gives off so much mist that it rises in the air like a cloud and when the wind shifts the water falls like rain and drenches you!

Although I have traveled to some of the most beautiful cities in the world the majesty of the falls with its amazing force never ceases to amaze me. I have been to Niagara too many times to count but I never tire of visiting!

Clifton Hill is our mini version of Las Vegas and at night it lights up and comes alive. There are many restaurants, hotels, a great casino as well as arcades, rides, bars, patios, nightclubs, sweet shops, water parks, shopping malls, souvenir shops and more!

Dino Island Mini Golf

Haunted House

Fudge and Candy Factory

I always have a great weekend at the Falls.

This week I was chosen by House of Lure as August's best Beauty Blog! Check out the interview by clicking - HERE.