Cheeky Cosmetics Review and Giveaway - CLOSED

There are times when you are just extremely proud that a company is Canadian and their products are out there representing you. This is one of those times!

I'm sure you're all aware by now that I am a huge cosmetic fan. I recently started using mineral makeup because I just feel it's better for my skin than some product that is full of chemicals I can't even pronounce. Anyway, I've been trying different companies & products hoping to find the one that's right for me. Some have been good, some have been just acceptable and some were down right awful! In my search I stumbled upon this website Cheeky Cosmetics.



I thought the name was adorable and deserved a closer look. I was excited to find out that this company was Canadian - I am always eager to support a fellow citizen - and that they use only pure, high quality minerals and other natural ingredients.

The main page of the website has the company philosophy first and foremost.

"The Cheeky Cosmetics philosophy is simple: natural doesn't have to be boring!
Our products are made with pure, natural minerals from the earth, and come in many fun and exciting shades for you to play with."

I like their philosophy now how about the products?

They have a complete line of cosmetics in a wide array of colours.

Eye Shadow -

Eye Liner -

Pure Pigment -

Lip Gloss -

Blush -

Foundation -

They also have kits and brushes available.

I had the pleasure of dealing with Chantal, the company owner & cosmetic creator directly. Even through her emails her bubbly, sweet personality shines through, it was a pleasure speaking with her.

Chantal sent me the Starter Kit to review along with a few samples of foundation - one lighter the one I chose and 1 darker and some eyeliner.

Shipping was very quick! It was very securely packaged. I loved the way the kit was put together and the inner packaging is adorable! I kept thinking that it would make a cute gift.

So I bet you're all wondering how the product actually performed. I can honestly say this was the BEST mineral makeup I have ever used! Believe me when I say, I have tried dozens of brands - I think I've sent for samples from every company I could find.

The foundation brushes on and blends in beautifully, it is very easy to layer and covers perfectly! There's also a tutorial on the site if your a first time mineral makeup user. It shows you how to apply the foundation and concealer.

The eyeshadow and blush went on very smoothly. They also blend very well.
I did have to learn to be careful with the blush - unlike some brands where you have to use layer upon layer to get a decent cheek colour - you won't have to do that with these ones, the colours are very true. A little goes a long way so the blush will last a very long time.

I am crazy about the lip gloss! You get a nice tingle and taste from the peppermint and it makes your lips feel extremely moisturized. I was so excited when I first put the lip gloss on - I have been searching for years for a specific shade of pink in a lip gloss or a lipstick. I've never, ever been able to find exactly what I was looking for until now. I got the "First Kiss' shade and it is the perfect colour! Not to light that it makes you look pale and washed out and not too pink to you look like you've been sucking on candy floss all day either! Just the perfect shade to make your lips look ... well.... kissable! LOL!

I am extremely happy with this mineral makeup no clumping, no caking, no clogged pores. I have slightly sensitive skin and sometimes I react to certain makeup - no reaction at all here!! I like that they have the complete list of ingredients on the website and there is no "funny stuff" in the makeup!

The prices are very good - considering you are getting an all-natural, chemical free product.

I had a chance to ask the owner Chantal a few questions that I though might interest you.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Chantal, I'm 26 years old, and I live in the Okanagan
Valley of British Columbia, Canada. I have Bachelor of Arts degree
with a major in math and a minor in French, and I have a teaching
certificate that I only used for about a year before I realized it
wasn't quite the right career path for me. I love riding my bike to
the beach to enjoy our much-too-short Canadian summers. I'm a
chocoholic and a vegetarian who loves fresh organic food. I enjoy
strolling through fields of dandelions - they're so under-appreciated!
I love creating and appreciating beauty in the world.


2. What inspired you to start creating your own makeup line?

About a year ago, I discovered mineral makeup and I started
researching the ingredients in different brands so I could find the
healthiest one. The more research I did, the more I found that most
companies used at least one ingredient I didn't want on my skin, or
they didn't provide enough information about their ingredients for me
to make a decision. I have very sensitive skin and rosacea, so I
needed something that would cover well without irritating my skin.
After much frustration, I decided that I would try to make my own
makeup. After quite a few dismal failures, I created a foundation that
I liked better than any I could find elsewhere. My foundation has
evolved since then, and continues to evolve since I believe there is
always room for improvement and I strive to create the best products
out there.


3. How long have you been creating your makeup and what was your first
product?

I have always been interested in natural products. I first started
making lip balm and natural perfumes when I was 14, but my first
actual makeup product was the foundation I made for myself about a
year ago when I couldn't find one I liked in the stores. The selection
at my local health food store was very limited - not to mention
expensive!


4. How did you choose the name for your company?

I wanted the name to convey a sense of fun and playfulness. I didn't
want it to be something "eco" because I really believe that all
products should be natural and healthy, not just the ones that market
themselves as natural. I wanted to offer a fun makeup line that just
happens to have very high standards when it comes to ingredients. The
word cheeky has an old-fashioned, mischievous feel to it, so I thought
it was a perfect fit for a boutique-style line for women who want to
express themselves through makeup.


5. What sets your product apart from the mainstream cosmetic companies?

Most mainstream makeup companies have jumped on the mineral makeup
bandwagon recently. What most people don't realize is that makeup has
always contained minerals. Most mainstream companies have always had
minerals in their products, they just didn't advertise it until
recently. What makes my mineral makeup healthier is not the fact that
it contains minerals, it's the fact that it doesn't contain all the
chemicals and irritants that are added to mainstream makeup. Many
cosmetics companies are now using micronized minerals, which are
minerals that are ground up into very tiny particles. These particles
are so small that they can penetrate your skin and end up in your
internal organs. Micronized minerals are so new that they have not
been properly tested, so no one knows exactly how dangerous they are.
I use only the ingredients necessary to create beautiful, natural
makeup and leave out the rest!


6. I noticed your website is hosted by a company that is powered by "green
energy" why did you choose to go that route?

Conserving the environment has always been very important me. I
recycle, use reusable shopping bags, and try not to waste anything. I
believe our health is very closely tied to the health of the planet.
If we poison the earth, those toxins are eventually going to end up in
our bodies, but if we keep the earth healthy, we keep ourselves
healthy. It was just a natural extension to bring my personal
philosophy about the earth and health to my company, which is all
about providing a healthier alternative. Whenever I see an opportunity
to make my company more "green", I take it! I try to minimize
packaging when I ship out products, while keeping the product
well-protected, of course!


7. Do you have any advice for women who want to start their own companies?

Well, since I just opened up my shop less than two months ago, I can't
really give advice on how to be successful, but I can give advice on
the process of starting up a company. Make sure you're doing something
you enjoy and something you truly believe in because you'll be doing
it all the time - even many evenings and weekends!
And don't give up - it takes time for people to find out about your
business. Just make sure the product is high quality so that once they
do find out about you they'll be back for more!

So how do you get your hands on this awesome makeup?

You head on over to Cheeky Cosmetics! If you make a purchase between now and September 30th Chantal has offered all my blog readers a Surprise Gift with your order!! Just use the code CCCBLOG at checkout.


WIN IT!
One lucky reader is going to win the Starter Kit that I was sent to review! ($87 Value)

MAIN ENTRY:This is mandatory to enter the giveaway.
1. Head on over to Cheeky Cosmetics and have a look around - come back here and leave a comment telling me something you learned while visiting.

BONUS ENTRIES:These are not mandatory - these can be done if you want to earn extra entries into the giveaway.

2. Go to Cheeky Cosmetics main page - scroll down to the bottom and sign up for their newsletter. Left me a comment telling me you did and which email address you used.

3. Become a Fan of Cheeky Cosmetics on Facebook - leave a comment with your Facebook ID. Check out her Facebook contest while you're - you can win 3 eye shadow and a lip gloss!

4. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect (right column) & leave a comment telling me you do. = 2 entries - make sure you leave 2 separate comments!

5. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right)& leave a comment telling me which email address you signed up with. = 2 entries - leave 2 separate comments

6. Snag my button (top right) and put it on your site or blog! Don't forget to tell me where you put it so I can go and look! = 2 entries - make sure you leave 2 separate comments.

7. Blog about this giveaway with links back to this site and leave me a comment with a link to your post = 2 entries - make sure you leave 2 comments.

8. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway - leave a comment with the link to your tweet. You can do this once a day and leave one comment daily. - 1 entry per day.

Copy & Paste:

Win a Cheeky Cosmetics Starter Kit ($87value)@Candid Clever & Cost-Effective - All-natural Pure Mineral Makeup http://bit.ly/8vS39

7. Become a Fan on Facebook and share the giveaway. Make sure you leave your Facebook ID in the comment!

8. Fav me on Technorati - leave a comment with your ID.

9. Share this giveaway on another site, forum, Mr. Linky etc. just make sure it isn't already posted - then leave a comment telling me where you posted it. One entry for each place you share the giveaway!

10. Enter any of my other current giveaways listed on the right - leave a comment telling me which one's you entered. One entry for each giveaway! Leave separate comments for each entry.

Open to Canada & US
Ends August 28/09

Disclaimer:

I did not receive payment in any form for this review.

I did receive a sample of the product or service for testing and review purposes. This will in no way sway my opinion of the product or service. The review is in my own words and is my own opinion. Your results and opinion may differ.