CrystalDawn
Member Since: April 15, 2011Reviews
Arm & Hammer Slide Easy Clean-Up Clumping Litter (Multi-Cat)
Arm & Hammer has been my go-to litter brand for a few years now. First it was their regular litter, then Clump & Seal, and now Slide. The texture of this litter is finer than other clay litters I've tried, and I haven't noticed much dust coming... +
Arm & Hammer has been my go-to litter brand for a few years now. First it was their regular litter, then Clump & Seal, and now Slide.
The texture of this litter is finer than other clay litters I've tried, and I haven't noticed much dust coming from it. The clumping ability is definitely top notch, and the clumps don't stick to the sides of the litter box, which has always been a problem for me since I have a kitty who likes to pee in the corner. Because this litter clumps so well, the urine is contained and isn't spread throughout the litter, which results in less odour being left behind. However, because it does clump so well, you have to expect that you're going to go through it more quickly. The only problem here, is the price. It's twice or almost twice as expensive as other clay litters, depending on where you buy. A $3 off coupon has usually been available online, which I would print out and use when I saw it on sale.
I've recently moved away from clay litter, but if you're willing to pay the cost, or make the effort to print out the coupon and watch for sales, Arm & Hammer's Slide is about as good as it can get when it comes to an easy, clean clay cat litter.
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Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal LightWeight Litter
As a lover of Arm & Hammer's regular Clump & Seal Litter, I was excited to be chosen to try their new LightWeight version. Their regular one has amazing clumping ability - better than I've ever found with any other litter. Sadly, I didn't find the... +
As a lover of Arm & Hammer's regular Clump & Seal Litter, I was excited to be chosen to try their new LightWeight version. Their regular one has amazing clumping ability - better than I've ever found with any other litter. Sadly, I didn't find the same with the Lightweight. It just didn't seem to clump any better than the average, much cheaper litter. My other disappointment was the scent. Cats have a very strong sense of smell, and I don't impose scented litter on mine. The added scents are for us, not them. As for weight, Clump & Seal LightWeight is a dream! Not having to lug heavy litter home from the store, and then when disposing, is a huge bonus to me. Unfortunately, given the average clumping ability I experienced with this new version along with the high price, even on sale, Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal LightWeight just isn't for me. -
The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth
I. Love. This. Stuff! I've never been a fussy one to mess about with a lot of different products for my face. But now being in my 40's my skin has changed and needs a little extra love. I never really bought into serums and assumed they were just a... +
I. Love. This. Stuff! I've never been a fussy one to mess about with a lot of different products for my face. But now being in my 40's my skin has changed and needs a little extra love. I never really bought into serums and assumed they were just a money grab, but when I visited The Body Shop for a new face care routine, Nutriganics Drops of Youth was highly recommended for me, so I took a leap of faith. I don't know about other brands of serum, but this stuff is awesome! I have combination skin - a little dry on the cheeks, and a little prone to adult acne in my T-zone. Using Drops of Youth has evened out the condition of my skin, and is quite significantly improving the acne! I'm a year in and very happy with the way my skin is now looking!
Cons: The dropper is a bit cumbersome and needs to be improved. The price is a bit high, and I never see it included in any sales promotions.
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President's Choice Mini Chocolate Coated Cheesecakes
Growing up in a household where desserts were always homemade, I tend to be hard to please when it comes to store-bought. Most products taste too manufactured to me. I'm also quite critical of cheesecake, as I make an amazing one, myself. A few... +
Growing up in a household where desserts were always homemade, I tend to be hard to please when it comes to store-bought. Most products taste too manufactured to me. I'm also quite critical of cheesecake, as I make an amazing one, myself.
A few years ago someone brought a package of PC Mini Chocolate Coated Cheesecakes to work as a treat, and I hesitantly tried one. A minute later, I had a second one in my mouth. Then I wanted a third, lol! These little creations are heavenly! The cheesecake inside is very smooth and creamy, and absolutely delicious. And the chocolate coating isn't too milk or too dark - it's just the right taste to complement the cheesecake inside.
I definitely recommend serving a few minutes out of the freezer. I find the taste is enhanced while they're still really cold. You get 15 mini's in a package and they're 3 or 4 bites per mini. They're easy to over-eat, so be warned!
PC Mini Chocolate Coated Cheesecakes are also available with crushed candy cane on them around Christmas.
6.99 - 8.99 at Loblaws, No Frills, and Real Canadian Superstore
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Clarisonic Mia 2
I was one of the lucky gals who received a Clarisonic Mia 2 from Chickadvisor and Clarisonic, and for that I'm very grateful! This is a treat that I would not have been able to afford myself. My only previous experience with a cleansing brush was... +
I was one of the lucky gals who received a Clarisonic Mia 2 from Chickadvisor and Clarisonic, and for that I'm very grateful! This is a treat that I would not have been able to afford myself.
My only previous experience with a cleansing brush was with a $20 model that shook like crazy and threw water about. The bristles were too abrasive on my sensitive skin.
I received the Clarisonic Mia 2 in lime green with a sensitive brush head. It was like Christmas, opening up this gift, and I could hardly wait the 24 hours needed to charge it (but I did). I really like how the charger attaches to the unit - it's magnetized, which I'm sure assists in making it waterproof.
Using Mia 2 is very simple. I wet my face, apply some cleanser, then use the brush on the first setting. I think the key to using it is to resist the urge to push down on it - just let the brush glide across your skin and do its job. I've found the sensitive brush head to be surprisingly gentle on my skin, which is sensitive and suffers from mild to moderate acne. I can use it over breakouts and it doesn't seem to agitate them at all. The sensation of the sonic technology that Mia 2 uses is very gentle and soothing. The only problem I'm having using it is on my nose, where it tickles, lol!
Now to the best part - the clean! I can honestly say, my skin has never felt so clean and fresh! It felt like years of smoggy Toronto air had been lifted off my face. I can't get over how renewed my skin feels. At the age of 43, that's a pretty energizing feeling! The acne itself hasn't improved, but the pores on my nose have reduced in size and are clearing out. And, after 2 weeks of use, it's starting to help get rid of the keratosis pilaris that has invaded my jawline. I moisturize well after cleansing, and my skin feels soft and younger.
For my overall review I knocked off a star for the price of Mia 2, as I find it to be a bit excessive, but it does feel like it's a well made product and will hopefully have a lot of longevity to it. It feels like a luxury treat, like taking yourself to the spa every day, but much less expensive in the long run. I'm looking forward to doing regular masks with my face steamer, then cleansing with Mia 2. So pampering! If you're on the fence about buying one, I say go for it!
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eos Organic Smooth Spheres Lip Balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew
After saying I wouldn't buy into the trend of this product (because that's what it is), I caved when I saw it on sale this week, just out of curiosity. True, the packaging is cute and makes it hard to misplace, but it's not at all convenient to... +
After saying I wouldn't buy into the trend of this product (because that's what it is), I caved when I saw it on sale this week, just out of curiosity. True, the packaging is cute and makes it hard to misplace, but it's not at all convenient to carry around if you don't like toting a big purse with you.
I chose the Honeysuckle Honeydew because it sounded appealing, but to be honest, I don't detect much of a flavour at all. The design of this lip balm makes it very easy to apply, but that's the only redeeming quality for me. It feels waxy (and not at all moisturizing), which I didn't expect at all, and that just means I'll chew it off in a few minutes without realizing it because I hate how it feels. I'll keep it to use when I have to go out during the bitter, icy cold days that are coming soon, but otherwise I'll stick to my favourite go-to balm, SoftLips.
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Argan Magic Intensive Hair Oil
I have long, thick, wavy hair that craves moisture and easily dries out. Over the years, I've tried countless serums to combat the frizzies that inevitably happen, especially when the air is damp or humid. None of them have really done well enough... +
I have long, thick, wavy hair that craves moisture and easily dries out. Over the years, I've tried countless serums to combat the frizzies that inevitably happen, especially when the air is damp or humid. None of them have really done well enough that I've kept using the product for any length of time. They either dirty up my hair or just plain don't work.
A few weeks ago I saw several Argan Magic hair products at Winners, and picked up a bottle of their Intensive Hair Oil with my fingers crossed. To my surprise, I quite like it! It isn't really heavy and I can actually get good coverage without overdoing it. My hair is left shiny and smooth and is definitely more protected from the curling iron and the elements. I've been out in damp weather a few times and my hair has barely frizzed!
I've since snapped up another bottle of Argan Magic Intensive Hair Oil because I'm not sure where else to buy it in Canada, and I'm afraid Winners will stop carrying it. I've also seen it at Homesense. This stuff is definitely worth trying if you've got hair similar to mine, so keep an eye out for it if you're in either store. Paid $12.99 for a pretty decent sized bottle that will surely last for a few months.
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Argania Spinosa Organic Argan Oil Treatment Masque
I have long, thick, wavy hair that sucks up conditioner like crazy. Finding something that it truly likes has been a challenge for years. I'm constantly looking for the next better product. During the past year I've tried a couple of argan oil... +
I have long, thick, wavy hair that sucks up conditioner like crazy. Finding something that it truly likes has been a challenge for years. I'm constantly looking for the next better product.
During the past year I've tried a couple of argan oil treatments, but both of them left my hair looking and feeling dirty. A couple of months ago. while checking out the numerous argan oil products that Winners stocks I noticed this treatment masque by Argania Spinosa and decided to take a gamble on it. Very pleased that I did! This stuff has a nice light texture to it and it applied to my thick hair very easily. It also rinsed out very well, which was a problem with the previous argan oil treatments I'd tried. Once dry, my hair looked and felt amazing! So soft and smooth! The scent is quite pleasant, too.
This is probably the best treatment I've ever used on my hair. It feels very natural, not manufactured like most conditioners. It's definitely a keeper for me, and I've since picked up another jar. I've seen and bought it at both Winners and Homesense, but I don't know where else it can be purchased in Canada. The company is based out of the UK.
$9.99 at Winners and Homesense
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Neutrogena Naturals Acne Spot Treatment
At the age of 43 I'm still battling acne, although it seems to be somewhat different from the type I had when I was younger. The past few years I've gone back and forth trying different products for it but never being happy with any one. A couple of... +
At the age of 43 I'm still battling acne, although it seems to be somewhat different from the type I had when I was younger. The past few years I've gone back and forth trying different products for it but never being happy with any one. A couple of weeks ago I decided to try Neutrogena Naturals Acne Spot Treatment, and so far I'm happy with it.
One of the main differences with this acne spot treatment is that it uses salicylic acid rather than benzoyl peroxide, which seems to be in most of this type of product. Aside from being too drying, I hate that using BP before going to bed means that my pillow case is probably going to be bleached because of it.
I've found that Neutrogena Naturals Acne Spot Treatment has a nice light scent and texture, and absorbs well. I don't feel like I have a layer of something over my skin after using it. It also doesn't dry my skin out. So far it seems to be working fairly well without being harsh. I've had no negative reactions to it.
Will definitely keep using this and update in a few weeks. In the meantime, definitely worth a try if you find other acne spot treatments too harsh.
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Neat & Easy Deep Cleansing Nose Pore Strips
I'm sure many of us have seen Neat & Easy Deep Cleansing Strips in Dollarama by now, for just $2. $2?! That's a bargain! Still, before I handed over a precious toonie I had to do a search for opinions on them. I did find some feedback on another... +
I'm sure many of us have seen Neat & Easy Deep Cleansing Strips in Dollarama by now, for just $2. $2?! That's a bargain! Still, before I handed over a precious toonie I had to do a search for opinions on them. I did find some feedback on another popular site, and it was good. Not many reviews, but they all said these Neat & Easy strips were as good as, or better than, the considerably pricier Biore pore cleansing strips. That was all I needed to hear...off to Dollarama I went!
When I got home I anxiously prepared my face for my latest beauty find. The directions are the same as for the Biore strips, so no learning curve. But applying the strip wasn't as easy...they're flimsy and don't have near as much of that magical goop that adheres the nose gunk to the strip. It slid around and I never did get it to stick very well. When it was time to pull it off I was left with disappointment. Nothing. Not a dot on it.
I've tried these strips on several occasions now and have had no success. I don't know why the reviewers on that other site liked them so much. Is my skin just different from theirs? I'm interested to see if anyone here has had success with them. Myself, I wish I'd saved that toonie for when Biore pore strips go on sale.
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