getupkid144
Member Since: June 6, 2016Reviews
AVEENO® Restorative Skin Therapy Repairing Cream
I #gotitfree to try through ChickAdvisor. The timing of this product could not have been better (I'm sure that was no coincidence!). With the cold, dry winter air sucking the life out of my hands, I end up using a ton of hand cream through these... +
I #gotitfree to try through ChickAdvisor. The timing of this product could not have been better (I'm sure that was no coincidence!). With the cold, dry winter air sucking the life out of my hands, I end up using a ton of hand cream through these months. I try to avoid buying anything with too strong a scent or added fragrances because my husband has bad eczema and I like to make sure that whatever hand cream is in the house can do double-duty for either of us. We've really come to trust Aveeno for this reason and this new cream didn't let us down! The consistency was just right, hitting that balance of being thick and emollient enough, without leaving your hands greasy for an extended period. I found it absorbed into my skin fairly quickly. There was a bit of a scent to it, but nothing bothersome or out of the ordinary for Aveeno's unscented products. My husband did like the immediate relief of the cream, but considering the extent of his eczema, it didn't do much for him long-term. I'd recommend this for people who experience the typical level of winter dryness, but it may be a miss for those needing a hardier skin regime. I'd possibly repurchase for myself, once I get through a massive backlog of creams. -
Schmidt's Rose + Vanilla Natural Deodorant
I've had the opportunity to try a few different Schmidt's deodorants now and have not been disappointed by a single one. All their scents are absolutely amazing and very authentic (no fake smells, plastic or chemical undertones, etc.) - for once... +
I've had the opportunity to try a few different Schmidt's deodorants now and have not been disappointed by a single one. All their scents are absolutely amazing and very authentic (no fake smells, plastic or chemical undertones, etc.) - for once, rose smells like rose! In terms of efficacy, I find this pretty on par with most other natural deodorant brands, in that if you're a light perspirer, this should do the trick. Those a bit more prone to heavy sweat may need to reapply at least once, especially if working out or in the summer months. Application is not a problem after letting the stick warm up a bit, either from ambient temperature or in the crook of your armpit. Also, the price is just right for a more premium level of natural deodorant. All this being said, I love giving my body a break from the harsh chemicals of standard anti-perspirant and Schmidt's has cemented its place as my go-to.
I #gotitfree to try through the Chick Advisor Product Review Club
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Canada Dry Premium Tonic Water
I enjoy the occasional craft soda from time to time, so I was interested in trying a take from an old-standby - Canada Dry. I only really pick up tonic when I'm having a party or planning on making cocktails, so the occasion of picking this up... +
I enjoy the occasional craft soda from time to time, so I was interested in trying a take from an old-standby - Canada Dry. I only really pick up tonic when I'm having a party or planning on making cocktails, so the occasion of picking this up called for some gin and tonics! I absolutely loved this new twist on what's often considered a fairly generic ingredient! It was a bit sweeter than other tonics that I've had, but uses cane sugar and other premium ingredients. I'm also a sucker for glass bottles, so the packaging was another selling point for me, especially if I were entertaining and looking to impress. While the value isn't there when compared to larger volume sizes, I do appreciate having several, smaller bottles so the entire thing doesn't go flat. Like other reviewers, I also had a very hard time finding it and was only able to pick it up at Metro, after a lot of searching.
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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ReaLemon Flavour Infusions - Garlic
Anyone who's had dinner at my house can attest to my love of garlic and lemon juice. So, imagine my excitement when I heard that ReaLemon was coming out with a flavour infusion featuring garlic. While this bottle is significantly smaller than the... +
Anyone who's had dinner at my house can attest to my love of garlic and lemon juice. So, imagine my excitement when I heard that ReaLemon was coming out with a flavour infusion featuring garlic. While this bottle is significantly smaller than the standard lemon juice containers (think mini-sized), it's not meant to take the place of everyday lemon juice since it can only be used in savoury dishes. That being said, this has been a huge help in the kitchen whenever I've prepared recipes calling for both lemon juice and garlic. I will admit, however, that I like my dishes on the more garlicky side, so I did find myself needing to supplement with fresh chopped from time to time. That being said, this is great when making dishes for regular people who aren't planning on fighting vampires post-dinner, and meals that may just need more subtle garlic undertones. I'm torn on whether I'd repurchase, only because the difference in bottle size is so significant that I feel the value is lacking in comparison.
I #gotitfree to try through the Product Review Club.
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Mott's Clamato Reserve
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club. This was a very refreshing caesar mix and made a well-balanced drink, which was much needed on a hot summer day! The flavour of the mix was very rich, albeit a bit too salty, but that... +
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club. This was a very refreshing caesar mix and made a well-balanced drink, which was much needed on a hot summer day! The flavour of the mix was very rich, albeit a bit too salty, but that also meant I didn't have to use very much of it to hit the right notes in my drink. I loved the fact that the mix also boasts a roster of natural ingredients - even the jalapeno puree, which made this a little spicier than expected! Next time, less Tabasco! This product was a little tricky to find, however - I had no luck at the Loblaw family of stores, but was able to locate it at Metro. The price point was the same as the standard Clamato mix, but the bottle was significantly smaller. This would be the sort of mix I'd buy to keep in the fridge for an occasional family caesar, but not necessarily what I'd pick up if I was hosting a significant number of people or having a party, only from a cost-effectiveness perspective. All in all, a great new addition to the Clamato family that will definitely become a staple in our household! -
St. Ives® Rose Water & Aloe Vera Body Wash
I hardly ever write negative reviews of products, nor do I ever muster the motivation to do so, but this was an exceptional circumstance. I started using this body wash a few weeks ago and started noticing small bumps on my arms and legs. Given that... +
I hardly ever write negative reviews of products, nor do I ever muster the motivation to do so, but this was an exceptional circumstance. I started using this body wash a few weeks ago and started noticing small bumps on my arms and legs. Given that it's summer, I figured that they were mosquito or other bug bites, particularly itchy ones. However, the "bites" never went away and started to be accompanied by more and more bumps that started to meld together into a rash of hives on my forearms, inner elbow creases, knee crease area, wrists, etc. The bumps became yellow and the rash was patchy all over these areas. It reached the point where I couldn't even sleep because I was so itchy constantly. I'd finally fall asleep with an ice pack on these areas because I was so exhausted, only to wake up and start all over again. This body wash was the only new thing I added to my routine and the rash started to disappear and clear up after I stopped using it. Never again to any St. Ives product! This has never happened to me with any other brand, not even heavily-fragranced washes like Bath and Body Works. Bottom line: stay away!! -
Dial Pure Micellar Foaming Hand Wash Juniper
As we all know, handwashing has become very en vogue these past few months (though I hope this isn't necessarily a novel concept for the majority of the population...). This hand soap arrived just in time, as I've been flying through my soap... +
As we all know, handwashing has become very en vogue these past few months (though I hope this isn't necessarily a novel concept for the majority of the population...). This hand soap arrived just in time, as I've been flying through my soap collection due to increased washing. The juniper scent was just my speed - it's a fresh and sweet scent, and you can't help but feel summer is in the air as it fills the bathroom! I can't say that I necessarily noticed a difference in terms of this hand soap having "active micelles" (which I thought were a feature of all hand soaps...?), but I was happy to know that the formula was free of SLS and SLES. Always a plus to be rid of the usual chemical suspects! I didn't find the soap drying whatsoever, and it was effective in degreasing my hands. The foaming formula also held up, lathering instantly. I do find, however that foaming hand soaps tend to be used up faster in my household for some reason, so this would need to be replaced sooner than typical. All in all, a nice new option from Dial, combining a great scent, improved formula, and the right price point!
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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Becel Unsalted Plant-Based Bricks
I had previously used the Becel vegan margarine in baking for vegan friends and had a great experience (so much so that my guests actually enjoyed the vegan desserts more than the standard ones!). When I found out that Becel had come out with a... +
I had previously used the Becel vegan margarine in baking for vegan friends and had a great experience (so much so that my guests actually enjoyed the vegan desserts more than the standard ones!). When I found out that Becel had come out with a vegan, plant-based alternative to butter, I was excited to give it a try as I'm not the biggest fan of margarine. This definitely didn't disappoint. I didn't find that this butter affected the texture or consistency of my baking, but there was a slightly noticeable difference in taste - not a bad taste, but just different from the norm (for reference, I'm also the type of person who immediately tastes when there are artificial sweeteners in something, so my tastebuds tend to be more sensitive). I also liked that this was quicker to soften up than regular butter, which makes it much easier to bake on a whim! I'm so relieved to have found this product and will be a lot less stressed the next time I'm invited to a vegan friend's potluck - this honestly makes it so much easier to whip up any of my regular treats and make it vegan!
I #gotitfree to try through the FamilyRated Club.
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L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil
This is the ultimate shower indulgence - this oil smells and feels like pure luxury. The texture is silky smooth and even though it doesn't lather like traditional shower products, the oil spreads so easily and can be applied with just your hands. I... +
This is the ultimate shower indulgence - this oil smells and feels like pure luxury. The texture is silky smooth and even though it doesn't lather like traditional shower products, the oil spreads so easily and can be applied with just your hands. I also find that a little goes a long way, which is a definite plus given the hefty price tag when there isn't a sale going on. The smell, however, is where this product really shines. It's a heavenly not-quite-almond, but somewhere in that realm, sweet aroma that makes you feel like you're at a spa. Whenever I feel like I need some pampering, I pull this bottle in to the shower and forget all my problems, if only for a few moments. -
Garnier Fructis Hydrating Aloe Treat Shampoo for Dry, Damaged Hair
I don't know what it is about more natural shampoos (well, I do know - it's definitely something lacking in the ingredients list), but they always, without-fail, leave my hair feeling way too dry. I was very excited to try this shampoo from... +
I don't know what it is about more natural shampoos (well, I do know - it's definitely something lacking in the ingredients list), but they always, without-fail, leave my hair feeling way too dry. I was very excited to try this shampoo from Garnier's new line (just look at the cute packaging! Adorable!), but as we all know, a product's packaging is not always the best indicator of its efficacy and/or quality. I'm usually a huge fan of Garnier's hair products - from their Whole Blends line to their conditioning masks to their new colour revive products - and they've always consistently hit it out of the park, but there just seems to be something lacking with this. The scent is amazing, as always and as expected. I can't stop sniffing the bottle! But I just didn't find this to have enough lather to actually clean my hair - I had to go back to certain areas and use more product to really get a clean feel. Afterwards, my hair felt a lot coarser and drier than it usually does, which is not a good canvas for my hair during humid weather - my hair frizzed up to epic proportions, which it hasn't done in a long time since nailing down a haircare regime that really works for me and summertime Toronto weather. I'd say that this is on par with other natural shampoo formulations, but after giving a couple of them a try, I have to admit that as much as I'd like to give up the chemical-laden formulas, it's a real challenge. If I found this on enough of a sale, I'd pick it up to give my hair, body, and wastewater a bit of a break on the chemicals in periods where I'm not really going out/seeing people/styling my hair (COVID lockdown, anyone?). I wouldn't repurchase it as a replacement for my regular shampoo, however.
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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