getupkid144
Member Since: June 6, 2016Reviews
Colgate Renewal Gum Revitalize Toothpaste, Whitening Restoration - Cool Mint Gel
My household typically has one toothpaste on the go at any one time, but it's difficult to do when my husband and I have different issues/goals with our dental care. Enter the Renewal line from Colgate. The Gum Revitalize both tackles early gum... +
My household typically has one toothpaste on the go at any one time, but it's difficult to do when my husband and I have different issues/goals with our dental care. Enter the Renewal line from Colgate. The Gum Revitalize both tackles early gum damage, while also working to whiten teeth and prevent new staining. The cool mint flavour is very subtle but breath-freshening. I particularly liked that it didn't taste "sweet" like other toothpastes on the market - helpful that it's sugar-free and safe on tooth enamel, which I always worry about. I did notice that it foamed up more than my regular toothpaste (the basic formulas from the major brands) - not a big deal, but just a different characteristic. I can't say that I noticed my teeth becoming whiter from the use of this toothpaste alone (and it's hard to quantify gum damage without a dentist taking a look), but my enamel did feel stronger and like it could stand up to more. It will be interesting to see the more long-term results of using this paste.
I #gotitfree to try through Butterly.
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Gabby's Dollhouse Bakey with Cakey Kitchen
Following on the huge Netflix success of Gabby's Dollhouse, this line of toys is consistently a big hit, with this kitchen being no exception. Assembly was a little tricky (I didn't initially notice the instruction booklet in one of the bags -... +
Following on the huge Netflix success of Gabby's Dollhouse, this line of toys is consistently a big hit, with this kitchen being no exception. Assembly was a little tricky (I didn't initially notice the instruction booklet in one of the bags - whoops!), but I managed to make do just from the picture on the box. It's also light enough to be moved from room to room, or set aside when cleaning. I was impressed with how sturdy the final product was, with all the pieces well-made and fitting well together. A lot of these sorts of branded kitchen sets end up being junky and poorly made, wobbly, etc., so this one was such a welcome and appreciated surprise. My experience with Spinmaster-produced toys has been consistently good, as all their products have really proven to be high quality. This kitchen is a great size for kids around 3 and up (about 3 feet high), makes a number of sounds and phrases (using 3 AAA batteries which aren't included), and comes with a few kitchen staples (frying pan, plate, cutlery, utensils, etc.). Most of all, we couldn't get over how ADORABLE this set is! The colours are vibrant and complementary, and the overall cat theme (right down to the pieces of toast and salt and pepper shakers) is beyond cute. This kitchen is perfect for playing house and includes all the right details to make it more realistic, from a drying rack to a fridge that opens/closes, to a cookbook stand. It also integrates with the Bakey with 'Cakey' Oven, which is sold separately but would make an excellent gift to add on to this set at a later date. The only issue my girls had with this was the fridge mechanism - it can be a little difficult to open and close the fridge (i.e. to actually get it to unlatch/latch in the plastic tab), and seems to require two hands: one to hold the structure still and the other to handle the fridge pull. Other than that, this is really a stand-out toy and would make a perfect "big-item" gift for the upcoming holiday season! I #gotitfree to try through Butterly and the Family Rated Club. -
Clarins Double Serum
I’ve been using this serum for an entire week now and can definitively say that there is a noticeable difference in my skin texture. My face looks plumper and more hydrated, giving me a healthier look. My eye area appears to be less puffy than... +
I’ve been using this serum for an entire week now and can definitively say that there is a noticeable difference in my skin texture. My face looks plumper and more hydrated, giving me a healthier look. My eye area appears to be less puffy than usual, though it’s always difficult to say whether that’s the particular skin product or swings in lifestyle (sleep, nutrition, water intake, etc.) from week to week. Most noticeable was the reduction in my pores, which was a big win for me. The scent is very light and perfect for evening application. My only complaint would be that this doesn’t absorb as quickly as I’d like, leaving my face a little oily and rubbing some residue onto my pillowcase. This may also be a function of summer skin tending to be “greasier” than the rest of the year, so I could see this serum working wonders in the dry and chapped winter months. Bonus: I love that it combines a ton of plant extracts and is made in France, which is my holy grail source for skincare. I #gotitfree to try through Butterly. -
Irish Spring Icy Blast Deodorant Bar Soap
Irish Spring is one of the go-to bar soap brands in my household, both at the sink and in the shower. I always make sure to have a bar option available since my husband has bad eczema and bars don't seem to be as irritating as liquid hand soaps... +
Irish Spring is one of the go-to bar soap brands in my household, both at the sink and in the shower. I always make sure to have a bar option available since my husband has bad eczema and bars don't seem to be as irritating as liquid hand soaps. It's always nice to use a bar that also smells great - not only does it make the hands and body smell fresh, but also livens up the bathroom which also takes on that fragrance. Irish Spring is one of those brands that's been around for so long that I have no hesitation using them. They recently redesigned their packaging (which does look fantastic - kudos to them), but the soap is the same as always and that's definitely a good thing. It gets the job done and leaves you smelling great, with limited ingredients, of which 98% are now naturally derived. All in all, a great soap at a great price point.
I #gotitfree to try through Butterly.
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Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
My preferred method of makeup removal has been cleansing oils for the past 7 to 8 years. Now that these products have exploded on the market, it's become easier and easier to find new oils to try. The Ultim8 Cleansing Oil from Shu Uemura is... +
My preferred method of makeup removal has been cleansing oils for the past 7 to 8 years. Now that these products have exploded on the market, it's become easier and easier to find new oils to try. The Ultim8 Cleansing Oil from Shu Uemura is absolutely divine (and that's not a word I ever use!). The scent is so beautiful, yet light, and I can't stop smelling the bottle - not sure if it's the Japanese camellia oil (from tsubaki flower), but it's addictive. I used the oil on my dry face, to try and remove my full face of makeup (foundation, concealer, mascara, brow pencil, and blush) at the end of the day. I immediately saw my makeup "melt" off my face after rubbing the cleanser in. I then rinsed my face and followed with a standard face wash. Some nights, I didn't actually follow through with a second face wash since my skin felt so cleansed and moisturized from this oil - it was soft to the touch and felt very hydrated, so I didn't want to strip it of any further moisture or oil by doing a second wash. If the price point were a bit better, I would 100% buy this over and over and over.
I #gotitfree to try through Butterly.
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FLAWLESS CLEANSE: FACIAL CLEANSER & MASSAGER, ROSE GOLD
I’ve tried a few different brands of silicone face scrubbers over the years, but was actually blown out of the water by this one. I didn’t expect much, just regular movement, but was so surprised to discover the (many) different functions and... +
I’ve tried a few different brands of silicone face scrubbers over the years, but was actually blown out of the water by this one. I didn’t expect much, just regular movement, but was so surprised to discover the (many) different functions and modes from the Flawless Cleanse brush. It can be used to either massage or cleanse, depending on mode, and you can adjust vibration levels from low to high. The massage mode was really the stand-out feature, one I haven’t seen on competitors. I love the fact that this is silicone and easily cleanable and likely to stand the test of time. Also, its rechargeable battery and charging cradle (USB-powered) are fantastic and make it easy to also travel with! Depending on the night, I use this to wash my face, exfoliate and massage. It’s such a great stress-reliever at the end of a long day and is much more convenient (and cheaper) than a spa visit! I truly didn’t expect to fall in love with this as much as I did.
I #gotitfree to try through Butterly.
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Batiste Light Scent Green Tea & Chamomile Dry Shampoo
I regularly use dry shampoos on those in-between days, particularly in the summer where I just can't keep up with washing my hair versus those sweaty, greasy days. I typically use Batiste, so I was looking forward to giving their new "naturals" line... +
I regularly use dry shampoos on those in-between days, particularly in the summer where I just can't keep up with washing my hair versus those sweaty, greasy days. I typically use Batiste, so I was looking forward to giving their new "naturals" line a try. This dry shampoo is plant-powered and vegan: it has chamomile extract, rice starch, and green tea. It's used just the same as other dry shampoos, but the smell is a little different from the signature Batiste scent - still floral, but definitely less artificial. It was a much more palatable fragrance than other dry shampoo brands I've tried. As for its efficacy, it got the job done and I managed to get more days in between washes. It absorbed quickly, cut down on visible oiliness, and didn't leave any white residue. What more can you ask for?
I #gotitfree to try through Butterly.
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Breyers Creamery Style Natural Vanilla Frozen Dessert
I #gotitfree to try through the Family Rated/Butterly Product Review Club. I don’t typically buy vanilla ice cream on its own unless I’m planning on having guests and serving a crumble or pie. Breyers Creamery Style Natural Vanilla is one of the... +
I #gotitfree to try through the Family Rated/Butterly Product Review Club. I don’t typically buy vanilla ice cream on its own unless I’m planning on having guests and serving a crumble or pie. Breyers Creamery Style Natural Vanilla is one of the best options out there. I find other brands are often too sweet or artificial; Breyers’ has a real, authentic flavour that isn’t too cloying and pairs perfectly with a pastry. You can quickly taste that it’s made primarily from real cream and not artificial or modified milk ingredients. The vanilla beans used are also Rainforest Alliance certified! And best of all, it’s super easy to find in nearly any grocery store that I frequent. -
Breyers Canadian Desserts Butter Tart
I #gotitfree to try through the Family Rated/Butterly Product Review Club. After finally tracking down this new collection from Breyers (and it was a real challenge!), I tried the Butter Tart flavour. Butter Tart is meant to offer the flavour of... +
I #gotitfree to try through the Family Rated/Butterly Product Review Club. After finally tracking down this new collection from Breyers (and it was a real challenge!), I tried the Butter Tart flavour. Butter Tart is meant to offer the flavour of Ontario – I can only assume the butter tart trail and festivals across the province, particularly Midland’s renowned annual event. Initially, I found this ice cream far too sweet, to the point that it was cloying. My husband didn’t seem to mind and thought the flavour was spot-on representative of butter tarts. I gave it another go on a different day and it seemed to sit better. The second time around, I realized that not only were there caramel swirls in the vanilla base, but also chunks of tarts (butter tarts, perchance?). The “breadiness” of the tarts helped offset the overly sweet flavour of the ice-cream and by the time we were halfway through the tub, I found myself enjoying it. That being said, I don’t know if I would repurchase this flavour, but I’m very interested in seeking out the Nanaimo Bar one if I can find it anywhere. -
COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Lash Plumping Mascara
I #gotitfree to try through Butterly. I typically use mascara whenever I go in to the office (of course that used to be on the daily, but has changed since the pandemic), currently a handful of times each week. I tend to alternate between brown and... +
I #gotitfree to try through Butterly. I typically use mascara whenever I go in to the office (of course that used to be on the daily, but has changed since the pandemic), currently a handful of times each week. I tend to alternate between brown and black mascara, but go for the latter when I’m looking to pack more of a punch. I’ve noticed lately that my lashes don’t seem to be as full or long as they were previously and as I enter my mid-thirties, signs of aging are top of mind when it comes to my appearance. The Simply Ageless Lash Plumping Mascara from Covergirl was a welcome change to my usual routine of rolling on whatever mascara I have open and lying around. While I haven’t yet been able to use it for a full 4 weeks, I do find that when I wear it, my lashes do look thicker and longer, without the spider-leg illusion or clumpiness of many other drugstore brand mascaras. While I also appreciate the inclusion of hyaluronic acid in this, I’m not sure just how effective it is when applying it to, essentially, hair rather than skin, but kudos to Covergirl for being innovative and keeping up with new ingredients. What I particularly liked about this mascara was the brush – its curved shape helps get more lashes with each swipe and reduced the number of strokes I needed to apply, which in turn led to less clumpiness and mess to clean up before I headed out. It’s a great mascara for those not looking to break the bank, but interested in trying out a new formula that rivals higher-end brands. -
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