mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Just Dance 4
Oh my goodness, if you liked Just Dance 2 or Just Dance 3, you will be blown away by Just Dance 4! I rented it from Redbox recently and we played for hours. Of course, I immediately bought several copies for Christmas to keep and give out. The... +
Oh my goodness, if you liked Just Dance 2 or Just Dance 3, you will be blown away by Just Dance 4! I rented it from Redbox recently and we played for hours. Of course, I immediately bought several copies for Christmas to keep and give out.
The graphics are fantastic, the game rewards you for different levels of achievement (ie. not just the top scorer gets props), and the workout side "Just Sweat" is a million times better than before.
I also own Wii Fit and I can definitely say that Just Sweat on JD4 is the best workout yet. In earlier versions (and on Wii Fit) you have to design your own workout with not so much help from the game. JD4's version has workouts by genre - eg. latin dance, electric cardio, '80s dance, etc etc. You can also choose different workout lengths (10, 25, or 50 minute versions). It also counts calories (though it doesn't ask for your weight or age so that approximation should be taken with a grain of salt) and measures your energy levels based on how hard you're working out to determine if the next song will be higher or lower intensity. There is even a warm-up in the beginning and stretches at the end.
The only critique (as I've had for earlier versions) is that I wish it came with more songs, but those are easy to buy through your Wii console if you have the points (2000 pts usually costs about $20 and available online or as physical gift cards at Best Buy, Walmart, etc; each game usually costs 300 points).
There is just so much to Just Dance 4 that I'm seriously thinking of giving it to my kids before Christmas just so I can play it too :)
Buy it. Seriously, right now.
-
Philosophy The Gingerbread Man Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath
I adore anything in gingerbread - cookies, lattes, loaf cakes... the list goes on. So it came as no surprise to me that I was absolutely delighted with Philosophy's "The Gingerbread Man" 3-in-1 shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath product. I have used... +
I adore anything in gingerbread - cookies, lattes, loaf cakes... the list goes on. So it came as no surprise to me that I was absolutely delighted with Philosophy's "The Gingerbread Man" 3-in-1 shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath product.
I have used it so far only as a bubble bath and shower gel on myself. I'm not sure if I'll try it as a shampoo since I'm quite picky about my hair care, but my kids have used it and it works great for them.
The scent is absolutely wonderful and a light fragrance lingers on the skin long after you step out of the bath. I was pleasantly surprised to notice that my skin wasn't as dry as it typically is after a hot bath.
This gel would make a great holiday gift at this price point. I definitely recommend it!
-
Vichy ProEVEN Mineral BB Cream
I have been using tinted moisturizers for a while but this was my first foray into BB creams. I was pleasantly surprised at how much coverage the Vichy BB cream offered and how well it evened out my skin tone. This was also my primary need - I am... +
I have been using tinted moisturizers for a while but this was my first foray into BB creams. I was pleasantly surprised at how much coverage the Vichy BB cream offered and how well it evened out my skin tone. This was also my primary need - I am fortunate to not have many problems with breakouts lately. This product also has SPF 20, is paraben-free, and non-comedogenic.
I have this product in Light/Medium, so when it is first applied it starts very pale but adjusts to a warmer tone after I have worn it for a few minutes. I have some sun damage on my skin which the cream does a great job of minimizing.
It also wears very matte, and since I have an oily t-zone this was really appreciated. I do find that after 5 or 6 hours I get a little shiny in that area, but I can blot this away without much of the product transferring off my skin. Now it's a colder time of year, so I'm interested to see how it performs during warmer, more humid seasons, but at this point it outdoes my tinted moisturizer by such a huge margin, I can't believe it took me so long to make the switch.
I recommend it!
I received Vichy ProEVEN BB Cream free from the brand to test.
-
e.l.f. Cosmetics Essential Eyelid Primer
I must say, I was shocked by this primer. For the $1 price tag, I had really low expectations. In fact, I wouldn't have bought it at all except that it was part of a kit on clearance at Target which I impulse-bought. This primer works far better... +
I must say, I was shocked by this primer. For the $1 price tag, I had really low expectations. In fact, I wouldn't have bought it at all except that it was part of a kit on clearance at Target which I impulse-bought.
This primer works far better than a certain higher-priced brand I usually use. It doesn't crease at all, makeup doesn't bleed, and the neutral colour on the lid perfectly evens the canvas and looks completely natural.
The only downside is that if you put on too much, it can look a little "crepey" if your eyelid is showing early signs of aging. This is easily managed by patting the area lightly with your bare ring finger to remove any excess while the product is still wet. Make sure to allow the product to dry thoroughly before you apply makeup too (about 30-45 seconds).
For $1, I'm 100% sold on this product.
-
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lip Colour
I rarely wear lipstick, but yesterday was Halloween and I needed a really punchy lipcolor. I received this L'Oreal Infallible Le Rouge lipcolor in "Blazing Sangria" (#714) from the brand to test. It's a brash warm-toned red which I didn't think... +
I rarely wear lipstick, but yesterday was Halloween and I needed a really punchy lipcolor. I received this L'Oreal Infallible Le Rouge lipcolor in "Blazing Sangria" (#714) from the brand to test. It's a brash warm-toned red which I didn't think would work for me (I usually lean toward cool tones), but it's actually quite tone-neutral and was a fantastic choice for me.
Once I let it set/dry, it lasted through 2 hours of trick or treating and 1 hour of candy gorging afterward. In fact, I had to wash my lips very thoroughly to get the colour off!
I would not say it's drying, but a quick swipe of balm over top does make this lipcolor a little more comfortable to wear. The colour payoff is fantastic and I'd definitely consider purchasing this product again. Recommended!
-
Neutrogena Wave Power-Cleanser and Deep Clean Foaming Pads
I like the Neutrogena Wave. It effectively deep cleans and my skin had no issues with the embedded cleanser on the pads (I often have a minor breakout when trying new skincare items but not this time). My favourite aspect was that I could use it... +
I like the Neutrogena Wave. It effectively deep cleans and my skin had no issues with the embedded cleanser on the pads (I often have a minor breakout when trying new skincare items but not this time).
My favourite aspect was that I could use it in the shower - so convenient! I had another battery-operated exfoliating tool before this one but it could not be used in the shower. Due to the vibrating action, the bubbles from the cleanser tended to spritz on my bathroom mirror and walls when I used it over the sink which is why I eventually got rid of the other unit. Obviously, the Wave did not have this problem.
The only critique I have is that I do not like the single use pads. I try to buy reusable products whenever possible, though I recognize that it's more sanitary to use a fresh surface each time even if I clean a reusable unit as thoroughly as I'm able.
-
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
I was a skeptic, but after one use of Seche Vite I'm absolutely sold. It's a clear top coat designed to dry within minutes. This stuff works exactly as it claims! I put on a regular base coat (Seche Vite is not supposed to be used as a base), 2... +
I was a skeptic, but after one use of Seche Vite I'm absolutely sold. It's a clear top coat designed to dry within minutes.
This stuff works exactly as it claims! I put on a regular base coat (Seche Vite is not supposed to be used as a base), 2 layers of nail polish and then the Seche Vite. Within minutes my nails were dry enough to do anything I needed. They were still slightly soft, so I made sure not to press hard on them, but I could touch things, type, etc without any smudging or smearing.
It has a stronger odor than regular polish does so make sure you're using it in a well-ventilated area. After a few minutes, the odor is basically gone. The formula is also a little thicker than I was expecting, so I can imagine it might get a bit goopy after I've used it for a while. I know there is "Seche Restore" also available, which is specifically designed to handle that.
All in all, well worth it! How many manicures have I ruined while waiting for it to dry before I tried this product? Who cares! I don't have to worry about that any longer. HIGHLY recommended!
-
Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology MMPi 20 Skin Regenerating Serum
I received a sample size of this product to try. It's a lightweight serum designed to boost skin's regenerative properties and diminish the visible signs of aging. What I loved: There is very little noticeable fragrance (which tends to irritate... +
I received a sample size of this product to try. It's a lightweight serum designed to boost skin's regenerative properties and diminish the visible signs of aging.
What I loved:
There is very little noticeable fragrance (which tends to irritate my skin) and it melts into my face quickly and without leaving any residue behind. During summer months when my combination skin does not want extra moisturization, I can use this serum alone instead of together with my usual moisturizer. I have not experienced any breakouts while using this product. Unfortunately, the only serums I have used in the past were for post-microdermabrasion or other non-antiaging products so I can't really say if this was more or less effective than those others. I can however say with certainty that overall I like this serum better than the rest.
What I'm on the fence about:
I didn't notice a huge difference in my skin, but because it was such a small sample I kind of rationed it and didn't use it as often as directed (which is 2x per day). For the price, I'd want to wait for a good sale to scoop it up-- which I totally would.
Bottom Line: I'll buy it again if I find a great sale or put it on my Christmas list!
-
Cheez-It Baked Snack Cracker Hot & Spicy
I have been trying hard to reduce empty calories in my diet for a long time, so I was initially disgusted with myself when, in a moment of snack-nesia, I tried a few of these crackers at a party. I then promptly marched over to the hostess... +
I have been trying hard to reduce empty calories in my diet for a long time, so I was initially disgusted with myself when, in a moment of snack-nesia, I tried a few of these crackers at a party. I then promptly marched over to the hostess demanding to know what kind they were and where I could buy some.
I love LOVE Mexican food and these taste like tabasco and lime. They are just so addicting that it requires all my willpower to limit my snacking to just a handful here and there. Giving them up altogether? That ship has sailed. At least they are baked, so it's a better alternative to conventional potato chips.
Yum!
-
Tampax Radiant Pearl Tampons
I'll be honest, I'm a long time Diva Cup user. Before that, I preferred a certain brand of applicator-free tampons and only had so-so results with the other brands I had tried. I recently received some Radiant products to try from the brand, and... +
I'll be honest, I'm a long time Diva Cup user. Before that, I preferred a certain brand of applicator-free tampons and only had so-so results with the other brands I had tried.
I recently received some Radiant products to try from the brand, and as I do have a need for tampons and pads occasionally (when it is not convenient to use my usual method), I was happy to test them out.
Radiant tampons are now officially on my radar (and by extension, the regular Pearl tampons as well). They are so much better than the rest, as I recently discovered when caught product-less in a public area and had to rely on ladies-room vending machine options. The applicator is really comfortable and the absorbency is great. The resealable wrapper is a nice touch too!
These tampons are a little more expensive than other brands, but sales and coupons make them a fantastic deal and I will happily keep buying them.
-
Looking for more?
Check out our other review websites:
