Phenamina
Member Since: December 15, 2020Reviews
Dare Bold n’ Baked Sweet Chili Crackers
Just picked these up Walmart in Canada for $1.97 apparently a new product from Dare and I like supporting Canadian companies so that’s a bonus. I was nervous they would have that dry cardboard flavour some baked chips do or not enough seasoning so... +
Just picked these up Walmart in Canada for $1.97 apparently a new product from Dare and I like supporting Canadian companies so that’s a bonus. I was nervous they would have that dry cardboard flavour some baked chips do or not enough seasoning so you have to eat a lot to feel you can taste the flavour - I am delighted to say neither was the case; they were crisp but soft and full of flavour! The Dare factory is in Ontario and I like supporting Canadian brands and the are peanut-free for those with allergies. Delicious and also come in Nacho Cheese and Smoky BBQ #Foodie -
The Keg Steakhouse Seasoning
Love this stuff!!! Can be hard to find, I used to get it from Shoppers Drug Mart but I don’t believe thy carry it anymore :( I found it for an amazing price at #CostCo but it tastes like they have changed the formula and not quite as fantastic... +
Love this stuff!!! Can be hard to find, I used to get it from Shoppers Drug Mart but I don’t believe thy carry it anymore :( I found it for an amazing price at #CostCo but it tastes like they have changed the formula and not quite as fantastic but still good!! I also searched online and others seemed to have noticed the difference in flavour, if they went back to the origins that would be awesome. I love sprinkling some on my homemade Chicken Caesar Salad (only made with renees gourmet dressing of course) as well as a finisher - so yum!!! I think it was around $7 for a big jug and a great value. I used it on steaks this summer cooked on a gas BBQ and my brother and sister were impressed. Definitely recommend! -
Naturtint Permanent Hair Colour
First time trying this! Jumped on the quarantine trend fun of doing hair at home :) stole a box mom had from Fiddleheads (health food store here in #Canada) I am trying to switch to “clean” products so wanted to try this (actually thought it was... +
First time trying this! Jumped on the quarantine trend fun of doing hair at home :) stole a box mom had from Fiddleheads (health food store here in #Canada) I am trying to switch to “clean” products so wanted to try this (actually thought it was Herbatint she had as she has bought that before) but it was this brand - I believe it may have PPDs and Herbatint not, but that Herbatint doesn’t have as strong grey coverage power? Anyways just did it tonight and it’s not watery at all, like a thicker paste so easy enough to control/not drip - it coloured my hair beautifully and I absolutely LOVE the CC conditioning/finishing cream that comes in the box! I believe it’s just under $20 here which isn’t the cheapest but I think quite reasonable for a safer good quality do at home product. I am going to check if they make it in smaller amounts so I can buy a little kit to try to do at home highlights (I have a feeling they don’t and will be bummed by that but consider it a great product suggestion :) lasting colour and definitely recommend if you are searching for safer options #Haircare #Beauty -
Tapal Black Tea
We were a staunch #Tetley orange pekoe family until my mom discovered this loose leaf tea at the Indian store - it’s our fav and go-to now!!! The only one I like now - You do have to make it in a pot and strain but so worth it - we bring water to... +
We were a staunch #Tetley orange pekoe family until my mom discovered this loose leaf tea at the Indian store - it’s our fav and go-to now!!! The only one I like now - You do have to make it in a pot and strain but so worth it - we bring water to a boil (sometimes with spices in it like cinnamon, fennel, cloves etc for Masala Chai) add the tea leaves and after a bit add the milk and bring it back to a boil, strain and serve (I am a sugar in my tea girl) and now as of recently we save the tea leaves (and coffee grinds) to use as fertilizer in the garden too! It’s flavour is amazing and I not only highly recommend, but as I said it is the only tea I buy now (still buy tetley bags for a decaf option - wish Tapal had that or if they do I have never seen it here in Canada) -
Vicks NyQuil Cherry Cold and Flu Syrup
This is my one and only go-to when I am sick. In all fairness I haven’t tried others, a girlfriend in my dorm in university gave me some when I was sick and I have been a loyal user ever since! I try to take it sparingly as per directions when I... +
This is my one and only go-to when I am sick. In all fairness I haven’t tried others, a girlfriend in my dorm in university gave me some when I was sick and I have been a loyal user ever since! I try to take it sparingly as per directions when I have cold and it really helps me to sleep and rest so my body can do its thing to heal and recover. I wouldn’t say it’s the cheapest thing but we’ll worth the price for its efficacy. I only get the cherry (red) one, not saying it tastes good (I suggest having a chaser of water ready lol) but don’t dare try the green one - no idea what that would taste like... Everyone’s body chemistry is different, but this really works for me and and based on that I would highly recommend it! If you have medical conditions or just to be safe speak to your pharmacist or even doctor before taking it, for example it has a high concentration of acetaminophen (Tylenol) #Health #Wellness -
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
I bought this CeraVe product as it was one of the highest-rated at the mid-range shelf level moisturizers, I know the ingredients in the formula are good (not a clean product) and it’s designed by dermatologists. Perhaps because I tend towards... +
I bought this CeraVe product as it was one of the highest-rated at the mid-range shelf level moisturizers, I know the ingredients in the formula are good (not a clean product) and it’s designed by dermatologists. Perhaps because I tend towards prestige skincare, it was ok but nothing spectacular for me. I personally found it a little too light. If you need a lightweight moisturizer this might be perfect for you! Or maybe it’s good for people with sensitive skin? I don’t find it did anything to help with skin firmness/anti-aging, texture etc at least on me (that I could notice) I need a heavier moisturizer (esp in winter) I will finish this bottle but I won’t be re-purchasing it (bought at Shoppers Drug Mart) I also am trying to switch over to clean products and I don’t believe this is one, see parabens listed (it is fragrance free so perhaps it doesn’t have pthalates?) update: I couldn’t even finish the bottle gave it to my mom, let’s see how she likes it (honestly for me I would rate it as 1 or 2 stars - didn’t do anything significant for my skin and when I tried to mix with foundation, it was weirdly lumpy) HOWEVER I have a friend who recently bought this and I think they would give it 5 stars- made such a difference for them in their skin!!! #Skincare #Beauty #Junkie -
Aerius
Aerius was a revelation for me!!! I have it pretty bad during ragweed season (mid-Aug to early Sept) I had tried Claritin & Reactine before that unfortunately they don’t do anything for me... walking around downtown TO I was given samples from... +
Aerius was a revelation for me!!! I have it pretty bad during ragweed season (mid-Aug to early Sept) I had tried Claritin & Reactine before that unfortunately they don’t do anything for me... walking around downtown TO I was given samples from their brand ambassadors and decided to try it - I finally learned what allergy meds are supposed to do!!!! This is my one and only go-to for my allergies - I usually get them at Shoppers Drug Mart and try to buy them when there are manufacturer’s coupons hanging in the aisle as they are a bit pricey but for me most definitely worth it!! These do the trick for me and my body chemistry - if you have allergies, I highly recommend trying Aerius! I know everyone’s body chemistry is different, for example Claritin work for my mom and Aerius does nothing for her... So whichever brand, I hope you find something that gives you relief! -
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum
This is not for me... I bought it at #Sephora the packaging is pretty but for $114CAD I cannot recommend this to anyone and at that price point it was especially disappointing, hence the 1 star. If it had made a great difference to my skin that I... +
This is not for me... I bought it at #Sephora the packaging is pretty but for $114CAD I cannot recommend this to anyone and at that price point it was especially disappointing, hence the 1 star. If it had made a great difference to my skin that I could see or feel, I might have said it was worth it, I am all for investing my money into good skincare, especially since the Tatcha line is ‘clean’ which I value. I was looking for a good Vitamin C product for its skin benefits, unfortunately this didn’t deliver (perhaps it’s just my skin chemistry) I didn’t see any difference of benefits at all; and it makes your skin more sensitive/vulnerable to the sun, so most definitely not worth the trade off for me. From a Vitamin C perspective - I will have to keep up the hunt! I know this has a high rating and if this worked for you and provided great results, that’s awesome! Not my cup of tea and didn’t suit me... #Skincare #Beauty #Junkie -
The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion
Bought this as part of my #BodyShop #Haul this past summer. I had really high hopes that I could switch from St Ives Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid, which I love but know the shell pieces can cause micro scratches. After using this for a bit... +
Bought this as part of my #BodyShop #Haul this past summer. I had really high hopes that I could switch from St Ives Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid, which I love but know the shell pieces can cause micro scratches. After using this for a bit now, I have changed it from 5 stars to 3 - I find it doesn’t feel like it gives me a deep clean (like the St. Ives scrub does, understanding I buy the one with Salicylic Acid so I can’t expect them to be exactly the same) I feel like this just sits/cleans on surface of my face and doesn’t leave it feeling any smoother, so am a little bummed I have to write this update... I will keep using it until it’s done; but I don’t think I will buy it again. It’s not bad just not as great as I hoped. If you have sensitive skin, perhaps this would be great for you, I personally have pretty hardy skin, so can take and almost need a stronger product.
I did quite like the packaging, the orange feels sunny and fresh and what I really liked is the white label is not a sticker that will wash away in the shower and look ratty, it’s a small detail but I like attention to elements like that. I wanted to try this as I want to have some Vitamin C products in my skincare like up for their benefits - my theory is if vitamin C supplements are good for my skin from the inside it will be good on the outside as well :) When I landed on it as I said I also wanted to give it a go as a potential replacement for my St. Ives Acne Control Apricot Scrub. I am a loyal St, Ives scrub girl, which I also reviewed and rated 5 stars, but yes know the apricot bits cause micro scratches on the skin, just worked so well I was a die hard fan and recommended it to others as well. Initially I was quite pleased with new vitamin C scrub. It also has a similar feel to that of St. Ives which I like - thick and textured so I feel like the granules/grit are providing a similar benefit, just gentler, it doesn’t leave that squeaky clean feeling on the face (that I know some say is overstripping the skin) so that took a couple of times to get used to, which is a pretty easy adjustment. It’s $23 (there is another vitamin C scrub but got this one as it had the higher rating of the two on the site) so about 3x more expensive than the St.Ives for a little bit less product, this one is 100ml (St Ives is 150ml). If it’s just as effective for you without the apricot grit damage and closer to ‘clean’ with The Body Shop moving towards being paraben-free this could win out. I believe I had made the switch to this and wouldn’t go back to St.Ives (just maybe use it a little more sparingly lol) but end result I personally wouldn’t buy this again. I do like the idea of Vitamin C in my products so will try other items from this line and recommend giving this a try if you are curious about it just as an experiment. #Skincare #Beauty #Junkie
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THE BODY SHOP® Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-oil
My Body Shop #Haul included this product - First time buying it, to try vs popping Vitamin E capsules and applying the liquid to my face. It’s a clear liquid and I have applied it at night and my whole face felt different in the morning :) I had a... +
My Body Shop #Haul included this product - First time buying it, to try vs popping Vitamin E capsules and applying the liquid to my face. It’s a clear liquid and I have applied it at night and my whole face felt different in the morning :) I had a couple of scratches and they looked so much more healed! As it says overnight serum, I wouldn’t try using this under makeup. I have tried serums here and there, not a firm believer in them (kinda like toner, I think toner is a scam lol) but this serum in oil may become a product I buy regularly (even if I don’t use it daily but a 2-3 a week or when needed). This may not be for you if you have oily skin or don’t like products that do leave an oily feel on your face - if did take a bit for it to sink in (I definitely wouldn’t call it a dry facial oil) I think it will be especially good for dry winters. It’s $30 so not cheap for the size but worth the cost compared to the (and this may seem a little random but it’s the last one I used) Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum which honestly I have really wanted to see a make difference, but will be rating it 1 star did absolutely nothing for me :( so compared to $114 price tag of that, this serum is a most reasonable price. I also bought The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream in the same order and it’s clear why it’s less compared to serum, it’s very light and not sure I would buy that one again... I will do separate reviews for that as well. I like that The Body Shop is moving towards being more ‘clean’ becoming paraben-free by the end of the year, since I am moving to those as much as I can. This serum has a lovely delicate rose scent (and I don’t usually care for rose scented products) and I awoke to skin that felt beautifully soft; nourished and bright. If you were thinking about trying this or wanted a product from the vitamin E line to start with, or just a vitamin E product for your skin, I can confidently recommend this serum! I know people love Bio-oil but this beat that for me by a long mile. -
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