wonderwhatif
Member Since: January 26, 2015Reviews
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lipcolor
This is actually an incredibly impressive long lasting lip colour. Last time I tried a long lasting lip colour it was dry, uncomfortable and didn't last through eating and drinking. I'm really impressed with the formula they have here. So before I... +
This is actually an incredibly impressive long lasting lip colour. Last time I tried a long lasting lip colour it was dry, uncomfortable and didn't last through eating and drinking. I'm really impressed with the formula they have here.
So before I tell you about how awesome it is, let's talk about the one thing that's bad. The colour. Not only did I not like the colour (I'm very pale and it's basically brown), but the big problem is that the images right now on Amazon don't match (currently Feb 2019). The colour for 'Brazen Raisin' is a lovely coral pink in the photo. Not even close, it's a purple toned brown, I mean...it's raisin coloured. This colour would probably look lovely on a darker skinned beauty, but on my pale ghost face, it looks pretty Goth. Go for it, if you're into that, but if you're going to buy I'd recommend checking the shade elsewhere before committing. I chose not to remove a star for this as it's not the product's fault, but a problem on the listing (you can report this as I did, by clicking 'Report incorrect product information' at the top just after the title and description.)
So, basically you apply this, it comes as a kind of gloopy thick gloss, with a weirdly long applicator that could definitely be improved (it's hard to get a straight line if you're unskilled at liquid lipstick, like me). You apply the applicator and leave it to dry for 60 seconds (I'd actually recommend 2 mins min, depending on how thick you apply it). After the application, it will resemble a matte, liquid lipstick. You then apply the clear, sticky 'gloss' over the top. They recommend you do this throughout the day whenever it runs dry, but if you neglect to do it, you'll just have the matte look again and the lipstick stays just as well!
So here's what I adore about this. Firstly, it doesn't feel horribly heavy, dry out my lips or show up its damaged parts, like most long-lasting stuff I've used. The glossy topcoat does feel a bit sticky at first (and sadly crumbs and stuff will stick to it), but over time it dries out and after about a half hour it just feels like you're wearing nothing (like a really good liquid lipstick). However, what really impressed me was the staying power of this stuff.
I don't know if it stays all 24 hours (as I don't sleep with lipstick on), but over the whole day, from morning until night, about 16 hours, it doesn't smudge or come off. Even when only applying the gloss once, by the time I was ready to go to bed it looked almost as good as when I applied (perhaps a tiny amount of fading, not really noticeable). Even more shockingly, it passed some of my tests and I wasn't expecting that.
First the water test. Apply water, rub. Nothing. Not a smudge, it stayed put perfectly. Then soap and water, rub and wash. STILL there. Like not even a slight movement.That's super impressive to me. If a lipstick promises to last all day, it better last through food, drink, rain, you name it and this one does. (see pictures for proof).
Removal isn't difficult when you have the right tools. It does come off with cleansing wipe (needs some rubbing) or very easily with a strong makeup remover (oil based). But water won't get you anywhere, so make sure you have some way to remove it when it's time.
If you're looking for a long lasting lipstick that feels comfortable, has a glossy AND matte option and stays put come rain or shine, this one is great at it; but make sure you check the shade before buying, as the pictures may be incorrect on certain websites!
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GERBER Organic Yogurt Melts
Obviously babies can't type, so most of this is from an adult point of view, though the babies we tried them with did like it. For texture, they melt in your mouth quickly, leaving the feeling of a sort of gloopy thick yoghurt. I found it a little... +
Obviously babies can't type, so most of this is from an adult point of view, though the babies we tried them with did like it.
For texture, they melt in your mouth quickly, leaving the feeling of a sort of gloopy thick yoghurt. I found it a little strange, though kids seemed to enjoy it. If you decide to chew them, the texture is chalky, like a Rocket style sweet.
Nutritionally, there's not really much to them. Sugar is high up on the ingredients list and most of the flavour comes from that, natural flavouring and some pureed strawberry. Despite the high placement of sugar in the ingredient list, it's not overly sugary (4g for every 27 pieces and you shouldn't feed that much in one sitting). It's organic (if you care) and has real sugar, not sweetener. If you're looking for something with nutrition this isn't it. It's a harmless sweet snack without too much harmful or helpful, either way.
Taste-wise it depends on the flavour:
Red Berry: Pretty sweet with a hint of strawberry/raspberry mixed taste that is, in my opinion, a bit ruined by the sweetness. It tastes a lot like those small strawberry yoghurt pots, but much sweeter.
Strawberry-Banana: Ironically it tastes very much the same as the Red Berry, but there is a little bit of a hint of banana taste. It's not very different really!
Overall, they're a light and easy snack for parents who don't mind feeding a sweet treat to their kids (I recommend small portions as the bag is resealable). Those who want to avoid giving baby a sweet tooth, will not like those. They also come in a pack of 7 with a handy cardboard 'holder' that keeps them together in the cupboard.
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Tommee Tippee Hypoallergenic Stuffed Animal Breathable Toy
This is the perfect gift for a newborn. Often when buying for newborn babies, we can worry about what's suitable, but this is the right size, hypoallergenic and breathable. Parents know that they must take these away from baby at certain times, but... +
This is the perfect gift for a newborn. Often when buying for newborn babies, we can worry about what's suitable, but this is the right size, hypoallergenic and breathable. Parents know that they must take these away from baby at certain times, but for snuggle time this elephant is ideal. It's a little smaller than I expected, but that makes it the perfect size for a very young baby. The fabric is comfortable and where it's not breathable, it's very soft; for example the velvety plush fabric on his feet, hands and ears.
There's really nothing negative to say about this, it's adorable, soft and cute. I especially like that it's washable.
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Bioré Charcoal Whipped Purifying Detox Mask Facial
I see some people had issues with this mask burning their face. I'm thankful that I didn't have that issue, though I DID experience it with their Blue Agave mask. However, despite the lack of burning, I found this mask was actually less effective... +
I see some people had issues with this mask burning their face. I'm thankful that I didn't have that issue, though I DID experience it with their Blue Agave mask. However, despite the lack of burning, I found this mask was actually less effective than the Blue Agave. As in, I didn't feel like it made my skin very soft, or improved it in any way. It mostly just felt like I had cleaned my face with a washcloth. The directions also say you can use it 2-3 times a week, which is an awful lot for a mask, so maybe it would be more effective if using it a lot (I did it once a week).
In terms of smell, this has the same sickening chemical indescribable smell as the Blue Agave (and other Biore products like Bioré® Pore Unclogging Face Scrub). I didn't enjoy it.
The sensation of wearing the mask was comfortable and didn't bother me. It's not the easiest to get off so use a washcloth or apply before a shower. Overall, I just didn't love it.
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Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
The best part of the Vertuo, to me, is its simplicity. It’s a product designed to do one thing and one thing only, and there’s no extra bells and whistles to distract from that. It makes individual cups of coffee from special one-use pods... +
The best part of the Vertuo, to me, is its simplicity. It’s a product designed to do one thing and one thing only, and there’s no extra bells and whistles to distract from that. It makes individual cups of coffee from special one-use pods. That’s it. You can purchase pods which come in over a dozen different varieties, from super bitter dark blends to light fruity blends and everything in between. This particular one comes with a sample pack of 12, so you can figure out your favourite before you buy it. Note: scroll down to 'Conclusion' for a bare bones review.
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Using the machine.
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Set-up could not be more simple, just run the cleaning program and you're ready to go. There aren't any parts to put together or get confused over. You only need attach the mug stand, which simply slots on with no effort. It comes with a delightfully sensible instruction manual, that's easy to follow, with simple diagrams. Better yet, it has a 'quick start' welcome guide to get you started even more quickly.
Here’s how the machine works: you unlock the top (simple twist of the handle) and place your pod of choice inside. You close and lock the top, then put your mug underneath. Different pods lead to different coffee sizes, so you can adjust as needed for small or large mugs. Make sure there’s water in the reservoir on the side (which is clear, so you can check easily). Then just press the only button the machine has to make your coffee. The machine takes care of the rest, and your coffee should be ready to drink within about a minute’s time. When you unlock the top of the machine again, the pod is automatically shifted into the pod disposal for easy clean-up.
Start to finish, using the Vertuo is a very simple exercise. Filling the water reservoir is simple (just detach it, fill and re-attach), cleaning the machine is simple (press the button three times and it runs its own cleaning cycle), and disposing of the pods is simple (because they fall into a disposal, you can throw them all out at once rather than one at a time). One concern about single use pods is the environmental impact. Nespresso dodges this by offering a recycling program and making the pods out of aluminum. (See 'Pods' section for more details).
The whole Vertuo line is designed for ease of use, and it shows. Some coffee machines I’ve used in the past are very complicated and can do a dozen different things, but that doesn’t help much when you only care about making a simple, individual cup of coffee in a hurry. Cleanup is a literal dream and there's no hidden complex parts that need to taken off. The mug stand comes apart (and off) easily for cleaning, as does the reservoir and 'disposal' containers. Other than that, the machine cleans itself. Simple and easy are the words I keep coming back to.
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Milk Frother
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Included with the Vertuo is a milk frother which is also very bare-bones. It has one button, and two functions. Press it once to froth milk for hot drinks, and hold the button for three seconds if you want to froth milk for cold drinks. It’s easy and works quickly, though it can only froth enough milk for one or two cups of coffee at a time. It's also pretty cool to watch. It's similarly easy to clean, don't submerge, but you can wash it.
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Pods
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There are some issues I have with this machine. Finding pods which are compatible with the Vertuo has been very difficult for me, though they do apparently exist at some retailers. I used Nespresso’s own brand pods (12 are included), and while I do love their design it’s hard to ignore how much waste is involved in every cup of coffee, as they’re quite large. However, the aluminum they're made of is endlessly recyclable, which makes it more environmentally friendly than many similar machines and also avoids plastic. You can buy a third party reusable pod, but I found it in the US and the reviews aren't great.They also offer a recycling program.
The recycling program is pretty good. Either request a bag from a Nespresso store (or it will be included in your next online order of pods), fill it up with empty pods and pop it in your usual recycling bin. It will be sent back to Nespresso. Pretty simple and easy. Check on their website as it might vary from province to province (I'm in QC).
To make the coffee the pods are pierced and essentially WHIRLED around with the water until the 'perfect' cup is delivered. You might look at the foam and think there's no need to add milk. Coffee nerds will know that the 'foam' is Crema, a result of the centrifugal process. You'll still need to add regular or foamed milk, if you so desire, as well as sugar or anything else you like.
There’s nowhere to easily store the pods, though conveniently Nespresso is willing to sell you a very expensive pod holder. You can pony up for that, or buy literally anything you like to store them, so it's not a big issue.
One of my worries was that it didn't accept 3rd party pods, but apparently they do. However, I have found it difficult to find them outside of the US, I didn't look that hard, but due to the barcode system which makes the 'perfect' cup, any 3rd party pod supplier has to figure out how to add a barcode and many haven't bothered, thus if you're interested in 3rd party pods, there isn't much. However, Nespresso has so many different blends, if money isn't an issue, you really won't worry about looking elsewhere.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Nespresso pods are definitely on the expensive side for these types of machines, especially if you plan to drink a cup or two every single day.
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Conclusion
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Overall, I think this is a very easy to use machine which has a great design. It’s simple to use and can make a large variety of individual coffee flavors, and the only drawbacks are minor ones that didn’t majorly affect my enjoyment of this product. If you're the kind of person who likes a more simple coffee or wants a lot of options, or even to learn more about the art of coffee making, a different machine might suit you. However, the Nespresso Vertuo is absolutely perfect for someone who likes fancy coffee, or espressos, tends to buy them at high cost at a local coffee shop and is looking for a cheaper, fast option. It's a great option to switch to at-home coffee and make a saving, if you're already spending a higher amount daily.
Pros
+ Beautiful, simple design that won't clash with kitchen decor.
+ Large reservoir that doesn't need refilling as often.
+ Super simple setup. Quick start guide and clear manual.
+ Comes with a 12 pod sampler of coffee for you to try.
+ Lots of different flavours available.
+ So easy to use. One button.
+ So easy to clean.
+ Has a 'discard' section so you can save up and empty multiple pods at once (ideally for recycling).
+ Recycling program available to offset environmental cost of single-use pods. (simple and easy)
+ Can order pods online or in stores.
+ 3rd party pods available (see cons).
+ Includes Milk Frother.
Cons
- 3rd party pods are not as common.
- Pods can be expensive.
- No storage for pods.
- Doesn't have as many options as some more basic machines. (but very easy to use).
Recommended: Yes. This is perfect for those who buy fancy coffee at shops and are looking for a cheaper, home option. Especially good for those who want a simple, automated process and don't mind paying extra for it and pods that can be recycled.
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Biotherm Blue Therapy Accelerated Cream
Even after only a couple of week's use I can see a difference in my skin. It's not super drastic, I feel like this cream is more well-rounded in that I see an improvement in tone, texture and even some lessening of wrinkles on my skin. I like to use... +
Even after only a couple of week's use I can see a difference in my skin. It's not super drastic, I feel like this cream is more well-rounded in that I see an improvement in tone, texture and even some lessening of wrinkles on my skin. I like to use at night, because even though it does absorb quickly, I find it feels sticky for less than a minute after applying it. It seems to work pretty well with my combination skin.
I really love the scent and texture of this cream. It's like a cream and serum had a silky baby. I do feel like I had to use more of it, though, to get even coverage, compared to other creams I've used. The scent of the product comes in three stages. Firstly, it's a strong cucumber smell, which is really fresh, then a really sweet smell (like Nerd's candy) and thirdly a smell I can't identify (floral maybe). The scent doesn't linger on your face, so it's perfect for those who don't want it to interfere with their perfume.
Overall I liked it, saw an improvement in my skin and would definitely use it again!
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Aleene's Super Thick Tacky Glue
This was directly suggested to me for a papercraft project I was working on. Well, I have to say, I'm not impressed. The glue soaked right through the cardstock leaving it tacky/clumpy and not very nice looking. It stuck fine, so if you're looking... +
This was directly suggested to me for a papercraft project I was working on. Well, I have to say, I'm not impressed. The glue soaked right through the cardstock leaving it tacky/clumpy and not very nice looking. It stuck fine, so if you're looking to use it somewhere it won't be seen, it'll work. For gluing cardstock that needs to look decent and not go soggy though, I'll use spray glue in the future.
I do like that you can cut the tip at 3 different notches to make a small or wider dispensing tip, but thus far I just can't find a medium I like to use it on. It won't glue heavy things well and it makes paper soggy. It might be user error, but that's my experience so far.
It's also difficult to squeeze out of the bottle to the degree that it's infuriating. Since it's a thick glue, they should have put less air in the bottle or made it easier to squeeze.
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LANEIGE Water Bank Moisture Cream
I was lucky enough to win a tub of this (around xmas time) and I have to say, it's one of the few high end products I've tried that really feels incredibly luxurious. The cream is thick and buttery (I do love a thick face cream) and perfect for... +
I was lucky enough to win a tub of this (around xmas time) and I have to say, it's one of the few high end products I've tried that really feels incredibly luxurious. The cream is thick and buttery (I do love a thick face cream) and perfect for night.
I have combination skin and found it left my skin soft and overall hydrated it and improved the tone.
I also love the scent, it's not overpowering and has a love fresh 'water/ocean' type scent with a hint of floral. You only have to use a small amount as it stretches quite far. It's a great night cream!
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Biore 2-step Charcoal Pore Kit
When it comes to the overall effect of this 2-step 'pack' of products, I like the mask, but not the strips. Here-in lies the main problem though, I did not enjoy the use of them at all. At the end, my skin was soft, clean and felt better, but I have... +
When it comes to the overall effect of this 2-step 'pack' of products, I like the mask, but not the strips. Here-in lies the main problem though, I did not enjoy the use of them at all. At the end, my skin was soft, clean and felt better, but I have other products I definitely prefer over these. Let's start with the mask.
I don't really consider this a mask, because it's only a minute...it feels more like a cleanser. I like to use masks as a chance to relax, so prefer a 15-minute MINIMUM mask, so I'm probably not the target audience for a short mask like this. I also don't love warming masks. This mask DOES warm, however, if you don't feel it warming, you're doing it wrong. It must be wet to activate the warmth, so wet your fingertips and massage if you don't feel the heat. What I don't like about the 'warming' effect is that, to me, it feels uncomfortable, like when your skin flushes before you get sick, I really didn't enjoy the sensation or the smell of the mask, which is really strong and not very nice (hard to describe other than urgh).
However, I did feel the mask left my skin soft and pleasant afterward, so I'll rate it a little higher for that. Since I didn't enjoy the experience I wouldn't use it again. Now, onto the strips.
I'm pretty sure I've previously used Biore Charcoal nose strips and didn't like them then either. The regular Biore nose strips are actually pretty good, but I found the charcoal ones do a much worse job. They are a lot worse at sticking, even on a very wet nose with dry fingers, as instructed. I often find myself putting them on upside down as well, since Biore's instructions are never clear about which end is which. My least favourite thing about the charcoal strips though? I just find they don't work as well. They clean out fewer pores, even the ones that easily come out with light pressure. It also always leaves black stuff on my nose afterward.
Given the higher price of this, I'd really rather buy a pack of regular nose strips, or a full tube of masks. It's just not for me.
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John Frieda Go Blonder Lemon Miracle Masque
I wasn't expecting it to be very effective, since it says 'non colour-depositing' which means any hair colour can use it. For reference, I have brown hair, heavily threaded with grey, so I often use blonde products to enhance the grey/white hairs... +
I wasn't expecting it to be very effective, since it says 'non colour-depositing' which means any hair colour can use it. For reference, I have brown hair, heavily threaded with grey, so I often use blonde products to enhance the grey/white hairs. However, when it came to this masque (which is basically a conditioner, a theme I've noticed with many so-called 'hair masks') I was wrong, I noticed a difference even after the first use. It was subtle, but there. When the light hits my hair, there's definitely a honey tint, both in the brown sections and more noticeably on the white sections, which are taking on a blonde tinge. So I was pretty impressed with the overall effect and it's very easy to use, like I said it's basically a conditioner.
Smell-wise, I don't love it. It's not great, but not gross, but the smell is very faint so I didn't really find it a big issue, even to my overpowered sense of smell. I have short hair so I feel this will last a reasonable amount of time, even though it's a small bottle, but you're pretty much paying for the blonde effect and since I saw a small difference after only one wash, I can definitely recommend it for that!
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