wonderwhatif
Member Since: January 26, 2015Reviews
Mustela Nourishing Cream with Cold Cream for Dry Skin
Here we go again. Another day, another baby product that's 'hypoallergenic' and missing many 'problem' ingredients, but stuffed full of artificial scent. Like the other Mustela product I tried, I found the scent in this far too strong (fake baby... +
Here we go again. Another day, another baby product that's 'hypoallergenic' and missing many 'problem' ingredients, but stuffed full of artificial scent. Like the other Mustela product I tried, I found the scent in this far too strong (fake baby powder smell) and would not be willing to use it on delicate infant skin for that reason. Apart from anything else, the smell was strong enough to make my cough and shy away from the area I applied it to.
It has a texture that's somewhere between Sudocreme and lotion and absorbs and feels similar to Sudocreme, but I didn't really find it nourishing at all.
I would say if you feel you must try this, see if there's an unscented version, but I really can't recommend this one.
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Crock-Pot Express Crock Programmable Multi-Cooker
I’ve used slow cookers before, but this was my first experience with this style of all-in-one express cooker. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but having used several times now I can say that I’m impressed, and I finally understand why owners of... +
I’ve used slow cookers before, but this was my first experience with this style of all-in-one express cooker. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but having used several times now I can say that I’m impressed, and I finally understand why owners of these types of cookers are always talking them up. Being able to use a single device for almost everything I need in the kitchen is really handy both as a way to save time and space, and also as a way to improve how many recipes I make and the diversity of meals I cook for myself.
Right out of the box, I was a little overwhelmed with how much information there was to take in. The multi-cooker comes with a recipe booklet and an instruction book, both of which are pretty hefty. The instruction book covers a lot of topics, from how to use each of the pre-set functions to how to clean it properly to several pages on how the pressure cooker function works. It’s a lot to take in at first, but it’s very helpful. I found that really going through it carefully paid off, because there’s a lot to learn here if you’re not familiar with this kind of device. The pressure cooker functions in particular are helpful to have a lot of information on, because I was nervous about using them before I read through the instructions.
Speaking of the pressure cooker function, I was nervous about how it would work and whether or not it was totally safe to use, so using it for the first time here was an interesting experience. First of all, as was made clear to me in the instructions, the multi-cooker has built-in safety features that prevent you from doing something stupid and dangerous, such as opening it while it’s pressurized. The instruction book also lays out everything you need to know to use the pressure cooker for the first time, in a way that is easy to follow. I ended up using it with potatoes for the first time, and found it cooked them very quickly and to just the right level of softness. One thing that I did not see in the booklet, but which I would have liked to know, is the fact that some steam will escape out while it’s pressurizing and that is normal. The first time I assumed I had done something wrong and shut the whole thing down, only to find my answer after looking it up online. I should also say that the small knob near the back of the cooker which controls whether or not you are releasing or storing pressure is marked with symbols that aren’t very clear. Every time I use it I doubt myself and need to look it up again to know which symbol is which. On top of that, the knob is very loose, and comes right off with even a light pull, so it can feel like it’s broken even when you are using it correctly.
Aside from the pressure cooking features, this multi-cooker also allows you to do things like slow cook, sauté and steam. I got the most use out of those first two, and found that the non-stick pot makes for a great slow cooker and a great pan to sauté things. Being able to cook everything in a single pot, either at the same time or one after the other, made most of my cooking much faster and the cleanup much easier. The pot’s non-stick properties work exactly as you’d expect, so as long you take care not to use metal on it or scrub it with a harsh sponge it should be very easy to clean off after each meal.
There are also a variety of pre-set cooking buttons for things like Meat/Stew, Beans/Chili, Poultry, and so on, but I’m rarely very comfortable using those kinds of pre-selected options, similar to using the popcorn setting on your microwave. I tried them out and found they work well, but I haven’t totally incorporated them yet into my cooking habits. I plan to use them more now that I’m comfortable with the multi-cooker’s other functions, as they seem like a convenient shortcut and a time-saver.
Another feature that I enjoy with this multi-cooker is the Keep Warm function, which is a very basic setting you can find on most devices of this type these days. It’s not complicated, it just turns on when you’re done cooking in order to keep your meals warm for up to a few hours without burning or drying them out.
Overall, I’m very impressed with this multi-cooker. I see the appeal of these devices now that I have one of my own. It takes up very little counterspace, is light enough to move around as needed, but can accomplish a wide variety of tasks and covers almost all of my cooking needs.
One thing people mention around other multi-cookers is that the sealing ring can pick up smells or tastes, so if you then want to use it for sweet, some people suggest having two rings. I haven't experienced this problem yet, and I don't often make sweet things, but I did read a handy tip online about cleaning it in vinegar when you switch from one to the other or find it smelly.
The only other thing I'd say, is be careful how you use the pressure function. It's billed as a 'fast way' to cook food, but that's not true for everything, it only really applies if something takes more than an hour to cook. Since it takes ten minutes to 'pressurise' and ten to 'de-pressurise', the pressure setting isn't always the best choice for most things, so it can definitely be stressful trying to figure it out. But luckily there are plenty of specific multi-cooker recipes floating around on the internet.
Bon appetit!
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BioSteel Sports High Performance Sports Mix - Blue Raspberry
This works well after sports or a workout, but if you're wondering if you should get it for daily health, my answer would be no. While we noticed a difference after exercise or a particularly tough physical day, there wasn't a noticeable difference... +
This works well after sports or a workout, but if you're wondering if you should get it for daily health, my answer would be no. While we noticed a difference after exercise or a particularly tough physical day, there wasn't a noticeable difference on regular days.
One of the best things about this is that it's sugar-free, which is really important for diabetics. But, there's a catch. It's sweetened with Stevia. This is great if you like Stevia or only want natural sweeteners (Stevia is leaf), but there's a reason the artificial Sucralose has been more popular. (Some people have fears about Sucralose, science says it's fine, it's up to each person to decide for themselves what they want to believe, I personally prefer sucralose). That reason is Stevia can have a bitter taste.
I'm a super-taster (more taste buds than average) and I really don't like Stevia. Bio-steel avoids the bitterness trap, but Stevia still...tastes really not good to me. It's far too fake sweet tasting (despite being not fake at all) in a way that makes it difficult for me to drink, so the taste really isn't for me.
For folks with normal tastebuds who tried this (my partner), he says it tastes like an off-brand Gatoraid and doesn't mind it so much. Just be aware if you haven't had Stevia before, you might not like it, but there's no way to know without trying. If you've had Stevia before and didn't enjoy it, this won't be right for you.
In terms of preparing it, it's really easy, but the sachets don't tear all the way, which can make it kind of fiddly to pour out. The sachets are really portable and it stirs and dissolves in water easily without being clumpy.
I'd love to see them offer a Sucralose sweetened version for those of us who can't drink Stevia, but I understand why they prefer to be branded as natural too. I've still rated it highly, because it works well for what it is. But the taste isn't personally right for me.
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COVERGIRL TruBlend Matte Made Foundation
Shade L60 - Light Nude Application method - Wet Beauty Blender So, my cardinal advice for people with foundation is exfoliate before application. If I don't exfoliate, I always get tons of peely 'dry' areas showing up. However, this foundation... +
Shade L60 - Light Nude
Application method - Wet Beauty Blender
So, my cardinal advice for people with foundation is exfoliate before application. If I don't exfoliate, I always get tons of peely 'dry' areas showing up. However, this foundation impressed me in that even when I forgot to exfoliate, it didn't show up the flaws as badly as many I've tried in the past, it did a good job despite my mess up. Even saying that though, it's not the perfect foundation for me.
I do like matte foundations, but I found it felt a little drying and restrictive on my skin, this could be because It's a little heavier than I usually wear. It feels like a medium coverage to me and I prefer light coverage foundation.
The colour idea is genius, being able to pick between cool, warm and neutral is actually very clever, but make sure you pick the right shade. I'm very pale and should have used Porcelain as opposed to Light Nude, which I felt was a little dark for me.
It lasted well throughout the day, but I still prefer a light foundation that I can't feel as much, even if it lasts a shorter time. So overall, this foundation is good for those who prefer a matte-medium foundation and don't have overly dry skin. It's easy to apply and good value!
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Mustela Nourishing Cleansing Body Gel with Cold Cream for Dry Skin
If you read any of my baby reviews you'll hear me say this again and again (and yet almost every product I try lately has this problem), this has an extremely strong added fragrance. For a start, they take out a lot of the 'nasties' that you... +
If you read any of my baby reviews you'll hear me say this again and again (and yet almost every product I try lately has this problem), this has an extremely strong added fragrance. For a start, they take out a lot of the 'nasties' that you wouldn't want on baby's skin and say it's safe, but they add a totally unneeded ingredient like perfume.
It's not just that they add fragrance, but it's so strong that there must be lashings of it in there. There's really no need for scent at all in a product going on delicate baby skin, but at least make it mild if you're going to add it. This scent is a very cloying, overly sweet baby powder scent that made me cough. I do have a strong sense of smell, but even my partner was flinching away from this.
It did a fine job cleaning and moisturising, but I just can't recommend it with this level of scent and I certainly didn't feel like I could use it on a baby at it's current strength. I was hoping this would finally be the one that I could use without worries, but it's actually worse than other brands I've tested in terms of scent. I find it very difficult to be objective when it's so over-fragranced.
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Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Eye Mask
I've used both sheet masks and under-eye masks in the past and enjoy both, so I was shocked by how much I disliked this. The last under eye mask I used was gel and it also came enclosed in a hard plastic covering, whereas this is just inside the... +
I've used both sheet masks and under-eye masks in the past and enjoy both, so I was shocked by how much I disliked this. The last under eye mask I used was gel and it also came enclosed in a hard plastic covering, whereas this is just inside the oversized tear open packet. The problem with that is it's difficult to get out and then doesn't say that both are stuck together, so it gets confusing.
Speaking of confusing, it wouldn't have killed them to have a diagram on the packet. But anyway, back to the masks. It's really oily. It's basically just oil. To me, it felt like putting crisco on my face. So did it moisturise the skin under my eyes, sure, but only in the way applying oil to your skin would...like any oil would do that, so I wasn't really impressed. It felt really uncomfortable and oily on, the paper applicator things felt really rough and not luxe at all and basically the whole experience was unpleasant for me. Even after removing them and 'rubbing in the excess' I still felt oily when I went to bed and ended up rubbing my eyes over with a tissue to get the remainder off.
I also didn't love the smell, which was quite earthy and almost like rosemary and lavender or some kind of herb garden, not really my kind of smell. So really, just not my kind of thing. If you like oily undereye or face stuff, you might like them, especially if you're into herby smells.
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Remington Retro Hair Dryer
Worth the price. In terms of drying hair, I can say this feels as powerful and does the job as well as my high end hair dryer. So why's it cheaper? Well, it's missing some of the bells and whistles. The only thing I really found myself missing was... +
Worth the price. In terms of drying hair, I can say this feels as powerful and does the job as well as my high end hair dryer. So why's it cheaper? Well, it's missing some of the bells and whistles. The only thing I really found myself missing was having more power options. For example, with this hair dryer the fullest power is also the hottest. I'm quite sensitive to heat and find the hottest setting a bit too hot, but to go cooler, I have to sacrifice strength, so it falls short in comparison to hair dryers which have separate power and heat settings.
However, in every other way, it's great! In fact, for the cost it's a pretty amazing deal. To get a good hair dryer that's cute and comes with accessories, it's usually a lot more than this. I personally use a diffuser and was surprised (and impressed) to see it come with one at this price-point. It also comes with a narrow nozzle and some hair clips.
In terms of design, the plastic looks a little cheap, but the shiny cheapness actually fits in perfectly with that retro feel and while I personally prefer a more hot pink colour, the pink is still hella cute. It's quite large and looks like a retro sci-fi ray gun more than a hairdryer, so I was concerned about weight, but this thing is really light. If you have weak arms, like me, you'll love how lightweight it is.
The buttons are an easy 'slide' option that fits the retro theme and for cold shot, you'll have to hold the button down (common for cold shot). It's easy to use, works well and has a design I haven't seen before that will fit a particular set of tastes. It's a great price and I'd definitely recommend it!
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B. toys by Battat Elephantabulous Interactive Plush
I was shocked by how big it was when I first laid eyes on it, but for me it's a bonus that it's so big, squishy and soft. They absolutely love it and even I have to admit that it's super adorable. Part of the appeal is that it has so much to do and... +
I was shocked by how big it was when I first laid eyes on it, but for me it's a bonus that it's so big, squishy and soft. They absolutely love it and even I have to admit that it's super adorable. Part of the appeal is that it has so much to do and it can really grow with baby. When they are very small, you can watch them laugh and giggle as you activate the different settings. As they get older they can grab and squeeze it and even press the different parts themselves.
There's an astounding amount of noise functions. When you drop it, the elephant goes 'boiiiing', she crunches when you put a finger in her mouth, covering her eyes makes her 'whoo' or play 'peekaboo'. There's a velcro patch concealed bird at the back that you can touch or 'discover' to hear it tweet. Squeezing the trunk makes a 'honk' or sneeze noise. It's a lot and playing with these is enough to make a baby giggle again and again. Older toddlers love to manhandle him, hug him and find the different noise zones, even mimicking the elephant by playing Peekaboo with him.
Apart from that he's soft, with lots of different textures, patterns and colours that you can use to teach pattern recognition and vocabulary. I was really blown away by how cleverly designed it was and the amount of things to do and learn, as well as the cute design.
The only thing I can find as a negative is that it's not washable, which with kids is always kind of a pain. You can wipe it over with a damp cloth, but unfortunately do to all the electric parts and sound sensors, there's no way it could be washed.
It even comes with demo batteries included. I'm really thrilled with this and will buy another for a gift next time somebody has a baby.
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Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Shade: Audacious Maude I've had bad luck with beauty products lately, so I had some trepidation about trying this. First experience was a huge relief, as it's amazing! I put it through its pace a little more over the next few days, but after... +
Shade: Audacious Maude
I've had bad luck with beauty products lately, so I had some trepidation about trying this. First experience was a huge relief, as it's amazing! I put it through its pace a little more over the next few days, but after putting it on my lips the first time I could already tell it was going to succeed. I cannot say enough good things about this lipstick.
Firstly, I wear a lot of coral colours and was worried this would be too dark for my pale skin, but it's actually a wonderful shade for porcelain skin tones. It's sort of like coral and violet had a lovely baby that looks more pink in certain lights and more mauve in others, though overall it's more pink that I expected from the name.
The amount of lipstick you get isn't too bad, it's not the best I've ever seen, but more than I've seen many expensive brands give in a tube.
Here's the big thing though. I have no idea how they've done it. But Revlon created a matte lipstick that doesn't dry your lips or emphasise it's flaws. I have very damaged lips and I love matte formulas, but as a rule, they generally dry out your lips and show up all the peeling and cracked parts, this didn't do it. Finally a matte lipstick you can wear everyday!
I really am in love with this and seriously considering buying a few more shades. It's my new go-to lipstick. The only thing it's lacking is staying power. It's not super transferable, about as much as a usual lipstick, but it doesn't particularly stay on either. That's not an issue for me as I prefer a lipstick that absorbs naturally throughout the day, but if you want long-wearing, this isn't it without applying something on top to make it stay longer.
I honestly feel like this lipstick was made for me. Two simple quick swipes and it's on, with no bleeding, cracks or smudges. Simply put; it's effortless.
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Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint
Shade: Berry Lit I have a lot of problems with this one, which is surprising, because I love the colour and it's a good shade for me. Firstly, this is not a lip tint. It's really more like a lip gloss or liquid lipstick. A lip tint or stain tends... +
Shade: Berry Lit
I have a lot of problems with this one, which is surprising, because I love the colour and it's a good shade for me. Firstly, this is not a lip tint. It's really more like a lip gloss or liquid lipstick. A lip tint or stain tends to be transparent and gives you a hint of colour, this is a full on blast of colour. That doesn't bother me other than it being misleading.
The real problem is the applicator. I'll admit, maybe it's not a problem if you have extremely full lips. I have medium lips that have a lot of shape and curves. For lips like those, or even thinner lips, this applicator is not good. It's far too rounded at the tip and chunky to get a good application. The spongey tip also needs to be a little denser and firmer. As a result of this, it's impossible to keep the colour inside the lines or to do a good edge.
I usually favour a crayon or quick application type lip stuff, but this was impossible to apply well. From a distance it looks fine, but up close it's a streaky, bleeding mess (see close pic). I really didn't understand the shape of the applicator at all and it was a big disappointment considering the colour. I ended up throwing this in the trash and since I have a lot of makeup I didn't 'love' lying around, that should tell you everything you need to know...I really hate wasting stuff.
It also brags that you can do the Korean gradient style by dabbing it on. I watched a bunch of tutorials and none of the techniques I tried worked with this. Dabbing it just makes it go patchy and weird and it doesn't spread or 'gradient' well on the lips. You can see how chunky it is by looking at the heart swatch I drew (with the tip) on my hand. It just doesn't work if you have lips that aren't extremely full.
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