Bright Blue, spicy aftershave kind of smell, maybe a hint of menthol. Pleasant smell, but dries hair out a lot. Might be good for oily hair. Unfortunately, it just destroyed my hair and left it very dry. Would not use it again for that reason alone.
Bright Blue, spicy aftershave kind of smell, maybe a hint of menthol. Pleasant smell, but dries hair out a lot. Might be good for oily hair. Unfortunately, it just destroyed my hair and left it very dry.
Would not use it again for that reason alone.
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This is bright blue, kind of oceany smell, but slightly spicy. Good as a body wash, not recommended as a shampoo because it left my hair extremely dry and brittle. It had this effect on the hair of everybody in my house who used it! As a body wash... +
This is bright blue, kind of oceany smell, but slightly spicy. Good as a body wash, not recommended as a shampoo because it left my hair extremely dry and brittle. It had this effect on the hair of everybody in my house who used it! As a body wash though, it's pretty nice. -
I was really underwhelmed by this. I've heard the hype about micellar water and while normally I don't buy into 'hype', I've seen it, it's real. My regular brand of micellar water is absolutely amazing. So I was really disappointed and surprised to... +
I was really underwhelmed by this. I've heard the hype about micellar water and while normally I don't buy into 'hype', I've seen it, it's real. My regular brand of micellar water is absolutely amazing.
So I was really disappointed and surprised to see that this one by Simple was worse in every way. Despite boasting no dyes, perfumes etc, when I compared the ingredients of it to my regular micellar water, there's a whole bunch of ingredients in this one and my usual is just micellar water + one ingredient. Isn't Simple supposed to be good for your skin!?
I also noticed a huge difference just in using it. It didn't seem to soften or soothe my skin at all, I couldn't see any 'dirt' on the cotton pad and it also stings my eyes and can't be used on lips either. My regular micellar water can be used directly around and over the eyelids and on the lips, so I really didn't like this one.
In short, I'm a big fan of micellar water, but this one wasn't good for me.
SUMMARY
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Pros
+ Micellar Water is a great product.
+ No articificial dyes, perfumes etc.
Cons
- Falls short compared to other Micellar Water brands.
- Can't be used on lips or eyes and causes stinging if you get too close.
- Lots of un-needed ingredients (not just simply micellar water)
- Bottle is pretty small.
- Couldn't see any 'dirt' removed from skin like with normal micellar water.
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My old wireless router was very unreliable, so this router from TP-Link was something I was really excited to test. Not only does it boast a much stronger connection and range, but it also has additional features like 5G support, media sharing, and... +
My old wireless router was very unreliable, so this router from TP-Link was something I was really excited to test. Not only does it boast a much stronger connection and range, but it also has additional features like 5G support, media sharing, and beamforming to better focus where you need a better connection.
The router itself came through for me on all of those features. 5G, though not something that most of my home devices can use, is fantastic for my mobile devices and has given me a significant boost in speed. The overall range and connection strength for the 2.4G band that all my home devices connect to has been very strong and reliable. I've had no issues at all, no drops in speed, nothing, which is very different from my old router. Media sharing works for me, though I don't take advantage of the feature very often, and the beamforming feature has really improved my connection for the far side of my apartment.
The actual design of the router is great, with a very black glossy look and three antennas. It's not too practical to find somewhere for it though, as the kickstand built into the design cannot be moved at all, nor can it be wall-mounted, so you'll need a flat surface to sit this on near your modem.
The main problem I had with this product is with the installation. First, let me just say that I did manage to get it to connect properly, and since then it's been a smooth and easy ride. But getting to that point took hours, because the instructions included with the router only work if you have a very basic setup similar to the scenario they outline. Unfortunately for me, my home setup is a bit more complicated, and I could not use the exact instructions they gave. I tried over and over again before finally troubleshooting every step on my own, and finally I was able to find an alternate solution that worked for my home network. It took me a few hours, and a lot of searching online, but I have to imagine that I'm in the minority for this, as most people probably have a very basic modem their internet service provider gave them when they signed up. If that's the case for you, the setup should be simple. I should also note you can choose to call customer support, who would probably be very helpful if you're struggling.
Note: You must use a modem with this.
Now that I have it up and running, this router from TP-Link is proving itself to be a strong and reliable device. I'm very happy with it thus far.
SUMMARY
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Pros
+ Triple antennas can be adjusted to boost signal in certain directions.
+ Provides great speed on wireless and wired connections.
+ Supports 5G as well as 2.4G bands, great for mobile connections.
+ Connection strength was much steadier and more reliable compared to previous router.
+ Allows media sharing over your home network.
+ Compatible with mobile app for easy access to settings and options.
Cons
- Setting it up is not easy if your internet setup is not exactly as described in their instructions. (For less tech-savvy people setting this up might be a daunting task.)
- Stand is fixed, cannot be adjusted or wall mounted.
- Modem is needed alongside the router.
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This granola from Mountain House really surprised me. The idea of adding cold water to a bag of granola with 'energizing dried fruit, fiber, and unsaturated fats' just did not sound like it would be very tasty, especially for a snack or for... +
This granola from Mountain House really surprised me. The idea of adding cold water to a bag of granola with 'energizing dried fruit, fiber, and unsaturated fats' just did not sound like it would be very tasty, especially for a snack or for breakfast. Thankfully when I did finally try the granola, it far exceeded my expectations.
First of all, this is a very convenient product, and it's been designed to be easy to eat virtually anywhere, anytime. The bag can be resealed, it needs only a half cup of cold water (so no boiling needed, you can literally eat this anywhere there's a tiny amount of water), and it's ready instantly. You stir it up and it's good to go, no need to let it sit or anything. You can even eat it out of the pouch, and I found it to be easy to eat out of,
The granola itself is delicious. When the water is mixed into the dried mixture and granola, it quickly becomes a very filling snack. I was worried it would be bland, seeing as you're just adding water, but the berries were delicious and whatever powder is mixing with the water makes it taste like milk. I enjoyed it so much that I had planned to take a before and after photo, and only realised when I was done that I never stopped to take a before photo, so I was left with just the after photo.
I would absolutely recommend this. At the price it's listed I don't know that it would be an everyday meal for me, but if you need a reliable breakfast on the go, or if you need to bring food for a trip of any kind, I can't see how you could go wrong with this granola.
SUMMARY
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Pros
+ Easy to make, just add cold water.
+ Can be eaten out of the pouch for convenience.
+ Tastes great, and the recommended amount of water is just right.
+ Large serving makes for a filling snack or breakfast.
+ Real blueberries!
Cons
- Requires measuring cup.
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I was surprised at how subtle this is. I have very pale skin and immediately felt this would be too dark for me, especially after swatching it. It seemed more like bronzer than a highlighter in this shade. I included two pictures, one without flash... +
I was surprised at how subtle this is. I have very pale skin and immediately felt this would be too dark for me, especially after swatching it. It seemed more like bronzer than a highlighter in this shade. I included two pictures, one without flash and one with flash, but even on the picture with the bright flash, you really can't see the product at all on my skin. Keeping in mind that this is one normal layer of the product in the areas recommended for highlighting (cheekbone, browbone, forehead, nose, chin centre and cupids bow.)
I think if I used it a bit heavier it would show up more, but it really doesn't come across as a highlighter for me. my problem with anything that shimmers is it just doesn't give a classic look, because it makes you look glittery rather than bright.
I was disappointed mainly with two other things when it came to this highlighter stick.
1. The size. The packaging is very misleading, but there's actually not that much product in there. If you use highlighter daily this might not last as long as you'd like.
2. Smell. Most cosmetics have either a non-smell or a pleasant smell, but this one smells pretty bad. It's not a pungent smell, but it certainly made me wrinkle my nose while applying.
Despite these flaws, this highlighter stick is not a bad product. I'm going to continue to use it as a shimmer stick and would recommend it as such. I also think it would make a very pretty highlighter on darker skin, due to the golden sheen. For light shades like mine, I'd stay away from this or use it solely as a shimmer stick.
SUMMARY
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Pros
+ Has a lovely shimmer.
+ Subtle but can be layered.
+ Would love lovely on dark skin tones.
Cons
- Package is misleading and product has less than expected.
- Doesn't work well with pale skin (in my opinion).
- Smells unpleasant.
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Update: Has held up pretty well, though the marshmallow has become permanently marked over time. Torch is hard little fellow to rate, because the majority of his appeal comes from his cuteness and honestly, that's mostly down to the visual design... +
Update: Has held up pretty well, though the marshmallow has become permanently marked over time.
Torch is hard little fellow to rate, because the majority of his appeal comes from his cuteness and honestly, that's mostly down to the visual design. When it comes to the robotic side of things and interacting wtih him, he leaves a lot to be desired, especially when compared to other toys in a similar market (like Furby).
Torch just doesn't have enough to keep you interested, in my opinion, but he's still mega-cute and ultimately, will be a hit with children, though maybe a short lived one. Dragon fans will love him, but his animatronic components are sadly repetitive and lacking charm.
Cuddleability
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Torch looks very sweet and cuddly! Sadly, however, he is not. Unlike Furby which is extremely soft and well padded, Torch is pretty rough to cuddle with. He turns his head as you hold him, gently enough that you won't get smacked with it, but it will poke you in a way that couldn't be described as comfortable. His fur is not particularly soft, but he's just not well-padded enough to make cuddling comfortable. Which is a real shame as he's so cute, you'll want to give him a big hug.
He's also quite big and heavy so he's not super suitable for carrying around and taking to bed. You can move his paws up and down and that's basically the limit of his poseability.
Technical
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He takes 4C batteries and they're not included, so make sure to stock up before you order him to avoid disappointment. He comes with two accessories, a 'color change' marshmallow and a special vial to fill him full of water. These are connected to the two big things that Torch offers. He will shoot a 'flame coloured' cool mist when you press the button on his chest and the included marshmallow will change color when it gets damp.
It's a gimmick that's cute at first, but sadly isn't well-executed. There's a disconnect between Torch's movements and how you interact with him. He really only feels like he's responding to you when you rub his nose. When you have him 'flame' the marshmallow he throws his head from side to side. This makes sense when he's 'fire-breathing', but a real animal would breathe directly on the marshmallow so it just feels a bit disconnected.
Similarly, when you put the marshmallow in his mouth it takes far too long for him to 'eat' it, making him seem robotic and fake as opposed to delighting a child with his 'realness'. As mentioned elsewhere, he also leaks a bit and get condensation on his plastic bits from the mist.
Lasting Appeal
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I feel like Torch is one of those toys that's going to end up in the back of the toy closet fairly quickly. The real problem is his lasting appeal is somewhat lacking. The 'mist' and colour-change marshmallow are cute, but once you've seen it a few times it doesn't really entertain anymore.
While Torch boasts 50 sound and motion combinations I have to admit, I'd be hard pressed to identify more than a handful. He purrs happily, hiccups, breathes fire and that's about it. Sound wise, all of his sounds are far too similar and while I'm sure he has more than five, I'd find it extremely difficult to tell them apart.
He just needs a lot more to keep a kid (or even an adult) interested and coming back for more.
SUMMARY
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Pros
+ Extremely cute and adorable!
+ Very good design, unique and love that he's a dragon.
+ Flame colored mist is an interesting concept.
+ Makes a very cute noise and face when you pet his nose.
+ Lower price point that some other animatronic toys.
Cons
- Batteries not included. 4xC
- Tendency to leak.
- Gimmicks become boring quickly.
- Not enough diversity in movement and sounds. (Lacks lasting appeal)
- Movements seem disconnected to your actions and delays make him seem 'toy-like' rather than 'real'.
- Not very cuddly, hard plastic and not padded well enough.
How it can be improved
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I just want to cuddle with Torch, but he keeps blowing flame at me and banging me with his head! In my opinion, they should remove the animatronic components of Torch entirely and remake him as a luxury plush toy! His design is top notch and so adorable. Plush dragons are few and far between and unless they're willing to put a lot more work into making his personality pop, I feel this would be a better route to go down.
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My husband has never had the chance to use or own an electric shaver like this one from Philips, so we were very interested to see what the experience would be like. This shaver works well in general, but isn't quite as impressive as I'd hoped... +
My husband has never had the chance to use or own an electric shaver like this one from Philips, so we were very interested to see what the experience would be like. This shaver works well in general, but isn't quite as impressive as I'd hoped. While it does work great in some situations, in others it's pretty subpar. If I had to recommend this based on dry shave alone, I couldn't. But wet shaving does a good job. Make sure to look at a guide on how to use a rotary shaver if you've never used one before as the technique is quite different from a regular shaver.
When we first received this shaver, my husband has a few days of growth on his face, so we decided to try this out right away. The first shave was not easy, as it seems this shaver really only works well on a daily shave schedule, as anything longer than that becomes painful and frustrating to try to shave off. This shaver also works with a wet or a dry shave, which is great, except the dry shave was very rough on the skin and I honestly would not recommend it unless you really have no other option.
The wet shave, on the other hand, was a total breeze. My husband found it worked very well, was extremely smooth, and didn't irritate his skin at all. He found it very easy to manoeuvre, and says that the shaver matched the contours of his face and jaw with great flexibility. For a wet shave think this shaver does a great job, but for a dry shave it really isn't a pleasant experience. If you need to trim, rather than shave all over, the trimmer that is included with this shaver does a great job and is very easy to just clip on and start using, though it's annoying having to switch attachments rather than having an attached trimmer.Though it doesn't note it on the product listing, the Phillips website confirms that this is waterproof, so you can use it under the shower.
One thing that was very disappointing given the price point is that the shaver arrived with a lot of scratches on the upper panel. While the lower panel (showing speed and battery) comes covered with a plastic protector, the section right above it doesn't and arrived with tons of tiny scratches. That should be protected so your shaver arrives in perfect condition!
The charging station that is included has given me some mixed feelings. On the one hand, it's super easy to store your shaver in it and it charges it at the same time. It also has a cleaning mode, which saves you time cleaning your shaver and should keep it in good shape for much longer. But at the same time, this charging station is quite large, and counterspace in my bathroom is very limited. As well, the fluid that you need for the cleaning cycle does not last very long, and isn't cheap to replace. I'm not sure if we'll continue to buy refills, or just start cleaning it by hand instead. It's a bit of a money racket, as I'm sure at this price point Phillips could have created a refillable area at a cheaper price, or had it clean with just water.
You do have the choice to wash it by hand and avoid the 'cartridges' all together, but then your fancy 'smartclean' system becomes a brickish charging station with no alternate use for the large size of it.
Overall, this shaver seems to work very well in specific situations. For a daily wet shave, my husband loves it. But for anything else it seems subpar, such as a dry shave or to shave only a few times a week. It's easy to keep charged and ready to go in the charging station, but keeping it in my bathroom is bulky and annoying. So while we did really enjoy this shaver for what it did well, any recommendation I would give definitely comes with a few reservations.
Protip: Make sure to pat your razor dry with a cloth (gently) after every use to extend blade life.
SUMMARY
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Pros
+ Can be used for wet or dry shave.
+ Comes with a charging station that also cleans the shaver.
+ Shaver is very manoeuvrable and comfortable to use.
+ Comes with precision trimmer.
+ Wet shave was quick, comfortable and very easy.
+ Waterproof.
Cons
- Gives a good but not great shave.
- Dry shave is very rough on the skin, would not recommend it.
- Charging station is quite large and takes up valuable counter space in the bathroom.
- The three settings seem mostly pointless, as anything but the highest setting was ineffectual.
- Smartclean system feels designed to keep you buying cartridges and spending more money.
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I was really not sure how this lasagna from Mountain House would turn out. I've never eaten freeze dried food and especially not something as complex as lasagne with cheese and meat sauce. Much to my surprise, this lasagna was actually delicious and... +
I was really not sure how this lasagna from Mountain House would turn out. I've never eaten freeze dried food and especially not something as complex as lasagne with cheese and meat sauce. Much to my surprise, this lasagna was actually delicious and super easy to make.
The instructions are clear and the whole thing cooks in under ten minutes. You just add boiling water to the pouch, stir it up, and then seal it for about 8 minutes. The bag does get hot, but not so hot that you couldn't hold it in your hands. Once your 8 minutes are up, open the pouch and the whole meal is cooked with no excess liquid at all. You can even eat it right out of the pouch, which I definitely recommend. Not only was it convenient, the bag also keeps the food warm for a very long time.
The lasagna was very moist and had tons of flavour. It was honestly as good as the lasagna I make at home, though personally, I would add a dash of hot sauce to this pouch for personal taste. The cheese and meat sauce were plentiful and all of the noodles were properly cooked. The meal ended up being very filling, and could probably feed two people if you need to share. I was extremely pleased with how this meal turned out, and afterwards I just wished I had more!
It honestly makes me wonder why all food can't be like this and then we'd never have to cook! Can be stored for a long time so would be perfect for survivalists or shelters as well.
SUMMARY
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Pros
+ Very delicious and great texture
+ Easy to make, just add boiling water
+ Can be eaten right out of the pouch
+ Cooks in under 10 minutes
+ Provides a large, filling meal
Cons
- N/A
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m not sure exactly what's causing the problem for some customers and their laser printers, but I have to say that I didn't experience any issues whatsoever. For reference, I followed the exact instructions on the Avery site and used their template... +
m not sure exactly what's causing the problem for some customers and their laser printers, but I have to say that I didn't experience any issues whatsoever. For reference, I followed the exact instructions on the Avery site and used their template, but I'm sure it's more related to brand of printer. I used a Brother (black and white only) laser printer and my labels came out beautifully.
One of the things that's held me back from print jobs like this in the past, is worry about using Microsoft Word and making it the right size, so I was really happy the manufacturer has an online option that guides you perfectly! There's a huge amount of customisation on the Avery website and you can easily find your exact product by putting in the template number (on the packet). I love that they allow as much or as little customisation as you'd like. You can insert your own logo, images etc, or simply choose a pre-designed template and edit the words.
One thing that was a little strange is that the labels showed up slightly differently on my PDF (with more of the branch for the bird), but they printed exactly as shown on the Avery site, rather than the PDF.
Either way, I have no complaints, the labels came out nicely and didn't smudge, even after rubbing vigorously immediately upon leaving the printer. They stick really well and don't fall off. I'll definitely be using these in the future to create 'thank you' stickers or something else useful!
SUMMARY
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Pros
+ Eco friendly.
+ Worked perfectly (Used a Brother black and white laser printer)
+ Printed exactly as shown.
+ Avery website easy to use and has great pre-loaded designs.
+ Labels stick well.
Cons
- Website requires registration (But I've yet to receive any emails from them so it doesn't bother me.)
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