ellstar
Member Since: March 4, 2011Reviews
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50
If there's one thing I say ON REPEAT to all my friends still enjoying their 20-something skin, is that SPF REALLY MATTERS Y'ALL! I'm glad one of the skincare rules I learned really quickly was to make sure I'm getting consistent SPF in my routine to... +
If there's one thing I say ON REPEAT to all my friends still enjoying their 20-something skin, is that SPF REALLY MATTERS Y'ALL! I'm glad one of the skincare rules I learned really quickly was to make sure I'm getting consistent SPF in my routine to prevent against premature aging and skin cancers.
So I was glad to test out Neutrogena's Hydro Boost SPF 50 Water Gel Sunscreen. I'm glad more drug store brands are providing offerings that rival the higher-end facial sunscreens out there for under $20. My other preferred sunscreen right now for the face is WAY higher and I'm always on the hunt for a drug-store version that delivers. The product promises a non-greasy, oil-free formula with hyaluronic acid that hydrates instead of drying out the skin application. And in this it succeeds.
No longer will you have to worry about looking like Casper after you apply. This one doesn't leave that oily film that so many others do, and if you apply it about 15 minutes before applying make-up, it's mostly pill-free for me!
All in all, not a bad release for the brand. My only complaint is the fragrance which is unfortunately the reason I'm not going to repurchase. But if you are less sensitive to fragrance issues, this might be a good one for you.
(I received this product for free from the Chickadvisor Product Review Club)
-
essie Treat Love & Color
I'm a big fan of Essie products for my nails, I have a base coat product, a top coat and a strengthener already in my arsenal, but this new product was unique, a strengthener that also acts as a polish, killing two birds with one stone. My first... +
I'm a big fan of Essie products for my nails, I have a base coat product, a top coat and a strengthener already in my arsenal, but this new product was unique, a strengthener that also acts as a polish, killing two birds with one stone.
My first impression was that the smell of this product was STRONG, I had Sheers to You so I don't know if this is colour specific, but it smelled stronger than the average Essie polish.
The brush was good, I know some of the Essie products can have uneven bristles or are sometimes cut weird, so that was a relief. The polish goes on smoothly, but it is a bit deceptively runny. Less is definitely more in this case, I would recommend doing 3 thin coats of Sheers to You because after two I could still see a lot of imperfections in the coat, but by the third one it was looking pearlescent and pretty!
In terms of wear, it's stronger than the average polish, and since it's still sheer, chips aren't as visible. I didn't have the polish long enough to know whether it is a good strengthener, but so far so good.
I received this as a gift from the ChickAdvisor Product Review club.
-
TWIK Crushed velvet dress
I was really drawn to this dress because I had a feeling it would be a great trendy basic to add to my wardrobe. It's a simple cut, but a forgiving fabric with enough visual depth and weight to act as a dress all on its own with a pair of heels, or... +
I was really drawn to this dress because I had a feeling it would be a great trendy basic to add to my wardrobe. It's a simple cut, but a forgiving fabric with enough visual depth and weight to act as a dress all on its own with a pair of heels, or as a basic underneath a blazer or a cardigan for work. The length is perfect for flats or heels, and would look really cute with booties too. My only issues is if you layer it, the fabric can bunch on the neckline and you have to readjust more than a regular jersey dress. -
TWIK Utilitarian checker shirtdress
I was really excited to try this dress on as I enjoyed the slouchy-casual nature of the long shirt-dress style, and was also drawn to the vibrant and bold colour of the red plaid pattern. I was pleased with this dress because it is versatile. I... +
I was really excited to try this dress on as I enjoyed the slouchy-casual nature of the long shirt-dress style, and was also drawn to the vibrant and bold colour of the red plaid pattern.
I was pleased with this dress because it is versatile. I can wear this with heel booties or just a pair of Kodiak boots, and I can pair it with a leather jacket or a button-up cardigan.
My only complaint is that the largest size still causes puckering in the bust of the dress between the buttons. Personally I remedied it with double sided tape, but a double-button there would help things, also the pockets are a few inches too low for the waist, but that might be intentionally part of the slouchy-factor.
-
Good & Simple Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
I am always running around in the morning and the idea of breakfast bars interests me greatly, but I always seem to have the same problem over and over again. The bar is either not flavourful enough to be better for me than just homemade oatmeal or... +
I am always running around in the morning and the idea of breakfast bars interests me greatly, but I always seem to have the same problem over and over again. The bar is either not flavourful enough to be better for me than just homemade oatmeal or other homemade breakfast options, or it's not nearly 'healthy' or 'good' enough to be very different than the other products on the market. Unfortunately I found this was a bit of both. These bars aren't enough to really be anything more than a snack, and not even a super healthy one at that. The blueberry flavour was alright but not really fresh enough to make these any different than other granola bars on the market. I also still don't understand how these are a great value, they taste prepackaged and have quite a bit of packaging on them as well, full of similar preservatives as other similar products. Yeah, not a win for me.
I received these bars for review from Chickadvisor Product Review Club.
-
Good & Simple Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins
I was interested in trying the Good & Simple Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins because I find whenever I buy grocery store muffins they don't quite 'hit' the same way the ones from bakeries or homemade do. Especially since this brand was specifically... +
I was interested in trying the Good & Simple Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins because I find whenever I buy grocery store muffins they don't quite 'hit' the same way the ones from bakeries or homemade do. Especially since this brand was specifically targeting people who prefer those. But unfortunately I think they fell flat.
I understand the value perhaps for parents for an individually wrapped muffin, but to me it just made the muffins taste exactly that, pre-packaged. It didn't have the full-ness of a muffin you'd get in a six pack or one actually made from home. It also wasn't healthy enough to justify it not being so tasty so I don't really have any reason to buy these beyond the over-packaging convenience.
After testing this at home, I definitely wouldn't buy this again, because 4 muffins for $5 isn't a really big deal, I'd rather get two VERY good muffins from a bakery or coffee shop for $2-3 than mediocre muffins for $1.25 in a box.
I received this product for review from Chickadvisor Product Review Club
-
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
I have to say, for a mascara that is calling itself Monsieur Big, I was actually expecting this tube to be more ridiculous. I hate when brands make SUPER big mascara tubes that don't neatly fit into purses or makeup bags, but this one, while... +
I have to say, for a mascara that is calling itself Monsieur Big, I was actually expecting this tube to be more ridiculous. I hate when brands make SUPER big mascara tubes that don't neatly fit into purses or makeup bags, but this one, while definitely substantial, is quite light and easy to wield.
The problem with this mascara is that a little can go a long way, and a little too much can wreak havoc. It's a really wet mascara which doesn't usually work for me since I wear contacts about 50% of the time, and I find a wet mascara that takes awhile to dry can be my worst enemy, especially in the summer.
The small fibers do distribute the product nicely and it can really amp up a look, but I would definitely caution you to make sure it's completely dry before you walk away, and check periodically throughout the day. Good payoff, but it does require some attention.
I'm not sure if I'd purchase this again, it does feel like a luxe mascara but it is a bit more high maintenance as a mascara for somebody with contacts.
I received this product for review from the Chickadvisor Product Review Club
-
IÖGO Proteine
There's nothing inherently wrong about IOGO's Proteine line of yogurts. They have slightly more calories than their fat-free buddies, but they have 10g of protein so that should make up for it right? Well, not quite. I was pretty surprised to see... +
There's nothing inherently wrong about IOGO's Proteine line of yogurts. They have slightly more calories than their fat-free buddies, but they have 10g of protein so that should make up for it right? Well, not quite.
I was pretty surprised to see the sugar to protein content on this yogurt. For 10g of protein you're getting the equivalent of 4 teaspoons of sugar in each small container. I usually eat natural or lightly sweetened yogurts and found this was too sweet for me, and the sugar content was too high relative to the sugar content.
If you're going to woo me with 10g of protein, the sugar shouldn't be 2.5x that amount.
-
Canada Dry Club Soda - Orange-Mandarin
Canada Dry Club Soda Orange-Mandarin is a great on-the-go option for people who hate soda, but love bubbles! I'm a huge fan of club soda and carbonated water. I have a SodaStream and a BACKUP SODASTREAM for when eventually I break or finish my... +
Canada Dry Club Soda Orange-Mandarin is a great on-the-go option for people who hate soda, but love bubbles!
I'm a huge fan of club soda and carbonated water. I have a SodaStream and a BACKUP SODASTREAM for when eventually I break or finish my first one from overuse. Seriously. But bringing bottles on the go isn't always an option, and regular Club Soda just doesn't have that kick. So then here comes Canada Dry's Orange-Mandarin to the rescue.
Overall, I think this is a solid beverage and I would definitely buy it again, but I think the artificial flavour of the orange-mandarin can be a bit cloying if it's not 100% cold. I don't mind this one, but it's not my absolute favourite flavour.
Got this for free from Chick Advisor's Product Review Club
-
Batiste Dry Shampoo Lotus
I've been a fan of Batiste Dry Shampoos for years, but I've never tried any of their alternative scents in their lines. I was worried because I've had other dry shampoos whose scented alternatives smelled excessively perfumey, or smelled like... +
I've been a fan of Batiste Dry Shampoos for years, but I've never tried any of their alternative scents in their lines. I was worried because I've had other dry shampoos whose scented alternatives smelled excessively perfumey, or smelled like outdated perfume. But luckily, Lotus is neither of these things!
I have colour-treated hair, and I try to only wash it every 3-4 days, and Batiste is literally always in my arsenal to get through that last day before the dreaded shampoo and conditioner treatment. It doesn't leave my hair greasy by the end of the day like some other brands, and also doesnt make my hair CRUNCHY like some OTHER brands. I find I get just enough texture and volume, while also making me look less greasy for one more day.
Lotus scent is great because it reminds me more like a scent of a good shampoo/hair product instead of perfume like other scented dry shampoos can do. It lingers in the air a bit, leaving a soft fragrance but is gone in a few hours, as it should be.
-
Looking for more?
Check out our other review websites:
