getupkid144
Member Since: June 6, 2016Reviews
Mott's Clamato Reserve
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club. This was a very refreshing caesar mix and made a well-balanced drink, which was much needed on a hot summer day! The flavour of the mix was very rich, albeit a bit too salty, but that... +
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club. This was a very refreshing caesar mix and made a well-balanced drink, which was much needed on a hot summer day! The flavour of the mix was very rich, albeit a bit too salty, but that also meant I didn't have to use very much of it to hit the right notes in my drink. I loved the fact that the mix also boasts a roster of natural ingredients - even the jalapeno puree, which made this a little spicier than expected! Next time, less Tabasco! This product was a little tricky to find, however - I had no luck at the Loblaw family of stores, but was able to locate it at Metro. The price point was the same as the standard Clamato mix, but the bottle was significantly smaller. This would be the sort of mix I'd buy to keep in the fridge for an occasional family caesar, but not necessarily what I'd pick up if I was hosting a significant number of people or having a party, only from a cost-effectiveness perspective. All in all, a great new addition to the Clamato family that will definitely become a staple in our household! -
St. Ives® Rose Water & Aloe Vera Body Wash
I hardly ever write negative reviews of products, nor do I ever muster the motivation to do so, but this was an exceptional circumstance. I started using this body wash a few weeks ago and started noticing small bumps on my arms and legs. Given that... +
I hardly ever write negative reviews of products, nor do I ever muster the motivation to do so, but this was an exceptional circumstance. I started using this body wash a few weeks ago and started noticing small bumps on my arms and legs. Given that it's summer, I figured that they were mosquito or other bug bites, particularly itchy ones. However, the "bites" never went away and started to be accompanied by more and more bumps that started to meld together into a rash of hives on my forearms, inner elbow creases, knee crease area, wrists, etc. The bumps became yellow and the rash was patchy all over these areas. It reached the point where I couldn't even sleep because I was so itchy constantly. I'd finally fall asleep with an ice pack on these areas because I was so exhausted, only to wake up and start all over again. This body wash was the only new thing I added to my routine and the rash started to disappear and clear up after I stopped using it. Never again to any St. Ives product! This has never happened to me with any other brand, not even heavily-fragranced washes like Bath and Body Works. Bottom line: stay away!! -
Dial Pure Micellar Foaming Hand Wash Juniper
As we all know, handwashing has become very en vogue these past few months (though I hope this isn't necessarily a novel concept for the majority of the population...). This hand soap arrived just in time, as I've been flying through my soap... +
As we all know, handwashing has become very en vogue these past few months (though I hope this isn't necessarily a novel concept for the majority of the population...). This hand soap arrived just in time, as I've been flying through my soap collection due to increased washing. The juniper scent was just my speed - it's a fresh and sweet scent, and you can't help but feel summer is in the air as it fills the bathroom! I can't say that I necessarily noticed a difference in terms of this hand soap having "active micelles" (which I thought were a feature of all hand soaps...?), but I was happy to know that the formula was free of SLS and SLES. Always a plus to be rid of the usual chemical suspects! I didn't find the soap drying whatsoever, and it was effective in degreasing my hands. The foaming formula also held up, lathering instantly. I do find, however that foaming hand soaps tend to be used up faster in my household for some reason, so this would need to be replaced sooner than typical. All in all, a nice new option from Dial, combining a great scent, improved formula, and the right price point!
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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Becel Unsalted Plant-Based Bricks
I had previously used the Becel vegan margarine in baking for vegan friends and had a great experience (so much so that my guests actually enjoyed the vegan desserts more than the standard ones!). When I found out that Becel had come out with a... +
I had previously used the Becel vegan margarine in baking for vegan friends and had a great experience (so much so that my guests actually enjoyed the vegan desserts more than the standard ones!). When I found out that Becel had come out with a vegan, plant-based alternative to butter, I was excited to give it a try as I'm not the biggest fan of margarine. This definitely didn't disappoint. I didn't find that this butter affected the texture or consistency of my baking, but there was a slightly noticeable difference in taste - not a bad taste, but just different from the norm (for reference, I'm also the type of person who immediately tastes when there are artificial sweeteners in something, so my tastebuds tend to be more sensitive). I also liked that this was quicker to soften up than regular butter, which makes it much easier to bake on a whim! I'm so relieved to have found this product and will be a lot less stressed the next time I'm invited to a vegan friend's potluck - this honestly makes it so much easier to whip up any of my regular treats and make it vegan!
I #gotitfree to try through the FamilyRated Club.
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L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil
This is the ultimate shower indulgence - this oil smells and feels like pure luxury. The texture is silky smooth and even though it doesn't lather like traditional shower products, the oil spreads so easily and can be applied with just your hands. I... +
This is the ultimate shower indulgence - this oil smells and feels like pure luxury. The texture is silky smooth and even though it doesn't lather like traditional shower products, the oil spreads so easily and can be applied with just your hands. I also find that a little goes a long way, which is a definite plus given the hefty price tag when there isn't a sale going on. The smell, however, is where this product really shines. It's a heavenly not-quite-almond, but somewhere in that realm, sweet aroma that makes you feel like you're at a spa. Whenever I feel like I need some pampering, I pull this bottle in to the shower and forget all my problems, if only for a few moments. -
Garnier Fructis Hydrating Aloe Treat Shampoo for Dry, Damaged Hair
I don't know what it is about more natural shampoos (well, I do know - it's definitely something lacking in the ingredients list), but they always, without-fail, leave my hair feeling way too dry. I was very excited to try this shampoo from... +
I don't know what it is about more natural shampoos (well, I do know - it's definitely something lacking in the ingredients list), but they always, without-fail, leave my hair feeling way too dry. I was very excited to try this shampoo from Garnier's new line (just look at the cute packaging! Adorable!), but as we all know, a product's packaging is not always the best indicator of its efficacy and/or quality. I'm usually a huge fan of Garnier's hair products - from their Whole Blends line to their conditioning masks to their new colour revive products - and they've always consistently hit it out of the park, but there just seems to be something lacking with this. The scent is amazing, as always and as expected. I can't stop sniffing the bottle! But I just didn't find this to have enough lather to actually clean my hair - I had to go back to certain areas and use more product to really get a clean feel. Afterwards, my hair felt a lot coarser and drier than it usually does, which is not a good canvas for my hair during humid weather - my hair frizzed up to epic proportions, which it hasn't done in a long time since nailing down a haircare regime that really works for me and summertime Toronto weather. I'd say that this is on par with other natural shampoo formulations, but after giving a couple of them a try, I have to admit that as much as I'd like to give up the chemical-laden formulas, it's a real challenge. If I found this on enough of a sale, I'd pick it up to give my hair, body, and wastewater a bit of a break on the chemicals in periods where I'm not really going out/seeing people/styling my hair (COVID lockdown, anyone?). I wouldn't repurchase it as a replacement for my regular shampoo, however.
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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teapigs Rooibos Crème Caramel
I was very excited to try more Teapigs after having enjoyed their berry mix tea in the past. Once I saw that these teabags contained chunks of caramel that would presumably melt into my tea, there was no holding me back! After having given this a... +
I was very excited to try more Teapigs after having enjoyed their berry mix tea in the past. Once I saw that these teabags contained chunks of caramel that would presumably melt into my tea, there was no holding me back! After having given this a try, however, I feel that the flavour was lacking. I drink my tea as-is, never add milk or sugar, so perhaps adding the former at a minimum may bring out the flavours more; as it was, I didn't feel that there was any depth to this tea. I kept waiting for the robustness to fill out, letting it steep a little longer, constantly stirring, but it never came to fruition. It's a little disappointing, given that I love Teapigs other offerings, I think that their packaging and branding is adorable, and I was keen to find a great dessert tea to satisfy my after-dinner sweet tooth.
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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My Clarins RE-BOOST Refreshing Moisturizing Cream
LOVE LOVE LOVE this facial moisturizer! Not only is the packaging so soft and pretty (that shade of coral-salmon makes me melt, for some reason), but this is finally a cream that works and doesn't leave you feeling sticky. The consistency is... +
LOVE LOVE LOVE this facial moisturizer! Not only is the packaging so soft and pretty (that shade of coral-salmon makes me melt, for some reason), but this is finally a cream that works and doesn't leave you feeling sticky. The consistency is slightly gel-like, absorbs quickly, and serves as a great primer for makeup application. I've worn this both alone and under makeup, and have found my skin stays moisturized throughout the day in both instances. On its own, it gives my face a bit of a dewy glow. The scent is also not overpowering - subtle, but very pleasant. While it isn't 100% natural, it does contain fewer chemical ingredients than a lot of comparable moisturizers. Nothing bad to say about this - a great option for hydrating your face during the summer when you're looking to avoid a heavy, greasy cream. Will likely repurchase once I finish my backlog of face creams.
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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Green Beaver NaturaDri™ Antiperspirant, Fresh Verve
I've used my fair share of deodorants over the years, both natural and more "conventional" drug-store brands, which all of course have been aluminum-free as they aren't anti-perspirants. I find it very misleading when companies advertise... +
I've used my fair share of deodorants over the years, both natural and more "conventional" drug-store brands, which all of course have been aluminum-free as they aren't anti-perspirants. I find it very misleading when companies advertise aluminum-free deodorants, as that is nothing out of the ordinary. In the case of an aluminum-free anti-perspirant, however...this is a new type of product for me and one that I was very excited to try. Deodorants never do it for me, as I continue to sweat and experience extreme wetness under my arms. The scent of this Green Beaver stick was absolutely heavenly - very fresh and clean, and I couldn't help going back to keep smelling it. The consistency was also very good - it didn't require any warming like some natural deodorants, and was very easy to apply and glide over my skin. I found that it was true to its anti-perspirant labelling, as my underarms did stay dry. The smell of my underarms wasn't quite the same as when I use aluminum-containing anti-perspirants, but it did a decent enough job at masking it and I didn't end the day with quite as powerful an odour as when I've used natural deodorants. I wouldn't continue to use this during extreme summer days, but would absolutely swap out my traditional anti-perspirants for this during cooler fall days and throughout the winter. If I can avoid aluminum for even part of the year, it's better than nothing!
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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Tetley Cold Infusions - Raspberry & Cranberry
This was my absolute favourite of all the Cold Infusions flavours that I've tried. Word of wisdom, however - let this sachet steep fully before drinking! I made the mistake of drinking it too soon (I hardly ever let my hot teas steep the recommended... +
This was my absolute favourite of all the Cold Infusions flavours that I've tried. Word of wisdom, however - let this sachet steep fully before drinking! I made the mistake of drinking it too soon (I hardly ever let my hot teas steep the recommended time) and thought the flavour was lacking. I tried again after at least 10 minutes (as advised) had passed, and the flavour was far more robust! The flavour also has a passion tea vibe to it, which is my favourite tea to make iced. I also found that one sachet was perfect for a 500mL refillable water bottle and didn't compromise the taste. I'd definitely repurchase this as a quick way to make iced tea, particularly in larger quantities. The only thing I didn't love about this is the fact that the sachets are made of some sort of plastic. I know that's a no-no with hot tea sachets, but am not sure of the implications when you're only dunking them in hot water. If these were paper, I'd be drinking them day and night!
I #gotitfree to try through the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club.
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