xena
Member Since: July 31, 2008Reviews
Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Mascara
I was really excited to try this new mascara, especially since the packaging looks so sleek! However, I was a little disappointed that the effect wasn't as exciting as its packaging. While I don't recall any claims for "bolder" lashes or... +
I was really excited to try this new mascara, especially since the packaging looks so sleek! However, I was a little disappointed that the effect wasn't as exciting as its packaging. While I don't recall any claims for "bolder" lashes or "100 times volume", what it does claim to do is lengthen lashes. I guess in a sense it does lengthen lashes as any product that coats your lashes would - it just makes your lashes stand out more. Nothing special. Nothing extraordinary. I would personally prefer mascaras that make your lashes look fuller.
For those who prefer a more natural look, you may want to try this product. What I like about it is that it's not clumpy, and looks barely-there. The flipside then is that, well, it's barely there! Not very dramatic, so might not be enough for an evening glam look. It's good for wearing to the office though. Mind you, I only apply one coat, so perhaps results would be different with a 2nd coat?
I haven't had any problems washing it off. Usually comes off clean with regular cleanser and water, unlike my previous mascara where I couldn't get away without first using eye makeup remover.
Overall, if you're looking for inexpensive day-wear mascara or something more natural, you should give this a try. If you're looking to be wowed, I'd suggest trying another product.
-
Karma lounge pants
Would I recommend it? Meh, I'm on the fence. Their clothing is definitely very stylish. I bought a pair of shorts and lounge pants over Christmas (and they were on sale). I was so excited to wear them! Yes, I know..the shorts are probably only... +
Would I recommend it? Meh, I'm on the fence. Their clothing is definitely very stylish. I bought a pair of shorts and lounge pants over Christmas (and they were on sale). I was so excited to wear them! Yes, I know..the shorts are probably only good for yoga and given they didn't have drawstrings, probably shouldn't be used for stuff like running and volleyball. Needless to say, when I wore them to vball, the shorts kept sliding down on me, so I had to keep pulling them back up. Maybe the ones with drawstrings (not sure if they even have that) would be better for non-yoga sports.
The lounge pants were very comfy (and again, stylish). I took very good care in washing, making sure I didn't wash them with cottons (as recommended on the tag that it came with). I only wash them with other dry-fit stuff, but even then, the pants started getting all worn out and "pilly" (i.e., those little round balls of fuzz) after about a month's worth of wear, especially near the bum area. That, and it kinda sticks to itself, so when you have your pants folded and then unfold them, it makes this clingy/sticky/staticky sound. With respect to the bum comment, it's not like I purposely rub the bum area over rough surfaces to wear it out!
My Nike dry-fit pants that I bought from the Nike outlet has fared better. Overall, I wouldn't recommend buying their stuff unless they make some improvements in the quality of the material used. If you can get their stuff for a really good deal, then go for it...you'll definitely look good!...but if you expect good quality material, save your money.
-
Spa Utopia at the Pan Pacific
I'm reviewing the Spa Utopia in North Vancouver. I had a friend who volunteered for Tourism Vancouver and had to ("had to"!) check out both the Pan Pacific one and the North Van one. She recommended the North Van spa. I'm so glad I took her... +
I'm reviewing the Spa Utopia in North Vancouver. I had a friend who volunteered for Tourism Vancouver and had to ("had to"!) check out both the Pan Pacific one and the North Van one. She recommended the North Van spa. I'm so glad I took her recommendation! The staff there are SOO friendly and make every effort to make you feel special. Once you walk in to the spa area, you totally feel like you're in a different world (it's so serene with the trickling water sounds and dimmed lights!). Changing rooms are complete with probably every amenity needed (showers, soap, shampoo, lockers, robe, slippers, sauna, spa water, hair dryer, etc, etc).
My first time there, I was blown away! My boyfriend and I both had the Classic Escape package: massage, facial, and pedicure...all for a pretty decent price (and I'm not exactly Ms. Money Bags). We both came out of the spa SOOO relaxed. Sometimes, Costco even has discounted gift cards. My boyfriend treated me to the same package just recently (August) and he was able to get said gift cards. I was just as satisfied this second time around. If I were to choose only one service though, I'd definitely get the massage. First time around, I had a lady and she wasn't a Registered Massage Therapist. 2nd time around, I had a guy and he was an RMT. Not sure what made the difference, but the 2nd time around, I definitely felt way more relaxed (like putty!).
The manicure was alright...I think I can probably get the same results if I did my own nails...not much pampering involved in the manicure portion of this particular package. Facial was also okay. While your mask is on, you have the option of getting a foot massage or a scalp massage. Both times, I chose the scalp massage...meh, wasn't anything deeply relaxing or anything. I did see some improvement in my skin afterwards though.
Overall, worth the splurge if just for the relaxing atmosphere! Get the Costco gift cards...it'll be worth it!
-
Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins
I have pretty dry skin, especially during Canadian winters, and this cream works wonders to keep my face moisturized. Funny enough, I bumped into a friend returning this product because it irritated her skin, and that's how I was intrigued to try it... +
I have pretty dry skin, especially during Canadian winters, and this cream works wonders to keep my face moisturized. Funny enough, I bumped into a friend returning this product because it irritated her skin, and that's how I was intrigued to try it for myself. I'm glad I did!
PROS:
- Smells really nice (though I recently bought one from the U.S. and it smelled a bit more chemically than the Canadian version).
- Only need a small amount
- Never had dry skin after using this (used to be dry in the cheek, nose and mouth area)
- Haven't had problems with breakouts (though that's not a huge problem for me)
CONS:
- If anything, might be the price, but personally I don't find that it's THAT expensive. Can't really think of any other cons.
- Since my friend did have problems with it, it might not be suitable for all skin types. However, you can always return it for a full refund.
-
Origins Modern Friction
I used to think all scrubs were the same (I mean, they all do the same thing, right? Exfoliate). However, what sets this apart from the cheaper drugstore brands is that it's SUPER gentle on your face and it doesn't have the strong chemical smell... +
I used to think all scrubs were the same (I mean, they all do the same thing, right? Exfoliate). However, what sets this apart from the cheaper drugstore brands is that it's SUPER gentle on your face and it doesn't have the strong chemical smell that some brands might have. I got a small tube as a sample, but even that small tube lasted a long time. I loved it so much I went back to buy the tub. You really only need a small amount to do the job, and after using this (even if I don't use it 2-3 times weekly as recommended) my face feels so much smoother! No skin irritations, no dryness (though my skin's not exactly the sensitive type).
Overall, it's a good product that's not too pricey. If it doesn't work out for you, Origins has a really good return policy.
-
H20+ Raspberry Guava Moisture Boosting Body Balm
I actually bought a big bottle of the Kiwi-Cassis one and I absolutely LOVE it! I always have dry hands and this lotion works wonder. Unlike other lotions that don't feel like they've "coated" your hands, this one does so, yet doesn't feel greasy... +
I actually bought a big bottle of the Kiwi-Cassis one and I absolutely LOVE it! I always have dry hands and this lotion works wonder. Unlike other lotions that don't feel like they've "coated" your hands, this one does so, yet doesn't feel greasy. Keeps my hands moisturized for a long time. I bought my big bottle on sale, so it was an excellent deal for me.
I also use it on my rough feet and it really moisturizes well...no need to use those special foot lotions.
-
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin-E & Peppermint
I bought the small round tin and, as with most people, was excited to try it. It's not a bad product...I don't find that my lips feel chapped after application. I actually find that it coats my lips quite well...on 1st application, that is! I find... +
I bought the small round tin and, as with most people, was excited to try it. It's not a bad product...I don't find that my lips feel chapped after application. I actually find that it coats my lips quite well...on 1st application, that is! I find that it does wear off really quickly, so you have to keep applying. The reason I don't recommend this is that it's a bit pricey, given its effectiveness.
It's got a minty taste that's quite nice. Overall, if it were to last longer, I'd recommend it.
-
Pure Nail Bar
Don't know how this franchise has expanded so quickly. Maybe cuz of the "cheap" deals (relative to the more expensive spa places), the mod(ish) looking decor, and the fact that they use those little portable wash basins which (people assume) can be... +
Don't know how this franchise has expanded so quickly. Maybe cuz of the "cheap" deals (relative to the more expensive spa places), the mod(ish) looking decor, and the fact that they use those little portable wash basins which (people assume) can be more easily cleaned than the typical pedicure spa chairs.
For ~ $30-$35 (I dunno, I didn't pay for them), they just soak your feet, rub a bit of lotion on them, and then apply polish. Been there twice and both times, the polish didn't last more than 2 weeks before it started chipping. They use OPI, and their colour selection isn't too bad, but I'd rather spend a bit more and get polish that lasts. I can't remember now, but I wonder if it's cuz they don't apply top coat and/or base coat???
-
Dove Ultimate Clear Antiperspirant
If it weren't so pricey, I'd buy this more often. I usually use the Lady Speed Stick Invisible Dry stuff and find that it still leaves white stains on my clothes. Dove's sooo much better in that regards, plus it goes on so smooth!
If it weren't so pricey, I'd buy this more often. I usually use the Lady Speed Stick Invisible Dry stuff and find that it still leaves white stains on my clothes. Dove's sooo much better in that regards, plus it goes on so smooth! -
Looking for more?
Check out our other review websites:
