Lip balm reached some sort of pinnacle when this was made, and one which the company itself has never equalled. I'm not saying I can't use other ones, if I have to, but they aren't as nice. They also don't tend to last as long, which means I run out quite quickly. Further, Burt's Bees is relatively resistant to being licked off (great for me when I'm nervous). It also makes me want to lick my lips slightly less, which is helpful... and seems to go on well under lipstick and reasonably under lip gloss. It also works great on the skin around your lips, and for those who care, its a nice solid unisex design. If your lips are bleeding (not just chapped) you probably want to go with something gentler in the first instance (possibly even another one of their line, I just don't find the variations strong enough). Otherwise, I fail to see how others can beat it.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 7 (Its very expensive for lip gloss, particularly in the UK)
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9 (It lasts long enough to make up for the cost difference, and its better to boot)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (Most durable lip gloss I've ever found)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (Hey, I live in places where its necessary AND I lick my lips. Double negative. Less necessary in Indonesia/Malaysia)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 4 (Peppermint makes me smile, and Burt's Bees has a bit of general happiness about it)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Its like enviro-cool, or geek-cool, but its still kinda cool!)
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male, Female, Most ages
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Fulton Folding Umbrellas
Its like an answer to all my umbrella dreams. No, really! And somewhere within the range, you should find one that answers your dreams as well. I'm not sure my exact one is sold anymore, but it is quite close to a Superslim. It measures 22cm when closed (they range about 15-23.5 from what I can see) and a mere 50cm when open (the lowest current one is 86cm?). With just a 3cm diameter it fits in almost all of my handbags, no mean feat. Its super lightweight, amazingly sturdy, and has a nice round handle. The funny rectangle ones just don't *work* in my hands! However some of the other ranges allow for square handles, or "standard' ones, and slightly bigger umbrellas. This is often for the price of a bit more weight, but most people will hardly notice the difference.
Both my current one and my near identical previous one had patterns, but they have plenty of plain colours as well as a variety of both interesting and cheesy patterns. My previous one was a victim of the same crime that lost me my handbag and ridiculous amounts of contents, and the umbrella was one of the last things I managed to replace, as foolishly I hadn't noted the brand first time around. Neither have ever shown the least signs of breaking, over a collective three year period (the current one is about two years of age).
It does a fairly good job ending itself to being put away properly, the cover is easy to use, awesomely matching, and makes putting it away wet no problem. I seldom dry it afterwards, although its never truly a bad idea. My cover was very recently lost in a bus stop accident, and I miss it, but until that moment it was very useful! Its not your standard golf umbrella, and you won't easily fit another person under it, but this makes it even easier for darting around in the city with. 100% Win.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (I wouldn't bash it against walls when open, etc)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Increases with increasingly awesome patterns. I've averaged the two I owned, but seen some others that would ramp that right up...)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Depends on your patterns. Hardly uncool, though, on the whole).
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD (I would, without one, be living without an umbrella entirely... it is doable, but not ideal)
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male, Female, Most ages, City (Living or travelling)
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Both my current one and my near identical previous one had patterns, but they have plenty of plain colours as well as a variety of both interesting and cheesy patterns. My previous one was a victim of the same crime that lost me my handbag and ridiculous amounts of contents, and the umbrella was one of the last things I managed to replace, as foolishly I hadn't noted the brand first time around. Neither have ever shown the least signs of breaking, over a collective three year period (the current one is about two years of age).
It does a fairly good job ending itself to being put away properly, the cover is easy to use, awesomely matching, and makes putting it away wet no problem. I seldom dry it afterwards, although its never truly a bad idea. My cover was very recently lost in a bus stop accident, and I miss it, but until that moment it was very useful! Its not your standard golf umbrella, and you won't easily fit another person under it, but this makes it even easier for darting around in the city with. 100% Win.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (I wouldn't bash it against walls when open, etc)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Increases with increasingly awesome patterns. I've averaged the two I owned, but seen some others that would ramp that right up...)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Depends on your patterns. Hardly uncool, though, on the whole).
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD (I would, without one, be living without an umbrella entirely... it is doable, but not ideal)
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male, Female, Most ages, City (Living or travelling)
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Tesco 'Naturally' Concentrated Fabric Conditioner
A really lovely fabric conditioner, I have to admit one of the things I love the most is the smell (cotton/almond). But it works well, clothes always coming out a good texture, which I haven't found true of all of them. It also seems not to set off allergies common to detergents/fabric softeners. If you leave wet clothes alone they are prone to moulding, but thats true in most cases...
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2 (They do cheaper ones. By pennies).
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (Doesn't seem to go off, not too easy to break bottle its stored in)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8 (Fabric conditioner is important, but not 100% paramount in all cases)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 (Nice colour and packaging on a mundane product)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Its not embarrassing at least!)
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: MAYBE, BUT I'D BE UNHAPPY
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male, Female, most ages
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2 (They do cheaper ones. By pennies).
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (Doesn't seem to go off, not too easy to break bottle its stored in)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8 (Fabric conditioner is important, but not 100% paramount in all cases)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 (Nice colour and packaging on a mundane product)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Its not embarrassing at least!)
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: MAYBE, BUT I'D BE UNHAPPY
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male, Female, most ages
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
RIP Steve Jobs - Macbook Pro
My publishing date happening just before his death, I was going to wait until next week but decided that I would do an extra one instead. I wouldn't usually have wandered into something moderately controversial, but it seemed fitting that I tote up a beloved product (I also have an iPod touch which I like, replacing previous iPod + poor obsolete palm). Lets be clear, not everyone needs a Macbook Pro, heck not everyone needs a Mac at all, but unless you programme or otherwise work with computers for a living and are confident what you want, or truly budget strapped, I do recommend them.
The operating system is easy to use, and very sleek, as are the computers themselves, the silvery pros more than many of the others. You wouldn't think that necessarily makes a huge difference, but if you spend loads of time a day in front of your computer, that extra feel good factor will really help. I learned this lesson the hard way, over duvets of all things... its worth spending the extra £100 on something that you use constantly even when budget strapped, even if it means giving up lots of things you thought you wanted or needed. You see the benefits surprisingly quickly. If you rarely use computers tho, your return on investment is lower, and you should consider on other factors.
They are however hard to break both physically and software wise, easy to get repaired under warranty, and the metal casing particularly is rather durable, doesn't even scuff too badly. Yes it can get slightly cold or hot, but not as much as I was expecting (and I think I'm unusual at putting laptops on my bare skin!). Things like pages and iMovie are enough for me to love Mac OS brilliantly, and the monitors are great for setting to colour realism... but now I have my pro, finding a particular love for its structure, weight, and looks. Weigh it up, but give it more consideration than you might have at first glance.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 9 (I'm not going to recommend much in this price range in the near future, and probably nothing that actually requires replacing with any regularity...)
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 7 (Your mileage may vary in this rating, both more or less)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (Its hardly invincible but its not prone to issues)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10 (Its a great computer with a great battery life, its one of the things I use the most)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7 (Again, mileage may vary)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (Its not a perfect outfit or "the cutest thing ever" but I never knew electronics that were well made and looked good could cause such general pleasure in life)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: MAYBE, BUT I'D BE UNHAPPY (If I had to live without a computer at all, my life would have to have changed rather drastically from what it is right now, but I could theoretically survive with a different computer, even if I'd be unhappy.)
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Female, Male, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors, People who use computers a lot or have the money, or seriously are into style
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
The operating system is easy to use, and very sleek, as are the computers themselves, the silvery pros more than many of the others. You wouldn't think that necessarily makes a huge difference, but if you spend loads of time a day in front of your computer, that extra feel good factor will really help. I learned this lesson the hard way, over duvets of all things... its worth spending the extra £100 on something that you use constantly even when budget strapped, even if it means giving up lots of things you thought you wanted or needed. You see the benefits surprisingly quickly. If you rarely use computers tho, your return on investment is lower, and you should consider on other factors.
They are however hard to break both physically and software wise, easy to get repaired under warranty, and the metal casing particularly is rather durable, doesn't even scuff too badly. Yes it can get slightly cold or hot, but not as much as I was expecting (and I think I'm unusual at putting laptops on my bare skin!). Things like pages and iMovie are enough for me to love Mac OS brilliantly, and the monitors are great for setting to colour realism... but now I have my pro, finding a particular love for its structure, weight, and looks. Weigh it up, but give it more consideration than you might have at first glance.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 9 (I'm not going to recommend much in this price range in the near future, and probably nothing that actually requires replacing with any regularity...)
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 7 (Your mileage may vary in this rating, both more or less)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (Its hardly invincible but its not prone to issues)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10 (Its a great computer with a great battery life, its one of the things I use the most)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7 (Again, mileage may vary)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (Its not a perfect outfit or "the cutest thing ever" but I never knew electronics that were well made and looked good could cause such general pleasure in life)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: MAYBE, BUT I'D BE UNHAPPY (If I had to live without a computer at all, my life would have to have changed rather drastically from what it is right now, but I could theoretically survive with a different computer, even if I'd be unhappy.)
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Female, Male, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors, People who use computers a lot or have the money, or seriously are into style
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Really splendidly done, I wish I had discovered it sooner. Its easy on, one thin coat, dries easily and smoothly, and makes all the difference. Without it, most nail lacquers (OPI included) look quite thin and don't have a good colour. WIth it, one good coat or two thin ones makes a strong gorgeous colour, and it lasts. I tend to keep the same colour on, and topping up just the lacquer seems to work fine.
I'm not sure I agree with the claim that it prevents staining, as I had a very dark coloured lacquer which still stained, and never normally have problems regardless.
I find a really smooth vibrant long lasting finish just from using this, and don't bother with top coats or sprays, which I tend to feel are for shininess more than anything. But then I only do my toes, preferring just to file/buff my fingers. Relatively, though, its the base which seems to make it last. It seems to work with other nail varnishes as well, although I tend to like OPI the best.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5 (small bottle around £10)
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9 (Lasts approximately forever, doesn't need updating with seasons, and makes nail lacquers worthwhile.)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Its hardly invincible but its not prone to issues)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (An absolute MUST within nail varnishes, only really superseded in nail care by clippers & file)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 4 (Nail varnish itself isn't that important. But its the first step, even with just one colour)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 (Doesn't mean it makes me UNhappy, so won't be tagged negatively)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 (Only awarded cos OPI is a cool-ish brand)
*Do I think its the best in its field: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Female, Most ages
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
I'm not sure I agree with the claim that it prevents staining, as I had a very dark coloured lacquer which still stained, and never normally have problems regardless.
I find a really smooth vibrant long lasting finish just from using this, and don't bother with top coats or sprays, which I tend to feel are for shininess more than anything. But then I only do my toes, preferring just to file/buff my fingers. Relatively, though, its the base which seems to make it last. It seems to work with other nail varnishes as well, although I tend to like OPI the best.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5 (small bottle around £10)
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9 (Lasts approximately forever, doesn't need updating with seasons, and makes nail lacquers worthwhile.)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Its hardly invincible but its not prone to issues)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (An absolute MUST within nail varnishes, only really superseded in nail care by clippers & file)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 4 (Nail varnish itself isn't that important. But its the first step, even with just one colour)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 (Doesn't mean it makes me UNhappy, so won't be tagged negatively)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 (Only awarded cos OPI is a cool-ish brand)
*Do I think its the best in its field: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Female, Most ages
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
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