One Body Gym / Swiss / Fitness Ball

Whether post-Thanksgiving or the very beginning of Christmas season (or both!) exercise is a good thing to think about at this point in time.  Its amazing just how few, well picked swiss ball exercises can result in a huge increase in core strength and fitness, as well as general balance.  There are many out there, and the one thing most people want to know is how much to spend.  If you're unsure, One Body is a good place to start as they are incredibly cheap.  The disadvantages are mostly centred around the same - its a very 'light' feeling gym ball that doesn't entirely hold its shape, and its sticky.  Whilst the stickiness can help when trying to learn to kneel, it doesn't give as good of an overall feel.  

If you have money, I would truly recommend going up in quality to a more standard ball. My current favourite doesn't seem to be sold anymore, but Gaia's tend to be good quality as well.  Still, its got value for money written all over it, and its entirely functional.  If you *don't* have money, you can still invest in this one.  I got mine for less than £3 on offer!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 1
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 4
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 

*Do I think its the best in its field: NO
*Could I live without it: YES
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, All genders

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

Cussons' Carex Grapefruit & Lime Mini Hand Sanitiser

I'll start with saying I love the smell, but obviously I *picked* it because I love the smell, so your mileage may vary.  Its a great size, fits well in most handbags, and it doesn't tend to leak.  Mine has lost its cap after awhile, but still doesn't seem to leak and the rest of the bottle is holding up well to damage.  It has gone a little bit sticky over time (especially since the cap is missing) but its still very useable and doesn't leave residue afterwards.  I can't promise it works, obviously, but hopefully advertising standards has taken care of that one for me!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 6
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 7
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 5
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 3
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 

*Do I think its the best in its field: NO
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Most ages, All genders.

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

Blink Contact Lens Safe Soothing Eye Drops

With the boots brand ones switching to a type of bottle that I can't squeeze, I had to look for a new source of eyedrop. I don't usually need to use them loads, but they're great in emergencies.  Equally, with new contact lenses I have been trying I certainly have days when I need them a bit more and in a bit greater quantity. They haven't disappointed, and I think I like them better than the previous lot!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 7
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 

*Do I think its the best in its field: MAYBE
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, All genders, Contact Lens Wearers

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel nose strips

These are great, really useful! What they *aren't* is idiot-proof.  In fact, I'd say they require a somewhat higher than normal level of user engagement than most beauty products.

Personally, I found they worked brilliantly, and so did many other people I know.  This is on the backdrop of many others having worked poorly or not at all. I've not met anyone whom they didn't work for, however I will agree that they are expensive, the best way to buy them is on a 2 for 1, where at about 42p a strip they feel much better than usual.  There is also a 3 for 2 offer on sometimes.  (Others are expensive too though, its not a monopoly.)

When it comes to using them, most bad reviews I've read are from users who just failed to follow the instructions or grasp how to use the product.  You do need to actually press it along your skin, not just attach it like a tent to a few points on your nose.  Also, the part about your nose being wet is important to getting it to stick, and the part about your hands being dry is important to not ruining it!  I did mention they weren't entirely user friendly... but they're so worth it.

They can be tricky to take off sometimes if you leave them too long, or just a bit painful.  Still, you do want to wait till it goes all dry and crispy or you won't get good results.  A small amount of glue does get left behind at times, but large amounts are often a sign of having gotten a step wrong (and frequently they won't have worked as well at that point either.)


Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 6
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 7
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 5
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 

*Do I think its the best in its field: MAYBE
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, All genders.

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.