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.
Showing posts with label can't live without. Show all posts
Showing posts with label can't live without. Show all posts
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Sainsbury's Distilled Witch Hazel
For some reason many Boots are failing to stock Witch Hazel now, and I was going slightly mad trying to find somewhere that did. Fortunately, my partner managed to find some hiding at Sainsbury's, and its even ever so slightly cheaper than the Boots ones were. It works just as well, I haven't noticed any real difference. As I said in my in my previous post, Witch Hazel is an extraordinarily important part of my skincare routine, and since I wrote the last one I've convinced a few other people of this as well. It can function as something of an aftershave for men, but I recommend using it on the in-between days (if you don't shave every day) as well, much the way women would use it daily on their faces.
The key components continue to be that this is a clear no-additive liquid, with a primary use in basic personal care and various secondary uses in first aid and in astringent type routines such as make-up removal. If anyone does hear of any other shops selling this, I'd be happy to buy and compare their products as well, mostly to make sure no-one is slipping something useless into a fairly small system. Otherwise, enjoy where you can find it!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 7
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: NO
*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.
The key components continue to be that this is a clear no-additive liquid, with a primary use in basic personal care and various secondary uses in first aid and in astringent type routines such as make-up removal. If anyone does hear of any other shops selling this, I'd be happy to buy and compare their products as well, mostly to make sure no-one is slipping something useless into a fairly small system. Otherwise, enjoy where you can find it!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 7
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: NO
*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.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Duracell AA PlusPower Batteries
As I stated last week, I use AA batteries quite variably, and I informally tried to compare these, which are meant to hold their top power for longer but have a shorter overall life, to the Boots extra long life which do the opposite. I have to admit, they have a reasonably long life themselves. They can experience temporary power drops, but usually leaving them alone for days or weeks means when you use them again they're back to before, and they do hold their initial power very well. Inasmuch as I notice, I think there is a stage where they drop too much in power for me before they die. They respond better than the long life in terms of being left alone and coming back up, but both respond and I think I draw slightly too much energy to use the long life to all of their potential. I possibly favour these but don't have a side by side comparison. There certainly isn't a glaring enough difference for me to choose anything other than 'whichever is cheapest' at this point in time!
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Most ages
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Boots AA extra long life batteries
I use AA batteries fairly sporadically for a lot of things, and I haven't always had luck with rechargeables which are ever so slightly bigger. I was told that the extra long life ones will in fact have a 'longer' life, but will lose their initial power sooner. I can verify that they do have a long life compared to any AA I've ever had, and they do seem to lose some of their punch a bit faster, but as long as you are running them in a lower usage piece of equipment you won't notice. I haven't done a strict side-by-side, but I'm favourably impressed.
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: 9
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : 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: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Most ages
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Springforce Toilet Roll
This is, in my opinion, the absolute best value for money toilet roll out there at the moment. Its still cheap - only just above the value ranges. It possibly lasts longer. Its certainly less flimsy, larger, a better overall texture. Its not "silky silky soft" which drives me crazy anyway. It doesn't shed - once in a great while you get a pack that does slightly, but its rare. It is technically a Tesco brand, but its one they've done a good job with.
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
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: YES
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Female, Male
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
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: YES
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Female, Male
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Boots Distilled Witch Hazel
Just to be very clear, this product is a clear liquid, and has no other additives. The Boots own brand is sold in a clear bottle with their standard labelling. Some other places also offer an own brand (Sainsbury's, for example) which theoretically should be comparable.
Witch Hazel is an astringent, and a key part of my skincare routine. I'd even go so far as to say its THE key part of my facial skincare routine, as I occasionally skip moisturiser but never the witch hazel. Although it shouldn't contain alcohol, it still dries skin out, and as such most people would want to use it alongside a moisturiser (I generally do anyway.)
It can further be used for a small selection of first aid purposes, and like any commercially available astringent it removes make-up. It lasts for a long time, is not sensitive to sunlight insofar as I know, but the way I use it makes it prone to collecting skin from my hand in the bottle. Pouring tends to waste it, though, so decanting it into smaller bottles is likely the way forward.
I particularly recommend it as a form of aftershave for men, and probably less recommend it for drier skinned women. On the other hand, I'm no pro. My skin is roughly speaking "normal" and has had few spots or blemishes even when I was a teenager. On the other hand, I've been religious about daily simple attention to it, and not overdoing it. Since I was twelve. Your results may vary!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Depends slightly on how you use it, decanting or pouring would help)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, Female, Male,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Witch Hazel is an astringent, and a key part of my skincare routine. I'd even go so far as to say its THE key part of my facial skincare routine, as I occasionally skip moisturiser but never the witch hazel. Although it shouldn't contain alcohol, it still dries skin out, and as such most people would want to use it alongside a moisturiser (I generally do anyway.)
It can further be used for a small selection of first aid purposes, and like any commercially available astringent it removes make-up. It lasts for a long time, is not sensitive to sunlight insofar as I know, but the way I use it makes it prone to collecting skin from my hand in the bottle. Pouring tends to waste it, though, so decanting it into smaller bottles is likely the way forward.
I particularly recommend it as a form of aftershave for men, and probably less recommend it for drier skinned women. On the other hand, I'm no pro. My skin is roughly speaking "normal" and has had few spots or blemishes even when I was a teenager. On the other hand, I've been religious about daily simple attention to it, and not overdoing it. Since I was twelve. Your results may vary!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Depends slightly on how you use it, decanting or pouring would help)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
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: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, Female, Male,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
British Theme: Ariat Wellies
In honour of my adopted countries' recent holiday, I thought I'd pick a British-type object to review. It was this, or tea cosies. I'm not in a good position to review tea cosies, though, so my beloved wellies are taking the stand.
My absolute favourite thing about Ariat shoes/boots is that they appear to have a model of my foot in the back room somewhere at the company. I've never had a brand fit so consistently, (although fashion trainers Tiger don't do badly.) Your mileage may vary on this, but for me - I mean these wellies are better supported than most random shoes I would wear for fashion purposes. Which is very cool :)
So they do the general things wellies do, they are waterproof and comfortable and actually not even too hot. Equally, they don't get cold too easily either, though they are no substitute for actual winter boots if those are needed.
I have cheerfully worn them over trousers, or just with skirts or shorts and wellie socks. A single pair of the fashionable type is entirely comfortable. For practical purposes I'd wear something like coolmax riding socks, or in a pinch any sports socks, and then layer shooting socks over the top whilst wearing the wellies (and take those off but still have some socks on if I want riding or jodphur boots or another tighter fitting shoe.)
I also thoroughly enjoy the colour :) (Two choices). I've tried on lots of others, and these are far more supportive and comfortable, and appear to be on the higher side of breathable. They do have a small heel and spur rest, and are theoretically possible to ride in, although I do everything I can to avoid it as they're big compared to the normal size of my foot.
The one downside is they do decay along the front/sides where they bend, I presume from overexposure to urine or similar when mucking out regularly (and not rinsing them, just took them off outside my room instead.) Probably most boots would, and probably I could have prevented it. They're still almost entirely functional at this point, but I wouldn't wade in streams with them or run a hose straight at them for an extended time.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Still on the fence about this, they don't fall apart and I may have caused the problem I had, but equally I can't prove top durbility)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (But your mileage may vary depending on lifestyle)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (Again, depends on your lifestyle. If you live or work in the country, or consistently have to trek in the wet, they're a huge deal. If you occasionally go to the country on holiday, less. If you never leave London, well, they're not fashion wellies, even if they do serve the basic purposes)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (In part for perfect fit, in part for colour enjoyment)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Ariat coolness varies, but they are at least a little cool. I'd call them a ten, but in reality they are midrange of cool things, overall.)
*Do I think its the best in its field: NOT SURE
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, Male, Female, Countryside Folk, Walkers, Festival Goers
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
My absolute favourite thing about Ariat shoes/boots is that they appear to have a model of my foot in the back room somewhere at the company. I've never had a brand fit so consistently, (although fashion trainers Tiger don't do badly.) Your mileage may vary on this, but for me - I mean these wellies are better supported than most random shoes I would wear for fashion purposes. Which is very cool :)
So they do the general things wellies do, they are waterproof and comfortable and actually not even too hot. Equally, they don't get cold too easily either, though they are no substitute for actual winter boots if those are needed.
I have cheerfully worn them over trousers, or just with skirts or shorts and wellie socks. A single pair of the fashionable type is entirely comfortable. For practical purposes I'd wear something like coolmax riding socks, or in a pinch any sports socks, and then layer shooting socks over the top whilst wearing the wellies (and take those off but still have some socks on if I want riding or jodphur boots or another tighter fitting shoe.)
I also thoroughly enjoy the colour :) (Two choices). I've tried on lots of others, and these are far more supportive and comfortable, and appear to be on the higher side of breathable. They do have a small heel and spur rest, and are theoretically possible to ride in, although I do everything I can to avoid it as they're big compared to the normal size of my foot.
The one downside is they do decay along the front/sides where they bend, I presume from overexposure to urine or similar when mucking out regularly (and not rinsing them, just took them off outside my room instead.) Probably most boots would, and probably I could have prevented it. They're still almost entirely functional at this point, but I wouldn't wade in streams with them or run a hose straight at them for an extended time.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Still on the fence about this, they don't fall apart and I may have caused the problem I had, but equally I can't prove top durbility)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (But your mileage may vary depending on lifestyle)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (Again, depends on your lifestyle. If you live or work in the country, or consistently have to trek in the wet, they're a huge deal. If you occasionally go to the country on holiday, less. If you never leave London, well, they're not fashion wellies, even if they do serve the basic purposes)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (In part for perfect fit, in part for colour enjoyment)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Ariat coolness varies, but they are at least a little cool. I'd call them a ten, but in reality they are midrange of cool things, overall.)
*Do I think its the best in its field: NOT SURE
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, Male, Female, Countryside Folk, Walkers, Festival Goers
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Fairy Pomegranate & Honeysuckle
I seem to be thinking in themes lately, so I thought I would put a last bit of washing up review on. Mostly because this is a <3. Seriously, absolutely brings me the stupidest joy. Mostly because it smells nice, I only *wish* they made fabric conditioner that smelled this nice.
So, if you live in the UK, you will tend to be aware that only Fairy really works well for washing up. I can attest to that over and over, and sometimes *and over.* It cuts through grease, actually, for real. My hands feel better when I use it after grease or raw meat. I've never tried the super special crazy platinum fairies (I know that's a dodgy plural!) Insofar as I know, all of the normal ones work equally well, I've prolly tried about four of them, and never heard anyone else comment either. So, its all about smell.
I love this smell. Honeysuckle on its own always seems too sickly for me, but the pomegranate just makes it perfect, I'm not sure I smell exactly pomegranate, but I smell a fruit modified honeysuckle that I adore. Some people just don't smell it as much (tho don't find it offensive). There are stronger smells available (like lemon, and apple). Smell each of the bottles in the shop to make your own decision, but can I just recommend giving this one a chance if you're on the fence?
They even managed to make the red pretty (and I don't favour red).
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (No other way to wash up, and washing up liquid can also be used to clean most other home surfaces)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Seriously makes me smile at random lots, more than almost anything else so cheap or chore related at the least!)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2
*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 : Adults, Male, Female
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
So, if you live in the UK, you will tend to be aware that only Fairy really works well for washing up. I can attest to that over and over, and sometimes *and over.* It cuts through grease, actually, for real. My hands feel better when I use it after grease or raw meat. I've never tried the super special crazy platinum fairies (I know that's a dodgy plural!) Insofar as I know, all of the normal ones work equally well, I've prolly tried about four of them, and never heard anyone else comment either. So, its all about smell.
I love this smell. Honeysuckle on its own always seems too sickly for me, but the pomegranate just makes it perfect, I'm not sure I smell exactly pomegranate, but I smell a fruit modified honeysuckle that I adore. Some people just don't smell it as much (tho don't find it offensive). There are stronger smells available (like lemon, and apple). Smell each of the bottles in the shop to make your own decision, but can I just recommend giving this one a chance if you're on the fence?
They even managed to make the red pretty (and I don't favour red).
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (No other way to wash up, and washing up liquid can also be used to clean most other home surfaces)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Seriously makes me smile at random lots, more than almost anything else so cheap or chore related at the least!)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2
*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 : Adults, Male, Female
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Colgate 360˚ Toothbrush
We're having a theme here, because my experience with the Tesco value toothbrush was SO bad. I've previously used a couple different types of toothbrushes, but these have been my favourites of late, and I thought they deserved the acknowledgement. Especially as they've finally been brought in to replace the horror.
I will admit to being somewhat more limited in brands than everyone else, because I need to buy extra soft ones, which are less common. This isn't just me being a wuss - this is a very honest recommendation from dentists of mine, as my gums wear away quite easily. It varies from person to person, and things like swollen or bleeding gums are often solved by other means (like mouthwash). Mine are largely healthy, if overdo for the clean I can't quite afford at the moment. So, in a nutshell, these work, they're easy to grip, they're reasonable to look at, and they last at least as long as they are supposed to. Colgate 360˚ is currently getting my two thumbs up!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 4
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 6
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Seems to last slightly over the recommended six months, possibly to allow for variable wear and tear with force)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (I really like the colours)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Subjective! But I like colgate, and its not own brand, so not "1")
*Do I think its the best in its field: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Male, Female, Teenagers,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
I will admit to being somewhat more limited in brands than everyone else, because I need to buy extra soft ones, which are less common. This isn't just me being a wuss - this is a very honest recommendation from dentists of mine, as my gums wear away quite easily. It varies from person to person, and things like swollen or bleeding gums are often solved by other means (like mouthwash). Mine are largely healthy, if overdo for the clean I can't quite afford at the moment. So, in a nutshell, these work, they're easy to grip, they're reasonable to look at, and they last at least as long as they are supposed to. Colgate 360˚ is currently getting my two thumbs up!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 4
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 6
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Seems to last slightly over the recommended six months, possibly to allow for variable wear and tear with force)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (I really like the colours)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Subjective! But I like colgate, and its not own brand, so not "1")
*Do I think its the best in its field: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Male, Female, Teenagers,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Make-up - Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer (Original)
Disclaimer - I have no financial interest in this company, and no-one asked me to do this review.
I know some people will have gone running to the hills as soon as I mention make-up, and thats not a gender specific problem, either. I don't mind what you do or don't do - this isn't a fashion blog! But lots of people do use make-up, and this is a highly genericly useful item.
I think most people have realised after a few tries that eye shadow just doesn't last more than an hour or so unless you use a primer. With a primer and the right shadow you can get all day/all night coverage, and sometimes the "all night" extends into the next day if you don't wash it off first... but this is a good thing in the long run. There are several out there, but urban decay is the best I've ever had, and most of the (limited) make-up professionals I've run into recommend it as the only one. It is pretty easily available around the world, which is also ace. As someone who wears it "most days" I'd say it last you about 1.5 years to a tube, so its not too bad with cost either (depending a little on country.. its only about £1/$1 a month (heavily estimated). And you won't get far without it, so buy that FIRST with just one eye shadow palette and two brushes, then expand.
Now, I have expanded, and I can tell you that creme eye liners also benefit loads from primer, and some pencil ones seem to as well (tho just pencil is fairly resilient on its own... if i only wanted 6-8 hours of pencil and no shadow I might skip it, especially if I would be wanting to change my make-up in the evening). A good liquid eyeliner has no need of primer at all, so if that and mascara are all you have, save it for the next shadow moment. I am specifically recommending original, they have four types these days however. They all work equally well, but are not all clear. Depending on your skin tone and the type of shadow you use, you may find another type besides original is sometimes or always useful, so do try them. But for me, they just didn't work, and so I will only come out firmly in favour of the clear version.
Final bonus, it fits easily into make-up bags and hand bags, and is a distinctive shape, so easy to grab by feel.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 7 (You are paying a fair amount for a tiny tube...)
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10 (It lasts ages and completely makes everything worth it)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (Occasionally it wears off, but maybe twice a year?! And that when its older...)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8 (I want it to be more, but have to recall that you can use liquid eyeliner etc to effect so there are limited other options (plus some people can just use mascara and a lips focus. I'm taking "if you wear make-up" as a given here, otherwise its a zero surely??)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Its useful, and not ugly, but it has no intrinsic smile factor)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Urban Decay are a little cool, but it is just primer)
*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 : Female, teenagers & adults, also useful for all genders/ages in theatre/tv/film/some photography, or any similar situation... even fancy dress, if you like. But value for money will go down with less uses, particularly less than once a week.
I know some people will have gone running to the hills as soon as I mention make-up, and thats not a gender specific problem, either. I don't mind what you do or don't do - this isn't a fashion blog! But lots of people do use make-up, and this is a highly genericly useful item.
I think most people have realised after a few tries that eye shadow just doesn't last more than an hour or so unless you use a primer. With a primer and the right shadow you can get all day/all night coverage, and sometimes the "all night" extends into the next day if you don't wash it off first... but this is a good thing in the long run. There are several out there, but urban decay is the best I've ever had, and most of the (limited) make-up professionals I've run into recommend it as the only one. It is pretty easily available around the world, which is also ace. As someone who wears it "most days" I'd say it last you about 1.5 years to a tube, so its not too bad with cost either (depending a little on country.. its only about £1/$1 a month (heavily estimated). And you won't get far without it, so buy that FIRST with just one eye shadow palette and two brushes, then expand.
Now, I have expanded, and I can tell you that creme eye liners also benefit loads from primer, and some pencil ones seem to as well (tho just pencil is fairly resilient on its own... if i only wanted 6-8 hours of pencil and no shadow I might skip it, especially if I would be wanting to change my make-up in the evening). A good liquid eyeliner has no need of primer at all, so if that and mascara are all you have, save it for the next shadow moment. I am specifically recommending original, they have four types these days however. They all work equally well, but are not all clear. Depending on your skin tone and the type of shadow you use, you may find another type besides original is sometimes or always useful, so do try them. But for me, they just didn't work, and so I will only come out firmly in favour of the clear version.
Final bonus, it fits easily into make-up bags and hand bags, and is a distinctive shape, so easy to grab by feel.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 7 (You are paying a fair amount for a tiny tube...)
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10 (It lasts ages and completely makes everything worth it)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (Occasionally it wears off, but maybe twice a year?! And that when its older...)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8 (I want it to be more, but have to recall that you can use liquid eyeliner etc to effect so there are limited other options (plus some people can just use mascara and a lips focus. I'm taking "if you wear make-up" as a given here, otherwise its a zero surely??)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Its useful, and not ugly, but it has no intrinsic smile factor)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Urban Decay are a little cool, but it is just primer)
*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 : Female, teenagers & adults, also useful for all genders/ages in theatre/tv/film/some photography, or any similar situation... even fancy dress, if you like. But value for money will go down with less uses, particularly less than once a week.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Hairspray - Boots, its the best
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
This is a simple but heartfelt one. The best hairspray I've ever come across - and its Boots own brand. But, not all of them. To be really specific, the extra firm hold which is not perfumed. Any lighter or heavier of a hold doesn't really seem to work as well, and I'm not alone in thinking this, I've had this discussion with a handful of people. In interest of full disclaimer, I've never tried the perfumed versions, but I personally prefer products without added perfumes where I can, anyway. Its the light purple spray bottles, for those of you who want ease in shopping. And the large cans are a lot easier to work with, but they do all work. No frizz, no mess, doesn't weigh your hair down, and can be used as much as needed. ACE.
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: 8
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (I never really go a day without it)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Its important, but more relaxing than giggle inducing)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Hairspray is cool... ish?)
*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 (absolutely recommend for both), Any age over about 10 years of age, and honestly pretty much anyone who has hair more than about an inch in length that isn't dreaded or braided full time.
This is a simple but heartfelt one. The best hairspray I've ever come across - and its Boots own brand. But, not all of them. To be really specific, the extra firm hold which is not perfumed. Any lighter or heavier of a hold doesn't really seem to work as well, and I'm not alone in thinking this, I've had this discussion with a handful of people. In interest of full disclaimer, I've never tried the perfumed versions, but I personally prefer products without added perfumes where I can, anyway. Its the light purple spray bottles, for those of you who want ease in shopping. And the large cans are a lot easier to work with, but they do all work. No frizz, no mess, doesn't weigh your hair down, and can be used as much as needed. ACE.
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: 8
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (I never really go a day without it)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Its important, but more relaxing than giggle inducing)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Hairspray is cool... ish?)
*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 (absolutely recommend for both), Any age over about 10 years of age, and honestly pretty much anyone who has hair more than about an inch in length that isn't dreaded or braided full time.
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