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.
Showing posts with label yes but my life wouldn't be as good. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yes but my life wouldn't be as good. Show all posts
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Mango Casual Sportswear 60% Wool medium length lined coat
These wool town coats are absolutely lovely. Like many mixed fabric things they don't last forever, but most people would tell you to expect something like this to last 2-4 years, especially in brighter colours. Whilst its something of a luxury for some, I'd brand it an absolute necessity for others. The coat is medium in length, so just goes to the top of my thighs. Its belted, so helps to create or enhance your shape nicely. The collar is brilliant, allowing for scarves, stylish, but warm in its own right. I have a red one, and they're superb, but I've seen them in other colours and even in black. It starts to defeat the point in black, but if for example you dress all in black it could be worthwhile.
As far as durability, I have worn it most days in the winter/wintery months for about two and a half years. It had one minor tear along a seam which I got fixed professionally, and after that it held together. The threads on the buttons have a tendency to have issues, I do need to cut them somewhat regularly. Clear nail polish helped the problem but didn't stop it. None of the buttons has ever fallen off, though. It fits closely or allows thinner jumpers, struggles with thicker ones, but can be forgiving of a bit of extra fat centrally. After two and a half years it has definitely started to show some wear patches, but probably can be gotten away with for errands in this age of austerity without being entirely shabby.
I'd love to replace it but can't afford to so am wearing country coats in London right now - my tweed or my waterproof riding/hacking/hiking one. I would class it as essential to have this or similar for someone who lives/works/studies exclusively in a city or large town (I originally lived in York.) I would class it as a luxury for someone who is mostly village or countryside, and if you go between the two only you can say. Its a perfect fashion point, but not an infinitely durable one.
Also, when I wear it with a shorter skirt or shorts teamed with leg warmers I get called 'manga detective' owing in part to the cute japanese leg warmers and utter lack of being able to tell I'm wearing a skirt/shorts. This is by someone more into anime than fashion - its a good belted wool coat with buttons and a flashy quasi-military collar. Still, its fun.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 4 (I do want to give it more, but I'm forced to admit its lower)
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: 7 (With variability from 2-10)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
*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 : Adults, Female, Teenagers, People living in cities / large towns, People who regularly travel to cities/towns, Fashion conscious
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
As far as durability, I have worn it most days in the winter/wintery months for about two and a half years. It had one minor tear along a seam which I got fixed professionally, and after that it held together. The threads on the buttons have a tendency to have issues, I do need to cut them somewhat regularly. Clear nail polish helped the problem but didn't stop it. None of the buttons has ever fallen off, though. It fits closely or allows thinner jumpers, struggles with thicker ones, but can be forgiving of a bit of extra fat centrally. After two and a half years it has definitely started to show some wear patches, but probably can be gotten away with for errands in this age of austerity without being entirely shabby.
I'd love to replace it but can't afford to so am wearing country coats in London right now - my tweed or my waterproof riding/hacking/hiking one. I would class it as essential to have this or similar for someone who lives/works/studies exclusively in a city or large town (I originally lived in York.) I would class it as a luxury for someone who is mostly village or countryside, and if you go between the two only you can say. Its a perfect fashion point, but not an infinitely durable one.
Also, when I wear it with a shorter skirt or shorts teamed with leg warmers I get called 'manga detective' owing in part to the cute japanese leg warmers and utter lack of being able to tell I'm wearing a skirt/shorts. This is by someone more into anime than fashion - its a good belted wool coat with buttons and a flashy quasi-military collar. Still, its fun.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 4 (I do want to give it more, but I'm forced to admit its lower)
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: 7 (With variability from 2-10)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
*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 : Adults, Female, Teenagers, People living in cities / large towns, People who regularly travel to cities/towns, Fashion conscious
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Mango Jeans Shorts
To clarify, I can handle English grammar. Mango Jeans is the full brand name! Anyway, I have them in ordinary denim, and at the time the only ones they sold have slight distressed rubs on the front (fashion will change this eventually.) They have been very very sturdy. Due to slightly odd circumstances, I've practically lived in them for almost a year, sometimes with tights sometimes bare legs. In that time, and despite gaining weight, they've only got a coupe rubs on the crotch - nothing to yet stop me from wearing them although they may need a patch soon. The original distressed marks haven't gotten any bigger or frayed.
They've been easy to clean, they fit great, and they do allow a small amount of leeway in weight change. There are a couple of very slight colour fades on the back pockets, which almost blend in with the design. They're a great colour, too. They're wonderfully short shorts, but they still fit nicely and don't slide around - I don't really have much bad to say! I own another pair for my lower weight - I'm looking forward to being to wear those, too :)
This is like what denim clothing should be, and has often stopped being in this day and age. Brilliant!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (I have sexy legs, this is a reason for smiling!)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (This might be generous for brand and short jean shorts alone, but see above about sexy legs)
*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 : Adults, Female, Teenagers, Anyone with good legs,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
They've been easy to clean, they fit great, and they do allow a small amount of leeway in weight change. There are a couple of very slight colour fades on the back pockets, which almost blend in with the design. They're a great colour, too. They're wonderfully short shorts, but they still fit nicely and don't slide around - I don't really have much bad to say! I own another pair for my lower weight - I'm looking forward to being to wear those, too :)
This is like what denim clothing should be, and has often stopped being in this day and age. Brilliant!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (I have sexy legs, this is a reason for smiling!)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (This might be generous for brand and short jean shorts alone, but see above about sexy legs)
*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 : Adults, Female, Teenagers, Anyone with good legs,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Make-up Basics: Sephora Powder
I try to stay relatively gender neutral, and not spend loads of time talking about make-up. Even though there are loads of products, and I have a fair number of opinions on them! Occasionally, though, I can branch out without feeling guilty, and this is a basic that is especially useful in the summertime.
In general, powder helps your foundation last longer, can be a smoothing touch-up, and is VERY useful when photos are being taken. My one nod out to the men of the world and this post is- if you're having a heavy day of photos (wedding or similar) you actually do want a skin matched powder to be applied and occasionally touched up. You don't have to have it over anything, just to break the shiny.
So I know there are varying ways to approach foundation, cover-up, and powders, but I've never been a fan of the all in one type. For any other combination, the powder will really help, and it can be applied very lightly and help ease lines. I personally apply it with a powder brush, for which you can get away with lower quality ones more than with any other make-up brush. That said, I have been SO happy with my nicer one, and it has been hugely durable besides.
I do realise that if you live in the UK, this is a bit of an ask. Practically every other country has Sephora, so you can pick it up on holiday easily, but still an unfortunate thing. In my humble opinion, its worth it - I haven't had as much luck with any other powders, and its fairly inexpensive as well.
Match your skintone perfectly, or get the warm version of your skin-shade (it depends slightly on whose advice you listen to.) I use D20, and they come with a mirror and pad. The mirror is only slightly useful, I prefer the one in my Smashbox cream eyeliner palette, but it is better than nothing!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 5
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (It does last, but not forever. Touch-ups are required. Also, they are occasionally prone to shattering within their case, which makes them useable but go faster, and slightly messier.)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 2
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3
*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 : Adults, Teenagers, Female, Special Events, Anyone getting their photos taken
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
In general, powder helps your foundation last longer, can be a smoothing touch-up, and is VERY useful when photos are being taken. My one nod out to the men of the world and this post is- if you're having a heavy day of photos (wedding or similar) you actually do want a skin matched powder to be applied and occasionally touched up. You don't have to have it over anything, just to break the shiny.
So I know there are varying ways to approach foundation, cover-up, and powders, but I've never been a fan of the all in one type. For any other combination, the powder will really help, and it can be applied very lightly and help ease lines. I personally apply it with a powder brush, for which you can get away with lower quality ones more than with any other make-up brush. That said, I have been SO happy with my nicer one, and it has been hugely durable besides.
I do realise that if you live in the UK, this is a bit of an ask. Practically every other country has Sephora, so you can pick it up on holiday easily, but still an unfortunate thing. In my humble opinion, its worth it - I haven't had as much luck with any other powders, and its fairly inexpensive as well.
Match your skintone perfectly, or get the warm version of your skin-shade (it depends slightly on whose advice you listen to.) I use D20, and they come with a mirror and pad. The mirror is only slightly useful, I prefer the one in my Smashbox cream eyeliner palette, but it is better than nothing!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 5
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (It does last, but not forever. Touch-ups are required. Also, they are occasionally prone to shattering within their case, which makes them useable but go faster, and slightly messier.)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 2
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3
*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 : Adults, Teenagers, Female, Special Events, Anyone getting their photos taken
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Colgate Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
I promise to get off the subject of dental hygiene next week! It just seemed appropriate once I got going. I'll freely admit to a strange minor bias here, I really can't stand non-Colgate toothpastes. As a child I had to have fruity organic ones because the minty ones stung my mouth, now everything just tastes wrong... I have tried so many types, but finally just realised I love Colgate more, it makes me more willing to brush my teeth, and I have met other people out there like me.
I'm less a fan of their super basic ones, but I can enjoy many of the "premium" versions.
I do keep coming back to advanced whitening though, and it is the one I currently have, so this is very much my focus. I also have to say, toothpaste in a can sounds like a great idea, it does prevent toothpaste getting all over your luggage, but you really do loose quite a bit of it. Not a money saving technique, and a wasteful one, but otherwise it does have benefits. I'm currently back to tubes, they are just space and money and environmentally economical.
It is worth noting that the active ingredients in most toothpastes are entirely the same, and you can generally buy the most value version you want with no bad effects. There are occasional minor differences, which rarely will actually affect you personally. After that, its mostly about taste. As to whether the whitening works, well, it certainly keeps them from getting worse in colour, which hasn't been true of every toothpaste I've tried. It has at times seemed to make a difference for a period, and at times none, which suggests to me there is a limited benefit if you don't use it all the time - that's nothing like a scientific test, mind!
Buy in bulk and on offer, and even student style budgets can afford it - but you don't have to try if the benefits don't interest you, and they won't interest everyone.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 4
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 4
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (These are actually resilient tubes, good for travel, compared to some)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 9
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Cheesy, since it helps me smile! Pun. Intended.)
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 : Adults, Male, Female, Teenagers
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
I do keep coming back to advanced whitening though, and it is the one I currently have, so this is very much my focus. I also have to say, toothpaste in a can sounds like a great idea, it does prevent toothpaste getting all over your luggage, but you really do loose quite a bit of it. Not a money saving technique, and a wasteful one, but otherwise it does have benefits. I'm currently back to tubes, they are just space and money and environmentally economical.
It is worth noting that the active ingredients in most toothpastes are entirely the same, and you can generally buy the most value version you want with no bad effects. There are occasional minor differences, which rarely will actually affect you personally. After that, its mostly about taste. As to whether the whitening works, well, it certainly keeps them from getting worse in colour, which hasn't been true of every toothpaste I've tried. It has at times seemed to make a difference for a period, and at times none, which suggests to me there is a limited benefit if you don't use it all the time - that's nothing like a scientific test, mind!
Buy in bulk and on offer, and even student style budgets can afford it - but you don't have to try if the benefits don't interest you, and they won't interest everyone.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 4
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 4
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (These are actually resilient tubes, good for travel, compared to some)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 9
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Cheesy, since it helps me smile! Pun. Intended.)
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 : Adults, Male, Female, Teenagers
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
A day late, but extra excited... Tesco cotton wool buds
I know, seriously, right? But I love cotton wool buds in every way. I may not be supposed to... but they really are handy with my generally otherwise sad ears, and they take nail polish off... and are generally good for cleaning small things. Tesco has a very sensible and useful approach, although they do have a weird beauty variant which has two different ends, is ok for certain types of cleaning, but otherwise very annoying! Still, the main ones... they work. And I have over the years found several brands that don't... in all sorts of countries!
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: 7
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7 (There really aren't any good replacements)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 (Neutral)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 (It really isn't...)
*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 : Male, Female, Most ages, Babies
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: 7
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7 (There really aren't any good replacements)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 (Neutral)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 (It really isn't...)
*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 : Male, Female, Most ages, Babies
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Uniqlo extra fine merino wool sweaters
Clothing is a tricky one, because fit, preference, etc... but no seriously, whoever you are you should find something to love here. Unless you really can't handle wool clothing... I can't help you there.
In general Uniqlo has a great record with very durable clothing... no holes, no stretching. Seems to resist stains, even in the lighter colours. Partly this is due to using good fabrics (i.e. cotton, linen, wool). I haven't had these particular ones very long, but so far they are doing very well, even compared to some softer and cuter wool jumpers I've come across.
They have a huge variety of colours, and even though only two really jumped at me once I tried them on, I feel most people would find similar. One is blue, the other is grey. Never have I known a company to make greys interesting! You don't guess it will be, but once I tried them on I saw that it really made my eyes stand out, just really worked. Not actually boring at all. Even when worn with a black skirt!
They also offer quite a variety of cuts, and are pretty good in their size range. At the end of the day, even fitted jumpers have a tiny bit of give. I'm not promising it'll be perfect for you, but give it a try! Seriously. For myself, an absolute win, not their first, and hopefully not their last.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9 (Might go up to 10)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Might go up as high as 8 over time)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (Your mileage may vary with how much you need jumpers)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 6 (Jumpers in general, closer to 10)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 4 (They are cute)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Which goes up if people know Uniqlo / travel to other countries)
*Do I think its the best in its field: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD (And I think I'd need SOME jumpers!)
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male, Female, Adults, City / Town
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
In general Uniqlo has a great record with very durable clothing... no holes, no stretching. Seems to resist stains, even in the lighter colours. Partly this is due to using good fabrics (i.e. cotton, linen, wool). I haven't had these particular ones very long, but so far they are doing very well, even compared to some softer and cuter wool jumpers I've come across.
They have a huge variety of colours, and even though only two really jumped at me once I tried them on, I feel most people would find similar. One is blue, the other is grey. Never have I known a company to make greys interesting! You don't guess it will be, but once I tried them on I saw that it really made my eyes stand out, just really worked. Not actually boring at all. Even when worn with a black skirt!
They also offer quite a variety of cuts, and are pretty good in their size range. At the end of the day, even fitted jumpers have a tiny bit of give. I'm not promising it'll be perfect for you, but give it a try! Seriously. For myself, an absolute win, not their first, and hopefully not their last.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9 (Might go up to 10)
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6 (Might go up as high as 8 over time)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (Your mileage may vary with how much you need jumpers)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 6 (Jumpers in general, closer to 10)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 4 (They are cute)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3 (Which goes up if people know Uniqlo / travel to other countries)
*Do I think its the best in its field: POSSIBLY
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD (And I think I'd need SOME jumpers!)
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male, Female, Adults, City / Town
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
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, 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.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Sharpie Markers (Multi-coloured)
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
It just needs to be said - if you need a marking pen, buy Sharpies. I've tried so many random off brands for so many reasons, and some of them haven't even been remotely useable. Even the ones that wrote at all, weren't anywhere near as good as sharpies. You can find good deals on them, too, if you look in the right places.
My original motivations for buying the multi-coloured ones were to use in the lab, it helped me tell apart experiments/days more easily, and since everyone else had black ones, they were harder to steal (in fact I didn't lose a single one). But they are great for labelling food in shared fridges (more versatile than black) and labelling boxes, and they have a super cool smile factor when you can use random colours for things. Its one of those not very expensive but not strictly necessary purchases that has just been full of win. And win. And win!
I'll have a quick run down of the colours in case you're thinking of buying an individual colour or a small pack instead of the large one. Navy, Purple, and Brown are essentially a cooler version of black, sometimes with more versatility. Nothing else is as solidly good for when you need a dark colour. Red and Magenta are also useful on a large variety of surfaces / tend to stand out. I have used Teal, Orange, and Turquoise and enjoyed them, but they only take to certain surfaces / background colours. Light green and Yellow are both very hard to use, and surprisingly the standard green isn't loads better.
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: 10
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 4 (Lets be honest you can get around sharpies in most situations, and can always get around coloured ones)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (They bring me SO much grin)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (There is a geek cool element in play here, but that counts. And even non-geeks like them!)
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male & Female, Any age over about 14 years of age, definitely anyone who has to label things a lot for any reason, otherwise for fun, moving, or similar!
It just needs to be said - if you need a marking pen, buy Sharpies. I've tried so many random off brands for so many reasons, and some of them haven't even been remotely useable. Even the ones that wrote at all, weren't anywhere near as good as sharpies. You can find good deals on them, too, if you look in the right places.
My original motivations for buying the multi-coloured ones were to use in the lab, it helped me tell apart experiments/days more easily, and since everyone else had black ones, they were harder to steal (in fact I didn't lose a single one). But they are great for labelling food in shared fridges (more versatile than black) and labelling boxes, and they have a super cool smile factor when you can use random colours for things. Its one of those not very expensive but not strictly necessary purchases that has just been full of win. And win. And win!
I'll have a quick run down of the colours in case you're thinking of buying an individual colour or a small pack instead of the large one. Navy, Purple, and Brown are essentially a cooler version of black, sometimes with more versatility. Nothing else is as solidly good for when you need a dark colour. Red and Magenta are also useful on a large variety of surfaces / tend to stand out. I have used Teal, Orange, and Turquoise and enjoyed them, but they only take to certain surfaces / background colours. Light green and Yellow are both very hard to use, and surprisingly the standard green isn't loads better.
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: 10
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 4 (Lets be honest you can get around sharpies in most situations, and can always get around coloured ones)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 9 (They bring me SO much grin)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (There is a geek cool element in play here, but that counts. And even non-geeks like them!)
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Male & Female, Any age over about 14 years of age, definitely anyone who has to label things a lot for any reason, otherwise for fun, moving, or similar!
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