LOVE it; Beautyblender

The Beautyblender; it's holy grail status for me. 

Photo credit: Sephora

Since I have sensitive, eczema-y (I think I just made that up) skin I have to use 'fancier' foundations that often are $50+ a bottle.  I don't mind since they last me a good 8months - 1 year.  But,  since I am using an expensive product, I want it to be a 'miracle' worker on smoothing, covering and camouflaging any flaws.  Applying foundation with fingers works and so does using a foundation brush BUT using the beautyblender does something completely different to your face.

The beautyblender isn't like any ol' makeup sponge.  Once you wet it, it expands to twice its size.  It applies foundation so smoothly and evenly.  It leaves skin looking fresh and dewy yet all the 'flaws' are covered (depending on the coverage of your foundation this will vary).  The big round end helps cover your entire face quickly while the pointed end helps get makeup into smaller crevices around the eyes, nose and lips.

You can purchase the beautyblender  for $26 +HST in store at Sephora or, recently, The Bay has started carrying it too.  Better yet though, order it online fro the Sephora website and you can get two for $33 +HST.

If you have any questions or comments leave them below or email me. :)

That's it for now.

xxx
E

LOVE it; Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy

This is probably the 'cheapest' product review I will ever do. At $1.99 plus HST, I picked up the Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy at 'The Superstore' while grocery shopping. I will honestly admit that what caught my attention was the adorable tiny jar. 

Photo credit: Vaseline

It's the usual Vaseline jar with the usual Vaseline inside.  The one difference?  The scent/flavour of this one!  It's AH-MAZ-ING!

What I love about it:

• Packaging; it's small and adorable 
• Price; it doesn't get much better than $1.99
• Accessibility; I got to pick it up at the grocery store.  It doesn't get easier than that.
• Product; love the scent and texture

What I don't like:

• Nothing! :) I love this product. 

That's it for now.  If you have any questions or comments drop me a line below or email me.

xxx,
E

LEAVE it; Tropicana 50 Orange Juice

Hi Everyone,

First off, I have updated two posts so go check them out;
1. Armani Eyes to Kill
2. Brookside Chocolates

Photocredit: Tropicana

As for today's product?  Tropica50. Gawd I hate it!  It is such false advertising and if you don't read the label then you're in trouble.  Really it serves me right for now having been smarter.  I purchased this product months ago but when I spotted a commercial for it today it re-enforced my dislike for it and I had to write a review. 

Why do I hate it?

• I hate artificial drinks in general, but when something pretends to be good for you and is advertised as natural when it's not?  That just makes me mad.  This stuff contains only 40% real orange juice! Are you kidding me?
• They tout not using artificial sweeteners....but if it's not 100% orange juice and OJ sugar...it's artificially sweetened.  They use Stevia which is better than your regular ol' sweeteners but still.  Blech.  

I think this get's my point across.  If you have to drink juice, can you at least read the label first?  You'll be shocked what you discovered.  For now I stick to my Oasis 100% orange juice - nothing added.  Dilute it down or watch your portions.  Simple as that.
That's it for today!
xxx

E

LOVE it; PC Blue Menu Yogurt Bars and Smoothies

Ok, yum!  I have been eating clean and watching my intake so most deserts or sweets are a no no right now.  Since I have a major sweet tooth I was desperate for something that would fill the void for sugar without being horrible for me.  As I was passing the freezer aisle I was intrigued.  A PC blue menu yogurt bar that looked pretty delicious for only 90 calories and made with 100% Canadian milk?  On sale for $4.99 [instead of the regular $6.99] I had to try them and I'm so glad I did.  They are delicious!

Photo Credit: President's Choice

We have tried: Smoothie Fudge Dessert Bars, Swirl Smoothie Orange and Strawberry.  They are all SO good.

The pictured smoothie swirl in orange contains: 90 calories, 1 gram fat (!!) and 13 grams sugar.

Another benefit?  They contain 0.04g Omega 3's that are added through fish oil - sounds gross but you can NOT taste it. Those who know me know I hate fish in any shape or form but it's completely undetectable and helps provide a little health boost 

I'm not oblivious. I wouldn't call these 'healthy' but they are definitely a great and 'healthier' low calorie option for when that sweet tooth aches for a little sugar.

Oh and PS - the bars a a totally respectable size. I thought for sure for 90 calories you'd get a teeny tiny bar.  Not so!

That's it for now.  If you have any questions leave me a comment or email me! Oh and let me know if you try them. :)

xxx,
E 

LOVE it; Checkout 51

Today's review, is again, a bit different because it's not a product per say... it's an app!
As much as I love shopping for high quality goods of any type what I like even more is getting a great deal on them! - Enter Checkout 51.

Photo Credit: Checkout 51

What is it?

It's a free [!!!] smartphone app that let's you claim virtual coupons after you have shopped at any store.

How does it work?

You check the deals for your week and find the ones you like - every Thursday new coupons are posted and they last until the following Wednesday [however there is only a certain quantity for some deals so they might not be available all week]  

You proceed with your usual business of grocery shopping wherever you like.

Once you get home you take a picture of your receipt(s) and claim each offer you'd like to redeem.

Within 48 hours your offer will have been reviewed and a credit for x amount of money is placed on your account.  Once you have reached a minimum of $20 in redemption a cheque is mailed to you.

That's it! Easy peasy!  BUT, the best part is the variety of awesome products that are offered and the amount you receive back for them.  For example, this week, I redeemed: $2 off an old el paso dinner kit (got it on sale making it only $1.00!!!), $1.50 off Oikos greek yogurt and $.50 unico canned tomatoes (also on sale for $1 making the can only $.50!).  As you can see they are totally common use products with a great cash-back.  Another great and reasuring part? The app is actually legit and secure! It was developed by the son of the owner of Postmedia who already has numerous businesses under his belt. 

Ok, that's it for now! Let me know if you try the app and if you like it.  If you have any questions leave me a comment or email me.

xxx
E

LOVE it; masters n' DOGS Specialty Store

I am writing a second post for the night because this one is a bit different in that I am review an entire store that's related to my furry daughter, Olive. :)

Photocredit: masters n' DOGS

     I thought it was important to give a [so not needed for business] shout out to the best dog store, in Ottawa, there is.  Often I find that people stereotype these types of stores as 1. expensive and 2. for frou frou dogs and dog owners.  This is SO not the case at masters n' DOGS. 
     I've decided to list all the reasons I love them so if you have any specific questions or want to know more about anything related to the store let me know and I'll do a more in depth blog post.

• Their staff is kind, caring and compassionate.  This transcends and applies to so much more than just knowledge of products within the store.  Not only do they remember your dog and love your dog they remember you both by name!  It feels so nice to go into a store where you're not just a number on the receipt.  Shoutout to Jasmine, their assistant manager, for being so awesome and friendly.  She also has the biggest heart and fosters pups waiting for a good home. 
• The variety of products offered is crazy!  Small dogs, HUGE dogs - they cover all their bases.  I know that if I need something for Olive they will have it.  They carry everything from dog food, collars,harnesses and leashes, protective clothing (think boots and coats), treats, hygiene products and toys.  They really know how to make use of the small space in there. 
• Speaking of food?  I can trust that anything I buy there is of the highest quality.  My dog deserves nothing but then best, as bratty as that sounds.  I'd rather pay for good nutrition now than expensive vet bills later. They carry fantastic brands like: Nature's Variety, Orijen, Acana, Go/Now and From.  They also have a great variety of chews - a great selection of canadian bullysticks. 
• Cost of products; as much as people would like to think the store is expensive, it's not for what you get.  Not only are prices reasonable, you will often find a promotion or special on certain products.  This changes constantly.  Not to mention their food reward program - purchase 10 bags of food and receive one free. 
• Another great part?  They carry sample bags of food that they give you to try out before buying to make sure your pup will love it.  They've also been great about giving me a sample bag for when we travel with Olive to make sure there are no problems at the border since the products are still sealed. 
• The best groomer; you would think Olive would run any time we get close to the store but instead she pulls towards it.  She loves her groomer, Darby, and you can tell Darby loves her.  She is so gentle and listens!  Olive has never had a bad cut and always has the best puppy cut.  Plus?  The grooming is actually cheaper than at PetsMart

 Ok, I think I have rambled on enough for now.  Let me know if you'd like any more specific info or reviews by leaving a comment or emailing me.  

That's it for now,

xxx
E

LOVE it (love love love!); Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara

UPDATE! 'Armani Eyes to Kill' is now being offered at Sephora Bayshore for $36 plus HST.  It can be found at the beginning of the aisle in their 'favourite mascaras' section.  :)

- E

I promised in this post that I would  talk about my all time holy-grail mascara.  To me this is it:

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

     It doesn't get better than this mascara. It's everything I want a mascara to be...and more.  [However, keep in mind that in my last post I also specified that mascara is a very personal thing - one mans treasure could be another man's garbage]

     Details:  I purchase mine at Holt Renfrew for $36 plus taxes.  That line right there?  It also gives you, to me, the only two downfalls of this mascara. 1) price and 2) hard to get in Canada.   There are several versions; regular, waterproof, excess and stretch.  I use and prefer the regular in steel black, pictured to the left.

     Why is this my holy-grail-doesn't-get-better-than-this product?

• It defines, coats, seperates and voluminzes lashes without a single clump; my lashes look full and black but super natural 
• The packaging is beautiful; a dark greyish green bottle with a heavy wand makes it feel luxurious and like amazing quality [which it is]. 
• It lasts all day! No smudges, creasing, flaking - nothing! With my previously mentioned greasy eyelids and skin, this is a miracle.
• It lasts for months - I like to only use this mascara so it is a daily go to and yet the entire bottle lasts me at least three months without drying out.  It remains the amazing quality the entire time.  This helps make the sting of the price tag a bit less painful. 
• My sensitive eyes love this mascara too.  I have never had any issues in with watering, dryness, itchiness or discomfort.  

For all these reasons and so many more, I love Armani Eyes to Kill.  This will be my go to mascara for as long as it shall live.... which is hopefully a long time!

For any questions or feedback leave me a comment or email me.

That's all for now,

xxx
E

New Category; MEH - Deborah Lippmann Nailpolish

I'm really sad to write this review because of the rating I am giving it.  I really, really wanted to love these polishes and I purposely waited and used several colours in several different ways before I was really sure about how I felt about them.  The polishes I am referring to are deborah lippmann nail polishes.  

                     Photo credit: Deborah Lippmann

I have tried a few 'regular line colours as the most recent 'Girls' collection. I purchased the full-sized 'Girls' set of four colours at Holt Renfrew for $45.  Individual colours normally sell for $20.  Yah - it's crazy.  Andddd because of the high price but also high chipping factor I regretful have to give the lippann polishes a (new!) rating of MEH.

What I liked:

• The colour selection is beautiful.  Deborah Lipmann offers some of the most beautiful colours I have seen in the polish world. 
• Specifically, the glitter polishes are the most beautiful sparky polishes I have ever seen.  You can't help wanting them all.
• The application is smooth and most of the colours only need two coats for full opacity.  
• The bottles and packaging feel nice and are super cute.

What I didn't like:

• Firstly, obviously the price.  If and when I pay $20 for a bottle of nailpolish I expect it to be a holy grail product.  
• The colours chip so easily!  It's so disappointing.  The lavender colour (pictured above) that I tried first, lasted a good 4-5 days without chipping and I was so excited.  BUT, as I tried four other colours they would chip within the first 24 hours.  So not acceptable. 

I couldn't profess 'liking' or 'loving' this product because I'm sitting on the fence. I also couldn't bring myself to give these polishes a LEAVE it because  they are beautiful and I will probably re-purchase some glitters in the future. When it comes to regular ol' colours though?  I'll stick to my favourite tried and true OPI's (review to come).  Buy the lipmann's if you've fallen in love with a colour.  As far me?  If I change my mind I'll keep ya posted.

That's it for now.

xxx

E

MEH; Brookside chocolates

 UPDATE:  After contemplating for a few weeks I have decided to change my Brookside Chocolates review  from LIKE it to MEH.  

Are they delicious? Absolutely.  BUT my biggest pet peeve? The product could be so much better and healthier in such as simple way. Let me explain.  When I first purchased these I was under the impression that they were like the other Brookside product that I loved: dark chocolate covered dried berries and nuts.  In fact,  inside of the Brookside chocolates pictured below is nothing more than just a 'fruit juice' jelly.  Really?  I'm not impressed.  I totally thought it would be dried fruit and although at first I really liked them, this fact has just annoyed me more and more.  Therefore they get a MEH from me.  They're tasty and we'll obviously finish them up but I will not be re-purchasing.  Phef.  Glad I got that off my chest....and glad I gave myself 30 days to change my mind! :)

xxx,
E

Today's post is all about taste buds. Enter Brookside Chocolates.

 Photocredit: Brookside

What are they?  Brookside boasts the following: 

"BROOKSIDE artisans have discovered the way to artfully combine smooth dark chocolate with exotic fruit juices. We pair our exceptionally dark chocolate with the unique texture of soft real fruit juice pieces. BROOKSIDE dark chocolate covered real fruit juice pieces provide an intriguing texture and exotic taste experience that provide a natural source of flavanol antioxidants."

I purchased mine at Costco for $9.69 in a 40 pack 90 calorie multipack containing three different flavours: 1. acai with blueberry, 2. goji with raspberry and 3. pomegranate 

Although these are not 'healthy' by any means, they are a healthier alternative to indulging in something sweet and delicious while obtaining some health benefits....rather than tearing open and demolishing a chocolate bar with no real nutritional value [dependent on the bar!] 

These really are delicious too - IF you like dark chocolate and IF you like more exotic berry combos. 

Overall, I give these Brookside Chocolates a LIKE it.  They didn't get a LOVE it because they are quite calorie rich per quanity and because their advertising seems deceiving for the 'health' benefits when in reality these are just fruit juice pellets covered in dark chocolate.


 If you have any questions or comments, leave them below or email me!

That's it for today,

xxx

E

LEAVE it; Maybelline 'The Rocket' Mascara

I have TON of products that I want to rave about and recommend, but I thought it was important to get some of the 'mehs' out of the way....because the point of this blog, after all, is to save you from buying products that aren't amazing.

Today's product, Maybelline's 'The Rocket' mascara, unfortunately, receives a LEAVE it rating from me.  I really wanted to find and love a drugstore mascara.  One that would impress me enough to leave my Armani Eyes to Kill [spoiler alert - holy grail review on this coming up] in the dust. 

Granted, mascara can be one of those products that's not a one-size-fit all approach. Some people love it while it's completely nothing special for me. 

I purchased 'The Rocket' , retailing for $7.99 US,  at Ulta during my last Syracuse trip. I thought I would give it a try since I've heard people rave about it and Ulta had a Buy 1 Get 1 50% deal going on.  

The mascara is just 'Meh'.  It's nothing special.  It clumps, it feels wet and it flakes/smudges throughout the day. It has a rubber brush  which I am not a fan of. Worst of all?  It irritated my sensitive eyes.  I discovered why - because of the flaking I would find pieces of the mascara on my contacts when I took them out at night.  Not impressed. 

Overall, maybe it just didn't work with my oily skin and lashes, maybe I am spoiled by my higher end mascaras but... I give 'The Rocket' a LEAVE it.  There are better mascaras out there, even at the drugstore [I just haven't found them yet].

Questions or comments?  Leave me a line below or send me an email.

That's it for today,

xxx

-E

LOVE it; Bioderma Sensible H20

I had had the worst skin ever this winter.  My eczema is on full flare as soon as I use a scrub, acne cream or the weather changes, using moisturizer to combat the eczema leads to breakouts.  So what's a girl to do?  Pile on the makeup of course.

At the end of the day I'm left trying to remove it all while leaving my sensitive skin feeling fresh and clean without feeling over cleansed, tight or dry. This is where Bioderma H20 comes in.

A little squirt on a cotton pad is all it takes.  This stuff CLEANS your face like nothing else will while leaving it feeling fresh, soft and refreshed.  No rinsing required. This stuff does it all.

In Canada, Bioderma is easily accessible at Shoppers Drugmart.  The great thing?  It usually retails for $20-$25 but you can often get it on sale while earning optimum points!

In the US, it seems harder to tack down but try Amazon or eBay.  They seem to be your safest bet.


Questions or comments about this product? Drop me a line in the comments section or send me an email at blog.thirtdays@gmail.ca

That's it for now,

xxx

-E

LOVE it, LIKE it or LEAVE it!

Welcome!

My name is Emina and I am a simple shopping addict from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I created this blog for a few simple reasons;

1. I sort of have a shopping problem; as many girls can relate, it's a natural high! I am a sucker for the latest and greatest but I also love a good deal.

2. I wanted something that didn't exist so I've created it.  One go to place for all types of reviews.  If you want to know what Dior's latest blush is like? You'll probably find out here.  Those Muttluk dog boots?  My morkie, Olive, is wearing them.  Needless to say... I love to try new things and I want to let you know what I think of them. 

What else can you expect from me?

As much as I love to shop, I also thrive of getting the best deals.  I'll be sharing ways to save money on some essentials...leaving the left-over money for the fun things.

I will be rating products and assigning them one of three stars:
One star - Meh - Leave it
Two stars - Like it
Three stars - Love it

Anyways, I hope you stop by as I blab my thoughts, rants and raves here. I hope it's not only a place for me to organize my favourite things but for you to learn about the what's worth it and what's not.

That's it for now,

xxx

E