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