Product Review: Joe Fresh Tinted Lip Balm

The metallic packaging matches the colour inside, which is nice for easy identifying - but awful for displaying fingerprints and always looking dirty. The lid doesn't snap on, but rather twists on similar to a bottle cap. At first this feature really bothered me, but over time I've come to enjoy it since I know the lid won't come loose in my purse.

These tinted lip balms are VERY tinted, like a sheer lipstick - to the point where I don't feel comfortable applying them without a mirror for fear of making a mess. The high shine formula means they tend to slip outside of my lipline, but that is more noticeable with the darker shades compared to the lighter.  The colour will also accentuate dry patches.

They are very moisturizing, but only on a surface level. I don't feel any moisture leftover after the product wears away. The scent is very reminiscent of a watermelon jolly rancher and tends to linger for a long time, there is also a subtle sweet flavor if you accidentally get some in your mouth.

On my lips the Blackberry colour translates to a medium cool toned berry and the Macaron is a muted lilac purple. Both shades are incredibly glossy upon first application but with minor wear calm down to a satin fish. They will transfer easily and wear off in about 60 minutes or so.

Overall I'd say if you're looking for a moisturizing lip balm, this is not the product for you. But if you're looking for a shiny lip colour and can find one in the range of colours, it might be worth a shot.

These tinted lip balms are Made in Canada. 

Product Review: Secret Invisible Spray 48HR Antiperspirant/Deodorant

I've always had issues with my armpits. I sweat heavily and tend to smell quite strongly from them. I've been wearing deodorant/antiperspirant since I was 11 years old. While some work better than others, I've never found one that solved all my issues.

I'd seen a bunch of commercials for this new concept of aerosol deodorants and I was pretty intrigued, but the high price tag (avg $8 or so) kept me from trying them. I've also been made aware of how bad aerosol products are for the environment, but I was desperate so I finally decided to bite the bullet during a "Spend your points" event at Shoppers Drug Mart. I "paid" $7.99 for this product.

The first three days it worked fantastic. My armpits were dry all day, I would occasionally smell the cool waterlily scent when I moved my arms, I had no bad odor from my armpits at all! I was thrilled and ready to rave about my new discovery, finally an answer to all my  armpit problems.

Until day four came and I sprayed on the deodorant as usual... Or so I thought. I went about my day and started noticing my armpits were damp. I sprayed some deodorant into my hand and realized the bottle was just dispersing air instead of product. I shook the bottle, I cleaned the nozzle, I tried everything I possibly could to make it work and no luck. I can feel the bottle is still half full, but the sprayer is no longer dispensing product. Thinking this was just a fluke I purchased another bottle... Within a week I was suffering the same issue.

Despite this product being everything I've ever wanted in a deodorant, it appears to be full of issues which make it a total waste of money.

The first issue is the product is "invisible", meaning you cannot easily tell if it has been dispensed or not. The second issue is clearly the nozzle system, since both bottles have had the same issue within days of purchase. There is no way to open the container so you cannot check if the dispenser is blocked. The third issue is how quickly the product is used up! Less than a week of use shouldn't use up half a container, especially since it costs more than regular stick deodorant. Then finally, the container is under pressure (since it is an aerosol can) and cannot be recycled or reused - it is just landfill.

I'm really disappointed in this product. I wouldn't recommend it to anybody.