Reviews by Friends of angel2485

PattyTherre says "Fakery at its finest. This Ugg boot site LOOKS legit but is NOT!" about bestuggsell.com

PattyTherre — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:24:52 GMT

Quick View: I have written a lot about Uggs and Ugg-Alike boots. I have an obsession with them. Imagine my delight when I saw that Ugg Australia website was having a great sale on the most popular styles of Uggs! Then I discovered a very sneaky plot to make people BELIEVE they are on the Ugg Australia website when, in fact, they are on a Chinese site that claims nowhere that the boots they sell are authentic.

My Take on bestuggsell.com

I clicked on an ad that showed a pair of Uggs at a great price. I was delighted to see some great sales on the Ugg Australia website. I decided to splurge and buy a pair of classic cardy Uggs since the price was discounted so much. Then I decided to go through a cash back site to get even more savings.

I went to Bing's cash back, logged in, and clicked on Ugg Australia. It took me to the exact site but the prices were different. Hmm. I went to the site I had been looking at and, sure enough, it was exact -- same logo, same photos, same everything -- but the...

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PattyTherre says "Save Money and buy Ugg-Alikes. A Guide to the Best Imitators." about Ugg-Alikes - Which Brand is Most like Uggs?

PattyTherre — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:31:40 GMT

I love Ugg boots. I have a few pairs but, with the economy what it is, I just didn't want to sink so much money into more Uggs although I wanted more.

This winter, I bought four different Ugg-Alikes of varying quality and found one that I can now say is almost identical to Uggs in every way. Let's compare the four brands I bought and see which is the winner!

Which Brand is Most Like Uggs?

I started with Xhilaration Electra Suede Boots, moved to Unionbay Cozie G Boots, then to Bearpaw Women's 10-inch EVA Boots, and finally to EMU Australia Women's Bronte Hi Boots. One of these brands mimics Uggs to a T. The others vary in quality.

First, let's just toss away Unionbay Cozie G Boots. They are cheaply made, ugly, and uncomfortable. They really don't look like Uggs and they're just awful. Ugh. They're cheap but they look and feel even cheaper. No comparison to the others so I won't even compare them.

I am left with three brands.

When I first tried the Xhilaration Electra Suede Boots, I was very...

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PattyTherre says "12 times more impact? I think not, L'Oreal! You're flaky!" about L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara

PattyTherre — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:58:57 GMT

Quick View: This mascara promises all kinds of things but only delivers a few of those things. It certainly doesn't give me 12 times the impact, whatever that is. it doesn't even explain what "impact" is. It does darken and lengthen but that's about it.

My Take on L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara

This mascara comes in a typical black tube and the brush looks fairly typical as well. It is a straight brush with multi-level bristles. L'Oreal claims the mascara has "revolutionary lash-plumping technology with hydra-collagen for breathtaking volume and incredible wear."

It does go on well. It adds some length and darkness to my lashes and it doesn't clump or give me me spider lashes. I see very little volume though and I really need thicker lashes.

The mascara was average but throughout the day, I noticed little flakes under my eyes and on my cheeks. Ugh. The mascara also tends to transfer when I so much as touch my eyes.

I battle dark circles as it is and, to have dark flecks of mascara...

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TunefulGal says "Try Ponds Cold Cream and say 'Piffle' to aging." about Ponds Cold Cream

TunefulGal — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:08:56 GMT

Pond's Cold Cream brings back some of my earliest memories re "comfort smells". My mom used it to remove stage make-up in her younger, show business days. As she got older, I still remember her smoothing it on at night, her face glowing as the cream liquified. A little massage, then Mom used a damp, warm washcloth to remove the cream and, with it, the day's accumulation of impurities.

Mom stayed young looking well beyond most of the people her age. She maximized skin care and minimized make-up. Part of her youthfulness was genetic and, I believe, part of it was her religious use of Pond's Cold Cream.

Until just recently, I've preferred soap and water. But dry skin is catching up with me and I'd like to avoid deep and profuse wrinkling if I can. Pond's remains as hypoallergenic and gentle on smooth skin as ever -- a "cool classic," manufacturer Unilever calls it. I'm especially grateful that it doesn't clog my pores as some, supposedly non-comedogenic, contemporary cleaners...

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PattyTherre says "This foot soap doesn't live up to any of its claims. A dud." about Avon Foot Works Exfoliating Bar Soap

PattyTherre — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:33:33 GMT

Quick View: I am all about soft skin year round and I use a variety of foot scrubs to keep my feet supple. When I saw this bar soap, it seemed like an easy way to exfoliate and soften my feet without the mess that foot scrub makes. It was very disappointing!

My Take on Avon Foot Works Exfoliating Bar Soap

This soap is light blue with little dark flecks of shells in it. It's a nice size at 4.2 ounces. It hardly has any scent which is unusual for a foot product. Generally they are more strongly scented to deodorize and leave feet fragrant. The scent is a barely there fresh one. Nothing special comes to mind when I sniff it.

Avon Foot Works Exfoliating Bar Soap lathers but I don't feel those little flecks of shells exfoliating at all. It is a very, very gentle soap and doesn't do the job or even half the job or the least potent foot scrub I own.

My feet don't feel hydrated after use, which Avon promises, and they don't feel smoother. They simply are clean which I can get with any cleanser...

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AngelaWLaFon says "MK Signature Eye Color Duets Color Me Happy" about Mary Kay Eye Shadow

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:12:24 GMT

Mary Kay Signature Eye Color Duets

Mary Kay Signature Eye Color Duets makes choosing compimentary eye colors easy. Each eye color duet comes with two sections with two shades of one hue. MK consultants can also give you a helpful eye color application guide that shows you how to apply you're duets eye colors.

Why I like MK Eye Color Duets:

-Complimentary colors are already paired.

-Lots of colors to choose from.

-Can be applied "wet" or "dry."

-Stays put and doesn't crease.

My latest favorite MK Signature is "Blue Moon." The name is misleading because it's not exactly "blue" but rather one is smoky and the other silvery. It's been my go to eye color fo the holidays. Blue Moon looks really good on people with "Spring" or "Ocean" coloring like blonde hair and blue eyes.

A lot of Mary Kay makeup is made in the U.S.A. I noticed that this eye color duet is made in Italy.

With any eye shadows I think a eye color primer is helpful for longer lasting color and I think good applying...

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TunefulGal says "Arnica stops bruising cold and relieves muscle soreness, too." about Hylands Arnica Montana 30x 250 Tablets

TunefulGal — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:19:30 GMT

If you just walked into a chair and bruised your leg...

If you overdid it in yoga class and your muscles feel sore...

Hyland's 30X Arnica Montana Pills provide the perfect starting point for comfort. Four small white pills dissolved under the tongue (two for children) will minimize bruising and provide a non-irritating form of pain relief when your muscles scream "overused".

Unlike most over-the-counter products, homeopathic meds must be taken at more frequent intervals for relief. This may be a downside for you. Unlike many pain relievers, however, this homeopathic product won't endanger a sensitive stomach or make you sleepy. Now THAT's an upside!

I previously gave a five-star rating to Arniflora Arnica Gel for topical application. (See: www.viewpoints.com/Arniflora-Arnica-Gel-review-6f7c4 ) For me gel is an immediate, ideal remedy and often results in the disappearance of bruises entirely.

Because gel is so immediate, I've given only four stars to Hyland's 30X Arnica...

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TunefulGal says "Kohl's super-comfy and stretchy SO Gloves great for around town." about SO Velour Gloves

TunefulGal — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:01:37 GMT

Gloves don't usually agree with my long fingers, but Kohl's SO Brand Velour Gloves stretch to fit my hands thanks to their nylon/spandex/other composition.

This SO Brand Velour is soothingly soft -- especially comfy if your skin is winter-dry and apt to catch on coarser acrylic-type knits. The cuffs are huggy and fit right under the sleeve edges of my jackets. These gloves don't fill coat pockets with bulk. Their "hand wash" recommendation should be a breeze.

My friend Sandy gave me my original Velour Gloves in a basic shade of charcoal black. I've since ordered a pair each in the pink (see above) and white colors currently offered at Kohls.com.

I'd describe SO Velour Gloves as around-town rather than all-purpose gloves. My charcoal pair live on the hooks with my dogwalking supplies, always ready to go. They keep my hands cozy for the 30-40 minutes I'm out in low, 40-ish temperatures. Beyond that, I'd probably opt for something heavier. They are easy to get on and off,...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Variety is the spice of life and I like the Aramis Life variety." about Aramis Life Eau de Toilette Spray

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:29:57 GMT

Aramis Life Eau de Toilette Spray

I like it! My husband has been a Estee Lauder for Men cologne wearer for a long time and I love the scent. He occassionally also wears Royall Lymn which is a winner with me too. It's easy to get comfortable in our ways and in our sprays but recently my husband tried out some Aramis Life Eau de Toilette. I like this one too!

Aramis Life has been described as "woodsy" and "spicy." I don't disagree but to me the scent is really soft. I don't mean "baby" soft. It's a very manly scent but many men's colognes start out soft and end with an edge and this cologne is just really smooth all the way through.

Yes, the bottle is attractive too. It's a bright blue with a silver top.

Aramis Life is very reasonably priced. It's smells clean and manly but yet very smooth and soft. It's more of a casual scent. It's easily an every day scent because it's in no way overpowering but to me anyway, it's very attractive. It makes you snuggle up a little closer...

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PattyTherre says "So sticky, I feel like I just smeared syrup on my lips!" about Avon Mark Caribbean Shine Lip Gloss

PattyTherre — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:45:54 GMT

Quick View: This product is more of a balm than a gloss. It is very thick and VERY sticky. It hydrates but it's too thick for me. I feel like I need to wipe it off!

My Take on Avon Mark Caribbean Shine Lip Gloss

This gloss comes in a clear plastic squeezy tube with a slanted plastic tip to apply. There are three "beachy" swirled shade combinations. I chose "Kiss on the Beach" which has swirls of pink, brown, and white. It's pretty to look at!

The gloss has a sweet taste and a chocolately scent. It's more like cocoa butter, I think, than a true chocolate scent. It lightly tints lips (in the case of Kiss on the Beach, the tint is a deep pink. The others are what look to be a brown and a coral) and does add shine.

My issue with this product is that it is incredibly thick. I usually like good coverage but sticky, gooey stuff on my lips is not a good feeling. No matter how lightly I apply, it's still very thick and sticky.

Usually when balms or glosses are this thick, they last a long time on...

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PattyTherre says "Tarte lifts me up where eye belong! Smooth, lifted eyelids." about Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer With Firmatrol

PattyTherre — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 01:01:53 GMT

Quick View: I always wear eyeshadow primer to lengthen the time my shadow stays in. I discovered Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer With Firmatrol on the Tarte website during a 40% off sale and decide dto try it. I really like the subtle lift and smoothing this product gives my lids and it's a good primer as well.

My Take on Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer With Firmatrol

This product comes in a typical mascara-like tube with a small sponge tipped applicator. It is a light nude color and very creamy. I just apply a couple of swipes of the applicator sponge along my lids then blend. It dries fast and leaves a smooth canvas for eyeshadow. It also almost immediately tightens the kids and smooths them for more youthful looking eyes.

Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer contains no Parabens, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, Sulfates, GMOs, or Triclosan. It is considered a "green" product due to its lack of chemicals and its special tube that breaks down in landfills much faster than similar tubes.

I find...

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TunefulGal says "My Oreck XL Classic Power Team: still sucking after many years." about Oreck XL Classic Power Team Vacuum

TunefulGal — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:41:35 GMT

For more than 15 years, I've been sweeping my way through the clutter with my eight-pound Oreck XL Classic vacuum. The cats have scratched the outer bag. The handle falls backward if I don't park my Classic carefully. I've replaced cords twice. And I've learned that generic bags work as well for me as Oreck's more expensive bags.

If you've missed all the Oreck commercials on TV or all of the full-page ads in magazines... well... I'm surprised! Oreck products are among the most-hyped items of their type.

This hype, however, actually works for me (the hater of hype). I carry my old Classic XL in one hand and change bags fairly often (the XL loves animal air). I can maneuver it in places where most vacuums simply don't fit -- under the piano bench and the bed and the armoire; between the clutter of desks and bookcases, etc.

I like the fact that the Oreck XL self-adjusts when going from carpet to bare floor. I appreciate the direct suction design (how basic can you get?) ...

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PattyTherre says "If you're gonna do purple eyeliner, be HIP and do it right!" about L'Oreal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner, Eggplant

PattyTherre — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:08:12 GMT

Quick View: I'm obsessed with the color purple and have been buying purple eyeliner and mascara but have generally not liked the color. I am brunette with brown eyes and I like a very deep purple as opposed to a violet shade. I tried L'Oreal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Eggplant and wow! The liner is dark, deep, and very dramatic. I like it!

My Take on L'Oreal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner, Eggplant 960

This cream eyeliner comes in Black, Teal, Navy, Brown, and Eggplant. I bought the Eggplant because I wanted a dark purple liner and this one looked very deep. The brush included is not great. I can use it but I prefer to use my Smashbox eyeliner brush for a much more even line.

The cream is very thick and only a bit is needed. It does glide on well and looks very intense. It is almost a black purple shade which is exactly what I wanted. Anything less would look kind of weird with my skin coloring and at my age (45).

The liner is super pigmented as all HIP products are. It is intense...

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TunefulGal says "The best for evening out skin tones. Lovely moisturizer!" about Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

TunefulGal — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:25:45 GMT

Up til now, I've changed moisturizers depending on whether Southern California is bone dry or sticky with humidity. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, surprisingly, works wonderfully well in either condition. It doesn't "wash away" as the day goes on, and it doesn't clog my pores.

My sample tube came from the dermatologist and was SPF 15. My newest, full-sized, 2.5 fluid ounce bottle offers both UVA and UVB protection in an SPF 30 formulation. I find the 30 SPF Positively Radiant Moisturizer a little more resistant than the SPF 15 when I apply it. With additional experimentation, I may find that the 30 SPF works best for summer and will spread better then.

Whatever my experiments, one welcome result of both formulations is the capacity of this soy complex moisturizer to even out and brighten non-descript and dull skin tones. I remain amazed at the refined texture result every time I apply Positively Radiant. Whatever the "natural light diffusers" are, the positive...

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PattyTherre says "Nothing magic about this air freshener. Didn't last long at all." about Citrus Magic Solid Air Freshener (227 Gr.; 8oz)

PattyTherre — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:54:49 GMT

Quick View: This product is natural which is clearly a plus but not only is it big and ugly, it doesn't last long at all. For $6.00, I expect a solid freshener to work for at least a few weeks. I am not at all impressed with Citrus Magic Solid Air Freshener.

My Take on Citrus Magic Solid Air Freshener

This product comes in a round, white plastic tub with slits in it for the solid freshener inside to release its scent. It's big and ugly so I hide it behind things or put it near the litter box but it doesn't have the power to destroy tough odors like litter box type ones.

I bought the Citrus fragrance. There two others as well. It smelled orangey and decent when I opened the package but it soon faded. It was only fresh smelling for a week or two and then I smelled nothing at all. Now, this is a natural product and does contain charcoal to absorb odors so it could have been doing so without a scent but I didn't feel the house smelled fresher after a couple weeks of using the Citrus Magic Solid...

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PattyTherre says "Tastes great and good for you too. Eat em up, yum!" about Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins

PattyTherre — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:13:15 GMT

Quick View: My family calls me a fiber freak. And I am. I believe fiber fills you up and keeps you full and it aids in good digestive health. I don't get nearly enough fiber for the most part so I am always on the lookout for foods that boost my intake. Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins have 5 grams of fiber per muffin and taste great. They really are a better start to anyone's day!

My Take on Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins

These English muffins look exactly like regular ones. They come six to a package and need to be sliced into halves to toast. Each weighs 1.8 ounces which is just about what other English muffins weigh.

They taste exactly the same as English muffins at a restaurant or that you buy in a store with little or no fiber in them. At just 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 4 grams of protein, the hefty 5 grams of fiber in every muffin is an added benefit to these low cal, low fat muffins.

I toast them and add fat free cream...

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PattyTherre says "Adidas Tropical Passion is fruity but best for young women." about Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray

PattyTherre — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:45:29 GMT

Quick View: I adore fruity fragrances, especially lemon, lime, and orange scents. When I saw Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray (1.7 ounce) for under $10.00 while shopping online, I added it to my cart. It does smell nice but it's very unsophisticated and the scent fades fast.

My Take on Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray

This fragrance comes in a glass 1.7 ounce bottle and is tinted slightly orange. It has notes of tangerine, melon, pineapple, magnolia, orange blossom, cedar and musk. It sounded like an amazing light scent that I would enjoy. And I do. But the fragrance is very ... unsophisticated for lack of a better word. It is straight up fruity with orange notes being the strongest.It doesn't change as it dries down. In fact, it smells much more like a body mist than an eau de toilette. And it lasts about as long.

Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray is strong to start. It is almost overwhelmingly fruity. It then dries down...

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PattyTherre says "A very good clarifying conditioner that also adds moisture." about Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Conditioner with Shea Butter & Babassu Oil

PattyTherre — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:53:17 GMT

Quick View: I love Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo with Shea Butter and bought the conditioner to accompany it. This lemony conditioner adds moisture to dry hair yet keeps build up and weigh down away. My only small gripe is that it doesn't detangle as well as I would like but otherwise, my hair loves it.

My Take on Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Conditioner with Shea Butter & Babassu Oil

This 11 ounce bottle of white conditioner smells as great as the shampoo,. It has natural lemon extract and smells of fresh lemons. There are no parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, or other harsh preservatives or chemicals and no synthetic fragrances or colors, It is 100% vegetarian and cruelty free.

The conditioner is of medium consistency and comes out of the flip cap easily. I need quite a bit because my hair is very long but most people will only need a small amount to cover their hair. The scent is great and stays in my hair after drying which I love.

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TunefulGal says "Yardley's Fresh Aloe is gentle on your skin AND your budget!" about Yardley of London Fresh Aloe with Cucumber Essence Naturally Moisturizing Bar

TunefulGal — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:17:35 GMT

I love freshly-scented, moisturizing soaps. When a student gives me an expensive bar, I'm delighted. But when expense is my issue, I am equally as happy to use Yardley of London products.

In a brand new package, Yardley's Fresh Aloe with Cucumber Essence Naturally Moisturizing Bar, is a scented bar I missed in the past. Compared with another favorite, -- Yardley's Lemon Verbena with Shea Butter -- Fresh Aloe is saucy to Lemon Verbena's seductive and peppery to Verbena's warm floral scent. Fresh Aloe looks like jade and lathers very well. Yardley viewpoints.com/Yardley-of-London-Lemon-Verbena-Soap-with-Shea-Butter-review-091c1

This reminds me again that Yardley Soaps have very distinctive personalities and, for some of us, can even cater to our moods. Aloe with Cucumber, for example, is great for face-splashing when you need a wake-up call.

AND NOW FOR A MUSICAL DIGRESSION...

Yardley of London started business in 1770 with lavender-scented products. Beethoven was...

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PattyTherre says "Does Schweppes Club Soda taste like soap? This balm does!" about Schweppes Club Soda SPF 15 Lip Moisture Stick

PattyTherre — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:59:46 GMT

Quick View: I am kind of hooked on the Schweppes lip balms that are out now. I like the Schweppes Gold Medal Lip Balm Gift Set I recently purchased so, when I saw that Sephora was selling a Schweppes Club Soda SPF 15 Lip Moisture Stick for $6.00, I decided to try it. I love club soda and like sticks better than tins. This does hydrate but it tastes like soap. Club soda does NOT have a sweet, soapy scent and flavor!

My Take on Schweppes Club Soda SPF 15 Lip Moisture Stick

This stick comes in a lipstick tube and is an off white color. It smells soapy. Club soda really doesn't have a taste per se and I was wondering how they would flavor something that really isn't flavored. I guess they decided to go with soap...

The balm does slick on my lips nicely and is creamy. It gives my lips a light sheen, nothing too shiny. I can feel the moisture and it does add hydration. The SPF 15 is a plus.

But the taste is really soapy. It is like a combination of sweet and soap. I don't sense any club soda...

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