ShelfSpace

Secret Sheer Dry Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant

2006-07-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here we are, another product up for review! Secret Sheer Dry Anti-perspirant. I do believe this came to me in a college care-package from either my dad or my aunt. It's not the brand I normally use, so I just kind of keep it around as a spare. First off, let me just get this off my chest: Anti-perspirant is a weird thing to me... I normally use deodorant... there's something funny about stuff that makes you not sweat.

The Look: A regular old solid stick of anti-perspirant. It's white and soft (but not too soft... just how it should be).

The Scent: This particular stick is unscented, and it really is fairly scent-less (unlike some "unscented" products I've used with DEFINITE unpleasent scents). If hard-pressed, I'd probably say it has a faintly medical smell - if you're shoving the whole stick up your nose and purposefully HUNTING DOWN a scent.

The Feel: goes on pretty smooth... a bit blobby if I'm still a bit shower-damp. No sweat, even after working out.

In Use: I don't think I'd call it a "secret" (hehe) that you're using this anti-perspirant. After a short while, the stuff seems to build up in gooey white clumps in the creases of my armpit (isn't that some lovely imagery). I'm not a big wear-er of black, but I'd imagine the Secret Sheer Dry anti-perspirant would make itself known in short time (try it and see though... maybe I'm wrong and the layer of whiteness sticks firm in your armpits where it belongs). I may have "over applied", according to the bottle. I am impressed with the how this product lasts. Normally by the end of the day, I still smell ok... but I can start to detect a hint of what lies beneath... so to speak... With the Secret Anti-perspirant, I was odor-free all day from morning until bedtime.

The Verdict: I'd say this was an ok product. Secret Sheer Dry Anti-perspirant does it's job well (if a little visably). If I were going to be wearing either black, or a tank top, I'd probably use something else. The anti-perspirant aspect of Secret Sheer Dry is bang-on, which is good... but not for me. The label says it's pH balanced, so that's cool... it also says it contains aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex, which is a very big name, but it's the type of aluminum that doesn't cause skin reactions as often as other types (apparently anti-perspirants contain various forms of aluminum). I think in all, this product isn't for me - but maybe it's for you!

Here's some other reviews (some great, some horrible).
If you're interested in learning more about anti-perspirants (and who wouldn't be), go here.

Banana Boat's Suntanicals SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

2006-07-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

About time! Our next product up for review is Banana Boat’s Suntanials Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30). I randomly selected it from the drugstore the other day, based on a decent price and fresh scent. For some really good information about choosing the right sunscreen and why it’s important, check out this website.

This sunscreen has “moisturizing botanicals” (aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender) and tells you to “indulge your skin and your senses”.
The Look: A pale green cream that smoothly squeezes out of an attractive upside-down tube/bottle.

The Scent: A whiff from the bottle is very fresh and vaguely fruity smelling. On my skin, it still smells fresh, like a nice soap. After wearing it for a few hours in the sun, I can detect a slight “sunscreeny” smell… but it’s certainly not strong at all (I was sniffing for it). This product doesn’t smell like a traditional strongly scented sunscreen, and I appreciate that – you’re supposed to wear sunscreen everyday but I certainly don’t always want to smell like a day at the beach!

The Feel: Went on smoothly. A bit thick, but it rubs in well and absorbs in a few minutes. I didn’t find this sunscreen too greasy at all. After being out in the sun wearing it, and sweating and all that lovely stuff, I don’t feel – as I sometimes do with sunscreens – like I have a layer of grime coating me.

The Verdict: I certainly didn’t burn while wearing this product. I enjoyed the very light scent, it wasn’t too greasy, and I appreciate the moisturizers. The package didn’t specify whether this sunscreen provides both UVA and UVB protection, but I called their “Questions” phone number and the woman assured me that it provided both kinds of protection. She also assured me it did in fact say that on the bottle, but I have searched every inch of it and found no reference to UVA or UVB. Hmmm. Anyhow, this still seems like a great product, and I’d like to keep a bottle of this on my shelf!

The Banana Boat website (couldn’t find information on their Suntanicals sunscreen lotions, but there’s lots of information on their other products, and lot of other sunscreen and fun-in-the-sun tips).

You’ll find some other little reviews here. Apparently Banana Boat Suntanicals Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30) is hard to find… I found mine at Shoppers Drug Mart.

This week's review...

2006-06-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

... will come a little later. I just realized that my friday's looking pretty busy! Expect this week's review this Saturday (right before I head out to celebrate Canada Day!);

Burt's Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar

2006-06-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

This week’s post is getting out a little later in the day then I’d like… but what can I say? It’s been a lazy day.

Today I’m reviewing Burt’s Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar. It came in one of the sample kits I mentioned before, from either my mom or my boyfriend’s mom. I’ve been using this bar everyday (I know, I know, it’s not good for your hair to shampoo it everyday…) for the past two weeks.

The Look: I like the paper/wax paper packaging. The bar itself is an ugly looking greenish-brown, with black flecks. Definitly looks natural.

The Scent: For the most part, it smells a lot like ordinary, unscented products. When I hold the bar right under my nose and inhale deeply, I can detect a hint of mint. It’s definitely not strongly scented, and you won’t notice it in your hair after you’ve used it (I certainly didn’t). A customer review on the product’s page of the manufacturer’s website raves about the wonderful smell of this shampoo bar… but I really didn’t notice it at all.

In Action: There were no instructions on the packaging for use. I hopped in the shower and got my hair nice and wet, then lathered up the shampoo bar in my hands, then ran my hands through my hair. I had to lather up twice before I felt I had sufficient shampoo in my hair. I did my regular bit of scrubbing. When I rinsed it out, my hair felt “sticky”, it was hard to get my fingers through, and very squeaky. Following the shampoo with some conditioner fixed that up just fine.
The Burt’s Bees website directs you to just use the bar directly on your hair, and work it into a lather. It also claims the “tingly peppermint” will “stimulate both your scalp and your senses”, but I didn’t experience that. The website says the bar works best on short to medium-length hair, and I do fall into that category.

The Result: I was worried (from the “sticky”, squeaky feelings) that this was a very heavy-duty shampoo that would be horrible for daily use. However, it doesn’t seem to have damaged my hair in the past two weeks of straight use. My hair feels clean… and actually kind of thicker/fuller then usual…

The Verdict: I’m not really sold on getting my shampoo in a bar form. The bar has surprised me by lasting as long as it has. I’ve been careful not to leave it in the shower, and to let it dry out between uses, but I really thought it would dissolve a lot faster. I’m guessing my sample bar has at least another two weeks left in it. I’d prefer a stronger scent, at least while I’m in the shower. I think I’ll stick with my regular bottle shampoo in the future, and pass up on the Burt's Bees Rosmary Mint Shampoo Bar.

Here’s what other people had to say about it (there are some very positive reviews that sound like they know what they're taking about... I don't use a lot of hair products, so perhaps they've had more experience with this sort of thing). One of the reviewers makes the good point that a shampoo bar is a better choice for packing in a suitcase while traveling - no risk of gooey explosions!

Point about Burt's Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion

2006-06-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hm.. I just noticed this morning, but the Burt's Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion (reviewed previously) must separate after sitting for a long time. Give the bottle a little shake before you use it, and the problem's solved. I've updated the original post, but just wanted to make sure everyone caught the update.

Freeman Barefoot Softening Foot Lotion

2006-06-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

For the longest time, my grandmother kept gifting everyone with foot lotion… what’s that about? I didn’t really use it… then a while ago I started having issues with dry heels (you know the grossness!), now, I know what it’s about.

Freeman Bare Foot Soothing Iced Teaberry & Mint Softening Foot Lotion… now there’s a name! The bottle/tube claims it “helps soothe and moisturize dry, flaky legs, feet, cuticles, heels and toes.”

The Look: A grayish purple cream.

The Scent: There’s a good hint of mint to this lotion… I’m not sure what an “iced teaberry” smells like… but it makes me think of the cool, smooth cheeks of my very proper step-grandmother… a fresh smell, yet something very mature… like an old lady might enjoy. I’m not overly fussy on the smell, but it’s not bad… and hey, it’s on your feet, people don’t generally take a deep breath of feet.

The Feel: cool and soothing. It stays a little greasy for a bit, so I recommend putting this on before bedtime, and maybe putting on a pair of socks too (although I have put it on in the morning, followed by a pair of socks, and it’s just fine). It claims to be good for “aching legs”, which it may very well be… although that might have more to do with the fact that you’re supposed to “massage” it on.

The Result: The bottle recommends you first use the Barefoot Soak, then the Barefoot Scrub, and THEN this lotion. I’ve just been slathering this lotion on after showering, and it seems to work very well. Like I mentioned before, I had a weird period of very dry, gross feet, so one night I soaked them in the tub, then scrubbed them up with a washcloth (exfoliation, ooo), and then liberally rubbed some of this lotion in. My feet were back to their normal soft, lovely selves in no time – probably even better. I also find that this is a good way to relax after a long day, rubbing my sore legs and feet.

The Verdict: Even without the recommended Soak and Scrub, this Barefoot Lotion worked great. A bottle/tube seems to go a long way. I if I were to buy this lotion, I think I would look for a different scent. If I were you, I’d give this product a try!
(gosh, will I ever give a negative review? I guess I get good junk!)

Read more reviews here.
Official Website

Burt's Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion AND Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion

2006-06-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe this is cheating a bit… but… TWO reviews in one post! Both of these are Burt’s Bees Lotions that came together in a sample kit. I’ve received one of these kits from my boyfriend’s mom, and one slightly different one from my own mom (very nice gifts!).

Here they are:

Burt's Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion AND Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion

The Look: The Milk and Honey Lotion is a pale tan-ish colour. The Baby Buttermilk Lotion is also a pale tan, though a lighter shade then the Milk and Honey. Both seem quite runny for a lotion… I’m use to the thick, creamy sorts.

The Scent: If you sniff the bottle, both of these smell a bit unusual, but they’re better on your skin. I can’t really place the smell of either of these, but I do find them pleasant (after a little getting used to. My boyfriend loved the smell of the Milk and Honey Lotion right off the bat.). Both lotions have a very sweet scent, particularly the baby one. The Baby Buttermilk Lotion called to mind those sweet pastel pellet candies you get in a roll – Rockets, I think they’re called? I can see these scents not being for everyone. The scent of both lotions seems to lightly linger all day – I love that, but others may not.

The Feel: Well, liquidy. They’re both very light-feeling, and absorb quickly. I don’t find either to be greasy at all. I’d be skeptical of this lotion in a heavy-duty dry skin situation. I’ve actually purchased a regular bottle of the Milk and Honey Lotion, but during the winter I switched to a thicker type. I’d say they’re lovely summer moisturizers (the scents are also what I’d call a “summer scent” if that makes sense to you).

The Verdict: Soft, sweet-smelling skin. The full-size bottles of lotion are more pricey then your average stuff, but a little goes a long way. The full size Milk and Honey Lotion comes with a pump top – be careful! If you pump too hard you’re libel to end up with either a lot more then you meant to, or shooting it across the room. I would say these lotions make a sweet treat, but are not for every day.

I like that the lotions contain mainly natural ingredients, and their packaging is recycled and recyclable. I’ve read reviews that have said the baby lotion may give your baby a rash, so do test a small spot a day or so before slathering it on them!

UPDATE: The Milk and Honey Body Lotion may separate if it's been sitting around a while. Giving the bottle a little shake before you use it seems to fix the problem nicely.

Other Reviews:
Burt’s Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion
and
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion

Life Brand Fruity Foam Bath

2006-06-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a product that I like to keep on my shelf:

Life Brand Fruity Foam Bath
I first bought this product after moving out of residence and into an apartment with my very own bathtub. After deciding you can't have a bath without bubbles, I decided to try the cheapest bubble bath I could find (go Life Brand!). I first tried the grape, which I greatly enjoyed, and then moved on to the pictured strawberry scent (I decided the cherry was a bit too cough medicine for me, and I might try the watermelon at a later date).

The Look: Fun, brightly coloured bottles contain a clear goo (I just squirted a little on my hand to check - ew!). A generous squeeze of the foam bath into the water as you're filling your tub produces fantastic, white fluffy bubbles. At one point I had thought the grape might actually be tinting the bathwater a purple colour, but further studies have found that the water colouration is more likely something to do with my lovely city water (wouldn't bathwater-tinting bubble bath be great fun though?).

The Scent: This foam bath definitly has an exagerated fruit scent that seems to go hand-in-hand with your average kid's product. The grape and cherry are unmistakeable, the strawberry smells good... but I wouldn't have been able to identify the scent blindfolded... and as far as watermeleon goes... not being one of my favorite fruits, I wasn't aware it had a scent, smelled ok though. The fruity frangrance lightly lingers on your skin after the bath, not unpleasently. It brings back fond childhood memories of staying in the tub 'til pruney and bubble-less.

The Claims: The label reads "Fruity Foam Bath is specially formulated for the delicate skin of children". I don't have an issue with sensitive skin, and I certainly had no problems with this product. It also claims that the "foam bath will gently cleanse leaving skin feeling fresh and smooth". I felt perfectly clean without using additional soap, and didn't experience any skin dryness after bathing.

The Verdict: I really enjoyed this product. The bubbles seemed to last a really long time... when I was younger, bubble baths never seemed to last long enough. Although, I might not be lingering in the tub quite as long as I used to... The scents are fun, though adult bathers might not be able to take such a bath too seriously (honestly though, who takes a bubble bath seriously?). I agree with the bottle, "kids will delight in the bubbles and the fun, fruity fragrances are sure to please" and add that adults can also delight in this product, and it's pleasing price!

I was unable to find further reviews on Life Brand Fruity Foam Bath, or further information about this product on the Shoppers Drug Mart website (Life Brand is exclusively at Shoppers).

Don't forget to appropriatly supervise little kids in the tub! And try this Life Brand Fruity Foam bath yourself, in your favorite exaggerated fruit scent!

Passion Fruit Body Butter from Body Shop

2006-05-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to ShelfSpace!

The very first product up for review is Body Shop’s Passion Fruit Body Butter for normal to dry skin. This creamy moisturizer was a valentine’s gift from my boyfriend (is there a hidden meaning here? passion fruit?). The label says to keep it in a cool place. Body Shop is against animal testing, and for community trade. Along with a lot of ingredients I’m not familiar with/sound very scientific, there are things in there like shea butter and cocoa butter.

The Look: smooth, pale purple cream

The Feel: I’m used to pumping my moisturizers, or squirting them out of bottles. It feels funny, yet fun, to scoop the cool yogourt-y stuff out with my fingers. I plop a bit on my skin and rub it in. It’s a bit thick so you need to rub it in good, but it absorbs quickly.

The Scent: I can’t say I’m familiar with the passion fruit, so I can’t compare the scent to the real thing. It does smell fresh and fruity. The scent lingers on the skin, but is not over-powering.

The Taste (yeah...): I know, I know, you don’t eat the stuff… but this came up. This stuff tastes awful! I’ve never before noticed the taste of my moisturizes, I feel like a freak bringing this up. If you’re one to lean your chin on your hands, or put your hands anywhere on your face, this stuff is likely to come into contact with your lips. It’s powerfully gross. You won’t even realize how much you touch your face until you suddenly taste it and wonder what the hell?! Also, boyfriend comes over and casually kisses your shoulder/hand/any-other-body-part-this-has-been-applied-to… he won’t like the taste either. This ickiness does go away eventually.

The Result: I wasn’t really having an issue with dry skin, but as far as normal skin goes, this moisturizer made it soft and silky. It did a nice job of softening up the rougher skin on my knees a bit.

The Verdict: I really liked this Passion Fruit Body Butter. It smells nice, wasn’t greasy, absorbed quickly, and moisturized. I’d probably limit it’s use to my legs only, to avoid encountering that hideous taste… Overall, I think this product is a-ok and worth buying and trying yourself (or, would make a nice gift – try other types of Body Butter, Body Shop has a whole lot more then just passion fruit)!

read more reviews here (note: there's even more types of body butter then they mention on this site - including a new, strawberry one... mmm!)

Coming Soon....

2006-05-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Watch this blog! Currently, it's under construction, but this site'll be pretty - with illustrations. It'll be informative - with links to the manufacturer's website. It'll be helpful - with links to other reviews. It'll be clear - with pictures of the products being reviewed. I aim to make it a good resource for people trying to find a little more practical information about a product they're considering:

Will that lovely "fresh" scent drive you batty after an hour? Will that handcream feel like you've slathered youself in bacon grease? Is that bath bomb going to be hell to clean out of the tub?

As soon as I've made this site pretty (work with me blogger!), I'll start posting my honest reviews. Keep in mind though, these reviews are the opinions of one person (or myself and a few friends), you might love something I/we hate. Read these reviews with an open mind, and try things out for yourself too!