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    We-Vibe Tango review + budget bullet vibrators with Adam & Eve

    We-Vibe Tango review

    *sponsored by Adam & Eve

    The product: We-Vibe Tango Vibrator (and a few budget bullet vibrators)

    I’ve talked about the We-Vibe Tango before, but I did it with a not insubstantial amount of trepidation. Now, two years later, I’ve got a follow up review… Because the Tango has become one of my can’t-live-without-it toys.

    What makes the We-Vibe Tango worth it

    The Tango is a legend in the sex blogging community. It’s incredibly strong, quiet, and compact. I like to think of it as the gold standard that all other bullet vibrators compare themselves against: it’s the stronger, better, cooler older sibling who your parents have always loved more.

    We-Vibe Tango one in one out re-review

    I have my reservations about the We-Vibe Tango, because for all of its strengths, its battery life is seriously lacking. Like other We-Vibe toys, it can struggle to hold a charge, and usually only lasts about 60 minutes before running out of juice.

    But despite all of that, when my first We-Vibe Tango died on me last Christmas, I bought another one immediately. The vibrations on this toy are so good–so dependable–that I started getting orgasm-related anxiety without it. I made it about 3 weeks before caving and biting the bullet on a second Tango, even though I knew its battery life was going to be a little bit crap, too.

    We-Vibe Tango bullet vibrator review

    Other budget bullet vibrator options

    As amazing as the We-Vibe Tango is, however, it is pretty pricey. I think the price is worth it, but I know it doesn’t fit all budgets.

    I wanted to try out a few budget bullet vibrators from Adam & Eve for this post, but US/Canadian customs kept destroying my incoming parcels. So, as much as I would have liked to, I won’t be able to add firsthand accounts.

    Instead, here are a few budget bullet vibrators available at AdamandEve.com that are offered on a really great deal. The ones listed here are waterproof, and they’re 50% off one item plus free shipping in the US and Canada if you use the code NOTICE. (The “50% off one item” deal applies to about 90% of the site, but a few brands like We-Vibe are excluded.)

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    About Adam & Eve

    Adam & Eve is a bit of an industry relic. They started out back in 1969 selling condoms by mail for founder Phil Harvey’s masters thesis, and officially set up shop the following year.

    Phil Harvey splits his time between Adam & Eve and DKT International, a non-profit organization that provides “family planning, health care, and sex materials to nine third-world countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.” Over 20% of Adam & Eve’s profits each year are donated to charities including DKT, the Special Olympics, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

    However: before you order your Tango or non-We-Vibe bullet, PLEASE NOTE that Adam & Eve still operates like an older sex toy shop. Their charitable work is very commendable, but they still sell toxic toys, offer non-discreet mailers, and list their toys under “for him” and “for her” – which doesn’t necessarily take the well-being of their consumer into mind.

    Adam & Eve is a leader in the sex toy industry, so I’ve been emailing the brand to voice my concerns about their gendered marketing tactics. If you’d like to help me encourage them to lead the pack in non-gendered marketing, tweet them at @adamandeve!

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    Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick review, swatches

    Maybelline color sensational lipstick review

    The products: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 560 Raw Chocolate (Matte), 575 Brown Blush (Matte), 790 Midnight Merlot (Bold), and 955 Espresso Exposed 

    I’ve been really into a brownish, creamy lip this year. There’s just something about a totally shimmer-free shade that does it for me: that luscious, “you don’t know what I’m up to or who I’ve killed” kind of look.

    I’ve worn Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks for years, and I’m happy to say that they’re still just as good as they were when they launched. The colour selection has a lot more vampy shades and neutrals now, and they still have the same slightly-tacky, comforting formula.

    Maybelline 955 Espresso Exposed Color Sensational swatch review photos

    Maybelline “Espresso Exposed” Color Sensational lipstick swatch

    The original Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick formula

    The typical Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick formula is relatively heavy. It has opaque coverage and a smooth application, but it’s also heavily scented.

    The original formula (used in 955 Espresso Exposed) is still my favourite of the bunch. It wears for about 3 hours before I need to touch up.

    Maybelline 560 Raw Chocolate matte lipstick swatch review photos

    Maybelline “Raw Chocolate” Color Sensational Matte lipstick swatch

    The Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick formula

    The Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick formula is a lot drier. It has a similar heaviness, but has a dry finish and applies more patchily. Unlike the original formula, I’d say that the mattes tend to be medium-opaque. 

    Maybelline 575 Brown Blush matte lipstick swatch review photos

    Maybelline “Brown Blush” Color Sensational Matte lipstick swatch

    I can wear the Maybelline matte formula for about an hour before it starts to get uncomfortable, and it needs to be touched up in 2 hours. (Or after a meal or snack, so like… every two hours anyways.)

    I tried the Maybelline Color Sensational Matte formula in 560 Raw Chocolate and 575 Brown Blush. The former was a little too orange for my complexion, but the latter is gorgeous. It’s a really mauvey, violet-based shade.

    Maybeline 790 Midnight Merlot swatch review photos

    Maybelline “Midnight Merlot” Color Sensational Bold lipstick swatch & stain

    The Maybelline Color Sensational Bold Lipstick formula

    Finally, I also tried the Maybelline Color Sensational Bold finish in 790 Midnight Merlot. It’s a beautiful shade, but I had a little more trouble with the formula.

    The Bold finish packs a lot of pigment, but it has more slip than the original formula. If you hate the tackiness of the original Color Sensationals, you may actually enjoy these.

    That being said, the Bolds do make for a beautiful stain – so much so that I took a swatch photo of Midnight Merlot’s stain, too.

    Maybelline Color Sensational in the nudes review

    The Maybelline Color Sensational verdict?

    It’s really no secret that I love an affordable find, and these definitely fit the bill. If you can put up with a strongly scented lipstick, I really think these are worth owning–especially 955 Espresso Exposed.

    Availability: $7.29 USD/$9.99 CAD at drugstores and mass market retailers.

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    Kenzo World perfume review (AKA Francis Kurkdjian, I am so over you.)

    Kenzo World eau de parfum review

    The product: Kenzo World Eau de Parfum

    It’s been a long time since the Kenzo world had a really big worldwide launch. Don’t get me wrong: their perfume house hasn’t been sitting idly by these last few years. But it has been pretty quiet in North America, and they’ve been focusing on localized launches and flankers.

    (Hey, does anyone know if Kenzo Eau de Fleur de Thé is still around? That stuff was gorgeous.)

    Kenzo World review

    The world of Kenzo

    This year, Kenzo’s relative silence is changing. They tapped Francis Kurkdjian for their latest project, Kenzo World (YES, REALLY. Hello, major star power). The new fragrance is intensely weird, and it’s Kenzo’s first fragrance created in collaboration between both their perfume and fashion houses.

    The fragrance’s TV spot (which really feels more like a movie trailer) packs a star-studded cast, from director Spike Jonze to dancer Margaret Qualley. You can watch it online, or you can catch it in virtual reality at select Sephora stores.

    Just like the scent, the fragrance seeks to push the boundaries, making the consumer feel just slightly disturbed. The bottle is equally strange: it features a little gem instead of a pupil, with rubber ribbed eyelashes. If you remove the lid, the top-down view is still an eye.

    My thoughts on Kenzo World

    As a perfume lover, I think that Kenzo could have gone much, much weirder with this perfume. It’s quite strong, but to my nose… It’s not that special.

    It pains me to say that, because I LOVE the messaging behind Kenzo World. I love the bottle, and I love how passionate its creators are about it. But it smells like a fast-fading mass-market perfume, not a boundary-pushing one.

    Kenzo World eye edp

    Kenzo World opens extremely sweet, backed onto heavy florals. Its key note is ambroxan, a highly contrastive ambergris derivative found in scents like Escentric 02.

    To be fair, this isn’t bad for a mass-market perfume, but it does smell a lot like every other “sweet, woodsy floral” out there. I am keenly reminded of both Thierry Mugler Angel Étoile des Rêves and My Burberry Black in this one (the latter which was also a Kurkdjian creation, and is a near-clone for this scent).

    Kenzo World perfume review

    The Kenzo World verdict?

    I’m a little disappointed in Kenzo World. Or, more accurately: I’m a little disappointed in Francis Kurkdjian. Kenzo created a fantastic concept for this scent, and I feel like he really dropped the ball on it. Yes, the house gets the final say, but this scent is more or less just a softer reworking of Kurkdjian’s My Burberry Black.

    If you like sweet floral-woods perfumes, then you’ll enjoy this one. It’s not to my tastes, but for a sweet woods perfume, it’s nice. (My partner loves it, and also really enjoyed the new Angel and My Burberry Black.) My only caveat is that it fades quickly for an Eau de Parfum, so be mindful and apply in layers.

    Availability: $87 USD/$105 CAD at Sephora. Kenzo World is available in select boutiques in Canada and Germany right now, and officially launches worldwide September 2017.

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    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster, Skin Booster review, swatches, photos

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster review less

    The products: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster in 01 Light Pink and Ultra HD Skin Booster

    Make Up For Ever is pretty well-known for their Ultra HD (and former HD) lines, and this season, that line is expanding. The brand is adding an Ultra HD Skin Booster, a Ultra HD Lip Booster in Clear and Light Pink, and two new powders to the range.

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster review, photos

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster in 01 Light Pink review ($23 USD/$29 CAD)

    The Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster is a strange creature. It’s promoted as a lip serum, packaged like a lip oil, and hydrates like a light lip balm.

    I know I just knocked a lip oil, but the Ultra HD Lip Booster isn’t really an oil. It’s a hyaluronic acid-enriched lip serum that billets itself as a “multi-purpose lip product,” and it’s really just stellar. It feels like a really cushy lip balm or a totally non-sticky lipgloss.

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster 01 Light Pink swatches, review, photos

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster in 01 Light Pink – lip swatches in indirect sunlight

    The Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster is pricey at $29 CAD, but despite that fact, I really like it. I enjoy everything about it, from the super-sheer pinky-mauve tint to the extra-comfy cushion applicator. (It’s kind of like a super-sized doe foot that never comes out of the container with too much product. You might recognize it from Clarins or Sephora lip and cheek products from the last few years.)

    Make Up For Ever billets the Ultra HD Lip Booster as a product that’s made “for prepping your lips for makeup application,” but it’s really excellent overtop a lip stain, too. It has a light “chemically” scent, but doesn’t give me a headache.

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Skin Booster review

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Skin Booster review ($41 USD/$51 CAD)

    I’m a little less crazy about the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Skin Booster, but let me just say that I don’t mind its formula at all. It’s a really nice product in great packaging; I’m just not crazy about hyaluronic acid serums.

    The Ultra HD Skin Booster has a light, pleasant fragrance and a thin texture. It absorbs really quickly, and is made to be used after your moisturizer but 15 minutes before your primer. The formula features quite a bit of glycerine, so it does make your skin slightly tacky.

    MUFE Ultra HD Boosters review

    If you like a good hyaluronic acid serum, then this is worth a look. It doesn’t make a big difference for me (and I don’t personally find that it’s worth the money), but it’s the kind of product that will work for all skin types. It is pretty comfortable for me to use, especially in the short term, and does a great job of disguising dry patches if pressed into the skin following makeup application.

    I’ve read that this is the same packaging and formula as the discontinued Make Up For Ever HD Elixir, so if that was a favourite of yours, you’re in luck!

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster review light pink

    Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster in 01 Light Pink – review

    The verdict on the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Boosters?

    I enjoyed trying out the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Boosters, but I think they’re a little pricey for what they are: a liquid lip balm and a hyaluronic acid serum. That being said, they’re both great products, and they’re packaged just perfectly.

    For brand devotees, these are actually a pretty nice addition to the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD line. I’d say that both of them are -nice to-haves” that have worked their way into my daily rotation, but neither are must-haves for me (unlike some of the brand’s colour products).

    Availability: New permanent products available at Make Up For Ever and Sephora.

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    Land a great date with these 3 online dating tips

    How to land a great date

    *sponsored by SwingTowns

    The two questions I get asked all the time are “what dating apps would you recommend?” And “what should I be using for lube?” Well, it’s time to tackle the former.

    I’ve addressed the latter with my top lube recommendation, but I haven’t really talked about online dating on theNotice yet. As some of you might already know, I met my partner through a dating app, and we’ve been together for over two years. (We even co-own this guy!) But I think a lot of what’ll influence your results is how you approach online dating–not which specific site you use.

    dating tinder tips

    My work-in-progress profile on Tinder

    How to land a great date: my best online dating tips

    1. Be a conscious texter

    Remembering to be a conscious texter is the best of all of the online dating tips that I could give you. The point of messaging isn’t to set up a date; it’s to weed through the crowd to find someone you actually want to date.

    To start off, I make sure that every text I send can be replied to. Is it a joke that can be built on? Is it an opinion that can be commiserated with or playfully argued? And if it isn’t, have you added in a question that they can respond to?

    When you’re looking for love on sites like SwingTowns, make sure your texts lead into natural replies. It’ll show you what your rapport is going to look like with someone, and it’ll keep the messages going all the way until your first date.

    what it's like to date a blogger

    What it’s actually like to text me (bro)

    2. Be honest in your profile, but keep things short

    The rule of “short and sweet” is important when it comes to things like emails, but it’s vital for snap-judgement dating profiles, too. You want to be honest in your profile and let your personality show through, but you should never overload your potential matches with information.

    If you’re describing when you want to have kids, your greatest strengths and weaknesses, and the top 10 things you’ll do for someone as their boyfriend (ALL THINGS THAT I’VE SEEN IN A SINGLE PROFILE), you need to chill.

    Leave them guessing. That way, they’ll have to swipe right to find out more.

    how to land a great date tips

    3. Mix up your photos

    Photos should never be the most important thing about a profile (sorry, Tinder), but they are still pretty essential. To get people swiping right on your profile, make the effort to add a few really great photos of yourself. And heck, if you have friends in your life who take great photos, take advantage of that fact. A mini shoot day for you both/for all of you can buff up your dating profile and your LinkedIn.

    top online dating tips

    See? I’m not the only one!

    I recommend having at least one photo of yourself in a group shot for your profile, one full-body shot, and one selfie. The perfect photo mix that makes me swipe right seems to be one group shot (preferably at a wedding), ONE OR TWO outdoors/sports shot max, and a bunch of portraits or pet selfies. But I’m a city hermit, so I guess some people are probably into sports and stuff.

    I GUESS.

    » Tip: A single group shot helps show you’re not a serial killer; a plethora of group shots is just confusing. Who are we even swiping right on?!

    What are your top online dating tips?

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    Saje Pain Release Analgesic Bath Salts review, photos

    Saje pain release bath salts review

    The product: Saje Pain Release Analgesic Bath Salts

    Once upon a time, I was a bath-hater. I’ll admit it: we all make mistakes. I started taking baths again last year to use up the Saje Pain Release Analgesic Bath Salts that Boyfriend gave me, but up until that point, I thought they were a waste of time.

    How to use the Saje Pain Release Bath Salts

    The Saje Pain Release Bath Salts are designed to ease “muscular aches, strains and stiffness” with a blend of essential oils, sea salt, and epsom salt. You add barely anything into each bath (Saje recommends 3-5 teaspoons added to a full bath), close the bathroom door, and let the essential oils envelop you.

    Saje pain release analgesic bath salts review

    Do the Saje Pain Release Analgesic Bath Salts actually work?

    Honestly? I don’t find that these bath salts make a huge difference for me. What really impacts my pain levels is lying in a tubful of scalding hot water–emphasis on the scalding.

    If I take a comfortably-warm bath, it doesn’t seem to do anything for my pain levels. But if I take a bath that’s so hot that it’s uncomfortable, my pain levels go way down. The key is getting the water hot enough that it hurts when I first get in the tub, and so hot that I then sweat my way through the rest of my bath.

    So no, I guess these bath salts aren’t a must-have for me. However, they’re a really nice addition to a bath, and I love how little you have to use each time. My little baggie of bath salts has lasted me ages, and I’d say that it was well worth the price. 

    Availability: $7.95 CAD at Saje.

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    Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow (#GlowMo) review, swatches, makeup look

    Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look palette review - Beauty Glow

    The product: Charlotte Tilbury “Beauty Glow” Instant Look in a Palette

    If you’ve been on Instagram recently, you’ve probably at least heard murmurs about the #GLOWMO palette. Also known as the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow Palette, Charlotte’s new #GLOWMO collection is all about glowing, bronzed skin.

    I’m not usually a fan of bronzed looks, but Beauty Glow has seen daily use since I cracked it open. What can I say? It really is just perfect for a five-minute face, and um… I’m incredibly lazy.

    Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look Beauty Glow palette review

    The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow (#GLOWMO) palette – review

    The #GLOWMO magic of the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow palette

    The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow palette was inspired by the makeup that Charlotte did on fair-skinned Poppy Delevigne for her wedding, so you know it’ll be perfect for the blonde-haired, blue-eyed section of the population.

    Summer bronze makeup look Charlotte Tilbury

    Charlotte Tilbury #GLOWMO makeup look. Also used: Annabelle Skinny Brow Liner & Amaterasu Brow Liner, Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Pink Grapefruit ($26 USD, review upcoming)

    Despite its inspiration, however, Beauty Glow works well on a lot of skintones. It gives me a summery, super-sculpted look in seconds (I’ve got a bit of a summer tan, so I’m a “light” in most shade ranges instead of a “fair,”) and it’s beautiful on both of the “Beautiful Before, Beautiful After” model on the Charlotte Tilbury website.

    The palette is full of “rose-gold, bronze tones,” and it really excels at delivering a contoured cheek.  But like, in a weirdly-friendly way? Something about summery makeup just looks so cheerful–my cheeks sculpted, but also like they’re fuller than usual.

    Although that may have been the three pounds I’ve put on since the start of summer. Who knows! Either way, I’ve been looking cheerful enough that it’s starting to freak me out!

    Charlotte Tilbury makeup look bronze summer

    Charlotte Tilbury GlowMo Beauty Glow Palette swatches

    The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow shades

    The #GLOWMO Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow Instant Look in a Palette contains three eye shades, two cheek shades, and two face shades.

    The eyeshadows include a shimmery champagne; a shimmery light brown; and a warm, matte brown. For the cheeks, the #GLOWMO palette contains a rusty-brown “swish” and a bright, coral “pop.” For the face, it features a light, neutral bronzer and an ivory highlighter.

    Charlotte Tilbury palette review Beauty Glow glowmo

    The Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow Palette verdict?

    I’ve had the opportunity to try out a number of Charlotte Tilbury products, but this is the first one to work its way into my everyday rotation. I’m really enjoying using the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Glow palette, and for those of you who love a “summer bronzed” look, I think you’ll enjoy it, too!

    It’s definitely a warmer-toned palette than I’m used to, but it just screams “SUMMER!”

    Availability: $85 CAD at Charlotte Tilbury (CA), $75 USD at Nordstrom.

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    Travel-sized beauty: How many ml to pack for a month-long trip

    Daqingshan mountain

    Travel packing is one of those things that has always been tough for me. I always know what to pack, but I never know how much to pack. So, when I headed off to Daqingshan Mountain in China for just shy of four weeks this past May, I took the opportunity to pack some travel-sized beauty products to see what would and wouldn’t be enough.

    And guess what? I didn’t run out of a single item while I was there.

    Daqingshan Mountain china review

    Daqing mountain temple

    It’s tough to travel-size your makeup, so what I focused on for this trip was taking the right sizes of the big stuff. Things like shampoo bottles and moisturizers can take up a ton of space in your suitcase, and I’m an over-packer to begin with. Unless I want to start hauling six suitcases around, I’ve gotta go small where I can.

    (Insert short person joke here. But hey, the joke’s on all you tall people, because I can comfortably fit in airline seats!)

    Travel-sized beauty essentials

    Travel-sized beauty: Bath, body, and hair products

    I brought along a LUSH Shampoo Bar and their Veganese Hair Conditioner, neither of which I particularly love at home – but they performed like champs while I was away. The Shampoo Bar doubled as a satisfactory soap/shaving cream and bath foam when I tried it, too.

    Travel-sized haircare how much to take

    I’d estimate that 100 ml of conditioner will last you 2 months if you’re using lots (Veganese is pretty thin) and washing your hair every other day. One shampoo bar will last you a lot longer; I’d say half a year or more.

    For my body, I brought a travel-sized Bioderma Atoderm Gentle Shower Gel. I found that I used about as much shower gel as I did conditioner, so 100 ml will last you 2 months if you’re showering every other day. Atoderm lathers lightly, and works well with the Venus Snap with Embrace that I brought with me.

    Travel sized razor Venus Snap

    The Snap is tiny, even in my little gremlin hands, and it makes a weird squeaking noise against my skin, sort of like it’s happy to be alive but really unhappy to be at work. It also delivers a crazy-smooth shave, though, so I’m not really complaining. I can torture razors for that.

    I also (and I swear this wasn’t intentional) brought along a 100 ml moisturizer. The Karen Phytoplankton Moisturizing Lotion is a little light for me in Edmonton, but it was just right for China. This one’s close to being empty, so I’d say 100 ml of moisturizer will last about 4-5 weeks. (Karen is currently offering 40% off every order on their website until the end of the year with code KAREN4BLOGGERS, so snap this one up now!)

    Daqingshan International Hotel review

    Sunscreen (which I totally over-packed)

    I knew I’d be spending a lot of time outdoors in China, so I brought along two things of spray-on sunscreen and one stick. I have yet to find an affordable cream/lotion sunscreen that’s also silicone-free, but let me know if you can think of any!

    Travel sunscreen silicone-free

    Neutrogena Beach Defence SPF 60 is my go-to sunscreen, and this is my third bottle of it. It’s cheap and effective, but it’s still sunscreen, so it’s a little sticky and quite perfumed. I also brought along the super-smooth Neutrogena UltraSheer Face & Body Stick SPF 50+ for midday sunscreening.

    On days when I knew I wouldn’t have time to shower off my sunscreen before meals, I used Ombrelle SPF 60 Sport, which is also silicone-free. It has a very low scent profile for a sunscreen, but I don’t know–for some reason, it just wasn’t as effective for me. I consistently picked up a bit of colour every time I used this, even though I applied until I was dripping and rubbed it in.

    Daqingshan pagoda

    Itty-bitty face care

    I wasn’t sure how much facial moisturizer to bring either, so I brought my full-sized Aveeno Fresh Essentials SPF 30. For the night, I also brought a tiny tube of my nighttime fave, DHC Extra Nighttime Moisture.

    This mini (0.28 oz/8 g) tube lasted for all 3 1/2 weeks. It feels pretty light, so to be on the safe side, I’d recommend expecting that 8 grams of moisturizer will last you 4 weeks.

    What are your travelling must-haves?

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    We-Vibe Touch review, photos: Why I’d skip the We-Vibe Touch

    We-Vibe Touch Waterproof Silicone Vibrator

    The product: We-Vibe Touch Waterproof Silicone Vibrator

    I can’t give you one reason as to why I hate the We-Vibe Touch, but I hate the We-Vibe Touch. It’s an amalgamation of little things, I suppose. I’ve had this toy for a good 12 months, and I’ve gotten blocked every other time I’ve tried to review it.

    We-vibe clitoral vibrator review

    The We-Vibe Touch specs

    The We-Vibe Touch Waterproof Silicone Vibrator is described as an “ultra-powerful, silky-soft intimate massager.” It promises rumbly vibrations and whisper-quiet operation, with 8 vibration modes (4 speeds and 4 patterns on high). It features the same base as the We-Vibe Tango, so it also has a 1-button control and charges via the same adapter. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the Touch and the Tango turned out to feature the exact same motor and controls, just with a different housing.

    The Touch is free of phtalates, latex, and BPA, and is made from medical-grade silicone. Its production is carbon-neutral and it features a rechargeable battery and fully recyclable packaging. It promises up to 2 hours of play on a 90-minute recharge.

    We-Vibe Touch Waterproof Silicone Vibrator review

    My (conflicted) feelings on the We-Vibe Touch

    In theory, I really should have liked the We-Vibe Touch. It hits all of my main points: a relatively rumbly motor (though not as rumbly or as strong as the Tango bullet), quiet enough to use discreetly behind a closed door, a silicone body, a rechargeable battery, and a waterproof casing. The shape is unique; perhaps better for some, but just fine for me. And when it works, it works well, delivering (for me) strong, full-bodied orgasms.

    Despite all of that, I hate this toy.

    Waterproof silicone vibrator review

    The more I use the We-Vibe Touch, the harder it is for me to get off with it. And it’s not like it’s “desensitizing” me (or whatever nonsense right-wingers will tell you about vibrators). Rather, because it fails on me so often, I get more and more timid each time I use it. It’s difficult enough for me to focus on sex to begin with; the added layer of anxiety makes orgasming nigh-impossible.

    My We-Vibe Touch acts now how my first We-Vibe Tango did after 2 years. Its battery life is inconsistent, and it can’t really hold a charge. I have to charge it and then use it immediately, because it’s always dead by the next day. I’ve had it last anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes on medium/high immediately following a charge, and every now and again, I’ll charge it and it simply won’t turn on.

    We-Vibe Touch review

    The verdict on the We-Vibe Touch?

    A few of the reviews on the SheVibe site mention that the battery life of the We-Vibe Touch doesn’t last as long as promised, so I’m hesitant to say that my product was simply faulty. But even if it was… Does that matter? I’ve owned four toys from We-Vibe, and I’ve had the same issues with two of them.

    Edit 10/11/17: I’ve now owned five toys from We-Vibe, and I’ve had these issues with three of them. I can now confirm that they’ll send a replacement if your toy dies within 1 year from the date of purchase, but you really have to pressure them for it – they don’t reply to emails from the contact form on their website.

    Come on, We-Vibe. If you’re going to retail at $99 USD for a single clit vibe, you need to have better quality control.

    I’ll be posting about the We-Vibe Tango again soon, so get hyped for that! But in the meantime, my verdict on the We-Vibe Touch is “soft pass.” The motor and shape of this toy are excellent for both broad and pinpoint stimulation, as long as you like your vibrations strong, but the circuit board and battery leave something to be desired.

    Availability: $99 USD at We-Vibe. P.S. This toy is now available in beautiful green! 

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    Burt’s Bees Lipstick review, swatches, photos

    Burt's Bees lipstick review

    The product: Burt’s Bees Lipstick in 513 Doused Rose, 524 Wine Wave, 522 Crimson Coast, and 533 Orchid Ocean 

    The new Burt’s Bees Lipsticks are available in 18 shades, and the shade range is surprisingly good for a drugstore range. There aren’t any wild colours, but the range contains a good mix of non-zombie nudes, punchy pinks/oranges/reds, and a few really satisfying berries.

    (Non-zombie nudes: the only kind of nudes you ever want to see, for either interpretation of the word “nude.” Unless that’s your thing.) (IT IS NOT MY THING. I AM WEAK OF SPIRIT AND EASILY FRIGHTENED.)

    Burt's Bees lipstick review packaging

    The Burt’s Bees Lipstick formula & packaging review

    I’ve heard some complaints about this packaging (it’s awkwardly long, and has a tendency to crush the lipstick tips), but I really like it. It’s easy to pick these lipsticks out of the bunch, and they’re made from 100% recyclable #5 plastic (60% post-consumer).

    Plus, look at those ‘lil honeycombs! They’re so cute!

    Burt's Bees lipstick review, photos, swatches

    I find the new Burt’s lipstick formula to be very hydrating for a lipstick, but too slippery overall. The colour slides everywhere on me, and fades fast. I end up with a noticeable ring of colour and gunky outer corners within the hour.

    I had high hopes for this formula, because it’s 100% natural and really affordable, but no matter what I did, I just couldn’t seem to make them work for me.

    Burt's Bees lipstick swatches

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick swatches (one coat, indirect sunlight)

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick “513 Doused Rose” swatches

    513 Doused Rose is the lightest of the Burt’s Bees Lipsticks that I was sent to try, and it’s the least glossy of the bunch. It’s a medium-pink with cool yellow undertones and (like the rest of the range) no shimmer. ??????

    Burt's Bees lipstick 524 Wine Wave swatch review

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick in 524 Wine Wave – swatch, review

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick “524 Wine Wave” swatches

    If you want a punchy berry, then 524 Wine Wave is the shade for you. It’s glossy and really well-pigmented, and looks like what would happen if you crossed a berry lipstick with a fuchsia one.

    Burt's Bees Lipstick 522 Crimson Coast swatch review

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick in 522 Crimson Coast swatches, review

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick “522 Crimson Coast” swatches

    The ’90s revival has brought back a lot of brick reds and orange-browns, and 522 Crimson Coast is one of them. It’s a subdued orange-red, so it’s not too orange, but it’s definitely retro. If you’re just dipping your toe into the orange pool (which is hopefully entirely metaphorical), this kind of orange is a great starting point.

    Burt's Bees lipstick 533 Orchid ocean swatch review

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick in 533 Orchid Ocean – swatch, review

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick “533 Orchid Ocean” swatches

    ???????? Despite the unreliability of these lipsticks, I’ve worn 522 Orchid Ocean out and about a number of times.

    I know I “shouldn’t” wear a lipstick that I know is going to fade awkwardly almost immediately, but I can’t help myself. The dark berry of this shade is just so wearable! Thanks perhaps to its medium opacity, Orchid Ocean manages to be dark and moody while still looking totally low-maintenance. 

    Burt's Bees lipstick swatch 513 Doused Rose

    Burt’s Bees Lipstick swatches – 513 Doused Rose, 524 Wine Wave, 522 Crimson Coast, and 533 Orchid Ocean 

    The verdict on Burt’s Bees Lipsticks?

    I love Burt’s Bees, and I feel really badly reviewing this product negatively when I just gave the Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil a “skip.” But while these are nicely hydrating… I just don’t like them.

    These lipsticks are very well-reviewed on the Burt’s Bees site, so my feelings on them may well be out of the norm. No matter the shade, they apply really patchily on me, and need to be touched up hourly. My aunt has one of these as well (one of the darker shades), and it wears similarly on her.

    I can see these lipsticks working better in a shade that’s close to your natural lip colour, but otherwise, I say skip them.

    Availability: $8.99 USD/$9.99 CAD at Burt’s Bees, Ulta, and most drugstores and mass market retailers across Canada and the US.

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