SEPHORA COLLECTION Oil Infusion Hydrating Lip Oil Cherry review

Before I begin this review, I want to mention how flawed and dumb the design of the packaging is! It always tips over and knocks everything on my desk onto the floor, creating a huge mess! This happens at least once or twice a week!

Whoever thought it was a great idea to make the base too small, the container too heavy, and the shape too rounded… 🤦🏻‍♀️

Whoever came up with this design needs to be sued!! 😂

The product, on the other hand, is actually good!

I chose the Cherry shade, which is a sheer red. It has a nice, soft scent that doesn't linger, and it gives my lips a subtle glossy tint without being overly sticky. I also really like using it on top of lipstick because it enhances the colour and gives my lips that slightly glossy, polished look.

What surprised me is that, unlike a lot of lip glosses I've used, this one doesn't leave my lips feeling dry after wearing it. It gives me the glossy effect without that uncomfortable, sticky feeling I sometimes get from traditional lip glosses.

The only downside is that the shine doesn't last very long — it disappears pretty much immediately after eating or drinking, so I do find myself reapplying it throughout the day.

A lot of people have compared this to Clarins' Lip Comfort Oil, but having used both, I think they're actually quite different.

Clarins is thicker and feels more substantial on the lips. It's also much more of a self-contained product that I can wear on its own. This one, on the other hand, works really well on top of lipstick. I think of it more as a finishing product that adds a little shine and tint rather than something I would necessarily wear by itself.

The applicator

The applicator is a thin paddle, and it gives me just enough product to cover about half of my lips at a time. I actually really like this because it gives me good control over how much product I use. I never feel like I'm accidentally putting on too much.

Pros:

• Sheer cherry-red tint
• Soft, pleasant scent that doesn't linger
• Adds a subtle glossy finish
• Works really well over lipstick
• Not overly sticky
• Doesn't leave my lips feeling dry
• Paddle applicator gives good control
• Easy to apply without overusing the product

Cons:

• THE PACKAGING. >___<
• The container tips over way too easily
• The small base + heavy, rounded container is a terrible combination
• Not as versatile as Clarins' Lip Comfort Oil
• Sheer colour may not be enough for people looking for a more noticeable tint

I've had quite a few bad experiences with Sephora-branded products, so I'm actually really glad this isn't one of them!

Well… except for that cursed container. 😑

The product itself is good. The packaging, however, is a completely different story. 😂

Score: 8.5/10
Website: https://www.sephora.com/product/oil-infusion-hydrating-lip-oil-dragon-fruit-P518068?country_switch=ca&skuId=2882843&om_mmc=ppc-GG_2024543160_70610901974_pla-420315098113_2882843_354815103824_9000895_c&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=2024543160&gbraid=0AAAAADnIXb3bCW9bDDDCyCKwNIDqBTFpk&gclid=CjwKCAjwhZDUBhBGEiwAbi5bjueJrPyuKnZGDqVIq-vIZ6e7CdaiVkF0Cbslqa5gADNYSlAI9CaGaxoCAXEQAvD_BwE

PÜR Gum Review: Xylitol vs. the Typical Sugar-Free Gum

Unlike in Asia, it is quite hard to find xylitol gum here. I’m not sure why it is that so many of the sugar-free gums I come across in North America use sweeteners like aspartame instead of xylitol.

In Asia, especially in Hong Kong, I’ve noticed that xylitol gum is much more common, and it is often recommended as part of good oral hygiene. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that doesn’t feed cavity-causing bacteria the way regular sugar does, and chewing sugar-free gum also stimulates saliva, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids in your mouth. There is evidence that sugar-free gum, including xylitol-sweetened gum, can help reduce cavity risk when used as an addition to regular brushing and flossing.

So, I’ve always wondered why xylitol gum isn’t more popular in North America.

That was until I learned about PÜR Gum.

PÜR is headquartered in Toronto, which made me even more curious about why it can sometimes be so hard to find. Are people just scooping them up, or are they not as popular as I thought? 😂

I bought a pack and honestly, if it weren’t for the xylitol, I probably wouldn’t have liked it very much — especially when there are already so few alternatives.

PÜR Gum is sweetened with 100% xylitol and is completely aspartame-free. The company also says its gum is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from artificial flavours and colours. One interesting detail is that although PÜR is headquartered in Toronto, the gum itself is manufactured in Switzerland.

I tried several different flavours, thinking maybe the short-lasting taste was just a flavour issue (because some flavours of gum naturally seem to lose their flavour faster), but of the few flavours I tried, they all had the same problem.

PÜR Gum doesn't last very long.

It usually starts losing its flavour at around the 10-minute mark, and by about 25–30 minutes, the gum starts to disintegrate. I usually spit it out at the 30-minute mark because it loses its chewiness and just doesn't feel like gum anymore.

This isn't exactly a cheap gum either. Compared to some of the other brands, it falls somewhere in the middle:

• Excel sugar-free gum: $6.69 for 60 pieces — $0.11/piece
• 5 Gum sugar-free gum: $2.99 for 15 pieces — $0.20/piece
• Mentos sugar-free gum: $3.98 for 50 pieces — $0.08/piece
• PÜR Gum sugar-free gum: $5.49 for 40 pieces — $0.14/piece

(Prices based on what I paid/observed and may vary by store.)

My biggest issue

For me, the biggest problem isn't the flavour itself — it's the fact that the flavour and texture don't last very long.

I actually like the idea of PÜR Gum quite a lot. I like that it uses 100% xylitol, and I like having a sugar-free gum option that doesn't rely on aspartame. But when I compare the actual chewing experience to other gums, I find myself disappointed by how quickly it loses its flavour and chewiness.

Conclusion

I really wanted to love PÜR Gum because it checks so many boxes for me: xylitol, sugar-free, aspartame-free, and made with ingredients I feel more comfortable chewing regularly. Unfortunately, the actual gum experience just isn't quite there for me.

If you're specifically looking for a xylitol gum, PÜR is definitely worth trying because there aren't that many options available. But if you're judging it purely on flavour longevity and chewing experience, there are other gums that I enjoy much more.

So, for now, I'll keep looking for that perfect xylitol gum — one that gives me the oral-health benefits I'm looking for and actually lasts long enough for me to enjoy it. 😅

Score: 6.5/10
Website: https://thepurcompany.com/

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser review

 

(I'm having issues with Airdrop, so I'm not able to upload any pictures T___T please excuse the lack of images and pictures in this post)

The Face Shop was one of the first Korean skincare brands I ever used, and their products have always proven effective for me. Over the years, I’ve gravitated toward other brands, so seeing their products at my local Costco reminded me of how much I used to like them.

I was looking for a facial cleanser, and the timing was perfect — this one immediately caught my eye. I’ve always liked rice-based skincare products, so this was an instant “yes.”

After doing some research, I discovered that The Face Shop launched this cleanser back in 2006 — that’s 20 years ago! In a highly competitive skincare market, it’s already impressive for a product to last even 5 years (I still mourn some of the discontinued Korean products I’ve loved), but this cleanser didn’t just last… it lasted 20 years. That definitely says something about its effectiveness and loyal fan base.

What’s even more impressive is that they’ve continued to improve it. Despite being a best-seller, this foaming cleanser was reformulated to be free of sulphates, artificial dyes, cocamide MEA, glyoxal, and silicone.

What makes it special:

• Made with Yeoju rice from Korea, fermented to maximize potency and efficacy
• Gentle whipped, creamy texture that lathers into a dense foam, effectively removing dirt, impurities, and sebum without stripping the skin
• Contains vitamin-rich rice water and white yeast from hibiscus, which provides mild lactic acid for brightening and barrier care
• Enriched with ceramides to help moisturize and restore the skin barrier
• Soapwort extract acts as a natural foaming agent while providing antioxidant benefits
• Suitable for daily use (morning and evening)
• Made in Korea

(image of consistency of cleanser will be placed here)

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Leaves a semi–squeaky clean feeling without fully stripping the skin
• No scent
• Skin condition has noticeably improved (not sure about brightening, but my skin feels much softer)

Cons:

• Stings the eyes >__<
• The foam is quite “thirsty” — I often need to add more water to keep it from getting too thick while cleansing
• Didn’t notice any significant brightening effects (after over 2 months of use)

Conclusion:

Overall, this cleanser lives up to its long-standing reputation. It’s gentle, effective, and reliable — the kind of product that quietly does its job well without being overly flashy. While it didn’t deliver noticeable brightening results for me, it significantly improved my skin’s softness and overall condition. For a well-formulated, everyday cleanser with a proven track record, this is definitely one I’m happy to keep in my routine.

Score: 9.0/10
Website: no website

McCafe Mango Pineapple Refresher short review

 

 (I wanted to post a picture of the actual drink instead of the generic one on McDonald's website, but my Airdrop is not working >___<)

This is the final Refresher from McDonald's/McCafé (same difference 😜) summer refresher lineup, and it is by far the most interesting of the three. It was also probably the most frustrating and yet enjoyable experience of the bunch (you'll see why below).

According to McDonald's, this drink is:

A match made in the McDonald’s kitchen: a refreshing lemonade beverage made with real lemon juice concentrate, with the sweet taste of mango and pineapple swirled in. Finished off with strawberry-flavoured popping pearls, this drink is like a dance party for your mouth.

Impressions:

• love the strawberry popping pearls!
• surprisingly difficult to get the popping pearls without a straw because of the ice
• any size straw works for sucking up the pearls
• the popping pearls completely steal the show
• mango and pineapple become secondary flavours to the strawberry pearls
• mango and pineapple are much weaker than expected compared to the strawberry

First off, I love the popping pearls. They were easily the highlight of the drink, and I thoroughly enjoyed the little "pop" sensation every time one burst in my mouth.

Ironically, the thing I loved most about the drink was also what frustrated me the most. The popping pearls settled at the bottom of the cup, while the ice sat on top, making them surprisingly difficult to reach without a straw. It almost defeated the "no straw" design of the cup because, at least initially, a straw made drinking the pearls so much easier.

Once the ice melted a bit, however, everything worked much better. The pearls became easier to drink without a straw, which I suspect was how the drink was intended to be enjoyed.

As for the flavour itself, I was expecting the mango and pineapple to be the stars, but the strawberry popping pearls completely took over the show. The strawberry flavour was sweeter, tangier, and much more intense than either the mango or pineapple. In comparison, the mango and pineapple were surprisingly subtle and mostly acted as a backdrop to the pearls.

Despite the minor frustration, this ended up being my favourite of the three Refreshers. I never thought I would prefer a mango-pineapple drink over the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, but the addition of the popping pearls made the experience much more fun and memorable.

This one isn't just a drink — it's a drink and a snack at the same time 😛.

Score: 9.5/10 🥭🍍🍓✨
Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/mango-pineapple-refresher-medium.html

McCafe Blackberry PassionFruit Refresher short review

 (I wanted to post a picture of the actual drink instead of the generic one on McDonald's website, but my Airdrop is not working >___<)

This is the second drink I got to try from McDonald's/McCafé (same difference 😛) Summer Refresher lineup.

According to McDonald's, this drink is:

Turn your lemonade beverage all the way up to 100 with the sweet and tart taste of blackberry and passionfruit, and the undeniable refreshing flavour of real lemon juice concentrate. Now, push it to 200 with irresistible freeze-dried dragon fruit for an extra punch.

Impressions:

• sweet with chunks of dragon fruit
• tastes more like blackberry than passionfruit
• sweet rather than tangy
• lots of dragon fruit pieces in every sip

I liked this one — it was quite good — but it is still my second favourite compared to the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher.

I am not a huge fan of blackberry, but this drink actually helped me appreciate blackberry's unique flavour. Despite McDonald's describing it as a blackberry-passionfruit drink, I found the blackberry to be the dominant flavour, while the passionfruit was much more subtle and harder to detect.

I was also expecting it to be more tart because of the blackberry, passionfruit, and lemonade combination, but surprisingly, it leaned much more toward the sweet side than the tangy side.

What I enjoyed most were the dragon fruit chunks. They added a nice texture and made the drink more interesting to sip. If you've ever eaten dragon fruit before, you'll know it has those tiny edible seeds that create a texture similar to kiwi. McDonald's was quite generous with the dragon fruit pieces, so if you enjoy that texture, you'll probably love this drink. If you're not a fan of those little seedy bites, you may not enjoy it quite as much.

While it didn't beat the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher for me, it's still a refreshing and enjoyable drink that helped me see blackberry in a new light.

Score: 8.0/10 🐉🫐✨
website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/blackberry-passionfruit-refresher-medium.html

McCafe's Strawberry Watermelon Refresher Short Review

 

(I wanted to post a picture of the actual drink instead of the generic one on McDonald's website, but my Airdrop is not working >___<)

It’s that time of year again when McDonald's/McCafé (same difference 😛) introduces their Summer Refreshers! This year, they have three flavours, and I got to try the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher first! (The other two are: Black Passion Fruit and Mango Pineapple)

According to McDonald’s, this drink is:

“A refreshing lemonade beverage to quench your thirst, made with real lemon juice concentrate, and the sweet taste of strawberry and juicy watermelon. But the pièce de résistance? Freeze-dried strawberries for something a little fancy.”

Impressions:

• not too sweet
• more strawberry than watermelon
• nice tanginess
• huge strawberry chunks in every sip

I really liked it! Despite how it looks, it isn’t overly sweet at all — it has the perfect amount of sweetness, which I really appreciate (I hate overly sweet drinks).

There’s a reason strawberry comes before watermelon in the name, because the drink is mainly strawberry-forward, with the watermelon balancing it out so the strawberry flavour doesn’t become too intense.

I don’t usually like sour or tangy drinks, but this one has a really nice balance — not too tangy, but enough for me to enjoy it.

And what I liked most were the huge strawberry chunks in almost every sip! They’re soft, chewy, and honestly make the drink much more enjoyable and interesting to drink.


This is definitely off to a great start for McDonald’s summer refresher lineup!

Score: 9.2/10 🍓 
Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/strawberry-watermelon-refresher-medium.html

Zero Sugar Drinks That Actually Taste Like the Original (My Ongoing List)

Some of the Zero Sugar drinks I have had

Last Updated: April 30, 2026

With so many zero sugar drinks on the market now, I’ve always wondered: which ones actually taste like the original? Some come surprisingly close, while others taste completely different. After trying quite a few over time, I decided to start keeping track of them here.

I was inspired by my Zero Sugar and Zero Caffeine Coke post, and I decided to document my Zero Sugar experiences in one place. The criteria are simple: the drink has to stay as close to the original sugar version as possible.

I’ll keep updating this list as I try more drinks, and I’ll note the date whenever I add something new.

My Zero Sugar Drink Log: The Good, The Okay, and The Bad

My favourites — the ones that stay true to the original:

• Canada Dry Ginger Ale
• Sprite
• Cherry Coke (Coca-Cola)
• Dr Pepper
• Nestea Iced Tea
• Fuze Iced Tea
• Fresca Grapefruit
• Tonic Water
• Canada Dry Cranberry Ginger Ale
• Canada Dry Mango Peach Ginger Ale
• Coca-Cola Vanilla Cream Soda (holiday limited edition)
• McDonald's Iced Coffee with sugar-free syrup* (depends on the McCafe that makes them)

Ones that are okay — somewhat close, but there is a noticeable difference in taste: 

• Coca-Cola Coke Zero 
• A&W Root Beer Zero Sugar Caffeine free
• McDonald's Iced Coffee with sugar-free syrup* (depends on the McCafe that makes them)
• Fanta Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine

Ones I don't like — they taste nothing like the original sugar version: 

• Pepsi Zero 
• Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Zero Caffeine

I’ll continue updating this list as I try more zero-sugar drinks. If you have any favourites that taste surprisingly close to the original, feel free to let me know — I’m always curious to try new ones!

Afterthought:
One thing I’ve noticed with these zero-sugar drinks is that they make me go to the bathroom a lot more often than the regular versions. I’m not sure if it’s the type of sugar substitutes used, but it’s something I’ve consistently experienced.

Clarins My Sweety Lip Balm review

Clarin's My Sweety Lip Balm

I’ve always had faith in Clarins products. Many of them are made in France (which already signals quality to me), their ingredients are usually meticulously sourced, and — most importantly — they work really well on my skin. This lip balm is pricier than your average drugstore option, but not by that much. It currently retails for $15 CAD ($11 USD) on the Clarins website, which I think is reasonable for what you’re getting.

According to Clarins, this is a sheer lip balm enriched with nourishing organic cacao butter that reacts to the pH of your lips to reveal your personal shade of rose. It’s designed to plump, comfort, and add shine, while offering a subtle mood boost with a fruity scent. The product is also vegan, contains organic ingredients, comes in an eco-friendly box, and is made with a fair supply chain, which I really appreciate.

contains an adequate amount of product

The first thing I noticed was that the formula is firmer than most lip balms I’m used to. It sits comfortably on the lips and doesn’t slide around or migrate the way softer balms often do. It gives that “your lips but healthier” look — slightly shinier with a natural pink tint — which makes it perfect for no-makeup days when you still want to look a little more awake and polished.

It moisturizes instantly. You get a sheer shine right away, and your lips start feeling softer almost immediately (as a lip balm should). What really sets this apart from drugstore balms — or even slightly more expensive ones — is how well it stays in place. I don’t feel the urge to constantly “play” with it or reapply, which honestly says a lot.

Can you see the subtle sheer on the left side? It is much more obvious in real life

Overall, I’m very happy I found this one from Clarins. Compared to luxury lip balms from brands like Prada or Dior that can run $50+, this feels like an excellent middle ground — elevated, effective, and still approachable at $15.

See it now? :) it is much more obvious in real life

Pros

• Light fruity scent (they say peach, but it smells more like guava to me — either way, it fades after a  few minutes)
• Moisturizes lips really well (and within a few hours)
• Took two days to fully moisturize my lips! (and revive them... not just temporary relief!)
• Firm formula that doesn’t shift, bleed, or move
• Light and thin formula
• No risk of overapplying
• “Your lips but healthier” effect (shinier and slightly pink-tinted)
• Wipes off cleanly with no staining (this can be a pro or a con)

Cons

• I hate the container — it’s extremely difficult to open and close
• The packaging is made of cardboard
• Could be slightly more tinted
• Only available online (via the Clarins website)
• No stain left behind when wiped off (again, pro or con depending on preference)
• Although it "moisturizes", you need to reapply to prevent drying because once everything gets absorbed, you will need extra protection to protect your newly moisturized lips.

very subtle tint, it is more obvious in real life

Conclusion:
Clarins My Sweet Lip Balm is one of those quietly impressive products — simple, well-formulated, and thoughtfully designed for everyday wear. It’s comfortable, flattering, and reliable, especially if you want something low-maintenance that still makes your lips look healthy and put-together. The packaging could definitely be better, but the formula itself more than makes up for it. For me, this is an easy staple and a near-perfect daily lip balm.

Score: 9.5/10 💄✨
Website: https://www.clarins.ca/en/my-sweety-balm/80070833.html

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Zero Caffeine Coke Short Review

 

It sounds like a dream… Coca-Cola with zero sugar (empty calories!) and zero caffeine (bye-bye, sleepless nights).

EXCEPT… the taste is very off.

I’ve had Coke Zero (Sugar), and I could live with that. The sugar substitute didn’t make me miss the classic Coca-Cola taste too much. But without caffeine? YIKES. It tastes very different — bland, watered down, and honestly kind of sad. OMG. And on top of all that… the fizz isn’t even as fizzy as your usual Coca-Cola. It’s not even comparable to Coke Zero’s fizz!

Who knew caffeine played such a huge role in Coca-Cola’s signature taste?

I’m sure there’s a niche crowd out there who enjoys less fizz, zero sugar, and zero caffeine — especially for people with insomnia, caffeine sensitivities, allergies, or who avoid caffeine for religious or health reasons. If that’s you, this might actually be perfect.

But for me? Definitely not. It loses what makes Coca-Cola… Coke.

I’m glad I tried it — now I know I don’t like it 😛
That said, if you’ve ever complained that regular Coke or Coke Zero is too fizzy, prefer zero sugar, and hate caffeine… this is absolutely the Coke for you! 🙂

---

Score: 6.5/10 (for me)
Website: https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/coca-cola/products/zero#accordion-224c4dac45-item-f6ef055335

McDonald's Frank's RedHot Hot Honey Sauce short review

McDonald's Frank's RedHot Hot Honey Sauce

McDonald's has been hard-selling this new sauce — Frank’s RedHot Hot Honey Sauce. It’s everywhere: breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and even offered as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets.

It’s exactly what it sounds like — a hot honey sauce. It adds sweetness to hot sauce or adds spiciness to honey (both work 😛). I actually ordered it without realizing it was a hot sauce at all. I just saw it splashed all over the promotional banners and the McDonald’s app… so of course I had to try it.

It was good — but not as good as I thought it would be. I still prefer my usual favourite, the Spicy Habanero Sauce, especially for chicken nuggets.

That said, since I’m reviewing McDonald’s new Frank’s RedHot Hot Honey Sauce, here are my thoughts:

• I really like the balance between the RedHot heat and the honey sweetness

• It has a cayenne pepper base, which gives it that distinctively spicy, slightly sweet flavour with earthy undertones — spicy, but not aggressive

• It works well as a sweet-and-spicy sauce without overwhelming your taste buds or burning your mouth

• The sweetness makes it addictive, while the spice adds a gentle kick

• McDonald’s was right to put it on everything — it works well with nuggets and even surprisingly well with fries

One of the biggest strengths of this sauce is how versatile it is. Its flavour profile isn’t tied to any specific cuisine or regional taste, which means it can be added to pretty much anything without clashing. Sweet, spicy, familiar, and easy to like.

Conclusion:
While it didn’t dethrone my personal favourite nugget sauce, I can absolutely see why McDonald’s is pushing this so hard. Frank’s RedHot Hot Honey Sauce is balanced, approachable, and crowd-pleasing — sweet enough to draw you in, spicy enough to keep things interesting. It may not be my go-to, but it’s a solid, well-thought-out addition that works across the menu. Definitely worth trying at least once.

Score: 8.5/10
Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/newsroom/article/We-Put-It-On-Everything--McDonald-s-Canada-Turns-Up-the-Heat-with-Frank-s-RedHot--.html

Comparison: Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup — Condensed vs Ready-to-Serve

 

One of my favourite soups is Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup… yes, the canned soup. But recently, I discovered that they came out with a version that doesn’t require adding water — the ready-to-serve version.

When I first saw it, my immediate reaction was: “Why is the ready-to-serve version three times the price of the condensed (add-water) version?” Naturally, my analytical brain was curious and itching to find out.

Price comparison:

Ready-to-Serve: $3.38 (≈ 66¢ per 100 ml)
Condensed: $1.47 (≈ 52¢ per 100 ml)

So, I bought both. And I discovered (spoiler alert): the larger, don’t-add-water version is so much better.

Just when I thought Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup couldn’t get any better… it can.

huge slices of mushrooms instead of the usual small chunks

The ready-to-serve version is creamier, contains larger slices of mushrooms, and tastes much richer overall. I didn’t think I’d find something that could top the condensed version (which is great in its own way), but it exists — and I’m genuinely glad I tried it.

Why the ready-to-serve version is better:

• Tastes richer
• Creamier texture
• No need to add water
• Bigger slices of mushroom

The only downside is that it’s slightly more expensive than the condensed version.

Conclusion:
If you’re someone who loves Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and doesn’t mind paying a little extra for convenience and upgraded texture, the ready-to-serve version is absolutely worth it. It feels more indulgent, more satisfying, and closer to something you’d get freshly made rather than from a can. I’ll still keep the condensed version around, but when I want something comforting and effortless, the ready-to-serve has officially won me over.

Score: 9.5/10

Website: https://www.campbellsoup.ca/product/campbells-cream-of-mushroom/

Merry Christmas, or Joyeux Noël

“Noël” is derived from the Latin word natalis, which means “birth,” and is associated with the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Noël is linked to "The First Noel," the classic carol that recounts the Nativity story and emphasizes the joy of Christ’s arrival.

It also embodies the spirit of giving, family gatherings, and the happiness that comes from remembering the birth of Christ, our Saviour.

So, Joyeux Noël, or Merry Christmas! Let’s share in the joy and sense of community as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday, Jesus ❤️

McDonald’s Who-Hash Bites – Short Review

McDonald’s Who-Hash Bites 

These Who-Hash Bites are a limited-time offering for McDonald’s Christmas Grinch meal, and naturally, I had to order them — and I’m so glad I did!

They taste exactly like McDonald’s breakfast hash browns, but in bite-sized form, making them super crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

McDonald’s Who-Hash Bites 

Impressions:

• super crispy on the outside
• super creamy on the inside
• tastes exactly like their breakfast hash browns
• The only downside is that they’re only available for a limited time

McDonald’s Who-Hash Bites 

I was surprised by the portion size — they were a lot bigger than I expected. I didn’t count, but I think there were at least 12 inside!

The Grinchiest Meal box

They’re available for an extra $0.70 with a combo, or you can get them à la carte for $4.99.

The Grinchiest Meal box

Final thoughts:
If you love McDonald’s hash browns, these are a no-brainer. Fun, nostalgic, and dangerously easy to finish — I really hope they bring these back again.

Score: 10/10
Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/who-hash-bites-potato-bites.html

Pond's Fresh Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin E & B3 review

Costco's bulk deal

I’ve seen Pond’s products everywhere for as long as I can remember. I still have this vivid memory of being seven years old at Honest Ed’s in Toronto, pointing at a jar of Pond’s Cold Cream and asking my mom what it was. But despite seeing the brand all around me — on shelves, in ads, in random stores — I’ve never actually used any Pond’s products in my life. No one in my family or friend circles uses them either, so it’s always been one of those brands I recognize… but have zero personal experience with.

packaging

That changed when I spotted the Pond’s Fresh Hydration Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E & B3 gel moisturizer at Costco. On Amazon, one 3.4 oz (96.4 g) jar costs $19.25 — but Costco had three jars for $17.99. A deal like that? I couldn’t resist. 😅

After doing some quick Googling, I discovered people calling it a “dupe” for Clinique’s Moisture Surge Gel — which is about four times the price. If you’ve been here long enough, you already know how I feel about dupes… so yes, I was skeptical.

---

You can see the big hollow hole before I even opened the product

🧴 First Impressions

• flimsy plastic container

• strong scent (reminds me of hair conditioner)

• skin absorbed it immediately

• moisturizes, but causes random bumps

• The jar wasn’t filled completely (and the plastic bends easily)

There's not a lot of product in the jar

When I opened the jar, the product looked a bit… sad. Not fully filled, and the cheap, bendable plastic didn’t add confidence. The gel itself was firm, almost “bouncy,” which made the hollow indent inside even more noticeable.

The scent is very strong — not bad, but definitely bold. To me, it had a base note that reminded me slightly of sunscreen mixed with shampoo or hair conditioner. Some people might enjoy it, but for me, it felt overwhelming.

Texture-wise, it reminded me of Neutrogena Hydro Boost, but firmer and with a more silicone-like slip. The intensity of the scent is on par with Hydro Boost as well — not the same smell, but equally pungent.

---

Pond's Fresh Hydration

💧 Hydration Performance

It does moisturize — but only on already healthy skin. On dry, dehydrated, or slightly irritated skin, it didn’t do very much. It claims 24-hour hydration, but realistically… I had to reapply every 5–6 hours.

---

The Science behind hydration

⚠️ The Dealbreaker: Random Bumps

This is where things went downhill.

After a few uses, I started noticing random bumps on my nose and forehead — areas where I never get bumps. The more consistently I used it, the more bumps appeared. I’m not sure if I’m reacting to an ingredient or the formula as a whole, but my skin definitely did not like something in here.

I really wanted to love this — it looked promising, affordable, and had great ingredients on paper — but unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me at all.

---

product and packaging

⭐ Final Thoughts + Score

Pond’s Fresh Hydration has a nice texture and provides light moisture, but the strong scent, flimsy packaging, and unexpected breakouts make it a no for me. If your skin is extremely tolerant and you want something inexpensive, it might work… but I personally won’t be repurchasing.

Score: 3/10 (Moisturizes, but gave me random bumps 👎🏻)
Website: https://ponds.us/en-ca/products/hyaluronic-acid-vitamin-e-b3-gel-moisturizer

Abib's HeartLeaf Spot Pad Review

Abib Heartleaf Spot Pads

(I accidentally pressed the "add Google links" and couldn't undo it... so now I'm left with a whole post full of Google links 😭 apologies for the messy-looking post! 🙇)

The Korean brand Abib isn’t new to me — I’ve used their sheet masks before and liked them. They didn’t exactly wow me… but this product definitely did.

I found these Heartleaf Spot Pads at Costco and picked them up without much expectation. I’ve heard of them, I’ve used heartleaf products before, and I just wanted something moisturizing. But these pads didn’t just meet expectations — they completely surpassed them.

Within one to two uses, they healed my broken skin and calmed irritation. Within three to four days, my skin barrier was fully restored. I wasn’t expecting that level of recovery at all.

---

🍃 Why Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Is So Popular in Korean Skincare

details

• Soothes irritation + redness: Heartleaf is known for calming sensitive, inflamed skin — perfect for breakouts or reaction-prone skin.

• Strengthens the skin barrier: It reduces excess oil, balances the skin, and helps repair weakened areas.

No wonder this product works so well on compromised skin.

---

🧖‍♀️Benefits of Spot Pads in Skincare

drenched in serum :)

• Boost absorption: They cleanse remaining residue so the rest of your skincare sinks in better.

• Targeted care: You can leave them on areas that need extra hydration, calming, or barrier repair.

These pads do both extremely well.

---

First Impressions

It quickly became one of my favourite products!

• The cotton pads are thicker and smaller than expected

• The scent is interesting — not good, not bad… a mix of acidic + leafy

• They said use "tweezers" but no tweezers were provided

• There is a harsh and a fine side, the harsh side is too harsh for me, but the fine side is perfect for mild exfoliating (no issues on sensitive skin)

• My skin drank the essence instantly

• Slight sting on broken or compromised skin

• Heals broken skin and barrier issues surprisingly fast

• Thoroughly cleanses without irritation

• Removes stubborn oil + debris my cleanser can’t get

• Skin felt soft, smooth, and refreshed the next morning

On day one, the pads stung slightly on damaged skin, but they also healed it almost instantly. That’s when I knew this was something special.

Before going further: This product healed my skin barrier. And very few products can make me say that with confidence.

---

My Experience

gunk: grease, oil, dirt and debris from my face 😱 

This product didn't just hydrate — it changed my skin.
Even after cleansing, these pads always manage to remove leftover oil, dirt, or debris. My skin ends up perfectly prepped to absorb whatever comes next. After two months of consistent use, my skin feels noticeably stronger, smoother, and healthier. That soft, silky feeling didn’t exist two months ago.
My skin had been irritated and sensitive (I’m pretty sure environmental buildup wasn’t helping), but now? It feels resilient. Balanced. Calm. Hydrated from within.
Honestly… this has become a product I can’t imagine not having anymore.

---

⭐ Final Thoughts

The Abib Heartleaf Spot Pads have officially earned a permanent spot in my routine. What started as an impulse Costco buy turned into one of the most effective skin-repairing products I’ve tried in years. If your skin barrier is struggling, your skin is easily irritated, or you just want a product that cleanses and heals at the same time — this is absolutely worth trying.
I didn’t expect to love it this much, but here we are. This is a keeper. 💚

Score: 9.9/10 (that's high!)
Website: https://en.abib.com/products/calming-touch

Listerine PocketPaks Fresh Burst short review

I  can’t believe they reintroduced these! I actually liked them back in the day and was so upset when I couldn’t find them anymore. But I found these at Costco and immediately bought a pack! These should last me a long, long time! 😄

When they were first introduced about 20 years ago, most people knew them simply as Listerine Breath Strips. I don’t remember the exact name, but I’m pretty sure they weren’t called PocketPaks or Freshburst back then.

When they discontinued them a few years later, I was quite upset, because these were such a great alternative to gum and breath mints! And most importantly, they actually worked!

Fast forward to this new version and I have to say, I’m glad they took the time to reformulate. The new ones don’t sting the mouth as much as the old version did, and the freshness feels cleaner and longer-lasting.

I bought them half because of nostalgia and half for their function. Most breath mints these days have a hard time truly freshening breath, and I sometimes find myself panicking in social settings because the mints just aren’t strong enough. Gum works, but it takes time and isn’t ideal when you want something instant.

These new strips immediately stick to the top of my mouth and get to work right away. They don’t sting like before, and the freshness lasts impressively long.

---

First Impressions:

• Nostalgia factor: Loved them in the past, happy they’re back!
• Reformulated: Less sting than the older version, cleaner and longer-lasting freshness.
• Convenient: Strips stick to the top of your mouth and act instantly — no waiting like gum.
• Effective: Strong enough to freshen breath immediately, perfect for social settings.
• Portable: Small pack fits easily in a bag or pocket for on-the-go use.
• Fun to use: Quick dissolve, refreshing minty blast, smooth without harshness.

The moment I tried one, I was instantly taken back in time — that quick dissolve and rush of cool minty air! 🫧 The best part? No harsh sting this time, just a crisp, clean freshness that hits right when you need it. It’s strong enough to make you feel instantly refreshed but smooth enough that it doesn’t make your eyes water. The little pack is also very handy; it is easy to slip into my bag or pocket for an instant confidence boost before meetings or coffee runs.

---

Conclusion:
I’m genuinely happy these are back! The improved formula makes them even better than I remembered — effective, fast-acting, and surprisingly gentle. They strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and practicality. If you ever loved these back in the day (or even if you’ve never tried them), they’re absolutely worth picking up again.

score: 9.5/10
website: https://www.listerine.com/on-the-go-oral-health/listerine-pocketpaks-freshburst

Cheez It Wendy's Baconator Flavour short review

I’ve never been a huge fan of Cheez-Its. I like cheese and crackers, but the cheese for Cheez-Its is usually isn’t sharp or flavourful enough for me. That said, I decided to give the special edition Wendy’s Baconator Cheez-Its a try. They’re pricier than your average Cheez-It, but after tasting them, I understood why. The bacon flavour adds a delicious, savoury punch, and I was able to finish a whole box in no time!

Why is it that limited-edition foods almost always taste amazing? Why can’t they just become a permanent part of the lineup? I’m really hoping these come back soon so I can stock up! It just goes to show that products can have fun, tasty variations, and this one was such a delightful surprise. :)

All in all, these Wendy’s Baconator Cheez-Its were a total win: cheesy, bacon-y, and way too easy to finish in one sitting. Limited edition or not, they prove that a little twist on a classic snack can make it feel like a whole new treat. Fingers crossed they come back soon, because I’ll be first in line for another box!

Score: 9/10
Website: https://www.cheezit.com/en-us/products/cheez-it-baconator.html