2/04/2025

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens, 3-Pac (Soft, Hard, and Twin Tip)

I love these Fudenosuke Tombow markers.One is the classic Fudenosuke  black with brush tip medium nib, the same in dark blue, and the other is a two-tip marker with two different nibs (fine and extra-fine). These markers are very pleasurable to use. They glide smoothly on any kind of paper I've use them on. The quality of the ink is intense and bold unlike the normal Tombow markers, which have a more watercolour nature. That being the case Fudenosuke is better for artistic drawing, calligraphy, shading, outlining and making bold ink-like marks.   
 
The ink is water-based, so these markers are not permanent. You will need a workable sealer if you want to use them in mix media as they smudge easily if mixed with anything slightly liquid. Also, if used in combination with acrylic paint, make sure that the paint is completely dry before you use the markers as, otherwise, the nib will be damaged. This is true for most markers out there, though.  
 
This package is good value for money and you have three different tips and colours. They last a long time without drying off, and the quality of the ink is always good. I've had this for over a year, and they are still as new.

2/03/2025

JRINTL Large Extended Gaming Mouse Pad (800x300mm)

This is an affordable large mouse pad that I bought to use both as laptop mat and as mouse pad. It’s really large, thick and made of good quality rubber/silicone, which is flexible and allows the pad to be rolled if necessary. The upper is velvety soft and really comfortable to rest my wrist and arm directly on it. The mouse rolls smoothly on it, as well. The back has an anti-slip rugged texture that helps it stay on the table.  
 
I would have bought this pad even if it was plain black, but I love maps so I thought that the featured print was really cool. However, the item I got has poor quality printing, with the image faded or not crisp, nothing like the image shown on the product page. Besides, the image is slightly distorted, as if a small image had been stretched to fit in a canvas that is too big for it. Not good if you really want the map perfectly printed.   For the rest, it's a great mat/pad.

2/01/2025

Kinbom 6pc Detail Paint Brush Set (Red)

These medium-quality affordable detail brushes are better quality than expected. I've now used them for several months.
 
The set has two items of each size (5/9, 3/0, 2/0) and, although they are not liners, they make good lines, shapes and fine marks. They're great for corrections on small areas, for mark-making and to fill in small areas or corners in a journal. I use them with flat or soft paper surfaces so I don't know how they would react with canvas or wood panels. I always use them with acrylic paints/inks and no issues so far.
 
I tend to forget my brushes submerged in water for too long, from some hours to a couple of days. The bristles tend to bend and lose shape while left in water for a while, but they recover it easily by drying t hem with a paper towel and, at the same time, pressing them into their straight shape with my fingers. I initially feared that the red handle would lose its colour or break open, but that hasn't happened. So, I think these brushes are better quality than they look like. On the other hand, they look like a downgraded version of the brushes depicted in the product page photos.
 
Although unimportant, the brushes colour is more like burgundy, definitely not the beautiful red in the photos. I just wanted any coloured handle to differentiate these brushes from other small ones I own, so any colour would do.  

In short, an economic student-grade set of detail brushes that are sturdy, durable, and versatile.

Aymorder 10-piece Nail Art Liner Brush Set

I was lured by this 10-piece set of nail art brush liners due to the variety of sizes and the good price. I risked the purchase as they could have been terrible. But they are not! Sure, they aren't a professional artist set, but I didn't want to spend a little fortune on a professional set. I wanted this to start getting familiar with this type of brush and to work on art journal and small paper projects. They're befitting.
 
I use them with acrylic paints/inks and they work well overall. They would have been better if they had slightly thicker bristles but, you know, these were a bargain and are not intended for artwork. They make good long flat and curvy lines with ease but, due to the bristles not being strong enough, sometimes the lines aren't clean. It might be me, as I'm just getting used to them. They're perfect for people with small hands and they're good quality despite the bargain price and the fact that they were intended for nail art not painting.  These brushes work better on flat paper (e.g. art journal pads) or on surfaces that have none or little texture (e.g. cold pressed watercolour paper).  

The brushes are easy to clean and can be kept in water for a long time without worry. The 'crystal' handle material hasn't deteriorated at all despite my tendency to forget brushes in water all night or for several days. The synthetic bristles get bent when left in water for long, but they recover their shape easily by drying them out with a paper towel and pressing them back into their flat shape with my fingers. 
 
I haven't used these for nail art, so I cannot comment on how they work for that purpose.

Yitexin 20-piece Alphabet Stencils 4x7in (18x10cm)

This is a generous set of alphabet stencils made of good quality stencil material and with different lettering styles, so you can use them on different projects. Due to their size, these stencils are great for art journaling, scrapbooking and school art projects. The quality of the cutting is good. However, there are some design inconsistencies within each template, something that bothers me. Good priced.

Uni-Ball Signo 1mm Gel Pen -- Gold (UM153.25)

This Uniball Signo metallic gold gel pen is fantastic. It produces clean lines and is great for accents on craft and painting projects. However, this is not a lightfast or permanent marker, so you would need to use a fixative if you want the colour to stay. The gold colour is on the greenish side, not bad, but not my favourite tone of gold.

L’Oréal Magic Retouch Permanent (Dark 5 Brown)

This is a new product in the L'Oreal Magic Retouch range. I use the spray to cover greys when I haven't had the time for colouring. However, the spray only lasts till I wash my hair. So this nini-tint package is great. It has the same quality permanent colour that you find in the full box, but in the right amount to cover my part line and temples but also some of the sides of my head. 

The box contains a dispenser bottle with an brush attachment, the jar with the colour and a very good and useful instructions leaflet. I mix the product as per the instructions but I never use this colour, or any other, directly from the bottle. I always pour it into a professional tinting container and use a professional tinting comb as these allow a more efficient use of the product and I get better results.
 
I'm very satisfied with the results as the tint covers my greys perfectly, the colour looks beautiful, it does not irritate my scalp, and has a mild odour. 
 
Now the downsides. The first one is this, like other L'Oreal tints I've used, dries my hair noticeably. The colour looks great, especially if you put a dark colour on, but I also noticed that my hair is less soft, freezier, and feels dry to touch. This being the case I have to put a full mask and then use tons of Moroccan oil to compensate. Being honest, we're meant to leave the product 10 minutes on only, but I tend to leave it 30 minutes as I have rebel thick greys and otherwise they would not get properly covered. So, be aware that if you use it longer than recommender, this might be your case as well.  

The second downside is this. The price of this bottle is almost identical, sometimes the same, sometimes a couple of dollars down, to the full box. However, the latter contains more quantity and a great shampoo and conditioner. So, to me, the full box is better value than the MR version, and it serves me better as I have a large amount of greys all over my head. Magic Retouch is better for guys or just girls with short haircuts or just people with not many greys.

Sally Hansen Nail polisher remover (Strengthening Pink)

Nothing fancy or hoo-ha about this nail polish remover. It does the job, it does not smell too bad despite being acetone based, and removes thick coats of paint with ease. If I wanted to strengthen my nails, I'd rather use a purpose-made nail strengthener. I don't think this NPR was designed to strengthen your nails, just not to further damage weak or flaky nails by adding lanolin and hydrolysed wheat protein. So, the result is that this NPR is gentler on my nails than others. Good-priced and it does the job.   

1/13/2025

Ohuhu Mixed-Media Spiral-Bound Art Sketchbook (120lb/200gsm, 210x226cm)

I had my hesitations about a 200gsm paper being good for mixed-media. However, after using it, I can confirm that it is. 
 
I tested the paper first without gessoing the page to see what the paper would stand. It was great for almost everything, except for the fact that scratches for textural purposes show on the back and there is a limit of liquid that you can use before the sheet warps.
 
This paper didn't react well to my lifting masking liquid with a normal eraser (which would not lift anything), with my fingers (lifted just a bit), or with a hard rubber (which lifted the masking tape and the paper as well). I think it's a combination of both the masking tape being too thin and the paper not resisting much friction. 

On the other hand, none of the materials I used bled (acrylic markers, inks and different paint viscosities; water soluble pencils, among others).

My second test was done after applying a coat of liquid gesso to the page I worked on. I was able to do a bit of more stuff on it but, again, the paper wraps if you use a lot of liquid or flow paint. It still did not bleed and stood some of my rubbing a bit better. A thick gesso coat would improve workability but it would also add weight, and that would be counter-intuitive. 

The pad comes with a silicone protector to place between the sheets, something that is extremely handy and prevents transferring of any bleed onto the page underneath. On the other hand, I'd have loved this silicone sheet to be 1 cm longer on each side so that it protrudes a bit and protects the edges of the pages underneath, which were totally stained. For the rest, this silicone sheet is really good and it can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth under running water.
 
The pad sheets are micro-perforated, just in case you want to use any to create specific pieces of artwork, not just as a sketchbook.  Unless I was drawing or using dry materials, I would not want to cut the pages out for anything.

The back cover is thick and sturdy, and this is a great support to the bulky pad. However, the front cover it's too thin to my liking and not strong enough to keep the pad well protected or hold it properly. Yet, this pad is really good priced for what you get.  

1/06/2025

Asnabyya Half-Face Reusable Respirator Mask & glasses

I got this to use with spray paint or when I use a art sealing sprays as they smell awful, are very toxic and, even if you go outdoors to spray, the wind can bring the spray back to my nose. This is a complete respirator affordable set that contain a pair of large acrylic glasses, a respirator adjustable mask, and several replacement filter pads for the breathers.

I have a small face and prescription glasses so this set is not the best for me. Firstly, as my face is small, wearing the acrylic glasses and the mask at the same time has proved impossible, because there is not enough room on my face for both to coexist. Besides, as I wear prescription glasses that I need to wear to see, even if I don't put the acrylic protective glasses on, they sit on my face awkwardly because the nose part of the respirator doesn't allow them to rest on them properly. So, this is a respirator set perfect for men or for big humans in general. For the rest, I haven't been able to properly click in the plastic pods over the filters pads, no matter how hard I tried. Assembling the other parts was simple and straightforward.

I've used this respirator several times already and I can see/notice the difference, as I cannot smell anything even when I can clearly see the 'fumes' close to me.

In short, this is great respirator if you have a big face or a re a man or don't wear prescription glasses.

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails Natural

This is a nail strengthener designed to treat flaky and pealing nails. It can be used on its own, but applying 2-3 coats on your nails, which is what the brand recommends. However, I mostly use it base coat for my manicures and on its own on my toe nails. It has a beautiful shine to it, with a slight tint, if that can be said. When I applied on its own it my nails are harder to touch than when I use a normal base. Not sure if this will result on my nails being actually stronger, but they are better covered and protected and they don't flake as much.  

Evanda 2-pc Gold Serving Cake Set

I decided to buy this set after reading many great reviews on Amazon. This is a gorgeous cake serving set with spatula and knife. It's made of stainless steel but coated in a luscious vintage-like gold engraved with a swirly beautiful pattern.
 
Both pieces are very long, which comes handy for large cakes. I expected the spatula to have a large surface and the knife to be wider, honestly. I found the knife not good to cut fluffy sponge cakes, and it destroyed the serving experience and the cake top bent downwards. Not sure if it would be the same with a more solid cake. The spatula is good overall. 
 
Both pieces are sturdy. I tried to bend the handle by forcing the handles a bit, but they didn't bend. They're dishwasher safe, but I washed them by hand, just in case, and they were as new afterwards. 

Price is great for such a beautiful good quality set. 

Maxwell & Williams White Basics Diamonds 3-Tier Cake Stand (Gift Boxed)

I wanted a simple but elegant stand for a gathering at home without having to spend a lot. This seemed perfect, as it looked great on the photo, is from a brand I usually trust, and was heavily discounted.
 
After delivery, I have mixed feelings about this stand. On the one hand, the porcelain is good quality and the relief diamond pattern is elegant and classy. Once mounted, the stand looks fabulous.
 
My main issue with the stand is the mounting system. Actually, the mounting system is OK; it's the screwing system. Despite the assembly instructions being quite good, it took me several attempts to get the stand to stand firmly on the table. By the way, I recommend starting from the bottom dish up and not the other way around.
 
Secondly, the white plastic protective washers aren't the best quality and can be easily damaged. Besides, the box doesn't come with any spare part. This being the case, if you lose any of the washers or they get broken, the stand cannot be used anymore because, if we apply the metal washers directly onto the porcelain, they scratch it and stain it. What's more, the plates would not stand firm and straight at all.
 
Thirdly, the metallic bar handle isn't stainless steel. Why not?!!! The packing box doesn't say which material they're made off, something that really annoys me. Also, this metal leaves some sort of "soot" (to call it something) on contact with the porcelain if not using the washers and when unscrewing the metallic parts.  

Only hand wash, and you must dismount the stand first and be careful that you don't lose any washer.
 
In short, the finesse of the porcelain is wasted by the poor quality of the metallic parts and screwing system.  I only paid $18. However, the product is back to its usual $28 and I think that I wouldn't want to pay that for this stand. 

L'Oréal Excellence (Brown 5.0)

I've never used L'Oréal  Excellence to tint my hair mostly because it's more expensive than my usual brands. Having used another brands of DIY hair colour, I can easily compare what this package has in it, the tinting experience, and the results.
 
THE PACKAGE
The package contains a cream colour tub, a bottle of developer, hyaluronic acid shampoo and conditioning mask,  a pair of average of plastic gloves (which I hate) and a very useful instructions leaflet (great presentation and organisation of the information and illustrations, font size, etc.). Unlike other DIY hair colour packages I've used, this also includes a tube of shampoo and a comb applicator, which can be attached to the developer bottle to apply the colour directly on the hair.
 
THE TINTING EXPERIENCE
I used the comb applicator and I didn't find it useful  for me, but I'll keep it as a mark-making tool for my art practice. I think it might be good if you have a Pixie haircut or just straight hair.
 
I emptied the bottle into a professional tinting bowl and used a professional tinting brush to get the best results.

Due to this colour shade being a bit lighter than my previous colour, I left the colour on the roots nearly an hour and about 20 minutes on the rest of the hair. I did NOT get any itchy or burning sensation during the long application.  
 
The colour combo is creamy so it does not drip and spreads beautifully. Despite my long thick hair, I had enough product to cover all of it and even have some leftovers. That’s great because there is nothing worse that being short of colour when tinting at home.
 
I removed the excess colour once the time was up and it washed easily. To be honest,  I initially thought that the shampoo tube was too small for my long thick hair. But, surprise!, the quantity was perfect; it's a fabulous creamy shampoo that leathers beautifully. The conditioner is also fab, with just a bit of product being necessary to detangle and soften my hair. I had more than half bottle left for another week at least.  The results were a shiny healthy-looking hair. 
 
THE RESULTS
Did the product cover my greys in full? Yes and it also lightened up a bit my hair. The colour looks beautiful and is true to the box photo.
 
Do I prefer this colour or the other ones I've used in the past? I'd say the results are very good with all the brands I've used before, but L'Oréal Excellence left my hair way less dry and more hydrated than the others. Also, I thought the colouring mix was also creamier, more nourishing, spread better and was not irritant at all.  

Would I buy this again? Totally. I'll be looking up for discounts and flash sales to get the best possible price. Yet, I understand why this is always more expensive than other brands I use.
 
MIND
This product has both ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.

1/04/2025

Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Satin Spray, Granite, 340 g

I used this can to (kinda) restore one of those old garden metal tables that had the paint coat peeled after being outdoors for too long. I removed the coat of paint left, which was already flaky, and then hand-sanded the surface. After which I applied two coats of this spray paint. It looks pretty good, although I need a third coat for the inner lattice creases to be properly covered. Sure, the results would have been better if I had used proper outdoor paint or an epoxy paint, or if the table surface was completely smooth and not grainy as it was. But, honestly, this spray is just brilliant to have things done quickly and effectively even if you, like me, aren't patient with DIY. Most importantly, my garden table looks great again.
 
The paint dried quickly outdoors, but I used it in two sunny warm days. Application is super-easy due to the nozzle having a good steady spray flow without having to press too strongly. I still have plenty of paint left in the can after the two first coats, which is great. The paint colour is true to the can's cap colour.
 
I like the satin finish but I think I prefer matte finish for outdoor furniture and garden stuff.
 
Overall, I had a great experience with this brand and spray paint, and I'll definitely buy this product again.

Important -- Shake the can vigorously before use. Also, you should use a respirator mask because, otherwise, you'll be inhaling the paint toxic fumes.

Avanti Mezzaluna Chopping Set with Board, Silver/Wooden

II struggle using normal knives to finally chop small quantities of herbs (basil or cilantro for example), garlic, spring onions, chives  and that sort of greens so I bought this set to have this sorted. This works well, but I find the double blade an hindrance, because, although the two blades do a great job, a bit amount of product gets in between them and you have to lift the cutter to chop those. The cutter comes with a complimentary cutting board, which is slightly convex in the centre. Personally I find it unnecessary as I chop my herbs and greens on a large timber board, but it's a nice touch! Both the cutter and board are good quality, just too small for my linking.

1/01/2025

Aimeili Natural Nail & Cuticle Oil (15ml)

I bought this to treat my cuticles and nails, which suffer from my constant use of acrylic paint. I also wanted it to treat my toes cuticles that are really dry in Summer and/or between pedicures. 
 
This is a small bottle of 100% wheat germ oil, no other preservative or additive added.  No scent, either, at least to my nose.    
 
I first tried this oil on one of my big toe cuticle and the lower part or the toe skin as it looked really dry, ugly, and hard. I've been brushing a bit of this oil for several days and I can see a noticeable difference. On my finger nails is even better; I rarely have manicures done, as I do those my own, so cuticle oil really helps any dry skin to look naturally good.    

Not a fan of the brush, though, which is a bit stiff and plasticky.
 
I've never heard of this brand before, but the fact that the product has provided good results, is reasonably priced and it does what's meant to do without any chemicals added, has put Aimeili on my radar. Not a fancy product recommended by influencers or pop-stars, but it works.