2019 # 38 – September Art + Product Review

As soon as I got the email from Chromatek that their new paint pens were available for purchase, I knew what I wanted to do with them. So I placed my Amazon order, and headed to my local Hobby Lobby for the river stones (garden stones, or whatever you may call them) I was also going to need. Then I had to wait for my Amazon package. Once that happened, I had to wait some more for time off work to actually sit down and try them out.

First we will discuss the pens, and to wrap up the post I’ll show you how I painted the river stones I got with them.

Overall, they are pretty standard paint pens. They’re not bad by any means. I just also did not think there was anything super special about them that sets them apart from other paint pens, with the exception of the price point. You get a set of 20 pens for about $15-$20 depending on if you have Amazon prime or not and how much you pay for shipping absent the free shipping for prime members. (I personally do not have Prime so I paid about $17 with shipping for my set.) The paint pens I uusually buy from Hobby Lobby are sold individually for anywhere from $2 to $6 a piece depending on what size pens they are and they only offer a couple sets with two, four, or five pens for $8-$13 approximately. As far as price goes, the Chromatek set is absolutely a bargain.

All the pens come individually sealed in plastic. They all have a standard medium, round nib. The color of the cap is, of course, the color of the paint.

The colors are vibrant, though not fully opaque with one pass. Depending on how you’re using them, of course, one pass may well be sufficient. On poster boards or mixed media paper etc for example, one pass would be fine. For my project with the river stones, for most of the colors I had to go over things two or three times to build up the opacity to where I wanted. Standard for paint pens, I experience this with all the pens I have from multiple brands.

I wish the caps could be placed on the end of the pen when not using it. But again this just seems to be standard for paint pens. You’ve got to find a place to set the cap while you use the pen. Since we are discussing the caps, this is one area where I feel like perhaps these pens could use some improvement. While shaking one of the pens, the cap and nib both flew off. I figured maybe it was just me being a little too aggressive in my shaking, so made sure to shake the pens more gently after that. I still had it happen a couple more times with other colors, though. I also think it would be nice if the caps snapped or clicked back on, so you know for sure when the cap is on securely.

The un-primed nibs have a yellow color to them. Most other paint pens, in fact every other paint pen I own, has a white nib. This is not much of an issue, unless you’re trying to see when the nib has been primed with a yellow paint color. Yellow on yellow can be difficult to see, ya know? (This is an issue with other pens when the paint is white. You can’t win 100% of the time really. lol)

With all things considered it is still a decent set. I wish they had a fine nib set for writing and doing finer details, as the river stones I painted all include quotes and writing on such small “canvases” with the medium nibs was not easy. Perhaps they will offer such a set in the future. I have fine tip pens from other brands I could have used for the writing, but the point was to test the Chromatek pens so I used them exclusively. As for this set specifically, if you are looking for a budget-friendly way to add a selection of colors to your collection this would be the way to go. If you don’t use paint pens often or only need a couple colors for one project, you are probably better off just getting individual colors from your local arts and crafts shop instead. If you are interested in checking out the Chromatek set, you can find it on Amazon with the following link (not an affiliate link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RP6XBBK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_8duGDb6KSNQJG

As for my little creations to test these pens? Why, Firefly themed river stones of course. Because Firefly, y’all. They may not be perfect but they’re decent enough for a quick not-much-thought-or-effort afternoon project.

Until next time. xoxo

Discolsure: I was reimbursed for the purchase price of this product (not including shipping cost) in exchange for my honest review; no additional compensation monetary or otherwise was recieved for this review.

Product Review

As I mentioned recently, I have a new hair product review to share. This is a new product from Garnier: Fructis Treats 1 Minute Hair Masks

There are 5 formulas offered in two different size jars. (Though if stores in your area are like the stores in my area, good luck finding all five formulas and both size jars!) The formulas available are:

Banana to strengthen weak hair

Coconut to nourish dry hair

Avocado to smooth frizzy hair

Papaya to repair damaged hair

Goji to protect colored hair

Initially I got a sample of the Coconut formula from PinchMe. I loved it enough I went and bought a jar. I decided to try the Avocado one when I purchased. My hair loves to be frizzy and crazy so I figured that would be a good one to try out. I really want to try the banana one but haven’t found it in any stores yet.

Each of the hair masks is a 3-in-1 product (which seems to be a trend right now and is not the only such product from Garnier right now). The product can be used as a deep conditioning hair mask that works its magic in just 1 minute, a standard rinse out conditioner*, or a leave in conditioning treatment.

* According to the instructions this would be an apply-then-immediately-rinse scenario. Personally I always leave conditioner in my hair for the duration of my shower. As such, for me personally this means this product is just a 2-in-1. (Deep conditioning treatment and leave-in conditioner.)

I DID test it initially by leaving it for just 1 minute as instructed to see how it worked when used as directed as a 1 minute mask, and the next use I immediately rinsed so I could have an idea how it works when used as directed as a standard rinse out conditioner. It does perform as a typical conditioner when immediately rinsed out after applying – helps soften and detangle the hair a bit but honestly nothing spectacular as compared to a typical cream rinse. If left for 1 minute to use as directed for a hair mask – this is when magic happens! Even while my hair was still wet, when it usually feels dry (if that makes any sense?!) and fragile, after using this as a hair mask my hair felt soft and healthy. Once my hair had dried it was super soft and silky, and ridiculously shiny!

My favorite way to use this product, however, is as a leave-in conditioner. Why? Because I get the same results as when I used it as a mask, but I can use much less product, so the jar will last a lot longer!

And did I mention this stuff smells amazing? Because it does!

Here are pictures of the entire contents of the label around the bottle, for those who care to see more information about the formula and the ingredient list:

I do not often use Garnier products – they honestly just do not tend to appeal to me much and the other products I have tried in the past (be it hair care or skin care) have been “meh” at best. They have totally nailed it with this one, though! I’d definitely recommend checking them out if you are in the market for a good deep conditioning treatment, or an awesome leave-in conditioner.

Until next time. xoxo

Product Review: Chromatek Glitter Pen Set (30 piece)

Not too terribly long ago I saw a post on a social media site (I think it was Twitter) about a giveaway for a set of Chromatek Glitter pens. Y’all know how I feel about glitter. Naturally, I entered said giveaway. I’ve used a few brands of glitter pens before but have never been impressed by them so a chance to try a new brand had me interested. I didn’t win the giveaway. I did, however, receive an invitation to purchase the pens and be reimbursed for the purchase after testing them out and sending the company a short review. That’s done now, and I’ve continued to use the pens and play around with them a bit, and I’m now doing a more thorough review here, of my own volition. I enjoy creating art and various crafts and I know many of you do as well, so when I have new art/craft supplies I’ve been using I try to share my thoughts on them with you.

This set includes 30 colors of glitter gel ballpoint pens, as well as 30 refills. When they say “30 colors” they mean it. Unlike some sets of pens/markers/what have you that will say you get x number of colors but you actually get a fewer number of colors with multiples of each/some, this set includes 30 different colors. Some colors are similar, but they are indeed all different.

First let’s talk about the pens themselves. The caps snap easily and securely to the bottom of the pen to be safely out of the way while you use them, without worrying about losing them. Why anybody even makes pens where this is not possible is beyond me but it happens so when I find pens that the caps fit on the ends nicely, it’s a plus in my book.

They also have a soft grip for comfort while using them. Also a big plus in my book.

Not many pens these days, save fountain pens, are refillable. I LOVE that these are refillable! That means the pens are durable and made to last. Often in the past I’ve had a favorite pen but not being able to refill it I would have to toss the entire thing when the ink was used up. Not cool. Refillable pens seriously need to make a comeback, people.

Now let’s talk about actually using the pens.

While you can use these pens for writing, that isn’t actually what they are designed for. They are meant to be used for artwork. Drawings, scrapbooking, handmade cards etc. I have been using them to write with because hey they’re glitter pens and this is me we are talking about. 😜 They do lay down more ink than a standard ballpoint pen, so regardless of how you’re using them you want to keep that in mind to avoid any unwanted smudges. The ink does dry quickly so unwanted smudging has not been a problem for me with them, so far, but it is still something to be aware of.

The amount of ink they lay down also means the ink comes out nicely pigmented, and it also means your pens will empty faster than other pens. (Hence the set including a pack of refills!) Some of the colors remain translucent enough that you can color over black outlines/details of an image without worrying about it, but I have found a couple of them are opaque enough that you will cover up the black outlines/details so you need to be careful if there are finer details you’re coloring around.

Of course the most important part of a glitter pen… is the ink actually, noticeably, glittery? Far too many times I’ve used a glitter pen that didn’t seem to actually have any glitter, or the glitter was barely noticeable, or it was more metallic looking than glittery. The Chromatek pens, my friends, are actually glittery! The glitter does transfer a little bit if you run your hand over your (dry, of course) work but the transfer is minimal.

I have but one remaining glitter pen from a different (significantly more expensive) brand which shall remain nameless. Let’s compare, shall we?

On the top is the black glitter pen from a different brand, and the bottom is the black Chromatek Glitter pen

I have also played around a bit with blending and layering of these pens. They don’t really blend, so doing gradients with them isn’t going to happen or at least isn’t going to happen easily. Some of them layer over each other nicely, you have to use the colors in the right order when layering for a nice finished effect. You have to experiment a bit. Basically, test on scrap paper if you’ll be layering, before layering on a project so you can be sure it’s going to look the way you want it to.

I also layered them over standard ballpoint pen and Sharpie marker, just to see how that would go. Interestingly, layering them like this seemed to play up the glitter even more than using them on their own.

Top: layered over a standard blue ink ballpoint pen. Bottom: layered over black Sharpie marker.

Overall, I absolutely LOVE these pens! This set costs approximately $12 (+ shipping). For 30 pens plus 30 refills, that is an incredible price point, making them very affordable. I would definitely recommend them if you’re looking for some good glitter pens!

If you are interested you can visit the Chromatek web site chromatek.net or hop straight to the Amazon product page for this set by going here (NOT an affiliate link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074M7PW61/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_t.A8AbB5YS8FA

I haven’t finished this Mandala (from a coloring book) yet, but I used almost every color in the set for it. Only one or two colors I didn’t use for it.

Until next time. xoxo

Mont Bleu Products Review

Not long ago I mentioned my aunt gave me a (travel size) glass nail file and it prompted me to order a couple full size ones for myself. Those were cheaper versions that, while sufficient, just are not the same quality as the one she gave me, and as such do not offer the same quality results.  

When Mont Bleu reached out to me about their products, and I saw the beautiful options they offer, I was eager to put them to the test! 

Set of 3 White Crystal Nail Files with crystals

I chose this set of three glass nail files with crystals in the colorway Tanzanite Rose. I wanted to be able to have a smaller travel size file to carry in my purse as well as larger ones to keep at home. The files each come in a velvet pouch, and while they are of course fragile as all glass items are, they are also sturdy and well made. The Swarovski crystals are beautiful and sparkly, y’all know how I love all things that sparkle! They file natural nails quickly and gently and leave a nice smooth finish, never a rough edge as traditional emery boards and the cheaper glass files often do. They are also suitable for fake nails. They are easy to care for – simply rinse with running water to clean, and you can sanitize them by dipping them in rubbing alcohol for a minute too. These files are gorgeous and they work wonderfully – I would absolutely recommend them! They are pricier, but the quality is definitely there and with proper care (and assuming you don’t have a klutzy moment and drop it resulting in a break) there is no reason why these files should not last you many, many years. If you compare their price to $2-5 every few months to replace traditional emery boards, these glass files actually work out to be a far more economical choice. They have tons of colors to choose from and the files come individually as well as in sets of up to 7 files so you could get a few friends in on your order to help you cover the initial cost of a set of files. Or you could get a set and have a file for yourself and some for gift-giving too. (I see these being an awesome bridal party gift, for those who are getting married and wanting something special for their bridesmaids!) 

Dual End Glass Cuticle Pusher in Pink

I had never seen glass cuticle sticks before and was intrigued. I find metal cuticle pushers can be a bit rough on the nails if you are not careful, and the wooden ones never seem to do much and they don’t last long at all. I have to tell you, after trying this glass one I will never use anything else! It has a chiseled end that is great for pushing back your cuticles, and a tapered end that helps you really get into the corners and along the sides of your nails, and this end can also be used to clean under the free edge of your nails when needed. Both ends have a grainy finish similar to the glass files, which aids in removing any excess from your cuticles. You may still need to get some cuticle clippers out for the really stubborn bits, but this glass cuticle stick is able to handle much of the job. It can be cleaned and sanitized in the same manner as the glass files.

Original Foot Scraper & Callus Remover in Blue

I honestly wasn’t sure if I would like a glass foot file. I have seen them, but based on the appearance I doubted how effective they would be. Now, I need to start by saying my feet are not currently excessively dry, as they can be from time to time. I tested out the file on the couple slightly rougher spots on my feet, and my reaction was “Wow!”. It really did make a noticeable difference! I’m not sure it would be quite enough if your feet are in particularly rough shape, but for milder dryness and for keeping things smooth between uses of a heavier duty foot smoothing tool, it is fantastic. The file is nice and sturdy and is sized to be comfortable in the hand. One side has a finer grain than the other, so you can use whichever side is more suited to the particular spot you need to soften up. The best part about this foot file is that is is also great to use on your knees and elbows, too! My elbows tend to be pretty dry and rough, even when I apply lotion every day. After just one use of the foot file there was a noticeable difference, and as I have continued to use it every day – for a total of just three days so far – they have continued to improve and they are now almost perfectly smooth. I am sure with a couple more days of continued use they will be nice and soft again. The foot file is also cleaned and sanitized the same way as the glass nail files.

Nail Clippers for Women with Crystals

The final product I recieved was these nail clippers. I love the pretty design of Swarovski crystals. The design of the clippers is sleek and more ergonomic than standard clippers, they’re very comfortable in the hand. There is just one problem… they may be beautiful, but they are not functional.  The crystals come down a tad too far and when the top is flipped around to use the clippers, the last couple of them get in the way of the clippers being able to close all the way to actually cut the nail. 

You can see here, with the clippers squeezed as far as they can go to close that the rhinestones block them from fully closing.

I may try to remove the last few crystals that are in the way, so I can actually use the clippers. Due to this problem, this is one product that I would say to pass on, even though they are pretty and well made.

Overall, I am extremely impressed by Mont Bleu’s products. Everything came packed very well so it would stay safe in transit. While the costs may at first seem more expensive than similar tools made of cheaper materials, if you consider the longevity of the glass tools versus other options that need to be replaced frequently, they’re really priced quite reasonably. I would definitely recommend checking them out if you’re in the market for glass nail care tools. They also sell a number of other products on their web site that are worth a look, as well. 

If you’d like to learn more about Mont Bleu or their products, you can visit their web site at https://www.design-glassware.com

If you prefer to shop on Amazon, you can view Mont Bleu’s Amazon store page at https://www.amazon.com/s?marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&me=AGHUH9370I9YB

Mont Bleu also offers wholesale opportunities. To learn more visit http://www.czech-glass-nail-files.com

And finally, if you’d like to keep up with Mont Bleu on social media they can be found on the following:

https://www.facebook.com/MontBleu

https://www.instagram.com/montbleueu

https://plus.google.com/+MontbleuEu

http://twitter.com/montblue

Products discussed in this post were provided to me free of charge in exchange for this review. 

Until next time. xoxo