After using Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion for a few years, it was time for me to venture out a bit. I was curious about Nars smudge proof eyeshadow base ever since it came out and it was the perfect time to try it myself.
Nars eyeshadow primer comes in a plastic bottle in the shape of a cylinder while Urban Decay’s comes in a tube. To apply, there’s a dome applicator for the Nars, like a lipgloss applicator. As for UD, by squeezing will push the product out of the tube.
It is obvious which brand has the most hygienic design – in order to use apply Nars primer, I have to put the applicator directly onto my eyelids and then put it back into the bottle in order to get more product out for my second eyelid. These double dips do not appeal to me. Furthermore, when I reach the end of the product, it becomes difficult if not impossible for me to scrape the remaining product of the bottle. These are not problems for UD. I simply need to squeeze the tube for whatever amount I want out of the tube and use my finger to apply on my eyelids and when the tube is running out, I simply use scissors to cut the tube open and I can completely empty the product.
As for the primer itself, Nars primer texture is much more lightweight and white based while UD is more thick and beige. Because of its lightweight characteristic, Nars primer is easier to spread. Other than these differences, I think both brand deliver great results; I can’t tell the difference between these two. They both make eyeshadows long lasting and vibrant.
If I have to choose between these 2, I would pick UD over Nars because of various factors. For about 5$ less (depending which country you are from), UD primer gives 0.07 oz more product than Nars and has a hygienic packaging all while yielding the same results as Nars. So, this isn’t a tough decision, is it?
Zuuchini
While driving by TMR, Mr.Butter and I have noticed this very cute house in TMR that seemed to be serving cafe and ice cream. But at that time, it was closed for Autumn. We said that we would come back in summer.
And summer arrives and coincidentally, we passed by this location again. And this time, it was opened. Dolce Vita is right beside Villa Armando, the main house which is now converted to an Italian restaurant. Dolce Vita was basically a garage converted to a nice ice cream parlour.
There were many selections of gelato in Dolce Vita, many that are unheard of. Like usual, it was very difficult to choose.
In the end, I had orange and fleur de sel caramel. I’ve been very fond of anything with fleur de sel and caramel.
I chose orange simply because I wanted to know how it was different from orange sorbet. To say the least, it wasn’t much different. I should have gone for a more wild flavour.
The fleur de sel caramel was good, exactly what I was expecting.
The price at Dolce Vita is fairly comparable to other gelato places. As for the taste, it was satisfying but I would not go out of my way to get my gelato there. It’s perfect for residents living nearby.
Zuuchini
In my last meet-up with food bloggers, while exchanging opinions, Mr.Lew crowned Uniburger for best burgers. Being a burger lover, Mr.Butter jumped at any chance he had. And luckily, we were around the corners (ok not really…), Mr.Butter used this occasion to set his own opinion on Uniburger.
I was surprised to see the square footage of the fast food. It was small but efficient. You just go in, order, eat and go. I, of course, had to order the signature Uniburger burger.
First thing I noticed was how perfect the shape of the bun was! It was super inflated and full. But then I saw the waxed paper starting to overflow with grease. The first thought of this burger was juiciness. Indeed, the patty lacked no juiciness nor texture. But, I don’t know for what reason, I found the taste was still lacking. Each and every bite, I couldn’t stop myself comparing it with Burger de Ville and how much I preferred Burger de Ville over this burger.
Then for the fries, they were crispy but a bit too crispy for my liking – barely had any content inside deep fried layer.
Overall, I can see the appeal of Uniburger. It is easy access, close to Cegep Vieux Montreal and UQAM. But Uniburger failed to replace Burger de Ville’s best burger in my own books.
Zuuchini
Searching for a brunch place that I’ve never tried before with a all time long friend, I found sparrow as one of the highly regarded option. With that title, I wasn’t surprised that there was a bit of a waiting line on a Saturday at 1pm.
While I waited, I noticed quickly how charming Sparrow is. The wallpaper, the tables, the chair, the couch…. Sparrow really has its own personality. And I guess one of its personality trait is giving mediocre service…the service was so slow and it took more time than needed to settle our payments.
Anyway, how was the food though?
My friend A had Shakshuka. As per the menu, it has 2 poached eggs, in a Morrocan spiced tomato sauce, sourdough toast. Or can be plainly described as 2 eggs put on top of tomato sauce. That was what it tasted like. It was original but not something I was looking for in a brunch menu.
I had House-smoked Trout, served on spinach and green onion pancake with soft boiled eggs and beet salad. The smoked trout was delicious. But the rest of the dish could be better. It was lacking some oomph. The spinach and green onion pancake needed some additional spice and the texture was a bit dull. The beet salad was really just some marinated beets. It could definitely have a few leafy greens in there with some sort of cheese (Maybe feta?). I don’t know. I personally think it was missing many ingredients to make it as a substantial dish.
Sparrow, your looks had me. But the rest had me walking away for somewhere else.
Zuuchini
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