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Trader Joe's Moisturizing Lip Balm Set

There are some products that really represent 2020: face masks and toilet paper. For some, face masks have been a part of their job. For the rest of us, we are learning. Trader Joe's doesn't sell masks, but since so many of us is we've all come to the same conclusion: we all now have chapped lips under those masks.

Testing this

So what better of a gift for yourself or others than a set of chapsticks? For me, I do like their regular Virtuoso line of chapsticks that don't leave your lips more parched than when you first put the chapstick. Yes, we've all been there.

Last year I tried Trader Joe's limited run 12 Days of beauty and loved the chapstick that was included.

And while the chapstick included in this year's set is different than last years' set, it is found in this set.

Included in this package are 6 chapsticks. Considering this costs $5.99 it isn't a bad deal.

The formulas all seem about the same, but the truth is the aroma is the difference. None have any coloring to speak of. And yes, this makes a difference as I know my husband grabbed other brands of cherry lip balm to then look like he was wearing lipstick.

Maybe they are trying to see which flavor people choose to rant and rave about? But again, fingers crossed they can keep this set going in some form year-round.

But alas, here are my thoughts on all the varieties.

Almond Cream- smells like marzipan. As weird as I thought it might be I really like the scent on this one.

Strawberry Tangerine- smells like fruit and natural fruit at that. Nothing artificial with the aroma here.

Watermelon- smells like a Jolly Rancher or some of the chapsticks I had as a little girl.

Peppermint- typical mint smell. Reminds me a bit of a candy cane.

Raspberry Cream- A very mild raspberry aroma. Not nearly a fruity as the strawberry tangerine.

Green Tea- smells like a mild cup of tea. Nothing too artificial.

Overall

Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Moisturizing Lip Balm Set again and I would probably pick up a few as gifts for others. I really liked this set.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product Photos

The box of Trader Joe's Moisturizing Lip Balm Set:

Ingredients

The information from the back of the package of Trader Joe's Moisturizing Lip Balm Set

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

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Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce

So I'm a huge truffle fan. And over the past few years, there have been a bunch of really good products hitting shelves (albeit seasonally). I get a little excited about stuff like this. Truffle just isn't too commonplace.

The taste

To be honest, it is a polarizing flavor. You love it or you can't wait to wash that earthy flavor out of your mouth.

I clearly have a bias towards truffle things. If you don't believe me then check out my reviews on the White Truffle Potato Chips, Truffle Dip, Truffle Salt, Truffle Butter, Truffle Mac and Cheese, Truffle Mousse Pate, Truffle Alfredo, or Truffle Oven-Baked Cheese Bites.

Now, this jar isn't too far off from Trader Joe's Walnut Pesto which was released over the summer. This cashew pesto is a much thicker consistency.

Knowing that it is a pesto my imagination went in one of two directions: pasta or as a spread on a sandwich.

I opted for the pasta option. Because this is so very thick I opted to thin this down with some pasta water in order to get it to more evenly coat pasta.

Bad move.

I would be lying to you if I told you that it then suddenly tasted like I had coated my pasta in Cashew Butter. Trust me, I wouldn't do that.

Out of the jar this smelled divine. It should go something that will set you back nearly 400 calories before serving it with something.

Yes, you read that correctly: 380 calories per serving.

For 380 calories per serving the taste needed to match the smell.

With this, it just didn't. I did not like this one-bit with pasta. Nibbling on it with a spoon it was decent enough. Just not 380 calories worth of good.

It was nutty, cheesy, and just a little bit truffle-y. But not enough truffle to stand out against all the other savory and umami flavors here. If you are a fan of this you might want to give this copycat recipe a go (minus the basil if you are looking to keep it exact)

Overall

For $3.99 it is just ok. There are lots of other truffle items to get to this season.

Would I buy this again? Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce gets a no from me. This is probably the first truffle item that I didn't love and didn't feel the need to repurchase.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product Photos

The jar of Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce:

The nutritional information and ingredients

Trader Joe's Black Truffle Cashew Pesto Sauce

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

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Trader Joe's Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix

So Holiday season is in full swing at Trader Joe's. So many seasonal items are hitting shelves that it is almost hard to keep up. So, I'm going to tackle the bake-at-home mixes that are hitting shelves. So specifically if you haven't seen them yet there is this Trader Joe's Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix, Trader Joe's Pfeffernusse Cookie Mix, and Trader Joe's Stroopwafel Cake Baking Mix.

Making the cookies

Yes, there are other seasonal items that have returned yet again like Trader Joe's Chocolate Peppermint Loaf. But those three mixes are all new for 2020.

So in short, this mix is a basic chocolate chip cookie mix. The key difference here is that there are white chocolate chunks and peppermint bits.

The directions are pretty straightforward. Whip up the butter with a mixer. However, with a hand mixer, I found the dough didn't come together nicely. Once I started mixing it with my hand it came together as the directions stated.

Once I had a nice dough, then I could scoop these and get them on a cookie sheet.

My mix made just over 20 cookies.

Cooking time was pretty much spot on and these didn't rise much in the oven. They are relatively flat but that makes these show off their contents: chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint bits.

The taste

Out of the oven, they came out crisp on the bottom and soft enough on top. They do spread out so take that into consideration when you are baking these.

These don't scream candy cane. But they are a subtle nod to a minty flavor. Yes, the candy cane bits do stand out. But if you aren't a fan of white chocolate then you might want to pass these over.

These remind me a bit of peppermint bark more than just peppermint.

As far as the chunks go, there are wide pieces of both white and chocolate in this, but they aren't thick chunks by any measure of the imagination.

Overall, I liked this, but it is pretty close to a basic chocolate chip cookie mix with some white chocolate and candy cane bits mixed in.

And I'm not personally wild for the white chocolate element. But if you need a quick and easy mix for the holidays, then this is still pretty solid. Plus it is priced decently at $3.99. But this is a seasonal item, so once they run out it is likely done for the season.

And if you want more of a chocolate peppermint cookie, then follow the directions on Trader Joe's Chocolate Peppermint loaf and make the cookies according to the directions on the package.

Overall

Would I buy this again? For me, Trader Joe's Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix is a one-time purchase. It was solid, but nothing that stands out.

Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Product Photos

The package of Trader Joe's Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix:

The nutritional information and the ingredients

Trader Joe's Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix nutritional facts and ingredient list

Instructions

How to prepare Trader Joe's Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix

After being cooked you get:

Fully cooked Trader Joe's Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix with a cookie with a bite out of it.

Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.

The Bottom Line

Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.

You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I'm up to.

Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil Review: Luxe Glow, Budget Flow

If you could bottle that glow someone gets after a fancy facial or a day at the spa. Marula Oil would be it. And guess what? Trader Joe's now offers the same star ingredient for just $6.99. Yes, you read that right. No frills, no splurge. Just pure, antioxidant-rich hydration that leaves your skin looking lit.

An unopened package of Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil

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A quick comparison

The most similar product to this is a product I've gotten once from Sephora: Drunk Elephant's Marula Oil. It's a good product, but its price tag is even more breathtaking.

A one-ounce container will set you back $70. Yup. You read that correctly.

And while I like that product, I can't say that I like it $70 worth. And if you read through the reviews of the products a lot of people like it but also feel it isn't $70 worth of nice.

Enter Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil. This almost one-ounce bottle will set you back $6.99.

Review

This 25 ml bottle of 100% cold-pressed marula oil is lightweight, luxuriously smooth, and free of fragrances. The packaging is simple but elegant: a frosted glass bottle with a dropper, giving off minimalistic-chic vibes.

Let's cut right to the chase: this oil feels like silk. Just a few drops warm between your palms, and it glides across your skin, leaving a clean, never-sticky finish. The moment you apply it-whether post-cleanser or layered over moisturizer-you'll feel that gentle velvety hug across your face.

Some reviewers online have praised its hydrating properties, especially for dry and combo skin, and my experience echoes that. After just a few nights, my skin felt plumper and smoother, with a healthy, dew-like glow. Sensitive skin? It won't freak out here. Acne-prone? It's non-comedogenic, so no clogged pores.

Now, you might notice a slight nutty scent when you first open the bottle-it's natural, from the marula nut. But it's not overpowering. Personally, I find it comforting. And if fragrance gives you pause, know that some users barely notice it after a moment.

Weight-wise, it's featherlight. A single drop really does the trick, and the product lasts. Some people report a less moisturizing effect than pricier oils like Drunk Elephant's marula, but that's because Trader Joe's formula is unadulterated-no extras, just pure hydration. You can always layer it if you crave a punchier finish.

Pro tip: I love adding two drops post-moisturizer as a final step or mixing a drop into my night cream to boost hydration. It also works wonders smoothed onto cuticles or dry elbows.

Oh, and fans also rave about it being nearly identical to much pricier oils, including comparisons with Drunk Elephant made by former Sephora staff. Meanwhile, Reddit users have shared daily moisturizing routines, including this little budget hero.

How to Use

• Apply a couple of drops to clean, slightly damp skin after moisturizer-any time, day or night.
• Pat over lips, cuticles, or elbows for extra hydration.
• Mix a drop into your nighttime cream for a hydration boost.

Creative Uses

• Apply to mid-lengths and ends of hair on dry or humid days to tame frizz.
• Dab on rough patches-knees, elbows, heels-for a smoothing overnight treatment.

An open package of Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil

FAQs about Trader Joe's Marula Oil

The following are commonly asked questions about this product:

Is this vegan?

Yes-100% plant-based marula oil.

Does it clog pores?

No-this oil is non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin.

Is it seasonal?

Nope! This is available year-round at Trader Joe's or on Amazon through third-party sellers.

Final Thoughts

If you're craving a simple yet effective upgrade to your skincare routine, Trader Joe's Marula Facial Oil is your steal. It brings high-end hydration, antioxidant support, and glowing results-all in one lightweight, budget-friendly bottle. Whether you're new to oils or swapping from a splurge, this is one bottle you'll want to keep stocked.

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Trader Joe's Branzino Fillets Review: Fancy Fish Without a Yacht Budget

Trader Joe's Branzino Fillets are frozen European sea bass portions, skin-on and boneless, sourced from Turkey. Each 1-pound bag contains approximately four fillets, priced at $9.99. The fillets are known for their delicate texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, making them versatile for various cooking methods.

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Review

Branzino at the end of the day is sea bass which by the way is different from Chilean Sea Bass. Chilean Sea Bass is an entirely different species: Patagonian toothfish. Let's be honest-when I first saw frozen Branzino fillets at Trader Joe's, my initial reaction was, "Wait, we're doing branzino now?" This is one of those dishes you expect to see on a white tablecloth menu next to a $17 cocktail, not tucked between bags of shrimp and battered fish nuggets in the freezer aisle. But curiosity (and let's be real, convenience) won.

Once thawed, the fillets look surprisingly good. They're individually portioned, skin-on, and relatively uniform in size-though not perfectly even. You may need to adjust cook times slightly if one fillet is thinner than the other.

I pan-seared mine with just a touch of salt, pepper, and lemon, and that skin crisped up beautifully. The flesh stayed flaky and moist, and the flavor was mild-almost buttery-with a clean finish. This isn't a fishy fish, which makes it super approachable even for those who don't typically go for seafood.

That said, this isn't going to be your wow-factor branzino like you'd get at a restaurant where it's grilled whole and finished with capers and drama. The texture was slightly softer than fresh branzino, and while it was tasty, it's still a frozen product. Manage your expectations accordingly.

There were no bones in the pieces I had, but I've heard others mention the occasional tiny bone, so it's worth a quick check before serving.

Overall, I was impressed. It felt like a bit of a glow-up from the usual frozen fare and definitely one of the more elegant seafood options Trader Joe's offers. Would I serve it for a dinner party? With the right sides, absolutely. Would I toss it in a taco on a Tuesday night? Also yes.

Trader Joe's Branzino Fillets nutritional facts, ingredients, and thawing instructions

Taste and Texture

Branzino is known for its delicate, slightly sweet flavor and tender, flaky texture. These fillets maintain that reputation, providing a clean taste that pairs well with various seasonings and accompaniments. The skin crisps up nicely when pan-seared, adding a pleasant contrast to the soft flesh.

Preparation Tips

Thawing: For best results, thaw the fillets overnight in the refrigerator.
Pan-Searing: Pat the fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, and cook skin-side down in a hot, oiled skillet for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until opaque.
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place seasoned fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Air-Frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly oil and season fillets. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Mediterranean Style: Serve with a side of couscous, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil.
Asian-Inspired: Pair with steamed rice, sautéed bok choy, and a soy-ginger glaze.
Taco Filling: Flake the cooked fish and use as a filling for soft tacos, topped with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime.

Trader Joe's Branzino Fillets fully cooked on a plate

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe's Branzino Fillets offer a convenient and flavorful seafood option for home cooks. Their mild taste and versatility make them suitable for various dishes, from simple weeknight meals to more elaborate preparations. While there are minor considerations regarding size variability and occasional bones, the overall quality and convenience make them a worthwhile addition to your freezer.

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