Project Pan Finale!: 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Products Completed

So instead of trying to keep up I sort of vanished for a while. I actually finished my project pan a while ago (and went over) and just never updated it to tell you guys. Hopefully I can keep up again because I missed you guys. I don't enjoy going MIA.

The 19th product I completed was my Biotherm Skin-Ergetic Non-Stop Anti-Fatigue Moisturizer. This was a great smelling day cream that definitely helped my skin to look more awake in the morning. It was a great anti-oxidant that uses  fruit and vegetable fractions and smells like peach. I did however find that this product clogged my pores often so I was forced to used my exfoliator more often to avoid black heads. I will not re-purchase this product again.

The 20th product I completed was my Shiseido Pureness Pore Purifying Warming Scrub due to the fact that I had to exfoliate so often. I loved the warming sensation that I felt while using the scrub. I wish there were more granuals but overall it was a good product. I would definitely recommend this pore people with oily/ combination skins.

The 21st product I completed was my Neostrata Eye Contour Smoothing Cream. Although it didn't do anything for my puffiness or dark circles I felt it helped with my fine lines and yes, milia. It uses an ingredient called Gluconolactone that is a moisturizing exfoliant which is why I noticed the difference.I would not repurchase this product purely because I have puffiness and dark circles as well :)

The 22nd product I completed was the Maybelline Cream Matte Powder. I FLEW through this stuff. I've never had a powder finish on my so quickly. It definitely helped keep me matte through the say but I found that I had to be careful not to apply too much otherwise it would look very powdery. I would definitely repurchase this product when I finish some of my other powders.

And finally, the third product I finished was my Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Cleanser. The salicylic acid in this product was great in the morning if my skin had a few break-outs but it did nothing to remove make-up. I honestly think this could be replaced with a less expensive product that contains salicylic and therefore I will not be purchasing it.

What's your go-to salicylic based cleanser that is cost effective?

And this completes my Project 20 Pan.

Project Pan: Tenth Product Completed: Biotherm Biocils Lash Optimizer

I haven't had a lot of time to make any posts lately due to work being really busy. However, two nights ago (I know, I know) I finished my tenth product for my project pan. While removing my eye make-up I finished my Biotherm Biocils Lash Optimizer. I have already reviewed this product in my post called Reviews and Dupes from My Most Expensive Face- Skincare Edition.

Basically, it was a fairly good waterproof eye makeup remover but I don't know how well it "conditions" my lashes exactly. It's dual phased meaning you have to shake it before you use it. It was slightly oily but I always wash my face after anyways so it wasn't a big deal for me. For $31 I would not repurchase this product simply because there are cheaper options that are just as good.

I'm half way done my project 20 pan! Only 10 more items to go!



Have you tried this eye makeup remover before? Did you find that it helped your lashes?

As Requested: Reviews and Dupes from My Most Expensive Face- Skincare Edition

I was requested to do reviews and dupes for some of the products from My Most Expensive Face- Skin Care Edition. This is going to prove to be quite difficult for me because I haven't tried a lot of drug store brands, so I might cheat and just use some less expensive alternatives.

Eye makeup remover: 
Biotherm Biocils Lash Optimizer- $31
This dual phased product is supposed to removed stubborn eye makeup and condition lashes. I agree that this is a fantastic eye makeup remover, but I don't know how well it "conditions" my lashes. This expensive eye makeup remover could easily be replaced with:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover that's only $6.99

Toner: 
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner- $34
This product is an exfoliating toner so there isn't much to compare it to. It uses fruit acids from tamarind to exfoliate and white nettle to tighten pores. It's very gentle on the skin so I can even use it when I have a cold and my noses is sore and full of dead skin. The only thing I can compare this to, but do not prefer, is the Clinique Clarifying Lotion in Level 3 for $16. It has a lot more chemicals in it and is definitely not as gentle.

Day Cream: 
Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Anti-Ageing Mattifying Lotion- $60
This lotion contains apple stem cells to fight signs of ageing and retinol to stimulate cell turnover and keep lines at bay. It also helps to reduce pores and keep the skin mattified throughout the day. I also like the yellow colouring of the product to instantly reduce some redness. What's a cheaper alternative? The Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol and the entire set is only $40. The set includes the cleanser, toner, and lotion. This product uses Salicyclic acid to fight breakout and Ginseng to fight lines. I personally find retinol to be more effective ingredient but if you are sensitive to that, try Olay.

Night Serum: 
Neostrata's Skin Brightener - $72.50
This intensive serum contains 20% Vitamin C. This helps to fight discolorations in the skin but is VERY strong on the skin and you will see a vast improvement after the first couple of nights. This product is not for anyone with sensitive skin. A cheaper alternative to this is the Body Shop's Vitamin C Skin Booster- $26. It uses Vitamin C and E to brighten and soften the skin, as well as brazil nut oil to hydrate the skin. If you have sensitive, dry skin, choose the Body Shop option, if you want to see results fast, use Neostrata.

I have to admit, this was a tough challenge for me. Some of the products on the list I bought because I found them unique. These were the best dupes I could give as I have at least tried all these.


Are there any other products that you want me to find a dupe for?

My Most Expensive Face- Skincare Edition

Just as a reminder that I don't need to spend more money on beauty products, I am going to do "My Most Expensive Face" in a Skincare and Makeup edition. This was inspired by Kimberley at Hopeful Aspirations.

Here is My Most Expensive Face- Skincare Edition:

Eye makeup remover: Biotherm Biocils Lash Optimizer- $31

Make-up remover: Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser with Orange Extract- $34

Face Wash: Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed- $36

Toner: Clarins Exfoliator Brightening toner- $34

Eye Serum: Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum- $65

Eye Cream: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye- $63

Day Serum: Lancome Visionnaire- $100

Day Cream: Dr. Brandt's Pore No More Anti-Aging Mattifying Lotion- $60

Night Serum: Neostrata's Skin Brightener- $72.50

Night Cream: Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Cream- $60

Face Mask: Strivectin-SH Dermal Infusion Mask- $49

Exfoliator: Neostrata's Skin Renewal Peel Solution- $72.50

Eye Mask: Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask- $62.50

Total: $739.50

All I'm going to say is thank god I stopped using Prevage :)

A lot of these I have cheaper alternatives for so when they are complete, I can spend less.





What are some of your most expensive skincare items?

Project Pan: Fourth Product Completed: Biotherm Biosource Cleansing Milk

Yesterday was very busy for me so I didn't have a chance to update the fact that I finished my Biotherm Biosource Cleansing Milk for normal or combination skin in the morning. The normal size of this product is 200 ml but I purchased the 400 ml while it was on special so this took quite a while to finish. Biotherm describes this product as: "This refreshing, delicately scented milk removes makeup and thoroughly cleanses the skin. Rinses well with toner or water. It leaves the skin clear and fresh."

Although I loved how well this product removed makeup I did not love how it made my skin after. I just didn't feel clean. Because of my combination skin, I like to feel squeaky clean. This is a good cleanser for while I'm sick or dehydrated though.




Have you tried this product before? What's your opinion on using a cleansing milk versus a foam or gel?

Ninth Product Completed: Biotherm BioPur Pore Reducer Gentle Purifying Lotion

This morning I finished my Biotherm BioPur toner. I am so glad that it's finally done! Although it feels great while putting it on it just wasn't right for my skin. It claims to be alcohol free and non comedogenic although I did feel like it WAS clogging my pores and causing a LOT more blackheads.

Not only would I not re-purchase this product, but I can't! This product has since been discontinued by Biotherm (I wonder why...).


Have you ever tried a product that claims to be non comedogenic and felt like it clogged your pores?