Back from Hiatus! Re-Starting Project 10 Pan

It's been quite some time since I've updated this blog but I've returned to start decluttering my stash one again. I went back into a rut while I was experiencing some family problems, health issues, and absolutely dreading going to work. I took my frustrations out on my credit card by purchasing cosmetics.

My Project Pan this time around will be a Project 10 Pan, and will include the following:

1. Clarins- Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser with Peach Essential Water
2. Dr. Brandt- Pores No More Primer
3. Maybelline- Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Concealer in Fair 110
4. MAC- MatchMaster foundation in 1.0
5. Physician's Formula- Multi-Coloured Corrector in Green
6. MAC- Blush in Tenderling
7. L'Oreal- Wear Infinite Studio Secrets  Professional Eyeshadow in 801 Sandy Shores
8. L'Oreal- HIP Studio Secrets Professional Intense Eyeliner in 320 Dark Sky
9. Bath Retreat- Vanilla Body Wash
10. Victoria's Secret- Vanilla Body Lotion

My rules include not being able to purchase any items during my project pan unless I am completely out of that type of item. For example, if I finish my Victoria's Secret Vanilla Body Lotion, I will only purchase a new body lotion if I do not have any back-ups in my stash.

I do have a pre-planned cheat... I received a ticket to the L'Oreal Fall Warehouse Sale and will definitely be purchasing some products there. They always have great prices on sunscreen and as a super fair individual who requires daily sunscreen, I don't think I should pass this chance up. I will post everything I purchase. I'm going to put myself on a very specific budget, probably around $100. What do you think would be reasonable? 

I will do my best to post weekly updates on any progress I've made with these items and do a monthly "empties" post that will include items outside of this list.

Wish me luck and help me avoid temptation!

Clarins Gift with Purchase at the Bay

Hello everyone! I thought I'd give you the heads up if you live in Canada - basically Clarins at the Bay is on Gift with Purchase. This is absolutely perfect for me since I am out of a few things that I love. I will end up going to Burlington mall to get my products even though it's a bit of a drive since they have a Clarins aesthetician in and I have booked a facial for Saturday. I have been so stressed out and tired lately that this will be perfect for me.

I think I want the Early Wrinkle Preventers (Multi- Active) gift but have to make sure it isn't the formulation for dry skin or I will break out. If so, I will get the Age Fighters (Super Restorative) gift for my mom since she uses that line anyways. I'm looking forward to getting the full-size Gentle Refiner since I am out of my exfoliator and getting a sample of the UV Plus for the sun.

What's your favourite Clarins product?

Project Pan: Seventeenth Product Completed: Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

Hi everyone. I've kind of disappeared the last few days because I've been quite busy and away for work. I won't be able to catch up to everyone's blogs over the last few days but going forward I will do my best :)

While on my trip I managed to finish my Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner with Tamarind and white nettle. This product claims to eliminate impurities and dull skin, while leaving it smooth, soft and bright. The fruit acids from the tamarind extract are what helps to eliminate the impurities and dead skin cells. It also helps to boost cellular renewal. Meanwhile, the white nettle extract helps to tighten pores.

Overall I think this is a great product for ladies who are a bit too lazy to exfoliate regularly and helps to brighten and even the complexion. This is not a toner you would use consistently but rather an alternative a few times a week. I would repurchase this product.

Only three more products to go!




What is your go-to product for those lazy days?

Temptation Alert! Clarins Gift with Purchase

Temptation Alert! I am very tempted to cheat on my project pan right now. Why? Because there is a Clarins Gift with Purchase going on until the 20th!!

As I'm sure many of you are aware, I love Clarins skincare so this promotion is ideal for me. However, I don't think I'll be able to finish multiple products in 3 days (I shall hope though!). 

The three gifts that you get to choose from are:

• Trendy
• Red Bag
• Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed (Normal to Combination skin types)
• Instant Eye Makeup Remover
• Body Shaping Cream
• Black Mascara
  
  
• Urban
• Beige Bag
• Gentle Refiner Exfoliator
• Multi-Active Day Cream (All skin types)
• Foot Beauty Treatment Cream
• Instant Smooth Primer
  
  
• Natural
• White Bag
• UV 40 Sunscreen
• HydraQuench Moisturizer (Normal to Dry skin)
• Hand and Nail Treatment
• Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (in 01)

I can see the Natural being the most popular but I think I'd choose the Trendy.Which gift would you choose?

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?

Project Pan: Fifth Product Completed: Clarins Daily Energizer Lotion with SPF 15

So far it's been a fantastic morning. I woke up right away from my alarm (and didn't hit the snooze button once), I'm having a good hair day, I have left-overs saved for lunch, and the roads weren't packed with traffic this morning. On top of all that, I completed my fifth product for my project pan. I finished the Clarins Daily Energizer Lotion with SPF 15. Now, this isn't a huge accomplishment considering it's only 30 ml but none the less. I originally purchased this product in the summer because it was inexpensive ($25), small enough for travel, had SOME SPF, it's oil-free and smells like oranges.

Although Clarins claims this product is mattifying, I disagree. No, it didn't give me extra luminosity, but it still wasn't matte. I did enjoy this moisturizer. It was hydrating enough but I didn't feel like it did anything special for my skin. Don't get me wrong, I didn't break out from it and it wasn't over drying, it's just that I want to use anti-ageing products and/or products for my pores.

I will definitely repurchase this next summer while traveling.

My Most Expensive Face- Makeup Edition

So yesterday I posted My Most Expensive Face- Skincare Edition, and today I'm going to do the makeup version. I definitely figured out that I spend too much on skincare. How am I with makeup?

My Most Expensive Face- Makeup Edition:

Pore Filler: Smashbox Photo Finish Targeted Pore and Line Filler- $38

Face Primer: Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch- $32.50

Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion- $24

Concealer: Lancome Effacernes Under Eye Concealer- $32

Highlight: Clarins Instant Light Brush On Perfector- $37

Foundation: Dior Capture Totale Foundation- $85

Powder: Guerlain Meteorites Compact Powder- $50

Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder- $56

Blush: Lancome Blush Subtil- $38

Eyeliner: Lancome Le Crayon Khol- $28

Mascara: Dior Diorshow Mascara- $34

Brows: Elizabeth Arden Brow Shaper- $22

Brow Highlighter: Clarins Single Eyeshadow- $22

Eyeshadow: Guerlain Ecrin 6 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette- $91

Lip Pencil: Estee Lauder Lip Pencil- $24

Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture- $38

Lip gloss: Dior Addict Ultra Gloss- $31

Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray- $35

Total: $717.50

This is just further proof that I spend too much money on makeup. I'm terrified to know what the whole collection is worth!

What's your most expensive makeup item?

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: First Product Completed: Clarins Extra-Firming Foundation with SPF 15

Good morning everyone, today I finished a foundation. The foundation I finished was the Clarins Extra-Firming Foundation with SPF 15. This is product was fantastic. It was light weight, had medium coverage, and was oil-free. It was the perfect shade, and blended well with my skin.

I will definitely repurchase this foundation once I have finished my others. This product lasted me quite a while because I only needed 2 pumps for a "full coverage" look. This was a great buy.


What's your favourite foundation?

Seventh Product Completed: Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris

Last night I finished my seventh product. I finished my Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris. This is not a product that I'm happy to see go but it will force me to use some of my other already started toners. This toner is alcohol free, not super drying, doesn't cause me to break out. It has a nice scent, without being heavily fragranced. I have to say, I enjoyed this toner.

I will definitely EVENTUALLY be repurchasing this product. I have 3 other toners still at home that are half-finished that I need to get through before I can justify repurchasing this one. I'm one of those people that NEEDS to use a toner, otherwise I notice a huge difference in my skin. Having combination skin, balancing oil (especially around my large pored nose) has always been difficult. Using a toner has always helped me with that.


Do you use toner? What's your favourite?

First Product Completed: Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

I am very excited this morning! I finished my first product for my project pan! The product I finished was the Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. I usually use this product about 3 times per week in the shower. This is a great exfoliator that gets rid of make-up and dead skin and that I will definitely repurchase in the future once I have finished all my other exfoliators. 

The main ingredients in this product are Moringa Seed Extract, which helps to restore the skins radiance as well as purifying the skin, as well as Orange Extract, which is great for refreshing and toning the skin. 

I have repurchased this product quite a few times and am very pleased. I love the soft, effective texture, I love the way my skin feels after, and of course, I love the scent. The orange extract in the product is really refreshing.

What’s your favourite exfoliator?

7 Deadly Sins of Beauty Tag

This beauty tag has been going on for a while now on both YouTube as well as on blogs. I figured in the spirit of my project pan I would do this tag just to see exactly what I've spent money on. I will give multiple answers for some.

1.     Greed. What is your most inexpensive beauty item? What is your most expensive?

My most inexpensive beauty products are: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover, Vanilla Body Wash, Face Wipes, Eye Wipes, and Revlon Lipstick.

My most expensive beauty products are probably perfumes with my Chanel Chance Eau Tendre being the most expensive (I think). In terms of skincare my Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum. My most expensive make-up product was my Dior Capture Totale foundation.

2.     Wrath. What beauty products do you have a love/ hate relationship with? What product has been the hardest to get?

The products I have a love/ hate relationship with are the Neostrata Toning Solution Level 2 (great for during breakouts, too drying any other time), Clarins Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed (takes long to wash off but gets everything off).

The product that was the hardest to get was the Clarins eye shadow single in Desert Blonde because it was discontinued. It is a fabulous pinky nude colour perfect for under my brows.

3.     Gluttony. What is your most delicious beauty product?

My most delicious beauty products are: Urban Decay Marshmellow body powder, Clarins Gloss Prodige.

4.     Sloth. What beauty product do you neglect, due to laziness?

I often neglect to use my face mask/ oil twice a week, and to using a setting spray for my make-up. I also need to make time to apply my body products out of the shower.

5.     Pride. What beauty product gives you the most self-confidence?

The beauty product that gives me the most self-confidence I’d have to say is bright lipstick. I always feel extra sassy with a colour like Pink Vibrations from Elizabeth Arden on. In terms of what would I not leave the house without my answer would be concealer.

6.     Lust. What attributes do you find most attractive in the opposite sex? Since this is not beauty related I will come up with something different…What beauty product do you believe is the most attractive (i.e. colour, packaging, etc.)?

Lancome Limited Edition Blush, Anna Sui Nail Polish, Shu Uemura eye shadow quad, Clarins Enchanted Eye Shadow Quad, Mac Wonderwoman quad, Physician's Formula Happy Booster.

7.     Envy. What items would you most like to receive as a gift?

Most people choose perfume here but I’d prefer to receive a body product or some limited edition make-up.




Now I tag you! What are your 7 Deadly Sins of Beauty?