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!

Project Pan: Seventh Product Completed: Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Anti-Ageing Mattifying Lotion

Good afternoon everyone! I want to start off by apologizing for my lack of attentiveness the last little while. This time of year is always a bit hectic for me. On another note, this morning I finished my Dr. Brant's Pores No More Anti-Ageing Mattifying Lotion that I recently reviewed in my Reviews and Dupes from My Most Expensive Face- Skincare Edition.

To summarize, I found that this oil-free product helped to reduce my pore size and helps to reduce redness in my skin. I found the retinol in this product to be quite gentle on my skin and helps it to remain smooth. I would definitely repurchase this product again.



What is your favourite mattifying lotion?

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?