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.

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?

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?