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: 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?

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?

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?

De-cluttering the Stash

Since my Project 10 Pan finished a few days ago, I wasn't sure what to do next. I still have items I never use and I still need to save money. I decided that step number one was to organize. As I was organizing however, I noticed that I had a lot of products that had gone bad, were broken, didn't react well with my skin, etc. I threw out a ton of stuff that was just plain dumb to keep. A majority of items I've given to friends and family, while others I've decided to work through. PinkSoFoxy on YouTube inspired me to go one step further and donate unused/ unopened items to a woman's shelter. This is the perfect time of year to donate cosmetics. I've also included some gently used clothing, etc., but for the purposes of this blog I will only show the beauty related items. In my next post I will go through the rest of my items and see from whatever is left what I can give to family and friends (products that are gently used).

Here's what I'm giving away to the shelter:

This is the skincare:

This is the makeup:

These are the body products:

What do you think I should do next to minimize my collection? Another project pan? 5 out 1 in? Any other ideas? I`m really committed to this.

Eighth Product Completed: QUO Mini Eye Make-Up Remover Pads

This evening I finished my eighth product. The product was my QUO Mini Eye Make-Up Remover Pads. These were very easy to use, super convenient, and great for travel all at a good price ($5). Although it was a good price, I don't know how "valuable" it is because there are only 30 wipes in a pack.

Now comes time for the ultimate question...would I buy these again? Probably not. Why? Because I already have other eye make-up removers AND more importantly because I think these can easily be replaced with less expensive Baby Wipes.

What products do you think can be replaced with something else?

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?

Sixth Product Completed: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion W

I feel very excited and accomplished to have finished my sixth product for my project pan. The product I finished was my Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion W. This took my FOREVER to finish because it was a 75 ml bottle! Definitely a lot of product for the money. Shiseido describes this moisturizer as "A brightening nighttime moisturizer that revitalizes skin after daily exposure to external stressors such as UV rays and dryness. Improves skin texture to optimize skin's clarity and promote inner radiance."  

This product definitely gave me radiance and helped to even out my skin tone without leaving me super greasy like most non-matte night creams. Although I did enjoy this product, I probably won't be repurchasing it anytime soon considering I have a few other night creams that I need to get through. I also want to start using moisturizers for fine lines. 

What are you looking for in a night cream?

Fifth Product Completed: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

I just finished my fifth product and ran to the computer to write this! I feel like it's been so long! The product I finished was the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. This is a fantastic eye makeup remover, especially for the price. It's great at getting rid of even the toughest waterproof makeup and it's under $10! Could you ask for more? I found this better than even the Lancome Bi-facils. Shocking, I know. Needless to say I will definitely be repurchasing this when I've finished my other, more expensive, eye makeup removers.

The only down side to this product was the oily residue it leaves. The container claims that it's not but yeah... Nothing a little water can't fix though.

What's your favourite eye makeup remover?

40 Beauty Question Tag

Another Beauty Tag that's been going on for a while is the 40 Beauty Questions Tag. I thought this would be a good one to add considering I am on a purge.

SKINCARE

How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice a day. Morning and night. I usually leave exfoliating, masks, etc, for night.

What skin type do you have? (dry, oily, combo)
I definitely have combination skin. My T-zone is extremely oily and my cheeks are normal.

What is your current facial wash?
I am currently on the go with 3 of them at the moment (don't judge!): Clarins' Foaming Cleanser in Cottonseed, Dr. Brandt's Pores No More, and Biotherm's Cleansing Milk for Normal/ Combination skin.

Do you exfoliate?
Yes, I exfoliate 2-3 times per week. If I neglect this I can definitely tell.

What brand do you use?
I've tried a few, my favourite so far is Clarins.

What moisturizer do you use?
Again, I am on the go with 4 at the moment: Shiseido White Lucent Emulsion, Clarins Multi-Active Cream-Gel, Dr. Brandt Pores No More Anti-Aging Lotion, and Clarins Hydra-Matte.

Do you have freckles?
Yup.

Do you use eye cream?
Yes! Twice a day.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
At no stretch would I say that I have acne. I am prone to breakouts though. I need to be careful with what I use.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
No.

MAKE-UP

What foundation do you use?
This tag just proves that i have shopping issues: Dior Capture Totale, Mac MatchMaster, Clarins Instant Smooth, Missha BB Cream, and CoverFX Cream.

How about concealer?
I have been using Maybelline Age Rewind and Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector under the eyes, and Lancome Effacernes for breakouts.

Do you know your undertone?
I have a yellow or golden undertone.

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I think they can look great or look trashy. They need to be done right! I am also waayyy too lazy to apply them daily like some girls.

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes I did. I tend to hold on to them for about 5 months though because I alternate.

What brand of mascara do you use?
I've used quite a few different brands of mascara. My default is usually Lancome though.

Sephora or MAC?
Sephora any day. I don't like being restricted to one brand.

Do you have a MAC Pro-Card?
No.

What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Brushes and occasionally sponges.

Do you use make-up base/ primer for the eyes?
I do when it's a dramatic look, otherwise on a daily basis I often neglect it.

For the face?
I'm much more likely to prime by face than my eyes (it hides my pores).

What is your favourite eyeshadow (colour or shade)?
I love Stila's "Sparkle", it's a gorgeous dull gold colour, and I also like Clarins "Desert Blonder" for under the brows.

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
I prefer pencil.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
I don't pole myself with eyeliner pencils often, but I do always manage to get my lashes in the way :(

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
They are waayy too messy.

Do you use mineral make-up?
Sometimes.

What is your favourite lipstick?
Colour= Pink Vibrations from Elizabeth Arden, Texture: Chanel Rouge Allure.

How about lipgloss?
Colour= LipFusion in Candy, Texture= Clarins Gloss Prodige

What is your favourite blush to use?
Right now my favourite Blush to use is the Physician's Formaul Happy Booster.

Do you buy your make-up on ebay?
The only makeup I buy on ebay is my Missha BB Cream,

Do you like drugstore make-up?
Some of it is okay, but I can usually find a better quality, high-end alternative.

Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
I usually go to the L'oreal sale in the Spring.

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Maybe one day.

Are you clumsy in putting on make-up?
That's an understatement.

Name a make-up crime that you hate.
Wearing the wrong colour foundation. Nothing worse than a girl wearing a mask.

Do you like colourful shades of make-up (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I like both. It depends on the occasion and how you use them.

Which celebrity always has great make-up?
JLo, Marilyn Monroe, and Katherine Zeta Jones.

Could you ever leave the house without any make-up on?
I do quite often.

Do you think you look good even without any make-up on?
I look decent but I prefer to do a "natural" look with make-up.

In your opinion, what is the BEST make-up line?
I can't pick just one, I like different things from different lines.

What do you think of make-up?
I think it should enhance the way you look, not hide it.



Do a 40 Beauty Questions Tag of your own and put the link in the comments section below!

Fourth Product Completed: KIBIO Soft Foamming Scrub

I have finally finished my fourth product! The product I finished was the KIBIO Soft Foaming Scrub, which I have to say, I couldn't wait to finish. I was not at all pleased with this product. Not only was it hard to get the product out of the jar without that horrible feeling of it going under your nails, it was extremely rough! I disliked the used of the crushed apricots and I felt like it was literally cutting my skin instead of exfoliating it. Towards the end I just started using it on my knees and elbows. Although I like the premise behind the brand (being natural and all), I was not impressed with this product.

So overall, would I purchase this product again? I'm sure you already know that the answer is no. I still have some other exfoliators to finish before I can go out and buy a new one, but it definitely won't be this one.

Have you ever used an exfoliator and hated it?

Third Product Completed: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment.

Yesterday morning I finished my Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment. This product took me over 6 months to finish! This is a decent eye cream, considering I don't have dry eyes. The package says it is highly moisturizing, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone looking for a ton of moisture. I noticed it helped quite a bit with my dark circles. It's suppposed to help with both melanin formation and microcirculation. I used less than half a pump for both eyes, and a lot of product came out each time. Would I purchase this product again? Probably not. Not because I didn't like it, but because I have 2 more eye creams at home already; there are a few others I want to try for fine lines as I am starting to notice some; and because I'm pretty sure it's been discontinued.

This eye cream contains multi-luminizing powder with light diffusing properties to instantly bring luminosity to eye areas. It does not look shiny or sparkley, however, it does make you look much more awake. This can be used morning or night. If you have to choose one, I'd say do this during the day as it gives a little bit of instant gratification.

What eye creams have you tried and loved?

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?

The Goal

Hello Everyone!

I am starting a Project 10 Pan. Why am I doing this? Well for one thing I have way too many products that I never get around to using and/ or finishing. Added to that I need to save some money and not blow it all on beauty products.

I have tried to complete a Project Pan at the beginning of the year and failed. Why? It took too long. *shrugs* My rules were a lot more complicated. Not only was I not allowed to buy a new product of the same type until I finished all of them in my collection, BUT I couldn't buy anything until I finished SPECIFIC things on my list. I had set aside 10 products that I wanted to finish first, which wasn't very realistic considering one of them was an eye shadow quad (which takes FOREVER to finish).

So rather than just give it up all together I'm going to give it another go :)

I am going to give a review on products once I've finished them to decide whether or not I would repurchase them again in the future and also to give you some insight as to whether you should.

I will post any time I purchase or I am given a new product (even if it's only cotton pads).

If you have any questions along the way please comment and let me know!

One of the ways I'm going to try and finish more products is by remembering to use products that I often  neglect to use. Everyone has their "thing" here are mine:

Skincare wise I always neglect my body! I have so many creams, etc. and I rarely use them! I'm going to change that this month.
Make-up wise I will often neglect to use setting spray. I swear by the stuff but I am in too much of a rush in the morning to consider that a necessity. Maybe I will put a sticky note on my vanity to remind myself to do it.

What's one product you often  neglect to use?