Project Pan Them All | February Empties

I bought Lush Magic Mushroom last February during my trip to Toronto and I am glad I finally remembered to use it just in time for Valentine's Day! It is insanely cute, smells of creamy vanilla strawberry, makes mountains of bubbles, and it leaves my skin sooooo soft and smooth. Its is just perfect and I would definitely recommend it!

I was disappointed by Lush MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment since it did not really do anything in the water - it did not fizz, it did not make bubble, it barely smell anything and it did not really left my skin moisturized. Next please!

Marcelle Essentials Purity Soothing Cleansing Water is my HG makeup remover since it just melts everything away effortlessly, and I am always sad when I use up a bottle but it's OK since one lasts me about a year, and I must have two backups somewhere in my stash anyway.

John Frieda Precision Foam Color Conditioner was nothing special and it did not really protect my color or anything, but it did leave my hair soft.

I had two unique application samples of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Care* laying around so I figured out I might just use them up and I actually quite liked my experience. It does soothe my itchy eczema-prone skin quickly and it keeps it moisturized all day.

I was extremely disappointed by AHAVA Deadsea Water Mineral Body Lotion since it simply burned my skin where I have patched of eczema, which is really weird for a supposedly gentle lotion that costs $24!

I had a 30mL sample of NIVEA Smooth Replenishing Lotion which worked OK, but nothing special. I am no especially keen on NIVEA products for some reasons - I find them a bit pricey for what they are.

I received a sample of LUSH No Drought Dry Shampoo with some purchases but I don't think I can review it properly since I had not enough product to really test it. I just felt like I needed a lot of product for it to properly absorb the oil in my hair, but at least it did not leave a white cast.

I really enjoyed Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub which smells delicious enough to eat, since it is really abrasive just like I like my body scrubs to be, but on the other hand, it is a bit of a mess to use since it is so oily that most of it will fall in the shower and go down the drain. I liked how it seemed to coat my skin with an oily residue, so that it felt moisturized when I stepped out of the shower.

I am not sure why so many bloggers seem to be absolutely in love with Simple products since I only have had bad experiences so far - I especially hated Simple Eye Make-Up Remover since it claims to be "kind to eyes" but it stings so much and it barely removes anything!

I am not 100% sold on LUSH Bonbon Lip Scrub (I think it was a limited-edition from two or three Christmas ago) since I feel like I need tons of product to properly exfoliate my lips, and even then, I often have to do it at night and in the morning to ensure that my lips are smooth all day, which is annoying! I would rather make my own lip scrub with brown sugar and coconut oil that works just as well than pay $10 for something that is basically made with sugar and oil!

I think Get Creamed Coconut Cream Pie 100% Natural Whipped Body Cream is my absolute favorite body butter - I instantly fell in love with its extremely rich and silky texture, and I was amazed at how quickly it eased the itchiness caused by eczema. This body butter truly provides all-day soothing moisturization without greasy residue, with an absolutely delicious all-natural beachy coconut scent that does last a while on the skin.

I was really disappointed by Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer in Medium since it was my first experience with a Stila product and it barely moisturized my dry skin but it did cling to dry bits, and it turned me orange. No thanks.

I had a small sample of Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask that I decided to use it one time as a treatment on my dry hair, and while it did smell really nice, I can't say it really improved the condition of my hair in only one use.

*Please note that La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Care is NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | September Empties

Another month has gone by, meaning it's time for another empties post, and I have used up quite a few products, yey!

I have always had a thing for SPAresource Hand Creams ever since I first tried them - I just love their amazingly thick and rich texture that never leaves hands greasy and that moisturize my dry and eczema-prone hands super quickly. SPAresource hand creams are made with shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, aloe oil, vitamin e and honey extract - talk about wonder ingredients! Oh, and did I mention the scrumptious and insanely juicy smell? OMG!

I received a sample of AHAVA Skincare Mineral Hand Cream in my February GLOSSYBOX and at first sight, I thought this hand cream would be a nice size to keep in my handbag or in my locker at work but after trying it on... no. This is just too light and it doesn't feel moisturizing at all on my dry and eczema-prone skin. I was expecting much more from a $22 hand cream that contains Dead Sea minerals! 

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme seems to be a staple among a lot of beauty bloggers and as much as I love everything about it - its citrusy smell, its thick and creamy texture, how well it moisturizes my parched cuticles, its super cute tin - I'm just too lazy to remember to apply it on my cuticles and nails every night so most of the time, I simply use it as a hand cream before bed before slipping on some cotton gloves because it tends to get a bit greasy, but it works oh-so well on my eczema! 

I am rarely disappointed by Burt's Bees products but as much as I tried to find a way to use Burt's Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil that would make it work for me, it just did not do it - my skin just doesn't feel moisturized after using it, and it fails to calm the itchiness due to my eczema.

I was sent Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream in October of last year to help my eczema and even though it appeared to really help at first, I'm not sure if it's because my skin got used to the product but the effect quickly wore off and I had to rely on my steroid creams again, which is never good. But again, maybe it's because I ran out of Rosehip & BioRegenerate fruit & seed oil blend, which was supposed to be used together...

I mentionned Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother in my Summer Essentials post and raved about it but I never got to review it before using it up - what can I say, this stuff is purely genius! I have always overlooked after-sun lotions because I'm lazy and I figured out that a normal body moisturizer would work just as well but this product completely changed my mind! It was not until I got a really bad sunburn on my chest, arms and belly - I forgot to re-apply sunscreen after going swimming - that I realized how this product was a miracle worker - my sunburn was completely gone within only two days and my skin never showed signs of sun damages!

It's weird how I actually liked Beyond Coastal Kids Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ the first few times I used it because it glided on the skin nicely without leaving white residues behind but now that the tube was almost empty, I found it hard to properly apply and rub on my skin because of its now thick texture, and my skin was left with random white patches of sunscreen, not to mention that I felt a bit sticky until I washed off at the end of the day. I don't understand what happened - could it have gone bad? I only got it this summer though, weird!

I quite enjoyed LUSH Satsumo Santa Bath Bomb because as soon as I entered the bath, I instantly felt my skin being smooth and moisturized - it was amazingly silky! After the bath, I could really feel my skin being nourished, and I couldn't believe that the dry patches of skin I had on my elbows were almost all gone - and that's not a light statement, having struggled with eczema almost all my life. I wish the delicious fruity and fresh scent wold be strong enough to linger in the bathroom or on my skin after the bath, but I'm used to such disappointment with bath products in general.

I don't use mouthwashes on a daily basis and I have given up on finding the perfect whitening mouthwash because nothing works on my naturally yellow teeth! However, I know I can always go back to Scope Outlast for a super long lasting fresh breath that no other mouthwash can provide.

I have been incredibly disappointed by Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat* as it does not fully dry in 30 seconds - of course - but the worst is that no, it absolutely does not live up to its claim of no-chip shine for up to 10 days. I think I'm definitely done with top coats!

*This product is NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | June Empties

Julep The Best Pedi Créme Ever! was a nice surprise in my Julep Maven Boho Glam box from last April. For $22, I wish the tube was bigger, but even though the cream is light, you don't need a lot of product to cover both feet. The cream smells absolutely delicious and fresh - juicy cucumbers, yum! I can't say I was absolutely amazed at the difference this cream made for my feet, but yes, it did leave them softer and smoother.

I already used Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer a long time ago and it absolutely did not work for me... which was not different this time. I received a sample through Facebook and it lasted me a relatively long time but it absolutely did not made me look tan. I was hoping I could use this lotion to touch up my tan, but no, it's useless because it did not even moisturize my skin properly.

Zorah Biocosmétiques Bioserum Structure is awesomely moisturizing and it lasted me quite a long time because I only needed about two drops to cover my whole face. I like how this product leaves my face imediately soothed and smooth. If you use the right quantity, Bioserum Structure is quickly absorbed into the skin and you don't have to wait forever to apply your night cream.

Crest Complete Scope Outlast in Long Lasting Mint is supposed to provide a cool, refreshing brushing experience and a fresh feeling that lasts up to 5x longer than a regular anticavity toothpaste but I will have to disagree with the latter statement though because I have yet to find a toothpaste that leaves my breath as minty and fresh as Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste does!

Marcelle Hydra-C ComplexE Facial Exfoliating Gel came in the Hydra-C Xmas Black Box I bought at Groupe Marcelle Spring 2010 Warehouse Sale but I was incredibly disappointed with it. It's not abrasive enough for a good exfoliation and the product just vanishes super quickly - I had to refrain myself from throwing it in the trash!

I received a sample of The Body Shop Chocomania Shower Cream as part of Meredith's giveaway prize and OMG, this stuff smells sooooooooooooo good, almost like the real stuff! I also appreciate how it's really more like a shower cream than a liquidy gel. I'm so glad to have a full-size backup in my stash!

I was really pleased with AHAVA Foot Cream unique texture - it really felt thick and a bit muddy, which was awesome and really moisturizing! I never used something like this before.

February 2012 Canadian GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX Canada is part of the global GLOSSYBOX network. With access to all the latest information from around the world in beauty, we truly have our finger on the pulse of all cosmetic and beauty needs and innovations. GLOSSYBOX also has no hidden fees or agendas: For $15 we deliver the best in beauty right to your door and there are no additional charges like taxes, or shipping and handling. The best part is that your GLOSSYBOX will always contain 5 deluxe samples, tons of helpful info and a 6th surprise item could show up in your box at any time! We want to keep you excited and constantly dialed-in to the best in beauty.

I know, I might be the only one who is still not convinced of the amazingness of those beauty boxes, but I still think it's great that more of them are coming to Canada, starting with the renowned GLOSSYBOX. Founded in Germany, it was launched this January in Canada and it's rolling out in more than 20 countries in 2012!

I received the February GLOSSYBOX on February 6. When I was offered to be sent a complimentary GLOSSYBOX, I was not told which month I would receive, but I was told that it should arrive by mid to end January. I actually think it's a great timing as I receive the box in the second week of February.

I was delighted to see that my GLOSSYBOX was delivered in a super pretty and sturdy cardboard box - compared to my August Luxe Box that was delivered in a simple bubble envelope, which resulted in the box being a little bent - and when I opened it, I was greeted by a press release a super cute and sleek powder pink box.

Everything in the box was carefully and beautifully packed.

Here is what the February GLOSSYBOX contained:

AHAVA Skincare Mineral Hand Cream (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $22.00$/100ml 

Ahava's best-selling Mineral Hand Cream is rich in nourishing Dead Sea minerals that hydrate and soften skin for increase all-day comfort and an effective safeguard against environmental damage.

At first sight, I thought this hand cream would be a nice size to keep in my handbag but after trying it on... no. This is just too light and it doesn't feel moisturizing at all on my dry and eczema-prone skin. I was expecting much more from a $22 hand cream that contains Dead Sea minerals!

Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Moisturizing Stick (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $12.00/5g 

This Moisturizing Stick is a highly moisturizing lip balm that leaved your lips feeling soft and hydrated and is a great compliment to the At Last Lipstains.

When I opened my GLOSSYBOX, I was like "OMG! I got a lipstick!" but no, it's actually a lip balm. I'm not sure if I have heard of Elizabeth Grant before but apparently this moisturizing stick was a 2008 winner in FASHION Magazine Reader's Choice Beauty Awards, so it must be good... no? I haven't tried it long enough to be able to properly review it though, but so far I can say it's not the best lipbalm I have tried but it smells great, like watermelon!

I always need to have a lip balm handy with my chapped lips anyway and I like its classy packaging... but still, I think I would have prefer to receive an actual lipstick as I feel this box lacks makeup items.

Essie Nail Enamel in Neo Whimsical (received full-size)

Full-size retail price: $9.99/13.8ml 

Essie's Neo Whimsical: Flaunt your classic taste with this unique, blue-based, rose plum hue. An Essie favorite!

The only Essie nail polish I have tried (Really Red) chipped on me after two days so I can't say I was extremely excited to receive another one. Neo Whimsical doesn't look anything "unique" to me - in fact, it looks like a plain lilac - pretty, yes, but nothing over the top.

I must admit creme finishes are my favorite though but this one did not apply smoothly because of the stupidly small and straight brush - Essie, Y U no make proper brushes if you are going to sell your polishes for $10?! However,  I must say that I was impressed to notice only a few minor chips after an intense week-end at work because my hands are definitely put through a lot as a chambermaid - scrubbing bath tubs, washing the dishes, etc. - and I'm used to see my nail polish being all chipped by the end of the week-end, so this was definitely a great surprise and I think this experience have changed my opinion on Essie nail polishes... if only it was not for the @*&?%" brush!

Oscar de la Renta Live in Love Body Lotion* (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $54.00/200ml 

Oscar de la Renta Live in love Body Lotion is like a silky veil and compliments the Eau de Parfum that launched in Fall 2011. Its green floral scent will make any woman feel sensual and divine.

Is it just me or do all lotions solely made to complement a perfume total crap? Well, this one might cost $54 but it's no exception. It has a strong herbal and floral scent that reminds me of old lady perfume (no offense anyone!), it's way too light to properly moisturize and it disappears into the skin before I even have the time to spread it. Did I say total crap already?

Also, why did some subscribers received a nice sample of the actual perfume instead of this cheap lotion? Especially since there's already another lotion included in this box...

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream (received sample)

Full-size retail price: $160/50ml 

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Anti-Aging Restorative Cream helps to fight the visible effects of environmental damage and enhances skin's natural moisture.

In the tub, this cream looks rich and thick but it goes on smoothly on the skin and it's absorbed almost instantly. I think it has a pleasant soothing scent although I wouldn't be able to tell what it smells like exactly. Well I obviously don't need an anti-ageing restorative night cream so I will give this to my mother.

Beauty So Clean Sanitizing Wipes and Mist (received samples)

Full-size retail price: $12.50/48 Pack Wipes and $15.99/125ml 

The convenient and effective Beauty So Clean Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes sanitize makeup, removing bacteria in 10 seconds! The Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist removes bacteria and germs on powder-based ad cream-based products.

GLOSSYBOX included these wipes and mist as a surprise additional item "that could show up at any time". These are interesting products but I honestly don't really care about sanitizing my makeup as if I start sanitizing this and that, I'm afraid I would turn into a total clean freak. The world is full of bacterias, starting with your computer keyboard, and I'm sure nobody religiously sanitize it after each use.

I did try the spray though but I think mine was defective because the product would drip everywhere instead of being a spray, no matter how many times I tried...

Overall, based on my experience with the February GLOSSYBOX, I would say the GLOSSYBOX is a great concept, but it is not for everyone. Of course, the content of every box is a suprise, so if you don't like that concept, you could be disappointed. You can make nice discoveries, but you can also end up hating everything. Personally, I would prefer to be able to personalize my box each month to be sure my $12 is well invested.

I think a big problem for me is that I hate clutter - it literally drives me crazy - so I hate having things that I don't use laying around, and it's worst when I actually paid for them! When I don't like something, I try to give it away or use it up. I don't like collecting samples or keeping them in case I'll be going on holidays. Maybe someone who is just starting out with skincare or makeup will not have this problem because I agree it's a great way to test products before comitting to buying the full size version, but for me... it's a no-no.

Something I have noticed with these subscription boxes is that not a lot of them are cruelty-free, and if they are, they are not available wordwide. This is an important issue for me and I don't want to pay for products that have been tested on animals. In this GLOSSYBOX, I received only one product that is not cruelty-free (Oscar de la Renta Body Lotion) so that's great, but still not enough. I'm committed to eliminating every products in my stash that have been tested on animals, so of course I don't want new ones to pile up!

I was also surprised to see that no makeup items were included in this February GLOSSYBOX and I must admit that this was a little disappointing in my opinion because I had higher hopes from what I've seen about the UK GLOSSYBOX on the blogosphere (Deborah Lippmann nail polish, Eyeko Eyeliner, HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette, etc.). I guess you can't have it all every time though, and of course some months are going to be better than others.

GLOSSYBOX Canada is available for $15 a month with free shipping and features a wide selection of brands.

*Please note that this product is NOT cruelty-free

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the product was free absolutely does not influence my opinion.