Project Pan Them All | December Empties

Hi ladies! I have fallen super behind in blogging, actually I feel like I never really truly got back to it since coming back from Europe this summer. I had to get my personal life back on track - which was not always easy - then I started a comapny with my sister in law, and then, in the blink of an eye, Christmas was upon us! Now that things have calmed down after the chaos of the Holidays, I feel like I am ready to commit to blogging again. Maybe not everyday, like I was used to some times ago, but definitely one or two articles a week. Quality before quantity, right? Thank you for sticking with me ladies!

I found Natureplex Hydrocortisone Cream Maximum Strength in a Dollar Tree while I was in Wildwood a few years ago, and it was actually great at relieving the red and itchy rashes all over my body due to my radioactivity exposure when I went swimming in an abandoned mine this summer - yes, I know. The tube is very small and I used it very quickly, but I guess for $1, it's still nice!

Since I have discovered Marcelle Essentials Purity Soothing Cleansing Water, I am absolutely sold on cleansing water, and at $10 (instead of $23.50) at Clarins Fall Warehouse Sale, I simply could not pass up NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with 3 Roses and Green Tea! I does not work as great as my HG from Marcelle and I would not repurchase it, but it still leaves my face smooth, clean and fresh.

I was recommended Pro-Derm Hydrogel from the doctor I consulted when I had my monstruous allergic reaction after I went swimming in a supposedly radioactive lake (as mentioned above). Made with a synergy of plant and marine ingredients to ensure exceptional efficiency, Hydrogel is claimed to rapidly soothe sensible skin. Its usage is recommended after aesthetics interventions or to regenerate the skin’s protective film after bathing, showering or shaving. I did not find it especially moisturizing and I was disappointed with how fast I used it up, especially given its expensive price - around $60! Not to mention this is my second tube...

Nothing really seems to work for the eczema on my hands, and Karen told me how great Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care Cream* worked for her a long time ago (hence why I purchased it before going cruelty-free), but sadly, it is not the case for me. Not matter how consistently I use it, I always have to go back to my cortisone creams. Not to mention that it seems to burn my hands more than anything else...

LUSH Heñata Bath Bomb was the cutest bath bomb! Quite simply, this is like a piñata for the bath - but it’s a hen, so it’s a Heñata (get it? awwww!). This cutie has to be smashed against the side of the bath so it can release soap paper flower petals to scrub up with. It is perfumed with fresh and citrusy tangerine, bergamot and mandarin oils - yum!

I always have to be careful not to take a too hot bath because of my sensitive skin and my eczema, but LUSH The Melting Snowman Bath Melt truly has skin-softening properties. Cocoa butter and almond oil nourish and soften the skin, while cinnamon leaf invigorates and help shake off fatigue.

I bought Freeman Goodstuff Organics Moisture Shea Butter Vitamin E Whipped Body Butter back in 2010 so I am a bit ashamed to feature it now, but I have used it up pretty quickly recently. I remember buying two tubes of this and being amazed after using the first one, but I guess I wasn't struggling that much with eczema because now this just seem to have done absolutely nothing for my skin. Totally rubbish. Although it still smells divine!

For some reasons, I prefer to pamper my feet in the winter, although it would be more logical to take care of them in the summer... but Eucerin Intensive Repair Extra-Enriched Foot Cream was actually great! Not too thick yet not too thin, it seemed to sink right in, leaving my feet super soft and smooth.

Yes, I realize Degree Invisible Sheer Powder Anti-Perspirant* is not cruelty-free, but it was a gift, and I have yet to find a product not tested on animals that works just as well and that smells just as good. This will be tough. Help, please?

*Please not that these products are NOT cruelty-free

FOTD & OOTD | Yeah you've crossed the line, I've got a knife behind my back (just sayin')

Hi ladies! I recently attended a party and of course, I did not get to take proper pictures even though, for once, I was free all day and I took plenty of time to pamper myself... oh well, I was browsing through the pictures in my camera yesterday and I realized I did have a few pictures, although they might not be the best ones, but I figured out I had not posted a FOTD or OOTD in some times so I thought, why not?

Benefit The POREfessional | Marcelle BB Cream 'Light to Medium' | Clarins Poudre Multi-Eclat Mineral Loose Powder '01 Light'| theBalm Time Balm Concealer 'Light' | PUPA 4SUN Bronzing Powder SPF 15 | Annabelle Blossom Blush 'Peachy'

I was delighted when PUPA 4SUN Bronzing Powder landed on my doorsteps since I am a huge lover of bronzers, especially when they are as big as this one! This bronzer includes four shades to suit every skintone, but I prefer to simply swirl my brush on all of them at once and dust lightly in a '3' shape on my face (temples, cheekbones and jawline). Full review to come!

Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara 'Black' | Marcelle Velvety Eye Shadow + Primer 'Primer Rose' | theBalm Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow Palette ('Matt Gallangher' and 'Matt McDonald') | MAC Eye Pencil - Ebony* | Wet n Wild Color Icon Liner Brow & Eye Pencil - Taupe | Revlon ColorBurts Lip Butter 'Cupcake'

Reviews of theBalm Mett Matt(e) Eyeshadow Palette kept popping on my blog reading list recently and they made me want to dig mine out of my stash and use it more. Since I kept the rest of my face neutral, I decided  would do a dark green smokey eye, and 'Matt McDonald' turned out to be perfect for this since it is the darkest green in my collection - it is almost black! Let me know if you are not sick of reviews of this palette, and I will add mine to the bunch.

leopard print tank - Ross | cardigan - San Francisco | Sqin jeans - H&M | oversize glasses shape metal ring and multi-spike charm layered necklace - ROMWE | nail polish - Barry M Nail Paint 'Peach Melba'

I really did not have a specific outfit in mind but I knew I wanted to show off my leopard print tank, so I decided to keep the rest of my outfit pretty basic - I wore my favorite distressed jeans and a comfy cardi. I originally planned to wear my spike necklace from ROMWE but I decided it was too much with the animal prints, so I slipped on my current favorite ring and I was good to go!

Lyrics are from Call It What You Want, by Foster The People

*These products are NOT cruelty-free

Clarins Rouge Eclat Spring 2013 Collection

I am not really familiar with Clarins makeup products since I was more interested in their self tanners and skincare products, so I guess you can imagine my excitement when a package full of products of their new Spring 2013 collection, Rouge Eclat, landed on my doorstep! Inspired by the beauty of the Iris, Rouge Eclat gives you the fresh and soft feel of spring, a velvety complexion, captivating eyes and youthful, radiant lips.

Poudre Multi-Eclat Mineral Loose Powder in 01 Light

Since I have not tried a lot of face powders, I was very interested in the Poudre Multi-Eclat Mineral Loose Powder ($47.00), which I like to use to set my Marcelle BB Cream or my Annabelle CC Base. It is ultra-fine and lightweight, and I like that this powder never looks chalky or cakey, no matter how much you pile it on - it always gives the complexion a translucent, radiant finish, thanks to the exclusive "Light-Optimizing+" complex.  Its extremely soft, silky and comfortable texture prevents skin dehydration and keeps it looking smooth all day long, but it unfortunately fails at keeping my skin - especially my forehead - oil-free all day. I received the shade 01 Light and I must admit I was afraid it would be too light, but since it is translucent, it simply does not show up on my skintone. The packaging looks very chic on my vanity, but it is too bulky to carry around.

Joli Rouge Brillant Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick in 17 Watermelon

Joli Rouge Brillant Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick in 17 Watermelon ($27.00) looked so bright in the tube that it scared me a bit, but after reading the description on the packaging stating that this lipstick combines the transparent colour and shine of a lip gloss with the creamy texture of a lipstick, I was very eager to try it on. It really goes on smoothly on the lips, and it is so lightweight that it actually feels just like a lipbalm! However, I was quickly put off by the amount of gritty glitters, in this lipstick, which is a shame because Watermelon is such a gorgeous, juicy pink for summer! Despite being moisturizing, I did not find the Joli Rouge Brillant to be especially long-lasting - it starts to fade after around one hour on my lips.

Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 05 Candy Shimmer

The product that completely blew me away is the Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector ($20.00) - I don't even know where to begin! As soon as I unscrew the cap, a delicious whiff of vanilla caramel (think cake frosting) hit me, and you know what? This even tastes like vanilla caramel - yum! I love how this product comes in a squeezable tube and with a sponge applicator, which make for a quick and easy application - why are not all lipglosses like this? The texture is really nice, it's a bit like a gel that glides on smoothly on the lips, without feeling goopy, heavy or, most importantly, sticky! The Natural Lip Perfector does not last especially long for a lipgloss but at least I don't feel the need to constantly re-apply since it moisturizes my lips really well, and I also like that I don't have to apply lipbalm prior to using this product. This lipgloss also contains 3D shimmer that gives the illusion of fuller and perfectly shaped lips and you know what, they really do! Clarins Natural Lip Perfector has quickly become a favorite of mine since it is so easy to use, it delivers just the right amount of sheer color without any mess and it moisturizes my lips like crazy.

What do you think of Clarins Rouge Eclat Spring 2013 Collection?

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

#ClarinsInShape - Clarins Body Lift Launch Event

(image: Clarins Canada Facebook page)

Hi ladies! Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a Clarins VIP event for the media with a few of my favorite bloggers such as Valérie, Genny, Josianne, Sanya, Kristelle, Ellie, Marie and Lili. I brought my friend Geneviève who had a blast, and I was delighted to meet the super lovely Elizabeth. We did not really know what to expect since the invitation only said that Clarins would share their beauty secrets to prep for summer 2013...

I had an appointment in Montreal in the afternoon before the Clarins event so I had to plan an outfit that would be suitable both fot my appointment and for the event, so I opted for something simple yet classy.

tunic and belt - Giant Tiger | scarf - eBay | leggings - eBay | leopard head rings - ROMWE | nail polish - Julep Nail Vernis 'Blake'

The event was held at Montreal Science Center in the Old Port and as soon as we entered, we were greeted by two similing ladies who handed us our name tags and prompted us to pose for photos with funny accessories such as a giant golf ball and some fruits! We were then served some yummy fruit smoothies and healthy (non-alcoholic) drinks and we made our way around the room where we met Angel, a nutritionist, who insisted that even if in North America, we are big meat eaters, it is still important to eat legumes - hrm, hrm. There was also Josiane, one of Clarin's makeup artist, available for touch ups and we even had the chance to see a trapezist work her magic!

Of course, the most interesting of the night was Clarins's newest body care innovation - the Body Lift Cellulite Smoother, the first slimming treatment that prevents and corrects the appearance of cellulite at every level. It is claimed to break the vicious cellulite cycle by targeting cellulite before it starts and by visibly smoothing hips, buttocks and thighs for a slimmer, beach-chic shape. Combine with a healthy lifestyle, and Clarins proven Self-Massage Body Contouring Method, for results so scientifically-advanced, there are four patents pending. Honestly, I don't really believe in products which claim to get rid of cellulite, but I will be sure to try it anyway, even if it's just because of its amazingly refreshing texture and menthol scent.

The girls and I decided to end the night at The 3 Brewers where we indulged in some delicious beers and I had my usual meal, the Chèvre chaud open-faced sandwich (warm goat cheese on toasted country bread with tomatoes, fresh herbs and seasoned olive oil, served with salad and fries - yum!).

Of course, we did not leave empty-handed - the lovely Clarins ladies gave us a super cute sport bag which contained a jumping rope, a water bottle, a USB bracelet (so cool!) and, of course, the Body Lift Cellulite Smoother. Thank you Clarins!

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother will be available in April for $65.

Project Pan Them All | December Empties

Since I was so in love with The Body Shop Shea Body Butter, I had high hopes for the Mango version as well, but I ended up being imensely disappointed! Despite being formulated for very dry skin, just like the Shea version, it is not nearly as thick - in fact, I had the impression of using a greasy body cream! And when I say greasy, I am not kidding - it takes forever to be absorbed into the skin, and the oiliness transfers on everything I touch, including my boyfriend, who kept complaning that I was all "buttery"! I never got proper results with continuous use, since my eczema-prone skin started to itch again after a few minutes of applying this product.

Since body mists usually never stay on the skin very long, I used Calgon Mmmmm! Vanilla Swirl Body Mist* mainly as a room spray, and it really smells amazing, but never sickly or overpowering.

I bought Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Décolleté in June 2011 so I guess it has passed its expiration date since it barely shows up on my skin anymore, when it used to give me a nice, dark, uniform tan. I hate the idea of a tint anyway, since it's super liquidy and virtually impossible to blend on the skin.

LUSH Gingerbread House Bubble Bar is probably the cutest bath product I have seen with its little snowy roof and cinnamon stick chimney, and its sweetly spicy smell just like fresh gingerbread makes me want to eat it! I usually prefer sweet scents but this bubble bar happily surprised me - as soon as I popped it in the bath, it created a mountain of spicy and fruity foam, while turning the water a bright orange, and best of all, the scent lingered for as long as I relaxed in the bath, without being overpowering. It is a warm, inviting and relaxing smell that just makes you feel good.

I used Eucerin Intensive Repair Extra Enriched Foot Creme daily and my feet really felt incredibly soft!  I was sure I would not like it because of its light formula but I have been proven wrong. I find the tube is too thin for daily use though because I used it up within two months!

My mother and I bought a couple of those Icy Breeze Spearmint Breath Spray in a Dollar Tree while we were on holiday in Wildwood and they really work amazing for only $1! I kept mine in my handbag for a quick breath refreshment whenever needed, and the small bottle lasted me a fairly long time because one spray is all you need for long-lasting fresh breath.

I was not expecting to be completely blown away by NYX Doll Eye Mascara Long Lash but it is one of the best mascara I have ever used! Everything about it is great - its brush which lets you reach even the smallest lashes in the corners of your eyes, its not too dry yet not too wet formula which lengthens, volumizes, curls and defines even the shortest lashes, and it never flakes or smudge. A true drugstore gem!

*Calgon Body Mist is NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | November Empties

I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered Avon Wish of Luck Eau de Toilette Spray* straight from the brochure without even smelling it at first - what, I could not resist the "refreshing blend of green apple and sparkling florals" from the description! Unfortunately, this turned out to smell more floral than fruity to me, and the scent is way too light to last me through the day - I had to mix it with another perfume or body spray in an attempt to use it up, and I'm glad I finally did!

I have never been a fan of face wipes but I do like to keep some baby wipes on hand to wash my face quickly for those morning when I am in a rush before work. These Pampers Baby Wipes were way less pricey than face wipes, and they even came with a handy tub!

Earthen InstantPeel is a product that will probably never cease to amaze me - it's really super easy to use and I still think it's truly awesome to be able to actually see the peels of dead skin, it's like a proof that the product is working. I have never used something like this before! This product is great for dry and sensitive skin as it didn't leave my face irritated or even drier - I could feel my skin being softer and smoother. The only things I dislike about this product is the price - at $10 an application, it can be getting quite pricey - and the messy packaging.

I don't think I have had such amazing results with any other lengthening mascara before Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara - it makes my lashes extremely long and defined, and most importantly, it holds a curl all day, which is a real miracle when you have extremely straight lashes like me! Also, I usually shy away from plastic applicators, but this mascara changed it all!

e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler is the only eyelash curler that I have tried that really works at curling my super straight lashes, but I hate, hate, hate how the metal top is so sharp that it always dig in the rubber pad, creating dents that pull off my precious eyelashes. Also, the stupid pad always falls off and, as if it wasn't enough, you can't purchase the rubber pad separately so you have to buy a new curler everytime which is not really a problem because it's only $1, but still, it's such a waste. Despite all of the bad things I pointed out, I still stick with this curler - do I really have a choice?

I picked up Mitchum Advanced Control Utltimate Strength & Protection Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant when I spotted it on sale at Walmart in an attempt to go completely cruelty-free, and I was not disappointed! The fragrance Powder Fresh is really nice but not overpowering, and best of all, I really feel protected all day, both from wetness and odor! I think I have found a new favorite - and cruelty-free - deodorant!

I recently reviewed Bomb La Bon Bon Whipped Sugar Scrub in Cotton Candy which I could not resist using almost every day because of its intoxicating smell, and I am actually a bit sad that I used it up so quickly, but it's OK though because it was not abrasive enough for my taste.

I have always loved serums as I have super dry skin, and Reviva Labs High Potency Collagen Serum did not disappoint. I love the lightweight gel consistency that absorbs very quickly into the skin, so you can apply your day or night cream over it without having to wait. This serum really left my skin super soft and smooth, and call me crazy, but I swear I have noticed results after the first use! Maybe I was too excited, but I really think my skin was less dry than the day before, especialy my dry patches of eczema. Of course, even after continuous use, this serum didn't get rid of my eczema (nothing really can), but I feel it has helped at least a little.

I have had Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel for what, three years, without never really using it regularly until I got more into self tanners recently, so when I decided to give it another try, it barely turned me... yellow. It's OK, I never really liked you either!

It does not happen often that I am really sad to have used up a particular product but I really think I have found my absolute holy grail night cream in KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Night Cream - it is everything I ever wanted in a night cream! It is amazingly thick and rich, it's not greasy and it's absorbed quickly into the skin, oh, and the smell... delicious! This cream looks very thick in the pot but it's very buttery and smooth on the skin, leaving it super soft.

Since I tried LARA Beauty Polishing Microderm Abrasion for Sensitive Skin, I have been hooked on microdermabrasion treatments, which seem to work so much better than you average face scrub! The texture of this one is just so thick, creamy and perfectly abrasive, but still, super gentle on my dry skin. My skin felt refreshed after use, but not tight or dry. It's a shame this product could not clear my skin of blackheads though, which is a big issue for me, but next time, I will try mixing three parts baking soda with one part water instead of repurchasing another product.

*Please note that Avon Wish of Luck is NOT cruelty-free

FOTD & OOTD | Everything that I want, I want from you, but I just can't have you ♥

Friday night, my friends and I decided for something a bit different - a pyjama party! What, you can't get drunk party at a nightclub every weekend, can you? Sometimes it's fun to have a more laid-back and relax night, so we put on our cutest pyjamas (OK, I was the only one with an actual pyjama), cooked a delicious dinner (it was the first time I ever had curry rice, yum!), talked about our plan to escape to Cancun this summer and watched Seconds Apart, an horror movie (which is more of a weird thriller in my opinion, but it was OK).

I wanted to play with my Marcelle BB Cream-to-Powder for a while but of course, being a beauty blogger, it was out of the question for me to even swatch it if I had not taken proper pictures of it before, which is hard with this crappy winter lighting! To my great surprise, there was a ray of sunlight in the morning and I was able to take some pictures in preparation for an actual review, and I could not wait to try it on since I love the original BB Cream so much, and I was not disappointed! It conceals redness - damn eczema! - and the few blemishes I have without feeling heavy. I have never been a fan of foundation but this might just be my new faorite product! And to say I have waited five months before trying it... So I decided it would be fun to show you my FOTD featuring this product... and pyjama!

Annabelle Single Eyeshadow - Goddess | MAC Eye Pencil - Ebony* (smudged on top and lower lashline, under eyeshadow)| NYX Doll Eye Mascara - Long Lash Black | Wet n Wild Color Icon Liner Brow & Eye Pencil - Taupe

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - Neutral Medium | Marcelle BB Cream-to-Powder - Light to Medium | NYC Loose Translucent Face Powder* | Annabelle Biggy Bronzing Powder - Caribbean Sun | Milani Baked Blush - Luminoso | I Love... Lipbalm - Blueberry & Smoothie 

What does Peach do while I'm busy taking pictures? Oh yes, right, she is sleeping - on my legs - of course!

pyjama - Sears (my mother's!) | tan - Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Decolleté | hair color - Fudge Paint Box in Blueberry Hill | 

Have you done anything fun this weekend ladies?

*Please note that these products are NOT cruelty-free

Lyrics are from Stray Heart, by Green Day

Shopping | Clarins 2012 Fall Warehouse Sale

To be honest, I have never really cared about Clarins or any of the brands featured at their warehouse sale (Anna Sui, Pür Minerals, KIBIO, ROXY, etc) except NUXE but I was mostly happy with my last year's purchases and my mother and I enjoyed this time spent together so we decided to have a look again this year, since we were both free from work Friday (the sale was on November 9 and 10).

We were thankful to not have to wait too long before entering the Clarins building because it was cold and windy outside! Of course, inside, it was crowded - I am talking crazy ladies trying to make their way to the various stands with their handbag the size of an elephant - that I almost instantly gave up! I let my mother hadvea peek at the different products that did not interest me and I headed for the self tanners stand.

I can't say I was 100% happy with the previous Clarins self tanners I have tried but I figured out I had nothing to lose by trying one that a lovely lady at the sale recommended for my pale skin - the Delicious Self Tanning Cream ($14 instead of $42). This instant self tanner is said to smell like cocoa and to have a tinted caramel colour for easy application. Enriched with aloe vera, it is supposed to be moisturizing and to infuse the skin with a natural-looking golden glow.

While I was at the Clarins self tanners stand, I decided to have a look at their sunscreens - a girl always need sunscreen, right? - and the same very helpful lady recommended the Sunscreen Care Oil-Free Lotion Spray SPF 15 ($14 instead of $32)  as she said she sunbathed on her boat all summer long and she never got a single sunburn - wow! I have never used a spray sunscreen before so I am very curious to test it.

Then I headed for the NUXE stand and I almost imediately found what I was looking for - one of the best lipbalm I have ever used, Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm ($9 instead of $19.50), even though my current pot is barely touched because I was too afraid of running out - silly, I know, but if you had constantly chapped and eczema-prone lips like mine, you would understand!

Last year, my mother bought three jars of  Rêve de Miel Ultra-Comfortable Face Cream ($20 instead of $40) and I absolutely fell in love with its thick and buttery texture that melts when in contact with the skin - exactly what I am looking for in a night cream! Now I know NUXE has an Ultra-Comfortable Face Cream for day and another for night, but mine is simply not labelled - I plan to use it at night anyway, as I am almost out of my beloved KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Night Cream, which is really similar in texture.

The last thing I bought is NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with 3 Roses and Green Tea ($10 instead of $23.50) because since I have discovered Marcelle Essentials Purity Soothing Cleansing Water, I am absolutely sold on cleansing water, and at $10, I simply could not pass up this one!

Please let me know if there is something you would like me to review!

November Empties

☑ Clarins Sheer Bronze Tinted Self Tanner For Legs

I have bought this out of curiosity at the first Clarins warehouse sale I attended maybe two years ago but at this time, I wasn't even into self tanners so I barely used it on my legs and it didn't impress me so I put it away. Now that I've gotten more into self tanners, I wanted to use this one up before buying some others.

I haven't used a lot of self tanners so I can't really compare this one to some others but it doesn't seem to do much for me - it barely gives me a slight glow. I don't know if it's due to the fact that I'm naturally pale - I'm a natural blonde - but I'm disappointed. I'll keep searching for a self tanner that will really make me look tan!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Decolleté

☑ Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream and Avocado Pear Nourishing Nights Cream (samples)

These were average. The smell was a bit too strong for me and to be honest, it wasn't the most pleasant. I loved the texture too, it ws thick without being too thick.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel-Cream for dry skin (day) and Burt's Bees Radiance Night Cream (night)

☑ Dr Hess Udder Stick Pomegranate

OK I'll admit it - I'm actually cheating with this one. What happened is that for review purposes, I wanted to take a picture to show you the actual quantity of lipbalm in the tube but when I tried to slide it back in the tube, it broke! So I had to melt it in a Vaseline tin but I'm still including it in my empties =P

Repurchase: yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: other Dr Hess Udder Sticks

☑ Fruits & Passion Georgia Peach Foaming Bath

Very average foam that last about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes

These are great to gently wash my face in the morning. If they dry up, I simply spritz a little toner on them and them rub them on my face.

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes

☑Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

I bought this a long time ago when my hair was completely destroyed by the numerous bleaches I inflicted it, and I was happy to confirm that the claims were true - I really did see a difference after the first use! Of course, it didn't repair my hair on the first use, but I was actually amazed at how soft it left my hair so I kept on using it and I was never disappointed.

I also like the consistency of this conditioner, it's thicker than a lot of conditioners I have tried - it won't drip everywhere - in the past and I feel that it coats my hair really well.

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: I'm trying to use up those conditioners that come with my boxes of hair dye!

☑Escada Pacific Paradise Eau de Toilette

I bought this at a Clarins warehouse sale years ago because I instantly fell in love with its fruity yet not overly sweet scent, but I'm glad I finally used it up because I have way too many perfumes in my stash! Yes it's fun to use a different one every day, but they have a very limited shelf life, and this one almost didn't smell anything at all after all this time.

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: other perfumes like Jessica Simpson Fancy, Harajuku♥Lovers Fragrance Baby, Aquolina Pink Sugar, etc.

☑ L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara*

Repurchase: no, only because L'Oréal tests on animals, and that's a shame because it's a pretty good mascara.

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes

*This product is NOT cruelty-free

July Empties

☑ 100% Pure Body Cream (samples) review

The first thing that struck me with this body cream was the scent. My favorite by far was Green Apple - yum! They all smell amazing - and I'm not talking about that cheap chemical scent! I wish the scent would last longer on the skin but this body cream is still a pleasure to use regardless. As for the texture, it's just what I was expecting for a body cream: deliciously rich, non greasy and fast absorbing. There is a wide variety of scents available and they are all vegan, except Honey Almond, which is vegetarian.

Repurchase: yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Jergens Naturals Aloe Soothing Body Moisturiser with Cucumber

☑ LaRocca Skincare 24k C-Gold Gel (sample) review

Can you believe this product costs $143 for 1oz? Crazy right? I didn't notice any improvment regarding the clarifying, brightening and firming of the skin. Maybe I'm too young for this? But one thing I can tell for sure is that this gel is really moisturizing, and it leaves my skin sooooo soft and smooth! I couldn't stop touching my face after applying it! As it's a gel, the texture is light, but I still think it's a little heavy for a gel - it takes some times for the product to be absorbed into the skin. It doesn't feel greasy though.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum

☑ Clarins Toning Lotion Alcohol-Free with Camomille (sample)

I bought this for $5 on a whim at the first Clarins warehouse sale I attended... $5 for a sample size they aren't even allowed to sale... I think it was the first warehouse sale I ever attended but since thne, trust me I've learned what it worth it and what is not worth it. I don't think this product is worth the price, as a toner is a toner, right?

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion (sample)

Tag: Summer Besties

I'm not a big fan of tags (even though I enjoy reading them), but I've seen this one on YouTube and on some blogs and I thought it was quite interesting so I decided to give it a go!

Favorite summer...

Lip product - MAC Lazy Day Lustre Lipstick I was extremely lucky to win this gorgeous lipstick from Kim. Because of my dry lips, I don't wear lipstick as often as I would like to, but this one is definitely a favorite of mine. It's a perfect pale pink that doesn't make me look like a ghost even though I'm pale, and I like its glossy finish.

Blush - Annabelle Mineral Powder Blush - Au Naturel I've never been a big fan of mineral makeup because it tends to be a mess to use, but I love this blush regardless. Yes it goes everywhere on the bathroom counter when I try to put it on, but the color is just so natural and perfect, it's definitely worth it. This blush is easily buildable and provides a natural and radiant glow thanks to its slightly shimmery finish.

Nail Polish - Barry M Nail Paint in Mushroom Barry M is not available in Canada as of yet, but I was very lucky to receive this nail polish to try and review. It's one of the best drugstore nail polish I have tried so far! It lasts a week with minor chips, the formula is great and you barely need two coats to achieve perfect opacity. Mushroom is a super pretty taupe shade that has quickly became a staple of mine.

Bronzer - Annabelle Zebra Bronzing Powder in Haute Gold (the original question was "Liquid face product" but I don't use any) I reviewed this a long time ago, and even if I had the chance to try numerous bronzers in the meantime, I always go back to this one. It is perfectly shimmery and even if I'm fair, this bronzer gives a natural glow to my face without overdoing it.

Powder face product - Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation SPF 15 - Bisque I normally don't wear foundation, but I like to swipe this one on to absorb the oil on my face when it's hot outside. It also has SPF 15 which is great, because I don't have to apply a greasy sunscreen before going out.

Hair product - Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo As I have super greasy roots, I fell in love with dry shampoos a long time ago, but I haven't had the chance to try Batiste until very recently - not to mention it's pretty hard to find here in Canada. Batiste is perfect: even if my hair is dark brown, the white residues are easy to brush out, and my hair is left volumized, texturized and clean for hours. With other dry shampoos, there was always a problem, but Batiste solved it all. I have tried Batiste Original, Blush and Tropical, and out of the three, Tropical is my favorite as it smells fresh and citrusy. The on the go size is also perfect to throw in my handbag.

Eye product - Too Faced Eye Shadow - Sitcom Siren When it's all hot and sweaty outside, I don't feel like putting makeup on and I tend to get lazy, that's why I like to rely on Sitcom Siren: it's a pretty taupe eyeshadow that applies like a dream and blends really well. It's a great natural shade to apply all over the lid when I'm in a hurry.

Self Tanner - Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Décolleté I bought this bronzer recently at Clarins 2011 Spring Warehouse Sale for $13 instead of $32 because I have never heard of a tint bronzer before. I'll be honest: the application is awful - because it's a tint, you have to be quick and apply the product exactly where you want because when it's put, it stays put - you can't blend it. I know it was meant for the face and décolleté, but I really wanted to try it all over my body, and I wasn't disappointed: it really gives a dark tan without looking orange. It's a hassle to reapply it every week thought because of tint formula but I have yet to come across a bronzer that gives me better results.

Fashion accessory - Claire's Adjustable Humming Bird Ring I won this ring from Em about a month ago, and I'm absolutely in love with it! I've never been a big ring wearer but I never had something similar to this and it is sooooo gorgeous. I love its vintage vibe and the little sparkly stones are super pretty!

Clothing piece - Garage denim shorts I don't think I have ever bought denim shorts as I prefer to simply cut off the legs of old jeans that I don't wear anymore. Why waste something that still fits? I love the look of denim shorts, they go well with everything, and I even wear them in the winter with leggings or stockings.

L - R: Lazy Day, Au Naturel, Haute Gold, Bisque, Sitcom Siren


♥

The winner of my LoveMode.com giveaway is...

Krystal!

Yey! Congrats hun!!! =D