Project Pan Them All | April Empties

My mother gave me this super cute and delicious smelling gingerbread cookie soap she found at Winners some times ago - it was actaully really good, it did not melt super fast like most bars of soap I have tried, and I can't get over how nice it smelled!

I had the chance to try Liz Earle 4 Piece Essential Discovery Collection and I really enjoyed both the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and the Instant Boost Skin Tonic - I have never used anything like this cleanser, which leaves me skin feels perfectly clean, soft and smooth when I am I done exfoliating it with the muslin cloth, and I enjoy finishing the cleansing routine with the toner, which does not contain alcohol and is enriched with cucumber and vitamin E - it smells sooooooo good!

I had never tried anything from Crabtree & Evelyn before but I received a sample of this lightly scented Tarocco Orange Eucalyptus & Sage Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy Sachet in the February Glossy Love GLOSSYBOX, but I am afraid that after only two uses, the only thing I can talk about is its smell - yummy!

I am getting really good at using up my LUSH bath products before they all loose their smell, because I keep being disappointed! I had high hopes for Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, and although it did leave my skin moisturized, I totally missed the vanilla and cotton candy scents and the foam disappeared after only a few minutes. Same for Ma Bar Bubble Bar!

I must admit I maybe judged Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara too quickly - when I first started using it, I hated the weird brush shape and I always ended up with tons of mascara all over my lids, not to mention that there was way too much product on the wand when I took it out of the tube. At first, the formula was way too wet and it took forever to dry, but a bit like Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils*, it dried out very quickly and although it was easier to apply for a little while, it quickly became unuseable and I had to throw it away. It's a shame because it made my lashes look incredibly and it did hold a curl all day!

I am still not sure what to think of conditioners that come in box hair dyes, but I guess Garnier Rich Nourishing Conditioner Cream* did an OK job.

I received a sample of NUXE Body Fondant Body Scrub with an Apothica order, but I am really strict when it comes to scrubs because most tend to not be abrasive enough and I hate when they make and oily mess in the shower. This one has exfoliating grains of various sizes, but it is too gentle for my liking.

I finally made the decision to throw away the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller* which I have been using daily for years, but it seems to be impossible to use up! I recently tried to see how much product was left, and I realized it looked a bit dirty and I figured out it did not really make much of a difference for me anyway. I have a backup of this eye roll as well as similar products in my stash such as Olay Regenerist Anti Aging Eye Roller* and Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Roll-On Anti-Puff & Dark Circles that I am really excited to try anyway.

I don't know why I never got around publishing a review of Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Masque, but I guess now it's too late because I used it up... but it was absolutely scrumptious - I think I even tasted it! It just feels like slathering on chocolate all over your face... its just so rich, moisturizind and decadent... perfect!

I was very kindly send EthicBioskin Organics Hair Elixir to try, which is an holistic hair and conditioner treatment oil entirely made with natural and organic ingredients such as raw coconut oil, broccoli seed oil and Moroccan raw argan oil, but I was able to get only two uses out of it because I the product is just so hard to get out! I am sad to report that I did not notice any improvment in my hair condition after use though.

*Please note 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

Everyday Makeup Routine

It has been quite some time since I had a proper makeup routine because I have been working as a chambermaid at a local hotel for the last year and I did not really see the need for a full face of makeup back then since the job involved mainly cleaning rooms alone - I would even skip mascara when I was especially tired in the morning! However, I recently got a new job as an assistant manager, meaning that I get to work with people, and this simple fact motivates me to take more time for my makeup in the morning.

Of course, waking up at 4:45 is never easy and I would rather spend more time in bed than working on my makeup, so most days, I simply get away with mascara and concealer, but when I have more time ahead of me, I actually like prepping for work - am I the only one who thinks it is motivating?

Even though I don't really understand the hype surrounding Benefit The POREfessional, I really want to use up my tube since it was a gift, so I make sure to apply it on the areas where my pores are apparent - believe me, they are huge - hence my forehead, cheeks and chin. It does not really seem to make a difference in the size of my pores, but I like how it makes my skin silky smooth and how it primes for concealer and/or foundation.

When I forgot to apply self tanner the night before and I am feeling especially pale, or when I experience all over redness due to eczema, I like to rely on Covergirl NatureLuxe Liquid Silk Foundation* in 'Maple 340' since it provides just enough coverage while feeling super lightweight, and it even seems to give my face an healthy glow. 'Maple 340' seems a tad too dark when I am not wearing fake tan, but because the coverage is not heavy, it blends effortlessly for a natural and glowy finish.

Most of the time, I prefer to skip foundation and simply pinpoint problem areas with concealer, and my current concealer of choice is Marcelle Concealer Palette. It is made with a universal yellow-toned corrector base and three cream concealers with a silky texture that easily conceals imperfections, while ensuring a natural and uniform coverage.

I was recently given L'Oréal True Match Touche Magique Concealer* in 'Warm Beige' and I quite enjoy using it to brighten up my sleepy eyes since it is an illuminating concealer which helps to visibly improve the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. I find that its coverage is not heavy enough to properly concealer redness or imperfections, this is why I solely use it on my eye area, or as an highlighter around my nose.

I like to seal everything up with NYC Loose Translucent Face Powder* in 'Translucent'* since it does not leave my skin looking powdery or dry but it absolutely does not last all day, and believe me, I have extremely dry skin, so this is beyond me! Well, I guess that for around $3, you get what you pay for - I would not recommend this for people with oily skin type though.

I have tons of blushes and bronzers in my stash but I am trying to find favorites and stick to them in an attempt to use up a few, but the temptation to switch them up every few days is hard to resist! I have managed to rely on Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder in 'Bronzer' and Milani Baked Blush in 'Luminoso' almost every day for the past few weeks though! The bronzer has nothing special even though I like that it is mostly matte, but the blush - oh, that blush! - is the prettiest, universally-flattering, soft golden peachy/coral shade ever - it infuses my cheeks with a stunning sheen that illuminates my skin and instantly makes me look awake! I think I will write a proper review instead of going on and on endlessly about it, so stay tuned!

Maybe it is a bit too early to judge Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara in 'Black' since I have been using it for less than a month, but I am far from convinced. This does nothing exceptional that would justify $35, I don't understand how to use the weird brush shape so I always end up with tons of mascara all over my lids, not to mention that there is way too much product on the wand when you take it out of the tube. Its formula is way too wet and it takes forever to dry, especially if you apply coats after coats, which are likely to end up in a clumpy mess if you are not careful. It works OK and it does hold a curl all day, but that's all.

Most of the time, I will apply a swipe of neutral eyeshadow such as Too Faced Single Eye Shadow in 'Sitcom Siren' and simply line my eyes with MAC Eye Pencil in 'Ebony'* - which is awfully unpigmented and blends extremely badly, but I am trying to use it up - just to look a bit more put together. When I have some time left, I will finish by quickly filling my brows with Wet n Wild Coloricon Brow & Eye Liner in  'Taupe' which is the creamiest and smoothest brow liner I have ever used.

L - R: Bronze, Luminoso, Ebony, Sitcom Siren and Taupe

I still find it a bit hard to stick to a specific routine but it can truly saves time in the morning, and also, it helps you use up your products! Do you have a makeup routine?

*Please note that these products are NOT cruelty-free

FOTN | The road is long, we carry on, try to have fun in the meantime

I went clubbing with some friends at Pub Ste-Thérèse some times ago (hence the brown hair, lack of bangs and pasty white skin) and even though it has been years since the last time I stepped foot in this place, it was fun, but the DJ sucked big times! They were supposed to close the place for one week to renovate everything - and I really hope they "renovated" the DJ as well... kidding.

Wet n Wild Coloricon Brow & Eye Liner - Taupe (brows) | Avon True Color Eyeshadow Single - Night Sky* (smudged on top and lower lashline) | Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx* (smudged on upper and lower lashline) | Annabelle Studio Mono Eyeshadow - B-Ray (outer corner) | Annabelle Studio Mono Eyeshadow - Graffiti (crease) | Annabelle Glitterama Liquid Eyeliner - Funshine (upper lashline) | L'Oréal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes - Black*

Benefit The POREfessional | Avon Healthy Makeup Mousse Foundation - Natural Beige* | Marcelle Concealer Palette - Universal Beige | Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer - Medium to Dark | MAC Surf, Baby! Cheek Powder - My Paradise*

* These products are NOT cruelty-free

Lyrics are from Born To Die, by Lana Del Rey

January Empties

☑ Marcelle Essentials Purity Soothing Cleansing Water See my review here.

Repurchase? yes! This is my HG makeup remover!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Pond's Cold Cream*

☑ Nivea Visage Gentle Toner I don't really believe in toner, I don't know, it just seems like another useless step in my beauty routine. I mean, if you use a proper face cleanser, you wouldn't feel the need to use a toner, right? I prefer to use toner in the morning instead of washing my face with water - it's faster and it's gentler on my dry skin than water. I like the smell of this one, for some reasons it reminds me of baby powder, and it's very gentle on my skin.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle AC-Solutions Anti-Imperfections Clarifying Lotion for acne-prone skin

☑ Glamour Gal Soap Petals with the essence of roses, violets, lavender & musk This is a useless and very annoying product - it did nothing for my skin, it smelled nothing and it was a mess to clean after as it stuck all over the tub!

Repurchase? no

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

☑ L'Oréal Paris Go 360° Clean Deep Exfoliating Scrub (sample 30 mL)* I don't like this, it's not abrasive enough and I think it's more of a cleanser than a scrub because it foams a lot and the beads disappear in seconds - everything I hate in a scrub!

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub

☑ L'Oréal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara* See my review here.

Repurchase? no, first because L'Oréal tests on animals, but also because this mascara is far too dry for my taste.

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Power Volume Mascara

☑ e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler This 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?

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler

☑ Passion Savon Mandarin Yoghurt Natural Handmade Soap See my review here.

Repurchase? no, there are many handmade soaps out there that smell better and that don't melt as quickly.

What I'm currently using to replace it: other Passion Savon soaps

☑ Vivaderm Daily Moisturizer See my review here.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

☑ OLAY Regenerist Eye Touch of Concealer Eye Regenerating Cream (7 mL)* I really wanted to like this but honestly, I'm not sure it really works - I mean, it's too sheer to be used as a concealer and I don't feel it did something for my eyes either.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: theBalm Time Balm in Light

☑ Burt's Bees Beeswax & Almond Milk Hand Creme (sample size) Because my job involves submerging my hands in the water and manipulating harsh chemicals a lot, I need to keep my eczema-prone hands moisturized so I keep sample-size hand creams in the pocket of my uniform. I really hate the texture of this hand cream, it's really thick and hard to spread on my hands, I guess it's because of the beeswax. It might be OK for night time but it tends to make my hands sticky during the day and that's annoying! Also, the scent isn't amazing and it's very strong.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Burt's Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Creme (sample size) 

☑ John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray I'm not sure how you can say if a heat protection product really works or not but I guess as long as your hair is still healthy and not fried or damaged after regular heat styling, it does! This one smells fresh and fruity which I really like, and I also like the pump handle which makes it easier to dispense product.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: La Coupe Flat Iron Thermal Straightening Spray

☑ Taro Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP 0.05% w/w This is basically topical corticosteroid, the strongest steroid I've been prescribed to use on my eczema, and the only thing that really works. I have to pay the price, however: this stuff is so strong that is has partly discolored my skin where I had patches of eczema - now I look like I don't know how to use fake tan, and that's not pretty. I've been told there's nothing I can do to have an even pigmentation again. F*ck my life.

Repurchase? I hope I won't have to...

What I'm currently using to replace it: other prescriptions for my eczema

☑ Clairol Natural Instincts Color Treat Color Conditioning Treatment* This is just your average conditioner that comes in a box of hair dye. This one is actually smaller than the ones I have used previously, but I guess it's because they include the Week 2 Color Refresher in the box as well. See my review of Clairol Natural Instincts Vibrant here.

Repurchase? no 

What I'm currently using to replace it: random hair dye conditiong treatment

 *These products are NOT cruelty-free 

Recent giveaways I have won

I have been lucky enough to win two giveaways in the past weeks!

My prize from Helena's giveaway

• Essence Duo Eyeshadow in Dream Team
• Essence Eclipse Glitter Eye Pencil in Hide Bella Hide
• Estee Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil in Softsmudge Black
• Essence Multi Action False Lashes Mascara

Essence Duo Eyeshadow in Dream Team

Essence Eclipse Glitter Eye Pencil in Hide Bella Hide and Estee Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil in Softsmudge Black: I'm especially loving the glitter eye pencil as I have nothing like this in my stash, and it glides beautifully on the lid and the glitters are not too chunky. 

with flash

without flash

Essence Multi Action False Lashes Mascara: False lashes effect mascara? Yeah! I'm curious about this brand, too, as it's not available here in Quebec.

Thank you Helena!

My prize from Kim's giveaway

• Harajuku♥Lovers Fragrance Baby
• Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara in Black Extase
  
• Cake Nourishing Hand Lotion Baked Citrus
• Borghese Nail Lacquer in B320 Palazzo Lilac F
• Borghese Nail Lacquer inB165 Bambina Pink S
• Borghese Nail Lacquer in B625 Bellini Peach F
• Borghese Nail Lacquer in  B275 Verona Pink C
• Borghese Nail Lacquer in B250 Venetian Red F
• MAC Lustre Lipstick in Lazy Day

I was thrilled at the sight of a such big package!

 I'm not a fan of the fragrance itself, but the box is beautiful! I'm actually using it to display my perfumes on my vanity hehe =D

The whole package was smelling sooooo good, and I was like "Wait, this can't be fragranced with Daisy because I don't like the scent..." LOL. Then I figured out the Cake Hand Lotion spilled a little on the wrapping paper xD

 Harajuku♥Lovers Fragrance Baby: I searched the web for a proper description of this fragrance as it's not written on the box, and here is what I found on Amazon:

A powdery musk, fresh, clean and soft.

Top notes: White Rose, Bergamot, Freesia.

Mid Notes: Orange Flower, Tiare Flower, Jasmine Petals.

Base Notes: White Musk, Soft Woods, Vanilla, Violet.

To me, this perfume smells baby powder, but not plain old baby powder. It's a little fruity too... I'm really bad at describing fragrances LOL. And look at that packaging! It's to die for!

Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara in Black Extase: Wow, I would have never bought a mascara this expensive myself so I'm really glad to have the chance to try it for free!

 Cake Nourishing Hand Lotion Baked Citrus: OMG This smells heavenly! I will definitely be using it as a body lotion because I want my whole body to smell cupcake hehe =D

 Borghese Nail Lacquer in Venetian Red, Verona Pink, Bambina Pink, Bellini Peach and Palazzo Lilac:  I really like Venetian Red and Verona Pink, but I'm not sure about the others, they all look so sheer...

 2 coats, with flash (same order as stated above, from thumb to pinky)

 without flash

 MAC Lustre Lipstick in Lazy Day: Wow, this is my first MAC product! I was very excited about it, and I'm not disappointed. This is the perfect pale pink, and I've been wearing it everyday since I received it =D

with flash

 without flash

Thank you very much for this amazing giveaway Kim! I'm very happy with everything =D

Mail of the week (October 18 - 22)

My prize from Kim's giveaway: Yey! I was lucky enough to win her Summer Giveaway! Here's what she included in the prize package:

• Harajuku♥Lovers Fragrance in Baby
• Cake Nourishing Hand Lotion Baked Citrus
• Borghese Nail Lacquer in B320 Palazzo Lilac F
• Borghese Nail Lacquer inB165 Bambina Pink S
• Borghese Nail Lacquer in B625 Bellini Peach F
• Borghese Nail Lacquer in  B275 Veronica Pink C
• Borghese Nail Lacquer in B250 Venetian Red F
• MAC Lustre Lipstick in Lazy Day
• Dior Diroshow Extase Mascara in Black Extase 

 

 

Thank you Kim!! =D

  Sample of Herbamare Original Aromatic Sea Salt + $1 off rebate: Register here for your free Herbamare sample (Canadian residents only).

November 2010 issue of Cosmopolitan

Cover case for my new Samsung Wave: I ordered it from eBay here and I will do a review on it in an upcoming post