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

Project Pan Them All | March Empties

Hi ladies! I am so proud to be doing so well on my Project Pan Them All! It just feels so liberating to use up so many products in such a short time. I even used up a makeup product this month, which never happens, but I am not happy about it at all! I don't even understand how this happened but when I went to use my favorite bronzer, 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer in Brown Sugar, it was totally broken in pieces! I absolutely don't remember taking it somewhere with me or dropping it on the floor, so this will remain a mystery... the worst part is that I thought I could fix it with alcohol, but I only had a solution of 50% on hand, and I guess this was not enough because when I went to use it the day after, I thought it was fixed but no, it crumbled into a powdery mess, so I figured out I would just throw it away. I have been wanting to try Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer for a while anyway, which seems similar...

I received KQC Thermal Shine from Flat Iron Experts when I was sent very kindly sent a Babyliss Pro Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron for consideration to review. This protective spray smells a bit like men's cologne to me - which is very pleasant - and it really leaves my hair shiny, non greasy and lightweight, and it ensures that my flat iron glides on very smoothly.

I am usually disappointed to receive drugstore products in a subscription box, but I must say I was happy when I saw Curel Foot Therapy Soothing Cream in my May 2012 GLOSSYBOX because I really needed a new foot cream. This one has a nice thick consistency, it's absorbed quickly in the skin and it smells amazing - a bit sweet but not overpowering. It leaves my feet extremely soft and smooth after only a few use!

It seems I have had L'Oréal Professionnel Intense Repair Cuti Liss System Intense Nutrition Masque for dry hair* since forever, even though I used it every time I washed my hair instead of normal conditioner, and I finally managed to use it up! This masque has a really nice thick texture and my hair really feels nourished and properly mositurized after use, but I won't repurchase since L'Oréal tests on animals, so I will have to try and find a proper cruelty-free alternative... please let me know if you have any suggestions!

I can't say I was amazed by Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion since it just did not seem to really moisturize my skin - I constantly felt the urge to re-apply after a few hours! I am glad I used it so fast though!

I am not really sure what is the difference between the Body Butter and the Butter Lite from SPAresource, but I know I really enjoyed SPAresource Butter-Lite Sunrise Energy! This smells like nothing I have smelled before - floral with a hint of cucumber, I guess? Despite being lightly whipped, it has a nice thicker texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving it super soft, smooth and properly moisturized all day. No wonder this is such a nice and inexpensive alternative to The Body Shop body butters with ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter and cocoa butter!

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.

The eczema on my hands was going really well until I experienced a huge flare-up for unknown reasons, just when I ran out of my thrusty Ratio-Clobetasol Propionate Ointment 0.05% w/w! This is basically topical corticosteroid, the strongest steroid I have been prescribed to use on my eczema, and the only thing that really works. 

Despite it's scrumptious coconut scent, I was a bit disapppointed by Bomb La Bon Bon Coco Choco Brown Sugar Scrub since it is the type of scrubs that makes a terrible slippery mess in the shower - because it is so oily, it falls everywhere before I have the time to properly rube it on my body, and I have to wash the shower after each use to ensure no one will fall and get hurt!

However, I was really impressed by Bomb La Bon Bon Cookies N Cream Bath Bomb - it really smells like Oreo cookies, and I can really feel the sweet almond oil in the bath and on my body - it leaves my skin sooooo amazingly soft, like nothing I have ever used! I swear I could even skip moisturizer after a bath with this product. It does leave the bath very slippery though, but this is minor since it works so well!

Just like every LUSH product I have, I took way too long to use Abombinaball Bath Bomb before it looses its smells, but oh well, it was still amazing! I used only one half and it was really long lasting once dropped in the water - it would not stop fizzing and foaming! The bomb started by releasing frothy white foam, then it released blue and green colorings, which finally left the water a gorgeous sea color - heavenly! After use, my skin was left smooth and moisturized - such a shame I can't talk about the scent though! Maybe next year?

Göt2b Rockin' It Dry Shampoo is probably my all-time favorite dry shampoo, for many reasons - its extra strong spray - seriously, I was blown away! - makes it easier to target your roots without spraying product all over your hair, it perfectly cleans my hair within minutes and it lasts a while - after 4 days, my hair is still clean!, it really infuses tons of volume and bounce, and I love its fresh and citrusy smell. What more can I ask for?

I still can't belive I found Nivea Visage Natural Beauty Beautifying Eye Care at Dollarama for only $2! I don't think I have really tried something from Nivea before and I don't really know why, maybe because none of their products really appealled to me and because they tend to be a bit on the pricey side for drugstore products. I liked to use this eye cream in the morning since it is a bit pearlescent so it does wake up my eyes a bit.

*Please note that L'Oréal Professionnel Intense Repair Cuti Liss System Intense Nutrition Masque for dry hair is NOT cruelty-free

February 2013 Canadian GLOSSYBOX - Glossy Love Edition

GLOSSYBOX launched in Canada on February 12, 2012, and they are sharing the love with their February 2013 edition, in honour of their first anniversary and the month of love, with a special limited edition package for this month's box. 

As a GLOSSYBOX Ambassador, I have the chance to receive boxes and other surprise now and then, and I was delighted when my favorite postman knocked on my door to hand me the Glossy Love edition GLOSSYBOX, which looks stunning with its glossy black box with a shocking pink bow painted around it - even the tissue inside was changed to matching black and fuchsia colours!

L - R: Oh-So-Cute, Coral Frenzy

I was incredibly excited to see Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment ($13.50/30ml) in this month's box since I keep reading on blogs that this is the miracle hair treatment! This was definitely on my wishlish but of course, I won't allow myself to buy it until I use up the many hair treatments I already have, so I am really glad to have received this product in a such nice size - since it is an oil, I guess I won't need a big quantity at a time, so I am sure this will last me a long time.

I was really disappointed when I saw Essence Quattro Eyeshadow in Oh-So-Cute (received full size, $3.99) in this box because I knew I would never wear these shades, but when I swatched them, oh the terrible mess! All of the colors are incredibly chalky, and even what I thought could be a gorgeous dark shimmery blue goes on super patchy. This is weird because I have Essence Quattro Eyeshadow in Over The Taupe and all of the shades go on super smooth and silky! I guess that with such inexpensive products, it is really hit or miss...

I almost could not believe my eyes when I spotted Givenchy Gloss Interdit in Coral Frenzy ($30.00/6ml) - this is probably the only product from the brand I will be able to lay my hands on in all my life! This lipgloss has a really light, smooth and comfortable texture with amazing shine. Coral Frenzy is a nicely pigmented 'my lips but better shade', although I am not a fan of the fairly big glitters in it.

Although I absolutely do not need a 2897672589th body wash in my already overflowing stash, I was happy to receive Anatomicals You Need A Blooming Shower! Rose and Jasmine Body Cleanser (received full size, $3.00) since I am excited to be able to test a product from a UK brand, and also because this smells heavenly - my nose mainly detects the subtle yet delightful rose notes, but I can hardly smell the jasmine.

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (received full size, $9.99) is one of those classic products that are always welcome in a bathroom cabinet - I remember trying them when I was younger and they worked amazingly well for me! Now I am a bit worried that they would rip off my nose ring but I really want to try them again so I will be sure to be careful.

I have never been a fan of these ridiculous one time use product samples that you can find in magazines (the Eucerin Hyal-Urea Anti-Wrinkle Day/Night Cream Sachet Duo (50ml/418.50) were actually a freebie available on their website and in magazines some time ago...) but I have never tried anything from Crabtree & Evelyn and this lightly scented Tarocco Orange Eucalyptus & Sage Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy Sachet ($8.00/250g) is a little teaser for the full size version which will be available in an upcoming box.

They even included a special edition GLOSSYBOX branded cupcake kit so that all of their subscribers can join the birthday celebration with some sweet homemade treats - such a cute, unexpected and very useful touch! I will be sure to feature these cuties in an upcoming recipe post.

I had the chance to receive two other GLOSSYBOX in the past (February 2012 and May 2012) but I was never really impressed by GLOSSYBOX - or any of those subscription boxes. However, I must admit that this month's box changed my mind for a few reasons - it contains a nice selection of makeup, skin care and hair care items, we received three full size products, this box includes nice high end and drugstore products, and, correct me if I am wrong, but all of the products included have not been tested on animals.

GLOSSYBOX definitely stepped up their game with this month's box since all of my requirements were met, but I am still not sure this will last since it is a special box... what do you think?

GLOSSYBOX Canada is available for $21 a month but you can get 10% your first box with code GLOSSY17! 

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.

Help Eucerin Donate $100k To Benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters!

In honor of National Mentoring Month, NIVEA, NIVEA MEN, Aquaphor, and Eucerin are partnering up with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported network of youth mentoring agencies. Beiersdorf supports Big Brothers Big Sisters as a corporate fundraising and site-based mentoring partner.

Eucerin's 2013 National Mentoring Month goal is to donate $100,000 - see what’s in it for you below:

• Starting January 11th through March 31, 2013, spend $10.00 on any combination of NIVEA, NIVEA MEN, Aquaphor or Eucerin products at a store near you and we will donate $1.00 to Big Brothers Big Sisters!
• Starting January 11th through March 31, 2013, visit the @EucerinUS page to receive a free sample* and learn how you can help support Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. (*while supplies last)

Big Brother Big Sisters is a wonderful organization, whose mission is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children that need it the most. Visit the Eucerin Facebook page to find out more information.

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

CLOSED - Holiday Giveaway #2 | Fall-ing Into Good Skincare Habits with Eucerin!‏

Since the cold weather has quickly arrived, Eucerin want to help make sure everyone is doing what they can to protect their gorgeous skin and putting the health of their skin first. For over 100 years, Eucerin has been pioneering skin science and innovation and are recognized as one of the leading and most trustworthy therapeutic brands by both pharmacists and dermatologists.

I recently expressed my love for Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion and today, I am happy to announce that the lovely people over at Eucerin are also able to provide Gaby's Beauty Blog with additional 4 bottles to host reader giveaways!

Rules:

• This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only (sorry!) 
• You have to follow Gaby's Beauty Blog either via GFC, bloglovin or Hellocotton (you don't need to have a blog) 
• Giveaway/freebie "hunters" or blogs made solely for giveaways will be disqualified (my giveaways are to thank the lovely ladies who truly read my blog!) 
• This giveaway ends on December 18, at 12:01 am. 

To enter (mandatory):

• Fill out the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post

Good luck!!!

Please wait for the Rafflecopter form to load!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is sponsored by Eucerin.

Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion - Feel The Difference 100 Years Of Science Makes

Because I am more of a body butter girl, I am always sceptical of lotions that claim to be able to really heal dry skin, especially since I am suffering from eczema, but I am really glad I finally gave a try to Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion, a unique, fast absorbing lotion that combines Ceramide-3, skin’s own moisturizers, and Gluco-Glycerol to improve the condition of skin and fight dryness at the source. I heard so much rave about this brand, especially since it is said to work amazing on eczema-prone skin.

I don't think I have heard of a product claiming to strengthen the skin’s barrier to lock in moisture and improve moisture reserves to help prevent dryness from recurring for healthy looking skin, but I think it is fair to say that I am sold on Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion!

Since my eczema-prone skin becomes dry, tight and uncomfortable extremely easily - especially in the harsh fall/winter weather - I really need a product that is able to calm the itchiness due to eczema imediately, and it is exactly what this Eucerin lotion does. Despite its light and non-greasy texture that is absorbed super fast, Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion provides intense moisture for skin that looks and feels immediately hydrated. I don't even need to re-apply lotion in the morning, that's just how well this product works!

While using Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion, I did not even experience eczema flare-up or any itchiness due to eczema at all - how amazing is that? But as soon as I switched to another product - The Body Shop Mango Body Butter - my whole body became itchy and irritated again. I am glad the bottle is so big - and I love the pump! - because I am sure it will last me a long time.

Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion is dermatologist tested and fragrance-free and it is available at around $10.00 for 16.9 fl. oz.

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.