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

It's my birthday! + October empties

It's my birthday today! I'm now 22... time goes by so fast! 

Picture is from weheartit

 ♥

 ☑ SPAresource Coconut Hand Cream (sample size 4mL)

This smells yummy, and it's really thick for a hand cream! I'm never disappointed by SPAresource products!

Repurchase? yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner

 ☑ Pantene Color Preserve Volume Hair Solutions Shampoo (50 mL)

This didn't really preserve my color more than any other shampoo and it didn't leave my hair especially shiny )=

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Shampoo

  ☑ Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula (sample size)

I was thrilled to finally get a chance to try this product and OMG, it totally lives up to its claims, even if I had enough product for only two uses! It's really thick, it smells yummy and it's really hydrating (I really noticed a difference on my elbow even after only 2 uses!).

Repurchase? yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bella Spa by Ivy Castle Luxury Body Butter Coca Butter

☑ Burt's Bees Vitamin E Bath & Bodu Oil (sample size 29 mL)

I love the smell, very refreshing, but I'm not a fan of oil as it's just so... greasy LOL.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

☑ Avon SuperExtend Mascara

This is lenghtening, but it's not the best mascara I've ever used. Plus, it clumps after a few coats and it dries up quite quickly )=

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara

☑ John Frieda Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner and Shooting Lotion (sample size 8.3 mL)

Those products smell really minty which I like, especially when I take my shower in the morning as the smell wakes me up a little. The combination of products also left my hair soooo shiny and soft.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Serum

☑Sally Hansen Maximum Strength Regular Polish Remover

Well there's not much to say about a nail polish remover! Sally Hansen is a well-known nail care brand and I guess this product does the job.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Sally Hansen Maximum Strength Strenghtening Polish Remover

☑ Freeman Moisture Rich Apricot & Wild Cherry Deep Impact Lathering Facial Scrub

Wow, I have this since forever! It smells great and does the job quite well, but I hink it has been discontinued.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub (7 g)

 ☑ Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Burst Nectarine & White Ginger scent Anti-perspirant stick

I didn't feel especially "protected" with this anti-perspirant. I only bopught it because it was on sale and because it smelled great hehe!

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant

Currently using (April) + Mail

So out of boredom, I've decided to jump on the "What I'm currently using" bandwagon. I will try to do this around the middle of each month, along with my "Currently loving" posts.

BODY

Body wash: Glamour Gal Shower Gel with the essence of roses, violets, lavender & musk
Scrub: my homemade olive oil and brown sugar scrub
Moisturizer: Calgon Take me away! Mmmmm! Cotton Candy Body Lotion
Hand lotion: Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner
Deodorant/antiperspirant: Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Energizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass scent

FACE

Cleanser: Noxzema The Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus Oil review + mark. That's Deep Purifying Cleanser with sugar maple/black willow bark
Toner: Nivea Visage Gentle Toner + mark. Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher with kiwi/grapefruit
Scrub: Freeman Moisture Rich Apricot & Wild Cherry Deep Impact Lathering Facial Scrub
Mask: Avon Solutions Winter Moisturizing Mask
Day cream: Avon Basics Extra Hydration Face Cream review
Night cream: Avon Solutions Winter Nourishing Night Cream review
Eye cream: Avon Solutions Plus Ageless Results Intensive Line Filler + Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream with royal jelly + Lancôme Rénergie Microlift Eye R.A.R.E Superior Lifting Eye Cream
Treatment: Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Anti-Blemish Pen

HAIR

Shampoo: Personnelle Colour Protection Shampoo
Conditioner: Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner + Clairol Perfect 10 Nice 'n Easy Color Seal Intensive Conditioning Cream (6 weekly treatments)
Mask: -
Styling products: -

MAKEUP

Foundation: -
Concealer: Marcelle Concealer Palette in Universal Beige + Joe Fresh Style Duo Concealer in Light
Bronzer: Annabelle Mineral Powder Bronzer in Terra
Blush: Annabelle Mineral Powder Blush in Au Naturel
Powder: Annabelle Satellite Pearl Powder in Celestial Pearl
Highlighter: Annabelle Satellite Pearl Powder in Celestial Pearl + Maybelline Expert Wear Eye Shadow Single in Vanilla
Eye shadow: Annabelle Mineral Pigment Dust in Solar, Violet Vibe and Myth
Mascara: Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Very Black review
Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx
Lipstick: -
Lipgloss: Marcelle Vita-Lip Plumping Gloss in Rio Rose

Pictures are from weheartit.

Friday, I received my Avon order in the mail:

Their mega box again... even if I only ordered two things -_-

Of course, they included brochures and bags (since when do they include bags in our order?!), but an enveloppe would have been perfect! What a waste... but don't worry, my mother always uses my Avon boxes to store other things =P

I ordered the SuperExtend Mascara and the SuperSHOCK Mascara as they were only $4.99 each, but the SuperSHOCK was sold out, so I will receive it with my next order -_-

I'm sick of it, there's always something missing in my Avon orders, and you know what's even worst? They don't automatically send you the missing item as soon as they get it at the warehouse, no, you have to place another order for them to include the missin product in it! So as long as you don't order something else, you won't get your hands on that item. ARGH.

I was one of the lucky winners of a Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller from the Loulou Beauty Lottery contest that appeared in the March issue, and I received my prize Monday:

It retails for around $26 at my local Wal-Mart, which is a lot in my opinion! I'm glad I got the chance to try it for free, as I'm a little suspicious about it. I don't have puffy eyes, but I do have fine lines starting to show around  my eyes. 

I just noticed that on the eye roller, it's written "Avoid contact with eyes." LOL.

Bobette and Shelby wanted to play with me yesterday night:

Please excuse my weird expression (I tried to cover the evidence), but I tried to watch over them while smiling for the camera LOL.

Of course, one of them peed on me, just when I was fresh from the shower! My brother says it's because they love me... yeah right! xD

March empties + March favourites

I've finally used up three products this month - and since the beginning of the year! Here they are:

Avon On Duty 24 Hours Clear Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant: I hated it. You will see why in my upcoming review.

Freeman Goodstuff Organics Moisture Shea Butter Vitamin E Whipped Body Butter: This is LOVE. Everything is amazing about it! See my review here.

Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Shower Gel: I feel like it takes forever to finish a shower gel, so I'm glad I finished one this month.


And now, onto my March favourites:

Avon Basics Extra Hydration Face Cream: I've been using it every day since I got it. It's great for winter, as it's thick (makes a great night cream, too). See my review here.

Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus Oil: I still can't believe I found this product in a Dollar Store for only 2$! It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, not to mention this amazing fresh scent! Even my doggie noticed; he couldn't stop smelling my face the first time I used this cleanser xD See my review here.

Jessica Simpson Fancy eau de parfum spray: it's my all-time favorite fragrance, but I've found myself reaching for it more often lately (maybe because spring is in the air?)

Marcelle Minerals Powder Blush in Natural Glow: I've been sent this blush to try and review, and I've been using it every day since I got it. It instantly adds radiance to the face.

Marcelle Vita-Lip Plumping Gloss in Rio Rose: I got it at the last Marcelle/Annabelle Warehouse Sale (if I remember well). It's supposed to plump lips after a continuous use, but even if I haven't seen results so far, I like the high shine and glossy effect it delivers.

Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Energizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass Scent: I took advantage of a 2 for 5$ sale out of curiosity, and I'm glad I did! I've been wanting to try the Go Fresh products for some times now.

Meet my other love, Guimauve (it means "marshmallow" in French), she's a 3 years old gerbil:

She's busy tearing cartboard to build her "nest".

Oups, looks like she saw me xD

I think she's hungry!

And here she is! She like to go into her food jar, grab some things and go back in her house and eat them.

With my mother. Isn't she cute?

Giveaway winner + mail + Wal-Mart haul + FOTD

Hello lovelies! I'm pleased to announce that the winner of my Skin MD Natural giveaway is...

...JustScarllet from Glamour, Glitter and Gold! 

Congratulations! I'll be contacting you soon by email for your shipping informations (=

I've got mail today ^^

I received my Mario Badescu products samples today! YEY! And look at all those goodies:

• Enzyme Cleansing Gel
• Special Cucumber Lotion
• Flower & Tonic Mask
• Kiwi Face Scrub
• Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream
• Drying Cream
• Alow Moisturizer SPF 15

The little containers are so cute! I have a HUGE thing for cute little containers ^^ I'll definitely be reusing them!

My mother wanted to return some clothes she had bought from The Bay, and since their 70% sale was still going on, I decided to go with her. I hate The Bay, but I wanted to take a look at the things on sale. Of course, I found nothing interesting. Even on sale, everything is so expensive! Anyway, so we headed to Wal-Mart after that, and, of course, we browsed the skin care aisles. As I never buy skin care or makeup products at full price, I always look for those big yellow or red labels that they put on the shelves to indicate that a product is on sale, but I thought nothing was really interesting today. But my mother spotted interesting things with a tiny yellow label on them that I have not seen, and other products that were at ridiculously low prices. Here is what I bought:

Dr. Teal's Therapeutic Bath & Body Sensuality New Deep Amber Vanilla Chapped Hands Cream: As I just pan the hand cream I was using, I needed a new one to protect me from the harsh winter's cold. I couldn't resist the scent of this cream, and the texture is just what I was looking for!

Freeman Goodstuff Organics New Moisture Shea Butter & Vitamin E Whipped Body Butter: OK, this is a new product, and it's already on sale... for 1,64$! The scent is divine and the texture is p-e-r-f-e-c-t! As I LOVE body butters (even more when they are whipped!) so much... I bought two! Here, I tried to take pictures in various lightning to show you the texture of it:

Burt's Bees Bee Keeper - Classic, Featuring Four Beeswax Lip Balms: OMG! This stuff was on sale for 3,75$... instead of 23,97$! And you get four original Beeswax Lip Balms for not even the price of one! I bought one, and my mother bought the 3-4 others left on the shelf xD

How cute is this little tin? If I was a smoker, I would have definitely used it to carry my cigarettes or cigars LOL.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm Purse Pack - Mixed, Featuring a Pomegranate, a Honey, & two Beeswax Lip Balms: As for the previous Burt's Bees lip balms kit, this one is also 3,75$ instead of 23,97$. I grabbed one (mostly because of the cute purse!), and my mother bought the 2 left on the shelf, too!

Isn't this purse the cutest thing? I still don't know what I'll be doing with it...

Maybe I'll use it to carry my change around? Or as a makeup bag? Hmmm...

My mother was also hesitating between these two bonus packages:

The mascara is the same in both packages (Marcelle Volume Precision Mascara in Black), and the other product is a Marcelle Essentials eye-makeup remover. The difference between the two is that the one on the left is a gel eye makeup remover and the one on the right is an oil-free eye makeup remover. As I was more interest in the gel based one, and my mother in the other, we came to an agreement: she buys the gel base one and, back home, we switch products! Yes, because my sister in law gave me the bonus package with the oil free eye makeuop remover for Christimas (=

My FOTD is pretty boring today as I used the same eyeshadow as Saturday... but anyway!

Face
Marcelle Colour Cube Bronzing Powder - Multi-bronze

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush - ? (the label has been torned)

Eyes
Joe Fresh Duo Concealer - Light (used a as primer)

Physicians Formula Mosaic Cream Eye Shadow - Nutmeg Mosaic

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara- Black

Lips

nothing

I attempted another FOTD with this Pysicians Formula palette because I wanted to try using my concealer as a primer to prevent the crasing, and I also noticed that Saturday, after like 3-4 hours, little bits of mascara were stuck in my crease, which I've never experienced with any eyeshadow before. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong...