Project Pan Them All | May Empties

I can't say I'm proud of myself this month - especially compared to last month - as I haven't used up a lot of products but I guess that's what happens when you try a lot of new products all at once. I hope next month will be better!

Some times ago, I had a coupon for a free Johnson's baby product so I chose Johnson's Shea & Cocoa Butter Baby Lotion* because it smelled great... but it's just not moisturizing enough for my dry and irritated skin - how is it supposed to protect babies' delicate skin? Hmm...

I had the chance to try a couple of Made From Earth products and I was not disappointed by their Hollistic Honey Body Lotion. At $14.99, it's a bit pricey for the quantity of product you get and also for the cheap packaging, but I must say that this really works amazingly well on my eczema. I wish I didn't use it so fast!

Despite the moisturizing claims of Montagne Jeunesse White Chocolate Ultra Deep Cleansing Masque, my skin was not left "smooth as the softest cream" - I literally had to rush to slather on my richest night cream after use! This product still smells absolutely amazing though.

I bought Mitchum PowerGel Flower Fresh Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Gel on sale for $2.97 at Wal-Mart because I really want to find a good cruelty-free anti-perspirant/deodorant, but I'm not really sure about this one. Some days it works, some days it won't... and I'm not even someone who sweats a lot!

I love how Burt's Bees Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub seems to leave a slight oily residue on my face after use instead of drying it out, which happens too often with many harsh face scrubs. I also love how this scrub is creamy, non foaming and that the exfoliating beads (which are really peach seeds) never "vanish" until you decide that you are done scrubbing your face.

I already mentionned this product in quite a few empties posts because I received a handful of them at my birthday but Fruits & Passion Pear Peony Foaming Bath is one of the worst foaming bath I have ever tried! It's absolutely overpriced for the poor foam that it created, not to mention it barely smell something and it lasts only 10 minutes!

December Empties

☑ Secret Scent Expressions Ooh-La-La Lavender Antiperspirant/Deodorant* It's been a long time since I lasted used gel antiperspirant/deodorant because they usually take forever to dry or, for some reason, I feel they work less than their stick/solid counterpart, but I must say I was impressed with this one. Not one time did it let me down and it dried in seconds! Seriously, who has time to walk around the house with arms in the air, waiting for their armpits to dry?

Repurchase? no, P&G tests on animals 

What I'm currently using to replace it: Mitchum PowerGel Flower Fresh antiperspirant/deodorant

☑ Burt's Bees Radiance Night Cream with royal jelly I guess that from the state of the jar, you can tell how long I've had this cream, and I must say I'm super happy to be finally done with it! I can't remember if the texture has changed since the first time I started using it but now it's just so thick and sticky, it's a nightmare to spread on your face - I felt like I was applying thick layers of collagen all over my face! This isn't moisturizing enough for my dry skin, and I always prefer my night cream to be extra moisturizing.

Repurchase? no 

What I'm currently using to replace it: KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Night Cream

☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Rich Hand Cream It seems I'm always complaining about Fruits & Passion but what can I say, this hand cream is far from being rich, in fact it's super light and it's not moisturizing at all for my super dry hands. I can't remember how much it cost because I can't find this size on their website but I think I got this in a gift set, but still, their products are always overpriced anyway.

Repurchase: no 

What I'm currently using to replace it: Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream (sample)

☑ Elemis FreshSkin Magical Moisture Quenching Face Mask See my review here.

Repurchase: no because as far as I know, you can't purchase this mask separately (it comes in a duo with the Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask , which did nothing for my dry skin) 

What I'm currently using to replace it: other face masks

☑ Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation FPS 15 - Bisque* I received this a long time ago when I used to be active on Meg's Makeup and I chose to redeem my hard-earned 250 points for the "Most Fab Gift". I never really used it until recently because I don't usually wear foundation on a daily basis but I decided I wanted to get rid of it without throwing it away. I can't tell if it's a good foundation or not because honestly, I don't think I have the worst skin and I don't really have blemish, pimple or scars to hide.

Repurchase: no because their answer to "Does Sheer Cover test on animals?" is "No. Sheer Cover finished products are not tested on animals." I guess you know what that means.

What I'm currently using to replace it: I'm switching foundation everyday 

☑ Spa0² Pebble & Shells Refreshing Bath & Shower Gel I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a shower gel or a bubble bath but because I have tons of soaps and shower gels to use, I decided to use this one as a bubble bath, and to get some slight bubbles, I had to pour the entire bottle in the bath! Talk about a crappy product! 

Repurchase: no 

What I'm currently using to replace it: random - and hopefully more interesting - bath treats

*These products are NOT cruelty-free 

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

October Empties

☑ Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer (sample)

I don't usually use primers and I'm not sure this one really did something - at least I didn't notice a brightening effect.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Benefit The POREfessional 

☑ Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Mineral Facial Rinse-Off Treatment

I bought this a long time ago and I must admit I rarely used it. It's basically a clay mask to me (despite its fancy name) and it did nothing special. You could buy a super cheap clay mask at the drugstore and it would work just as well.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Face Mask Duo

☑ Magical Moisture Quenching Face Mask

Repurchase: no because as far as I know, you can't purchase this mask separately (it comes in a duo with the Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask , which did nothing for my dry skin)

What I'm currently using to replace it: other face masks

☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Foaming Bath

Smells nice in the bottle but almost nothing once poured in the bath. Very average foam that lasts about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

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

☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

I think this did left my hair softer but I can't really tell as I always use a leave-in conditioner after washing my hair anyway. It has a nice thick texture though!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

☑ Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy

Repurchase: no as I'm sure I can find aloe vera products that work just as well at a fraction of the price

What I'm currently using to replace it: George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion

☑ mark. Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher with kiwi/grapefruit 

I got this a loooooong time ago when I became an Avon rep as reps have access to amazing discounts and this was included in a special mark. starter kit. I use this every morning as a toner instead of washing my face with soap because it's so dry, but I don't feel it really did something for my face. I'm glad I finally used it up!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes (60 towelettes)

☑ Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub (sample)

At first, I fell in love with this scrub because of its amazing smell and because it's so gentle... but after continuous use, I realized it did nothing for my skin... and it started to make the area around my mouth burn! Maybe I have an allergy to something in this scrub?


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub 

September Empties

☑ Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner (sample)

I'm not sure if I have noticed my hair being more volumized after using these products, but one thing I noticed is the smell - it's amazing! I don't really care about which shampoo I use on my hair anyway, as long as it cleans my hair, that's all I ask!

Repurchase: no, P&G tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Paris Vive Pro Colour-Vive Shampoo and  Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner (sample)

This product has an interesting texture, I've never seen something similar before. When you squeeze the product out, it's very thick and solid and it melts in contact with the hair. It also smells lovely, and I really think it has improved my hair's condition, leaving it soooo soft!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

☑ Fruits & Passion Grapefruit Guava Foaming Bath

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

Repurchase: no

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

☑ L'Oréal Féria Shimmer Boost Hydrating Conditioner

This must be one of the best weekly conditioner I have used because the texture is so thick and it feels very moisturizing but sadly, I'm not sure I won't repurchase Féria hair dye in the future as I've been quite disappointed with the results for the price - not to mention that L'Oréal tests on animals.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: weekly deep conditioners from other hair dyes

☑ Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion

The smallest bottle available (8oz) is $15.00 and so not worth it in my opinion - it stinks alcohol so bad and it dries my skin more than refreshing it - not to mention toners are not really necessary, especially if you have dry skin like me. This product didn't feel refreshing, disinfecting or deep cleaning at all, and if I'm not mistaken, alcohol in a body care product is never good, is it?

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Nivea Visage Gentle Toner

☑ Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream with royal jelly

I always find it hard to properly review eye creams as I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I'm 22 and I do have some expression lines around my eyes but nothing really noticeable. I use eye creams as a prevention, thus I don't really look for an anti-ageing product.

I guess I was drawn to this eye cream because it contains royal jelly and it's an OK product but I didn't notice my eyes looking more radiant or awaken despite the little reflecting particles in the cream. The texture is nice and easy to apply but I won't use it in the morning when I'm in a rush before putting on makeup because it takes some time to be absorbed into the skin.

I didn't realize this until now but I've had milia around my eyes for some times and now that I've stopped using this eye cream, it has really improved!

At around $23, it is pricey, but I have yet to find a good eye cream that doesn't cost more than $15. Keep in mind that it's 98.2% natural!

Repurchase: I would, if it didn't give me milia ):

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Solutions Plus Ageless Results Eye Cream

☑ Neotoric Diabetic Oxygenated Advanced Healing Cream review

Because this cream is claimed to be "an exceptional intensive treatment for chronic dry, cracked, damaged, slow healing skin", I had high hope it would help with my eczema, but it didn't. Thid product didn't feel very moisturizing at all. On the packaging, it says it's great to use on feet, and that's what I did instead of just throwing it away.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Udderly Smooth Shea Butter Foot Cream

☑ Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant in Powder Fresh

I loooove the smell of this, it smells like baby powder, but it's also very fresh. I don't think I've ever had problems with yellow stains on my clothes so I didn't notice if this antiperspirant/deodorant really prevented them. As for odor and wetness protection , I can't say it works all day. I mean, I won't stink by the end of the day, but let's just say I just don't feel as fresh as I felt in the morning, but I have yet to find a product that works 100%.

Repurchase: I would, if only Colgate-Palmolive Co. were not conducting tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Secret Scent Expressions Ooh-La-La-Lavender Antiperspirant/Deodorant

☑ Diane Lai Soothe Sport Treatment review

This is my favorite product from the Diane Lai line. I especially like to use it on my affected hand as it's fast absorbed into the skin and non greasy. It does a great job at calming the itch and it helps heal the redness. The texture is perfect - it's rich without being thick as a butter but it's not milky either. The Soothe Spot Treatment has a very subtle lavender scent which is pleasant and relaxing. Even though eczema can't be completely healed to this day, I'm glad to have found a natural product that help keep flare-ups under control. I would love to continue using Diane Lai products, but the price is a little steep for a student budget.

I didn't want to use the Soothe Spot Treatment too often because the bottle is so small for the price ($34 for 30 ml), and  technically, I haven't really used it up - I don't know what happened with the pump but I can't get any more product out! I tried to wash it in case it was blocked or something, but nothing worked, so I decided to scoop out as much product as I could but I wasn't able to completely "save" it. Oh well.

Repurchase: no, it's way too expensive ):

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Diane Lai Rejuvenate Daily Moisturizing Lotion