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

Garnier Belle Color Root Touch-Up in R2

Fast and easy way to touch up your roots between colourings, in 10 minutes. Blends with any permanent haircolour brand. 

Our patented formula blends with any permanent haircolour brand and provides natural-looking, impeccable results. To choose your shade, refer to the colour chart on the side of the box.

I don't know if I already talked about this on my blog but I like to have a backup of hair dyes in my closet. The reason why is that I hate to have to rush to the drugstore to have to pay full-price for a box of hair dye when I really have to do my hair - which rarely happens because I don't really mind my roots - and I like to collect coupons and combine them with sales, which scores me pretty good deals.

Think about it - an average box of hair dye costs around $10, not multiply this by 12 months (if you dye your hair once a month, like me) and there you have it: $120. It adds up pretty quickly, huh? You don't have to pay that - that's when coupons and sales come in handy!

I think I went a little crazy with all those coupons and sales though. Yes my HG hair dye may be Clairol Nice 'n Easy, but hey, how could I not pick up that box of Garnier Belle Color Root Touch-Up that is on sale for $3? I just can't stop experimenting with hair colors and the results is that I currently have 6 boxes hidden in my closet and I need to use them before I turn to cruelty-free alternatives.

I haven't used root touch-up kits very often because I was always afraid I would end up with lighter roots and darker hair, but I must say I'm incredibly impressed with this one.

I chose the shade R2 which is said to blend with all darkest browns to blacks. Because I purchased this hair dye such a long time ago, I can't remember the choice of shade, but if I look up the Garnier website, this range doesn't seem to exist! I do see the Belle Color ColorEase Crème but not the root touch-up kits... maybe it has been discontinued?

This kit is perfect for you if you are currently wearing one of the following shades:

Bascially, all darkest browns to blacks shades

In these type of kits, you get a smaller quantity of product, as it's designed to be applied only at the roots - it is not recommended to apply the dye to hair that have already been dyed.

The Precision-Colour brush did require some getting used at first me because I usually use only my hands when I dye my hair, but I actually really enjoyed it, it makes things much more easier. I have even washed it and I plan to re-use it the next time I do my hair.

The instructions are slightly different from regular hair dye 

My main problem with hair dye is finding a dark brown that looks very dark - almost black - and that won't fade. My wish was granted with Clairol Nice 'n Easy hair colors but I still have hopes to find something similar with other hair dyes. I was amazed at the results with this one!

The last time I dyed my hair, I used L'Oréal Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color in 40 Espresso (Natural Deeply Brown) which is the darkest brown I could find in this collection, but still, it didn't turn out to be as dark as I would have liked it to be. In fact, after a few washes, my blonde roots were already peeking through...?! Look at the difference!

Garnier Belle Color Root Touch-Up R2 gave me super dark - almost black - hair, exactly what I was expecting! I really wish I could find a cruelty-free alternative to this root touch-up kit as I do think these types of hair dye are less damaging to the hair because you only do the roots. Any suggestions ladies?

* Product tested on animals. You may (or may not) be aware that Gaby's Beauty Blog recently went cruelty-free. However, I hope it's understandable that I can't simply throw away the products I have previously purchased that have unfortunately been tested on animals - believe me, I wouldn't hesitate if I were rich! My goal is to use up those products but not repurchase them in the future. Also, Gaby's Beauty Blog will no longer accept for review purposes products that have been tested on animals.

April Empties

☑ Garnier Fructis Light Cream Ultra Protect Leave-In Color Resist

This is the first leave-in conditioner I ever purchased, and it instantly got me hooked. It's a total life saver! It leaves my hair super soft, smooth and silky. It is the only thing that has been able to really revive my hair after I bleached it several time somewhere in 2007:

What was I thinking? My hair was totally FRIED!

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Hana Shine Shield

☑ Vichy Normaderm 7-Day Challenge (samples)

In February, I signed up to take part in Vichy Normaderm 7-Day Challenge, but the samples lasted me far more than 7 days LOL. This is claimed to:

1 Reduces imperfections
2 Mattifies
3 Hydrates for 24Hr

Healthier-looking skin in only 7 days.
Technological breakthrough - Patent pending
Exclusive association of 3 acids used in dermatologist' offices, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lipo-hydroxy-acid, in a daily moisturizer.

This product seems to be aimed at oily skin, maybe that's why I didn't really see improvments. I didn't really like the gel texture as it leaves residues if you scratch your skin or try to blend foundation.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser

☑ Pureology SuperSmooth Shampoo & Conditioner (sample)

There's not a lot I can say about small samples like this. I'm very sceptical about hair products that claim to prevent hair color from fading as it always fade anyway.


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo & Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner (89 mL)

☑ Bliv Off with those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel (sample)

I have stubborn blackeads on my chin, nose and cheeks and no matter how much I exfoliate, they never seem to come off. This product didn't really help either.


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bliv Off with those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel (sample)

☑ Biotherm Skin.Ergetic Day and Night Creams (sample)

I got these through Facebook some times ago and I can't say a lot as they have lasted me for about 3 days, but I really enjoyed the scent, and I think the texture is perfect.They smelled of berries, too... yummy!

Repurchase: yes... if they weren't that expensive!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser and Avon Basics Rich Moisture Face Cream

☑ Barielle Total Foot Care Cream

The texture is great, not too light nor too thick, and the scent is very subtle. I got this from Meg's Makeup but I don't think I would repurchase it as it has nothing special and there's many great (and cheaper) alternatives out there.


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Neotoric Diabetic Oxygenated Advanced Healing Cream

☑ Avon Moisture Therapy intensive Treatment Extra Strenght Cream for extra dry skin

I liked this, even though it didn't relieve the itching and roughness of my extra-dry skin (due to eczema), like it's claimed to do. I didn't feel that it provided 24 hour of moisture, but it was moisturizing anyway. I also think the texture is perfectly thick.


Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Jergens Replenishing Vitamin E Gentle Exfoliating Moisturizer

 ☑ Mario Badescu Summer Shine Lotion

There's nothing I liked about this lotion except maybe the scent! It's too light, it isn't moisturizing at all, and I absolutely hated the shimmers (seriously, who would want shimmers in their body lotion?!)


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Jergens Replenishing Vitamin E Gentle Exfoliating Moisturizer

My mini giveaway for a NEW Lancôme Color Design Palette ends tonight at 11:59, hurry to enter if you haven't already!

March Empties

☑ Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner

I got this from Winners for around $7. I thought it was quite pricey at the time, but that it must be worth it as it claims to be a "protective conditioner" and I was looking for a good hand cream to protect my eczema-prone hands when I was working as a gas station attendant. Oh and of course, when I see something labelled "shea butter" or "oatmeal", I can't resists (silly? Yes, I know). But in the end, this product didn't really work for me. The texture is too light, and it didn't really protect my hands from the irritants I had to deal with everyday ( car oil, water, gas, etc).

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Boots Botanics Body Overnight Hand & Nail Cream

 ☑ Burt's Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme

I figured a creme designed for babies could only be good for me... but I was wrong. The texture is quite strange, it's very solid and it's hard to apply on the skin, and it didn't even feel moisturizing. I wasn't fond of the srong scent either. I never thought Burt's Bees could disappoints me one day...


Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Moisture Therapy intensive Treatment Extra Strenght Cream for extra dry skin

 ☑ Fruits & Passion Field Berries Foaming Bath

This is total crap. The foam - if there's any foam at all - will only stays for around 10 minutes. At this price, I would have expected a luxurious bath!


Repurchase? no

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

☑ Naturally Upper Canada Cranberry Moro Orange Foaming Bath Milk

I can't believe this costs $3! Yes it smells great, but it's good for only one use and it does absolutely NOTHING. It doesn't foam at all, you can't even tell there's something in your bath! Glad I got it in a gift package.


Repurchase? no

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

☑ Cranberry & Pear Bath Soak

I got this in a gift package and totally forgot about it until recently, when I decided it was time to clean up my bath products. It's good for only one use and it doesn't really do something.

Repurchase? no

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

  ☑ Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils (review)

Look at the brush after only 1 month or so of use:

Crap is still a weak word to describe this... thing. It's not completely used up though, but it's all dried up and it's a mess to use. GARBAGE.

Repurchase? no!!!

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black

 ☑ Garnier Nutrisse Creme Rich Nourishing Conditioner Cream

It's the conditioner cream that came with the box of Garnier Nutrisse Intense Red Nourishing Colour Cream. It smells great, very fruity. I prefer the Nice 'n Easy conditioners, though.

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto VO5 Deep Nourishing Moisture Intensive Mask 3 Minute Mask

 ☑ Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

1 down, only 8 more to go LOL! I tend to stock up on these when I find them on sale. Seriously, I love this lipbalm, it's such a staple. It's the first natural lipbalm I have ever tried, and I instantly got hooked! It tends to let me down when the weather is really harsh, but otherwise, it does the job.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

  ☑ Clobetasol Ointment 0.05% w/w Topical Corticosteroid

This is the only thing that can temporarily get rid of my eczema. It's quite strong and it tends to discolor my skin and makes it thinner, but I couldn't care less, as long as my eczema goes away. Sadly, these's no permanent treatment for eczema, so I have no choice but continue to use it.

Am I the only one who thinks the little deisgn in the red square looks like poo? Yes, I'm that immature LOL.

Repurchase? yes, but I will try the generic version before to see if it works just as well.

What I'm currently using to replace it: Taro-Clobetasol Ointment USP, 0.0% w/w Topical Corticosteroid

  ☑ Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion (sample)

Well there wasn't a lot of product in this so I can't really write an opinion on it, but it's a little too light for my liking.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Moisture Therapy intensive Treatment Extra Strenght Cream for extra dry skin

  ☑ Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion (sample)

Hmmm this smells great and it leaves the skin soooo soft! It's a shower cream but it feels more like an oil to me. It feels very moisturizing, I would love to bath in this!

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Moisture Therapy intensive Treatment Extra Strenght Cream for extra dry skin

  ☑ Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser with orange oil (sample) 

Wow, I can't believe I haven't tried this cleanser before! It's absolutely amazing for my dry and eczema-prone skin as it's non-foaming and oily. You might want to use a toner after use as it tends to leave a film on the skin. I love it as it's so moisturizing. I will buy the full size tube for sure!

Repurchase? yes!!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Mario Badescu Skin Care Enzyme Cleansing Gel (sample size)

☑ TRESemmé Naturals Vibrantly Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner (samples)

I didn't really enjoy using those samples. The shampoo didn't leather really well (although I do know a shampoo doesn't need to lather to be effective, it's just my personal preference) and the conditioner was to light for my liking.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo and Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner

☑ Kate Somerville CytoCell Dermal Energizing Treatment (sample)

This is supposed to "stimulate stem cell activity and restore the skin with new, energized cells". I can't treally tell as this sample was good for only a week. I don't think I have ever heard of this brand before.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

Shopping: Wal-Mart, Jean Coutu, Uniprix, Shoppers Drug Mart...

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon: I finally decided to use my $5 Revlon/Almay voucher on a lipstick before it expired in December, so this cost me around $3.

 without flash

 with flash

I'm not much of a lipstick girl, but I have been looking forever for an everyday pink lipstick. I'm a little difficult when it comes to lipsticks as I have a pale skintone and I don't want my lips to scream "I'm wearing lipstick!". I also wanted a creme finish. So I browsed the Revlon aisle at my local Wal-Mart and finally settled for this one. I've been told that the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick were a little drying (which isn't great for me as I already have super dry lips) but I find that it's okay when I put lipbalm underneath.

Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes: Last week, I received a coupon in the mail  redeemable for a free tub.

What are Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes?

To feel cleaner and fresher than toilet paper alone, we offer Cottonelle Fresh® Flushable Moist Wipes. These wipes are pre-moistened for thorough cleansing and freshening. Cottonelle Fresh® Flushable Moist Wipes are available in 42-count tubs, 42-count refills, 84-count resealable refills, 33-count reclosable pouches, and 10-count travel pouches. Cottonelle Fresh® Flushable Moist Wipes are flushable and are suitable for the following purposes, as listed on the package:

• With toilet paper as part of your bathroom routine
• When traveling
• To clean hands and faces

Description from cottonelle.com.

  They included an EasyReach hanger support in each tub.

Go here for $1.00 off a tub of Cottonelle® Flushable Moist Wipes.

Garnier Nutrisse Intense Red Nourishing Colour Cream in Cabernet 460 (Intense Dark Red) : I've been waiting impatiently for those babies to hit the shelves in Quebec, and they finally did! I even got this one on sale for $6.99 instead of $9.99! I decided to try this shade as I was looking for the darkest red available. Syrah and Merlot looked too orange to me.

There's only one problem though...

Garnier Nutrisse Intense Red is NOT for me... as my hair is currently colored with a dark brown shade! I wish I had read this before buying it LOL. But I'm too curious, I would have tried it anyway!

Take a look at the other Intense Red shades here.

 L to R: Cabernet 460, Syrah 564 and Merlot 660

You can even get a $2.00 coupon here!

Vaseline Intensive Rescue Extra Strength Lotion: I received a coupon from Save.ca for a free 325 ml bottle of this Vaseline lotion. If you share your review of this lotion on Facebook.com/Vaseline, you will have a chance to win a year's worth of manicures and pedicures for you and a friend!

L'Oréal Féria Power Reds in Deep Burgundy R37: These were on sale at Shopper Drug Mart for $8.99, and I had two 2$ off coupon on any Féria product, and I had a $20 Shoppers Drug Mart gift card, so it was free for me! Yey!

I got my coupon from webSaver.ca but the offer isn't available anymore )=

 Hot Paws Thermal Acrylind Blend Socks (2 pairs) and George Cotton Blend Socks (6 pairs): I needed socks really badly as almost all of those I had had holes in them -_- The George pairs are plain black socks, but the Hot Paws ones are supposed to keep feet warm, and aren't they cool with the pink zebra prints? I bet they will be amazing paired with my Cougar boots!

The paw is so cute!

Koopa Troopa plush: My boyfriend bought me Yoshi the last time we were in Best Buy, and this time, he bought me Koopa! I love Nintendo plushes, and he knows I want them all (they are $9.99 at Best Buy). Thanks baby (=

Guimauve IV: My beloved Dorothé passed away this week )= I let some days pass before deciding if I wanted another rat or not, but I finally settled for a gerbil, as I have allergies to rats and they stink, no matter how many times a week you wash their cage. I love rats, they are very intelligent and affectionate, and I will definitely have another one some days, but I missed having a little gerbil too. I think I might have lost count, but she is supposed to be Guimauve IV... or maybe V? Hmm...

She is only 1 month old, and she is soooo tiny and cute! Awwwww (=