Project Pan Them All | June/July Empties

I could never get enough of the Cake Be Delectable Triple Moisture Body Lotion - this beautiful blend of coconut oil, shea butter and aloe vera leaves my skin soft, smooth and moisturized all day long, and it also works great on my suburns! It has a nice light consistency that is spread easily and absorbed super quickly. Oh, and that decadent strawberry and cream fragrance...

I always try to favour alcohol-free toners for my dry and sensitive skin, and I enjoyed using Lara Beauty Revitalizing Daily Toner for Sensitive Skin it in the morning to quickly refresh my face when I was in a rush before work, instead of a face cleanser.

Both versions of Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser were included in the Essential Discovery Collection I had the chance to try a few months ago, and I enjoyed using the Normal/Combination version in the morning since it is lighter and is absorbed faster than the Dry/Sensitive version, which is a nice welcomed treat at night - it also works really well as a face mask (apply in thick layers without massaging it in, and remove the ecxess after ten or fifteen minutes).

Peptalash is claimed to naturally improve the appearance of lash length, darkness and volume to make eyelashes appear longer, thicker and fuller in just two weeks, but I have been using it for months without noticing even the slightest improvement. Disappointing.

There is never much to say about a toothpaste, and Crest Clinical Plaque Control Toothpaste is nothing special honestly, although it claims to not only reduce plaque but also help keep it from coming back, while also whitening teeth and freshening breath.

I am not really fancy when it comes to anti-perspirants/deodorants, but I try to buy cruelty-free alternatives as much as I can, and I was pretty pleased with Mitchum Power Gel Shower Fresh Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, until it started to burn my underarms real bad when it was almost empty...?!

I know, I know, I just can't stop raving about this miraculous product that is Get Creamed Body The Balm! I am really glad I took it with me to Europe because it is such a wonderful multi-tasking product - it was literally all I needed! Made of coca butter and shea butter, this is absolutely wonderful on my dry patches of eczema, and I could not believe I ran out of it so soon! It's easy and mess-free to apply but also to carry around while travelling thanks to its packaging similar to a deodorant stick.

I can't remember where or when I got this sample of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50 with Helioplex*, but it is not really "dry touch" to me since it is really greasy when I apply it and it seems to take forever to get absorbed into the skin!

Julep The Best Pedi Créme Ever! is probably the best foot cream I have ever tried! In only a matter of days, I was amazed at the difference this cream made for my feet - they were soooooo soft and smooth! For $22, I wish the tube was bigger, but even though the cream is light, you don't need a lot of product to cover both feet. The cream smells absolutely delicious and fresh - juicy cucumbers, yum!

I never thought I would fall in love with eos Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet like so many before me, but I did! The lip balm coats my lips perfectly in a single swipe, and I did struggle a bit once the top started to flatten, but it was worth it! The consistency is perfect and I can actually feel the product on my lips, which is great since I know they are being properly protected. I don't feel the need to constantly re-apply this lip balm, even though it sure does not last all day and it is probably not the most moisturizing lip balm I have tried, but it does work well.

I am usually a big fan of Montagne Jeunesse face masks, but I was a bit disappointed by their Dead Sea Mud Spa Face Mask, which claims to intensely invigorate and revitalise skin with Dead Sea Minerals, but all it did was make my whole face tingle, and it left it even drier...

*Please note that these products are NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | November Empties

I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered Avon Wish of Luck Eau de Toilette Spray* straight from the brochure without even smelling it at first - what, I could not resist the "refreshing blend of green apple and sparkling florals" from the description! Unfortunately, this turned out to smell more floral than fruity to me, and the scent is way too light to last me through the day - I had to mix it with another perfume or body spray in an attempt to use it up, and I'm glad I finally did!

I have never been a fan of face wipes but I do like to keep some baby wipes on hand to wash my face quickly for those morning when I am in a rush before work. These Pampers Baby Wipes were way less pricey than face wipes, and they even came with a handy tub!

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.

I don't think I have had such amazing results with any other lengthening mascara before Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara - it makes my lashes extremely long and defined, and most importantly, it holds a curl all day, which is a real miracle when you have extremely straight lashes like me! Also, I usually shy away from plastic applicators, but this mascara changed it all!

e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler 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?

I picked up Mitchum Advanced Control Utltimate Strength & Protection Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant when I spotted it on sale at Walmart in an attempt to go completely cruelty-free, and I was not disappointed! The fragrance Powder Fresh is really nice but not overpowering, and best of all, I really feel protected all day, both from wetness and odor! I think I have found a new favorite - and cruelty-free - deodorant!

I recently reviewed Bomb La Bon Bon Whipped Sugar Scrub in Cotton Candy which I could not resist using almost every day because of its intoxicating smell, and I am actually a bit sad that I used it up so quickly, but it's OK though because it was not abrasive enough for my taste.

I have always loved serums as I have super dry skin, and Reviva Labs High Potency Collagen Serum did not disappoint. I love the lightweight gel consistency that absorbs very quickly into the skin, so you can apply your day or night cream over it without having to wait. This serum really left my skin super soft and smooth, and call me crazy, but I swear I have noticed results after the first use! Maybe I was too excited, but I really think my skin was less dry than the day before, especialy my dry patches of eczema. Of course, even after continuous use, this serum didn't get rid of my eczema (nothing really can), but I feel it has helped at least a little.

I have had Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel for what, three years, without never really using it regularly until I got more into self tanners recently, so when I decided to give it another try, it barely turned me... yellow. It's OK, I never really liked you either!

It does not happen often that I am really sad to have used up a particular product but I really think I have found my absolute holy grail night cream in KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Night Cream - it is everything I ever wanted in a night cream! It is amazingly thick and rich, it's not greasy and it's absorbed quickly into the skin, oh, and the smell... delicious! This cream looks very thick in the pot but it's very buttery and smooth on the skin, leaving it super soft.

Since I tried LARA Beauty Polishing Microderm Abrasion for Sensitive Skin, I have been hooked on microdermabrasion treatments, which seem to work so much better than you average face scrub! The texture of this one is just so thick, creamy and perfectly abrasive, but still, super gentle on my dry skin. My skin felt refreshed after use, but not tight or dry. It's a shame this product could not clear my skin of blackheads though, which is a big issue for me, but next time, I will try mixing three parts baking soda with one part water instead of repurchasing another product.

*Please note that Avon Wish of Luck is NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | April Empties

Ladies, brace yourself for this post, because I'm excited to announce that I have tons of empties to show you! I'm so proud of myself!

I bought Avon Basics Care Deeply Body Lotion with cocoa butter* on a whim when I was an Avon rep because it was on sale also because it contained cocoa butter, however, I should have known better! I ended up using this lotion on my feet instead of simply throwing it away because it certainly does not provide24-hour moisturization, but it did work surprisingly well on my feet, leaving them incredibly soft and smooth after only a few uses! Who would have known?

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter is my first ever The Body Shop purchase and I'm soooo in love with it! It is my absolute HG body moisturizer as it works wonders on my eczema, and I'm so glad I finally gave in and tried one of those famous body butters. The consistency is dreamy - rich, creamy and perfectly thick - exactly what I'm expecting in a body butter! Sure, my skin still ocasionally itches and sometimes I have to apply moisturizer in the morning to get me through the day, but I haven't feel the need to reach for my steroid cream in a long time and this is a big step forward in my book. This is the jumbo size (400ml) and let me confirm that it really is jumbo! I have been using this butter since the beginning of December and I have only very recently used it up so it was definitely a great deal (it cost me $10 instead of $25).

It is extremely rare that I truly love a body lotion (I tend to favour body butters because of my dry skin and eczema) but it happened with George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion. It has a light texture but it never fails to relieve dryness and itchiness, meaning significantly less eczema flare-ups. Also, I could feel my skin being moisturized all day, which I don't think I have experienced with a lotion before!

As much as I absolutely loved the deliciously sweet and fruity smell of CALGON Take me away! Brazilian Beauty Passion Fruit & Brazil Nut Body Mist*, I won't repurchase it because body mists never last more than 30 seconds on me.

Skin RX Medi Peel Hyaluronic Moisturizer did not get rid of the stubborn dry patches on my forehead on its own, but it left my skin super soft. It's also recommended to apply a cream to seal in the moisture if you have dry skin, which I did, because once the hyaluronic moisturizer was absorbed in my skin, it left it feeling super tight and uncomfortale, which I though was strange for something that is claimed to moisturize. At $58, it's nothing miraculous. 

I usually try to stay away from clay masks because most of them tend to leave my skin even more dry than before, but I did not have this problem with Elemis FreshSkin Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask. Still, I won't repurchasing it because I don't feel it really did something for my skin.

My first experience with a scrub that you have to let sit on your face like a mask was with Montagne Jeunesse Apricot Face Scrub and I loved it! The texture is great - very thick and the exfoliating beads (which are really apricot kernels) are a good size and there are a lot of them, unlike some other cheap foaming scrubs. This Montagne Jeunesse face scrub left my dry skin feeling super tight and uncomfortable when I washed it off - like most clay masks I previously used - but it was OK when I applied my moisturizer. The day after, I noticed that my skin was not drier because of the scrub, but also that it was more glowy - what a nice surprise! The only negative things about Montagne Jeunesse packaging is that it's messy and not resealable, so I like to pour the leftover product in a little pot so it doesn't dry up and it's easier to scoop with your fingers.

I have been very kindly sent Pai Rosehip & BioRegenerate fruit & seed oil blend  along with the Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream and as I'm suffering from eczema, Nicola from Pai Skincare recommended applying them both at the same time, so adding a couple of drops of Rosehip oil into a pump of cream for an extra regenerative boost, which I did until I used up the seed oil blend. I have been using these two products twice a day every day since I received them always on the same area of my body - on my right hand, I developed a stubborn patch of eczema on my knuckles and even though my eczema on my fingers seems to have gotten better, I still get flare-ups sometimes so I also used these products on my fingers. I didn't notice improvements until the second week of use and OMG, I must say this stuff is seriously awesome! I didn't get flare-ups in those two weeks and that does say a lot! My right hand is almost back to normal although my knuckles are still a little dry but they are less red and irritated and they don't itch anymore - same with my fingers! Honestly, I can't believe it. This is the first time some products work really well on my eczema! Sadly, even though it works well, I simply can't afford it at $35.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme seems to be a staple among a lot of beauty bloggers and as much as I love everything about it - its delicious smell, its thick and creamy texture, how well it moisturizes my parched cuticles, its super cute tin - I'm just too lazy to remember to apply it on my cuticles and nails every night so most of the time, I simply use it as a hand cream before bed because it tends to get a bit greasy.

mèreadesso Beautiful Body Balm is the first product of this brand that I tried and honestly, it does not make me want to try some more. I'm not even sure why it's called a "balm" when it's more like a simple lotion that did not even properly moisturizemy dry skin. It did smell lovely though, a bit sweet!

Another disappointement from LUSH, Space Girl Bath Bomb. This did not smell anything in the bath and while I appreciated that it fizzed slowly while turning and swishing around in the bath, which is always entertaining, despite being infused with grapefruit oil, Space Girl did not left my skin moisturized or toned.

On the other hand, I had a pleasant bath with LUSH Bearded Lady Bubble Bar, which I got as a Christmas present maybe two years ago but LUSH did not bring it back last Christmas so I'm afraid it has been discontinued, hend why I won't be posting a complete review about it. I can't really explain the scent as to me, it didn't really smell anything, but it was pleasent and relaxing, but sadly, the scent didn't really intensified in the bath. I got a considerable amount of bubbles for the tiny piece I used, but they didn't last long - maybe 10 minutes. I could feel my skin being softer and moisturized while I was in the bath and after, which is always appreciated when you have dry skin like me.

Because I have so many shower gels, body wash, soaps, etc. laying around, I cheated with Simply Basics Cocoa Butter Body Wash and I actually used it as a bubble bath, and I must say it did not work really well. Yes, it did create some pretty amazing bubbles at first, but they quickly vanished. Oh well, this was a bit of a cheap product anyway.

On my neverending quest to find the perfect teeth whitening product, I bought Scope White Mouthwash on a whim when I saw it on sale for around $5 at the drugstore about one year ago and even though I said that I would update you with my progress, well I'm sad to have to report that two bottles of this stuff later, my teeth are still somewhat yellow. Thank you Scope.

I love how Lara Beauty Conditioning Cleanser for Sensitive Skin (not pictured, I forgot to keep it and threw it away) is really gentle on my dry skin and does not leave it with that squeaky clean feeling. It also does not really foam, making it less irritant.

*This product is NOT cruelty-free

Lara Beauty: Anti-Aging Skin Care For Sensitive Skin

Lara Beauty was created by Arla Litwin when she turned 45 and couldn’t find an affordable, healthy skincare line to help combat the signs of aging without aggravating her allergies. Kicking up her heels, the Toronto native spent over a year working with a pharmacist and chemist researching and developing formulas, testing them herself, particularly on lines around her eyes, between her brows and on her forehead.  

In 2008, Arla launched Lara Beauty (larabeauty.com)—her 100% fragrance-free signature skincare line, which combines natural and botanical ingredients with gentle, clinically proven anti-aging compounds. 

Having personally had allergic reactions to skincare lotions, Arla’s philosophy extends to providing a complete listing of all ingredients to help prevent fellow allergy sufferers from having any reactions to her products.

Lara Beauty products are fragrance free, hypoallergenic and paraben free, and they aren't tested on animals. I'm still not sure if I should describe my skin as sensitive because of eczema, but I figured out I had nothing to lose by trying these products. I was very kindly sent the complete line of products.

Conditioning Cleanser for Sensitive Skin $18 for 4oz/120ml

Gentle, botanical-rich, oil-free, fragrance- free Conditioning Cleanser for sensitive skin gently removes make-up and surface dirt without stripping or drying skin. It sweeps away dead skin cells along with impurities that dull the complexion, detoxifying pores andimproving skin’s texture, leaving it cleaned and refreshed.

Cleansers are something I have to be very careful with because it's easy for them to strip moisture of my already parched skin. I didn't have this problem with the Conditiong Cleanser as it's made for sensitive skin, so it's very gentle and doesn't leave my skin with that squeaky clean feeling.

It doesn't foam at all (even if in the instructions, it says to add a little water to create a gentle foaming action) but even if we are conditioned to think that a cleanser/soap has to lather to properly work, it's not true. In fact, a cleanser that doesn't foam tends to be less irritant than one that does. 

Polishing Microderm Abrasion for Sensitive Skin $24 for 2oz/60ml

This fragrance-free home spa treatment, rich in vitamins A, E and F, gently exfoliates worn and damaged skin to clear pores, remove blackheads and help prevent acne. The anti-aging, moisture-balancing properties of this polishing treatment remove imperfections, even skin tone and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Surface cell renewal reveals fresher, more youthful-looking skin.

I think this is my favorite product of the batch! I usually stir clear of super abrasive scrubs - especially microdermabrasion products - but this one seems different because it has been formulated for sensitive skin.

The texture is just so thick, creamy and perfectly abrasive, but still, super gentle on my dry skin. If I use products that are too harsh on my skin, I can easily trigger eczema flare-ups, but I didn't have any problem with this one. My skin felt refreshed after use, but not tight or dry.

I can't say it totally cleared my skin of blackheads and imperfections but I did notice a great improvment. I will continue to use it and hopefully, my blackheads will be gone for good!

Revitalizing Daily Toner for Sensitive Skin $18 for 4oz/120ml

Rehydrate and stimulate repair with this alcohol-free toner for sensitive skin to promote a glowing complexion. Lara Beauty Revitalizing Daily Toner leaves skin feeling fresh and hydrated while restoring the natural pH balance to enhance penetration and absorption of Lara Beauty Anti-Aging Daily Therapy.

I have no idea how I'm supposed to review a toner... in fact, I didn't use a toner religiously until very recently as I've always been told it's not a necessity. I use this toner after my shower to make sure there's no makeup residues on my face and to make it feeling fresh and extra clean, and I also like to use it in the morning to replace my face cleanser when I'm in a rush before school.

Here's a little tip: try storing your toner in the fridge for a refreshing effect (especially in the morning, it helps to wake you up!)

Anti-Aging Daily Therapy for Sensitive Skin $40.00 for 2oz/60ml

Luxurious and high-performing, this fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin designed to give your skin a youthful, vibrant appearance, can be used day and night. A powerhouse of incredibly effective natural and botanical ingredients like aloe, cucumber, grape seed, avocado, chamomile and mushroom extract, with clinically proven anti-aging compounds rejuvenate, smooth and moisturize your skin, stimulating repair, smoothing fine lines, reducing wrinkles and minimizing age spots. 

This creamy moisturizer spreads easily and is absorbed quickly and completely by the skin.Antioxidants and peptides provide a deep infusion of moisture, protecting against environmental attack and regenerating skin’s natural repair process and radiant appearance while smoothing age-revealing trouble spots.

I absolutely love the consistency of this cream! At first, I was afraid it would make my face super greasy as it's so thick but no, it's absorbed very quickly in the skin, leaving it perfectly moisturized and smooth! Because of its amazing consistency, I like to use this cream day and night.

I like the packaging, it feels luxurious and it's quite sturdy - I don't think it will break if you throw it in your handbag. I'm still not sure how I feel regarding products in a jar, I guess it doesn't really bother me to have to dig my finger in it every time.

Lara Beauty provides free Expedited shipping on all merchandise orders that are CAD $60 and over (excluding taxes). Also, because customer satisfaction is their priority, they accept returns of any product that is at least 75% full, for any reason, up to 30 days after the original sale.

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Mail of the Week (September 19 - 23)

My prize from Heidi's giveaway: I'm glad I can finally stop worrying whether I would receive this or not as when Heidi tried to post the package, it would also come back to her front door! Look at how everything was wrapped, doesn't it feel just like Christmas? I was amazed to see everything she included in the package:

• ELF Hypershine Lip Gloss Collection
• ELF Shimmer Lip Gloss Collection
• ELF Brightening Eye Color in Day 2 Night
• ELF Brightening Eye Color in Butternut
• ELF Studio Single Eyeshadow in Butter Cream
• Hard Candy Fox in a Box in Spicy & Sweet
• Large Black Z Palette

I'm thrilled to play with everything as I have never tried anything from ELF and Hard Candy before (not to mention they are cruelty-free)! Thank you so much Heidi!

EnvyDerm Lash Growth and Conditioning Volume Mascara: I have never used a mascara designed to improve lash growth, and I was thrilled to be given this opportunity. This mascara is is claimed to instantly increase lash volume, definition and curl while promoting growth, length and thickness with continued use. Oh and have you ever tried a mascara infused with Moroccan Argan Oil? How awesome is that? I'll keep you updated!

Burberry Body Fragrance sample: Some times ago, Burberry were offering a trial size of the new fragrance Burberry Body on their Facebook page. Now I'm not sure if Burberry tests their products on animals (I bet they do) but they do promote fur, which I completely didn't think about before ordering this sample. It smells OK, but it's not really my kind of fragrance anyway.

Made From Earth products: I was sent some Aloe products from Made From Earth to help my eczema - I can't wait to see the results! Made From Earth products are organic, natural, vegan and cruelty-free!

• Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy
• Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment
• Lemongras Tea Soap

Lara Beauty Anti-Aging Skin Care products for sensitive skin: Lara Beauty products are fragrance free, hypoallergenic and paraben free, and they aren't tested on animals. I'm still not sure if I should describe my skin as sensitive because of eczema, but I figured out I had nothing to lose by trying these products. I was sent the complete line of products:

• Conditioning Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
• Polishing Microderm Abrasion for Sensitive Skin
• Revitalizing Daily Toner for Sensitive Skin
• Anti-Aging Daily Therapy for Sensitive Skin

♥How To Love - Lil Wayne