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 | 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!

Shopping: The Body Shop, Wal-Mart, San Francisco & Giant Tiger

San Francisco knit cardigan on sale for $10.99 I never thought this store was carrying interesting things until I saw this rack of items on sale for only $10.99! Most of the clothes in this store are pretty pricey (well, at least for my budget) so you can imagine my surprise when I spotted this cozy cardigan and yes, they had my size! It's very soft but oh so warm, even if it appears to be made of a thin material. At first sight, I thought the cut looked strange (it doesn't fit close to the body) but I like to cinch it at the waist with a big belt.

San Francisco sweater on sale for $10.99 The problem with my wardrobe is that I don't have a lot of long sleeves tops, so when I spotted this sweater on the sale rack, I immediately grabbed an X-Small and rushed to try it and yey, it fitted! I wish it was a little bit longer so I could wear it comfortably with leggings but because of the opening on the front, it does look a bit strange. I still like the mix of black and purple though!

Betty Crocker scented candles on sale 3 for $10 I can never resist scented candles, especially at such a nice price! When I was flipping through Giant Tiger's weekly flyer, I immediately spotted them and I knew I had to have them! I never knew that Betty Crocker had scented candles (they aren't listed on their website) so that was a nice surprise, but there's always nice little surprises at Giant Tiger (: There was only three scents available so I picked one of each, even though Strawberry Shortcake was the one that smelled the yummier in the store, but I must say I was quite disappointed when I lit them once I got home as you have to litteraly stuff your nose in the jar to get the slighted hint of scents. The two other scents were Blueberry Pie and Cherry Pie, but please don't go wasting your money on these.

Pepperidge Farm scented candles on sale 3 for $10: I got fooled once again! I actually bought these at Giant Tiger before buying the ones from Betty Crocker and they smelled nothing, so I thought maybe I would be less disappointed with the ones from Betty Crocker because... I really don't know why as Pepperidge Farm is a well known brand too, but oh well, at least they didn't cost me a fortune, and it's always nice to have candles laying around the house. I picked up Verona Apricot Raspberry, Apple Caramel and Strawberry.

Mitchum Anti-Perspirant & Deodorants on sale $2.97 each: I went to Wal-Mart because I saw in their flyer that got2b products were on sale for $3.97 and I seem to be on a never-ending quest for their Powder'ful Volumizing Styling Powder, but once again, it wasn't available. I'm starting to think my local Wal-Mart doesn't even carry it. I also saw in the flyer that Mitchum anti-perspirants and deodorants were on sale for a nice price and in an attempt to go completely cruelty-free (which I doubt is really possible), I figured I would give them a try (Mitchum is owned by Revlon). As I'm enjoying my current Secret Scent Expressions gel (which is not cruelty-free) because it dries really fast, I decided to try Mitchum PowerGel Flower Fresh and Shower Fresh and as there was only one Advanced Control Utltimate Strength & Protection left, I guessed it must be good, so I picked it up as well.

My order from The Body Shop on sale 3 for $30 : I kept the best for last, of course! Yes, until very recently, I was a Body Shop virgin because as much as I've wanted to try their body butters, I always thought they were too pricey for me - come on, why would I want to pay $18 for a 200mL body butter that I can find at Wal-Mart for only $6 (I'm talking about SPAresource body butters)? I've always been happy with those drugstore body butters but I ran out of them and my eczema always seems to worsen in the winter and there's no way I will use a body lotion instead, it's just not enough moisturizing.

So I stumbled accross The Body Shop's 3 for $30 offer on their whole website, and I figured out it was the perfect time to give those mystical butters a try as they would cost only $10 each. Even the jumbo size (400mL) was included in the special and trust me, I would have ordered only the jumbo size if I could, but they were sold out except in Shea and Mango, so here is what I ordered, for a total of $68.35:

• Coconut 200mL
• Cocoa 200 mL
• Brazil Nut 200 mL
• x2 Shea 400mL
• Mango 400 mL

I chose to play it safe and order only the scents that were designed for dry or very dry skin because I really didn't want to be disappointed.

I placed my order on November 25 and I received a confirmation email telling me that my order was currenly being processed and that I would receive another email when my order was shipped - which I never got and I was a bit worried - and I received the package on Thursday, which is pretty good. I wasn't expecting such a big box so I was super excited to see it! I'm not sure how I feel regarding the Purolator man as I wasn't at home when he delivered my order so he just left it on the porch for everyone on the street to see and the butters were all hard and cold... oh well, at least I got them, and I didn't had to go to the Purolator office to claime my package! I love how the butters were carefully packed (:

L - R: 200mL and 400mL body butters

Even though I was warned, let me confirm that yes, the jumbo size are really jumbo! I wonder how long they will last me, I only hope they won't go bad too soon! I have started using the Shea jumbo body butter and so far, I'm loving it, the texture is dreamy - exactly what I was expecting! - and I can't wait to see if these butters will help with my eczema.

The body butters are still $10 on The Body Shop website and you get free shipping with any purchase of $40 (be sure to check out RetailMeNot for coupons before ordering!)