Project Pan Them All | March Empties

Hi ladies! I am so proud to be doing so well on my Project Pan Them All! It just feels so liberating to use up so many products in such a short time. I even used up a makeup product this month, which never happens, but I am not happy about it at all! I don't even understand how this happened but when I went to use my favorite bronzer, 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer in Brown Sugar, it was totally broken in pieces! I absolutely don't remember taking it somewhere with me or dropping it on the floor, so this will remain a mystery... the worst part is that I thought I could fix it with alcohol, but I only had a solution of 50% on hand, and I guess this was not enough because when I went to use it the day after, I thought it was fixed but no, it crumbled into a powdery mess, so I figured out I would just throw it away. I have been wanting to try Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer for a while anyway, which seems similar...

I received KQC Thermal Shine from Flat Iron Experts when I was sent very kindly sent a Babyliss Pro Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron for consideration to review. This protective spray smells a bit like men's cologne to me - which is very pleasant - and it really leaves my hair shiny, non greasy and lightweight, and it ensures that my flat iron glides on very smoothly.

I am usually disappointed to receive drugstore products in a subscription box, but I must say I was happy when I saw Curel Foot Therapy Soothing Cream in my May 2012 GLOSSYBOX because I really needed a new foot cream. This one has a nice thick consistency, it's absorbed quickly in the skin and it smells amazing - a bit sweet but not overpowering. It leaves my feet extremely soft and smooth after only a few use!

It seems I have had L'Oréal Professionnel Intense Repair Cuti Liss System Intense Nutrition Masque for dry hair* since forever, even though I used it every time I washed my hair instead of normal conditioner, and I finally managed to use it up! This masque has a really nice thick texture and my hair really feels nourished and properly mositurized after use, but I won't repurchase since L'Oréal tests on animals, so I will have to try and find a proper cruelty-free alternative... please let me know if you have any suggestions!

I can't say I was amazed by Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion since it just did not seem to really moisturize my skin - I constantly felt the urge to re-apply after a few hours! I am glad I used it so fast though!

I am not really sure what is the difference between the Body Butter and the Butter Lite from SPAresource, but I know I really enjoyed SPAresource Butter-Lite Sunrise Energy! This smells like nothing I have smelled before - floral with a hint of cucumber, I guess? Despite being lightly whipped, it has a nice thicker texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving it super soft, smooth and properly moisturized all day. No wonder this is such a nice and inexpensive alternative to The Body Shop body butters with ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter and cocoa butter!

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.

The eczema on my hands was going really well until I experienced a huge flare-up for unknown reasons, just when I ran out of my thrusty Ratio-Clobetasol Propionate Ointment 0.05% w/w! This is basically topical corticosteroid, the strongest steroid I have been prescribed to use on my eczema, and the only thing that really works. 

Despite it's scrumptious coconut scent, I was a bit disapppointed by Bomb La Bon Bon Coco Choco Brown Sugar Scrub since it is the type of scrubs that makes a terrible slippery mess in the shower - because it is so oily, it falls everywhere before I have the time to properly rube it on my body, and I have to wash the shower after each use to ensure no one will fall and get hurt!

However, I was really impressed by Bomb La Bon Bon Cookies N Cream Bath Bomb - it really smells like Oreo cookies, and I can really feel the sweet almond oil in the bath and on my body - it leaves my skin sooooo amazingly soft, like nothing I have ever used! I swear I could even skip moisturizer after a bath with this product. It does leave the bath very slippery though, but this is minor since it works so well!

Just like every LUSH product I have, I took way too long to use Abombinaball Bath Bomb before it looses its smells, but oh well, it was still amazing! I used only one half and it was really long lasting once dropped in the water - it would not stop fizzing and foaming! The bomb started by releasing frothy white foam, then it released blue and green colorings, which finally left the water a gorgeous sea color - heavenly! After use, my skin was left smooth and moisturized - such a shame I can't talk about the scent though! Maybe next year?

Göt2b Rockin' It Dry Shampoo is probably my all-time favorite dry shampoo, for many reasons - its extra strong spray - seriously, I was blown away! - makes it easier to target your roots without spraying product all over your hair, it perfectly cleans my hair within minutes and it lasts a while - after 4 days, my hair is still clean!, it really infuses tons of volume and bounce, and I love its fresh and citrusy smell. What more can I ask for?

I still can't belive I found Nivea Visage Natural Beauty Beautifying Eye Care at Dollarama for only $2! I don't think I have really tried something from Nivea before and I don't really know why, maybe because none of their products really appealled to me and because they tend to be a bit on the pricey side for drugstore products. I liked to use this eye cream in the morning since it is a bit pearlescent so it does wake up my eyes a bit.

*Please note that L'Oréal Professionnel Intense Repair Cuti Liss System Intense Nutrition Masque for dry hair is NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | February Empties

I bought Lush Magic Mushroom last February during my trip to Toronto and I am glad I finally remembered to use it just in time for Valentine's Day! It is insanely cute, smells of creamy vanilla strawberry, makes mountains of bubbles, and it leaves my skin sooooo soft and smooth. Its is just perfect and I would definitely recommend it!

I was disappointed by Lush MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment since it did not really do anything in the water - it did not fizz, it did not make bubble, it barely smell anything and it did not really left my skin moisturized. Next please!

Marcelle Essentials Purity Soothing Cleansing Water is my HG makeup remover since it just melts everything away effortlessly, and I am always sad when I use up a bottle but it's OK since one lasts me about a year, and I must have two backups somewhere in my stash anyway.

John Frieda Precision Foam Color Conditioner was nothing special and it did not really protect my color or anything, but it did leave my hair soft.

I had two unique application samples of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Care* laying around so I figured out I might just use them up and I actually quite liked my experience. It does soothe my itchy eczema-prone skin quickly and it keeps it moisturized all day.

I was extremely disappointed by AHAVA Deadsea Water Mineral Body Lotion since it simply burned my skin where I have patched of eczema, which is really weird for a supposedly gentle lotion that costs $24!

I had a 30mL sample of NIVEA Smooth Replenishing Lotion which worked OK, but nothing special. I am no especially keen on NIVEA products for some reasons - I find them a bit pricey for what they are.

I received a sample of LUSH No Drought Dry Shampoo with some purchases but I don't think I can review it properly since I had not enough product to really test it. I just felt like I needed a lot of product for it to properly absorb the oil in my hair, but at least it did not leave a white cast.

I really enjoyed Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub which smells delicious enough to eat, since it is really abrasive just like I like my body scrubs to be, but on the other hand, it is a bit of a mess to use since it is so oily that most of it will fall in the shower and go down the drain. I liked how it seemed to coat my skin with an oily residue, so that it felt moisturized when I stepped out of the shower.

I am not sure why so many bloggers seem to be absolutely in love with Simple products since I only have had bad experiences so far - I especially hated Simple Eye Make-Up Remover since it claims to be "kind to eyes" but it stings so much and it barely removes anything!

I am not 100% sold on LUSH Bonbon Lip Scrub (I think it was a limited-edition from two or three Christmas ago) since I feel like I need tons of product to properly exfoliate my lips, and even then, I often have to do it at night and in the morning to ensure that my lips are smooth all day, which is annoying! I would rather make my own lip scrub with brown sugar and coconut oil that works just as well than pay $10 for something that is basically made with sugar and oil!

I think Get Creamed Coconut Cream Pie 100% Natural Whipped Body Cream is my absolute favorite body butter - I instantly fell in love with its extremely rich and silky texture, and I was amazed at how quickly it eased the itchiness caused by eczema. This body butter truly provides all-day soothing moisturization without greasy residue, with an absolutely delicious all-natural beachy coconut scent that does last a while on the skin.

I was really disappointed by Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer in Medium since it was my first experience with a Stila product and it barely moisturized my dry skin but it did cling to dry bits, and it turned me orange. No thanks.

I had a small sample of Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask that I decided to use it one time as a treatment on my dry hair, and while it did smell really nice, I can't say it really improved the condition of my hair in only one use.

*Please note that La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Intense Soothing Care is NOT cruelty-free

Help Eucerin Donate $100k To Benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters!

In honor of National Mentoring Month, NIVEA, NIVEA MEN, Aquaphor, and Eucerin are partnering up with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported network of youth mentoring agencies. Beiersdorf supports Big Brothers Big Sisters as a corporate fundraising and site-based mentoring partner.

Eucerin's 2013 National Mentoring Month goal is to donate $100,000 - see what’s in it for you below:

• Starting January 11th through March 31, 2013, spend $10.00 on any combination of NIVEA, NIVEA MEN, Aquaphor or Eucerin products at a store near you and we will donate $1.00 to Big Brothers Big Sisters!
• Starting January 11th through March 31, 2013, visit the @EucerinUS page to receive a free sample* and learn how you can help support Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. (*while supplies last)

Big Brother Big Sisters is a wonderful organization, whose mission is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children that need it the most. Visit the Eucerin Facebook page to find out more information.

Shopping: Shoppers Drug Mart, Uniprix & Dollarama

I don't post "hauls" very often because the truth is that I try not to go shopping too often because 1. I hate shopping, 2. I try not to waste my money on things I don't really need and 3.I try to use up the products I already have at home. The problem is that one of my little pleasure is to look at the store flyers we receive at home every Wednesday or Thursday, and of course, something always caught my eyes, which happened again last week...

Revlon Lip Butter in Cupcake on sale $3.99 Shoppers Drug Mart always has these special deals every weekends that last only for Saturday and Sunday and of course, I could not resist to go swatch the highly raved about Revlon Lip Butters at my local Shoppers right after the job.

I have been a good girl though and I left with only one - after much hesitation between Cupcake, Cotton Candy and Strawberry Shortcake - I finally opted for Cupcake, which is a very pretty pale pink with blue undertones. These Lip Butters are usually  around $9, which I personally think is completely insane for such a little quantity of product that barely lasts 2 hours on the lips... but yes, Cupcake is extremely buttery, pigmented and it doesn't dry out my lips.

L - R: swatched lightly (one swipe) and swatched heavily (direct sunlight)

I'm not showing you more picture because I plan to write a post about this product very soon.

Carmex Cherry Flavoured Lip Ointment on sale $1.99 I recently purchased the Original Carmex Jar purely because of the hype and I guess it works OK but nothing miraculous as it's still not able to completely heal my extremely dry lips, but after wondering on Twitter what was the difference in formula between the jar and the squeezable tube versions, I have been told that the Carmex in the tube is creamier and thicker, and I have to agree. No, I absolutely did not need yet another lipbalm in my collection, but I figured out that because it has SPF in it, it will come in handy this summer.

Nivea Visage Natural Beauty Beautifying Eye Care $2 I love Dollarama because you can find great products from known brands at a really nice price, and I was going there with my mother for food but of course, I couldn't help myself from sneaking up in the beauty section to have a quick look, and I was surprised to find Nivea there!

For some reasons, I always had in mind that Nivea tested on animals, but after much research, I'm happy to report that I was wrong, fortunately! I don't think I have really tried something from Nivea before and I don't really know why, maybe because none of their products really appealled to me and because they tend to be a bit on the pricey side for drugstore products. Yes, I already have a ton of eye creams in my stash, but do you know how pricey eye creams can be? I personally like to apply a more thick and moisturizing eye cream at night an another one to brighten my undereye area during the day, and I think this one from Nivea is great for this as it's a bit pearlescent.

January Empties

☑ Marcelle Essentials Purity Soothing Cleansing Water See my review here.

Repurchase? yes! This is my HG makeup remover!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Pond's Cold Cream*

☑ Nivea Visage Gentle Toner I don't really believe in toner, I don't know, it just seems like another useless step in my beauty routine. I mean, if you use a proper face cleanser, you wouldn't feel the need to use a toner, right? I prefer to use toner in the morning instead of washing my face with water - it's faster and it's gentler on my dry skin than water. I like the smell of this one, for some reasons it reminds me of baby powder, and it's very gentle on my skin.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle AC-Solutions Anti-Imperfections Clarifying Lotion for acne-prone skin

☑ Glamour Gal Soap Petals with the essence of roses, violets, lavender & musk This is a useless and very annoying product - it did nothing for my skin, it smelled nothing and it was a mess to clean after as it stuck all over the tub!

Repurchase? no

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

☑ L'Oréal Paris Go 360° Clean Deep Exfoliating Scrub (sample 30 mL)* I don't like this, it's not abrasive enough and I think it's more of a cleanser than a scrub because it foams a lot and the beads disappear in seconds - everything I hate in a scrub!

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub

☑ L'Oréal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara* See my review here.

Repurchase? no, first because L'Oréal tests on animals, but also because this mascara is far too dry for my taste.

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Power Volume Mascara

☑ e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler This 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?

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler

☑ Passion Savon Mandarin Yoghurt Natural Handmade Soap See my review here.

Repurchase? no, there are many handmade soaps out there that smell better and that don't melt as quickly.

What I'm currently using to replace it: other Passion Savon soaps

☑ Vivaderm Daily Moisturizer See my review here.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

☑ OLAY Regenerist Eye Touch of Concealer Eye Regenerating Cream (7 mL)* I really wanted to like this but honestly, I'm not sure it really works - I mean, it's too sheer to be used as a concealer and I don't feel it did something for my eyes either.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: theBalm Time Balm in Light

☑ Burt's Bees Beeswax & Almond Milk Hand Creme (sample size) Because my job involves submerging my hands in the water and manipulating harsh chemicals a lot, I need to keep my eczema-prone hands moisturized so I keep sample-size hand creams in the pocket of my uniform. I really hate the texture of this hand cream, it's really thick and hard to spread on my hands, I guess it's because of the beeswax. It might be OK for night time but it tends to make my hands sticky during the day and that's annoying! Also, the scent isn't amazing and it's very strong.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Burt's Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Creme (sample size) 

☑ John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray I'm not sure how you can say if a heat protection product really works or not but I guess as long as your hair is still healthy and not fried or damaged after regular heat styling, it does! This one smells fresh and fruity which I really like, and I also like the pump handle which makes it easier to dispense product.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: La Coupe Flat Iron Thermal Straightening Spray

☑ Taro Clobetasol Propionate Ointment USP 0.05% w/w This is basically topical corticosteroid, the strongest steroid I've been prescribed to use on my eczema, and the only thing that really works. I have to pay the price, however: this stuff is so strong that is has partly discolored my skin where I had patches of eczema - now I look like I don't know how to use fake tan, and that's not pretty. I've been told there's nothing I can do to have an even pigmentation again. F*ck my life.

Repurchase? I hope I won't have to...

What I'm currently using to replace it: other prescriptions for my eczema

☑ Clairol Natural Instincts Color Treat Color Conditioning Treatment* This is just your average conditioner that comes in a box of hair dye. This one is actually smaller than the ones I have used previously, but I guess it's because they include the Week 2 Color Refresher in the box as well. See my review of Clairol Natural Instincts Vibrant here.

Repurchase? no 

What I'm currently using to replace it: random hair dye conditiong treatment

 *These products are NOT cruelty-free 

NIVEA - Feel Closer

 

Nivea have commissioned research by psychologist Professor Geoff Beattie as a barometer of closeness today – and the results show we’re closer than ever to our friends and families. That’s good news, as pals are vital for our health.

Yes, really  - there’s scientific research to prove it. In fact, studies show not staying connected poses similar risks to your health as high blood pressure, obesity and even smoking – your friends really do have that much impact. Here are just a few of the key benefits of being close to others:

• 
  a healthier heart –close social contact helps lower blood pressure and overall risk of heart disease. 
• 
  lower risk of cancer – one study found women without a strong social and emotional support network were nine times more likely to be diagnosed with a malignant breast tumour during routine screening. 
• 
  better mental health – loneliness and social isolation are major risk factors for conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to Alzheimer’s disease.

There are probably several interlinking reasons for all this, say scientists. Lonely people are more likely to rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking and excessive drinking. And, lacking the self-esteem boost we get from positive relationships, they may be less motivated to exercise and eat well. In addition, without someone to confide in during difficult times, the lonely may experience a build-up of stress that can have a direct physical impact, even accelerating the ageing process.

Whatever the reasons, it’s clear being close to others is as important for our health as getting our five-a-day and hitting the gym. So NIVEA are encouraging us all to value our relationships and prioritise ‘us time’ with our nearest and dearest.

In this spirit of healthy togetherness, demonstrate how close you are by taking part in NIVEA’s A Million Moments of Closeness – upload photos of you with your best friend, sibling, partner, parent or child at facebook.com/niveauk, or look out for our road shows, throughout the UK, where you can jump into a photo booth and have your picture instantly uploaded. Whether you share your photos on Facebook or at the roadshow, you’re in with the chance to win - every day, Professor Beattie will choose a picture of the day, and the winner will receive one of 100 prizes worth £100.

And join in their debate about closeness in 21^st century Britain. Is friendship the best anti-depressant going? Can a text ever be as rewarding as a face-to-face chat? Is physical proximity essential for true closeness – or can a long-distance relationship work? Have your say on these and other questions in the Feel Closer debate at facebook.com/niveauk – and let’s value our closeness.

What do you think? I agree that in our era of social networking, it may seem easier than ever to stay in touch with our friends, but we also need face to face interactions, and to me, a text or email will never replace having a great in deep conversation with my friends.

Sponsored Post

Viral video by ebuzzing

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: -

Mail of the Week (March 21 - 25)

My prize from Delicate Hummingbird's giveaway: I'm excited to have won this giveaway because we don't have Catrice here, and I love dark nail polishes like these. Here's what I got:

• Catrice Cosmetics Nail Polish in 490 Iron Mermaiden (multichrome pearl green/purple)
• Catrice Cosmetics Nail Polish in 430 Purplelized (charcoal purple with multicolour shimmer/sparkles and slight holographic effect)
• Catrice Cosmetics Nail Polish in 440 I Wear My Sunglasses At Night (greenish black with pink&green glitter)

• Archetype Cosmetics Mineral Pigment Eyeshadow sample in St. Elmo's Fire (the base color is a subtle warmer purplish plummy shade, muted and greyed a bit and hinting towards taupy brown around the edges; there is a quirky iridescent sheen to it, silvery/green/sortapink. Green sparkle)
• Archetype Cosmetics Mineral Pigment Eyeshadow sample in  Savage Garden (very subtle bluish greypurple color with an overlay of blue-turquoise iridescence over the top- tip to the side, and it flashes to pink purple. Orchid sparkle.)
• Archetype Cosmetics Mineral Pigment Eyeshadow sample in Turquoise Serpent (warm golden brown with turquoise sparkle)

Thank you so much! Can't wait to change my nail polish (currently wearing Revlon Minted)

TRESemmé Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner samples and coupons: I honestly have no idea where this comes from. I've searched the net and found nothing, and my name wasn't on it so maybe they are free samples that everyone has gotten?

SilkPerfect Pillowcase: I've been sent this silk pillowcase to review and I'm super happy because I've wanted to try one ever since I first heard about these! Not to mention that silk pillowcases are not easy to find everywhere.

Grey Winter Leggings from eBay: I know they look blue but it was because of the sun, they are actually a dark grey. I wanted another pair of winter leggings as I've been wearing the same pair a little too much lately, and I didn't want to get another black pair, so I opted for dark grey. They are very soft and warm, and super comfy. I got them for $7.00 here. I ordered them on February 25, they were marked as shipped on February 27 and I finally received them on March 23. It took around a month, but they were coming from China, so I guess I can't blame the seller.

Nivea samples: These weren't addressed to me or someone in the house so I guess they were free samples that everyone has gotten. I'm never tempted to buy Nivea products as I find them a little too much pricey, so I'm glad I can give them a try for free. I received:

• Harmony Time Shower Cream
• Express Hydration Body Lotion

Products from Pari Beauty to review: I have never heard of this brand before so I jumped at the chance to try some of their products to review. Here's what I was sent:

• Transforming Eye Gel
• Mineral Perfection in 51 Ivory
• Mineral Stardust in 31

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