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 | September Empties

Another month has gone by, meaning it's time for another empties post, and I have used up quite a few products, yey!

I have always had a thing for SPAresource Hand Creams ever since I first tried them - I just love their amazingly thick and rich texture that never leaves hands greasy and that moisturize my dry and eczema-prone hands super quickly. SPAresource hand creams are made with shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, aloe oil, vitamin e and honey extract - talk about wonder ingredients! Oh, and did I mention the scrumptious and insanely juicy smell? OMG!

I received a sample of AHAVA Skincare Mineral Hand Cream in my February GLOSSYBOX and at first sight, I thought this hand cream would be a nice size to keep in my handbag or in my locker at work but after trying it on... no. This is just too light and it doesn't feel moisturizing at all on my dry and eczema-prone skin. I was expecting much more from a $22 hand cream that contains Dead Sea minerals! 

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 citrusy 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 before slipping on some cotton gloves because it tends to get a bit greasy, but it works oh-so well on my eczema! 

I am rarely disappointed by Burt's Bees products but as much as I tried to find a way to use Burt's Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil that would make it work for me, it just did not do it - my skin just doesn't feel moisturized after using it, and it fails to calm the itchiness due to my eczema.

I was sent Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream in October of last year to help my eczema and even though it appeared to really help at first, I'm not sure if it's because my skin got used to the product but the effect quickly wore off and I had to rely on my steroid creams again, which is never good. But again, maybe it's because I ran out of Rosehip & BioRegenerate fruit & seed oil blend, which was supposed to be used together...

I mentionned Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother in my Summer Essentials post and raved about it but I never got to review it before using it up - what can I say, this stuff is purely genius! I have always overlooked after-sun lotions because I'm lazy and I figured out that a normal body moisturizer would work just as well but this product completely changed my mind! It was not until I got a really bad sunburn on my chest, arms and belly - I forgot to re-apply sunscreen after going swimming - that I realized how this product was a miracle worker - my sunburn was completely gone within only two days and my skin never showed signs of sun damages!

It's weird how I actually liked Beyond Coastal Kids Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ the first few times I used it because it glided on the skin nicely without leaving white residues behind but now that the tube was almost empty, I found it hard to properly apply and rub on my skin because of its now thick texture, and my skin was left with random white patches of sunscreen, not to mention that I felt a bit sticky until I washed off at the end of the day. I don't understand what happened - could it have gone bad? I only got it this summer though, weird!

I quite enjoyed LUSH Satsumo Santa Bath Bomb because as soon as I entered the bath, I instantly felt my skin being smooth and moisturized - it was amazingly silky! After the bath, I could really feel my skin being nourished, and I couldn't believe that the dry patches of skin I had on my elbows were almost all gone - and that's not a light statement, having struggled with eczema almost all my life. I wish the delicious fruity and fresh scent wold be strong enough to linger in the bathroom or on my skin after the bath, but I'm used to such disappointment with bath products in general.

I don't use mouthwashes on a daily basis and I have given up on finding the perfect whitening mouthwash because nothing works on my naturally yellow teeth! However, I know I can always go back to Scope Outlast for a super long lasting fresh breath that no other mouthwash can provide.

I have been incredibly disappointed by Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat* as it does not fully dry in 30 seconds - of course - but the worst is that no, it absolutely does not live up to its claim of no-chip shine for up to 10 days. I think I'm definitely done with top coats!

*This product is NOT cruelty-free

February Empties

☑ Fruits Scents Strawberry Body Butter

I got this for $1.50 at the dollar store, and I don't even know why I picked it up... I'm a sucker for body butters, but I should have known that for this price, it was too good to be true! This is far from a body butters, it's in fact a super light lotion. It absolutely didn't moisturize my dry skin )=

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Burt's Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme

☑ Bodycology Cucumber Melon Body Butter

Just like the Brown Sugar Vanilla one I have used up the past month, this body butter is not moisturizing at all, and it couldn't calm my itchy skin. The scent is better than the other one though!

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Burt's Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme

 ☑ SPAresource Vanilla Sugar Body Butter

SPAresource body butters are my favorites butters ever! The texture is perfect, the scent lingers until the next shower, and I can feel my skin staying moisturized all day long! Oh and these body butters are so inexpensive.

Repurchase? yes!!

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Burt's Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme

 ☑ Pantene Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (50 mL)

Besides the scent (green apple, yum!), I didn't notice anything special with these products.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Paris Vive Pro Colour-Vive Shampoo and Alberto VO5 Deep Nourishing Moisture Intensive Mask 3 Minute Mask

☑ Alpen Secrets Tea Tree & Mint Foot & Leg Cooling Gel

This refreshing gel is great, especially in the summer after sepnding a long day outside. I'm not sure if it really moisturized my feet but it sure felt good!

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Barielle Total Foot Care Cream

 ☑ Fruits & Passion Cocoa Hand Butter

At first, I thought this butter would be amazingly moisturizing due to its super thick texture, but I was disappointed. Plus, it's super expensive for such little quantity of product.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner

 ☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Eau de fruits

This fragrance is very light, fresh and fruity. I wouldn't wear it to go out at night but it's a great everyday perfume if you're into a scent more subtle.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Calgon Take me away! Brazilian Beauty Passion fruit & Brazil Nut Body Mist

  ☑ Nude Miracle Mask (sample)

This mask was interesting to try. It quickly dry on your skin to form an invisible layer. But I didn't notice any benefit for my skin.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Solutions Winter Moisturizing Hydratation Mask

More Christmas Presents

As if I hadn't been spoiled enough on Christmas, I found a little message from my mother on my bed when I came home last week:

"Gaby, I have hidden four surprises in your room. Where are they?"

So I went on a hunt, and this is what I found:

Bodycology Cucumber Melon Body Butter: I have mentionned to my mother that I was curious about this brand, so she got me this body butter that was on sale. On the Boxing Day, she paid even less that $1.50 for this at Wal-Mart!

SPAresource Vanilla Sugar Hand Cream: In my opinion, SPAresource makes the best hand creams. They are so thick and creamy and their smell is really strong (which I like) and yummy.

SPAresource Vanilla Sugar Body Butter: The SPAresource body butters are also my favorite, for the same reasons as their hand creams LOL!

Awakening Bath Fizzer

My mother also got me those goodies from the Boxing Day sale at Wal-Mart:

Allan Holiday Collection Candy Canes (Gingerbread, Butterscotch, Cappuccino & French Vanilla) and Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape (Awesome Original & Gushing Grape): I'm not a fan of candy but my mother knows I love every flavors of candy cane except the original. And the Hibba Bubba Bubble Tape reminds me of my childhood! This is the kind of bubble gum you just want to swallow because it tastes soooo good!

Bioré Skin Preservation Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator: This was on sale so my mother decided to give it a try. It was 2 for 1 or something like this.

Gingerbread Scented Soap: As if I didn't received tons of soaps this Christmas LOL! I used to be a shower gel kind of girl, but LUSH made me love solid soaps! This one really smells of gingerbread =D

We also visited my grand-parents in Quebec for New Year's Eve, and they got us some presents:

Matching watches for my boyfriend and me: That's so cool because I wanted a watch for some times now but didn't want to "waste" money to buy one... but of course, I broke mine the day after x=

Magnet bracelet: The black beads are actually magnets, so it's impossible to break or lose this bracelet by dropping it! It can also be worn as a  necklace (=

I wasn't expecting even more Chirtsmas presents! Wow, I'm so happy and thankful! =D

It's my birthday! + October empties

It's my birthday today! I'm now 22... time goes by so fast! 

Picture is from weheartit

 ♥

 ☑ SPAresource Coconut Hand Cream (sample size 4mL)

This smells yummy, and it's really thick for a hand cream! I'm never disappointed by SPAresource products!

Repurchase? yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner

 ☑ Pantene Color Preserve Volume Hair Solutions Shampoo (50 mL)

This didn't really preserve my color more than any other shampoo and it didn't leave my hair especially shiny )=

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Shampoo

  ☑ Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula (sample size)

I was thrilled to finally get a chance to try this product and OMG, it totally lives up to its claims, even if I had enough product for only two uses! It's really thick, it smells yummy and it's really hydrating (I really noticed a difference on my elbow even after only 2 uses!).

Repurchase? yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bella Spa by Ivy Castle Luxury Body Butter Coca Butter

☑ Burt's Bees Vitamin E Bath & Bodu Oil (sample size 29 mL)

I love the smell, very refreshing, but I'm not a fan of oil as it's just so... greasy LOL.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

☑ Avon SuperExtend Mascara

This is lenghtening, but it's not the best mascara I've ever used. Plus, it clumps after a few coats and it dries up quite quickly )=

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara

☑ John Frieda Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner and Shooting Lotion (sample size 8.3 mL)

Those products smell really minty which I like, especially when I take my shower in the morning as the smell wakes me up a little. The combination of products also left my hair soooo shiny and soft.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Serum

☑Sally Hansen Maximum Strength Regular Polish Remover

Well there's not much to say about a nail polish remover! Sally Hansen is a well-known nail care brand and I guess this product does the job.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Sally Hansen Maximum Strength Strenghtening Polish Remover

☑ Freeman Moisture Rich Apricot & Wild Cherry Deep Impact Lathering Facial Scrub

Wow, I have this since forever! It smells great and does the job quite well, but I hink it has been discontinued.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub (7 g)

 ☑ Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Burst Nectarine & White Ginger scent Anti-perspirant stick

I didn't feel especially "protected" with this anti-perspirant. I only bopught it because it was on sale and because it smelled great hehe!

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant

Mail of the week (September 13 - 17)

  Samples from SPAresource: Go here to tell the people over at SPAresource why you love their products and they will send you a free sample to try (I actually got 5!). This is for Canadian residents only. 

I received a 0.24 fl.oz - 7 ml sample of each of these:

• Amber Vanilla Body Lotion
• Vanilla Grapefruit Body Lotion
• Moisturize Foot Cream (I didn't even know they had foot cream!)
• Orange Blossom Deep Nourishment Body Cream
• Coconut Hand Cream

October 2010 issue of Fashion: I was excited to participe in their Big Giveaway, but it's sadly not open to Quebec residents (as always) -_-

  My gift as a new member from VoguePassion.net : VoguePassion.net is a website where you can buy makeup brands like MAC and Clinique at a super low cost. Click here to get your free gift and a 10% off your next purchase (I got L'Oréal Bijou Facets Precious Effect Nail Colour in B. Angelic).

My coupons from Save.ca

My prize from Brittany's giveaway : I won the new Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant. Thanks Brittany!

 My prize from Laure's giveaway : I won this super cute bird cage necklace from Mimischkä (take a look at her shop here). Thanks Laure for having this giveaway and thanks Mylène for giving away some of your creations!

 Samples from Bioré: I received:

• Bioré Refresh Daily Recharging Daily Cleansing Cloths with green tea (1 pre-moistened cloth)
• Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub (7 g)

 My prize from Henna's giveaway: I received:

• Pair of skull earrings
• MSCHIC SkunkLook Black/White Stripe Eyeshadow
• Nails Inc. London InStyle Nail Polish in Candy
• Lotus Lily Lip Balm by Glamourflage
• Gosh Velvet Touch lipstick in 140 Tutti Frutti

Thank you Henna! =D

My prize from Bailey's giveaway : I was lucky enough to win out of 632 entries! I was so amazed at all the goodies she included:

• Book "Oh La La Perfect Hair", by Susie Galvez
• Book "Oh La La Perfect Makeup", by Susie Galvez
• Mario Badescu Travel set with Summer Shine Lotion, AHA Botanical Body Soap and Hydrating Hand Cream
• St. Ives Restore 24 Hour Moisture Advanced Body Moisturizer
• Upper Canada Soap All About Feet Peppermint Warming Foot Scrub
• Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath and Shower Gel (60 mL)
• Pantene Medium-Thick Frizzy to Smooth Shampoo (50 mL)
• Pantene Medium-Thick Frizzy to Smooth Conditioner (50 mL)
  
• OLAY Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Makeup Remover + Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
• ELF Tools Mechanical Eyelash Curler
• Essie Nail Polish #90 Really Red
• Very Cherry Pedicure Set
• Quo All Over Colour Stick in Venus
• Quo Jumbo Lipgloss Stick in Pink Petal
• Avon Super Extend Mascara
• Avon Super Curlacious Mascara
• Avon Ultra Luxury Eye Liner in Khaki
• Nail Art stones
• Cake Winter Wonderlips Lipgloss in Ginerbread
• Smackers F'Lip Juicees in Sugar Splash
• NYC Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm in Sugar Fairy
• "Beauty Rest" Sleep Mask
• Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Pearls eye shadows in Tantalizing Teal
• Maybelline Eye Studio Colour Pearls eye shadows in Silver Starlet
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Copper Chic
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Sapphire Siren
• Maybelline Eye Studio Quads in Spirited Seas
• Baskin Robbins Vanilla Ice Cream Hard Candies
• "Recyling" Tatoo canvas tote

Thank you very much Bailey, I can't wait to play with all of those goodies!

August empties

☑ Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/deodorant Light and fresh scent

I have a friend who swears by this product. I don't really need an heavy protection when it comes to antiperspirants/deodorants, but this one does the job quite well. I wouldn't pay $9 for it though, but I agree, it's great. The only thing is that it's supposed to be solid, but after a few uses, it becomes more liquid x=

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Burst Nectarine & white ginger scent

☑ Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage SPF 28 Daily Moisture Lotion

Well I had enough of this for only one use, so I can't tell you a lot LOL.

Repurchase? I don't know?

What I'm currently using to replace it: Cellnique Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion

 ☑ Lacoste Love of Pink

I'm not a fan. It smells very chemical once applied and it fades to a cheap fruity scent.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Escada Pacific Paradise

 ☑ Burt's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion

This is great! It's definitely refreshing and it makes my feet smell so great! Not to mention that's it's 100% natural.

Repurchase? no because there's plenty of foot lotions available at a cheaper price

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alpen Secrets Tea Tree & Mint Foot & Leg Cooling Gel

 ☑ Cellnique Intense II Hyaluronic Acid

This was part of the Amino-Collagen C Intense Set I was sent from Cellnique along with other products (read my review on them here). It is said to be able to attract 1000 times its weigth in water and to help repair damaged cells and instantly deliver a silky smooth texture after application. While it hasn't completely cured my extra dry skin, it has significantly help it.

Repurchase? no because it's way too expensive for my budget

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alpen Secrets Tea Tree & Mint Foot & Leg Cooling Gel

  ☑ SPAresource Amber Sunset Body Lotion with aloe vera

I love this lotion. It smells amazing (I've been told I smell like caramel LOL), the texture is great (not too runny but not thick as a butter) and it's inexpensive. Great value!

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Cranberry & Pear Body Soufflé

 ☑ Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion

I'm not a fan of this lotion. The smell is okay and last until the next shower, but the texture is way too light for my tatse, not to mention that $14.99 is a little expensive for a body lotion in my opinion. I like the fact that it's 98.3% natural, though.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Cranberry & Pear Body Soufflé

 ☑ La Clé du Plaisir Boutique Érotique Effervescent Pear Bath Bomb

My boyfriend and I got this for free when we purchased some things from a La Clé du Plaisir representative when we attended my friend Ariane's "sex party". I used it in two times as it "disappears" pretty fast in the bath. I'm not a fan of those cheap bath bombs that have nothing special.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

☑ Klorane Soothing eye make-up remover with cornflower extract

This is the first makeup remover I ever used. It was a gift from my mother and I wouldn't repurchase it as it's quite expensive, but it's really soft on the eyes and it does a great job at removing heavy eye makeup and stubborn mascara.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Equate Baby Oil

☑ Gillette for Women Satin Care Shave Gel

It leaves my skin veeeeeeeeeery smooth, and you only need a tiny amount of product as the foam is so thick.

Repurchase? no, as I prefer to use conditioner or baby oil

What I'm currently using to replace it: eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream

☑ St. Ives 24 Hour Moisture Advanced Body Moisturizer

I didn't noticed it was a body moisturizer until recently, but I have always used it as a hand lotion. It works (but I'm not sure it lasts up to 24 hours), but it's a little too watery for my taste.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner