Project Pan Them All | January Empties

Hi ladies! I am pretty proud of myself for using up so many products these days - we are a near the end of February and I have already used up twelve products this month, which is amazing to me and it feels so liberating! I am a bit late with my January empties - as always - so enough about February and let me share with you my thoughts about some recent empties!

You may have noticed that I have a real bad habit of clinging to my LUSH products as if they were treasures meant to be kept forever - I never shop at LUSH and most of the products I have were gifts, so I should not feel guilty about using them up, but I still do! Anyway, I was glad to have finally managed to use up LUSH Fluffy Egg Bath Bomb which was a limited-edition Easter product. It was so big that I manage to get, what, five baths out of it? I am not even kidding! OK, it has been around for so long that by the end, it barely smelled anything, but I remember it smelled sweet, a bit like candy. 

I enjoyed my experience with LUSH Golden Wonder Bath Bomb solely because it managed to turn my bath an amazing gorgeous deep blue teal color completed with a layer of gold shimmers. I was disappointed that this bath bomb barely smelled something once thrown in the bath, and also, that the orange oil did not leave my skin smooth or moisturized. For around $7, this is not worth it for me!

I still can't believe that I have finally used up my big 500ml bottle of LUSH Glögg Shower Gel - this stuff is pricey, but it does last an amazingly long time!It lathers well so you only need a small quantity of product and it smells of Coca-Cola to me - not a scent I would have gone for if I had smelled it in the store but I have grown to actually like it since it is different, with a nice warming, spicy twist.

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 might be the only girl in the blogosphere who is not totally smitten by Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - I don't understand what I am doing wrong, but this stuff just does nothing for me! Once mixed with a little water, I did get a paste, but it vanished as soon as it touched my face, without the slightest abrasive feeling. I did enjoy the citrusy smell though!

Body butter is an essential for my dry and eczema-prone skin, and I know exactly what I want - thick, easy to spread, quickly absorbed and long-lasting moisture. If I applied MJ's Soap Shop Tangerine Body Butter too heavily on the areas of my body where my skin was not parched or prone to eczema, I was left with super oily skin and that oil just transfered to everything I touched - clothes, furnitures, even the dog! That beaing said, I have to disagree with the fast-absorbing claim in the description as, even when I was careful to use only a very small quantity of product on my super dehydrated skin, it took some time to sink in, but that is not a real problem for me because I shower at night before going to bed so the body has plenty of time to properly sink in. I was also a little disappointed that the butter doesn't provide long lasting moisture, because I stil feel the need to apply moisturizer in the morning to prevent my skin from getting itchy and dry through the day.

When I first started using St Moriz 'Dark' Instant Self Tanning Mousse, I was completely blown away because it appeared to be everything I was looking for - inexpensive, easy to use and provides a deep, natural golden brown tan that is never orange. I quickly realized it was not perfect though - it looks a bit muddy and unatural on my face, it applies incredibly patchy on my spots of eczema, and it wears off after only two days. I guess it's OK for the price though, since it is probably the cheapest self tanner available!

I always prefer to use a serum and a moisturizer and I really liked KORRES Wild Rose Face and Eye Brightening and Line Smoothing Serum, which smells amazing - just like real roses! - and really keeps my face moisturized all day. The clever pump bottle always dispense the exact right amount of product I need to cover my whole face and as soon as I'm finished applying the serum, it is already absorbed and I am ready to follow with my day cream! I love how this serum leaves my face slightly tightened and feeling fresh.

Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream is probably the first cream cleanser I have tried and I am convinced! I love how thick and creamy it is, and my skin feels fresh after use, but it sometimes still feel a little oily, as if it wasn't completely clean, especially when I wear foundation or BB Cream - nothing that can't be fixed with a little toner though. This cleanser tends to  dry me out a bit if I use it every day though.

It seems I have had this tube of Noxzema Continuous Clean Microbead Cleanser with Vitamin C forever, and I much as I appreciate how fresh it leaves my face after use, it feels so liberating to have finally used it up! It also has a super nice citrusy smell that never fails to wake me up in the morning.

I was a bit disappointed by Boots Botanics Body Overnight Hand & Nail Cream because since it has such a nice and thick consistency, I expected it to be really moisturizing, but it did not help at all with my eczema, which never fails to frustrate me! It also leaves my hands a bit greasy but this is no big deal since I use it only at night.

FOTD & OOTD | Christmas & New Year's Eve 2012

I was really looking forward to Christmas this year because since our parents are not together anymore, my brothers and I attended two Christmas parties instead of one and we had tons of fun! Both parties were held at my brother's house on December 23 and 24, where we enjoyed amazingly decadent food meticulously cooked by my sister in law Magali - oh, and don't even get me started on the desserts... and the drinks - let's just say that the girl who used to only drink beer discovered a new love for whiskey sour cocktails (Magali's secret ingredient is frozen lemonade concentrate)!

L'Oreal Touche Magique Concealer* | NYC Loose Translucent Face Powder*| Annabelle Biggy Bronzing Powder - Caribbean Sun | Annabelle Mineral Powder Blush - Au Naturel | NYX Doll Eye Mascara - Long Lash Black | Anastasia Want You To Want Me Eye Shadow Palette (Brass In Pocket and Iron On) | NYX Liquid Crystal Liner - Crystal Onyx | Wet n Wild Color Icon Liner Brow & Eye Pencil - Taupe | L'Oreal Colour Riche Sheer Perle Chiffon*

I totally forgot to snap pictures of my makeup and outfit from December 23 but oh well! Since it was Christmas - OK, Christmas' Eve, technically - I decided to go for a heavy smokey eye with hints of purple - which left me with swollen eyes the morning after, of course (thanks, disgusting carmine!) - and glitters with nude lips. 

I absolutely don't know what my right hand is doing in the far left picture -_-

I thought it would be the perfect occasion to wear my Stepping Out Little Black Dress by DreamGirl that fits soooo well and is so flattering! The material is just so stretchy and comfy, it's amazing! I added tights before going out to make it look a bit more dressy and elegant.

I was very lucky to have just recovered from a cold just in time for the New Year - is there a worst time of the year to be sick in bed? Our New Year's Eve party was held at my mother's home, where we ate, drank, sang, danced all night - I had not gone to bed at 5 am in such a long time! We also opened our remaining gifts - we had so many, we could not bring them all to my brother's house for Christmas! I will show you what I was fortunate enough to receive in an upcoming post but in the meantime, I posted a little sneak peek on my Facebook page.

L'Oreal Touche Magique Concealer* | NYC Loose Translucent Face Powder* | Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer - Medium to Dark | Annabelle Mineral Powder Blush - Sugar Rush | tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 'Dark' | NYX Doll Eye Mascara - Long Lash Black | Annabelle Galaxy Eyeshadow Palette - Shooting Star | Marcelle Lux Diamond Liquid Eyeliner - Pure Gold |  Essence Lipliner - Red Blush | Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss - Red Blossom

I was recently spoiled rotten by the amazingly generous people over at Essence so I decided to finish my subtle makeup look with a touch of red lipgloss, and Red Blossom is incredibly shiny and so moisturizing! As for my outfit, since I wore a dress for both Christmas parties, I decided to a bit more casual. Oh and yes, I did chop my hair for the new year, but I will probably write a separate post about this too!

top - Giant Tiger | white tank - Jean Bleu | leggings - eBay | hair color - John Frieda Precision Foam Color in 3VR Deep Cherry Brown

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(image: weheartit)

(image: weheartit)

*These products are NOT cruelty-free

FOTD | Now I know what a fool I've been but if you kissed me now, I know you'd fool me again ♥

At the beginning of December (yes, I am late, as always!) was held my work's Christmas party and I had an amazing time with my coworkers! It is always fun to relax and hang out with friends in a different atmosphere than at work. We ate, drank and danced all night, but of course, I had to wake up at 5:00 the following morning for work - oh well, it was worth it!

I wanted to show you my FOTD but as for my OOTD, I did not have the time to take proper pictures but I chose to wear the dress from Winners I wore to Geneviève and Robin's wedding this summer, and I accessorized it with a blazer from Suzy Shier that I borrowed from my mother. I also wore some new boots I found for a bargainous price at Giant Tiger - I will probably feature them in an upcoming OOTD post.

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette | MAC Eye Pencil - Ebony* | NYX Doll Eye Mascara - Long Lash Black | Katy Perry Lashes by Eylure 'Cool Kitty' | Wet n Wild Color Icon Liner Brow & Eye Pencil - Taupe

I never had the patience for false lashes but when I it was brought to my attention that the new Katy Perry Lashes by Eylure ($7.99), the UK’s #1 false eyelash specialist, have now officially launched in Canada, I simply could not resist - they all looked so gorgeous and absolutely stunning! 

When the four styles landed on my doorstep, I knew I had to wear some to the party, but which one? It was love at first with 'Oh, My!' since they looked so big and beautifully layered, but when I tried them on, I found them a bit too dramatic for what I had in mind. I decided that 'Sweetie Pie' and 'Oh, Honey!' were too natural-looking, so I finally decided to go with 'Cool Kitty', and I was not disappointed! 

Katy Perry Lashes by Eylure 'Cool Kitty'

'Cool Kitty' is said to be one of Katy's favorite lashes since it is the perfect evening-wear lash with manicure tips. I love how they frame my eyes beautifully by adding just the right amount of length and volume without feeling heavy. Of course, my application was not perfect since I'm a beginner at false lashes, but I quite enjoyed the result, except when the left lash started to fall off at the end of the party, but I must admit I have been dancing like crazy all night, so I don't think the glue is that bad. 

Katy Perry by Eylure Lashes are handmade, 100% natural and each style is reusable. The lashes are available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, London Drug and Ebeauty.ca

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - Neutral Medium | NYC Loose Translucent Face Powder* | Annabelle Biggy Bronzing Powder - Caribbean Sun | Annabelle Mineral Powder Blush - Au Naturel | I Love... Lipbalm - Blueberry & Smoothie | tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 'Dark' | hair color - Fudge Paint Box 'Blueberry Hill'

Lyrics are from Last Christmas by Wham!

*Please note that these products are NOT cruelty-free

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

FOTD & OOTD | Looking for some trouble tonight, take my hand, I'll show you the wild, side

tunic w/ belt - San Francisco | blazer - Suzy Shier | leggings - eBay | tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 'Dark' | hair color - Revlon ColorSilk - 'Burgundy 48'

When you are wearing a uniform five days a week for work as I do, you don't really have the opportunity to take pictures for an interesting OOTD post, but recently, I had to dress up and jumped at the chance to show you my outfit! I can't say I love fall but I guess it's still better than winter because it's not too cold yet for leggings, which happens to be one of my favorite thing to wear. I like to pair leggings with tops and even with shorts - they are just so versatile and so much more comfy than jeans!

  nail polish - Julep 'Alyson' | ankle bracelet - Anji | flats - Walmart

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - 'Neutral Medium' | Marcelle Extension Plus Mascara | e.l.f. Essential Brightening Eye Color - 'Butternut' | MAC Eye Pencil* - 'Ebony' | Annabelle Zebra Bronzing Pressed Powder - 'Haute Gold' | Hard Candy Fox in a Box - Spicy & Sweet'| MAC Glaze Lipstick* - 'Hue'

Lyrics are from Die Young, by Kesha

*These products are NOT cruelty-free

OOTD | We will stand tall and face it all together at sky fall, that sky fall ♥

blouse and distressed jeans -  H&M | owl necklace and leopard head ring - ROMWE | tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 'Dark' 

As always, I'm super late with my OOTDs but oh well, I guess it's better late than never, right? A couple of weeks ago, some of my coworkers and I gathered for a party held for Monic's birthday and we had a blast! It's always nice to hang out with friends outside the job, and to be dressed in something else than our work uniform!

I mentionned in this post how much I loved my H&M purchases and I still do - these pieces just go so well together, or with anything else really! I was going for a laid-back look and I think I got it right with this baggy blouse and skinny distressed jeans and some fun accessories from ROMWE.

It was love at first sight when I came accross this Leopard Head Diamond Ring so I immediately put it in my wishlist because I thought $14.57 was a bit pricey for a ring, so when it went down to $8.74, I knew it was my chance to grab it and I'm so glad I did! It's a really big and sparkly - it's the perfect statement piece!

As for the Bright Owl Necklace, I thought it was cute and I remembered seeing it on tons of blogs, but once again, I simply could not justify the price (originally $16.90) so I waited a bit, and I finally got it for $10.14. 

ROMWE really has tons of interesting things, from dresses and swimwear to sunglasses and leggings, but their stuff always sold out so fast, and it rarely comes back, so when you spot something on sale, be quick to get it because it means it's going to be discontinued! Also, while I appreciate that the shipping is free, it does take quite a while for my order to be delivered, not to mention that they require around three to five days to prepare your order before they can ship it, which is weird because I have never heard such a thing from any other websites I have ordered from.

Lyrics are from SKYFALL by Adele

FOTD & OOTD | So shine bright, tonight you and I, we’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky

I recently had a meetup that called for something a bit more formal and I'm always a bit clueless in these situations because I don't have a lot of formal clothes in my wardrobe, so I always end up borrowing something from my mother such a classic black pants and a blazer. This time, I took the time to analyze my wardrobe and came up with an outfit that I think is still wearable for everyday but it's a bit more classic than a t-shirt and jeans, for example.

tunic w/ belt - Giant Tiger | white tank - Forever 21 | leggings - eBay | tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 'Dark'

Marcelle Extension Plus Mascara | Annabelle Single Eyeshadow - Goddess | Anastasia She Wears It Well Eye Shadow Palette ('Onyx' on crease, outer corner, upper and lower lashline) | Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick - Primrose

ankle bracelet - Anji

I was very kindly sent this super lovely sterling silver ankle bracelet from Anji Jewelry some times ago - I have not worn an ankle bracelet since I was in high school I think, so I was super thrilled to be given this opportunity! The bracelet came in a cute and luxurious little black velvet pouch and as soon as I took it out, I was amazed at how it sparkled in the sun!

It looks very delicate but unlike my previous ankle bracelets which broke within a week or so, I have worn this one every day since I received it about two months ago. It has not lost its shine and there is not even one scratch on it - I even wear it in the shower! The 925 Sterling Silver Ankle Bracelet 25 cm retails at $25 but it has sadly been sold out. Anji offers jewelry for women, men and children and you are sure to find something to suit your taste among all their unique creations.

Lyrics are from Diamonds by Rihanna

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

FOTD | Lay down your arms, give up the fight; throw up your arms into the sky, you and I ♥

One of my favorite place to go clubbing is definitely Unity, a nightclub located in the heart of the gay village of Montreal. With 2 rooms, a VIP lounge and large terrace on the roof, Unity offers 2 different styles of music every night, entertainment, animation, and drags, a gorgeous crowd and much more - I especially enjoy the large terrace for a nice breath of fresh air when the club is completely crowded!

Some friends and I had a great time at Unity Saturday August 25 and I can't wait to go back - and yes, I was working at 9:00 the following morning - YOLO, as they say! I don't have much of a FOTD to show you because usually, when I plan to go out, I will take my time to do a more elaborate makeup look but this time, going out was not really planned so I did not have much time to prepare.

Annabelle Single Eyeshadow - Goddess | MAC Eye Pencil - Ebony* (smudged on top and lower lashline, under eyeshadow)| Marcelle Extension Plus Mascara

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - Neutral Medium | Hard Candy Fox in a Box - Spicy & Sweet | Tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 'Dark' 

*These products are NOT cruelty-free

Lyrics are from 21 Guns, by Green Day

Summer Essentials

I know, I'm a bit late on this, but I really wanted to share with you ladies the products I reached for the most this summer because some are really little gems!

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 Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother 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! I was expecting this lotion to be liquid and runny but no, it's more on the thick side but still, it sinks right into the sin and it feels so refreshing, and I like the light pleasant herbal scent.

I recently introduced you ladies to my new blog series, Project Farewell Casper, in which I share with you my fake tan adventures, and St Moriz Dark Instant Self Tanning Mousse was the second self tanner that I featured. It was tons of trouble to find a UK seller willing to ship to Canada but all of this hassle was really worth it in the end as this self tanner provides a gorgeous natural deep brown tan, exactly what I was looking for! I hate how it barely lasts three days on me even if I make sure to moisturize twice a day but I guess you get what you pay for.

I recently ordered XEN-TAN Deluxe Tanning Mitt from Apothica because I hated how streaky and patchy St Moriz applied when I used gloves, and as much as I love it because it allows the self tanner to go on soooo smoothly and it makes the whole process a lot easier and quicker, I was a bit disappointed at how cheap the mitt looked... I was expecting it to look like this but mine  does not have the writting and it's not very velvety...

The main reason why I was never keen on depilatory creams or lotions is because of the scent - isn't it awful? If you are able to forget that smell for about 3 minutes, you might actually really enjoy Veet Hydro' Restor Hair Removal Cream*. I absolutely fell in love with the thick texture that was easy to apply on the skin, and the spatula really comes in handy to quickly remove the product without mess. I was actually very surprised to see that the smoothness really lasts longer than shaving - I could see the hair slowly growing back on the third day. I'm also very happy with the results because my legs were soooo smooth and the hair removal cream absolutely didn't dry them. I didn't even feel the need to use moisturizing lotion after! 

With my super straight hair, I was a bit sceptical about Marc Anthony Beach Spray at first but I must say the results are actually pretty decent. This product does add body and texture to my straight hair while also extra definition to my layers. I was surprised to be left with manageable and touchable beach hair after using the Beach Spray.

I'm really happy with Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration sunscreen lotion product because, having dry and eczema-prone skin, being outdoors in the summer sun can really dry out and irritate my skin even more, but the new product line brings sun protection to a whole new level, with the luxurious hydrating ribbons that leave my skin feeling silky soft. I love how this sunscreen lotion goes on clear, light and non-greasy. Oh, and let's not forget that delicious signature coconut fragrance!

Let's not forget about sunglasses, of course! These are my super old aviator sunglasses that I got at my local flea market a looooooong time ago - I think I was in high school! I wore them to death as you can see, they went with me on all my trips, from Wildwood to Quebec, and I think I'm actually due for a new pair as they barely stand straight anymore! Should I get some other aviator sunglasses? This pink silver mirror shaded pair is so cute, although these black Ray Ban are a classic. Maybe I should consider some Ray Ban? My boyfriend has a pair that looks like this one but I really like the "prints" on the frame of this Ray Ban RB4105 Folding Wayfarer 710/51 - which brings me to Wayfarer, hmmm... Have you seen something as cool as these
Spy HELM KEN BLOCK EDITION HHCU131? OK, not really my style... I prefer these Tom Ford, which have a little retro vibe.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N2 Iridescent Beige and N19 Iridescent Icy Pink

My first foray into MAKE UP FOR EVER products were the new Rouge Artist Natural lipsticks and let me tell you that it did not take much time for me to fall in love with these ultra creamy and moisturizing babies that provides light coverage with a soft, shiny finish, which is exactly what I'm looking for in a lipstick in the summer! I have found these to be quite buildable for a more intense but never overpowering look.

I kept hearing so many great things about Carmex Lip Balm Original Jar and being a lip balm junkie, I just had to try it. At $1.98 at Walmart, it was pretty hard to resist! I think I withheld for so long because I was afraid that camphor and phenol could make my lips react (what usually happen with lip-tingling formulas), but so far, I have nothing to report except that this is an amazing lipbalm that I don't have to re-apply every second and I'm so glad I finally decided to give it a try!

I have never been a fan of waterproof mascaras, but Anastasia came out a very clever solution -  Lash Genius, which is a clear waterproof topcoat. I tested this product while swimming at the beach and also under the shower. If I only blink to get the water out of my eyes, Lash Genius stays put perfectly, but if I rub and insist on the lashes, it will start to show signs of fatigue - I noticed some of my lashes stick together, but then again, nothing dramatic!

*Please note that this product is NOT cruelty-free

Disclaimer: Sponsored post

FOTD & OOTD | À la vie, à la mort on va s'aimer encore (Geneviève & Robin's Wedding)

The gorgeous bride and groom

Last Saturday, my friend and I celebrated our friends Geneviève and Robin's wedding. I have known Gen since elementary school and she and Robin met through my boyfriend and I, and I know Gen was dreaming of this wedding for such a long time! It was awesome to be with them for this very special celebration.

Beautiful tables setup and yummy cupcakes

Of course, between my hairdresser appointment in the morning (more details in an upcoming post) and everything else, I absolutely forgot to take proper pictures of my makeup and outfit, as always! Here is a quick breakdown anyway.

Hard Candy Fox in a Box - Spicy & Sweet | 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer - Brown Sugar | MAC Cremesheen Lipstick - Creme Cup (not pictured)*

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - Neutral Medium | Too Faced Natural Eye | Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx (upper lashline, waterline and lower lashline)* | Avon True Color Eyeshadow Single - Night Sky (crease and outer corner)* | Annabelle Glitterama Liquid Eyeliner - Plutonium | Marcelle Extension Plus Mascara | It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil

Babyliss Pro Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron | Shielo VOLUME Flexible Design Hair Spray

Dress - Winners | Heels - Glo Women's Jayden Patent Platform Pump - K-Mart | Tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 'Dark' 

Nail polish - Julep Nail Vernis 'Whitney' and Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer 'Shake Your Groove Thing'

*These products are NOT cruelty-free

We arrived at the church a little before the wedding to be able to do a quick photoshoot. 

Acting silly (as always!) and dancing with the bride

It was a beautiful day and we had tons of fun! Congratulations again Geneviève and Robin, I wish you lifelong happiness!

Lyrics are from On va s'aimer encore, by Vincent Vallières, a singer from Quebec. Title translation: "In life, in death we will still love each other".