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

Guest Post | e.l.f. Cosmetic Studio Brushes

Sidrah is a beauty blogger over at MakeupMew. She loves doing makeup tutorials and reviewing beauty products. For the latest in makeup tips and amazing tutorials, please check out the blog or follow us on Twitter (@MakeupMew)!

Hello Everyone!

I’m so excited to be doing this review here for Gaby. I will be reviewing a few face brushes from ELF Cosmetic’s Studio Line, known for being an amazing affordable cruelty-free, vegan friendly brand they always come out with stellar products. The Studio Line Brushes are all vegan-friendly, these brushes are made from synthetic bristles. Now let’s get on with the review!

E.l.f. Studio Powder Brush
Described as an anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Full coverage color. Use for powder or blush for perfect contouring.

This is by far my favorite brush out of my entire brush collection. It’s super dense, has the softest bristles and it easily buffs liquid and powder foundation into the skin. Since it’s a flat top, it is a breeze to buff in mineral foundation in a few swipes. You can control the amount of product you are applying with this brush since it doesn’t eat away any of it. Some brushes end up buffing the product so much that it disappears off the skin, while this one gives a nice even coverage of foundation.

I’ve had this brush for more than a year now and I have yet to experience any shedding of the bristles. I do take care of them and deep clean them every week to keep the bristles clean and looking new. However a few months ago the handle did come off so I just glued it back on. Still looks brand new though!

E.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush
Described as an anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Creates an even and natural finish. Expertly sweeps all types of powders across the entire face and sculpts features beautifully. Use with pressed, loose, or translucent powders, blush or bronzer.

This is a great multi-functioning brush. I use this for setting my foundation and for blush. The bristles are densely packed so it easily picks up loose powders, I’ve found that I only need to use a small amount of product to apply the product onto my skin since the bristles blends the product into the skin evenly. For blush, I love using this for my sheer blushes since for pigmented blushes I prefer using a smaller brush to get a precise coverage. Since the Complexion brush is fluffy, you can end up applying too much product on your skin.

E.l.f. Studio Blush Brush
Described as a tailored design allows for easy maneuvering and precise color application creates a beautifully defined and sculpted look. Can be used to apply blush or bronzer.

This is the perfect brush for contouring your cheeks or applying a highlight. Since it has a tapered tip, it can easily be used to chisel your cheeks for a contoured look. Like the rest of the brushes, these have the softest bristles and don’t shed at all. I started getting into contouring by using this brush, since it’s tapered you can easily contour your cheeks and highlight cheekbones precisely.

Overall: Great brushes that will last you a lifetime at a dirt cheap price!

Availability: EyeLipsFace.com
Price: $3.00 Each

Interested in being a guest blogger? Please let me know!

The Seasons Change - So Does Your Beauty Routine!

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/.

When the warmer weather sets in, it's important to switch up your beauty routine as well. It's time to say goodbye to heavy body butters and welcome to light lotions, and throw away this heavy-duty foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer instead. I have been thinking to write a post about how I switch up my products as the seasons change but I guess I have always been too lazy - time to stop slacking now!

Because I have dry skin that is prone to eczema, I still have to be careful to moisturize it properly, but not overdo it. I try to switch my super heavy products for a lighter alternative that is still able to properly moisturize my skin.

In the winter, I like to use a serum followed by a moisturizer day and night. I will continue to use my current combo at night because I don't care if it feels a bit heavy because I will be going to sleep anyway, but for the day, I will switch up Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel Cream for dry skin for Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel. These products are from the same range, hence they deliver similar benefit, but the Hydrating gel feels lighter and it also melts when it comes in contact with the skin, which is very refreshing.

My two favorite cleansers are from Burt's Bees - the Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream and the Orange Essence Facial Cleanser - because they take great care of my easily irritable skin while leaving it feeling pampered. However, both tend to be a bit heavy for the spring and summer months, when my skin needs less TLC. As much as I appreciate the fresh and tingly feeling Noxzema Noxzema The Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus Oil provides, it tends to dry out my skin if I use it morning and night, so I use it only a night, followed by an heavy duty night cream.

I have a soft spot for body butters in the harsh winter weather because my eczema tends to flare-up much more easily and I have to be careful with which products I use on troubled spots. I have been trialing I Love...  Strawberries & Milkshake Body Butter recently and even though it's not the thickest butter I have tried, it's still a bit too much in the hot weather. A lotion I have discovered back in November and that I instantly fell in love with - it rarely happens, believe me - is George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion. It has a light texture but it never fails to relieve dryness and itchiness, meaning significantly less eczema flare-ups. Also, I could feel my skin being moisturized all day, which I don't think I have experienced before!

L -R: e.l.f. Shimmer Gloss Pink, NYX Mega Shine LA~LA~, Revlon Super Lustrous SPF 15 Pink Afterglow, Annabelle Big Show (my own concoction), Eyeko Liptastik Hot Lips, Barry M Glossy Tube 11

I am not a regular lipstick wearer because I am cursed with constantly dry and chapped lips, but while lipsticks can look dull and harsh in the warmer weather, why not switch for a bright colored lipgloss? If you are not a fan of lipglosses, maybe try some colorful lipsticks such as NYX, Essence and Barry M.

My all-time favorite fragrance is, without any doubt, Jessica Simpson Fancy. I don't even understand why I have never properly talked about it on this blog, maybe because I find fragrances so hard to describe and so, hard to review? Still, Fancy is a deliciously sweet gourmand fragrance that smells just like dessert. While not everybody likes to smell like a cake fresh from the oven, when the warm weather comes, I like to wear something a bit lighter, fresh and even fruity and floral. My favorite pick would be Harajuku Lovers Baby, which is described as a powdery musk, fresh, clean and soft scent. To me, this perfume smells a bit of baby powder with a hint of fruit and vanilla. 

L - R: Revlon Minted, Julep Blake, Essie Neo Whimsical, Borghese Verona Pink, Barry M Peach Melba

I'm not the kind of girl who only wear pastel nail polish in the spring or summer and swears by dark shades in the winter. I wear what I want when I feel like it, but still, it's fun to pain your fingers joyful shades when the sun is shining! Why not swap those dull and boring dark reds for some happy mint green and banana yellow?

What changes are you making to prep for spring?

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 

What Am I Bringing To Toronto?

If you follow me on Twitter, you may know that I was incredibly fortunated to win Ubisoft Just Dance Superstar Contest! The prize consists of a trip up to four people and includes two nights stay in a luxury downtown Toronto hotel (Hyatt Regency Toronto), limo service, spending money, four tickets to a concert or a show and four copies of Just Dance 3 Ubisoft video game. There was no concert or show available on the dates I could go (damn you school!) but instead, they have set up a VIP treatment for my friends and I in a nightclub - complete bottle service and a private booth! I can't wait!



I thought it would be interesting to show you what I bring with me to Toronto. Normally, I would not even have bothered with makeup and all that stuff but the thing is that we will be interviewed and the Just Dance camera crew will follow us around while we shop on Queen Street West so hey, a girl gotta look good!

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Single in Night Sky, NYX Eyeshadow in Sensual, e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler, Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Pout, Marcelle Power Volume Mascara, Joe Fresh Style Duo Concealer in Light, Wet 'n Wild Brow & Eye Liner Pencil in Taupe, Sigma E55, Sigma E40, EcoTools Angled Eyeliner Brush.

Marcelle Concealer Palette in Universal Beige, Too Faced Leopard Love Complexion Perfection Kit, Marcelle BB Cream, Leopard Gold Color Retractable Makeup Brush from BornPrettyStore.com

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo, CHI Silk Infusion, Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria Fragrance roller ball sample, Carmex Original Jar, Burt's Bees Beeswax Lipbalm

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter, Elemish Freshskin Peachy Perfect Gentle Face Wash, Elemis Freshskin Softly Softly Daily Moisturizer, Elemish Freshskin Dreamy Sleep Night-Time Moisturizer, KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Eye Cream, Marcelle Essentials Cleansing Water (in a Klorane travel bottle)

Everything goes in that super cute makeup bag (:

I realized that I don't have many travel size products because I tend to use them up first instead of having them laying around because I don't travel much and when I do, I don't bring tons of stuff with me. I don't have any mini format body cream, and this is the only really important product to me, so I'm stuck with that jumbo The Body Shop Shea Butter LOL! I also tried to bring multi-tasking products such as Too Faced Leopard Love and Marcelle BB Cream but overall I think I did great as I stuck mainly with essentials.

I can't wait to go shopping, spending money that you didn't work for feels so good, doesn't it? Instead of making a list of things I want, I made a list of places to shop at and I'll see! I was thinking maybe some MAC lipsticks even though there's none in particular I really want and some LUSH Valentine's Day stuff! I know I will be given a gift card to shop at H&M with a personal stylist and that's where the Just Dance camera crew will follow me around (so exciting!) but I will have some cash left to spend however I want (:

My friends and I will fly to Toronto today at 1:00 and I'm so excited! I will be sure to take tons of pictures =D

e.l.f. Essential Brightening Eye Color

L - R: Day 2 Night, Butternut 

Luxuriously smooth, pigmented formula provides your eyes with a bright and beautiful sweep of rich color. The formula blends into skin for a long lasting, beautiful effect. Each quad is comprised of 4 coordinating shades that allow for both natural and dramatic looks. Built-in mirror and applicator included.

I was lucky enough to win these two eyeshadow quads, Butternut and Day 2 Night, from Heidi's giveaway in September and I was super excited because they are actually the first e.l.f. makeup product I tried (I had only used their mechanical eyelash curler before). I didn't know what to expect from a $1 eyeshadow but I have heard mainly good things about e.l.f. so I was very eager to give these a try.

L - R: Day 2 Night, Butternut 

Yes the packaging is cheap - plastic, flimsy, writing wears off easily - but I was surprised to find a little mirror in there, nestled behind the foam applicator! It's a little awkward to use because it's so small but it's not completely useless as I'm perfectly able to see both of my eyes at once. It's actually great for touch-ups through the day. As with most drugstore eyeshadows, these quads come with foam applicators that I won't use on a regular basis but I like to keep them in case I don't have access to my makeup brushes if I'm staying over at a friend's house or something.

The thing that absolutely wowed me about these quads is the pigmentation - it's incredible for only $1, it's way better than some Lancôme and high end brands eyeshadows I have tried! Of course, this doesn't apply to all the shades - in both quads, the highlight shades are super chalky, sheer and completely useless, but the darker shades are really dark, super buttery and smooth! Seriously, I couldn't believe it! These eyeshadow blend really easily and they are also easy to remove.

Day 2 Night

Butternut

I don't wear eye primer on a daily because I don't usually have a problem with creasing eyeshadow except maybe if I'm doing an intense activity like sport or something, but these eyeshadows lasted all day on me without losing their vibrancy. I'm not sure what they mean by "brightening eye color" though because I didn't notice my eyes being more awake or anything.

These Brightening Eye Colors definitely sold me to e.l.f! If the shipping fees weren't that awful (it was around $16 to ship in Canada the last time I checked) I would definitely stock up on a couple of items. I think these eyeshadows are amazing if you are on a budget or if you are a begginner in makeup because they offer a wide variety of shade - at this price, you can definitely grab them all!

However, I would advise you to be careful because, as I say, the quality doesn't seem to be consistency in every shades, and I guess it will be the same thing with most of e.l.f. products.

e.l.f. Brightening Eye Colors retail for $1 on the e.l.f. website.