Project Pan Them All | February Empties

Hi ladies! I know, my last post was two weeks ago, but here is my excuse - I recently started TSW (topical steroid withdrawal), which prevents my body from functioning normally - I can barely eat and sleep, I can't work, and some days, I can't even walk properly. I am planning to write a whole post about this, but in the meantime, please bear with the lack of posts.

Before realizing I was suffering from TSW, I tried all kinds of body lotions, creams and butters to moisturize my red, itchy, irritated skin, but nothing would do, not even Basil Lemon Extra Moisturizing Body Butter for dry skin, that I used to love thanks to its great creamy texture and it's fresh and sweet smell.

Containing 1/3 nourishing milk, Uriage Crème Lavante Soap-Free Liquid Cleanser is one of the most gentle product I have used on my poor TSW skin. I really enjoy the pleasant light, fresh and "clean" fragrance of this cleanser, but its texture is not really consistent, which makes it hard to dispense the proper amount of product, despite the convenient pump packaging. I have to use a fair amount of product to produce a fine, creamy, easy-to-rinse foam, but I guess that for a soap-free cleanser, it's fairly good. I loved how this prodct never left my skin parched after showering.

When I realized that nothing worked to soothe my TSW skin, I dug out Dr Hess Udder Ointment to use it as a protective layer on my skin, since its texture actually reminds me a little of Vaseline. It is not especially moisturizing but it did make my skin a bit more comfortable for a few hours.

I kept hearing about the wonders of coconut oil but I have always loathed oily products on my skin - it just drives me crazy! When I received Adara Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to try, I had no choice but to use it to properly test it... yes, it does soothe and moisturize my skin greatly, but still, that oily texture... yuck! To be honest, I quickly forgot about it and put it away. But recently, since starting the TSW process, my skin could not tolerate any moisturizer so I looked for natural alternatives, and I realized it was the time to give another chance to coconut oil. Which I did, but it did not work wonders - my skin is so raw and sensitive that it just won't tolerate anything - which bring me to MW (moisturizer withdrawal), which I will talk about more in another post.

I still can't believe how Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Deep Hydrating Treatment worked wonders on saving my hair! It has a great creamy texture so it does not make a mess in the shower, and you really don't need a lot of product at once. My hair was left incredibly smooth, soft, shiny and easily manageable!

Project Pan Them All | January Empties

I am pretty proud of myself since I seem to be on a roll with all of those empties! Next month might be disappointing since I just started using a few new products but oh well, you can't have it all every time, right?

I like to spray Marc Anthony Salon Expert Keratin Miracle Frizz-Smoother Leave-in evenly on my damp hair to ensure easy detangling and super smooth hair - it never fails to leave it incredibly soft, hydrated and manageable. I have been using it every time I wash my hair since I got it, and I can really certify that it is a miracle product! This is really my favorite product of the Salon Expert range and I am wondering if I will ever find an alternative that is just as great.

Elin Bianco Treatment Mask has been absolutely wonderful to revive my dry hair, especially after coming back from Europe this summer, since I did not bring any conditioner and I did not look after my hair at all for a whole month... or two. The texture is amazingly perfect - it feels thick, almost like a styling paste, so it never makes a mess in the shower. My hair was left incredibly soft and smooth after the first use!

When I first started using MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Extravagant, I found the formula to be way too wet for my liking - there was so much product on the brush that I had to wipe it on a tissue before each use and between each coat! Also, the mascara took forever to dry. I was happy to see the formula improve after a few weeks though, and I was left with volumized, lengthened and defined lashes that actually held a curl all day - and I have the straightest lashes ever! - after only one coat. I like to build up to three coats with this mascara for maximum effect, but be careful because it tends to start clumping at the third coat.

KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Eye Cream is probably my all-time favorite eye cream, since it's almost a miracle for me to have found a rich and extremely moisturizing eye cream that doesn't give me milia! I can't comment on the dark circles and pufiness claims though since I mainly use eye cream as a prevention but also to keep my delicate eye area moisturized as it gets eczema flare-ups very easily.

I am usually very happy with their body butters, but The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter has been such a let down! It failed to calm my itchy and dry skin caused by eczema and it did not even seem to moisturize it, although it is said to be formulated for dry skin... even pure aloe vera did a better job than this product! Huge disappointment.

I have not tried a lot of their cleansers but LUSH Let The Good Times Roll was a pleasant surprise! Since I have dry and eczema-prone skin, I was happy to learn that, despite providing deep exfoliation, Let the Good Times Roll is gentle enough for everyone to use - my skin was not left tight or drier, instead, I could feel it being super soft and refreshed! Did you know that this best-seller was a holiday product that’s now a permanent part of LUSH's cleansers range?

Another product I was recommended for my eczema by the doctor I consulted when I had my monstruous allergic reaction after I went swimming in a supposedly radioactive lake this summer is Pro-Derm PostX2, which is supposed to be a miraculous moisturizer... but of course, I did not notice any improvment. Another almost $70 thrown out the window... thanks eczema.

I was given Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion* some times ago but I did not want to use it since it is not cruelty-free, but I must admit it came in handy - at least temporarily - to calm those rashes I was struggling with after my adventure in the radioactive lake. It did relieve my itchy and extra dry skin thanks to cooling menthol and colloidal oatmeal, but with ingredients such as parabens and alcohol, I knew this was not a long-term solution, so whn I ran out, I purchased some aloe vera as a more natural replacement.

I asked a pharmacist which supplement was recommended for vegetarians and he told me that plant foods do not contain vitamin B12, but that as a lacto-ovo-vegetarian, I could obtain most of mine from milk, dairy products, and eggs. The requirement for vitamin B12 is very low, but it is essential, so I decided to give Jamieson B12 a try anyway. I also purchased Jamieson Vita-Vim Vegetarian which I seem to prefer since it provides a full complement of nutrients necessary to support daily metabolic processes, and allows one to optimally use food to help generate energy, combat fatigue, and resist infection. 

In my attempt to soothe my eczema flare-ups, I decided to try Uremol 20 Intense Relief Moisturizing Cream since I have heard urea has been clinically shown to temporarily relieve minor skin irritation and soothe dry, itcy skin. It was not very effective though since it burned my skin so much when I applied it! Once again, aloe vera seems to do a better job than this chemical-filled product.

KORRES Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial, was great for my dry skin. I absolutely love the weightless soufflé texture that instantly melts into my skin to leave it extremely smooth, soft and moistured by morning, and best of all, this product won't leave your face - or pillow, or hair! - even the slightest greasy!

*Please note that Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion is NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | December Empties

Hi ladies! I have fallen super behind in blogging, actually I feel like I never really truly got back to it since coming back from Europe this summer. I had to get my personal life back on track - which was not always easy - then I started a comapny with my sister in law, and then, in the blink of an eye, Christmas was upon us! Now that things have calmed down after the chaos of the Holidays, I feel like I am ready to commit to blogging again. Maybe not everyday, like I was used to some times ago, but definitely one or two articles a week. Quality before quantity, right? Thank you for sticking with me ladies!

I found Natureplex Hydrocortisone Cream Maximum Strength in a Dollar Tree while I was in Wildwood a few years ago, and it was actually great at relieving the red and itchy rashes all over my body due to my radioactivity exposure when I went swimming in an abandoned mine this summer - yes, I know. The tube is very small and I used it very quickly, but I guess for $1, it's still nice!

Since I have discovered Marcelle Essentials Purity Soothing Cleansing Water, I am absolutely sold on cleansing water, and at $10 (instead of $23.50) at Clarins Fall Warehouse Sale, I simply could not pass up NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with 3 Roses and Green Tea! I does not work as great as my HG from Marcelle and I would not repurchase it, but it still leaves my face smooth, clean and fresh.

I was recommended Pro-Derm Hydrogel from the doctor I consulted when I had my monstruous allergic reaction after I went swimming in a supposedly radioactive lake (as mentioned above). Made with a synergy of plant and marine ingredients to ensure exceptional efficiency, Hydrogel is claimed to rapidly soothe sensible skin. Its usage is recommended after aesthetics interventions or to regenerate the skin’s protective film after bathing, showering or shaving. I did not find it especially moisturizing and I was disappointed with how fast I used it up, especially given its expensive price - around $60! Not to mention this is my second tube...

Nothing really seems to work for the eczema on my hands, and Karen told me how great Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care Cream* worked for her a long time ago (hence why I purchased it before going cruelty-free), but sadly, it is not the case for me. Not matter how consistently I use it, I always have to go back to my cortisone creams. Not to mention that it seems to burn my hands more than anything else...

LUSH Heñata Bath Bomb was the cutest bath bomb! Quite simply, this is like a piñata for the bath - but it’s a hen, so it’s a Heñata (get it? awwww!). This cutie has to be smashed against the side of the bath so it can release soap paper flower petals to scrub up with. It is perfumed with fresh and citrusy tangerine, bergamot and mandarin oils - yum!

I always have to be careful not to take a too hot bath because of my sensitive skin and my eczema, but LUSH The Melting Snowman Bath Melt truly has skin-softening properties. Cocoa butter and almond oil nourish and soften the skin, while cinnamon leaf invigorates and help shake off fatigue.

I bought Freeman Goodstuff Organics Moisture Shea Butter Vitamin E Whipped Body Butter back in 2010 so I am a bit ashamed to feature it now, but I have used it up pretty quickly recently. I remember buying two tubes of this and being amazed after using the first one, but I guess I wasn't struggling that much with eczema because now this just seem to have done absolutely nothing for my skin. Totally rubbish. Although it still smells divine!

For some reasons, I prefer to pamper my feet in the winter, although it would be more logical to take care of them in the summer... but Eucerin Intensive Repair Extra-Enriched Foot Cream was actually great! Not too thick yet not too thin, it seemed to sink right in, leaving my feet super soft and smooth.

Yes, I realize Degree Invisible Sheer Powder Anti-Perspirant* is not cruelty-free, but it was a gift, and I have yet to find a product not tested on animals that works just as well and that smells just as good. This will be tough. Help, please?

*Please not that these products are NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | October/November Empties

Hi ladies! It seems I completely forgot to post my October empties so I will be showing you my November empties also in this article. I have not a lot of empties again, but I am slowly making it through my huge stash of body lotions, which makes me happy since winter is already here and I can't wait to whip out some heavier body butters!

I have not been using a lot of bath products lately since my skin has been acting up since this summer, where I went swimming somewhere I should not have been... but I managed to treat myself to Bomb La Bon Bon Mr. Smith Bubble Bar, which really makes tons of bubble, and it smells just like green apples!

My hairdresser urged me to take better care of my hair when I went back from France this summer, since I did not bring any conditioner with me and I still can't believe how Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Deep Hydrating Treatment worked wonders on saving my fried hair! It has a great creamy texture so it does not make a mess in the shower, and you really don't need a lot of product at once. My hair was left incredibly smooth, soft, shiny and easily manageable!

I also used up a few eczema treatments in the past month, probably due to the fact that I was really stressed about not having a job when I came back from France. Elocom Oitment 0.1% (corticosteroid), Topicort Desoximetasone Cream USP 0.25% (corticosteroid emollient cream) and Protopic Tacrolimus Ointment 0.1% are just a few of the prescriptions I have been using for the past years and nothing really works on the long term.

I still can't believe how quickly I use up SeabuckWonders Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion! It does calm the itchiness due to eczema, and I don't feel the need to re-apply this lotion until my next shower, but it is sadly not the most moisturizing product I have tried.

PUPA Vamp! Mascara is definitely HG material! My lashes are left thick, full, dense and fluttery after only a few strokes, and I absolutely love how this mascara holds the curl of my lashes all day, without smudging or flaking. Two coats is all I need for amazing volume and length!

The consistency of HT26 Extra Moisturising & Nourishing Body Milk is surprisingly not a runny mess and it is absorbed into the skin within seconds, without leaving greasy residues behind. I swear that after the first use, my skin felt incredibly comfortable and it did not itch until my next shower the night after - this is a big win for someone who is struggling with eczema! Also, you only need a small quantity of product since this milk is easily spreadable and you can be sure that this ginormous bottle (500mL) will last you a long time! Oh, and let's not forget about the smell, which is a bit powdery and reminds me of baby products - very pleasant!

Project Pan Them All | August/September Empties

Hi ladies! Since I have been away in France in August and I really did not bring much with me, I was not really able to use up a lot of products, so I combined my August and September empties.

Yes, the mouthwatering cotton candy, sweet vanilla and bubblegum scent of LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel is simply intoxicating and I could not have asked for something better in this department, but the letdown is that, despite its fairly consistent texture, the shower gel requires tons of product to get an adequate leather, which is a real shame considering how overpriced this product is! Appart from the scent - which is not as strong in the shower as it is in the bottle - I can't justify the price of Snow Fairy and I won't be repurchasing it.

I was recommended Pro-Derm Hydrogel from the doctor I consulted when I had my monstruous allergic reaction after I went swimming in a supposedly radioactive lake (don't ask...). Made with a synergy of plant and marine ingredients to ensure exceptional efficiency, Hydrogel is claimed to rapidly soothe sensible skin. Its usage is recommended after aesthetics interventions or to regenerate the skin’s protective film after bathing, showering or shaving. I did not find it especially moisturizing and I was disappointed with how fast I used it ip, especially given its expensive price - around $60!

The first time I tried KORRES Yoghurt Instant Soothing Gel on my dry skin, I actually jumped in surprise because it made my skin sting so much! Fortunately, my skin calmed down after a few minutes, and when I applied the gel again the following morning, everything was OK this time - weird! While this gel does soothe and calm my dry and irritated skin, I did not notice any "light cooling effect" and while my skin did feel nourished and moisturized, it failed to completely relieve my very dry skin. 

Having never used an exfoliating moisturizer before, I did not know what to expect from Jergens Replenishing Vitamin E Gentle Exfoliating Moisturizer but I was not impressed - it is really light and watery and it did not even seem to moisturize my dry skin at all.

Burt's Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter is the lip balm I mostly relied on when I was in France, and it did not disappoint! I really prefer it over the original beeswax lipbalm, which seems to dry my lips even more. This mango butter version goes on much more smoothly and not waxy at all, and I could still feel it on my lips after quite some times, which means I did not feel the urge to constantly re-apply it.

I must say I am not a huge fan of peel off face masks for some reasons - maybe because none of them are really moisturizing on my dry skin? Montagne Jeunesse Prickly Pear Peel Off is no exception, but it did smell sooooo fruity and yummy!

Project Pan Them All | June/July Empties

I could never get enough of the Cake Be Delectable Triple Moisture Body Lotion - this beautiful blend of coconut oil, shea butter and aloe vera leaves my skin soft, smooth and moisturized all day long, and it also works great on my suburns! It has a nice light consistency that is spread easily and absorbed super quickly. Oh, and that decadent strawberry and cream fragrance...

I always try to favour alcohol-free toners for my dry and sensitive skin, and I enjoyed using Lara Beauty Revitalizing Daily Toner for Sensitive Skin it in the morning to quickly refresh my face when I was in a rush before work, instead of a face cleanser.

Both versions of Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser were included in the Essential Discovery Collection I had the chance to try a few months ago, and I enjoyed using the Normal/Combination version in the morning since it is lighter and is absorbed faster than the Dry/Sensitive version, which is a nice welcomed treat at night - it also works really well as a face mask (apply in thick layers without massaging it in, and remove the ecxess after ten or fifteen minutes).

Peptalash is claimed to naturally improve the appearance of lash length, darkness and volume to make eyelashes appear longer, thicker and fuller in just two weeks, but I have been using it for months without noticing even the slightest improvement. Disappointing.

There is never much to say about a toothpaste, and Crest Clinical Plaque Control Toothpaste is nothing special honestly, although it claims to not only reduce plaque but also help keep it from coming back, while also whitening teeth and freshening breath.

I am not really fancy when it comes to anti-perspirants/deodorants, but I try to buy cruelty-free alternatives as much as I can, and I was pretty pleased with Mitchum Power Gel Shower Fresh Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, until it started to burn my underarms real bad when it was almost empty...?!

I know, I know, I just can't stop raving about this miraculous product that is Get Creamed Body The Balm! I am really glad I took it with me to Europe because it is such a wonderful multi-tasking product - it was literally all I needed! Made of coca butter and shea butter, this is absolutely wonderful on my dry patches of eczema, and I could not believe I ran out of it so soon! It's easy and mess-free to apply but also to carry around while travelling thanks to its packaging similar to a deodorant stick.

I can't remember where or when I got this sample of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50 with Helioplex*, but it is not really "dry touch" to me since it is really greasy when I apply it and it seems to take forever to get absorbed into the skin!

Julep The Best Pedi Créme Ever! is probably the best foot cream I have ever tried! In only a matter of days, I was amazed at the difference this cream made for my feet - they were soooooo soft and smooth! For $22, I wish the tube was bigger, but even though the cream is light, you don't need a lot of product to cover both feet. The cream smells absolutely delicious and fresh - juicy cucumbers, yum!

I never thought I would fall in love with eos Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet like so many before me, but I did! The lip balm coats my lips perfectly in a single swipe, and I did struggle a bit once the top started to flatten, but it was worth it! The consistency is perfect and I can actually feel the product on my lips, which is great since I know they are being properly protected. I don't feel the need to constantly re-apply this lip balm, even though it sure does not last all day and it is probably not the most moisturizing lip balm I have tried, but it does work well.

I am usually a big fan of Montagne Jeunesse face masks, but I was a bit disappointed by their Dead Sea Mud Spa Face Mask, which claims to intensely invigorate and revitalise skin with Dead Sea Minerals, but all it did was make my whole face tingle, and it left it even drier...

*Please note that these products are NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | April Empties

My mother gave me this super cute and delicious smelling gingerbread cookie soap she found at Winners some times ago - it was actaully really good, it did not melt super fast like most bars of soap I have tried, and I can't get over how nice it smelled!

I had the chance to try Liz Earle 4 Piece Essential Discovery Collection and I really enjoyed both the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and the Instant Boost Skin Tonic - I have never used anything like this cleanser, which leaves me skin feels perfectly clean, soft and smooth when I am I done exfoliating it with the muslin cloth, and I enjoy finishing the cleansing routine with the toner, which does not contain alcohol and is enriched with cucumber and vitamin E - it smells sooooooo good!

I had never tried anything from Crabtree & Evelyn before but I received a sample of this lightly scented Tarocco Orange Eucalyptus & Sage Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy Sachet in the February Glossy Love GLOSSYBOX, but I am afraid that after only two uses, the only thing I can talk about is its smell - yummy!

I am getting really good at using up my LUSH bath products before they all loose their smell, because I keep being disappointed! I had high hopes for Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, and although it did leave my skin moisturized, I totally missed the vanilla and cotton candy scents and the foam disappeared after only a few minutes. Same for Ma Bar Bubble Bar!

I must admit I maybe judged Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara too quickly - when I first started using it, I hated the weird brush shape and I always ended up with tons of mascara all over my lids, not to mention that there was way too much product on the wand when I took it out of the tube. At first, the formula was way too wet and it took forever to dry, but a bit like Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils*, it dried out very quickly and although it was easier to apply for a little while, it quickly became unuseable and I had to throw it away. It's a shame because it made my lashes look incredibly and it did hold a curl all day!

I am still not sure what to think of conditioners that come in box hair dyes, but I guess Garnier Rich Nourishing Conditioner Cream* did an OK job.

I received a sample of NUXE Body Fondant Body Scrub with an Apothica order, but I am really strict when it comes to scrubs because most tend to not be abrasive enough and I hate when they make and oily mess in the shower. This one has exfoliating grains of various sizes, but it is too gentle for my liking.

I finally made the decision to throw away the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller* which I have been using daily for years, but it seems to be impossible to use up! I recently tried to see how much product was left, and I realized it looked a bit dirty and I figured out it did not really make much of a difference for me anyway. I have a backup of this eye roll as well as similar products in my stash such as Olay Regenerist Anti Aging Eye Roller* and Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Roll-On Anti-Puff & Dark Circles that I am really excited to try anyway.

I don't know why I never got around publishing a review of Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Masque, but I guess now it's too late because I used it up... but it was absolutely scrumptious - I think I even tasted it! It just feels like slathering on chocolate all over your face... its just so rich, moisturizind and decadent... perfect!

I was very kindly send EthicBioskin Organics Hair Elixir to try, which is an holistic hair and conditioner treatment oil entirely made with natural and organic ingredients such as raw coconut oil, broccoli seed oil and Moroccan raw argan oil, but I was able to get only two uses out of it because I the product is just so hard to get out! I am sad to report that I did not notice any improvment in my hair condition after use though.

*Please note that these products are NOT cruelty-free

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

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.

Project Pan Them All | December Empties

Since I was so in love with The Body Shop Shea Body Butter, I had high hopes for the Mango version as well, but I ended up being imensely disappointed! Despite being formulated for very dry skin, just like the Shea version, it is not nearly as thick - in fact, I had the impression of using a greasy body cream! And when I say greasy, I am not kidding - it takes forever to be absorbed into the skin, and the oiliness transfers on everything I touch, including my boyfriend, who kept complaning that I was all "buttery"! I never got proper results with continuous use, since my eczema-prone skin started to itch again after a few minutes of applying this product.

Since body mists usually never stay on the skin very long, I used Calgon Mmmmm! Vanilla Swirl Body Mist* mainly as a room spray, and it really smells amazing, but never sickly or overpowering.

I bought Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Décolleté in June 2011 so I guess it has passed its expiration date since it barely shows up on my skin anymore, when it used to give me a nice, dark, uniform tan. I hate the idea of a tint anyway, since it's super liquidy and virtually impossible to blend on the skin.

LUSH Gingerbread House Bubble Bar is probably the cutest bath product I have seen with its little snowy roof and cinnamon stick chimney, and its sweetly spicy smell just like fresh gingerbread makes me want to eat it! I usually prefer sweet scents but this bubble bar happily surprised me - as soon as I popped it in the bath, it created a mountain of spicy and fruity foam, while turning the water a bright orange, and best of all, the scent lingered for as long as I relaxed in the bath, without being overpowering. It is a warm, inviting and relaxing smell that just makes you feel good.

I used Eucerin Intensive Repair Extra Enriched Foot Creme daily and my feet really felt incredibly soft!  I was sure I would not like it because of its light formula but I have been proven wrong. I find the tube is too thin for daily use though because I used it up within two months!

My mother and I bought a couple of those Icy Breeze Spearmint Breath Spray in a Dollar Tree while we were on holiday in Wildwood and they really work amazing for only $1! I kept mine in my handbag for a quick breath refreshment whenever needed, and the small bottle lasted me a fairly long time because one spray is all you need for long-lasting fresh breath.

I was not expecting to be completely blown away by NYX Doll Eye Mascara Long Lash but it is one of the best mascara I have ever used! Everything about it is great - its brush which lets you reach even the smallest lashes in the corners of your eyes, its not too dry yet not too wet formula which lengthens, volumizes, curls and defines even the shortest lashes, and it never flakes or smudge. A true drugstore gem!

*Calgon Body Mist is NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | November Empties

I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered Avon Wish of Luck Eau de Toilette Spray* straight from the brochure without even smelling it at first - what, I could not resist the "refreshing blend of green apple and sparkling florals" from the description! Unfortunately, this turned out to smell more floral than fruity to me, and the scent is way too light to last me through the day - I had to mix it with another perfume or body spray in an attempt to use it up, and I'm glad I finally did!

I have never been a fan of face wipes but I do like to keep some baby wipes on hand to wash my face quickly for those morning when I am in a rush before work. These Pampers Baby Wipes were way less pricey than face wipes, and they even came with a handy tub!

Earthen InstantPeel is a product that will probably never cease to amaze me - it's really super easy to use and I still think it's truly awesome to be able to actually see the peels of dead skin, it's like a proof that the product is working. I have never used something like this before! This product is great for dry and sensitive skin as it didn't leave my face irritated or even drier - I could feel my skin being softer and smoother. The only things I dislike about this product is the price - at $10 an application, it can be getting quite pricey - and the messy packaging.

I don't think I have had such amazing results with any other lengthening mascara before Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara - it makes my lashes extremely long and defined, and most importantly, it holds a curl all day, which is a real miracle when you have extremely straight lashes like me! Also, I usually shy away from plastic applicators, but this mascara changed it all!

e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler is the only eyelash curler that I have tried that really works at curling my super straight lashes, but I hate, hate, hate how the metal top is so sharp that it always dig in the rubber pad, creating dents that pull off my precious eyelashes. Also, the stupid pad always falls off and, as if it wasn't enough, you can't purchase the rubber pad separately so you have to buy a new curler everytime which is not really a problem because it's only $1, but still, it's such a waste. Despite all of the bad things I pointed out, I still stick with this curler - do I really have a choice?

I picked up Mitchum Advanced Control Utltimate Strength & Protection Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant when I spotted it on sale at Walmart in an attempt to go completely cruelty-free, and I was not disappointed! The fragrance Powder Fresh is really nice but not overpowering, and best of all, I really feel protected all day, both from wetness and odor! I think I have found a new favorite - and cruelty-free - deodorant!

I recently reviewed Bomb La Bon Bon Whipped Sugar Scrub in Cotton Candy which I could not resist using almost every day because of its intoxicating smell, and I am actually a bit sad that I used it up so quickly, but it's OK though because it was not abrasive enough for my taste.

I have always loved serums as I have super dry skin, and Reviva Labs High Potency Collagen Serum did not disappoint. I love the lightweight gel consistency that absorbs very quickly into the skin, so you can apply your day or night cream over it without having to wait. This serum really left my skin super soft and smooth, and call me crazy, but I swear I have noticed results after the first use! Maybe I was too excited, but I really think my skin was less dry than the day before, especialy my dry patches of eczema. Of course, even after continuous use, this serum didn't get rid of my eczema (nothing really can), but I feel it has helped at least a little.

I have had Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel for what, three years, without never really using it regularly until I got more into self tanners recently, so when I decided to give it another try, it barely turned me... yellow. It's OK, I never really liked you either!

It does not happen often that I am really sad to have used up a particular product but I really think I have found my absolute holy grail night cream in KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Night Cream - it is everything I ever wanted in a night cream! It is amazingly thick and rich, it's not greasy and it's absorbed quickly into the skin, oh, and the smell... delicious! This cream looks very thick in the pot but it's very buttery and smooth on the skin, leaving it super soft.

Since I tried LARA Beauty Polishing Microderm Abrasion for Sensitive Skin, I have been hooked on microdermabrasion treatments, which seem to work so much better than you average face scrub! The texture of this one is just so thick, creamy and perfectly abrasive, but still, super gentle on my dry skin. My skin felt refreshed after use, but not tight or dry. It's a shame this product could not clear my skin of blackheads though, which is a big issue for me, but next time, I will try mixing three parts baking soda with one part water instead of repurchasing another product.

*Please note that Avon Wish of Luck is NOT cruelty-free

Project Pan Them All | October Empties

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.

Since I started washing my hair every three to four days (I used to wash it everyday since I was 12) in an attempt to keep my color brighter and my hair healthier, one product that has absolutely saved my life numerous times is dry shampoo, and one of the first one I tried is TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo for oily/straight to normal hair. I think it's an OK product but nothing more, because it's really weird how some days it would work wonder, but some other day, it would leave my hair feeling wet and even greasier! As I experienced with other dry shampoos, this quickly fell in my stash of unloved products that I want to use up quickly, and I'm glad I finally did!

I am so glad I finally used up Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel because even though the Hydra-C line is ideal for all skin types, this is not moisturizing enough for my dry skin, and it certainly does not hydrate it for 24 hours, as claimed. However, I did really enjoyed its unique jelly-like texture that is light and non-sticky, and that melt into the skin leaving it feeling instantly refreshed with an alcohol-free cooling sensation - I don't think I have used a similar product before! This is especially great to use in the summer.

I quickly fell in love with KARIDERM Foot Care Cream which softens and refreshes my tired feet at the end of the day. It is particularly invigorating thanks to its essential oils (eucalyptus, rosemary, cypress and mint) which stimulate blood circulation while eliminating odours. It is ideal for foot and leg massage to alleviate the heaviness in the legs, or to increase muscle responsiveness in sports. I always prefer my foot creams to smell fresh and this one smells really menthol-y, which is amazing after a long day at work! I love how this cream really soften my feet after only a few uses.

If I remember well, I think Marcelle Hydra-C Gentle Self-Foaming Cleanser is actually the first self-foaming face cleanser I tried, and as much as I enjoyed its velvety and light texture, I try to stay away from overly foaming products because they tend to dry out my skin even more. I don't think I have experienced this with this cleanser, but it't nothing ot of the ordinary either.

In an attempt to ease my eczema, I started sleeping with cotton gloves about a month or two ago, and I liked to use the thickest and greasiest hand creams I could find. I thought Burt's Bees Hand Salve - which is their most intensive hand treatment, packed with botanical oils, herbs and beeswax to moisturise hard-working, rough, dry hands - would work wonders, and it did, until I started waking up to small and itchy vesicules on my fingers - disgusting, yes, I know! Thanks to Miss Vay, I soon learned I was most likely suffering from Dyshidrosis, a type of eczema which can worsen when the skin becomes moist, so now I try to stay away from heavy hand creams.

I had a sample of CHANEL Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette* laying around in my vanity for quite some times now so I figured out I would be better to use it up before it ends up smelling nothing. Chance is described as "a decidedly young scent for those who dare to dream. A light, subtly sensual fragrance, filled with vitality and energy, evolves from one moment to the next, each wholly unique." it is definitely a light, delicate floral scent that I don't hate, but I prefer heavier and sweeter fragrances.

I was actually surprised at how nice Jessica Simpson Fancy Bath & Shower Gel foamed in the bath, given that it came in a gift box containing the perfume itself, a handy roll-on version and a lotion, and from personal experience, I find that most products that come with the fragrance are cheap. It is an absolute perfect compliment to the eau de parfum, which is simply scrumptious!

*CHANEL Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette 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