Project Pan April-June 2018

IMG_0744.JPG

I’m doing another Project Pan!  It’s my second one ever and the second one this year.  I’m going to do quarterly Project Pans in 2018 and see how it goes.

My first one (you can read about here)

IMG_0745.JPG

I included makeup this time!  I don’t have any pressed powder products, and don’t know when I will.  I’m not close to pan on any pressed shadows, blushes, bronzers etc, because I have so many and like to use different products every day.

Starting with my much loved Maybelline Fit Me! loose powder.  I have recently purchased a new powder (and new foundation and concealers)  and want to start trying them, so I need to use this up.  I’ve been using it for months.  Same with the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines foundation and Bye Bye Under Eye concealer.  I received all of these in the fall and have been wearing them on and off.  It’s time to finish them.  They are all so nice and I have been loving them.

I was looking through my stash and saw that I hit a little pan on my ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Reversible.  I’m going to try to top off my eye looks with this and maybe even use it as a highlighter.

IMG_0746

I also have a body lotion and and hair glossing cream.  The Philosophy Snow Angel smells so good.  It’s a fresh floral scent and is actually really nice for spring.  I received it before Christmas and I haven’t used it up because it is thick and hard to squeeze out of the bottle.  I need to leave it on it’s side to be able to use it.

The Oscar Blandi Glossing Cream smells amazing! I use it on wet hair to make it manageable and on dry hair for shine. I’ve had it for a while. It’s close to being finished.

IMG_0747.JPG

The majority of the pan is skincare.  These are the first three products I need to use up.  The Ofra Peptide Cleanser is about half full, the H2O+ Waterbright moisturizer is about 3/4 full and I’m not sure about the Neocutis night cream.  I’ve had these since last summer/fall so it’s time to use them up!

IMG_0748

Here are the last three products!  The eye hope is about half full.  The Reclaim Botanical neck cream and the Perfectly Posh the ritual mask have both only been used a few times.  I need to start using neck cream every day again and I need to give the mask a good try!

I will be doing the first update at the end of April.  Wish me luck!

Are you doing a Project Pan this year? How’s it going?

Project Pan January-March 2018 Final Results

IMG_0738Hi everyone! I finished my first Project Pan!  You can read about the start of it here and my update here. I started this in January to focus on using up some skincare I’ve had for a while.

I began with ten products, but used most of them up quickly. So I added a few more at the end of January. I didn’t do a check in at the end of February because I thought I was  almost done. But I had a Pur Cosmetics mask that took longer to use up than I thought it would.

I’m not going to list the products here, but you can go back to my original posts to see what was included.  I used up all of the products in the photo above and am pretty proud of myself!

The big thing I got out of doing this is that I made sure to use the products every day.  Before this,  I hadn’t been great about removing makeup and using my skincare at night.  I now take of my makeup and use my skincare almost every night and I think my skin looks better!  I also make sure to use skincare, including one with SPF in the morning, too.

I’m going to start another 3 month Project Pan this weekend.  This time, I’m going to include some other products as well as skincare.  Probably not any pressed powders yet, because I’m not even close to pan on any of my eye shadows, blushes, etc!  But this will help me use up some of my stash!

Have you done or are you doing a Project Pan.  How’s it going?

Favorite New Skincare From N07 and Philosophy!

I have been testing new skincare, which I have been enjoying.  I have been using up some skincare from a project pan I have been doing, (I will be posting results soon), so I was ready for some new products!

The two products I have been loving are from N07 and Philosophy.  I have received them for my honest review. I have been using them for over a week.  Here is what I think:

No7 Early Defence GLOW ACTIVATING Serum
No7 Early Defence GLOW ACTIVATING Serum

No7 Early Defence GLOW ACTIVATING Serum ($24.99 1 oz) — This product claims to give glowy skin after 7 days of use. In one week, 87% of women saw a more radiant complexion. This clinically proven serum delivers:

  • Visibly brighter skin
  • Reduced appearance of pores
  • Smoother texture and improved clarity

No7 Early Defense GLOW ACTIVATING Serum, with Ginseng and Vitamin C boosts skin’s natural renewal process to clear and refine pores for a glowing complexion. This powerful formula also supports your skin’s natural defenses, calming skin¿s reactivity to stress and protecting by neutralizing damaging free radicals caused by the sun & pollution.

What I think: I have been using this twice a day for over seven days.  It is a white gel/cream and is unscented. It has almost a primer-like feel on the skin — it glides on and smooths out my skin tone.  I have noticed that my skin has been looking really nice every morning.  My skin tone is even and my pores look a little less noticeable.  And I do have a glow! I will continue to use this and see if my skin continues to improve.  I do recommend it if your skin needs a bit of a glow.
Available at Ulta stores
Philosophy purity made simple ultra-light moisturizer
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Ultra-Light Moisturizer ($25 4.7 fl. oz.) — I was excited when I saw this new moisturizer, because I love Purity Made Simple cleanser. It is an   ultra-lightweight formula that claims to leave skin looking dewy and smooth with less-visible pores—pure and restored to its ideal state. learn more! More claims are:

Clinically proven to keep skin hydrated for 24 hours                                                    Immediately feels like a reset for your skin                                                                                  In just 3 days, see makeup-optional skin                                                                                       In 7 days, skin looks young and healthy like the skin you were born with!

What I think: This has the soft lavender scent of the cleanser, which I love! It is very light and absorbs into the skin very quickly.  I have been using it over my N07 serum at night (I use an SPF day cream).  I don’t like to use heavy night creams at the moment, as I am hot all the time (my own personal summer).  This is perfect as it does hydrate without weighing down my skin. I think this will be amazing in the summer when I need moisture without using any heavy creams.

Available at http://www.philosophy.com

Have you tried either of these products?  Let me know what you think!

 

 

Julep Maven March 2018 Subscription Box Review

IMG_0511

I have just received Julep Maven box recently came!  This is the March subscription box. The cost is $24.99 a month ($19.99 a month with a 3-month subscription).

I have been a subscriber for 5 years now.  And I love it!  You don’t have to take a box each month, you can skip if you want to.  Which is so nice if I’m short a month or if I’m not feeling any of the items.  I skipped December, because I was a bit short of cash and I didn’t really need any of the products.

I also love that you can customize your box.  When I first started subscribing, I could choose from curated boxes, but now, I get to curate my own!  This month I chose the Dream Big Nightly Renewal Pressed Serum with BHA and two metallic matte nail polishes.  I received some cute shamrock nail decals as an extra!

IMG_0512

Here’s a closer look!

img_0514.jpg

IMG_0515

I was excited to try the new Dream Big Nightly Renewal Pressed Serum with BHA ($36 or $28.80 for Mavens) — This claims — An innovative stick streamlines your nighttime serum and moisturizer steps into one. It deeply hydrates as it gently exfoliates to unveil smoother, more refined skin overnight.

I really wasn’t paying attention to this, because I didn’t realize that it was a stick until I got it home! I haven’t tried it on my face yet, because I’m trying a new No7 brightening serum (review to come).  But I have swatched it on my hand.  It’s very hydrating.  I hope it’s not to heavy for my face, but we will see!

img_0519.jpg

These cute little shamrocks will be perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day manicure.  I have a new green polish that will look amazing with them!

img_0518.jpg

These shades are from top Polly Ann –Cool Aubergine Matte Shimmer and bottom — Sonia — Blue Steel Matte Metallic.

I took this when the day was almost done, so the lighting isn’t perfect.  The top is more purple and the bottom, teal.  These look a bit like fall shades to me. I picked them out.  I guess I’m not ready for spring yet!

Do you get Julep Maven?  What products did you choose this month?

Hydrating Products For Winter Skin and Hair — Part 1

My skin and hair are so dry right now!  The weather in Kansas City has really been fluctuating.  One day it’s 30 degrees F, and the next day its 60.  It’s messing me up!

I received the following products for my honest review:

JUARA Coconut Illipe Hand & Nail Balm
JUARA Coconut Illipe Hand & Nail Balm

JUARA Coconut Illipe Hand & Nail Balm ($20 USD) — This amazing smelling hand balm is really saving my chapped hands and cuticles! It contains Illipe Butter plus Coconut, Candlenut and Buriti Oils.  These really hydrate and heal rough skin.  I also love that this absorbs quickly..

Available now at juaraskincare.com

Jason Calming Lavender Hand & Body Lotion
Jason Calming Lavender Hand &; Body Lotion

Jason Calming Lavender Hand & Body Lotion ($5.60 on Amazon) — This is a rich, non-greasy lotion.  I like to use it on my hands as well as my body because it instantly sinks in and I can work on my computer or phone right away!   It contains a blend of Vitamin C & E and Kukui Nut Oil.  It has a very light lavender scent which is very nice!

Purchase at Amazon.com and learn more at http://www.jason-personalcare.com

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Heat Protection Spray
Flawless by Gabrielle Union Heat Protection Spray

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Heat Protection Spray ($19 USD) — I air dry my hair, but use a straightening iron to style. My hair has been so dry this winter and hot styling doesn’t help!  This product really reduces the damaging effects of this.  This shields hair with a liquid barrier of thermal protection up to 450 degrees. Contains a blend of Argan, Avocado and Marula Oils, alongside naturally-derived Pea Protein, to increase elasticity and to prevent breakage. Once I spray it on, my flat iron glides through my hair and it looks hydrated and smooth.  Yay!

Purchase at https://flawlesshair.com.  Right now use code XOXO for 40% off sitewide!

I have been loving these products.  Since I am getting tired (what a week!), I am going to feature more of my fave hydrating products in Part 2 on Sunday February 18th…stay tuned!

 

Pamper Your Hair and Skin With Derma E

I recently received a wonderful box of pampering products from Derma E for my honest review.

I received Derma E Organic Argan Oil Blend and 3-in-1 Hair Protection Serum.

The Derma E Organic Argan Oil Blend ($15.50 USD) is 98 percent argan Oil, 1.5. percent Kukui seed oil and .5 percent Jojoba oil.

It is fragrance free. It is very hydrating and works well on my skin and hair. I like applying it to the ends of my hair. My hair is really dry right now and it makes it more manageable. I also like using it on my elbows and legs, and any other dry skin I have.

Derma E 3-in-1 Hair Protection Serum ($10.99 USD) works so well on my damaged hair. I apply it when my hair is damp, and also when is dry. It can be used before drying or as a finishing serum. For perfect hair I do it both ways. I think this an affordable way to get really shiny and manageable hair. I’ll be great on my frizzy hair in the summertime too.

Purchase these product and more at http://www.dermae.com

Have you tried Derma E?

Project Pan 2018 Skincare — First Update

This is my first update on my 2018 Project Pan!  I have so much skincare in my stash, that I decided to focus on it for the first quarter of the year.I figured if I set a goal, I can use up some of my skincare and make room for more!  And, by making a point to use my skincare each day, my skin has been looking much better!

Here is the original products in my project pan:

IMG_0032

These are my original 10 products.  You read what they are in my beginning post here.

IMG_0282.JPG

These are the products that I used up.  You can see there is a new one, the Ofra Peptide Silk-C Serum.  I included it once I finished the YourGoodSkin and the NeoCutis serums.  But I used it up, too!

IMG_0278These are the current products that I’m trying to pan.  The five products on the left are the ones I have been using since the beginning of January.  I’ve made good progress on them.  The spray is almost empty, and they others have much less product in them.

*I just realized that my Purity Made Simple face wash is missing from this photo.  LOL!  It’s in my shower.  I am still working on it and hope to have it panned soon.

The four products on the right are new to the pan:

 

IMG_0281

They are: Pur Blue Agave Mask, NeoCutis Micro Night Riche Rejuvenating Balm, Manuka Doctor Face Oil 24K Gold and Jane Iredale D2O Hyrdration Spray.  I’d say everything is about half used up, but the spray has only been used a couple of times.  I’ve included a mask that I loved when I got it last year, but I forgot about it.  It’s really fun to use, it dries down blue on the face and peels off.

I was going to continue my pan until the end of March, but I think my products all may be used up by the end of February. I will do an update at that time and we will see! It does feel really good to get rid of some of my vast array of skincare!

I am already planning the next pan.  I’m going to include at least one hair styling product and maybe a foundation and concealer.  I really have not used any powder makeup so that it’s even close to be panned (I have so much), but who knows, maybe a finishing powder will be in the mix!

Are you doing any project pan’s this year?  Leave a comment and let me know!

My Beauty Favorites — January 15-21 2018

It was so cold in Kansas City last week, one day it was -5!  But it has warmed up and was in the 40’s today.  It felt balmy!

This week I have been loving a French no-rinse cleanser and products to help my hair stay smooth in the cold winter air:

Collosol Eau de Lait
Collosol Eau de Lait

Collosol Eau de Lait ($18 USD) — A moisturizing milk/micellar water hybrid, this thorough but gentle cleanser can be applied with a cotton pad to remove makeup, moisturize and soothe stinging skin. No rinsing with water is required—a good thing since the limestone in tap water can be irritating to parched, wind-shipped skin. The universal formula is also suited to all skin types, from sensitive to dry to oily/acne-prone.

What I think:  First, this is really fragrant.  It’s floral like gardenias or jasmine, I can’t put my finger on the scent.  It’s nice, though.  It’s a milky liquid, and I apply with to a cotton pad. IT removes makeup very well and leaves my face so soft.  You can also add it to bath water to soften skin.  I haven’t tried it yet, but I might tomorrow after my workout.

A French skincare classic created in Paris in the 1950s, Collosol Eau de Lait can now be found in the U.S. at smallflower.com

John Frieda Hair Care Frizz Ease Collection

John Frieda Hair Care Frizz Ease Collection ($6.99 each) — Check out the new statement making look for John Frieda Hair Care’s classic Frizz Ease collection. The iconic purple that has accented the products for years will now be the primary focus, making this collection of frizz-fighters bolder and brighter than ever.  My favorites from the collection are:

Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème (3rd from left in photo) — This versatile smoothing cream, applied to dry strands, instantly transforms puffy, parched style. Creates a supple, shiny finish and silky touch. For use on flyaways, static frizz, and split ends. This is perfect for the cold weather, my hair gets flyaways and this smooths them right out.

Air Dry Waves Styling Foam (4th from left) — Get defined curls without the need for heated styling tools. Infused with moringa oil and a unique blend of polymers, this featherweight curly hair styler helps control frizz for perfectly smooth waves and curls. Non-sticky foam dries quickly, creating a flexible film that cleverly stretches as curl bundles expand while drying, keeping the curl intact. My hair dries wavy, so I love to use this to define my curls while my hair dries.

Extra Strength 6 Effects+ Serum (2nd from right) — Expertly formulated with a unique blend of silicones. Protect each dehydrated strand against the onset of frizz. Boosts shine. With silk proteins and algae extract, this frizzy hair serum smoothes for more manageable and lustrous results, and provides heat protection. I apply this to soaking wet hair everywhere but my roots.  When my hair dries, its soft and smooth.

Learn more at www.johnfrieda.com and purchase at mass market retailers near you.

What products are you loving this week!

 

QVC Presale: IT Cosmetics’ New Year, New Confidence in Your Skin! 5-Piece Collection TSV!

IT Cosmetics_ New Year, New Confidence in Your Skin! 5-Piece Collection

IT Cosmetics’ New Year, New Confidence in Your Skin! 5-Piece Collection gives the power to reveal your most beautiful skin! This Today’s Special Value® is scheduled to debut on QVC Saturday, January 13, 2018 at midnight (ET) and will be offered for one day only!

But luckily, QVC is having a pre-sale leading up to the event!  You can purchase the collection here for $79.96.  The value of this collection is $200!

This exclusive five-piece collection features two of the IT Girl skincare favorites, one complexion must-have paired perfectly with a brush, and one new game-changing skincare innovation that delivers life-changing results! While new Confidence in an Eye Cream instantly color corrects and brightens the look of your entire eye area, Confidence in a Cream deeply hydrates and improves the appearance of your skin. Also featured is Confidence in a Compact, IT’s first-ever solid serum foundation. Apply it effortlessly with the included Heavenly Skin Skin-Smoothing Complexion Brush for your most flawless, airbrushed application. Confidence in a Cleanser completes your collection and gently melts away dirt, oil and even long-wear eye makeup!

I’ll be doing a more in depth review on the morning of January 13th, but you can visit QVC.com now to learn more now and to purchase.  This is a great opportunity to make sure that you get your shade in the Confidence in a Compact foundation.   #NewYearNewConfidence!

Are you going to pick this set up?

 

 

 

 

 

My Beauty Favorites — January 1-7 2018

I hope your new year is going well so far!  So far this year I have signed up to a gym (yuck!), started a skincare project pan and decluttered lots of makeup!  I’m trying to organize my large stash and get fit.  Oh and read more.  LOL!  We’ll see what happens!

My faves this week include skincare to brighten dull winter skin and natural eye makeup for a bold eye:

KORRES Wild Rose Exfoliating Cleanser ($28 USD) — Brightening exfoliating cleanser powered by wild rose oil to improve skin’s overall radiance and texture. This cleanser exfoliates skin naturally using a dual-action process to uncover even, luminous skin.

KORRES Wild Rose Smoothie Brightening Priming Moisturiser ($45 USD) — A lightweight, silicone-free priming moisturizer infused with super C, nature’s most powerful form of vitamin C.

What I think:  First, the fragrance of these are so nice.  They smell lightly of fresh roses, not a synthetic smell. The exfoliating cleanser really sloughs off the rough skin revealing soft and smooth skin.  Plus it is gentle enough to use on my sensitive skin.  The priming moisturizer does double duty as it hydrates and smooths my skin, getting it ready for makeup.  I love that both of these are natural and help brighten my skin.

Purchase at Sephora and other fine beauty stores

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple in Soft Kiss ($30 USD) — From elegant to edgy, these silky, richly-pigmented, long-lasting and easily blended eye shadows can create any look. Use them wet or dry; they’re gentle and safe for sensitive eyes.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow in Blue Hour ($22 USD) — Enhance the color and shape of your eye with our light-diffusing, highly-pigmented pressed eye shadow. Easily blended, it glides on wet or dry and stays crease-free. Safe for sensitive eyes.

Jane Irdale Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner in Onyx ($24 USD) — Create the sexy look you love with new improved Mystikol Powdered Eyeliners! The built-in brush makes a perfect line or smudged-out smoky eye. The powder/cream formula makes a shadow that won’t fade, crease or smear.

What I think:  Dramatic eye looks are easy with these gorgeous, natural products. The shadow triples and singles come in tons of different shades, so you can create the perfect look for you.  They are very smooth and well pigmented, too.

I also LOVE the Mystikol eyeliner.  I have this in a few shades and I love how easy it is to use.  It glides on so easy and the brush can help draw thick or thin lines.  It lasts all day, too.

Purchase at janeiredale.com/us

What products are you loving this week?