Project Pan 50 - Part 4 (items 16 - 20)

Items 16 - 20 that I've finished recently for my Project 50 Pan.  I wanted to finish all items in the one brand for this post.

You'll notice I have more than a bit of a soft spot for Japanese brand Shiseido.  This is a brand I've used regularly over 20+ years and that my skin loves.  There's a couple of Holy Grail products here.

The cleanser, toner & day moisturiser were part of a boxed set that was only around $45 on sale. I also bought a matching 75mls night cream from Myers.  Most moisturisers are 50mls, but Shiseido have generous sizing in their products. Items are all in The Skincare range, which is suited for most skin types & works beautifully for my combination skin. 

16) Shiseido The Skincare Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam - my Holy Grail, favourite cleanser, & the best product in this range. This 75ml size tube lasted me months.  I need only a tiny amount to cover my face & neck easily.  It removes makeup effortlessly & leaves my skin feeling clean, fresh & renewed.  I will definitely be buying this for years to come.

17) Shiseido The Skincare Hydro-Nourishing Softener.  Toner perfection in a bottle, this works brilliantly with the cleanser. A quick swipe always leaves my skin softer, refreshed & never tight or dry.  This is my Holy Grail, favourite toner.  The bottle lasted me many months. Will repurchase.

18) Shiseido The Skincare Day Moisture Protection SPF15 - this one in the boxed set wasn't full size, but still lasted me easily a month.  It's lovely and light, an excellent base for makeup & has moderate broad spectrum protection built in.  Works really well with the cleanser & toner.  Will repurchase.

19) Shiseido The Skincare Night Moisture Recharge Light - a generous 75ml size with a pump dispenser.  This moisturiser is nice & light on my skin, ideal for summer when other creams are just too dense. I'd like to try the regular one for winter, once I get through my stash of products!  Will repurchase.

20) Nair Sensitive Hair Remover Cream with sweet almond oil.  For years I used the raspberry one Nair produced that's been discontinued.  While that is my favourite, this isn't a bad alternative.  As long as I'm careful using, and leave the cream on for it's maximum time, this is a very effective hair remover.  I've learnt the hard way to not rub the cream (even accidentally), as products can irritate & burn skin.  I prefer using this to shaving or waxing, as it gives longer lasting results.

Have you tried any of the products listed here?  Do you have any holy grail skincare products you can share here?

Project Pan 50 - Part 3 (items 11 - 15)

I've been very busy using up more products on my Project Pan and am almost now at the half way mark.

It's been a challenge at times to stay on it - a visit to a local pharmacy a couple of weeks ago that had every Rimmel & Natio item selling for just $2 each (with lots of fabulous items in lots of baskets) was impossible to resist.  So I have strayed a bit, but in general have been able to stay firmly on track.  

I've been busy using off skincare, lots of hair products & tapping into a big stash of samples.   Here's items 11 to 15 - this is a group that's heavy on samples!

11. Schwarzkopf Marrakesh Oil & Coconut Express Mousse Treatment.  I like this lightweight, moisturising mousse.  Usually used on damp hair, it's a leave-in treatment that's very pleasantly scented & works well. Would repurchase.

12. Sasy n Savy Empower Floral Spray - This is a deliciously scented floral spray that can be used as a fragrance, or sprayed on linen or in a room.  I only wore it on me, and kept in my handbag for quick refreshing on the go.  I enjoyed using this, and would repurchase.

13. Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes - These are very pleasantly scented & work well at makeup removing, though I do need to use an eye makeup remover to removed mascara.  I've bought these a couple of times and would repurchase again.

14 & 15. Samples or single use items x 10

a) Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Argam & Grapeseed ultra-moisturising hand therapy - great size for the handbag, this is a beautiful hand cream that's deliciously scented, has a texture that's rich but not greasy & it works a treat.  Would buy the larger size.

b) Sanctum Body Soothe - a lightweight, deliciously scented body lotion.  I received this sample in a hotel stay in 2013 & enjoyed using.  Would buy full size.

c) Sanctum Body Spa - deliciously scented body wash with organic ingredients. Enjoyed using & would buy full size.

d) Clinique Take The Day Off Remover - one of my favourite eye makeup removers, this can remove mascaras easily that other brands struggle with.  I received this in a GWP set and will definitely buy again.

e) Invisible Zinc Tinted Day Wear Light SPF30 UVA & UVB - a generous size sample from a magazine, this is a really great base for when I'm going to be outside for hours & need fail-proof, sweat-proof sun protection & base.  This is a thickish formula, but once on - stays on.  Would buy full size.

f) Eleven Miracle Hair Treatment - this product is amazing, I've had a few little tubes & will hunt down a local stockist & buy full size.  It's put on as a leave in treatment in the morning, and makes such a difference to how my hair looks and behaves.  Highly recommended, I'll be buying full size.

g) Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - I have this in full size already, this is a GWP / travel size.  Estee Lauder doing what it does best, this is truly a wonder serum.  Will buy again.

h) Sanctum Shampoo - nicely scented shampoo I had from a hotel stay.  It has a lovely, natural oils scent & cleansed well.  Would buy full size.

i) Sanctum Conditioner - nicely scented conditioner that was fairly lightweight so didn't weigh down my hair. Worked well at de-tangling & conditioning, would buy full size.

j) Thalgo BB Cream SPF15 - small tube so only had one use.  Enjoyed using it, it has a nice texture & feel on my skin.  I'd like to buy full size in the future.

So big list, but another 5 off my total - I'll be posting up items 16 to 20 in a day or two!

Have you used any of these products?  And have you tried doing a Project Pan or spending ban? 

Why I love Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF30 Hydrating Color Corrector

I recently voted in the Glosscars awards on Beautyheaven - an annual vote by members of the community for their favourite items released in the most recent year. There are dozens of categories and products to vote for, with a special extra points voting system for your special favourites.  

I didn't hesitate choosing my favourite product from 2013 - Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF30 Hydrating Color Corrector. 

 

If I had to take just one product to a desert island, this would be the one I'd be packing.  It's my first CC Cream, and while I'm sure I'll try others, they'll have a lot to live up to. 

Clinique have 4 shades in the range, and I have shade Light which suits my complexion perfectly.

There are 40mls in the tube, and mine has lasted ages & is showing no signs or running out..   It retails for $45.00. 

I've swatched the cream so you can see both how well the shade matches, and also how well it blends.  How it imparts a lovely soft glow. 

According to Clinique, this wonder product  has:-

• Sheer, light-scattering optics help neutralise imperfections by reflecting light away from flaws—creating the look of more even-toned skin.
• Sallowness and dullness brighten. Redness diminishes. Grey becomes a natural glow.

My thoughts

It combines all the skincare benefits of the Clinique Moisture Surge skincare range with SPF30 UVA & UVB protection.  I love that it's fragrance-free, has an oil-free formula & is allergy tested.

What I really love about this is the colour correction.  I have had cheeks that are naturally red for as long as I can remember - this product eliminates the redness completely.

It makes my skin look and feel beautifully hydrated, fresh and calm.  It's a delightfully lightweight formula, I can barely notice I'm wearing it.  It also has great staying power and doesn't sweat off my skin on a hot summer day. 

While this can be a base and a foundation applied over it, I've never felt the need to do so.  This gives me all the coverage I need. 

I'd highly recommend trying this - personally I find CC Creams are a better product than BB Creams - they just offer so many extra benefits.  I hope Clinique make this forever!

Have you tried this CC Cream or others, please share your favourites.

Project Pan 50 - Part 2 (items 6 - 10)

Pleased to say that I'm progressing well on my Project 50 Pan and have another group of completed items to talk about. I'm also well into my next group of 5.  I'm actually surprised at how quickly I'm using products and also at how relatively easy it's been to date. 

I think when I get around the half way mark, I'm going to find the going tough - but so far, so good.

What I've used this time - it includes 4 x full size items & 1 x set of 5 (deluxe size) samples, which I'm counting as 1 x full size. 

1. Redwin Vitamin E Hand Cream - I grabbed this for around $3 at the supermarket & have enjoyed using it.  Lightweight, easily absorbed, good hand cream for daytime use.  Would repurchase

2. Avene Thermal Spray - my summer saviour.  This little 50ml treasure retails for around $10 & is currently my favourite skincare item - I carried it in my handbag, and a couple of spritz's on a hot day would quickly & easily calm my overheated skin.  Will definitely repurchase this many times, it's brilliant for anyone who hates getting overheated or uncomfortable in summer.

3. Manicare Tea Tree Nail Polish Remover - a decent nail polish remover with Acetone that retails for a few $$.  I don't mind the scent either, not too strong & it does the job.  Would repurchase

4. Nature's Organics Pure Sensitive Cleansing Wipes.  These retail for around $6 and are terrific for removing makeup at night when I'm too lazy or tired to do my usual cleansing.  Also so handy for traveling.  These are Australian made & owned & I'd rate them almost as good as my favourite Neutrogena wipes.  I like the natural ingredients & they never irritated my skin.  Would repurchase.

5. Samples or single use items x 5.

 a) Bioelixa Body Shaper Body Lotion - first time using the brand, this is a really top notch product.  Would buy the bigger size.

b) Joico KPak Restorative Styling Oil - just a few drops of this on dry hair, and instant moisture, and taming of the frizzies.  Would buy the bigger size.

c) Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - legendary for a reason - I have a bigger bottle ready to go already, this is EL at their best.

d) L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream - another product I have a bigger size of, ready to go.  L'occitane's Shea range is amazing, I've loved everything I've tried in it.

e) Princess Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Mask (full size, single use).  I'm not counting my cloth masks in the full size count, as they're single use & I've plenty on hand. I received this in a beauty box recently & with Hyaluronic  Acid in the title, was keen to use when I needed some extra moisturising.  I've never heard of the brand before, but really liked this & will look to buy it when I need more cloth masks.  Unlike others I've tried, it didn't leave a sticky residue of serum, it was easy to apply & seemed to have the right amount of product.  The mask was also protected with a plastic sleeve inside the packet, I think that helps hold the shape & not give you a mask that's dripping with too much product.

I'll be finishing up my next 5 in just days & will post them up pronto.  If you're doing are Project Pan, how are you going?  Have you tried any of the items I've finished up this week?

Project Pan 50 - Part 1 (items 1 to 5)

Yay, I have finished my first 5 items already & have been sticking faithfully to my spending ban - time to put $25 in the piggy bank for my future splurge when I finish my Project 50 Pan.  Here's what I've finished off this week:- 

1. Lux Exfoliating Shea Scrub. It smells like a caramel eclair in a bottle, I love the gorgeous scent.  It's soap free, pH balanced & moisturiser enriched. I've had this bottle in the shower for months as I alternate exfoliating between this & a Salt Scrub.  May repurchase, once I get through the other numerous scrubs on my dresser.
2. Kit Hand Cream: Pomegranate & Pink Grapefruit. Kit state on the tube it's "Your Juicy Mood-Lifter Kit".  All I can say is yes, yes Kit, it does lift mood & I love the scent, texture & how delicious this smells. Yum! I wish I had this in a bigger size, it's 30mls & full size. It lived in my handbag/car for a couple of weeks & I loved every time I used it.  The scent is amazing.  Definitely will repurchase.
3. Hanskin Collagen Lifting B.B. Cream spf35 PA++.  A well-worn tube of my first Korean B.B. Cream. I really enjoyed using this product.  It is a very light shade, so if you're fair skinned & looking for a great B.B. Cream, try this one.  I think it's a fabulous B.B. Cream for anyone 30+ who wants a moisturising B.B. Cream.  The texture is light, it's very moisturising & always blended beautifully.  A firm favourite, I'll definitely repurchase.
4. Pantene Pro-V Single Dose Intensive Treatment Programme Rinse Off Treatment.  This comes in a box of 5 tubes, all individual doses, & I was lucky that I found it on special at Priceline & bought a box for just a few $$.  This is my last tube. Normally retails near $20.  This is a hair mask that works a treat & is so travel friendly too.  Easy to throw a tube or two in a suitcase on a trip away.  Each tube contains 15mls.  It's a top notch mask, and so easy to use.  Will repurchase.
5. Revlon Photoready 3D Volume Mascara in Blackest Black. I've never tried a Revlon mascara I didn't like, and this is no exception. It has a long brush & delivers great volume.  It doesn't smudge & I love that it also removes easily (unlike a new one, different brand, I've just started using!).  Will repurchase somewhere around 2018, ie when I get through the other 15+  mascaras I have as 'spares' on my dresser.

I'm really happy I'm 5 products in - and with some of my favourite skincare about to run out & an eyeshadow 90%+ gone, it won't be too long before I post my next 5 up.

Have you tried a spending ban, or doing a Project ... Pan? Have you tried any of the products in my first 5, and if so, what are your thoughts on them?

One of my favourite summer body lotions

Body care products are my weakness. I can't resist a Lush store, or an online sale that has great body care products on sale.  

So I have quite a 'stash' to work through while on my Project 50 Pan. Plus I'm avoiding Lush stores & my favourite online sale sites currently!

I can't really commit to one single favourite body lotion - I love trying new formulas, brands, and switching from lightweight lotions / milks to rich butters in colder weather.  If it smells beautiful & will nourish my skin, it'll land in my bathroom at some stage.

This is a favourite I'm using through this hot Perth summer.  I purchased this from Adore Beauty in 2013.  I love that website, it's full of my favourite brands & I purchased this during one of their VIP sessions - I received a matching full size shower gel for free which I'll review another time & paid just $21 for this product. Did someone say b.a.r.g.a.i.n?

This is L'occitane Delice des Fleurs Rose & Violette Body Milk.  The Body Milk is enriched with Grape Seed Oil & shea butter & contains May Rose & Violet Leaf absolutes.

What I love about this body milk is it's lightweight formula - I find the hotter the weather in Perth, the lighter I like my lotions.  A body milk is lighter than a lotion & perfect for this time of year.

It nourishes beautifully & sinks in like a dream. I can dress as soon as I put the body milk on, no need to wait a few minutes.

The other thing I love the most about this lotion is the scent - WOW - I am a sucker for anything that smells like roses and with May Rose in the ingredients, this of course has a delicious rose scent.  The Violet takes it to a very different place.  It adds a sharpness to the scent that turns sweet roses into something very different.  Sweet & sharp at the same time, it's hard to describe the scent but I adore it - I think I may just have to buy the perfume in the range when I'm off my spending ban.

What are your favourite body lotions you're using in summer?

It's that time of year

Happy 2014 everyone!  

A new year brings so much promise & the inevitable new year resolutions.

I know half of Australia will wake up today vowing to never drink alcohol again, but outside of those 'morning after NYE' resolutions, I like to use this time of year to take stock of my life, health, family, friendships, finances, travel plans, hopes & dreams for the coming year ahead.  

Personally, I'll have an intense focus on improving my health in 2014.  2013 has shown me how invaluable it is to every part of your life, when injury and/or illness (or both in my case) affect you & your life circumstances.

Outside of being physically in a better place in 12 months, there's one other resolution I simply must make & I blame my beauty addiction for needing this!

I stood in my bedroom this morning wondering if my beauty & skincare products are mating overnight, or if they're in some secret CIA cloning program - honestly, how did I get SO much stuff?  

I must admit, I've been incredibly lucky in 2013, including winning early in the year 1 of the  "Glosscars" prizes from Beautyheaven.com.au - one big box delivery from Oz post & I suddenly had 60 or so new makeup, hair, skincare, body, sun, beauty tools & fragrance products to add to my already groaning dresser & bathroom. An amazing prize, and a highlight of 2013, I'll be happily working my way through it for years to come.

But I need to do something to bring my stash under control - so my new year beauty resolution will be to kick off the year with a Project 50 Pan - it probably should be a Project 200 Pan, haha, but like all New Year resolutions, it works better if it's realistic! 

I'll post next time of the rules I'll be following.  What's your New Year resolutions?  Are you doing any beauty related ones?