Project 10 Pan #2 (Day #8)

 It was much easier to not buy makeup while I was in Maui.  Now that I'm back home, I am constantly tempted by holiday sales & collections!

I was looking at my list to try to estimate how long it will take me to finish.  I think the hardest item to finish will be the Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow (Verve).  I figure it will probably take me about 4 months to completely finish it.

I purchased this palette from Sephora for about $50 in February and I'm still so in love with it!  Amazing pigmentation and it lasts FOREVER!  

What's your favorite palette?

Empties #2

Hello!  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  I've been having a blur of a week (just accepted two jobs) and I'm planning a 40+ person themed party!!  Yikes!

For my empties, I'm sort of cheating because most of my empties are samples.  I just really like trying lots of new products.  I hardly have any "regular" products because I vary my shampoo, conditioner, lotion, foundation, blush, and lip product daily.  This probably isn't a very good thing to do, but it's what I like doing at the moment.

Here are the products I tried and finished:

• My H2O Plus Spa Sea Salt Hydrating Body Butter (from my Project 10 Pan... hooray!!)
• Ojon Rare Blend Conditioner ($34 for full size)  This was one of my favorites!!
• Menza Facial Wash (from August Beauty Army Box)
• Nelson J Argan Oil 7 Non-Foaming Shampoo (also from August Beauty Army Box.  It worked but I want my suds! I actually didn't care for this shampoo because I missed the bubbles.  They help me feel like I'm really cleaning my hair.)
• Bare Minerals Foundation SPF 15 (full size)
• Celine Dion Belong Perfume (sample that I've had since I can't even remember how long, but I won't be purchasing the full size because I really want Jo Malone!)
• Michael Todd Charcoal Facial Scrub (I LOVE! And will keep repurchasing over and over again.  I also received a good size of this in my August Ipsy bag!)
• Lancome Genifique Serum samples (Lancome counters were giving away a week supply of serum samples to try.  I was actually really impressed with this serum!  It was hydrating and did seem to make my skin more radiant!  I have two deluxe bottles so I can continue using it for the next few weeks!!)  

Have you ever tried anything from Ojon?

I Purchased Makeup!

I made it 26 days on Project 10 Pan before finally caving!  Last night I went to Macy's and wandered by the Lancome counter.  I was looking at their Teint Miracle foundation when the salesperson started telling me all the wonderful things about their Teint Idole foundation.  It is 24/hr, has SPF 15, leaves a matte finish, and is better for oily skin!  I was sold.

It retails for $45.  I bought it 15% off, so it was roughly $38.  With taxes, it ended up being roughly $40.  I signed up for the Macy's credit card and received two free gifts and a bonus eyeliner in Black.

Here is what I received for $40:

I'm still going to work on using the items in my Project 10 Pan, but I'm not going to restrict myself from  getting new makeup.  I'm just too much of an addict!!

Ipsy Bag August 2013

Ipsy Glam bag is a monthly beauty subscription service.  A one year plan costs $110 (about $9.20 per month).  So it ends up being an amazing deal if you're sent a bag filled with good products.

Aside from not getting the Urban Decay lipstick, I'm really happy with my August 2013 Ipsy Glambag!  There are 5 products in each bag.  The August bag is a bright purple with gold lettering and inside I received the following products:

Noya Vanilla Chapstick 

NYX Cream Blush in Golden

Pixi Mascara

Pacifica BB Cream 

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

I was going to re-purchase the Michael Todd scrub anyway, so now I can hold off on that purchase for just a little bit longer!

Have you tried the NYX Cream Blushes?

What's In My Bag? (Santa Clara, CA)

Today I'm heading down to Santa Clara, CA!  I might be doing a little shopping at Santana Row, but I'm going to try really hard not to buy anything new!! I'll be taking just a few items with me in my  Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac, including:

-Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette (obsessed with this!)
-Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation (testing it out!)
-Mac Fluidline in Blacktrack
-Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner (I picked up the travel size for $2 at Ulta)
-The Body Shop Raspberry Lip Butter (of course!)
-YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #13
-Wet n Wild Blush in Heather Silk
-Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

I'm going to visit some of my best friends & I'm so excited to see them!!  

Here we are in SF!

Have you been to the hearts in San Francisco?

Birchbox for CEW

Before going on Project 10 Pan, I decided I would make a few last minute purchases.  So a couple of days ago, my Birchbox for CEW arrived!  This was a special, limited edition box that was sold separate from the monthly subscription boxes on the Birchbox website.  

Mass Appeal - Birchbox for CEW

Included in this box, which I bought here for $12, is listed below:

Burt Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Eyeshadow in Golden Emerald

Nivea A Kiss of Olive Oil & Lemon Moisture Rich Lip Care

Olay Pro-X Spot Fading Treatment

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic

Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-on

I also had a 20% off code so this box only cost me $9.60! Totally worth it!

Have you tried any of these products before?

Shoe Collection #2 (Toms)

I picked up some new shoes not too long ago and they are my first pair of Toms!  The company is really amazing and for every pair of shoes that are purchased, the company will actually give a pair of shoes to a child in need!!  I love it!  So I had to pick up a pair of these cute crochet Toms, which have been so comfortable and perfect for Summer.  They are $59 on the Toms website.

What's your favorite brand for shoes?

Project 10 Pan (Day #8: Michael Todd)

Number seven on my Project 10 Pan list is my Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub.  This stuff REALLY works! I'm so impressed at how well it controls my oil and prevents breakouts.  The product is a really thick, dark gray color that is surprisingly soft when applied to your skin.  I love it!

Toners from Michael Todd have been a hit and a miss for me.

The Hit:   Michael Todd Organic Lemon Toner

This was part of my Sample Stash #2 and I absolutely love how clean and fresh my face feels after using it! It is made for oily skin and I swear this toner reduces the oil on my face without making it feel dry.  It smells great, works even better, & I absolutely love this stuff!  

The Miss:   Michael Todd Organic Blue Green Algae Toner

Here is the description from the Michael Todd website:

 Rich in vital nutrients, trace elements and amino acids, blue green algae and organic kelp in a base of soothing aloe vera juice penetrate deeply into the skin to speed the elimination of toxins, promote cellular renewal, naturally nourish and remineralize the skin. 

The reason this is a miss for me is the smell.  It isn't a strong smell and the smell doesn't last very long, but it just isn't a scent I really want to put all over my face in the morning.  It sort of smells like rotten lavender.  The Blue Green Algae toner does a great job at controlling oil, but so does the Lemon toner and the lemon scent is a thousand times better!

Do you own any smelly products?

Project 10 Pan (Day #7: Bath and Body Works)

Made it one week on Project 10 Pan!  I know I said NO fragrances, so I'm wondering if scented candles from Bath and Body Works counts as a fragrance?  Right now they are having a 20% + Free Shipping Deal (on orders over $50) with the code "COOL2050."

If you love their candles like I do, that means you can get 5 candles for $40!!  The normal price is one candle for $20, so to be able to get 5 for $40 ($8 each) is pretty incredible.

The last time I looked, here were the options for candle scents at this price:

Aloha Waikiki

London Calling

Summertime S'mores

Lakeside

Paris Daydream

Sea to Santorini

Rio Glow

Coconut Lime Verbena

Tropical Spice

Island Colada

Passion Flower

Ice Cream Shop

Mint Chocolate

Have you tried any of these?  What is your favorite Bath and Body Works candle scent?

Project 10 Pan (Day #6: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Demolition)

I almost didn't make it to Day #6 of Project 10 Pan!  

The reason... Urban Decay on HauteLook.com.  HauteLook is a flash deals website with amazing discount prices on beauty products, accessories, and clothing.  Right now, they are selling UD 24/7 Glide On Pencils for $6 (regular price $19) and Stardust eyeshadow for $5 (regular price $20).  Can't beat that!  

I'm currently finishing my 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Demolition.  This product does "glide" on so smoothly (quite impressive) and it is the perfect dark brown color for a natural makeup look.  I just wish you didn't have to sharpen it because Stila has spoiled me with their Smudge Stick Eyeliners, which allow you to twist for more product!  I guess you can't have everything :'-(  

  
What's your favorite eyeliner?

Birchbox July 2013

Birchbox came a little late this month, but better late than never!  I signed up for the annual subscription ($110 for the year, which makes each box about $9) before starting Project 10 Pan.

I'm very happy with this box! 

Inside my box:

Body Drench QuickTan Gradual Self Tanning Lotion (full-size $18)

Coola Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer (full-size $32)

Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect (full-size $32)

Benefit Cosmetics Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in Ivory (full-size $36)

Birchbox Bobby Pins (Set of 6 is $5)

Most excited to try the Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation!!

Have you signed up for a beauty subscription? If so, which one did you pick?

Sample Stash #2

This week, I am working my way through some of my samples!  I literally have a mountain of samples to work through!!  I do like trying a variety of products because every so often I do find a holy grail product that I cannot live without. <3

This batch has TWO amazing must haves.  

1. Michael Todd Organic Lemon Toner ($18 for full size) 

2. Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55 for full size)

I would say these are two of the best products I have tried in awhile!!  The Michael Todd toner is gentle on the skin and it made my skin feel significantly softer and healthier.  I put a few drops on a cotton pad and wiped it all over my face for an instantly fresh face <3 LOVE this product and will definitely be purchasing the full size.  I'm also really into masks lately and this Ren mask is hands down the best one I have tried so far!  It smells strongly of citrus and there is a very slight tingling sensation a few seconds after you apply it.  It is supposed to sit on your face for a few minutes before rinsing it off.  I'm pretty sure my recently clear complexion is largely due to the combined use of these two products.

All the other products did not "wow" me to be honest.  

The Gel Haute Polish remover is meant to remove gel polish (sorry, I just finished using this product up so it should actually be in an empties post).  The liquid in this bottle evaporated really quickly :-( it definitely didn't last as long as I wish it would have, so I don't think I'll repurchase it even though it is only $5 at Neiman Marcus.  It did do the trick to remove my stubborn gel polish, but so does my much cheaper, regular remover.  Pevonia balm is supposed to help with fine lines, but it was greasy and took a long time to dry ($79 for full size).  This is another product made for men, but I figured I would try it anyway.  I will not be buying this one.  The other two (Ulta and Bare Minerals) are facial moisturizers that don't smell bad and do work to soften and hydrate the skin, but they don't stand out as anything special.  Ulta moisturizer is $15 & Bare Minerals is $30.  

Hope this was helpful!

Have you tried anything from Michael Todd?

Project 10 Pan (Day #4: The Body Shop Raspberry Lip Butter)

Number One on my Project 10 Pan list is my Body Shop Raspberry Lip Butter.  I've had this for a couple years now :-/ and you can tell I've barely used it!  You can buy these for $6 at The Body Shop, but I think I bought mine as part of a package (5 for $15).    

I don't know why I constantly negligent this item. It has such a wonderful smell (a mix between candy and fresh fruit) that makes it seem almost edible!  It's also really moisturizing and stays on for hours.  

I just have SO many lip balms that I rarely reach for ones in pots because I don't like to put my finger in them.  If I do use a pot, I try to use a tool to scoop out the product just to keep it germ free!

I have no idea how long it will take me to use this guy up!  Hopefully not too long because there are already so many new products I want to buy when Project 10 Pan is over <3

Do you like your lip products to have a smell or not?

My Perfume Collection #1

I have about a dozen perfumes that I need to finish in my perfume collection.  I just love the bottles they come in!  I'm such a sucker for cute packaging.  My favorite fragrance of the bunch is my Burberry Brit.  

Burberry Brit For Women

It has such a light, pleasing, floral fragrance that is just SO amazing.  My boyfriend and his friends always notice when I'm wearing it and compliment me on the scent.  I think you can get it 36% off ($55.63) at Perfume.com.  I've probably only used about 1/4 of this bottle even though I've had it for such a long time!

What's your favorite perfume?  

Wish List #1

Since I've put myself on a spending freeze with Project 10 Pan, I've resisted buying a bunch of new products.

Here is my current wish list in no particular order:

-Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
-Too Faced La Creme Lipstick in Juicy Melons
-Diorskin Shimmer Star in Rose Diamond
-Mac Stilife
-Mac Mineralizer in Soft and Gentle
-Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer (I first heard about these from FleurdeForce.  Also, Pauline recently reviewed these on her blog Addicted to Makeup)
-Dior Addict Eau Fraiche
-The Body Shop's Seaweed Clarifying Toner
-It's A 10 Miracle Leave In Plus Keratin

I just LOVE to shop!  Especially for makeup!!  If I last even a week on Project 10 Pan, I'll be shocked myself :-)

What's the next thing you want to buy?

Project 10 Pan (Day #3: Revlon Lip Butter)

Number 6 on my Project 10 Pan list is the Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake.  I literally can't remember the last time I actually finished an entire tube of lipstick!  

I've actually been using this off and on for awhile (probably about a year) so I've managed to get it pretty low.  Sorry it doesn't look very pretty, but it has been so hot in California lately that I have to be really careful not to leave any of my makeup in the car or else it turns into makeup soup!

I love the bright pink for summer and the price is really affordable.  The regular price is $6.50 each, but I bought mine for $5.00 with a buy 2, get 1 free deal from Ulta (a year ago they cost $7.50 each).

The lip butters are somewhere between a lip balm and a lipstick because they are so hydrating and creamy, but they still add so much color to your lips!  Strawberry Shortcake is one of my favorites.  

Do you have any lip butters? If so, what are your favorite colors?

Project 10 Pan (Day #2: Skin79 BB Cream)

In my previous post (Intro to Project 10 Pan), I described my plan to finish using 10 products in my collection and attempt to save some money. 

Number 3 on my list is my Skin79 BB Cream.  

This is great for summer because it is lightweight and has SPF 25.  The packaging is super cute (I love shiny things) and the pump makes for easy use and little mess.  I will definitely repurchase this item once I finish more of my other BB creams (I have loads)!

Which BB creams have you tried and liked?

Color Me Monthly Subscription

I read on the blog, Unpack the Box, about this flash sale from Color Me Monthly where you can sign up for the first month of nail polish for only $1!  This is a Friday Flash Sale that ends July 28th!  Color Me Monthly is a nail polish subscription service that sends you one polish every month (regular price: $7/month) with no shipping cost.  I had never heard of this company before, but I'm curious to see how a CMM polish compares to my favorites (OPI, Butter London, and Essie)!

Nail polish was specifically excluded from the P10P list of prohibited items so my $1 purchase does not break the rules!  Day #2: still going strong!

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

This item was in my July Beauty Army Box and it was my first time using a Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelette.  I've heard a lot about them and was excited to see how it would work for me.

These have a light smell of cucumber and I appreciate that it isn't an overpowering scent.  It was very gentle on my skin and removed the majority of my makeup.  I did use an Ahava All In One Toning Cleanser after to remove the rest of the makeup on my face.  Overall, I was really pleased with this product.  

Good thing I liked it because I already have an order on the way from the Yes To company.  They actually ran out of stock of the items I purchased after I had placed my order.  My order still hasn't arrived and it has been about two weeks!  :-(  I used a Living Social (www.livingsocial.com) discount $25 for $50 worth of product; plus, since Living Social was having a July special (code July20) for 20% off any order, I ended up paying the discount website $20 for $50 worth of product.  

Here is my order:

1 Yes to Cucumbers 45 ct Facial Towelettes - VALUE SIZE! - $8.49

1 Yes to Blueberries Healthy Hair Repair Shampoo - $7.99

1 Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream - Light - $15.99

1 Yes to Blueberries Softening Facial Exfoliator - $9.99

1 Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub - $9.99  

With tax and shipping, this order cost me a total of $32.

This purchase was made before my P10P started.

Project 10 Pan (Day #1)

Years ago, someone in the beauty world created Project 10 Pan (P10P).  Even though people aren't doing it as much now, I still think it's a good idea because I have a LOT of items I need to finish before I buy anything else.  It's going to be so difficult (let's be honest, it's going to be torture) not to purchase new items, but I've been on a spending spree lately and I have to cut myself off!

There are several variations online, but here are my rules:

- Includes makeup, lip balm, hair products, skin care products, and perfumes.
- May not purchases ANY items listed above until the 10 items listed below are completely used up.

Project 10 Pan Products (in no particular order):

#1 Body Shop Raspberry Lip Butter
#2 Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Rose Petal
#3 Skin79 BB Cream
#4 Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Demolition
#5 Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant
#6 Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
#7 Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub
#8 Dior Maximizer Lash Primer
#9 H2O Plus Spa Sea Salt Hydrating Body Butter
#10 Clinique Lip Gloss in Cream Soda

Has anyone else done this?