Project Pan 10 ..... Take 5

Well I have achieved my first goal. I have managed to finish FIVE items (and not made any purchases) yay!. I am feeling very proud of myself as I admit I had my doubts about my ability to stay strong and not splurge.

Anyways I have given a brief write up about each of the five items I have managed to finish.

Garnier Fructis 

Intense Nourishing Shine Treatment 

300 ml (1 minute mask)

Oh dear just how long I have had this lurking in the back of my cupboard I would not know. I simply cannot resist buy hair products and whenever I see something new I have been splurging (oh dear!). However since changing to a new hairdresser she has been helping me with 'appropriate' shampoos/conditioners and treatments. So I have either been giving away or trying to finish off items so I can start my new (and improved) regime.

I love fruity flavours, so couldn't resist this item plus the added bonus was the mask only requires 1 minute (I am too impatient to wait 3 - 5 - 15 minutes for a product to work). This mask is for coloured hair and is supposed to nourish and protect my coloured hair. My hair did feel softer and was more easy to manage after this treatment

Would I buy again? Probably not- even though I was happy with the results - I simply have another brand I prefer.

 Neutrogena

Deep Clean 

Invigorating Foaming Scrub

125 ml

I really love this product. It is cool when applied to the skin and is quite a gentle scrub (which lathers up). My skins felt refreshed and very clean after use. Having very oily skin I have found this not only freshens but also fights the oil battle and is gentle enough to use every day (I use it in the shower every morning). And with the weather being so hot I also used it on my decolletage as I find sweat pimples are appearing.

Would I buy again? It is definitely a product I would purchase again. 

Bomb Cosmetics

Paradise Lost 

Solid Shower Butter Bar

This is (well was) a moisturising bar (purchased from the Get Drenched website) It is made from pure cocoa and shea butter, with coconut, neroli and lemongrass oils.  

I normally love all Bomb Cosmetics, unfortunately this item is simply not for me. My skin felt greasy and slimy (all day) whenever I used this bar. I did feel (and love) the gorgeous scent, but the greasy feeling I simply did not like. 

Would I buy again? I will not be buying this item again due the greasy feeling I had which lingered all day - and during hot weather was uncomfortable. (but all other Bomb Cosmetics are not safe!).

Mario Badescu

Kiwi Face Scrub

118 ml

This scrub is advertised for dull and congested skin which needs regular exfoliation to keep it clear and smooth. It is made from real kiwi seeds and soft bits of seaweed. The product has quite a thick, creamy texture and is shimmery bright green with kiwi seeds visible.

I have a number of Mario Badescu products are really love the, unfortunately this was not one of them. Not sure if I simply bought a bad batch but it smells 'plasticy' and it is not a nice smell. I have really struggled to finish this product and a number of times have resisted the urge to bin it. It does a great job, my skin does look and feel soft and nice after use, however the smell is something I find really repugnant.   

Would I buy again? I will not be purchasing this item again - simply due to the smell.

Marzena

Sensitive Hair Removal Lotion

100g

This hair removal lotion is specially formulated for face, bikini and underarm. I use it for my underarms as I find shaving (especially in summer) causes rashes and itching. I have been using this brand (for both my legs and underarms) for quite a number of years and I remember as one stage it was quite difficult to buy. Since using it on my legs I have found the regrowth to be slow, less dense and finer. I do find it a bit messy when applied, however the end results far out weigh the mess.

I have not been using the underarm lotion for as log as the leg one, however I am seeing less regrowth so I am very pleased with this.

Would I buy again? Yes I will as I am very happy with the results. Plus it is quick and easy to use - apply to skin, wait 4 minutes then wash off in shower (plus no razor burns).

Neutrogena

Oil-Free Acne Wash

14 ml

This is a sample sized item and I have not counted it in my five items (it is one of a set I received free through the Pinch Me website). 

I tend to have more oily skin, but every once in a while I get a pimple or two near my nose or chin so I still tend to use acne-related products for their 'drying' out effects (otherwise my face become an oil well during summer especially).

I like this product. I have found it to be gentle, but effective, on my skin. Easy to use (I use it while in the shower a fewtimes a week) and my skin feels clean and fresh (and does keep the oil at bay).

Would I buy?..... maybe. Only because I have other products which I am faithful to and fine very effective. 

Stay tuned for my next lot of five items....hopefully I will stay strong

Revitanail Keratin Strengthening Serum

Revitanail

Keratin Strengthening Serum

30 ml

A few weeks ago while doing my weekly shop at my local Coles I came across this product. It was on special for $4.98 (normally $19.98) - a savings of $15!. 

My daughter had been complaining of weak nails (after many years of biting her nails and using fake nails she has decided to try grow her nails). So I decided to buy her a bottle. And due to the savings I got myself one as I felt my own nails were a little weak (and have been splitting) lately.


I have never used this product before. The packaging states that is this 'clinically proven ProSina keraton peptide strengthens, protects and hydrates nails.' It is supposed to protect against daily wear and tear (of the nails) while it penetrates and repairs the nail plate.

To use all you need to do is gently massage the serum into your nails and cuticles for about one minute. You can apply as often as you like. It can be used alone, as a base coat or as an everyday serum over nail polish.

I have been using this every evening (and sometimes in the morning too). Since starting this serum I have noticed a marked improvement in my nails - they appear much stronger and less likely to split. I like that the serum quickly seeps into the skin and does not leave a greasy residue and so far I am loving the results and it was a definitely a bargain for $4.98 (I even bought a bottle for my mum who has been complaining about brittle nails).

My daughter (although she has not been as religious as me with application) has also noticed an improvement in her nails.

Priceline Haul - December

Before commencing my 'Project 10 Pan' I made a number of purchases/hauls which either did not arrive (due to being online/overseas purchases) or I have not yet posted. Rest assured I am keeping to my '10' and am trying extra hard not to cheat or give in no matter what the urge!

This Priceline haul was one of those. I purchased at the end of December (after Xmas) but just have not had the time to post yet.

This perfume was purchased for my daughter - she loves this range and is avidly collecting them. As Priceline was selling this for $19 (30ml) I could not resist. It is 'Baby' in EDT. My daughter loves them not only for their scent but the really sweet bottles they come in.

These Triple Shine Nail Polishes by Sally Hansen were only $6.95 ea. This was a mark down from $9.95 each (a saving of $9 across three items!). I love SH nail polishes and love these colours, so as they were a bargain I could not resist these. I look forward to experimenting with these shades and being green tints I am sure I will be fighting my daughter off for these (green is her favourite colour)

I love nail stickers and whenever I can I add to my collection - so I must say I was very restrained to only buy two of these. The Denim & Diamonds (left) was $9.95, while the Marchesa ones were only $6.95 (down from over $12!).

As I was walking in the door I noticed the Models Prefer nail bar - I always check this out as I find many a bargains from MP. I have used and loved this brand fro a number of years and have recently noticed their range is growing larger and larger (goodie!).

This is a take on the Ciate Foils  but much much cheaper. I remember buying the Ciate one in Singapore (in October) for about $S35. I bought this one for $10 (so I could get three of these for one of the Ciate ones - I love a bargain!). I am dying to test this one out.

So all up I paid about $60 for my little haul - and am very happy with my lot. Cannot wait to try them all - simply have not had the time yet :/

Project Pan 2014

Reading through the forums on Beautyheaven I came across a great idea put forward by one of the lovely ladies (Linda). For her New Years resolution she has decided to do a 'Project 50 Plan' - she will not purchase any new beauty related products until she has finished 50 products she currently has/is using.

I thought 'WOW' what a fabulous idea. It is a great way to make sure products are used up (and not wasted). I also think it's a great way to save some money too. As a support she has started a forum discussion (on Beautyheaven), encouraging others to join in an discuss/support each other.

My first thought was 'I need to do this', I have so much 'stuff'...everywhere. Then the doubts set in - 50 is a lot and I don't think I would have the determination (or will power) to keep to this, plus I love (need?) new things..... no not really but they are hard to resist.

So I have thought it over these last few days and have made my decision. I am going to give this project a go, but I am not going to be as brave/ambitious as Linda. Instead of '50' products I am going to aim for '10' (in '5' increments) - yes I am a wuss but I thought if I aimed small I will hopefully have a better chance of some success and achieve some of my goals and hey I may surprise myself.

What are my rules/expectations?

1. Well obviously I am aiming to achieve '10' empties/pans before I purchase anything new. I      am focusing on 5 at a time in the pursuit of my 10.

2. I will still be uploading some 'hauls' as these were purchased before today (10/01/2014)         and some as yet have not been delivered. (I will put a disclaimer in each post about                 purchase/arrival times/dates)

3. I am currently subscribed to a number of pre-paid monthly beauty boxes. These will               continue to arrive and I will continue to post about them.

4. I will purchase necessities (i.e. toothpaste, deodorant, razors...) as I run out of them.

Anything else?.........

Well I suppose the most important thing is I need to have a real clean out - I have accumulated a shit load of stuff and fear it will go off before I am able to use it. I simply have to resist temptation and stay strong to my goals.

Wish me luck (I am sure I will need it!!!)

Lust Have It 'Bridal Party Box'

No I am not getting married, nor engaged. I simply thought I'd give this box a go as I expected it to be full of goodies and as a one-off it may be an opportunity to pamper myself. That's why I decided to order this box when Lust have It advertised it back in July.

I ordered this box on 25th July 2013. What with all the fanfare (by LHI) I expected to receive it within a month or so (from time of payment) .... 

                                                            Oh no that didn't happen! 

When I had not heard anything by the end of September I emailed LHI inquiring about its status to be informed it was happening 'soon'. 

By the end of November I was thinking 'this is a joke', I paid 4 months ago and nothing appears to be on the horizon. So I emailed again to be told 'oops we didn't send you a box'...wtf? I paid as soon as the box was advertised how could I miss out??.

I was told a box would be sent out A.S.A.P.

By now it was into December and I was still waiting. By now I was rightly pissed off and simply wanted to cancel the whole thing (the  shine had definitely rubbed of this little box!) so I sent an email telling LHI just what I thought of their (lack of) customer service.

..... End result was I finally got my box mid-December (after a wait of nearly 5 months!!!! from time of payment). 

Due to the stuff around I was no longer excited about the box and in actual fact it sat unopened in my office for over a week as I could not even be bothered opening it. Eventually I did open it (obviously) and found it did contain lots of yummy goodies (just that the whole drama has left a sour taste in my mouth)

I do love Wotnots facial wipes and was happy to receive this pack in my box. They are something I use everyday and will definitely come in handy. This is more of a sample pack (5 wipes) so will come in handy for when I am travelling or to pop in my handbag.

I have received this type of mask in previous boxes and I admit to never having used them. I am not keen on masks where you drape something over your face and 'lay back and wait 15-20mins' I feel as though I am suffocating....but off topic here as this is a HAND mask. 

So I will be giving this one a test as the skin on my hands have been feeling a little stressed of late (I think its all that gooey stuff I put them in at work!).

Revlon Skinlights is another product I have received before, but this time it is actually in a shade that suits my skin tone and I will definitely use - which is great!. This is a full size item.

At the moment I have loads of mascara, so I am putting this Macro Lash away for a month or two before giving it a twirl. I have not yet opened the packaging but it looks great and is another full size item.

I have never used a makeup finishing spray, so I look forward to try this one. However I will leave it for a little while (too hot for makeup at present and being on holidays I tend to go without any make up)

Have not had the opportunity to try this yet. But I love face masks and look forward to trying it. I do like the inclusion of a brush for application (I'm terrible as I hate using my finger tips). Great little bag to - will come in handy.

I have used Paula's Choice Oil Blotting Papers and really liked them so have put these in my handbag for future use. My forehead in particular gets very oily and I always carry around blotting papers. In fact i have them everywhere - bathroom, work drawer, car, handbag.......

Appelles Bath Caviar is new to me. I must admit when re-modelling my bathroom I insisted the bath remain and paid the extra to have it as a spa - having thoughts of long, luxurious spa baths sipping champagne while reading a book ... cut back to reality and in the 12 years I've had the spa I can count on one hand the number of times I have used it. So maybe this bath caviar is the excuse I need as it smells heavenly (I love patchouli!)

This Inika Mineral Illuminator looks lovely, however it is not something I will be testing in the near future as when it is hot illuminators simply make my skin look shiny (not dewy!). I prefer to use them during the colder months

I received one of these Model Co. Gel Eyeliners in another box (think it was the FAB box) and I really loved it. Easy to use and not harsh on my eyes. I really love Model co. products and am glad that they are now getting the attention they deserved. 

I have given this eyeliner to my daughter - who loves it too!

Included in the box was a 10% discount for Appelles.

My Thoughts:

After all the dramas I say I was initially 'mmmmm' about the whole box. However upon opening and looking at all the items I must says I am very pleased. There were goodies I have used (and liked/loved) previously plus others which were new to me.

I think it is a fabulous 'pampering' box - which was the aim (for a bride) and think it would be excellent for a bridal shower... or even to use to pamper yourself. My only concern would have been delivery. If I was a bride expecting this box before my wedding I would have been bitterly disappointed as I do not believe it would have arrived in time. (and I hope this did not happen to anyone).

New Sleep Mask from Mirenesse

 Sleeping Beauty Moisture Revival Sleep Mask 40g 

About a month ago I decided to try out one of Mirenesse's new products - the Sleeping Beauty Moisture Revival Sleep Mask. Being a Mirenesse VIP member I received an email inviting me to purchase this product as a 'pre-sale' (at a reduced price). Feeling as though my skin needed some TLC I decided to give this product a go and see how my skin reacts. 

As can be seen in the photograph on the right application is by brush (which is incorporated into the tube). You simply squeeze tube and apply the product - no fuss and no mess.

I love this form of application as I am able to apply the product directly to my face and not have to worry about messy fingers or squeezing out too much product.

The mask applied like a clear/translucent cream to my skin and was quickly absorbed. I must admit I was a little concerned about whether it would stain my pillow slip as it is to be worn as a 'sleeping mask'. However the product is not thick no gooey and I did not find any residue on my pillow the next morning.

I have been using this nightly for the last 3 weeks and have found my skin feels and looks much fresher - I don't look as tired and the area under my eyes is not as puffy when I wake in the mornings. I was impressed and will continue to use this product (darn I should have bought a few of them at the special price!)

I also received a few freebies with my purchase - sample sized Power Lift products which will come in handy when I go on my holiday at the end of February.

Would I buy this product again?

Too right I would as I am very happy with the results plus I love the simple and mess-free application method.

I have copied the following blurb from the Mirenesse website (www.mirenesse.com) 

The Problem:

Neglected skin, working or playing too hard?

The Solution:

A moisture revival super hydrating night mask that works while you sleep!

What It Is:

A moist gel like powerful proprietary sleeping mask with the perfect clinically proven ingredients, to help you sleep away your tired skin. Awaken to a rehydrated complexion with a hydrated, smoother more elastic texture day after day.

The Results:

• Admire a moist glowing youthful complexion

• Welcome tighter more elastic and brighter smoother skin

• Experience a renewed skin texture, skin elasticity is boosted.

Clinical  Results on 381 Participants for Sleeping Beauty

OVERNIGHT RESULTS

73.3% felt smoother and softer skin

69.7%  experienced a more plumped and hydrated complexion

55.6% experienced a more elastic & firmer complexion

50.2% noticed they looked younger

41.3% noticed a reduction in fine lines crepiness and wrinkles

RESULTS  IN 7 NIGHTS

90.1% notice they looked younger

97.2% experienced a more plumped and hydrated complexion

96.2% experienced a more elastic & firmer complexion

95.7%  felt smoother and softer skin

87% noticed a reduction in fine lines crepiness and wrinkles

70.6% noticed clearer skin

What The Participants Want You To Know!

96.3% enjoyed the relaxing natural scent

89.2% would incorporate into their nightly skincare routine

86.1% say their skin looks visibly improved

73.2% say it has the effect of a spa facial

76.4% enjoyed using the brush

My current nail colour

Just a very quick one, but I wanted to show off my nails. 

Being the festive season I wanted to try something which was shiny and, well 'festive' so I combined two metallic nail polishes to create this look.

I really love the effect, but unfortunately my camera skills just isn't doing this mani justice. In real life the transition between the gold and silver is more subtle.