Project Pan #4: 6 Months of Makeup Empties!

Last Summer, I set myself another Project Pan target to see if I could use up 15 makeup products before the 7th January 2018 - here's how I got on!

I've been doing regular Project Pans to declutter my makeup stash for a while now (check out my previous posts here), and they've been a great way to help me rediscover forgotten favourites that have been hiding at the back of my collection. It's also a good way to save yourself some money and is a real motivator to keep you going when you're on a 'No Buy'! 

If you haven't heard of a Project Pan before, you basically pull out all the makeup that you want to use up, set a time frame, and well, use it up! You can follow the rules/goals of someone else's Project Pan (check Instagram, Youtube or Facebook groups), or simply make up your own like I did which was to use up 15 makeup products before 7th January 2018. 

I fell short of the mark by one product, but I'm still pretty pleased that I managed to use up 14! Below is everything that I finished off and whether I would repurchase them again:-

Base Products, Foundations & Concealers

• ILIA Vivid Foundation in F3 Santorini* - (review & swatches here) - This has been my go-to foundation for the past few months, especially since the weather started to turn colder as it's quite moisturising. I love the dewy, 'fresh face' finish that this foundation gives, it blends well and I would recommend it to anyone who wants buildable coverage, but doesn't want to look like they're caked in product. F3 Santorini was a great match for my olive skin and I didn't have any problems with oxidation or anything like that. It's expensive though which is the only downside! Repurchase? I would love to buy this again when I've used up some other foundations, but it's definitely a treat purchase!

• La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Creme SPF 30* - (review here) - I used this CC a lot during the Summer, and it's ideal for toning down and helping to cover up any redness. I found it gave me a lot more coverage than most CC style products, so it's a nice one to have in your makeup stash for those days when you don't want to wear a foundation. Repurchase? Maybe when it's Summer again as I didn't reach for it at any other time.

• Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser Tint SPF 30* - Another Summer favourite was this beauty from Perricone MD. I really loved this tinted moisturiser as it feels so silky soft on the skin and gives a lovely, healthy hint of colour that's perfect for 'no makeup days' and holidays. Repurchase? Yes. 

• RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up in 22* - (review & swatches here) - This little pot of multi-purpose goodness lasted for almost a year thanks to its 'a little goes a long way' formula. You can use it as a foundation or as a concealer, and it works well both ways, though I tended to use it more as a light-medium coverage base. Repurchase? Yes.

Bronzers

• Vita Liberata Trystal Self-Tanning Bronzing Minerals* (review here) - I finally used up a bronzer! This loose mineral-based bronzer from Vita Liberata contains DHA which gives you a light, buildable, gradual tan in the process, and can be used on both body and face. Gives a gorgeous, healthy-looking glow which looks great all year round. Repurchase? Yes.

Eyeliners & Eyeshadows

• Eyeko Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner (review here) - I've lost count of how many times I've repurchased this as it's one of my favourite liquid eyeliner pens. I love how easy it is to use and it has a beautiful glossy sheen to it. Stays put all day on me! Repurchase? Currently using Kat Von D, but I'm sure I'll go back to this at some point!

• Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Black Amethyst - When I don't want to wear straight up black, I found myself constantly reaching for this liner instead which comes in a gorgeous blackened-purple shade. Adds a little something different to a smokey eye and pairs incredibly well with dark brown eyes. Smudgeproof and long wearing. Repurchase? Yes.

• Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Velvet - (review here) - An old time favourite of mine, I've been using this seriously underrated Daniel Sandler eyeliner for years and must have gone through at least three or four of them. Affordable (less than a tenner), pigmented and can be used to create a wicked, thick and grungey smokey eye. Repurchase? Yes.

• ILIA Silken Shadow Stick in In Between Days* - (review here) - Oh how I enjoyed using this eyeshadow stick for about a month or so, and then it started to dry out and crumble! This shade was a pretty warm golden shimmer for everyday wear, but it needed a primer underneath to stop it from creasing on my oily lids. Repurchase? No.

Mascaras

• GOSH My Favourite Mascara* - (review here) - I'm definitely a big lash kinda gal, so natural looking mascaras never really do it for me. This was fine for casual days, but I didn't use it very often and then it dried up. Repurchase? No.

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara* - (review here) - Now this is my favourite mascara! I love everything about it - it makes my lashes look thicker and bigger, doesn't smudge or flake, and stays put until I want to take it off. Perfect! Repurchase? Yes.

• DHC Double Protection Mascara* - (review here) - Despite enjoying this mascara and putting it into a favourites post last year, I've since changed my mind because it dried up so quickly. The formula itself is great, but I'm so disappointed to see it dry out so fast. Repurchase? No.

• PUR Fully Charged Mascara - I picked this up in a GWP and was excited to try it, but sadly this mascara was a fail for me. It flaked, smudged and just turned into a mess within hours of wearing it. Repurchase? Nope!

Lip Products

• Korres Lip Butter In Wild Rose - I didn't manage to use up any lip products this time around, but I wanted to include this tinted lip butter from Korres as it's very pigmented and can easily pass as a lip stain in my eyes! Provides a super pretty rosy red tint to the lips and feels really moisturising. Repurchase? Yes.

Have you ever done a Project Pan like this?

Have you tried any of the products that I used up?

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November Empties: Products I've Used Up

Another month is rapidly coming to a close so I think it's time for another Empties post! Here are my thoughts on everything that I've managed to use up recently, and whether I would repurchase them again.

Antonia Burrell Bright & Light Eye Cream* 

I featured this beautiful eye cream in my February Favourites earlier this year and I'd say it's one of my top 3 favourite eye creams, ever! I loved everything about it - from the light but easily absorbed texture, the way it smoothed and nourished my skin, to the cooling roll-on applicator which made puffy eyes disappear in the morning. Repurchase? Yes, definitely! I have some other eye creams to use up first, but it's on my shopping list!

Green People Natural Lip Primer*   

I have notoriously dry lips, especially during the Winter months, so I'm not surprised to see this Natural Lip Primer in this month's Empties pile. It feels like a regular, moisturising lip balm that comes in a twist-up lipstick style applicator and provides the perfect smooth base for any lipstick. Repurchase? Maybe - I'm not sure that it did anything that my regular lip balm doesn't do, but I did enjoy using it.

Caudalie Divine Oil

I've lost count of the number of times that I've raved about this amazing multi-purpose oil and its gorgeous scent, but I think this might be the last travel size bottle in my stash - nooooo! I love applying this to the ends and lengths of my hair as a leave-in conditioning oil, and it's simply divine as an all over pampering body oil too. Repurchase? On the Christmas wishlist!

Balance Me Restore & Replenish Cream Cleanser

Despite being a big fan of Balance Me, I didn't particularly like this cream cleanser for my combination skin. I felt it was too heavy and left a bit of residue, so you might like this more if your skin is drier. Repurchase? No.

Green People Fruit Scrub Exfoliator*

This is a really nice and gentle facial exfoliator made with natural and organic ingredients. Did a great job of unblocking clogged pores and made my whole complexion look brighter and clearer. A lovely find! Repurchase? Yes.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+

There was a time when I used this on a regular basis and saw results, but for some reason, this product no longer works for my skin. It just doesn't seem to do anything for me anymore and simply feels like a regular moisturiser that's neither hydrating or mattifying. Repurchase? No.

Tisserand Sweet Dreams Bath Oil*

Regular readers (and my Instagram followers no doubt!) will know that I'm not a good sleeper so I rely on a lot of aromatherapy products to help me unwind. I love Tisserand's Sweet Dreams range for this reason and their Bath Oil is so lovely and relaxing to use before going to bed. Repurchase? I think I already have a travel size of this somewhere - will need to dig it out!

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo & 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Calming Conditioner

I've gone through a couple of these travel size bottles from Giovanni's haircare range, and this combo is definitely the one that works the best for my hair. The shampoo is great for oily roots but doesn't feel stripping, and the conditioner is just moisturising enough for regular use and doesn't weigh down my fine hair. Repurchase? Yes, I'll definitely pick up the full sizes once I've used up some of my other haircare products. 

Kadalys Hydramuse Comforting Cream*

I discovered this in a French beauty box and it's a beautiful daily facial moisturiser that feels calming and hydrating, and sinks into the skin quickly without any greasiness or sticky feeling. Great for Winter skin and makes a super smooth base for makeup in the morning. Repurchase? I can't find anywhere that sells this in the UK - if anyone knows a stockist, please let me know!

Which beauty products have you used up this month?

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May Empties: Products I've Used Up

Another month is rapidly coming to an end, so it's time for me to dig out the basket that I keep all of my Empties in and share its contents with you all! Here's everything that I've managed to use up recently - a good mix of skincare and body care, and lots of favourites of course.

DHC Rich Eye Zone Care Pack*

I call these the 'superhero' eye masks because they cover most of the eye area including the lid - you can check out my original review here to see what I mean - and I think they're fantastic. This is the second pack that I've gone through, and although I do tend to reserve them for special occasions, they're great for any time that you need a quick fix to reduce puffiness and make you look more awake. Repurchase? Yes.

Conscious Skincare Pure Body Polish*   

A lovely and simple, but effective, fragrance-free body scrub that's made from just two natural and organic ingredients; vegetable glycerine and sugar. Does the job and does it well. Repurchase? Maybe - I generally prefer scrubs that have some kind of natural fragrance in them, but I did like the simplicity of this one.

STARSKIN Brightening After-Party Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Face Mask*

I've had the pleasure of trying out a lot of sheet masks from STARSKIN over the past year, and their Brightening mask is definitely one of my favourites. It does what it says it'll do and really helps to brighten and perk up a dull or tired complexion. I love the bio-cellulose material too, which makes it fit like a 'second skin', so no more sliding around or falling off! Repurchase? Yes. 

Kneipp Herbal Bath Back Comfort Devil's Claw 

Another favourite of mine - if I've overdone it with Yoga or Pilates, or simply had a long and tiring day, this stuff is amazing. It instantly relaxes and soothes your muscles, easing any aches and pains. My mum uses it for arthritis and it works wonders for her. You can get two baths out of one of these travel size bottles, so you don't need to use much of it to feel the full effects. Repurchase? I'm sure I already have one or two more mini bottles in my samples stash somewhere - need to dig them out! 

Aveda Stress Fix Body Creme*

This is a luxury pampering treat for dry skin and it has Aveda's distinctive Stress Fix aroma that's wonderfully calming and relaxing. It's a very thick body creme (much more like a body butter) and one that takes a little while to fully sink in, so it's something that I'll use after a long hot bath before going to bed. Repurchase? Yes. 

Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream*

I've gone through countless tubes of this moisturiser and it's still something that I return to time and time again. This day cream contains Manuka Flower Oil which I find helps to prevent breakouts, and it's really nice and light to use during the warmer Summer months. If you have oily/combination skin that's also prone to being sensitive, it's a must-try. Repurchase? Yes.

Scentered Sleep Well Therapy Balm

I have a lot of problems with getting to sleep, so I often use some kind of aromatherapy product to help me to relax and switch off my busy mind. I really like these balms from Scentered, with this Sleep Well one being particularly useful for me. Repurchase? I'm currently using up a similar product from Tisserand, but I would happily buy this again in the future.

Bee Good Youth Enhancing Lift & Brighten Eye Cream

This eye cream is one of Bee Good's best products. It's seriously underrated, but it does an excellent job of keeping the under eye area feeling hydrated and looking brighter and younger. This may be my second or third tube! Repurchase? Yes.  

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Micellar Make-Up Removal Gel*

Despite what its name may have you believe, this is terrible for removing makeup with, but it's a nice and gentle morning cleanser that helps to reduce any redness or rosacea. It's not a problem that I have often though (I tend to only get mild flare-ups of redness every now and then), so it took me a while to get through this bottle. Repurchase? Probably not - I think I'll just stick to a mild cream cleanser instead.  

La Roche-Posay Serozinc

I've used Serozinc on and off for a while now. It definitely comes into its own during the Summer months when my skin is naturally a lot more oily, and it does work really well at keeping my t-zone in check. I don't see much of a difference with its effect on blemishes though, but it's something that I like to have in my skincare stash as a cooling/mattifying spritz when the weather gets hot. Repurchase? Yes.

Which beauty products have you used up recently?

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January Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's time for the first Empties post of the year and I seem to have used up a bit of everything! There are some amazing holy grail favourites in this little lot too, so let's get stuck in!

Yves Rocher Delicate Cleansing Cream Low Shampoo

There's a tiny amount still left in the tube, but it's just stopped working for my hair so I'm giving it an early retirement. I purchased this last year in a sale when I was trying out some 'no poo' products, and it started off well, but it gradually started to make my hair look greasy the more I used it, which is never a good thing! Not for me. Repurchase? No.

Aveda Stress-Fix Soaking Salts*

Loved, loved, loved these! If you're a massive stress head like me, you seriously need to try these. They are in my top three favourite bath products of all time, and they do what they say on the tin. Whenever I've had a crappy day, I can always count on these to help me to relax and unwind. They're expensive, however, you do get a big tub that lasts for months. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

I've spoken about this face mask on numerous occasions, and it's one of a small handful that I always have to have in my skincare stash. Really gentle, but wonderfully effective for healing blemishes and breakouts without any harsh ingredients. I had to get the trusty old tube wringer out to make sure I got every last bit! Repurchase? Already have. 

Dr Organic Snail Gel Facial Serum

A really great affordable serum that I imagine would suit most skin types. Lightweight and sinks right in, whilst smoothing out the skin, keeping it soft and nicely hydrated. I think this is my second bottle, and I'm a big fan of this Snail Gel range. Repurchase? Yes. 

Burt's Bees Lip Balm

Another firm favourite. I've been through loads of these over the years and despite having a mountain of lip balms to get through, I always seem to return to this one. This is the classic peppermint scented formula and it gets the job done! Repurchase? Yes.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Replenishing Body Lotion

This travel size mini was from a gift set that my sister bought me for Christmas and it's no surprise that I've used it up already. I absolutely adore the natural Sea Buckthorn fragrance of this range - so fresh and uplifting, and the body lotion is light in texture, but still very hydrating. Repurchase? Yes.

Herbfarmacy Skin Rescue Balm*

My skin has been horribly dry all throughout Winter, but rest assured, this amazing balm has been like a knight in shining armour! I've been slathering it on everywhere; on my feet, elbows, cuticles, hands, eczema areas, everywhere. If you have any dry skin problems, this is the multi-purpose balm for you! Repurchase? Yes.

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Serum*

I've had a lot of redness on my cheeks and around my nose recently, and whilst this has been helping to some degree (it's a specialised anti-redness serum, mainly for people who have rosacea), I feel like there are other similar products that I prefer more, so I was happy to use this up. Repurchase? Probably not.

Suki Transformative Purifying Masque

I had high hopes for this after seeing some online raves for it, but I'm glad that I tried out some samples first because I didn't see any difference in my skin after using it. It felt nice on, but that was about it. It didn't do anything to treat blemishes for me. Repurchase? No.

What beauty products have you used up recently?

Have you tried any of these?

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Skincare Review: La Roche-Posay Toleriane 3-Step System

French skincare favourites, La Roche-Posay, have a special range for sensitive skin called Toleriane and back in October they released a new 3-Step System. My skin is often very temperamental and especially during the Winter months, it becomes a lot more sensitive and easily irritated, so I thought I'd try it out.

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August Empties: Products I've Used Up

This month's Empties are a good mix of full size and travel size products, so let's get stuck in! Here's what I've managed to finish off and my thoughts about whether I would repurchase them again or not.

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Skincare Review: La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Micellar Make-Up Removal Gel, AR Intense Serum & CC Creme

Winter weather causing redness in your complexion or do you have Rosacea that you'd like to conceal? I've been trialling these three skincare saviours from La Roche-Posay's popular Rosaliac range to see if they would work for me or not.

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Review: Latest In Beauty Awards - The Winners Box - 2015

Last month I posted about the first Latest In Beauty Awards, where LIB were asking beauty fans to vote for their favourite products in a range of categories.  The results were counted up and a brand new exclusive box has now been released to showcase the winners!

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Beauty News: La Roche-Posay Serozinc now in the UK + review

Fans of covetable French skincare products have been rejoicing recently as La Roche-Posay's much talked about Serozinc finally becomes readily available in the UK via Escentual.com.  But is it worth the hype?

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The Best Of 2014 - My Top 14 Products

2014 was a great year for me discovering new brands and products so it was particularly tricky to whittle it down to just 14 products, but here it is, the creme de la creme - my personal beauty favourites of 2014.

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Worth The Hype? La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] review

When the original Effaclar Duo by La Roche Posay was being talked about on the blogosphere, I thought it would be the answer to all of my blemish problems.  Sadly it did nothing for me, but after reading several rave reviews and a personal recommendation from a friend about the new and improved [+] formula, I decided to give it another go.

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