Project 10 Pan - November Products

This post is a little late but nevertheless here is my Project 10 Pan post for November. These are the products I completely used up during the month of November and my thoughts on them. I found it really hard to use up makeup products, even doing the same look with the same products for 90% of the month. It seems like even the smallest eye shadow pan has a never ending amount of product. Here are the products I used this month:

Lush Tea Tree Water Toner

On the bottle - Tone and detoxify with Tea Tree, grapefruit, and juniper. Take control of those troublesome pores! A best seller for normal to oily skin. Use on cotton wool to remove excess cleanser and refresh the skin.

Repurchase? – NO
My Thoughts – I bought this toner during my crazy Lush phase because I was in need of one and thought something more organic and chemical free would be better for my skin. In actuality this was probably the worst toner I have ever used. It didn’t help take off excess cleanser or makeup from my face but left a film over my skin that caused me to break out. Some people swear by this product but it just didn’t work for me.

Caryl Baker Ginseng Toner

On the bottle - The soothing and restorative powers of ginseng and chamomile tea gently purify the skin while removing all traces of cleanser. Comfrey and Wheat Amino Acids ensure a softer, smoother complexion. To use – saturate a cotton pad and wipe over face with upward strokes. Avoid eye area.
Repurchase? – NO
My Thoughts – While using the Lush Tea Tree Toner I went for a facial at Caryl Baker Visage and had my skin analyzed. The cosmetician told me that my pores were clogged and whatever toner I was using was the issue. Based on my skin type she suggested this toner and I bought it because I wanted my skin to stop breaking out. This cleanser smells really good but after using half the bottle I didn’t see a change in my skin so I switched to the Clinique 3 Step system and it has been my holy grail ever since.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula

On the bottle - Thorough cleansing developed by Clinique’s dermatologists for the needs of skin comfortable in the cheeks/oily in the t-zone, or oily all over. Leaves skin feeling fresh and clean.  Prepares skin for Clarifying Lotion and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Non-drying. Use twice daily.
Repurchase? – Maybe
My Thoughts – When my skin was at its worst I started researching cleansing systems from different brands. After many YouTube videos I decided to try Clinique’s 3 Step System. Initially I went through a phase where my skin was amazingly clear, and then I went through a purging phase and actually stopped using the products. I switched to my original Holy Grail cleanser and kept using the Clarifying Lotion and Moisturizing Gel and my skin has greatly improved. I would maybe repurchase because the cleanser did work, the only downside I had was that it never took all the makeup off my face.

Rimmel London Sexy Curves Full Volume and Curve Mascara

On the bottle –  A black mascara to give you fuller more curly lashes.
Repurchase? – YES
My Thoughts – I really liked this mascara, the formula looks really good on my lashes and I really liked how full my lashes look at the base. The only thing I didn’t really like was the brush. It was really flimsy and the shape didn’t work for me. To use this mascara I applied it with the brush it came with but then used a clean Lash Blast brush to shape my lashes.

Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own.

November Glymm Box

A few months ago I started comparing Luxe Box and Glymm Box, because I only wanted to buy and pay for one. Glymm won out hands down, but it seems that since I quit buying Luxe Box they have been amazing! For example, this month they gave a sample from Benefit's new skincare line. However, I am not going to let it deter me. I am sticking with Glymm and that's it. Besides, I started a Project 10 Pan and can't buy any more makeup. Recently, I was introduced to Topbox a new sampling service like Glymm and Luxe Box. I am thinking about joining for a month or two to see how it compares. But enough with the talking...lets get to the products in this month's Glymm Box.

Lise Watier Flash Lift Radiance Vial - 1mL Vial
Full Size -  $27 for 7 vials
Sample Value -  $3.86
On the card - Introducing your handbags new BFF. This new vitalizing serum comes in a convenient vial, which can be applied any time of the day. Formulated for every skin type this serum erases the signs of fatigue and smoothest the appearance of wrinkles. Late night out? No big deal, just dab some on for an instant glow.

Rahua (Ra-Wa) Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner
Full Size - 275 mL each for $32 & $34
Sample Value - $2.32
On the card - Gwenth Paltrow's secret to beautiful lustrous hair is now available to you. Rahua is a natural, organic hair care system which contains the precious Rahua nut oil, found deep in the Amazon rain forest. Sold exclusively in top salons around the world, the gentle rahua molecules penetrate deeply leaving your hair luminous and healthy.

Orlane Paris Light Smoothing Cream
Full Size - $80 for 50mL
Sample Value -  $5.60
On the card - Brighten up your mornings with Orlane's light smoothing cream. This hypoallergenic day cream is infused with rich vitamins and minerals to defend your skin against daily toxins. Your skin is left smooth, soft, radiant, and well protected against irritations.

RGB Designer Nail Lacquer
Full Size - $18 for 125ml
Sample Value -$18
On the card - Instyle magazine named it "America's most wanted nail polish." RGB is LA's hottest contemporary nail care brand, with a modern edge. The chip resistant lacquer is formulated for long lasting ultra glossy results. RGB is a 3Free lacquer, made in the USA, and has recently collaborated with Jenna Hipp and Urban Outfitters.

Annabelle Smudge Paint
Full Size -  $10.95 for 2g
Sample Value -  $10.95
On the card - Annabelle cosmetics, Canada's leading eyeliner brand launched the innovative Smudge paint eyeliner and shadow this season. The potted gel cream can give you discrete eyeliner for day and a fierce dramatic look at night. The built in brush allows you to glide on smoothly, giving you a more custom look.

Extra Treats
A delicious container of Jelly Belly's and a $10 off coupon for brownshoes.com.


Overall I am extremely pleased with my Glymm Box this month. With two full size products I definitely got my money's worth.

Disclaimer - I purchased this Glymm Box with my own money.

P10-ishP

I can't put my finger on when exactly my makeup buying got so out of control, but I realized that it happened somewhere between when I discovered the beauty department at Winner's, and when I started my blog. It seems that now that I am writing this blog I don't look at makeup as how I could use it, or need it. I look at it as a possible blog post.

The title of this blog pretty much says it all. I am jumping on the Project 10 Pan bandwagon, finally!! I have come to realize that my makeup and beauty product collection is becoming just that...a collection. In fact, it is becoming a hoard that couldn't possibly be used up if I dont stop buying, and start using. I am going to start by completing a P10P, but because of the amount of products I want to use up, this will probably become a Project 10-ish Pan, or P20P. The rules I have set out for myself are:

1. I am on a makeup buying ban. I cannot buy another makeup or beauty product until I completely use up at least 10 products.
2. I am not 100% banned from buying products. If it is a necessity, like foundation, concealer, or shampoo then I will buy it. Just no more impulse buys or possible blog post buys.
3. Every month I will post a blog about my progress thus far.
4. All upcoming reviews and blogs are going to be about products I have purchased prior to starting this P10P.

If you are doing a Project 10 Pan let me know in the comments below and I will check out your blog or Youtube.

ELF Cosmetics Mini Haul & Review

Eye Lips Face aka ELF Cosmetics is a brand that most people in the Beauty Community know about. With the majority of their products ringing in at only $1 they are affordable for everyone, and perfect for people looking to experiment with new colors, or for people just getting into makeup. I have found that their dollar line products are a little cheap and underwhelming, but I guess you get what you pay for. Their $3 Studio Line is way better and I prefer some of those products to more expensive alternatives.

My usual spots for buying ELF are Target, Zellers, and Winners. However, I have found that Winner's majorly jacks up the price. They are saying that the products are 50% off regular price but if you visit the ELF website the products are actually cheaper there. I'm thinking that from now on I am going to purchase strictly from the website.

My latest haul includes:

e.l.f. Studio Mineral Face Primer Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the Mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat against excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a long lasting satin finish.

My Thoughts – I bought this primer because it was inexpensive and it said it would help with excess oil, making my foundation last longer. I have found that this primer does even out my skin so that my foundation goes on smoother, but I feel that on the days that I use it my skin gets oily very quickly. This is definitely a product I will not be buying again.

e.l.f. Studio Cream Blush This amazing blush offers the best of both worlds! It smoothes on as a cream for great texture and then transforms into a velvety soft powder finish for long-lasting rich color that’s never greasy! The lightweight, refreshing oil-free formula looks natural and radiates a beautiful glow perfect for all skin types. The soft powder finish can be layered for desired intensity and dimension.

My Thoughts – This is the first cream blush I have ever bought or used. I was wary at first about the color but now this is my go to blush. It is so easy to apply and it gives the perfect flush to your cheeks. I have found that the best way to apply this for a sheerer finish is with a angled blush brush. For a deeper color applying it with your fingers works well. This will be a re-purchase product for sure.

e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color This convenient jumbo sized lip pencil creates exact color application with twist up ease so you never have to sharpen. The pigment rich color glides on effortlessly and easily to provide long lasting matte color. The enriched Vitamin A, C & E formula moisturizes and hydrates lips for beautiful healthy looking lips.

My Thoughts – I love this product because of the ease of application. The form allows for the precise lining of the lips, followed by the filling in of the lips. The consistency is extremely creamy and the color is very opaque. Its not a bad consistency for a lipstick-like product, but its extremely far from the best. The color I bought is Coral. It is not what I was expecting. Alone its horrible with my skin complexion, but when I add a coral or rose-gold gloss over top, it looks a bit better. I probably wouldn't buy this color again but, if I found it in a different shade I would pick it up.

Disclaimer – All products were bought by me with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own. I am not being compensated for this review.

September Glymm Box

This month's Glymm Box was pretty amazing! Especially since it had a full size blush in it!

If you want to sign up for your own Glymm Box click the link below :)

Treat yourself to something beautiful!

John Masters Organics – Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash 30mL

Retail Value - $25.40 for 236mL

Sample Value - $3.23

On the Card – Bet you've never smelled blood orange & vanilla in the same breath! Nothing less than botanical, this all over wash foams to gently remove dirt and leave you feeling clean.

My Thoughts – This smells amazing!

John Masters Organics – Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk 30mL

Retail Value - $25.40 for 236mL

Sample Value - $3.23

On the Card – Delicate and mild, milk thistle, aloe and essential oils are absorbed quickly and happily to leave your skin replenished, detoxified and nourished in the most organic way.

My Thoughts – Smells amazing, and it extremely moisturizing!

Oscar De La Renta – Esprit d'Oscar

Retail Value - $78 for 1.6 oz.

Sample Value – unknown

On the Card – Oscar and daughter Eliza modernize the signature de la Renta scent to capture women of the new era. Bright, citrus, floral and warm scents surround you to relay your chic and sophisticated sides.

My Thoughts – Extremely small perfume sample. I wouldn't even call it a sample, it is like a spritz. For me to know if I like a perfume, I need to be able to try is a handful or two of times. I also would have preferred if the sample, had a spray nozzle or roller-ball so it was easier to use.

Vasanti – Rockies Blush 3.2g

Retail Value - $15 for 3.2g

Sample Value - $15

On the Card – The silky smooth coral with subtle flecks of gold and silver will blend flawlessly with your skin giving you a natural, radiant glow as you transition from your summer to fall wardrobe.

My Thoughts - I have been looking for a coral blush for a while now. I have never been able to commit to buying one though because I'm worried that once I try it I'm not going to like it. I like the slight shimmer in this blush that eliminates the need to put on highlighter.

Sloan taking a nap, while the rest of us are hard at work.

Croc Mirror

Value – unknown

On the Card – Let the animal in you come out and play! Reptile-inspired trends graced Autumn's runways and we're making sure you are up-to-date with your BONUS Croc accessory! See you later, alligator!

My Thoughts -  Acute addition to this month's box and perfect for my makeup bag at work. However, having seen the cute alligator makeup bags that other people received I wish I had gotten that instead.

Jelly Beans

Value – Priceless

My Thoughts – Delicious!

Winners Beauty Find: Bella Pierre Cosmetics

So this is another Winners Beauty Find Blog. Having watched xsparkage on YouTube for years now, I have always loved all of the pigments she uses. Especially the Naked Cosmetics pigment stacks she has been showing a lot lately. Naked Cosmetics are not readily available to me, and I'm not a fan of buying cosmetics online without being able to check them out in person first. While at Winners a few weeks ago I stumbled upon a new brand of makeup I have never seen there before, BellaPierre Cosmetics. They are a mineral makeup brand that promotes their products as multipurpose. All of their pigments can be used wet or dry, or you can mix them with a clear gloss or nail polish to create your own custom lip and nail colors. There were 7 different kits available, ranging from small 3 color sets to full face kits complete with foundation, blush and bronzer. I purchased the Bella 9 stack kit that also came with an eyeshadow base, eyeshadow and eyeliner brush, clear lip gloss, and an instructional DVD. The colors in this set are all varying neutral shades and extremely shimmery. Only the white and black colors look more matte. The eyeshadow base that comes in the kit is apparently supposed to make the pigments look matte and take away all glitter and shimmer. The lip gloss is vanilla scented, however I find it very sticky a quality I hate in lip glosses. Overall, I find this set an extremely good value compared to the price of these kits online. The website you can find these products at is www.bellapierre.com/shop/ and all prices are in US currency.

The All in one Bella Pierre 9-stack shimmer kit is $134.99
The Eyeshadow Base is $9.99
The lip gloss is $9.99
Eyeliner brush $12.99
Eyeshadow brush $19.99
And the 9-stack by itself is $89.99
Buying each of the kits contents separately will cost $142.95
So online when you by the kit you are saving $8.00

I paid $29.99 for the kit at Winners. If that isn't a deal I don't know what is.

You will see in the pictures below the colors that are included in this kit. Like I said this is a more neutral kit where as the other ones were more vibrant and pastel colors. The only color in this kit I can never see myself using as an eye color is the red. This is definitely a lip appropriate color that I want to try mixing with the lip gloss. I also want to try using this color in my next batch of homemade lip balm to give it a tinted color.

The Instructional DVD included in this kit is kind of useless. It only runs about 5 minutes and says that it will teach you how to use the products. It doesn't do that, all it does is tell you the different uses of the pigments, something you can read for yourself on the back of the box.

Bronze

Celebration

Champagne

Cinnabar

Earth

Harmony

Java

Noir

Snowflake

Eyeshadow Base

I would give this kit a 5/5 a definite must by at the $29.99 price. I do not think it is worth the online price at all. A good beginners set of mineral makeup.

Disclaimer - This product was bought by me with my own money. BellaPierre is not compensating me for this blog post and review. All opinions are honest and my own.

13 Reasons Why Book Review

Ebook Price - $10.99

Audio Book - $29.04 online, $44.00 in-store

Hardcover - $14.06 online, $18.50 in-store

Trade Paperback - $11.83 online, $13.00 in-store

*All prices are for Chapters, Indigo, or Coles stores in Canada.

Author – Jay Asher

320 pages

Published October 23^rd, 2007

Recommended for Teens 13-17 years old.

ISBN – 9781595141880

From the Publisher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush -who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself-a truth he never wanted to face.

Main Character #1

Clay Jensen is a high school student who is trying to get over the death of the girl he likes/loves. He receives a box of cassette tapes that guide him and the reader through the story that is happening now but also what has happened in the past that has shaped the story now. I believe that Clay changes from a blind sheltered life into one of clarity, truth and regret by the end of the story

Clay does the right thing in the story by listening to the tapes. But I think that he also realizes during the course of the story that there was more he could have done in the past but his only way of knowing that was through how the story happened. Hindsight is 20/20 but because of that Clay realizes what needs to be done in the present day, thus the how the story ended. I can identify with Clay as he discovers that his reality was nothing that he thought because everyone’s reality is different in somebody else's perspective. Nothing is ever as it seems.

Main Character #2

Hannah Baker is the main female character in this story. Her voice is on the tapes and she leads the reader and Clay through her past and the story. Hannah changes from a young spirit to a tortured soul by the end of the story. I can identify with Hannah during this story as some of the feelings and situations she went through during the story I went through in my high school life.

Setting

This story is set during present day in a small American town. It also follows the events of the past 4 years in the town as well. I like that it is set in a small town where everyone is rocked by the death of 1 student. It gives the story more personality when I can relate to places described in the story to places like that in my town. I think that because the town was small and everyone there especially in the high school is so involved in everyone’s business played a big part in Hannah's downfall and death.

Theme

I think that the author is trying to say in this story that you really don’t know everything that is happening around you until it is pointed out to you. That one smile or nice comment can change someones life for the better. That one rumor or negative comment could change their life for the worse. And lastly to never think that you cannot change someone life. I believe that this story is about the life of everyday teens across the world, bullying, and that the truth will set you free. This book showed me that everything I say means something to somebody

I really enjoyed this book. I think that it was definitely written for a younger age group them mine, but it was good nonetheless. I did not like how it jumped around so much. From Hannah one sentence to Clay the next without warning. I read a PDF copy of the book, thus I did not have the change in font to warn me that it was changing back in forth between people's POVs. By the time I realized it had changed I had to go back and re-read parts because they didn’t make sense the first time I read it.

This was a good book, however there is talk that it is going to be made into a movie, and I do not think it will make a good movie. The actors will be too young to attract the older generations to see this movie, however the subject content of this movie is too sensitive and adult for the younger generations. There is speculation that Selena Gomez will be cast in this movie, I however, could only find a movie poster with Emma Watson, seen below.

I give this book 4 stars and definitely recommend it if you are looking for a quick, but good read.

August Glymm Box

Yesterday was an awesome day, because my Luxe Box arrived. And today was equally awesome because my Glymm Box came!!!! Having received the VIG Glymm Box and being amazed at the products, I had really high expectations for this month. Although I am slightly disappointed at the size of the products in this Box, 2 of the products are from high-end brands so that makes me happy. I am all set to get Glymm's September Box so I am hoping it is a little bit better.

If you still don't know what Glymm is, it is like Loose Button and Birchbox. A beauty product sampling service, great for all beauty junkies and lovers. If you want to find out more about Glymm or sign up for your own Glymm Box just click the link below.

Make Your Life Beautiful with Glymm!

This is what the box looks like when you take off the lid. The card explains about the theme of the box and an overview of the products inside.

The back of the card gives a breakdown of the products in the box.

These are the products in this month's Glymm Box.

B. Kamins Vegetable Cleanser – 0.25 oz

Sample Value - $1.42

Full-Size Retail Value - $34 for 6 oz

On the Card – A vegetable based cleanser and makeup remover that dissolves and removes impurities from the face and delicate eye area. Clarifying and soothing, your skin will literally say “Ahhhh!” How to use – Apply to wet face. Avoid contact with eyes. Gently massage and rinse thoroughly.

My Thoughts – I have to say I am very wary about this product. It is oil based which is why it has to be rinsed so thoroughly, but I have oily skin so I don't know how this will affect that. My skin is very sensitive to different cleansers so I may not be trying this product as I don't want my skin to get any worse then it already is.

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in After Glow – 0.14 oz

Sample Value - $12.60

Full-Size Retail Value - $18 for 0.20 oz

On the Card – Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil kiss your lips with a touch of dazzling color so that lips stay soft, shiny and smooth for hours.

My Thoughts – I was super excited to see this product. I have always wanted to try Smashbox Cosmetics and now is my chance. This sample is more than half of the full size gloss so it is very generous. I love the color so much!! I really have been wanting to try a coral gloss this summer and not I get to right before the summer ends. The gloss smells and tastes like vanilla and is a coral with gold shimmer. The texture is extremely smooth and the doe foot applicator distributes it nicely. The colour is a little sheer, but over a nude lipstick the coral really shines through.

Supergoop Sunscreen Swipes (SPF 30) – 1 wipe

Sample Value - $1.62

Full-Size Retail Value - $34 for 21 wipes

On the Card – Formulated to calm, soothe, and protect sensitive skin, these soft, pre-moistened, paraben-free, water-resistant wipes deliver SPF 30 protection for your gorgeous face and body.

My Thoughts – The concept of this product really intrigues me. It claims to be water-resistant, and if that's true would elevate this product. I have not tried it yet but will be putting it in my purse for the next BBQ we have at work to protect me from the sun. I hate how messy sunscreen is to travel with, and apply so this product is perfect for people who are on the go and need that extra sun protection.

Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer – 0.25 oz

Sample Size - $19.60

Full-Size Retail Value - $29 for 0.37 oz

On the Card – Want smoother, brighter skin instantaneously? Easily accomplished with “That Gal” primer that promotes radiance and banishes dullness.

My Thoughts – This is a really little sample. However, if the full size is only 0.37 oz then that isn't much bigger than the sample that I received. I'm wondering if the size of the full size printed on the card is correct. I was actually just about to order this product on Sephora, so I am glad I'm getting to try it now. Because my skin is oily and naturally shiny I don't think I will use this as a primer but more as a highlighter over my foundation.

Jelly Belly Tangerine Jelly Beans

Value – Priceless

My Thoughts – Such a good little treat to enjoy while writing this blog!

What I paid for the August Glymm box + tax – $11.30 CDN

Value of the August Glymm Box + tax - $39.82 CDN

Disclaimer - This Glymm Box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own. I am not being compensated for this review by Glymm or any other company mentioned.