NOTW - Gussied Up Green

During the fall and winter I love nail polish colors that look almost black but are really not. Before Christmas I bought China Glaze's Gussied Up Green and have been wearing it almost every week since. I have changed my polish a few times but I just seem to always go back to this color.

I am fairly new to China Glaze polishes but so far I really love them. The consistency and brush make it really easy to apply and streak free. I also have never had a problem with chipping with the China Glaze polishes, using a Calvin Klein Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat this nail polish does not budge.

Artificial light

Natural light



Project 10ish Pan - December

December was a bad month for me when it came to my Project 10ish Pan. I definitely broke my rules but I am determined to continue working towards completing it and using up more products and limiting my buying. This month I didn't use up any makeup products but I did finish 3 other products. I also forgot to take pictures before I threw out the bottles so I am using stock photos that I found on Google.

Repurchase?? - YES

My Thoughts - I finished my Clinique Cleanser in November and have went back to using my previous cleanser from Clean & Clear. I love this cleanser, it does what it says and removes any makeup and dirt I have on my face from the day. I love that it doesn't break me out and doesn't make my face feel oily or super dry. This product costs around $10-$12 here in Canada, but I found it at Big Lots in America for $3.99 a bottle so I stock up whenever I visit there.

Repurchase??  - NO

My Thoughts - During the crazy Lush phase of my life I bought pretty much 1 of every product they came out with and never really liked any of them. I loved the smell of the Calacas Shower Jelly but it was so difficult to use that I never wanted to. The smell also didn't linger on my body like other shower gels do, it kind of disappeared once you washed it off.

Repurchase?? - NO

My Thoughts - Like I said above the smell of the Shower Jelly was really nice but using it was a pain.

December Glymm Box

This month's Glymm Box was one I had extremely high anticipation for. I definitely thought that this month's box was going to be amazing! I ended up being very disappointed in this box though. One of the samples was so tiny I barely got enough to try it once and although a $10 coupon for the Glymm site is really generous, after looking at everything they have to offer there really is nothing I want from the site or anything that is worth the price Glymm is selling it for. I still have 9 months left in my 1 year subscription so they have some time to redeem themselves, but had this been my last month I don't think that this box would have convinced me to re-purchase.

 This review is going up a little later than usual after I received my box but I wanted to try out some of the products first so that my thoughts on them were more than just a first impression.
 
Enough with the rambling though, here are products that I received in this month's.

Caudalie/Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask

 Full Size Value - 40mL/$40

Sample Value – 3mL/$3

On the Card - Treat yourself to the ultimate spa experience this holiday season with Caudalie's peel mask. This innovative formula is enriched with revitalizing grape acid and antioxidant-rich grape seed oils which work together to gently dissolve dead skin cells and reveal a perfectly nourished, balanced and luminous skin complexion.

My Thoughts - This sample is crazy small!!!!! I haven't used it yet but I’m pretty sure that it won’t be enough to even use on my whole face once. As a company that prides itself on giving deluxe samples to its customers I really feel that this sample fell short.

AHAVA/Mineral Hand Cream

 Full Size Value - 3.4 oz/$20

Sample Value – 0.68 oz/$4

On the Card - AHAVA lightweight lotion goes to work the minute you apply it, with powerful bend of ingredients to treat hand dryness and dermatitis. Its rich, nourishing Dead Sea minerals hydrate and restore moisture to even the most rough and scaly skin. The hazel extracts soothe and soften dry skin, without making it feel greasy.

My Thoughts - The size of this sample is much bigger compared to the last and the formula is very nice. It wasn't greasy at all and really made my hands feel soft. However, the smell of this hand cream I am not a fan of at all.

 

Yves Saint Laurent/La Parisienne

 Full Size Value – 3 oz/$85

Sample Value – 0.25 oz/$7.08

On the Card – Once upon a time there was PARISIENNE, who lived and loved in the moment – the portrait of a woman incredibly free. Parisienne is a floral, feminine yet sensual fragrance which will leave a trace of mystery everywhere you go. This luxurious scent wraps ups up a woman’s body and stays with her all day long. Scandalous, some say?

My Thoughts – Besides Marc Jacobs Daisy I have never smelt a perfume I liked as much as this one. This perfume is the perfect mix of feminine and sexy. This is definitely the next full size perfume I am buying once I use up a few of the perfumes I already own. Thank you Glymm for helping me find my new favorite fragrance!

Sula Beauty/Natural Lip Gloss

Full Size Value – 0.5 fl. oz/$8

Sample Value – 0.5 fl. oz/$8

On the Card – Get your lips kissable ready this holiday season with Sula Beauty Pretty Lip gloss! Playful, yet sophisticated, this trendy line is designed to compliment not define! Sula Lip Gloss is formulated with natural ingredients that will sooth, soften and moisturize your pretty lips. Go ahead and break the rules, set trends and always be pretty!

My Thoughts – I am a lip gloss junkie, if I could only have one beauty product forever it would be lip gloss. The texture of this lip gloss is really smooth and not sticky at all. The smell and taste is really sweet and fruity which I like. I really like that this was a full size product but I also like that it is affordable so I can go buy more colors and not break the bank.

Glymm/A Special Gift from Glymm

Value - $10

On the Card – We’re making a list and we’re checking it twice. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, Glymm would like to give you this holiday present. A $10 Gift Card to Glymm’s Beauty Boutique. Indulge in a life more beautiful and buy yourself something pretty. Happy Holidays!

My Thoughts – I was excited to receive this because I have some credit towards the Glymm store right now. I never really found anything on the Glymm site worth the price they are asking but seeing as I really like the perfume from this month’s box I may buy it from Glymm if it becomes available before the gift card expires.

Jelly Beans

Value – Priceless

My Thoughts – Delicious!

Amount Paid for this month’s box - $10

Value of this month’s box - $32.08 (roughly)

Disclaimer – I bought this Glymm box with my own money. I am not being compensated for my review. All opinions are honest and my own.

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.