PPR Mid-Month Update

It’s time for a mid-month Project Pan Roulette update and I did make a couple of modifications to the products I had chosen. I switched two products, one because I believe it has gone bad and the other because it’s not working for me due to the current weather.

Switched the ’Tini Beauty Eyetini Cordial Shadow+Base in Violet for BareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow. The Eyetini has a strong, paint thinner-like odor which is hard to bare and creases horribly because it feels like it never fully dries. This will be decluttered from my stash.

Switched Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer for Rimmel Stay Matte Primer.
I think the Pixi primer will be better used during the colder months since it’s more hydrating and has shimmer in it. I’m putting back in my collection until Fall or Winter.

The Jezibaba lip gloss sample from Aromaleigh, although unquestionably gorgeous, has been slow going. It is a bright pink, but the sparkle throughout is a bit chunky and always stays behind on my lips when the color has faded. Unfortunately, I don’t find this to be very wearable, personally, but I wear it on days when I’m being lazy indoors. I will try, with the few days I have left in the month, to wear this color as much as I can. May declutter at the end of the month.

Haus of Gloi First Blush perfume oil is my first empty this month. This gets rubbed on about three times a day and will start a brand new one perfume oil sample.

This Physician’s Formula Mineral Eye Liner Pencil is never ending! I’m honestly so bored and tired of it, I think about throwing it out the window all the time! It’s a nice formula and it very dark, but I’m just ready for a change of pace.

The rest of the products have been used regularly. The pan in Face It Oil Cut Pore Balm is getting larger and Physician’s Formula Cushion Foundation is getting drier and drier every time I use it. I’ve also noticed ELF Coffee Eyeliner Pen is starting to dry up and the point isn’t very straight anymore so it’s getting harder to use. Will try my best.

I thought making posts on empties on a bi-weekly basis would be easy for me to do and keep up with, but now I realize it’s a bit too much. I understand why people do monthly empties and I feel like that’s something I can do. My empties will be posted at the end of the month along with the finale on my monthly projects. Maybe I’m stretching myself a bit thin on taking such a load and I know I will have more time limitations due to my children going back to and starting school. Thank you all for reading and understanding.

Until next time! I will have empties, destash, finale, and intro to next month’s PPR. Have a great rest-of-the-month!

Monthly Project Pan Roulette

It's that time of the month again. Project Pan Roulette: Monthly Edition is here! I apologize for how late this post is. It was a busy holiday weekend (Independence Day in the United States) for me. I love generating random categories from my roulette and shopping my stash for items to fill up those categories. The post for May/June PPR is here if you wish to view what was used up for May and what was originally chosen for June.

June's products:

• Highlighter: Kiss My Sass Summer Glow sample- I love the multi-dimensional glow from this loose powder. It's a pale golden, warm color that transitions to a purpley-pink and looks absolutely gorgeous when worn. I did not fully finish, but will continue to use until I finish it. 
• One Eyeshadow in a palette: Brown from Profusion Twinkle Twinkle palette- I got a lot of use out of this shade, using it for a crease/transition shade, outer corner shade, contour on nose and face, and filling in brows. It worked beautifully for all those purposes, blending out perfectly while still being able to be built up. I really enjoy the formula Profusion uses for its powders so I had no problems with this shadow. I did hit baby pan (a tiny speck.)
• Face Serum: InstaNatural Hyaluronic Acid- Light, thin gel that goes on smoothly that melts and sinks into the skin almost immediately. I love how lightly hydrating this formula is so it's easy to wear under facial creams, lotions, and makeup. I did completely use it up.
• Liquid Eyeliner: Chella Indigo Eyeliner Pen & Elizabeth Mott Glitterati Liquid Liner- The pen got close to drying out while the liquid is still going strong. I used them alternately almost every day and I thought I would be able to use them due to me using them for a couple of years. I do thing it's time to destash simply because of their age.
• Asian Product: Skinfood Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Toner & Pore Emulsion- I accidentally threw away the bottles after posting about them here. I did completely finish.
• Compare Two, Purge One: Wet n Wild Bebot Love & L.A. Colors Mauve Glaze- I used Mauve Glaze for the first two weeks, while using Bebot Love for the latter two. At the end I immediately chose to destash Bebot Love. Although I really like this shade, I'm not a huge fan of the formula. It's patchy, drying, and a bit waxy. The shade did wash me out a touch. Mauve Glaze is almost spot on for MLBB and the formula is creamy and hydrating. I will keep Mauve Glaze in my collection for now. 

Now for this month's (July) products.

1. Product You're Loving: The Face Shop Face It Oil Cut Pore Balm
2. Sheer Product: Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer
3. Favorite Brand Item: Physician's Formula Cushion Foundation
4. Body Spray/Perfume: 3 Perfume Oils
5. Full Sized Item: ELF Coffee Eyeliner Pen/ 'Tini Beauty Eyetini Cordial Shadow+Base in Violet
6. Bright Lip Color: Aromaleigh Jezibaba  Lipgloss
7. Bonus item: Physician's Formula Black Mineral Eye Pencil (I want this gone!)

For the summer I plan on having a Minipocalypse (term borrowed from Reddit post in /r/MakeupRehab) This means I'm trying to decimate as many samples as I can. My collection is mainly made up of samples and I need to downsize. This shouldn't be too hard trying to use up skincare, hair care, and makeup samples over the course of three months. 

Until this weekend when I post empties I'm late on and perhaps a makeup basket. Have a great rest of the week!

June Subscriptions

I am, admittedly, quite the subscription junkie. Currently they are all beauty subs. Despite me trying to use up my stash, I love discovering and trying out new products. It's Christmas every month when you are subscribed to at least one service! I plan to do a quick overview of the products in the month's package and currently I do have quite a few, so let's dig in.

Birchbox- This is $10 US (free shipping) a month. This is actually my first, and unfortunately, my last. After the whole points fiasco (I always come to this site for all sub news and needs) I would rather not stay on the ship for too much longer. Depending on what happens in the future for this company I may resub. For now I'll watch from the sidelines.

In the box:

• ClariSEA Detox Charcoal Exfoliant- Made with sea salt and scorched bamboo, this all-natural scrub battles blackheads and oil.
• COOLA Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint- Mineral-based tinted moisturizer that softens, evens skin tone, and has a matte finish.
• Evologie Intesive Blemish Serum- Aside from obliterating blemishes (as if that weren't enough), the serum also tackles scars and hyperpigmentation.
• Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray- This cult favorite multitasker soaks up oil and gives hair body and bounce.
• The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof- This stick boasts a soft tint, and moisturizes lips with good-for-you ingredients. Contains sweet almond oil.
• Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer in Her Name Bubbles- I received this item for free with a promotion upon signing up.

Mishibox- This box is $19.95 US (free shipping) and boasts a variety of Korean skincare and makeup. This box is definitely my favorite of the bunch since I love me some K-beauty. This box is more heavy on the skincare, but most of the items included are full sized products plus a sheet mask every month. 

In the box:

• Skylake Oriental Herb Cool Shampoo & Silk Cocoon Hair Conditioner- Mini Size. Shampoo is formulated with the patented SKYLAKE oriental herbal extract and a variety of other herbs that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to effectively stimulate hair growth, prevent dandruff, and prevent itchiness. Conditioner keeps your hair healthy and soft with its real silk cocoon extract and hydrolyzed silk cocoon extract and contains natural protein and other natural nutrients.
• COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch- Full size. This popular thin & convenient hydrocolloid patch protects wounded/troubled areas from getting worse and help maintain the skin's humidity for faster recovery. 
• Saint Peau Baobab Water Storage Eco Serum- Full size. Lightweight & refreshing serum that contains Baobab tree sap, which is abundant in skin moisturizing components & nutrients to prevent the signs of aging, improve skin elasticity, and sooth sensitive skin. 
• Urban Dollkiss Soft Lip Balm in Peach- Full sized. Varies. The soft lips balms are refreshing and full of vitamins A, C, & E to keep your lips moist and glossy.
• Proud Mary 4N° Ampoule Mask in Vita C- Full size. Varies. These masks offer customized homecare solutions for solving skin problems. The Vita C mask moisturizes, brightens, and improves your skin's vitality & elasticity.
• $35 off coupon code for HelloFresh.com- which I may use. It's for food!

Sephora Play!- $10 US (free shipping) and month. This box runs off of a waitlist and randomly allows some spots to sign on immediately. Otherwise, you can sign up with your email for the waitlist. This box offers samples plus a perfume sample from products of higher end quality sold at Sephora. This month's theme is The Minimalists.

In the box:

• Tocca Beauty perfume in Florence- Timeless and romantic, this fragrance conjures long-ago Paris with a sophisticated blend of bergamot, violet petals, and blonde wood.
• Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara- Best-selling mascara lengthens, volumizes, coats even the smallest lashes, and features a specifically designed brush.
• BareMinerals BareSkin Bronzer- Blendable, lightweight liquid bronzer may be worn alone or over foundation to give skin a sheer, natural-looking touch of sun.
• Tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion- Antioxidant-infused, non-chemical SPF 30 sunscreen moisturizes and protects without leaving a sticky feel.
• Bumble and Bumble Don't Blow It- Innovative creme adds body and enhances fine-to-medium hair textures for a laid-back, air-dried style. 
• Becca Backlight Priming Filter- Shimmering makeup primer acts as a soft-focus filter to blur imperfections and give skin an effortless, luminous look. 

Boxycharm- This box is $21 US (free shipping) a month. This box is great because it offers 5 full-sized items with an average retail value of over $100. This month's theme is Girls Just Wanna Have Sun.

In the box:

• Cougar Beauty Mineral Face & Body Shimmer- This mineral face & body shimmer is formulated using feather-like shimmering minerals, adding a radiant sparkle when lightly brushed anywhere on the body.
• Farmacy Coconut Gel Mask Medley (3 pack)- This coconut gel mask provides intensive hydration and restores the skin's natural balance helping even skin tone and improve overall clarity.
• Girlactik Precise Eyeliner Marker- This precision marker eyeliner's soft and precise tip is designed to create the perfect dramatic line. The formula is weightless, long lasting, water resistant, smudge proof, and lies comfortably on the eye with no pulling or tugging.
• LVX Nail Lacquer in Serene- This long lasting, chip resistant and gel-like formula is free of the 5 toxic and harsh chemicals found in most common nail lacquer formulas. LVX is devoted to providing you with top quality, socially responsible, vegan-friendly products.
• OFRA Oil Control Pressed Powder- This oil control pressed powder was designed to keep your makeup in tact all day! Perfect for oil control. 

Ipsy- This glam bag is $10 US (free shipping) for makeup, skincare, and hair care. Samples, deluxe samples, and occasionally a full size are provided. When subscribing, you take a quiz which helps them curate and tailor the bag for you on a monthly basis. This month is probably the last one for me for a while. The bags always lure me in (and have been for the past three years) but I realize that I'm not always wowed or blown away by the contents I receive. I quickly start hoarding an enormous stockpile of samples and deluxe samples that, frankly, I don't need. I really like this month's bag and hope to resist future temptations. 

In the bag:

• Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray (repeat offender)
• Formula X nail polish in Wingwoman
• Seraphine Botanicals Happy Hibiscus blush
• Urban Decay eyeshadow in Fireball (duochrome, peachy-gold shimmer that transitions to a pink tone)
• Royal & Langnickel MODA Crease/Smudge brush

3B Box- Beauty Beyond Borders is a $12 US (free shipping) which includes Asian products from places like Japan, Korea, Taiwan. They include samples, deluxe samples, and full-sized items. I love that foil samples (example below) are provided in multiples so you get at least a full week of use. 

In the box/bag:

• Purpletale 5 Steps to Lovely Skin- This set is perfect for anyone wishing to invest more time into their skincare routine - without becoming overwhelmed. Try the Purpletale cleanser, ampoule, sheet mask, facial cream, and neck cream in one convenient packet. 
• Milky Dress Premium Brightener- Ever wish you could instantly brighten your complexion? This bestselling k-beauty cream is quick and natural fix for lightening skin tone while providing hydration for up to 10 hours.
• Mirai Clinical Body Spritzer- This body mist contains Japanese Persimmon Extract to keep you smelling fresh all day long.
• Skinfood Black Sugar Serum (light)- Achieve a smoother and clearer complexion with a combination of moisture rich black sugar and Cheongju, a traditional Korean wine. This lighter formula is perfect for the summer heat as it provides immediate hydration and quick absorption. It's refreshing for both oily and dry skin.
• It's Skin Todak Todak Pack Nutrition- This wash-off mask contains manuka honey and coconut extract to create smooth, calm, and moisturized skin. 

Until next month!

Destashing and Bi-weekly Empties

Last week I decided I wanted to destash palettes I feel I don't need, use, or have duped with other palettes. I was able to declutter a few right away, no-brainers if you will. I will slowly make my way through them to ensure I have unwanted/unneeded/unused palettes out of my possession.

• L.A. Colors 18 color Glam Palette in Diva Glam was the first no-brainer for me. The colors are very pretty peachy/pinky shades with a few darker toned shades that I could have easily incorporated into everyday looks. These shades are very shimmery, however, so I don't see myself using them too often and in fact, I did not. I considered keeping this palette for the gold and silver, but thought better since I already have these duped in better quality palettes. 
• L.A. Colors Jewel palette in Rainbow Quartz was the second no-brainer. Even though this palette has gorgeously-toned, rich, pigmented, buttery smooth, and very bright shades I rarely reached for it at all. All of these colors are very easily duped in my collection so this one will go to much loving hands.
• Wet n Wild Au Naturel in Bare Necessities was a palette I compared to several others in my collection and what I would consider another one of those "neutral, UD Naked look-alike" that I decided to get rid of for that same reason. 
• Wet n Wild Fergie palettes in Paris Runway and Milano Collections are both being destashed simply for the lack of quality. Paris Runway has purple/dark toned colors that are all similarly toned when worn and lack serious quality when blended. I found it very hard to use. Milano Collections was nicer in terms of everyday usage, but again, the quality was very lacking and again I found it easily duped as well. 

All in all I am happy to be 5 palettes lighter, but my ultimate goal in further reduce the amount of palettes I own. I plan to slowly use them and destash as needed.

Now, onto the bi-weekly empties. There isn't much this round and a few are being trashed with some product still within. Shall we?

• Wish Fomula C200 Bubble Peeling Pad- Received for reviewing purposes from 08Liter. Review can be found here. This small pad claims to exfoliate, brighten, and promote glow. I did feel some stinging and burning, but didn't last long and caused no noticeable damage to my skin. I did enjoy this product, despite the slight pain, and I love the results from this pad. I would purchase.
• My Beauty Addiction Perfecting Powder Primer, Concealer, Mineral Veil, and Powder Foundation- purchased from MBA website. There is still a little bit of product left, but these are all samples and I just want them gone! I did like the concealer and foundation and found that mineral veil and primer to be pretty much useless. Would not repurchase.
• Skinfood Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Toner & Pore Emulsion- Received from 3B Box. These were part of my monthly Project Pan Roulette. The toner has very sweet scent which was very light and did not linger. I do feel this helped to tone my skin and left my pores visibly smaller and refined. The emulsion had a much lighter scent with a thicker, gel-like texture which hydrated very well. I did enjoy both products, but will not repurchase. 
• Secret Clear Gel Outlast Antiperspirant/Deodorant- I've been using this brand since the late 90's. It's antiperspirant, I believe enough has been said, hehe.
• A'pieu NonCo Tea Tree Spot Patch- received from 3B Box. I do like these and will continue to use this sort of product. They are applied to an open or draining pimple and magically heals it overnight. On myself, this product was very effective at helping the healing and clearing process of a blemish. Would definitely repurchase, and luckily I do have more.
• No. 7 Protect & Perfect Intensively Moisturizing Body Serum- received as gift. This light lotion has a powdery, floral scent which is very light and doesn't linger. I applied this product all over after a shower and I feel it did a good job of moisturizing and keeping my skin soft and hydrated. I did enjoy this product, and do plan on purchasing in the future.
• White Cat Vita-White 2 Times Sheet Mask- received from Mishibox. This mask was citrus scented, heavy on lemon and reminded me of cleaning products. The mask had the most best fit I have tried yet, and I did like the brightening effect the essence had on my skin. My skin was soft and looked glowy after using. I did enjoy and want to look into getting more of these.
• Body Raves Pink Passion Foot Scrub- Purchased. This foot "scrub" does not do anything at all to scrub or exfoliate and any other form of the word. There is probably about 75% left in the bottle, but this product is garbage and that will be it's final resting place. Will not repurchase.
• La Fresh Makeup Remover Wipe- from hotel room. This wipe did a good job of removing all makeup in a good size as well. It had a light, powdery scent which was not cumbersome. This wipe moisturized very light without stripping skin of any natural moisture or over-tightening. Would purchase.
• InstaNatural Pro-Radiant Skin Brightening Scrub- purchased on discount. This is a physical exfoliator with an ample amount of Vitamin C, making it an excellent anti-oxidant exfoliator as well. The particles all settled to the bottom of the bottle, so I didn't really receive it's physical benefit until later use. I do not feel this product did much to my skin, but I did continue usage simply because it's a small bottle and was easy to incorporate with my cleanser. Would not repurchase.
• Enchanted Kiss by Intimate Secret Silkening Body Mist- received as gift. This is a dupe for Victoria's Secret Love Spell (hello high school days) with Cherry Blossom and Jasmine. It was pretty similar in smell and scent did linger on skin for quite a while. I don't feel it did anything for my skin. Would not repurchase. 

Next post will be end of monthly Project Pan Roulette results, next monthly intro and something special in the works! I'm excited for my plans, but more on that next week! Have a great week everybody!

Palette A Week and Rehab

Before I begin, I do want to apologize for this late post. Adulting sometimes gets in the way or runs a little longer than preferred. I am trying to remember to have scheduled posts ready by a few days before due, and I have been lacking. I will continue to try to make my posts more timely.

This week's palette is one I have been hoarding and holding on to because I was afraid of using it. I no longer wish to have palettes and such in such pristine manner. It's the Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 2. It's supposed to be a dupe for Lorac's Pro Palette 2, which I can't remark about since I do not own that one. I love the versatility of this palette, with its effortless ability to go from day to night. The shades seem pretty pigmented and very easy to blend. 

I am also thinking I'm going to make this palette-a-week thing turn into a palette-a-month. I don't find myself getting bored of using one palette a week so I think I can make it a longer ordeal. I don't use makeup every single day so this is also encouraged my decision to make palette usage longer. Another note I made to myself, I will be destashing more palettes, specifically ones I don't care for. I realized I have several that are pretty much the same, offering same colors (or look similar once worn on the eye) or same color scheme even. I'm planning on going through my stash this weekend and hopefully I can decide on what I don't want to keep or don't need. On my road to rehab I find it easier to let go of unwanted/unneeded/dupe products that I know I can easily attain again if needed once I finish an item. 

I recently took a quick trip to Dollar Tree to get storage containers. I usually will rummage through all of the aisles. While coming up on the makeup aisle, I spotted Wet n Wild, which is quite rare. I looked through all of the offerings of shimmer powders, brushes, palettes, lipsticks, lip glosses, and the only thing that caught my eye was Velvet Matte Lip Color in DJ Doll. I don't have a pretty coral-y color such as this, so I bit the bullet. I know, a whole dollar! What am I complaining about? I told myself I would not buy anymore makeup. Replacement-only buy, to be specific. The old me, the one who had no rehab in sight, would have bought every single item because hey, IT'S A FREAKING DOLLAR! 

Improvements have been made. I have not visited Ulta or Sephora, both easily accessible to me in my area, although the idea has crossed my mind. I get plenty of beauty boxes that quench my undying thirst for beauty and I don't really NEED anymore neutral palettes or anymore indie samples and so on and so forth. I'm glad to dust the dirt off from that several-years-long battle.

Next I hope to post bi-weekly empties (as measly as it might be) along with palette destashing and any box reviews. Have a great week!

June 5 Bi-Weekly Empties & PAW

Another two weeks have flown by. Here are my empties and decluttering. 

• Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask- Purchased at Walmart. Deep cleasing and soothing without over drying. I did enjoy this one for over a year. Will probably repurchase.
• Ettang Modeling Take Out Cup Pack in Yogurt- Received from Mishibox. Mix this with water and quickly apply to face. It "rubberized" (lack of a better word) and left my skin smooth and bright. Didn't really notice any other effects and it is messy. Will not repurchase.
• Instanatural Vitamin C serum- Purchased from Amazon. It has a light citrus scent and I did notice my skin get visibly brighter plus it helped fade dark spots on my skin. Vitamin C is something I will always provide my skin. I'm currently using a different one and on the look out for another one. Will not repurchase this particular one. 
• LaF Skin 7 Solutions Waterbomb Ampoule- I already reviewed this one LINKED HERE
• Loreal Anti-breakout Facial Cleanser- Purchased at Walmart. This is not completely empty, but I didn't notice this cleanser do much for breakouts. It's quite strong and always felt a slight burn after using. I also never enjoyed the chemical, fake citrus-like scent. Will not repurchase. I did keep the rubber brush this came with.
• Cleomee Donkey Real Milk Oil Mask- Recieved from Mishibox. This sheet which dried quickly. I didn't detect a scent and, because of packaging defect, this did not fit well. It did brighten and plump up my skin and noticed much brighter skin next day. Will not repurchase.
• SNP Bird's Nest Aqua Ampoule Mask- Recieved from Mishibox. Thin sheet with good fit and a slightly mineral scent. No noticeable difference on my skin. Will not repurchase.
• Hempz Cucumber and Jasmine Herbal Moisturizer- I've had this little bottle for a looooong time. I just kept neglecting it. It had a nice, light scent. Decent moisture. Will not repurchase because I have a ton more.
• Caress Adore Forever body wash- See link above.
• Dark Heart Designs Bronzer- see link above. 
• Botanic Farm Grain Ferment Cleansing Sherbet- Received from 3B Box. This product did really well at removing all forms of makeup without being too oily or greasy. It was easy to wash off as well. I'm considering purchasing a full size.
• Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Hair Conditioner- Recieved from 3B Box. This has a light, sweet, floral scent that didn't linger in hair too strongly. It did a good job of nourishing my hair, making it feel volumized and moisturized. It's a light creamy formula that spread well. Would consider buying full size from this line.
• L.A. Colors Bold Lash mascara in Ultraviolet and Electric Blue- Purchased at Walgreens. At the time I thought it would be fun to use colors like this in my lashes. Personally, I was wrong. The violet dried out and the blue is really "in your face," so I'm decluttering. At least now I know...
• DreamWorld Hermetica Debutante Blush- Received from (I believe) Innocent Twisted Alchemy subscription. I've tried to like it, but I give up. It's very sparkly, even applied lightly. I like the color, but it blends away leaving only the sparkles. It's time to let this one go. I have many more to go through.
• Howl Cosmetics Five-headed Dragon- see link above.

Palette of the Week:

Wet n Wild Au Naturel Bare Necessities

Hopefully I can get a weekly makeup basket or rotation system set up this week. That is hopefully my next post. Until next time, have a great week!

Project Pan Roulette May/June

It's the first of June. Summer is almost here and it's already burning up outside, at least where I live. This means end of the month empties. However, to keep the number of end-of-the-month empties along with all the reviews, I do my empties every two weeks. Today I will bring my first Project Pan Roulette to an end. 

Every month on the first, I will will randomly draw six (6) items to pan/use during the month. I can provide my huge list of categories to choose from if anyone would like to know. I also use a wheel decider app on my phone called The Decider to draw the categories. 

Last month's categories and products (as shown below) were:

1. an item with hated packaging: Five-headed Dragon lipstick from Howl Cosmetics
2. something you have already hit pan on: Dark Heart Cosmetics bronzer
3. body shower product: Caress Adore Forever
4. face serum: LaF Skin 7 Solutions Waterbomb Ampoule
5. an eyeliner: E.L.F. cream eyeliner in Coffee
6. a high-end product: YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils mascara

Bye Bye May empties

• Five-headed Dragon: I kept putting this off because it's a sample in a tiny baggie. I knew it was going to be a pain to use. It's a gorgeous dark berry color which pulled more purple on my lips. Completely finished.
• Dark Heart Cosmetics bronzer: I nice warm shade with a tiny bit of shimmer. I only had a bit left, but surprisingly it lasted the entire month. I used it on my crease and as a bronzer, as intended. Completely finished.
• Caress Adore Forever: A small deluxe sample. I don't use heavily perfumed body was too often, but this did have a nice musky scent which I liked. I don't feel like it lasted as long as it claims. Completely finished.
• LaF Skin 7 Solutions Waterbomb Ampoule: A nice light, thin, gel-like consistency which I used mainly during the day. I prefer light moisturizer during the day, with spf of course, because I have very oily skin. I really liked this serum, but have many more to use. Completely finished.
• E.L.F. Coffee cream liner: I really like using gel and cream liners. This one is really easy to use and stays put all day. I tried using this in my brows to use up product faster, but that was short lived since I don't like overly defined brows. I also discovered that I don't like how a wing looks on my eye shape, despite how fun it is. I just do a tiny baby flick. Did not use up nor did I hit pan. I was disappointed, but this one was a fail. Will continue to use.
• YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils mascara: I would consider my current HG. I love how this formula defines and volumizes my lashes. I use this nearly everyday and still did not finish. Will continue to use for this month, but will trash after June. 

No pan :'(

So now, the products for this month.

1. Highlighter: (my favorite cosmetic to use) Kiss My Sass Summer Glow highlighter. Beautiful golden sheen with a pink/purple flash. Sample, plan to use up.
2. One eyeshadow in a palette: Cool, neutral brown shade in Profusion Twinkle Twinkle palette. I plan to multi-use this shade and hopefully hit pan.
3. Face serum (again): InstaNatural Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Still has about a third left. Plan to finish. 
4. Liquid eyeliner (uh oh!): Chella Indigo eyeliner pen and Elizabeth Mott You're So Fine eyeliner in Glitterati. Two because they're both old-ish and need to go asap. I plan to use up or at least as much as possible so I can declutter.
5. Asian product: Skinfood Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Toner & Pore Emulsion. I have a ton of samples. Plan to use up.
6. Compare two, purge one: Wet n Wild Bebot Love and L.A. Colors Mauve Glaze. Both are good MLBB's on me, but since I'm downsizing, one must go. I plan to use Mauve Glaze for two weeks, then Bebot Love. At the end of the month I will declutter one. 

June PPR

Marked face serum

Multi-functional!

Highlighter

One will go...

I hope to have bi-weekly empties up by this weekend, along with PAW and makeup basket. For Summer I have something entirely different planned, but more on that later! Have a great week!

PAW (POTW) May 29-June 3

Yesterday, Sunday May 29, my daughter spun my POTW wheel and Concrete Minerals was chosen. This mean I'll be using their Zombie Girl and Sugar Skull collections. I love these colors! I allowed myself this haul a couple of years ago as a birthday present after swooning over these collections for over a year. Also, after reading about this on Reddit's MakeupRehab to be exact, I noticed users called these Palette A Week, or its acronym PAW. So I'll be referring to these posts with PAW instead. I did a little bit more shopping of my stash on a few other products, but on the first of the month which is Wednesday, my monthly 6 pan project will change, along with my makeup basket. More on that later though. Let's get to the pics already! 

All of the shadows are shimmery and in a loose form, so I will still be using my E.L.F. Mad About Matte palette for my matte shadow needs. These can be purchased at the Concrete Minerals website if you're interested!

PotW and Bi-Weekly Empties

I wanted to have this posted Sunday, or Monday at the latest. Here we are, on Tuesday, finally with an updated empties and PotW (palette of the week.) I want to post my empties bi-weekly ending on a Sunday because it motivates me to use my ever-increasing stash of hair care, skincare, and cosmetics. I am a box junkie and do receive a few subscriptions a month and I have also restricted my purchases to a low-buy, hopefully only purchasing products that I completely love or want to replace. Enough rambling, on with the show!

My flat lay game will get strong, someday!

• It's Skin Mangowhite Lip and Eye Remover Tissue- Received from 3B Box. Smells like a floral soap. Cleans well and also moisturizes, but I don't like the greasiness of the film left behind. Also, this stuff stings like hell if it gets into the eyes and takes a long time to rinse out. Will not repurchase. 
• Olay Active Hydration Quench Body Lotion- Purchased at Walmart. It says it's formulated with a green tea and vitamin complex. It has a light, sweet scent, unlike green tea. It's hydrating, but not overly moisturizing. It has shimmer in it, so that limited where I liked to use it. I will not repurchase. 
• Holika Holika Pignose Clear Blackhead 3-step Kit- Received from Mishibox. It's basically a nose patch (remember the girl who exclaims "eww, it looks like a porcupine!") with added steps. This did nothing for me personally, but I did like how the first step made extraction easier. The third step was really messy and just would not stay on!  Will not repurchase. 
• Sunsilk Hydra TLC- received for free from ???. It's still about half full, but this product is so old and I have no idea why I never used and still have it. I'm tossing this since I was a teenager when I received this (think late 90's, early 2000's.) I don't even know if this brand is still a thing...
• Up&Up Sensitive Skin Facial Moisturizer Spf 15 Sunscreen Lotion- purchased at Target. When I bought this, I was looking for a light daytime moisturizer that contained an spf content. This has a plasticy, sunscreen smell and does leave a white cast. I mainly layered makeup over which was no problem. I did find it to be quite moisturizing. Probably will repurchase in the future. Have too many right now.
• Cutex One-stop Pads- Received from Influenster. These worked exactly as described. I was able to remove my polish from my fingernails or toenails with one pad. I really like these over messy cottonballs soaked with acetone. I do plan on purchasing more.
• Burt's Bees BB Cream sample- Received from Walmart Beauty Box. I did enjoy this BB Cream despite it being a bit heavy. I prefer to wear lighter BB, tinted moisturizers, or foundations. I was able to wear it with minimal fading throughout the day, but I did become oily in my T-zone after a few hours. Will not purchase. 
• Re:cipe Slowganic Cleanser mini set- Received from Mishibox. This container was the last of the 3 piece mini set which contained Adlay, Green Tea, and Lemon. This had a fluffy, marshmallow creme-like consistency. It cleans skin really well, but did leave me squeaky clean and a bit dry. I did enjoy this product, but do not plan on a repurchase.
• Nugg Revitalizing Face Mask- Received from Target Beauty Box. This mask has flaxseed and peppermint oil and because of the peppermint it felt cooling and a burned a bit. The fumes especially irritated my eyes. This one filled my nose with the classic VapoRub smell. Will not repurchase. 
• Ecotools Deep Cleansing Charcoal Konjac sponge- purchased from Walmart- Lightly exfoliating and helps cleanser foam up. I enjoy using this sponge and this was actually repurchase. I will repurchase again, after I use my current sponge.
• Simple Cleansing Micellar Water- I really liked this mild formula for a quick morning cleanser. Some days it's easier to swipe away overnight germs and oil and be on my way. It's lightly hydrating and doesn't leave any residue behind. I did not detect a scent from this formula. May repurchase in the future as I have several others to try out.
• Laneige Water Sleeping Pack deluxe sample- received from 3B Box. I like this overnight sleeping pack. It's a light, thin, gel-type consistency which does a really good job of moisturizing. I would wake up to hydrated, bouncy skin. It does has light powder-like scent which dissipates quickly after absorption. I had no problems with this formula and did enjoy this very much. I'm currently using a second deluxe sample I received from a Target Beauty Box. Likely to repurchase in the future.
• Tony Moly I'm Real Rice Sheet Mask Clear Skin- received from Mishibox. The essence in this mask was a thin, light, milky consistency with a heavy and sweet scent. The sheet itself was very thin and somewhat hard to manipulate. It kept sliding down my face (I should have been lying down, but I have very active children) and the shape did not fit well on my face. After about 30 minutes, it did leave my skin very hydrated and visibly brightened. I did enjoy it despite the fit. Will not repurchase. 

Finally, I was going to post my entire makeup basket of the week, but honestly, the only thing that changed (from my latest post) was the eyeshadow palette. Just like last week, I had my daughter spin the wheel and randomly pick from my large stash of eye palettes. I will then try to incorporate the palette with every eye look I create. I also decided that the E.L.F. Mad About Matte palette will permanently stay in my basket since it's easy to incorporate in every eye look. I plan to give myself a nice little reward if I ever pan my e.l.f. palette. Any who, this week's palette is the Pony Shine Easy Glam 2 purchased from Memebox. The colors are gorgeous and can create a multitude of different looks, however the palette alone won't give a full put-together look. Hence the e.l.f. palette.  

Pony Shine Easy Glam 2

Until next week when I post the PotW. Have a great week!

Makeup Basket of the Week

Having done A LOT of research on project panning and tips and tricks for using up my stash, I came across the makeup basket hashtag over on Instagram. It's the social network I'm most active on, as well as Reddit. (Shout out to the helpful and supportive community at /r/MakeupRehab) Pretty much you pick products or a palette on a weekly basis so using the same products doesn't get repetitive and you get to shop your stash.

Last Friday I had my daughter (yes I like to incorporate her as she enjoys being a part of almost everything I do) spin a wheel I made at wheeldecide.com to choose the palette or indie samples for the week. I have too freaking many so this is great way to incorporate my unloved palettes, although randomly, but they'll get some love. I incorporated products I'm trying to pan (ex. 6 by summer, 4 by July 4, etc.) and products I'm in a hurry to use up. It does get boring, but I did find different, bold, and creative ways to multi use a few of these products. 

Week of 5-13-16/5-20-16

In no particular order

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Ulta Clear Brow Gel
• Dark Heart Designs Bronzer (6 by Summer)
• YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils (6 by Summer)
• ELF Mad for Matte
• Wet n Wild Fergie Paris Runway eyeshadow palette
• Ulta Ultimate Brows Shade & Shaper Pencil
• Kleancolor Master Strokes Long Wear Nude Shadow Stick
• Physician's Formula Black Mineral Pencil Eye Liner
• BareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Shadow
• ELF Coffee Cream Eye Liner (6 by Summer)
• Wet n Wild Coloricon Contour Palette Caramel Toffee (old formula)
• Notoriously Morbid Starlight Lip Craft & Lipgloss for Leatherface Lip Craft
• Kiss My Sass Summer Glow Highlighter sample
• Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer
• Nyx Butter Lip Balm Parfait
• Avon Lip Tint Berry
• Kiss My Sass Body Electric cream blush sample
• Howl Cosmetics Five-Headed Dragon lipstick sample (6 by Summer)
• Profusion Face Palette

Not pictured (because whoopsies!)

• My Beauty Addiction (MBA) Perfecting Primer Powder
• MBA Buff powder foundation
• MBA powder concealer
• MBA Mineral Veil

I do plan on waking up Saturday (5-21-16) and, along with the other mundane to-do's, having her spin the wheel again to choose another palette/brand of the week. I will have it be spun again if it lands on the same palette/brand because I have decided I won't use the same eyeshadows more than once a month. I may also change up a few more products, but that'll be to my discretion. I hope to have Makeup Basket of the Week and Bi-weekly Empties posted soon!

March/April Empties

Yes, I realize that we're in May and I also realized I had been meaning to make this post for a while. Better late than never? I guess...

March/April mask empties

• IPKN Wrinkle Care Snail 8 Mask - super drenched in essence. Fit well. Definitely has a very earthy smell, exactly what I would expect a snail to smell like. It’s not pleasant and it does last quite a while. Very hydrating and sticky afterwards. 
• Pikake, Plumeria, Green Tea Beauty Treats - these were all pretty similar except for the scent. They all fit well, were hydrating, and brightening.  Not very sticky and my skin drank up remaining essence. 
• Naisture Brightening Arbutin - pretty much like the Beauty Treats. Also liked. 
• The Creme Shop Green Tea - Moisturizing and brightening. Very refreshing. Did not fit well but still usable. 
• Purederm Ultra Foot Repairing Foot Mask - this was the first time I did anything of this sort to my feet and I loved it! Strong alcohol like scent and very cooling. A few days through a few weeks after using, feet will peel and “molt” leaving behind soft and radiant feet. It was definitely a creepy and weird experience, but one I would love to try again. Very wet sock type. 
• Petitfee Dry Essence Foot Pack - somewhat waxy dry sock, but left feet very silky moisturized. Paired well with exfoliating foot mask from above. 

Of this lot, I would only repurchase the foot masks.

March/April skincare and hair care empties

• Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner - Purchased. Yes it’s alcohol based and yes it’s heavily irritating on many people. My skin is pretty heavy duty, handling pretty much everything I throw at it. I had no problems with this toner but, I won’t repurchase because I have several more to go through. 
• Instanatural Retinol serum - Received through Amazon review program. I mainly used this one as part of my night time routine. I found this formulation to be somewhat helpful as it did help keep my skin smoother and brighter. I don’t break out too often, but I also noticed less breaking out while using this. I couldn’t really detect a scent. I don’t believe I’ll be repurchasing this particular product. I also have a Retinol cream to go through. 
• Instanatural Age defying & Skin Clearing serum - Received through Amazon review program. This was the daytime counterpart from the previous serum. This one contains niacinamide which I did notice helped keep my skin look brighter and faded any dark spots or scarring quickly. Citrus scent which faded away quickly. I did like it but, will not be repurchasing. 
• Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion skin exfoliant - Received through Ipsy. I really liked this physical exfoliator and was sad to use it up. The very fine microparticles really helped to scrub away any dryness or flakiness to keep my skin smooth. Peppermint scent with a cooling sensation. Creamy, grainy, and thick. Would love to purchase a full size but must go through other exfoliators first. 
• Etude House Baking Powder BB Deep Cleansing Foam - Received from 3B Box giveaway. Creamy Cleanser with copious amount of lather. Left my skin very deeply cleaned but dehydrated. Skin feels soft and visibly brightened. Did not cause any problems on my combination/oily skin. Light citrus scent which does not linger. I also detected very small granules in soap that helped mildly exfoliate. Did like, would not repurchase. I prefer my skin to not be too dry after a wash. 
• Etude House Age Defense Essential Softener & Emulsion - Received from 3B Box giveaway. They both have a high impact perfumy floral scent which does not linger in the softener but does last longer in emulsion. I used softener as a first treatment after toner. Light, not sticky or greasy, and not very  moisturizing. Skin did feel silky and soft but not hydrated. Emulsion was not greasy and slightly sticky. It was lightly hydrating and usually followed it up with a heavier cream at night. Neutral feelings. Will not purchase.*
• Missha Super Aqua Ultra Water-full Active toner & Control Emulsion - Received from 3B box giveaway. I used toner as a first essence because it very light, thin, hydrating, and not sticky or greasy. Honestly nothing special. Don’t feel like it did much. Emulsion was light, thin, runny, and lightly hydrating. It was easily absorbed by skin and it was slightly sticky afterwards. Followed up with heavier cream at night. Will not repurchase.*
• La'dor Perfect Fill-up Hair Ampoule - Received from Mishibox. This is a liquid in a 13 ml bottle that mixes with a 1:1 ratio with water to become creamy. It has a pleasant fruity scent with no chemical smell. After rinsing, my hair was shiny, soft, voluminous (weighty) and lasted for the entire day. Next day my hair was still soft, shiny, had a “thick” volume and was very manageable.  Would love to repurchase. 

*These type of containers are a pain the ass. Even when using a q-tip to try and get product, it takes a long time to build up enough product for one application.  They are hard plastic containers that do not squeeze. I hate sample containers like this and I have several more in my stash.

Shudder

This is Anavita Moisturizing Anti-wrinkle cream. It has a weird minty, plastic-y smell. It is silicone based so I thought it would wear all under makeup. It not heavy or creamy enough for night time, but this thing is a true skincare nightmare come to life during the day.  It is hard to spread and becomes very oily even with nothing on top. While wearing makeup, it would slide right off and make my face look like I had just finished running a marathon. Luckily it didn’t break me out, but also did nothing to moisturize and little else of anything useful. I really dislike this product and is going into the trash with about ¾ of product still in it.