Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Purge and Pan Challenge 2019: June and July

Greetings, dear readers! July has come to an end, so I figured it was time to share my collection of emptied and destashed beauty products. When I initially started this project, I had great plans of updating every month, but lately it seems to be every two months instead. What that means is fewer posts like this one, but it does make it a bigger beast to write depending on how many products I end up finishing. Let me know in the comments below if you prefer posts like this every month or every other month! Now on to today's post!

For those new to the blog, let me fill you in! I have joined in with several other beauty bloggers and vloggers on a challenge to actually finish up our beauty items rather than accumulate more and have a plethora of open containers at any given time. While the term "pan project" was initially geared towards emptying out powdered cosmetic items, hence the term "hitting pan", this project is a little more open to include other beauty items as well. We each have set a goal for ourselves. My goal for 2019 was to remove 150 beauty and cosmetic items from my vanity and drawers. I made my goal relatively large because not only am I emptying up products throughout the year, I wanted to challenge myself to get rid of items that I no longer use or enjoy. It's not always been easy, but I have definitely made some progress! Let's jump in on my "Use it or Lose it" project for the months of June and July!

Use It: The Empties

Skincare

Option: Brightening

I tested out a few other products by Huangjisoo earlier this year, and I really wanted to try out this cleanser. When it popped up on Zulily for a discounted price, I opted to snap one up. Am I so glad I did! It gently cleanses the skin without stripping it dry. My face is sensitive to so many other cleansers, and I am happy with how gentle this was for me. It's a little spendier than what I normally like for a cleanser at $25 a bottle, and I'm on the fence about buying another one. I'm currently using another cleanser that I like so I've got some time to think about it. If I see it pop up for a good deal again, I will definitely be jumping on it!

White In Milk Mild Foam | G9 Skin
Travel size

I got this mini bottle of this cleanser as part of a birthday package and finally got around to testing it out. I didn't think I would ever see the day where I would fall in love with a cleanser, but this one won me over instantly! This one was also gentle enough for my skin, and it left my face feeling both clean and incredibly soft. I enjoyed it so much I picked up a full sized version and am loving it! The full version is very affordable at only $10 and is my current preferred cleanser.

Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser | Drunk Elephant

I'm sure this is a cleanser many have tried out already as it is part of the skincare birthday option from Sephora this year. This was my official introduction to the brand, although I was already familiar with it beforehand. This is another really good cleanser, and I really like the jelly texture. The full size version retails for $32 so that is the only thing really keeping me from buying more. I still have a slight preference for the texture of the previous cleanser, but I wouldn't hesitate to use this one again if presented with the opportunity.


Whitening Joy Mask | MustaeV

It's no secret that I enjoy MustaeV masks, and I have had them here on my blog numerous times. My skin always looks so healthy and vibrant after I've used one! The Whitening Joy Mask is supposed to help lighten dark spots on your skin. To be honest, I don't use these often enough to really judge whether or not my dark spots are lighter.

Moisture-Lifting Pleasure Mask | MustaeV

This particular mask is infused with vegetable extracts to hydrate and tone the skin, and I certainly see that after I use it! I'm not sure that I see it more with this version in particular, but it doesn't stop me from using these.

I have two concerns with these masks. The first is even after absorption in the skin, the serums so not play well with makeup application for me. It dries slightly sticky, and it causes a lot of other skincare products and cosmetics to pill up. Because of this, I stick to using these masks in the evening before heading to bed. I then dab on my night time moisturizer rather than rub it in.

The other issue is the packaging. There is just no good way to recycle or reuse the packaging, so I have made a conscious decision to not purchase sheet masks in the future. As I mentioned previously, I have several masks on hand still to work through, so you'll still see the rest of my stash pop up here, but I'm not going to be purchasing any more. I would love to see MustaeV release their essence in a bottle so I can keep up with the brand once my masks are gone!


Olive Real Power Cream | Innisfree

If you have dry skin, let me introduce you to your new BFF. This stuff is rich and incredibly moisturizing! I have combination normal to oily skin, but I still loved to use this as my night moisturizer during the dry winter months. Since finishing this cream, I switched over to the Innisfree Green Tea Seed version as I don't need as strong of a product at this time. That being said, I'm likely to get back to this one when the weather turns cold again!

Option: Normal/Oily Skin

This isn't the first time using this product, and I have enjoyed using it. Oily skin skill needs to be moisturized properly, and this is a nice, light weight option that works for me. I like to use this in the day, and it works well with my other skincare products and makeup. I'm currently testing out another product and have no yet decided if I want to stick with this one or not.

Superfood Peptide Eye Cream | Youth To The People

After checking out some reviews on Sephora's website, I opted to pick up this eye cream to try out. With the added blench of spinach, kale, vitamins C, E, and K, and tripeptide, I knew this eye cream had a lot of potential. Super smooth and with quick absorption, I have been really happy with how well this performs on my skin. It also plays beautifully with my makeup so I can use this one cream both day and night.


Like it or not, I am getting older with each passing day, but that doesn't mean my skin has to show it! Thankfully I can count on retinols, and more specifically, this night cream, to keep my skin looking its best! The Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream absorbs into the skin, and even with my sensitive skin, I've not had any issues at all with it! This product is a must-have for those looking to help prevent and reverse the appearance of aging!

Cosmetics

Now known as Face Prime & Protect

After some recent travels with this mini tube, I still had some left in this tube and opted to finish it off so I can toss this tube. I LOVE this sunscreen, and while it is a sunscreen, I decided to put it in with my "cosmetics" section as it works well as a makeup primer as well. My full size tube is just about empty, and I already picked up a new tube in the newer packaging for when that is out. A girl's gotta be prepared!

Shade:Y325

I love the foundation! I don't like full coverage foundation, so the medium coverage of this one works perfectly for me. The finish is fantastic and looks like skin. Not too matte and not dewy, I am a fan. The only major drawback is they do not make a single shade that is my perfect match. This particular one matches my face, but since the rest of my body is more golden olive, it sticks out awkwardly. I've been mixing this with other shades to get something that works, but I would love for MUFE to add more shades to this line!

Shade: Primrose

I got this lipliner as part of a nude lip kit. While I enjoyed using it, I'm not crazy about the idea of spending $25 on a lip pencil, especially with other options being so readily available.

Shade: Black

My skin has definitely changed over the years, and I found I could no longer wear regular mascaras without turning into Ms. Raccoon Eyes. I opted to give tubing mascaras a try with this drugstore option, and I've never looked back! I no longer have to deal with smudging, and I love that this washes off easily after a brief water soak at the end of the day. It isn't able to stand up to a good cry. so beware of watching tearjerkers!

Matte Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray | NYX Cosmetics

Between spritzing my eye brushes and the spritzing between makeup layers, I go through a fair bit of setting spray! Thankfully I have this affordable option to set my makeup all day! One caveat with this one is the spritz isn't quite as fine as I would like and occasionally there will be a noticeable droplet on my face. I simply dab it down with a beauty blender and move on with my day, but that is something to keep in mind if you want to try this setting spray. I already have another bottle open and in rotation on my vanity!

Nails

Clearly On Top Quick Drying Top Coat | KBShimmer

I have far too many nail lacquers to ever finish up a colour, but I do go through some top coat! This one my KBShimmer is one that I enjoy a lot and continue to pick up again and again. I love that the dry time is fast and it keeps my nail polish chip-free for easily a week until I change my nails out again.

Cuticle Oil | Ever After
Scent: Twisted Ice Tea

As an Arnold Palmer fan, I was drawn to the lemony-tea scent of this cuticle oil. This isn't the most moisturizing cuticle oil I've used, but I did enjoy using it all the same. At this time, Ever After has closed up shop, and I will not be repurchasing this one.


Hair and Body

Avocado + Olive Oil Smoothing Shampoo | Suave Professionals

I've used an assortment of pricey salon brands, but when I moved to Arizona, I needed to pick up something a little more affordable. I landed on this one, and I really enjoyed it! It left my skin feeling soft and smooth, and I didn't have any issues with it drying out my scalp. I'm currently using a different shampoo, but this is definitely on my list for when I need to buy more!

Avocado + Olive Oil Smoothing Conditioner | Suave Professionals

My hair is naturally wavy, but some days it gets curlier than others. I occasionally have issues with frizz, and this conditioner helped keep that under control. I was certainly impressed! I'm not sure how, but I managed to use this and the shampoo up within the same week. That never happens for me!

Scent: White Tea and Ginger

I have a love/hate relationship with Bath & Body Works shower gels. I love some of the fragrances, especially this one, but they always retire the scents I enjoy! Thankfully they bring back retired scents on occasion, and I picked this one up as part of a large order. This cleans my skin a little too well and leaves my skin a little on the dry side. It's nothing moisturizer can't fix, but I'm not likely to keep purchasing from the brand once I finish off my current stash.

Popping Bath Powder | KBShimmer
Scent: Wacky Watermelon

This was part of the May Polish Pickup, and I really enjoyed this product! I didn't find it to be particularly moisturizing for the skin, but the fizzing and popping is simply a fun experience and I liked the fruity scent. I'm not able to repurchase as it was only available for a limited time, but I do continue to enjoy other KBShimmer products.

Scent: Pink Champagne & Vanilla Bean

As if the shea butter, coconut oil, and crushed Japanese pearls wasn't luxurious enough, the scent selection really makes you feel like a million bucks! I'm a fan of Soapy Bliss body butters as they leave my skin feeling so incredibly smooth. You do have to allow a little extra time for it to be absorbed into your skin, but it is well worth it! They have other scent options if this one doesn't appeal to you; I'm a big fan of Hula Girl and Mermaid scents as well!


Lose It: Purged Products

Gentle Skin Cleanser | Signature Cafe

I had to buy skincare items immediately after my move, and since my previous go-to cleanser wasn't available, I ended up with this one. I don't think I've ever used the Cetaphil equivalent, but I wasn't a fan of this. I just never felt like my skin was actually getting clean and the cream texture was a turn off for me. I kept trying and used about half this, both on my face and then makeup brushes, but after months of trying, it's time to let it go.

Type: Oil-free (Regular Formula)

I've used the Sensitive formula (yellow) over the years and made it my go-to, but when I couldn't find it, I opted to try the original formula. I'm pretty sure I used it before and wasn't a fan, and I can only confirm my previous dislike of it. While I want my skin to feel clean, I don't want it stripped of all natural oils either. This left me feeling super dry, and even with moisturizing, it sent my skin into oil over production mode. Even watering it down didn't help. My hubby used it a bit, but since he tends to sneak whatever I am using, he hasn't noticed that I removed this from the shower. I have finally found my sensitive version and picked one up for when I need another facial cleanser. As for this one, I'm letting the garbage flap hit it on the way out.

Bombee Honeyed Pudding Peel Off Facial Mask | Papa Recipe

I recently reviewed this one here, so you can get all my thoughts on it on my previous post. The shortened version is the formula is too thick (I had to remove the cap to get it out the bigger opening) so it didn't spread nice and was just so darn sticky. The peeling really stings and my skin was getting irritated after frequent use.


Shade: Park Ave Princess

My memory is a little hazy on this one, but I'm relative sure this came as a birthday gift a couple years ago from Sephora. I tried to like this, but the colour just was not working for me. I found it pulls a little too pink on my warm olive skin and I just never felt good any time I wore it. It's time to just let this one go.

Scent: Sangria White Peach

I recently found this baby in a hidden pocket of a handbag I haven't used in years! As much as I like Glisten & Glow cuticle oils, this one is easily five years old and has gone bad since I last used it. Sangria White Peach is a classic scent for Glisten & Glow although it was never my favorite. They no longer sell in these rollerball containers, but you can still get cuticle oils in pens or in bottles. If you need a scent suggestion, I LOVE the Papaya Mango and the Summer Sorbet the most. If you like florals, Honeysuckle is quite nice as well.

Shade: Madison Avenue

I bought this as part of a deal with other Gerard Cosmetic lipsticks and never really loved the colour. This nude hue is better suited towards those with a cooler skin tone. I don't recall it having a plastic smell when I first got it, so this might have gone bad. Either way, it doesn't work for me so there is no reason to hold on to it.


Flavor: Root Beer Float and Tamarindo

That hidden purse pocket I mentioned previously were hiding these lip balms as well. I actually remember purchasing these over four years ago because I was pregnant with my youngest. When they arrived, the flavors were WAY too strong for me, as was most things at the time, so they had to get set aside for later use. While my sensitivity went down and I could use these, I never finished them as I had so many lip balms in the rotation at the time. They don't smell quite right any longer, so they have to be tossed.

Flavor: Pumpkin Spice

I generally like Burt's Bees and Pumpkin Spice flavoring, but this was a let down for me. The flavor was too heavily spiced and just felt like the wrong balance to me, or just not quite what I've come to expect. I picked it up late this past fall so it shouldn't be bad, I think it just doesn't work for me.

Mojito Lip Balm | Malin + Goetz

This was the last item hanging out in my handbag pocket, and was I mad when I made that discovery! It is less of a balm and more like a thick gel, but I loved this! I was actually almost empty and I briefly entertained the idea of finishing it, but since it has been sitting for at least a few years, I'm just going to be safe and throw it away. I'll definitely be picking up another for next winter as this works wonders on dry, chapped lips.



The mattifying version no longer appears to be available for purchase, and you don't see any complaints from me about that decision. This separated terribly, made me break out like crazy, and quite frankly, Julep is a horrible company and I no longer wish to support them. For those that choose to, I recommend avoiding this particular product.

Shades: Vivid, Captivated, Lively

While I like these particular colours, these glosses just didn't win me over. As someone with a sweet tooth, I found the fragrance to be far too sickeningly sweet and just couldn't enjoy wearing them. I've had them for a couple years now, and while two still smell overly sweet, the other is disgustingly rancid. At least one NEEDS to be tossed, and the others are going due to personal preference and wanting to be safe.

**********************************

Phew, that was intense! This concludes the items I've emptied or purge these past two months. Here is a recap of the past few months and my yearly total.

June Stats:
Empties: 13
Purged: 10
Monthly Total: 23

July Stats:
Empties: 9
Purged: 4 
Monthly Total: 13

2019 Stats to Date:
Empties: 72
Purged: 64
Total: 135

I only have 15 products to go to hit my goal of 150 products! We're over the half way point this year, so I am not worried about not reaching my goal. I'm even considering upping my goal to help keep the progress going. I'm wavering between 200 and 250 products, depending on how brave I'm feeling at any given moment. It's definitely not easy purging unfinished products!

Are you taking part in the Project Pan Challenge? How has your progress been so far this year? Is there anything you are having a difficult time letting go? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, dear readers, have a wonderful day!
XO!


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12 comments

  1. Im going to be honest that i dont keep track of whats going in or out of the house. lol. I do purge products that I see im not using after months of it sitting on a shelf and give to friends who are excited to try anf finish them off. Its a win win

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  2. I always love these posts on your blog! You are so thorough and I learn a lot from them. I would have taken that Clean & Clear cleanser as I need the striping kind to get my sunscreen and non-shedding skin off, lol. I use the Neutrogena version. In the winter I just have to make sure to moisturize right away afterward.

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  3. Hydra Genius is a great lightweight moisturizer, I remember liking it when it first came out! Too bad about the Papa Recipe mask. I haven't tried that one specifically, but I usually like products from that brand.

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  4. You have done so well on Project Pan! When i post next week, I’ll include your link. You used up a number of K-beauty brands i was not familiar with and a couple i had wanted to try. I too am giving up on sheet masks other than ones I already own.

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  5. I really wanted to keep up with this project but I became too lazy to photograph all the items. I do have a lot that I've used up but more that I purged. I enjoy reading these posts.

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  6. I only hear amazing things about Drunk Elephant and that cleanser specifically!

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  7. I applaud you for finishing up. That's an achievement in itself

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  8. You're making great progress. I have been disciplining myself, lately when it comes to buying yet more products of a type, when I have so many that I have to get used up, first.

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  9. white tea and ginger sounds like a nice and unusual scent. I think B&BW used to carry their older scents online only so i would check there if they're not available in store. I loved the Rice Flower scent.

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  10. I am amazed by how much you’re able to go through! I really love those MJ lip liners, but they are pricey!

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  11. I had that Mojito balm and it is truley amazing!!! I totally forgot about this, I need to pick up a fresh one!

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