little white truths

I bought this product a while back from iHerb because I had a voucher to use up and I was low on eye cream at the time. 

I purchased two eye creams in the same order, and while I really like the other one (from Earth Science, reviewed here), this one isn't as good and I wouldn't buy it again. Having said this, there's nothing hugely wrong with the product and you could do a lot worse for $20 AUD.

I do like the packaging of this product - I reckon a tube is much better than a pot. 

I also like the focused nozzle, which makes it easy to dispense a small amount of cream each time.

Rimmel claims/product details:

• Rich colour and intensely moisturising 
• Enriched shade palette and highly improved moisturising formula
• Vitamins a, c and e and SPF 20 for protected and cared-for lips
• Maximised, radiant colour
• Lips feel up to 70% more hydrated and up to 60% smoother
• RRP $13.95 AUD for 4g, but do shop around

In natural light:

And indoors:

While I quite like the formula of these, what I didn't realise was just how scented they are. Honestly, it's bad - like cheap floral perfume - and it's enough to make me avoid them because I don't want to smell (and taste) them all day.

To me these smell exactly like that Bonne Bell lip balm in the blue tube (only stronger), and they feel quite like it on the lips too. It's an overpowering scent and I'm aware of it the whole time I've got the product on, from the moment I take the cap off the tube. I'm really hoping the scent fades a bit over time because otherwise I can't bear to wear these.

'Heather Shimmer' is a beautiful, rich neutral shade that treads the line perfectly between red and brown: it's one of those colours that should suit a lot of people and goes with many looks. While it's not too in-your-face, it has enough impact to be a statement shade or to balance out a heavier eye, depending on the look you're going for. It's such a pity about the awful scent - otherwise I could see myself reaching for this often.

As mentioned above, the packaging is fine for a budget lipstick and I've seen it compared to Maybelline's lipsticks, which I can see but I do prefer this packing because it looks sleeker (Maybelline's packaging looks clunky to me) and I like the purple/silver combo.

As for formula, it does feel super creamy when applied (just how I like my lipsticks!) but it doesn't feel that nourishing - it sits on top of the lips, rather than delivering moisture - so if you have dry lips like I do, you'll probably still need a balm for hydration.

The product feels comfortable to wear and while it doesn't emphasise lip lines, it doesn't diminish them either. It also doesn't last long on the lips, which I wasn't expecting it to because it's so creamy, but I have used creamy products that hang around longer so it's worth keeping that in mind.

All in all, I don't mind the formula of these and I think you could do worse, but I also think that better budget options exist. By comparison, Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipsticks (I've reviewed one here) last better, deliver more nourishment, plump lip lines better and don't have a pungent smell, so I'd recommend those over these any day.

But the pigment is great (of the three colours I own) and they do feel nice on the lips - plus they come in some great shades - so if you can get over the stench, you might really like these.

Have you tried these? Let me know what you think if so.

 

I received one of these Burt's Bees Lip Crayons to test recently and was super excited to see it because it's a great, wearable nude colour and I don't have many crayons at the moment so I was happy to add one to my collection. Plus I've had some good luck with Burt's Bees' products in the past so I was expecting to like this one.

Unfortunately I don't think it's a good product and I probably won't keep it because it's not moisturising enough for me and I don't find it comfortable to wear. More on that below.

The above shot is taken in direct sunlight, and the below in natural light.

And in direct sunlight:

First, to see where each of my products was at when September began, see my last full update here. Also, note that I'm doing things a little differently from now on and I've started marking my items so you can see progress more easily.

That's eighteen products - ooops! And I wanted to keep my list at around fifteen. Hoh well, might as well do what I said I'd never to again and bring the tally up to twenty (see my new additions below). Let's finish off the year with a PP bang : )

First up, my skin and hair products. You'll see from the shot below that I've made some steady progress on each of these but they're still a long way off.

The Davroe treatment is getting used as a pre-wash mask because it leaves my hair lank if I use it as an in-shower product, so I can see that lasting well into next year. The Tresemme product I like but you apply it after washing your hair so it's not getting used too often (my hair is dry so I don't need to wash it much).

There are the marks on each product:

The Alpha-H mask is getting used around once a week on my face, and the clariSEA salts I add to a bad body scrub to make it a better one. I wouldn't be using these if I wasn't panning them, and I can't wait to finish them both so I can open some special products I've been saving for post-childbirth : )

I'll be surprised if I can get through any of these products by the end of the year - perhaps the Alpha-H one, if I can use it twice weekly in summer when my skin's less dry and more resilient - but the others will be around for a good while yet.

Next up, my pots. Gosh I'm getting so close now with that Mememe Goddess Rocks! I've been using this to add to my body cream to give me a bronze glow, and I've really been enjoying it - so much so that I'll have to find a replacement for it when it's gone. Here's to finding ways to love products you previously couldn't use: that's what Project Pan is about!

My Josie Maran gel blush is a newer inclusion and there's around half gone from the tub. I'm not sure how long it will take me to get through this: a few months? I'm using it daily, anyway - whether on my lips or my cheeks.

That Be a Bombshell eye base is so close to being finished that it's killing me ; ). I'm using it as a collarbone and shoulder highlight, and I'm looking forward to finishing it so I can bring something else into circulation.

As for the Evelyn Iona concealer, I'm using it every day and it's only a sample size, but it's one of those never-ending tubs that I can see lasting out the year.

Next up, my base products. The Stila bronzing beauty balm will last until at least the end of the year, and I'll be glad to finish it because I've had it too long. I'm currently mixing it with my primer or to darken any base that's too light.

The Bodyography concealer is a newer inclusion and I've got my work cut out for me there, but I'm determined to get through it because it's a great product and it's the oldest concealer I own. Fortunately, it makes a great mixer for any base that's too peach/not yellow enough for me, and I have a few of those at the moment so it's getting good use.

Below are the marks showing where my base products are at:

I haven't marked the Nars foundation samples because you can see through those easily enough and I can just tell you how much progress I've made on those.

The Nars Sheer Matte formula in Fiji is the one I'm using at the moment (I've used about one fifth), and after that I'll move on to the Sheer Glow formula. I had three of these to start with and I hope to be done with them all by the end of the year.

Now for my lipsticks. I've so nearly finished Miss Cassandra Peony that it's almost criminal that it's still here, but at least I'll be starting off October with an easy product to finish.

Miss Sophia Lilac and Sportsgirl's Enchanted will take longer because they're both mattes (Miss Cassandra is a cream formula) and they're also stronger colours so I use them less.

Here's where they're at:

I'll try not to bring in any more lip products until I've finished at least two of these: I'd rather clear them out so I can start working on one of my bright orange lipsticks over the summer.

For reference, here's the card I've just made for these products (the Savvy product on the end I'll introduce in a sec):

I've seen people track their products like this on youtube so I thought I'd try it from now on and see if it's useful. 

Let me know if you like seeing a card marked like this or whether you're happy for me to just tell you how much of each I've used during month (which is what I was doing before).

Above is my highlighter from Lust Have It. I haven't made huge progress in this because I've been focusing on other products, although there's definitely more pan showing now than there was before.

Once I've finished my Mememe Goddess Rocks, this will become my body cream mixer so I'll get through it much faster then.

Ah, my last three products. Sensuous is a newer inclusion but I'm using it as an air freshener for the bathroom and it's vanishing quickly enough. I definitely think I can finish this by the end of the year.

Both my liquid highlighters are showing good progress, and Becca Moonstone has gotten to the stage where I can't get any product out unless I unscrew the top and scrape it out. There's probably still a couple of weeks in it, but it will be done in October.

Below I've marked them:

I'm super pleased with my progress on my cream highlighter from The Cosmetics Kitchen. I thought that would be one of those never-ending products (it was when I used up my first one via PP), but I'm finding plenty of ways to get good use from it, so if I'm lucky it will also be done by Christmas.

Now, for my new additions:

Savvy Soft Glide Eyeliner in Glitzy Gold

Full review here. I'd completely forgotten that I owned this eyeliner, but I'm glad I've remembered because it's a fantastic product and I'll happily use it every day.

It's one of those rare eyeliners that sets and doesn't budge (so it's great for my hooded eyes), plus the formula is so creamy that you can use it on your face if you want because it spreads beautifully before it sets. It's a gorgeous dirty gold colour and I love it both on the eyes and on the face, plus you can use it as an eyeshadow base so I can see myself getting through it quickly enough.

I wanted to add it to my list because it's one of the oldest products I own, so it's time to get through it.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

I used this recently as part of my Project Dent series, and was reminded of how much I like it - plus it showed some good progress over the month that I used it, so I knew it would be a good candidate for Project Pan.

I haven't reviewed it yet (I will!) because there's been a hold up with taking decent photos (happens when you're heavily pregnant and have a toddler), but stay tuned for that because I'm looking forward to giving you my thoughts.

While I really like it, I'd like to try one of Becca's other correctors (perhaps the orange one), so I want to finish this before making a purchase.

In sum

Phew! So this is why I try not to make my list too long - the full update posts take ages! But I just won't replace things as I finish them until my list is a little smaller, and I did want to knock off as many products as possible by year's end, so it made sense to really fill my list as we come into the last few months of the year.

Do let me know if you're doing Project Pan this year and how you're finding it if so : )

I received this product to test recently and I was super glad to see it because I love cleansing oils and can't seem to get enough of them these days - any new cleansing oil that hits the market immediately grabs my eye. I want to try them all!

Unfortunately this isn't the best one I've used of late: I don't think it's a bad product, it's just that I think plenty of better options exist - both within this price range and above/below it - so it's not one I would buy because I have others that I prefer.

Burt's Bees claims/product details:

• Formulated with a unique blend of natural moisturisers, including coconut and argan oils
• These natural oils combined help keep skin soft, clean and beautifully nourished
• Contains antioxidant-rich ingredients
• Gently removes dirt and makeup without leaving an oily residue
• Dermatologist-tested and clinically shown to cleanse and soften skin, naturally
• 100% natural with no parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS
• To use: dispense product into dry hands; gently massage over dry face; wet hands and gently massage product onto face; rinse thoroughly; pat dry
• RRP $34.95 AUD for 177ml, but do shop around

Verdict

I recently posted on my updated 2016 makeup wishlist (see here) - a post that wound up being long enough on its own - so I thought I'd do my skincare picks separately.

Do note that what won't be included in the below is any of those limited edition travel packs that often come out in the lead-up to Christmas: I haven't seen many of those yet and I'm sure more are coming, so do keep an eye out because they're often good-value and they allow you to try a bit of everything without committing to a full-sized product that you might get bored of all too quickly.

For my last wishlist post that included skincare, see here. You'll note that plenty has changed, which is one of the reasons why I hold off on buying things for a while: something better always comes along and it's usually only those things that stay on the list for more than a month that I'll buy.

So, in no particular order...

Ren

Ren is one of those brands that tends to release holiday packs so I'll hang out for those before making a purchase. But I've recently finished off my HG Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask so I'm looking to buy that again, perhaps as part of a set or on its own.

You also may have heard me mention the Ren Wake Wonderful Nighttime Facial, which I've tested a few times now and already know I love - it's one of those rare products that works on me straight away - so I'll definitely grab that sooner rather than later.

There's also a new product out, the Ren Flash Hydro-boost Plumping Emulsion, which looks like something I'd like so I'll grab a sample next time I'm in Mecca (maybe when I buy the above ; ) ).

Finally, there's the Ren Bio-Retinoid Anti-ageing Cream, which I know works for me because I received a decent sample in one of my Mecca Beauty Loop boxes, so I'll keep an eye out for any sets containing that because I'd love to explore it some more before committing to the full size.

Darphin

This brand is a newer interest of mine and it's one I'm keen to explore in 2017. I've already tried the Darphin Hydraskin Intensive Moisturising Serum and know it works wonders on my dry skin, so I'll pick that up sooner rather than later and see if there's anything else in the range that grabs my eye.

I'm currently testing the Darphin Hydraskin Rich Cream to go with it, and also the Revitalising Oil and Age Defying Dermabrasion. There's a toner too (the Refreshing Cleansing Toner) that I might grab to go along with anything I buy, since I do like trying a brand's products in one hit whenever I can.

I've seen Caroline Hirons rave about Darphin before and the brand seems to be well-respected, but not many people talk about it so perhaps it deserves more recognition than it's getting. Apparently it makes a great facial oil, so I'll have to look into that too.

Antipodes

I'd heard good things about Antipodes before but it wasn't until I wound up with the Antipodes Chia & Kiwi Seed Superfood Serum via Maslow & Co that the brand landed firmly on my radar. While I did drop into Priceline last time they had a fifty per cent off all skincare sale, by the time I got there, most of the Antipodes stuff was gone so I only managed to buy two things from my list.

I won't include all the Antipodes stuff on my wishlist because we'd be here forever - but in particular I'd like to try the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream and the Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream, as well as the Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream and the Aura Manuka Honey Mask. Oh, and the Juliet Skin-brightening Gel Cleanser as well. The list could go on...

Good news is, it's not a super expensive brand to start with and it's even cheaper if you wait for the half-price sales, which I plan to do. From memory the next one's in January, so I'll hang tight until then.

I've had my eye out for some heavier duty products to add to my skincare routine for a while. While I've learned to steer clear of harsher, more abrasive scrubs because they can damage your skin, I still want to find an at-home microdermabrasion product that does the job without irritating my face because, when you find a good one, the results are amazing.

I've got my eye on the one from Darphin mentioned above, but I'm also keen to test one from Dr Brandt again because that worked well for me and I'd like to compare the two side-by-side. Do let me know if you have a microdermabrasion product you love: they're pretty thin on the ground but I'm keen to find one that works without breaking the bank.

As for a retinol product, Sunday Riley's Luna is too much for my skin so I can't use it, and while the Ren product mentioned above does work for me, I still think I could do better. Again, let me know if there's any product in this category that you love - retinol products tend to be pricey so I'd like to sample a few and be sure of my choice before committing to buying it.

That's my updated wishlist! Just looking back over it, it's not a massive list, is it? That's partly because I've already managed to buy a few things from my last list, and partly because quite a few products have been removed for one reason or another.

Let me know what's on your wishlist at the moment, or whether you have any suggestions for things that are amazing - I'd love to hear : )