little white truths

This post has been floating around in my head for a while so I thought it was time to jump online and tell you what I've been thinking. It may be useful to someone: I can't be the only one who's been in this position.

First, though, I want to give you some background. I've been a panner for as long as I've been a beauty junkie, so I guess over seven years now. While some people might take time to find panning on their beauty journeys, for me, panning was always going to be part and parcel of my makeup and skincare life: I hate waste and also can't bear to have too much clutter in the house, so the idea of finishing things and not being overwhelmed by stuff is part of who I am.

Given that I've been a panner for ages, you would expect me to have faced 'panning fatigue' before - and indeed I have. It usually sets in towards the end of each panning year and I generally push through it, knowing that it'll be over soon enough. Not this time. This time I started the year off and panning fatigue settled in not long after. It's different this time. It's bigger, and it's not shifting.

Perhaps it would be helpful to reflect on how my panning fatigue feels different than before. Not only has it set in six months earlier than it normally would in any panning year, but it's gotten to the point where it has affected the way I view makeup. 

While in the past I've spent my nights on YouTube watching beauty videos and keeping an eye out for the latest new releases, for the last two months I don't think I've watched a single beauty video - or certainly not one I can remember.

Why? Because I don't care as much as I used to, and some of the excitement has gone. Perhaps that's partly because I'm on no buys for both skincare and makeup so there's no point in me keeping an eye on any new releases (I can't buy them anyway), but I think it runs deeper than that.

It's panning that has brought me here, I'm sure of it. These days I see fancy new highlighters, blushes and eyeshadow palettes, and my first thought is: 'How long would it take me to finish that?'

Too long. Meaning I don't want to buy it anymore because I know how long it will be in my collection. And my collection is already full.

Panning has also made me realise that there's only so much you can own and also use. And surely the point of makeup is that you're meant to actually use it. If you're a collector then of course I can see the difference - but I would say that most people buy makeup with the intention of using it, and if you wind up with too much stuff, how much of that stuff will actually get used, or used enough?

On that, I should say now that my collection isn't that big. For all the various different categories of makeup (eg lip glosses, blushes, brow pencils), I can count the amount of everything I own with either one or two hands. Yes, even lipsticks these days: I have less than ten.

But still, there are things I own that aren't getting enough use. Why? Because I'm a panner so I'm focusing on the items I want to finish, meaning that a whole lot of other things aren't seeing the light of day, and won't for a good while.

Perhaps this is why I'm sick of panning. I've reduced my collection to a level I'm comfortable with, but this hasn't meant that more items are getting more use. Indeed, the same items are getting a lot of use and the other stuff is being forgotten until I throw it into a round of Project Dent for two weeks.

So what, then, is the point of panning for me now? Before the main point was to streamline my collection, but now that I've done this, the other points of panning are starting to come to the surface: eg, getting my money's worth from all my products before they expire. But how am I going to do that with all of my products? Only the ones in my panning projects are getting good use, and for the most part, those products aren't my favourites: they just happen to be the oldest items I own.

Do I need to change my focus, then?

So what happens now? That's the question. What happens when panning becomes part of the problem, rather than part of the solution? What happens when panning becomes the reason why some products are sitting around gathering dust, rather than the reason why everything is seeing good use?

Do I stop panning? Do I know how to be a beauty junkie and not be a panner at the same time? I'm not sure I do. Even during January when I usually give myself a break from my panning projects, I still find myself focusing on particular items to see if I can finish them. So even if I were to wind up my panning projects, I know myself and I would still 'pan' anyway - even if I wasn't calling it that. I've always approached my products this way and I suspect I always will.

Given this, I think that stopping panning wouldn't mean the end of my panning mindset - although it would perhaps mean that I could circulate more of my powder products (like blushes and eyeshadows) more often. But this in turn would also mean that the products I want to see gone from my collection (eg those 'usable but not my favourite' products) would never get used.

And if they didn't get used, would that be the worst thing? Or is the worst thing that my favourite products, the ones that aren't in my panning projects, aren't getting the use they should because I'm focusing on trying to finish the items I don't like as much?

These aren't easy questions to answer, and indeed I don't have answers. But I do think it's important to take a step back sometimes and ask yourself why you're doing what you're doing, and whether you're actually doing what's right for you.

Given that I don't have a huge collection, would it be better for me to be doing a weekly or even a monthly makeup basket instead? Should I be doing a One Month, One Palette, rather than a Pan that Palette?

Or would those project frustrate me because I wouldn't be finishing much, if anything, in my travels? I suppose I don't know until I've tried.

I think I've covered everything here. I guess my main point with this post was to pose the question: is panning always the right way forward? I mean, I already know that panning doesn't suit everyone, but is there a time when panning is no longer the right approach for someone who loves panning and has always been a panner?

I suppose there must be, and perhaps I'm there now. Or perhaps I just need to get through the next couple of months and all of a sudden I'll be enjoying seeing all those empties again. Really, I'm not sure.

Anyhoo. I hope I've said something useful here. I'm sure that this material has been covered by others before - I can't be the first person to have found myself in this position - but I do always think it's helpful to raise these kinds of questions for the beauty community, because then we can have a discussion and share ideas.

Do let me know in the comments if you've ever found yourself in the position where you've wondered whether panning has become part of the problem, and if so, what you did next.

At this point I don't plan to stop my panning projects (I would miss the challenge and satisfaction of them), but I do think I'll be looking at other ways to approach them.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x

* All images courtesy of unsplash.com

As you may know, I wrote my updated skincare inventory post yesterday and I didn't count this particular product because there was only one application left, which I used this morning.

Indeed, I've been using this every day for months now but I had to keep it out of circulation for the past week because I'm so behind in my review posts that I knew I would need to save the last few drops for the day I was going to review it.

Thankfully I have some time today, so let's get started.

• Matrixyl is a trade-marked peptide composition developed by Sederma in France
• This highly effective composition has been shown to reduce the look of static and dynamic wrinkles
• The formula contains two generations of Matrixyl (Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe'6), at a combined concentration of 10% by weight in a specialised Hyaluronic Acid delivery system
• Plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Ideal for mature or prematurely ageing skin
• Contains a potent concentration of anti-ageing, hydrating ingredients
• To use: apply a few drops to the face AM and PM
• RRP $19.90 AUD for 30ml

Verdict

As mentioned above, I don't think this is a bad product but it hasn't done anything for me personally so I don't recommend it.

It's a clear product with a very faint, chemical scent. It has an odd, slightly sticky texture: I would describe it as somewhere between a gel and a serum - there's something viscous about it but it's still reasonably thin - and the texture does take some getting used to because it's unusual.

I've been applying this day and night for three months and it's done bugger all for me. I've had a look at the online reviews and others mention that it helps reduce the look of pores while brightening and plumping the skin so it minimises lines and also makes the skin look more youthful.

It definitely hasn't done those things for me, and I wonder whether that's partly because it's not absorbing into my skin properly. Others mention that it absorbs quickly and well, but I find that it takes some time (and a lot of massaging) for this to sink in, and even then I don't think it does so completely. Instead it leaves behind an odd, tacky residue that I feel interferes with my moisturiser's ability to absorb.

Funnily enough, there are those who agree with me and say that this product does nothing for them - so it could just be that it gels with particular skin types and not with others (for reference, my skin is dry). Yes you can say that of any product, but with something like this where the reviews are so divided, it may be worth looking for reviews from those who have similar skin to yours and ignoring the others.

Overall I don't love this product and don't personally feel that it meets any of its claims. Disappointing because there's a lot to love from The Ordinary and some of its products are super effective, but in my experience, this isn't one of them.

Not for me.

I've been so overloaded with posts (and life generally, to be honest) that I completely forgot I was due to update this by the end of March. Made it on the last day!

I'll be interested to see how my numbers are looking, I must say. I know that I've gotten through a lot of skincare lately and haven't bought much to replace it (I'm on a no buy: only essential purchases are allowed), so in theory we should be seeing a decent reduction in my numbers but in practice one never knows.

Let's have a look.

Makeup remover

Previously I had four (one open travel-size, two unopened full-sizes and one unopened mini) and I've finished the smaller ones so I now have two.

A good start. I'm not stressed about this category because I don't tend to buy a lot of these - I just buy whatever's on special and then replace it when I need to - but I had wound up with a few extras so at least I've managed to finish those.

One is my goal here but two is fine.

Cleansing oils/balms

I had three (one open full-size, one open travel-size and one unopened mini) and I managed to finish all those so I had to go out and buy one, meaning I now have one only. Cleansing balm is something I love so I don't mind having a few and this certainly isn't my worst category.

I'm happy with one for now but I am missing having a balm (the one I bought was an oil) so I might have to buy myself one when the Priceline vouchers come in. Looking forward.

Cleanser

This is all other cleansers aside from oils and balms, and it's one of my bad categories. Previously I had eight in total (two open full-sizes and one open travel-size, plus three unopened full-sizes and two unopened travel-sizes), which is of course far too many.

Now I have five, and they're all open. One's a travel-size but the rest are full-sizes.

My goal is four, so we're getting there.

Exfoliants

I had four (one open travel-size and one open full-size, plus one unopened full-size and one unopened travel-size) and I still have four. One of the full-sizes is still unopened but the rest are in circulation.

Two's my goal here.

Toner

For toners, I'm not only including standard toners but also my 'treatment' ones (eg my glycolic toners from The Ordinary and Alpha-H). In my last inventory I had five (two open full-sizes, two unopened full-sizes and one unopened travel-size).

Now I have two, one being a standard toner and one being a glycolic acid product. That's my goal so I've made it. Yay.

Acids/treatments

A lot of the products in this category are from The Ordinary and I wanted to make a separate heading for them because they don't really fit into any other category.

Before I had six (two open full-sizes and four unopened full-sizes). I now have four, including two open full-sizes and two unopened ones.

My aim was to have three by June so we're getting there.

Serums

Before I had eight - two open full-sizes, three unopened full-sizes, two unopened travel-sizes and one mini. I now have three, two open full-sizes and one unopened one.

Gosh, that's a big difference! Although I suppose that a few of the ones from earlier were smaller, so that would explain how I've managed to reduce this category so much.

My goal here was three so we're there.

Eye cream

I had three and I still have three. To be honest, I think it's the same three from before because I don't get through eye cream that quickly.

Three is a good goal for me I reckon so let's leave it at that for now.

Day cream

Previously I had seven: one open full-size, two unopened full-sizes, two unopened travel-sizes and two unopened minis. Eek. Far too many.

Thankfully I've made some good headway here and I only have three full-sizes left.

My aim was one so we're not too far away.

Night cream/overnight cream

Previously I had one and I do have an extra two now because I wound up with a travel-size in one of Mecca's Beauty Loop boxes and also as a GWP with a Sephora order. That's three in total.

I'm not too concerned about this category because two of the ones I own are smaller, although I would like to only have a couple.

Oils

In this category I had six (one open full-size, one unopened full-size and four unopened minis). I now have two, one being open and one being unopened.

Two was my goal so we're good here.

Masks

In my last inventory I had thirteen: four open full-sizes, three open travel-sizes, four unopened full-sizes and two unopened travel-sizes. Yikes.

I now have nine: four open full-sizes, four unopened full-sizes and an unopened travel-size.

My goal was four. Yikes again.

Skincare kits 

Previously I had four and I now have three. When I did my December inventory I wasn't able to count the items individually because I knew I was getting two kits for Christmas but didn't know what was in them, so I'm kind of tied to that now and we'll just have to roll with it.

Eventually I'll open the kits and whatever's in them will get counted in other categories, so we'll see some fluctuations in numbers over time but that's ok.

The final tally

In December's inventory I had 74 items in total, with my aim being to cut things down to less than 50 by June.

I now have 44 products (including three kits with a few items in them) so I've already surpassed that goal. Huzzah!

Looks like I need to aim for say 35 to 40 by the time we reach June.

In sum

That's all from me. 

I'm glad my numbers have gone down significantly and I'm keen to keep that trend going this year.

As you may know, I'm on no buys for both skincare and makeup until June (being my birthday month) - and while I do plan to replenish a few things in June, I may well keep my no buys going until the festive season so I can really reduce my numbers this year.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x

* All images courtesy of unsplash.com

I realised yesterday that I'd completely forgotten to update this post, so best I sneak it in now before I forget what these samples were like.

As you may know, every month or so I like to do either a sachet post or one of these samples posts that focuses on larger minis and travel sizes. If I didn't do this, then these products would likely sit around in my collection gathering dust and I would never get through them all. 

Let's have a look.

Odacité Skincare Gt+L Radiance Effect, Ba+S Eye Contour and Po+R Hydration

These little vials of oil came from Maslow & Co and I wound up receiving them again in Maslow's last box. I've reviewed them here.

They're described as concentrated serums that target specific issues, and you add them to your usual skincare to 'super-charge' your products. 

The Hydration serum is definitely the most nourishing of the three and it's the only one that I feel did something 'extra' for me. The other two were fine but they're no different from any other oils I've used so I certainly wouldn't go out and spend tonnes of money on them. Plus the full-sizes are only 5ml so you're not getting much bang for your buck.

While I don't mind these products, they do involve additional steps so I was happy to finish them off. Who has the time? Not I.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector in 01 Rose

I've used one of these before in the same colour so I was happy to receive another one from Mum (she buys a lot of Clarins products so she often winds up with GWP minis that she won't use).

I'd intended to write a full review of it this time around, but in the end I didn't because I burned through it within a week so I didn't feel that I could write a complete review.

I did like how creamy it was and I also liked that it smoothed out lip lines and plumped up my lips a little, but I don't think that buying a full size would be worth it for me anymore because I would finish it far too quickly.

Still, I enjoyed it and I wouldn't knock back another one if it came my way.

Clarins Extra Firming Neck Cream and Super Restorative Night Cream

The neck cream is supposed to preserve the softness, firmness and tone of the fragile neck area. It should help reduce wrinkles, and plump and soothe the skin.

I didn't like this. It felt ok on my neck but then when I tried it on my facial skin, I discovered that it had a silicone-like, drying texture and it did absolutely nothing for moisturisation. Indeed, it dried my skin out and I had to wipe it off. Erk. Don't bother.

The night cream was better and while I did like how thick and rich it was, I also don't think that you need to spend this much on a moisturiser. Most Clarins skincare seems to be overpriced to me and while I think this is one of its better products, it certainly didn't do enough to make me want to buy it. 

It did smell nice and feel nice on the skin, though, and it kept my dry skin feeling hydrated until morning. One thing to note is that it was very thick so I got through it quickly, meaning the full size wouldn't be great value for me personally.

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum and Phyto Replenish Oil

These came in a GWP set and while they were ok, neither of them stood out to me and I can barely remember using them. That certainly tells you something!

I remember that the serum was nicely hydrating but it wasn't any more hydrating than the Antipodes serums I love (which are significantly cheaper) and the oil was just another facial oil that nourished the skin but didn't feel any different from the cheaper options I've used.

Also worth noting is that the packaging on these samples is an absolutely nightmare. The bottles contain little dropper caps that weep tiny tears of product, but the stuff inside didn't run out of them easily (I guess because there wasn't enough product and therefore weight in the samples to push out the lower fluid properly) and I'm also convinced that half the samples were wasted because I couldn't dispense everything in there, nor could I remove the caps and get it out.

Annoying. Don't bother.

Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant

This one I liked a lot better and I do intend to review it at some point so stay tuned for that if you're interested.

It's described as a highly active resurfacer that delivers your smoothest skin ever, and helps fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin ageing.

I think it's a good exfoliant and it's one of the few Dermalogica products I've used that I do like and that works for me. I know a lot of people swear by Dermalogica but it generally doesn't agree with my skin for some reason, but I liked this and I'm glad that I have a full size in back-up.

It's a grey-coloured powder that you mix with water and then apply to your face, and it does a beautiful job of exfoliating and resurfacing the skin without feeling too harsh. It also has a brightening effect so my skin not only feels smoother after using this, but it looks healthier and happier too. I'm definitely glad to have another one.

Thalgo Collagen Cream

I haven't tried much from Thalgo so I was pleased to try this. It's meant to be rich and it should plump up the skin and also protect it.

I had initially intended to write a full review of this product but I'm getting through it too quickly for that so I won't.

I like it. It's thick and rich so it's perfect for dry skin, and indeed I've been using it as my overnight cream. I like that it protects and nourishes my skin overnight, so it keeps my skin feeling comfortable until morning and my face has felt less dry while I've been using it.

Mind you, because it's so thick, I've been getting through it faster than I would other creams so I'm not sure the value is there because I would burn through the full size. Nice but not a keeper.

Sephora Collection Express Cleansing Wipes for Face, Eyes and Lips

These should exfoliate and purify your skin, and cleanse and tone for a healthy appearance. They claim to remove all makeup, including long-lasting products. 

I'm not a big makeup wipe user and I didn't like these ones. They were smaller than average and they also weren't wet enough so I had to douse them in makeup remover before I used them.

Plus they didn't do the job well so although they removed easy makeup, they didn't stand a chance against normal eye makeup - let alone the waterproof stuff. Blurgh. 

Chantecaille Flower Harmonising Cream 

This came in our latest Mecca Beauty Loop box and it's described as a truly luxurious moisturiser that feeds the skin with anti-inflammatory vitamins to help promote collagen production and effectively relieve dry, dull skin. Featuring a slow-release 24-hour moisture system, it should deliver skin that stays balanced and hydrated throughout the day.

The full size retails for a whopping $160 AUD so for that price it would want to be amazing, but it was one of those creams that I barely noticed using because it was neither very good nor very bad. Yes it hydrated ok but not as well as my dry skin needs, so it was better for morning use under makeup - it didn't do enough to be used at night. Not for me.

In sum

That's all from me.

I'm pleased that I've managed to get through most of these products now, and I'm hoping that finishing them off will make a difference to the numbers in my skincare inventory (which I do need to update soon: it's on the list!).

Probably the best item in here was the Dermalogica exfoliant and I'm glad that I have another one of those because I do use it and it does work for me. As for everything else, I can take or leave it.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum and Phyto Replenish Oil

These came in a GWP set and while they were ok, neither of them stood out to me and I can barely remember using them. That certainly tells you something!

I remember that the serum was nicely hydrating but it wasn't any more hydrating than the Antipodes serums I love (which are significantly cheaper) and the oil was just another facial oil that nourished the skin but didn't feel any different from the cheaper options I've used.

Also worth noting is that the packaging on these samples is an absolutely nightmare to use. The bottles contain little dropper caps that weep tiny tears of product, but the stuff inside didn't run out of them easily (I guess because there wasn't enough product and therefore weight in the samples to push out the lower fluid well) and I'm also convinced that half the samples were wasted because I couldn't dispense everything in there, nor could I remove the caps and get it out.

Annoying. Don't bother.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 180 Vintage Pink and Moisture Renew Sheer & Shine Lipstick in 600 Spin all Spring

I'm going to comment on these together because they're both as bad as each other. I've reviewed Vintage Pink here and Spin all Spring here if you're interested.

The problem with both of these is that even though they feel creamy when applied, they don't look that way on the lips (they both emphasise texture something chronic) and they're also incredibly drying so I can't rely on them for moisture and they dry my lips out completely if I use them for more than a day or two running.

On top of this, the formula of both isn't 'structurally sound' so they start to melt and deteriorate once you've used them a bit, meaning I wasted so much of both products because they spewed all over their lids (and elsewhere). Avoid.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector in 01 Rose

I've used one of these before and meant to review this one but ended up burning through the product so quickly that I didn't feel I could give it a complete review.

I like the formula. It looks like a gloss but feels like a balm, and it also leaves your lips feeling hydrated and soft as claimed. Plus it has a plumping effect and feels super nourishing. The main problem with it was that I finished 1g of product within a week, so I personally don't think that it would be worth buying a full-size anymore. At least I learned that this time around.

Clarins Extra Firming Neck Cream 

This cream is supposed to preserve the softness, firmness and tone of the fragile neck area. It should help reduce wrinkles, and plump and soothe the skin.

I didn't like this. It felt ok on my neck but then when I tried it on my facial skin, I discovered that it had a silicone-like, drying texture and it did absolutely nothing for moisturisation. Indeed, it dried my skin out and I had to wipe it off. Erk. Don't bother.

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Glow Body Lotion

Full review here. I really enjoyed this body lotion. It was just a cheapie from the supermarket that I bought because it was half price when I saw it and I needed a new body cream, and happily it turned out to be a good purchase and one I would make again.

It had a light, fresh scent that I enjoyed and even though it had a lightweight, thin texture, it was still beautifully nourishing so it suited my dry, dehydrated skin perfectly. I also liked that it absorbed well and didn't leave behind a greasy residue, and the bottle lasted me longer than most so that's a plus. Recommended.

Rituals, The Ritual of Ayurveda Shower Foam

If you read this blog, you'll have heard about these before: they're easily my favourite bath and body products of all time, and one of my favourite products period. I've reviewed this one here.

It smelled nice and the foam it created was so rich and luxurious that you'd be forgiven for thinking you're using a high-end product - but in fact at $15 AUD a pop, these foams are inexpensive and you can often find them on sale if you're prepared to wait. 

I won't bang-on too much about this product here because you're probably sick of hearing about it, but I love these foams and although the Sakura scent remains my favourite, this one's nice too.

Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser

Full review here. This product was ok. When I sampled it I liked it better, but I get the feeling that the whole Dermalogica kit I ordered was getting close to expiry (something that Dermalogica wasn't prepared to either confirm or deny when I got in contact with the brand about my very old-looking kit).

So in many ways my review of this product doesn't hold much weight because I might have liked a 'fresher' cleanser more, although perhaps it's enough of a review to say that, in my opinion, Dermalogica's customer service needs work and I for one won't be buying from them again. That's my review.

Inika Certified Organic Pure Primer with Hyaluronic Acid

I really enjoy this primer and I'm glad I've got another one because I've missed it since I finished it. I've reviewed it here.

I've used a lot of primers in my time and I've now been through two of these ones, and years later I still think it's underrated. I'm not sure why more people don't talk about it - perhaps they just don't know about it - but it's easily one of the best primers I've ever used.

It's beautifully hydrating without being too heavy so it should suit normal to dry skin, and it has a slightly tacky finish so it hangs on to makeup very well. Honestly, I can't rave about it enough. Definitely one to try.

In sum

I hope you enjoyed this little empties post. As mentioned above, I had meant to get another one in for March (I certainly have enough empties for another one) but time has gotten away from me and my husband only just came back from NZ last night so I've had the toddlers on my own all week. Eek eek.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x

Hello and welcome to my next round of Project Dent for the year!

This time I've decided to work on my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Volume 3, which I bought at the end of last year.

It's a palette I really enjoy, but I've been so busy working on panning projects that it hasn't had as much use lately as I would like.

Time for that to change!

In you read this blog, you may know that Hourglass is one of my favourite brands of all time. These face palettes it does for the festive season are fantastic, and although I didn't buy the first edit, I wasn't going to miss the last two.

While the Surreal Glow palette of two years ago remains my favourite, this one's more versatile and it also contains six shades instead of five. Plus it contains Dim Light, which is the finishing powder I like best of all the ones Hourglass has made.

If you're interested in seeing my review of this palette, it's here. Long story short, while it's up to Hourglass' usual standard, I preferred the blush and highlighter shades from last year so I tend to reach for that one more often.

But it's time, now, to give this one a better workout. Enter Project Dent.

Here's how my palette is looking today, 30 March 2018:

Same shot, enhanced:

Hello and welcome to another Project Dent update post!

I've been using this bronzer for two weeks now and I wanted to update you quickly on my progress: that way I won't need to bring my entire Kevyn Aucoin custom palette with me tomorrow when we go to Lorne for a few days.

Also, I already know which item I want to dent next (spoiler: it's one of my face palettes) - so I'd like to get that post up either today or tomorrow.

Now I had hoped to review this bronzer during the denting period, but as you may have heard me say in previous posts, it's been a bugger of a month so I'm behind on everything.

What I can say, though, is that this is easily the best matte bronzer I currently own. In terms of all the ones I've used, only my old Stila Sun Bronzer (sadly discontinued) competed with this and I love them equally in terms of formula.

The Stila probably wins overall because the shade I owned (Dark) was unique and I'm yet to dupe it, while this is a standard warm brown that I reckon you could dupe easily enough (in colour, not in formula!).

Anyhoo! Here's how my bronzer looked two weeks ago:

And here's how it's looking now:

Two weeks ago, enhanced for clarity:

Gosh, is it favourites time already? Didn't I just do a favourites post? Looks like it's going to be another one of those years that vanishes before you can even register what year you're in - and apparently that only gets worse with age.

I heard somewhere once that the brain measures time based on how much of it you have to remember. The memory is only so large. That's why years feel like decades when we're children but they pass a lot faster as we age. I'm not sure if this is true but it certainly makes sense.

Anyhoo! March favourites. In no particular order...

Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion

Full review here. This body lotion was a new discovery for me this year and I'm so glad I found it. Indeed, I like it so much that I gave it an HG tag and you may well see it appear in my yearly favourites.

It's beautifully rich and hydrating but it's not so heavy that it can't absorb properly. I've been using it for the past couple of months and I finished it yesterday (sad face) - a bugger because my body hasn't felt this hydrated for a while. 

Plus it's reasonably priced and you can often find it on special so it's even cheaper. Love.

Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream

This is another new discovery for me and I'm glad I've finally tried it - it's been on my list of products to try for ages. I've reviewed it here.

It came as part of a set and it's my favourite of the three items contained in the set. Sure, it doesn't perform somersaults - but it moisturises my dry skin beautifully while still being lightweight enough that it sits well under makeup.

If like me you have enough fancy skincare and active ingredients in your serums and treatments, then a plain moisturiser like this is bang-on. It's not too expensive (you can find the full-size online for around $40 AUD) and it works.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (Pressed) in Prismatic Amethyst

I haven't reviewed this yet for the simple reason that I'm drowning in draft review posts and this isn't the most pressing because it's not a new product and I also won't be finishing it anytime soon.

But it was part of my Project Dent series this month, and during the two weeks I used it daily, I was reminded of how much I love it. Indeed, it's one of my favourite highlighters of all time.

If you like Becca highlighters in theory but find that in practice they tend to emphasise texture, then this is the Becca highlighter for you. It's more subtle than the other ones I own (being Opal and Champagne Pop), but you can also build it if you want to. It offers a beautiful, slightly different glow that's still everyday appropriate. Love.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette

This is another product that I dented this month and that I also haven't reviewed yet. Oops. I'll get there!

But I've had this for over a year now and I agree that the formula is as good as everyone says it is. It blends and applies well, and I love how soft and creamy the shadows are in texture. Yes there's a bit of kick-back with these, but if you're gentle with your brush, it's not too bad.

I love that you can get everyday, neutral looks with this palette and that it also contains some brighter shades for a bit of interest. I think it would be hard to ever get bored of this palette. A cult favourite for a reason.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Last up, another product that I've recently finished - so best I include it in my monthly favourites while it's still front of mind! I've reviewed it here.

You may have heard others say that The Ordinary does a good facial oil for a good price, and I have to agree. This one's beautifully thick and rich so it's great for dry skin, although I would steer clear of it if you're oily because it might be too heavy.

If your skin is dry or dehydrated, though, this is a great pick. It nourishes and has a protective element because it does leave a residue behind (a good residue, not a bad one), and it certainly helped bring my skin back into balance after it was in a super dry, ashen and dead period. Recommended.

In sum

That's all from me! I hope you enjoyed this little post and that you've found some great products of your own recently. Let me know in the comments if so: I'm always up for suggestions!

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x

Hello and welcome to my March update for Project Pan 2018!

As you can see, I happily finished off another product this month - being my Mecca Lit From Within Illuminating Primer.

I've been panning this for three months now (see markers above), so I'm more than happy to send it packing and move on to something else.

There it is again:

And here's how it's looking now:

Next, my Revlon hair treatment. As you may know, this product doesn't work for me at all so I've had to get creative with how I use it. I don't mind the smell so it's been good to use as a hair fragrance (on an inconspicuous part of my hair because it looks rotten on) and I've also been using it to protect mine and the kids' hair before we go swimming.

This month we also ran out of air freshener for the bathroom, and I've discovered that a few spritzes of this in the toilet bowl works wonders: indeed, I think it's an even better and more lasting freshener than the one we were using! Now that I've discovered this, I should be able to get through it more quickly: perhaps in another two months.

Above is how my Clarins primer was looking last month.

And here's how it's looking now:

That's some good movement! I'm glad I decided to include the before shots in this post: mental note to keep doing it.

While it may look to some that I mightn't have much left, as you can see in the shot above, there's still a lot of product around those wider edges so I can see this lasting another two months - especially because we've got a couple of short trips coming up and I won't be lugging this heavy thing around with me (yay, though, that I'll soon be having a break from it!).

Above is how my Jurlique balm looked last month.

And below is how it's looking now:

And now for my last two products: