February is a short month, so it seems like it was a hot minute since I wrote my last Project Pan update.
I Bought This, PR Samples, Affiliate Links
Here’s what I used up last month:
Skincare
- City Beauty Multi-Action Sculpting Cream: I think this is either the second or third jar of City Beauty Multi-Action Sculpting Cream that I have used up since it was introduced about a year ago. I really like this rich, firming, anti-aging cream. I used it in a targeted manner on my jawline and expression lines around my lips so that it will go further. Repurchase? I already did. I buy it every time it’s on sale at City Beauty.
- Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist: I really like Jurlique Rosewater for its most authentic rose scent. That alone (as well as its lovely packaging) make it an exquisite facial mist. But, since I discovered that the mist contains alcohol (SD 40 Alcohol/denatured alcohol) in the formula, I began reaching for it less and less often. Since I bought this bottle a couple of years ago, it has been repackaged and it is positioned as a hydrating mist. Because of the alcohol, however, it can be drying to those with dry skin like me, especially since alcohol is the second ingredient. Repurchase? No, I will stick to mists without alcohol.
- Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++: I received Murad Essential-C Day Moisture in one of my Ipsy Plus bags this past year. Truthfully, it has been my favorite daytime moisturizer bar none because it is the perfect weight year round for my skin. Plus the vitamin C in the formula is a plus. Repurchase? Right now, I am making myself use what’s in my stash. I have a tube of Murad Hydration Perfecting Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++ that I got in another Ipsy Plus bag. It’s been waiting in the wings for me to use up the Essential-C version. Murad Hydration Perfecting Day Cream is much richer than Essential-C, so I better get going on this tube before the weather heats up! Next time I see a good sale on Murad, however, I will repurchase Essential-C Day Moisture.
- DefenAge 6-Week Perfection Neck Cream: After years of sticking to one or two neck creams (StriVectin TL Advanced Neck Cream and PRAI Neck and Decolletage Cream), DefenAge got me to stray. Again it’s a case of being the perfect texture to keep my neck skin supple, soft and taut. StriVectin is too thick and PRAI is maybe slightly thinner than DefenAge (but PRAI comes in a gorgeous bejeweled jar that’s on sale at HSN). DefenAge is just right. Repurchase? I am trying to use up my jar of PRAI, but once it’s finished, I will strongly consider it. DefenAge is definitely a pricey brand. But, if you sign up for a free account on the DefenAge website, you qualify for 25% off. That’ll definitely help. BTW, you can score a trial size tube of 6-Week Perfection Neck Cream for $9 to see if it works for you.
Bath & Body
Oops, I forgot to include the empty box of soap when I took the photo above, and I couldn’t retake it because I already recycled the bottles above.
- Urban Kitchen Handmade Coconut Cream Bath & Body Soap: I bought this soap at a Christmas craft fair in Boston in December 2019. I put it in one of my drawers for several months because the coconut scent was so delightful. I finally took it out a couple of months ago, and I used it as a soap in my shower. Not only was the scent fantastic, it was the richest, creamiest, most hydrating handmade soap I have ever used! Repurchase? I hope that by the time December 2021 rolls around, I will be able to go back to the Christmas fair in Boston’s South End, and I will buy some more. If not, I will order some online via her Etsy shop where there are lots of other scents and products like soy candles and body lotions. Right now, I am trying to make progress using up the soap I have. But if you have dry skin and love fragrant handmade soaps, this is the one!
- South of France Lemon Verbena Hand Wash: I reviewed South of France Natural Body Care a couple of years ago (here), and it is one fantastic body care brand! I kept the Lemon Verbena Hand Wash at my bathroom sink for at least the past year and a half. The lemony scent was terrific, and the hand wash had built-in moisturizer that I appreciated since I was washing my hands more often. Repurchase? Not right now because I have a couple of bottles of South of France left. I’m using their foaming Cherry Blossom Hand Wash now. If you are looking for an affordable, luxurious, natural soaps and hand washes, check out South of France. A bottle of Lemon Verbena Hand Wash is priced at less than $3.50 at Bed Bath & Beyond!!!
- Nature Island Botanicals Caribbean Escape Body Lotion: NIB’s Caribbean Escape Body Lotion has been my very favorite thick and rich body butter for years. It’s organic, artisan-made, and the scent is truly divine: a Caribbean escape in a bottle. Lately, however, I have found a body butter that works to keep my skin hydrated even longer. I will review it soon. Does that mean I am giving up on NIB Body Lotion? Not at all. It’s the best mood lifter I know! Nature Island Botanicals products will always be among my very favorites! Repurchase? I have a bottle of NIB Citrus Sunrise Body Lotion waiting in my stash. Daphne from NIB can be reached by text or phone at (954) 646-4005.
Haircare
- JOICO K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock: Still my undisputed favorite conditioner/hair treatment, I finished up another tube of JOICO. To date, I have never found another conditioner or treatment product that suits my thick, coarse, dry hair so well. Repurchase? I always stock up on JOICO K-PAK when it’s on sale at Ulta, and I always have tubes of all sizes waiting in my stash.
- Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner: So if I love JOICO K-PAK so much, what am I doing with an empty tube of Aveda Cherry Almond? You know I am a sucker for anything that smells good. That’s why I had to try something from Aveda’s cherry almond collection. It does smell lovely. Although it is a good conditioner, it isn’t quick as hydrating as my JOICO. Repurchase? No.
Makeup
I so seldom have makeup empties these days that these two empties are a treat!
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipgloss, shade Caramel: ABH’s opaque lipgloss in the shade, Caramel, is my favorite gloss. It’s my go-to. The warm-toned mauve-y shade is great for everyday. Prior to the pandemic, I wore it everyday. Now, I wear it around the house 😥 It’s not sticky, it’s creamy and hydrating. I think this was my third tube. Repurchase? Yes, I will. I am waiting for Ulta to have its spring sale.
- MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation, shade Marble Y225: I got this travel size MUFE Ultra HD Foundation tube in an Ipsy bag a few years ago. Actually, I got two of them, one in my usual shade Pink Porcelain/R220 and this one in Marble/Y225 light with golden undertones that I could get away with in the summer. I finally used it up. Repurchase? I still have some left in a full size tube in my regular shade, but I have kind of moved on to other more hydrating liquid foundations. I still use the fab Ultra HD Stick Foundation, however. Ultra HD is really formulated for those with normal/combo skin. It’s a very nice foundation, though.
So in February, I used up 11 beauty products, not quite as good as in January when I used up 13. Now my total of empties for 2021 is 24. My goal is 120, so I have less than 100 to go. Woo hoo!
What did you use up last month?
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Impressive job on empties, Allison! Joico K-PAK is an amazing product, and I have gone through so much of it over the years. I haven’t used anything from them in years, though!
Lola Seicento recently posted…Weleda Sheer Hydration Daily Crème Review
I have been trying lots of haircare over the past several years, but for my thick, coarse hair, JOICO K-PAK Luster Lock still reigns supreme 😉
Thank you for your post! I have been meaning to look through your blog for a recommendation for a throat cream. I clicked through and ordered the PRAI from HSN. The jar sold me, and the price was good. I am revamping my skin care, and your posts are so helpful. Although I have used Paula’s Choice for years, lately some of her products are just not working for me (I am 66, not too many wrinkles, but more sensitive to retinol than I used to be). Finding a good product at a reasonable price point (i.e. under $80-100) is a challenge. I appreciate all your help.
Denise, I am so glad that the post was helpful to you! I bought a bejeweled jar of PRAI Neck & Decolletage Cream from HSN probably 3 years ago, and I still have quite a bit left! I think PRAI skincare products are a steal. They are affordable and effective. I hope the neck cream suits you! I also used to use a lot of Paula’s Choice products, and I still like them, though I use a lot of other brands too. Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 is still one of my absolute favorite sunscreens, and I love their boosters, too. Also for affordable skincare, check out Derma E.
Nice empties! I love Murad, I haven’t tried the orange product line yet (I have some serum up next to try), but I have been enjoying the green product line.
I can’t remember which the green Murad collection is. I will have to look into it!
That’s a good amount for a shorter month. I barely use anything up because I’m always moving forward!! IT Cosmetics has a very nice neck cream if you are looking for an alternative some day. I used to use Aveda Cherry Almond products but haven’t for years.
I still have a ton of the PRAI Neck Cream to finish up, and I am sorely tempted to buy another $95 jar of the DefenAge Neck Cream, but I will keep my eyes open for either a travel size IT Neck Cream or a good sale. I was using IT Confidence in a Cream, but you will laugh, it is actually a little too rich for me 😉
Great pans! I can’t remember the last time I planned a lipgloss!
I really love this ABH Lip Gloss – it’s the second one I’ve finished up!
I’m using a Murad Cream too! Their Retinol Night Cream! Funny how we’re in sync. I have to try that South of France hand wash. I trust your recommendations completely.
I need to try the Murad Retinol Night Cream at some point. The South of France Hand Wash is terrific, and it costs less than 3.50 at Bed Bath & Beyond. Can’t beat that!
I got the Murad in either Ipsy or Boxycharm. I can’t recall which. What a great price for that Hand Wash!
You made a great dent in products! I always love hearing if something is worth the repurchase.
Krystal recently posted…Morgan Taylor Morph With Me
Fantastic empties, you finished so many products! You have me curious about that Joico hair treatment.
Glamorable recently posted…Getting Ready for Spring with Flexitol Foot Cream
I have really thick, coarse hair, and JOICO K-PAK Luster Lock is the only conditioner that works for me. It is very rich.
I love that Murad moisturizer!!! The scent is just perfect too!
I’m glad you’re a fan of the Murad Essential-C Day Moisturizer too. And yes, it smells citrusy terrific!