#finish5byCinco-Intro

Hey everyone, 

So seen as another project will be finishing in 15 days time, I've decided to jump on the finish 5 by Cinco De Mayo again. This time though, I've decided to be a little different and use the roulette method of picking items. If you don't know what that is, it's where you write down categories, put them in a hat and then pick them out. After that you then pick items for these categories. This time I picked 6 categories so I had a little leeway. I will be updating you all on the 5th of every month (except February as we are almost there). Here are my items and the categories. 

Revlon Rose Glow Highlighter (hit pan) 

I recieved this for my good friend (and work collegue) for Christmas and have only used this once. I tend to use a light highlighter for my inner corners of my eyes so I would like to hit pan on the top shade to do this. 

Nars Rikugien Lip Pencil- Deluxe Size

Another product I have only tried once but really love the colour! I have no doubt that I can finish this colour up in a few months with consistent useage. 

Loreal Infallible Matte Foundation 

I love this product! The hype on YouTube and Instagram is real for the oily skin girls! I recieved this before Christmas and have opted to use this most days over my Too Faced Born this Way. I can tell with everyday usage that I won't have long to finish this product as although I can't see through the tube, it feels full of air. We will see, only time will tell. 

Royal Apothic Tinties lip butter 

This product I recieved in a Glossybox over a year ago now and I haven't reached for it much because of the pot it is in. I've managed to make a good dip in it already however I would like to see this gone as it's over it's expiration date already. My Maybelline Babylips (from another project) is almost gone so I can start on this soon. 

Juicy Couture mini perfume 

As you can see I have already started to use this and I find that this version of Juicy is very strong and long lasting. I recently purchased a few of these from work for just £8 and would like to get my money's worth. Let's see how much usage I can get out of this before may. 

Dr.Organics Dead Sea Mineral Mud Mask 

I really don't like this product and it's not because of the mask itself or performance, it's the scent! Because it is all natural, the product just smells of the sea and to have that on your face for at least 15 mins at a time is horrible. I have managed to use this product every other mask since the start of the new year and have made progress, but I do want this gone from my collection! 

There you go everyone, some newer things and older things thati just want to make progress on. I know this year is going to be good for me for projects! Time to pan, pan, pan! 

Emma 

January Empties

Hey everyone, 

It's time for my monthly empties and boy did I use a lot this month. If you don't know every month I write down the item I've used and the value into a book and at the end of the month I total it all up to see how much I've used up. This number will blow your socks off! First let's see what I've finished. 

I used up:

2 Haircare

12 Skincare

11 Bodycare

9 Samples

12 Makeup

4 Misc

4 Eyeshadows

3 Candles/wax (not pictured as I put my wax empties on Instagram but still write them down) 

The total value I have used up this January is £272.36!! This value is high due to the 12 makeup items, Woodwick Candle and a Nuxe eye cream. I'm going to take this as a very good start for 2016 and hope that my luck continues in the year. 

Emma 

Stila Project 10 Pan- Update 2

Hey everyone, 

It's time for update 2 of my one brand project pan and I believe so far that I'm doing well. I have found a few products that I'm just not using or that I don't know how to make a good look with but you'll see that in the items next. 

So far I've used up:

Lip Glaze in Gleam 

Wonder in Palette (hit pan) 

Dune Single (hit pan) 

Colour Corrector Powder 

Smudge Stick eyeliner in Lionfish

As I've said in a few updates now, I can't show you the progress on this eyeliner but I have been wearing it everyday on my lower lash line and blending out with a black shadow in the Stila palette. I do like how creamy the smudge stick eyeliners are and they are eyeliners which I will repurchase when I run out in my collection! 

Stay all day Liquid eyeliner in Indigo

This is one of the products that I really don't know what look to pair with. I used this product once in the last two weeks with a nude eye and a nude lip and I got a few compliments. I think I've found that I would use a black liquid eyeliner rather than this colour. We will see how I get on with this as I may force myself to use it twice a week at least. 

Smudge Crayon in Antique

I'm really beginning to love the colour of this product and it matches perfectly with nude, gold and red shadows. I'm very impressed with the durability of the base too as it doesn't crease or transfer onto my hooded lids. I've managed to use 1cm of product since I started this project. 

Convertable Colour in Magnolia (hit pan) 

Now you maybe thinking you've already hit pan. Well no, I haven't. I put a pin in the shallow part of the pan to see how much more I had to go and it's actually not much. I'm not going to call this done until I have a 5p sized pan showing. I've really loved this colour on my skin tone and am loving to keep using it. 

Use Desire (hit pan) 

I don't know whether you can tell from this photo but I have made a serious dip in this colour and am currently using it as a browbone highlight and once my Claire's palette gold shadow has gone, I will use this as a setting powder for my smudge stick. As you can see from this photo, I have also hit major pan on wonder and finished instinct. This palette I would say is not worth the original price as it is easily panned. 

Lip Glaze in Orchard

I'm really starting to dislike this product. I've been forcing myself to use this in light layers on my days off to at least finish the product. I've even considered taking this product out and replacing it with another lip glaze in a clear glitter which I know I could use everyday. I know I can use these lip glazes up pretty fast too which is even more annoying. Maybe I can do this. 

As you can tell, I really have mixed feelings about this project but I know I will keep going. Stila used to be my favourite brand but I'm finding that I can use the products quite quickly. 

Emma 

7bySpring- Update 1

Hey everyone,

First off, I'll tell you all now, I didn't expect to be where I am in this project already. I've completed so many of my goals that I'm now adding in more just to see how far I can get by 20th March! 

So far I have finished:

Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer

Balm Desert Bronzer sample (hit pan) 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lipliner in Eastend Snob

Crave in Naked Basics (hit pan) 

Clinique Mascara Sample 

Revlon Balm Stain in Honey (bonus) 

Dior Tie Dye Lipstick in 006 Nude Fever

I still think I'm mad for trying to pan this but actually after my Revlon Balm Stain finished up, I've found myself grabbing for this lipstick over the others. In a couple of weeks I've managed to make half a cm in progress due to reapplication and chapped winter lips (this is a very thin lipstick so goes fast). I still love the colour of this lipstick and will be sad when I finally say goodbye to it. 

Finish Naked 2 in Basics Palette 

Since you last saw this palette we have a bigger dip in Naked 2 and a pan in Crave! I've also managed to hit the side of the pan in Naked 2. I used this colour in my crease everyday and when I finally do finish it, i will be sad to see it go. I'm going to be working on the other side now to hit that pan. 

Finish Balm Desert Bronzer Sample (Bonus) 

Now I know this really could be a long shot but using this bronzer everyday I think I could manage it. If not it will be finished soon after the project ends. This bronzer is the perfect colour for my pale skin tone and after I've finished this and another bronzer, I may purchase the full size. 

As you can tell, I didn't expect to be where I am already! I think in the next few weeks I will have to add in another makeup product and maybe a skincare product just to get a few more things out of my collection. 

Emma 

Glossybox- January 2016

Hey everyone, 

It's time for another Glossybpx unboxing and it's the first box of 2016! Now I was excited about how Glossybox was going to interpret the start of 2016 and I must say I'm a little disappointed as I'm sure you will see in this review. I've recieved Glossybox for a year now and I've had better. Glossybox is £10 a month plus p&p and I pay using the three monthly subscription. They also have subscriptions for other countries so it's worth checking if your country has a box. 

(Sorry about the lighting in these pictures, it's a little dull due to the snowy weather!)

As always I will start with my favourite item in the box and work my way down to my least favourite. 

Unani Dermo Defense Face Mask- Full size- £11.36

Of corse skincare is going to be first on my list as I'm really getting into my skincare. Masks are no exception. This mask is meant for sensitive skin and during the winter although I do have oily skin, it can become dry due to the heating and cold weather. So anything to pick my skin up again is a plus. It says to use once a week over a cleansed face. I can't wait to try this one out. 

Madara Cellular Repair Serum- Luxury Size- full size is £38

I had literally just ran out of my night time serum when this little baby arrived so of corse I tried it straight away. It is a light green colour with a slight herbal smell. It blended well into my skin but left me feeling a little tight. I found it was best to follow with a moisturiser straight away. I can see myself using this luxury sample up quickly. 

Glossybox Eyeshadow in glossy mauve- full size- £7.10 

This eyeshadow is beautiful and totally on trend for this season! It's a beautiful mauve colour with a slight shimmer that packs a punch when it comes to pigment. I haven't used this yet as I have a few shadows going in my projects at the moment, but I can't wait to give this a try! 

Teeez Cosmetics Oasis Gem Lipstick- full size- £11.93

The packaging on this lipstick is to die for, but unfortunatly the colour is not. I tried this straight on and I have come to the conclusion that corals are just not for my skin tone. I also noticed that when applying this lipstick that it coated like a balm and after one useage, that a lot of the product is gone. I must say though, pigment in this lipstick is amazing. 

Emite Micronized Powder Blush in 108- full size- £20.59

I know what your thinking and I bet it is exactly what I thought too. I've had this in my Glossybox before. Just the same as my box before, I really don't like this colour and it's way too bold on my skin tone. I have already recieved an email from Glossybox explaining that they have made a mistake with this and are going to send me another item in my next box. I can not fault their customer service, it's amazing. I'm afraid though that this product and the lipstick will be passed along. 

Next month we will all be receiving an MUA lipgloss which subscribers will be able to pick their colour, have you already picked yours? I picked the nude to be able to wear to work. As I have already said to my parents, I'm going to give Glossybox until the end of this three months to pick up, otherwise I will be going elsewhere. 

Emma 

#14by14Feb- update 3

Hey everyone, 

I can't believe we're so close to the end of this project already! I can remember the day I picked out these products and started on them. As we are quite close and I've finished a number of products already, I've only added in one product which is close to finishing. Here is where I am with update 3. 

I have finished:

Clinique eye makeup remover 

Simple Facial Toner

Garnier Miricle Cream

InstaNatural Serum

Dandelion Blush (hit pan) 

Natural Collection Powder

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss stick in pink-a-boo

Benefit ooh la lift sample

Manna Kadar Eyelash Primer

Makeup Revolution Fixing Spray 

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Faint- Naked Basics (hit pan) 

Mac MSF Light Plus

So Susan Highlighting Pencil

I've already come to the conclusion that this pencil will not be finished by 14th February but I love using it! I don't think I'll finish using this until it's all gone as it's such a simple step in my routine. I have made a good 2cm of progress on this product, so let's see how much I can get done in the last month. 

Light Pink Eyeshadow 

In my last update I had a little pan showing and I'm pretty sure I haven't used this eyeshadow, however I have had to repress this shadow and there is barely any left! I'm pretty sure with daily use this will be gone by next week, let alone the project! 

Barry M Flawless Primer 

I use this primer everyday and throughout the last month, I have actually used another small sample size primer too. I hope with continuous use that I can finish this primer or be close by 14th February. I do like how it feels on my skin, however I do not believe it's anti-redness. It is also great for oily skin. 

Eborian CC Cream

I recieved this Cc cream in a curated bloggers box and have found that it's very orange on my skin tone (it is meant to change to your skin colour), so have found that I can only wear it when I know I'm going to be at home. As you can see from the photo above I've used a good amount in the last week and I think this will be gone before the end of the project. 

As you can see I haven't got much left to go and have been using these last items as much as possible. I have already hit the 14 items used up so already I call this a successful project. 

Emma 

Stila Project 10 Pan- Update 1

ColoHey everyone, 

I'm writing today very tired after a short but tiring shift at work and later at night than I would usually. So I do apologise if I ramble a little, just ignore me. Today I thought it's about time to update you all on my One Brand project pan which is of corse, Stila. Now although I started this only 2 weeks ago, I already have some amazing progress and have come to realise that spending the money on this brand isn't always what it seems (more on that later). Now into where I am now. 

I have finished/used:

Lip glaze in Gleam 

Dune Eyeshadow (hit pan) 

Smudge Stick Eyeliner in Lionfish

As I'm sure I'm going to say in all my updates, I can't really show you the progress with this product as when you roll it up, it won't go back down. However you will have to believe me when I say I've rolled this up a few times already. I now use these smudge sticks on my top and bottom lash lines as I don't find them too harsh on my eyelids. I have used up one of these products before so let's see how long this one takes. 

Stay All day Liquid Liner in Indigo 

I will be completely honest here, I've used this once in these two weeks. I really don't know how to pair this dark colour on my lids. When I wore it that once I wore plain eyes with thin liner and mascara. My sister said it was nice, so maybe I'll wear that around work for a while. 

Smudge Crayon in Antique 

I can't believe I've never used this eye base before! The colour is a muted nude which pairs with just about anything. I've been wearing this colour everyday and have made 5mm of progress in 2 weeks. I think I'll manage this product no problem. However for the original price of these crayons, I wouldn't waste your money and get a Maybelline colour tattoo instead. 

Convertable Colour in Magnolia (hit pan)

I had to aim the product away in the photo so you could see the dent I've made in this product already. To use this on my cheeks I use a stippling brush and pat on the back of my hand before applying to the face. This takes any extra product off as a little goes a long way! I do like this but have no idea how long it will take me to hit pan. 

Use Desire and Wonder (hit pan on both)

Well, I'm not impressed with the size of these shadows. I have been using the colour Instinct for my inner corner highlight and collar bone highlight and I've already hit pan. I think Desire is a little more tightly packed in and will take a while to hit pan. However I do believe in a couple of days Wonder will be there already as there is a massive dip already. Again I wouldn't pay full price for the size of these shadows, but the formula is amazing. 

Lip glaze in Orchard

Another product I'm not really happy about. I managed to use up my lip glaze in Gleam in 8 days using it consistently. Luckily I didn't pay much for these lip glosses but I will not be repurchasing. I do find them a little sticky but when I can't reapply at work, I'm happy about the colour and gloss staying. I shouldn't have too much trouble finishing this up. 

Colour Corrector Powder 

As you can probably tell, this looks a little different from when you last saw it. It used to have a little grinder on it which meant not much product came out. So I took that off and what did I find? Hardly any product underneith. I have a heavy hand and I've already managed to hit pan on the side and the rings are about to show through in the middle. If I'm still a long way from my finish when this product finishes, I will add in the illuminating one and see how far I can get. Money not spent well. 

As you can see I'm getting some good use out of the items in this project however you also don't get much product for the price you pay for Stila. Something to consider when purchasing another item. 

Emma 

2016 Skincare Inventory

Hey everyone, 

I decided after doing my normal inventory that I would do a skincare one too but after doing this I've decided not to carry on with skincare inventories. My numbers seem to have gone down well this last year and I think I can maintain the "use one up, repurchase one" goal. Anyways let's go into the numbers! 

This photo makes it look like a lot but when broken down into sections, I only have a few items in each catagory. 

Eye and skin makeup removers

L'oreal Micealler Gel (now finished after taking these photos) 

Garnier Eye Makeup Remover 

Una Brennan Super Facialist Micellar Water

Garnier Micellar cleansing water

Toner and Face Scrubs

Bellapierre Facial Toner

Una Brennan Super Facialist Rose Hydrate Facial Scrub

Nivea Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash

Body wash and Body Lotion 

Baylis and Harding Body wash x2

Nivea Cashmere moments shower gel

Baylis and Harding body lotion

Morgan body lotion 

Nip+Fab Viper Venom body serum 

Soap & Glory Butter Yourself body butter

Baylis and Harding Body Cream 

Clean Skin Body butter

Clean Cotton Body butter

Nivea Soft body butter

Hand Creams 

Yardley English Lavender x2 

Owl Handcream (brand unknown) 

Nivea Smooth Norishing Hand cream 

Baylis and Harding hand cream 

Shampoo and Conditioner

Tresemme moisture shampoo 

KMW Moist Repair shampoo 

Batiste Dry Shampoo

KMS Moist Repair Conditioner 

Hairspray and Treatments 

Macadamia Control Hairspray 

Tresemme Salon Finish Hairspray 

Macadamia Deap Repair Mask 

Maria Nila Colour protect hair masque 

Herbal essences hair gel 

Moisturisers

Bare Essentails Day Cream 

Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturiser 

Decleor Moisturiser 

Clinique Moisture Serge Sample 

La Roche-Posay SPF 50 mini moisturiser (now gone) 

Nivea Day Cream 

Garnier Moisture Matte Moisturiser 

Tony Moly Banana Sleeping Pack

Other Body Items 

Philosophy Snow Angel Body Polishing Scrub 

Soap & Glory Scrub em and leave me Body Buff mini 

Soap & Glory whipped clean shower butter (my shave cream) 

Masks 

Dr Organic Dead Sea Mineral Mud Mask 

Glam Glow Flash Mud Mask 

InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask 

Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask 

Nivea Nourishing Honey Mask x2

Other skincare:

Elizabeth Grant Supreme Essence du Torrcelium 

Clearasil Spot Treatment 

Yes To Correcting Eye Cream 

BeautyLab GlycoWash 

Bare Essentials Purifying Face Cleanser 

Nails and Bath

OPI Cuticle Oil 

OPI Avonplex cuticle remover 

Dr Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips (I use this for my cuticles) 

Sally Hansen Perfect cuticle oil 

Baylis and Harding Rose Soap 

Baylis and Harding Rose Bath Salts

Well that's everything in my skincare and compared to when I used to start doing my skincare inventory this is nothing! I really do still have a lot of work with masks and moisturisers but I'm pleased with where I am. 

Emma 

2016 Inventory

Hey everyone, 

I know I don't do this much on my blog but every month I keep a track of what I'm spending and the amount of products I have in my collection (an inventory basically). Last month at the end of 2015 I did an inventory with my mother (to keep myself accountable) and it shocked me silly. I decided then to try and finish a few more products and then re-do an invent for 2016. So here we are and the numbers are not as bad but as you will see I will be putting myself on a no-buy for a while unless I run out of a certain catagory. 

Eyeshadow palettes:

Total count = 17 

Ideal number = 7

Single Shadows:

Total count = 12 

Ideal number = 5 

Eyeliners

Total count= 20!! 

Ideal Number= haven't decided but less than 10. Serious project work and decluttering needs to happen here. 

Mascaras

Total count= 9

Ideal number = 3 

Cream shadows/bases

Total count= 8

Ideal number= 4

Foundations/Bb/CC Creams

Total count= 6 

Ideal count= 3 

Concealers

Total count= 5 

Ideal count= 2 

Highlighters 

Total count= 17 (one in another palette) 

Ideal numbers= 8, honestly I have no idea how it got to this many (bar Christmas) but I do have some work to do here. 

Blushes

Total count=25, including one in another palette

Ideal number= I don't have an ideal here, but I do want to reduce this number. 

Lipgloss

Total count= 25! 

Ideal Number= 5, I actually don't like gloss that much, so this number needs to be used and abused! 

Lipbalm 

Total count= 12

Ideal number= 4 

Lipstick

Total count= 24

Ideal number= I again don't have an ideal number here but I would like to reduce this number above. 

Powders

Total count= 4 (one in a palette) 

Ideal number= 1, as you can only use one at a time! 

Pigments

Total count= 11

Ideal number= 0. I really don't use pigments and like eyeshadow more. 

Chubby Pencils

Total count= 7 

Ideal number= 2 of my favourites

Lip liners

Total count= 5 

Ideal number= 3 of my favourite colours. 

Bronzers

Total count: 5 (one in palette) 

Ideal number: 1 of my favourite

Setting Sprays

Total count= 1

Ideal number= 1! 

Primers

Total count= 4

Ideal numbers= 2 of my favourite

As you can see from these numbers, I really do have a lot of work to do and better stick to my no buy. I recently have been watching more project pan videos and use it up videos to keep me on the straight and narrow. My next tactic is to revisit my 2015 beginning post and see how much my collection has grown. Hopefully that will shock me enough! Good luck with 2016 panning everyone! 

Emma