Project Pan - Update 7

At the end of last year I decided to make a conscious effort to use up my makeup. I felt like I had too much and wasn't using what I had before buying something new. Rather than having a big clear out, I wanted to finish the products I had spent my money on and trust me its a lot more satisfying.

I still have way too much makeup but what can I say, its my hobby! 

Last month I only managed to finish three things which is a bit rubbish, but this month I've already got through 5 things.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara £19.00

Oh this mascara, I don't even know where to start. At first I hated it, I detested it, as far as I was concerned it was the worst mascara I had ever used. After a couple of hours it flaked all down my face it was dreadful, but after a few weeks the flaking stopped and I could appreciate the amazing volume it gave. This gives you huge, black, voluminous lashes in seconds but I'm still on the fence whether I could go through all that flaking again.

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector £26.00

With the Bobbi Brown corrector I notice an instant difference and I don't even need to use a separate concealer. With this I didn't really notice a difference, so still needed a separate concealer. This doesn't come close to the Bobbi Brown so for that reason I wouldn't buy it again.

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in 'Liar' £15.50

I loved this lipstick and I miss it already. It was a pinky brown nude with a glossy finish that made my lips look a lot fuller than they really are. This is the first Urban Decay lipstick I have tried and it definitely won't be the last. I really want to try the matte version of these lipsticks now.

Total used up makeup = £60.50

Face of the Day with Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Colour in Naked Bronze

I have had this face of the post day sitting in my drafts for weeks and I thought I would finally get off my arse, although to be fair I didn't even have to get off my arse (I'm currently horizontal) and write it.

Basically this is all the makeup I slapped on my face to go to the pub the other week. Turns out I needn't have bothered, as we ended up leaving early, getting a subway and getting the last bus home. Side note never let me get a subway again, its a prime example of somewhere I would never step foot in, but after 3 drinks there I am, ordering a meatball marinara on hearty Italian. 

Eating meatballs at a bus stop, and I wonder why I'm single!

Base

Primer

Cover FX Illuminating Primer

I am a bit 'meh' about this primer, I don't notice any difference with the wear time of my makeup, it does give a glow when you apply it, but once you put you foundation on it goes. It's not bad, I've just tried better.

Foundation

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Still loving this foundation, but I will say its not the best in warm weather. I find by the end of the day it feels a bit greasy on my face, but to be fair there's not a lot of foundations that could last all day and endure a sweaty commute. 

Corrector

Giorgio Armani Skin Master Corrector Shade 1

Don't buy this, the Bobbi Brown corrector is so much better #justsayin'

Concealer

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

This concealer is AHHMAZING, round of applause Urban Decay. I know everyone raves about the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer but this stuff is so much better. Its really creamy but still gives great coverage. I can use it both under my eyes and on spots and redness and unlike the NARS one, this doesn't drag on my skin when I apply it. It's love.

Bronzer

Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel

I love this cream bronzer in the summer, it really gives my skin a warm, natural glow. This is strictly a summer product though, it would definitely look OTT come the winter months.

Powder

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder

Not my favourite powder there are better, cheaper options out there.

Blush

Clinique Cheek Pop in 'Melon Pop'

These blushes are adorable and this peach colour is very pretty for everyday wear. Completely non offensive with a slight sheen which gives your cheeks a real glow.

Highlight

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in 'Candlelight'

Extortionately expensive but worth every penny. My favourite ever highlighter, looks really natural on the skin but still has the 'wow' factor.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in 'Taupe'

Good brow pencil and the shade range is massive, but for the price you just don't get enough product. I got through one of these in a month.

L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper in 'Dark Brunette'

When it comes to brows I don't dabble, I find something I like and stick to it. This sets my brows and provides an extra tint of colour, I have been using this all year and don't see that changing any time soon.

Eyeshadow

Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Colour in Naked Bronze

I'm sorry to be a cock tease because these beauties are no longer available, but they are every bit as beautiful as they look. The cream shadow is pretty but to be honest there are a lot of similar colours out there, I'm thinking Max Factor do a very similar copper shade, but when you add the glitter shade on top, BOOM magic happens. The glitter really reminds me of the glitter shade in the Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow palettes, so if you have one of those I'm sure you could achieve a similar look.

Eyeliner

MAC Eye Kohl in 'Powersurge' 

The best bronzy gold eye liner. 

Powersurge, Teddy and Prunella, the only three eye liners you need from MAC.

Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I hated this mascara with a passion because it flaked so, so badly on me after only a couple of hours. But after a few weeks, the flaking has stopped and I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually think I like it. This gives serious volume instantly…..if you can put up with 2 weeks worth of panda eyes!

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Pretty much every single mascara ever made smudges on my bottom lashes, so this is a staple for me.

Lips

Lipstick

Illamasqua Lipstick in 'Bare'

This is Angelina Jolie lips in a tube. Thing matte, full and barely there colour, I love it. 

Face of the Day with Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow in Sun Tan and Sun Light

This is a Face of the Day from last week when I went to BeautyCon London for work (I didn't stay long). I wanted to try some new products, as I have been getting a bit bored of using the same things all the time.

There are some new discoveries which I love, a few I don't love so much and some old favourites.

Face

Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water and Cover FX Illuminating Primer

I have only just started using the primer water so can't report back yet, except to say I love the idea of a primer spray and it smells nice. I will let you know my findings once I've used it a bit more. 

As far as the Cover FX primer goes, I like it but I don't love it. I wish it was a bit more illuminating because its quite subtle and once I've applied foundation and concealer, you can't really see much in the way of a glow. I do really like the texture, as its light and doesn't have that awful silicone feel, but I can't really say I have noticed a difference in the wear time of my makeup. 

Foundation

Dior Nude Air Serum

I hadn't tried any Dior foundations until this year but since trying Dior Star and now this, I can say I'm fully converted. This makes my skin look really smooth, almost airbrushed, without being heavy and still letting your skin show through. I like to apply this with my fingers working in sections over the face. My only complaint is that it doesn't have the best wear time and I find it starts to fade on oilier areas like my chin and nose towards the end of the day.

Corrector and Concealer

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

I've only got a tiny bit of the MAC concealer left, I had to break open the tube with some pliers to get the very last of it out. I love that this concealer works well under the eyes and on blemishes and redness. It's high coverage and long lasting, I can see why this is so popular amongst MAC fans. 

Bronzer and Highlight

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow in Sun Tan and Sun Light

My latest obsession, I just love this. It makes me look like I've just come back from a two week holiday, bronzed and glowy my friends. 

Powder

Too Faced Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder

Still not loving this powder, but I'm almost at the end of it now. I definitely wouldn't buy this again or recommend it, it's just too ashy on the skin.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel in Strike and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

Its not often I change my eyebrow combination, but I was clearly feeling experimental. The Brow and Lash Gel is not a new product, in fact it was my favourite until the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper came along but the Precision Brow Gel is a new product for me. 

Compared to the Anastasia DipBrow, this is less harsh and more natural looking, but I just find these brow pomades a bit fiddly to use in general. I think I'll be sticking to my usual Hourglass pencil.

Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I dug this out because I wanted a matte eyeshadow and I knew this had everything I needed. 

I used W.O.S all over the lid with a mixture of Naked 2 and Faint in the crease.

Eye Liner

Delilah Slim Line Liquid Liner

I wanted a subtle flick, so used this on the outer third of my eye. I love the slim nib, it really lets you get a precise line but this smudged on me. Admittedly most mascaras and eyeliners smudge on me, but I would stick with my Stila Stay All Day over this.

Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash and Clinique Bottom Lash

When it comes to Roller Lash you either love it, or hate it and personally I love it. It takes a few coats to build it up but it really lengthens and curls my lashes, plus it doesn't smudge on me. Clinique Bottom Lash is a staple for me now because its pretty much the only mascara that doesn't smudge on my bottom lashes. I told you everything smudges on me!

Lips

Lip Liner

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Tawny

If I had to pick between this and my MAC lip liners, this $1.99 bad boy would win every time. This is creamy, not drying and I really, really love the colour.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok

These NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks don't get spoken about much, but if you love a matte lip and you haven't tried these, you are missing out. My favourite colour in the line is Montego Bay and I have completely used that lipstick up. Bangkok is lighter in colour and pretty similar to my natural lip colour. It reminds me of that kind of Angelina Jolie, barely there shade.

Face of the Day with NARS Outer Limits Eyeshadow

At the beginning of the month I mentioned that I was having a slight love affair with peachy toned makeup, so I thought I would slap it all on and do a Face of the Day!

Face

Illuminator

Dior Nude Glow Natural Glow Complexion Enhancer

I like to use this underneath my foundation to give my skin a radiance boost. I'm pretty sure this has  been discontinued by Dior, but either way there are a lot of similar glow boosting primers out there. 

Foundation

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme

This and the Smashbox BB Cream are the only BB creams I can say I really like. The Dior one is a winner for me because it has an almost powdery finish. I find other BB creams are just too wet or greasy, but this actually dries down on the skin and has a satin finish. I would highly recommend trying this if you like your base on the lighter side.

Corrector

Giorgio Armani Skin Master Corrector (Shade 1)

Don't buy this, buy the Bobbi Brown corrector instead, so much better.

Concealer

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

A good, heavy duty concealer, works well when teamed with a lighter coverage base.

Bronzer

Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel

A rediscovery that I have really been enjoying. This cream bronzer does require a good bit of blending to avoid orange stripes, but if you have the patience it really is worth it. You can really fake a natural, tanned glow with this. 

Blusher

MAC Mineralize Blush in New Romance

This is a blusher and a highlight in one, yaaaas! I am having a bit of a love affair with MAC Mineralize blushers at the moment, although I really hate the new packaging (wah)

Powder

Too Faced Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder

I moan about this powder every time but I'm just not a fan. Its kinda ashy and can completely take the glow out of your makeup, even when applied sparingly.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in Grey and L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper in Dark Brunette

The L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper is a staple for me but I can't say the same for the Bobbi Brown brow pencil. I mentioned before that I like it, but it only lasted me a month. You just can't part me from my Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil.

Eyeshadow 

Bourjois Colorband 2-in-1 Eyeshadow and Liner in Rose Fauviste and NARS Outer Limits Shimmer Eyeshadow

Now you know how much I love a good cream eyeshadow stick but sadly I don't think these Bourjois ones are anything to write home about. The colours don't wow me, the texture is OK but they are a bit sheer, in general I'm pretty 'meh' when it comes to these, but they do work as a base underneath a powder eyeshadow. 

This new NARS shadow from the Christopher Kane collection remains the most beautiful eyeshadow I have ever laid my eyes on. Its a glittery, peachy/rose gold colour and it gives serious sparkle.

Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

This week I came this close to just throwing this Too Faced mascara in the bin, I just can't deal with the flaking. Honestly by mid afternoon I start to get little black specks of mascara underneath my eyes and by the end of the day its full on Uncle Fester mode. Now its dried out a bit I can say that I really like the volume and length it gives my lashes, but if it won't stay on my eyes, its useless! 

Its now been relegated to the Sunday mascara, because I hate Sundays.

Lips

Lip Liner

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Tawny

I bought this lip liner in a Walgreens in Chicago for $1.99 (actually I bought two) and it is by far my favourite out of all the ones I own. Its really creamy, doesn't dry your lips out and the colour is the perfect nude. I'm going to Seattle in October and will be bulk buying more! 

Lipstick

MAC Kinda Sexy Lipstick

I had this lipstick many moons ago but somehow managed to lose it. I was in MAC recently and on a whim decided to buy it again. I'm so glad I did because I just love this matte peach shade. Its quite a muted shade but gives just the right amount of colour.

Face of the Day with MAC Lustering Lipstick

My Face of the Day posts have been a bit sparse lately, because I keep wearing the same makeup looks! 

That's the problem when you are trying to use up makeup, you have to use the same products regularly. I have had a rotation from my last FOTD post though, so thought I would pop an updated one up here.

Base

Dior Nude Glow Natural Glow Complexion Enhancer

This is something that I've had in my collection for ages and I'm pretty sure its now been discontinued by Dior. I apply this before my foundation and it just gives my skin a healthy glow. Its a strange one, as there is no shimmer in it, but the bright peachy colour just gives your skin that healthy look. 

I do enjoy this but its definitely not a must have. 

Foundation

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme

I am still loving this BB Cream. It provides enough coverage for me, lasts all day, doesn't feel like you are wearing makeup and the finish isn't too 'wet' unlike some other BB creams. Love this stuff.

Corrector

Giorgio Armani Skin Master Corrector (Shade 1)

Personally I find the Bobbi Brown Corrector does a much better job of neutralising dark circles under the eyes and would repurchase that over this Armani one in the future. But if you do find the Bobbi Brown Corrector's too heavy, you might like this, as the consistency is much lighter and doesn't crease.

Concealer

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

Although I like the lighter coverage the BB cream gives, I do find there are a few areas I want a bit of extra coverage. This concealer is great as the coverage is high but its still really easy to blend. I just hate the pump packaging, as it always pumps out too much product!

Powder

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder

Not my favourite powder and one I will be glad to get finished up. It provides good oil control but I just find it makes my skin look ashy. 

Bronzer

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Alluring Aquatic

I have finally finished this bronzer, hallelujah! It was actually a really lovely bronzer but after using it for almost a year I'm craving a change.

Blush

Delilah Colour Blush in 'Lullaby'

Delilah is a new makeup brand that I have been eager to try for a while. This blush is such a beautiful spring pink and the texture is lovely. I can't wait to try more from Delilah now.

Highlight

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight

I go through stages with highlighter and right now I'm a bit obsessed. I have to actually stop myself dusting this over my entire face!

Eyes

Eyebrows

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in 'Grey' with L'oreal Brow Artist Plumper in 'Dark Brunette'

I know, where is my Hourglass pencil?! Well I've actually just used it up and I recently went to a Bobbi Brown event, where I got a sample of these new brow pencils. 

I was really excited about these, as they are basically the same design as my beloved Hourglass (angled pencil, brush on the other end). I have the colour 'Grey' which obviously isn't the best match for me but paired with the L'oreal Brow Plumper, works fine. 

As a pencil I can't fault these and they are great for giving you that full but soft looking brown, also the colour range is vast, which is amazing for eyebrow products. But I will be going back to my Hourglass, purely because I have been using this for less than a month and have almost used it up already. 

Eyeshadow

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Champagne Diamonds

Cream shadow sticks are a staple for me. I have to get ready quickly and these are the quickest things to use, just colour in your whole eyelid and blend out. 

This cream shadow stick is super, super glittery and looks so pretty on the eyes. This colour is specifically designed for blue eyes and the gold tones are super flattering. My one complaint with this though, is that the pencil doesn't self sharpen, but for such a pretty eyeshadow I'll get over it!

Eyeliner

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in 'Grenat'

I believe this was a limited edition colour by Chanel from one of their holiday collections. I find that if you have lighter eyes, black eyeliner is just too harsh. This russet red shade actually enhances my blue eyes whilst giving some depth to my lash line. I'm sure you can find a cheaper alternative though!

Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

So, I've been using the Better Than Sex mascara for about two weeks now and I will say that it has grown on me but the jury is still out. 

Yes this does give super volume and length, but its such a bitch to  apply. I have to really take my time to avoid getting mascara all over my eyelids because the brush is so big and you have to build up layers slowly to avoid a big clumpy mess. It still flakes on me by the end of the day as well.

 I am warming up to it, but lets just say, its no Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes! 

Left to right: Charlotte Tilbury Champagne Diamonds, Chanel Grenat, MAC Lustering

Lips

Lipstick

MAC Lustering

I know Spring is here when I start reaching for the pinky lip colours. 

This is a pretty colour by MAC, but its a lustre finish……Lustre's have a high shine but that means they don't last very long on the lips at all, after a couple of hours I find this has disappeared completely. It doesn't leave behind any colour at all, literally just slips right off and I find my lips feel quite dry afterwards. As much as I like the colour, its one I will be glad to finish. 

Face of the Day with Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Champagne Diamonds

Its pretty obvious I love makeup but I am falling in love with it all over again. I don't know whether its the change in seasons, or all the new exciting product launches but I could just spend all day talking about the stuff and slapping it on my face! 

I promise I am not an entirely shallow person!

Face

Foundation

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation

Love this foundation but I have now used up every last drop. Gives great, long lasting but natural looking coverage.

Concealer

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque, Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon and 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Three concealers, I know completely ridiculous! Basically the Josie Maran crayon is too creamy for blemishes/redness so I rely on my trusty Collection concealer. I like the Josie Maran crayon to highlight but I need a bit more coverage under my eyes so I use it in conjunction with the Bobbi Brown corrector. 

Powder

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro Powder

This is the best powder I have ever used. It feels like velvet, doesn't cake and keeps oil at bay, the price could bring me to tears though! I hardly have any of this left and although I definitely will buy it again, I  just can't justify the cost while I still have other powders to use up.

Bronzer

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

This is a bloody good bronzer, just as good as the Guerlain Terracotta bronzers but a third of the price.

Blush

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural

One of my all time favourite blushers. It gives such a beautiful flush to the cheeks which is perfect for this time of year. I also like that it has a bit of shimmer so you don't need a separate highlighter.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Soap & Glory Archery Eyebrow Pencil and L'oreal Brow Artist Plumper

There was a time when you couldn't find any eyebrow products in the 'drugstore' but now there are some really great, affordable ones available. I recommend Archery as an eyebrow pencil to everyone and this brow gel not only keeps your brows in place but also adds a natural tint. 

Eyeshadow

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Champagne Diamonds and Trish McEvoy 24 Hour Eyeshadow and Liner in Topaz

I am a little bit lazy when it comes to eyeshadow which is why I love cream eyeshadows. I am particularly loving eyeshadow pencils at the moment (post on its way) and these are two of my favourites. Champagne Diamonds is so sparkly, you really need to see it in person.

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash

I have stuck to this mascara combination for months now and wont be changing any time soon.

Lips

Lip Balm

Sephora Kiss Me Balm in Candy Apple

My mum bought me back this lip balm from Sephora and it hasn't left my lips since. I love a tinted lip balm because you get the best of both worlds, colour and moisture. This was such a good discovery, I would definitely recommend trying one if you find yourself in a Sephora.