IndieAna- In Search of the HolyGrail

In 2017 my blog took on the focus of panning and finishing products. Although I see the worth of this approach, the problem I dealt with was that whilst focusing on set products, I didn't really explore my other makeup. This was especially the case for my Pan That Palette project. Toward the end of this year, I've neglected to try even my new palettes (I'm itching to try you Jaclyn Hill palette!) because I still have a few shades to finish and I really want to get it done and out of my life for good. For my blog in 2018, I do plan on doing projects, but they will be more along the lines of my nail polish declutter. I aim to also do a lipstick declutter. As for eye shadows, I would like to take on a project in which I use one palette for one month, or maybe post 2 a month to ensure I get use out of more of my palettes. These projects will not only help me decide what I want to keep and what to remove from my collection, but also will prevent me from getting stuck in a...

Hylamide is yet another brand under the Deciem umbrella. One of their popular products is SubQ Eyes. I'm always on the lookout for a good eye product as my eye area looks every bit of my 42 years. Dark circles, puffiness and lines are my main concerns, so pretty much every eye related issue. A skincare sale at Priceline gave me the push I needed to give SubQ Eyes a try. Taken from Priceline - "Advanced for immediate and longer-term visible correction of under-eye ageing, puffiness and dark circles. High-strength serum concentrate uses a wide array of peptides, plant saccharides and active technologies to rehydrate the fragile eye area below and above the surface, while targeted technologies visibly improve fine lines, crow's feet, puffiness and dark circles." The eye serum comes in a 15 ml small glass bottle. It comes complete with a dropper dispenser. Not my favourite delivery system, only because I'm clumsy, but it does allow for a more accurate applicati...

Well, I hope the saying slow and steady wins the race applies to this declutter series because it is going slooooooowly. Here's what I tried on in the past month. Fluoro Orange Nox polish in Twilight Trendy   Chrome Crazy    Jade Frost I didn't try these on because there was no doubt about keeping them because they are both opaque polishes and are great for nail art. Sally Hansen in Black Out and Sinful Colors Gel in Wisp. Sinful Colors Whipped Frosting Another Models Inc nail polish hits the dust. Although they are quite sheer, I must say they have gorgeous shine. I've decided to keep both silvers, one is a chrome and the other has a green undertone so I think that there's enough of a difference to warrant keeping both. I have decided to keep both Sinful Colors white nail polishes because I tend to use a lot of white polish. That brings my tally to 16 nail polishes

There are still so many products from Deciem brand The Ordinary that I am yet to buy, but what I was most excited about trying was the "Buffet" serum. Taken from Deciem - "This formula combines a comprehensive array of studied technologies to target multiple signs of ageing at once. The technologies are Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex, Matrixyl Sunthe'6 peptide complex, Syn-Ake peptide complex, Relistase peptide complex, Argirelox peptide complex, Probiotic complex, in a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes." The serum is packaged in a 30 ml clear glass bottle. It has a dropper to dispense product. The cloudy looking serum has a lightweight feel. I use 6 drops in total of this peptide packed serum for both my face and neck. It absorbs into my skin very quickly and has so far played nicely with any products I've applied afterwards. After using morning and night for 3 weeks, I have noticed some subtle changes ...

Now that we are in December this will be my last bi-monthly update of the Pan That Palette for 2017 In October I had finished 7 eye shadows which had brought me to a total of 25 eye shadows left to finish and had hit pan on 6. Wow, this palette has seen better days..much much better days!  In 2 months I finished another 7 eye shadows. I disposed of 2 eye shadows, one was a silver that was too powdery and another eye shadow had a piece of metal in it, totally safe I'm sure, eek! I have pan showing on 4 shadows which are very close to being finished. This leaves me with 16. I am currently still using the palette, so will follow up with a final update when I feel I am done. Will I finish it? I want to try, but seriously I need to use other eye shadows and when I do, I really doubt I will touch this palette again.  Thanks for reading xx

If it isn't another Swisse skincare product! What a surprise! As you may be aware, I adore the Simple Cleansing Oil, but I am always curious about new products even when I have found something I love. Enter the Swisse Moringa Cleansing Oil. Taken from Swisse - "Swisse Moringa Cleansing Oil is a natural conditioning oil, luxuriously formulated to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Enriched with Moringa Oil for its unique cleansing properties and Camelia Seed Oil for antioxidant protection, it gently helps to remove makeup and environmental toxins. Your skin will be left feeling radiant and soothed." The cleansing oil is packaged in a 125 ml bottle complete with a pump top dispenser.. It has a natural scent similar to Rosehip, but slightly fruity. The oil is on the thicker side in consistency. I find it similar to olive oil in feel. I only use a cleansing oil at night to remove makeup. As instructed, I dampen my skin then using 2 pumps of product I massage into my...

It truly does not feel like a month has past since my last empties post. My calendar tells me it's December so that means it's time for me to show you my rubbish, not just any rubbish, the good stuff,  the beauty empties! To find out what I would repurchase, keep on reading! :) The Jojoba Company Jojoba Bead Facial Cleanser- This is a cream cleanser with jojoba beads that gently exfoliate the skin. Repurchase? I wouldn't replace this cleanser, only because I prefer to use a more abrasive exfoliator that I use once a week.  The Jojoba Company Hydrating Day Cream- A hydrating, yet light moisturiser perfect for day use. Repurchase? It's a decent moisturiser, but I have others that work just as well and are more affordable. The Jojoba Company Overnight Renewal Cream- A rich night cream that is very hydrating and soothing on the skin. Repurchase? I would consider buying this night moisturiser again, but I do have others that I am currently workin...

Taking on this project or challenge of trying on every nail polish I own has been keeping me motivated to apply nail polish 2-3 times a week, as opposed to weekly, if that sometimes. Here's the nail polishes I tried on in the past few weeks. Antique Bronze. Wokka Wokka Save The Date (label missing) Essence "The Dawn is Broken" Lite (please excuse the texture on my middle nail, I didn't realise I had left over base coat!) Sunset In the mix of reds, yellows and orange it probably seems odd that there is a grey thrown in there, but I'd used the nail polish for a Halloween nail look as the base coat, so figured I would include it in this months declutter post. Out of the polishes I tried this month, I am removing Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Color in Antiqued Bronze from my collection. It took so long to dry and although I could use quick dry drops, I don't love the colour enough to keep it. Also going is...

As the countdown to the end of the year begins, I have been reluctant to try anything new. Opting instead to concentrate on the products in my projects. This also means that I have not really had a reason or even the desire to post any makeup looks. I thought I would remedy that with a makeup look using project pan makeup. Project Pan items Swisse BB Cream with SPF 30 in Light Beige - I have been enjoying this sunscreen more since I've stopped wearing the horrible Neutrogena sunscreen underneath it. Now it's not so greasy but more on the dewy side. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad To The Bronze- I love this cream eye shadow. Today I used it as an eye shadow base. Milani Blush in Luminoso- This blush is such a gorgeous peach shade with a sheen rather than shimmer. I like that although it looks very pigmented, it is easy to work with and blend. Smashbox Lipliner- This is a nude shade that I find works well with almost any neutral lipstick. It's a really nice lip l...

Excuse me while I continue to bombard you with Swisse skincare. They've quickly became one of my favourite affordable brands. Today I will be reviewing Swisse Vitamin E Facial Moisturiser. Taken from Swisse - "Swisse Vitamin E Facial Moisturiser is a natural, gentle moisturiser. Luxuriously formulated to nourish and nurture sensitive skin. Enriched with natural vitamin E, organic Macadamia oil and olive squalene to help protect and nourish, plantolin to calm redness and irritation and chamomile and oat extracts to soothe the skin. Your skin will feel hydrated and smooth." The moisturiser is packaged in a 125 ml plastic squeeze tube with flip-top lid. The product is a cream consistency and has a very light natural fragrance. I only need a small amount of the moisturiser for my face and neck. The rich cream formula quickly melts into my skin absorbing fast. Within minutes my skin is dry to the touch, perfect for busy mornings when I don't have time to wait f...

If you are a regular reader, you would be aware of my focus on finishing makeup products this year. My 2 panning projects being "Pan that Palette" where I have been trying to finish an 88 eye shadow palette, and a rolling 5 pan, which entails adding new products as I finish any of the 5 products in the project. As the end of the year is fast approaching, I thought I would write a fun little post on some "confessions" I must make as an active panner trying hard to finish those products. *I apply a full face of makeup even when I have no plans to go anywhere. To be fair, even before panning, I would get shopping out of the way after dropping the kids off at school, then come home and apply makeup, just for the enjoyment of it and having a play. By waiting until I have no where to go, I can use bright colours I would not feel comfortable to wear out in my little country town. *I make sure to include that pop of inner eye highlight, brow bone highlight along ...

I am quickly filling up my skincare stockpile with Swisse Skincare. So far I have enjoyed the products that I have tried and figured it was about time I tried one of their cleansers. Now that I prefer a cream cleanser on my older skin, I bought the Swisse Sweet Almond Cream Cleanser. Taken from Swisse - "Swisse Sweet Almond Cream Cleanser is a natural, botanical enriched cleanser. Luxuriously formulated to remove makeup and impurities while leaving the skin nourished for a bright complexion. Enriched with sweet almond oil and plant extracts to deeply cleanse and nourish the skin, and with witch hazel and rice water to minimise the appearance of pores and achieve a balanced complexion, without losing moisture." The cleanser comes in a 125 ml plastic squeeze tube with flip-top lid. It is of a thick creamy consistency. The scent is very subtle smelling sweet, yet natural. I have to be careful when applying the creamy cleanser to not apply too much, as I've found ...

So the rolling 5 pan continues. The following photo shows where my project was in September. Now I'll show you the progress since then. I was surprised at how quickly I got through the LA Colors Mineral Pressed Powder. I really enjoyed the satin finish of this powder. Although it was satisfying watching the pan get bigger and bigger, I am actually a little sad that I have finished it. So this little guy is still going (insert eye roll) I have been using the Smashbox lip liner as a lipstick almost every single day and I am over it, but I am determined to finish it. Surely by the end of the year I can be done with it!  I love the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad To The Bronze, it's such an easy shade to wear on its own and works well using it as an eye shadow base. I've made some progress, but am not disappointed that I still have plenty left. Along with the Smashbox lip liner, I have been using this NYX lip gloss almost daily. I am happ...