Search This Blog

My Project Pan 2025 Beauty and Skincare | What Is It and How I'm Doing It


Before 2025 ends, I want to start a Project Pan

Lately, I've noticed my stash of beauty products is growing too quickly, and it concerns me. Having so many items makes me feel overwhelmed. I want to be more selective with my purchases and find better ways to organize what I already have. Ultimately, I’m finally ready to use what I have, finish what I can, and learn to let go.

What is a Project Pan?

A Project Pan is a beauty challenge focused on using up existing products before purchasing new ones, encouraging mindful consumption, and reducing waste. The concept comes from using products until the "pan" (the bottom of the container) is visible. While initially related to makeup, it now also covers skincare, body care, and other beauty products.

Related read - 2024 Best of Skincare and Makeup

Why do a Project Pan?

So, why should one attempt a Project Pan? What benefits can it give?

  1. Reduce waste by encouraging you to finish products you already own, rather than letting them expire or go unused.
  2. Help you save money in the long run by avoiding overconsumption and promoting mindful spending.
  3. Assess your collection and adjust your skincare and makeup routine accordingly.

Why I’m Doing a Project Pan?

After outlining the key benefits of a Project Pan, I would like to share some personal reasons for wanting to embark on this journey myself.

  • I want to rediscover hidden gems in my collection

I want to take the time to rediscover the hidden gems in my collection, whether that’s makeup or skincare products I haven’t used in a while. I hope to bring back products I loved but may have forgotten about, and ultimately reduce waste by using what I already have.

  • I want to gain a deeper appreciation for the products I already own.

I tend to buy skincare and makeup impulsively. When I see something on TikTok or online, I will always buy it. This tendency sometimes results in immediate regret. I realized that the thrill of acquiring new beauty items often overshadows the joy of using what I already have. By shifting my focus to my existing products, I can cultivate a deeper appreciation for them and truly explore their unique qualities.

Related read - How I Plan in Taking Care of My Skin in My 30s 

  • I’m tired of feeling guilty about unused makeup and skincare products.

During my quarterly or mid-year resets, I consistently discover beauty products I've either never used or only swatched once. Now, I want to free myself from this unnecessary stress and guilt by becoming more intentional with my choices.

  • I need that sense of accomplishment

I absolutely love the feeling of finishing a product. I used to blog about my empties because completing something gives me such a profound sense of achievement. Each empty container represents more than just a used product—it's a milestone in my journey toward mindful consumption and intentional living.

  • I want to save money.

By focusing on utilizing what I already own, I can avoid unnecessary purchases and save money for future investments or experiences that truly matter to me.

Skincare and Makeup Products in My Project Pan

As this is my first project pan, I’m starting small and mixing makeup and skincare. I want to start with the products that I genuinely like, or want to use up before they expire:

Skincare

For my double-cleansing routine, I've selected these two products:

  • Muji Cleansing Balm Acne Care serves as my first step to remove makeup and dirt. I've used about 30% of it so far. My only concern is that it's not travel-friendly when I stay elsewhere.
  • Swiss Image Elasticity Boosting Face Wash as my second cleanser. I recently finished my previous cleanser, and this one is still about 90% full.

For essence or serum:

  • Naturie Hatamugi Skin Conditioner. Almost halfway through, and my goal is to finish it.

For moisturizer:

  • La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5. I purchased the travel size and use it as an overnight moisturizer when I want my face to look plump and refreshed the next morning. This is currently 60-70% full.
  • Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre. I discovered this on TikTok where it was praised as both an excellent moisturizer and makeup primer. After purchasing it, I only used it a few times before setting it aside. Now I'm determined to finish it.

For eye cream:

  • Nameraka Honpo Sana Eyecream. I got this new eye cream as part of my Hong Kong Haul and currently trying to use it consistently. 

For sunscreen:

  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50. I’ve been buying a lot of sunscreen lately, especially since I’ve entered my running phase. One of the products I’ve had the longest in my collection is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50, and I want to finish it up. I estimate that there’s about 30-40% left in the bottle.



Now let’s do makeup. Since I work from home full-time, I haven’t been wearing much makeup. I only do it for important meetings, online events, or when I go outside on weekends for church, errands, or socializing.

  • Shawill Face Primer. This is another TikTok discovery I bought and forgot I had. Now, my plan is to use it only for longer events when I’m going out with makeup, but I do hope to use it up with this challenge.
  • Issy Skin Tint in Sienna. I've been enjoying a skin tint lately, so I want to finish this. I’ve had it for a while now, but I’m quite frugal, so I've around 50-60% left.
  • Dazzle Me Pressed Powder. This is barely there already, so it's an easy win for me.
  • Ever Bilena Ultimate Brow Fix is one of my best product discoveries of 2025. I’ve been using it frequently, so I consider this an easy win.
  • Dazzle Me Volumaxing Mascara. This is my only mascara at the moment, and I’m guessing I still have around 50-60%.
  • Vice Cosmetics Jelly Tint in Candy Apple, and I absolutely love it! It’s one of the best lip tints I've tried so far, which is evident since I only have about 70% left.

Here are the rules of my Project Pan:

  1. I won’t buy any new makeup/skincare products in a specific category (e.g., moisturizer, sunscreen, lip tint, etc.) until I have completely finished or decluttered the one in my project pan.
  2. I am only allowed to stop using a product if I have an allergic reaction or it’s causing me bumps or acne.
  3. If I don’t like a product and cannot finish it, I will use it at least 10 times before deciding to toss it.
  4. I will track my project pan progress and share my updates on the blog. Each will include:
    1. Current status of the products
    2. What I finished
    3. What I’m decluttering
    4. Honest Mini Reviews

Overall

Have you done a Project Pan before? If yes, do you have tips for me? If this is your first time doing a Project Pan yourself, let’s do it together! Whether you want to save money, declutter your space, or be more mindful, this is your sign.

I will also post updates on my progress on TikTok and Instagram so that you can follow along.





No comments