cosmetics

Project Pan 2026: Use It Up, Wear It Out, Or Do Without

Abby H.Leave a comment

After seeing so many people with varying levels of success in 2025, I’ve decided that in 2026, I’ll be joining in on Project Pan.

What is Project Pan? It started out with cosmetic wearers wanting to “hit pan,” meaning the metal cup is pressed in, but this phrase has been applied to any sort of “use it up” beauty product challenge.

The term can be used for any sort of beauty product, skincare, haircare, or even cleaning supplies.

It’s a more modern way of saying, “Make do, use it up, go without.”

My Project Pan 2026 goals:

  • Go through the cosmetics and skin care I have, discard anything expired/smelly/separated.
  • Organize my cosmetics and skin care so that it is easy to see and use.
  • Keep track of what I use daily, and make sure to rotate unused items in as I “hit pan”.
  • I have cosmetics spatulas like these to help scoop out any liquids/gels that are stubbornly clinging to the sides of bottles and jars.
  • I will also be cleaning my makeup brushes more often. Some of them I’ve used very vivid colors, and they really need a deep cleaning before I use them again.

I will not be purchasing any new:

  • Perfumes/Body Sprays/EDT
  • Face Wash
  • Exfoliants
  • Masks
  • Serums
  • Eye creams
  • Lotions (I don’t use lotion too often to start with)
  • Body Wash

Things I will be purchasing:

  • Shampoo and Conditioner- With three people in my house, we go through a bottle of each about once a month. I’ll be using my free $10 from CVS Care Pass each month, combined with deals and Extra Care Bucks offers, to buy Shampoo and conditioner. Hopefully, I’ll get some good deals and be able to stock up and not have to use my $10 on hair care products each month. I currently have 3 bottles of shampoo and no conditioner in my stockpile.
  • Deodorant: I use a specific type of deodorant, and it’s not on sale very often, so I usually only buy 1 stick at a time. Upside- a stick lasts 3-4 months. If I see it on sale, I might buy 2.

Talk Back: Have you ever done anything like this before?

 

Where do I find good, quality freebies?

Abby H.

I’m always on the lookout for good, quality freebies. What I mean by that is items that have value. Not just monetarily, but items that I will use. That can be anything from free food to a brand new washing machine and dryer.

A lot of of the freebie programs I have used in the past are no longer around (Example Tryit berged with Influenster), so those are not included in my list; however, here are some that I use today and recommend to others.

This list does not include rebate apps or anything where there is any sort of out-of-pocket where you are reimbursed later.

JCPenney All-Star advisors: While this program is around, I don’t think they are currently accepting any new members. I couldn’t find any info online about how to sign up or join their waiting list.

Home Tester Club is pretty cool. They are one of my new favorites. You sign up to review items, and they send you something. A lot of the time, they don’t notify you prior to shipping. you’ll get a package in the mail, and a few days later, you’ll get an email notifying you that you were selected and a link to the survey to complete once you have sampled the product. I’ve received all sorts of great skincare, cosmetics, food, and clothing from Home Tester Club.

Tryazon: The kids and I have been participating in Tryazon events for 5-ish years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, organizational products, and food.

Influenster: To get all of the products and free stuff offered by Influenster, you have to download the app.  When they send an offer for a free product, you have to jump on it right away. Their offers go fast! I’ve gotten clothing, cosmetics, perfume, and household appliances through Influenster.

Ripple Street: this company rebranded recently and was previously known as House Party. You can learn about them here. 

Smiley360  is a Word of Mouth (WOM) marketing website. Sign up for campaigns and you will receive samples to use, and coupons to share with friends. Report your sharing and earn points! I’ve received Laundry detergent (full-sized bottles), vitamins, supplements, tampons, and razors in the past.

If you are looking for apps or companies that offer 100% rebates on food, check my post here.

Talk back: What is your favorite website for getting free stuff?

New TopCashback Members Score $15 to Spend at Sephora!

Abby H.

This deal is FIRE.

I saw it last night on TikTok, and after some research, it’s totally legit.

If you are not a TopCashback member, you are in luck. TopCashback is a rebate site that I’ve been using for years.

When you shop online, search for the retailer, click the link, and shop. You’ll receive cashback on your purchase. Amounts/percentages vary by retailer.   TopCashBack is free to join and can be used with over 4,000 stores!

For this $15 offer, follow these steps:

  • Create your NEW account with an email and password; then confirm your email address right away.
  • Click on the “Get Cashback” or “Get Offer Now” button and it’ll take you to Sephora so you can shop for all your favorite items (not valid on gift cards).

To get the most from this deal, I suggest checking out the “Beauty Under $20” and the “Sale & Clearance” sections. There are so many great choices.

It’ll take about 15 days or so for your TopCashBack account to be credited. Once your account has been credited, you can cash out your rebate.

I do most of my shopping online through TopCashBack and earn about $200/year. I cash out for PayPal or Target Giftcards.

To get started, click here. 

Sephora: New Birthday Freebies for 2022!

Abby H.

The 2022 Birthday Gifts from Sephora have arrived! And this year they are awesome!  Choose a mini set from Laura Mercier, amika, Tatcha, or Olaplex. While supplies last.*

I’m most excited about the Laura Mercier mini set, and my birthday is next month, so I’ll be posting more birthday freebies as they start to arrive in my inbox!

*Beauty Insiders are eligible to redeem one birthday gift per year. Redeem in Sephora US and Canada stores, on sephora.com and sephora.ca, in Sephora at Kohl’s stores, on kohls.com, and at Sephora Inside JCPenney Stores. Gift selection may vary at Sephora Inside JCPenney. Must provide Beauty Insider email address at the time of redemption. No purchase is necessary for in-store redemption. Merchandise purchase required for online redemption. Redeem two weeks before or after your birthday or any time during your birthday month. Offer not valid on jcp.com. If you are having problems redeeming online, please contact customer service at sephora.com/contact-us. A birthday gift is provided “as is”. Substitutions may occur. Valid while supplies last. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora at its sole discretion at any time.