As a beauty lover, the only thing more satisfying than trying a new product or brand is the feeling of finishing up a makeup product. For makeup lovers with large collections, Project Pans are an amazing tool to help control spending and minimize waste by encouraging beauty consumers to use what we already own. In today’s post, I’m sharing my responses to the Project Panner tag.

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1. How long have you been project panning?

I started project panning in April 2018 with my first attempt at Pan that Palette. During that yearlong project, I attempted to hit pan on every shade in my beloved Master Palette by Mario! However, I started tracking my beauty inventory and empties in 2016.

2. What made you decide to start panning? What did you hope to get out of it?

I started participating in project pans for three reasons:

1. Spend less money on makeup & go on a No Buy
2. Reduce the size of my collection / use up what I owned
3. Understand how long it takes to use up makeup items

Ultimately, I hoped that Project Panning would help me to reshape the way I approached spending on beauty products. Online shopping is addictive. Moreover, makeup collecting and makeup addiction are serious problems.

3. How do you like to structure your project pans? Short seasonal projects, year-long rolling projects, or something else?

Although I love keeping up with others’ short seasonal projects, I only participate in yearlong or rolling projects. First, rolling projects keep me more motivated to continue making progress on long term items in my project. Second, my goal with most projects is to use up items. Therefore, I like to participate in projects where finishing an item is a feasible goal.

4. What are your favorite ways to track your progress?

I typically only track progress through via photos rather than weight or tally marks. In fact, you can follow along with my 20 in 2020 project here. However, I wish I owned a mini scale to weigh my products with opaque packaging.

5. What products have been the EASIEST for you to pan?

Overall, base or complexion products such as primer, foundation, and concealer are typically easier for me to finish than powder products. Additionally, whether I’m ‘formally’ panning or not, I usually finish 1-2 lipglosses and mascaras every year.

6. What products have been the HARDEST for you to pan?

Powder products are the hardest for me to pan. In particular, cheek products (blush, bronzer, highlighter), and matte eyeshadows are difficult. Not only do I struggle with hitting pan, but I’ve only finished one metallic eyeshadow, matte bronzer, and shimmery blush in my entire life.

7. Are there any types of products that you rarely or never put in a project pan?

I never include blush within my projects. Also, I *rarely* include haircare or skincare. Typically, I do not struggle to finish personal care items unless I experience an allergic reaction.

8. Do you pan skincare or body care, or strictly makeup?

Prior to 2019, I included skincare and body care in my projects. However in 2019 I began to exclusively focus on panning makeup. As stated above, personal care items are easier for me to finish. In contrast, makeup remains a struggle to use up. Nevertheless, I still track my skincare and body care empties.

9. What is your #1 advice for a successful project pan?

In the Project Panning community there is a term called, ‘Hate Panning.’ A hate pan is an attempt to use up a product that you hate. Don’t do it.

First, hate panning may make you feel less motivated to follow through with the project. Second, you’ll likely hate how your makeup comes out. Third, makeup you love will sit untouched.

Also, a bonus piece of advice: pick manageable products. Aside from hate panning, new project panners often make the mistake of choosing too many challenging products. For example, even with daily usage, blush and bronzer are difficult to hit pan on (let alone use up). Similarly, eyeshadow palettes are difficult to pan.

Therefore, avoid choosing only products that require steady, long-term effort. Instead, new project panners should try including a mix of challenging products and ‘gimme’ products in projects.

10. Has panning affected your makeup purchasing habits? If so, how?

Initially, project panning was a helpful tool during my No Buys. However, in the last year, my spending spiraled out of control despite actively tracking the products I use up. In fact, sometimes panning products enables me to justify new purchases more easily.

Want to Participate?

I’m tagging anyone who wants to do the Project Panner Tag!

Final Thoughts on the Project Panner Tag

Project Panning is one of the most oddly satisfying things for a makeup lover like myself. First, I love seeing my products getting used. Second, I feel less wasteful. Third, whenever I finish another product I feel like I’ve accomplished something.

Therefore, I knew I had to participate in the Project Panner Tag when I saw this tag going around YouTube. Watching and reading about other project panner’s journeys helps keep me motivated with my own projects.

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Have you participate in a Project Pan before? Would you ever consider participating in a Project Pan? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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