Why I Practice BOTH Project Pan & Project Play
If you’ve been in the beauty community for a while, you’ve probably heard of Project Pan and Project Play. At first, they sound like complete opposites, but after looking at my own skincare habits, I realized I naturally do both.
🩷 Project Pan is all about intentionally finishing products before replacing them. It helps reduce waste, saves money, and gives you enough time to decide if something is truly worth repurchasing. This is how I approach my skincare staples because I want to see real, long-term results instead of jumping from product to product.
💜 Project Play is the fun side of skincare. It’s about enjoying your collection, rediscovering products you’ve forgotten about, trying new launches, and rotating products without feeling guilty. As someone who reviews skincare, this is an important part of what I do.
For me, the sweet spot is a hybrid approach.
My daily essentials, like cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer, eye cream, sunscreen, and Vitamin C are products I try to finish before opening another similar product.
When it comes to new releases, masks, specialty serums, and products I’m reviewing, that’s where Project Play comes in. It allows me to educate, compare products, and share honest experiences without taking the fun out of skincare.
One thing I won’t do is force myself to finish treatment products just because they’re open. Products like tretinoin, exfoliating acids, azelaic acid, and copper peptides should always be used based on your skin’s needs, not just to empty the bottle.
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t to own the most skincare, it’s to use what I already have with intention, make smarter purchasing decisions, and keep my skin healthy along the way.
💬 Which describes you better?
🩷 Project Pan
💜 Project Play
🤎 A little bit of both (like me!)
Save this post for later if you’re trying to build a more intentional skincare routine!
When balancing a skincare routine that includes both Project Pan and Project Play, I've found that tracking progress is a game changer. For me, taking photos of products as they get emptier is more than just satisfying; it’s a visual reminder of my consistency and the intentional use of my skincare. It also helps gauge how long products last in real life, making repurchasing decisions smarter. Incorporating Project Pan means I focus on finishing daily essentials like my cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen before opening new ones. This approach has enabled me to truly evaluate their long-term effectiveness on my skin, helping avoid the trap of constantly chasing the next best product without seeing lasting results. It also cuts down on unnecessary waste and clutter, which feels so good both environmentally and financially. On the other hand, Project Play introduces a refreshing element of fun and exploration. Trying new masks, specialty serums, and launches keeps my skincare routine exciting and allows for honest reviews — something I deeply value as someone passionate about skincare education. I rotate these fun products in and out without guilt, knowing my staples are still prioritized. Importantly, I never force myself to finish treatment products like tretinoin or exfoliating acids if my skin doesn’t need them at the moment. Skin health must always come first, and using treatments based on current skin needs over finishing bottles blindly is a simple but crucial rule I follow. Overall, this hybrid method has transformed my routine into a more mindful, enjoyable, and sustainable experience. It combines the best of both worlds: the discipline of Project Pan and the joy of Project Play. For anyone aiming for healthier skin and smarter skincare choices, embracing this balance can make all the difference. Don’t rush — celebrate each empty product and every new discovery along your skincare journey!
