I first learned about Project Pan in 2025 while doomscrolling on the internet, but only a few people seemed to be doing it back then. However, when I opened my social media in 2026, I started seeing more posts from people saying they were going to take on Project Pan. Personally, I think Project Pan is a great idea, especially since overconsumption is such a big issue these days. One of my goals for 2026 is to reduce overconsumption and only buy things I truly need.

In today’s blog post, I’m going to explain exactly what Project Pan is and how to do it. So, if you want to stop buying things you don’t really need and declutter your home, you’ve come to the right place!

What is Project Pan?

Project Pan originally started as a project focused on the number of beauty products someone owns. The other day, I saw a photo of someone who was planning to do Project Pan this year, and she had at least 10–20 bottles of shower gel alone. In fact, she had around 20 bottles of almost everything and wanted to reduce that.Of course, Project Pan isn’t limited to just beauty products, it can apply to anything you own and want to declutter.

The idea behind Project Pan is simple: you finish one product before buying a new one. Personally, I’ve been doing this my whole life in a way, I’ve never had a lot of extra shower gel bottles. I always buy a new one when my current bottle is almost empty.

You really don’t need 30 bottles of shower gel in your house. First, you probably won’t even use that much in a year, and all beauty and hygiene products have expiration dates. That means some of them will likely expire before you even get the chance to use them, which is basically throwing money away. By sticking to Project Pan, you’ll save money and keep your home less cluttered.

How to do a Project Pan?

Inventarize what you already have

Pick one category to start with, most people begin with beauty and hygiene products. This is because Project Pan originally focuses on these items, but really, you can start with anything. Lay everything out on the floor or a table so you can see exactly how much you have. Once everything is out in the open, you’ll probably be surprised at how much stuff you actually own. Most of the time, we don’t even notice it because it’s tucked away in a closet or drawer.

Ask yourself: what do I actually need?

Now it is time to be honest with yourself. How much do you like the scent of this showergel? How much do you need? If you live alone then you don’t need a lot of showergel, if you have a big family you need more of course. Ask yourself if you have a favorite scent? How much backup do you actually need? When I started to ask myself these kind of questions, I found out what products were my favorites and what products I barely used because I wasn’t a fan. I found out that I like the vanilla, and coconut scent the most. So I kept those.

Use it, Empty it, or Donate it

If you find items that you don’t actually like or won’t be able to finish before their expiration date, you have a few options. First, you can use up what’s left and then throw it away, but I’d only do this if the bottle is already at least half empty. If the bottles are still mostly full, you can also donate them. Organizations like women’s shelters would really appreciate your donations. Just ask around in your area to see where you could drop them off.

Be more mindful

We all love buying new things, especially when we see a good deal, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I often buy my favorite products when they’re on sale. But sometimes we spot a great deal on something we don’t even use. If one of your favorite products is almost empty, then it’s the perfect time to look for a deal. Make sure you avoid impulse buying. I know how hard it can be, sometimes I see a beautiful jar or bottle of body lotion and just want to buy it because it looks pretty and smells amazing. But most of the time, I don’t actually need it.

Photo by Pablo Hernández on Unsplash

The post What is Project Pan (and how to do it)? first appeared on A happy life.

Do you ever feel like you own so many things: makeup, skincare, books, candles, clothes, or even snacks in your pantry, but end up ignoring half of them? I know I do and I am sure I am not alone. In a world where it’s so easy to buy more. We are going from buying one trendy item to the next one. And sometimes we just forget to use and enjoy the things we already own. That’s where Project Pan comes in.

Originally a beauty community challenge, Project Pan has grown into a lifestyle trend: a fun and mindful way to actually use the things you already own instead of constantly chasing the next new thing. It’s about slowing down, reducing waste, and appreciating what’s already in your home. I am definitely loving this ‘trend’.

What is Project Pan?

Project Pan is a self-imposed challenge where you commit to finishing or making progress on the items you already have. The term “pan” started with makeup, referring to the shiny bottom of a product pan once you’ve used it up. But today, people apply the same mindset to all kinds of possessions.

It can mean:

• Reading unread books from your shelf
• Burning through your candle collection
• Wearing the clothes you already own more often
• Using skincare and beauty products before buying new ones
• Finishing snacks or teas in your kitchen before opening more

The goal isn’t to deprive yourself—it’s about being intentional, mindful, and getting joy out of the things you once loved enough to bring home. It is also about not buying too many things while we still have enough of a similar item at home.

Tips to Start Your Own Project Pan

1. Choose a Category

Start small. Pick one area of your life—makeup, books, candles, or clothes. This keeps it fun and manageable.

2. Set Clear Goals

Your goals can be flexible:

• Finish a specific product (like a lotion or candle)
• Use an item a certain number of times (like wearing a dress 10 times)
• Make progress (like reading halfway through your TBR pile)

3. Track Your Progress

Take photos, keep a checklist, or journal your experience. Seeing how far you’ve come keeps you motivated and makes it satisfying.

4. Stay Flexible

Don’t force yourself to use something you truly dislike. If it doesn’t bring you joy or doesn’t work for you anymore, it’s okay to donate, gift, or recycle it. Project Pan is about mindful use, not guilt.

5. Limit New Purchases

Pair Project Pan with a no-buy or low-buy period. For example, promise yourself you won’t buy another candle until you’ve finished two from your collection. Only buy new things when your nail polish bottle or perfume bottle is empty. The good thing is that this project pan will also help you to save more money.

6. Celebrate Your Wins

Every finished product, worn outfit, or read book is an accomplishment. Celebrate the little wins and enjoy the process.

💬 Final Thoughts

Project Pan is more than a challenge. it’s a mindset shift. It’s about valuing what you already have instead of always searching for more. Whether you’re finishing a lipstick, finally burning that fancy candle, or making progress on your book stack, you’ll find a sense of satisfaction in actually using your things. I think in the end you will become more intentional about the things you are buying. A lot of people buy things because they are trending, but if you commit to project pan you will become aware of the things/products you actually like.

So look around your home—what could you start “panning” today?

Photo by pmv chamara on Unsplash

The post What Is Project Pan? A Beginner’s Guide first appeared on A happy life.