Why Not Wednesday? Garnier Clean + Skin Care

Okay, okay, so I talk about my skin a lot. I also talk about my journey to find makeup and skin care products I truly like. As you know, I was a loyal one brand user. At some time my trusty brand was no longer making the cut as the prices climbed higher and higher. Makeup I've had tremendous success replacing once loved products with a new brand. Skin care?? That's an entirely different story. Cross between being a skin care product snob and extremely sensitive, I had troubles. I had to be cautious and read every label.

My skin is combo/oily. The oily spots mostly on my chin and TZone. I have facial redness and larger pores around the nose area.

I had seen the commercials for the Garnier Clean + line, and somehow received a sample of the blackhead eliminating scrub. I do not have a lot of blackheads, but I do have deep pores which I felt with other cleaners, did not become totally clean. I read several reviews and did my research on the product. This product does contain salicylic acid, but only at 2% (lower than most). The surprise ingredient that has never been on my face or in a facial product I've used before- Charcoal. Because of charcoals detoxifying properties, it is a great cleanser! The salicylic acid and charcoal draws out and absorbs dirt and grime from your pores. Intriguing.

 I thought Why not? and ripped open the little sample packet.

 It's a gel formula with exfoliating granules which washes and rinses easily. Standard washing procedure: wet hands, lather, scrub face, and rinse.  I read some reviews where consumers used an exfoliating brush as well and had not so great experiences. I am guessing the exfoliating granules combined with the brush was too harsh on the skin. In those cases, it did cause ski irritation and redness.

I patted my face dry, and it felt incredibly cleaner.No irritation, no redness.I was impressed! The next morning my face still felt incredibly clean. I headed to my local WalMart and purchased the full size bottle. It was only $5.97 nearly a quarter of the price of my previous cleanser.

A week later I am using this product, and still in love! No dryness or itchy patches from the extended use of salicylic acid. My pores do seem to be reducing in size or not as prominent before. Definitely recommended if you are looking for an affordable, non-abrasive exfoliant.

This is readily available at any local store where health and beauty products are sold! Check it out!
What?! Get your free sample here!!
Orrrrrrrr, a FREE sample here!

This link will take you directly to the Granier page. :)

Speaking of charcoal. I came across this picture sometime ago. I absolutely love this picture, and love Ms. Audrey. Enjoy :)

Why Not Wednesday? The Great Swiffer Debate

It is definitely an almost Thursday, Why not Wednesday?. After a long day of work, I was able to get my hair colored- which is desperately needed. I come home to no electric and down trees in the back yard...
I didn't think I was going to make my Wednesday commitment.

We are a Swiffer family. I use my Swiffer mop almost on the daily. It's especially handy if you have critters (or children) in the home. The Swiffer mop is my go to should I need to clean up any quick messes. Light weight, inexpensive, and easy to use. However, I always struggle choosing which "swiffer" pads to buy. Name brand, off brand, no brand? Well, I've bought four different kinds, with four different results. Why not? My conclusion is at the end.

Subject #1: Swiffer Wet Mop Refills w/ Febreeze 24 count: $7.97 ($.0.33 a piece)
Pros: Smells wonderfully, streak free, cleans messes easily.
Cons: Dries out quickly causing you to use more cloths for larger areas

Subject #2: Grime Boss Wet Mop Refills: 32 count: $6.97 ($0.21 a piece)
Pros: Fresh scent, streak free, scrubbing strip for hard to get up messes
Cons: Difficult to find in store, usually sold out

Subject# 3: DG Home Deep Cleaning Pads: 12 count: $4.65 ($0.38 a piece)
Pros: N/A
Cons: Dries out quickly, falls apart easily, streaky, left sticky film over entire surface!!!
MOST expensive per cloth

Subject #4: Family Dollar Wet Mop Refills: 12 count: $4.50 ($0.37 a piece)
Pros: Remains moist longer than competitors, cleans messes easily
Cons: Not the best bang for your buck

My choice? Definitely the Grime Boss. Bonus? It's the most cost effective choice. I guess it was a clear sign, when 9 times out of 10, my local store is sold out! I prefer the Febreeze sent, but will to sacrifice for higher quality. Click here to view online!

And... my blog wouldn't be complete with out some laughter.

What the what?

Have you met those people who when you ask what is your favorite band, song, book, movie, food, etc. it is always changing?Yeah... that's me. I blame it on my desire and need to always learn or explore something new.

Our HR team recently sent out a questionnaire for an activity on an upcoming call. Most of the questions were about you: siblings, hobbies, the basics. I had NO problem writing lengthy answers for each, but when I came to the 'favorites' questions...I struggled. This sparked my mind, and I thought Hmmmm.... I would like to track what I am listening or reading right now. What better place to keep this, than my blog. 

What's your book of choice?

Right now you can find "Orange is the New Black" on my nightstand or in my car. Joe and I were browsing the local bookstore, and he brought this to me and insisted I buy. Myself, like many others, watched both seasons on Netflix in two weeks. I have always been intrigued by criminals and the prison system; however; this gives you the other side of the story. The series follows the book, minus all the theatrics for TV. Some names are different, and the names have been changed from the real life people. I will update once I am farther into the book. So far, I would recommend. 

What's playing in your car?

I've always had a dilemma with music. I could never choose just one band or song, and I listen to quite a broad assortment of music. My current obsession?? The Bollywood Workout Station on Pandora. Definitely picked this love up from being in Zumba. I turn this station on, crank up the music, and usually dance all over the place. Great for cleaning house! Check it out. 

What's on your DVR?

Besides my longtime favorite TV shows. You can find a lot of crime documentaries on my DVR right now. Joe laughs (and is concerned) because at any given moment you can find my watching the ID channel. A few shows I regularly watch on the channel: Fatal Attraction, Devil in the Details, and Deadly Devotion. Don't judge me!! 

What's in your fridge or cabinets?

Ooooh. I have on word for you: NUTELLA. I am currently obsessed. Need I say anymore?

Hint: The Aldis version of Nutella is a few dollars cheaper, and I prefer it leaps and bounds to the other. 

I can almost guarantee these will change next month. Stay tuned...

Why Not Wednesday? LA Colors Dual Eye Pencil

If you've read my past posts, then you are well aware of my struggle breaking from a long time loyal brand. If you are also live close to me, you know we recently had a few new stores added to our vast shopping choices. We now have the stores of all stores- a DOLLAR TREE! I told you we were high class.

There's a few products I regularly buy at our dollar stores, but never have I ever ventured toward the makeup aisle. While browsing the store on an end cap, I noticed these dual eye pencils with a pencil sharpener included. So why not?

 I bought one thinking if I'm not crazy about it, its only $1.00, and I would pass it along to my sister who would surely enjoy it. Too bad for her though, I actually liked it. I would even recommend it to other beauty lovers!!

Look for these at your local store!

These little treasures offer one end eyeliner (matte black) and the other an eye shadow ( metallic various colors). However, I used the shadow end as liner and had no issues. They are a chubby pencil, so if you are looking for skinny this wouldn't be ideal. I found 6 color choices at my local store, but only bought 5. I chose not to buy Aquatic, which appeared to be a metallic blue/teal.

Swatch: 1. Black Liner 2. Coffee 3. Tantalize 4. Smokey 5. Bejeweled 6. Black Liner (again)

Questions I ask about eyeliner...

1. Length of wear? I wore it for 9 hours straight at work. At the end of the day, no smears, smudges, or color transfer. When washing my face, I had soak cotton rounds in eye makeup remover and swipe my eyelids multiple times, followed by a full face wash.

2. Application? It is a very, very smooth application. I was surprised  how easy it was to apply! My experience with pencil liners is it takes a little more force for the look I want to achieve.

3. Pigment? These are very pigmented and true to color. Beware: smokey, tantalizing, and bejeweled are very metallic, so go easy if you are not a sparkly person.

5. Price? Extremely affordable at $1.00 a piece, especially since they are dual ended. You're paying for $0.50 for each color?!

6. Recommend? I would recommend for someone who is a lover of eye liner. Plus at a low price, you can pick up the whole collection for less than $7.00!

This Why not Wednesday was successful! Wednesdays to come? Skin care, aroma bead candles, and whatever else sparks my interests. Until next time. :)

9 Hour work day, and eyeliner is still in place!