There's Always Tomorrow.

I have always been an advocate for skin care. I'm not knocking those who just use soap and water on your face, because lets face it (see what I did there?)... you are still washing your face. In my younger years, I was HORRIBLE for not washing my makeup off at night. I thought, ehh, I will do it in the morning. Now, as I see my skin aging and changing every day, I would not DARE to even THINK about sleeping in my my makeup.  I would even lecture Holly Golighty because she doesn't wash her makeup off before bed either.

Did you ever think about the effects of sleeping in your makeup? No... let me share some facts with you. One night may not harm you, but repeat offenders could be causing irreversible damage to your skin.

• Makeup attracts free radicals which can break down the collagen in your skin causing more prominent fine lines. Your skin rebuilds over night, and by sleeping in your makeup, your interrupting the process. WRINKLES
• Makeup clogs your pores. Your poor little pores are clogged overnight, and then in the morning, you wake up with pimples on the day of your huge presentation. One night won't hurt, but over time your pores become more and more clogged. ACNE
•  Liquid foundations and oil-based primers are the worst offenders. These heavy products sink into your pores, and they become impacted. Coupled with collagen breakdown, your pores overtime don't shrink back to their normal size. LARGE PORES
• When sleeping in mascara, the product becomes dry and flaky. This could cause eye irritation, but when you rub those flaky eyes, you could be pulling out your eyelashes! SPARSE LASHES

Wrinkles and Acne, and Large Pores. Oh MY! (Don't forget sparse lashes!!)

Since we all learn differently, I've added a visual as well. This is my make-up remover cloth after wiping down my face. This... was a light day of makeup- minimal contouring, minimal shadow/mascara, and mineral powder foundation. Look at all the product that could be causing damage to my skin!! Also, those shadows and that activity tracker are new and current faves. I'm sure they'll make a blog appearance again.

 On the other hand...
I've had quite the challenging past week or so. Life has beat me up, and there were times that I could just hide under the covers. At the end of the day, I could come home, wash my face, and feel a million times better. I swear there is some therapeutic value for me. No matter how crappy, how terrible, or how demanding a day could be washing my face reminds me there is always tomorrow. Call me crazy, but I swear it is a small reminder that everything will be okay. I can wash away today and be ready for a brand new tomorrow.

Here's my challenge to you. If you are already an avid face washer, kudos! If not, force yourself to wash your makeup off 5 consecutive nights in a row. I promise you won't regret it!!

Now, I've already washed my face, wrote you a quick blog, and drank my sleepytime tea. Sweet dreams clean faces!

Why not? Wednesday and a Giveaway!!!: Shimmer Eye Shadows and Primers

This Why Not Wednesday has been in the works for a while. Mostly because as you will notice, I've tried a fair share of products to find my favorite one(s).

I am a HUGE fan of cream eye shadows. I know some of you will cringe and think the only thing they do is crease. Well I would be lying if I didn't encounter that same problem. After a lot of trial and error, I found some that I really really like. I am not an eyeshadow primer fan. It always feels a little too heavy for my lids, but I do like using a cream as a base. I think it provides a little more 'adhesive' for my shadow. I will use an eye primer if it is a special event, or I know I will be sweating/outside. Here is a review for 8 total I've tried and definitely listed in order. My favorites... all come from e.l.f. which means they are extremely affordable.

8. e.l.f. Glitter Primer: This is thick, and I really didn't see any glitter flakes. It dries extremely chalky and left a white residue on my lids. There is no evident staying power as indicated in an eyeshadow primer. It was originally bought on a whim since I found it at our local Dollar Tree for $1.00. You can purchase this online for $2.00 on e.l.f.'s website. Eye Glitter Primer

7. Hard Candy Eye's the Limit Shadow Primer: This is creamier and thinner than the primer mentioned above. It was included in a gift set I received for Christmas, so no harm done in trying it out. I couldn't get this to dry. It remained tacky, and my shadow creased like crazy. I tried it with glitter, matter, satin, and any other shadow you could imagine. You can only find this at WalMart for $5.00. Eye's the Limit

6. Maybelline Color Tattoo: This is the only *matte* base I own. I also found this at our local Dollar Tree hence why I have a less than ideal color. I really like this to build my crease. It does an amazing job, but I cannot use it as an all over base. The shadow sticks well and keeps it in place. I can't speak to creasing because I used it as a builder. I think I would enjoy these in a different shade. Color Tattoo

5. Mary Kay Cream Eye Color: These are very creamy and work best be used with a concealer type brush. There is a range of colors. I used the lighters ones as an entire base, but also used the darker colors as eyeshadow. They offer nine different colors are a mix of shimmer and matter. These run about $14.00, but I know Cari, my BFF, runs amazing deals and great parties. Shop with her today! Mary Kay Cream Eye Color

4. e.l.f Facial Whip: For $1.00, you can't beat this buy! It is extremely pigmented and multipurpose. I love the glitter power of this product. It makes for a great base shadow. My con, it is very watery, so it can be hard to manage and placement can be a little messy. It dries somewhat quickly; although, I do have to wait for it to dry before applying the next color. It is available in 3 colors. It can be purchased in your local drugstore or online. e.l.f. Facial Whip

3. Mary Kay Cream Highlighter: MK why do you do this to me?! It is DISCONTINUED!!! I would still be using this as my cream base if it wasn't insanely hard to find. This was actually developed to be a cream highlighter. I used it as an all over eyeshadow base.  It is so creamy, just the right amount of shimmer, stays in place, and doesn't crease!!! I can't find a direct link, but there are some on Ebay for sale.. at an inflated price.

2.  e.l.f. Shimmer Palette: This small palette offers four different colors- an icy silver, two pinkish peaches, and a taupe/sand color. These are weightless and smooth. This is another multipurpose makeup product. I mostly use it as an all over eye base, but occasionally as an inner eye corner and nose highlighter. I also really like this if I am going for a somewhat natural look. It's the right amount of sheen. I've not seen this in store, but you can purchase it online. e.l.f. Shimmer Palette

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

1. e.l.f. Smudge Pot: I  LOVE THESE THINGS!!! They are almost identical to the texture of the MK Cream Highlighter mentioned above. These things also DO NOT come off. There is no movement, no creasing,  no smudging (despite the name). There is an assortment of colors and great for a smoky eye- a total of 11. The names are super cute. My favorite color is Ain't that Sweet? It is a pink base, but the glitter flakes are multicolored. When in the sun, it has a holographic, iridescent effect. Gorgeous!! These are $3.00 a pod, which I think is great! Only con- I don't like how these are applied with a brush, and I wish the mouth of the pod was a little wider for accessibility. Local drug stores sell some colors, but for the full range check out online. e.l.f. Smudge Pots

Below are swatches of all the products except #7 and #8.

 

Do you want to add some of these to your collection?! Yes, that's right I am doing a small giveaway!

 

 1. Ain't that Sweet? e.l.f. Smudge Pot

2. Lilac Petal e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip

2. Pink Petal Mary Kay Eye Shadow (sample- LOVE this color!)

3. Beach Bronze Mary Kay Nourishine Gloss (sample- PERFECT for Summer!)

5. Orange Polka Dot Mini Composition Book- Why you ask? This thing is my best friend. I write down all my thoughts, blog ideas, and prayers. Basically anything that pops into my mind. You need to try it! It will make you feel better. 

Though the giveaway small, she is fierce. And FREE!

How to enter? 

Answer the following question- What is your favorite summer product? Comments can be posted on Facebook or Instagram (as the blog link/info will be posted on each site). Please ensure you tag me, so I can validate your entry.

How to win?

The winner will be selected from a random number generator online and notified to obtain mailing information. 

The giveaway will begin tonight Wednesday August 5 2015 and will last through Friday, August 14 2015 at 11:59 PM

No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. One valid entry per person. Prize totals around $6.00. Giveaway is open to US residents ONLY.

Happy entering and best of luck! 

Oh yeah, and if you want to share my post... I would appreciate it. Maybe your friends want to enter too!