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? 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 :)