A Small Town Girl's Confessions

Hi lovelies!! I know this blog has been quite and off the radar and I apologize for that! I'm looking to get back into blogging and touching base more often... but... I'm going to be doing that on a new blog!  This blog will still be here with all of my old content, but all of my new stuff will be on ASmallTownGirlsConfessions.blogspot.com.  I will continue to do all of the same blogs regardng beauty products but am hoping to cover much more!  It's a learning process and I'm just starting, so please be patient with me! As always, any comments or suggestions about blogs are always welcome! 

Please come find me at the following social media platforms!:

Twitter: @ASTGConfessions

Instagram: ASmallTownGirlsConfessions

Email: asmalltowngirlsconfessions@gmail.com

Talk to you soon lovelies!!

xoxo

My favorite Dry Shampoos

Alright, so last week I talked about the dirty hair challenge that I did the week before.  Don't worry, I was still showering, just trying to see how long I could go without finally breaking down and washing my hair. We all know what they say, the less you wash your hair the better it is for your hair.  I have always known that, but for a really long time I was washing my hair pretty much every day.  Knowing this is bad for my hair, I have been trying to be better.  During this time I have discovered two of my favorite dry shampoos.  It definitely has been a search and I have tried a few, but these are the ones that I have decided are my holy grail items.

If you look in my hair products, you will always see at least one of these, if not both.  My current loves are the Suave' Dry Shampoo and Batiste Dry Shampoo.  I think it shows how much I love these products by saying that both of these are empty and I am on new bottles! I am currently using the Batiste original and the one pictured above are the dark & deep brown version.  I wanted to try this one because my biggest complaint about dry shampoo is the white cast that you can sometimes get with dry shampoo and the dark & deep brown one is tinted brown and you don't get that with this one.  However, I still love any of the Batiste ones!

Now here's the thing that I love about these products, it doesn't take much to get results and it last all day! Some products work when you're at home and when you style you're hair and then through the day you just end up still looking like a grease monkey.  I actually feel that this product will help you as the day goes on and your hair produces oil, the produce will absorb it and keep your style looking great all day!! 

Don't get me wrong, you can go over board with this and end up looking like a old grey haired lady! Slowly add product, let the product sit and then rub it in.  If you need more, add a little more and just continue the steps until you feel you've achieved the look you want.  If you know you're not washing your hair the next day, you can even spray in a little in before you head to bed 

I know that there are some people who swear by some big fancy name product, but I am a firm believer that it's not the price tag that matters, it's if the product works! Now, don't get me wrong, I love when the product works and it's something that I can get from the drug store.  I find both of these dry shampoos at the drug store.  I know Batiste can be a little difficult to find, but I find it at Ulta, CVS, and Walgreens.

Next time you're at the drug store, definitely try one of these out!  I love them and know you will too!!!

Dirty Hair Challenge

I am and have always been the person who showers every morning.. and yes, I must admit that included washing my hair.  I know, I know … that’s soo bad for your hair.  It’s a horrible cycle, you wash your hair because it’s becoming greasy, but it’s becoming greasy so often because you wash it often.  Over the past little bit I have been trying to become better.  I must also say, me attempting to become better has also been because of the mass increase of dry shampoos, even drug store product lines are jumping on the bandwagon!  So, having access to affordable, good quality dry shampoos has helped!!

I was playing around on the internet a few days ago and came across an online article (click here to read the article) about the Dirty Hair Challenge.  The article talked about how people had been challenged to go an entire week without washing their hair.  Don’t worry, they were still able to shower, just no cleansing of the hair.  This seemed interesting and definitely doable.  Especially since I was trying to not wash my hair as often.  So.. I decided to try this!!

This is where I must share with you that a filed as a blogger … I only have pictures of the final day’s hair style.  Somehow over the week, I lost the photos of the hair from previous days.  The best I can do is explain what I did.  Nothing was fancy, so I’m sure you can get the picture.

Sunday night – I started off the week with my shower on Sunday night.  During this shower I made sure to take extra care to ensure that I removed all build up on my hair.  Don’t want to be starting off the week with buildup already!  I put my hair up in a top knot to sleep in while it was still wet and headed to bed.

Monday – When I woke up, my hair was dry at the roots but still damp at the ends that had been wrapped up in the top knot.  This is nice because it helps with adding volume to you hair because of the way the strands of hair dries.  Also, because the hair had started to dry while wrapped up in a top knot, there is a nice bit a wave and volume to you hair.  After I finished my make up, I took down my hair, sprayed a tiny bit of dry shampoo at the ends and used my blow dryer to finish drying my hair.  This didn’t take much and still left a bit of wavy-ness to my hair.  I twisted my bangs back, added a little hair spray to tame the little hair that always seems to fly away and I was good to go!

Tuesday – This day I knew was going to be a busy one for me at work, so I just wanted something simple with not fussy.  I twisted back my bangs and then pulled all my hair back in a ponytail.  Nothing fancy, but it worked to keep my hair out of my face during the day.

Wednesday – this day’s hair style I found on Pinterest and then I just added a little twist (click here to visit the website), I've included the picture below of where I got the idea. This style reminds me of something my mom use to do to me when I was younger.  I pulled the first 1/3 of my hair back, twisted the hair tie over itself. I think pulled back the next 1/3 including the pony tail from the first one, and twisted the hair tie again.  Then I pulled the last 1/3, including the pony tail from the first, this was all of my hair pulled back, turned the hair tie over itself.  I finally twisted the pony tail into a bun and secured it with bobby pins.  I’ve included a picture below that I was able to find on Pinterest, it’s hard to explain.

Thursday – The final day.  I had to cut the week short because on Friday I have a going away party to go to and I want to have fresh, clean hair.  This day I just did a simple sock bun.  See pictures below.  I used a teasing comb to add a little volume framing my face so my hair wasn't pulled tight to my face.  Love this simple and easy updo!

Now it’s your turn.  I challenge you … can you go a week without washing your hair?! … Here are a few tips the I learned over the week.

1. Find yourself some good dry shampoo.  Without dry shampoo, this week wouldn’t have been possible.  I tried out a few new this week and am getting ready to do a review on the few I have tried … You’ll also see some dry shampoo bottles making an appearance in an upcoming empties blog!
2. Make sure that you aren't giving yourself a white cast with you dry shampoo.  After you’ve given some time for the dry shampoo to work, run your hands through your hair and rub in the dry shampoo.  This helps it do its job and rub in any excess you may have.
3.  If you have dark hair and the normal white dry shampoo is just too much, investigate in finding some dry shampoo made especially for dark hair.  This type of shampoo has a brown tone instead of the white tone.
4. Unless your hair craves products, try to avoid adding too many products.  You’re not washing your hair for an extended period of time, so you won’t be removing any of the product and it will just add to the buildup.
5. On the subject of buildup – if you are going to attempt this challenge, make sure you do a good cleansing of your hair when you are done.  Just to make sure you remove any buildup that has accumulated.
6.   Using your blow dryer after you have applied some dry shampoo but before you style your hair can add some volume and shine when your hair starts to look drab.
7.  Remember, most second (or third, fourth…) day hair tends to hold style a little better. Style that hair and gets some great volume and staying power.  I unfortunately have to get over the feeling of second day hair before I will be able to take advantage of this benefit!!
8. Avoid any hair styles that have the front part of your hair, the section framing your face, flat against your head.  This will bring attention to the dirty/greasiness of your hair.  Another excuse to add volume!!

Products I've Used Up #2

It's that time again!  Time to finally get ride of the garbage I have been hording next to my vanity.  I swear someone is going to turn me in for hording!  But, that day hasn't come, yet, so lets get to it!!

 TRESemme' 24 Hour Body Healthy Volume

I have been using this product for years.  It's the kind of product that I just keep buying and usually have at least one back up waiting in. It's a great product.  I can definitely tell the extra moisture in my hair and can tell the difference when I switch to a different conditioner.  Every so often  I have to use something different because my hair kinda figures it out and doesn't seem to work.  When this happens I usually try something new or different and most the time when that happens I end up going back as soon as I use up the bottle.  Definitely one my holy grail products.

Mary Kay ClearProof Blemish Control Toner

This is a repackaged version of one that I had mentioned in my last Products I've Used Up post.  I always get nervous when my everyday products get either repackaged or reformulated because I worry that they will change the actual product.  So, when I saw this one had been change I was nervous I wouldn't love it as much as I use to.  Thankfully I didn't even notice a difference!  It appears that it is the same exact product just in a different package.  What I love is that it isn't the super harsh irritating feeling that some toners have.  I have very sensitive skin and have a hard time finding a toner that doesn't cause my face to freak out and when I found this I was so happy.  

If you are interested in trying any of the Mary Kay Products I mention, email mcalcaterra@marykay.com

Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream

I have the worst problems with dry skin, especially on my hands.  I am constantly on the hunt to find a moisturizer that can keep my hands and cuticles hydrated, especially during the harsh winter months!  I got a little sample of this lotion about a year ago and since then it has been one of those products that I almost always have a back up in my closet so that I never run out.  The consistency is close to a cream, nothing too heavy and isn't greasy when you apply it.  I have a container of this at my desk and use it during the day.  The thing that always drove me crazy was when I would apply lotion at work and go to pick up a pen to write and the lotion has cause my hands to be too greasy I can't hold the pen. I don't have that problem with this lotion.

Mary Kay Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover

I talked about this in my last Products I've Use Up blogs, this is just the old packaging and the last blog pictured the new packaging.  I have been using for probably over 8 years!  It's more than great.  It is an oil free product but still has the ability to take off that pesky waterproof mascara WITHOUT PULLING ON YOUR EYES!!! I would highly highly recommend trying this! 

Revlon Colorstay Whipped in 250 Medium Beige

This is one of two foundations that I have in this blog.  I have been trying to use up some foundations I have in my collection because I know it's not good to be holding on to them for long.  I am guilty for wanting to try the new foundation and see if I love it any more than the last one I was using.  This foundation is a more towards the full coverage foundation.  I find that it is a good winter foundation because it tends to be a little heavier and during the summer sometimes it can be too heavy.  I would definitely purchase this again.  Something to keep in mind though is this product tends to be a little on the lighter tone side of things.  I thing this is the only foundation that I really ventured into the darker names of beige.  Just keep that in mind...

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Make Up in 30 Buff

I recently spoke about this foundation in my a Rediscovered Product blog.  I think that this foundation has been a staple in my collection for years! I honestly think that I first started using this foundation when I was in college.  It is on the higher price for a drug store foundation but I definitely think it is worth it.  I always find myself going back to this foundation.  What I like about this foundation is A - how it feels on my skin.  It is so smooth and makes me skin feel so nice and B - it is so easy to build up.  I would classify this as more of a medium coverage foundation but you can build it up into a full coverage look if it's needed.

Power Volume Collagen

Not only would I repurchase this, I already have.  When I can sense that the mascara is starting to be used up I purchase a back up so that I am never without this mascara.  There are many things I like about this product, where to start?  The brush is great, it really gets in there to not only separate your lashes but get the product evenly applied to your lashes.  I don't ever notice this product flaking off during the day but it isn't hard to get off at night.  I always layer my mascaras and I always apply this one last and it never clumps up and even works to un-clump any previous mascaras.

Almay One Coat Get Up and Grow

This mascara was my holy grail product until I discovered Power Volume Collagen.  This was a mascara that I couldn't live without.  The brush is super nice and with there being lots of bristles you can really get in there and separate the lashes.  I would definitely re-purchase this product.  I have yet to repurchase it only because I am trying to use up the ones I have. 

Rimmel Fix & Product Face Primer in 002

This was the first time that I have used this product and I tried it because I have heard things about it.  This product definitely lived up to the hype!  This is your normal primer with a creamy color to it, but when you apply it to your face it has no color.  The product feels so good when you apply it and doesn't feel greasy!! One day, and not on purpose, I forgot to apply primer before my foundation and I could definitely tell the difference throughout the day.  By the end of the day I could definitely tell my foundation was starting to break down and not last as long.  I would and already have definitely repurchase this product. 

If you are interested in any of the products I've listed above I have created a Luvocracy collection for them - click here to check it out!! 

**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **

Tips & Tricks #7 - Nails

Nail Whitening Tips

Whitening Toothpaste – Take a toothbrush, apply a whitening toothpaste and scrub your nails. If your nails are really stained, you may need to do this a few times.  Try to get the toothpaste that is white instead of blue or green and toothpaste with baking soda is even better!!

Lemon Juice & Baking Soda – Mix lemon juice (squeezed from half of a lemon) and mix in baking soda until it reaches a gritty paste like texture.  Take a toothbrush and scrub your nails.  Rise and repeat until the stains have been removed.  Keep in mind you may want to wait if you have any cuts, the acidity of the lemon juice may be pretty uncomfortable. 

3% Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda – Mix together hydrogen peroxide and baking soda until you get a paste-like texture. Apply the mixture to your nails and let it sit for about three minutes and then rinse it off. 

Tips & Tricks #6 - Hair

Keep your bobby pins in place - Spray your bobby pins with hair spray or dry shampoo. Allow them to dry before using them into your hair.

Put your bobby pins in the right way - Put bobby pins in wavy side down! The wavy part grabs onto the hair and the flat part pushes it down, keeping the pin in longer and more secure.

Use a wide tooth comb - Avoid combing the tangles out of wet hair with a paddle brush, use a wide-tooth comb to get those tangles out instead. The comb doesn't tug and pull at your hair like a regular brush, so it safely and easily removes tangles with less damage. If you have issues with major tangles, leave comb in the shower, and while you still gave conditioner in your hair run the comb through your hair to remove any stubborn tangles.

Clogging up the drain with hair when you shower? Instead of just jumping into the shower, stop a second and run a brush trough your hair first. The brush will catch the majority of the hair that usually runs down the drain.

Tame your fly aways by spraying a tooth brush with hair spray and run the tooth brush over the areas where you have issues with fly aways.

Tuesday TIps & Tricks #5 - Expiration Dates

Make sure to educate yourself on the shelf life of the make up you are using.  Keeping in mind that everything you are using has a shelf life and ensure that you're tossing old make up when you should... This is a good reason to not keep lots of open containers of fast expiring products around.  You don't want to be throwing away money on expired make up ... no one's got time for that!!

I found this neat little chart at MakeUp.com -  It's a great blog, definitely check it out!!