Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

Over the past month I have been very diligent about working my way through the overwhelming cacophony of lotions and potions that I have. After incorporating my face things I wonder how I will ever finish. Maybe this is just one of those things that can keep on going forever!

Moving forward I am was on my last bottle of body lotion, FINALLY! When my mother gave me a gift card to Bath & Body Works and they announced a buy three get two free sale shortly after it felt like the universe was trying to tell me something: "Buy more lotion!" I listened and picked up five more bottles of random scents. I hope I like them all, it's hard to get a feel for specific smells when you're in a store immersed in a bouquet of them. Considering I had nothing left (yummy smelling lotion wise) I'm ok with my move and I'm sure I'll be fine for a while. On another note, with the imminent season change are there any scents you are craving in particular?

Check out my progress here.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

And another one bites the dust! I have been continuing with this additional challenge and am slowly but, surely making my way through the heaps and heaps of products I have. It has even gotten to the point where I am running low on lotion. Yes, that's right only a small bottle and a half left. Just when I thought I was going to be able to shop for more lotions via the grocery or drug store (I had my coupons ready to go) my Mom gave me a Bath and Body Works gift card. I guess we all know where I'm going for more when I finally run out... 

Something that I have noticed in my storage space is a an overwhelming amount of facial products. Not makeup but, cleansers, toners, and acne treatments. I think my initial intention of taming my occasional acne problems has gotten a bit out of control and I really need to work on using everything I have before I buy more. Sounds familiar... I'll update the overall list and let you know how it's going.


Check out my progress here.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

I have been keeping on with this personal challenge to use all the products that I have before I run out to the store to buy more. I have developed a preference for bottles (lotion, face wash, etc.) that have pump dispensers. It is such an easy way to keep yourself from over-using things when just a dab will do ya. That being said, it is definitely prolonging the process as I am becoming less and less wasteful. Yay?

On another note, I was a little sad to finish this bottle of Jojoba Oil lotion from Crabtree & Evelyn. The proverbial “they” are not kidding when they said the strongest sense tied to memory is smell. The aroma of that lotion reminds me so much of my grandmother it is out of control. I don’t get to see her that often and it’s always nice to be reminded of her in little ways. What smells make you nostalgic? 

Check out my progress here

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

Do you remember last year for Christmas when I got a million 10 new additions to my product arsenal? After that I was expecting this year to have the same kind of results but, luckily for me that was not the case. All I got was this one bottle of shower gel from my Secret Santa at work. Lucky me?

On another note, I have someone new joining me on my product challenge! Mary from Budget Grad Student will be tackling her own product excess with the hopes that she will be able to use everything and save money. If you are interested in joining us just shoot me an email!

I Complete You Update

I like to smell nice! I swear I have been using other things too I have just gotten very good at not using more than I need. I guess deodarent is one of those things that doesn't get rationed out as stringently or that I wasn't overusing to being with. I would go with that latter...

Check out my updated list here.

Featured: The Budget Babe

My review of findabeautysalon.com was featured on The Budget Babe's Weekly Fashion Link Round Up! Pinch me...

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

It has been a while since I had something to post in this area. I guess in the attempts to be more economical about shopping for clothes it has spilled over into my shopping and use in other areas. I want to get the most I can out of everything I have whether it be clothes, shampoo, soap, or even food and the like and I am finding that a dab (literally and metaphorically) will do you!

This bottle of lotion took particularly long to finish because it was thick dense cocoa butter. It was like the never ending lotion; just when I thought I was finished and gave it the "last" shake it kept on going. There might have even been some left in the bottle that I couldn't get out but, in the end I was ready to move on. 

I also finished another bar of soap, it wasn't as epic.

Check out my updated list here.

Review: FindABeautySalon.com

One of the hardest thing that I have found to resist in my attempts to cut back on spending is group buying websites. LivingSocial, Groupon, and the like all seem to have amazing local deals that you just can't beat! That is, it was hard to resist in the beginning. Now I don't even read the barrage of emails that hits my inbox everyday. I don't care about getting a cheap deal on paintball, bowling, or dinner at some rando restaurant while I'm going through my everyday motions. Maybe I would care about it when I actually wanted to play paintball, go bowling, or the like and by the time the happens the deal is long gone from one site and maybe on to another but, who can keep track of all that in the first place. In the end it seems like more trouble and temptation than it's worth.

When someone bought findabeautysalon.com to my attention I thought it was just like all the others. The first thing that came to mind was: No, I don't need Japanese hair straightening the day after there was a deal for Keratin... seriously I like my hair on my head. After taking a closer look on the website I realize that it was the best thing ever and began to wonder why no one (or I) hadn't thought of it sooner.

findabeautysalon.com is an aggregator! How brilliant is that?! Think Google for beauty deals. So every deal from all over the internet is in one spot for your browsing convenience. Meaning, you don't have to jump on something just because it popped up in your inbox and there is a 5 minute window to seal the deal; there will be another one...

You just plug in your zip code to see if what deals are in your area and take your pick. Most major cities are covered so there shouldn't be any issues finding a mani/pedi or hot stone massage near you!

Right now they are running an amazing giveaway for members who spread the word. They are giving away gift cards everyday and all you have to do to enter is sign up for an account then Facebook, Tweet, and +1 your way to the prize! It couldn't be easier but, I think you deserve that mani/pedi for all your hard work...

*I have received no monetary or in kind compensation from findabeautysalon.com in exchange for this review. I will be entered in a giveaway. The review represents my honest opinion regarding this product and the website.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

Deodorant is expensive in my opinion so when I come across the kind I like to use on sale in a buy two get one free back I jump all over it. I should buy multiples of those too! No wait, that's what got me into this situation...  But, in the end it is more a necessity that 75 bazillion bottles of lotion from Bath & Body Works! I know, I know: I'm just rationalizing...

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

I'm still chiseling away at the mountain of products that I have. I am seeing less and less of those tell tale Bath & Body Works bottles under my bathroom sink (that's where I keep most of the extras). At this point I don't know if I would go into B&BW to purchase my favorite fragrance but, then again maybe I would. Cotton Blossom was a refreshing and crisp scent that I always got compliments on.  

Check out my updated list here.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

It has been a while since some of these types of posts. I have still been cleaning, lotioning, and perfuming myself I guess not as quickly as my list needs me too... or maybe I just have too much stuff. O, wait I think we already established that.

Check out my updated list here!


Don't forget to enter the Orient Watch USA Giveaway!

Giveaway Reminder

This giveaway ends on Thursday March 17, 2011 so there are only a few days left to enter for a chance to win a $150 Perricone MD product of your choosing!! This giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers! Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on THE ORIGINAL POST letting me know what item you would get... There are lots of ways to enter so take advantage of them!! Good luck!

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

No, that's not the same bottle of lotion from last time, just the same company. This one was "grapefruit" scented. I learned I love grapefruits, as in the real fruit to eat not so much the scent of it as a lotion. This one in particular was very spiced, musky, or "medicine-y" as my new boss put it when she asked me not to wear that smell anymore. Yeah, that was awkward... I guess some people are are sensitive to different smells. Thankfully I was almost done. Would you ask someone to not wear a scent you didn't like? How would you go about it?

Check out my updated list here!

Don't forget to enter the Perricone MD Product Giveaway!

Giveaway: $150 Perricone MD Product

I don't know about you but, I have good skin days and bad skin days; it seems genetics, stress, environmental factors, my horoscope, or whatever else takes my face on a roller coaster ride. Thankfully there are products like Dr. Perricones that can help everyone find some relief. They carry the best wrinkle creams, the best eye wrinkle cream, and everything else in between! I can't wait to try them out and now you have a chance to as well!

This giveaway will be until March 17, 2011 and is open to ALL readers in USA and Canada! I will pick the winner via Excel/random.org. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what Perricone MD product under $150 you would like. Be picky because that's what you're going to get. Don't forget to add your email so I can contact you! For bonus entries:

• 1 bonus entry - "Like" 260 Days, No Repeats on Facebook. Leave another comment letting me know you did this.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Twitter. Leave another comment with your twitter handle.
• 3 bonus entries - Re-post this giveaway on your blog. Leave another comment letting me know you did this with the link.
• 5 bonus entries - Add 260 Days, No Repeats to your blogroll. Leave another comment letting me know you did this with the link.

Good Luck!!

FBFF: Beauty Products

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?

I don't really wear makeup or more specifically, I tend to only wear makeup on special occasions. Can you tell the difference? Maybe a little? Ok, that's fair... I would say that one thing I like when I do wear makeup is spray on foundation, it's so lightweight and really covers nicely!

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

I cannot be without lip gloss. BF thinks it's an unnecessary thing like, my chapped lips are all in my head... he's so completely incorrect!

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?

I have really thick curly (sometimes) and frizzy (most of the time) hair. I am IN LOVE with Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment! It is, at this point, the only thing the only thing I put in my hair and when I was wearing my hair curly... it was one of two things. It's on the pricier side but, totally worth since for regular use just a dab will do ya. I literally had one jar for years! Just a little in your hair after blow drying and it looks perfect; it also works great as an overnight treatment every once and a while.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

Well, I don't really wear make up but, when I was high school I used to wear lip-liner (I have no idea why) and super shiny lip gloss thing. My mom called them chuleta lips... which means pork chop in Spanish. I wouldn't say that it was shame or apprehension inducing at this point; just silly of me.

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?

We all know I have a product addiction but, I don't know if any of the things I like show off my personality. 95% of the things I use on a daily basis are meant for cleansing/smelling nice. Yes, I like to smell nice how indicative of me as a person... no wait, that's not right. I suppose the scents I choose sad something about me. For the past few months I've been into really musky scents but, now that the spring is upon us I'm excited to change to lighter, sweeter scents.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

So I have knocked a few more off the list! Deodorant is, of course, necessary. O, not for you? Well... you smell. This colder than normal winter is also making lotion a critical item, my skin is really taking a beating! Is it the same for you or do you have another essential winter item in your beauty arsenal?

Check out my updated list here!

And The Winner Is...

 

ANNALENE!!! Congratulations! I will be in touch shortly with details about your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated. I'm hoping to be able to bring you many more giveaways as 260 Days, No Repeats continues to grow and I hope you'll stick around to take part in that as well!

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

I have finished a couple more things in my never ending product challenge. I am racing against the clock because the holidays are coming up and I know someone is going to buy me the standard gift basket from Bath & Body Works. If that's the case at least make sure it's my "favorite scent"!

One of the things that I didn't like about these products is that the containers are not recyclable! I mean who still does that?! I know moving forward if when this ends I am going to check the containers before I buy things. Would you (or have you) put a product back on the shelf if the container wasn't recyclable?

Check out my progress here

Friend Friday: All Natural

1. The move to do away with soap, shampoo and deodorant has been growing in popularity in the last year. What are your thoughts on this trend?

People are entitled to do what they want to do but, as we can see from my product addiction I like to smell nice. As I went over in my original post on that topic I definitely want to cut down on my excessive product consumption but, I will always use deodorant, soap, etc. It seems a little

2. Be honest how often do you wash your own hair?

Every other day if I wear it curly, every three or four days when it's straight. I only ever have my hair washed by someone else when I go to the salon for a cut or a blow out. Are there really people who go to the salon just to have their hair washed? I want to have the money for that, then still do it myself or maybe I misunderstood the question...

3. Have you tried to go the more natural route by forgoing shampoo? What happened? Or would you be tempted to try it?

No that prospect scares me, it would be horrible for my hair and my face. I can't just see the greasy hair and breakouts now...

4. What products do you use and have you ever gone with more organic alternatives?

Well for my hair I use whatever shampoo/conditioner is on sale and is moisturizing. Generally Suave or Herbal Essences. I actually don't use too many products other than that. When I wear my hair straight I use Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment, a more natural thing to add some shine and control the flyaways after I blow it out. When I wear it curly I use Got2B Spiking Glue. It sounds extreme but, haven't found the hold I like in a gel yet and when this worked I stopped looking for other products.

5. What about that daily shower? Would you forgo that opting to shower three times a week instead?

No, just no. I like feeling (and being) clean! There are some rare occasions where I don't shower one day and by the next day I feel gross even though I wash my face, brush my teeth, and everything else other than a shower.

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

So, we're here again: I've finished something else. Black Amethyst (the fragrance from Bath & Body Works, not the real deal) is one of my favorite smells especially in the cooler weather. It has a more sultry scent that says I'm bundled up in sweaters and tights and still kinda sexy. O, that's not what it says to you? Fine, maybe someone is a little off today! We digress... I have been wearing it like crazy as the temperatures drop and went through what I had left in this bottle pretty quickly. But, I see something lurking in the shadows... what could it be?

Hmm... another bottle. I don't mean to complain but, sometimes this challenge seems a little insurmountable. I'm all for having extra of a good thing but, my extra amounts can be daunting. Are there any products that you keep multiples of on hand? This specific situation I can explain, someone (me) must have sent out a bulletin said when asked about gifts last Christmas that this was one of my fav smells and I got a few lotions as gifts. When I finish this challenge (if that ever happens) I would totally buy this smell again; like I said before, it's one of my favorites. What are you're favorite fragrances?

I also lost deodorant on my way back from California. I don't know if I left it in BF's parent's house or the hotel we stayed at in Vegas but, it is MIA. At least it didn't lose it on my way there, eek! But, if that had been the case I would not have spend a week without deodorant, I would have followed my own advice, not panic, and head to the local CVS.

Check out my progress here