**REVIEW** Garnier SkinActive 3-in-1 Moisturizer

There were some things in my recent beauty boxes that I liked and I did promise to come back and do reviews on those particular items.

The Garnier SkinActive Soothing Mask is from the Walmart Classic Summer (2018) Beauty Box I got.

Full size 6.75oz jar = $9.96

The sample was small (0.169 or 5ml)  but there was enough of it to use a few times (sparingly) and to let me know that I like it. I actually liked it so much that I actually picked some up when I went grocery shopping. Although that 10 dollar tag is a bit pricey (I subtracted it from my snack budget!), because of the thick consistency of this cream, it should last for months.

I was a little bit confused about how to use it because of the word "Mask" in the description. When I think of facial masks, I expect that they are to be applied and then washed/rinsed off after a certain amount of time. Even more confusing is information on the back of the sample packet.

Finally, I went online and saw that other people had the same confusion. When my brain woke up from one of the naps it often takes, it told me to just check Garnier's website. Duh.

"Leave on for 10 minutes and *if needed* tissue off excess"

On Amazon product page, some people commented that they experienced no problems after leaving the cream on without washing, rinsing, or tissuing any off. With that cleared up, I applied the mask to my face and throat area. It's very - and I mean extremely so. If it were any thicker, it would be the consistency of a softened cream cheese (as you can see from the photo I posted). And I'm not saying that that is a bad thing. I kind of like how thick it is because that is part of what makes the product so awesome.

A big Plus to this cream is that you only have to use it maybe once every other day. At least, that's been the case for me. The tiny sample lasted me for 3 uses. When I got the full-sized jar, I decided to keep using the cream in small amounts. If I don't wear makeup that I have to wash off at night, I don't have to reapply the mask at night. The moisture lasts through the night and - I tested this - would last probably several hours more if I didn't wash my face. Also, I tested how well this works if I don't use it every day. I think using this just a couple times a week this leaves my skin moisturized enough that my other oils and serums work better on alternate days. Again, I really want to stretch out this 10 dollar jar!

I want to point out that this contains my new favorite ingredient: Rosewater. When I checked the label of the mask, I noticed that "Rosa Damascena" is listed nearer the top than the bottom. Apparently, Garnier didn't skimp on this prime ingredient. Fragrance is listed last. The scent of this is very mild but is definitely that of roses.

When I last blogged about Rosewater, I mentioned that it can lighten/brighten skin. That's important since some people might not want that effect.

I'm glad that I got to try this so a big thanks to the folks who curate the Walmart boxes!

Peace
--Free

**REVIEW** Walmart's Classic Summer Beauty Box

Last week was a rollercoaster. I was a little bit sick but cheered up a bit when my Target beauty box arrived on Monday. Then, just as I needed another little pick-me-up, the Classic Summer Beauty Box arrived from Walmart on Thursday. The boxes are a nice little treat when you're often laid up in bed.

The Walmart boxes come out 4 times a year - one for each calendar season - and cost $5. The Target beauty boxes are $7 but you can't sign up for them in advance; you have to go to the site and order them (and they go fast).

 You might remember how much I enjoyed Walmart's Classic Spring box. Not a bad five dollars. Here is the Classic Summer box:


As before, the box is very pretty

And the inside was very pretty. I love that they use the tissue as if this really is a gift to yourself.

I have to admit that I liked the Classic Spring box better, but this one did not disappoint.

I really like the fact that Walmart and Target add in a lot of items that afro-natural folks can use. Comparing to the last box, the samples in this Walmart box really seemed smaller.

But there were some good one, starting with what I think is going to be my favorite.

1.Palmer's Natural Fusions set of   Micellar Rose Water Cleanser (it's a clarifying shampoo, folks) and Lavender Rosewater Conditioner ( a hydrating repair formula).

Full sizes (12oz)  are $6.77 each

2. Garnier is another favorite brand of mine and although I don't care much for facial masks, I kinda can't wait to try the SkinActive Soothing Mask.

Full size 6.75oz jar = $9.96

3. I'm not much for hair masks either, but this one will get a test. It's Garnier's Damage Repairing 1-Minute Hair Mask.

Full size 13.5oz $7.49

4. This is not something that I will use, but I sure will be telling a lot of my friends about the Nair Was Ready Strips. In my opinion, this would beat heating up all those wax beads in a special pot, but... I dunno. Oh, and there is a $1 coupon for the strips.

40-count box = $5.98

5. This is the second time I've gotten a Rembrandt Whitening Kit (and coupon) in a Walmart box. I'm kind of over it. I have a crown in the front and whitening treatments make the crown stand out. I will be giving the coupon away. This is a generous sample though. You get 3 treatments (6 strips) and in the full-size box, you get 14 treatments. For anyone wanting to try this out, this is a nice sample. Way to go, Walmart.

1-week kit = $22.27

6. I saved this last item because they will be the one thing I want to run out and get right now. These Kleenex Wet Wipes are going to be a huge fave of mine. The samples are just folded into the pouch, but I see that one of the full-size bags contains individually wrapped cloths. I LOVE that. I use wet wipes for everything from cleaning my face (especially for removing makeup) to refreshing my neck and shoulders on a hot day and cleaning my psoriasis plagued feet. I only like using the tissue style cloths - which are the gentlest on my skin and are flushable. For the last few years I have been using the Equate or Huggies brands but I find these Kleenex wipes to be thicker, stronger, and just as gentle. The individually wrapped ones are going to be perfect for on the go, but I will definitely be getting one of the doubles of the pop-up packs. They are just a smidge more expensive than my usual brands but I think I am in love.

25 wipes = $2.76

I started out comparing this less favorably to the last Walmart box, but I have to admit that there were some real gems in this one. The coupons are always a nice little Plus to any box.

If I remember to, I will do reviews on the Garnier masks and the Palmer's.

Peace
--Free