So…what is the Monday Poll?
Good question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past gazillion years (more than 10!). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a great start. ?
1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
Cetaphil, baby! It’s totally old school, I know, but it’s always worked for me, and I’ve been using it off and on for…gosh, almost 20 years now? It’s one of the longest relationships I’ve ever had!
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
Middle school. Seventh grade. So, 12. I was wearing my favorite olive green plaid shorts with a matching green vest, and the girl who had the locker below mine said, “Did you forget to shave today?”
I looked down at my shins and was suddenly and painfully aware that I had leg hair.
How did I never notice it before??
When I saw my mom that evening I asked if I could borrow a razor, and she said, “Why do you need to shave your legs? I don’t need to shave mine.” I’m pretty sure my response involved a very heavy and loud sigh…
Anyway, I sneaked one of my dad’s disposables, and shaved my legs for the first time in the shower that night.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
Biologique Recherche P50 1970!
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
Um… A month ago? No, really, you don’t want to know… I have a whole box full of them that need to be deep-cleaned!
5. Something you have to do today?
Ugh, make an appointment with the dentist to get my teeth cleaned.
Best mug ever!
Please note that the mug I’m holding in the pic at the top says this:
HA HA HA HA HA!
If my cupboards weren’t bursting with cat lady mugs, I would’ve picked it up in a heartbeat.
Speaking o’ mugs, I’m going to refill mine right now with coffee made from my new coffee maker! Did I forget to tell you about the coffee maker incident from last week?! DUDE. I had a work call at the crack of dawn last Monday (or was it Tuesday? Anyway, it was REALLY early!), and when I went into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee from the machine I’d programmed the night before to brew at 5:45, the coffee maker was KAPUT. Dead. Totally deceased!
It just so happens that we had an extra 2-cup coffee maker my in-laws gave to us before they moved back to Hawaii, which I ended up using that morning, so crisis averted, but it’s one of those mini ones that you get at hotels, and it doesn’t really work well.
Long story short, I got a new one, and I’m very excited about it, because, apparently it makes some excellent coffee! — as evidenced by my rambling in print. ☕?
Hope your caffeine has also kicked in!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions for you to copy and paste with your answers in a comment:
1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
5. Something you have to do today?
Daphne B says
July 9th, 2018 at 9:36 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? I only buy drugstore mascara – right now it is Loreal Lash Paradise.
2. When did you start shaving your legs? I think around 15 or 16? not sure
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? MAC Waterweight concealer, to my coworker.
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? Yesterday – I try to wash them every weekend.
5. Something you have to do today? Pick up my records from my gynocologist – she is retiring (happy for her, sad for me) Now I have to find a new one.
P.S. If that is Homegoods you are sitting in in the top picture, that store is Gorgeous! (and you look great, too)
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:52 pmThanks, Daphne. It’s a really fun store! If you ever get the chance to go to one I highly recommend you bring 1) a list and 2) some willpower. LOL! It’s like Marshalls, but with home items only (and some food/snacks, too). I love going to there.
Jaclyn Levy says
July 9th, 2018 at 9:46 amI’m feeling down today, your positive energy is just what I needed! ❤️
1. Nuetrogena sunscreen. I’ve worn it nearly everyday since college. (I’m 34)
2. My story is very similar to yours! 6th grade. During gym class we were doing some kind of obstacle course. I did the crab walk next to my crush when I heard him ask, “ugh, aren’t you going to shave?” I was mortified. I wish I could go back in time and slap him across the face, and mine, too! ?
3. Don’t recall but it was probably NYX. I recommend that brand when someone wants to play with color.
4. ????
5. Print documents to bring to a consultation with a lawyer tomorrow. Ugh. Someone stole from us and we’re trying to figure out what to do next.
Happy Monday!
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:50 pmHi Jaclyn,
I’m glad to have cheered you up a little. Hope things with the lawyer work out!
Eileen says
July 9th, 2018 at 9:58 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? Cetaphil cleanser for sensitive skin. It doesn’t do a good job of removing makeup, but as a gentle morning cleanser, it can’t be beat.
2. When did you start shaving your legs? I was twelve and had just started junior high school (grades 7-9). No drama involved. It was just the thing to do at that age.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? Jack Black Protein Boosting Serum. I’ve used it for ages and recommend it every time someone comments on how clear and even my skin looks.
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? Yesterday 🙂 I wash used brushes every week without fail.
5. Something you have to do today? Go to the market! We’ve had a horrific heat wave here in So Cal and it was just too hot to think about grocery shopping. Today is cooler (80’s) so I must venture out with the ice cooler and do some marketing.
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:49 pmHi Eileen,
I swear Cetaphil and a clean washcloth in the morning is magic.
Stay cool in the heat!
Eileen says
July 9th, 2018 at 5:12 pmYou’re absolutely right. It’s a winning combination and provides a mild daily exfoliation along with gentle cleansing. I buy those bundles of cheap washcloths from Target or Costco so I have a clean one every day ?
Rachel says
July 9th, 2018 at 10:25 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
Revlon Colorstay foundation. I just can’t pay Sephora prices on that stuff anymore!
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
Probably 11 or 12. My mom of course didn’t want me to because it meant I was growing up!
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
Probably that Revlon foundation to my mom, she uses it now too!
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
Does throwing away a generic beauty blender so that I don’t have to wash it count?
5. Something you have to do today?
Mow the lawn and clean up branches from the storm over the weekend!
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:47 pmI have makeup artist friends who love that foundation, Rachel. It’s been years since I’ve tried it… Must revisit it soon. Do you use the one in the black tube or the one with the pump?
Rachel says
July 9th, 2018 at 3:01 pmIt has a pump now but it didn’t always, and it has SPF which is great for summer!
Jennifer Smith says
July 9th, 2018 at 10:26 amHi, Karen!
1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
Usually, I use a shampoo called “Natura Siberica”. It’s not totally organic, but it contains no paraben, sulfates, harmful chemicals. I really like it.
2. When did you start shaving your legs? I think I was about 17. I’ve just copied some other girls from my school.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? “Natura Siberica” shampoo I’ve mentioned above. I’ve recommended it to my bf who suffers from dandruff even using special Goldwell anti-dandruff shampoo. My shampoo helped 🙂
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? I don’t use them at all
5. Something you have to do today? I’m going to finish my work and watch some Youtube videos about painting technique (I’m so excited about them).
thank you for your nice blog
Jennifer
Ditte K. says
July 9th, 2018 at 10:57 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
My wet n wild blush called mellow wine.
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
Never. Am naturally un-hairy on the legs.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
Ziaja sensitive skin (it’s a facial moisturizer with spf 20)
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
Two days ago (yay me) 🙂
5. Something you have to do today?
I did already, coz it’s 8 pm here. Picked up a too good to go package, and it’s the funniest yet – 6 packs of 5 huge frankfurter sausages! For 5 dollars.
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:45 pmAww, have a good night, and yay for that to-go package! Awesome deal. 🙂
Leah G. says
July 9th, 2018 at 11:06 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? Rosebud Salve. 🙂
2. When did you start shaving your legs? 14/15ish
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? A deet free bug spray by cutter that’s eucalyptus and lemon. Not a beauty product but a summer New England essential and totally natural that actually works!
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? ummmmmmm….
5. Something you have to do today? Adjust to being back in the real world back at work after a week off at our place in Maine. Lakeside living!
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:44 pmHi Leah G.,
I would love to know the name of that bug spray. There’s a park here in my town that’s really nice because there’s a ton of trees, but I don’t go because there’s always mosquitoes. Last time I was there I was bitten three times… THROUGH MY LEGGINGS! It was awful.
Ruchita says
July 9th, 2018 at 11:12 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
Milani Eyeshadow Primer. It works great for a drugstore product and a little bit goes a long way!
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
I think I was in middle school. Maybe 7th or 8th grade. For some reason, I was so nervous about asking my Mom how to do it, but I was so excited to get started on it! Fast forward to being an adult – I tend to slack off on shaving during the winter. Not so excited about it any more. 🙂
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
Hmm…I can’t think of anything. I think I spend too much time talking to the cats.
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
Ooo, too long ago. I think it was over a month. In my defense, I haven’t been wearing too much makeup lately.
5. Something you have to do today?
Stop at the salon to pick up a bottle of hairspray. I paid for it when I was there for my haircut over the weekend and then walked out and left it on the counter. D’oh!
And this is my favorite mug. 🙂
https://bit.ly/2u4LVHg
Happy Monday!
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:43 pmHa, that mug is too funny! BTW I was at HomeGoods yesterday and saw a TON of cat lady related things, including mugs.
What did you do for your haircut? Do you have a new style?
Ruchita says
July 9th, 2018 at 4:18 pmThere’s a HomeGoods store near my work. I think a lunch hour visit is in order!
I’m trying to grow my hair out a bit, so I just went in for a trim. No major changes this time. With this hot weather I’m glad my hair is long enough to pull up off neck. I’ve been rocking the messy bun look quite frequently!
Rachel Runyan says
July 9th, 2018 at 11:18 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? Physician’s Formula Butter Blush in Plum Rose
2. When did you start shaving your legs? 7th or 8th grade
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
UD Naked Ultimate Basics Palette
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? A couple weeks ago. I use Cinema Secrets cleaner after I use my brushes every day, though.
5. Something you have to do today? I need to make dentist appointments, too.
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:41 pmHey Rachel,
Just want to let you know that I’m thinking about you. Hope things are a little better on your end.
Rachel Runyan says
July 12th, 2018 at 11:43 amThank you so much. Yes, it’s going better. Love ya!
Tatiana says
July 9th, 2018 at 11:23 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? Can’t think of any I swear by. But then again, I don’t swear by any beauty products other than my Japanese sunscreen.
2. When did you start shaving your legs? Can’t remember. Maybe 8th or 9th grade.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? Can’t say anyone has ever asked for my recommendation.
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? Yesterday. I got out of the shower, got dressed and just decided to do them.
5. Something you have to do today? Laundry.
What is this amazing coffee machine you bought? I can’t believe you’re not sharing the make and model number with us. I had pour over this morning.
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:41 pmIt’s this one by Hamilton Beach! I’ll do a review after I try out the one-cup feature. 🙂
Tatiana says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:56 pmOh yes! A review would be nice. Dear Husband does not drink coffee, so I’m always just making it for myself.
Christine says
July 9th, 2018 at 11:38 amI cannot imagine a morning with a dead coffee machine! It’d be a toss up on whether I’d continue to function or if I’d just go back to bed.
1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? I love my Pond’s moisturizer! It’s the only one that I don’t get break outs from.
2. When did you start shaving your legs? Fifth grade – I’d be teased relentlessly starting around 4th grade; I’m super fair-skinned with super dark hair. My mom took pity on me and finally let me shave.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? I think the Cosrx AHA/BHA toner I’ve been using. It’s fairly cheap and makes my skin look great!
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? …I’m just going to answer with, “I need to do that tonight.” Yikes.
5. Something you have to do today? Go to bed at a reasonable time. I had such a hard time going to sleep last night…once I fell asleep I slept well but 5 hours is not nearly enough. I’m a zombie today. More coffee, please.
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:40 pmI may have panicked for a minute or so, LOL! Funny thing is a few days earlier I almost brought the extra coffee maker to Goodwill figuring that it could help out another family who really need it. Good thing I held onto it!
Ericca says
July 9th, 2018 at 12:33 pm1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
If colorpop is considered drugstore than their eyebrow pencil if not loreal mascara.
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
oh my goodness, i first shaved and first cut my leg when i was 12 but thats also when i fell in love with mens razors. i love a mans razor.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
colourpop lipstick, my coworker wanted a cheap lipstick
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
a month a go but i still a bit more of clean brushes.
5. Something you have to do today?
i have to practice driving. i am driving home after work. i have my driving test coming up.
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:39 pmWhen is your driving test? Do you feel ready?
THREE POINT TURNS, GIRL!
ericca says
July 9th, 2018 at 6:39 pmit’s 7/28 . I feel alot of things, I feel more ready than I did 6 months ago. fingers and toes crossed.
Shannon says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:36 pm1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara! I love me some high-end mascara, but when I’m strapped or just can’t bring myself to spend over $20 on a new tube, Voluminous has my back. Love that ish.
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
Hmm… I think I must’ve been 13 or so. My mom was a little reluctant but finally relented. She gave me some tips, but the most memorable part was her smiling down on my naked awkward @ss wrestling with a razor in our clawfoot tub and saying “should I go get the camera?” I gave her the MOST shady glare and she cackled. My mom’s a silly person but doesn’t usually make fun like that, and it was HILARIOUS.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
Oh gosh… I went on a little spree with my friend, and recommended all sorts of stuff. The Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder was definitely among the list!
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
I don’t wanna talk about it 😐 It’s probably been months. I think I know what I’m doing when I get home…
5. Something you have to do today?
Wash my makeup brushes, LOL. Other than that, I need to practice when I get home. I’m playing with a new band in a few weeks and need to get their music under my belt!
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:38 pmHi Shannon,
That’s the one in the gray tube with the gold cap, right? I love that old school mascara! It’s a drugstore standby.
Glad you are still loving on the NARS powder. 🙂 Did I tell you I hit some serious pan on mine?
Shannon says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:42 pmYep, exactly – gray tube, gold cap!
And I don’t doubt it re: the NARS. I’ve hit pan on mine too! I use it much more religiously than anything else… except maybe brow powder, lol.
Karen says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:54 pmThat mascara has been around forever for a reason. It really is that good! I hope they never discontinue it (knock on wood) because for the price it’s great.
And yay for joining the my tribe, aka peeps who are totally obsessed with that NARS powder. ? They make a loose version of it too, by the way, but it’s not nearly as good!
Shannon says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:56 pmHahaha that powder is the SHIZ. Good to know the loose powder isn’t as inspiring – I’d seen it and wondered!
Erin says
July 9th, 2018 at 2:56 pm1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara! It’s the only mascara or offshoot I used for many years. I’m thinking Lash Paradise will be my new choice though as it looks more like Voluminous Full Definition, my fave which is discontinued.
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
8! I had really dark leg hair on the lower leg and white white skin. People made fun of me. Now I don’t care!
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
Collagen, to drink!
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
I can’t even remember honestly. I’ve been wearing very little. I think I’ve done full face with brushes 5 or 6 times in the last 6 months. I’ve just been using fingers.
5. Something you have to do today?
Cook. I’m not feeling up to it but I indulged in fast food yesterday and paid for it.
Kate & Bree says
July 9th, 2018 at 4:16 pm1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
Eucerin or Aveeno. I definitely keep going back to these brands again and again.
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
Middle school as well!
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
Oh goodness, it’s been a while. Ha ha. I’ve been on the downlow with suggesting things.
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
Before I visited my aunt in Michigan, so last week!
5. Something you have to do today?
I have to make an appointment for Bree to visit the salon. She needs a bath! She got so dirty when she went to Michigan and then at the stables she went to on Thursday. She’s been doing great at shy & fearful dog class!
Jennifer says
July 9th, 2018 at 4:43 pm1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? Vaseline. It’s great for lips and feet–put on a good layer then a thick pair of socks before bed. You’ll wake up to baby soft tootsies.
2. When did you start shaving your legs? 6th grade maybe?
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? I’m having trouble remembering but people are always asking me about my nail polish. So probably an OPI or an Essie. I’m drawing a blank.
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? Another thing I can’t remember! Yikes!
5. Something you have to do today? Werk, werk, werk, werk, werk
Also, I need coffeemaker recommendations. Our existing one is a tiny four-cup and was supposed to be a temporary measure after an emergency break down.
Suzanne C says
July 9th, 2018 at 5:14 pm1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by?
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin moisturizer- the only thing that doesn’t burn my face right after cleansing.
2. When did you start shaving your legs?
Around 10 or 11, I think. Pale skin, dark hair. Mom wasn’t allowed to shave for a long time and got teased (don’t get me started on my grandparents), so she let me shave before I even had to ask.
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person?
I recommended some Urban Decay lipstick to my sister a while back.
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes?
I got a sample of Beauty Blender’s liquid cleanser in a Sephora package last week, so I tried it out on some of my eye makeup brushes. It’s pretty good stuff.
5. Something you have to do today?
My oldest niece is going on a trip with her other grandmother and I had to get her a bathing suit that her grandmother would consider modest. Which is impossible, since she basically expects her to wear a swimming dress from the 1800’s. Sigh.
Eileen says
July 9th, 2018 at 5:18 pmBTW, everyone, it was fun to read your drugstore recommendations. In general I’m a high end cosmetic shopper, but there are some drugstore products that are superlative and put their more expensive counterparts to shame so it was good to read about some of them. Great question, Karen!
Michele DiCola says
July 10th, 2018 at 7:19 amHi Karen ,
Drugstore product : Garnier skin active sulfate free foaming face wash only because my Clinique wash ran out !
I started shaving at age 12 and went nuts ; even shaved my eyebrow off !
I highly recommend lash princess mascara at Ulta : $4.99
I wash my brushes once a month in shampoo ( all 50 of them !)
Something I have to do everyday is walk outside !
Kim says
July 10th, 2018 at 10:03 am1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? CeraVe moisturizer.
2. When did you start shaving your legs? I really can’t remember. I do know that I started out just shaving from the knee down, though. My parents had razors around so I never asked or anything. I was probably around 13 or 14?
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? Definitely retinol (SkinMedica). I’m like some crazy missionary about that stuff!
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? I really only use a blush brush (powder) but it was probably a couple of weeks ago.
5. Something you have to do today? Some laundry before the boys’ baseball game. I have a narrow window and something is clearly eating socks in our house. 🙂
Elaine Holuk-Maginley says
July 11th, 2018 at 4:01 pm1. A drugstore beauty product you swear by? ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
2. When did you start shaving your legs? 6th grade(against my mother’s wishes)
3. Last beauty product you recommended to someone in person? Focallure Face Palette
4. Last time you washed your makeup brushes? Two days ago
5. Something you have to do today? Sleep.