Avon Moisture Therapy line

I live in Canada and I know it's apart of the cycle but I'm annoyed with Winter right now.

We're all suffering from dry skin and chapped lips. 

That's why I'm happy when I find products that work well with sensitive skin.

Introducing Avon's Moisture Therapy Derma line.

This line has clinically been shown to help relieve dryness which is typically 

associated with individuals who suffer from eczema.

Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing Body Lotion ($12.00 CAN)
This mild and gentle lotion delivers the powerful moisturizing benefits of an ointment in the light format of a cream. The formula is really light but hydrating. It doesn't leave a residue behind and a dime sized amount goes a long way.

Moisture Therapy Derma Soothing Body Wash ($12.00 CAN)
This mild body wash for bath or shower gently cleanses while soothing dryness associated with eczema-prone skin. The formula is completely scent-free. The gel is infused with chamomile, aloe and vitamin E. Perfect for daily usage.

Calming Relief Anti-Itch Spray Lotion ($10.00 CAN)
Infused with colloidal oatmeal and menthol- This formula provides temporary relief of itching. This is a very interesting product which comes with a pump. Spray it on your skin, when dryness attacks. It cools it down. Remember it contains menthol- so wash your hands before you rub your eyes.

You can order avon.ca or through your avon representative.

Guest Post: Avon Single Shadows + Swatches

Can we all put our hands together and slow clap for Avon? 

I know that seems like a weird request but I had the opportunity to try the Avon True Color single eye shadows and they are amazing.

Avon’s description of the product is as follows “ Sometimes a rainbow of color is just to much, and you want something stunning, but simple. With all the beautiful options, it’s easy for you to find your signature color. The one that does something to the glow in your eyes that you can’t quite figure out. The one that gives you the look.” The single eye shadows come in a sleek compact black case with a small sponge applicator. The shades I tried were Champagne, Turquoise Glow and Green Dazzler.

All three of these shades are in the Shimmer/Pearlized/Frost category. The textures of these eyeshadows are soft and easy to blend.

Champagne is a soft neutral metallic shimmer shadow, many times Champagne colours can lean pink or yellow but in this case it seems to lean more to the beige side of things keeping it very neutral and making it a must have for anyone’s collection.

Turquoise Glow is a shimmery green blue that almost has a yellow glitter undertone.

Green Dazzler is actually just that, it is a deep forest green with dazzling glitter.

There are a great amount of basic and beautiful colours and if you are looking for a soft, buttery eye shadow that doesn’t break the bank I suggest at least taking Champagne for a test drive. I happen to have my eye on Satin Taupe, Mauved and Beige.

These eye shadows are available from your local Avon representative or online and are just $5 CDN (you can sometimes find them on sale for $3.99 CDN). So Ladies If I were you I’d hurry and scoop some of these eye shadows up.

Avon Perfect Eyebrow Kit Review

Avon Perfect Eyebrow Kit claims “Get the perfect eyebrows with this neat little duo!” I tend to agree that it’s a great duo. The packaging is sleek and compact and it holds a wax and powder as well as a dual-ended angled brush and it even has a mirror. This kit comes in 4 shades: Auburn, Blonde, Deep Brown and Soft Brown.

I tried this eyebrow kit in Blonde, which is a very light shade. On me it leans a bit orange but that’s not uncommon, as I have discussed the taupe nature of my brows before. The Blonde shade was a bit to light for how I normally do my brows (I will be purchasing the Soft Brown shade and using a mixture of the two).

Avon recommends using the wax first and then the powder. I’ve tried it both ways and really I think it’s just a personal preference on if you want to groom with wax first or second. I am not always a fan of eyebrow wax and it can feel quite greasy and slide, but Avon has done a great job the wax is soft and pliable but also has just the right amount of tack and drying to it.

These eyebrow kits are $9.00 CDN and extremely handy. If you are a person who travels or is maybe just getting into the whole eyebrow thing I really think this compact is for you.

Products for good: Clinque, Avon + The Body Shop

Here are some possible holiday gifts that give back!

Clinque

Happy Hearts Fund is a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring hope in the lives of children after natural disasters.

The HHF was founded by model and philanthropist Petra Nemcova in 2006.

The Facts:

• HHF has worked in 14 countries.
• Rebuilt over 70 schools. 
• Benefited more than 40,000 children and 337,000 community members.

So far Clinique has donated $250,000.

Happy Heart Fragrance $42.00 CAN
$10 from sale goes to HHF
Nail Enamel in Happy <3 $14.00 CAN
$3 from all sales goes to HHF

Avon

Start Something Rhinestone Bracelet $20.00 CAN

The Start SomethingTM USB Key Bracelet helps to being awareness and empower young women to speak out against bullying and domestic violence.

• 1 GB USB key
• Rhinestone casing on a silicone strap with a buckle closure.

100% of the net proceeds from the sale of each bracelet will benefit equally the Canadian Women's Foundation and Big Sisters mentoring programs across Canada.

The Body Shop

THE JOYFUL GINGERBREAD HOUSE

$20.00 CAN

Give joy with a selection of festive favorites in a delightful gingerbread schoolhouse box. By buying this or any other gift, youre supporting our project to give children around the world better access to an education for a brighter, happier future.

Inside:
Cranberry Shower Gel 60ml
Gingerbread Shower Gel 60ml
Cranberry Body Butter 50ml
Gingerbread Body Butter 50ml
Mini Crinkle Lily – Cream

Avon Extra Lasting Eye Liquid Liners Review

The Avon Extra Lasting Eye Liners claim to provide up to 12 hours of defining colour, its fade-roof and smudge-proof. These eyeliners come in 4 shades (black, dark brown, cobalt and deep violet) are hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist tested.

These liquid liners are what you would expect from a traditional liquid liner. They come in a cone like tube you must shake before use and have a thin, pointed felt tip applicator.

The formulation is wet but dries matte. It does take some time to set but for me that’s not a bad thing. I’ve always struggled with being able to wear liquid liner during the day. I love a dramatic look but in the office I want it to be a bit softer. This liner is like an oil painting. It takes some time to dry but that means I can thin or thicken the line and touch up mistakes faster.

These eyeliners are super simple to use and the felt tip applicator gives you a precise line of pigment. I’m not sure if they last a whole 12 hours but that is because the minute I get home from work I wash my make up off my face. What I can attest to is that they lasted my workday. 

If you are looking for an easy everyday liquid liner whether you are a liquid liner novice or expert that Avon Extra Lasting Eye Liners are worth a try and at only $12.00 it’s a total steal.

Avon Ultra Color Lipstick Review + Swatches (Guest Post)

Avon states “Reveal your most color rich lips with new Ultra Color lipstick.” And I have to say okay Avon this sounds like a great idea so I’m going to give these Ultra Color lipsticks a try.

Avon Ultra Color lipsticks come in 55 true colour shades designed for a variety of skin tones. They are $8.00 each and with Avon you know they always have a great promotion going on so you might even get a deal. You can also order them online or through a representative.

I tried 4 out of the 55 shades. 

Blush Nude – a warm pinkish nude crème lipstick

Poppy Love - a bright orange toned red crème lipstick

Country Rose – a medium red-based coral sheen lipstick (almost frosty)

Fuchsia Fever – a fuchsia frosty glitter lipstick

Avon Ultra Color lipsticks have great opaque pigmentation. They are comparable to a some high end lipsticks in opaqueness. This is just my opinion but I think anyone who tries them will feel how creamy and moisturizing they are. Something about their scent reminds me of Wonka Sweet Tarts which I find very comforting. The texture and finish of the 4 lipsticks I tried varied from a crème to sheen to frost.

I wore both Nude Blush and Country Rose to work and managed about an hour or two until re-application. Poppy Nude and Fuchsia Fever I tried while at home one evening the wear time was the same but I did notice that a lip liner is very helpful in making them last longer. They are $10.00 CAN though- so if I can get a beautiful rich lipstick and have to reapply a few times I’m pretty happy with the time trade off.

With that being said if you are looking for an affordable lipstick that has some great pigmentation. I say give them a go I don’t think you will be sorry you did. As for me Blush Nude isn’t leaving my handbag anytime soon.

Avon Clearskin Pore Penetrating Line

I was blessed to have clear skin for 23 years. While everyone was going through bad break outs in their teens, I was living a "pimple-free" life.

Once I turned 24, I started to get small break outs once a months. As odd as it seems when you get them when your older, it's embarrassing to get them.

Although it's less than a week long, you have no idea where the next one would turn up. I'm always looking for products to use during that time. I try to switch my skin care schedule around that week just so I can shorten the duration of the break out.

Two products that I have been trying is from Avon's clearskin line! When I was younger- I was obsessed with the line. I loved that blue scrub that they had.




Right now, I introduced their Clearskin® Pore Penetrating Invigorating Scrub  ($6.49 US) & Clearskin® Pore Penetrating Cooling Toner ($5.49 US) into my routine.


The scrub is really good. The perfect scrub to use when your face is a little sensitive. Formulated with Eucalyptus Extract & Witch Hazel to cleanse and refresh. Lifts away pore-clogging dirt and excess oil. I usually put it on and let it dry- like in the picture. Then take a little water to "reactivate it" then wash it off.

Then a take a cotton pad and apply the cooling toner. First starting on the problem areas then working my way around. I love this because it doesn't leave my face dry like other toners.

These are a definite a must have! 

Nails of the Week: Avon MegaWatt Nail Enamel

I was requested to start doing more nail posts.

Which is prefect because my nail stash is growing out of control.

This week's nails are from the MegaWatt Nail Enamels collection from Avon!

Colour: POP

Break down the color barrier with these high-voltage neon shades! Leave subtle in the drawer and go for something bold. Something electrifying! Choose any one of our brilliant MegaWatt shades and you can be sure to upgrade your mani to a higher frequency!

Neons are hot for the summer!

To make my accent nail stand out, I did an ombre effect on top.

Colour: Shock ontop of Pop

Are you a fan of  bold nails?

AVON Nail Art Design Strips Review

Nail Art is really popular right now. Sometimes you don't have to ability or patience to get the look that you want. My answer is always nail stickers when I am in a bind. In July, Avon will come out with a unique bunch of nail stickers called AVON Nail Art ($10.00). Probably the most intricate designs that I've seen in a while.

• Create salon-style nail art at home with no dry time!

• Dress up your nails with the hottest new appliqués.

• Easy on, easy off nail fashion.

• Won’t smudge or rub off.

• 18 nail strips.

I fell in love with a nail sticker called the Bows For You. It's a deep navy blue with little diamonds which form a bow. Out of all the appliqués I've done, this one gave me the most compliments because of the details. I would be in meeting and I'd have to stop and explain my nails because people were staring!

Let's get started on the application:
All the stickers are on a clear background and you have to put your nail underneath the measure which sticker would work for you. I prefer my nail stickers to be individually wrapped because I feel like its easier to measure which size fits my nail. I usually cut around the sticker strips off in to little blocks so I can determine which size works best.

On to the removal:
When I removed the stickers for the first time it was very tricky! They pretty much rolled up on me and I didn't know what to do. Patience is definitely a virtue with these because if you go fast you'll end up messing up a full hand. When filing your nails, I would recommend using a file that is pretty dull. If the file is fresh, it's rough on the tips. Please see below- First hand the sizing was off.

Duration:
They lasted a long time. The only thing that I had was some wear on the tip which I expected.

The Removal:
Really easy! All I did was peel them off and soak my nails. I looked underneath and it did not take any of my nail enamel with it which that is a really good thing.

Overall:

I wish that I had gotten the hang of these earlier. Next time I'm definitely going to go slower, use a dull nail file and measure up each nail ahead of time so I do not mix of any sizes.

Do you like this design?

Avon MagiX Cashmere Advanced Liquid Dark/Deep Foundation

I couldn't wait to test out the Avon MagiX Cashmere Advanced Liquid Foundation ($15.00 CAN) because they had a great range for Women of Colour. That's one of the main things that attracted me to a line.

The cashmere-soft feel you love…now with new skin brightening benefits. Advanced new formula gives skin an instant radiance. 70% of women saw more radiant, younger-looking skin. After 4 weeks of use, spots and discolorations appeared diminished. Brightens complexion and creates a pore-free, line-free and shine-free look. Leaves skin feeling ultrasoft and moisturized with a natural finish. SPF 15*

I love the "squirt" bottle and applicator.

  It's clean and easier to push out the amount of foundation you want without wasting it.

There are seventeen shades in the line ranging from light Ivory to Rich Espresso. So there is a shade for everyone!

The formula is really smooth. They describe it as "cashmere-soft". A little bit goes a long way. It can be applied with a sponge, brush or fingers. Lately, fingers have been my favourite way to apply foundation because I want a sheer finish. I will also use a wet sponge, if I want a sheer-dewy look.

This foundation brightens up your face. It doesn't apply flat nor is it muddy. Must women of colour know exactly what I mean by that statement. Wait until you see the swatches below!

One of the great selling points of the foundation is how it how it creates a pore-free finish. I know a few ladies who have an issue with large pores. You don't need a primer if you use this foundation.

The three darkest foundations in the line- Rich Espresso, Dark Cocoa and Earth shades do NOT contain SPF. I do use a moisturiser which contains SPF- so the lack of SPF is not an issue for me.

Also those three foundations would be perfect for special occasions where camera flashes were involved. If you're an Make up Artist looking for an affordable foundation to add to your kit for darker tones, this would be a good start.   

SWATCHES

From Left to Right:

Earth- Caramel- Sable- Rich Expresso- Medium Beige- Nutmeg 

Blended

From Left to Right:

Earth- Caramel- Sable- Rich Expresso- Medium Beige- Nutmeg 

Earth is a perfect match for me.
It's blended on the left and you can't even see it. Love!

Have you tried foundation from avon before?

Avon Totally Kissable Lipsticks!

Day three of my Valentine's day lip inspiration posts!

I kind of stepped out of the box with this one.
Keyword "kind of"..haha!

Today's lip is from Totally Kissable Lipstick line called Caressing Coral!

Kiss other lipsticks good-bye! • Say hello to petal-soft lips.
• Full coverage conditioning color infused with fruit enzymes and a blend of natural oils for lips that look fuller, softer and smoother. $9.99 CAN.

I don't have many coral lipsticks. I think that some look weird on my skin tone but I loved this one! I don't know if it was my shirt but I'm a fan of the overall look.  Another great lippy for v-day!

Do you like coral lipsticks?

Avon Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel Polishes

Avon has been putting out some really impressive products lately!
This is actually the first time I've tried their nail products.
I'm happy that I was sent these products to share with you.

Let me start of with some of their items which can lead you on a journey to healthy nails.

I'm extremely impressed with the Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel polishes. 

I haven't met one person who doesn't dread smudging their nails!

 Nothing is worst than thinking your nails are dry then looking at them again and seeing smudges.

I know that there are several different options out there for quick nails like gels or 

dying drops but when your in a rush you really need a product like Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel.

Why you need it:

• 26 vivid colors.
• Affordable at $6.99 each.
• Different finishes- pearl.. satin..  etc.
• Fast-track your nails from wet to wow in 30 seconds!
• New improved formula with volcanic rock makes nails feel rock hard.
• Full coverage with a high-shine finish.
• No formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate.

These get an A from me because they do exactly want they claim! 

Plus the colors are vibrant and affordable.

Quick drying!

These are also the perfect polishes to try out nail designs because they dry quickly.

 If you mess up, wipe it off and try it again!

Available as of February 2013 through Avon Independent Sales Representatives, 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.