Beauty411

Fragrance find: Avon In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Eau de Parfum

In many parts of the country, winter has finally reared it's ugly head. No matter the season, you can experience spring anywhere with the new Avon fragrance, In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon. This sweet southern scent, created by Reese exclusively for Avon, combines delicate femininity with seductive allure. 

I've had the opportunity to try In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon and I really like it.  It's a floral, oriental--one of my favorite compositions. I liked the way the fragrance developed from the initial peach and floral blend to the warm wood and amber.  I also thought the packaging was very well done; the bottle is a golden hue, topped with a flower in full bloom and looks much more expensive than $34.

Avon Foot Works Green Tea & Mint Collection

Avon Foot Works Green Tea & Mint Collection cools and quenches feet on a hot summer day like an iced green tea with a fresh sprig of mint.  It's been in the high 90's this week in the midwest.  It's definitely time to pamper the feet! 

There are three steps in the refreshing Foot Works Green Tea & Mint Collection:

Step 1:  Exfoliating Scrub
This revitalizing scrub is designed to polish and buff feet for sandal-ready skin.  Softens rough calouses and smoothes dry feet, the formula retexturizes soles and sweeps away dead skin, leaving your tootsies all aglow.  $3.99

Don't miss: mark Instant Vacation Costa Rica Collection

 

Whether it's vacation or staycation, you'll love the mark Instant Vacation Costa Rica Collection.  The line is made up of body products, fragrance and makeup.  Not only is it value-priced, but it's a beauty line that performs.

These are my favorite products:

mark Instant Vacation Costa Rica Fragrance Mist:  From the first mist, you'll instantly feel like you've landed on a tropical island.  Top notes of iced watermelon and pink guava are juicy and inviting; mid notes go floral with dewy Mango Flower and Costa Rican Orchid.  The drydown finishes with Driftwood, Warm Sand Accord and Watery Musks.  Seriously--at $16 you can't miss with mark.  It's a light fragrance that anyone from 15 to 50 can wear (pictured above).

mark Instant Vacation Costa Rica Body Smoothing Exfoliator:  This product does double duty, both cleansing and exfoliating at the same time.  I've been the mark Instant Vacation Costa Rica Body Smoothing Exfoliator  before self-tanning and love the way it buffs off dead, dry skin and leaves my skin glowing.  It smells heavenly and is an affordable $10.

mark Instant Vacation Costa Rica Eye Excursions Eyeshadow Trio:  You can't beat this trio of colorful eyeshadows that help create an exotic look.  Three shades--Ocean Hues, Jungle Love (pictured) and Beach Babe go on silky smooth and provide multiple looks.  I have the Jungle Love - perfect for wearing to the beach or pool.

mark Instant Vacation Costa Rica Collection is available through Avon or mark representatives or online at www.avon.com.

Avon ANEW Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum

Avon ANEW Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum is a new anti-aging serum formulated with the same injectable-grade Hyaluronic Acid used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons to fill in wrinkles and plump facial hollows.  Although I do have a few lines and wrinkles, I'm not brave enough to go "under the needle" just yet, so I was curious to try this product. It should be noted, however, that using a topical serum will not produce the same result as an injectable filler.

Avon ANEW Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum does use breakthrough technology to stimulate skin's own filling fibers and build the skin's natural reserve of Hyaluronic Acid.  Avon's consumer testing showed that in 2 weeks of use, 82% of women saw more youthful fullness in the cheek area and in 4 weeks, saw the look of facial folds and hollowness dramatically reduced.

I tried Avon ANEW Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum and used it for approximately 3 weeks.  During that time, I would say I noticed more improved fullness and lessening of facial and nasolabial folds.  It's worth trying, although don't expect to see results as dramatic as if you got injectable fillers; it's a more "softened" effect.

Avon ANEW Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum is a clear, slightly thick gel that you apply at night to a clean face.  You immediately notice your skin turns pink.  Because of the texture, you can tell that the product is on your skin.  I would not recommend using this product in the morning, as your face will have a shine to it.  I never experienced any burning or sensitivity from using the product in testing. 

Avon ANEW Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum retails at $54 and is available exclusively through Avon Representatives.  To locate an Avon Representative, visit www.avon.com or call 1-800-FOR-AVON.

For another perspective on the AVON ANEW Clinica Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum, check out Nicki's review at FutureDerm.com.  She provides an in-depth review, based on the science that I always find fascinating.

Spring Break Beauty on a Budget

Are you getting ready to head out on Spring Break and wondering what beauty products to place in your makeup bag that won't break the bank?  I like to keep vacation makeup simple and uncomplicated.  Here are some great suggestions....

Sunscreen is a must!  I love Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunscreens and recently got a bonus "try me" size of the new Ultimate Sport Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 70 when I purchased the Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock Spray.  It absorbs into your skin, isn't greasy and provides great protection when you're out in the hot sun.  I really like that is oil-free and didn't break me out.  Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 70 retails at $ 10.99 and is available at drug and discount stores nationwide.

For years I've trusted Clinique for my after-sun care.  Now there's new Rescue Balm with Aloe.  Apply it after sun exposure to calm skin.  This formula also helps to "repair" skin from sun damage and helps to minimize peeling.  It's oil-free, so it can be used on the face, as well as body.  Available at Clinique Counters nationwide and at www.clinique.com.  $20.

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Sun Glow Powder Bronzer.  I bought this product completely on impulse and really like it.  There are three shades of pigment: a warm bronze shade, a rosy pink and a touch of shimmer to help give a natural glow. Skin conditioners help skin to look refreshed and radiant.  Beautiful bronze glow at a budget price of $12.95!  Available at mass market retailers nationwide, as well as Ulta.

To make your eyes pop against a tan, use mark I-Sheer Hook Up Creamy Eye Shadow in Glacee, the shade that makeup artist Mai Quynh used on Miley Cyrus at the Grammys.  This cream eye shadow has gotten rave reviews and it retails for a mini $5.00 per tube!  Add a swipe of On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner in Cleo.  mark products are available through an Avon representative, at meetmark.com or at amazon.com Beauty.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara is the first 100% natural origin mascara, featuring a formula designed to naturally boost volume without clumping or breaking lashes. Organic Orange Water, Organic Beeswax and 100% Natural pigments deliver healthy, nourished and naturally perfected lashes.   And seriously, could a mascara be any cuter?  Look for Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara in two shades, in mass market retailers nationwide.  

The hottest lip look on the market right now is from CoverGirl.  CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain delivers precision application and color that lasts, without the sticky, heavy feel of traditional lipsticks.  Lips look bare, feel beautiful and the formula smooths and conditions lips with an exotic flavoring.  CoverGirl Outlast Lipstains are available in 10 shades at mass-market retailers. 

Hair will look cute when you put it up or accent it with the Goody Full Bloom Collection, available exclusively at Target.  Pick from adorable hair clips, headbands, flowered bobbys, barrettes or hit up the plaid look.  A great way to change up your hair in an instant!

Don't forget the fragrance!  Spritz on Flowerific, from Flirt!  Flowerific is a fresh, irresistable scent that will make you feel as playful--or sexy--as you want to be.  Top notes of juicy Tangerine, Apricot Nectar and Blue Freesia start out tempting and bubbly; mid notes develop into a more floral bouquet, with Frangipani. Syringa Blossom and Lush Waterlily.  Sun-loving Magnolia and Rose Petals are at the heart, with a finish of rich, powdery warmth in Orris Absolute, Creamy Woods and Sheer Amber.  Flowerific is available at Kohls Department Stores nationwide and at www.kohls.com.

Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Revitalizing Cream

Avon has just launched two new anti-aging skincare products called Rejuvenate. This new skincare formula is part of the ANEW line and is designed to replicate the steps of a professional spa anti-aging treatment in just 7 days.  Did it pass the 7 day test?  Read on....

I tested the ANEW Rejuvenate Night Revitalizing Cream and the ANEW Rejuvenate Flash Facial Rejuvenating Complex, which is a daytime serum.  The Night Revitalizing Cream is a lightweight gel-cream formula that feels as luxurious as other much-more-expensive moisturizers.  The Flash Facial Rejuvenating is a lightweight serum for daytime use, to be applied after cleansing and before makeup.

The ANEW Rejuvenate formula delivers similar results of a professional anti-aging facial in 7 days:

• Exfo-Smoothing Complex, designed to exfoliate, resurface and clarify skin, making it look younger.  The Night Revitalizing Cream contains Chlorosalicylic Acid, a derivitive of salicylic acid that is designed to penetrate deeper and better into the skin's surface layers for more effective exfoliation and smoothing of skin texture.
• MiniExtraction Technology, in Night Revitalizing Cream, uses Eclipta, an exclusively harvested ingredient, designed to strengthen the supportive fibers surrounding pores, to help deliver visibly smaller pores.  
• RevitaFresh, found in both products, is engineered to reinforce skin cell bonds to help create smoother and more even skin.  

I am happy to report that the products did work, as promised.  I did see improvement in my skin in 7 days, particularly in terms of better overall texture.  I think both products deliver impressive results in a short amount of time.  More importantly, the benefits did continue the longer I continued to use the product...two weeks and beyond.  If you're looking to kickstart your skincare regimen, these might be products you'd want to try. 

Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Night Revitalizing Cream and Flash Facial Concentrate are available through Avon Representatives or online at www.avon.com.  

Jillian Dempsey Collection for Avon

Jillian Dempsey has recently joined Avon as AVON Global Creative Color Director.  A noted makeup artist in her own right, she will have a huge impact, in terms of vision, trend direction and star power. She has already designed her own color collection, called the Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Collection. 

Bright yet wearable is exactly how I would describe a new favorite product, which is the Jillian Dempsey Signature Horizon Blush.  It's a traditional blush (cheek color) and highlighter in one, in the most ingenious spectrum of color.  The color goes from sheer, blazing pink (definitely use a light hand!) to rosy neutral; there is also Apricot Horizon, which is more coral. Sometimes I'll just apply the shade from one end to color or contour; other times I may only use the lightest shade to highlight. I seriously love this blush as much as any of my other, more expensive brands.

New offerings in the Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Collection include a dual-ended mascara, a kohl eyeliner and a 3 in 1 eyeshadow trio, perfect for creating a smokey eye.  Prices range from $6 to $10, but check the Avon website for current specials on these products.  You can also shop for Avon products through over 650,000 Avon Representatives nationwide, by calling 1-800-FOR-AVON.

Avon flower & petal fragrances by Cynthia Rowley

Avon and Cynthia Rowley have created a one of a kind limited-edition fragrance duo in time for Mother's Day.  The complementary fragrances, flower and petal, symbolizes the bond between mothers and daughters. The flower fragrance has notes of florals--Casablanca Lily and Freesia; warm woods, like Cashmere Woods, Velvet Woods and Sandalwood and Warm Vanilla and Skin Musk.  The petal fragrance is lighter in spirit and scent.  It is a "floral green" fragrance with Lilly of the Valley.  flower is housed in a white bottle (50ml) resembling a keepsake jewelry box, with a moderen/vintage feel to it.  petal is in an identically-shaped, smaller (30ml), pink bottle.  Both have tags featuring the floral pattern that was on the Cynthia Rowley for Avon color collection. 

Of the two fragrances, petal is my favorite.  flower is priced at $30.00 and petal is priced at $15.00.  Avon products are available nationwide through Representatives (call 1-800-FOR-AVON to locate one or check here) or online at www.avon.com.