A Few New Things in Campaigns 17 & 18

Hey there!  I just wanted to pop in and share a quick bit of info about some of my latest stuff from Avon:
Textured Cool Crossbody Bag

Soooo, this purse ended up being way cooler than I thought it would be!  In the brochure photo, it looked like the top flap on this bag zipped directly to its main body.  But no, the top flap itself unzips to a whole compartment that goes to the bottom of the bag!

 There are interior slip pockets and a zippered panel in the front portion, and the goldtone hardware feels nice and heavy.  Like I said, the larger compartment zips closed, then folds down and connects with a magnetic snap.   The faux leather feels soft and not too much like plastic.

The handle strap is adjustable and I love how long it can be.  Excellent crossbody option if you are tall!

Overall I am very pleased with this purse - it's better than I expected.

Neck & Neck Choker Set

This necklace arrives as two pieces and can be worn separately or together.  I'm a little on the fence as to whether or not I like it.  The metal it's made from is springy but also malleable, so I can bend it to fit my neck better and it will hold its shape when I take it off.  The goldtone color is pretty -- not too yellow or fake-looking.  However, the way it sits on my neck is just not doing it for me, no matter how I reshape it.  Somehow it doesn't look like it does on the model in the brochure (big surprise, I know) and when I get it closer to looking better, it's uncomfortable when I move around (I have neck and shoulder muscles that need room!).

Imari Elixir EDT 

Notes according to avon.com: "tempting juicy blackberry essence, seductive rose absolute and hypnotic pure vanilla extract".

At first, this fragrance is so strongly blackberry that the fruitiness is almost overwhelming.  It has a sharp, almost alcoholic bite to it, like blackberry liqueur.  As it dries down, however, it smells a little powdery and like ... sweet incense?  It's hard to put my finger on it, but I'm going to stick with the incense note.  I don't really get vanilla or rose out of it, which is somewhat disappointing since I love roses and vanilla!  It's not a deal-breaker though, and I've been really enjoying smelling like blackberry syrup and incense lately.

It's hard for me to place this fragrance in a season.  It is heavy and syrupy, like an autumn scent, but also soooo fruity which makes me think of summer.  I've worn it during the day and night and I like it both ways.  The blackberry note lasts a long time and I can still smell it on my skin the next morning!

That's all for now!

Note: I submit my Avon order every other campaign.  This means that I receive products from two campaigns at once, but half as often as the regular timetable.
All thoughts stated in this post are my own, honest opinions.  I have not been compensated to review these products, and all were purchased by me with my own money.

Moisture Therapy Derma: Restoring

Hey there!  I've just got a little mini-review today on two of Avon's products from their Moisture Therapy Derma line in the Restoring version.

Body Scrub

The body scrub is a white cream with little exfoliating granules dispersed throughout.  I'd prefer that the granules be a little more dense, but with some extra elbow grease, they still feel pretty good.

 

The scrub is quickly disappearing because, first of all, I feel like I have to use a lot of it to get the exfoliating that I want out of it, and second of all, I sometimes use it all over my body instead of just the rough areas.  I believe that it's unscented, so the remaining "scent" is just from the ingredients - which, although faint, reminds me of a cross between glue and Greek yogurt.  Not a deal-breaker for me; I don't mind it a bit.

Body Lotion

 The body lotion is very light and creamy, with a similar (but not identical) scent.  It smooths onto my skin nicely and absorbs at the typical rate for a lotion.  I don't notice any residual stickiness or smell, just a nice softness.

I purchased these two products because it was advertised as being 'suitable for keratosis pilaris', which is a condition that I have had for about 20 years.  Also called "chicken skin," I have this on the backs of my upper arms and on my upper thighs and well... the back of my butt (sorry, that may be a little TMI).  Now, I don't know what exactly causes it, but I have a suspicion that it is related to hormones because mine goes almost completely away only when I'm pregnant.  How....frustrating!  Since I don't plan on being pregnant constantly for the rest of my life, I figured I would give this stuff a shot.

After the first use, I didn't notice anything more than a typical exfoliator+lotion combo might have accomplished.  However, after a few weeks of use, I did notice a difference, especially in my "hind quarters."  That's a big deal, because one of the ways to make KP better is to expose it to a little sun (in my experience) and my, um, hind quarters get zero sun.  My KP is not gone -- don't get me wrong -- but it is a lot better, and smooth skin is so nice to have again!  I should have taken before & after photos, but to be honest, I didn't have high expectations (and also KP is really hard to photograph!)

I use these two in combination about once or twice a week.  For the results I get with that kind of light use, (even if I do use a lot at a time) I will definitely repurchase!

Note: I am not a dermatologist or a doctor.  This post is just about my experience, and in no way a recommendation!  If you have KP and are unsure if this product would work for you, talk to your doc!

Avon Warm Sunrise Quad and Perfect Nude Gloss

Hi there!  I have a simple and quick product update for you today!  Avon has introduced a few new shades into several of their makeup categories including powder blush, lip crayons, eyeshadow palettes, and lip gloss.  In this post I'm showing off two of them that I ordered recently.

Ultra Glazewear in Perfect Nude

 

 

Perfect Nude is a pale, pinky beige, categorized by Avon as a creme.  It has no shimmer, and it's on the sheer side, so if you have pigmented lips, don't expect it to look like it does in the tube when wearing.  It's a nice everyday kind of color.  Of course, it has the same comfy, non-sticky formula that makes Glazewear so good.

True Color Eye Shadow Quad in Warm Sunrise

This is my favorite makeup purchase by far!  I was really impressed when I swatched it.  Shades 1 and 2 are shimmery and smooth but just a little sheer compared to the matte gorgeousness that is shades 3 and 4.  Talk about a beautiful formula!  They blend easily and have great pigmentation.  I love that no two shades in this quad are too close together, yet all work harmoniously to create a great look.  Here's one of the looks I did with it:

Sorry for the crappy picture quality here -- I actually shot this while bouncing a fussy baby on my hip.  (He isn't as big a fan of makeup as his mommy is!)  I'm loving this rusty look and have worn it two days in a row now!  No liner -- just primer, shadow, and mascara.  Love!

That's all for now!  <3

All thoughts stated in this post are my own, honest opinions.  I have not been compensated to review these products, and all were purchased by me with my own money.

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 21 & 22 2014

Hi there and thanks for tuning in once again!  I'm recapping my skipped purchases over the holidays... keep reading for more (including a big one not pictured)!

NOTD: A Mani Monday for Once!

Here's my little bit of nail fun so far this week:

Products/tools used:
Avon Nail Experts Ridge Filling Base Coat
Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Sweet Pea Dream (limited edition)
Avon Gel Finish 7-in-1 Nail Enamel in Royal Vendetta
Avon Dual-Ended Nail Brush and Dotting Tool
Avon UV Gloss Guard Top Coat

They look like eyes.

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 19 & 20 2014

Nothing new or earthshaking this time, but a few things on sale...

First Impressions: New 8-in-1 Eye Shadow Palette in Not-So-Neutral

I did an in-between order (for me) and look what came in today:

Half Mani: Stardust and Metallic polishes from Avon

So I had some fun the other day when my new Stardust polish in Silver Crystals came in.  I have a few bad photos to show you of what I did!

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 17 & 18 2014

Curious about some of the new beauty items from Avon?  Keep reading!

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 15 & 16 2014

Hello again!  Just a small purchase this time around, but it's lovely!

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 13 & 14 2014

Well, it's not so easy to take photos and blog about my Avon with both a toddler and a newborn around!  There's always somebody begging to be in my arms!  Let's just say that it is an accomplishment right now for me to even get some mascara on sometimes... So let's seize this rare moment that I have to myself and get into what I ordered recently!

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 11 & 12 2014

Hi again!  It's been a rough few weeks as I approach our little one's due date (any day now!) so I haven't had much energy for blogging.  But I did pick up a few things that I'd love to share with you, so here they are!

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 9 & 10 2014

Note: I submit my Avon order every other campaign.  This means that I receive products from two campaigns at once, but half as often as the regular timetable.

Here's my most recent haul (another small one -- I think I'm getting better at this self-control stuff!)

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 7 & 8 2014

Note: I submit my Avon order every other campaign.  This means that I receive products from two campaigns at once, but half as often as the regular timetable.

I've been AWOL again, this time due to health issues in my immediate family.  Like I've said before, family first, Avon blog ... well, like fourth or so.  I hope you understand!

Here's what I ordered in C-7 & 8 ... plus a mini review on a late-arriving item from C-6:

Product Spotlight: Big Color Eye Pencils

Avon Big Color Eye Pencils.  Long before I had ever heard of eye shadow primer, these pencils were a key part of my eye makeup. They neutralized the darkness of my lids, amped up bright colors, and helped powder shadows to stick around longer and crease less.  I still use them almost every time I apply a regular dry shadow.  New collections have occasionally been added to the line, and old shades retired.  Well, now I understand that all of them are being discontinued, so before they're completely gone, I just want to share with you my assortment!

Avon Haul and First Impressions: Campaigns 5 & 6

Note: I submit my Avon order every other campaign.  This means that I receive products from two campaigns at once, but half as often as the regular timetable.

It's haul time!  Today I have some new brushes and a few other items that have already been out for a little while.  ...And also, it is apparently black-and-nude themed.

New Eye Shadow Quads in Campaign 11

Avon is coming out with four new neutrals-based eye shadow quads in C-11.  While these are still a ways off for me, I'm debating now over which one to get.  Every time I settle on one, another one jumps out and screams, "OOH OOH PICK ME PICK ME!"

What do you guys think -- which one would you like to see me try?  Which one would you get?  If they were bright colors, I know it would be easier to choose... but neutrals are just so versatile.

Catch-Up Post on Products from Campaigns 23-26 2013

Note: I submit my Avon order every other campaign.  This means that I receive products from two campaigns at once, but half as often as the regular timetable.

What did I pick up from Avon in my blogger absence last year?   A bundle of sticks, apparently.

Catch-Up Post on Products from Campaigns 01-04 2014

Note: I submit my Avon order every other campaign.  This means that I receive products from two campaigns at once, but half as often as the regular timetable.

Warning: this is the post of a thousand bad pictures.  I decided to try taking pics on my phone instead of digging out my DSLR with the logic of, "This will be easier!"  ...Well, it is easier -- I just pay for that convenience in quality, a quality that I can't see on my phone's screen but is painfully obvious on my computer's.  That being said, onward!

Makeup Maven Prize Bundle #5

Note: I received the items mentioned in this post as part of a prize package for my placement in Avon's Makeup Maven contest in 2012.  All thoughts and opinions stated are my own!