Skin Care Regimen

I haven't been very good about taking care of my skin, but I'm going to put forth more of an effort. So starting tonight, I'm going to try to do a regimen every morning and evening. Who's with me? :)

I'm using the AVON Solutions Total Radiance line for myself. If you want info on it, or any of AVON's skin care lines, let me know.

Morning : Solutions Plus+ Total Radiance Thermal Cleanser, Solutions Plus+ Total Radiance Eye Gel, Solutions Total Radiance Day Lotion SPF 15

Evening: Solutions Total Radiance Day and Night Cleanser, Solutions Plus+ Total Radiance Eye Gel, Solutions Total Radiance Brightening Concentrate, Solutions Total Radiance Night Cream


I'm also using the Solutions Vibes Wake Up Eye Roller to help with my dark circles.

Here's my starting picture. My skin is all rosy because I had just finished my evening routine.






























I'll try to post a picture here once an month. 

How To Get Smokey Eyes

Smokey eyes have been a big style for quite awhile and there's no sign this particular trend is dying. Here we show you step-by-step instructions on how to get the perfect smokey eye.

The key to the perfect smokey eye is proper blending. You want to make sure colors are blended together flawlessly. Also, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors. Nice mixes include: Soft gold base with deep purple on top, champagne base with bright blue and peach base with green hue.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 10 minutes

What You Need:

·                        Eye primer (you don't need it, but it's great for keeping shadow in place)

·                        2 Shadows: One light, one darker

·                        Eyeliner

·                        Makeup brushes

·                        Mascara

Here's How:

1.               Prep the lid. The key to keeping eyeshadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to kept eyelids oil-free. To do this start with an eyeshadow base (also called "primer"). Simply swipe the primer across the eye and let it dry before you continue to the next step.

2.               Apply eyeliner. If you're going for a typical black, brown or gray smoky eye, apply liner in one of those colors above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye. If you're opting for a jewel-toned eye (violet makes a gorgeous smokey eye), line eyes with a purple, blue or deep green liner.

3.               Blend in color on bottom lashes For color on the bottom (a key smokey eye look) you'll want to use an eyeliner pencil because they're easiest to smudge. Once the line is drawn, run your finger over it to smudge the line. You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect.

4.               Apply light base color. Again, the key to a smokey eye is pairing a lighter base with the darker hue. I prefer a nice cream shade for my base. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your browbone. I love Stila's whipped eye shadows. The moist "mousse" consistency seems to stay on forever. My favorite colors are taupe and pearl.

5.               Blend in darker color, but keep dark color below the crease. Now that you have the base and eyeliner on, it's time to get the smokey effect. You need a darker eyeshadow shade. Using an eyeshadow brush blend in color starting at your lash line, blending up. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease. The key here is to blend, blend, blend.

6.               Double check your work. Make sure eyes match and blend color with a Q-tip if need be.

7.               Finish with several coats of mascara. You'll want to apply a few coats of mascara so lashes are thick and dark. If you don't have naturally long, curled lashes, curl them with a lash curler first. See my list of best mascaras if you don't have one you love.

Tips:

1.               Remember to keep lips nude. When applying strong makeup (like smokey eyes or red lips) put the focus on either eyes or lips, never both. (Think Angelina Jolie: She either plays up her huge eyes or her huge lips, never both. If she did, she'd look like a clown).

2.               For a bit of fun, try a blue or purple mascara. It will make blue eyes "pop."

3.               Liner doesn't have to come in pencil form. Makeup experts know eyeshadows make some of the best eyeliners. To do this take an eyeliner brush, wet it, then dab wet brush into the dark shadow. This allows for a deep, precise line. You can also use the dark shadows without wetting brush first. Either way, eyeliner is necessary for smoky eye.

4.               This season go jewel-toned (blue is great for you blue-eyed girls) and keep your eyes smoky but stay away from dark browns and black. Instead, go for a deep purple, a gold-brown or any of the many vibrant colors in this year.

Selecting the right fragrance

It's a tough job to find the fragrance that's right for you. Here's some helpful information about Avon Fragrances and fragrance families.....did you know fragrances belonged to families? Now ya do!

~~~~~~FRAGRANCE FAMILIES~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~Oriental~~~~~~~

The Oriental Family is exotic and spicy. These fragrances are wrapped with warm comforting notes such as amber, vanilla, cinnamon and clove. Also present are rich florals. They are often described as addictive and give a sweet impression.

In the Oriental Family you will find: Tomorrow, Avon Extraordinary, Far and Away, Tomorrow for Men, Black Suede and Mesmerize

~~~~~~~Fruity Floral~~~~~~~

The Fruity Floral Family is fruity and bright, it uses fruity notes mingled with floral to give color, freshness and add juiciness. Fruity notes can be green (apple/pear), tropical (peach/pineapple) or berry.

In the Fruity Floral Family you will find: Crystal Aura and Surreal

~~~~~~~Floral Floral~~~~~~~

The Floral Floral Family soft and feminine and the most popular fragrance family. Florals are characterized by a blend of mixed bouquets such as jasmine, rose, white peony, gardenia, and tuberose. Florals can be pure and flowery or blended with soft musk notes for a subtle warmth or to create a soft and powdery feeling.

In the Floral Floral Family you will find: Today, Dreamlife, Sweet Honesty, Rare Pearls, Rare Gold, Odyssey, Night Magic, Candid and Soft Musk.

~~~~~~~Fresh Floral~~~~~~~

The Fresh Floral Family is fresh and zesty. Fresh floral fragrances are bright florals accented with fresh notes. They burst with citrus notes like lemon, lime, and grapefruit or crisp greens like fresh cut grass or violet leaves. This family also includes cool and refreshing water-based scents.

In the Fresh Floral Family you will find: Always, Haiku, Avon Goddess, Avon Smile, Avon Shine and Blue Rush for Her

~~~~~~~Citrus~~~~~~~

The Citrus Family is zesty and energizing, and boasts clean and refreshing notes such as lemon, lime and mandarin as well as natural notes like fresh cut grass and rich green leaves. Cool and refreshing marine tones are also present.

In the Citrus Family you will find: RPM

~~~~~~~Fougere`~~~~~~~

The Fougere` Family is fresh and clean, it is the most popular in the men's category. Fougere`s contain a cocktail of ingredients mixing citrus, lavender, orange, ginger, black current, lime and are often spiked with sweet spices and oriental woods. They give a clean and groomed impression.

In the Fougere` Family you will find: Blue Rush, His Story, Wild Country, Derek Jeeter Driven

~~~~~~~Chypre~~~~~~~

The Chypre Family is rich and earthy and is categorized by the contrast of citrus freshness against an earthy or mossy feeling from notes like oak moss and patchouli. There can be mixed florals and leathery fruity notes to create different types of chypres. This family is rich and sophisticated.

In the Chypre Family you will find: Imari, Timeless and Perceive

***************************************************

Now you may be asking yourself what is a note? I will be happy to tell you!

A Fragrance goes through 3 main stages in which intensity changes and different elements of composition emerge. The stages of a fragrance are top, mid and base notes.

TOP NOTES: get your attention right away. They are strong and make an impression but fade quickly. Common top notes are citrus, fruity and green notes.

MID NOTES: as top notes gradually fade away, a fragrance intensifies and mid notes become apparent. Mid notes appear 10-20 minutes after application. They form the heart and body of a fragrance and give overall character. Mid notes are floral and spices.

BASE NOTES: base notes give foundation and lastingness. They are noticeable 15 minutes after application and the final scent to emerge after application. They bring depth and solidness to fragrances. Base notes are woods, musks, ambers and vanilla. 

Bubble Bath uses

1. Refill for liquid soap
2. Use as shampoo
3. As a dog shampoo-the dog's coat will shine.
4. Eliminates bath ring -great companion to SSS Bath Oil. Dries tub to clean shine.
5. Cleans bathroom vanity. No water spots!
6. Cleans combs and brushes and leaves no film.
7. Add to children's wading pool. Great big Bubble Bath outside PLUS it cleans the Childs pool.
8. Add to cleaning water for cars, aluminum or vinyl siding, campers or trailers. On cars leaves wax like protective coating & watermarks rinse off.
9. Removes stains when used on your laundry.
10. Use 1 or 2 caps full instead of harsh detergents.
11. COLD WATER washes as WOOLITE REPLACEMENT. Great for lingerie.
12. Wash your walls.
13. Wipe and clean your furniture.
14. Use on windows, shower doors, etc.
15. Wash your crystal with it.
16. Mop floors with it. It will cut through many shoe marks.
17. Shampoo carpets, vinyl, and fabrics with it.
18. Remove wax build up. Use straight from bottle with scouring pad and wipe with dry towel.
19. Leaves TV screen clean-no streaking-wipe with dry cloth.
20. Wash and clean cabinets in any room of home.
21. Great cleanser for mini blinds.
22. Great all around cleanser.
23. Appliances (stove, toaster, kettle, microwave)
24. Cupboards both painted and stained
25. Cars - inside and out
26. Laundry - one or two capfuls does the WHOLE laundry. Great on grease spots
27. Jewelry- even costume jewelry
28. Plant leaves - they will shine
29. Potpourri burner. Mix BB with hot water and house will smell wonderful
30. Clean your Eye Glasses

SSS Bath Oil Uses

SSS bath oil is approved for Bath Oil ONLY!! AVON makes no claim or guarantee on these uses; they never have now or in the past! These are based on Customer's Only!!

1. It's a bath oil.
2. It's an after shower moisturizer.
3. It can be used to remove makeup.
4. It's suntan oil. (No sunscreen).
5. Pour a little in the water of your foot saver to help moisturize your feet while you relax them.
6. It's a hot oil treatment to soften nails.
7. It's a good massage oil for those overworked, sore muscles.
8. It's a good insect repellent for people and their pets.
9. It helps relieve itching caused by insect bites and dry skin.
10. Sponge it on screens, doors, and windows to keep crawling bugs as well as flies and mosquitoes out.
11. It's a good wood cleaner, conditioner and polish for natural wood. (Cuts grease/dirt from kitchen cabinets with ease.)
12. It removes chewing gum from hair, skin, carpets, and most non-porous surfaces.
13. It removes glue/gum left from price tags/labels from glass, metal and most plastics.
14. It cleans tape marks left from bandages from skin.
15. It cleans ink from skin; most vinyl and painted surfaces.
16. It gently cleans heavy grease and oil from skin, non-porous surfaces. (great for mechanics)
17. It removes soap scum from shower doors, shower curtains, windows, bathroom, and kitchen fixtures.
18. It removes lime/hard water deposits from windows, fixtures, shower doors, and tile.
19. It removes tar spots from car without damaging paint finish.
20. It's an oil lubricant for fitting pipe joints that won't slip together as easily as they used to.
21. It removes paint and stain from skin. Much easier then turpentine!
22. It cleans paint brushes easily, and leaves them as soft as new.
23. It cuts grease and dirt from range hoods.
24. It removes candle wax from furniture, carpeting, and clothing.
25. It removes scuff marks made from patent leather shoes.
26. It removes Liquid nails (paneling glue) and commercial carpet glue from clothing.
27. Two glass bowls or glasses stuck together? Drizzle a little SSS down the sides and they'll come apart easily. No breakage!!
28. It removes "Ring around the Collar".
29. Wipe down vinyl surfaces inside your car. Cleans them nicely, and removes smoke odor.
30. Spray your horses. It's great for them, gives them a shiny coat and you can ride without being bothered by bugs.
31. Fleas!!! Spray your dog, no more fleas, ticks, or bug bites. Great for grooming! Shines their coat and keeps insects away.

How to Give Yourself a French Manicure

Looking for a polish job that can take you from day to night, casual to dressy? Consider a french manicure. From daytime denim to evening elegance, the popular white-tipped look will never leave you wondering whether your polish complements your outfit.

Things You'll Need:

·                     Rubbing Alcohol

·                     Nail Brushes

·                     Nail Files

·                     Manicure Scissors

·                     Nail Buffers

·                     Cotton Swabs

·                     Nail Clippers

·                     French Manicure Guides

·                     Nail Polish - Base/Top Coat

·                     Nail Cleaners

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1.      Hit the drugstore or beauty supply center to pick up your tools. Neutral polishes are very pale, sheer shades with a pink, beige or peach cast. Avon offers base/top coats, as well as NailWear Pro French Tip White and Sheer French Pink.

2.      Clip, file and shape your nails. Tend to your cuticles, then wash and dry your nails completely. Apply the base/top coat and let it dry.

3.      Peel off a guide strip and affix it below the tip of a nail, following its natural curve. The guide will allow you to paint an even white tip with ease and precision.

4.      Decide where to place the guide strips based on the length of your nails. In general, the longer the nail, the longer the white tip should be. Make sure that the arch of the guide is smooth and rounded and that the tip lengths are all relatively consistent.

5.      Paint each nail tip white, extending the brush stroke from the top of the guide to the end of the nail. Take care not to get any white polish on the body of the nail below the guide. Let the tips dry.

6.      Remove all the guides. Dissolve leftover adhesive by rubbing it gently with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

7.      Apply two coats of the neutral polish, letting the first coat dry before the second application. Finish with a thin layer of base/top coat.

Make-up Shelf Life

It's important to know the shelf life of your cosmetics. 

Keep track of how long you've had your beauty products, for two good reasons:
To be sure they are still effective and to assess their possible contamination with bacteria that can cause rashes or infection.


FOUNDATION: up to 2 years 
- Throw out sooner if the pigment has started to change or the consistency becomes clumpy.

LIPSTICK: 1 1/2 to 2 years 
- When the waxes eventually dry out, you'll feel a loss of the slip that makes application easy.

MASCARA: 3 months 
- Because the process of applying involves moving the wand from lashes to bottle and back, the risk of introducing bacteria is high. A new tube every three months is simply sensible eye hygiene.

EYE SHADOW: 3 years 
- If either power or cream varieties exhibit an odor or a color or texture change, discard sooner.

LIP AND EYE PENCILS: 2 years 
- If the pencil starts to stick and get more difficult to use, it's probably dried out. Time to toss it.

BLUSH: 3 years 
- Despite a long shelf life, be alert to changes in color, smell or consistency.

MOISTURIZERS: 3 years 
- Discard them sooner if you start to smell an off odor or the overall texture seems to have changed.

SUN PROTECTION: 2 years When it's time to discard, you'll notice that the product starts to separate and may have an odor.

SELF -TANNERS: 6 months to 1 year 
- Self-tanners take on a funny smell when they're past their prime. They become less effective and you may get a lighter or inconsistent "tan"

FRAGRANCE: 1 to 4 years 
- Perfume fades in 1 to 2 years: Toilet water: 2 to 4 years. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

DEODORANT: 3 years 
- The active ingredients don't last; forever, and once they're inert, the deodorant isn't effective.

NAIL POLISH: 6 months to 4 years 
- The less it's exposed to air and sunlight, the longer it last. Store in the refrigerator.

mark. Foundation

Here's the mark. brand foundations. 

mark. face xpert FLAWLESS TOUCH MAKEUP 
Hide flaws and diffuse light with this lightweight, oil-free, professional-coverage formula. Sponge-tip applicator helps makeup glide on smoothly and mess-free.

mark. Speedway DO EVERYTHING MAKEUP

Hide under-eye circles, cover skin imperfections and even out skin tone with this oil-free, multitasking mini stick that can be used as a concealer or foundation. Special formula goes on like a lightweight cream and dries to a powder finish.






mark. powder buff NATURAL SKIN FOUNDATION

Cover imperfections with this ultrablendable, oil-free, pressed powder foundation that allows buildable sheer-to-full coverage. Compact has built-in mirror and sponge applicator.









mark. get a tint TINTED MOISTURIZER LOTION SPF 15

A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with just enough color to even out your skin tone and give the appearance of a healthy glow. The unique skin-balancing formula works to hydrate while preventing shine in those spots prone to excess oil.

Tomorrow: Make up/skin care shelf life.

If you like.....You'll Love (fragrances)

There are many frangrances out there at our department store counters that will cost you quite a bit. Here's some helpful info on how AVON fragrances can help you get the scent you want without paying thise prices you don't want!

If you like Calvin Klein Euphoria, then you'll love:  Tomorrow, Avon Extrordinary, Far Away

If you like DKNY Be Delicious, then you'll love: Crystal Aura and Surreal

If you like Christian Dior J' adore, then you'll love: Today, Dreamlife, Sweet Honesty, Rare Pearls, Rare Gold, Candid, Odyssey, Night Magic, Soft Musk

If you like Este Lauder Pleasures, then you'll love: Always, Haiku, Avon Goddess, Avon Shine, Avon Smile, Blue Rush for Her

If you like Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely, then you'll love: Imari, Timeless

If you like Armani Code, then you'll love: Tomorrow For Men, Mezmorize, Black Suede

If you like Armani Acqua di Gio, then you'll love: RPM

If you like Davidoff Cool Water, then you'll love: Derek Jeeter Driven, Blue Rush, Hisstory, Wild Country

If you love Ralph Lauren Polo, then you'll love: Perceive

Remember when buying fragrances Avon hold a 100% money back promise! If you don't like it you can return it for an exchange or refund!

AVON Foundations

I've heard so many times how hard it is to judge the colors of foundations from the brochures, and it is! The color is almost never the same as in the pictures. 

While I can't get a 100% accurate color, I can give you a summary of the finish and coverage for each of the different lines that AVON carries. I will also add a picture of each one so you can get a bit of an idea about the colors.

IDEAL SHADE LIQUID FOUNDATION SPF 10 ALL-PURPOSE

for continuous balance, adds moisture or absorbs oil wherever needed

featherlight medium coverage
natural satin finish

IDEAL SHADE CREAM-TO-POWDER FOUNDATION SPF 15 

ULTIMATE MULTITASKER foundation, concealer and powder in one; mattifies oily, breakout-prone skin

medium-to-full coverage
natural matte powder finish

PERFECT WEAR EXTRALASTING LIQUID FOUNDATION SPF 15

LONG-WEARING
transfer-proof up to 12 hours; built-in primer for smooth, flawless coverage; waterproof
medium-to-full coverage
natural matte finish

BEYOND COLOR LINE SOFTENING MOUSSE FOUNDATION

MOISTURIZING
enriched with vitamins A, C and E for a fresh look all day
light-to-medium coverage
velvet matte finish

BEYOND COLOR SKIN SMOOTHING COMPACT FOUNDATION FIRMING

smoothing formula with vitamin B complex for enhanced radiance
full coverage
natural radiant powder finish

SMOOTH MINERALS FOUNDATION - Loose

GREAT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN 
contains pure mineral pigments; free of talc, oil and fragrance
medium coverage
natural luminous finish

SMOOTH MINERALS PRESSED FOUNDATION

GREAT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

contains pure mineral pigments; free of talc, oil and fragrance
medium coverage
natural luminous finish

MAGIX CASHMERE FINISH LIQUID FOUNDATION

BANISHES SHINE ALL DAY
look naturally flawless up to 10 hours…with Optix Light-Diffusing technology; SPF 15
light-to-medium coverage
dewy matte finish

HEALTHY MAKEUP LIQUID FOUNDATION SPF 10

SKIN LOOKS MORE RADIANT…EVEN AFTER YOU TAKE OFF YOUR MAKEUP

Skin appears silky smooth, more even-toned and luminous.

Light-to-medium coverage. 

Satin finish.

 

HEALTHY MAKEUP MOUSSE FOUNDATION FEATHERLIGHT FEEL WITH A MATTE VELVET FINISH

Skin looks smooth, fresh and vibrant… and feels moisturized all day.

Instantly improves tone and texture.

Light-to-medium buildable coverage.

Suitable for sensitive skin.

ANEW AGE-TRANSFORMING FOUNDATION SPF 15

ANTI-AGING MAKEUP

Minimizes wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.

Full coverage.

Natural radiant finish.

Hopefully this will help clear up some of the confusion. Of course, you can ask me for samples; and I will do my best to get them for you. And don't forget AVON 100% Love it or Return it Guarantee!