List of New Products

Reviews will be available soon.


Make-up and Fragrance:
ExtraLasting Lipgloss in Infinite Berry
Outspoken Intense by Fergie EDP Spray, Purse Spray and Body Spray (Release in Campaign 15)

New Shades:
Glimmerstick Diamonds in Flashy Copper and Sparkling Silver (Release in Campaign 15)

Lingerie:
Hot Cherry Bra and Brief (Release in Campaign 15)
Hot Cherry Pyjamas (Release in Campaign 15 - awaiting delivery)
Hello Kitty Angel Sleep Tee (Release in Campaign 15)

Returning to Business!

Due to personal circumstances beyond my control, I have been unable to deliver books or orders for the last nine weeks.

As I am now in a position to begin distributing Avon again, I am restarting my rounds as of this week.

I apologise for the issues this may have caused, and I hope that you will continue to look forward to flicking through your brochures and trying new products.

The Power of Sampling

Samples are probably the most useful tool a Representative has in her arsenal of goodies and tricks.  A sample gives you the chance to try a product before you buy, and it is something that should never be looked upon lightly.  Many Reps are picky with the way they distribute their samples, so if you receive one, it's because they think that this is a product that you may like based on your previous purchases.  I myself have used samples, both for myself and for my customers.  I will talk about my most recent sample find in another post, but for now, have a look at this list of available samples.  If you see something that you want to try, contact your Representative and ask if they have it in the colour or fragrence you want!  See brochures for available make-up colours.

Foundations

Ideal Shade Natural Liquid Foundation
Extra Lasting Foundation
Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation
ANEW Youth Awakening Transforming Foundation
MagiX Cashmere Foundation
Mattifying Foundation

Toiletries

Skin So Soft Signature Silk Replenishing Body Lotion
Naturals Haircare Triple Sachet
Advance Techniques Single Sachet Lotus Shield

Lipstick

Ultra Colour Rick 24K Gold Lipstick
Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick
Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick
Ultra Colour Rich Colordisiac Lipstick
Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick
ANEW Youth Awakening Lipstick

Skincare

ANEW
Face Lotion SPF50
Derma Full X3 Serum
Clinical Eye Lift Pro
Clinical Lift and Firm
Clinical Thermafirm
Clinical Luminosity Pro
Ultimate Age Repair Day
Ultimate Elixir
Ultimate Gold Emulsion
Ultimate Age Repair Night
Ultimate Eye
Platinum Night
Platinum Eye and Lip
Platinum Day
Platinum Serum
Rejuvinate Eye Moisturiser
Rejuvinate Flash Facial
Rejuvinate Night
Rejuvinate Day
Rejuvinate Emulsion
Reversalist Emulsion
Reversalist Renewal Serum
Reversalist Day
Reversalist Eye
Reversalist Night

solutions
Youth Minerals Cleanser
Hydra Radiance Cleanser
Sensitive Botanicals Cleanser
Ageless Accolade Day and Night
Youth Minerals Day and Night
Complete Balance Day and Night
Sensitive Botanicals Day and Night
Hydra Radiance Day and Night

Fragrence

Women's
Soft Musk
Bond Girl 007
Bond Girl 007 Forever
Celebre
Christian Lacroix Absynthe
Christian Lacrois Rouge
Eternal Magic
Herve Leger
Herve Leger Ete
Jet Femme
Laugh Often
Love To The Fullest
Live Without Regrets
Little Black Dress
Little White Dress
Outspoken
Pur Blanca
Rare Gold
Rare Pearls
In Bloom
Simply Because
Slip Into
Spotlight
Secret Fantasy
Today
Tomorrow
Treselle
Treselle Mystique
U by Ungaro
Up To You
Windscape

Men's
Signature
Christian Lacrois Absynthe
Christain Lacroix Noir
Full Speed
Herve Leger
Jet Homme
Unscripted
Life
Pro Sport
Simply Because
True Force
U by Ungaro
Up To You
Windscape
Urban Edge

Avon Campaign 07 Delivery Due Today

The Campaign 07 delivery is due today.  Deliveries will commence when all items have been sorted and packaged.

I also have six brand new products due to arrive to try review you:

• Sweet Twist Lip Gloss
• Summer Breeze Moisture Mist
• 3 Pack Lace Briefs
• Cherry Blossom Daily Refreshing Hair Mask
• Cherry Blossom Daily Refreshing Shampoo
• Cherry Blossom Daily Hair Refresher

On top of this I will also be getting Mark to review the men's QuadraFX Power Body Wash and the Gyroscopic Strength Ball.

Finally, I will also be reviewing a selection of products from Avon's hair removal range, including the Shave Gel, Minimising Body Lotion and Hair Removal Cream, as well as Grow Potion, the Jillian Dempsey Professional Brow Styler, and the Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick.

I have also bought to Colette Summer Set t show you too, so please feel free to let me know your thoughts!

REVIEW: Expressions by Reese Witherspoon

EXPRESSIONS COLLECTION by REECE WITHERSPOON

From left: Live Without Regrets, Laugh Often and Love To The Fullest

Following the success of her first fragrance, In Bloom, Avon's Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon brings three new fragrances to the Avon table, all created to capture life's richest moments in a bottle.

"Celebrating love, laughter and living without

regrets, the Expressions Collection evokes

the moments that make life feel amazing."

Reese Witherspoon

The first two scents, Live Without Regrets (pink) and Laugh Often (yellow) were available from brochure 6 of the 2011 campaign (pages 6-9), while the final scent, Love To The Fullest (green), was available from brochure 7 (pages 160-161).

In the brochure, Live Without Regrets is described as "an expressive blend of bold gardenia and sparkling bergamot".

Reese Witherspoon explains it as so:

"Life is rich with

opportunity, so we

have to be bold.

Live Without Regrets

celebrates the idea

of living every day

to the fullest."

Laugh Often is "a joyful fragrance with bright citrus and playful florals".

Reese says:

I can't imagine a life without

laughter.  It lifts our spirits, and sets

us free.  Laugh Often was inspired

by that feeling of joyous abandon."

Finally, Love To The Fullest is "a sensual scent mixing velvety florals with rich sandstone".

Reese's final words of wisdom are:

"Love To The Fullest captures the

heart-fluttering feeling of love.

You have to let your guard down

and give into it."

Some very pretty words, along with some cute-looking bottles.  So what are they actually like?  Well, I tried all of them, and I'll give you my verdict on them all!

Live Without Regrets

On the side of it's baby pink box, Avon describes this product as "modern and optimistic".  Optimism from the off!  It then continued to describe it as "a bouquet of wet gardenia flower and sparkling bergamot is enhanced with radiant sun-bleached amber".  Personally, I didn't even know that amber had a scent, let alone a different one sun-bleached(!) but I suppose it will never surprise me what actually smells these days (Black Diamond scented washing powder?  Seriously?!).

Simple and uncluttered, the box does not attempt to pull you towards it so much as it lets the name do the talking for it.  As a celebrity fragrance, it seems to dare you not to try it!  Anyhow, inside the box, the bottle is a cute ball shape, filled with a translucent pink liquid, with scripted writing around it and a simple silver top.  It's quaint, but not over the top.  However, I was surprised at how strong the smell of it was!  Without even spraying a drop I could already smell the flowers emanating from this little bottle of £12 optimism.  And it was pretty.  Like real flowers.  So, on I sprayed.

At first the scent came over as truly overpowering.  I really thought I was going to choke on it, it was so strong!  Thankfully, after a few moments, the scent settled onto my skin, and it was lovely.  Light and delicate, the flowers combine together so well, and it made me think of running through wide open spaces filled with wildflowers.  This is odd for me, as I am not normally a flowery scent kind of girl - as I have touched on before most of them smell truly awful on me!  But this is a subtle kind of floral - it's tantalising and sweet, but not overpowering to the nose, and it's a very cute-type fragrance.  It does have a sophisticated tang to it in the undertones of the scent, giving a modern yet playful perfume that I would most probably be well suited as a springtime scent.  A single spray is enough for long-lasting fragrance, but I do not recommend rubbing your arms together too much as this degrades the smell quicker.  A spritz on clothes is usually a good idea to give off a subtle scent without being too overpowering.  I would most definitely recommend this perfume and rate it a 5/5.

Laugh Often

The box a rich yellow, Avon describes Laugh Often as "fun and joyful.  A spontaneous burst if bright mandarin wrapped in green and white tea leaves and playful pink peony."  As a lover of fruity scents, I had high hopes for this perfume, and while I had already been wowed by Live Without Regrets, I was hoping to be well and truly swept off my feet by Laugh Often.

With the same box design (though in a different colour) and bottle style, the only noticeable differences in the appearance of the two perfumes was the text (it obviously said different things) and the colour of the contents.  Laugh Often has a clear yellow colour similar to clear apple juice - the kind you give to children who hate having bits in their drinks (of this, I am guilty!).  I also noted that when I removed the bottle from the box there was no smell as there was from Live Without Regrets.  I thought that perhaps this meant that this would not be as strong, but I was wrong.  It would appear that my box of Live Without Regrets may have had a spillage during filling!

Again, the smell settled, but this fragrance was a juicy tropical burst that made me think of exotic foreign holidays, and California, though I have never been!  And again it felt light on the skin, but this time it was less of a delicate smell, with strong citrus notes that left all other scents fighting to make their presence felt.  I could in no way smell the tea or the peony unless I tried really hard to distinguish them, but even then, their essence was faint.  This scent is fun, bright and sunny, a typical Summer smell that wouldn't be out of place on a bikini-clad beach sunbather.  However, I found the overwhelming mandarin was a little too much for me to wear in any enclosed space, which was a bit of a disappointment.  This happy, feel-good smell is one I would probably use only when going somewhere outdoors, but then again, in the sunshine, this would be a perfect mood-transformer anyway!  One spray is more than enough for my skin, though I did find that spraying it onto skin first and then adding clothes while it was still drying helped me to make the smell less potent.  I do like it, but I'm not sure I could handle it all the time, so I'm going to have to give this perfume a 4/5.

Love To The Fullest

Okay, now, this one I really wasn't sure about.  Why?  Because my Mum actually tried it before I did, and it smelt like cucumber on her!  Honestly, it made her smell like a salad, so I was a little hesitant to try it myself.  However, the cuteness of the pale green box and the translucent green contents won me over to trying it, and I'm really glad I did.  It smells completely different on me, which is why I will never judge a perfume based on my Mother again!  (Sorry Mum!)

The box describes this perfume as "sensual and sexy.  A seductive blend of succulent black cherry and evening primrose coupled with a luxurious creamy sandstone accord".  After having wondered for ages what on Earth sandstone actually smelt like, considering it's a type of sedimentary rock, I discovered that Love To The Fullest is by far the most mature smelling of the three fragrances.  It to me is like the beautiful mother of two fun-loving daughters; fun and playful, but at the same time, sexy and experienced.

The black cherry scent hit me first, followed by the delicious undertones, and it was a truly sensual scent that completely won me over in seconds.  Not as potent as the other two perfumes, Love To The Fullest nonetheless has the delicate balance of scent and lightness perfectly combined, making it a great evening scent; especially an evening with your significant other.  If he, or she as the case may be, doesn't go nuts over this smell, I would be very surprised!  It's seductive and gentle, but fun and playful all rolled into one -  a perfect little black dress accompaniment!  It's only flaw is that it doesn't seem to last as long as the other two scents.  I have thought that it may be due to the fact that it is a less aggressive assault on the nasal passages - my nose simply got used to it quicker than the other two.  I have yet to test this theory in practice though, so I will let you know if my thoughts are correct!  This scent definitely does it for me, and receives a 5/5!

Score

Well, I'm at a bad place now, as I have two favourites that I really can't choose between.  All three perfumes smell lovely, and have their virtues as different types of scent, but I don't know which of them I would choose as my favourite.  Right at this moment in time I am more inclined towards Love To The Fullest, but I always seem to change my mind!  My best advice would be for you to try them out and pick one for yourself!  After all, you know your scent better than anyone!

As a collection though, definitely a 5/5!

Sidenote: Yes, I am aware that the photos are wonky.  I was in a bit of a rush when I took them as I was supposed to be going out!   :-)

REVIEW: SuperEnchant Mascara

SUPERENCHANT MASCARA

Avon's SuperEnchant Mascara saw its introduction to the public in Brochure 7 of the 2011 campaigns.  The mascara formula is made up of 100% naturally derived mineral pigments, and features a Botanical Extracts and Royal Jelly to give beautifully conditioned lashes that are full and soft to the touch*.  Claiming to make your lashes look up to 44% longer** and have 400% more volume*** with a brand new hourglass-shaped brush, SuperEnchant seemed a little too good to be true, so I had to try it out for myself!

Okay, so, I got my demo mascara, and to be honest, when I first saw the brush, I was a little bit unconvinced.  It was such a weird shape, and I wasn't really sure what the point was to it.  Sure enough, on first use, I proceeded to smear a mass of black across my eyeshadow with one of the fat ends of the brush.  Not clever, and not pretty.  The shape took a lot of getting used to, and even now, I'm still not 100% convinced it works that well for me, but truth be told, if you're patient with it (which I generally am not!), it does work really well.  I've also noticed that the shape helps to slightly curl your lashes, as well as surround them for coverage, so teaming this mascara with an eyelash curler is probably the way forward.  In short, it's a strange shape, but you'll get used to it.

Now for the formula.  I myself have delicate, but long, lashes that are blonde at the tips and dark at the roots.  I have to really avoid touching my eyes because my lashes are so delicate they come out if I so much as think about rubbing my eyes if they get itchy!  After fighting with the brush for a bit, I did notice that the mascara coated my lashes well, if it was a little clumpy in places.  I later discovered that leaving this mascara for too long makes it more sticky, which I suppose is down to the mineral and jelly formula used to make it condition your lashes.  Giving it a good shake before using it usually helps, but you really need to remove as much as of the excess mascara as you can before even trying to put it on, which can be a bit annoying if you're in a hurry.  Some mascaras can feel stiff when you touch your lashes, but this one doesn't, it feels just like touching your lashes normally, which is a nice sensation, especially if your significant other is a fan of the 'butterfly kiss'.

While the first time round I didn't really notice any significant lengthening of my lashes, I did notice that they appeared fuller than normal, which is a good thing.  When I actually took the time to do the mascara properly, I did notice a slight lengthening effect, so I guess this mascara is probably best used when you have a lot of time on your hands to really do it properly.  The mascara isn't heavy, and with 100% natural pigments, I feel safe in the knowledge that it's not going to burn my eyelids off with constant use!

As for the conditioning effect, I have to be honest, I haven't really noticed any difference.  My lashes are still as delicate as ever, though I think I may have a reason for this.  I have only been using SuperEnchant every so often, when I have the time to really take care of my lashes, or when I need a really full look for photographs and the like.  As such, the conditioning effect is probably a cumulative one, taking effect when used pretty much constantly.  As I just don't have the patience for a slow-use mascara most of the time, I have been using  my SuperShock mascara because the flat, short bristles are better for me to do my mascara quickly and efficiently.

Verdict:
A good mascara - light, soft and it definitely helps to add volume, length and curl, but it's a high maintenance mascara, which doesn't suit my rush-rush approach to life.  It's well worth having in your make-up bag for a dramatic evening look, but I suggest not making it your only mascara.

Score: 4/5


* Consumer Study, 147 people
**  In Vitro Volume Test Study
***  Clinical Study, 21 people
Details in Avon's 2011 Brochure 07, pages 24-27

RECOMMENDATIONS: Campaign 7

RECOMMENDATION 1

What?
ANEW Regime 14-Day Starter Kits

Why?
These kits are a great way to try out a new skincare regime without forking out for full size versions of products you may end up not liking.  For a mere £10 you get yourself a trial size day cream, night cream and cleanser, with a full size eye cream, AND we also give you a £10 ANEW voucher to redeem on the full sized regime kits in brochure 8!

RECOMMENDATION 2

What?
Modesty Panels (B7 Pg 141)

Why?
Let me give an example first.  My sister has a rather ample cleavage, and she buys tops that often show it off.  But sometimes, you need to wear something that doesn't have you falling out all over the place.  Sometimes, a revealing top just isn't a good idea, and that's where the modesty panel steps in.  It attaches to your bra straps to help cover up your cleavage, saving you from embarrassing boob moments in front of, say... your boss or something!  If, however, you're like me and actually have little to hide in terms of cleavage, then the modesty panels are simply a great way to zazz up an old top.  In this pack, you get three panels; black, white and leopard print; so you can turn a single top into four!  I use the leopard print one to jazz up my black vest tops on nights out!

RECOMMENDATION 3

What?
The BOGOF offer, pages 48-63

Why?
It's really quite simple.  Order any product from these pages, and choose a treat from pages 46 and 47 absolutely free!  And that's not all, buy another product, and choose another treat!  Seriously, every product you buy from pages 48-63 entitles you to a free gift, so go mad, you're getting double the product for your money, and some of these free gifts are worth over £8!  Bargains!  Choose from Calming Effects Skin Revival Foundation (6 shades), Nail Experts Gold Strength, Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel (4 colours), Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick (8 shades), SuperMagnify Mascara (2 shades) and True Colour Eyeshadow Duo (3 colour schemes).

RECOMMENDATION 4

What?
Manicure Must-Haves, pages 64-65

Why?
It's all half price!  Do you need any other reasons?  Oh well go on then...  Winter has been a terrible time for hands.  All that cold wind and snow and ice...  Your nails probably need a lot more pampering, especially with Summer looming ever closer!  I know mine do!  Thanks to the harshness of the snow and wind in Lincolnshire, my nails took a serious battering, and now they look desperately ugly.  If you're a reforming biter, like me, Grow Potion is your product.  For damaged cuticles, Lavender Cuticle Oil does the trick.  Peeling, brittle nails?  Try the Peeling and Brittleness Solver, while generally weak nails could benefit from trying Strong Results, which contains diamond dust!  Finally, the French Manicure Set will ensure your newly reformed nails look stunning!

'The Avon Box' - Items For Sale

Since becoming an Avon Rep I have managed to accumulate a lot of stuff that I have been hoarding in an 'Avon Box' for future use.  I have now managed to get around to pricing these items!  See below for the full list.  Quantities are one unless otherwise stated.  Prices are equal to or less than those found in C4.  Some items are no longer available in brochure.

Windscape for Her EDP  £8.50
Footworks Marine Salt Hydrating Balm  £3
Live Without Regrets by Reese Witherspoon (PRE RELEASE)  £12  Qty 4
Laugh Often by Reese Witherspoon (PRE RELEASE)  £12  Qty 4
Slip Into EDP (Released C6)  £9  Qty 3
Solutions Vibes Vibrating Eye Roll-On (Released C6)  £7  Qty 4
Active Balance Anti-Perspirant Deodorant  £2
SSS Signature Silk Body Lotion  £2.50
SSS Signature Silk Hand Cream  £1.50
  *BUY BOTH SSS SIGNATURE SILK PRODUCTS FOR £3*
FootWorks Deep Moisturising Cream  £2
Advanced Techniques Smoothing Cream 200ml (Medium to Coarse Hair)  £2
Advanced Techniques Recovery Treatment Mask 150ml (Extremely Dry or Damaged Hair)  £2
Senses Winter Magic Shower Gel 250ml  £1.50
Amelia Gift Set (Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings)  £3
Planet Spa Mediterranean Olive Oil Foaming Hydrating Oil Body Wash 150ml  £2
Planet Spa Himalayan Goji Berry Rejuvenating Moisture Beads Body Wash 150ml  £2
Planet Spa Japanese Sake and Rice Illuminating Body Lotion Trial Size 50ml  £1
Planet Spa Dead Sea Minerals Firming Body Mask 150ml  £3
Naturals Red Rose and Peach Shower Gel 200ml  £1
Naturals Red Rose and Peach Body Lotion 200ml  £1
Naturals Strawberry and Guava Room and Linen Spray 125ml  £1.50
Country Rose Fleece Blanket  £8
ColourTrend Kajalstick (Black)  £1.65
Supershock Vivid Liquid Eyeshadow (Glistening Teal)  £10.50
True Colour Eyeshadow Duo (Fresh Jade)  £6

Amelia Gift Set (£3)



Delivery Issues - Campaign 4 orders

Due to a delivery error, I have received the wrong stuff :-\

Whilst I have managed to rectify most of the problems, there are still one or two orders that have items missing.

I will begin deliveries of the full orders during the week and will contact those with incomplete orders to discuss the situation with them.

Apologies for the delays.

Review: Avon Naturals Room and Linen Spray - Black Cherry and Nutmeg

I've used room sprays before, and recently I have been relying on a Glade Sense and Spray to keep my living room fresh, but when I noticed an offer in Avon's brochure, I couldn't resist trying the Room and Linen Spray.

Not wanting anything too girly for the sake of my boyfriend, I went for the Black Cherry and Nutmeg fragrance.  When it arrived, I wanted to try it immediately.  My Sense and Spray had long died over Christmas, and I couldn't be bothered trekking out to get a refill while it was snowing, so spray I did.  The smell was lovely, and filled with room with a fragrance that was not too heavy nor overpowering.  It was refreshing, and didn't make me want to choke like most room sprays do.  The cherry and nutmeg scents were delicious and light, with the nutmeg merely a complimentary addition, as opposed to a main one.  The cherry is true to it's regular fruit smell, and forms the main component of the spray's smell.

After reading that it was also good to spray on linens and suchlike, I had the idea of using it to fragrance some fake flowers I had made over Christmas.  I love the fresh scent of newly cut flowers, but what I don't like is the mess left when they die and pollen gets everywhere.  So, these fake flowers got a blast of the spray too, and the effect is a rather lovely effect, if a tad unusual for the shape of the flower!

I would recommend the Room and Linen sprays to anyone, and am going to try other smells myself :-)