Sunday, March 13, 2011

Anew Age-Transforming Concealer SPF 15 Review

I thought I would try the Anew Age-Transforming Concealer with SPF 15 to see if I liked it or not. I got the lightest shade that was available, Natural Fair. My complexion is very light, Anew_concealerand I find it hard to actually get foundations and concealers, especially concealers, that work with my skin tone.

I have to say, I was not too impressed with this concealer. First of all, the shade I picked was not light enough for my skin tone. It looked a bit orange against my skin, and even after using the the Ideal Shade Cream-to-Powder Foundation over it my friends still noticed it was there.

I didn’t really like the brush applicator either. It was about 1/4th of an inch wide, and it took forever to get the product to come out for the first use. Even then, I had to stop during applying it to twist the applicator to get more product to come out. With the brush applicator, it was also hard to get the right amount to apply smoothly at any given time. Most of the time, the middle was applied very thin, and the brush spread the product to the sides. With one swipe, I could go from too much product, to not enough. This is definitely not good for under the eyes.

While wearing the product, besides it being seen by my friends numerous times, I didn’t really feel it there. It was the same light-weight product that I would expect from Avon.

Price is very important to me as a consumer. This is one of the more expensive concealer out there, the ones like this with similar applicators or SPF 15 protection are about the same price, but usually run a bit less. Avon always has great specials on their products though. I suggest to wait for a sale before trying this product if you would like to experience it for yourself.

Ratings

Coverage 2Stars5
Weight 3Stars_thumb2
Durability 4_5Stars5
Benefits 3Stars_thumb2
Price 2_5Stars
Overall 3Stars_thumb2
What do the ratings mean?

 

Specials

There are currently no specials for the Avon Age-Transforming Concealer with SPF 15 at this time. Continue to check back on my online Avon Store for more information and the latest prices!

How to Use

To apply the Anew Age-Transforming Concealer with SPF 15 you will need to twist the bottom of the applicator until the product begins to show through the brush. Then, ‘paint’ on directly to your problem areas.


About the Author

Liz Lane is currently a stay at home mother of 2 and Avon representative. I have been a representative since November 2010 and I love helping others with all of their makeup and beauty needs.

Ideal Shade Cream-to-Powder Foundation Review

I have been using the Ideal Shade Cream-to-Powder Foundation in Light Ivory since I started selling Avon. I have a very pale complexion, and it is often hard to find exactly the Cream_to_Powder_IdealShaderight shade when searching for a foundation in department stores. I use to use Almay or Cover Girl, but the lightest shades I could find were still noticeably darker. The Light Ivory is the lightest Ideal Shade Cream-to-Powder Foundation shade available, but it is available in deeper shades like Dark Cocoa, Sable, and Caramel.

This foundation is the lightest I’ve ever used. It goes on smooth and covers pretty well. Blending the edges is effortless when you have the right shade. My best advise is to either get some samples from an Avon Representative in your area, or take advantage of the 100% moneyback guarantee and try out the closest shade to your complexion. If it’s not right for you, send it back and swap it out with another color until you find the right one.

I work 10 hour days and have never noticed this foundation to wear off without some heavy rubbing or water. To clean it off at night, I usually use a baby wipe (because I have a one year old and they are plentiful around my house) before washing my face off to make sure I get it all.

The Ideal Shade Cream-to-Powder Foundation is also advertised with SPF 15. This is great because I tend to burn very easy. I haven’t really put this to the test yet, but I probably will this summer.

It also comes with it’s own makeup sponge for easy application, and it is hidden underneath the makeup layer of the compact. I love this because it means the makeup from the sponge isn’t coming in contact with the mirror so the mirror stays clean. It does make the compact thicker of course, but that doesn’t bother me so much since it still fits in my small makeup bag.

As far as price goes, I think it’s pretty acceptable. You can go to Wal-Mart and pick up a cheaper foundation without even trying, but they are usually very heavy and in some cases oily. I prefer to rank this foundation up there with the more expensive ones that have many more benefits. Of course, Avon often has sales on their makeup products, so catching this product on sale is never an issue.

Ratings

Coverage 5Stars9
Weight 5Stars9
Durability 4_5Stars
Benefits 4_5Stars
Price 3_5Stars
Overall 4_5Stars
What do the ratings mean?

 

Specials

The Ideal Shade Cream-to-Powder Foundation is currently 20% off! Try this amazing product for half price how by going to my online Avon Store.

How to Use

The Ideal Shade Cream-to-Powder Foundation comes with it’s own makeup sponge that is hidden under the makeup itself. Apply the foundation with the sponge all over your face, blending the edges below the jawline.

You can even apply a layer of this on your brow and lid to give a nice, smooth base for your eye makeup.


About the Author

Liz Lane is currently a stay at home mother of 2 and Avon representative. I have been a representative since November 2010 and I love helping others with all of their makeup and beauty needs.

Ideal Shade Concealer Stick Review

The truth is, I use to hate wearing concealer. I’ve never had the clearest skin, and the most of the concealers I’ve tried have been oily, chalky, heavy, or too dark. I have a very pale complexion, so getting a color that’s light enough for me is very hard to do.

IdealShade_ConcealerStickWhen I started Avon, I decided to try this concealer because it looked mess-free and easy to use. I realized pretty quickly that, with any foundation, concealer, or powder, I would have to use the lightest shade. After finding a foundation sample that disappeared when blended into my upper jawline, I knew that the Ideal Shade Concealer Stick in Fair was my best choice.

Out of the box, I fell in love with this concealer. It is very easy to apply, and is the perfect side (about 3.5 inches long and less than half an inch wide for application).

“Paul Innis, a world-renowned color expert, says ‘for blemishes, it’s best to use a concealer that matches your skin tone. But for undereye circles, go one or two shades lighter. Trying to match your complexion won’t give you the lift your eyes need.’

“As one of the most in-demand celebrity makeup artists, Paul has perfected the looks of many ‘A-List’ stars and internationally recognized supermodels. His work appeared in top beauty magazines. And now he shares his treasured trade secrets with you. Paul has worked with the Avon color lab to develop an expanded shade palette…so now there’s a more precise match for everyone.”Avon

While I still believe that getting a shade or two lighter may be sound advice for some, I couldn’t go any lighter. I mainly use the concealer for some very dark undereye circles as you can see in the image on the left. The image on the right is a picture of the same eye after foundation and the Ideal Shade Concealer Stick is applied. The difference is clear.

without
image 1 – undereye circles with foundation only
with
image 2 – undereye circles after applying
Ideal Shade Concealer Stick

The Ideal Shade Concealer Stick goes on smooth and is very light-weight for a concealer. I found that it works great with my undereye circles, but for some of my darker blemishes it does not work as well. While I don’t expect every blemish to disappear completely, I feel this product could probably do a slightly better job, but overall it’s not that bad.

It lasts for most of the day. I use to also work 10 hours a day at a desk job, and I rub my eyes a lot, especially when tired. I didn’t notice any real wear until the last couple of hours of my shift, if at all.

There’s no listed benefits added to this product that don’t involve covering blemishes, but I believe it does a great job at that.

The Ideal Shade Concealer Stick has a very modest price. When searching for other concealers, it seems to be a bit cheaper than most overall. It’s about average in price when compared to other concealer sticks on the market. The best thing about Avon products is that they will often be on sale.

Ratings

Coverage 4_5Stars5
Weight 5Stars10
Durability 4Stars5
Benefits 3_5Stars
Price 3_5Stars
Overall 4Stars5

What do the ratings mean?

Specials

Avon’s Ideal Shade Concealer Stick is currently Buy 1, Get 1 half price! Try this great product by going to my online Avon Store.

How to Use

First, make sure you pick a shade that is right for you. Apply the concealer by smoothing it over any problem areas. The concealer can be used under the eye or anywhere else on the face. Once you have applied it where you need, blend it in until you can no longer see the edges. You can use your fingers to blend or a makeup sponge. I personally use the one that I use for my foundation.

To extend the concealer stick, twist the casing.


About the Author

Liz Lane is currently a stay at home mother of 2 and Avon representative. I have been a representative since November 2010 and I love helping others with all of their makeup and beauty needs.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

ClearSkin Professional Acne Treatment System Review

Acne happens when follicles, or pores, get blocked. “Sebum (oil) which normally drains to the surface gets blocked and bacteria begins to grow.” – acne.org

Clearskin_SystemI’ve always had a problem with acne. Most of the products I’ve tried either don’t last, are too expensive, or just didn’t seem to work much. I’ve been using the ClearSkin Professional Acne Treatment System for about 2 weeks now and have seen some pretty good results so far.

The ClearSkin Professional Acne Treatment System comes with three products that prove to be a powerful 3-step regimen. Below is the review for each product individually. After that is the review for the entire system as a whole.

Step 1: Cleanse

The Deep Pore Cleansing Scrub is the first step to the ClearSkin Professional Acne Treatment System. It has small microbeads to exfoliate your skin while it cleans. As it Clearskin_Scrubcleans it tingles, which lets you know it’s working. I love the feeling, but I did notice that the first time I used it, it was almost a burning sensation. It seemed my face wasn’t as clean as I thought. If you’re really sensitive, I do suggest making sure you wash your face before first use.

When rinsing the scrub off, you will want to make sure to get it all off. This was slightly difficult for me to do, but it isn’t too hard. Once it’s off, I feel the tingling sensation for a little while longer, which is good news.

This product is advertised to fight all stages of acne with Avon’s exclusive Oil Control System. If found that it does just that. My face remained clean and cool all day. Before using the Treatment System, I didn’t really have a Skin Care Regimen, and my face was always oily, even if it showed signs of being dry. With the Deep Pore Cleansing Scrub, I have noticed a drastic change in the condition of my skin.

The price of this product individually is a little bit higher than average, but not overwhelming. Avon does offer a trial set, and also the full system that I use for a discounted price which I highly recommend.

Cleansing Scrub Ratings

Coverage 4Stars5
Weight 5Stars10
Durability 5Stars10
Benefits 4Stars5
Price 2Stars5
Overall 4Stars5

What do the ratings mean?

Step 2: Tone

The second step to the ClearSkin Professional Acne Treatment System is the Clarifying Toner Pads. I have used different types of pads like this before, but none have ever seemed to work very well. Some would even burn. With the ClearSkin Clarifying Toner Pads, I don’t Clearskin_TonerPadshave either of these problems.

There is no burning when using the toner pads. The product is advertised to make your skin look and feel smoother after just one use and also helps retexturize, calm and soothe your skin. My skin did feel a bit smoother after the first use, and I have notices the Clarifying Toner Pads have been able to calm and soothe my skin after the tingling feeling of the scrub.

The price of the Clarifying Toner Pads is a bit more expensive than most on the market. Of course, this item comes in the trial set and the full-sized treatment system at a discounted price.

Toner Pads Ratings

Coverage 3_5Stars
Weight 5Stars10
Durability 5Stars10
Benefits 3Stars_thumb2
Price 2Stars5
Overall 3_5Stars

What do the ratings mean?

Step 3: Treat

The last step in the ClearSkin Professional Acne Treatment System is the Daily Correcting Lotion. I’ve never used a lotion for acne before but I am fairly impressed. To get the most out of the lotion, it is recommended to use it 2-3 times a day, and it only takes a couple of pumps. I currently only use it once a day, which seems to be working fine for me after two Clearskin_Lotionweeks.

The lotion is applied to to problem areas to assist with controlling surface oil and visibly minimizing pores. My complexion has become a lot better since using the Daily Correcting Lotion with the entire treatment system.

The lotion is very light and goes on very smooth. After application, I can hardly tell it’s there.

The price of the Daily Correcting Lotion is more expensive than most over the counter acne lotions, though there are not too many out on the market like this. Of course, this item comes in the trial set and the full-sized treatment system at a discounted price.

Correcting Lotion Ratings

Coverage 5Stars9
Weight 4_5Stars5
Durability 4Stars
Benefits 3_5Stars
Price 1_5Stars
Overall 3_5Stars
What do the ratings mean?

 

The System

I’ve been using the ClearSkin Professional Acne Treatment System for two weeks with noticeable improvement. I haven’t had a major breakout since I’ve been using the system. I have notice a few new pimples come up, but they go away much faster than normal because of the treatment system.

As far as price goes, the treatment system should be bought as a the set that Avon provides. Avon also puts the treatment system on sale, and is therefor a better deal.

System Ratings

Coverage 4Stars5
Weight 5Stars10
Durability 4_5Stars
Benefits 3_5Stars
Price 3_5Stars
Overall 4Stars5
What do the ratings mean?

 

Specials

This product will available in the next campaign for $24.99. Stay tuned for more information.

How to Use

Using the ClearSkin Professional Treatment System is easy! Simply follow the steps:

  1. Cleanse: Wet your face and then apply the Deep Poor Cleansing Scrub to your whole face, excluding your eye area. Rinse Thoroughly.
  2. Tone: Dry skin and apply Clarifying Toner Pad to skin by rubbing textured side against skin in and up and out motion.
  3. Treat: On thoroughly cleansed skin, apply Daily Clarifying Lotion to problem areas 1-3 times a day.


About the Author

Liz Lane is currently a stay at home mother of 2 and Avon representative. I have been a representative since November 2010 and I love helping others with all of their makeup and beauty needs.