Spring Beauty Review 2012 Part 2: Avon/mark. Must-Haves!

Part 2 featuring my fave Avon products for Spring is all about the nails! After makeup, nail polishes are another love of mine. I like dark, I like bright, I love it all! Since I rarely go to get my nails done, I'd say my manicure skills could almost pass as profesh. ;) Hey, you're talking to someone who has been doing their nails since their tweens! That being said, I don't always have time to make these hardworking hands and feet look their best but I try. 

• Avon Foot Works Mocha Nourishing Foot Butter ($7.99 CAD): Unfortunately the mocha scent is no longer available - late review! But I had to include it because I love the scent. The mix of mocha and peppermint is scrumptious. I always apply this buttery moisturizer after a shower. It promises to hydrate for 24 hours but that's definitely an overstatement. For the price point, it's a great foot moisturizer but the softness only lasts for a few hours tops. Then again, my uber dry nasty feet could be the exception! Check out the latest new Foot Works scents. Mocha is still my favourite. 
• Avon Mini NAILWEAR PRO Nail Enamel ($1.99 CAD): I think mini nail polish bottles are genius especially if you are a nail polish fiend like me. I hate wasting nail polish and sadly a lot of mine end up getting gucky. Nail minis are especially perfect for those trendy shades that will go out of style next season. And the price - lets discuss. $1.99!!! Why wouldn't you buy every shade? The quality is actually pretty awesome and I didn't get a major chip until about the 7th day. The formula glides on really evenly. The brush reminds me of O.P.I.'s but not as wide. 

I'm a huge fan of all their shades, but the one to have is of course Pantone 2012's shade of the year: Tangtastic! It's a sexy tangerine shade and looks equally fab on your tips and toes! 

The normal size polishes are offered in some amazing shades for Spring (pictured above) and are only $6.99! My faves from the line: Aqua Fantasy, Orange Creamsicle, Sweet Mint and Blue Escape! 

If my post has made you want to go out and buy all these products, get in touch with the fabulous Avon rep, Elaine, from Toronto Beauty Reviews if you're in the Toronto area! Stay up-to-date on the latest Avon/mark. news and launches by visiting Elaine's From Elaine Next Door blog. 

www.ca.avon.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

Spring Beauty Review 2012 Part 1: Avon/mark. Must-Haves!

I don't know how it happened, but Avon products have found their way into my kit! I've had the pleasure of testing out a lot of their launches and in just this year alone they've really stepped it up. Check out my latest picks that are worthy of your beauty stash!

Clockwise: 

• mark. All The Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator ($20 CAD): I'm loving all the embossed designs on all the spring beauty launches this season! The pretty flower and butterfly detail alone is enough reason to get this illuminator. Its mix of soft pinks and lilacs are positively spring-y and will give your skin a luminous glow that isn't glittery looking. 

The great thing is that you can wear this on the eyes. When they are mixed together the swatch on the very right is what you get. It's a pale lilac which on very fair skin would show as a soft blush, but on darker skin will appear as a soft highlight. The only disappointing thing is that the product shot is a bit misleading. The butterfly looks like a vibrant pink but in actuality are the shades swatched above. I'm not sure if I got a different one or not...

• Avon Big Color Glossy Lip Pencil ($9.99 CAD): I'm such a big fan of jumbo lip pencils in both glossy or matte. They make for a quick yet precise application. Avons version offers really great pigment and has a longer than normal wear time. I was really surprised by how much pigment the lip pencils offer. It's not too sheer but still very wearable for everyday. The texture isn't too slippery and has a nice thick texture that has a smooth tackiness to it - not in a bad way. The only bad thing is that you have to sharpen with a fat sharpener. It's not a big deal but I prefer ones that self-sharpen. 

The shades are basic but pretty. My favourites were Glossy Sunset (top swatch) and Glossy Rose (bottom swatch). Sunset is a must-have coral for this season and Rose is the lovely nude rose shade perfect for Spring's colourful and bright shadows. 

• Avon Eye Brightening Pencil ($7.99 CAD): Who doesn't want to look bright-eyed and awake? I love highlighting pencils because they make faking it that much easier. Adding a pearly highlighter to the inner corner of the eyes and the brow bones is one of those life changing makeup techniques that will take years off your age. Light illuminates or "brings forward". Dark shades help make features look less noticeable or "recede". I love Avon's little chubby pencils. They fit perfectly in the inner corner and are easy to work with. The pigment is amazing and the texture glides on creamy and smooth making it very easy to blend into the skin. 

Top to bottom: Frosting, Pink Dust and Lavender Blue

These of course can double as a shadow and liner. Frosting and Pink Dust are perfect for fair to medium skin tones as a highlighter. For darker skin tones, I prefer peachy or gold tones - I would recommend Honey Blue from the collection. Lavender Blue is a great shade on the lid or to enhance your bottom lash line. As a shadow, these are perfect for when you don't need your makeup to last all day. If you're in a hurry they are easy enough to swipe on and blend with your finger. Skip these if you need your makeup to stay on a while otherwise they will crease or disappear. I love using these as bases under a powder shadow to enhance the pigment. Otherwise, I prefer to use these as highlighters. 

• Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Perfect Contour Powder ($9.99 CAD): I have clients asking me all the time to make their cheeks look less round. Avon's Global Creative Color Director and celebrity makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey, is here to make applying makeup easier. Love her right? 

Angelic

This contour, highlighting, blush palette from Avon is contouring-made-easy. The palette contains 3 shades: bronzer to contour, colour shade to flush the cheeks, and a light shade for highlighting. For a quick tutorial, check out my post on contouring and highlighting! You can use each shade on its own or swirl together for a peachy luminous cheek. All shades are nicely pigmented and I love that the highlighter is not uber shimmery. It gives the skin a subtle sheen that is not over the top. If you're afraid to contour, this is the palette to have!

If my post has made you want to go out and buy all these products, get in touch with the fabulous Avon rep, Elaine, from Toronto Beauty Reviews if you're in the Toronto area! Stay up-to-date on the latest Avon/mark. news and launches by visiting Elaine's From Elaine Next Door blog. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Avon Spring faves!

www.ca.avon.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Makeup Junkie Loves...mark. Spring Accessories!

After makeup, my next loves are definitely jewelry, purses, and shoes. Accessories really complete your whole look. They are also a fun way to make an old outfit look new again. I'm kinda over winter, but then again did we really have a winter (I'm not complaining)? In any case, planning a spring/summer wardrobe is much more exciting. If you haven't thought of shopping mark. by Avon for accessories, you might want to add them to your list of faves. They have a lot of pretty baubles and of-the-moment trends that are fairly inexpensive. Check out my list of Spring favourites from mark.!

1. mark. Don't Leaf Me This Way Necklace ($24 CAD): Can you believe this was a real life at one point? Why you'll want this: no two are exactly alike! A delicate process reduces the leaf to its veins and edges before a coat of copper is applied to help strengthen and preserve those unique lines. It's such a simple and easy piece to wear and will look perfect with this Spring's sheer tops and dresses. 

2. Rebecca Minkoff Delight Bag for mark. ($70 CAD): Yes, that's right - this rockin' silver studded bag is by the amazing designer, Rebecca Minkoff. I'm a huge fan of her handbag collection so I was super stoked to receive one! If you can't afford her purses, this is a much affordable option and it doesn't skimp on the quality or design. It is a perfect sized, studded faux leather bag featuring a demi chain link strap that can be tucked inside and used as a clutch. It's described as a "classic everyday bag, but with a twist". It also features her signature key clip inside so you won't have to fumble for your keys like I do! I adore it. I love wearing across the body and as a clutch but you can also adjust to wear over the shoulder. It has a lot of room and compartments to hold your cell phone, business cards and other items. I was able to fit one of my hardcover books in it along with my wallet and other everyday items! If you love Rebecca Minkoff, it's a definite must-have! 

3. mark. Borrowed From The Boys Watch ($44 CAD): Ever since I saw one of the Olsen twins sporting a vintage Rolex, I loved the look. A man's watch on a woman's dainty arm just looks super chic  and timeless. A vintage Rolex will never be within my reach, but there are a tonne of boyfriend-inspired watches on the market to choose from in much more affordable prices. I love this goldtoned watch from mark. and the faux rhinestones bezel gives it a luxe feminine look. It really is a pretty watch - I got lots of compliments when I was working and all were shocked that it was from mark. In the above picture, it shows the mark. logo in the center but it's not on the actual watch. From an LBD to a classic white tee, a boyfriend style watch should be a staple in your wardrobe. 

4. mark. Show Off Ring ($20 CAD): Who doesn't love a fabulous cocktail ring? This pretty bauble will look lovely with a pretty floral frock or add a splash of colour to a basic outfit. I love that it's a stretch band so it will fit any finger size. Also available in fuchsia and lime green. 

All items are available March 2012. If you'd like to purchase these lovelies and you're in the Toronto area, contact Avon representative, Elaine from Toronto Beauty Reviews, and visit her Facebook page and From Elaine Next Door blog to keep up with the latest Avon and mark. launches!

www.meetmark.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

Makeup Junkie Loves...Cougar Boots!

Yes, the 2 stylish boots you're looking at are from the classic brand Cougar Boots! Back in the day, they weren't known for being fashionable, although I kinda like the old camel-coloured construction looking boots. Cougar Boots were made for our Canadian harsh winters, making sure our footsies stayed nice and toasty all winter long. Now that the brand has established the warm and durability factor, Cougar Boots figured why not keep warm and look stylish too? 

I was really excited to be apart of the Matchstick program and test drive these lovely booties. I always have a hard time shopping for boots whether it's for rain, snow, or work because I can't fit into most boots. I have been "blessed" with unusually big calves for someone who is petite. I can never find boots that fit my calves so you can imagine how frustrating it can be.

Cougar Regal Rain Boots ($85 CAD): As you can tell from the above photo, I've been getting a lot of use out of these boots. I was actually in the market for new rain boots that didn't look like a traditional rain boot. I love the biker feel to it - it makes any outfit look edgier. I've been wearing this whether it's been rain or shine and happy to report it keeps my feet nice and warm in the wet weather. It has a polar fleece lining and can withstand temperatures from 0 degrees C to - 24 degrees C. Perfect choice for those slushy winter days as well. They are also super comfy and the best part is that they fit my calves! As you can see, they are pretty snug but if I can get my foot in it's a keeper! The boots also give me a bit more height so that's a bonus. And what can I say - I love black! The shiny rubber material makes it easy to clean and it's waterproof.

The green logo on the back adds a nice touch to the overall look of the boot. It just gives it that extra cool factor.

Cougar Boots Ravishing Winter Boots ($170 CAD): Seriously, these boots could not feel cozier and warm and they are super cute! LOVE the polar plush lining and the faux fur detail. You can also roll the fur trim higher up the leg or wear it mid-calf. I love the adjustable straps so there's enough room for thicker socks without feeling too tight. And yes, they fit my calves! These boots can withstand temperatures of -10 degrees C to -30 degrees C so you can have fun in the snow without freezing your toes off. Oh, and the mix of nylon and suede materials are waterproof! We haven't had any snow yet (thank God!), so I haven't really been able to test them out. But Cougar Boots are a quality you can count on.

Cougar Boots will for sure make a comeback and be on the feet of every fashionista. Be sure to visit the site - plenty of uber cute booties to choose from! These are a definite Makeup Junkie winter fashion must!

Have you tried Cougar Boots? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? What do you think of the new styles?

To find a store near you click here.

www.cougarboots.com