Mini guide to Avon foundations!

Hello all,

Following on from my post about Avon eyeliners, I thought I'd do a mini post about some of the foundations available. I couldn't get my hands on every single one (sadface - but there are too many for my purse to handle) however I have three to show you today. Just for reference with regard to shades, I wear Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in shade 52 and all of the following are in shade 'Ivory'.

Side note - these are samples, not from foundation pumps so the swatches are MESSY - I did my best! :)

24K Gold Radiant Foundation

Pros: Fab for oily skin as dries to almost powder consistency / blendable / medium coverage / lasted 12 hrs
Cons: May be too drying for some skin types

£14.00
Available in 6 shades here.

MagiX Cashmere Finish Foundation

Pros: Soft and smooth finish / light-medium coverage / cool tones (thumbs up for pale skins)
Cons: Only lasted around 6hrs

£10.50
Available in 6 shades here.

Ideal Flawless Invisible Coverage Foundation

Pros: Fab coverage / suitable for dry and oily / best skin colour match / blendable / SPF 15 / lasted 12 hrs
Cons: Matte finish (not drying, but not for those who like a sheen)

£12.00
Available in 16 shades here.

Personally the winner for me was Ideal Flawless, which is pretty handy really considering they have 16 shades available - really good to see a decent choice for warmer skin tones!

As always, if there's anything you fancy seeing let me know.
Thanks for reading!

Giveaway! Avon and many other goodies..

Hello all,

Just thought I would post a little blog here to let you know of a giveaway going on at my other blog! The prize is a large selection of make-up goodies, including a few Avon items. You can find out how to enter here!

Good luck if you do enter,
lots of love

NEW: color trend highlighter eyeshadow powder

Hello all,

Just a little post here to let you know about a new product coming up in Brochure 10. The cheaper make-up line color trend have introduced a highlighting powder, and a pretty damn good one at that.

I am always reluctant with cheaper eyeshadows as they can be powdery, with loads of fallout and, unfortunately, can sometimes react to my peepers! However I've had this highlighter (and used it every day) for about two weeks now and I'm addicted. It is a lovely matte finish so for anyone afraid of shimmer or who likes a simple finish, this could be for you. I've also used this as an lid shadow too and it's gorgeous :)

Just apply to the tearduct area or under the brow for an instant little eye lift - I've tried to demonstrate here, but the picture is a tad rubbish, hope you get the idea!

color trend highlighter eyeshadow power applied to tearduct and brow bone!

Here's how the product looks in the pot and as a swatch:

color trend highlighter eyeshadow in 'Halo'

This product is currently only available in the shade 'Halo' (I'm not sure if there are plans to expand to other shades - but will keep you updated!) and is £2.50 in Campaign 10.

Thanks for reading!

SWATCHES: ANEW Youth Awakening Lipstick and Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick

Hi all,

I know it can be difficult sometimes to establish the real shades of lipsticks from the small images featured in Avon brochures and online. So I got my hands on two different lippies available from Avon: ANEW Youth Awakening Lipstick and Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick. Here are the swatches of each:

ANEW Youth Awakening Lipstick
Top - Bottom: Silky Pink / Berry Bloom / Glazed Almond

These are a brilliant texture - creamy and easy to apply. I was especially really impressed by Berry Bloom, the pigment is so strong straight from the bullet but you can sheer it out by rubbing the product into the lip with your finger or a lip brush. The first, Silky Pink, looks pretty scary in this swatch but I've also used it myself and it is a great colour if you want a simple nude lip with a subtle shimmer. It doesn't apply as white as the swatch but adapts to your natural lip colour and leaves a light finish. There are eight shades available in this range.

Current price in Brochure 09: £6.00
Current price on Avon website: £10.50

Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick
Top to Bottom: Really Rosy / Fuschia Fun / Pink Pop / Divine Wine

Again, a big fan of these and I am very picky with lipsticks. Each is so pigmented and moisturising on the lips. This is just a small selection from the 8 shades available but as you can see from these swatches there is a variety of textures and finishes available. Personal favourite has to be Divine Wine - I am a sucker for deep berry shades!

Current price in Brochure 09: £5.00
Current price on Avon website: £8.50 (but part of 2 for £10 deal)

I hope this has helped provide a little insight into the true colours of some Avon lippies but if you do have an Avon rep, do ask for samples as they are only about 20p each and really helpful!

Thanks so much for reading - do leave me feedback if there's anything you'd like to see, I love receiving comments!

NEW shades from Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel

Hello all,

Just a tiddly post here to show off two of my new favourite shades from the Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel range. These two are now available online and in Campaign 09 for a fab £2.50. Bargain.

Left - "Pastel Pink" // Right "Coral Reef"

I have to admit the coral is definitely my favourite, but both are brilliant for making a tan pop. Plus, the shade 'Pastel Pink' is quite a close dupe to nails inc.'s 'Oxford Circus'.

Ooh, and a little side note. My nails were painted by the fabulous Emily at Baglioni Spa. If you fancy a pamper, take a look at their site here! Until next time..

10 tips for boosting your Avon sales

Hello all!

I was asked to write a blog post regarding this subject which I'm pretty certain that all Avon representatives struggle with at some point - getting decent sales. I have worked for Avon on and off for about two years so I've been able to establish some little tips, but by no means am I an expert - there are campaigns that I struggle with and unfortunately that's part and parcel of the job. Here are just a few tips that have worked for me:

1. Offer some shiny incentives - There are plenty of ways of doing this. I've heard of reps creating their own raffles of Avon products and offering tickets for a few pennies a pop to their customers. You really can be as creative as you like - but do acknowledge how it may impact your earnings. I have used incentives such as "spend £30 and receive 10% off" - but, of course, while this can get you larger orders it also requires you to ditch anywhere from £3+ off of your earnings with the discount you offer. At the moment I offer a free (usually something under £2) product to customers if they spend a certain amount.
   
   
2. Be a friendly face - If you have the opportunity to chat, do so! Acknowledge what your customers order and don't just enter the order numbers mindlessly - you can get a real feel for what people may enjoy and let them know about upcoming products. Try and be approachable and willing to find the best deals for your customers.. of course as an Avon rep you do want to make money, but it's lovely to get to know new people too.
   
   
3. Throw your peepers over your Hello Tomorrow brochure - This is often the most important bit of kit for me. It's gives you the option to buy demo products that will soon appear in the Avon brochures and give them a go for yourself. Plus you can grab samples, stationary and discounted products. I frequently buy the demo products (especially perfumes and jewellery) and wear them out and about - it is a little bit of self-promotion but you get something new, and are able to introduce new products to the masses! ;) You can also get to know Avon products a little easier through samples so you can provide more information for your customers. There are also tips and tricks for making money featured in here too, so worth a look.
   
   
4. Use the eBrochures / Facebook ads - Helpful little widgets you can share on Facebook - either share adverts for the current brochure with your contact details or offer the brochure to browse through online. You can find these on your Avon homepage when you log in.
   
   
5. Opt in for customer leads - This option allows customers in your area looking for a rep to contact you via Avon Connects. To opt in, just pop to 'My Account' > 'My Profile' > 'Preferences'. There is a bit of a pain in the bum for this one though, you must:
   
   
   •  Be registered on the Avon website
   • Have been with Avon for more than 4 campaigns
   • Have no outstanding balance
   • A minimum of 2 orders in the last 3 campaigns
   • Have award sales of at least £156 in last 3 campaigns
      
   If you can do this - go for it, it opens your up to many more opportunities to earn.
   
   
6. Find workplaces that may fancy a read - This is a huge earner for so many Avon reps. If you have family, friends, neighbours, etc who don't have an Avon rep at their work offer them a few books and order forms to pop into a communal area. Because you are a rep who is known to an employee at the organisation, it's a little more personal than dropping books through doors. Plus, you can deliver all in one which is always a bonus!
   
   
7. Persevere (even when it's raining ;)) - I understand the temptation to skip that address on your route that has never placed an order even though you've dropped off a squillion books, but (unless they tell you they aren't interested) keep going for it. If you imagine yourself as a customer, it might be unlikely you'll place an order every campaign but there may be one book that tickles your fancy with a fab product. Your customers are in the driving seat with this one so it's worth giving them the option by offering a book consistently. Also, becoming a familiar face to those on your route makes a big difference.
   
   
8. Rave about products you really do quite like - Admittedly it's unlikely you will have tried every single Avon product, or if we're brutal, liked every Avon product you've used.. but if you do find one stella find - let people know! There are products that I use every day and love and really do want other people to love too.
   
   
9. Hold an Avon party - You can use this as an excuse to have some cake and see friends but it could be really helpful for boosting your sales too. If you plan well in advance, try and gather products that you know sell well and you want to introduce to more people or some shiny new products which you can take along so people can see before they buy. If you're handy with a mascara or nail varnish, you could offer a few beauty treatments with the products too!
   
   
10. At Christmas offer books to EVERYONE - I know it's encouraging the money-spending frenzy that is Noel, but really do try and spread that Avon joy where you can. There are some pretty good deals around Christmas time and everyone is after a bargain. Just make sure you're aware of your delivery dates around that time so potential presents can arrive before the big day.

Hope this post has been slightly helpful.. let me know if you have any tips yourself!

MagiX Eye Radiance Brightening Wand

Hello!

A very quick one today just to do a little feature on the Avon MagiX Eye Radiance Brightening Wand. I bought this a little while ago and have a few mixed feelings on it. As a concealer product, it isn't too great and provides little coverage.. however, as an under-eye brightener, this does a pretty good job. It applies almost with a souffle texture and blends brilliantly - plus the applicator is easy to use and an ideal amount of product comes out. This swatch is in the shade 'Fair' but it is also available in 'Medium'.

I've heard some fantastic things regarding the MagiX Face Perfector.. let me know if you want a review and I'll get my mitts on it!

Current price in Campaign 08/online: £8.00