Friday, June 3, 2011

How to get thick curled eyelashed- Eyelash tutorial by Dawn

My tips & tricks to eyelashes that pop.

I am also an Avon Rep.  visit my site to view or order the latest products.
http://www.youravon.com/dlewis7004

Dawn Lewis
Avon Rep / Illinois
dawnlewisavon@aol.com

Summer Make-up by Avon: Long wearing foundation,bronzer & lipgloss

A few of the new make up products for summer from Avon that I've been trying out.

Avon's Extra Lasting Liquid foundation is sweat & water resistant, medium to full coverage, comfortable and is long lasting. I have had the chance to wear it out in 80+ degree heat and during my work out and it has held up great.

The Marbled Peach Bronzer works great as a blush or all over bronzer.  It gives a nice glow with out being too peachy or dirty brown like some bronzers. It does have a touch of luminocity to it, but it is not glittery or obvious.

The Reflect Lipgloss line is very perlecent and moisturizing. The shade I in the video is New Nude which is very natural and it has a soft sweet scent to it.

To view more Avon products or to place an order visit my site   http://www.youravon.com/dlewis7004

Dawn Lewis
Avon Rep
224-619-2445
dawnlewisavon@aol.com

Monday, April 11, 2011

Roc Multi Correxion Night Treatment Review


I'm in my early 30's & just starting to see minor fine lines & wrinkles along with just a touch of skin discoloration due to my sun bathing days. So, I did a bit of research online reading reviews on various products & finally decided on the Roc Multi-Correxion Night Treatment. There are several products in the Roc line, but I was drawn to this one because it was for multiple skin issues. Other products are specifically for the eyes, just wrinkles or just skin discoloration. I didn't want 5 products for my face.

In my research on this type of product this is what I learned...
Why Retinal Is Good & How Skin Ages:
When we are young, our skin cells continuously renew themselves, which keeps your skin looking smooth. As time passes our skin's ability to renew itself gradually slows down. Skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles become more evident. We need is something to help stimulate our skin's renewal process to help keep it looking younger.

Retinol is a pure form of Vitamin A which works to stimulate skin renewal and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

In simple terms it increase how fast your dead, dull surface skin sloffs off to reveal new fresh skin underneath.

Before I initially used this product I did use a facial scrub to exfoliate before I applied the product to help the product absorb better into my skin.

On application I did feel a slight tingle or stinging feeling. It was not harsh or unbearable by any means. I was prepared for this as it said on the packaging this might happen in the beginning until you skin gets used to the product.

I applied nightly for several days in a row & by the end of the week I did experience mild peeling in some areas on my face. And where I accidentally had applied it to the top of my eyelids it had become pink & flaky. I think I was a bit over eager with the product and should have followed the directions which stated to start out slow with the product maybe using in only 3 days a week, then work up daily use.

As for the stinging on application that went away after the first week & the only time I experience it after that was after I did an exfoliating scrub before hand. Over time my skin became accustomed to the retinal and it was just like applying any other moisturizer.
Results I Experienced:
-My skin felt softer & smoother
-I experienced fewer break outs
-The tone of my skin went from dull to a more vibrant,fresh look
-The look of fine lines began to diminish
Precautions:
-Do not over apply in the beginning of use.
-Do not rub into lips as they will become irritated.
-Be cautious around the delicate eye area as the formulation is a bit strong for thin skin in that area. If you do use around the eye-use sparingly & not every day.
-If you are also using glycolic or other acidic products I'd recommend alternating every other day with each as to not over irritate your skin.

With most retinal products it is advised to use continuously for a long period of time because the benefits & results are compounded & continue the longer you use it.

Aside from the mild irritation in the beginning-which was my own fault anyways, I have been very please with this product. I did see results & in the ends that's what we all want from a skin care product that claims to be a "treatment", not just a moisturizer.

I would recommend this to any one young or old because it's never to early or too late to start a productive skin care treatment .

Since I am in my early 30's I probably did not experience the full benefits & results that a more mature skin would notice. But even so, it worked great for me.  And the 2.oz tube does last a long time. It can also be found at most drug stores like Walgreens,etc which is nice that I don't have to drive all over to find it.

The Heart of The Five Love Languages Book by Dr. Gary Chapman

Human behavior can be very perplexing. Even more so when it comes to relationships & communication. Whether it be between a spouse, co-work, sibling or best friend at some point wires get crossed and some one is left feeling hurt, unloved or confused about the other persons actions.

When you are not getting the emotional things you require to feel secure & cared for your "love tank" (as it's called in the book) becomes empty. Everyone has some type of love tank. This book shows you how to keep some one Else's full as well as how to get your needs met.

This book is the cliff notes version of the New York Times Best Selling book "The Five Love Languages".

It's a pocket sized book filled with brief inspirational & informative scenarios backed with the psychological reason & meanings behind human behavior & what it means to Give & Receive Love. Not just in a marriage, but in all relationships you have in your life.

The basis of the book is that there are Five standard love languages they people use to express love to another person or how a person perceives love from another person.

It explains that once you learn what another person's main love language is you can better express yourself to them in a way that they feel it & receive in the way that means the most to them. And when a person knows what your main love language is they can better show you the care & affection they have towards you.

A simple example - You are a talker. That is how you get your feelings out. You like to call your mother on the phone all the time. Prefer face to have face conversation over email or letters. When you call a friend just to chat that is how YOU show them you care about them & are thinking of them. But lets say the person you are always trying to meet up with or talk to on the phone seems to never answer or have time to meet. But they email you daily and keep you up to speed on their life & ask about yours. Mostly through emails or texts.

You feel offended because you want to "actually talk" and have contact. But that person is not a "talker". Their way of showing you they care is by keeping in constant touch with you through emails or text. The two of you have 2 different love languages. Once the friend realizes that having face to face time with you more often is truly important to you that person will be meeting one of your love languages. And once you realize your friend emailing and texting is the equivalent to he/she as your phone calls you will learn to except it for what it is and not feel hurt.

That is just a very basic example. There is much more in depth, deep emotional content in the book.

You will see yourself in many of the scenarios in the book.

Product Description:People express and receive love in different ways. Dr. Gary Chapman identifies these as the five languages of love: quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. If you express love toward others in a way they don't understand, they will not realize you've expressed your love at all. The problem is that you're speaking different languages!
Five Love Languages:
-Quality Time
-Words of Affirmation
-Gifts
-Acts of Service
-Physical Touch

This is a very pleasant, inspiration book that isn't filled with sterile psycho babble, but in comprehendable enlightening tone.

I think this short version of the actual book is a great way to dip your toes into the theories expressed if you are not sure if you want to a get the book yet.

It also makes a great gift as a stocking stuffer or as a token of friendship to a loved one or family member. I bought one for myself & my husband on our anniversary.



Author: Gary Chapman                               
80 Pages



The Bottom Line: A quick read giving you a simple understanding of human relationships & how to make them more fulfilling.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

E.L.F Studio Bronzer in Warm


This is a fabulous all in one compact. You can do so much more then just bronze.

Product Description:Create a healthy looking glow all year round! The sheer soft powders provide the perfect hue of color. Blend all 4 colors together to achieve a blend of perfection or choose your favorite color or colors to mix, match and blend.

My Experience:
The bronzer contains 4 individual shades with in the palette. Each individual shade cube is 1inchx 1.5inches. That is usually the size of a single blush and there's 4 in this one palette. I have found that bronzers that are multicolored instead of one shade (tan) tend to look better on the skin and prevent that dirty look single shades can give your skin.
Description of the 4 shades in the palette:-Soft sheer peach
-Pink that is similar to a dusty mauve
-Cocoa brown
-Soft Copper

All of the shades do have a subtle shimmer to them. And I mean subtle. You don't look like you have glitter on your face and it isn't something that stands out when your outdoors in natural light.

When applied by swirling your brush over all of the shades it gives your skin a warmer tone. Meaning more on the pink side as apposed to brown or tan. If you have pink undertones to your skin this would be the palette for you. Or if brown bronzer makes your skin appear muddy or dirty. If warm does not go with your skin tone there are 2 other palettes available aside from the warm to suite various skin tone.

Warm Bronzer- The warm shimmer that will bring a glow to your face. Ideal for summer or year-round.
Cool Bronzer- The ideal selection of matte colors to achieve a natural looking tan. Ideal for winter or year-round.
Golden Bronzer- An illuminating shimmer that is subtle and radiant. Ideal for summer or year-round.

The palette is very versatile and certainly not just for all over bronzing.
I've used each individual color section for a variety of things in my makeup application.

-The softest shade(peach) can be used as a highlighting powder on your cheek bones or as eye shadow.
-The pink/dusty mauve shade is great as a blush by itself.
-The Darkest shade works well for contouring the cheek bone or in the eye lid crease.
-The soft tan/copper can be used as eyeshadow or blush.

So, in one bronzing palette essentially you have 2 blushes, contouring powder,highlighter and 2 eye shadows.

Talk about lightening the load on your makeup bag not having to carry around each individual item. It's all in one compact which is great for summer time or to throw in an over night bag for the weekend.
 The packaging is very appealing as well. The compact looks very classy in all black. And is 3.5" x 2.5" which fits in the palm of your hand. The inside cover has a large mirror that is of good quality and does not distort your image like a low quality mirror can by making you look blurry.

 Application options & packaging quality make this an excellent addition to your makeup routine.

John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze





The John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze line is the at home alternative to salon hair glossing. I have blonde hair & anyone with a lighter hair color knows that the it can appear dull & lack shine.

This is due to a couple of reasons- For starters blonde shades absorb light instead of reflecting it like dark shades do.

Another reason and this applies to all hair types-fading due to sun exposure or harsh chemicals in styling products that strip natural oils from the hair that would normally provide natural shine. All hair types & shades can appear flat & lack a healthy sheen at some point what ever the cause. I have found that this product is a great solution to that problem.

Description:John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze refreshes dull blonde hair with a touch of shimmering blond color and glistening shine.
Delivers the same results as a salon glazing treatment right in your shower.
The gentle, non-damaging formula infuses blonde hair with a hint of color while imparting shine and texture.
Contains a blend of mild cosmetic dyes and shine boosters, to refresh and perfect the multi-tonal highlights of blond hair. Ammonia and peroxide free.
Not a permanent hair color Will not lift or lighten hair color.

The Luminous Color Glaze Line Formulation Options:
-Blonde Glaze
-Bruenette Glaze
-Clear Glosser
-Red Head Glaze

*Comes in a 6.5 oz bottle. Which lasts me about 2 or 3 months.

I personally have used the bonde & the sheer glaze/glosser & have been pleased with both.
How To Use :-For daily treatment apply to wet hair after shampooing and let sit for 3-5 minutes and rinse.
-For deeper treatments, Once a week apply to Dry hair, saturating completely & leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse out & shampoo as usual.

The consistency of the glaze is sort of like a watered down liquid hand soap. It is in a clear form not white like a conditioner & depending on which product you are using Blonde,Red,Brunette,etc. it has a sheer tint of color to match the particular shade.

There is also a pearlescent/shimmer to it as well. Not flecks of glitter, just a luminosity. The clear version  for all hair types is obviously clear & contains the shimmer as well.

The scent is sort of a clean medicated smell. Not fruity, sweet or scented like alot of hair treatments.
My Results & Experience:The first time I used the product I did the deep treatment on dry hair for 20 minutes. Followed up with rinsing,shampoo & conditioner. As I was blow drying my hair I noticed it felt slightly thicker,fuller. If you've ever had your hair dyed you notice the same thing. I'm guessing this is because there are deposits of product on your hair strands that give the feel of each strand being a little thicker.

When my hair was completely dry I definitely noticed a difference. My color looked more vibrant & it had a nice healthy shine.
It didn't feel like it had a residue or a greasy feel like you might get from temporary shine serums that tend to feel like oil in your hair. This just feels natural.

I noticed the same effects when I use it every other day in the shower as well. And can say that if I have not used the glaze in awhile that I start to notice that my hair just looks dull.

The bottom line is that this product does work to add luminosity to your hair & at a fraction of the cost of a salon visit

Garnier Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam Review


At various times during the year I have to switch up my skin care products. This is usually seasonal. In the summer I use something that is oil free, deep cleansing,etc.  I the winter months I have to switch to products that are moisturizing and less stripping of my skins natural oils. So,this past winter I decided to try something new which was a cleanser from the Garnier Moisture Rescue line.

My decision was based on the product description. My skin had been feeling dry & tight lately after I washed my face so I needed to switch to a product less drying.Product Description:Garnier Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam helps lock-in moisture while deeply cleansing. Detoxifies and deeply cleanses your skin, leaving it refreshed and hydrated.Key Ingredients:
-Grape Water Extract: Full of antioxidants that defends skin from  external toxins & aggressors.
-Apple Water Extract:  Maintains skin's moisture barrier.The cleanser has the Constancy of Noxema & thick lotion mixed together. And has a  pearly white color to it. The scent is not very obvious or heavy. I've been smelling it trying to come up with a description of exactly what it smells like and the best I can come up with is the smell of fresh produce. A soft subtle scent of sweet & fresh.

The cleanser is very creamy & creates minimal lather. Not extremely bubbly. Which is a good thing because in general the agents that create lather in soap is also what dehydrates the skin & hair in shampoos.

My Experience:
It felt soothing & creamy on my skin while I was washing my face. I found it t be a very skin soothing cleanser. I didn't experience any tingling or stinging & it was not irritating around my eye area.

When I rinsed my face I felt that it rinsed clean. Meaning I didn't notice or feel a residue left behind on my skin.

It also did a great job of removing my make up. Including mascara.

When I was done washing my face & patted it dry my skin felt very fresh, but not over cleansed or stripped. My skin felt much more hydrated & supple compared to how my skin was reacting to my old cleanser.

I no longer had that tight & dry feeling & found I didn't have to use as much moisturizer on my skin after washing.

I have now been using this cleanser for a few months & it has not caused any skin irritation or break outs. Which can happen sometimes after prolonged use of creamy, moisturizing products.*Cleanser Comes in an 6.8oz

I think this cleanser would be ideal for those with sensitive skin or skin that tends to be on my dry side.

Banana Boat Summer Color Sunless Tanner in Deep/Dark Review

    

This is my go to sunless tanner. I try other brands from time to time & always seem to come back to Banana Boat Summer Color.

A side note which is a major perk-I look toned and as if I lost 5 or 10 pounds when I'm tanned with this lotion. We all can appreciate that benefit.

It comes in 2 shade options Light/Med & Deep Dark. I prefer the deep dark even though I have fair skin. Any anyone with fair skin who has used sunless tanners knows that most of the time dark shade sunless tanners look dirty on light skin. That is not the case with this product.

With one application you have a nice soft healthy color which is buildable the more applications you apply. I usually do two days in a row and then I don't need to reapply for another week.

It comes in a tinted cream/lotion form which allows you to see where you've applied it, so you won't miss a spot or have streaking.
Unlike some tanners this is not drying to the skin.

It does have that sunless tanner smell to it,but it goes away the next day when you shower & get the initial lotion off.

I've found it to be ok applied on the face with out skin sensitivity or causing me to break out.

What it does:
Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion, Deep Dark Color.
-Self Adjusting Color For a Natural-Looking Tan.
-Streak Free.
-For All Skin Tones.
-Gives you a radiant, deep summer tan all year long.
- Self Adjusting Color formula lets you control the shade of your tan   -The more often you apply, the deeper your tan will become.
Formulation:-The lotion is oil-free enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to nourish your skin

The lotion is oil-free enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to nourish your skin, and tinted so you can see where you've applied for a perfect streak-free sunless tan every time.

Another key factor that I like about the product is that it can be found at most drug stores & is a quarter of the cost of some of the higher end brands that I don't think do as good of a job.

Vichy Dermablend Cosmetique Corrective Foundation-Nude 25 Review

Vichy Dermablend Foundation in Nude
Vichy Dermablend is the best full coverage foundation I've tried to date. It covered imperfections & my tatoo.

I must point out there is a product called "Dermablend" and then there's "Vichy Dermablend". They are 2 separate products.

Description Info:

-Provides twice the coverage of a traditional foundation
-Natural, lightweight finish.
-For minor to moderate skin flaws.
-Long-lasting wear.
- SPF 20 for daily UV protection

The foundation came in a 1oz tube. The consistency is slightly thicker/firmer then standard foundation. It can be applied easily with your fingers, brush or sponge. A pea size or less is all you need to cover your entire face as a little bit goes a long way.

 I have melasma which is dark patched of skin and hypo pigmentation which is  white scars. This product covered all of those issues in a single pea size application with out having to apply more in problem areas.

It did not give me a dry mask look or feel. It is also not oily or too emollient like some full coverage products. Which means your face is not an oil slick a few hours later. It is definitely a long lasting(all day) foundation. I did not have to do any touch ups, The color selection is not very large so you might have to buy 2 in different shades to mix in order to get an exact match.

Dermatological Standards: Allergy tested. Tested on sensitive skin. Tested on sensitive eyes and contact lenses wearers. Fragrance free. Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested. Non-comedogenic.

 I would highly recommend this foundation for those who prefer full  coverage with out the mask look.

Where to buy

Saturday, April 9, 2011

ProForm 650 T SpaceSaver Elliptical

I have never used an elliptical at the gym-with that said I don't have any thing to compare this too. Thus far I have been happy with my elliptical.

I noticed with in the first month of using it daily that my legs & gluteus were definitely becoming more toned.
As time went  on my cardio vascular endurance had improved & I could gradually work out for longer periods of time.
Machine features:
-10 pre programmed work outs to choose from(if you choose to use them).
- LCD monitor screen that displays Distance,Calories,Speed, Time & Pulse Rate.
-The dual grip EKG heart rate monitor allows you to check your target heart rate.
-Quiet magnetic resistance options allows you to increase your work out level.
Some of the perks:
-A fan in the console to cool you off.
-Ipod/Mp3 compatible.
-Space saver folding design makes it easier to move the machine around.
-3 different stride lengths that you can adjust to fit your comfort level.
-There is also the standard upper body work out with the Arm paddles that you can use to increase the benefits of any work out.

The max weight capacity is around 278.  I'd say for beginners to moderate fitness this is a good machine to start with or for those on a budget.

 I have not had any problems or repairs needed and I've had the machine for a few years now








Conair S3CS Instant Heat Wet-Dry Curved Plated Straightener

I love the Conair S3CS Instant Heat Wet-Dry Straightener.I naturally have very fine straight medium length hair with zero shape to it. Meaning it doesn't have bounce or lift to it.
The problem I was having when styling my hair to get a little life in it with a curling iron was that it was giving me too much "curl". When I tried the standard flat iron it just made my hair more limp & stick straight.

When I saw this iron in the store I knew I had to try it. It was a combiniation of the two styling tools Curling Iron & Flat Iron.

Instead of being 2 flat plates that press together to straighten you hair it's the same concept, but the the plates are rounded or bowed to give curvature. Which allows you to lift & round out near your roots.

The curviture also allows you to a variation on styling such as flipping your ends up or rounding down/inward towards your face.

You can give a limp ponytail  lift & bounce. It allows you to add volume with out looking curled or over done.

Product Features:
-Unique wet/dry venting system channels moisture to protect hair from damage and eliminate frizz
-Omega curved plates: finish with a flip
-Ceramic technology
-30-second instant heat
-30 heat settings
-Auto shutoff
-Professional length cord
-Limited two-year warranty

Another great feature is the wet/dry venting system that allows you to use the product when your hair is still lightly damp. It will dry your hair as you style.  Using it in this manner while still damp gives your hair a moisturized, sleek finish with out frizz.

 The 30 second instant heat feature is great to have when you are running late & don't have time to wait for your iron to fully heat up. It's a turbo boost to the heating component & it literally is hot in a matter of seconds.

The automatic shut off gives me peace of mind that I won't accidentally burn something if I forget to turn it off. I know we've all had that feeling where you've left for work driving in your car and get that sinking feeling you left your curling iron on & might start a fire.

The cord is much longer then the standard iron cord & has a swivel end so the cord moves & rotates with you. This prevents the cord from being twisted.

The heat settings are on a dial from 1 being the lowest to 30 being the highest/hottest. This is a very important option to have because if you have fine or fragile hair you need a lower setting as to not damage your hair. And if you have curl resistant hair you need a higher setting to accomplish anything.

This is an extremely versatile styling tool for straight or curled looks. Since I have purchased this iron I have not used my flat iron or my curling iron since. It does everything those 2 irons do in one plus more.







Revlon Photo Ready Foundation Review


I had used Revlon’s Color Stay foundation in the past so when their
new line came out “Photo Ready” I had to give it a try.  And after trying
 it I think if you prefer a medium luminous coverage foundation this one might be for you.
 
Product Description:
Looking for that dewy glow? This lightweight, non-greasy foundation by Revlon goes on smooth to hide your imperfections. It has light coverage, but is buildable for a more full coverage.
What Skin Type Revlon Photo Ready is Good For:

-If your skin tends to be dry and dull looking
-If you want your skin to glow
-If your skin has minor imperfections

My Experience:
To start with it has a very similar texture & constancy of the color stay. Meaning it is fairly pigmented & creamy. And it is quite long wearing, lasting the majority of the day without touch-ups.
The coverage can really be adjusted from semi-sheer to almost full coverage by layering.
 I would not say it is smudge proof or transfer resistant, but it certainly has better staying power than most foundations. It’s not going leave a rub off mark if you touch your face.

The shade selection is pretty good consisting of 9 shades:
Ivory
Vanilla
Shell
Nude
Natural beige
Medium beige
Cool beige
Rich ginger
Cappuccino

One of the main differences in this foundation compared to others on the market is the light reflecting particles in it.  Most foundations give you a matte finish & this one gives you a more luminous finish. I’ve heard some people complain that it appeared too glittery on them. I didn’t have that problem. Possibly other users were not shaking the bottle sufficiently before using it & the shimmer settled in the bottom and when they dispensed the foundation through the pump the shimmer was  the first thing that got sucked up.

It is not glittery by any means. If you’ve seen sparkly eye shadow- that is not what this looks like. The partials are not big obvious flecks of glitter.  The overall look of your skin is a soft dewy sheen without actually being moist.
Highlights:
-Has a lighter feeling on the skin compared to the Colorstay Foundation
-Gives you a healthy looking complexion
-Does not appear orange or cakey
-Does not have an obvious scent
-Buildable coverage
-Pump bottle allows for easy discernment
-Blends Well
-Long-Lasting

All and all for a drug store foundation this one is one of the better ones in my opinion. I have also tested it against Makeup Forever HD foundation which is a higher end brand and found  them to be very similar. And Revlon costs about half the price at around $12 for a 1oz bottle


Pros: Buildable coverage
Long wearing
Give skin a healthy glow

Cons: Might not be ideal for skin prone to wrinkles due to the luminosity

The Bottom Line:
Comparable to a few higher end brands & gives your skin great coverage with a healthy luminous finish.