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Showing posts with label Avon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Avon. Show all posts

December 12, 2012

Project Pan Them All | November Empties


I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered Avon Wish of Luck Eau de Toilette Spray* straight from the brochure without even smelling it at first - what, I could not resist the "refreshing blend of green apple and sparkling florals" from the description! Unfortunately, this turned out to smell more floral than fruity to me, and the scent is way too light to last me through the day - I had to mix it with another perfume or body spray in an attempt to use it up, and I'm glad I finally did!

I have never been a fan of face wipes but I do like to keep some baby wipes on hand to wash my face quickly for those morning when I am in a rush before work. These Pampers Baby Wipes were way less pricey than face wipes, and they even came with a handy tub!

Earthen InstantPeel is a product that will probably never cease to amaze me - it's really super easy to use and I still think it's truly awesome to be able to actually see the peels of dead skin, it's like a proof that the product is working. I have never used something like this before! This product is great for dry and sensitive skin as it didn't leave my face irritated or even drier - I could feel my skin being softer and smoother. The only things I dislike about this product is the price - at $10 an application, it can be getting quite pricey - and the messy packaging.

I don't think I have had such amazing results with any other lengthening mascara before Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara - it makes my lashes extremely long and defined, and most importantly, it holds a curl all day, which is a real miracle when you have extremely straight lashes like me! Also, I usually shy away from plastic applicators, but this mascara changed it all!

e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler is the only eyelash curler that I have tried that really works at curling my super straight lashes, but I hate, hate, hate how the metal top is so sharp that it always dig in the rubber pad, creating dents that pull off my precious eyelashes. Also, the stupid pad always falls off and, as if it wasn't enough, you can't purchase the rubber pad separately so you have to buy a new curler everytime which is not really a problem because it's only $1, but still, it's such a waste. Despite all of the bad things I pointed out, I still stick with this curler - do I really have a choice?

I picked up Mitchum Advanced Control Utltimate Strength & Protection Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant when I spotted it on sale at Walmart in an attempt to go completely cruelty-free, and I was not disappointed! The fragrance Powder Fresh is really nice but not overpowering, and best of all, I really feel protected all day, both from wetness and odor! I think I have found a new favorite - and cruelty-free - deodorant!


I recently reviewed Bomb La Bon Bon Whipped Sugar Scrub in Cotton Candy which I could not resist using almost every day because of its intoxicating smell, and I am actually a bit sad that I used it up so quickly, but it's OK though because it was not abrasive enough for my taste.

I have always loved serums as I have super dry skin, and Reviva Labs High Potency Collagen Serum did not disappoint. I love the lightweight gel consistency that absorbs very quickly into the skin, so you can apply your day or night cream over it without having to wait. This serum really left my skin super soft and smooth, and call me crazy, but I swear I have noticed results after the first use! Maybe I was too excited, but I really think my skin was less dry than the day before, especialy my dry patches of eczema. Of course, even after continuous use, this serum didn't get rid of my eczema (nothing really can), but I feel it has helped at least a little.

I have had Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel for what, three years, without never really using it regularly until I got more into self tanners recently, so when I decided to give it another try, it barely turned me... yellow. It's OK, I never really liked you either!

It does not happen often that I am really sad to have used up a particular product but I really think I have found my absolute holy grail night cream in KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Night Cream - it is everything I ever wanted in a night cream! It is amazingly thick and rich, it's not greasy and it's absorbed quickly into the skin, oh, and the smell... delicious! This cream looks very thick in the pot but it's very buttery and smooth on the skin, leaving it super soft.

Since I tried LARA Beauty Polishing Microderm Abrasion for Sensitive Skin, I have been hooked on microdermabrasion treatments, which seem to work so much better than you average face scrub! The texture of this one is just so thick, creamy and perfectly abrasive, but still, super gentle on my dry skin. My skin felt refreshed after use, but not tight or dry. It's a shame this product could not clear my skin of blackheads though, which is a big issue for me, but next time, I will try mixing three parts baking soda with one part water instead of repurchasing another product.

*Please note that Avon Wish of Luck is NOT cruelty-free

September 03, 2012

FOTN | The road is long, we carry on, try to have fun in the meantime


I went clubbing with some friends at Pub Ste-Thérèse some times ago (hence the brown hair, lack of bangs and pasty white skin) and even though it has been years since the last time I stepped foot in this place, it was fun, but the DJ sucked big times! They were supposed to close the place for one week to renovate everything - and I really hope they "renovated" the DJ as well... kidding.


Wet n Wild Coloricon Brow & Eye Liner - Taupe (brows) | Avon True Color Eyeshadow Single - Night Sky* (smudged on top and lower lashline) | Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx* (smudged on upper and lower lashline) | Annabelle Studio Mono Eyeshadow - B-Ray (outer corner) | Annabelle Studio Mono Eyeshadow - Graffiti (crease) | Annabelle Glitterama Liquid Eyeliner - Funshine (upper lashline) | L'Oréal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes - Black*


Benefit The POREfessional | Avon Healthy Makeup Mousse Foundation - Natural Beige* | Marcelle Concealer Palette - Universal Beige | Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer - Medium to Dark | MAC Surf, Baby! Cheek Powder - My Paradise*

* These products are NOT cruelty-free

Lyrics are from Born To Die, by Lana Del Rey

July 27, 2012

FOTD & OOTD | À la vie, à la mort on va s'aimer encore (Geneviève & Robin's Wedding)

The gorgeous bride and groom

Last Saturday, my friend and I celebrated our friends Geneviève and Robin's wedding. I have known Gen since elementary school and she and Robin met through my boyfriend and I, and I know Gen was dreaming of this wedding for such a long time! It was awesome to be with them for this very special celebration.

Beautiful tables setup and yummy cupcakes

Of course, between my hairdresser appointment in the morning (more details in an upcoming post) and everything else, I absolutely forgot to take proper pictures of my makeup and outfit, as always! Here is a quick breakdown anyway.


Hard Candy Fox in a Box - Spicy & Sweet | 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer - Brown Sugar | MAC Cremesheen Lipstick - Creme Cup (not pictured)*

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - Neutral Medium | Too Faced Natural Eye | Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx (upper lashline, waterline and lower lashline)* | Avon True Color Eyeshadow Single - Night Sky (crease and outer corner)* | Annabelle Glitterama Liquid Eyeliner - Plutonium Marcelle Extension Plus Mascara | It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil

Babyliss Pro Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron | Shielo VOLUME Flexible Design Hair Spray





*These products are NOT cruelty-free

We arrived at the church a little before the wedding to be able to do a quick photoshoot. 

Acting silly (as always!) and dancing with the bride


It was a beautiful day and we had tons of fun! Congratulations again Geneviève and Robin, I wish you lifelong happiness!

Lyrics are from On va s'aimer encore, by Vincent Vallières, a singer from Quebec. Title translation: "In life, in death we will still love each other".

May 11, 2012

Project Pan Them All | April Empties


Ladies, brace yourself for this post, because I'm excited to announce that I have tons of empties to show you! I'm so proud of myself!


I bought Avon Basics Care Deeply Body Lotion with cocoa butter* on a whim when I was an Avon rep because it was on sale also because it contained cocoa butter, however, I should have known better! I ended up using this lotion on my feet instead of simply throwing it away because it certainly does not provide24-hour moisturization, but it did work surprisingly well on my feet, leaving them incredibly soft and smooth after only a few uses! Who would have known?

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter is my first ever The Body Shop purchase and I'm soooo in love with it! It is my absolute HG body moisturizer as it works wonders on my eczema, and I'm so glad I finally gave in and tried one of those famous body butters. The consistency is dreamy - rich, creamy and perfectly thick - exactly what I'm expecting in a body butter! Sure, my skin still ocasionally itches and sometimes I have to apply moisturizer in the morning to get me through the day, but I haven't feel the need to reach for my steroid cream in a long time and this is a big step forward in my book. This is the jumbo size (400ml) and let me confirm that it really is jumbo! I have been using this butter since the beginning of December and I have only very recently used it up so it was definitely a great deal (it cost me $10 instead of $25).

It is extremely rare that I truly love a body lotion (I tend to favour body butters because of my dry skin and eczema) but it happened with George's Light Special Moisturizing LotionIt has a light texture but it never fails to relieve dryness and itchiness, meaning significantly less eczema flare-ups. Also, I could feel my skin being moisturized all day, which I don't think I have experienced with a lotion before!


As much as I absolutely loved the deliciously sweet and fruity smell of CALGON Take me away! Brazilian Beauty Passion Fruit & Brazil Nut Body Mist*, I won't repurchase it because body mists never last more than 30 seconds on me.

Skin RX Medi Peel Hyaluronic Moisturizer did not get rid of the stubborn dry patches on my forehead on its own, but it left my skin super soft. It's also recommended to apply a cream to seal in the moisture if you have dry skin, which I did, because once the hyaluronic moisturizer was absorbed in my skin, it left it feeling super tight and uncomfortale, which I though was strange for something that is claimed to moisturize. At $58, it's nothing miraculous. 


I usually try to stay away from clay masks because most of them tend to leave my skin even more dry than before, but I did not have this problem with Elemis FreshSkin Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask. Still, I won't repurchasing it because I don't feel it really did something for my skin.

My first experience with a scrub that you have to let sit on your face like a mask was with Montagne Jeunesse Apricot Face Scrub and I loved it! The texture is great - very thick and the exfoliating beads (which are really apricot kernels) are a good size and there are a lot of them, unlike some other cheap foaming scrubs. This Montagne Jeunesse face scrub left my dry skin feeling super tight and uncomfortable when I washed it off - like most clay masks I previously used - but it was OK when I applied my moisturizer. The day after, I noticed that my skin was not drier because of the scrub, but also that it was more glowy - what a nice surprise! The only negative things about Montagne Jeunesse packaging is that it's messy and not resealable, so I like to pour the leftover product in a little pot so it doesn't dry up and it's easier to scoop with your fingers.


I have been very kindly sent Pai Rosehip & BioRegenerate fruit & seed oil blend  along with the Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream and as I'm suffering from eczema, Nicola from Pai Skincare recommended applying them both at the same time, so adding a couple of drops of Rosehip oil into a pump of cream for an extra regenerative boost, which I did until I used up the seed oil blend. I have been using these two products twice a day every day since I received them always on the same area of my body - on my right hand, I developed a stubborn patch of eczema on my knuckles and even though my eczema on my fingers seems to have gotten better, I still get flare-ups sometimes so I also used these products on my fingers. I didn't notice improvements until the second week of use and OMG, I must say this stuff is seriously awesome! I didn't get flare-ups in those two weeks and that does say a lot! My right hand is almost back to normal although my knuckles are still a little dry but they are less red and irritated and they don't itch anymore - same with my fingers! Honestly, I can't believe it. This is the first time some products work really well on my eczema! Sadly, even though it works well, I simply can't afford it at $35.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme seems to be a staple among a lot of beauty bloggers and as much as I love everything about it - its delicious smell, its thick and creamy texture, how well it moisturizes my parched cuticles, its super cute tin - I'm just too lazy to remember to apply it on my cuticles and nails every night so most of the time, I simply use it as a hand cream before bed because it tends to get a bit greasy.

mèreadesso Beautiful Body Balm is the first product of this brand that I tried and honestly, it does not make me want to try some more. I'm not even sure why it's called a "balm" when it's more like a simple lotion that did not even properly moisturizemy dry skin. It did smell lovely though, a bit sweet!


Another disappointement from LUSH, Space Girl Bath Bomb. This did not smell anything in the bath and while I appreciated that it fizzed slowly while turning and swishing around in the bath, which is always entertaining, despite being infused with grapefruit oil, Space Girl did not left my skin moisturized or toned.

On the other hand, I had a pleasant bath with LUSH Bearded Lady Bubble Bar, which I got as a Christmas present maybe two years ago but LUSH did not bring it back last Christmas so I'm afraid it has been discontinued, hend why I won't be posting a complete review about it. I can't really explain the scent as to me, it didn't really smell anything, but it was pleasent and relaxing, but sadly, the scent didn't really intensified in the bath. I got a considerable amount of bubbles for the tiny piece I used, but they didn't last long - maybe 10 minutes. I could feel my skin being softer and moisturized while I was in the bath and after, which is always appreciated when you have dry skin like me.

Because I have so many shower gels, body wash, soaps, etc. laying around, I cheated with Simply Basics Cocoa Butter Body Wash and I actually used it as a bubble bath, and I must say it did not work really well. Yes, it did create some pretty amazing bubbles at first, but they quickly vanished. Oh well, this was a bit of a cheap product anyway.


On my neverending quest to find the perfect teeth whitening product, I bought Scope White Mouthwash on a whim when I saw it on sale for around $5 at the drugstore about one year ago and even though I said that I would update you with my progress, well I'm sad to have to report that two bottles of this stuff later, my teeth are still somewhat yellow. Thank you Scope.

I love how Lara Beauty Conditioning Cleanser for Sensitive Skin (not pictured, I forgot to keep it and threw it away) is really gentle on my dry skin and does not leave it with that squeaky clean feeling. It also does not really foam, making it less irritant.

*This product is NOT cruelty-free

February 03, 2012

What Am I Bringing To Toronto?


If you follow me on Twitter, you may know that I was incredibly fortunated to win Ubisoft Just Dance Superstar Contest! The prize consists of a trip up to four people and includes two nights stay in a luxury downtown Toronto hotel (Hyatt Regency Toronto), limo service, spending money, four tickets to a concert or a show and four copies of Just Dance 3 Ubisoft video game. There was no concert or show available on the dates I could go (damn you school!) but instead, they have set up a VIP treatment for my friends and I in a nightclub - complete bottle service and a private booth! I can't wait!



I thought it would be interesting to show you what I bring with me to Toronto. Normally, I would not even have bothered with makeup and all that stuff but the thing is that we will be interviewed and the Just Dance camera crew will follow us around while we shop on Queen Street West so hey, a girl gotta look good!


Avon True Color Eyeshadow Single in Night Sky, NYX Eyeshadow in Sensual, e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler, Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Pout, Marcelle Power Volume Mascara, Joe Fresh Style Duo Concealer in Light, Wet 'n Wild Brow & Eye Liner Pencil in Taupe, Sigma E55, Sigma E40, EcoTools Angled Eyeliner Brush.






Everything goes in that super cute makeup bag (:

I realized that I don't have many travel size products because I tend to use them up first instead of having them laying around because I don't travel much and when I do, I don't bring tons of stuff with me. I don't have any mini format body cream, and this is the only really important product to me, so I'm stuck with that jumbo The Body Shop Shea Butter LOL! I also tried to bring multi-tasking products such as Too Faced Leopard Love and Marcelle BB Cream but overall I think I did great as I stuck mainly with essentials.


I can't wait to go shopping, spending money that you didn't work for feels so good, doesn't it? Instead of making a list of things I want, I made a list of places to shop at and I'll see! I was thinking maybe some MAC lipsticks even though there's none in particular I really want and some LUSH Valentine's Day stuff! I know I will be given a gift card to shop at H&M with a personal stylist and that's where the Just Dance camera crew will follow me around (so exciting!) but I will have some cash left to spend however I want (:

My friends and I will fly to Toronto today at 1:00 and I'm so excited! I will be sure to take tons of pictures =D

December 30, 2011

Shopping: Apothica.com, Avon, San Francisco, LUSH & Jean Coutu


My order from Apothica.com I'm sad to say that I'm disappointed with their shipping this time. I placed my order on November 28, it was shipped on November 30 and I received it on December 6 - the thing is that I opted for the USPS Express Mail International, which means I was supposed to get my order within 3 days, not to mention I was provided with a tracking number that didn't even exist... well, don't waste your money on that. I'm not really complaining because I didn't pay for it (I had gift cards) but still, I wanted to warn you. At least I got my whole order safe and sound!


100% Pure Caffeine Eye Cream $18.80 There's been lots of buzz in the blogosphere about this product and having tried a few 100% Pure products in the past, I decided that I had to get my hands on this one as well. I'm 23 so I'm not really dealing with fine lines and wrinkles yet but I got into the habit of using an eye cream since I'm 16 as a prevention and I actually like it, it makes me feel pampered (:

Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser with Orange Oil $9.00 I looooooove this cleanser, it totally saved my skin last winter (or was it the winter before?)! You know I have super dry skin that is prone to eczema so I have to be careful not to use anything too harsh, especially in the awful winter weather. This cleanser is oily so it won't strip your skin of its moisture but leave it even more hydrated and smoothed! The only thing is that it does leave a little oily residue after but personally, I don't mind this because I like to think of it as a protective layer.


Stila Perfect & Correct Foundation in Tone $44.00 I never really used a foundation on a daily basis and I decided it was time I tried one for real! I have a few foundations in my stash but I never used them regularly but I decided that things were going to be different with this one. My skin is far from perfect but I don't think I need to totally cover it so I was looking for a light coverage and after browsing Makeupalley, I decided that I would give this one a try. I chose it in the shade Tone which appeared a bit dark on the website but I figured out I could make it work by matching it with another foundation.

theBalm Time Balm Concealer in Light $17.80 I don't have concealers that I really like in my stash and I've heard great things about this one so I ordered it in Light. I'm not sure I want to use it as an overnight treatment though, it seems a bit strange to apply makeup at night!


Voluspa Limited Edition Winesap Apple Spice and Truffle White Coca Handmade Candles $15.00 each I really wanted to get rid of the gift cards I had left so even though I think it's crazy to pay that ridiculous amount of money for such little candles (5oz), I ordered them because they seemed to smell sooooo yummy and I was right! I haven't lit them though so I won't get too excited but scented candles can be disappointing):

As always, I also received some free samples with my order that I will probably not use and give to my mother: Phytomer Oligopur Purifying Cleansing Gel, AHAVA Time To Revitalize Extreme Day Cream and NUXE Crème Prodigieuse Enrichie Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Cream.


Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Pout and Sheer Naturale on sale 2 for $7.00 According to Temptalia's dupe list, Pout is a dupe for MAC Angel at 100% so of course, Angel being among my absolute favorite lipsticks (very original, isn't it?), I had to get my hands on it! Mélanie's mother is an Avon reprensentative so I ordered Pour from her and I wanted to take advantage of the special so I asked Mélanie for her advice and she recommended Sheer Naturale, which is a nude with a glossy finish.

After reading the comments on Makeupalley about these lipsticks, I had high hopes as some even said Pout was HG material, but I find these lipsticks to be incredibly drying and their lasting power is awful on me - they won't even stay on for one hour! I've read some comments about the poor lasting power of the Ultra Color Rich Lipsticks but that's not what bothers me the most as you don't need a mirror to re-apply these but from what I've seen on the net, these lipsticks are supposed to be moisturizing! That's a shame because I love both shades ):


San Francisco blouse on sale for $19.99 Ever since I first step foot in San Francisco, I spotted this blouse and I knew I had to have it, but it was something like $29.99 and because it's so light, I wasn't sure it was worth it. This blouse being in the fall collection, I knew it was going to be on sale soon... and I was right! I was soooooo lucky to get my hands on the only X-Small available! When I first put it on, I was unsure about it but when I roll up the sleeves and cinch a belt at the waist, it's actually great!


San Francisco tunic on sale for $19.99 I'm always on the hunt for more tops I can wear with leggings in the winter because they are the comfiest thing ever! At first sight, I wasn't sure about this one because I don't usually go for a warm piece of clothing with short-sleeves, but I just couldn't let it go at this price! When I tried it on another time once at home, I was a little disappointed to see that the cut isn't as flattering I thought it would be (it's not as close to the body as I usually like) but I still like it!




San Francisco cotton pants on sale for $19.99 No, I didn't need another pair of "lounging around pants" but I got tired of always wearing the same baggy pair and this one is soooo comfy and it fits so well... and it was on sale... and there was only one X-Small available... and it makes my butt looks so nice (:


LUSH The Rocketeer and Abombinaball Bath Bomb on sale BOGO and New! Shampoo Bar $10.95 The only sales I really wanted to chek out on the Boxing Day were the ones at LUSH, but I was disappointed. OK, maybe it's my fault, maybe I waited too long before going there but I was working the days after Christmas and the stores were all crowded and there's not a lot of things I hate more than crowded stores!

I went to LUSH yesterday actually and everything I wanted was gone but I grabbed those two bath bombs as a gift for my mother as Christmas items were BOGO, and I finally took the plundge and decided to try one of their shampoo bar. I must say the reasons that kept me from buying some was the price - but I've been told that one bar is equal to three bottles of shampoo - and also that I was afraid it would be hard to use and that it would not layther well but the sale assistant assured me that it lathers really well.

I was initally going for Jumping Juniper as it's designed for oily hair, but the sale assistant told me this shampoo did nothing for her oily roots but that New! was awesome for this, and that it was also great to stimulate hair growth. From the reviews I've read on the LUSH website, many people say this shampoo is drying but I really don't care as I use conditioner and leave-in conditioner everytime I wash my hair. I can't wait to try this!


Glade Sense & Spray Automatic Room Spray Lavender & Vanilla free I recently received a coupon for a free Glad Sense & Spray and the only scent available was this one (this wasn't totally free, I had to pay the taxes).

November 03, 2011

October Empties



☑ Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer (sample)

I don't usually use primers and I'm not sure this one really did something - at least I didn't notice a brightening effect.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Benefit The POREfessional 




☑ Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Mineral Facial Rinse-Off Treatment

I bought this a long time ago and I must admit I rarely used it. It's basically a clay mask to me (despite its fancy name) and it did nothing special. You could buy a super cheap clay mask at the drugstore and it would work just as well.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Face Mask Duo



Repurchase: no because as far as I know, you can't purchase this mask separately (it comes in a duo with the Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask , which did nothing for my dry skin)

What I'm currently using to replace it: other face masks


☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Foaming Bath

Smells nice in the bottle but almost nothing once poured in the bath. Very average foam that lasts about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats


☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

I think this did left my hair softer but I can't really tell as I always use a leave-in conditioner after washing my hair anyway. It has a nice thick texture though!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner






Repurchase: no as I'm sure I can find aloe vera products that work just as well at a fraction of the price

What I'm currently using to replace it: George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion



☑ mark. Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher with kiwi/grapefruit 

I got this a loooooong time ago when I became an Avon rep as reps have access to amazing discounts and this was included in a special mark. starter kit. I use this every morning as a toner instead of washing my face with soap because it's so dry, but I don't feel it really did something for my face. I'm glad I finally used it up!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes (60 towelettes)


☑ Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub (sample)

At first, I fell in love with this scrub because of its amazing smell and because it's so gentle... but after continuous use, I realized it did nothing for my skin... and it started to make the area around my mouth burn! Maybe I have an allergy to something in this scrub?


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub