Clean out your Makeup Bag

Clean out the makeup bag.

Makeup has a shelf life and while we all clean out our refrigerators and cabinets we forget about our makeup bags.  Cosmetics and skin care products also have expiration dates; while they are quite a lot longer than some of the items in our kitchens its a good idea to label when each item was purchased and then you will know for sure when it’s time to replace them.

Foundations -

Liquid foundations expire after 12 months, liquids with an oil base 18 months. Loose or pressed powder also 18 months.  If you are using a concealer stick make sure that you shave off the top layer every now and then as it’s a great place for bacteria to grow.

Mascara - 3 to 4 months.

Moisturizers -  1 year opened, 2 years unopened.  Although because of the vitamins and antioxidants used in some of the moisturizers they could expire more quickly so if the consistency or order has changed toss them and call your Avon lady.

Eye Makeup -  3 years.

Powder Blush - 2 years.

Eye LIner - 2 years for pencils; 3-6 months for liquid.

This is just a guideline of expected shelf life of some of your cosmetics and moisturizers.  Use your common sense though as with anything else, and if it smells wrong, or the color has changed or the consistency just doesn’t feel right toss it out and give me a call.  

www.youravon.com/llroberts

Holiday Gift Guide with Jeannine Morris

You can get all these great gift ideas here www.youravon.com/llroberts

Passion Perfume

A few weeks ago I went to Avon's Celebrate the Season event.  I wanted to see all the new products that Avon was unveiling for Christmas.  There were so many great items but by far my favorite was this Passion Perfume.  I received a small roll on and I immediately put it on.  It smells so luxurious and I could still smell it when I got home that night.  The next day I went to my office job and I received so many compliments on how I smelled.  Of course I pulled out my perfume and said "It's Avon".  That day I sold 4 bottles and it wasn't even available yet.

I have never really had a "signature scent".  There was a very expensive perfume that I liked but I can't really say that was my signature scent because I couldn't afford to buy it and so when I received it as a gift I used it very sparingly.  Now I can say I have a signature scent and it's Passion!

This perfume is a perfect blend of Sparkling Star Fruit, Vanilla Bourbon and Opulent Jasmine.  It has a very pretty jeweled looking bottle, you really feel like you are getting one of those "expensive" perfumes.  It certainly smells just as good and I think better than a lot of those perfumes and it's affordable.  Right now if you buy the full size bottle of perfume you can get the body lotion for free that's a $12 value.  You get both for $36.  It's a perfect gift.

You can order yours by visiting my webstore www.youravon.com/llroberts or

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Introducing Mega Effects Mascara

I am so excited about this mascara!  I can't wait to try it, I can't wait for my customers to try it.  I will definitely post my opinion on this as soon as I can get my hands on it.  I have mine ordered to ship as soon as it becomes available and you can too.  Pre-Order Here

Skin So Soft and All It's Various Uses.

A Refresher on the many benefits of Skin So Soft and all it's uses....it's isn't just for the bath anymore.

Ok, so on this week's blog I'm cheating a little bit and writing about something we all know already,  but do you know ALL the uses for SSS?  I didn't and that's why I thought this might be a good topic to revisit.

There are many websites that tout the benefits of using SSS bath oil but I decided to use this one for the simple reason that some of these I did not know about and I want to try them.  In the interest of time and my hands I will not post all of them here but will provide the link so that you can check them all out at your leisure. 

 

101 Uses for Skin So Soft Bath Oil

Let's start with #20 on the list.  

#20.  Kills Ants Instantly.  I know that this is true.  I sold it to a co-worker of mine that bought it just for that reason.  She said the second she sprayed it on the little buggers it stopped them in their tracks and killed them instantly.  My mom is going to get some now because she has ants in her house.  Heck I would get it for # 56 alone ~ Kills Spiders~ I hate spiders but that's a topic for another blog at another time.  Moving right along.

#22.  Wash hair with shampoo and conditioner like always and after it dries.... Use a dime-sized dab of SSS and rub it in your hair. It goes straight in and leaves hair as shiny as the ads on TV, not greasy at all, just soft and shiny.  I have not tried this one but I think I will tonight and report back.  I really like the Moroccan Argan Oil but I'll try anything once....well almost anything ;)

#27. Sponge it around doors, windows, and on screens to keep crawling bugs out.  I am definitely going to do this one.  Going back to #56 where I HATE SPIDERS!

#37.  Removes crayon from appliances and most painted surfaces.  This would have been helpful to know back when my daughter was 3 and marked on every piece of furniture I owned and every wall in the house.  But I have grandchildren and I'm sure they will feel the need to mark something up.

#54.  Put SSS in one of those insecticide sprayers on the garden hose. Spray the back yard! This will cut down on ants, mosquitoes and fleas!  This one is interesting and I would like to give it a try.  Every year my animals are infested with fleas and we go running to the vet for the $70 flea medicine.  We have 2 cats and 2 dogs so you do the math...EXPENSIVE.  I read on another list that if you bathe your animals and give them a SSS rinse that it will repel the fleas.  This is something we are doing tomorrow because although they don't have fleas just yet one of our dogs has a terrible allergy to his own skin and it gets really bad in the summer time and I'm hoping this will help him feel better.

#58.  Add a capful to wash water of clothes...acts as a fabric softener and keeps the bugs off clothes.  I'm not sure really how this would work but I'm willing to give it a try.

#69.  Also if you ever make candles, use clear melted wax and put SSS in as it harden. Works great for outdoor use to keep the mosquitoes away.  This is a great idea for all you crafty people.  I can't believe I never thought of this.  NO more fighting the mosquitoes at a backyard summer party and no more smelling those awful repellent candles...YUCK!

#79.  Flea Bath: Use a flea and tick shampoo. Rinse, rinse, rinse so no soap residue is left. Follow with final rinse of 2 gallons of water mixed with flea dip and 1 capful of SSS. The SSS helps replace the oils lost in bathing and has the added benefit of repelling insects.

#80.  Flea Repellent: Avon's SSS Bath Oil. 1-1/2 ounces per gallon of water; used as a sponge-on dip (or as a spritz) has been tested and proven to have significant, but not complete, flea-repellent activity for a 6-day period. It should help those dry coats, too.

And my husband's personal favorite.....#99.  It removes tree sap.

I love products that have more than one use and Skin So Soft really does have many uses.  I'm sure some of you have found some that are not on this list so please if you know a use for SSS that is not on the list that I  posted; Post a comment and let us know. 

You can get your Skin So Soft Bath Oil at my Avon Store.  Click Here to Visit 

Also please visit and like my Facebook page for Special Announcements and Promotions!

Special thanks to Beckysbiz.com for posting the list that was used in this Blog.

Check out my New Boutique!

Boutique: How do I love beauty? Let me count the ways.
My favorite must have products, the latest trends and exclusive offers are all waiting for you to discover at my Avon Boutique.

Give Yourself A Great Pedicure with Foot Works.

Avon Foot Works Foot Care

I was spending an enjoyable day with my husband.  We went for a long drive, walked around some shops and basically just bummed around all day. When we arrived back home I decided to end the day with a relaxing pedicure.  It couldn't be too relaxing though as I was the one doing my own but I digress.  I drew a basin of warm water and put in my FW Restorative Foot Soak as my feet needed some major restoration.  This is the first time I've ever used this product and I must say I really enjoyed it.  The soak softened my skin and calluses.  Use 1/2 TBSP to 1 Gallon of Water.

 Next I used the FW Exfoliating Cream. This was my favorite part.  I love to exfoliate; especially my feet.  I love summer time and wearing flip flops and sandals but I hate what it does to my feet so this was a little slice of heaven for me.  I put that on and used my callus file and brush and made sure I got all the dead skin off, then rinsed.  My feet felt great.

Last but definitely not least, the FW Intensive Moisture Cream.  Now it's not the same as having someone else do it but if you can give your feet a little massage while you rub this in it actually is quite nice.   I woke up this morning and my feet were so silky smooth, I almost hated to put on shoes and go outside.

All of these products and more are available right now in our Campaign 13 brochure.  You'll want to add this Ergo Wide Paddle Foot File to your collection as well.  It's only $2.99 right now and the Maximum Strength Cracked Heel Cream is also $2.99.  When you're wearing that cute pair of sandals you bought you don't want to have cracked ugly looking heels.  You want silky smooth skin and the entire FW collection will give that to you!

Check out all the great products we have for you at Shop My Avon Store
Or Contact Me to place your order for you at Laura Roberts 

Avon Elements Skincare Creams.

Skincare made Simple

For a few weeks now I have been really excited to share Avon's new skincare creams with you.  I have been using them and I absolutely love them because they are not heavy or greasy and what I like most about them is that they are made with natural ingredients such as berries, minerals and tea leaves.  So let's take them one by one.

First up is Avon Elements Skin Revitalize.

 The key ingredient with this one is Aronia Berry Complex.  Aronia Berry's are native to Wisconsin and are high in antioxidants.  We all know that antioxidants are good for us but what do they really do?  Well research has shown that antioxidants help reduce the risk for cancer, heart disease, inflammation, diabetes, bacteria infections, and neurological diseases.  Because antioxidants do all of that, it should be no surprise that they also slow the aging process.  

The day cream will give you a more radiant, even and smoother skin tone and the night cream is essential for hydration.  The eye cream will reduce shadows, dark circles and puffiness that we all get around our eyes at one time or another.

Next is Moisture Boost for Combination or Normal Skin Types.

 The key ingredient here for the the Normal Skin Type is a Sea Oak Complex.  This is good for all skin types.  It will give you long lasting moisturization and that silky skin we all long for.

The key ingredient for Combination Skin is Camillia Tea Leaf.  This will give you a non greasy, shine free finish and a more balanced complexion and will help control oily skin.  The eye cream blends well with makeup and smoother, more hydrated feel around the eye area.

The final skincare creams I want to share with you is the one I use and my personal favorite.  Youth Restoring.

Key ingredient is Amethyst Mineral Complex.  This gives you healthier looking skin and will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The eye cream does the same, reduces the puffiness and the appearance of the fine lines or crow's feet that we get as we age.  Not saying I'm old but I did look in the mirror a few weeks back and I saw lines in my face.  I thought ..Where did these come from?".  I was excited to try this product when I was given notice about it being available.  It has worked.  I don't see those fine lines like I did and it makes my skin feel amazing!

Contact me for a sample.  Sample Please!

Visit my webpage and register to order your skin cream today.  Shop My Avon Store

mark. get the trend look: Crazy about Color with jamie greenberg

mark. tote the town bag with Katy Atlas of Sugarlaws

Clearskin Pore Penetrating Skincare

Have Oily, Sensitive Skin?

Me too!!  It's just oily around my T-Zone and the slightest little change in routine can cause major issues.  I broke out so bad I had blemishes all over my chin, 2 on my cheek and one coming just under the skin on my other cheek.  I changed my foundation and started using the Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation in the hopes that it would help with my obviously clogged up pores and it did but I needed more.

I bought the Clearskin Pore Penetrating Invigorating Scrub, Gel Cleanser and Cooling Toner.  First thing I did was hop in the shower and use the Invigorating Scrub.

 This is like a thick kind of paste and when I first put it on my skin it felt hot but then after just a few seconds it was this really nice cooling feeling.  I think I was shocked to feel the heat and worried that maybe I was going to be allergic, but then when the cooling feeling came I realized that it felt really good.  I rinsed it off and applied the cooling toner.

This was a nice feeling as well.  I poured some on a cotton ball and applied it to my freshly and deeply cleaned skin.  It felt very cool and refreshing.  I followed it up with a moisturizer which I will write more about in another post.

I woke up the next morning and my skin was 100% softer and more clear.  What these products did for me was amazing.  I used to be a Proactiv user, these in my opinion are far better than Proactiv.  I also don't have the excess oil that I was having in my T-Zone because these products help to control that.  They seriously do what they say they will do!


The next night I used the daily gel cleanser pictured below.  This is just as it says a daily cleanser, no heat and cooling feeling just really clean and CLEAR skin!

Another bonus to these great products is that they will not break the bank!  These are on sale right now for $3.99 each but even at Avon's regular prices you'll spend under $20 for your skincare!  You just can't beat that.  I have found yet another product by Avon that I am proud to say I use and highly recommend.

You can get these great products on my website  Shop My Avon Store
Or Email me and I will order it for you.  Laura Roberts
Visit my Facebook page for Specials and Announcements Please Like My Page

Let the Summer Sizzle Begin

Your Summer is gonna sizzle with these hot new fashions!! 

 Shop my AVON store!: Here's a sneak peak at some of the latest products available at Avon. Be sure to click

The Right Tools

HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS

You must have the right tools for the right job.  It took me years to learn this.  I have always used a liquid foundation and have used my fingers to apply my foundation.  

When I started selling Avon I was introduced to a lot of different techniques for applying makeup. One of them was to use a foundation brush for liquid foundation. It really does work wonders and I would never be without my foundation brush again. When you use a brush you get a more even coverage, less streaks and you use less product which will save you $$ and that is what we all want!

If you use powder foundation of course you know you have to use a brush but not just any brush will do.  I recently switched from a liquid foundation to a powder and had an old Kabuki brush that I had never taken very good care of.  I cleaned it up and thought it was good to go, well like anything else brushes wear out and need to be replaced.  I replaced mine with of course Avon All Over Face Brush.

This does a very nice job of applying my makeup.  It gives you an even application.  If you have a worn out brush makeup tends to clump in different parts of the brush and then you've got too much here and not enough there...so make sure you take care of your brushes!  Oils and bacteria can build up in your brushes so make sure you clean them at least once a week.  I use a solution of water and vinegar to clean my brushes.  I make sure I get all the water out, reshape them and let them air dry overnight.  

True Color Eyeshadow Quad

AMAZING EYESHADOW IN LOTS OF GREAT COLORS!

  There are so many colors to choose from you can't possibly get bored with any of them.

Smokey Eyes

I have this eyeshadow and I absolutely love it.  The reason being is that it stays on all day long.  I use a primer and then I sweep the lightest shade over my entire eyelid, in the crease and the brow.  Then I use the pink on the eyelid.  The next darker shade in the crease of the eye and then the darker color next to the lashline.  Then I dab a little of the lightest color on my inner eye; closest to the bridge of my nose to give a more lightened effect and brighten up the eyes. Sometimes I will get put a little water on my brush if I want to achiever a deeper color.  Experiment and see what works for you.

Pictured left is the Arctic Goddess Collection.  There are 2 colors choices in this collection and they are of course Arctic Goddess and Muse.  This is perfect for those winter blues with the icy blue color and frosty hues.  

Spring 2013 Zenergy Collection

This comes in one color and what a pretty color it is, it's called awakening quad.  You'll want to order this one quickly because it's only available while supplies last and with the prices at $4.99 right now those supplies will not last long.  I ordered this one for myself and can't wait to try it.  I know that like all the other ones it will not crease or fade and that's what I love most about the Avon True Color Eyeshadows.

This is the last eyeshadow that I will preview tonight.  This is from the Femme Fatal collection and it comes in 2 colors. Femme Fatal and Attraction.  I haven't tried either one of these YET.  I really do like the colors and again at $4.99 the lowest price these quads have ever been, there's no better time to try something new.

If you have used any of these eyeshadows please write to me and let me know your experience with them.  I'm always very interested in what my customers have to say.  You can buy all of these products you see above on my website or email me and I will order them for you if you are local.

Shop My Avon Store

Laura Roberts

Avon NailWear Pro + Nail Enamel

NAILWEAR PRO + NAIL ENAMEL

SHIMMER & SHINE

When I first started experimenting with Avon's nail polish I thought I couldn't like anything better than the Speed Dry Nail Enamel.  I hate to wait for anything and that includes waiting for my nail polish to dry.  Mostly because I end up smudging it before I'm completely done so when Avon came out with the Speed Dry I thought I would never use anything else again.  

I received in a sample kit the NailWear Pro + Nail Enamel and so I thought what the heck I have some time and I'll just give it a go.

The first thing that impressed me was that it had such a high gloss finish.  Even after it was completely dry it still had a very nice shine.

Another PRO is that it lasts under normal wear about 12 days.  And it still looked good by day 10, by day 12 it was beginning to look like it was time to do my nails again.  

This polish comes in many colors so you have lots of choices!  Get yours by contacting me or visiting my website.

Shop My Avon Store

Laura Roberts

What's New or What's Back?

Skin So Soft Bug Guard

Products and Uses

Skin So Soft Bug Guard is back! 

This is a very well known and well liked insect repellent that is Deet Free!  

Products are as follows:

Expedition 

SPF 30 Pump Spray and Aerosol Spray.  This gives you combined sun and insect protection.  Great for hiking and camping in the woods for extended periods of time. 

• SPF 30 Pump Spray - Reapply after 8 hours for mosquitoes and 10 hours for deer ticks.
• SPF 30 Aerosol Spray - Reapply after 8 hours for mosquitoes and 12 hours for deer ticks.

Family 

SPF 30 Gentle Breeze and SPF 30 Cool 'n Fabulous Disappearing Color.  Allows you to enjoy outdoor activities such as BBQ's, picnics and sports.

• SPF 30 Lotions - Reapply after 2 hours.

Picaridin 

Aerosol, Pump Spray and Towelettes.  This is for those evening activities when the mosquitoes are out but the sun is not.  Spend evenings at the parks, parties, outside concerts and other outdoor events without worrying about getting eaten alive by bugs.

• Aerosol Spray - Reapply after 6 hours for mosquitoes and 7 hours for deer ticks.
• Pump Spray & Towelettes - Reapply after 8 hours for mosquitoes and 12 hours for deer ticks.

You can get all of these products and more. Click here to shop my Avon store

How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

avoninsider:

Beauty School: Makeup Brushes
Avon makeup artist Paul Innis shares his tips on cleaning your makeup brushes:
“To prevent oils and makeup from building up in the ferrule, wash brushes once a week in warm water and baby shampoo, then lay it flat on a towel to dry.  Be sure to reshape the brush before drying to prevent splaying.”

Magix Cashmere Advanced Liquid Foundation

I have used a few foundations in my time.  For a while I was a die hard Mary Kay fan, then I used Bare Minerals, then Revlon...and I'm sure if I could remember there were even a few more than that.  I have to admit that as of late I have been hooked on Revlon Mousse foundation.  I liked that it was light and didn't feel heavy on my skin and the coverage was decent enough.

Since I'm now an Avon Representative I feel it's important that I use the products that I'm selling otherwise how can I intelligently recommend something to you?  So I purchased the Magix Advanced Liquid Foundation, I also purchased a foundation brush which I have never used.  I'm happy to report that I love this foundation.  I don't like anything that feels heavy, like my skin can't breathe and this foundation does not make me feel like that.  It's light and my skin doesn't have a feeling of being all clogged up.  The coverage is better than decent, in my opinion I think it's great.  I don't even use a concealer anymore. 

Now for a foundation brush.  I have never used one before unless I was using a powder foundation which I have to admit I'm not real crazy about.  I watched a video from Makeup Artist Paul Innis and he was using a brush with a liquid foundation.  I found out that using a brush actually helps to apply the foundation more evenly, you can get into tighter areas like around the nose and it doesn't take as much as applying with your fingers so you can conserve.  I tried it and I was sold; I will always use a foundation brush now. 

I would suggest that you give the Magix foundation a try and try a foundation brush with it and let me know what you think.  And as always if you're not completely satisfied with your Avon products you can return it for a full refund no questions asked.

Shop My Avon Store
Visit for Special Announcements and Product Sales

Avon True Color Quads Eye-shadows

I love the eye-shadows  I love the colors, I love the texture and I love the way they look.  Mostly what I love is that they stay put all day long!  I have tried almost all of the Avon brand eye-shadows and I'm going to be trying some of the Mark eye-shadows   I'm told that they have a lot of pigment and the color lasts as well, the colors are very pretty and so I'll let you know what I think of those.  Right now I am using the Smokey Grey and Mocha Latte.   I would love to hear about your experiences with the Avon eye-shadows.  Please comment and let me know what is your favorite and why.. 

Shop my AVON store!: Here's a sneak peak at some of the latest products available at Avon. Be sure to click

Avon NailWear Pro

I did my nails over the weekend.  I didn't have any of the 30 Second Speed Dry polish that I love in a pink/plum color and that is what I wanted for an outfit that I was going to wear.  I used Avon Nail Pro Enamel Shimmer & Shine in Berry Smooth. 

I love the color, it's very bright and very pretty.  What I really like about this polish is that even after it's dry it's shiny.  It's so shiny that it looks like you just put it on.  It's also a tough polish, so you wouldn't have to have a top coat if you didn't want to put one on.  I applied just one coat and I did do a top polish because I used nail art and wanted to protect that but if I hadn't done the nail art I don't think I would have applied the top coat as it really wasn't needed.  It's been a couple of days and it looks brand new still.

I will definitely use this product again.  I did  not buy the nail art from Avon but I will next time.  I wasn't real impressed with those.

For more information about this and other products that you can purchase from Avon and Special Announcements and Savings that I can give to you please visit and like my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Avon.Makes.Me.Smile

 

Shop My Avon Store

Avon 30 Second Speed Dry Nail Polish

Avon 30 Second Speed Dry Nail Polish

 

 

 

I once spent 2 hours doing my nails for work the next day.  I put on my nail polish, waited for it to dry, put on a second coat, waited for it to dry, put on the top coat, waited for it to dry and when I was sure it was all dry I went to take a shower.  Guess what??  It's wasn't all the way dry and what I had on my nails was a big mess!!

 

Avon has nail polish now that is nothing short of absolutely amazing!  Literally takes 30 seconds to dry.  I'm telling you that by the time you finish the last nail on one hand, the first nail you painted is dry!  And they have so many colors to choose from.  I have started doing my nails again thanks to Avon.

Get your nail polish here - Shop My Avon Store