December Birchbox in Review Form

It happens once a month. It happens at same time for every girl. No I am not talking about "that" I am talking about Birchbox. I am sure everybody gets sick of the exact same blog post from every single person popping up on your blogger fed. Birchbox haul. Most of these types of post's are hauls, first impressions, including my very own.

I figured it would be much more helpful for you guys and more fun me, to review my Birchbox as opposed to haul it. From now on, I will be showcasing my previous month's Birchbox so that way I have enough time to try everything out and give you a full review on each item. We'll start with Decemeber's box. Let's get started, shall we?

December's Box

First off, my Birchbox came extremely late and it was partly my fault as I didn't update my payment information. Birchbox credited my account 100 points (which is $10 to spend on Birchbox.com) even though it was my fault. I really thought that was awesome! It made waiting for my Birchbox that much better. Just a side note, customer service is seriously awesome.

Oscar Blandi Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Oscar Blandi Volumizing Dry Shampoo: Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Second day hair has never looked better. This volume-boosting dry shampoo spray absorbs excess oil and strengthens hair.

-Before I got this, I had only tried dry shampoo once from Suave and I didn't like it. I felt like it made my hair greasier than it was before I used it. With Oscar's, I do find that if you don't use it correctly, it will do the same as the Suave dry shampoo did. You can't get too close to your hair with the bottle. I find that if I keep it 6" away from my head it will work beautifully. I also find that if I use too much of Oscar Blandi's dry shampoo it will again make my hair greasy- so use sparingly!. Another important step to making it work is to wait for the product to dry and then be sure brush it out with a brush or even your fingers.

-As for the volumizing property with the dry shampoo I can't be sure of. I blow dry my hair with the main focus to give it volume. After I couple of days, my volume will go away if I don't do something about it. When I use Oscar Blandi's dry shampoo I feel like it brings life back to it, making it look like first day hair and my first day hair is always volumized. I am not sure if it would volumize my hair if I didn't blow it out a few days before hand.

Jouer Lipgloss in Birchbox Pink 

in the following swatches, the top swatch is swatched 3x over. Bottom swatch is swatched once.

no flash

with flash

Jouer Lipgloss in Birchbox Pink: We teamed up with one of our favorite brands to create this custom fuchsia shade. Apply one coat for semi-sheer pigment, or build it for a hot pink pout.

The 1st picture above is actually showing up more neon than it actually is but it is a really pretty gloss. The description really explains it well, & both the swatches are pretty spot on

Nuxe Dry Oil 

Nuxe Dry Oil: Apply this gorgeous oil to face and body to give skin a silken feel and subtle glow. You can also work a couple drops through your hair for softness and shimmer 

-Let me start off my by telling you that this was my favorite item in my box last month.  I wasn't too sure how much I was going to like this as it is an oil and I have sensitive skin. It didn't irritate my skin at all because it is dry as opposed to wet which I suppose would be greasy and heavy. This dry oil is extremely light weight and because of that it didn't clog my pores. Even though this is a deluxe sample I cannot see it running out anytime soon. I could probably keep this for a few years without having to repurchase as you only need the tiniest bit. I do really love using this on my cheekbones. It makes a really nice highlight. and as for my hair, it didn't do anything for me. I ran it through the tips of my hair and I got nothing.

Atelier Cologne Ambre Nue Petite Cologne Absolue

Atelier Cologne Ambre Nue Petite Cologne Absolue:  Ambre Nue A Birchbox exclusive, Atlier's latest fragrance is set to debut this January. Spicy amber notes contrast with sweet jasmine and green mandarin.

I didn't like this at all! I think it is a little too herbal reminding me of a hippie. Not a dirty one by any means! A clean hippie, yes. It just wasn't for me. It's funny, because I usually really love jasmine perfume's and even mandarin, but this perfume mix is a little too....I dont know. Heavy? Earthy? Mature? Here's something else Birchbox mentioned about the perfume:

"Most fragrances are designed like pyramids, with the most volatile notes (often citrus) at the top. Instead of this bottom-heavy structure, Atelier Cologne’s scents have an hourglass construction, with citrus-like notes on both the top and the bottom. The result? The freshness stays throughout the day."

E-Boost Orange Natural Energy Booster

E-Boost Orange Natural Energy Booster: Orange Natural Energy Booster Bounce back post-party with this tangy citrus energy booster, packed with a mega-dose of nutrients.

I was dying to try this out and I freaking lost the packette! UGH! Oh well...Im sorry I can't give you a review on it guys ): I really wanted to try it!

Showstoppers® Designer Fashion Tape in Nude/Black

Showstoppers® Designer Fashion Tape in Nude/Black: Designer Fashion Tape Celeb Stylists swear by these double-sided tape strips, which will ensure that your party dress stays perfectly in place.

I wanted to try these but I just didn't need anything hemmed or worn anything skimpy enough to need to tape my shirt to my boobs or body but I have it tucked in a drawer so when summer hits ill be breaking it out! I letcha know then!

So what do you think, do you like this type of Birchbox blog post better? I really do!

till next time,

xoxox

Erica

Broadway Nails Stick On Wraps

I have been wanting to try these nail stickers since they came out last year but at $8 a pop I never did.....I really do wanna try Sally Hansen's still but these Broadway Nail's Stick On Wraps were a steal at Wal-Greens. I paid like $3

They were pretty easy to put on. They have step by step instruction's on the back of the box telling you the right technique to make them pretty and level. I really loved them! For the first couple of hours, at least. I did have a pretty active day that day. I had a vet appointment with Stella, but what really ruined my fresh Broadway Nail Mani was me finishing up my nail polish rack. They didn't hold up and the stickers came off quite easily once they chipped (for lack of a better word) at the tip of my nail. The box never did tell me to seal it with a top coat or anything like that, but next time I definitely will be putting a top coat on. I think they will last at least a couple of days with the top coat.



Will I buy these again? Yes! I love the idea! it's such a modern & fun way to do your nails! I actually got a compliment on them at the beginning of the day. The compliment did come from my best friend Alex but I know she really thought they were cute by her reaction. Plus they are cheaper then Sally Hansen's. Although I would love to try her's. They do go on sale but those are just the solid color ones and to me, whats the point? yah no? If you see these anywhere, try them out! I do recommend trying out cheaper ones (like Broadway Nails) your first time because it does take some practice...but honestly, not much at all. There not overly difficult to use but it does take a couple of nails to get used to it.


As you can see by this blurry photo, they are not perfect. The thumb has a bubble at the top. Not sure if you can tell but I was in a rush that morning and was planning on taking more pictures later that evening but like I said, they didn't last. You. Need. A. Top. Coat. That's the best piece of advice I can give to you guys....and myself!

I have some stickers left over and I am not sure if they are going to fit each nail but I do wanna try them again. I'll fill yah in on twitter next time I take a shot at these! 

Have you guys tried these nail stickers? Did you have a good experience?

Till Next Time

xoxo

Erica J

Kreativ, Liebster, & Cute Blog Awards

I am takin back by all of these awards and I cannot thank you guys enough for them! I wanna hit the rest with one stone, or blog post.  I feel so grateful for you guys loving my blog! Yay for beauty blogs!

1. Link back to the person who gave you this award. Isabel

2. Complete the form below/answer the questions.

3. Award ten other bloggers, and let them know.

4. Share seven random thoughts about yourself.

1. Your Favorite Song: It changes alot so I am going to go with Jay-Z's new CD. or Drakes new cd. I really cannot just pick one favorite song, that's ubsurd! I really just love music, I was a dancer for many years. Music is something I just connect with and I love all types: Rap, Hip Hop, R&B, Rock, Country, Hard Rock, Soft Rock, John Mayer...like he's in his own genre but you know what im talking about.

2. Favorite Dessert: I want to attempt making this Pink Lemonade Pie.  My favorite dessert is whatever I am eating at that moment. I live for dessert!

3.  What Ticks Me Off: People who think they are better then you, once they get one ounce of praise or responsibility! *blech*

4. When I am upset I: Lay in my bed, cry and pray. Then I jump on the phone to take some of the weight off of my self

5.  Your favorite pet: Since I only have one pet at the moment, I will say my Miniature Pincher, Stella. I used to have a puggle boxer mix named Bugga and he was equally amazing as Stella. Growing up, we had a Parrot named Candy and he was also equally amazing! How can I only pick one?

6. Black or White:  Interiors: I love White. Clothing and Cars: I love Black.  Eyeliner: Black Highlighter: White...

7.  Biggest Fear: I am not fully comfortable telling people this b/c people will think I am weird or up to something, but I need to be honest and tell you that it's the cops.  Im a crazy person. Nobody wants to drive in my car with me, haha! I am a very careful driver to say the least. I feel like I should explain but it would be a really long paragraph so if your interested in why I will let you into my world a little bit with a post about it.

8. Every Day Attitude:  Hopeful. No matter what happens in my day I try my best to stay hopeful. 2011 has been a whirl wind and even though I have my moments of feeling like giving up (i am human, after all!) I really really try to learn from everything and keep a positive mindset because I have learned in my life that your mindset is all that matters. I try to live in the here and now and if I look at it that way, how could I ever have a negative attitude? For more deep thinking with Erica, check out my New Years Resolutions. haha!

9. What Is Perfection:  Perfection is Progress

10. Guilty Pleasure: Soldier Boy, Jersey Shore, & Pinnacle Whip.

Seven Random Thoughts about myself:

1. I think my doggie Stella is on speed as she is completely mad

2. I am a list maker and calender planner. I have so many planner's around my house. I feel like if I don't do them I will then be as crazy as my doggie

3. One of my favorite past time's in the spring and summer is to take a walk with the dogs and Alex. So glad we get add Stella and Chloe in the mix this year (Chloe is Stella's sister!) In fact, I miss it so much during these winter months

4. My mom and dad (Bob and Penny) have been divorced since I was 2 however I am close to the both of them

5. I love following trends of any kind. I am a self proclaimed trend-junkie

6. I have a huge problem with shopping

7. Since I started my blog, I realized I want to work for a magazine or a beauty website so when I go back to school, I will be going back for Communications

Now for awarding 10 more bloggers:

1. Love Laugh Lauren

2. Miranda's Makeup & More

3. Superficial Girls

4. Hailey's Beauty Blog

5. Tink's Tales

6. MSodaPop

7. Pearls, Lace, & Ruffles

8. Sparkled Beauty

9. It's a Girl Thing

10. Aquaheart's Obsession

The idea of the Liebster blog award is to give new bloggers with fewer than 200 followers a chance at getting their name out there. The rules that apply are as follows: 

1. Thank your nominator/s and link back their blog/s: Candice! Thanx girl!  

2. Select & reveal your five chosen blogs with fewer than 200 followers. 

3. Advise your chosen blogs of their nomination via a comment on their blog. 

4. Copy and paste the award onto your own blog. 

5. Request that your award nominees then forward it on to their own chosen bloggers.

5 more awesome blogs!

1. Kiss an Blush Makeup - she is the Jersey side of beauty

2. Makes Me Blush

3. Like a Dime

4. The Belle Diaries

5. Be Fabb

Rules

1. Link back the person who awarded you: La Vie, Style en Beaute

2. Answer award questions

3. Tell us something about yourself you haven’t told us in your blog yet.

4. Award as many blogs you think are worthy of this award

5. Make sure you let those you give this award know you have awarded them.

1. What is your go to make up product? mascara or eyeliner. If nothing else, I need at least those 2. If I could choose one more I would go with my YBF brow pencil. 

2. What was your favorite fashion trend of 2011? I can only pick one? pastel nails, coral lips, lace & ruffles, maxi dresses, color blocking, jumpers, mixing surprising colors....I am sure I will love them all this spring too!

3. What is your favorite dessert? another good one: Pink Velvet Cake Truffles look's amazing!

4. Favorite color? Pink!

5. What is your middle name? Lynn

 

6. What was the last song you listened to? Miguel All I Want is You and now im listening to Florence and the Machines Dog Days Are Over

7. Cats or dogs? Dogs!

Tell us something about yourself you haven’t told us in your blog?
yikes! not sure if there is much left to mention! not saying a have led an uneventful life. Oh I know! 2 weeks before we went back to school, 7th grade: first day in middle school! My best friend Natalie's sister Mandy, cut Natalie's hair because that day, she decided she wanted to attend Cosmotology school when she graduated, as she was going to be a senior in high school that next day. Natalie's hair looked so cute that I told her I wanted mine cut exactly the same. Natalie and her sister are Puerto Rican and have very fine, soft, straight hair which is nothing like my white girl hair: curly, frizzy, and hard to manage. We all figured that as long as Mandy did exactly what she did to Natalie's hair, it would be the exact same.....it wasn't. She kept on having to cut and cut to the point when their mom came home and realized what a mess we made which then in turn her mother whom was a server (not a hair stylist) cut my hair to make it even. Problem was, was that my hair went just to my ears, which was nothing like Natalie's! Needless to say my first day of middle school was quite embarrassing! Funny story! A long story, looking back on this paragraph but it was something I have never told you guys so it fits the bill! hope you enjoyed laughing at my 7th grade expense!


Who deserves this Cute Blog Award? Only the cutest blogs, of course!

1. All Things Girly
2. Pandora's Box

3. Massachusetts Mask

4. Get Gawjus!

5. I Am Brigitte



Ok so there you have it! If you haven't yet checked out these blogs, you must! For a list of more great blogs, I awarded these girls here. Once again, thank you guys for the awards! it's such an honor and I know that sounds tacky but it seriously makes me so happy getting these and I cannot believe I have had this many! It has already been such a good year for Meet Makeup!

till next time
xoxo
Erica J

Absolute Favorites of 2011

I just wasn't really sure how exactly I was going to approach this post for my 2011 favorites. I probably took 200 different pictures of different things I have loved last year and I was going to even do a series but I felt like that still wasn't narrowed down. I felt as if I was cheating. So, here are my absolute favorites from last year. I think these type of posts are most helpful as they are not like monthly favorites. Monthly favorites for me are the things I have been reaching for the most that month or new purchases that I have been loving. This annual favorites post will be more or less my holy grails. Things I know I will be buying over and over again. Staples in my collection.

Proactiv: Proactiv has done wonders for my skin. Even though I mentioned in my New Years Resolution post that I wanted to explore other skin care and I do but I cannot forget about Proactiv. I had really bad acne and ever since I have used Proactiv, my face is extremely soft and pimples are few and far between. Now I just need something for dark spots and anti-aging. If you have acne prone skin, try Proactiv!

Laura Gellar Baked Blush in Brighten in Honey Dipped: I got this in my Birchbox and I used it for most of 2011. It does have a little bit of shimmer but I think it makes a perfect contour/bronzer as the shimmer isn't over bearing. It also blends extremely easy and actually looks like a shadow when I contour as opposed to just bronzer and i think that is why I love this stuff so much.

Revlon Colorstay: I love this foundation because it is such full coverage. They mean Colorstay because this stuff stays put! It just really makes my skin look flawless and I haven't found anything to date that does everything this stuff does.

Smooth Minerals Loose Powder: I actually did a review here recently. I wasn't sure if I was going to do this post or not so I really wanted to mention it. In a nutshell, when I am in a rush this is my bestie as it takes 2 seconds to layer on with a flat top kabuki. It isn't full coverage, more on the medium to full coverage side but when I wear this alone (with concealer & without liquid foundation) I get compliments on my skin. It makes my skin look flawless and soft.

ELF Radiance Enhancer in Spotlight: This is my go-to highlight. It is extremely creamy, blendable, & cheap! I did a review here.

YBF Beauty Eye Brow Pencil: Another Birchbox discovery and I know this brow pencil has won many awards. The pencil is so stiff & un-pigmented (which would be characteristics I usually shy away from when it comes to good cosmetics), but because of these characteristics, it looks like actual brows with the right flick of the hand. Love. I actually ordered another with the today's special on QVC and I cannot wait to show you guys everything I got!

Nyx Jumbo Pencil in Milk: A matte white base that will amp up any look. I used this almost every day underneath shadow and over primer as it really does make the shadows a bit truer & more pigmented, I guess would be a good way to put it. It is perfect for the inner corner and under brow bone. I love this little pencil. I do have other Nyx Jumbo Pencil's and I just favor this one when it comes down to it. I feel like it has the most pigment as well.

 Nyx Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo: Love the color. This was hands down my favorite color to wear on my lips in 2011. (couldn't you tell by it being the lip color on every FOTD?) It is a bit drying but if you can find a lipstick that won't take away from the color of Tokyo, it is the perfect color. Which brings me to my next favorite:

Maybelline Born With It: Over Tokyo. Everyday. I just loved it so much. If you like pale pink/nude lips you need to try this combo

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips for Blue Eyes: I keep on meaning to go back and grab the one with the taupe and purple colors as that one is right up my alley. This palette wasn't in the color range I usually go for, but since it was on sale I grabbed it. I am so glad I did because the colors are so pigmented and even though they aren't my faves to use, I used it at least 3x a week. It really says something about the quality of the shadow. I would honestly put this right up to Urban Decay's Naked palette, compare pigmentation & integrity, and call it a tie.

 

 Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum: This was the first hair product I ever bought as my hair stylist told me it would wonders for my frizzy little head of hair at 13. I have tried other serum's like this one but I always go back to it. It really does tame all the frizz and make my hair really shiny. I think it can be a good substitute for a heat protectant. This isn't how it is advertised or even their claim but I do forget to add heat protectant at times and my hair goes undamaged- I think it is the skinny serum.

Shea Cashmere Hand Cream: I would have picked up the body butter if it wasn't so expensive. This stuff is so rich that I bought it in February of 2011, kept it in my purse for the whole year and im on my last couple drops now, a year later- I was amazed. It also smells divine. Like butter and creme brulee. I wanna put it on top of some toast. Im not even joking. I will be buying another hand cream since I just got a lot of body butters for Christmas and I need something for my purse. Every time I pull it out and use it people ask what it is because it smells so good. The scent sticks for a while as well. It also is extremely rich and will rescue any person with dry hands, or skin. I have used it on my legs countless times.

Dark Kiss Body Butter & Spray: I love the scent. I think the butter, spray, & wash all smell slightly different when it comes to Dark Kiss and I would have to say my favorite is the body butter. Either way I have been using it all year, both body butter and body spray, and I never get sick of it. It smells amazing. The body butter isn't just nice because of the scent, it is extremely moisturizing. If you have tried B&BW body butters, you know they are awesome. Here's the scent description from B&BW:

"Master perfumers have blended voluptuous berries, tempting blooms, sensual incense and night musk for this daring and seductive fragrance. It is a modern tale of forbidden love that will unleash your most primal passions.

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Incense, Mirabelle Plum, Black Raspberry
• Mid Notes: Amber, Burgundy Rose, Geranium, Peony
• Base Notes: Dark Vanilla Bean, Labdanum, Vetiver, Sensual Balsam, Musks" 

If I had to describe the scent I would say that it smells fruity and tart. It actually reminds me of blue kool aid in a way. It also has an extremely sweet, warm note in it so I can really smell that vanilla. Yummy! I love it!

Sally Hansen's in Pink Blink: Another pastel pink obsession. I have bought about 5 pale pink nail polishes all year, as they all kept on drying out from so much use. I can't say I have a preference when it comes to brand, just as long as it was pastel and pink, it was doing the trick. I have also had Finger Paints Blushstroke Blush, & Essie in French Affair among a couple other pastel pinks I can't remember the names to.  This was the last one I bought and I really do like it alot as it dries extremely fast, however it is all dried up so I really need another. I wanna grab the new OPI collection, the Nicki Minaj one in Pink Friday- OMG so pretty!


Ok so there my absolute favorites from 2011. These are the products that I used mostly on a daily basis (depending on product, of course). The stuff I know I will repurchase. The things that kept me going in my cosmetic journey last year! This next year I have my eye on some brands I have never tried before: Origin's, Nars, YSL, Chanel to name a few. All names my wallet is cringing at....yes, my wallet cringes! she talks too! dont judge me.....

Hope you all are having a great night and till next time

thanx for reading!

xoxo

Erica J

P.S. I Made This Nail Polish Rack!

While browsing the web looking for a great nail polish rack I can buy, I quickly started wondering why they were all extremely overpriced and also bland. All 20 I looked at were just made from clear plastic **snooze**

So I actually found a video on Youtube about how to make one which I will link below if you wanna check it out.

Follow This Link to DIY

I followed her guidelines for the most part, except I jazzed mine up a bit using pretty pink damask scrapbook paper, hot pink, & zebra ribbon. I must say, it is far from an eye sore and I honestly cannot believe I made this!

It was extremely easy to make as well as a lot of fun. I paid about $16 in all, as I had glue, a glue gun, & an X-Acto knife on hand. I am thinking about doing a step by step blog post on my other blog, Meet Miss Jackson. Let me know what you think and if you would be interested in checking it out. It is far more rewarding looking at my nail polishes all in place with my very own DIY polish rack.

 Sorry about the lighting in the picture above! I simply couldn't wait for a sunny day to show of my amazing talent haha!

If you are thinking about making your own, here's a list of the stuff you will need:

Foam Cord (2 large pieces)

Elmer's Glue

Hot Glue

Hot Glue Gun

Scrapbook Paper or Wall Paper

Ruler or Architectural Scale

X-Acto Knife

Scissors

2 Spools of Ribbon

Seriously easy-peasy. Make one!

Have you guys ever DIY'ed anything? I would love to know what!

as always, thanx for reading!

xoxo 

Erica J

Maybelline Color Tattoo: Tough as Taupe

I am sure I do not have to explain what the Color Tattoo shadows are but just in case let me let you in on it. Here's what Maybelline is saying:

"Dare to wear our longest-lasting shadow.
Our ink technology creates super-saturated color.
Cream gel smoothes on for vibrant color that does not fade"

Ok so I have been hearing people compare these to MAC Paint Pots and also mentioning that they could be used as a primer as well. Any cream shadow from the drugstore I own (Nyx jumbo pencils, Revlon creme shadow quads) crease a lot without any kind of primer so I was really itching to see what all the fuss is about with these. I tried the Color Tattoo shadow without primer and it stayed put and did not crease- impressive. I also tried the Color Tattoo with primer and I found it stayed put even longer. I personally would rather use this as a base to create drama (after my primer) but if I am in a hurry, this can be both my primer and shadow in one hit and im good to go for the day.

Another thing I wanna mention is that it is extremely pigmented, easy to blend, and creamy. Just a quick tidbit-

swatch below is of Tough as Taupe by itself- no primer or anything.

I really love it to amp up my look too as it creates almost a different look to the color of your shadow- multidimensional.

This picture below is Tough as Taupe on the left with Half Baked from Urban Decay over top. The swatch on the right is just Half Baked with no base or primer underneath:

The picture below are the exact same swatches from above, just caught in a different light. You can see how the Color Tattoo really does create a multidimensional shade and really transforms the shade.

It does mention that it should stay put for 24hr's and I haven't tried to go for that long but I personally feel that it wouldn't last that long, even with a primer honestly. I don't think they make anything for 24hr wear for real, it's just a little gimmick, yah no?


Overall: This was a hit! It is something alot different than anything I have seen in a drug store and it can be so easy to use as it is 2 steps in one and I find that using my fingers is my best bet. I wanna go back and get a couple more colors. If you haven't tried them, you must.

Has anybody tried these? What colors?

Balenciaga Anybody???

Yes please! can you believe their giving away this beautiful bag?! I seriously cannot!---enter here-- but not too many of you! haha, jk...kinda (:

{{its ends on the 12th of Jan}}

Good Luck!!!

Best of 2011 in Review: Avon's Smooth Minerals Foundation

Hey there! I was going to do a whole post of best 2011 products but I haven't really reviewed any of the products I love but I have included them in favorites. I figured this would be a lot more helpful to give an extensive review on the stuff I loved (& still love) last year. Be on the look out for a couple more of these in the next few weeks!

As one of my absolute favorites I cannot believe I haven't mentioned it yet. I use this on a daily basis weather it's using it over a liquid foundation or using it all by itself on those days I want to let my face breathe. Here we go:

Skin Type: I have skin that is ance-prone and for the most part, oily. It can become dry sometimes. My skin has a mind of it's own! I also have acne scarring and discoloration.

Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation by Avon

"Get the perfect amount every time! No more mess, no more spills. Our innovative design dispenses a single application…with no waste. Medium coverage. Natural luminous finish. Now includes mirror. Made with pure mineral pigments for luminous color. Free of talc, oil and fragrance so it’s great for sensitive skin. .2 oz. net wt." -avon.com

Price: Regular price is $12 but 9 times out of 10 you can find a sale. In this case, they are on sale right now for $7.99

Where to Find it: I recommend finding a rep in your area on Avon.com because I percentage of the price will go to her (or him). If you order from a rep, you don't have to pay shipping either. I have had experience selling avon, and I do know that I liked to put all my orders in at once. So if someone ordered from me on the 8th of the month, and I dont put in the order until the 18th, they wont be getting it as quickly as they would if they simply ordered online.  If not, you can order it online from Avon.com. One con about it is that Avon isn't sold at any store, once in a blue moon you may find a kiosk in your local mall but that's not too likely. So there are pro's and con's to each way of going about it.

Thought #1: They mention it's medium coverage but I do get pretty full coverage - I guess a perfect way to describe it would be medium to full as it covers discoloration, makes my skin all one tone. Some breakout's that I have on my face tend to create a red bump so I like to use concealer because Smooth Minerals powder will not cover them fully.  I do like to wear this over liquid foundation, but I prefer to wear it alone. It is extremely light weight when I wear it alone.

Thought #2: I personally have 2 different shades that I like to mix together to get the perfect shade for my skin tone. I highly recommend using 2 shades as our skin tone changes depending on the season and other variables. I have been using the same 2 shades all year round and how ever I need to mix and match they have been doing so perfectly. 

Thought #3: Something else I really love to do is mix it with a liquid foundation. I used to mix it with Revlon Colorstay as it was a few shades too dark a few months ago and Smooth Minerals blends perfectly with it to create the perfect pigment. The next picture is Soft Ivory Smooth Minerals mixed with my Neutrogena Healthy Glow

 here's what you get when you mix it together- not saying this is the color of my skin tone by any means, I just wanted to demonstrate that it will blend well and also get the color you want

Thought #4: The packaging it comes in is a great idea as it dispenses just enough for 2 application's for me.  I really love it because I feel like I am not wasting any of it. It has a stopper to dispense just enough. I find that I need to shake it 2x, which is fine. It does say to just simply shake the package for powder to dispense, but I like to tap the top of the package on the counter- It works better. The next picture I have is in the shade Light Beige

Thought #5: I like to apply this with a flat top kabuki. I do not tap off the excess when I apply it. I find that it works much better when I don't. Maybe that's the trick to get medium to fuller coverage as opposed to how is is advertised, medium coverage.

Thought #6: When I wear it alone, it doesn't look cakey or powdery on my skin. It seriously makes my skin look flawless. I actually get comments from time to time from people that know me saying my skin looks flawless.

Overall: It is my favorite powder foundation but the one con about it is that I cannot easily go down to the drugstore and pick one up, I have to order it too, which I can't say that I mind too too much. If you are willing to order it and wait a week or so. I am running out and I luckily know an avon lady so I will be putting my order in soon enough, along with some other must haves.

I hope my review was thorough and simple! If you have any ?'s, please feel free to leave a comment! Other wise I would love to know: 

What is your favorite powder foundation? What is your favorite Avon product?