Nail Look: China Glaze Metallic Crackle Glaze in Cracked Medallion

I tried my China Glaze Metal Crackle Glaze over one of my favorite polishes, Avon Nailwear Pro in Golden Twilight.  As you probably know, China Glaze came up with their version of metallic crackles about a month ago, and I have the entire collection, but it's only now that I was able to play with these.  I think Golden Twilight is the perfect base for the China Glaze Metal Crackle in Cracked Medallion, not only because of the dark shade but more for the gorgeous gold, green, orange micro-glitter in it.  Golden Twilight is a beautiful polish as it is, and looks quite gorgeous when worn alone, so I think I may have to swatch it one of these days.

As for the Cracked Medallion, my right hand crackled better than my left.  Maybe because I applied a thicker coat on my right, but I am not satisfied with how it crackled on my left hand, which is just a collection of linear crackles going up and down.

I am honestly not a fan of crackles/shatters, but I can tolerate the metallics because they give a different texture to my manicure.  I also like that they are more subdued in color compared to the regular crackles.

Avon Ultra Color Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick Swatches and Review

Rosewine







I was able to try Avon's Ultra Color Rich Moisture Seduction lipstick in Rosewine. What a mouthful! The name describes perfectly what this product does. It combines rich, creamy lip color with visible ribbons of hydrating conditioner for radiant color and deep moisture in one.

Avon Reversalist Illuminating Eye System Review

I've been using one of Avon's new offerings, ANEW Reversalist Illuminating Eye System for a few weeks now, and I can say that the concept is pretty innovative.


L-R: Eye cream, Veil

Their system is, literally and figuratively, two-tiered. A fliptop cap reveals the Veil, an eye-brightener that claims to visibly illuminate the under-eye area. If you unscrew the Veil from the main jar, the eye cream is revealed underneath. The Veil is to be applied over the traditional eye cream that claims to repair dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles over time. Here is how the two-part system is described by Avon on its website:

Brightens even your darkest undereye area. Two-part eye system with Activinol Eye Technology. Helps reactivate skin’s repair processes and dramatically reverse visible wrinkles. Instantly: eye area appears more luminous. In 4 weeks: dramatically reduces the look of fine wrinkles.

Sheer veil with potent skin brighteners. Illuminates undereye area instantly. Use after eye cream and reapply as needed. .09 oz. net wt.

Eye cream: visibly repairs dark, circles, fine lines and wrinkles over time. Use twice a day all over eye area. .5 fl. oz.
Works together with ANEW REVERSALIST Day Renewal Cream SPF 25
SRP: $30

See rest of the review and product rating after the jump

Avon Eternal Magic Fragrance Review

Fresh on the heels of starring in Avatar, the highest grossing movie ever, Hollywood starlet Zoe Saldana invites you to to escape into a world of mystical fantasy and unlock the mystery of Eternal Magic, a romantic scent that embodies the power of true femininity.

“I'm very proud to be working with Avon and to be the face of Eternal Magic. It means so much to me to be associated with a company that shares my values and believes in empowering women,” Saldana says.

MY TAKE: I used to love fragrances of all kinds until I got pregnant. My hormones probably got zapped because during the entire pregnancy and thereafter, my olfactory nerves have become really sensitive. I cannot just wear any fragrance, and even if I like the scent, it has to conform to the whims of my body and mind, or else it will cause excruciating migraines.

Read the rest of the review after the jump

Avon GlazeWear Lip Gloss Swatches and Review

Top to bottom: Intense Plum, Tickled Pink, Mocha Latte

I've had the chance to try Avon's Glazewear lip gloss. Avon proudly touts it as America’s best-selling lip gloss, and that Avon sells the equivalent of 8 Glazewears every minute. I think it's also probably because of the affordability of the product. Avon Glazewear retails for $6 a pop, but guess what! For the month of May, these are sold for $1.99. For that price, you can probably get the entire collection!

Avon Glazewear is available in 16 high-gloss shades (including SPF 15 Clear). It also comes in a variety of finishes: including Intense, Sparkle, Shine and Clear.

See swatches and the rest of the review after the jump!

In Bloom Fragrance By Reese Witherspoon for Avon: A Review

Avon introduces In Bloom, the first fragrance developed in partnership with Reese Witherspoon. Alluring and mysterious, In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon is for the multi-faceted woman who’s down to earth yet glamorous, elegant, authentic and confident.

The fragrance is an invitation to experience the sensual side of a woman. Precious and exquisite, the scent combines a delicate femininity with a seductive allure and a mysterious beauty.

"In developing In Bloom, I found myself drawn to the scents of my childhood in Tennessee,” explains Reese Witherspoon. “We had a great big Magnolia tree in the back yard, and it's that beautiful white blossom that inspired the perfume. In Bloom is indicative of where I am in my life today. I'm feeling very strong and independent, and so happy, so full of life. The fragrance truly captures that feeling—it's very sensual, very romantic and alluring.”

The Fragrance:

In Bloom is a Floral Oriental Woody fragrance that sparkles with a provocative blend of feminine floral notes:

TEMPTING TOP NOTES

Georgia Peach Tea Leaves, Crisp Greens

INTOXICATING HEART NOTES

Star Gardenia, Magical Magnolias, Night Blooming Jasmine

SEDUCING BACKGROUND NOTES

Enveloping Cashmere Woods, Hypnotic Florals, Amber Wood Crystals

Packaging:

The golden hue of In Bloom glows through a delicate, rounded glass bottle topped with a flower in full bloom.

The Limited Edition Parfum:

The fragrance will also be available as a limited edition Parfum that features a lavishly sensual and concentrated mix of blooming flowers. It is housed in a special gift box, featuring a bottle charm of Reese’s monogram.

The In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Fragrance Collection

In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Eau de Parfum ($34.00, 1.7 fl. oz.)

In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Limited Edition Parfum ($59.00, 1 fl. oz.)

In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Body Mist ($15.00, 3.4 fl. oz.)

In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Body Lotion ($15.00, 7 fl. oz.)

In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Shower Gel ($15.00, 7 fl. oz.)

Availability:

In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon exclusively for Avon will be available beginning in November 2009 through Avon Representatives nationwide. To find an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

(Read the fragrance review after the jump)

Introducing In Bloom Fragrance By Reese Witherspoon For Avon

Avon introduces In Bloom, the first fragrance developed in partnership with Reese Witherspoon. Alluring and mysterious, In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon is for the multi-faceted woman who’s down to earth yet glamorous, elegant, authentic and confident.

The fragrance is an invitation to experience the sensual side of a woman. Precious and exquisite, the scent combines a delicate femininity with a seductive allure and a mysterious beauty.

"In developing In Bloom, I found myself drawn to the scents of my childhood in Tennessee,” explains Reese Witherspoon. “We had a great big Magnolia tree in the back yard, and it's that beautiful white blossom that inspired the perfume. In Bloom is indicative of where I am in my life today. I'm feeling very strong and independent, and so happy, so full of life. The fragrance truly captures that feeling¬¬—it's very sensual, very romantic and alluring.”

The Fragrance:
In Bloom is a Floral Oriental Woody fragrance that sparkles with a provocative blend of feminine floral notes:

TEMPTING TOP NOTES
Georgia Peach Tea Leaves, Crisp Greens

INTOXICATING HEART NOTES
Star Gardenia, Magical Magnolias, Night Blooming Jasmine

SEDUCING BACKGROUND NOTES
Enveloping Cashmere Woods, Hypnotic Florals, Amber Wood Crystals

Packaging:
The golden hue of In Bloom glows through a delicate, rounded glass bottle topped with a flower in full bloom.

The Limited Edition Parfum:
The fragrance will also be available as a limited edition Parfum that features a lavishly sensual and concentrated mix of blooming flowers. It is housed in a special gift box, featuring a bottle charm of Reese’s monogram.

The In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Fragrance Collection
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Eau de Parfum ($34.00, 1.7 fl. oz.)
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Limited Edition Parfum ($59.00, 1 fl. oz.)
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Body Mist ($15.00, 3.4 fl. oz.)
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Body Lotion ($15.00, 7 fl. oz.)
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon Shower Gel ($15.00, 7 fl. oz.)

Availability:
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon exclusively for Avon will be available beginning in November 2009 through Avon Representatives nationwide. To find an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

Best and Worst Avon Products

Best and Worst Avon Products

Find out which body lotions, mascaras and more you should buy -- or stay away from

There are thousands of products you could buy from your neighborhood Avon rep, so it can be tough to know which to choose. Luckily, TotalBeauty.com readers have tried almost all of them and told us in their unbiased product reviews which Avon goodies are keepers -- and which they won't be reordering. See products

The Worst: No. 4: Avon Goddess Eau de Parfum Spray, $22.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 4.9*

"It doesn't stand out in my mind or fragrance cache as being anything unusual or fun ..."

No. 3: Avon DARING DEFINITION Mousse Mascara, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 4.5*

Instead of defining, readers say this "left my eyelashes very clumpy and just felt goopy ..."

The Best: No. 11: Avon Clearskin Invigorating Cleansing Scrub, $12

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.2*

"It washes away dirt and oil and keeps my complexion healthy, clear and glowing ..."

Want to see the rest of the best and worst? Click here!

81st Academy Awards Red Carpet Beauty Report from Lancôme

It’s the biggest night in Hollywood and the stars shined on the red carpet at the 81st annual Academy Awards. Lancôme graced the faces of three Best Actress nominees; Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie. We’ve got the exclusive scoop on the looks created straight from the makeup artists who worked with these gorgeous ladies.


Photo source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images and JustJared.com

Kate Winslet looked beautiful in a multi-toned one shoulder YSL dress. Celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey wanted to create a classic, natural look. First, she prepped Kate’s skin with Lancôme La Base Pro primer to create a smooth canvas for a polished complexion. She lightly brushed Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel on the brows to play up their natural shape. Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Eyeshadow Trio in Ice Shimmer was applied to the eyes and the lashes were coated with Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Mascara in Black. To create a sheer, neutral colored lip, Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Old Flame was applied for a soft, matte finish.


Photo source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images and JustJared.com

Anne Hathaway looked regal in a sparkling jewel encrusted Armani Privé gown. Her makeup look was sophisticated and elegant. Anne’s perfect brows framed her face and her long, lush lashes really made her eyes pop. She donned a deep berry-toned lip to complete her look. To get Anne’s look, try Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre in Sable to fill in and shape the brows. Lightly dust Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Ciel du Soir over the entire eyelid followed by Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony applied to the upper lash line. Lightly smudge so there are no harsh lines. Apply several coats of Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara for a faux-lash effect. For just a hint of color, dust Lancôme Blush Subtil in Sheer Amourose on the apples of the cheeks. To create her berry stained pout, apply Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Brickhouse.


Photo source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images


Photo source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images and JustJared.com

Angelina Jolie looked stunning in a black strapless Elie Saab gown paired with beautiful emerald-colored jewels which added a striking burst of color. Celebrity makeup artist Mary Burton created Angelina’s flawless look. Mary applied Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony to the upper and lower lash lines. She emphasized the shape of Angelina’s eyes by applying more liner to the outer corners of the eye. Several coats of Ôscillation Mascara were applied to the upper lashes for added volume and length. Mary put a touch of pink to the cheeks using Shu Uemura Blush in M Pink 31 and applied it to her cheekbones near the temple. To create ultra-shiny and luminous lips, Mary used Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling.

All Lancôme products are available at www.lancome-usa.com.