Beauty Style Growth: Beauty

Lionesse Beauty Bar Ceramic Iron

Good Morning! You get to see me with crazy hair and no makeup today.

A big problem for me as a woman color is not being able to take good care my hair. I'm not very good at doing that and then I end up wearing extensions all the time. My hair needs to be chemically relaxed every six to eight weeks but lack of time means I end up missing the eight week appointment. I was sent this Silk Ceramic Orange Flat Iron by Lionesse Beauty Bar to review. The straightener came in at the perfect time; I still wasn't able to make my appointment so I kept my hair in shape for a few more weeks by using the ceramic iron.

The straightener has different heat settings, heats up quickly and helps eliminate frizz and static. My hair did remain silky and smooth for many days. It can be used for all hair types.

You can enter to win $500 in beauty Products from Lionesse here

Hair straightener for black hair, Ceramic flat iron

Note: I was compensated for this review. However all thoughts and opinions are mine.

Have a Great Week!

Don't Miss out on this Avon Sale

Avon is having a sale and free shipping too. Below are a few of my favorites from this month's catalog. Check 'em out. Happy Labor Day!

Imari Seduiction, Big and daring mascara, Pearl charm bracelet, bold long lasting lipstick, anew infinite lift

Imari Seduction Eau de Toilette Spray - Great perfume for day time Big and Daring Volume Mascara - Add length and volume to your lashes Ultra Color Bold Lipstick Anew Clinical Infinite Lift Serum - Lift sagging skin mark "Totally Charmed bracelet mark "All around Style Scarf Skin so Soft Firm and Restore Body Set - I love the body cleanser. It's a scrub and cleanser in one
Link ups: Glossy Blonde

Avon Beauty and Style Picks

Have you shopped Avon lately? ever? Avon is still one of the best kept secrets when it comes to beauty products, due to the price point and quality. The foundation makeup has never failed me and I've used the skincare ever since I started as an Avon Representative many years ago. I currently use the Anew Day lotion shown. I switch between the many different types of foundation including the Smooth Minerals Powder and the CC cream (both shown). Click on the products to check them out. What's your experience with Avon Products?

Ideal Flawless Concealer Stick -$4.99
Smooth Minerals Pressed Foundation -$7.99
Anew REVERSALIST COMPLETE RENEWAL Day Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25 -$32.00
Mark On The Dot Neutral Eye Color Compact -$16.00 P
avé Reversible Layered Necklace -$12.99
Avon Pro Kabuki Brush -$6.99
Ideal Flawless CC Color Corrector Cream -$8.99
Mark Berry Stylish Sandals -$34.00
Extra Lasting Lipstick -$7.99

Avon AeroVolume Mascara Review + Giveaway {2 Winners}

AeroVolume Mascara

Plush, weightless formula banishes midday droop with plumped-up volume. Smudge-proof, waterproof and clump-resistant.

Price: intro special $5.99

This mascara does just what is says. It lengthens, adds volume and wakes up the eyes. I've been wearing it all week. I use three coats to get the desired effect. I'm giving away two of the mascaras plus two $25 TJ Maxx Gift Cards as a thank you for following my blog and also for supporting my Avon business. I earn these gift cards from Avon for selling a certain amount each year. I also get to earn a free trip each year. I did not earn my trip this year. I hope you can continue to support my business so I can earn my trip next year and also bring you an awesome giveaway. Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.
Win the AeroVolume Mascara + a $25 TJ Maxx Gift Card {2 Winners}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Five Uses and Benefits of Lip Liner

I used lipstick for many years long before I was introduced to this beauty product called a lip liner by my sister in law. I had been slapping on the lipstick and not liking the way it looked on me. I ended up staying away from wearing lipstick, especially brighter colors. Once I started using lip liners, I came to fully embrace wearing lipstick. Here's why you need lip liner, in case you don't use it (you don't know what you're missing) or not sure how to use it.

1. The main reason for using a lip liner is to define the lips. When you wear lipstick or lip gloss, a defined lips look much better and more appealing.

2. Line your lips with a lip liner to prevent your lipstick from bleeding out of the lip area.

3. Line your lips with a liner to change the appearance and size of your lips. Line inside your natural lip line to make them look smaller and if you have big lips, line a little outside of your natural lip area. This is my main reason for using a lip liner all the time. I use it to minimize my big lips.

Bonus: Wear a lighter lip color to make lips look bigger and a darker color to make them look smaller.

4. A lip liner can also be used to fill in the lip area prior to applying lipstick. This makes your lipstick or gloss last longer as it helps it adhere to your lips. To do this, fill in the entire lip area lightly prior to lining the lips

5. I use a lip liner as a substitute for lipstick or a lip gloss. Line your lips, fill in the lip area (optional) and apply clear lipgloss or vaseline.

Bonus Tips

You do not have to be scared to use a lip liner. The trick is proper blending after you have applied your liner and lipstick (or lip gloss) to make the line "invisible". A perfectly lined lip should not show traces of the lip liner.
Use a color slightly darker than the color of the lipstick you will be wearing.
Can't find the perfect shade? Mix two different color lip liners to get the perfect shade.
Need a darker shade? Venture into the eyeliner shades. My everyday lip liner is actually the cosmic brown shade in the Avon eyeliner line. I've always had a hard time finding a dark lip liner shade to match my skin tone.

Tell me, do you use lip liner? Can't do without it? never tried it? Please contact me if you would love more tips on using this essential beauty product.

Friday Fives: Ready for Spring

We had a little taste of spring for a few hours yesterday and that put me in the mood for spring shopping. Spring means color, dresses and no more socks. Here a few items I'm loving. What's on your wish list for spring? 1. Green Dresses: Green is a color that flatters every skin tone in my opinion. The dresses shown here flatter all body types. When in doubt, wear green; and a green dress that flatters your shape? Perfection!

Fit and Flare Dress . Cap Sleeve Dress . Maxi Dress

2. Arm Candy: I'm still loving cross body bags. They are going to be hot for spring. A navy colored handbag is a nice switch up from your basic black or brown.

Navy cross body bag, Nine west bag, Target bag

Cross Body Bag . Satchel

3. Cropped pants: Cropped pants definitely mean spring. Wear with a fitted blazer and with pumps or low heeled sandals

Shoes to wear with cropped pants, Printed Crops

Black pants . White pants . Printed Pants

4. Colored Pumps: Add a pop or color block any outfit with colored heels. These pumps are all from Nine West (my favorite shoe store) and I can attest to their comfort.

Colored pumps, comfortable pumps from Nine West, Regola pump, Rocha Pump replacement

Orange . Green . Yellow

5. Makeup

M·A·C Lipstick · Avon Nail Polish · Avon Eye Shadow

Lauren Elizabeth, Style Elixir, What I'm Loving Friday, The Good Life Blog,
The Wiegands, Favorite Fashion Friday

Save up to 20% at Avon Plus a Free Target Gift Card

Just wanted to let you know about this Avon Sale going on right now. Save on makeup, skin care, bath and body, fragrance, jewelry and more at the Avon store. I'm also giving my customers who place an order of $30 or more a $5 Target gift card. Extra savings + a gift card...that's not bad. Offers end February 21st.

Shop here or contact me

Five Things Friday: Beauty Style Growth

I enjoyed putting together my first Five Things Post two weeks ago. I think I would love to continue this so my Five Things post will always feature something beauty style and growth related. Hope you enjoy and as a follow up, thanks to everyone who followed me on Instagram. I'm loving it now.

1. The grey sweat shirt has become so popular, it's almost impossible not to own one. Other sweatshirt designs have been popping up and they are hot for spring. Check out these ones from Gap.

Gingham Shirt - Gap (Similar) | Sweat shirt - Old Navy | Jeans - The Limited | Bag - Coach / Similar

2. I just started using my Podcast app more actively since I'm working on starting a new business. I was searching for business Podcasts to listen to and stumbled upon these two: YFE Chat and Glambition Radio with Ali Brown. Ali Brown is officially my mentor from afar. I've been listening non stop and a new entrepreneurship fire has been ignited in me. If you are currently running a business or thinking of starting one, be sure to download these two.

You'll learn a lot from the various business owners interviewed weekly. My favorite features so far: Alli Webb of the Dry Bar, Tory Johnson of Spark and Hustle and Ali Brown's interview on the YFE Chat.

3. Here are a few hand picked items for you. Sweaters, boots, shoes, bags and dresses, all reasonable priced. I may purchase one of the black boots. Click on the right arrow in widget to see more.

4. If you are looking for the perfect moisturizing lipstick, look no further than the new Ultra color Absolute Lipstick. Pink lips anyone? Other colors available here

5. I have no idea who this guy is but I find some (not all) of his tweets hilarious. The Lady Gaga one had me cracking up.

Link ups: Lauren Elizabeth, Style Elixir, What I'm Loving Friday

Have a Lovely weekend

Bonus Sized Winter Care for the Entire Family

It's been exceptionally dry this winter. Chapped lips, ashy hands and tight skin are tell tale signs that the dryness in the air is taking its toll. Here are some of my favorite moisturizing products from Avon to help your family combat this harsh winter weather. The bonus sizes are very reasonably priced and last long.

Avon Skin So Soft Moisturizer in Soft and Sensual, Original and Signature Silk formulas

Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil.
I use this as a body moisturizer. I mix it in with my regular moisturizer before applying. This allows for extra moisture and allows the moisturizer to glide on smoothly.
Did you know that the Original formula wards of mosquitos and bugs. That right there is my bug defense.

Avon Moisture Therapy Lotion in Vitamin Treatment, Intensive and Oatmeal Formulas
The oatmeal formula is great for itchy skin. My favorite formula is the Vitaimin Treatment formula. I also use the handcream version.

Favorite Hand Cream

I welcome you to shop my Avon store. You will love these products and they are reasonably priced. We also honor returns even if the product is used, and you always get free shipping with a $30 purchase.

Right now, I'm also giving a $5 Target gift card with any regular online order of $30 or more.

Shop / Sell / Contact

Link ups: Beauty Buzz