What I Wore Tuesday: Red Lipstick

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the super serious picture- I wanted to show off my red lips as much as possible so no smile from me!

I know that loads of you are probably reading this thinking that you could never wear red lipstick but if you are going to pick any season to try red lips then this is the one!  The Prada show showed a bright matte pout that is fun and wearable.  My top trick for wearing red lipstick?  Dab a little white eyeshadow on your cupids bow to really make your lips stand out.  Its as simple as that.

The lipstick I chose to wear was the Avon Perfect Kiss Lipstick in Red Embrace (just £4 in Brochure 7).

For real staying power and added depth use a red lip liner all over the lips before applying lipstick and dust with a touch of finishing powder once you've got your red lips just perfect.

I hope you have fun playing around with red lips.  Its just what I needed to cheer up a miserable cold day.

Jen xoxo

Motivational Monday: Stick These Songs On Your IPod

Hello everyone

I have had a weeks holiday and I feel most refreshed and relaxed.  

So its Monday.  Most of the population of the UK hates Monday- you've got the new week blues and the last thing you are thinking about is exercise.  

Today I'm going to share with you some of my most motivational songs to work out to.  Not working out?  Pop them on you IPod anyway to get you through the of the week.

Just Dance by Lady Gaga.  An infectiously happy song that makes you think you're at a hipster party when you are really just on the bus.

Milkshake by Kelis.  You can't help but shake your booty to this song.

We Found Love by Rihanna.  Love love love this song.

Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal.  The perfect song to get you pumped.

Sexy Chick by David Guetta.  I like to imagine that this song is about me (I am aware this is not true).

Miami to Ibiza by Swedish House Mafia.  Another party classic.

Crazy In Love by Beyonce.  "Oh oh oh oh oh oh ah oh oh".  Do THAT move- you know you want to.

Its My Life by Bon Jovi.  Try not to shake your hair around on the treadmill.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk.  Makes you feel harder, better, faster and stronger....

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor.  Cheesy 80's inspiration.

I hope that these songs will at least get you through till hump day.  What are your motivational songs?  Comment below and let me know.

Jen xoxo

Musical Friday: Taylor Swift

Hello everyone

I'm taking a little detour from fashion and beauty today (but not a very far one as you will see) to talk about music.  I love music.  I have it on all the time in the car and I love browsing Amazon for the latest CD's.  

Although my favourite genre of music is indie/ rock and roll I do love to dabble in a bit of the old pop too.  And recently I have been loving the inescapable Taylor Swift.

Lets be honest here- its not intellectually challenging or politically charged music but you can't help but smile when you here one of her songs.  I find the happiness in her songs contagious and its one of those artists that you can just jump around your bedroom to, singing as loud as you can into a barrel hairbrush.  We all do it ladies... don't deny it.

Her video for 22 is full of silly fun with jumping around at parties alongside impossibly hot fellow party goers.  You can't help but not love her shirt at the beginning too.

No doubt a number of high street copies will soon appear and we will all be able to feel just a little like Taylor Swift.

Generally I do have a fashion crush on Taylor Swift.  She seems to be able to pull off whatever look she wants.  She does dressed down chic perfectly but pop her on the red carpet and she looks like a polished awards ceremony veteran.  If you want some inspiration as to how to get her outfits from 22 then check out this video:  Taylor Swift- 22 Official Music Video Outfit Inspiration.

As well as her fantastic wardrobe I wish wish wish that I had her hair.  Taylor has become known for her beautiful wavy hair and its just the right shade of blonde in my mind- not too brassy and not too dull.  if you want to recreate that look I have found this video on YouTube:  Taylor Swift Soft Wavy Hair.

So there you have it- I confess- I wish I had Taylor Swifts voice, wardrobe and hair.  I think I'm probably not alone in this.  If you love her too then leave a comment below.  Think there is someone better?  Then comment too!

Thanks for reading guys.

Jen xoxo

Beauty Tuesday: Jenny Loves... Scented Moisturisers

Hello everyone

Today's post is a countdown of my top 3 scented moisturisers with a one line review (or at least I'm attempting to keep it to one line- what's life without whimsy!).  I've put all the pics at the bottom today.

1.  City Rush for Her Body Lotion. £4.50 in Avon Brochure 7 or order with the matching scent EDP and shower gel for just £13.

A very feminine scent that is great for sunny evenings and makes me feel stylish, confident and chic.

2.  Hand and Body Lotion in Strawberry and Guava.  £3 in Avon Brochure 7.

Has quite a runny consistency that makes my skin feels luscious and it smells good enough to eat!  (I wouldn't recommend eating it though- you'd probably get ill!)

3.  Silky Body Lotion.  £1.25 in Avon Brochure 7.

The gentle floral rose scent of this makes it perfect for Spring.

City Rush for Her Body Lotion

Hand & Body Lotion in Strawberry & Guava 

Silky Body Lotion

Thanks for reading and check back in soon for more posts!

Jen xoxo

Sunday Tittle Tattle: New Hair, Spring Cleaning and Call The Midwife

Hello everyone!

This week has been absolutely MENTAL!  I have spend most of the week running around like crazy trying to catch up on all the work I didn't do the week before when I was ill.

I did get my hair cut on Wednesday and this morning I coloured it, as you can probably tell from the above picture.  I decided to ditch the red and go for a dark brown nearly black colour instead.  Cut- wise I just had it trimmed.  Its been 3 months since I had my hair cut and it feels so much healthier now.  My normal hairdresser has just had a baby so is off at the moment so I had my friend Rute cut it instead.  I get very nervous about having a new hairdresser but I am super pleased with the cut she did.

I don't know if its because everyone is talking about Spring cleaning but I have had a massive clear out and clean up of my bedroom in the past couple of weeks.  I sorted out all my cosmetics and tolietries and cleaned away the thick layer of dust that had formed on the shelf underneath (yuck!).  I suddenly feel very organized and tidy- its a very refreshing feeling!

I am very sad that its the finale of Call The Midwife tonight :(.  I never saw the first series but I have loved this second series.  I know it'll be coming back but I don't want this season to end!

I'll be posting more this week- I have a few fun things planned but if you have any post requests then please comment below.

Thanks for reading!

Jen xoxo

Perfect Saturday Outfit

Hello everyone.

Just a quick OOTD.  I think this is the perfect Saturday outfit as its comfortable, stylish and has a few little twists that keep it interesting.  The layering also makes it great in this changeable weather- you can take off layers the warmer it gets then pop them back on as the day continues!

Cardigan and skirt from Primark, shirt, vest top and boots from Matalan, bracelet on right wrist from Claire's Accessories, bracelet on left wrist from Avon (part of the Oralee Wild Set £7 in brochure 7) and earrings (just seen) from Avon (part of the Celestina Set).  

Have a great Saturday!

Jen xoxo

Wednesday Wrap Up: Wrap Up Great Skin

Hello everyone

My skin has been a nightmare recently!!  I hate waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror and the first thing you see is a big blemish which then takes days to disappear.  To everyone else it probably doesn't look that bad but to you all you can see in the mirror is that blemish, and it feels like its looking at you....  This time I had had enough and decided I needed to find some products that would do away with it!  A bit of experimentation later and the blemish is no more!  Here are my skin saviours that leave my skin glowing, radiant and beautiful....

I think a big mistake I used to make when I was having a breakout was to try and keep my skin quite dry until the oiliness passed but I've learnt that this is the worst thing to do as your skin will keep producing more oil to keep your skin hydrated.This time I have been using Hydra Beyond Hydrating Gel Cream at night to keep my skin hydrated and protected all night and day.  It provides 48 hour moisturisation which means I can use a less thick day cream whilst still having hydrated skin.  Also at night I use a dab of Clear Emergency Instant Spot Treatment directly on to the blemish.  This spot treatment is a saviour for unexpected breakouts.  By the next morning I could see that the redness was reduced and within a couple of nights usage it was really easier to cover up with concealer.  

My final saviour item is a face mask.  I have this Face Mask Gift Set left in my Avon collection from the Xmas gift guide and it has little 5ml versions of 3 Planet Spa face masks- including the Thailand Lotus Deep Pore Cleansing face Mask which makes sure all the rubbish in your skin is well and truly cleansed out.  When your skin is feeling a bit grummy a bit of spa relaxation is just what's needed.  

Hydra Beyond Hydrating Gel Cream is £3.50, Clear Emergency Instant Spot Treatment is £2.25 and the Face Mask Gift Set is £4 all in Brochure 6.  

This is what works for my skin.  It might be different for you so leave a comment below with what your skin care saviours are.

Jen xoxo

Beauty Tuesday: Beauty Notes for March 2013

Hello everyone

Every women I meet is on the hunt for the perfect scent.

Secret Fantasy EDT
Viva by Fergie EDP

One of the exciting things about being an Avon rep is that nearly every month Avon releases a new scent or a new version of a favourite scent.  And Avon are very good at getting you excited about new fragrances a good couple of months before they are released.  By the time I actually get hold of new fragrances most of my customers know all about it and I have been inspired by the beautiful promo pictures accompanying the campaign.  Even if the scent is not new I find the  brochures and the bottles on their own make me want to buy them.  I love using my perfume bottles as decoration- they are so pretty!

With Secret Fantasy the photos make it known that this is aimed at young women.  Over half a million bottles have been sold and that is because it makes you feel passionate and romantic.  Secret Fantasy is £11 in Brochure 6 or 2 for £14 with other selected fragrances.  Viva by Fergie has a beautiful art deco style bottle that always stands out.  Obviously Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas is the face of this perfume and the pictures of her standing surrounded by men in the promo shots make it known that this will make you feel fabulous and fearless.  Viva by Fergie is £15 in brochure 6 and you get a free Viva by Fergie body lotion and perfumed body spray free.

Leaving all the promotion and puff, like I said at the beginning of this every women wants the perfect scent.  They want it to become their signature scent.  It has to make you feel special but you don't want to smell like air freshener.  

Far Away Exotic EDP
Infinite Seduction EDT
Rare Sapphires EDP 

My favourite of the Far Away range is Far Away Exotic.  The range is timeless and this scent is lavish, inspired and exotic.  Far Away Exotic is £7.50 in Brochure 6.  If you prefer something with an addictive leather vanilla accord then try Infinite Seduction.  It has fresh gardenia petals and spicy black pepper and is spellbinding and sexy.  Infinite Seduction is £7.50 in Brochure 6.  For lovers of richer scents there is Rare Sapphires which has a lid to match its name.  Rare Sapphires is £13 in Brochure 6 or 2 for £14 with selected fragrances.

Simply Because for Her EDT
City Rush EDP

If you want a scent that is designed for daytime then you'll love Simply Because.  Don't be fooled in to thinking that this scent is dull just because its been designed for day.  It has notes of lychee, pretty pink blossoms and creamy vanilla musk.  As it says on the box- "Make an ordinary day extraordinary!".  Simply Because is £8.50 in Brochure 6 or 2 for £14 with selected fragrances.  Designed as a night time scent, City Rush is more sophisticated and sleek with plum, black dahlia and creamy woods.  City Rush is £15 in brochure 6 or 2 for £14 with selected fragrances.  

Find your signature fragrance by getting samples from your local Avon Rep or if you live in the Bournemouth area send me an e-mail at widdicombejennifer@gmail.com and I'll be in contact.

Thanks for reading guys.

jen xoxo

Random Saturday: Avon Haul

Hello everyone

I am feeling marginally better and didn't want to neglect you guys further so I thought I would show you all the latest Avon goodies that I've picked up.

When the Avon gets delivered every 3 weeks all reps recieve an exclusive brochure just for us showing us what products are coming up and giving us an opportunity to pre- order them.  That way we can get to grips with new products, try them out and stock up on essentials.  Most of these products are from this brochure but a few were gifted to me by my sales leader... because she is lovely.

First off facial skincare....

This is the Anew Genics Treatment Cream.  (This was a gift from my sales leader).  I have quite a number of Anew products but for some reason I've never tried this cream so I was quite excited when this was gifted to me.  I still haven't had a chance to try it but I can tell you that its been recommended in Look magazine and that it is £15.50 in Brochure 6.  I'll be able to give you a more thorough review once I've actually used it.

Next up is body skincare....

The item on the left is Solutions Cellu- Break.  This is a product that is not coming out until Brochure 7.  I love all things Solutions but I am very suspicious of anything that claims to be able to get rid of cellulite.  I am up for giving anything a try though and Avon say that "75% of women agreed that it makes your skin feel more toned, giving you the freedom to reveal more of it".  Its going to be a pretty bargain price too of just £4 when its released so I will let you know if it lives up to its claim.  One of the nice things about it is that the active ingredients are natural- coffee bean extract and hawthorn fruit- so you know what you are putting on your body and it doesn't smell too bad.

On the right is another new product to brochure 7, Fresh Hydration Cooling Body Lotion.  The Avon care range is much used in our household as we seem to be a family of dry skinners and this moisturises and doesn't irritate mine and my Mums sensitive skin.  This has lemongrass and cucumber extract in it which I assume is what makes it so cooling to the skin and it has a lovely fresh aroma to it too.  On release it will be £1.20 (so another bargain).

Now I have some fragrance products...

You may recognise the product on the left as Avon have had this before, Tahitian Holiday Exotic Body Mist.  It tends to appear about this time of year as its a summer fragrance and is back because it is so loved.  I've gotta say that one spray of this and I'm thinking of summer holidays, lazing on the beach in Spain....  It has tropical coconut, white blossoms, warming ginger, monoi oil and Tahitian tiare flower in it which makes it very tropical, warming and exotic.  It has a very fresh smell that I think is just lovely and it will be released in Brochure 7 for just £2.  

In the middle is a bit of a classic in the form of the Little Red Dress Perfumed Body Spray.  I previously only had this in purse spray form so was thrilled to be gifted this form of it.  Its a great scent for Spring evenings whilst being another bargain at just £1.99 in brochure 6.  I'm not going to go on about this too much as I've raved about this scent before and I don't want to bore you but I will tell you its quite a spicy, oriental scent.

On the right we have another Avon staple that was gifted to me, Secret Fantasy EDT.  The Secret Fantasy range is aimed at a younger crowd but the scents have a very fresh, daytime feeling to me so I think its a must for your perfume collection.  This scent is a best seller and has no lid but a very cute detachable cast iron charm on a stainless steel chain which makes it a cute gift.  Its £11 or 2 for £14 with other selected perfumes in Brochure 6.

Next I have some jewellery items to show you....

On the left I have my favourite Avon item that I've picked up this month which is the Night Trance Ring.  This is another item not being released until Brochure 7.  Monochrome is going to be big this S/S and this was the perfect addition to my ring collection.  The black and sparkling silver really pops and it looks very elegant on the hand.  I ordered this a size too big (it comes in S, M and L) so I have to wait until next delivery to swap it over which is driving me insane as I want to wear it now!  It will be £5 on release or can be purchased with the matching earrings and necklace for just £10.

On the right is such a pretty set- Oralee Wild 3 Piece Gift Set.  I was a little surprised when this arrived as the pictures in the brochure make it look silver but it is a gold colour.  I don't know how it has come out quite so gold as it is silver plated with clear glass stones... odd but at least you know now.  The set has a necklace, bracelet and earrings and is quite stunning.  It has quite a classic look about it so if you look after it you could wear it season after season.  This set will be released in Brochure 7 and will be £7.

My final little section of this haul post is actually products that have been discontinued but were all gifted to me so I have done a little research for you and found the alternatives that Avon has released to replace them...

First on the left is the Skin So Soft Soft & Fresh Replenishing Dry Oil Body Spray.  Last year the Skin So Soft range had a bit of a makeover and was given new packaging and new formulations.  This has been re- released in the new packaging with a new formula including jojoba oil and has been renamed Original Dry Oil Spray.  I still find the old formula very good though as this dry oil locks in moisture and if you are on holiday both lots are disliked by mosquitos- a suitcase essential.  The spray is £2.25 in Brochure 6.

A couple of posts ago I was lamenting the fact that I didn't know what had happened to the Glimmerstick Chromes range.  Sadly it does appear to be discontinued but my Sales Leader managed to get hold of these two for me- Burgundy Shock (top) and Mocha Flash (bottom) so at least I have these for my make- up bag.  I cannot bang on enough about how amazing Glimmersticks are.  If you have tried them you will know what I mean and the vast majority of colours at the bargain prices makes me love them even more.  I do have exciting news though- Avon are releasing a new range of Glimmersticks!!  They are so new that even I've not been able to get my hands on them but I will tell you what I know.  They are going to be released in Brochure 9 and are called Glimmerstick Cosmic Eyeliners.  It has the same great points as previous Glimmerstick ranges (lasts up to 12 hours, water, smudge and fade proof) but the finish is a multi- coloured sparkle.  On release there will be 6 shades- Twilight, Silver Eclipse, Moonlit Brown, Galactic Green, Blackened Night and Midnight Sky and they will be at an introductory price of £3.  I'm quite excited to get my hands on these and will give you more info as I know it!

The final discontinued item in this haul is the True Glow Radiant Shimmer Body Dust Brush.  I love the look of this but am holding out on using it until the tights and jumpers are off otherwise I'll just be wasting good bronzing powder on the inside of clothes.  The True Glow range has been replaced by the Avon Glow range and if you want a product similar to this then look at for the Avon Glow Shake and Glow Bronzer in Brochure 6 for £11.  It comes in two shades- light for fair skin and medium for dark skin.  I just wish it was warm enough to use it now...

And that is it for this month!  I love trying new products and if you live in the Bournemouth area and want to try any of these or pre- order then send me an e-mail to widdicombejennifer@gmail.com and I'll be in contact.  

Have a great weekend and thank you for reading.

Jen xoxo