Hi friends,
This is the last Swatches & Stuff for the year so let's go out with a BANG!
Here is the companion video if you want a more in depth review of all the products mentioned in this blog:
Use the links (in blue) down below to check items for further info.
1. Nivea - In Shower Body Lotion - Very disappointed with this product. While it does what it says it does, the awkwardness of the bottle (resting on its narrow end) and the fact that you spend more time rinsing it off than it would take to put regular lotion on - make this a gimmick in my book - C+.
2. Avon Power Serum - This is actually pretty good but a bit pricey for AVON ($40) in my opinion. A good serum that is fluid without running all over the place (hence not wasteful like some other serums). It provides a good canvas on which to put your treatment cream. This one particularly targets aging signs such as dark spots, fine line, loss of elasticity and loss of hydration. I apply it morning and night (mostly night though) after cleansing with my Clarisonic brush. Other serums do similar jobs though.B.
3. Avon Anew Platinum - Day Cream - A very good and affordable (under $20) day cream with an Spf of 25. It targets firmness, sagginess, fine lines and wrinkles as well as creepiness on your neck and decollete. I mix it with my Lancome Foundation for an even coverage. It does not clog my pores but does leave a bit of dewiness on my skin by end of day. I like it a lot. A-
4. Avon Anew Platinum - Night Cream - This is an excellent night cream. It is not greasy, no tacky feeling or oiliness in the morning. It is more gel like than a cream which makes the application not only easy and fast absorbing, it is also cooling to the touch. So far I have noticed my skin, in particular my jaw line, looking firmer. A great buy for under $20. A +
5. Avon Anew Platinum - Eye Cream - All I can say is wow! This reminds me a lot of L'Oreal Revitalift Eye Cream which used to be my favorite one in my mid 30s. It offers everything you can ask for from an eye cream - it is thick, penetrates well, super emolient and best of all - fine lines almost disappear within a week! You use a small metal ball applicator (provided with the cream) to de-puff your eyes as you apply the cream. Truly excellent. A+.
6. Avon Anew Platinum Cleanser - A creamy cleanser that takes off makeup and dirt without drying your skin. I find it leaves my skin moisturized without leaving an oily residue. It does not work well with my Clarisonic because this is a non foaming cleanser though. B.
7. Avon Eye Shadow Primer - This is an excellent alternative to other brand name primers. I like this one in particular because it is not waxy, but rather fluid. In fact, it feels more like a souffle type cream than a primer. I use it all over my lids as well as my under eye area to even out skin tone. Feels like velvet and does not melt on my skin unlike the waxy types. Eye shadow stays on all day with this. A+.
8. Avon Eye Shadow Duo in Crushed Orchid - First, let me tell you about the price: this is under $5. What? YES! Under $5, you can't even find a $5 eye shadow duo at the drugstore. Second, this stays on ALL DAY, it will not move (especially if you use the primer). I honestly had no idea that Avon products were that good! No fall out, great application, high pigment....just great! A+
9. Avon Luminous Blush in Warm Flush - Just the right amount of shimmer to make it equally beautiful for daytime and nighttime wear. Again, no fallout. Great quality. A+
10. Avon Color Indulgence Lipstick in Peach Petunia - This is not a full coverage lipstick, more like a sheer, yet, it is very pigmented and has amazing stay on. It is not drying, does not feel tacky either. I am definitely checking out additional colors within this line. A.
So this was my first time trying Avon products and I dare say I am pretty impressed. So much so that my December Giveaway is all about Avon!
Here is the Giveaway:
Contains:
Avon Shadow Duo in Crushed Orchid
Avon Luminous Blush
Avon Light Beige Eye Primer
Avon Lipstick in Peach Petunia
MicaCosmetics Bronze Eyeshadow (not featured).
Giveaway rules:
You must be 18 or older
You must be a subscriber to my YouTube Channel
You must like my Facebook Page
and write a comment in the comment section of this blog.
All instructions are in the Rafflecopter giveaway gizmo down below (if it does not load, try again later).
Giveaway is open internationally and until January 14, 2016.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you so much for reading my blog and watching my YouTube videos! Share the love!
Sophia, NJThis is the last Swatches & Stuff for the year so let's go out with a BANG!
Here is the companion video if you want a more in depth review of all the products mentioned in this blog:
Use the links (in blue) down below to check items for further info.
1. Nivea - In Shower Body Lotion - Very disappointed with this product. While it does what it says it does, the awkwardness of the bottle (resting on its narrow end) and the fact that you spend more time rinsing it off than it would take to put regular lotion on - make this a gimmick in my book - C+.
2. Avon Power Serum - This is actually pretty good but a bit pricey for AVON ($40) in my opinion. A good serum that is fluid without running all over the place (hence not wasteful like some other serums). It provides a good canvas on which to put your treatment cream. This one particularly targets aging signs such as dark spots, fine line, loss of elasticity and loss of hydration. I apply it morning and night (mostly night though) after cleansing with my Clarisonic brush. Other serums do similar jobs though.B.
3. Avon Anew Platinum - Day Cream - A very good and affordable (under $20) day cream with an Spf of 25. It targets firmness, sagginess, fine lines and wrinkles as well as creepiness on your neck and decollete. I mix it with my Lancome Foundation for an even coverage. It does not clog my pores but does leave a bit of dewiness on my skin by end of day. I like it a lot. A-
4. Avon Anew Platinum - Night Cream - This is an excellent night cream. It is not greasy, no tacky feeling or oiliness in the morning. It is more gel like than a cream which makes the application not only easy and fast absorbing, it is also cooling to the touch. So far I have noticed my skin, in particular my jaw line, looking firmer. A great buy for under $20. A +
5. Avon Anew Platinum - Eye Cream - All I can say is wow! This reminds me a lot of L'Oreal Revitalift Eye Cream which used to be my favorite one in my mid 30s. It offers everything you can ask for from an eye cream - it is thick, penetrates well, super emolient and best of all - fine lines almost disappear within a week! You use a small metal ball applicator (provided with the cream) to de-puff your eyes as you apply the cream. Truly excellent. A+.
6. Avon Anew Platinum Cleanser - A creamy cleanser that takes off makeup and dirt without drying your skin. I find it leaves my skin moisturized without leaving an oily residue. It does not work well with my Clarisonic because this is a non foaming cleanser though. B.
7. Avon Eye Shadow Primer - This is an excellent alternative to other brand name primers. I like this one in particular because it is not waxy, but rather fluid. In fact, it feels more like a souffle type cream than a primer. I use it all over my lids as well as my under eye area to even out skin tone. Feels like velvet and does not melt on my skin unlike the waxy types. Eye shadow stays on all day with this. A+.
8. Avon Eye Shadow Duo in Crushed Orchid - First, let me tell you about the price: this is under $5. What? YES! Under $5, you can't even find a $5 eye shadow duo at the drugstore. Second, this stays on ALL DAY, it will not move (especially if you use the primer). I honestly had no idea that Avon products were that good! No fall out, great application, high pigment....just great! A+
9. Avon Luminous Blush in Warm Flush - Just the right amount of shimmer to make it equally beautiful for daytime and nighttime wear. Again, no fallout. Great quality. A+
10. Avon Color Indulgence Lipstick in Peach Petunia - This is not a full coverage lipstick, more like a sheer, yet, it is very pigmented and has amazing stay on. It is not drying, does not feel tacky either. I am definitely checking out additional colors within this line. A.
So this was my first time trying Avon products and I dare say I am pretty impressed. So much so that my December Giveaway is all about Avon!
Here is the Giveaway:
Contains:
Avon Shadow Duo in Crushed Orchid
Avon Luminous Blush
Avon Light Beige Eye Primer
Avon Lipstick in Peach Petunia
MicaCosmetics Bronze Eyeshadow (not featured).
Giveaway rules:
You must be 18 or older
You must be a subscriber to my YouTube Channel
You must like my Facebook Page
and write a comment in the comment section of this blog.
All instructions are in the Rafflecopter giveaway gizmo down below (if it does not load, try again later).
Giveaway is open internationally and until January 14, 2016.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you so much for reading my blog and watching my YouTube videos! Share the love!
Connect with me:
Want to send me a product for review? Have a product review request?
Mailing address:
My Great Challenge
PO Box 402
519 Pompton Avenue
CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009-9998
This blog contains affiliate advertising, this is how I support my blog and YouTube Channel. I was not solicited to advertise for the products mentioned above, all opinions are my own and products were purchased with my own funds. I am affiliated with all brands listed below.
********************************************************************
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Hello! Beautiful items, tfs. Thanks for the giveaway. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI need to get some area of my life organized. Just one would be an accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays from sunny barbados!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway!!! Such fun products!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful products. I love your energy!
ReplyDeleteSo many things I need to do in 2016. Get organized, purge things, and lose weight. Great giveaway. Thank you for your wonderful videos. 😀
ReplyDeleteHello! I'd like to first say Merry Christmas to you and your family. Secondly, I like to say Thank You for inspiring me to be more productive and because of your videos this is going to be my New Years resolution. May God Bless you and your beautiful family! Love Candy ♡
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Sophia- I love your youtube channel. You are such an inspiration. I am joining your weight loss journey using weight watchers with you. You take a realistic no nonsense approach to all you do. Love this give away.Lisa
ReplyDeleteLove Avon. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year from clutter challenged as well. Lol
ReplyDeletelots of love from Barbara!
Happy New Year. I'm so glad I found your videos! I truly LOVE watching you. I love how resourceful you are & I lenjoy the tips & tricks. I always feel empower after watching your videos!! Go Sophia!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Thank you for all you do. You are an inspiration in every way. Thank you for doing a giveaway!
ReplyDeleteYou are so down to earth, you make everything seem doable. Blessings to you and your family!
Happy New Year Sophia, Thanks for the opportunity to win your generous giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLove your videos, Sophia! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you that your complexion and makeup looks wonderful. Love all of the products. Happy New Year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sophia, for a great year of videos. Thank you also for starting the weight loss group on Facebook. You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI need to get my house organized & purged for 2016.
ReplyDeleteI have several small goals to reach the bigger goal of being organized. My word for the year is FOCUS because I need to focus on what's important to me, which is my health and my family and since being diagnosed last year with RA and degenerative disc disease I have realized that my "stuff" is not worth the literal pain. I LOVE watching your videos and have watched a TON of them this week while laid up in bed. You are so encouraging. I even got a few small tasks done that I had been putting off. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Sophia! I love watching your channel. I enjoy watching your project and cleaning as they give me motivation to do things like that. I loved the video!!
ReplyDeleteHey Sophia! I love watching your channel. I enjoy watching your project and cleaning as they give me motivation to do things like that. I loved the video!!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the giveaway! So excited!
ReplyDeleteMy goal for 2016 is to stay on my feet (I'm disabled) ... keep on with the good fight and live my life through the pain and not let it win... with a huge smile... I love your vids, they make me smile and something to look forward to... thank you so much Sophia x
ReplyDeleteTo learn how to de-stress!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honest, down-to-earth review of the Avon products. Love the purple and pink combo!
ReplyDeleteMy main goals for 2016 are:to exercise/become more active and to set up an etsy shop!
ReplyDeleteTO FINALLY PASS MY DRIVING TEST X
ReplyDeleteReally enjoy your video- you have such a wonderful attitude - Happy New Year
ReplyDeletewould love to try the Avon Lipstick in Peach Petunia such a stunning shade! fingers tightly crossed
ReplyDeleteTo try and not die this year
ReplyDeleteMy number one goal for 2016 is more me time. I've spent so much time focusing on everyone else, now it's time for me.
ReplyDeleteMy number goal is to treat myself to my hair cut more often maybe even go for a massage and stop being such a stresser :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win! I used to use Avon a lot but haven't tried them in years. Sounds like I need to reassess.
ReplyDeleteMy #1 goal for this year is to be a kinder person, to others and myself. xoxo
ReplyDeleteTo get organized, and stay organized!!
ReplyDeleteSophia you inspire me to do better.
ReplyDeleteMy number one goal is to be more focused and aware of what I am doing while I am doing it.
ReplyDeleteI need to get a job, Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteHey Sophia awesome video, I love watching your videos they always make my day and thank you so much for the giveaway you are so kind and inspiring :-) much love xx
ReplyDeleteTo travel more as i dont get out much working full time nights.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Sophia! Happy New Year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI love your channel on YouTube, and I just love your honest, real approach. I have never thought of Avon, but now I'm definitely going to check out their skin care and makeup. I remember it from when I was a kid, but I guess I've gotten caught up in the work of expensive Beauty Guru suggestions. Honestly, I don't have the money for that anymore. Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! This is a very generous gift thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Thank you
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway! My number one goal is to feel more joy in 2016
ReplyDeleteto be happy!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you & your channel, Sophia! You are inspiring ... and real! Happy New Year to you & your precious family! In 2016, I intend to spend more quality time with my hubby & kids (ages 12 & 7), and also have a cleaner & more organized home :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a happy New year. I love watching your youtube channel your videos are such an upper for me. My goal for 2016 is to lose 50 pounds.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love watching you !! I have learned so much.. really I have !! Happy New Year !! <3
ReplyDeleteI am focusing this year on my health. That's my overall goal. Trying to break that goal down. I am so encouraged by you, your really amazing. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the new year for a fresh start on taking control of my health!
ReplyDeleteMy goals are to try to eat healthier and hopefully lose some weight
ReplyDeleteThank you Sophia you never cease to amaze me! Happy New Year and may God richly Bless you and your family in 2016 xo
ReplyDeleteAwesome products hope to win the give away even though I don't have a Facebook.. Happy new year sophia
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!
ReplyDeleteVery nice and various products! I wish I win this givewaway
My goal this year is to maintain a good CGPA!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!! I'm going to start yoga this year and get a little more in shape xx
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to lose weight
ReplyDeleteMy number one goal is a New Career. To achieve this I must finish my NC in built environment in June. Then move on to my HNC in Quantity Surveying in September 2016. Its a 4 year plan but i'm nearly at the half way mark.
ReplyDeletehappy new year Sophia!!! My goal this year is keeping my house organized.I´m trying that!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses to you and your family.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete(I don't know what I did but I repost my comment !)
DeleteHello Sophia ! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family !
My #1 goal for 2016 is to use up as many makeup products from my stash as possible (I'm on a no buy since a few months now) :)
These Avon products seem really wonderful ! Fingers crossed ! ;)
-Sophie (pixiwoofanfromfrance on YT / sophie_pixiwoofanfromfrance on Instagram)
Ooo this a really exciting giveaway! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLove your channel! It keeps me motivated all year <3
ReplyDeleteGreat Giveaway, Good luck to everyone that enters!! Happy 2016!! Love your channel!
ReplyDeleteI loved the Avon lip stick color my fav . I have to get me some and thanks as always Sophia . HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone !!
ReplyDelete:))
Thanks for the video! I'm glad you found Avon. It's always nice to see a brand we too have in Finland, and especially one I really like. The prices are really good, even for a student. And the products are of great quality.
ReplyDeleteAnna Varjonmaa
My main goal is to sort this house out and move into a bigger/family home with my husband :)
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to be more involved with my family and enjoying time together.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to be more involved with my family and enjoying time together.
ReplyDeleteTo walk more rather than take the car x
ReplyDeleteThis is very generous.
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway. Purge and organize for 2016.
ReplyDeleteI always love your videos, you always give great perspectives...love everything you do.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Sophia, I love the videos you make with your family. Keep up the great work, as always God bless you, and yours.
ReplyDeleteHi Sophia, I love the videos you make with your family. Keep up the great work, as always God bless you, and yours.
ReplyDeleteCook more from scratch, and continue to purge and organise. Lorna UK
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Sophia! I love Avon products and was excited to see your video today. Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI want to try more healthy recipes
ReplyDeleteHi sophia I love your youtube channel I watch all your videos every my little boy whos 5 asks me every evening "mummy can we watch sophia" Im from the uk and avon products are big here I regularly order from avon and I have to agree with you there products are amazing and so affordable and also they have a huge range of clothing makeup and skin care products for all age groups keep doing what your doing your amazing with love from my family to yours xxx
ReplyDeleteI would like to do less. I am looking forward to simplifying my life. I love your channel and was glad to see you reviewing Avon products. I have been curious about the platinum skin care line.
ReplyDeleteI want to declutter - this was brought on by the post Christmas/New Year tidy up!
ReplyDeleteHazel Rea - @beachrambelr
My goal: I have had ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia as well as IBS and IIH for 7 years, and because of all of my meds I have put on a massive 3 stones in the last 4/5 years, so my goal is to lose 3 stones which hopefully may kick start some sort of recovery, so I can then get back to work and have a life once again x Fabulous. Thank you for the chance to win X
ReplyDeletemy number 1 goal - to pay down my debts
ReplyDeleteMy number one goal is to get healthy as I am apparently 'Pre - Diabetic so no more chocolate for me x
ReplyDeleteI've already lost 5 stones in the last few years but I really need to lose some more weight.
ReplyDeleteto wear make up more often
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to just laugh more, it is the best medicine after all! :) Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteto be more healthier xx
ReplyDeleteTo lose my babyweight by my 35th birthday in May.
ReplyDeleteTo give up puddings during week days.
ReplyDeleteI need to loose some weight and just generally eat more healthy food x
ReplyDeletePass my driving test
ReplyDeleteMy number one goal for 2016 is to become so much more organized and on top of things at home. Working full-time and being a very busy mummy of 2 girls and a wife to a man-child, I find that I tend to let things slide and therefore am running arund doing things at the last minute, resulting in much stress for me! So, I have bought a beautiful To Do notebook, diary and 2 calendars to try to help me achieve this!
ReplyDeleteeat healthier :D x
ReplyDeleteI don't have any goals for 2016, just continue to be happy and health thanks
ReplyDeleteTo be healthy and happy! And to be productive but not stressed!
ReplyDeleteI want to get my house organized and for my self start to take long walks!
ReplyDeleteTo get back down to a healthy weight
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