Mark by Avon MOD Collection Review – Holiday 2017

Even though fall has just begun, it’s never too late to start thinking about the holidays! I have already started checking people off my gift giving list and testing exciting new beauty products. The mark MOD collection features fun graphic prints, comforting winter scents and bold pops of trendy color.

I’m the kind of girl who is not afraid to wear vibrant shadow and make it look perfectly acceptable for all occasions. The key is applying a good primer, using shades that match well and blending until your arm falls off to create the perfect gradient. The Mod Pop Eye Shadow Palette ($25.00) has a variety of playful shades including orchid, glistening pink, sparkling orange and bright aqua contrasted with neutral hues like navy, soft pink and silver. The formula is silky, smooth and soft but I recommend a color intensifying base and applying a few layers to enhance the color.

I am totally obsessed with Avon’s Cherry Jubilee Lipstick and Nail Polish because the sultry, dark wine color is perfect for fall! I received these items in the Joyful Makeup Collection 5-Piece Set but the lipsticks usually retail for just $10.00 and I love the moisturizing satin finish.

The polish matches the lipstick perfectly which is stylish for holiday parties.

The MOD collection also includes fabulous body products with the same geometric print. The fragrance ($38.00) is composed of capucine florals and rose spiked with scrumptious nutmeg. Don’t be alarmed by the spicy notes, the aroma is pleasantly sweet, well balanced and surprisingly comforting. For some reason I just can’t get enough of this scent! It is fades beautifully and makes you smell very alluring. The Body Lotion ($14.00) has the same great aroma and the rich, creamy texture leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Avon is available online at avon.ca and through independent consultants. 

NEW Avon Eye Dimensions Palettes & Mark Hook Up Eye Shadow & Blush

Avon is constantly launching beautiful new makeup but with so many products to choose from it can be difficult to decide what to try. Today I will be sharing a few fabulous finds with dazzling finishes that are perfect for all your summer soirees.

The Eye Dimensions Shadow Palettes may be small but they pack a bold punch of glitter enriched with Vitamin E. For the most part the shadows are silky, non-creasing and smooth with brilliant, eye-catching sheen. Although the longevity is decent, I highly recommend a primer for better adhesion, intensity and blending. You can also dampen your brush and apply them wet for a little more drama. Sweetheart Plum (bottom palette) is my favorite trio because of the iridescent garnet-purple with great color payoff. The middle hue is sheer and glittery requiring a few more layers to amplify and the silver has a matte base with sparse glitter and a drier sheer finish. Neutral Haze (top left) contains a beautiful frosty pink-purple, deep bronze shimmer and bright snowy silver which are all well pigmented. When you’re in the mood for something seductive, the Sultry Smoke Palette has a flattering contrast of sparkly grey, black and silver. These palettes are expertly coordinated, great for travel and retail for just $10.00 each.

For a quick, simple smokey eye using just one shade try Avon’s Midnight Shadow ($6.00). This deep navy with refined blue glitter starts off sheer and can be layered for more intensity. I apply it heavier on the lids, blend it lighter in the crease and smudge some under my lower lash line. It creates a stunning effect and the blue glitter twinkles in the light.

The new Cheek Magnet Hook Up Blush Compacts are available in a variety of complexion flattering shades including a few that aren’t in the bright pink spectrum. This Berry Minute (on the right) has a pretty rose undertone that is deep enough to create some contour and the shimmer is very subtle so the pigment still applies velvety and smooth. Mauve forward has a matte finish with a soft, rich texture that blends well and helps define. Both palettes are magnetized so you can click them together side-by-side or back-to-back and they retail for $18.00 each.

The Smoke and Mirrors Hook Up Eye Shadow Palette ($18.00) is another mini that is great for travel. There are 9 mix and match crease-proof shades that are blendable and silky. With a dazzling selection of multidimensional shimmer and glitter you can create many stylish looks and although the pigmentation is sheer, the shadows are buildable for more saturation.  

The True Color 8 Shadow Palettes have been cult favorites for years and now there are a few new color collections to choose from. Smoky Nights contains all of the shades you need for an evening out including shimmery purple, gold, garnet, glittery navy and black. The color payoff ranges from sheer to medium and full-coverage so you can play around with different effects and go as glam as you dare. The palette retails for $15.00 and is small enough to slip in your purse.

These products are available at avon.ca and through independent consultants

Mark Lipclick Full-Color Lipstick Review

This season Mark Cosmetics is stepping-up their game with a stunning variety of trendy lipsticks that are sure to knock your socks off! These sassy shades range from deep and daring to classic red, fresh pink and neutral to compliment all outfits and show-off your personal style.

Using state of the art pigment technology Mark has developed a formula that delivers high-impact, bold saturation with smooth glide, excellent coverage and a light comfortable texture. There are 6 velvety mattes with rich color payoff and 8 cream finishes with beautiful satiny shine.

This amazing collection includes some of the most vibrant hues the brand has ever created with flattering shades for every season, skin tone and budget. The innovative magnetic case clicks shut securely to prevent purse catastrophes and once applied the color adheres well for hours of wear without bleeding or feathering.

The matte shades are just as comfortable as the creams providing lush layers of hydration to keep lips nourished and supple even after the pigment has faded away. Compared to traditional designs, these lipsticks have a smaller application surface with a sharper point making it easy to manoeuvre around the lip contour and create a nice outline. The delicious scent reminds me of chocolate and the outer tubes are simple yet chic!

On the deep end of the color spectrum there are some unique options including: Mischief (vampy blackberry with a deep aubergine base), Rebel (matte indigo with blue undertone), Vineyard (rich berry-wine) and Vixen (deep berry). The indigo has a drier texture and is the only shade that applies inconsistently so blending and layering may be required for even coverage.

The glamorous reds and orange range from bright, medium and deep including: Salsa (vibrant tangerine), Siren (mid tone vivid red) and Inferno (classic ruby).

In the pink category you have: Starlet (fuchsia/hot pink), Mwah (electric pink) and Rose with a coral base.

There are two nude hues that are almost identical – Goddess and Stripped, plus one pretty lavender called Wrath.

left to right: Goddess, Siren, Wrath, Rose, Vixen, Inferno, Mischief, Mwah, Vineyard, Rebel, Salsa, Starlet and Stripped

For just $12.00 each these swoon-worthy lipsticks accentuate your pout with pure, dazzling color that looks and feels high-end. Mark is available at avon.ca or through independent consultants.

Avon Summer Essentials: Mark Maui Bliss Collection Review

Hawaii is one of my favorite vacation destinations. The crashing waves, warm sparkling sand and lush rainforests that smell of fresh fruit are just a few of the amazing memories I have of exploring the coast. Now you can experience the island vibe with the limited edition Maui Bliss Collection by mark. These tropical bath, body and makeup products will whisk you away to paradise with uplifting scents and sunset packaging trimmed with swaying palm trees.

I took this cute pineapple beach bag/tote on my recent press trip to Turks & Caicos and it complimented my lounge wear perfectly!

Infused with a Hawaiian inspired blend of hibiscus, rich, glowing amber and refreshing coconut water this collection smells warm, soothing and delicious! The fragrant body wash transforms each shower into a relaxing escape and lathers well to foam away dirt, sweat and a sandy day at the beach. If you dream of swaying hammocks and fresh ocean breeze, the Wind Swept body wash is delectably sweet and fruity with a blend of sparkling grapefruit, orchid and cedarwood essence. Both these scents capture the spirit of summer and leave skin clean, smooth and moisturized. They retail for $12-$14 each.

The collection also includes the luxurious Maui Bliss Body Butter which is excellent for battling dry skin! The lush conditioning formula deeply moisturizes with aloe, shea, cocoa butter and coconut oil for soft, supple skin and protection from harsh weather. When it’s hot and humid, rich body products tend to make me feel warmer but when the AC is turned up high and the air is dry, I need extra hydration. Mark’s body butters are among my faves so if you haven’t tried them yet, you are definitely missing out! The butter retails for $14.00 and is also great for replenishing dry hands and rough heels.

Smelling irresistibly tropical may inspire you to get creative with your makeup and the Hawaii Five-Oh Eye Shadow Compact is the perfect mini size for vacation. With a beautiful array of shimmery blue, coral, lavender, champagne and glittery silver your beachy creations will match your floral prints and strappy sandals. The silky texture is non-creasing and fade-proof which is perfect for warm summer nights. The palette retails for $18.00.

Radiant skin is on-trend for the season and when you pair pretty golden highlight with a warm bronzer the results are gorgeous! The Maui Bliss Sunset Glow Powder resembles a stunning seashell embedded with rays of shimmer to brighten and illuminate while the soft brown creates a light sunkissed effect. The pigment isn’t deep enough to contour but it is designed for all complexions and I love how the multidimensional shimmer catches the light to make skin glow. The powder retails for $16.00.

The Maui Bliss Nailed it Mini Duo ($11) is also great for travel and the set comes with two shades - Heavenly White and Hula - a hip-swaying lavender. The formula is creamy with a high shine, gel-like finish and the subtle colors are soft and tranquil. 

I always carry some type of lotion in my beach bag and the Wind Swept Hand Cream keeps skin soft and moisturized so my manis can shine. After a dip in the salty ocean or lounging by the pool, my skin usually craves rejuvenation and this luscious formula fortified with elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid keeps dryness at bay and hands looking youthful. It retails for just $6.00.

That’s Beachy Texturizing Surf Spray ($16) helps create sexy, free flowing waves for a loose tousled look. You can simply pop it in your beach bag and whip it out after emerging from the water or before heading out for the evening. To use: spray on dry or damp hair, shape with fingers or scrunch and you’re done! The mist is lightly fragranced to mask that ocean or chlorine scent and it doubles as a decent leave-in. Since I have naturally curly hair I can only use the spray when my hair is flat ironed and dry so I usually wait until a couple days before wash day.  

You can find all of these fab products at avon.ca or through independent consultants

Mark Cosmetics Buenos Aires Caliente Eyes Eye Shadow Palette

When it comes to vibrant color and trendy cosmetics mark has a great variety. The Buenos Aires Vibe Collection includes a fabulous fragrance and products for the eyes, face, nails and lips that all evoke a fun tropical vibe.

The palette includes 5 gorgeous hues: 4 shimmer shades ranging from light gold, brassy bronze, silvery pink, deep navy and soft, matte purple. These shades are suitable for luminous day looks and alluring smokey eyes for romantic summer nights.

The shadows have a smooth, non-creasing texture but the pigmentation and coverage is quite sheer unless you enhance the intensity with a good primer and some layering as I've done in the swatches below. The shimmery hues are matched beautifully so you can mix and match for different effects and they tend to stay put with a base. Despite the silky consistency the yellow shadow may appear a tad chalky until blended and although I was hoping for a bit more vividness the colors are still useable and quite pretty.

Although most of the hues are shimmery I didn’t experience much fall-out and I’ve used them on my lids, to deepen the crease, highlight under the brows and around the inner corners of the eyes for a luminous effect. You can purchase this palette at avon.ca and through independent consultants for $26.00.

To read my review on some of the other products from this collection including the sweet, summery fragrance click HERE.

Since a gorgeous glow and shimmery shades are popular all year round you may also want to check out the Glowdacious Illuminating Powder, available in 3 pretty compacts. I have the color- Prettied Up with three highlight shades for a brilliant finish. Each color provides a different effect but these hues are soft and quite subtle. If you prefer a sunkissed finish the deeper compacts are great for maintaining a golden complexion. The powders retail for $16.00 each.

*Press samples featured