Skin Care Skeptic - SOLD!

I have always been a real skeptic when it comes to all the hoopla surrounding various skin care lines. After all, they are usually quite expensive and I just have a hard time parting with my money for a 'maybe'. So, when Avon made it possible for me as a sales representative to try the Anew Skin Care line, I figured this was my chance to prove to myself that it was highly over rated. I won't endorse a product that I don't believe in so before I give my review and opinion of something I want to try it for myself.

I went down the 5 question skin care survey to see which of the Anew lines was right for me. I'm 48 years old and while I am told I don't appear to be, I know that I'm starting to show my age. I have dark circles under my eyes because I'm very pale skinned (and frankly not willing to spend the money on tanning right now). My skin also is a bit blotchy and pitted in places from a run with adult acne in my 30's. So I chose the Anew Reversalist regimen and ordered the 2 week starter kit.

Every day I washed my face in the morning and evening. This was huge for me as it was because usually I fell into bed with my makeup still on, which is not good. I also applied the eye cream in both morning and evening. Mornings I used the day cream all over my face, and evenings applied the night cream, then prepared myself mentally for maybe nicer feeling skin but hardly expected to 'see' anything change.

In addition to Avon I am a daycare provider. I watch 3 kids, 9 months, 2 years old and 7 years old. I take the 7 year old to school and pick her up each day. Usually at nap time in the afternoons I am picking her up and either my mom, sister or niece are home so that I do not have to take the little ones. at the 1.5 week mark of my 2 week trial, I had the baby in tow when I picked up little Princess Smiles A Lot at the school. While getting them buckled in to their seats, the 7yo looks up at me and says "Miss Marti, your face looks a lot younger today". Now keep in mind the sun is shining so there is no soft light to mask over the fine lines etc. that come with being 48 years old. I admit it did a lot for me, after all she is 7 years old, so that coming out of no where kinda surprised me.

I'm now in my 4th week of using the Reversalist regimen, and now I can see changes. My skin really IS firmer, the fine lines are much less defined, the blotchy areas are fading and yes, my skin really does look and feel much better, younger. I feel like I received a face lift, this is really amazing.

Yes I am an Avon representative, but I'm not biased. I tried this product and whole heartedly believe in it, it really is amazing. I am so confident that others will agree that I'm going to do a give away of a 2 week trial kit from the Anew line. Stay tuned to learn how to enter to win!

From Office Mgr To Lipstick Diva

I used to work as the senior admin for an IT team in one of the world's largest, privately held software firms. I loved my job, loved the people I worked with and despite the politics of the job, I enjoyed what I did. But I don't do the office politics game very well, no matter how hard I tried. And after 26 years at the same company, when they downsized and I got let go, it really didn't break my heart or spirit. Oh I cried, but because I was going to miss my coworkers and because I had lost the financial stability of my family.

It took 18 months and hundreds of resume mailings before I landed a job as the office manager for a painting company. Funny thing is that all those efforts were not what landed the position. I was on a forum that I frequented online and one day someone saw my post about hunting for work and contacted me. I knew them in passing and next thing you know, I'm working for him! That got me through the warm months and the season for house painting before it was layoff time. Seasonal jobs are nice if you have other income but at the time I did not, so I was on the hunt again.

My next attempt was Facebook. I posted that I was seeking administrative work and a cousin hooked me up with a local heating and air company. I worked there for about 6 months before they started to go under, another victim of the economy. This was getting ridiculous!

Over coffee one Saturday morning I was brain storming with my mom, the Diva mom. See, I got divorced after 22 years of marriage and I'm living with mom, my sister, and my two nieces, 17 and almost 21. We call ourselves the Diva Den. Even the 3 cats are females. Estrogen over load? Yep you bet it is! Anyway, Mom and I got to talking and I threw childcare out as an option. I figured it would be steady income until I figured out something else to do. Within a week of getting the word out there through Facebook friends, I was babysitting for 3 siblings. I love this job, it is awesome.

Now that I am a single lady I wanted to go back to wearing my favorite perfume, Avon's Imari. The ex never cared for it but I loved it. I did what any computer addict would do, got online to Avon and searched for a rep in my area. Low and behold, I actually KNOW the one I sent an email too. I never heard a word back. Meanwhile I decided I should consider just selling Avon myself. After all, I like makeup and perfumes, and why not bring in some extra money, right? So, I got on the main site and asked for someone to contact me about being an independent sales rep.

That is, in a nut shell, how this kicked off for me. I met with a rep, she signed me up and for the price of a lipstick I'm a fragrance fairy and lipstick diva baby! I LOVE THIS BUSINESS!!!!

Years ago I had tried my hand at Avon, back when there were territories assigned, and like many I used up all my profits on me. Not a good thing. This time, I am totally motivated. I cannot believe what an awesome corporation this is, and how much control I have over my business. There really is serious money to be made, but not without being willing to work my butt off. But not like I had to do in the corporate world, this time it is all about me and what I want to do with this. I love the work! But that is all stuff for another blog!

Stay tuned for more coming soon!

Avon Give Away 6/28/11

Contest open Tuesday, June 28th through midnight (EST) Friday, July 1st

(U.S. residents only)

I love giving away free stuff, especially because until I try the product and find it to be great, I won't give it away or promote it.

Today's product that I want to highlight and give to some lucky winner is Avon's Naturals Antibacterial Hand Gel.

Because I do in home daycare I have to wash my hands or use antibacterial gels throughout the day and this can seriously dry out the skin on hands and cause them to start cracking. Recently, on a date, the gentleman was holding my hand and started rubbing it, commenting on incredibly soft my hands were. He asked what lotion I used, and I honestly answered him, NONE! He could not believe that I don't use anything and yet my skin is so soft.

I credit Avon for this. Their hand gel does not strip my skin or dry it out, in fact it seems to moisturize quite well while killing the germs from wiping noses, changing diapers etc.

Usually available in 2.5 ounce tubes, Avon introduced their antibacterial hand gel in 1 ounce mini size this past campaign. They are purse size perfect! Usually sold for $1.49 they are on sale for only .99 cents!! The full size, 2.5 ounce tube is usually $4.00 but is on sale in the current campaign for $1.99. See page 161 of the current campaign brochure (click ebrochure on the right side bar) of my Avon Online Store.

I loved this product so much that I'm going to give away 1 full size tube of either Vanilla or Cucumber melon (winner's choice), and 3 of the minis, one each of Vanilla, Cucumber Melon and Pomagranate & Mango.

To be eligible (you can have up to 3 entries):

1 - leave a comment on this post

2 - 'like' my Facebook page (see side bar), or if you already are a fan, leave a comment on the post about this give away on the Facebook page.

3 - Tweet this post on your Twitter feed (click below to tweet)

I will randomly draw the winner on Saturday morning, July 2nd.