Don't Be So Callus!

Having a callus is no laughing matter. I know I have one on each foot. I have tried everything I can at home to get rid of it. I tried callus pads, they cushion a little but stil hurt. I tried filing, buffing, rubbing and soaking. I tried Callus removing serum. I wouldn't recommend that one.

I put the liquid on as directed twice a day. After two days, my feet were purple, peeling and burning everywhere EXCEPT where the callus was!! Not good. I decided to give up and try to find a podiatrist to help me out since at this point I was too afraid to even go for a pedicure!

A few days later I was looking through my latest Avon catalog to get ready for marketing. Lo and behold there was an Intensive Callus Cream. It looked more like a lotion, but what could it hurt. At this point anything to stop the peeling and burning was fine by me! So I ordered it.I have been using it for 3 days.

My feet have never been softer, smoother or happier!! The calluses are still there, but they are getting softer. They don't hurt anymore and I can actually wear shoes with some degree of incline! I would recommend this stuff to anyone that wants happy feet!!

Completely Clean Anti-Aging Thermal Cleanser - Review

I just started using Avon's Completely Clean Anti-Aging Thermal Cleanser. It is described on Avon's website as follows:

"Our first-ever self-heating nutrient-enriched cleanser helps wash away visible signs of aging. Cleanser micro beads smooth surface texture & remove dirt & oil.
• Instantly smoothes skin's surface and helps relax pores.
• In 2 weeks reduces the appearance of lines."

WOW. I love it so far. It is yet to be determined if it produces any real results after using it for a while.

The first time I used it, I did get a little shock. Of course, totally my fault. I was in the shower ready to cleanse, wetting my face. I got the cleanser put it on my hand with a little water and started to rub it on my face. Whoa! My face started getting hot and I started to freak out thinking I was having some kind of a reaction. After a few seconds the warmness started to cool and my face felt slightly tingly. Then I looked at the tube again. Duh, THERMAL cleanser! (Note: On the tube it says, it is not recommended to store product in the shower.)

After my shower, my skin felt really clean and rejuvenated! I've used this cleanser twice since then. I love the way it feels, even that suprising little jolt of warmth! I'm not sure yet if it has had any lasting effect on my skin, but I sure hope so!

Avon's Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel

While the name is quite a mouthfull, using the product is much easier than saying it! You simply wipe the pads onto your skin and you are done.

I tried it for the first time last night and I swear I saw an immediate (although very slight) difference in my skin. One of my coworkers commented on my skin/cheeks today. Coincidence? I don't know, but I'm going to keep using it! I'll let you know how it works out!

Jillian Dempsey's Tips to Creating a Midnight Hues Face

Jillian Dempsey’s Tips to Creating a Midnight Hues Face

Product Collection:
2 True Color Eye Shadow Singles 2 Nailwear 2 Glimmersticks
 Warm Black  Warm Black  Blackest Black
 Midnight Plum  Midnight Plum  Majestic Plum


Eyes

1. The easiest way to a smoky eye is to start with
liner. Starting right in the lash line, use
Glimmersticks Eye Liner in Blackest Black to fill in
between the lashes. This gives you a defined line.

2. Next, use the same product, Glimmersticks Eye
Liner in Blackest Black, to line the inner rim of
the upper and lower lid.

3. Follow that with Glimmersticks Eye Liner in
Blackest Black under the eye and give it a nice little
soft smudge.

4. Next, use True Color Eye Shadow in Midnight Plum
on the lid, starting right next to the lash line. You
want to keep the lower part of the lid the strongest.
Blend well to soften the edge and remove any hard
lines. The color should get softer and blend out
lighter as it gets closer to the brow. You want to
keep the dark color close to your lash line, not right
under your brow.

5. Finish up the eyes with Uplifting Mascara.


Cheeks and Lips

1. When you’re wearing a smoky eye, the rest of the
face should be kept in a neutral color that works
well with your skin tone.

2. For Cara’s cheeks we used Split Second Blush
Stick in Berry, a color available next year. In the
meantime, you can substitute with Split Second
Blush Stick in Tropical Peach. Dot on the “apples”
of cheeks and blend well.

3. On Cara’s lips we used a neutral gloss to help
balance the darker eyes. We used Brown Sugar
Glazewear Liquid Lip Color.

Nails
1. Dark nails aren’t limited to October 31st anymore!
They are chic and sophisticated for all year.

2. Best tip for wearing dark nails – keep nails short.

Pulling it all Together

1. You no longer have to keep a monochromatic look
for stylish makeup. Your lips don’t have to match
your nails. The rules are getting easier. You can
mix it up and have fun!

Reinventing the Avon Lady

Andrea Jung shares her experience as Avon's first female CEO during a lecture at Harvard Business School:

Reinventing the Avon Lady - News

Reese as Global Ambassador!

Avon announced today that they have signed Reese Witherspoon as their "Global Ambassador."

Read more about it here.

Over 100 uses for AVON's Skin So Soft!

Uses for Skin So Soft*
(As compiled by my fellow Avon Reps and their customers).

PERSONAL USES
1. It's a bath oil and after shower moisturizer.
2. It can be used to remove makeup.
3. Great tanning oil (no sunscreen).
4. Hot oil treatment to soften cuticles.
5. Great massage oil for tired muscles.
6. Cleans off tape marks left from bandages on skin.
7. Cleans ink off the skin.
8. Insect repellent.
9. Helps relieve itching caused by dry skin.
10. Cleans oil and grease off of skin.
11. Painting something? Use SSS to remove paint from the hands. (Instead of turpentine).
12. It soothes light sunburn.
13. Rub hands with it before washing, it helps get them cleaner.
14. Rub on dry, cracked skin.... helps heal skin in 2-3 days.
15. Put 1-2 cap fills in liquid soap and use it for shaving legs and under arms. Helps razor glide and leaves skin feeling smooth.
16. Pour a little into your Foot Saver to help moisturize your feet while you relax them.
17. It removes chewing gum from hair, skin, and most nonporous surfaces.
18. Cleans permanent ink off stamps.
19. SSS Original Bath Oil works GREAT on Head Lice!!!!! Saturate head and let it set for 15 minutes. Then rinse under an outdoor faucet, but the lice were gone!!!!!!! Of course shampoo hair a couple of times to get the oil out, but the lice were gone and stayed gone!
20. It kills ants instantly.
21. Spray on skin to relieve dry itching skin. Helps skin retain it's elasticity.
22. Wash hair with shampoo and conditioner like always and after it dries.... Use about the size of a dime of SSS and rub it in your hair. It goes straight in and leaves hair as shiny as the ads on TV, not greasy at all, just soft and shiny.
23. Use bath oil towelettes -- cover windowsill with towelettes to keep ants out.
24. (LICE) Sometimes, using a bath oil, like Avon's SSS, will work to loosen the glue, which holds the nits to the hair. There is a product called Neon Nits, which when sprayed on the hair, will highlight the nits so you can see them to then snip them out with a small scissors.
25. This is to let you readers known about something that helped me for a mild case of psoriasis on my elbows. My internist recommended that I try Avon's SSS bath oil spray. I did and it eliminated the psoriasis on my elbows.
26. Bath use, fill bath with water and a little SSS, very relaxing and gets rid of dry skin.

HOUSEHOLD USES
27. Sponge it around doors, windows, and on screens to keep crawling bugs out.
28. It's a good wood cleaner and conditioner for natural wood.
29. It removes glue and gum left from price tags and labels on glass, metals, and most plastics.
30. It removes soap scum from shower doors and curtains, and bathroom and kitchen figures.
31. It removes lime and hard water deposits from fixtures, tile, shower doors and windows.
32. It's an oil lubricant for fitting pipe joints that won't slip together.
33. It cleans ink off most vinyl and painted surfaces.
34. It cleans heavy oil and grease from nonporous surfaces.
35. It takes fur off of clothing.
36. Rub on brass ornaments or figurines to help keep them from turning dark.
37. Removes crayon from appliances and most painted surfaces.
38. Wash cupboards with it mixed in your cleaning water to keep ants off and out of the cupboards.
39. Use it to discourage hornets from building their nests. After using a hornet killing spray, remove the nest and keep the area sprayed with SSS. They will not rebuild there.
40. Use it to clean leather; it will also keep it soft and supple.
41. Use it on your air conditioning screen (filter)--your incoming air will smell fresher and the filter is easier to clean.
42. Rub all over windowsills to keep ants out.
43. It cleans paintbrushes easily and leaves them soft as new.
44. It removes gum from carpets.
45. It removes scuffmarks from patent leather shoes.
46. Use it on running rails for sliding glass doors and windows.
47. It removes "ring around the collar".
48. It removes liquid nail (paneling glue).
49. Two glass bowls or glasses stuck together? Drizzle a little SSS down the sides and they'll come apart easily.
50. It removes candle wax from furniture, carpets and clothing.
51. Hummingbird Feeders: To deter bees try rubbing SSS on the feeder surface by the feeder ports.
52. Maggots too!! You squirted SSS in can and lid, then later flushed with soapy water, you shouldn't have any bugs in cans rest of summer!!!
53. It is a great furniture polish!
54. Ok, we have a new use for SSS bath oil. Put it in one of the bottle that you attach to your backyard hose and then spray down the back yard! Will cut down on ants, mosquitoes and other creepy crawlies.
55. People around the outskirts of Eureka and surrounding areas (and sometimes in town) spray it on their rose bushes to keep the deer from eating them, and at the cemeteries on the flowers they put out there for the same reason.
56. Kills spiders.
57. It cuts grease and cleans dirt from range hoods.
58. Add a capful to wash water of clothes...acts as a fabric softener and keeps the bugs off clothes.
59. Spray on orchids and other flowers for moisture and to keep bugs away.
60. Cleans baseball caps. Just spray on and rub with toothbrush.
61. SSS I used this recipe mix one part SSS and 2 parts water on my tomato plants and kept those ugly old tomato worms off. I think that adding the vinegar would be fine too and would be nice not to have to shake the spray bottle all the time. I sprayed my plants about every 2 or 3 days. Worked grand!! Too late for most this year, but file this for next.
62. SSS bath oil also does a great job cleaning cherry wood cabinets.
63. Put a little in your mopping water to help keep crawling bugs out. (Not too much or the floor gets slippery.)
64. Use to clean windows.
65. Removes crayon from most surfaces.
66. It's a great insect repellent (or you can use Bug Guard, the actual SSS repellent)
67. Screens can be lightly sprayed with Avon SSS to repel no-see-'ums and tiny gnats that otherwise might slip though the screens.
68. Another use for SSS is it will kill those pesky earwigs. Spray it on & they don't return to life.
69. Also if you ever make candles, use clear wax and melt put SSS in it and harden works great for out side in the summer.
70. As a deodorizer, spray into air and let settle, kills those nasty pet orders.
71. Kids rooms if a child wets the bed, spray the bedding and sheets before washing and will give it a fresh clean smell.

ANIMAL USES
72. It's a great insect repellent for your pet. (As recommended in "Outdoor Life" and "Field and Stream")
73. Mix 5 parts water, 1 part SSS and mist on animals. Brushing it in makes their coats gleam and keeps insects off so the animals don't fidget in the show ring.
74. Mix in your pet's bath water. It takes the fleas off of them...and in between sprays them with the same mixture as in #2 to help keep them off.
75. Rub on your hands before and after working with your pets and farm animals. It will remove the strong smells.
76. Black Fly Spray For Dogs: Use as a spray or a dip. 1 cup SSS, 1/2 cup liquid detergent and 3 gallons of water.
77. For dogs dry skin mix 1 tablespoon of SSS per gallon of water and use as an after bath rinse. Or spritz your pet's coat once per week.
78. If your dog should get tar or asphalt on the pads of their feet rub on SSS and then wipe off.
79. Flea Bath: Use a flea and tick shampoo. Rinse, rinse, rinse so no soap residue is left. Follow with final rinse of 2 gallons of water mixed with flea dip and 1 capful of SSS. The SSS helps replace the oils lost in bathing and has the added benefit of repelling insects.
80. Flea Repellent: Avon's SSS Bath Oil. 1-1/2 ounces per gallon of water; used as a sponge-on dip (or as a spritz) has been tested and proven to have significant, but not complete, flea-repellent activity for a 6-day period. It should help those dry coats, too.
81. Does anyone use the Avon SSS bath oil on his or her chows? I have begun using it on Chancey and it has done wonders for her skin. Like, many chows, she has very dry and flaky skin, especially for being black. Since I started using that product, her dandruff and itchiness has improved tremendously and her hair has become shiny and smooth. It also serves as a great flea and tick protector. I use it about twice a month and I just spray it on her. I really like it.
82. I use the following on my horses and on my dogs when necessary. 1-cup Avon SSS bath oil 1-cup white vinegar 1-cup (or more) water 5 cc of essential oil of citronella (from the health food store NOT the type you burn to keep insects away that is available in a drug store) Mix in a spray bottle. Straight SSS works well for mosquito_s too but really makes your dog greasy.
83. (Barns) Use of an inexpensive fly control spray or a diluted mix of Avon SSS in water can be sprayed on barn walls and floor to discourage insects from hanging around or to eliminate them before putting in the new bedding. As time permits, and if you can keep your goats out of the barn for a few hours - let the barn stand and air out before re-filling with bedding.
84. Rub on your hands before and after working with pets and farm animals, takes away pet odor.
85. Avon's SSS bath oil massaged directly into the skin of your Rottweiler acts not only as a successful repellant and makes their dogs smell good but helps prevent drying and itchy skin.
86. A natural way to help cats with flea problems and flea allergies is to rub Skin So Soft into the skin. Once a bug, always a bug. Fleas don't like it either! Spread the word!
87. Cats: SSS IS SAFE FOR FUR LICKING -------The SSS plus is safe as long as it is the one without sunscreen.
88. Don't overuse the SSS. I just use the lotion, and rub it into the skin, not more than every few days. My cat's sensitive and we're being careful. Common sense is the rule. Sprinkling Yeast on the cat food helps, too. My cat's fur is medium-length; he's part Persian, and he's doing fine, no ill effects from the SSS. You can check with your vet to be sure if it's okay...

USES FOR HORSES
89. SSS can be used as a hoof polish. This will put a nice shine to the hoof without drying it. The farrier's wife will appreciate this one!
90. SSS can be used as a muzzle, eye, and ear enhancer. Generally we used baby oil but it was so messy. I tried SSS and it works great and still helps keep bugs away.
91. I have a show mare that has allergies and also gets dry skin very easily so I started giving her baths in SSS. What I do is bathe her like normal and then I put a capful of SSS in a 5-gallon bucket of warm water and sponge this all over her. Her hair coat dries silky soft and she quits itching. Works for her.
92. The bug guard towelettes we had last summer work great on the horse_s ears and around their eyes.
93. When I have to band (braid) their manes I use the Techniques Oil Sheen. It seems to help hold the braids a lot better and they don't try to rub them out.
94. The dry end serum works great in their tails as a detangler. Everything I have mentioned here I use faithfully on our show horses. The products are a heck of a lot cheaper than actual horse products. People see me using these products at the horse shows and start inquiring about them. I usually let them take my bottles and try them on their horses at the show, which usually ends up in a sale for me.

AUTOMOBILE USES
95. It removes tar spots from the car without damage to the paint.
96. Use it to clean vinyl dashboards, seats, and tops. It not only cleans, but also keeps it soft and helps to prevent any cracking.
97. After washing your car, use it as a tire dressing to keep them looking like new.
98. Put some on a small washcloth and leave in the car to help keep the air fresh and clean.
99. Wipe down vinyl surfaces inside your car. Cleans nicely and removes smoke odors left by cigarette smokers.
100. It gently cleans heavy grease and oil from skin and nonporous surfaces (great for Mechanic's Hands).
101. It removes tree sap.
102. Prior to traveling...rub SSS on headlights and grill. It makes insects and bugs easier to remove.
103. Shines vehicle tires
104. Open a towelette and use as an automotive air freshener.

*SSS bath oil is approved by the FDA/CDA only as a bath oil. This list is compiled by Independent Reps and Customers. Avon makes no claims of these uses, nor have they.

Feeling productive

My avon order came in last night. It was the biggest one I have had since going on maternity leave. I sat down sorted through it and tried to get back into the swing of things. I got it all bagged and ready to deliver. As of right now, I have one order left to deliver! Not bad!

Now that I got that out of the way, I better get out there and drum up new order for the next campaign!

I got myself a website

Well after all that back and forth, I decided to get a website. I knew I wanted one, I just couldn't justify spending the money for it. Now that I got one, I guess I just have to work that much harder to make enough profit to cover the website too!

I'm still working on customizing it and getting it running full speed, but so far I'm pretty happy about it. I have to come up with a marketing/advertising plan to get it out there.

Feel free to stop by and check it out: www.youravon.com/smottola

As always thoughts/comments/constructive criticism is appreciated!

Should I or Shouldn't I???

Avon offers a website to reps through Avon, of course. You are not allowed to create a website on your own to sell Avon products. I keep going back and forth as to whether or not I should sign up to have one. There is a pretty significant cost per campaign to have the website. A campaign lasts 2 weeks, so the cost is basically doubled for a month period. Since the fee is not cheap, I keep thinking I should wait until I get a bigger customer base and more steady orders.

At the same time, I keep thinking if I had a website I could market it more and get more customers. Kind of along the lines of "If you build it they will come." Then again, building things takes money. And here were are back at square one trying to decide what to do!

Another plus to having a website is a farther reaching customer base. If I have a website, customers can sign up for direct delivery. They would still have me as a rep for personal service when wanted and needed, but they could have their products shipped to their door at their convenience. This would help me to reach potential out of town customers as well. They will be able to shop and buy online. Otherwise I have to get a book to them and then ship the products myself once they come in.

Customers in my area could choose to have their products Direct Delivered or Rep Delivered. If they choose Rep Delivery they would put their order in online, but I would still receive the product in the normal way and hand deliver it to my customers. Thus they would have the freedom/flexibility to shop online when and where they want, but they would still get the personal service and great customer service that I offer to all my customers.

Guess its time to really put that thinking cap on and decide!!

How to Apply Mineral MakeUp

How To Apply Mineral Makeup

By Kat White | On December 12, 2006 | In Women | Rated

Being that mineral makeup is a fairly new concept to the world of cosmetics, it is often believed that mineral makeup is difficult to apply and is time consuming.

This could be the farthest from the truth! Mineral Makeup is extremely easy to apply, and takes less time then applying traditional cosmetics.

To apply mineral makeup there is only a few simple steps, and you will only need 2 things to apply mineral foundation; a container of mineral foundation and a makeup brush.

Step 1: Open your container of mineral makeup and pour a tiny amount into the lid of the jar. A little goes a long way and you can always add more if needed.

Step 2: Take your makeup brush and whirl it around in the lid. Make sure the brush is picking up the minerals.

Step 3: Dust off any extra minerals by lightly tapping the brush onto the side of the jar.

Step 4: Buff the brush full of minerals onto your face in a circular motion. Start with your cheeks and then forehead, chin, and nose. Be sure to blend all the way down onto your neck for a smooth look.

These are the only steps you need to apply your mineral foundation. This whole process usually takes about 2 minutes, so it can be applied even if you are short on time.

To apply additional mineral makeup such as blushes and eye shadows the same 4 steps are used. Just apply onto the cheeks and eyelids instead of over the entire face. If you want a more dramatic look to you eye shadows simply dip your shadow brush in water and then into your shadow and apply. This will give any shimmery eye shadows an extra glow and any matte shadows more color.

With a little practice, anyone can be a mineral makeup pro in no time!

About The Author:
Kat White is the resident Bare Minerals fan at Bare Mineral Reviews. For more great reviews on your favorite mineral makeup visit http://www.baremineralreviews.com

 

Cosmetics Shelf-Life Chart

From: marthastewart.com © 2006 MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA

Cosmetics Shelf-life Chart

Taking inventory of cosmetics can free up storage space and more important, offers a reminder to replace those that are past their prime.

MOISTURIZER

6 to 12 months

Choose tubes or pumps, which help prevent contamination from microorganisms. Keep cap closed tightly.

TONER

6 to 12 months

Look for cloudiness or a foul odor.

CLEANSER

6 to 12 months

Never share eye products. Look for tubes instead of jars. Apply above eyelid, not on eyelid itself.

EXFOLIANTS

6 to 12 months

Keep cap closed tightly to prevent water from entering in the shower. Oil-based scrubs (like many of the sea-salt ones) last longer than water-based formulas

EYE CREAM

6 to 12 months

Don't leave in the car; it can go rancid if exposed to heat and air for prolonged periods.

LIP BALM

1 to 2 years

Don't leave in the car; it can go rancid if exposed to heat and air for prolonged periods.

SHAMPOO

6 to 12 months

Store above shower head so water doesn't get in. If it changes in smell or appearance, throw it out.

CONDITIONER

6 to 12 months

As with shampoo, watch for changes in consistency and odor.

STYLING PRODUCTS

1 year or more

High-alcohol (20 percent or more) gels and hairspray can last many years. Close caps and lids tightly to prevent formula from drying out. Keep jar lids tightly closed to prevent contents from drying out; always clean hands before using. If product separates, becomes liquidy, or smells strange, throw it away.

NAIL POLISH

1 year

Keep caps on tightly; store at room temperature. Don't add remover to bottle to thin.

FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER

6 months

Use sponges or brushes (not fingers) when applying so you don't contaminate with microorganisms from your skin.

EYE AND LIP PENCILS

3 to 6 months for eyes6 to 12 months for lips

Sharpen pencil before each use to clean surface. Discard if rancid odor develops.

LIPSTICK

2 to 3 years

To prevent rancidity, store at room temperature and not in the car or refrigerator. (Beading does not indicate rancidity; it's merely oils escaping from the formula.)

MASCARA

3 to 6 months

Keep cap on tightly to prevent drying out. Never put wand down on counter or tabletop. Don't add water if it gets thick.

POWDERS (FACE, BLUSH, OR EYE)

3 to 6 months for eyes, 6 to 12 months for others

Wash applicators monthly; use water (not saliva) if you use wet powder. Dry before storing. Don't store products in the sun.

APPLICATORS (BRUSHES, SPONGES)

3 to 6 months or longer

Wash sponges used for liquid makeup with soap and water; dry. Replace those used with powders every few months. Cleaned regularly, brushes can last for years; use mild soap and a little water (do not immerse).

FRAGRANCE

3 years or longer

Reduce headspace in bottle to preserve scent (that is, if you've used half, pour what remains into a smaller bottle);

SUNSCREEN

If it separates or doesn't spread well, replace it. At the beach, keep in a beach bag, out of direct sunlight.

SELF-TANNER

3 to 6 months

Don't stock up. The self-tanning ingredient, dihydroxyacetone, oxidizes within a few months, turns brown, and can take on an unpleasant odor.

Harder than I thought

Ok, so being an Avon Rep is harder than I thought it would be. I still love it though. It's harder than I thought it would be to get customers! I think it might be a little easier if I was more outgoing. Its still incredibly hard for me just to walk up to total stranger and strike up a conversation. Funny though, I have no problem striking up a conversation with a stranger online!

I think its fear of rejection. If I can't see the person, I guess the rejection won't feel so bad. I know it seems silly. So my goal is to find the courage to approach more people with Avon.

It shouldn't be hard, I love the products. I think they are great and a great value! Of course I want to share that with people! I need a game plan.

Off to brainstorm!