Motherhood & Beauty: Finding that Balance

Hey, beauts. I know that a lot of my readers are Mothers and so I just had to reach out and do this post. I know that as a Mother, it is hard to get everything done that you have to while trying to fit in everything that you want to. I also know how easy it is to lose yourself along the way. 

My oldest just turned 7 years old last month, and during that time I have had many personal ups and downs. Most of which having to pertain to my self body-image/beauty. I still struggle with feelings of insecurity, that's just part of my nature. I try to find ways to embrace that and still feel really good about myself. When I don't overthink things, I'm better off. Aren't we all?

I think that we all, as individuals, have to find happiness however/wherever we can. When you think about the big picture, the spilled chocolate milk on your floor doesn't amount to much. De-stress by letting things go and watch the natural beauty unfold. 

Being beautiful starts with being confident in yourself. You could wear all the makeup in the world but if you aren't feeling good about yourself - it is going to show through all of that. Feeling blue? Ask yourself - What can I do for myself today? You might not be able to allow for much "me time" but you really should take a few minutes out of each day to "do you". 

Try meditating or drinking a cup of soothing green tea. If that doesn't do it for you, do some retail therapy. Treating myself to a little something always perks me up a bit. Also, try your best to designate a spot for yourself, where you can go and be alone for a bit and collect your thoughts. Start a journal or a blog, so that you can vent and who knows - you might discover a new-found love for writing. You might even be really good at it! Listen to music, but try to stay away from the emotional trigger songs. Get a massage or take a nice, warm, bubble bath. Whatever you decide to do - make sure you are doing it for you. Because you deserve it. Don't let anyone (including yourself) tell you any different.

What are some ways that you find the balance for combining Motherhood with Beauty? Comment below!

xo Sylvia

FREE 5pc Beauty Set w/ Your Online Purchase

Happy Saturday, beauties! I have an special limited time offer to share with you all - and its running right now online at youravon.com/ssandis 

With your $60 order from my AVON eStore, you will get this 5pc Beauty Set for FREE! Just use coupon code SMOOCHES at checkout. 

This offer expires midnight on 9/13/15 

Place your order now so you don't miss it!

This 5-piece Beauty Set includes: 

One AVON Kisses Cosmetic Bag - $7.99 value - Cute, kissing-lips print design. Easily fits your beauty basics, but compact size makes it purse-perfect and great for daily travel. 8" L x 2 1/4" W x 3 3/4" D. 

One Ultra Color Bold Lipstick - $8 value - Bold color has never been this daring! High-impact lip color with a moisturizing texture and creamy feel. Full, even coverage that lasts for hours. 50% more pigment packed into every stick!* Satin finish.

One SuperExtend Winged Out Mascara - $8 value - Voted by all your magazine as a Best Beauty Buy for 2015. Breakthrough precision-tapered brush with hundreds of fine filigree bristles captures every lash, drawing them up and out. Raven black lengthening fibers wrap and lift each individual lash for a long, fluttery multidimensional look. Clump- and flake-proof. 

One Ultra Color Glossy Tube - $6 value - Ultra color, shine, & hydration! Moisturizing, vitamin- infused lip gloss in high-shine shades. Glass-like finish.

One Glimmersticks Liqui-Glide Eye Liner - $7 value - The intense look of a liquid liner with the ease and precision of a pencil. Long-wearing. Smudge-resistant. Retractable, self-sharpening.

This is a great time to shop online at youravon.com/ssandis - With this special offer, you'll be getting $36.99 worth of product for FREE! You will also receive FREE SHIPPING since your order will be over $40!! Plus, imagine all the goodies you can get for $60 - tons of sales going on including BOGO offers and so many other ways to save. 

Looking for something in particular? Contact me and I can help you find what you need/want. To make sure you are getting the best deal possible when shopping online, READ THIS POST to learn how to back-order from previous AVON campaigns. This will ensure that you are getting the product that you want for the absolute lowest price that has been given in the past 3 campaigns. 

xo Sylvia

Quick Beauty Tips for the Girl who is Short on Time

Hey there, beauties! There are "a zillion" beauty tips online and some of them take up more of your time than others. Here are just a few of the ones I found that are sure to help out when you are short on time.

Prime Your Pucker. Use a bit of foundation on your lips before applying your lipstick. It will help the color stay all day. I recommend the Smooth Minerals line or the BB Cream.

Perfect Peepers. A Q-tip dipped in eye cream can easily clean up any mistakes or smudges from your eye makeup application. For radiant, well-rested looking eyes, use Anew Vitale Eye Gel Cream.

Lash Blast. Heat your eyelash curler with your blow dryer for a few seconds (don't overdo it!) before you use it. It will help lock in the curl. Add an Avon Eyelash Curler to your online order. It's only $3.99!

Reduce Zit Redness. A dab of Visine will help take the red out of a pimple.

Healthy Looking Skin and Hair. Baby oil is great to add to your daily moisturizing routine for a bit of extra sheen. In a pinch, a pea-sized amount can act as a shine hair serum before dashing out the door. Be sure to try the AVON Classic, Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil It does wonders for your skin!

Clean Up. If your 12-hour lip stain isn't coming off with soap and water, a bit of makeup remover will do the trick. I highly recommend using both the Eye Makeup Remover Lotion and the Makeup Remover Wipes when its time to clean off the beauty products.

Use Gloss to Glow. Celebrity makeup artist Gina Brooke says, "Take a lip gloss in a sheer nude color and add it to the apples of your cheeks. It will instantly illuminate your skin and create the illusion of a healthy glow where you need it most."

For Bushy Brows. Use a fresh toothbrush and a spritz of hairspray to tame unruly eyebrows.

Dry in a Flash. The quickest way to dry hair after you shower is to first soak up excess water with a towel. Then, blow dry starting with the hair underneath and work your way to the outer layers.

Sleep Your Way to Frizz-Free Hair. Use a satin pillowcase so your hair doesn't turn into a beehive overnight. Satin helps keep strands smooth while you sleep.

xo Sylvia

BLOG RE-BRAND: A Work In Progress

Good morning, beauties! I've been playing around with the idea on re-branding my beauty blog... with a new look, a new feel, and a new name. As you can see from my updated header, I am currently working on doing just that. 

Confused about the eight minute makeup name and why I would choose that? Well, it's not that complicated in reality. It takes me eight minutes to do my makeup. Always. I don't normally have the time to spend on getting glam'd up - and I don't think I should have to! 

I am incredibly busy during my day to day. I have two kids - both in school and in sports/activities afterwards. I have to cook dinner, help with homework assignments and various science fair projects. There's cleaning and laundry that need done. Oh yes, and the pup needs to go out for a walk. I have my AVON business that I work at with immense passion so that I can achieve my goals and dreams. All the while, I want to look fabulous. I want to feel fabulous. Since I don't have a lot of time to achieve that, I have perfected my beauty routine to a mere eight minutes. 

I am moving in a new direction with my blogging. While you will still see AVON product reviews and sales/special offers, I will be adding more entries on trends today in beauty, fashion, etc. I will also be adding more lifestyle posts to give more of a variety to my readers. My blog will be a reflection of myself: interested in a little bit of everything.

So, bare with me as I make these new and exciting changes! As always, I appreciate your feedback and even welcome topic ideas on what you want to see from my blog! Thanks for coming along on this journey with me. 

xo Sylvia

MY LUST LIST: Lipstick Shades

Hey, beauts! I've previously blogged on my favorite lipstick shades (you can check out that post HERE to see which ones made my list). I'm sure as I try new shades, i'll be updating that favorites list. I'm a firm believer that a gal cannot have too many lipsticks (or any makeup product for that matter). Makeup is fun --- an extension of your personality. I'm a "wear your heart on your sleeve" type girl, so my moods most certainly reflect the style of my look for that time. This is why I find it most fulfilling to have an impressive makeup collection so as to have an open palette of colors and trends. 

I cannot say enough positive things about AVON makeup. The different lipstick lines allow for a wide variety in how you want your makeup to look and feel. Do you need something that is going to hold up and last for hours? Do you want some shimmer and sparkle? How about a matte finish - is that more your scene? AVON has something for every occasion. Today's entry will be on the lipstick shades that are on my list, that I've just got to try out ASAP. Hence, My Lippy To Do List!

FROM THE ULTRA COLOR LIPSTICK LINE: (4.3 out of 5 star rating)
Satin Finish - shade Vamp. This one is a dark, deep, purple. Gosh, it looks gorgeous. I imagine myself wearing this shade on a girls night out! Something fun, dark and mysterious. Definitely something that will turn heads. Vamp is bold, high fashion, and I want it. I love that this lipstick line contains a lip-nourishing formula of shea butter, omega-3 oil, arctic berry and vitamin E. 

Demi Matte Finish - shade Matte Nude. I love a great natural lippy look from time to time! There are a few nude colored shades that have my heart but I want to try one in a matte finish. Matte makeup is all the rage, and especially for Fall right around the corner, its an on-trend look. No shine, no fuss. Simplistic. A quick touch of this in the morning will make you feel ready and confident for the day. You can't go wrong with a subtle lipstick shade, simple as that.

FROM THE BEYOND COLOR LIPSTICK LINE: (4 out of 5 star rating)
shade Bitten. What a fun and bright pink color! The improved Beyond Color Lipstick line is now formulated with jojoba oil, caffeine and pomegranate extract. You can trust that your lips are protected with its included SPF 15. All shades in this line have a Satin finish. I've just got to try this one. "On Wednesday's we wear pink." right!?


shade Heat Wave. What girl doesn't love a classic red lip? I know I do! A red lip gives me confidence and empowerment. It makes me feel like a whole new person, really. I'm always down to try a new shade of red and add it to my collection of rose and ruby colored pretties. This shade looks to me like it would be classic yet have that little bit of extra spunk. The name says it all, this one is HOT HOT HOT!


FROM THE EXTRA LASTING LIPSTICK LINE: (3.8 out of 5 star rating)
shade Pink Peach. Looks like this one is a sweet pale pink with a hint of orange - a salmon color, if you will. This is the lipstick like that you want to get if you know that you need your lippy look to last for hours. I can imagine myself wearing this shade on a day out with my husband, browsing around the stores, or having a picnic lunch at the park. Just too sweet. 

What shades are on your list to try?

To shop these lipstick shades, plus hundreds more, register as my customer and shop online 24/7 at youravon.com/ssandis Your order will ship to your address with the Direct Delivery option via my AVON eStore. All orders ship for FREE when over $40. Thanks for reading --- please comment and/or share this post! Have a great week!!

15 Randoms About Myself

Good morning, beauties! I was just reflecting over my entries and realized that I have not really done an introductory post to tell you all a little about myself. No time like the present, right? So, let's get to it. These will be in no particular order, just listed randomly as they come to my mind.

1. It takes me eight minutes to do my makeup. No matter what look i'm going for, or what products I am using, eight minutes seems to be my constant. This is good for me because I do not have a lot of time to spend on getting all doll'd up.

2. I am a stay(work) at home mom to two great kids. One of which is in second grade and the other starts preschool - tomorrow. I'm going to try to not cry.

3. It does not take much to make me happy. I find that the most simplest of things give me the most joy. Ergo, i'm not high maintenance. 

4. I am a beautiful hot mess in the sense of organization. I really need to buckle down and get things more on a routine and schedule. I'll gladly accept any tips on fun ways to get organized.

5. My husband is my high school sweetheart. We are all each other has ever known and I find that to be ridiculously romantic. Even if most days comfort has clearly moved in, the butterflies are still there.

6. My anxiety does get the best of me, on some days. I'm working toward techniques and other things to get the panic in check - one step at a time, right? I am my own worst enemy that much is fore sure.

7. I have been losing the battle with insomnia as of late. I have no issue in falling asleep, but I cannot seem to stay asleep. Well, hello there coffee.

8. On December 29th, it will be one year since I quit smoking cigarettes. I did it by vaping and still get some nicotine but have lowered the level and soon will be nicotine free. 

9. I love wearing glasses. Although, in the Summer months I would love to just rock a pair of stylish sunnies, contacts have never been that comfortable for me. I'm all about the comfort, really. I have thought about getting them once again though as I have found it challenging to do certain makeup looks since I have to get "nose-to-nose" with the mirror.

10. I'm having a blast as an AVON Independent Sales Representative. I'm learning so much about myself in terms of confidence and business savvy. I may still be new to the beauty biz but i'm here to learn and grow and enjoy ever minute of the journey. 

11. Speaking of learning and growing - I may not be the best at blogging, but just like some days are better than others - so are my entries. I am a work in progress and so is my beauty blog. Stay with me and beautiful things will develop!

12. I'm the crazy sunscreen lady at the beach, swimming pool, outdoors in general. I am the one chasing my kids around with the SPF! I will not apologize for it, either. I think that skin health/awareness is not taken seriously enough. 

13. I much rather give gifts in place of receiving them. I get the biggest kick out of watching someone open something that I know they will truly enjoy or that is an inside joke. It makes me genuinely feel good to give someone something, even if it does not cost one cent.

14. Yellow is my favorite color, but I do not like to wear it. I don't think its a good color for me to wear in clothing. I do love me some yellow colored accessories like handbags, shoes, jewelry, etc. My dream car is a yellow Ford Mustang. **sighs**

15. If you ask me to keep something a secret, I will. Unless, that is to say, it could cause you or someone else harm. Then and only then will I break the pinky promise.

Well, beauts - that's 15! I thank you kindly for reading. If you feel compelled to share to your social media sites, thank you for that as well! 

xo Sylvia

Fall's Ultimate Accessory: The Statement Scarf

Hey there, beauties! I previously blogged some beauty tips to gear up for the Fall trends and today, i'd like to continue the Fall theme by featuring the ultimate Fall fashion accessory - The statement scarf.

Three Print Scarf Pack 

Regular $29.99 ON SALE NOW $19.99 for the pack.

Fall’s ultimate accessory in the season’s hottest prints.

Each pack includes one black & white lace, one red floral print and one white/black/brown leopard print 72” L x 18” W scarves.

These scarves are great because they are versatile and trendy with attractive designs. There are endless style possibilities - so bring out the Fashionista in you!

Speaking on endless style possibilities, another essential Fall fashion accessory is the mark. Endless Style Scarf. A great, patterned, extra-long scarf to spice up your outfit. Perfect to mix up textures and patterns for a standout look. Houndstooth with red trim. $18 | Pairs fabulously with the mark. On Top Of Things Jacket (pictured below with scarf) $65

Customer Comment about Endless Style Scarf:

"I love herringbone, and this take on it is fabulous. The color is very vibrant (more so than the picture). It will be perfect for fall with its deep cranberry color.I also like that the tag is in black and not obvious, unlike most scarf tags which I end up removing because it ruins the look. This would be a great addition to a black or white suit for business as well!"

Tip: When shopping mark. Fashions, keep in mind that the pieces are designed and fitted for Junior sizing. You're never "too old" to dress fashionably, however, keep the sizing chart in mind when making your purchases. If you are unsatisfied with any product in your online order, AVON does offer a Money Back Guarantee. So, if it doesn't fit, or it isn't what you had in mind - send it back and your money will be refunded to you.

Get inspired on how to wear your new scarves purchased from youravon.com/ssandis

via The Frugal Homemaker.

Check out The Frugal Homemaker and her 31 Days of Fall Inspiration: 

50+ ways to wear + tie scarves.

Thanks for reading and have a great week! Stay tuned for more in makeup, skincare, fashion, etc. for the upcoming Fall Season!!

Beauty Tips for Seasonal Trends | Fall Edition

Hey there, beauts! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. Fall is closing in and its out with the old and in with the new. This post will, hopefully, help you get well on your way to achieving the newest trends for the season! 

Welcome Fall with a lush, nature-inspired palette in eye makeup and fashion trends. Making a subtle nod to fall shades, try rich earth tones and hints of red and terra-cotta.

Luxurious, silky texture & ultra-fine pigments.

Eye Dimensions Eyeshadow - $9

Available in six shade palettes.

Beauty Tips to get the look of Earth Tone Eyes:

Neutral Earth tones give an au natural twist in this hot-off-the-runway smoky eye.

1. Use the lightest shade of the Eye Dimensions Eyeshadow to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of your eye. Try the earthy palette that is, Khaki Chic. (Shown above)

2. Sweep the medium (middle) shade on the center of your eyelid and blend. Then, apply the darkest shade to the outer corner and along lash line. 

3. Line your eyes using a neutral shade such as Glimmersticks Eye Liner in Cosmic Brown. 

4. Finish off the look with Big & Daring Volume Mascara in Brown Black to complete this subtle smoky eye.

AVON's #1 Eye Liner is Glimmersticks! Long-lasting, retractable, self-sharpening. Five shades available, $7 each. 

5x the explosive volume! That's what you can expect from Big & Daring Volume Mascara - now in waterproof. Regular price is $9 Currently ON SALE for $6.99

Another look that you'll want to try this season, and make it your own - is the Modern Cat Eye. Pair an exquisite black line with super-winged-out lashes and a soft shadow for this chic cat eye look.

Two complimentary shades in one. 

True Color Eyeshadow Duo - Reg. $6 ON SALE NOW $3.99

Available in seven shade duos.

Beauty Tips to get the Modern Cat Eye look:

1. Apply the lighter shade of the True Color Eyeshadow Duo to the inner corner of your eyelid. Blend the darker shade onto crease. outer corner and bottom lash line. Try shade Candied Violet for this look.

2. Apply SuperExtend Precise Liquid Liner in Black to the top lash line, flicking out slightly up at the corners.

3. For additional drama, apply a second bold line to the lower eyelashes. 

4. Finish the look with SuperExtend Winged Out Mascara in Blackest Black.

Liquid liner get foolproof for 12 hours of mess-free. fade-free wear - the all new SuperExtend Precision Liquid Liner. Glides on smoothly for an ultra-fine, precise line. Available in black, only. Will be $9 currently ON SPECIAL $4.99

Instantly wing out those lashes with SuperExtend Winged Out Mascara. Available in 3 shades, Blackest Black, Black, and Brown Black. $8 each.

Lacquered looked lips are all the rage - and with AVON makeup, you can achieve the look easily. Layer lip color for a lacquered look that begs to be kissed!

High-definition color infused with vitamin E and wheat protein. 

Keeps lips from feeling dry for 24 hours.

Extra Lasting Lipstick - Reg. $10 ON SALE NOW $5.99

Available in 12 vibrant shades.

Beauty Tips for the Lacquered Lip Look:

1. Start with soft lips by using a moisturizing lip conditioner such as the Beyond Color Lip Conditioner, a colorless lip primer.

2. Use Glimmersticks Lip Liner all over lips as a base and then line lips within 1/8" of your natural lip line. Try the shade Coral for a bright pop of color.

3. For a long wearing look, you'll want to apply Extra Lasting Lipstick. Dare to go with a bold look and choose shade Fiery Red.

4. Sweep Extra Lasting Lip Gloss over your lips to seal the lippy deal and create a super-shiny, lacquered look. The shade Always Apple will compliment the previous shades used. 

Instantly feel your lips become softer, smoother, and firmer with the Beyond Color Lip Conditioner. SPF 15 and colorless, to wear alone or under your lip color. Regular price $8 ON SALE NOW $4.99

Glimmersticks Lip Liner enhances the look of your lipstick. Long-wearing, retractable, and self-sharpening. Available in 12 shades (including clear) $7 each. 

Comfy gloss that lasts 8 hours? You'll want to use the Extra Lasting Lip Gloss. Beautiful glossy color makes lips look shiny and luminous. Light-to-medium coverage. Available in 6 fabulous shades. Regular price $10 each ON SALE NOW $4.99 each.

Additional Beauty Tips for the Fall Season:

• Be Natural. Use light and natural colored foundation and blush. A natural face is the quintessential fall look.
• Nail the Half Moon. Using the tip of the polish brush from your half-moon shade, pat three small dots in the shape of a triangle where your half moon would be (so two dots close to the skin, then the top peak further down the nail). Then fill in — simple!
• Do the Twist. Brush hair straight down, then clip your strands into segments to make your workload smaller. Then, start twisting sections vertically. As the piece of hair gets more twisted, you can pull it back horizontally. Twisting down, not back, will ensure the twist starts early on the scalp.
• Contour with White. Apply the white product around the eyes, on cheekbones, and on the chin to bring light to the high points of the face and slim down your features. 

I hope you've enjoyed this entry, please comment below and share it to your social media outlets! Stay tuned for more beauty tips with makeup tutorials, tips for being on-trend in the Fall Fashion world, and more. To purchase the products mentioned in today's post (plus more, of course!) head on over to youravon.com/ssandis and place your order. Your order ships directly to your address and shipping is always free when your order is over $40.