Avon Goes High Def

Avon is one of those makeup brands that can sometimes fly under the radar, just because you can't run to the store and pick something up. But, it's really a brand you should get acquainted with if you're not already because the bottom line is, they offer high quality makeup and skincare at really affordable prices. I had the chance to test out Avon's new High Definition makeup line for spring and was really impressed with the way it performed, especially since everything is $11 and under. Check out the product details below!

MagiX Cashmere Finish Foundation: Ok, so everyone knows by now that I am a loyal, borderline obsessed bareMinerals user, so it takes a lot for a foundation to impress me, especially one of the liquid variety. I loved this foundation so much that I'm actually cheating on my bareMinerals, which really hasn't ever happened. The creamy, liquid mousse formula feels like nothing, covers flawlessly, blends seamlessly and floats on top of pores and fine lines for a smooth, airbrushed finish (it's all about the airbrush finish these days). Most importantly, this looked phenomenol in natural light. It's currently on sale for $7.99, so this is a no brainer. About the same price as drugstore foundations, yet has the quality of a product three times the price.

GLIMMERSTICKS Diamonds Eye Liner: I'm surprisingly picky about my eyeliner because my eye area can get oily, and then it smudges all over the place and it's just an annoying mess. These liners stayed put for hours and had a really nice little sparkle to them. They're super precise so you can create a thin subtle line, or kick it up with a thicker, cat eye line for evening. My favorite was Twilight Sparkle, a twinkly deep blue shade. People tend to be frightened at the thought of navy liner but it's beyond wearable and makes eyes look nice and bright, especially if you rim the lower inside line.

SuperExtend Mascara: I am a huge lash person - seriously, if there's a product I absolutely need, it's mascara, and a whole lot of it. I have thin, blonde-tipped lashes and while they're long, I look like I have no eyes without mascara on. This formula really coated every lash, and what I especially loved was the intense black patent shine. Perfect for when you're craving a really defined eye moment. Looks even better when used with the Glimmersticks - eyes look really bright and glowy.

Mega Watt Lips: I have been having a love affair with lipstick recently and really going out of my comfort zone with color. I was always a nude, pinky beige gloss person but I've been embracing the full on lipstick trend for awhile now. This formula is rich and multi-dimensional, so your pout really pops. I tried the Kicked Up Coral shade, which was punchy and warm, and made my skin look tan and glowing. It's definitely a bright lip moment, so blot and apply some clear gloss on top if you're looking for a more understated look. Bonus: it has SPF 15.

Availability: go to avon.com to find an erepresentative to purchase.

Disclosure: press samples were provided for editorial consideration.

Essie the Art of Spring Collection

Spring fever continues over here at BITNB and I finally got around to trying the Essie Art of Spring collection, which I'm currently obsessed with. Essie is definitely my favorite nail care brand, simply because no matter what shade you choose - from bold red to pale nude - it always looks so wearable. The Art of Spring collection features six new shades that are each creamy and opaque, ranging from pastel to bright. 

Shades include (from left to right):

Lilacism - a creamy lilac with blue undertones

Neo Whimsical - a dusty pastel rose plum

Pop Art Pink - a true, pastel pink

Red Nouveau - a fiery red

Tart Deco - a creamy coral

Van D'Go - a peach cream with pink undertones

Everyone keeps talking about Tart Deco but my favorite of the bunch is Van D'Go. I love a good peach, and this is an opaque, full coverage shade that stands out without being over the top. Check out my diy mani below. It's a little low quality due to the fact that I took it on my blackberry, but you get the idea. 

Head over to Essie.com to purchase, or Amazon where you can get them for about $4 instead of the usual $8.