Review: Avon High Definition Color Collection (pic heavy)

I promised more makeup reviews and I meant it! Today I'd like to share with you my thoughts on some of the new Avon High Definition Color products that I was lucky enough to receive for review recently. I've been testing all four of these products for a few weeks now, and I'm delighted to tell you that Avon's got a real winner on their hands. If it's been a while since you last ordered from Avon, I think one (or a few) of these new goodies might have you plotting an order soon (and of course don't forget to check for current coupon codes before you order!).

First let's start out by saying that it seems as though everyone's been putting "HD" or "High Def" in the name of their products lately. While many of us may be growing a bit tired of it, I have to say that Avon has infused some extra sparkle and shimmer into some of their "high def" products and I am loving the results.

Let's begin with the new Avon Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick SPF 15:

Avon Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick SPF 15 in Fuchsia Fun (retail: $8 but currently on sale 2/$6.99 on the Avon website)

I love how this lipstick is "cut" like a diamond!

According to Avon, "Chromapixel Technology boots color by reflecting light and enhancing shine to amplify each shade's true hue." How does that translate to real life? Well one swipe of this lipstick on my lips and I'm left with a color so shimmery it's almost got a foil-like effect. Luckily, I was also able to apply it lighter and achieve a softer look, but if you're wanting some serious shimmery impact, this is one lippie you should definitely consider. I do want to warn you that, because of the intense sparkle and shimmer in this lipstick, it did feel a little grainy at first, but the grainy texture faded pretty quickly for me.

Next, let's move on to new Glimmersticks Diamonds Eye Liners:

Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds Eyeliner in Brown Sugar (retail: $6, currently on sale for $2.99)

I'm a huge fan of the regular Avon Glimmersticks because, for my oily skin, these wear exceptionally well due to their drier consistency. But even though they're drier than most pencils, they don't tug when I apply them, and they have great pigmentation. I can really get a full day's wear out of most of these shades, and this new Diamonds formula is no exception. But of course I know you're all probably the most curious about the "diamonds" in this formula, so let me show you some swatches (and I'll also show you some pics of me wearing this product a little bit later). And how can I forget to mention that these are automatic pencils? I loooove automatic pencils because I just hate sharpening, period.

Here is Brown Sugar in two different forms of lighting. As you can see, it's not really a true brown, but more of a brownish-blackish-charcoal color. It's a great alternative for someone like me who can't really wear dark, dark black eyeliner, which tend to look a bit too severe on me. Also, it's hard to capture the sparkle or "diamonds" in this liner because, thankfully, unlike glitter liners, it's VERY subtle. So subtle that it's hard to see it at all when it's on your eyes, but if the light catches your eyes in just the right way, you can detect it. I think it's the perfect way to take a basic liner and give it a little extra something, without going over the top. I think I'd call this a more mature type of glitter liner, for those of us who can't or don't want to wear glitter. Oh, and I don't know if the sparkle is different for each pencil, but for Brown Sugar, the sparkles are gold, which is so pretty.

Now let's move on to Avon Magix Cashmere Finish Liquid Foundation:

Avon Magix Cashmere Finish Liquid Foundation SPF 10 in Nude (retail: $11, currently on sale for $7.95)

I have to come clean and tell you I've never been a big fan of Avon foundations. But this one? It's totally changed my entire perception of Avon. Just read the copy on the box above (click to enlarge) because it really sums up the formula perfectly. It's a liquid-mousse, which means it's light and airy and blends like a dream. It's great for light-to-medium coverage, and even though I'm a full-coverage kind of gal, I didn't feel naked when I wore this because it really softens my imperfections (read: diminishes the appearance of my pores). With just a touch of setting powder, I'm good to go without any breakthrough shine for several hours. Do you want further proof as to how much I like this foundation? I was sent a color that isn't a good match for my skintone and I STILL continued to wear it for over a week straight. I love the finish that much. Here are some swatches on my arm to kind of give you an idea of the texture:




And last but CERTAINLY not least, I'd like to show you the new Avon Super Extend Mascara:

Avon Super Extend Mascara in Black (retail: $8.50 but currently on sale 2/$7.99)

I love many things about this mascara. The first? The brush. I love how it's tapered (see above) and how the end of the brush really makes it so easy to get into the nooks and crannies of your lashes (especially your lower lashes). It really is a cinch to apply this mascara and coat every single lash, no matter how tiny.

The second thing I love about this mascara is that there is absolutely no clumping for me. If you're looking for well-defined lashes, I think you might love this formula. It doesn't give a lot of volume but that's OK by me (yes, the volume-addict is ok with this!) because my lashes just look so well-defined and long. I haven't experienced any flaking whatsoever, and this formula removes easily for me with my regular cleanser and also my towelettes.

Let me show you some before-and-afters so that you can see both the Glimmersticks Diamonds and Super Extend Mascara on my eyes:

My eye with nothing but concealer and a little powder.

Glimmersticks Diamonds in Brown Sugar and one coat of Super Extend Mascara in Black.

A different angle.

Same eyeliner, two coats Super Extend Mascara.

A different angle.

I hope you can kind of see the sparkle in the Glimmersticks Diamonds Eye Liner (look at my upper lid in the first pic). It's really subtle but even prettier in real life. As for this mascara? I LOVE it. Honestly, I just can't seem to find anything wrong with it, because it defines so well and wears great all day (no smudging, no flaking, no racoon eyes). Definitely worth a shot if you're looking for a good mascara that defines and lengthens. In fact, this is what I was hoping Maybelline Lash Stiletto would be for me, but Lash Stiletto was just so dry that it was impossible for me to apply. So if Lash Stiletto failed you, I might consider giving this one a whirl.

Have you tried any of these new Avon High Definition Color products yet? Are you thinking about placing an order? I would love to hear your thoughts so leave a comment and let me know what you think!

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.