A-list for December

Hello ladies!! It's December - and that means summer, sun, lazy days at the beach, and loads of free time to spend with your BFF!

I really hope everyone's exams went well - did you do as well as you hoped?

Without wasting any time, let me jump right in to this month's MUST HAVES!!

Must Have #1: A ticket to my Summer Goddess Party! It's happening on the 12th of December in Cape Town, and I promise you will not be disappointed! Just SOME of the amazing things happening:

• Be treated like a diva with welcome drinks and canapes, plus yummy treats in between the days events!
• David Gillsen (who BTW is only Jozi's most sought after celeb hairstylist) is flying down for Cape Town just for us! He'll be telling us what's hot and what's not for hair this summer.
• 10 of Carlton's top stylist are going to be on hand to show you exactly how to get the salon look at home. I always look great after I step out from the salon, but the very next day I'll try and recreate the look at home, with a humongous FAIL! No more! Now you'll know exactly how to get those Kardsahian curls, how to get the ultimate fab ponytail, and loads more.
• Smashbox is showing us how to do fool-proof make-up in 10 minutes - FLAT! I'm always late for a get together with friends (the right outfit takes time, doesn't it, LOL!) so this will go along way to make sure I look fab this summer!
• Summer months are pretty harsh on skin and hair. Carlton is going to show us how to take special care of skin and hair this time of the year - I don't know about you, but I certainly can't afford a break out when all I want to do is head to the beach! There's no time to cover up embarrassing zits, so best to take care of it BEFORE it happens!
• Each girl receives a goody bag - packed to the brim with goodies from Ava, Cartlon, Smashbox and Sass Diva
• Loads of prizes up for grabs on the day - including a full make-over from Carlton!
• Reduced prices on Carlton goodies - including my fave Glamour Wand!!

And that, my friends, is just a TASTE of what's happening on the 12th! (I have to keep some things a surprise!)

See you there!!

Tickets are R150 each, and available from Carlton salons in Cavendish and Claremont. Girls aged 13-19 only.

 

Must Have #2: Stripes! It seems that every year the Nautical theme comes back into fashion, and I love it! It's perfect for the beach, and you can rock the trend in any way, shape or form! Shirts and tops, dresses or just an accessory like a fun beach bag will do. 

A sure fire way to look the part? Pair the stripes with loads of WHITE! You'll look refreshed and totally fashion forward!

Bikini R310 @ Foschini

Beach bag R190 @ Foschini

Wedge sandals R 325 @ Woolworths

Must Have #3: Fun Dresses! Like these super chick ones from Amber Jones - part of Mr. Price's Project Limited Editions range. 

I love local fashion - and I especially love companies that give young designers a platform to showcase their talent! The Amber Jones collection is so cool - you'll have to get yourself at least one piece from this fun collection!

Amber Jones is available at selected Mr Price stores

Dresses R130 each

Must Have #4: Wayfarer sunglasses: They were big in the 50's and 60's, made a come back in the 80's, and now in 2011 we are totally gaga over Wayfarers again!

Everyone's wearing them: Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Sienna Miller....in fact, it's hard to find a celeb that doesn't own a pair!

Oh, almost forgot! Every girl that attends the Ava Summer Goddess Party receives a pair of funky black and pink Ava Wayfarers! What's not to love about that?

Must Have #5: Plaited hair: Again, a big trend with the Hollywood celebs! Yip, there's Jessica Alba again (love her to bits!) and Kate Hudson rocking the loose plait. But this summer, try some different ways of braiding your hair. 

Check out this great 'how to' for some pointers: How to do the Waterfall Braid.

It's a great way to look good when you  maybe don't feel like washing your hair today, or just to try something different!

So that's my list of MUST HAVES for the holidays!

Because it's number one on my list, I'm giving away 1 ticket to my Summer Goddes Party! All you have to do, is post a picture of your Ava tins on my Facebook page, and show me how you have recycled them / re-used them? Do you store your spare change in them? Or are you like me and arrange all your rings, earrings and other bits in the different tins? Show me, and you could be our winner!!

Let the photo posting begin!

Have a super summer weekend girls! xoxo Ava

T&C's

All photos posted on Ava's Facebook Fan page by Friday, 9 December 2011 by 12pm will be entered into the draw

One winner will be chosen randomly and be notified via Facebook. 

Winner must be able to attend the Ava Summer Goddess Party on 12 December 2011

Winner must be between the ages of 13-19 years

Eyebrows are important!

In my November A-list, one critical thing I mentioned was eyes - an more importantly eyebrows. Can you see why eyebrows are important? LOL!

So, in order to make sure we are all groomed for summer, here is an easy 'how to' video for shaping your brows:

Good luck darlings! xoxo Ava

November A-list

Good morning girls! I was going to say "Summer is finally here" but when I woke up this morning it's raining in the Mother City? What's up with that?

Summer is on it's way and after winter it's super important to take care of the basics in order to look, and feel, great! Winter is great for a movie night under the duvet, warm soups and lots of hot chocolate BUT not so great for dry skin, damaged hair and pale skin!

We all want to have fun this summer, and look great for all those party pics, so here is my list of 'must haves' for summer:

[comfort zone] Active Pureness Corrector for spot treatment on the go.

Must Have #1: Great Skin Summer is synonymous with pool parties and long lazy days at the beach. You don't have time to constantly cover up that zit - especially after swimming. So it's really important to treat your skin very well during this time, so that even if you don't have make-up or concealer, you're still looking great.

For a spot treatment on the go, try [comfort zone] 's Active Pureness range - designed for problematic, acne-prone and oily skin. The handy Active Pureness Corrector is perfect for your handbag - zap those spots as soon as they make their appearance! The full range includes a cleanser, toner, scrub, mask and fluid. It really is worth investing in a good skin care range that works for you - top quality products last longer and work their magic, as they should! 

[comfort zone] is available from Carltonspace Salons - for full list of salons see bottom of post

Active Pureness Corrector retails @ R330 - a little goes a long way with this product!

No one feels good when they're having a bad hair day!

Must Have #2: Great Hair Summer days are long, the sun is hot and your hair is probably the one area that you are neglecting over the holidays. A good hair cut is critical, and the right treatments for your hair can make all the difference.

I know the feeling, when you're sitting in the salon chair and get asked if you want to do a treatment. One of 2 things probably goes through your head: "I don't have the time" or "I don't have the money". Now ladies, let me give you one piece of valuable advice here: spend less on your snacks at the movie and do the treatment! Conditioning is just not enough, sorry! You will feel the difference in your hair immediately, and styling will be so much easier to handle. Your hair will thank you, I promise!

For a FREE Keratin nourishing treatment from Carlton Hair International, simply "Like" their Facebook page and voila! You'll see exactly what I mean about treatments and how good it is for your hair!

Sass Diva have an array of hair bands and clips for any occasion
or mood!

Must Have #3: Funky hair accessories You can't ghd or curl your hair everyday, for 2 very important reasons: You probably don't have an hour every day and it's not good for your hair!Have you ever burnt your finger with your curling iron? Eina! Now imagine all that heat on your strands of hair, every. single. day. 

Now here lies the problem: day old hair just isn't that glamorous, right? Wrong! It can be! DO like Taylor Swift and Emma Watson and grab a fun hair band or Alice band. Pretty clips are also fun to take some hair back. Just DON'T do what one of the Olsen twins did (I can never tell them apart!) and wear a head band to make it look like you've got a mushroom on your head. Not flattering....

2 ways to wear a hair band, and 1 way not to!

Go to Sass Diva and browse their collection of hair accessories - I just know there is something for you there!  I think every girl needs at least 3 types of hair accessories:

1. An Alice band and in a neutral colour - will go with any outfit and be your trusty 'go to' when you're heading out
2. Floral clip - great to wear behind your ear (so romantic!) or clip in the side of your ponytail or messy bun for a care-free look
3. Bling - for an evening party add some subtle (or not so subtle!) sparkle to your outfit. Hair bands, clips - they all look great!

Sass Diva stores nationwide - please note all products displayed are while stocks last only.

Must Have #4: "Look at me" eyes If eyes are the window to the soul, surely we need to make sure that they look picture perfect, all the time? Starting point: Eyebrows! And I'm not just talking about tweezing those stray hairs every now and then. A perfectly shaped brow makes all the difference! 

Maintenance is also key. That's why I use Smashbox Brow Tech On the Go - a nifty little tool that you'll first wonder "What is that?" and then wonder "How did I get by without one?" Really! It's double-ended, with an angled waterproof pencil on one side, and a soft hold gel on the other side. The pencil is perfect for filling and defining, while the brow gel (with a brush applicator) grooms brows perfectly into place.

For summer parties you can't go wrong with Smashbox Metallic Eye Liner Palette - with 10 of the best selling cream eye liner shades plus a mini liner brush. These cream liners have a bit of a cult following - and I can totally understand why. When I want a great smoky look, or a seriously defined line - this works like a bomb. I love the size - it's so slim, it even fits into my evening clutch - great for touch ups during the night.

Smashbox is available at Woolworths Cosmetics counters

Brow Tech on the Go @ R 235

Metallic Eye liner Pallette @ R310

Last month I told you about the importance of safe tanning and using tanning products. (Skin cancer is just not sexy!) But sometimes we need a little extra, right?

So try the Smashbox Baked Starburst Bronzer (BTW it just won Fairlady Best of Beauty Awards). I've used this magical little wheel of colour for some time now, and I love the golden glow it gives me! Use a large powder brush (I think the bigger the better) and swirl the shimmery powder over cheeks, temples, nose, decollete - think of where the sun would naturally hit you, you know? Build the colour up gradually - you don't want to make it too obvious!

Last month I shared O-Glow and O-Gloss with you -the very clever intuitive blush and lip gloss that adapts to suit your own skin. Did you know Smashbox also have an O-Bronze? Too cool! The O-Bronze works just the same - a bronzer that works with your skin tone to give you the most natural bronze glow around. Love it!

Smashbox is available at Woolworths Cosmetics Counters
O-Bronze @ R240
Bakes Starburst Bronzer @ R 270

Must Have #6: Perfect Pout When I do my make-up, the last thing I apply is lipstick or gloss. Only then do I feel happy! It finishes off the look, whether it's a soft pink or daring red!

But lips are also not easy during winter - dry, chapped lips are so common, and sometimes it's tricky getting them back to great condition. I've started using another great [comfort zone] product - Lip Blooming Scrub. You apply it once or twice a week, massage a bit and then remove. It smells like roses! It's early days for me, but I already feel (and see) the difference. It treats chapped lips, plus reduces wrinkles and lines around your mouth. Sweet!

[comfort zone] is available from Carltonspace Salons - for full list of salons see bottom of post
Lip Blooming Scrub @ R 240

----------------- xxx------------------

There you have it, another jam packed A-list from me! Follow these tips and grab these must-haves, and you are set for summer!

Now, because Carlton Hair International knows how we love our hair, and the a bad hair day can spoil everything, they are giving away the most amazing shampoo and conditioner to one lucky lady!

Their Momo range is sure to fix any hair hassles you might have. Momo is for moisture - this range moisturises, hydrates, protects and *very important* increases volume in this hair.

To win the Davines Momo shampoo (R159) and Davines Momo conditioner (R175), tell us who is your celeb hairstyle crush? Do you want Emma Watson's pixie cut or Blake Lively's curls? 

How to enter:

Post a pic of your celeb hairstyle crush on my Facebook page, and tell us why you need the Momo shampoo and conditioner? Easy as click, post a pic and share!

Competition closes Friday 11 November @ 12pm.

I can't wait to see which celeb comes out tops!!

Have a super awesome weekend, whatever you do!

Love Ava xoxo

----------------- xxx------------------

[comfort zone] is available at Carltonspace salons:

Johannesburg

Hyde Park                                (011) 325 4995/16

Melrose Arch                          (011) 684 1251/58

The Zone@ Rosebank           (011) 788 2914/0113

Mandela Square                      (011) 784 5850/9943

Bryanston                                (011) 706 3356/3741

Bel Air                                      (011) 704 1361/13

Lonehill                                    (011) 465 2023/19

Pretoria

Parkview                                   (012) 993 3693

Centurion                                 (012) 663 3926/2297

Hazeldean                                (012) 809 2482

Irene                                         (012) 662 0709/10

Durban

Gateway                                  (031) 566 3061

Hillcrest                                   (031) 765 5054/6027

Cape Town

Constantia Skincare               (021) 794 8973/8986

Canal Walk                              (021) 555 1837/8

Halloween Custumes from Hollywood

OK, so Halloween is not as big here as it is in the States, but that does not stop me from having some fun playing dress up!

Don't you just love the team from E! Fashion Police's get up? Guiliana as Victoria / Posh Spics was a hoot - plus she had a go at the accent! Then there was "Jennifer Lopez" and "Marc Anthony" - who really should not be in the same room, shame things are not well between them. The funniest had to be the wicked Joan Rivers as Suri Cruise - too funny!

Did you get up to anything fun on Halloween? I made the horrible mistake of watching a horror flick - didn't sleep a wink!!

I hope all the Matrics are doing OK with their final exams! Now it's the final stretch, good luck!!
xoxo Ava

Fun nail art

Happy Monday ladies! It's a new week, tomorrow is a new month (can you believe it's November already?) and I have something fun to share with you all!

Have you seen this cool marble effect on nails? I love the mix of colours and the different looks you can create - one colour nails are SO last season! LOL!

Don't you think it's great for a party - and you can mix the colours to suit the theme. Like black and orange for tonight's Halloween! Or try different shades of one colour for a slightly more subtle effect.

Follow these links for the easy How To's :
Olive Coco Mag
Hey Nice Nails

Image 1: Here and Image 2: Here

Pretty in pink!

Don't you just love Katy Perry's pink do? OK, granted the pink hair might be too much for any of us to take on, but I love her cute coat!

She was out in London with her mom-in-law to watch the musical "Ghost".  Nice to see people still dress up for the theater!

xoxo Ava

News: Giuliana Rancic

We're all aware of October and Breast Cancer Awareness. We're cute doing it all in pink, and show our support by wearing the pink ribbon.

So when someone as famous as Giuliana Rancic ( E! online presenter and reality TV star) is diagnosed with breast cancer, during this month of awareness, it comes as a real shock to all of us. I mean, she's so young, right? 

At 36 years old, Giuliana didn't think it was necessary to go for a mammogram.  We're all told that from the age of 40 we need to go for yearly check-ups, but until we hit that age, we don't bother much.  Especially when you have no family history - as is the case with Giuliana.

Look - breast cancer at a young age (like in your late teens or in your twenties) is not common, but it does happen. So why would you take the risk? Know the signs, know your body and check regularly. 

In Giuliana's words: " I think a lof of us think we're invincible. We have to start putting ourselves on the to do list."

via US Weekly and E! online