Well-Being Programs for Employees are a key asset for companies during pandemic – Avon PH.

Being in a global health crisis for more than two years has unraveled the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional work setup. In a bid to curb the negative effects of the “new normal”, Avon Philippines updated employee health benefits to include a pilot program for mental health—and the company is now reaping the benefits.

In 2021, the number one relationship selling company in the Philippines introduced the Mindnation program to Avon associates. The program allows staff to book sessions with a professional psychologist, and attend webinars and programs that address mental health concerns.

After almost a year, these programs have gained high well-being scores in their recent internal survey from employees who have taken part in the program. “Avon takes a genuine interest in their employees’ well-being,” according to one of the feedback.

Avon Philippines has seen improvement in their attrition rate compared to the past year, bucking the global trend of turnovers that have been going on since the start of the pandemic.

“In acknowledging how this global crisis is affecting people differently, it only became apparent that we must provide the personalized support needed by employees so that they can continue to perform at their best,” says Jan Pambid, Director for People Culture & Organization of Avon PH & APAC.

Aside from providing mental health support, additional COVID-19 medical coverage has also been put in place, providing financial aid for employees should they get hospitalized during infection.

Overall, the new mental and well-being benefits were the latest in the company’s string of internal program pivots during the pandemic, which includes service awards and virtual regional mentorship opportunities with Asia Pacific leaders and talents.

In recognition of its internal initiatives, Avon Philippines has been certified as a Top Employer for a second straight year by the global authority in recognizing excellence in People Practices—Top Employers Institute—which held its annual Certification Celebration event last January.

The Top Employer Institute has certified over 1,800 organizations in more than 120 countries and regions, which creates a positive impact on the lives of more than 8 million employees globally.

“The positive feedback from our employees only proves that investing in their wellbeing is more than just a corporate responsibility,” adds Razvan Diratian, Avon Philippines’ General Manager. “We hope to continue in providing support for our and associates in the next years to come.”

The 5 Voices in Your Head That You Immediately Need to Shut Out.

People tend to remember negative words more than their positive counterparts.

From a psychological standpoint, this is referred to as the negative bias – where people gravitate towards negative information even if something positive is equally or more present. Eventually, these words evolve into internal voices that induce doubt, anxiety, panic, and other unpleasant emotions that keep a person from living her most authentic self.

While having negative thoughts circling the mind is natural, it also tends to erode one’s own self-esteem, eventually affecting one’s ability to function properly. Acknowledging them when they surface is an ideal first step towards shutting them down.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, here’s a list of the most common intrusive thoughts that most women deal with:

Photo credit: Artem Kovalev on Unsplash.

1. I don’t fit here!

Growing up has people searching for the best social circle to fit in, but sometimes there are children who seem to have their own personal problems and suddenly decide that other kids are not up to their standards. They end up teasing their peers for their physical characteristics, mannerisms, what they brought to lunch, or whatever minute detail that comes to mind. This social trauma often manifests later in adulthood which makes one avoid meeting new people for fear of being judged or simply not fitting in. This is not your voice; it’s from that childhood bully.

2. I can’t do it!

Remember in your younger years when you wanted to try out for the school varsity, and your guardian immediately said no, because you’re just a girl? That memory may later manifest into hesitation to try out experiences and assert oneself, especially in activities that are traditionally dominated by men. Having the need for validation to do something can pull you from exploring what life has to offer. This is not your voice, it’s from that guardian.

Photo credit: Morgan Petroski on Unsplash.

3. I am not enough!

It’s hard enough to juggle relationships, family, and personal goals, more so if you’re a woman. You encounter voices from all fronts, telling you you’re not enough as a mom, not enough as a wife. This is more prevalent at work, with voices telling you you’re not enough as an employee – pushing you to work harder than your male counterparts. When others disregard your efforts in whatever you do, it lowers your sense of accomplishments, more especially if it’s being done in a team setting. This is not your voice, it’s from those colleagues

4. I’m too fat/too thin!

While some family gatherings present an opportunity to reconnect with relatives, there’s always that one nosy relative who always has an opinion on your personal life—most especially how much weight you have lost or gained. Regardless of whether it is true or not, the tumataba ka comment is something most women dread because it’s pointing out something that a woman already knows but can’t change in a snap. Soon, this turns into an insecurity, affecting how she carries herself. This is not your voice, it’s from that tita.

Photo credit: Aman Upadhyay on Unsplash.

5. I can’t be happy on my own!

Ending a romantic relationship unravels a whole lot of emotions. Sometimes it’s best for both people involved, especially if there are irreconcilable differences. Unfortunately, there are exes who are so full of themselves that they will say you can’t be happy without them; that being alone will get to you eventually. Being single or in a relationship should have nothing to do with a woman’s self-love. And when someone tells you that being alone will damage you more, don’t listen to that. This is not your voice, it’s from that ex.

I Do Me

Whenever these voices cloud your thoughts, it pays to remember that these voices are not yours—they are from those whose opinions should not have any bearing on your worth.

Avon celebrates International Women’s Day by reminding women that they always have the power to silence these intrusive voices and when they do, they can find their own voice – the one that will make her love herself and empower her to achieve greatness.

As the brand that continues to stand for women for over 135 years, Avon encourages women to build their confidence and say “Let me be. You do you and I’ll do me”.

Nothing should hold you back from achieving your full potential—not society, not your social media feed, and most especially not what these voices might say.

Avon as a brand and through its products, encourages women to silence the negativity to grow and flourish. Because women owe it to themselves to bloom where they are planted.

Follow Avon Philippines on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to learn how women are shutting out negative voices as they assert their worth.

Spotlight | Avon K-Beauty Collection.

Annyeong yeorobun! (Hello everyone!)
It's been awhile since I last did a product review on this blog, let alone publish a beauty-related post. Mianhe! (Sorry!) The past few weeks had been extremely toxic for me, and I had no time to shoot product photos and take swatches of all these items in my 'to-blog' list.

Thankfully, our unexpected long weekend gave me the opportunity to take photos and swatches, and finally write about the Avon K-Beauty Collection. Yes, you read it right - K-Beauty!

Avon, the iconic beauty/household brand that most women (especially Filipinas) know and love, recently partnered with a top South Korean H&H (household & health care) company as part of its continued transformation and reinvention. The result? This new and offbeat range of beauty products straight from South Korea - the home of 'chok chok' skin, dewy makeup, and skincare innovation.

The Avon K-Beauty Collection.

I received this package several weeks ago, and I was very much impressed with the brand/PR's attention to detail. This package actually came in a lovely bojagi (traditional Korean wrapping cloth) for even more K-culture (more like K-drama) feels. I love it! The PR package resembled those gifts that Koreans receive during special occasions, like Chuseok or Seollal.

The Avon K-Beauty collection wrapped inside this bojagi.

Now here's a closer look at the Avon K-Beauty Collection. First up, the Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion. Avon totally nailed it with the long product name, haha! Korean beauty products are notorious for their ridiculously long, tongue-twister-like names, and this new CC cushion from Avon is no exception.

Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion. 

The Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion (Php 799) is a cushion compact infused with color-correcting pigments that target common complexion concerns (dullness, redness, uneven skin tone) for instantly improved, radiant skin.

A closer look at the Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion.

It comes in a chunkier-than-usual black compact complete with a mirror and a standard puff applicator. What's interesting about this cushion is that you don't have to use the puff to 'pick up' the product. Instead, you press the pan for the product to come out of those tiny holes. 

The puff applicator + the cushion pan.

The Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion comes in three shades - Light, Nude, and Shell. I find Nude to be the shade most suitable for my skin tone. It's light beige in color and has a cooler undertone compared to Shell. 

From L-R: CC01 Light, CC02 Nude, CC02 Shell.

This product has a sheer and lightweight formula and offers light to medium coverage. Keep it mind that CC's do not usually provide full coverage; rather they are meant to address skin issues like redness or sallowness, and for me, the Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion does exactly that. 

Bare face.

Wearing the Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion
in CC02 Nude.

All dolled up, with the Avon True Color Power Essence Color
Correcting Cushion as my makeup base + Avon True Color Dual Gradient Lipstick
in Mauve Maven on my lips.

I've been using this as my makeup base for the past few weeks, and I love its instant glowing effect on my skin! It does a good job of covering my skin imperfections, but still looks very natural on the skin. This cushion also offers sun protection (SPF 30 PA +++), which is a plus for me.

Also included in the package is the True Color Dual Gradient Lipstick, Avon's response to the ever-so-popular beauty trend.  If you're a fan of Korean beauty products or perhaps a K-drama addict, then you know that gradient/ombre lips hit the Korean beauty scene many, many years ago and has since gained popularity across the world.

The Avon True Color Dual Gradient Lipstick (Php 299) comes in five different shades, and I had the chance to try these three - Hollywood Red, Romantic Rose, and Mauve Maven.

Avon True Color Dual Gradient Lipstick.

Top shade - Hollywood Red, Bottom left - Romantic Rose, Bottom right - Mauve Maven.

L-R: Hollywood Red, Romantic Rose, Mauve Maven.

They're packaged in a black rectangular tube, and each lipstick is designed with a diagonal cut to help you achieve the gradient look with ease. The shades look promising from the get-go and you can definitely see the color contrast in the tube, but alas, that contrast is nowhere to be found once you swatch the shades or apply the product on your lips. 

Avon True Color Dual Gradient Lipstick in Hollywood Red.

Avon True Color Gradient Lipstick in Mauve Maven.

Avon True Color Gradient Lipstick in Romantic Rose.

If anything, the Avon True Color Dual Gradient Lipsticks are nicely pigmented, easy to apply, and are very hydrating. These lipsticks are infused with vitamin E, silk protein, and aloe extract to make your lips literally 'glisten with moisture'. I wouldn't recommend this product if you're a fan of matte lipsticks (with the exception of Hollywood Red, since this shade has a semi-matte finish), but if you're all for that creamy, satin finish, you might find this lipstick to your liking.

Finally, we have the sheet masks, all made with cutting-edge, top quality Korean ingredients. It's no secret that I'm a sheet mask addict, and I was very much excited to pamper my skin with these babies.

Avon sheet masks (clockwise from L-R): Glass Effect Hydrogel Face Mask, Jelly Kiss Lip Mask,
Cica Soothing Sheet Mask, Golden Shimmer Hydrogel Eye Mask.

The Glass Effect Hydrogel Face Mask (Php 149) is a thin, gel-like mask that promises plump and glowing glass-like skin. It's infused with Sugar Maple that enhances skin hydration and gives it a healthy glow in just ten minutes. I like the sweet and mild scent of this product, but putting it on my face was quite a challenge - the mask came in two halves, they don't fit quite well, and they felt clammy on the skin. 

Wearing the Glass Effect Hydrogel Face Mask.

The Cica Soothing Sheet Mask (Php 129), on the other hand, is a winner. Formulated with the legendary Centella asiatica (aka Cica plant), this product soothes, refreshes, and deeply nourishes the skin. It also contains lavender extract which has anti-inflammatory properties; peppermint extract which cools the skin and helps facilitate oil secretion; and rosemary extract, an anti-oxidant known for its anti-aging properties. It comes in a traditional fiber sheet mask form, and fits just right on my face. 

Wearing the Cica Soothing Sheet Mask.

Next we have the Golden Shimmer Hydrogel Eye Mask (Pho 149), perfectly-shaped eye patches in a hydrogel formula. This product contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates the skin and gives your undereyes an instant brightening effect. If you pulled an all-nighter, these patches will make your eyes look less tired and significantly better if you apply them first thing in the morning.

Finally, there's the Jelly Kiss Lip Mask (Php 119), which also comes in a hydrogel formula. Packed with manuka honey, and peach and nectarine extracts, this lip mask not only smooths and hydrates, but also makes your lips plump and fuller. It feels squishy and looks funny when worn, but hey, this mask works. :)

Avon sheet masks (clockwise from L-R): Golden Shimmer Hydrogel Eye Mask, Cica Soothing Sheet Mask,
Jelly Kiss Lip Mask, Glass Effect Hydrogel Face Mask.

The Avon K-Beauty Collection is available at all Avon outlets, the Avon online shop, and through your Avon lady. 

Which of these products are you excited to try? :)

Spotlight | Avon Over Nature Lipstick.

One of the perks of being a registered Avon dealer (yes folks, I am an Avon lady) is the privilege of purchasing up and coming Avon products before they are made available to the public. Case in point, the Over Nature Lipstick collection which will officially appear on Avon catalogs starting June 1.

Avon Over Nature lipsticks (plus the limited edition Over Nature makeup palette).

I was at the Avon office several days ago, where I had the opportunity to try the lippies and swatch the shades. Of course I didn't pass up the chance of buying a new lipstick (make that two new lipsticks) for myself.

New additions to my ever-growing lipstick collection. Haha! :)

Here's what Avon has to say about this new lipstick line:
Rich colors, luxurious moisture, and a fresh floral scent in one gorgeous package. Infused with wild orchid extract and wild rose oil for lips as soft as petal.

Extatique Hibiscus (left) and Pink Lily (right).

There are eight different shades in the Over Nature Lipstick collection, and I must say all of them were gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. Limiting my choice to just two was quite a feat, actually. I had to stop myself from putting all eight shades in my shopping basket as I'm being frugal these days. Or at least I'm trying to be, haha.

Shades N07 and N13. 

Pink Lily is a lovely shade of pink with coral undertones. Great for everyday wear, this lipstick bears a resemblance to MUA Lip Boom in OMG - one of my favorite coral lipsticks.

Pink Lily.

Extatique Hibiscus, on the other hand, is a brighter, show-stopping shade of pink reminiscent of MAC's Candy Yum Yum. One swipe and I'm sold!

Extatique Hibiscus

Now here are the swatches. This was the exact same photo I posted on my Instagram, which included the swatch of two other shades - Tender Tulip (purple with light pink undertones) and Tropical Coral (red orange).

From L-R: Extatique Hibiscus, Pink Lily, Tender Tulip, Tropical Coral.

What I love:

- Pretty packaging.

- Highly pigmented.

- Great color pay-off.

- Satin finish.

- Easy to apply.

- Moisturizes the lips.

- Has a mild, floral scent.

- Stays on for five to six hours, with a bit of eating and drinking.

- Affordable price.

What you might not like:

- None that I can think of. Seriously. :)

Pink Lily when worn.

Extatique Hibiscus when worn.

The Over Nature Lipstick will be be sold at an introductory price of Php 259 (about $6) each. That's Php 140 off from its regular price (Php 399)! You may avail them at all Avon branches nationwide, or through your friendly neighborhood Avon lady. :)

Pucker Up! | Avon Ultra Color Lipstick in Dream Fuchsia.

Last week, I dropped by the local Avon outlet to get a few items for my sister-in-law. I really had no plans of buying anything for myself that time. But when I chanced upon this vivid shade of fuchsia in the makeup aisle, I just could not resist. And so I went ahead and bought a new lipstick for myself. Lol.

The shade I'm talking about is Dream Fuchsia, from the Ultra Color Lipstick line. It's the latest addition to Avon's ever-growing line of lipsticks.

Dream Fuchsia, 3.5 grams.

Now what's so special about this new line, you may ask? Avon's Ultra Color Lipsticks boast of new shades, new formulation, and new packaging. Here's how the lipstick looks like with the seal intact.

Looking sleek. :)

There's a window at the top, which allows you to see the shade of your lipstick. Of course, you can always refer to the bottom part, where the name/shade of the lipstick is written.

Peek-a-boo, I see you.

 Here's how Dream Fuchsia looks like in actual.

I fell in love with the color at first sight. :)

It's purplish-pink with blue undertones and super fine shimmers in it. And for a lipstick with sheer finish, this one has a nice wash of color. It's not exactly the kind of lipstick that I would wear during the day while taking my son to school, but this one would be perfect for evening parties (or dates with the husband, lol) as the color is pretty vivid.

See the tiny sparkles?

Like all the other shades in the Ultra Color Lipstick collection, this product comes equipped with the 'True Color Technology' - the color you see on the lipstick is the same color you'll get on your lips. The new formula also includes lip-nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, arctic berry, omega oil, and vitamin E that moisturizes the lips and makes it smooth and supple. Oh, and did I mention this product is SPF15? :)

And now here's how Dream Fuchsia looks like when swatched, and worn.

True Color, all right.

Love love love this shade of purplish pink! :)

As for the price, it's currently being sold for Php 249 a pop. (Regular price is Php 379.) I'm an Avon lady so I actually got this for 25% less.

What I love:

- Sleek packaging.

- For a sheer lipstick, it's highly-pigmented.

- Beautiful purple-pink shade.

- Glides on your lips like a dream.

- Moisturizes the lips.

- Stays on the lips for about 4-5 hours.

- Has a subtle, sweet scent.

- SPF15. 

What you might not like:

- It's not exactly a 'daytime lipstick'.

Have you tried this lipstick, or any other shade from the Ultra Color line? Let me know what you think. :)

Join | It's in the Bag Giveaway!

Welcome to the It's in the Bag Giveaway Hop hosted by Life With Two Boys and With Our Best!
This is a "what's in your purse?" themed giveaway hop and will feature a variety of products that women find in their purse. Each of the participating blogs has an awesome prize worth at least $25 so after you enter my giveaway be sure to hop around to the rest of the blogs on the linky below.

After the success of my first Beauty Bag Giveaway, I received a surprising number of requests from my readers to do this giveaway again. And because you, my dear readers, are awesome, here is another Beauty Bag for you to enjoy!

Up for grabs are the following items:

1 Avon Ideal Oil Control Pressed Powder

1 Ecorre BB cream sachet

1 NYC Eyeshadow Color Wheel 

1 Revlon Colorstay Lip Color

1 Lacey Mystique Purse

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway. As always, you are not required to complete all of the tasks, but by doing so, you earn more entries and increase your chance of winning. The tasks are pretty simple - you wouldn't have a tough time finishing them all. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Enter the Global Giveaway | Win a Beauty Bag!

Welcome to the Global Giveaway Hop hosted by Simply Stacie! This event features all worldwide giveaway and runs from July 16th to 22nd.

If you're an avid follower of my blog, then you know that international giveaways are nothing new to me. Most of my past giveaways were open internationally, which gave just about anybody the chance to join - and win. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most generous brands and companies, to whom I will be forever grateful.

This time, I decided to sponsor this giveaway myself.
It's my way of expressing gratitude to my 7,400 Facebook fans, 3,500 Twitter followers, 750 GFC friends, and everybody else who takes the time to visit my blog.
Thank you for your continuous support! Something great is about to come my way, and I couldn't have done this without you. :)

Moving on, here's what I'll be giving away:

1 Avon Ideal Oil Control Pressed Powder

1 Ecorre BB cream sachet

1 NYC Eyeshadow Color Wheel 

1 Revlon Colorstay Lip Color

1 Lacey Mystique Purse

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway. As always, you are not required to complete all of the tasks, but by doing so, you earn more entries and increase your chance of winning. The tasks are pretty simple - you wouldn't have a tough time finishing them all. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And do check out all the amazing prizes that my fellow bloggers are also giving away! Prizes have a minimum $15 value, and they're open worldwide, too!