I was slightly disappointed with Avon's Anew All-In-One Intensive Complex, although I generally have had good experiences with Avon. Basically, All-In-One Intensive is a combined sunscreen/moisturiser/AHA product, which you can apply under your makeup. It has SPF 15, the minimum sun protection dermatologists recommend, antioxidants, and a "moisture retention compound", not to mention the now almost standard skincare ingredient, alpha-hydroxy acids, in a "double dose", to help speed up skin cell renewal.

Unfortunately, I tended to experience the foul "rolley-polley" syndrome with this product: bits of my sunscreen kept rubbing off when I tried to apply my foundation on top of it. Not exactly the effect I was aiming for!

Perhaps I wasn't waiting long enough between putting this product on and applying my foundation*, or maybe I was applying too much, but I could never really get Avon Anew Intensive Complex to work satisfactorily. So poor marks to Avon for creating a skin cream that is a poor makeup base.

I am giving an "A+" to Avon for the packaging, however. The classy blue glass pot with silver and gold lid has a more luxurious feel to it than the plastic packaging Avon has used in the past.

Still, as we all know, packaging does not a great product make. I would advise not buying this product, although, if you feel adventurous and want to try it for yourself, there's a sale on the Anew range at their web site (as of 25th February, 1998). Please note: This product is not for those with sensitive skin! Avon does warn in the catalogue that this product contains a "double dose" of AHAs, and for those who even think they might have sensitive, Avon recommends Anew All-in-One Perfecting Complex SPF 15 or Anew All-in-One Perfecting Lotion SPF 8 instead.

* I waited thirty minutes between applying Anew All-In-One Intensive Complex and my foundation.