MAC v. Mary Kay Eyeshadows

Before I begin this, I'll start with a little background information about myself. I've always liked makeup. I started wearing it in 7th grade (that tacky light blue covergirl eyeshadow! haha). By the time I was in high school I started wearing foundation and adding a little mascara and eyeliner. It wasn't until college that I really fell in love with cosmetics. My husband's aunt sold Mary Kay, and ended up talking me into becoming a consultant. I didn't do too much with it, but made a little extra money while going to college. I started using Mary Kay products in high school, as one of my mom's friends sold it and my mom had always been a loyal MK customer, along with my grandma and aunts. So I used their skin care system for a little bit and their makeup. Now, I swear by everything Mary Kay. I use the whole skin care system and my face has never ever been better. (I suffered from pretty bad acne, used Proactive, Neutrogena SkinID, AcneFree, Murad... you name it, I tried it.) And now, after using the MK Timewise skin care line, my skin is clear and healthy. Along with skin care, I also use all MK foundations, liquid and powder... and now I swear by their products.


Now the only downside of being a MK consultant, is the fact that your supposed to use all MK products... so shopping for the latest beauty remedy doesn't happen much... until now. There's been so many fun products and packaging that I've branched out to try other brands. Specifically, I've been trying MAC.


With all the hype with MAC, I told my husband that I wanted a filled MAC pallet for my birthday... and that's what he gave me. I love all the color selections that MAC has, but now that I have them and have used them, I still fine myself reaching for my MK mineral eyeshadows. The color pay off with both companies are good, but I find MK eyeshadows to be a lot easier to blend. I just love them, and so far no company has compared to the quality of MK eyeshadows. And for the same amount of product (0.05 oz) at $6.50... they're a whole lot cheaper than MAC eyeshadows. So I feel like I've kind of waisted some money on MAC. Overall, I think that the MK eyeshadows are better quality and easier to use... and less expensive than MAC eyeshadows. The only thing that I think MAC does better is in their packaging and color selection.

Now I'm just talking eyeshadow here. I haven't tried all of the other fun MAC products that are out there. I love MAC lipsticks and their mascara. Plus, it's always fun to try something new. They only thing that I'm saying is that I don't think that MK gets much credit in the beauty world. Mary Kay is no longer your "Grandmother's Makeup"... Trust me!

AprilAthena7's Beauty Blog Contest!

Here is one of the coolest contests that I've seen in a long time. There's a whole bunch of stuff you can win. Definitely click on the site and read about all of the goodies you can win! http://aprilathena7.blogspot.com/2010/03/lush-nyx-hello-kitty-accessoriessigma.html

Fav: Best Shampoo for Long Hair?

I have thick, long hair that reaches down past the middle of my back. It has a lot of body, with natural waves that I usually straighten. I've been keeping it at this length for about the last 6 years, so my top priority is making sure that my hair stays healthy. I always get the occasional split ends, which I trim about every 6 months, but overall, my hair is pretty healthy. In order to keep it this way, I've been in search of a great shampoo. And by accident this fell into my lap:

Silky Sexy Hair: For Thick/Course Hair

My sister has long, fine hair and got this as a present. After a few uses she said that it made her hair too greasy, so she gave it to me to try... and I fell in love. It smells fantastic. Very fruity. And the conditioner is my favorite part. It's super thick and creamy and really helps to make my hair feel soft. I've been searching for something like this for a very long time. Even my husband uses it! (He says he likes how soft the conditioner makes his hair!)

Here's what Sexy Hair has to say about the product: "Strengthens and smoothes while gently cleansing to leave thick/course hair soft and radiant. Rich and luxurious ultra-moisturizing formula, and polishes cuticle and prevents frizz. Fragrance: Mango /Pear. Special Ingredients: Silk, Rice Proteins, Soy, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Avacado Oil. Tips: Can be used daily. Works well on colored, bleached, chemically-relaxed and ethnic hair. Great for Extensions! Follow with Conditioner."

Definitely check this out!

Review: Sally Hansen Chapped Lip Repair

I bought this product a few years ago at a drug store. My lips had been driving me crazy and I was basically buying anything that involved repairing lips. So I got the Sally Hansen Chapped Lip Repair, used it for a little while, and then forgot about it. A couple months ago I rediscovered this product, as it was lying in the bottom of my work bag. I took it out, applied it, and threw it into my desk. Now, everyday while I'm at work, I take this little miracle worker out of my desk and apply it in the morning and after lunch. It keeps my lips extremely soft and hydrated throughout the day. I can't believe that I waited this long to see what this little tube was all about!


Sally Hansen Chapped Lip Repair on bare lips


Now, there's nothing magical about the packaging. It's plain, simple... and kind of boring. But what's inside the packaging is what really matters. It has a subtle hint of vanilla. It goes on clear and leaves your lips with a glossy look and it has a "cooling" effect as it sits on your lips. I believe that this little product is being discontinued... so if you can find it.... pick it up! I believe it retails for about $2.00-$3.00.

NV Beauty Giveaway!

Check out NV Beauty's newest Giveaway:

http://nvbeauty.blogspot.com/2010/03/skinmd-shielding-lotion-natural-give.html

You could when a bottle of SkinMD Shielding Lotion Natural!

TAG - 40 Beauty Questions

Lollipop26 just did this... and I thought it was interesting, so here I go:

SKINCARE

-How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice.... sometimes 3 times if I work out and got sweaty.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
Normal

-What is your current facial wash?
MK Timewise 3-1 cleanser

-Do you exfoliate?
Yes, about once a week if I remember.

-What brand do you use?
MK Microdermabrasion system

-What moisturizer do you use?
MK oil-free hydrating gel... it never makes me feel greasy or shiny. And my skin is never dry or flaky. I love it!

-Do you have freckles?
Yes - they aren't very noticeable until summer.

-Do you use eye cream?
Nope

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes, but it's gotten a lot better in the past couple years.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Yes! It worked wonders the first 2 years I was on it, and then it seemed to do nothing. Bummer.

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
MK full-coverage liquid foundation (B304) and MK mineral powder foundation (B1.5)

-How about concealer?
MK signature concealer in Ivory 2

-Do you know your undertone color?
Nope... not real sure.

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I think they look fun, but I've never worn them.

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes, but I usually judge my mascaras on their texture. When they start to get dry and clumpy I throw them out.

-What brand of mascara do you use?
MAC and MK

-Sephora or MAC?
Probably Sephora... there are just so many choices at Sephora.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
No

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Beauty Blender, Sigma Brushes (their my fav), and of course... my fingers.

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yep, I depending on the day I'll switch between my NYX eye primers, Bare Study Paint Pot, or NYX jumbo pencils in Milk or Black Bean.

-For the face?
Sometimes... Smashbox Photo Finish... but I really don't get all the hype around it.

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
MK Mineral Eyeshadow in Espresso

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Pencil... I'm too messy with liquids.

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Never have.

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
They're beautiful!

-Do you use mineral makeup?
Everyday

-What is your favorite lipstick?
MAC Angel

-How about lipgloss?
Nars Turkish Delight

-What is your favorite blush to use?
MK Strawberry Cream or Nars Orgasm... they're very similar.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Nope

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
Depends. I always find myself being disappointed with their products.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
Maybe once or twice a year.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Yes... but no time for them.

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
No, not really. I'm a perfectionist.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Over tweezed eyebrows.

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I'm more of a neutral type of girl, but I love playing with color.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
The Kardashian's are definitely my inspiration when it comes to makeup. They just always look so flawless.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
Eyeshadow... depending on the color you could use it for eyeliner too.

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes, but I don't really like to. It makes me feel a little insecure when I see people I know.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Sometimes. Especially in the summer when my skin is good and I have a little tan.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
I really don't know. There are so many makeup lines with exceptional products that others don't have...
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-What do you think of Makeup?
I love it. It helps me get up in the morning when I know that I get to "play" a little before going to work. It's an obsession and a hobby that I find relaxing and fun.

Now it's your turn... Copy and paste on your blog!

Hope Giveaway

You've got to check out: http://frailheartsofhope.blogspot.com/2010/02/first-giveaway-featuring-lush-mac.html
for an awesome give-away. Become a follower and all of this can be yours!

LUSH The Comforter Bubble Bar
LUSH Melting Marshmellow Moment
LUSH Creamy Candy
LUSH Honey Bee Bath Bomb
LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel (Limited Edition!)
LUSH Snow Fairy Solid Perfume (Limited Edition!)
MAC Florabundance Lipglass
Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter
Christina Aguilera Signature Body Lotion
MAC Small Zip Up Makeup Case (From the Graphic Garden Collection)
LUSH soap samples: Honey I washed the Kids, Rockstar, Sultana of Soap, Angel's Delight, Godmother

Good Luck!

Review: Bare Essentials Buxom Lash Liner

Alright... I've never been a cream or liquid liner kind of gal. I'll maybe use them every once in a while, when I feel like trying something new or playing around with a new look. With the whole "lash enhancing craze" that's been happening over the last year(s) I decided that I wanted to try a lengthening/lash enhancing product. So while I was at Sephora over the weekend I picked up the Buxom Lash Liner in Leatherette and I must say... I love it. It's $15 for a 2 gram jar. And for someone whose not a pro at cream liners, I found it extremely easy to use. The pigmentation is great and it lasts all day. Plus... IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR LASHES:

Here's what Sephora says:

"Lash addicts beware: Buxom Lashliner is highly habit-forming. This may look like just a liner, but it's also a thickening and conditioning treatment that instantly takes the appearance of your lashes from hardly any to very many. This mineral-rich, paraben-free, whipped gel formula glides on like a liquid liner and dries to a long-wearing smudge proof eyeliner. The formula is made with natural ingredients, including vitamins A, C, and E; Honeysuckle; Jojoba Oil; Soy Protein; Tourmaline; and Biotin (vitamin B), which support healthy lashes. In one fluid stroke, you can fill in the base of your lashes—making them appear lusciously longer and fuller. This product is ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers. The result: Healthy, lust-worthy lashes that have no limits."

So far... I'm loving this! I'm definitely up for healthier lashes!

*Products mentioned in this post were purchased by me and I am in no way affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned.

Newbie

So I'm totally a newbie when it comes to the world of blogging. I have an obsession for cosmetics and everything that it deals with... which my husband and family do not understand. Because of this I've wound up finding the wonderful world of beauty blogs and youtube beauty gurus... and I can literally say that I have become OBSESSED! I have a small makeup collection that is slowly growing out of control (in my mind)... yet I'm constantly purchasing more and more, as the glares from my husband create a sheepish, yet guilty, smile on my face. So here I am... hopefully I have found a niche. :)