KYredhead's Beauty Blog

Forget "Black Friday" ~ Try "Pink Thursday"!

2009-11-26T14:53:00.002-05:00

Instead of fighting traffic, waiting in line, and getting sneezed on by germy crowds, how about a cozy, no-wait, germ-free shopping experience ONLINE?!

Some of you missed out on my Customer Appreciation Open House, and some of you are just pinching your pennies. Whatever your situation, you'll love having a PERSONAL beauty consultant to SAVE you time and money!!!

* FREE shipping, to you or to the gift recipient
* FREE gift-wrapping
* FREE gift with purchase
* FREE personalized skin care and color update (winter skin can get drier or oilier!)
* full inventory IN-STOCK
* stocking stuffers, gift certificates, and gift baskets
* gifts for men, teens, teachers, babysitters, co-workers, mothers-in-law, etc.
* 100% satisfaction guarantee

Don't waste your time and gas money getting your mascara, lotion, or cleanser at the store — shop with me at YOUR convenience and get them delivered right to your door within 24-48 hours!

Pink Thursday (& Friday) Sale!
* 5-50% off everything, all day both days
* shop online OR call/text my phone (859-338-3431)
* give yourself a Virtual Makeover on my website and earn a BONUS GIFT when you send me your look
* refer a friend or relative to my website who shops or sends me her Virtual Makeover and earn ANOTHER GIFT
* book a winter update facial (you know you deserve it) and earn up to $100 in FREE PRODUCTS!!!

Don’t forget to make YOUR holiday wish list so I can help your loved ones shop for you!

Think Pink!

$20 for you, $20 for a friend, and a gorgeous ring for me!

2009-10-25T16:34:00.002-04:00

Want an easy $10 gift card? How about TWO?!? (Yes, even out-of-town ladies are eligible!)

Well, I'm in a 2-week fast-and-furious facial challenge: 30 faces in 15 days! Can you help?

Anyone who lets me "borrow her face" in the next two weeks gets a $10 gift card to spend at her pampering session! Try the newest anti-aging serums, play with mineral makeup, or treat yourself to an aromatherapy pedicure. Refer a friend to me for HER $10 too! Who do you know who would like $10 to spend at a FREE facial?

Hostesses can turn that $10 into $100 just by sharing their pampering with a few friends — no minimums required to be a hostess! (You get $25 just for getting me your guest list!)

But guess what? It gets better!

Anyone who listens to some information about the business opportunity will get a $10 gift card as well! Just listening and giving your opinion doesn't obligate either one of us to anything...but you never know until you have all the information, right? Click here for a short quiz to see if this business might be for you.

Did you know that starting your own beauty business in October is half price — over $100 in supplies and materials for just $50? WOW! Who do you know who...
* Wants to make some part-time Christmas money?
* Needs some grown-up social time?
* Likes to make other women feel special?
* Loves encouragement and recognition?
YOU get a bonus when you refer someone to me who gives me her opinion! Who do you know?

Speaking of Christmas, did you know that it's less than 9 weeks away? But my Customer Appreciation Open House is in 2 weeks! EVERYTHING will be 5-50% OFF! Click here to visit my Beauty Blog, and find all the Open House info! The first 10 to RSVP get a bonus gift, and 6 have already RSVPed!!!

Call or e-mail me ASAP if you are willing to help me finish my challenge. When I do, I'll earn this gorgeous ring!

September Newsletter ~ $25 FREE

2009-09-15T12:11:00.001-04:00

Wow! Today is the LAST DAY of the quarter, and my goal is to finish as a Star Consultant — this will be my 10th quarter as a Star!

A Star is a consultant who has sold $3,600 in a quarter! Despite having a newborn and mono (ick) this quarter, I'm only about $600 away, thanks to YOU, my awesome customers.

If you need ANYTHING, big or small, don't waste your time and gas money going to the store — shipping and delivery from me are FREE!! Let's help each other!

Running out of moisturizer or mascara, lotion or lip balm soon? Don't forget, we have more than powerhouse skin care and award-winning makeup; we also offer body care, fragrances, sun protection, men's products, and gift sets!

What about that $25 FREE? To help finish my goal, I'm offering you STAR CERTIFICATES today only worth $125.00 in products for just $100 plus tax. That means $25.00 in FREE PRODUCT of your choice!

The certificate can be used now, used a little bit at a time, given as a gift, or used for Christmas shopping. You can even use it toward the NEW products that just came out today! There are only 15 Star Certificates available, and it's first-come, first-serve. (And tell your friends, too!)

I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to those who have already helped me this quarter. If it weren't for my faithful customers, I wouldn't be able to stay home with my boys — and I appreciate your support!

Please call, e-mail, or visit my website with orders or questions through 11pm tonight.

OTHER BIG NEWS
* Next Mon. 9/21 from 6-8:30pm is our FREE Enchanted Evening! Dress up and grab a friend for door prizes, inspiration, and fun at Hilton Suites Lexington Green! RSVP by Monday.
* Save the date! My Holiday Open House is Nov. 6-7.
* Know a friend who deserves $10 FREE? New referrals get $10 gift cards!
* Want $75 in FREE product without spending a dime? Have 5 friends join you for pampering and collect 6 orders from non-attendees and that $75 is YOURS — easy!
* If you book a pampering session by September 30th (it can be held in any month), you will be entered for a shopping spree and $5,000 cash! Seriously!

Reader Request: EYES!

2009-07-23T15:59:00.008-04:00

A KYredhead reader recently posted this question about eye makeup:

I never know if I should put liner and mascara on my bottom eyelids too (or just the top lids). Are there times when it's best just to use liner and no mascara? Yikes!

-Clueless in Kentucky

Thanks for asking, Clueless! :)

I recommend eye makeup on either the top alone or top and bottom, but never just bottom. Defining the bottom lash line alone adds darkness under your eyes (bad idea) and draws attention to that area (which is something most people don't want to do). Sticking to the top looks more youthful and keeps darkness away from dark circles. Also, liquid eyeliner should never be used on the bottom — pencil or powder liner only. Some eye shapes, however, benefit from well-defined lashlines, and certain application techniques look great with both lashlines defined. You could even try using both liner and mascara on the top, but just one of the two on the bottom. Play around and see what works for you, or contact your Beauty Consultant for a free makeup consultation!

Wearing mascara by itself is fine, but you lose out on all the benefits eyeliner can bring. Liner without mascara, though, can look unnatural and harsh. If your lashes are naturally dark and thick, you could go without mascara altogether...but why? LOL Mascara is definitely my stranded-on-a-desert-island beauty must-have. Makeup artists all agree that the cheapest, fastest, easiest face lift can be achieved with an eyelash curler and a good mascara. I use one that lengthens, thickens, and volumizes in one coat. LOVE it! Check out my Beauty Links to shop for a tube for yourself.

Need a recommendation for a good waterproof eyeliner...or something to remove all that eye makeup? Check out this video!

Don't think it's important to wash your face thoroughly and remove eye makeup EVERY night? Maybe you should read up on eyelash mites...then visit my Beauty Links website and purchase some skin care and eye makeup remover. ;)

Summer Products I Can't Live Without

2009-07-16T12:16:00.005-04:00

Our skin's needs change as the seasons change, and summer has always been particularly challenging for me. More skin is exposed more often, sun exposure is greater (and more likely to happen), sweat and oil run rampant...you know what I'm talking about.

As I go about my summer days, living the life of a busy mom AND as a woman who still wants to look good, I realized that there are several products that make my quest-for-summer-beauty a lot easier — and they multi-task, just like me!

MY SUMMER MUST-HAVES

1. A Combination Body Wash and Shave Gel
No, ladies, shaving with soap is NOT a good idea, and regular old body wash does NOT do "just as good a job". The body wash I use contains special ingredients that help soften the skin for shaving, as well as aloe leaf extract to soothe the skin post-shave. It's so quick and easy to use: I just put a nickel-sized amount in my hand, lather up my whole body, shave whatever needs shaving, and rinse it off! The scent is super-clean, too.

2. A Kiss-Proof Lip Moisturizer with Color
What I love about this is I can have it on my lips for hours and the color is still there! My lips still feel supple after all that time, too. The best part for me (as a mom with kissable children) is that I can have that long-lasting color and still kiss without worry. Anything you put on your lips will come off if you kiss someone/-thing immediately after applying, of course, but most tinted lip products will stain someone else's skin as long as the color is still visible on your lips. In my personal experience, my lip balm doesn't leave color on my kids when it's been on my lips for a while...but my lips are still soft! On top of that, it even contains sunscreen. Double yay!

3. Anti-Oil Products
Prevention and maintenance are arduous but necessary in our fight against summer oil outbreaks. For prevention, I use skin care (cleanser, moisturizer, foundation) that is customized for my skin type. Occasionally, I'll also use a liquid mattifier that helps prevent shine for occurring as easily. When shine does rear its ugly head, don't be tempted to smother it with powder! Oil + powder = mud (insert brownie mix analogy here). Blot away your surface oil with handy linen tissues first, then refresh your skin with some oil-absorbing powder. The blotting papers I use now are larger than the kind I used to get at the drug store (so I can use each sheet twice), there are more per pack, and they're cheaper! Can't beat that.

4. Anti-Stink for Your Body
How many times have you wished Febreeze could be used safely on your skin (or your husband's/teenager's)? You seriously need to try my favorite little spritzy bottle of happiness. It has odor-absorbing ingredients that neutralize odors, not just cover them up with heavy fragrance. I've used it on shoe insoles, sweaty clothes, my hair/clothes/purse after visiting a smoker, my cat litter box, my sat-too-long-in-the-gym-bag swimsuit...seriously, this stuff works. And you're left with a light botanical scent, not a heavy perfumy smell. Who doesn't need a refreshing little pick-me-up before heading out?

5. Yuck-Free Sunscreen
UVA & UVB protection is a no-brainer for summer, but don't you hate feeling like you have to take a shower when you come back inside, just to get that nasty-gross sunscreen "ick" off your body? I didn't realize that a sunscreen could feel nice and still be effective, but this one does! It's SPF 30 and adequately protects mama redhead (and her little redheads, too) when we play outside. It just feels GREAT, especially compared to the bazillion other brands I've tried over the years. This is the only one I don't feel guilty putting on my child.

One of the best things about using these products is that doing so supports both the American economy (manufactured, packaged, and shipped in the U.S.) AND a small local business (mine). :) Let's hear it for free enterprise!

For more information on these products (or to purchase them) visit the Beauty Link at the top right-hand column of this blog. You can use the "search" feature on that website to find the products mentioned here, or feel free to contact me personally with questions!

Thank You!

2009-06-17T21:32:00.003-04:00

Thanks to my awesome clients, I achieved Star Consultant status this past quarter — my ninth! THANK YOU, LADIES!

My next big challenge is two-fold: booking 8 hostesses for the next two weeks AND giving away 8 of the new Tinted Lip Balms with SPF15.

Want one? It only requires 30-40 minutes of phone time (or sit-down-for-coffee time) to let me share some information about what I do — no obligations other than listening and giving your honest feedback.

Anyone who participates not only receives a FREE lip goody but also is automatically eligible to receive unlimited "Talent Scout" gift certificates! As always, referrals are appreciated. Who do you know who likes to give her opinion? Would enjoy getting something free? Might appreciate an opportunity like what I do? Comment or call or e-mail me!

Don't forget the Bahama Mama Pedicure Party next week! Free pedicures, leg spa, tropical snacks, and the ever-popular Hairiest Legs Contest! Come relax, bring a friend, and have fun! Click here for printable invites for yourself and your friends.

The "Try MK" Challenge!

2009-06-12T09:04:00.003-04:00

I need YOUR HELP to qualify as a Star Consultant by Monday!!!

Don't waste time and gas shopping at the store — let me ship your mascara, moisturizer, lipstick, perfume, body wash, eye shadow, or Father's Day gift to you for FREE!

Star Consultants are those who have sold $3,600 in a quarter, and I am only $300 away!

If you are running low on your regular brand of ANYTHING, I challenge you to give Mary Kay a try. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee for a reason — you won't be disappointed at how long this stuff lasts OR at how well it works!

Call or shop on my website for FREE shipping and a FREE gift: http://www.marykay.com/kyredhead

Click here to see the new products that will come out Monday, available for paid preorder NOW. Write any of these products in the "Comment" section when you check out, and it'll get added to your order.

Call or e-mail me personally with questions! Spread the word! Every referral helps!

P.S. I'd love to thank you for your help with a summer makeover or pedicure — my treat. :)

June News

2009-06-06T22:54:00.006-04:00

Keep reading for 5 THINGS you need to see!

1 ~ I am now a FULL-TIME Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant!
My husband was laid off June 1, so I have to add 30 faces to my portfolio this month! You can help by...
...getting your check-up facial!
...referring me to a friend!
...chatting with me about what I do!
Can you spare 30 minutes to give me your opinion? An hour for a facial? I'll thank you with a special gift! Any friend you refer will be treated to a $10 gift certificate in your name — my treat!

2 ~ I will help SAVE you time and money!
Don't waste your gas and time shopping in stores — I keep a full inventory in-stock and delivery is FREE. Your TimeWise Miracle Set only costs $1 a day...including your foundation! Visit my website to see over 90 products for $10 or less!

3 ~ Gorgeous NEW products for you to try!
Book your June/July check-up facials and pedicures now — it's time to update your skin care and makeup! Click here for a sneak peek of the new goodies for this quarter. Orders are being accepted NOW!

4 ~ Summer means weddings, reunions, and family gatherings, so let me do your makeup for FREE!
Whether it's for senior pictures or a senior citizens’ banquet, all skin care customers get my makeup services! Do you know a bride who might like her makeup done for free? I'm looking for referrals!

5 ~ I had my BABY on April 19!
Scroll down on this Beauty Blog for pictures and details!

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Need a gift for a graduation? Wedding? Birthday? Father's Day? Don't forget my FREE gift-wrapping and shipping!
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Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 25 — you're invited to a Bahama Mama Pedicure Party! RSVP for free pedicures, a Hairy Legs Contest, and tropical food at the MK Pampering Center from 6:15-8:30! Bring a friend!

My clients are the BEST in all of Mary Kay. It's because of you that I get to stay home with my beautiful sons, and I appreciate you!!!

My New Baby

2009-04-19T20:17:00.005-04:00

Perrin David Fiskeaux was born Sunday, April 19 at 5:49pm, 19.75" and 7lb8oz. Big brother Caspian (who will be 3 years old on July 26) kisses him and croons to him constantly!

THANK YOU to my husband and to my faithful customers for letting my stay home with my boys and not miss any sweet moment with them!

Click here to see more pictures!

April Isn't the End!

2009-04-17T16:00:00.002-04:00

No, I'm not in labor yet. :) I have 6 more days until my due date, but we'll see how long I last.

One of my brides is featured in her photographer's blog and guess who else was mentioned? Little ol' me! Visit Priscilla Baerlain's website — and book with her, if you want some incredible pictures of yourself and your family! She did my bride's "boudoir" session as well, which would make a great gift for your husband (-to-be).

I have all the gorgeous new limited-edition products in-stock right now, as well as your everyday favorites! Orders will still be accepted and filled during my "maternity leave," and you will never be bothering me with a call or an e-mail! I am currently booking web/catalog shows as well as in-person appointments starting mid-May (and filling up, so reserve your date ASAP).

Please let me know what I can do for you in coming weeks. Without my loyal customers, I wouldn't be able to stay home with my sons, and I appreciate YOU!!!

March is YOUR month!

2009-03-04T13:05:00.004-05:00

My due date is 7 weeks away, but my business will never be closed! Call, e-mail, and place orders anytime!

100 FACE RACE
I'm in a challenge to facial 100 women by the end of March! Now is a great time for your update facial (yes, even if you live out of town — ask how). You can even see your before-and-after pics online! Plus, every time you help me meet someone new (someone who shares your facial or a referral), I’ll thank you with a gift! Did you know that you get FREE products when 3 friends share your appointment? Who do you know who will let me borrow her face this week or next...?

NO RECESSION FOR OUR COMPANY
As other companies announce pay cuts, layoffs, and bankruptcies, our business continues to thrive. Last quarter was our best ever — and we're still a debt-free company! CBS highlighted us last month because we're doing so well in this economy. This opportunity could fill a need for you or someone you know, and I'd LOVE to hear your opinion of the business...and I'll thank you with a gift card either way! Visit my personal website (under "Beauty Links" in the right column of this blog) or call 641-715-3900 (ext. 8692) for more information, or just give me a call with questions! BONUS: Start your business in March and you could qualify for a $100 rebate check!

YOU'VE EARNED AN UPGRADE
2009 will mark an upgrade in my customer service for YOU. Even with all the fabulous services you’re already entitled to — like birthday discounts, free shipping and gift wrapping, special occasion makeup services, and a free gift with every $40 purchase — you deserve even more! One new perk is my "Choose Your Own Sale" program: YOU get to choose a product to be on sale every month by voting in the poll on this Beauty Blog!

Rather have it for FREE? As a hostess this month, you can earn $100 in free products of your choice, with no sales requirement at your pampering session! How easy is that? Out-of-town customers are also eligible for awesome hostess benefits.

I can't wait to see you again soon so you can pat my baby belly...and I can help you feel relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated!

New Service for 2009!

2009-01-05T20:51:00.008-05:00

Hello, gorgeous ladies!

Even with all the fabulous services my customers are already entitled to — like free shipping and gift wrapping, complimentary special occasion makeup services, and a free gift with every $40 purchase — you deserve even more this year! I am starting a "Choose Your Own Sale" program!

Every month, YOU get to choose a product to be on sale. How will you choose? By voting in the online poll located on the right-hand side of this blog! You can vote all month long (and send your friends to vote), and whichever product gets the most votes will be 15% OFF for the next entire month! Only existing customers get to take advantage of these exclusive sales, so make sure you have had a facial or placed an order with me before purchasing these sale items!

For January, ALL FRAGRANCES ARE 15% OFF!!! This includes all men's and women's fragrances and the new Eau de Toilette collection, as well as special products like the Eau de Parfum Wands — purse-sized rollerball wands with their own velvet cases! The Wands are no longer featured on my website, but they are available in several of our women's fragrances. They are limited edition, though, so claim yours ASAP! Thinking ahead to Valentine's Day, I also have two Men's Fragrance Gift Sets available (deodorizing body spray, moisturizing shave cream, and cooling after-shave gel, all scented with a manly fragrance)...and they are in my CLEARANCE BASKET! Everything in my Clearance Basket is 40% off, and becomes 50% off when you choose three or more items! Contact me for available items.

Would you rather have it for FREE? As a hostess this month, you can earn $100 in free products of your choice, with no sales requirement at your pampering session! How easy is that? Out-of-town customers are also eligible for awesome hostess benefits. Contact me for details!

Pre-Christmas Tidings!

2008-12-09T16:48:00.005-05:00

This weekend is my 2nd Annual Christmas Open House!

CLICK HERE for a printable flyer with all the info. Skip the traffic and the long lines — treat yourself to shopping in comfort instead. Take advantage of your own private sale or bring a friend and get an extra entry for the door prize!

Take your goodies home THAT DAY or let me gift wrap and ship them for you FREE!!! Many stocking stuffers and teacher/office/babysitter/friend gifts will be pre-wrapped and ready to take home immediately.

See, smell, and sample the latest holiday goodies...like a boxed set featuring a limited-edition lip gloss and four interchangeable mini Eau de Toilette fragrance rollers! Give it as one gift or split it between stockings!

Come on your lunch break Friday 11-1 and let me treat you to food! Or come Friday night, 5-8, or Saturday from 8-5 for holiday snacks! PHONE APPOINTMENTS also get the same sale prices! See the flyer for details.

Want to look fabulous for your holiday get-togethers this month? Make a stunning entrance at your family gathering? Well, I need holiday models! Contact me for your long-overdue holiday makeover — you deserve an hour to yourself!

Did you know you can get your skin care and makeup questions answered here? Just post a comment or shoot me an e-mail, and I will answer your beauty questions in posts here!

And the news you've all been waiting for...it's a BOY! Yes, we're having another boy on April 23, 2009. We are really excited!

Three Expert-Designed Holiday Looks

2008-11-26T08:55:00.007-05:00

Here are 3 "on trend" different eye looks from Robert Jones for the holidays.

smoke it up

a sultry smoky eye with color

With this application technique, you will be able to create a sexy, smoky eye. Even though this is definitely a dramatic look, you control just how dramatic it is by choosing how dark your eyeshadow shades will be. You can use lighter shades and create a subtle effect, or choose darker shades for maximum drama. Whatever your eyeshadow color choice is, this application technique will define your eyes and make you look gorgeous in Holiday party photographs. Since colorful smoky eyes are "in" I chose to use purple, it is the most on trend color shade and is flattering on everyone. This look works fabulously with every eye shape except deep-set.

Application:

Highlight shade: Using a matte shade so that you only see the purple, take soft cream to the brow bone only.
Midtone shade: Using a shimmering purple and start at the base of your upper lashline and bring the color up and over your entire lid – all the way up to your brow bone. Also take and brush it along the lower lashline: this will help to create definition and help create blend later when adding contour shade.
Eyeliner: Take a charcoal eye pencil and line your top and bottom lashline, now take a black eyeshadow, lay a tapered brush directly along the line and pull up the liner.
Contour shade: Again, using a shimmering amethyst start at the base of your lashline and layer the color over your midtone all the way across your lid and up into the crease. Now sweep the contour color underneath the lower lashline as well. You’ll create a light-to-dark effect with the three eyeshadows, with the darkest shade applied closest to the lashline and fading as you go toward the brow.
With this look, make sure you line your entire eye all along the top and bottom lashline.

With the smoky eye look, of course, your eyes are the absolute focus. Soft, subtly glowing cheeks would look best. You can use color--just make sure it is a soft, sheer color so that it is not too intense for the eyes. Take a neutral sheer blush, for ivory/ beige a shimmering peach; for bronze/ ebony a shimmering copper and apply it all along your cheek bone.

If you choose deep, rich eyeshadow colors, make sure you wear a very soft, subtle lip color. You never want both your eyes and lips to be dark at the same time! Your lips should be as subtle as possible; close to nude would be best. You are going to want to apply your lip color, because we are not going to use lip liner in order to create the most subtle lip possible, for ivory/ beige a shimmering nude for bronze/ ebony a shimmering nude. Now top your lip off with the perfect shine to pull it all together, for ivory/ beige a shimmering peach for bronze/ ebony a shimmering bronze. Do not forget if you apply lip gloss with a brush it will always look much shinier.

make it sparkle

sparkling glamorous eye

Put a twinkle in your eye and give yourself a fresh glowing look. Nothing is more beautiful and glamorous than a look with a bit of sparkle and shine to the eye. The key to this look is to create the shine or sparkle only on the eye. You want to make sure the rest of your face has very little shine to it. Your skin should be nice and matte, your blush should have no shimmer to it, and your lips should not be too glossy. The only shade that should have shimmer to it is your highlight shadow. This look works fabulously with every eye shape except hooded and prominent.

Application:

Highlight shade: We really want this shade to make a big impact. In order to assure that we are going to layer for intensity. First, using a matte shade for complete coverage, apply a matte nude to the browbone and lid. Now for the secret weapon, using a sponge tip applicator take a shimmer cream shadow and apply it only to your eyelid (a little goes a long way, very little needed). Blend the cream out (very important). Now using a shimmer shade for the perfect glow, apply a shimmering flesh to the browbone and the lid.
Midtone shade: take a matte medium brown starting from the outside corner of the crease, sweep the color across to the inside corner of your eye. Next sweep it along the lower lashline, once again starting from the outside corner and brushing toward the inside so that the most intense color is at the outside fading as you move to the inside corner. This will help you create subtle definition. Make sure this shade is matte.
Eyeliner: Now line your eye along top and bottom lashline with a rich, deep eyeliner for definition. Doing it before you apply the contour shade will allow you to brush it across the liner as you apply it, smudging and softening the line.
Contour shade: take a dark brown matte eyeshadow and sweep the color along the upper lashline and into the crease, layering it on top of your midtone shade. The size of this brush makes it easier to control the color, which is so important for this look. Now apply shadow underneath the eye all along the lower lashline. Make sure this shade is also matte.
Highlight shade: Using highlight shadow make sure to highlight the "V" on the inside corner of the eye (wrap the color around the inside corner). This will really accentuate the shimmer and sparkle.

When making blush and lip choices, you want to make sure you don’t overpower the sparkly eye that you have just created. Remember: no shimmer to your blush! Make sure you choose a soft, subtle shade that will give your cheeks a glow. For a soft flush of color, you can try a technique called “popping your apples.” First, apply a matte bronzer to your cheekbones (which I know you have already done, because you know how beneficial it is in our quest to look younger). Now using the same brush, smile and apply a light, sheer, colorful blush on the apples of your cheeks, blending back toward the bronzed area. This gives the apples of your cheeks a beautiful glow, because that is where you placed the highest concentration of color. Be sure to use a sheer shade of blush for this technique. A dark or intense cheek color can look too harsh and unnatural, when applied this way.

Now for a beautiful subtle lip, start by using a neutral shade of lip liner, blend your lip liner toward center of mouth. To create a soft touch of color use a beautiful lipstick with just a hint of hue, apply your color with a brush for precision. Do not forget the shine, a hint of gloss for an elegant finish. Do not forget when you apply it with a brush it will give you more shine

lip is it

sheer lip with stained brightness in fushia or red

If you want your lips to be the center of attention, then this is the holiday look for you. What makes this technique different from looks you have done in the past is we want your bright lip to be stained with a high shine finish. Not only is this look incredibly beautiful and on trend, but this technique will keep your lips looking great all night no matter what you do! One of the key aspects of this look is when wearing a bright intense lip you need a softer eye look. Let’s start with the softer eye look first.

Eye application:

Highlight shade: Using a shimmer shade for adding glow, and apply a shimmering flesh to the brow bone and the lid.
Midtone shade: Using a matte shadow to make it look ultra natural, take a neutral brown. Starting in the crease, apply your midtone color from the outer to the inner corner of the eye. sweep the same color underneath the lower lashline for definition.
Eyeliner: Start by taking a dark brown eyeliner pencil and line the upper and lower lashline. Remember to keep the color as close to the lashline as possible. Make sure the line increases from thin to thick as you go toward the outer corner. Next using a dark brown shadow and now go over your pencil and fine-tune it, making it the perfect shape and smudging it to soften the line. The shape of the brush make it so easy just lay it along the line and work it back and forth to smudge.
Now take your highlight shadow and highlight the inside corner underneath the lower lashline (wrap the color around the inside corner of the eye) for added sparkle.
For an extra ‘wow appeal’, apply false eyelashes.

Lip application: Line the outer edges of the lips with a deep berry lip liner, then fill the lip in, all except the very center area of the lip, with liner. I find that using a deeper liner grounds the color and the lips. Now go over the liner you just applied blend (with precision). This is the first line of defense in getting your lip color to last. Lip liner has a dryer texture than lipstick, so it lasts longer.
Next (which is so important in perfecting this look); apply a bright, fabulous red or pink lipstick. Either is perfect for this look. Then, take a tissue and gently blot your lips. This will remove the moisture from this layer yet leave you with a deposit of pigment. Next, reapply your lipstick and blot again. Layering color like this will give you double the pigment deposit, thus increasing how long the color will wear and creating the look of a stain.
Finish with a rich burgundy lip gloss for the perfect shine. Shiny lips are always sexy (a must). Do not forget to use a brush to apply your gloss, whenever you apply gloss with a brush it will always look shinier.

With this look; a softer cheek works best. Try skipping color. Just use bronzer for a bit of definition.

Enriching Women's Lives...One at a Time

2008-08-19T08:59:00.004-04:00

Sometimes it's hard to remember what an impact this company has on women's lives. It's easy to be jaded, to think it's all about lipstick, to get wrapped up in ourselves. But truly, the attitude promoted by the company and our mission to enrich women's lives does positively impact others. Mary Kay Ash said, "It's just as important to put a smile on someone's face as it is to put makeup on her face." I will never forget that after what happened to me Sunday night.

We treated ourselves to fast food for dinner before heading to Wal-Mart, and I got some chili. After we received our tray, I asked if I could get some cheese as well. Our server (the manager) apologetically explained that they were making them charge 32 cents for it. I said that was okay and went to get change from my purse at our table. When I came back to the counter, there were 7 or 8 people in line, so I waited (I didn't want to be rude). When I got up to the counter, another employee was working the register, but the manager had told her to give me free cheese since I had waited so long! That little act was a great example of customer service, so I resolved to thank the manager with one of my pamper cards before we left.

When we were ready to go, I couldn't decide if I "really" wanted to go up and do it or not. What if she thought I was a dork? What if she already had a consultant? We needed to get to Wal-Mart, after all. Well, I decided to suck it up and do it anyway. I walked up and asked to see the manager. When she came over, I said, "I just wanted to thank you for what you did. I'm with ______, and I have this gift certificate for you for being so gracious to me. Customer service seems to be a lost art nowadays, and I just want you to know that your effort is appreciated."

She was on the verge of tears! She wiped her eyes and spoke in a choked-up voice, "Thank you so much. You don't know how much that means to me, after the last two days I've had. You just don't know what that means." I was flabbergasted!

What if I had not made that tiny little gesture? People, you never know what will be someone's last straw or first compliment. (That's a ©KYredhead original, thank you very much.) It doesn't take any effort at all to say "thank you" or to voice aloud when you think "What a cute haircut!" That may be the only positive thing that person has heard in a week! I challenge you, readers, to make a conscious effort to brighten someone's day today. Thank goodness this company has encouraged that in me...'cause it certainly wasn't natural. :)

Clearance Time!

2008-07-11T15:42:00.008-04:00

Now is a great time to stock up on old favorites or pick up an inexpensive gift for someone special! Get your gift-buying done early — just choose your goodies and let me wrap and deliver them for free. Everything in my clearance basket is 40% off the listed price...but if you choose three or more items, they instantly become 50% off instead!!!

It's first-come, first-served, so call or e-mail as soon as you make your choices. This is a great time to get a recent grad or soon-to-be senior a gift...at a deep discount!

You'll find many of these items under "Last Chance" on my Personal Website. If you want something from this list that isn't shown on the website, simply make a note of it in the Comments section when you check out and it will get added to your order before processing.

Shop online with me, your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant: http://www.marykay.com/kyredhead

Photos and Makeup and Hair — Oh, My!

2008-07-11T13:46:00.007-04:00

The overhauled virtual makeover program on my Personal Website is astonishing. I have played with several online makeover programs over the years, and there's always been a favorite feature from each one. Well, our new virtual makeover program has all of them — and I mean all. You can choose your highlighter, midtone, and accent eye colors, plus adjust the amount, placement, and application technique for each. You can apply your mascara three different ways, in addition to specifying the color and amount used. You can basically customize every single aspect of your cosmetic application, from drag-and-drop cheek color placement to lip liner intensity.

If all those choices seem overwhelming, you can try out seven different complete looks created by professional makeup artists! You can even upload your own photo, save all your different looks, and e-mail your makeovers to your friends. And did I mention the hair? You can also try out different hairstyles and colors — even adjust your highlights and lowlights!

As you choose the different colors in your makeover, each one is added to your "virtual compact" right on the screen. You can save your makeover, view your before and after pictures, or even print your pictures with a shopping list!

If you choose to use your own photograph instead of one of the 24 models provided for you, the program gives you tips on taking/choosing an appropriate shot and walks you through mapping your features so the makeup gets applied correctly. One important note: the makeovers do not include concealer, foundation, powder, or brow liner, so you'll want to take your "bare-faced" picture after applying those things in order to see a truly accurate makeover. I don't know many people who wear color cosmetics but not foundation.

Since I love and trust my dear husband, I let him play on the virtual makeover program, too. He created the look on the left just for me! How special is that, to know that your loved one designed a makeup look for you? He made some very bold choices, including some colors I'd never tried before, but I was brave enough to try it. I didn't apply eyeliner underneath my eyes, and my lip liner was a little less heavy-handed than it was on the model, but otherwise this is the look that he made! It was fun to branch out.

One word to the wise: if you use one of the dark matte eye colors, please start s p a r i n g l y...that stuff is potent.

My own dear mother got into the makeover game as well! (You're given fair warning — it is pretty addictive.) Here are some of the new looks she created for herself! You can tell she had fun with the hairstyle options. And she "tried" some new colors she might never have considered before! Click on the picture to see an enlarged version.

Wanna know the best part of the whole thing?

When you find a look you like, you can try it on your face for FREE!!!! Just contact me (or your personal beauty consultant, if you have one) to set up a customized color appointment, and I'll show you how and where to apply everything to get the look you want!

And if you have some friends or co-workers who get hooked on the virtual makeover game, you can invite them to join us and earn your compact free!

How Attractive! (Get it? It's magnetic!)

2008-06-09T15:32:00.005-04:00

You probably know about our incredible new magnetic compact. It's sleek, scuff-/chip-resistant, and customizable. Well, our entire line of cheek and eye colors will be transitioning over to the mineral powder formula on the 15th of this month — that's next week! I'm currently accepting pre-orders for the new color line. Here is a new commercial that shows off the versatility and beauty of our sassy new compact.

Contact me with questions!

Beauty is just a click away! Visit me, your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant: http://www.marykay.com/kyredhead

NEWSLETTER ~ June 6, 2008

2008-06-06T01:11:00.004-04:00

Wow, there's so much I want to tell you about!

Our entire MINERAL COLOR LINE (eye and cheek colors) is coming out next week, and I am in a contest to get 100 opinions by June 30!!! You can choose a Skin Care Show, a Glamour Makeover Session, or a Pedicure Party — whatever meets your summer needs. Hostesses can now earn $100 in free product! Earn an EXTRA GIFT when you book for next week: June 11, 12, 13, or 14! (Out of town? You can still participate!)

Since the color transition will be complete as of June 15, my remaining inventory of classic-style compacts, eyeshadows, blushes, pressed powder, cream-to-powder foundation, nail colors, and scented spa products are in my 40% OFF CLEARANCE basket. If you have any old favorites, now's your last chance! Buy any 3 clearance products and the discount increases to 50% OFF! This includes all Men's Gift Sets — perfect for grads, grooms, and Father's Day!

Wanna pick cash off a MONEY TREE...literally? Come as my guest to the Hostess Contest & Celebration on Tuesday, June 17 and you'll earn a HALF PRICE ITEM plus a chance at the money tree. Bring a friend and earn another ½ price item! I've already paid to register you and all your guests, so you're good to go. For more chances to earn CASH, host a pampering party before June 16. The hostess with the highest party sales automatically earns $100 CASH!

When you get your before-and-after pictures done with me by June 25th, you'll be entered in our COVER GIRL CONTEST. The winner will be voted for and announced at the Reveal Party on June 26th, so invite all your friends and family to attend and vote for your pictures! The winner gets a $100 gift basket plus an 8x10 of her "after" picture.

I can't wait to see what you think of all the new mineral products! IT'S SO EXCITING!

Here's a rundown of dates:

June 11-14 ~ Earn an extra gift on top of hostess credit when you book one of these dates.
June 15 ~ Complete transition of color line to mineral powders.
June 17 ~ Hostess Contest & Celebration
June 25 ~ Deadline for before-and-after pictures for our Cover Girl Contest.
June 26 ~ Our Cover Girl Reveal Party
June 30 ~ Deadline to complete the 100 opinions contest.

4 Spring Looks ~ 4 Minutes or Less, part II

2008-03-14T14:55:00.004-04:00

I road-tested two of the spring looks mentioned in my March 5 blog post. Be sure to contact me if you'd like to know exactly which colors I used. Here are the results!

Spring Colors
It was kind of scary to think of using a baby blue shadow from lash to crease, but with a light hand and a little unobtrusive eyeliner, it came out fine. It's a very no-frills look. It might be less risky to use a matte eye shadow as opposed to a shimmer. This melon-colored gloss is probably my favorite gloss. It looks scary and orange in the tube, but when you put it on it's like a juicy version of your own lip color!

Beach Babe
It was surprising how well the bronzes coordinated with the pinks! It makes sense, though, considering those are the colors your face becomes when you've been in the sun. This was my first time using this particular blush, and I absolutely adored it. It's the perfect sun-kissed pink shade.

As always, I used black brown mascara, brow pencil, concealer, and foundation (this time, it was liquid with a dusting of mineral powder on top — my new favorite combination).

Don't forget to vote in my important March poll, located in the right-hand column of this blog!

Create-A-Face Tutorial, part II

2008-03-11T16:03:00.015-04:00

It would be more accurate to label this as "Create-An-Eye Tutorial"...but that sounds creepy.

In these pictures, I have completed each step on one eye only. This is so you can see what a difference each individual step makes. Also, each step is shown in two pictures — one with open eyes and one with closed eyes.

This tutorial shows how to apply eye makeup to standard eyes. For video tutorials dealing with other eye shapes, please click here!

Step 1: Highlighter Shade
Apply to browbone and from lash to crease to make these areas more noticable.

Step 2: Midtone Shade
Apply in the crease to contour.

Step 3: Accent Shade
Apply along upper lash line and into the outer third of the crease — kind of like an "L" laying on its back.

Step 4: BLENDblendBLEND
Instead of swishing back-and-forth, thereby making a muddy mess of your careful color placement, sweep light-to-dark.

Step 5: Eyeliner
Draw a thin line as close to your lashline as possible. You can do it just on the top or top and bottom, but for pete's sake, don't just do it on the bottom! If you are tempted to skip it all together, click here.

Step 6: Mascara
Curl your lashes first. Even if you have long, dark lashes naturally, you will benefit from a good mascara!

Want more in-depth tips and tricks? Want to get personal, one-on-one help? Contact me (or your personal beauty consultant) for a FREE how-to session!

Contact me to see which colors I used here!

Create-A-Face Tutorial

2008-03-10T15:21:00.008-04:00

You've asked for it, so here it is...your very own Create-A-Face tutorial!

A web cam comes built-in on my new laptop (thank you, tax credit!), but I don't have it yet. As such, I painstakingly took pictures at each step and threaded them together for you! The pictures on the left show what it looks like before each step is completed, while the pictures on the right were taken after completing each step. This is just a bare bones face; no contouring, highlighting, sculpting, etc. — just the basics.

Let's begin!

Step 1: Apply your concealer.
Here, I've simply put it on my eyelids (from lash to brow) and dark circles.

Step 2: Apply a light layer of foundation.
The face on the left is completely bare, and the one on the right has both concealer and a light layer of liquid foundation.

Step 3: Apply another light layer of foundation.
This step is only for those of you who like more coverage or want to conceal redness. However, this only works if your foundation is buildable (not all foundations are).

Step 4: Apply your powder.
Powder helps to cut down on shine, set your foundation, and control oil. I used a light layer of mineral powder foundation for maximum air-brushed effect, but loose and pressed powder work as well.

Step 5: Apply color cosmetics.
This step is optional, of course, but if you've done steps 1-4, you probably plan to wear makeup.

For a step-by-step eye tutorial, stay tuned!

Contact me to see which colors I used here!

4 Spring Looks ~ 4 Minutes or Less

2008-03-05T13:34:00.003-05:00

This morning on the Today Show, they featured an iVillage story about spring trends. To quote the story, "blue eyeshadow is in, lip stains are hot, and you can take the beachy look anywhere." Here are the four four-minute looks they highlighted...and I have products you can use to achieve them. Contact me if you'd like to try any of them for yourself for FREE!
Beauty is just a click away! Visit me, your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant: http://www.marykay.com/kyredhead

Sexy Stain Look
Apply stain to freshly moisturized cheeks and lips. Simply smile and dab onto the apples of the cheek by softly patting with fingers. Pat onto moistened lips as well. This creates a very soft, simple, and sexy look. Keep the eye simple and classic with a taupe shadow, and line only the upper lash line with a navy pencil. Then, take lashes to the extreme with a double coat of jet black mascara.
Lip & Cheek Stain: limited edition lip duo
Moistened Cheeks: anti-aging moisturizer
Moistened Lips: lip-pampering set
Taupe Shadow
Navy Eye Pencil
Mascara

All About Eyes
Apply black eyeliner to both top and bottom lash lines. Then, take a Q-tip cotton swab (the ultimate beauty tool) and smudge all the way around. Cheat your way to an easy and effortless smokey eye when you are pressed for precious time this way. Highlight the tops of your cheekbones, then apply a neutral blush onto the cheeks and a nude lipgloss to balance the look.
Black Eyeliner
Highlighter: highlighting pen
Blush
Lip Gloss

Beach Babe
The correct way to use bronzer is by applying around the perimeter of the face and then blending in—you will achieve the most believable and real sun-kissed look this way! Then, add the pink "sun" color to the apples of your cheek. Apply a copper eyeshadow onto the lids and a pretty pink lipgloss to round out this beachy babe look.
Bronzer
Blush
Eyes: bronze cream-to-powder eye color
Lip Gloss

Spring Colors
Spring is all about a gorgeous wash of color—it must be done right though to ensure you're not looking straight out of the '80s! Apply a mint green or baby blue eyeshadow on the lid from lash line to crease. Add a pop of pink or peach blush to the apples of the cheeks. Finish off with a brilliant fuchsia or nectarine lipgloss to the lips for a beautiful modern look.
Ivory/Beige Skintones
Shadow: pale blue
Blush: peach
Lip Gloss: peach/melon
Bronze/Ebony Skintones
Shadow: pale green
Blush: pink
Lip Gloss: fuschia

Ready...Set...Dash Out the Door!

2008-01-11T14:41:00.002-05:00

How many of you wish you could get your makeup done in 5 minutes? I mean done, done. Yeah, me too!

Here's a solution for you: Dash Out the Door color! These multi-tasking products cut down on your getting-ready time by making makeup quick and easy.

EYES:
The most time-consuming part of cosmetic application is usually eye makeup. Our cream-to-powder eye shadow makes it fast. All you have to do is spread a tiny bit across your eyelid, from lash to brow...and you're finished! When I say "a tiny bit," I mean it — this is potent stuff! I usually don't even have to squeeze the tube; I just wipe my finger across the top. It's a waterproof cream that dries to a powdery finish, so it's all you need for that pop of sheer, shimmery color on your lids. The cream color brightens your eye area (like you got more sleep), while bronze color is a warmer shade.
If you want to jazz it up for evening, multiple thin layers build well for deeper color. You can also treat a single layer like a base for powdered eye color. If you want the look of contouring without the effort of using powder and brushes, apply the lighter shade all over and the darker shade on the lid only (or just in the crease).
Our mascara is the next powerhouse product. It lengthens, thickens, and volumizes — all in one coat! A custom technology delivers the exact amount of product you need to coat both sets of lashes (top and bottom, left and right) in just one pull-out of the wand...without clumps! We also offer a triathalon-tested waterproof mascara and a super-gentle mascara, if you want a more natural look...but I want LASHES. :D

CHEEKS:
Instead of using a traditional cheek color, we're going double-duty with bronzing powder. It's not on my website at the moment, but it does exist and I have it in stock while supplies last (16 alone, 29 in a mirrored compact with the perfect application brush). It has three complementary shades of shimmering bronze powder that naturally blend together. It gives ivory/beige skin a sun-kissed look and gives bronze/ebony skin warm highlights. You can use it as a cheek color like I did, or apply it to the areas the sun would "kiss" you after 10 or 15 minutes outside (bridge of the nose, temples, cheekbones, shoulders, décolletage). In retrospect, I would definitely apply a little more along my cheekbones than I did for my picture.
ATTENTION, SKEPTICS: I first tested it when I was pregnant with my son, to see if it could give a pasty-white redhead that promised "sun-kissed glow." Yes, I'm wearing bronzing powder all over in both pictures. You think it didn't make a difference? Look at the second one to see how much it really did help. That's a deliberate bronzer line, people!

LIPS:
The final touch for your Dash Out the Door look is a bit of lip gloss. It's fast and easy to apply, and can be converted for evening later with the addition of lip liner and/or lipstick. The shine of gloss makes your lips look larger and makes you look younger!

Final results? A five-minute, "million-dollar" look!
(please excuse any forehead wrinkles — I was looking up into the preview screen of my camera)

Contact me if you'd like to know which colors I used!
(No, eyeliner isn't part of Dash Out the Door, but I always wear it. Wanna know why? Click here! If you want a faster version of liner, try powder eye shadow and a liner brush.)

Wanna cut down on the rest of your prep time, too? Try our basic anti-aging skin care (which cuts four steps down to two — or five down to two, depending on your choices) and our mineral powder foundation (which eliminates the need for separate foundation and powder).

Two Great Benefits in One Sifter Jar (Hey! Your Powder Is in My Foundation!)

2008-01-10T13:20:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don't stalk my Personal Website, you may not be aware that we have joined the world of mineral makeup. Yes — we now offer a full range of foundation options: liquid, cream, cream-to-powder, and mineral powder! I have been looking forward to trying this product for some time, let me tell you.

Like many of you, I was really impressed and excited by a certain mineral powder competitor's infomercials, so I ordered a starter sample kit. I loved the lightweight comfort of mineral powder foundation, but all the blending and mixing of colors was tedious, and adding the warm/glowing/veiled layers made my routine take way too long for my tastes. And then there was the sticker shock. Ouch.

You'll be pleased to know that our new mineral powder foundation is just 18 and the custom mineral foundation brush is only 10! And like most of our products, a little goes a long way, so you won't have to buy a new jar every month. Plus, as long as supplies last, you can get both in a limited-edition set with a satiny black bag that is perfect for carrying your new mineral powder foundation in your purse! It doesn't even cost extra — the set is still just 28!

My favorite part of using mineral powder foundation is that I get the coverage of a foundation and the flawless finish and oil absorption of a loose powder...in one single product! That is a LIFE-SAVER for people like me who are always looking for ways to cut down on getting-ready time. FYI: several light layers are better than one heavy layer for those of us who prefer maximum coverage, and you can wear it over your liquid or cream foundation for an even more airbrushed look. In case you're wondering, it's transfer-resistant, dermatologist-tested, oil- and fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. It's also been clinically proven to be suitable for sensitive skin, and the formula has been tested and passed for skin irritancy and allergy. Bonus!

The application is super-easy, and the brush really makes all the difference. Its soft, natural hair bristles pick up a precise amount of powder and release it evenly as you sweep and swirl. They're also shorter and flat across the top so you can customize your level of coverage.

So here it is...the picture-proof! Neat, huh? Click the picture to see a larger version.

Nothing but mineral powder foundation in that second picture! If you want to use concealer or a highlighting pen, though, be sure to apply them before putting on your mineral powder foundation.

a new Look

2008-01-05T16:42:00.003-05:00

I wore my favorite new necklace for date night with my husband and decided on a whim to borrow its colors for my eye palette — a bold choice, considering it was topaz and teal! With such bold color choices, be sure to use a light hand when applying (as you can see from the eye close-up below). I used the standard eye application found on my Personal Website, plus I added a second accent color on the outer corner of my eye. I customized my eyeliner by layering eyeshadow on top of the pencil eyeliner (using an eyeliner brush), then toned it down with another light layer of pencil eyeliner. As always, I used black brown mascara and brow liner.

Also featured: my NEW mineral powder foundation! Doesn't it look fantastic?

Contact me if you'd like to know which colors I used!

We All Scream for Eye Cream!

2007-12-14T14:18:00.002-05:00

I used to use one moisturizer all over my body and face — including my dry, crépey eye area. After getting educated about skin care through my company training, I realized that I needed to use a moisturizer specifically designed for the eye area. Regular facial moisturizer (especially anti-aging) is designed to plump the skin. What happens when you plump your eye area? Puffiness.

The skin in your eye area is about ¼ as thick as the skin on the rest of your face (using your ring finger or pinky, pat the skin under your eye, then pat the skin of your cheek to compare). It doesn't have any oil glands and is the only skin on your body not connected to a muscle. All that to say, the eye area is very delicate and needs to be treated with care. You should only use your ring finger or pinky when working in your eye area, because they're your two weakest fingers. When applying eye cream, try to remember to start at the crow's feet and pat in towards your nose to avoid tugging the fragile skin outward, which can exaggerate crow's feet and saggyness over time.

We current offer a range of products for eyes, but today we're focusing on eye cream (we have two). They are both in our anti-aging line, so their benefits will increase with continued use over time. A lot of people like to use the lighter cream in the morning and the thicker cream at night, but it's okay to use the same one twice a day (I do). At night, you can apply it both underneath your eye and on your eyelid (lash to brow), as well as in the crow's feet area. When you're doing makeup in the morning, however, avoid putting eye cream on your eyelid as it can keep eye shadow from sticking well.

The lighter cream is a lightweight moisturizer that dramatically minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area. For those of you that need more help (like me), the thicker cream offers twice the benefits in a slightly richer formula. In addition to the moisturization and age-fighting benefits, the thicker cream both firms and brightens the eye area. Where concealer and highlighting pens just cover up dark circles, this eye cream can actually help them fade away with continued use over time.

One of my customers had an appointment with me in March where we took before-and-after makeover pictures. At that appointment, she purchased the thicker eye cream. Two months later, we got together for another makeover. Here are her two "before" pictures (with a bare face) from two months apart, showing the results to her eye area after two months using this cream.

a new HOLIDAY Look

2007-12-10T14:20:00.001-05:00

I thought you might like to see the new limited edition eye quad in action. One of my favorite aspects of the eye quads is that each set includes a little card that gives suggestions on how/where to apply each of the colors for both daytime and evening looks. I've tried both suggested applications in the past, but today I did my own thing: I put the 1st highlighter on my browbone and the 2nd highlighter at the inner corner of my eye, the midtone in the crease, and the accent on my lid. As always, I used black brown mascara and brow liner.

If you're interested in which colors I used, contact me!

I love how purple really makes green eyes pop!

Pshaw. Who needs eyeliner?

2007-12-09T16:54:00.001-05:00

Most people fall into one of two camps: those who swear by eyeliner and those who think it's unnecessary. I tell my clients that eyeliner both helps to define your eye and helps make your lashes look thicker by providing a solid "base" at your lash line. Since my redhead eyelashes are invisible without mascara, I thought I'd do a little comparison test to show how much of a difference eyeliner really makes.

On the left, I'm wearing mascara and eyeliner. On the right, it's mascara alone.

Here's the step-by-step "progress report" of what I did:

For the first picture, I simply applied black brown mascara using upward strokes.
A lot of women aren't comfortable using pencil liner, so in the second picture I used dark brown eyeshadow with my eyeliner brush instead. Applying powder with a brush is a lot less intimidating than using pencil eyeliner!
For the final picture, I employed my custom bag of eyelash tricks and techniques!

For in-person lessons on any of the techniques used here, contact me for a FREE consultation!

Lines, Lines, Go Away...

2007-12-04T17:37:00.002-05:00

I don't like wearing sunglasses. They leave those nasty marks on the sides of my nose and make it all shiny so I have to retouch my makeup. Since I don't wear them as often as I should, I squint a lot riding shotgun in my minivan...and all that squinting leaves two deep lines in my forehead.

I don't care so much about the wrinkle aspect, but I do mind having two crevices that noticeably collect foundation (I'm probably putting on too much if it's settling into wrinkles, but sometimes I'm focused more on my toddler than on how much I'm squirting out of the tube). I'm pretty pale, so having two white lines of foundation running across my forehead is kind of obvious. Since Botox (ick) is definitely not an option, I use a line-reducing pen before I do my foundation.

Our pen firms and tightens lines and wrinkles, but without inhibiting facial expression (and without needles, of course). The coolest part is that you actually see results within minutes! It's designed to benefit the forehead and crow's feet, since that's where most people need help with expression lines and wrinkles, but you can also use it on other places on your face. Since it's in our age-fighting line, it also delivers lasting benefits with continued use over time.

I took these pictures this morning at 11:13 and 11:24 a.m., before I did my foundation. No Photoshopping! If you're a skeptic like me, contact me for a free sample and try it on yourself! (Of course, buying it is risk-free anyway because of our awesome guarantee.)

Click on the picture for an enlarged view of my results!

a new Look

2007-12-02T17:29:00.002-05:00

Today, I decided to branch out and try a new eye look. I initially created it for a green-eyed customer but thought it might be a good idea if I tried it on myself, too. I used the standard eye application, plus I added a little highlighter at the inner corner of my eye. As always, I used black brown mascara and brow liner.

If you're interested in which colors I used, contact me!

Eyeliner: Liquid...Liqu-ego...Liqu-super-ego?

2007-12-01T17:31:00.002-05:00

I learned a new trick last week watching What Not to Wear that will make putting on liquid eyeliner a lot less scary! Instead of trying to keep a steady hand all the way across your eye using that in-cap applicator, put a gobby smear of liquid eyeliner on the back of your non-dominant hand. Using a good eyeliner brush, pick up a thin coat of the liquid eyeliner and apply it in short strokes across your eyelid, staying as close as possible to your upper lash line. If desired, wing the line up just past the end of your eye (continue the curve of your lid).

I haven't tried this yet, so if you have liquid eyeliner and a good eyeliner brush, try it and Comment to let me know how it works!

My Up-Front Disclaimer

2007-11-29T17:33:00.002-05:00

Okay, let me tell you up front: I am an Independent Beauty Consultant for the best-selling brand of skin care and cosmetics in the country, so it is inevitable that I will be referencing and promoting a certain company's products through this blog. HOWEVER, I am also honest and a skeptic and will not ever promote a product simply for the sake of promoting it. The results and recommendations posted here are based on my experiences or those of my customers and have not been exaggerated.

I would love to serve as your personal consultant! I keep a full inventory in stock, and both shipping and giftwrapping are free. IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN INDEPENDENT BEAUTY CONSULTANT who gives you personal service, please make your purchases from her instead! Since our company is all about personalized service, we prefer that each customer only does business with one consultant who can then get to know that individual well enough to best serve his or her needs.

Welcome to my beauty blog!