Makeup [meyk-uhp] noun: Confidence builder. Look-personalizer. The secret ingredient in making me look like a presentable member of society.
Hoarder [hohrd-er] verb (used with object): Accumulation of favorite things, carefully guarded.
Makeup + hoarder? Me!
Over the years I have fallen in love with makeup, and proceeded to grow my collection of tools and products. Which is a stark contrast to my natural tomboyish tendencies. Makeup used to intimidate me, so I avoided it. But I always secretly wanted to know how everyone else created such flawless looks. Thanks to Mary Kay, I now reach for my bag of tricks, do a quick brush, sweep, swipe, fluff, and, wah-la, I’ve got the look I used to envy.
Since makeup was always a bit overwhelming for me, with so many products and options, who knew where to start? I thought I would share what tools and products I love.
And use.
Daily.
PS – I use Mary Kay products exclusively. Yes I am a consultant, but that really came about because I was purchasing so much product! Mary Kay is easy (ordering, the range of products, longevity, and price), so I slowly moved all my products over. (Plus the consistency in what I’m applying on my face is important to me.) Not only are their products functional and easy, they maintain quality and create refined, beautiful looks.
Okay, now on to the makeup…
Here’s my bag.
Overflowing and packed.
Believe it or not I really do use (almost) all of these products and tools. (I’ll admit I should do some housekeeping.) I love to mix up my looks depending on the event, day, or my mood. Some days call for full glam. Some days I’m a minimalist. Either way, Mary Kay is my go-to.
First in my bag of tricks, are my brushes. From left to right:
Eyeliner/Eyebrow Brush
Eye Smudger Brush
Cheek Brush
Powder Foundation Brush
Liquid Foundation Brush
All-Over Eye Shadow Brush (x 2)
Eye Crease Brush
the Cream Color Brush
I also use my hands and fingers as an extension of my brush set (finger painting at its best!). Good brushes are important for full, consistent, and maximum application. I loved buying the set versus individual brushes because A) better price, and B) brushes are sort of overwhelming (what do you actually need?) and the set took the guesswork out of it.
Next up: the base layer. Probably my favorite and most-used product is the Foundation Primer. I utilize this everyday that I wear makeup, because it provides a number of benefits. It has SPF 15 (I love this aspect because I never actually put sunscreen on my face), it feels like butter going on (so smooth!), it helps make up go on evenly, and stay on all day. I’ve flown, set up a show booth, and had a meeting all in one day, and my makeup stayed put!
After my Foundation Primer, I apply my foundation (unless I’m doing a really bold eye look, occasionally I’ll do my eyes then my foundation). I have a few options here, the CC cream, liquid foundation, and powder foundation.
But what’s the difference?!
I’ve found foundation type is based on personal preference and activity. Depending on my mood and what I have on the docket, the foundation I reach for changes. My quick breakdown and how I think of foundation:
- Powder foundation – when I’m wanting something lighter and more natural looking. Doesn’t cover blemishes quite as thoroughly as liquid.
- Liquid foundation – when I want a more complete coverage to last all day. Since I started using the CC cream I do not use this as much.
- CC cream – similar to the liquid foundation, but a little smoother to apply. This has become my go-to, everyday foundation. Great coverage, good color match, and has SPF!
Also in this group of my makeup bag, I have my tweezers, perfecting concealer (you never know when you need a little extra coverage for a blemish!), and my highlighters. Because Mary Kay products last so long, these are from a season (or more) ago, but work great for adding a little shimmer and brightness to my cheek line. The Golden Horizon Illuminating Drops are my favorite! It is light, bright, and easy to blend.
Show time. Aka glam those eyes! (Oh, and maybe a little cheek action, too.) My everyday, easy peasy eye looks come from the Cream Eye Color group. I use my fingers to apply and blend them, and they last all day. I have four shades of the Cream Eye Color, all of which are fairly light and bright, the exception being the Iced Cocoa which adds a little boldness. Also in my eye makeup collection are my powder shadows. This is an easy (and affordable) way to mix up your look. Mary Kay is constantly putting out new color palettes and colors, so you can mix and match, and create a custom look. I organize my ever-growing eye shadow collection in my Perfect Palette and compact. (I love the palette and compact because you can swap out and reorganize your shadows whenever you want!)
I’ll note that the Mary Kay Look Book catalogs that come out quarterly have great step-by-step eye shadow diagrams and instructions to go with their specific color palettes. As I was getting comfortable doing my makeup, I would keep a catalog with instructions in my makeup drawer to reference. The great thing is you can apply those same instructions to various color groups and mixes.
Mixed into my Perfect Palette I also have my Golden Copper Blush. I use this to add some color and dimension to my face. I love the bronze-y tones and warmness.
And lastly, this group adds the final touches to my eye looks. I recently purchased the eye lash curler, and find myself using it to wrangle my lashes when they’re unruly. I often curl them before I add my mascara to help my mascara go on more evenly and be more effective. Also new to my eye group is my Precision Brow Liner! How did I ever survive before?! Maybe that’s dramatic, but I love this liner. I’ve always had blonde brows, and these help darken my brows so they are bolder and are more defined. I feel like they help complete my look.
Next, eye liner. Yikes. Eye liner and I have a touch-and-go relationship. See, I’m not very good at it (full admittance). BUT, the Liquid Eyeliner Pen makes it easy. It goes on smooth, and controlled, and I can (almost) create a winged look! When I want a little thicker, bolder eye liner I use the Eyeliner Cranyon. I don’t get as precise of a lined look, but enjoy it, too. For a more sultry, blended eye liner look, I use an eye shadow and smudger brush along my lash line and the outer corner of my eye.
The last step in my look is my Lash Intensity Mascara. Otherwise known as my va-va-voom mascara! Since starting this mascara, I have never looked at another one. This mascara is dark, thick, and rolls on easy. The brush comes with varying lengths, so that you can roll it on and give your lashes maximum coverage and volume. I’ve had multiple people ask me about, and comment on, my long lashes. Thanks MK!
And there you have it. My bag of tricks. I think it’s safe to say Mary Kay is a miracle worker, and a one-stop-shop for all things beauty!
I plan on including more makeup information, and some videos, but in the meantime would love to hear what are your favorite tips and tricks are, and if you have any makeup questions. Drop a comment below!
With all this makeup talk, I figured I would include some favorite looks!
Beer in a Martini World 