I'm very flattered

Well, it has been well over a year since I posted anything on this blog, made a video on Youtube, tweeted much, etc. Yet oddly enough, I still have people reading this blog. I even get emails, comments on my blog and a phone call or two from people interested. I'm very flattered that I have a following of some kind. My sole purpose is to assist those who have questions. Feel free to ask any questions. I'll do my best to answer them as quickly as I can.

So, it's a new year and some changes have happened in my life. Mostly, I plan on building my Mary Kay business. I want the things I talk about in this blog. I want to be able to drive a free car from Mary Kay (yes! I will drive around in a pink Cadillac if I earn one--why not? it's free!). I've never owned a brand new car before. Even though I won't technically own this car from Mary Kay, it's still brand new and I get to drive it. And I love that I get a new one every two years, so long as I meet the requirements to earn one. Where else can you go where they'll take your "old" car back and give you a new one every two years? I don't know of many places. Feel free to let me know where these places are. I'm sure others wouldn't mind working for such companies.

I want the trips around the world, the jewelry, the cash bonuses, etc. I am looking for people who want that as well. I want to be a Director, where I can inspire many people to achieve their dreams by teaching, coaching and guiding. I know many ladies who I think would be incredible Directors, if they would just give Mary Kay a chance. I can see them as powerful business women who mentor other ladies. I also know there are men out there who understand the opportunity. I want to inspire them to know that men can sell skin care and make-up just as well as ladies--and the ladies don't mind at all.

I want to find people who want free products from me just for being my customer. I want to spoil those who introduce me to new customers. The only way I am successful at Mary Kay is if I have customers who enjoy the product. I am not a pushy salesperson. I am a CONSULTANT. I consult with you on your skin care needs and help you find the products and tools that help you achieve those needs. And if you can't afford some of the products I have, I am willing to help you earn them for free. What would you buy from Mary Kay if you could get $100 worth of product for free? Contact me and I'll let you know what we can do together so you can earn this $100 shopping spree. I love to give away product (see, I'm not a pushy salesman or I'd not give you anything for free).

In short, I am going to be more dedicated to social media. I am actively interviewing people who want a job. For now, I can only interview those in the United States and its territories. International will come, but one step at a time. I am looking for hosts who want $100 in free product and I am looking for customers who want top customer service and expert consultation.

Feel free to share this with your friends.

Take care!

Color 101: Lucious Lips

It has been a while since I was able to create a post. I am now back in the States after nearly a year deployed in Afghanistan. It's good to be home, but it was an adjustment. In addition to getting home, I started college again. I haven't been in college classes in 12 years. It's definitely another adjustment. But, I have to finish a degree. So, that's what I am doing.

So, for today, we are going to talk about lips. Hopefully, I'll have some information in today's post that is new or helpful. Before we start adding color to the lips, we need to start at the beginning. Lipstick and lip gloss won't sit on the lips well if they are dry, chapped or rough. We start with Satin Lips ($18, plus tax for the set). This is a two step treatment to smooth the lips. Step 1 exfoliates and Step 2 moisturizes. You can use the lip balm (step 2) as often as you need. It's one of the items I use regularly (even as a guy). Step 1 should be used only once or twice a week. If you buy the two steps separately, you'll end up paying $1 extra. Save yourself the money and buy them together.

Another often skipped step is a lip primer. Mary Kay has Timewise Age-Fighting Lip Primer ($22, plus tax). We are back to another Timewise product--so we are anti-age and anti-wrinkle. Based on a 12 week study, 100% of women saw an improvement in the fine lines and wrinkles on and around the lips. Again, that is EVERYONE! Not only will this product help keep your lips soft and wrinkle-free, the Lip Primer will help keep your lip color in place--on your lips! I personally use this product underneath the Satin Lips Lip Balm (step 2) and find it helps keep the lip balm in place, too. Which is what I want. I use the lip balm to moisturize.

The last often skipped step is Lip Liner ($12, plus tax). Mary Kay has 9 shades of Lip Liner. These have been updated from the former concept. Previously, a person would buy a pink Lip Liner to go with a pink lipstick or lip gloss. A brown or chocolate Liner for a brown lipstick or lip gloss and so on. You needed a different liner for each shade of lipstick. Mary Kay as updated that. Now you pick a Lip Liner to match your LIPS, not your lip color. That way, you only need one Lip Liner, no matter which lipstick or lip gloss you use. Lip Liners help give you that Hollywood finished lip look and they help keep your lip color on your lips. If you are new to Lip Liners, try Mary Kay's Lip Liner in Clear. It does the same thing, but leaves no color.

Mary Kay Creme Lipstick ($15, plus tax). Mary Kay has 39 shades of Lipstick in a range of color families (Pink, Tawnies, Reds, Metals, Neutrals, Chocolates, Berries and Reds). If you wear Lipstick, Mary Kay has a shade for you. The Creme Lipstick is moisturizing and has vitamins C and E in them. Additionally, the Creme Lipstick fits in the standard Compact and the Compact Pro.

To finish your look, try Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss ($14, plus tax). 14 incredible shades. These can be used to amp up your lipstick color or to mute it a little. You can also use the Lip Gloss to add shine to a matte lipstick color. You can mix Lipsticks and Lip Glosses to make a custom lip color all your own! The NouriShine Plus Lip Glosses also fit in the Compact and the Compact Pro.

And new to the Mary Kay Lipstick family, Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick ($18, plus tax). This is an intense moisturizing Lipstick and comes in 10 shades. This Lipstick debuted in December 2012. The tube is also the right size for the Compact and the Compact Pro. Made with natural ingredients and age-defying benefits, this is a great Lipstick.

Again, I hope this information is beneficial. And as always, I welcome comments, questions and product reviews! Mary Kay has some great things happening this year. It is the 50th Anniversary of the company. Be sure to check things out. I look forward to hearing from you. www.marykay.com/dmanor.

Take care!

Mary Kay Make-up: Concealers, Highlighters and Loose Powder

It's been a while since I've given some tips or information about products. It's time to get back into it before the year is done. There are some great products that Mary Kay has to help you achieve the flawless look anyone is looking for.

Concealer ($10, plus tax). Concealers are meant to do what their name implies--conceal something. A blemish, discolored skin, a scar--whatever you have in mind. Concealers go on after your cleansing routine and after your moisturizer. Concealers also go on before your foundation. Concealers are meant as a spot treatment, but can be used more liberally if there is a lot of variations in skin tone. Concealers should be a tad lighter in shade than your foundation. This is to add a "lift" underneath the foundation, to hide whatever it is you want to hide. If you have no idea what foundation or concealer shade you should use, look to your decollete, that's the area between the chest and neck. Match your foundation to that area of your skin and adjust your concealer as needed--remember, a bit lighter than your foundation. If you have a lot of redness in the skin, Yellow Concealer would be the best choice to counteract the redness. Concealer is best applied using a brush, but you can use your fingers, too. Dab a little on and make sure the concealer lays flat or it'll be noticeable.

Facial Highlighting Pen ($18, plus tax). This is a fun product. The Facial Highlighting Pen goes on top of your foundation. This is meant to add lift to areas of the face, like the laugh lines, inside of your eyes, corners of the nose, etc. If you are going to highlight under the eyes, just highlight the darker area underneath puffiness, not the puffiness itself. This will make it appear less puffy. Reapply throughout the day as needed to keep yourself looking refreshed.

Mineral Highlighting Powder ($12, plus tax). This is more of an advanced product for a custom look. This is a mineral product, so it soaks up oil. And like all other mineral eye and cheek products, the Mineral Highlighting Powder has vitamins A, C and E. Use this product to give lift to the face. The Mineral Highlighting Powder can also be used all over the face or as eye colors. The Mineral Highlighting Powder is great for contouring the face.

Loose Powder ($14, plus tax). Mary Kay has an entire line of foundations. Some are liquid, some are powder, some are cream and some are a mix. Loose Powder is used to set your make-up. This is a Hollywood secret. After your concealers, foundation and make up, you can add a small layer of Loose Powder over the top to keep your make-up in place. It adds a layer between your make-up and the environment. As an added bonus, Loose Powder soaks up excess oil.

Well, that was short and sweet today. I hope you find this information helpful. Feel free to check out my website for more tips and product information. And (of course) shop anytime! www.marykay.com/dmanor

Take care!

Make-up 101: Eye Color

I've posted information about skin care, which is a critical step in making sure your make-up looks flawless. The clearer the skin, the more likely you'll get the results you are looking for with your make-up. If you have a great skin care routine that works for you, awesome! I'm happy you found something. If you haven't found that great skin care routine yet, you should really give Mary Kay a try. If you hate it after you buy it, you can get your money back. It's the Mary Kay guarantee! And the Consultant you return the product to does lose money for your returns. So don't be shy.

We've talked about primers, foundations and brushes. Each of these has a purpose to create a flawless look. Now we are going to talk a little about eye colors.

Eye colors serve one of three purposes: highlighter, midtone and accent color.

Highlighters are the lightest shade you are using on a given day. This is the color that gives lift to your eyes. Highlighters are usually applied from the lid to the brow bone. Highlighters can have shimmer or have a matte finish. The use of shimmer would be a personal preference. My own personal opinion would be to tone down the shimmer on business looks (that doesn't mean eliminate shimmer, just in case you were wondering). The Highlighter can also be applied to the inside corner of the eye, near the nose. Highlighters that are close to your own natural skin tone are a perfect start, especially for a business look.

Midtones are often a neutral or earth tone that goes all over the eye lid. The Midtones are usually blended near the crease of the eye lid with the Highlighter shade. The same as Highlighters, Midtones can be shimmer or matte finish. Having just a Highlighter and Midtone is perfect for a business look.

Accent Colors are the pop of color. These are usually your vivid colors, Gold, Green, Silver, Blue, Purple and even Pink. The most common place to apply the Accent Color is from the outside corner of the eye through the crease. The color is blended with the Midtone and Highlighters. Often the Accent Colors are applied along the lower lash line as well, particularly in a night look. It is common, but not necessary to use an eyeliner in a similar shade to your Accent Color. Accent Colors also come in shimmer and matte finishes.

What's great about an Accent Color--you can start out with your regular Highlighter and Midtone for your business look. When work is done, touch up your first to Eye Colors and add your Accent Color. Now you are ready to go out. And you can change your Accent Color daily, but keep your Midtown and Highlighter. It's simple and quick to go from a day look to a night look. For easy application of an Accent Color, try the Mary Kay Eye Crease Brush.

Mary Kay has two types of Eye Colors, in addition to their purpose. Mary Kay Cream Eye Color ($13, plus tax). Comes in 5 shades. Mary Kay Cream Eye Colors work as a primer as well as an eye color, so you don't need a primer underneath the Cream Eye Colors. Cream Eye Colors wear for 10 hours. How can you beat that? These colors can be layered with other Cream Eye Colors or with the Mineral Eye Colors. The Cream Eye Colors also go on better if applied with a brush. Check out the Mary Kay Cream Eye Color/Concealer Brush.

Mary Kay Mineral Eye Colors ($6.50, plus tax). Each Mineral Eye Color comes in a metal square, made to fit in any of the Mary Kay Compacts. So you choose which colors you want in the compact and can change them as often as you'd like. Mary Kay Mineral Eye Colors come with vitamins A, C and E, so they are actually good for your skin. The Mineral Eye Colors are fade resistant and absorb excess oil as well. Eye Primer is recommended to help extend the wear of your Eye Color.

Finish your eye look with an Eyeliner ($12, plus tax). Mary Kay has seven shades in Eyeliner pencils and just Black in Liquid Eyeliner ($11, plus tax). Each of the Eyeliner pencils comes with a built in sharpener in the cap, wear for up to 8 hours and are smudge-proof and waterproof.

Top off your eye look with a Mascara. Again, I recommend Black/Brown and Brown shades of Mascara for the fairer ladies, those like Renee Zellweger or Nicole Kidman. The medium and darker skin tone ladies or fair ladies with dark hair should use Black Mascara. And of course, Black Mascara for all skin tones for the red carpet or night-on-the-town look.

Remember, at the end of the day, remove all of that great eye make up with Mary Kay's Oil-free Eye Make-up Remover. 

I hope this helps some of those ladies I've met who say they have "no idea what to do" with eye colors. I welcome pointers from the experts--ladies who apply eye color every day. Please feel free to chime in and share tips. I also welcome any questions, comments or product reviews. www.marykay.com/dmanor.

Take Care!

Mary Kay Tools: Brushes

We started talking about the great make-up items that Mary Kay has. Before I get into it too much, I thought I should talk about the tools before the make-up. You can have the best make-up in the world, but if you have terrible tools to use, store or apply your make-up, then there is really no point.

Mary Kay just updated their line of brushes. Great brushes are another of Hollywood's best kept secrets. Each brush serves a purpose and is made differently. So let's jump in!

Powder Brush ($16, plus tax). This brush is made of natural bristles. Anytime you are using a powder product, whether it is your foundation, check color, eye color or bronzer, you want a natural bristle brush. The natural bristles pick up the powder, but don't hold onto them when you are sweeping them onto your face. The Powder Brush is perfect for Loose Powder or Pressed Powder Foundations to help set your make-up. This brush is also great for bronzers to contour the face.

Mary Kay Powder Brush

Cheek Brush ($14, plus tax). Again, we have natural bristles. This brush is dome shaped so that it is easy to brush your cheek color or bronzer along the cheek bones or to highlight the apples of your cheeks.

Mary Kay Cheek Brush

Eye Color Brush ($10, plus tax). Natural bristle brush, which helps evenly apply Mary Kay Mineral Powder Eye Colors. This is great for color applied all over the eyelid and even up to the brow bone.

Mary Kay Eye Color Brush

Eye Crease Brush ($10, plus tax). Natural bristle brush and meant to do exactly what its name says, apply color to the crease of the eyes. This brush is also perfect for blending colors.

Mary Kay Eye Crease Brush

Eyeliner/Eyebrow Brush ($10, plus tax). Natural bristles, which are short, angled and firm, help define the brows and lashes. On the other end, a brush and a comb to tame brows.

Mary Kay Eyeliner/Eyebrow Brush

Mary Kay had a brush set, with a bag to hold all the brushes for $48, plus tax. Mary Kay has updated all of the brushes and the bag they come in. The new retail price is now $55. The great thing is, the new bag will hold any of the Mary Kay Compacts. The previous one was not big enough for the Compact Pro. Someone who uses all of the brushes in the set would most likely want the Compact Pro. Also, it was not possible to order the brushes separately. Now you can. So you don't need to buy the whole set if you just need a brush or two. You will, however, save $5 if you buy the whole set, plus get the bag (the bag does not sell separately). You get all 5 above mentioned brushes in the set.

Mary Kay Brush Collection

There are a few more brushes that are worth mentioning. The first is the Mary Kay Cream Eye Color/Concealer Brush ($10, plus tax). This is the first brush made of synthetic bristles. Since we are talking about cream products, a brush with synthetic bristles is the best choice. Synthetic bristles do not absorb the products you are using. A natural bristle brush will. So, in the long run, you use less product with this brush. Perfect for applying Eye Primer, Cream Eye Color or Concealer. NOTE: A Primer is not necessary for the Cream Eye Colors, but is recommended for the Mineral Eye Colors. Also, it is recommended for hygiene purposes to dedicate one brush for each cream product.

Mary Kay Cream Eye Color/Concealer Brush

Mary Kay Eye Smudger Brush ($10, plus tax). Another natural bristle brush. This brush is perfect for smudging eye color along the lash line. It is also the brush recommended for the smoky affect in eye color.

Mary Kay Eye Smudger Brush

The last two brushes we will talk about are for foundation. So, the brush list is a little out of order, since you would use a foundation brush before you would use any of the rest of the brushes already mentioned. The first is the Mineral Foundation Brush ($10, plus tax). Again, natural bristles for the Mineral Powder Foundation. This brush is ideal to help slowly build your foundation until you get the desired coverage.


Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation Brush

Mary Kay Liquid Foundation Brush ($10, plus tax). Synthetic bristles, which are great for any of the Mary Kay liquid Foundations (Medium Coverage, Timewise or Tinted Moisturizer). These bristles, again won't absorb the Foundation, so you use less. As an added bonus, you don't add any extra oil from your skin when you apply your foundation with a brush.

Mary Kay Liquid Foundation Brush

I've had some people ask why they would spend nearly $100 on brushes. I agree, it is a rather large sum of money for brushes. Remember, the better the brush, the easier it will be to apply the product. Additionally, Mary Kay just debuted a new product to help clean the brushes, extend their use and protect your investment. Mary Kay Brush Cleaner ($10, plus tax) will help keep your brushes clean and ready to use.

Mary Kay Brush Cleaner

Again, I'd love to hear from you. Any comments, questions or product reviews are welcome. Again, my website is www.marykay.com/dmanor.

Take care!

Supplements: More for the Eyes

So we've talked about eye creams that help moisturize and that are anti-age and anti-wrinkle. We've talked about dark circles and puffiness. Now it's time to talk about some other eye products.

Oil-free Eye Make-up Remover ($15, plus tax). This is a Mary Kay Best Seller! If you want to easily remove all of your eye make-up AND leave your lashes in place, this is the product for you. Beauty experts also use this product to remove lip make-up. Just remember to shake up the bottle first. This makes an AWESOME gift!

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Eyes/Eye-Care/Mary-Kay-Oil-Free-Eye-Makeup-Remover/180101.partId?eCatId=10545

Indulge Soothing Eye Gel ($15, plus tax). The Eye Gel is perfect for a little extra pampering around the eyes. Use as a spot treatment to soak into the skin or add a thin layer and use it like a mask. If you want an instant perk up for tired eyes, this is what you should use.

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Eyes/Eye-Care/Indulge-Soothing-Eye-Gel/180102.partId?eCatId=10545

Brow Gel ($10, plus tax). One way to finish framing the face is to set the brows. Use on top of your pencil or mineral eye color to hold the color and keep the brows in place. Dries soft and natural (not stiff like hair gel). Helps brows appear fuller as well.

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Eyes/Brow-Care/Mary-Kay-Brow-Gel/130106.partId?eCatId=10022

Lash & Brow Building Serum ($38, plus tax). This is a new product in the Mary Kay line. If you thought of using something like Latisse, try Mary Kay Lash & Brow Building Serum first. It's definitely cheaper, does not require a prescription and you can return it if it doesn't work. Will build fuller, healthier lashes and brows.

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Eyes/Brow-Care/Mary-Kay-Lash-Brow-Building-Serum-/130108.partId?eCatId=10022

Again, I hope you find this information useful. Please share, post comments or ask questions. I'd love to hear from you.

As always, my website is www.marykay.com/dmanor

Take Care!

Back to Basic: Foundation!!!

So if we've already talked about food for the skin and moisturizer for the skin, it's time we talk about shelter! In other words, your foundation. You've just cleansed your skin, added moisturizer--now put something on top to keep all that good stuff in and prevent the bad stuff from returning.

Mary Kay has a host of foundations, 7 different types of foundation to meet your skin care needs. I am 100% certain you will not only find the right type, but the perfect shade. Nobody should know you have foundation on. If you do it right, nobody will know. That's the point, right? Make them all think you were born with that skin. So here are the foundations, starting with least coverage and building to the most coverage.

Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 ($18, plus tax). Sheer; 6 shades. This is a lightweight moisturizer with a hint of pigment to even out skin tone. As an added benefit, there is an SPF of 20. This is the perfect summer foundation, since it not only protect from the sun, but adds moisture to the skin. The Tinted Moisturizer will not hide all imperfections since it is a sheer coverage, but it will even out skin tone.

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Face/Tinted-Moisturizer/Mary-Kay-Tinted-Moisturizer-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum-SPF-20-/Ivory-1/10054328.partId?eCatId=10013

Mineral Powder ($18, plus tax). Sheer; 12 shades. This is is a lightweight foundation, with build-able coverage. You can add layers of this foundation to build the coverage you want. This foundation also helps with shine and oil control. Best if applied with the Mineral Powder Foundation Brush
($10, plus tax).

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Face/Foundation/Mary-Kay-Mineral-Powder-Foundation/Ivory-0.5/111210.partId?eCatId=10012

Pressed Powder ($14, plus tax). Sheer; 6 shades. Another sheer coverage foundation, but fits into any of the Mary Kay Compacts (from $16, plus tax). Build-able coverage and great for oil control and shine.

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Face/Mary-Kay-Sheer-Mineral-Pressed-Powder/Ivory-1/111305.partId?eCatId=10005

Cream-to-Powder ($14, plus tax). Medium; 10 shades. Cream-to-powder moves into the medium coverage category. This foundation applies like a cream foundation offering more coverage and hiding more imperfections. Then, this foundation dries like a powder, so it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. This foundation also fits into any of the Mary Kay Compacts (from $16, plus tax).

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Face/Foundation/Mary-Kay-Creme-to-Powder-Foundation/Ivory-0.5/110308.partId?eCatId=10012

Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation ($15, plus tax). Medium; 20 shades. Mary Kay Medium Coverage Foundation is a liquid foundation specifically marketed for oil control. If you have oily skin, but like a liquid foundation, this is the one for you. Goes on best if applied with the Liquid Foundation Brush ($10, plus tax).

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Face/Foundation/Mary-Kay-Medium-Coverage-Foundation/Ivory-100/110915.partId?eCatId=10012

Timewise Liquid Foundations ($20, plus tax). Medium; 23 shades. There are two formulas for this foundation. Timewise Luminous-Wear Foundation, for those with Normal to Dry skin and Timewise Matte-Wear Foundation, for those with Combination and Oily Skin. These are Timewise foundations,
so they have the anti-age and anti-wrinkle properties. These are made for those ladies who like liquid foundation and are using either the Timewise Skincare line or the Timewise Repair Skincare line. Best if applied with the Liquid Foundation Brush ($10).

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Face/Foundation/TimeWise-Luminous-Wear-Liquid-Foundation/Ivory-1/111418.partId?eCatId=10012

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Face/Foundation/TimeWise-Matte-Wear-Liquid-Foundation/Ivory-1/111518.partId?eCatId=10012

Cream Foundation ($16, plus tax). Full; 11 shades. Cream Foundations are full coverage foundations. Mary Kay's Cream Foundation is made for those with severe dry skin or those who wish to hide imperfections. My own personal opinion would be that this foundation would also make a drag queen very happy. Those with Oily skin will not like this foundation. Those who are not used to wearing foundations at all will also most likely not like this foundation since it will feel heavy to them.

http://www.marykay.com/dmanor/en-US/Makeup/Mary-Kay-Day-Radiance-Cream-Foundation/Antique-Ivory/110402.partId?eCatId=10003

Again, I am so looking forward to answering any questions that you might have. Please feel free to send me a message or check out my website. www.marykay.com/dmanor

Take care!