Mary Kay Cosmetics

[RickS]

Are Mary Kay cosmetics better than you can normaly buy in a store?
Has anyone used them?

[Carolynn]

Hi Rikki. Its mostly in what you like. Some people think that the products of one company should be used together, that they are specially blended, but it is really a determination of what helps you look and feel at your best.

I am currently using a mix of Mary Kay, Avon, and Almay. Mary Kay makes the foundation shade that matches my facial skin tone that goes on smoothly, covers well, and looks like it's not there, and I like their lip colors. Avon has some superior eye shadows and eyeliner, nice smelling body lotion, and their foot softening cream is superior to others. I like the Almay mascara, blush and nail colors, and they are not expensive. If you like Mary Kay or Avon then look in their catalog the representative gives you and watch for you favorite products to be on sale to save money.

One advantage to using MK and Avon when starting to use makeup is that it is possible to find sympathetic representatives who can help you find the proper makeup and look. You can experiment from there. Do not expect that the representative will do your make-up for you. Merle-Norman is the only place I know of now that will, and you can get after hours appointments to get their help if the operator is sympathetic. Places like Dillards still do makeover's too, but is very public.

Just be sure you follow a skin cleaning regimine faithfully. It doesn't take products that are expensive, and you don't have to use Mary Kay or Avon or whatever. Neutrogena makes a relatively inexpensive scrub in several "grits", Biorie makes a comfortable mask and cleanser, and Witch Hazel is a perfectly adequate toner. Always wear a moisturizer, one with sunscreen that matches how much time you spend in the sun whether you wear foundation through your day or not, and you will do OK. It's keeping your skin free of dirt and lose shedding dead skin that you are doing, and that will help your facial complexion. Getting the embedded dirt and any black head or white heads out of your poors will help the pores look smaller.

The sun screen is a great investment if you will remember to use it. Lots of the lines you have and will have come from sun damage from your misspent youth! OKay, Okay, mine did anyway!! Some people buy in to the special night time creams, but I tried it using as directed and saw no results over a two month period as was the advertised promise. YMMV.

You might check out the archives for some of Danielle's posts on cosmetic products and their contents, or look at her Revelation posts.

[Jean Marie]

I have used Mary Kay cosmetics exclusively fo quite a few years. I have a great lady rep. that has helped me beyond belief. Not sure if one is better then the other hbut I have been pleased. Jean Marie

[Carla L]

I used MAC and Beauty Control. The Beauty Control rep has been really helpful and I pick and choose. I like the foundation from beauty control, eye shadows, lipstick and mascara from mac.