ERASE YOUR BAGGAGE



Erase Your Baggage

Thank God it’s Friday!!! The phrase so commonly stated by many often precedes a fun filled, action packed weekend. With those good times there are often repercussions that we are not so thankful for; hangovers, lost sleep, and puffy eyes just to name a few. We all know where hangovers come from and what causes them and lost sleep is an explanation in itself. But, exactly what causes those dreadful puffy eyes that we are many times afflicted with?



Guys Are Affected Too

Puffy eyes are a condition of swollen, inflamed eyes. They affect both men and women. Studies have shown that after the age of 30 people become more plagued by this inflammation. The area surrounding the eyes is very then and full of blood vessels making it ultra sensitive. Puffy eyes can be caused by many factors. As many of us know they also do not limit their appearance on us to just the weekends. Some of the causes of puffy eyes include stress, allergies, hormone changes, fluid retention and other factors. We are fully aware that when someone cries often times it leaves us accompanied with swollen/puffy eyes. This is due to the fact our bodies react to emotions and causes blood to flow through the eyes which ultimately leads to swelling. The production of too many emotional tears will also strain the eye. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” if it were only as easy as the song claims. 

Sleep or lack of I should say, affects our lives in countless ways.  In regards to puffy eyes, too much sleep and not enough sleep can be a trigger. This can be caused due to varying factors such as too much sodium in your diet causing inflammation due to water retention, tossing and turning and not getting enough “good sleep”.

For many of us, the weekend brings with it a time to gather with our friends and family, the celebration of different events or simple weekend getaways. All of these can include the enjoyment of an alcoholic beverage. Studies have shown that alcohol also has an impact on the swelling of your eyes. However, it is a more prominent symptom for those excessive drinkers.

You can take a deep breath because there are several things you can do to treat and prevent the appearance of puffy eyes.  If you suffer from normal puffy eyes that are not caused by other eye conditions you can try several things to get them back to normal. First, always limit your sodium intake for several health reasons in addition to preventing swollen eyes.  Be sure to drink lots of water throughout your day. This is another healthy practice to hydrate your body and to make sure you are flushing your system regularly. I have a few friends who swear that washing your face with ICE cold water offers immediate relief if you can tolerate the chill. I cannot say if this does indeed offer an immediate relief but, I am sure it will wake you up very quickly LOL!!!

Tea Bag Therapy?

Cucumber Spa?

There are of course a few home remedies that most of us have heard of and possibly have even tried. The famous cucumber slices on the eye is one of those. The legend says that you should place two well chilled cucumbers on your eyes for no longer than 10 minutes. Now, I have tried this one. For me it seems to make me relax more but, does not diminish puffy eyes.  Another common home remedy is to take two very well moistened tea bags and place them in the refrigerator. Once they have reached a nice chilled temperature place them on your eyes and leave them on for a period of 10 minutes. This is not a practice I have tried.  But, I am curious….

I would rather have a product that I know works so I can rest assured that I will be able to rectify my swollen eyes when they decide to grace me with their presence LOL!! The three products that I use and highly recommend are:

 Mary Kay Firming Eye Cream ($30): Firms, brightens and provides intense moisturization for the eye area. It also minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.

Mary Kay Indulge Eye Gel ($15): its botanical extracts are proven to help reduce the appearance of puffiness. It is also accompanied by a nice cooling effect.

Mary Kay Targeted-Action Eye Revitalizer ($35): its roller ball applicator makes it possible for you to apply the product exactly where it is needed all while giving your eyes a “massage”

Please be aware that their cases where puffy eyes are persistent and severe. They can be a symptom of an underlying eye condition such as allergies of the eye. When in this form the puffy eyes are commonly accompanied by pain, discomfort, blurry vision, irritation and/or other conditions. If you are experiencing puffy eyes to this degree it is imperative that you seek medical assistance from an optometrist.

 Enjoy your weekends or any celebration by knowing that you can treat the “physical evidence” of your fun filled life!! Start erasing your baggage now. Order your Mary Kay eye care today. Please visit my website at www.marykay.com/ur4beauty to place your order or register to order your free samples. All new customers receive 20% off of their initial orders. I also offer free shipping within the US!!
Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!





Compact Your World



I wanted to write about the fabulously unique make-up compacts that Mary Kay offers. As a woman who proudly admits that her compact is her constant companion I am so appreciative of this product. There is not another compact on the market like the one we proudly manufacture. In researching additional information about this compact I found this wonderful review and it really says it all. The review is from Jenny Rapson of the website: www.blissfullydomestic.ning.com

Review – Why You’ll Love the New Mary Kay Compact

By Jenny Rapson on October 1, 2008

I’m not a “Pink Lady” (my oh-so-clever nickname for Mary Kay Consultants), but I do love the products they pedal. I’ve tried lots of cosmetics over the years and Mary Kay is what works best for me and is in my price range. So as you may imagine, I was thrilled when the good folks at Pink Lady Central (aka Mary Kay Corporate) sent me their new compact to try out and review.

It. Is. Awesome!

I love it, and here are a couple of quick reasons why you will love the new Mary Kay Compact too!

• It’s customizable. You can put six eye shadows in it, or three eye shadows and a blush, or a blush and bronzer, or pressed powder and highlighting powder…the combinations are literally endless! There is also space for a lipstick or lip gloss and your brushes and applicators.

• It’s easy-to-use. The compact and the items that go in it are MAGNETIC so they stay in place! The compact also has a little tab on it that snaps loose easily when you want to switch out your cosmetics. It’s as simple as can be.

• It’s just the right size. This compact literally fits in the palm of your hand, and slips into any purse, even a clutch! So you can have your beauty essentials with you anywhere! The surface is scratch-proof also, so no matter what else you have in your purse, your compact will still come out looking great!



Endless Possibilities



The compact retails for just $18, and you can start filling it with cosmetics starting at just $6.50! You can purchase it online or from your Mary Kay Consultant.

How do you carry your makeup when you’re on the go? Come show and share at the Blissfully Domestic Forums!

Jenny Rapson is a makeup junkie and SAHM of two. Come peek into her daily life at her blog, Mommin’ It Up!

Posted in Fashion & Style

 Jenny Rapson

Jenny Rapson is a SAHM of two great kids. She loves fashion, is a makeup junkie, and can be found blogging about all her other various addictions and life as a mom over at Mommin' It Up! Got a product to review or promotion for Blissful Style? Contact Jenny via email at jenny at blissfullydomestic dot com. Follow her on twitter - she's @jennyitup and @BlissfulStyle.
Jenny Rapson's Website:

7 responses to “Review – Why You’ll Love the New Mary Kay Compact”

1. Sylvia

October 1, 2008 at 9:34 am | Permalink

I love, love this compact too! I signed up as a rep just to get product at a discount! Their stuff is the best!

2.   Lore Mullins

October 1, 2008 at 10:15 am | Permalink

I’m not a “pink lady” either but I signed up with MK just to get the discount for myself because I’m an MK junkie. HOWEVER….I extend a 25% off your entire order discount to everyone! (EVERYONE!!!!) If you’re interested in getting your compact and filling it up (and at 25% off!) I can help! Just email me (thebargainista@gmail.com)

3.   Jenny Rapson

            October 1, 2008 at 10:21 am | Permalink

Hey all! I listed the wrong link to the forums. OOPS! My bad! Here is the link to discuss this post or how you take your makeup on the go with you!

http://blissfullydomestic.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=2004667%3ATopic%3A30854

4.   Shades of Pink

October 1, 2008 at 10:48 am | Permalink

This is such a great review! I am a “Pink Lady” and it is refreshing to see an honest positive review from someone who does not necessarily have an invested interest in the product. I’m happy that you enjoy the products! I also think it is very cool that MKC sent you the compact to try out. Kudos to them and Kudos to you! I’ve linked to the article from my blog. And let me just say that my new best friend is the Compact Pro. tee hee

5.   Heather @ Not a DIY Life

October 1, 2008 at 12:54 pm | Permalink

Woohoo! Great review! I’m a “Pink Lady” too, and this is one of my favorite new product launches since I joined Mary Kay (7+ years).

Thanks for getting the word out!

6. Cherie

    October 1, 2008 at 1:02 pm | Permalink

    I love the redesign on the compact! I have the old school silver one from a few years back. Great review!

7. Joline

 October 1, 2008 at 2:22 pm | Permalink

 Thank you for such a wonderful review! I am a “pink lady” and so appreciate the glowing review of our compact. I really enjoy reading your posts!

Mary Kay Compact Unfilled

The Mary Kay Compact is available for purchase in two sizes; the Mary Kay Compact ($18) and the Mary Kay Compact Pro ($35). These compacts are unfilled which allows you to customize it to your individual favorites. Since they are so diverse with their ease of interchanging, you can design it for your work day makeup choices then within moments change it to your colors and needs for a night on the town. The Mary Kay Compact fits perfectly in your pocket book any day of the week. For those more elegant outings you will find that it also is the perfect size for those clutches that only get brought out for special occasions.





The Mary Kay Compact Pro
Your Personal Genie

The Mary Kay Compact Pro is what I consider to be a lifesaver & space saver all wrapped up in one. You will be amazed at how uncluttered your bathroom countertops become when you utilize this to its full potential. You can have all of your makeup needs arranged neatly in one brilliant station. You will feel like this compact is your own personal Genie when you travel because of its space saving abilities. It has so many options for personalization that you will find you can eliminate a whole bag simply by using this compact. If you are interested in making your regular/everyday beauty area more contained, organized and clutter free then you need to order your very own Compact Pro today. Having the ability to change and create your compact will leave you feeling like an artist who created a masterpiece from an empty pallet. You WILL fall in love with this product!!

Design Your Own Masterpiece

To order this product or to simply browse our entire catalogue please visit my website www.marykay.com/ur4beauty. You will be able to read additional information on these compacts and explore the endless options you have it designing your own customized compact. All first time customers receive 20% off their intitial orders. Start designing yours today!!

 

http://blissfullydomestic.ning.com

DIMINISH THOSE DARK CIRCLES

What is it that can make you look older than you really are?  Surprisingly, it might not be wrinkles or gray hair but dark circles under your eyes. Although dark circles under eyes usually aren't a sign of exhaustion or serious illness, they can make you feel old, unhealthy and tired. This is a condition that affects both men and women around the world.

Just what constitutes dark circles under eyes is often in the eye of the beholder, but medically, they're defined as round, uniform areas of pigmentation beneath each eye. Dark circles under eyes affect both men and women, and although dark, under-eye circles often start in adulthood; children can develop them, too.

More treatments are available for dark circles under eyes than ever before and range from makeup to laser therapy and in some cases, surgery. Because results aren't always perfect, however, it helps to have realistic expectations.

If you get plenty of sleep, haven't been to a party in years and still have dark circles under your eyes, that's not unusual. Fatigue and high living aren't the main reasons for under-eye circles. What appears to be under-eye circles are sometimes just shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under your eyes that develop as a normal part of aging.

Here are some of the most common causes of true under-eye circles:

§  Allergies

§  Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

§  Heredity — dark under-eye circles can run in families

§  Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol and caffeinated sodas

§  Nasal congestion (which dilates and darkens the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose)

§  Pigmentation irregularities — these are a particular concern for people of color, especially blacks and Asians

§  Sun exposure, which prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color

§  Thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen — common as you age — which make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious

The good news is that if you are one of the many people affected by this condition you do not have to resort to going under the knife. Mary Kay offers an amazing product that is specifically for the treatment of dark circles. TimeWise Targeted Action Eye Revitalizer diminishes dark circles and helps to eliminate the puffiness that occurs under the eye area. This product is one of our top sellers and our customers simply will testify to the results. The cost of this product is $35 for a .34 fl. oz. bottle. If you suffer from dark circles under your eyes and want an inexpensive, non-evasive way to eliminate the appearance of them please visit my website @: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty. Keep in mind that I can ship this item anywhere so start erasing these circles today.

                                                                                                           

Day on the Run

We all have had a morning where we wish we could just rewind and start all over. Speaking from my own experience, I have hit the snooze button way too many times and even slept through the alarm in the past. Adding fuel to the fire, are your kids and spouse/partner all needing your undivided attention when you have barely had enough time to open your eyes.  With this being said, none of us wonderful women dare go to work without doing our makeup or at least making ourselves presentable to the professional world. Now you can take a deep breath and know that you can achieve a fashion savvy look in a small amount of time.

Try this quick look using Mary Kay® products next time you find yourself dashing out the door.

·         Apply Mineral Bronzing Powder in Desert Sun, $12, all over the face for a sun-kissed glow.

·         For eyes, apply the lighter shade of Desert Sun on brow bone, eyelid and along inner third of lower lashes. Use the darker shade along top lash line and into outside half of crease and along lower lash line.

·         Use the darker shade of Desert Sun along cheekbones for additional color if desired.

·         Apply Liquid Eyeliner in Black, $11, along top lash line.

·         Sweep Liquid Lip Color in Malted, $13, along top and bottom lips.

·         Apply Mary Kay® Ultimate Mascara™ in Black, $15, to upper, and if desired, lower lashes.

·         Don't leave home without applying Time Wise Body™ Hand and Décolleté Cream Sunscreen SPF 15*, $18 — two often neglected areas that can betray a woman's age.

Ladies we know longer have to let running late determine the outcome of the rest of our day. You will be amazed at the look these few products create in such a small period of time. You will look fresh and fabulous.

Please visit my website at: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty and register. All new customers receive 20% off of their first order.

SHINE ON THIS SEASON

With summer officially behind us, it is time to stock up the trendiest shades for this fall and winter. No longer are we confined to a restrictive pallet of earth tones for this season. The new colors taking over the fashion world have also become this season’s trendiest makeup combinations.  These latest top charting hues are ones that are fun, bold, daring and ultra chic.

First on the list of “must haves” are cool metals. This color group consists of eye colors such as: granites, copper glow, blue metal and silver satin. These colors are the perfect show stopper when you combine them with an outfit accessorized with bold, chunky jewelry. Be sure to wear layers of chains and glam it up by adding jewels to your neckline. You can then create a towering effect by wearing your favorite show stopping high heels while creating mile long lashes with our Ultimate Mascara in black. By creating the length from one end to the other you are also creating a classy, slimming effect that is sure to get you noticed. The experts have stated that “the shinier the better” this season. From sleek, metallic finishes to slick lips-shine rules. You too can shine on with our striking gloss finishes. The favorite colors in this department this season are: Berry Sparkle, Bronze Bliss and Sugarberry.

Do not miss out on this season’s trend. It is energetic and experimental. You will see that it is a bold clash of colors, shape and modern details. It is the new urban cool inspired by the pulse of the city both day and night. The collections are imaginative and beautifully daring. And you can wear it well!!!

Visit my website @ www.marykay.com/ur4beauty to view these hot new collections. While visiting the site be sure to register and receive 20% off your first order. If you would like to receive free samples you may request those on the site as well.
Be daring, be you, be beautiful.

Pucker Up for Kissable Lips

All of us want to have kissable lips. Our lips are one of the first features that other people notice when they see us. Therefore, we should emphasize one of the most alluring assets of our body’s whenever we can. Lips can drastically change your appearance by choice of color, sheen and visible softness. We can be sporting a completely makeup free face but, apply a little splash of color to the lips and you feel immediately uplifted and glamorous.

I have broken down the process of modeling kissable lips into three easy steps.

Step 1: PREPARING THE CANVAS aka YOUR LIPS

You want to first smooth your lips with a balm. Just like the rest of our skin, our lips experience a lot of damage due to climate changes, our biological genes and even bad habits we may possess (licking our lips, nibbling our lips, etc.). Our lips need moisture and applying a balm helps to keep them moisturized. You can also use a lip primer (my personal favorite) to ensure the appearance of smooth lips while prolonging the wear of your lip color. When using a waxing balm or lip primer you will apply it using your fingertips and massage it into your lips. Allow your lips to absorb the product by waiting at least five minutes before apply your color. Whatever your choice may be, you will want to avoid any products that are slick or petroleum based. If you don’t, your lipstick will almost immediately vanish. Using these types of products ultimately makes your lip color “fall off.”

Step 2: CHOOSE YOUR SPLASH OF COLOR/LIPSTICK

When choosing your color of lipstick, remember to always think of the look you are trying to achieve. If you are going for a more down to earth/casual look choose a color that allows your natural lip color to show through. In this case, you will want to go with a sheer lipstick or sheer gloss to obtain that look. Then of course, you can vamp it up as dramatically as you would like with the wide range of colors now available to dress up your lips. Apply lipstick straight from the tube and blend into lips and the lines along your lips with your fingertips. After doing so, to make your color last all day kiss a Kleenex to blot. Then you will apply your choice of lip gloss with the wand of the gloss or your choice of lip brushes.

Step 3: BLOTTING

When you are finished applying your colors you will want to lightly kiss the back of your hand. This allows you to get rid of any excess product without cutting down the sheen. Then gently smack your lips together to even out your color one last time. Then get ready to pucker up…

For a wide array of lipstick and lip gloss choices please visit my website at: www.marykay.com/ur4beauty. There you will also find products to help you pamper your lips with the attention kissable lips deserve.