Mary Kay 2017 Summer Collection – Review & Swatches

This season Mary Kay kept it simple, chic and stylish for effortless, everyday looks. The collection includes the Summer Time Jewel Look Kit consisting of a mineral eye shadow palette, black liner and semi-matte lipstick (sold as a set for $89.00), 2 gorgeous baked cheek powders ($23.00 each) and a detoxifying charcoal mask ($26.00).

The limited-edition cheek powder comes in two lovely shades - Kind Heart (frosty golden coral) and Giving Heart (light frosty pink). The names of the pigments correspond to Mary Kay’s Mission to enrich the lives of women and children living with cancer and $2.00 of each sale will be donated to the foundation.

The silky powder provides lightweight, buildable coverage so you can adjust the intensity and it blends smoothly without settling into lines. Both shades contain a hint of soft color and dazzling shimmer that makes skin appear bright and radiant without any chunky glitter. Whether you sweep it on lightly for a subtle glow or layer it generously for more glam, the light reflecting particles accentuate the face with a lustrous sheen and both colors compliment all skin tones.

The cute heart design appeals to all ages and with a good primer you can also use the powders as eye shadow or highlight around the tear ducts for a bright, wide-eye effect. To keep your skin luminous this summer, these beauties are a fabulous addition to your makeup bag.

Mary Kay’s Global Beauty Ambassador Luis Casco created the Jewel Look which focuses on simple elegance to enhance all eye colors. I didn’t expect to see such neutral shades for summer but the shimmery green adds a pop of vibrancy and you can go heavy on the liner (included with the collection) for more drama. The matte shadows are smooth, velvety and soft while the sheer green requires some layering for vivid coverage. The Sunny Spice Blush can be intensified to create subtle contrast and the color compliments the mauve lipstick beautifully. Since I personally prefer brighter hues for the season, I usually opt for the Glistening Horizon or Sunlight Palette from the spring collection and the Pure Dimension Eye Palettes.

To compliment the shadows or any summer look, the Semi-Matte Lipstick in the shade Mauve Moment is gorgeous! The universal undertone looks great on everyone and the rich, creamy texture drenches lips in supple moisture to diminish dryness and keep your pout kissably soft. The color payoff is medium to full and holds up for hours of comfortable wear.

To keep your skin looking clean, fresh and blemish-free this season try the new Clearproof Deep Cleansing Charcoal Mask ($26.00). Using the power of activated charcoal, rosemary, honeysuckle and peppermint, the formula draws out pore-clogging impurities, to soothe, balance, and diminish discoloration. After treatment my face is soft, rejuvenated and more receptive to the adsorption of skincare.

Mary Kay is available online at marykay.ca and through independent consultants