Mary Kay 2017 Winter Collection – Gel Semi-Shine Lipstick Review & TimeWise Lifting Repair Bio-Cellulose Mask

You know the feeling of excitement you get when uncapping a pretty new lipstick? Well Mary Kay’s Gel Semi-Shine Collection includes 12 beautiful shades that are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Before the mailman had time to make it back down the driveway, I was already covered in swatches from elbow to wrist and deciding which colors to wear this weekend. The winter range also includes Korean-inspired sheet masks that protect the skin from winter’s wrath.

The Semi-Shine formula encompasses everything you’d want in a good lipstick. It glides on creamy, cushions the lips, stays true to color and feels very lightweight with balm-like smoothness. I don’t see any butters or oils in the ingredient list but the nourishing texture leaves my pout soft, supple, plush and resilient (who wouldn't love that).

I also like that you don’t need a liner for neatness and precision because the color applies effortlessly without running or bleeding. The finish emits a radiant sheen (without glossiness) so lips appear luminous and chic. Some shades are solid while others have a wash of iridescent shimmer for a glamours, multidimensional effect. The deeper hues are bold and intense with more saturation but many shades provide sheer to medium coverage that can be enhanced by layering. For long lasting comfort the gel stays moist to prevent dryness and the collection has something for all skin tones.

I call this the pink group – from left to right and light to deep you have: Love me Pink, Raspberry Ice, Luminous Lilac and Haute Pink. No matter what season we’re in you can never go wrong with pink lips.

I always go for rich, vibrant tones which is why these shades are my favorite – Spiced Ginger, Red Smolder, Scarlet Red - (my top pick for the holiday season because it looks like Dorothy’s glittering ruby slipper), Apple Berry and Berry Couture.

Neutrals or nudes are very popular (I’m still trying to embrace the trend). This end of the color spectrum includes: Naturally Buff, Rosewood and Sunset Peach which is soft and flattering.

The lipsticks retail for $21.00 each

A good sheet mask is like vacuuming packing your face in nutrients that rejuvenate and revive. The Bio-Cellulose Masks are drenched in coconut water, oat kernel extract, orchid extract and potent skin conditioners that lift, firm, hydrate, repair, smooth, brighten and refresh for a wonderful pampering experience and anti-aging results. Before starting the treatment make sure to read the instructions carefully. The gel portion of the mask is sandwiched between 2 layers of protective mesh which need to be removed. Once you achieve proper application and alignment, the gel clings to the skin and seals in the active ingredients for proper absorption. I don’t like that the eye area is not completely cut out or that the mesh dividers are also soaked in so much serum because it seems wasteful to throw them out but after 30 minutes my skin is soft, even, moisturized and dewy – perfect winter treatment. The box retails for $75.00 and comes with 4 masks.

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