NEW Mary Kay Unlimited Lip Gloss | Review & Swatches

Now that face masks are mandatory in public spaces, I’ve been wearing no-fuss, lightweight lip color that is moisturizing, comfortable and easy to reapply. In the heat and humidity I prefer simple gloss with a pop vibrancy – something I can whip out between meetings to perk up my complexion as I make my way around the city.

Mary Kay’s new Unlimited Gloss ($18 ea) is available in 14 high-shine, hydrating shades that range from nude, pink, red, and deep purple. They also come in three finishes – cream, pearl and shimmer.

Although the pigments are sheer, you can add a couple extra layers to enhance the color. The glistening wet effect makes lips appear plump, smooth, full and alluring.

It takes a lot for lip gloss to impress me but I absolutely love the cushiony formula – it is super plush and juicy! It feels like a silky lip treatment – hydrating and nourishing without any stickiness or drag.

The doe foot applicator is much more flexible than your average wand. It glides around the lip contour with ease – filling in edges and corners.

Now let’s talk more about shade selection because there are quite a few neutrals.

In the nude category most of the glosses have a pink or flesh tone base so there is something for all complexions. (My neutral match is Unique Mauve).

(My favorite shades will be marked with a star*)

Left to right: Fancy Nancy (shimmer), Pink Ballerina (pearl), *Unique Mauve (cream), Nude Blush (cream) and *Sheer Illusion (pink-gold shimmer).

I like the creams and iridescent pearls but a couple of the shimmers (particularly Fancy Nancy and Beach Bronze) are a tad difficult to remove (glitter particles are always a pain in the butt).

I wish there were more bright hues because they tend to be my favorite, especially during the summer.

Despite the sheer coverage, these shades are bold and vibrant.

*Evening Berry (pearl), *Berry Delight (pearl), *Iconic Red (cream), *Pink Fusion (Cream)

There is also a range of brown neutrals to choose from. The bronze (Copper Aura) and shimmery gold (Beach Bronze) are quite similar (I don’t think we needed both) but chocolaty colors are always trendy in autumn and they look beautiful on deep skin tones.

Copper Aura (shimmer), Beach Bronze (shimmer), Soft Nude (pearl), *Tawny Nude (cream) and Chocolate Nude (cream).

If you’re looking for amazing go-to gloss, you should definitely try these.

MK has also released new Cream Blush Duo Sticks and Foil Eye Shadows. The blush packaging is perfect for travel and the colors are beautiful.

Mauve and Shimmer provides contour, color and definition all-in-one. The pigment is deep (suitable for medium to dark skin tones) and the gold highlighter is stunning! It glides on soft, lightweight and creamy with a natural, seamless finish that lasts all day. Pink and Glimmer has a touch of mauve with a light gold highlighter. It might look best on fair to medium complexions.

The Foil Shadows are bright and dramatic with a dazzling finish and smooth velvety texture. The particles are not chunky or messy but I still recommend using a tacky base or glitter primer immediately before application so the pigment adheres well, stays put and remains vibrant. 

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

Mary Kay TimeWise Matte 3D Foundation Review

2019 is shaping up to be a good year for foundation. I’ve found a few formulas that work wonders for my complexion and today I’m sharing another fantastic product from Mary Kay.

I love when brands mix skincare into their pigment because on workdays I tend to wear makeup for at least 8 hours and up to 20 hours while traveling overseas. Due to my busy schedule, I am always looking for products that don't clog pores, look oily or cause breakouts, and Mary Kay’s new Matte Foundation checks all the boxes.

The Age Minimize 3D Complex ($28.00) is available in 28 shades that contain encapsulated resveratrol, vitamin B3, age defying peptides and antioxidants that strengthen collagen and elastin, fight free radicals, improve the look of wrinkles, brighten uneven skin tone and protect against environmental damage. The formula is suitable for combination, oily and sensitive skin.

I have not tried any of the previous MK foundations but I am quite impressed by the lightweight, smooth finish. Keep in mind that the appearance of your makeup (flawless or uneven) is directly related to the health of your skin so results may vary.

The color does not crease, flake or settle into fine lines and the liquidy texture blends seamlessly for a natural finish – much better than thick creams.

At first the coverage seemed a bit sparse but I didn't have trouble finding a match (Bronze is my preferred shade). The second time I used a bit more product and concealed everything I wanted to hide. Throughout the day I didn’t need any touch-ups and there was no greasy build-up or oxidization – the color appeared even with no harsh undertones.

If you have very dry skin, the matte effect may not be ideal this season. To change the finish, layer the foundation over a supple moisturizer or try mixing in a drop of facial oil for more dewiness. All I do is pat on a bit of setting powder and it lasts all day. I prefer a shine-free finish because my skin tends to produce sebum as the day wears on.

The anti-humidity and sweat resistant properties are great for long summer days and I’ve even tested it while working out with no major mishaps.

I always use primer to achieve the most flawless finish possible but TimeWise makes my skin look great – no complaints. I can customize the coverage for any occasion and it does not clog pores or cause irritation no matter how long I wear it.

A damp beauty blender seems to works better than a makeup brush but application is quick and consistent. I’m not sure about the 3D effect (didn’t notice any difference) but the small tubes are ideal for travel.

Mary Kay is available online at marykay.ca