Mary Kay Summer & Wedding Essentials

When summer finally arrives we all try to make the most of the nice weather. There are family outings, barbecues, cocktails on the patio with friends, concerts, beach days and weddings, so many of us want our makeup to last and our complexions to be bright and clear. Today's post features a few essentials from Mary Kay that will serve you well this season no matter what adventures await you!

When it’s warm and sunny, I like keep my makeup light and soft. A smokey look is great for a night out but during the day simple hues are easy on the eyes. The Natural Essentials Set comes in a beautiful refillable compact and includes 6 neutral shadows including cream, bronzy gold, espresso, light brown and rose gold. The palette is well balanced with 3 shimmer shadows and 3 soft mattes which are great for defining the crease, accentuating the lids and highlighting. The texture is soft and velvety which makes for easy blending and the pigmentation is great. You can get the entire set with compact for $76.00 or just the eye shadow bundle (without compact) for $54.00.

Pink is flattering on all complexions and looks great no matter what season! The Limited Edition Hearts Together Lipstick comes in a cute black tube adorned with pink hearts and the color is very light, sheer and subtle - similar to a tinted balm. I did expect more pigment intensity but the formula is creamy and moisturizing which feels great on dry lips. The lipstick retails for $18.00 and $1.00 from every sale is donated to help improve the lives of women and children worldwide.

Let’s face it, when you’re out having fun beauty sleep may be the last thing on your mind but before an event or wedding no one wants to look haggard. The Indulge Soothing Eye Gel moisturizes, improves skin elasticity, reduces puffiness and firms so you look restful and fresh! I like to pop it in the fridge before use for an energizing blast of coolness and an instant pick-me-up. It retails for $22.00.

Speaking of gels I love a good facial and the TimeWise Moisture Renewal Mask ($26.00) calms, nourishes, and hydrates in just ten minutes! You can also use it as an overnight mask if your skin craves more moisture and like the eye treatment, it feels cool and refreshing especially after a long day of fun in the sun.

Combining a great eye treatment with a fabulous concealer is probably your best bet for battling under eye circles and skin blemishes. The new Perfecting Concealer camouflages imperfections, age spots, discoloration, redness and hyperpigmentation with a rich, full coverage formula that even blurs fine lines! I am quite impressed with this product as it reminds me of a couple high-end concealers plus it provides SPF 15 and long-wear without getting cakey. There are 6 shades available and they retail for $17.50 each.

Concealer is great but if you need a treatment that will help even your entire complexion the TimeWise Tone Correcting Serum may be for you. It helps diminish the appearance of damage, discoloration, hyperpigmentation and freckles (when used on a daily basis) and promotes a vibrant, youthful glow. I haven’t used it long enough for drastic changes but so far I like what I see and it works well under my moisturizers. The serum retails for $48.00.

Most women crave flawless makeup application, especially on their wedding day but foundation can only do so much. Starting with a smooth canvass is essential to achieving an even finish which is why Mary Kay’s Foundation Primer is a makeup bag must! This lightweight formula glides on effortlessly to create an ultra sleek, silky veil that reduces pores and rectifies rough skin. You still need moisturizer underneath to prevent dryness but it does contain SPF 15 for added protection. The primer retails for $22.00.

Now that your makeup is done and your skin looks great it’s time to set everything with a Finishing Spray. This invigorating mist locks in your creations and helps keep your pigments and foundation from melting, fading and streaking in heat and humidity. A few pumps keeps my face looking fresh and the bottle is small enough to slip in a purse. The Finishing Spray retails for $20.00 and don't forget to check out the mattifying Translucent Powder and the blotting papers should you need to keep shine under control!

A few more noteworthy essentials include the Mary Kay Brow Gel ($12.00) to keep those hairs neat and in place, The Lash Primer ($21.00) to enhance mascaras and intensify volume and the Satin Lips Set ($30.00) which comes with a Balm and Lip Mask. I use the set on a weekly basis to keep my pout chap-free, soft and supple, especially before applying bright lipstick!

Now that you have all your goodies you may need something to transport everything. The Travel Roll-Up Bag has 4 detachable, expandable pouches that can hold anything from makeup, brushes and skincare to nail products and jewelry. It retails for $40.00.

You can find any of these products online by clicking HERE or through independent consultants.