Mary Kay Spring 2019 Color Collection: Review and Swatches

Here in Toronto the weather went from -20˚C to 10˚C overnight so it’s safe to say that spring is just around the corner. To celebrate sunny skies and warmer weather, Mary Kay has launched a new collection of makeup to help you sculpt, highlight and accentuate your best features.

The Limited-Edition Lip Tints ($21.00 ea) were designed for versatility. They have a lightweight water-based formula that provides a vibrant splash of sheer buildable color.

The pigment applies effortlessly with a pointed precision applicator that glides around the lip contour to create the perfect shape and outline. For consistent coverage with minimal patchiness, allow each coat to dry before swiping on more color. Blotting seems to remove some of the excess and helps prevent seepage into your mouth. For best results, make sure your lips are exfoliated, clean and dry (no lip balm as it diminishes adhesion). The tints do not provide much moisture so don’t expect dryness relief or suppleness.

To intensify the color, apply several layers or use the tint as a primer to enhance lipstick. They smell great and look like felt markers – the kind you sniffed and colored with as a kid. Shortly after application there may be some transfer but the pigment is quite durable and lingers for a long time with gradual fading. The deeper shades (Desert Flora and Magenta) go on evenly but Canyon Coral is a tad spotty and removal may be tedious.

The packaging definitely needs more work. There is no way to manually saturate the applicator with more color so the felt will probably dry out quickly. There is also no way to tell how much pigment is actually in the tube so you're not really sure how much you're getting.

The illuminating Drops ($25.00) are reminiscent of a “desert glow” and can be worn on bare skin or over foundation for more dimension. They come in 3 shades to suit a variety of skin tones - Silver Sands, Golden Horizon and Bronze Light.

Apply a little or a lot (depending on the effect you want) and use a beauty blender to create a seamless natural finish. Unlike shimmery powders or glitter highlighters, this lightweight liquid does not settle on the skin’s surface or accentuate fine lines. On warm days, use it on your arms, shoulders, or décolletage for head-to-toe radiance!

After the winter we've had, my complexion definitely needs a boost and the new Mary Kay At Play Sticks ($17.00 ea) help you achieve the skin you’ve always dreamed of!

The contouring sticks come in 2 shades for light to medium skin and medium to deep. The colors are creamy, smooth and buildable but blend well to eliminate streaking.

The Rose Gold Highlighter Stick has a beautiful peachy sheen but if you over-blend the particles may disperse too widely. I like to apply a concentrated amount and pat lightly with my finger to adjust transparency.

There are also 2 correctors. Ditch Dullness has a lavender camouflage to conceal dark circles, bruises, blemishes and sallow/yellow undertones. Wipe Out Redness has a green tint to cover acne and rosacea.

I was really looking forward to some bright matte lip colors for spring but Mary Kay decided to go a different route with 3 Matte Nude Lipsticks ($20.00 ea) instead. The available shades are: Bellissimo (deep rosy nude), Perfetto (medium warmth) and Baccio (light beige).

I refer to these hues as true nudes because they are very flesh-tone. I prefer neutrals with more depth and maybe a splash of pink or a dash of cinnamon so I don’t look washed out. With the right eye makeup, I might be able to pull off Bellissimo because it brightens the face.

The formula is light, comfortable, creamy and buildable but you may need a few layers for full-coverage.

Last but not least we have another Magnetic Palette ($25.00 unfilled). This one has a stylish design for busy women on-the-go and you can customize it with your favorite pigments before slipping it in your bag or suitcase.

The spring collection is available at marykcay.ca and through independent consultants.