Mary Kay for MEN - Introducing MKMen

Yes, you have read that right. Mary Kay is not just for the ladies anymore. They now have a skincare line for men: MKMen. So you can tell the Mr. that he no longer has to hide the fact that he uses your skin care products (c'mon, we all know they DO it), and that he can now proudly display proof that he takes care of his skin the way REAL men do. With men-approved packaging that they won't be ashamed to carry around on a business trip!

For summer 2013, Mary Kay introduced MKMen. A line of skin care for guys. Really, it was about time! If our skin ages, theirs do too! What is wrong with a guy who takes care of his skin? C'mon people, the sun affects everyone the same way...not just women.

Here's what Mary Kay has to offer for the guy in your life:

MKMen facial hydrator sunscreen SPF30
I can't say it enough...sunscreen is so important...every day...year round. Believe me, what you do today, your skin will thank you for tomorrow.

-lightweight
-10 hour protection
-multitasking : hydrates, contains age-fighting benefits and protects with its SPF 30
-contains antioxydants to fight free-radicals from the environment, which cau contribute to wrinkles and fine lines
-oil and fragrance free

SRP $27.00

MKMen Advanced eye cream

Although we do love the fine lines around their eyes caused by smiling too much (among other things... ;)), prevention is key. Even for the guys!

-Bye bye signs of stress, fatigue and sun damage

-lightweight, oil-free

-hydrates the eye contour area

-Dramatically minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

SRP $28.00

For the golfer, you can also get the MKMen products in a Golfer's gift set

The set includes the above two products, plus a MKMen anti-aging face bar and a set of custom MKMen golf balls. Because, we all know how much your golfer loves his balls! ;)

SRP $66.00

The line also includes a Moisturizer sunscreen SPF 25 (broad spectrum), a shave foam and a cooling after-shave gel. 

Is your man just as bad as you are when it comes to fragrances (I know mine is), then this kit might be the perfect gift, or addition to his collection:

Mary Kay Limited Edition Men's Fragrance Travel Collection

The set contains 5 fragrances in the black/gold 50th anniversary packaging (one for each day of the workweek?):

-True OriginalTM Cologne Spray

-ML High IntensityTM Cologne Spray

-Velocity for Him Cologne

-Domain Cologne Spray

-Tribute for Men Spray Cologne (my guys' favorite...it's already empty). 

I do love this kit. It offers a nice mix of scents (from mild to bolder) and is a fun way to try out the different scents MK has to offer. 

SRP $40.00

The MKMen line and Limited Edition Men's Fragrance Gift Set are available now through your independant Mary Kay Canada Rep or online at http://www.marykay.ca

New scent (bottle) we're obsessed with: Viva La Juicy Noir

Did you hear the news? The iconic fragrance house Juicy sent their people back in the lab to tweak their original scent in order to create something...dare I say it...even more enticing?!
If you are a fan of the original Viva La Juicy, you will want to check out this sultry take on the original!

The Inspiration

Bold, sensual and arresting, Viva La Juicy Noir is a captivating fragrance that embodies the Juicy Couture DNA: Discover the couture in the everyday.

Viva La Juicy Noir reflects the bold side of the glamorous Viva La Juicy muse.  A sultry take on the original,Viva La Juicy Noir is for the woman who is daring and leaves a lasting impression. She’s the life of the party – not afraid to show off and get noticed. She is irresistible and unforgettable.

The Fragrance

An enticing interpretation of the original best-selling Viva La Juicy fragrance, Viva La Juicy Noir highlights the succulent ripe berry notes and gourmand accents of the classic scent with a touch of honeysuckle and sandalwood.

Bold

Opening with a hint of wild berries mixed with sparkling mandarin and succulent Mara strawberry, these notes capture the vibrant spirit of the Viva La Juicy girl.

 Sensual

Mysterious and feminine, at its heart Viva La Juicy Noir boasts lush honeysuckle, beautiful gardenia petals and feminine jasmine sambac.

Arresting

Delicious notes of amber, caramel and creamy vanilla combine with sandalwood to create an addictive finish to the scent.

                                                   

And the packaging...oh my!

A striking pink metallic bottle that utilizes a complex metallization technique to create a liquid pink metal effect. Yes, PINK! It also has a faceted glass cap that tops the vintage-inspired decanter bottle, etched with the iconic Juicy Couture crest. A black satin bow finishes the bottle and captures the seductive spirit of the night. Any packaging junkie is probably staring at her computer screen (and my blog entry woo hoo) with a huge grin on her face. I'm right, am I not? I know I am...because it was my reaction upon reading the press release. Yes, I admit it. Juicy, you had me at...packaging!

Sexy scent, sultry bottle...I think you are onto something here Viva La Juicy people! I, for one, cannot wait to add this one to my collection!

Suggested retail prices:

Viva La Juicy Noir Eau de Parfum, 3.4 fl. oz./ 100 ml                             $90

Viva La Juicy Noir Eau de Parfum, 1.7 fl. oz./ 50 ml                                $70

Also available in a Rollerball Duo feat. Viva La Juicy and Viva La Juicy Noir .17 fl. oz./ 5 ml each            $25

               

Are you a Juicy fragrance fan? Will you be picking up this new bolder and better version of the old fan favorite? 

Mary Kay Zen in Bloom Collection

East meets West has never looked so good! For Spring 2013, Mary Kay brings us a fresh bouquet of pastel  hues and bright pinks with the Zen in Bloom Collection.

In this collection the Mary Kay R&D team put together an array of innovative products with the modern woman, always on-the-go and in a rush, in mind. And, this mommy approves! There are 4 new cream  eye color shades, 2 limited edition hydrating lip lacquers, 2 new shades of their oh so lovely nail lacquers, one mineral pressed eye shadow trio in a beautiful special edition compact and a gorgeous mini clutch/makeup bag. Let me show you, in colour... ;)

The Zen in Bloom Collection

First, lips...Lip Lacquers that is! Sad to say but these didn't wow me as much as I thought (hoped) they were going to. You do get a lot of product for the price and they come with a mini retractable lip brush which is pretty fantastic, I have to say. Although, if applying on-the-go, you can totally apply these with your finger as well. 

The reason why they didn't get a raving review here...opacity. These are very sheer high shine lip lacquers. Maybe it's just me, but when I think lip lacquers I think high shine BOLD vinyl finish lip shades. Not sheer. Opacity aside, they are nice, hydrating and very purse friendly. I would have preferred a true lip lacquer, something with a little more character! Here are the swatches:

Limited Edition Lip Lacquers (with mini retractable lip brush, $18 CAD)

Also included in the Zen in Bloom collection are these four new shades of their cream eye colors. Super creamy and pigmented. They are kinda slick at first, which allows you enough time to place them properly onto your lid before they start to set. You can wear them alone or as a base for your eye shadow looks to create bolder looks that will last up to 10 hours. I love to just throw them on using my fingers, add liner and mascara and I am good to go! You can wear them on the waterline as well making them totally safe for contact lenses wearers. Definitely my favorite product of the collection. They are also available in 5 other shades. Click here to see the other color options!

Creme eye color shades - Metallic Taupe, Violet Storm, Meadow Grass, Coastal Blue ($16 CAD)

Limited Edition Mineral Eye Color Palette in Garden Sky:

As with the other mineral eye colors they carry, this limited edition trio is nicely pigmented and blend really well. I am loving the sand shade and the green is definitely a must-have this season (if you find emerald to be too bold, you will love this one to rock the Pantone color of the year!). I love using the blue shade as a pop of colour below bottom lashes while keeping my lids in the neutral zone. 

The Garden Sky trio comes in this special-edition compact that celebrates Mary Kay’s 50th Anniversary. It features a golden Swarovski crystal nestled amid a wave of ripples – a reminder that when you touch someone’s life, you create a ripple effect that carries far beyond that one act. 

Limited Edition Mineral Eye Color Palette in Garden Sky ($22 CAD), Special Edition 50th Anniversary compact $22 CAD.

I am so ready to start wearing pretty Spring hues on my nails and was thrilled to see that two new shades of their nail lacquers were included in the collection! For Spring, Mary Kay brings us two limited edition nail lacquer shades in Pink Bamboo and Blue Lotus. I can get away with one coat which I love on days where life is just a tad crazy or on nights where you decide to paint your nails when it's almost bedtime (yes, I know I am not alone...you do that too, don't you?). If you have to pick just one shade, Lotus Blue is the stand out. Love, love it!

Shown here: ONE coat!

Also included is one of my favorite ''face savers'', a product I have discovered about a year ago. Mary Kay has teamed up with Skindinävia to bring you their exclusive Makeup Finishing Spray. Spray evenly over your makeup to help your look freshly applied all day (up to 16 hours)! You can also use it throughout the day as a refresher to keep your skin cool. The small size of this bottle makes it the perfect purse buddy! 

Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray by Skindinävia  ($20 CAD)

As a perk, when you buy for at least $55 suggested retail in Limited-Edition Mary Kay Zen in Bloom Collection* items, you get the Limited-Edition Mary Kay Obi Pouch FREE! The Obi Pouch is so pretty and perfect to carry your favorite products in style (pouch includes a little pocket inside to keep your items safe)! Small enough that it can be popped into a handbag for safe keeping or you can use it as a clutch for an evening out.

Overall, Mary Kay didn't disappoint once again with this lovely collection. I have said it before, and I will say it again: "This is NOT your aunt Rose's makeup!". I am so in LOVE with the cream eye color shade in Metallic Taupe. It has become my everyday eye shadow. I also love to use it as a base for smokey eyes. 

The only "two thumbs down" for me goes to the lip lacquers, as I really wish they would have been more ''lip lacquer'' like and less like a high shine lip butter.

The Zen in Bloom collection is available until May 15th while supplies last. You can purchase the Mary Kay Zen in Bloom Collection online www.marykay.ca or via your personal independant consultant. Don't have one and would love to have one? Check out their website to locate a sales rep or call 1-866-455-5454.

If you have purchased any of the items above, let me know what you think in the comment section below! 

Have a great week everyone!

xxx

I have heard a whisper...and fallen in love!

Maybelline recently came out with a new line of lipsticks/lip balm hybrids. I must say I am totally on board with the trend toward more comfortable, hydrating lipsticks! Finally, the beauty world has heard our pleas! Needless to say, I couldn't wait to try these new Color Whisper...because Maybelline is totally right...sometimes a whisper is better than a shout!

The formula is very creamy, but not heavy on the lips (or too slick). They are on the sheer side, but the colour is buildable, which I LOVE! A light sweep on the lips will give you just a veil of colour (aka no need for a mirror to apply...did I just hear you go "woo hoo!"? Oh no wait, that was totally me!), but if you reapply a few coats, you get a gorgeous shiny lip. 

Because these are a cross between a lipbalm and a lipstick, you do have to reapply often (staying power is not that great) but if that means not having to deal with a drying formula (and flaky lips...so not cute), I am all for reapplying!

Who Wore It Red-er, Orange Ambition, Lust for Blush, Coral Ambition, Pin Up Peach,  Cherry On Top

Berry Ready, A Plum Prospect, One Size Fits Pearl, Petal Rebel, Who Wore It Red-er, Orange Ambition

Isn't that a pretty bouquet?  

In a nutshell, lightweight lip products that can give off a range of colors depending on how much you build them up. Non-drying, comfortable to wear, moisturizing and all over good for your lips (they smell good too). If you are as big of a lipstick junkie as I am, these will quickly become a staple in your makeup bag...until the next lip innovation comes out that is (said in my best lipstick addict voice). Get one, you will want them all. Consider yourself warned.

Available in 20 shades, these retail for 9.99$ CAD.

xxx

*PR sample. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment

Il y a du nouveau chez Garnier! La ligne Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine à L'huile d'Argan du Maroc.
New from Garnier. A new line of hair care products with Argan Oil: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine with Marroccan Argan Oil.

Si vous connaissez l'huile d'argan, vous êtes au courant des miracles qu'elle peut faire sur les cheveux grâce à ses vertus réparatrices et hydratantes. Et habituellement, qui dit huile d'argan, dit produit assez dispendieux non? Pas avec Garnier. Mêmes bienfaits, à petit prix!
If you have heard about argan oil and its many benefits, then you know it's a miracle-worker when it comes to hair thanks to its healing and hydrating properties. Argan oil products are usually pretty pricey. Not with Garnier. Same benefits, but with a budget-friendly price tag!

De sa nouvelle ligne Sleek Shine, Garnier nous dit:

Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine 

Vos cheveux se mettent à frisotter à la moindre trace d'humidité? Lissez-les avec le nouveau Fructis Sleek & Shine amélioré. Sa nouvelle formule associe l'huile d'argan du Maroc et l'huile d'abricots pour prévenir les mauvaises journées côté coiffure, même lorsque le temps est humide, et ce, grâce à ce système unique en trois étapes qui vous procure un contrôle longue durée. Sa formule révolutionnaire, gorgée d'huiles de fruits intensément riches, laisse votre chevelure incroyablement brillante et 5 X plus lisse et forte.

This is what Garnier tells us about their new Sleek & Shine line:

Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine

Does your hair want to go its own way—frizzy!—as soon as the weather turns humid? Smooth out your differences with the New and Improved Fructis Sleek & Shine. The new formula combines Morrocan Argan Oil and Aprocot to prevent bad hair days, even in humid weather, thanks to this unique three-step system that gives you long-lasting control. Its revolutionary formula loaded with intensely rich fruit oils will leave your hair spectacularly shiny and 5 times stronger and smoother.

Le produit ''star'' de la gamme pour moi est le Traitement à L'huile Morroccan Skeek (5.49$).
The star product for me: The Morroccan Sleek Oil Treatment ($5.49).

Bon petit traitement sans rinçage (sans résidu) qui répare, hydrate et soigne chaque mèche. Dès la première application, j'ai vu une différence au niveau de la douceur et brillance de mes cheveux. On l'applique sur cheveux humides (séchés à la serviette) après le shampooing. Je vous le conseille fortement si vous colorez vos cheveux ou abusez des appareils coiffants (comme moi). Je m'en sers même sur mes cheveux secs pour discipliner les petites mèches rebelles ou pour lisser en touche de finition quand je me coiffe. Peut aussi être ajouté à tout revitalisant pour un boost de brillance. Vous savez combien j'aime les produits multi-usages! Ce petit traitement est devenu un de mes essentiels!
Great no-rinse treatment. Leaves no residue. It repairs, hydrates and heals each strand of hair. I saw results after the first use. My hair was softer and shinier. Apply to clean damp hair (towel dry). I highly recommend it if you color your hair or abuse of hot tools (like yours truly). I personally also use it on dry hair to smooth down any frizzies or as a finisher when styling my hair. You can even add a few drops of it to your conditioner for a boost of shine. You know how much I love multi-use products right? This treatment oil is definitely a must-have for me!


J'ai tellement aimé la gamme que je me suis acheté la Trousse de Lissage Blow Dry Perfection Brushing.
I loved the line so much that I purchase the Blow Dry Perfection Brushing Smoothing Kit.

Pour plus d'infos sur la gamme, visitez  garnier. ca
For more information about the Sleek & Shine products, visit  garnier.ca 


Avez-vous essayé les produits Sleek & Shine? Laissez-moi vos commentaires!
Have you tried any of the Sleek & Shine products? I'd love to hear your thoughts!