Martine + Mary Kay

I have finally gone and done it, y’all! I started my Mary Kay business…YIPEEEEE! Do I sound excited?? That’s because I am now a part of the number one business opportunity for makeup fanatics such as myself. I’ve been looking to make a major change in my life and have been exploring entrepreneurial opportunities and this one just came along and is a perfect fit. The products are fantastic and some of these women are literally making MILLION$. My degree is in Women’s Studies (don’t laugh!) and it centered around the economic empowerment of women and how when a woman is educated and given economic opportunities, the whole community profits. That’s the Mary Kay philosophy – empowering women and reaching out to our communities. And doing all of this while wearing a great lipstick and living the life of your dreams. Martine + Mary Kay. I like the sound of that.

Happy Holidays!

Wow! I cannot believe it is the holiday season and that Thanksgiving was already two weeks ago! My three-year-old daughter, Gigi, and I spent a wonderful week in Louisiana with our extended family. They have a home in the country and the fall foliage was breathtaking. We spent our days gathering pine cones, throwing pebbles into ponds, and looking at cows grazing in the nearby pastures. And of course we ate our butts off!! Now don't get scared. I did manage to find a MAC store in the midst of all of this. Well, actually it was at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. I think I went a little crazy in there. MAC currently has this fantastic sale on their makeup brushes that cannot be missed. They have three mini brush collections that are adorable! They also have mini collections of their LipGlass line available. Each collection comes with a gorgeous red makeup bag. Of course, I had to purchase at least one of each. I also purchased a bronzer (that sallow winter look ain't workin' for me) and a lip pencil in Mahogany to go with all the red lipstick I will be wearing this season. I left the mall with a MAC shopping bag! I did not stop in any other store, I did not pass GO, and definitely did not collect $200! Oh well, like the commercial says - a day a the MAC store: $100, looking flawless: priceless.

Personal Faves

I have had such a wonderful response to my new blog! Thank you all for taking a peek. I've been getting a lot of questions regarding products, so I thought this week I would post a list of my personal favorites:

Cleanser - Cetaphil

This is an old school cleanser that you can find in any drug store and it's good for any skin type. Able to use with or without water.

Moisturizer - La Mer Creme de La Mer Moisturizing Cream

This is super top of the line. It costs $130 for one ounce, but it is sure worth it!

Foundation - Iman Second to None Foundation in Clay 1 and MAC Select Moistureblend in C44

It's a tie between these two. Whenever I wear foundation, it's usually one or the other. I wear Iman when I want that flawless finish that lasts all day and I'll wear MAC when I want a dewy look.

Eyebrow pencil - Prescriptives Groom Stick for Brows in Clove

I am a eyebrow afficionada! I never leave the house without grooming my eyebrows and this pencil does the trick.

Eyeliner - MAC Eye Pencil in Ebony

This long lasting eye pencil creates that kohl-rimmed look without the smudge. Love it!

Eyeshadow - L'oreal H.I.P.

Every color rocks! Nuff said...

Mascara - Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black

Another old school fave that has withstood the test of time.

Blush - Bobbi Brown Blush in Spice

I'm not much of a blush wearer, but this blush gives me a natural glow that doesn't have that clown affect that's not a good look.

Lip Pencil - MAC Chestnut

I actually wear several MAC lip pencils depending on the color of my lipstick/lipgloss, but Chestnut goes with just about everything.

Lipstick (Day) - MAC Photo

This creamy brown looks like milk chocolate and feels like butter. Mmmm...

Lipstick (Evening) - Christian Dior Holiday Red

Also known as Rouge de Fete, you know you're about to get the party started when you are wearing this classic!

Lipgloss - MAC Lipglass in Clear and Chai

The clear Lipglass works no matter if you have a face full of makeup or if you're keeping it au natural. Chai is a cool neutral that I like to wear with the MAC Cork pencil for a sixties Hollywood glam look.

Those are just a few of my favorite things. Any true makeup diva has an endless array of cosmetics and I am certainly no exception! Whenever you have the spare time (and funds!) try some of these great cosmetics. I am sure you will like them.

Until next time...

Ode to Makeup

This blog is an open love letter from me (Martine) to makeup. I was first introduced to makeup at the tender age of thirteen and even though husbands, boyfriends, and baby's daddies, have all fallen by the wayside, makeup has stood the test of time. Our relationship is a completely collaborative union with the only objective being to make me look fabulous at all times. We've had our ups (what did I do before MAC?) and downs (did I really think blue eyeliner would make my brown eyes blue?), but despite much trial and error, we are both totally committed to each other.

Now, don't get me wrong. In the interest of keeping America (and the world) beautiful I am more than willing to share makeup and its secrets with others. I do get a little jealous sometimes, but everytime I see the results of makeup's transformative powers on others, I get over it. Makeup has the ability to turn a dull, boring day into a colorful, fun-filled adventure. It changes to match my moods. And it never fails to improve my outlook on life (especially when looking through a pair of great false eyelashes!).

So, it is with great pride and a grateful heart that I proclaim to the universe...

Martine + Makeup

Forever...