MEET mark….

I’m an impulsive person.  I often make decisions without thinking about the consequences first.

Like last night while watching TV and browsing the net, a commercial about being a mark representative came on.  I watched it just like any other commercial but then without even thinking about it, I typed in their web address and next thing you know, I was signing up to be a mark rep.

While I was reading about the benefits of being a mark representative and how easy you can start selling their cosmetics and fashion products, I just had to sign up.  I didn’t even hesitate to pay the $20 start-up fee.

Now that I’ve had more time to think about what I did, I don’t regret it.  I’ve always liked Mark’s makeup and skincare products.  And I’m proud to be associated with the company.  However, even if I don’t sell much, the start-up kit and free bonus that you receive are definitely worth more than my $20 investment.

Okay, I just want to make something clear.  Just because I’m a mark representative doesn’t mean I’m going to review their products and give them a better rating.  I don’t want anything to jeopardize the honest relationship that I’ve been working hard to build with you.

Most of the makeup looks or tutorials that I do from now on will probably consist of makeup from mark.  Also, I will post many pictures and detailed information of some of their makeup and skincare line, so YOU can decide if it’s something you want to try.

- Rosa: Beauty Editor and Mark Representative  (I like it!)

What are your favorite mark product?

– Beauty & Ageing

Has your look expired?  Are you still following the same make-up regime you did when you where 40?  Or 50?  Wake-up, girlfriend.  The Big Six-Oh decade means it’s time for a make-up makeover.  So put down your black eye liner and pay attention.

As we age, we have to be more specific about the colors and textures of make-up we use.  So let’s start from the beginning…

•  Face:  Don’t use a heavy foundation and beware of mineral make-up (it can settle in cracks and creases and make you look drier than the Mojave).  Try liquid foundation mixed with moisturizer.  Apply it with a flat foundation brush and then pat it in with a sponge (don’t rub or you’ll wipe it off.)  If you have dark circles or puffiness under your eyes, dab on a tiny (and I mean tiny) amount of concealer with your ring finger after you’ve applied your foundation. I like Effacernes Waterproof Undereye Concealer by Lancome, but any lightweight product will do.  If you use powder to set your make-up, do so sparingly and use a translucent powder.  A little bronzer can be nice in the summer, but again, use sparingly only on forehead, cheeks, and chin.    

•  Blush:  Although they can give you a more dewy look, I find cream blushes hard to control.  I prefer powder in a peachy or pink tone.  I like Orgasm by Nars. The key is where to apply it.  Here’s the trick. Smile and apply blush on the apples of your cheeks, then sweep your brush up and out toward your temple, as if drawing the number 6. 

•  Eyebrows:  As we age, eyebrows become sparse.  You sometimes loose the tails completely.  Use a pencil rather than powder, which can be too harsh.  Make sure the pencil is sharpened to a point and use short, feather strokes to fill in your brows. 

•  Eyes:  Even if your eyelids have more folds than an Origami swan, covering your lids with a pale peach or pink shadow opens the eye. (Rule:  light bring out, dark takes away.)  Forget about a deeper color in the crease (if you can even find the crease).  Those days are gone.  Next comes eyeliner.  Yes, you can still wear it.  But choose a softer color — brown or charcoal.  My new favorite is navy.  It looks good with any eye color and makes the whites of your eyes pop.  Use a powder or pencil, liquid is too hard to control.  Keep the line close to your upper lashes, and extend it a smidge (no Cleopatra eyes, please) beyond-and-up from the outer lid to create an uplift.  Smudge it with a Q-tip, curl your lashes, and apply mascara.

•  Lips: By age 60, your lips tend to be dry and perhaps flaky.  Prep them with a lip balm or primer, then before applying lipstick, line them with a nude lip pencil or one that matches your selected shade.  Avoid anything darker. If you have a problem with feathering, there are lots of lipsticks and stains targeted for this. Remember, darker shades exaggerate little lines and flakes and can make your mouth look smaller.    

♥  One last tip: Don’t spend a lot of money on color.  Save it for your skin care.

Live long and pester!

Judith Marshall , a former model and the author of HUSBANDS MAY COME AND GO BUT FRIENDS ARE FOREVER available on Amazon.

I finally had the opportunity to try Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Set ($10), which by the way, I was dieing to use. I had heard and read many great reviews on this beauty product, and being the makeup junkie that I am, I just had to have it.

Unfortunately, it took me WEEKS to find it at my local Target.  So, as soon as they had it in stock, I snatched it from the makeup display, rushed to the cash register and bought it.  When I got home, I immediately walked straight to the mirror, took off my makeup, opened my new concealer kit and of course, applied a few layers of makeup under my eyes. 

Guess what?   It truly is an amazing kit!The concealers come in a slim, white case.  The size of this palette is small enough to carry in your purse.  Also,  some of these concealer sets include two small applicator brushes and a mirror. However, mine didn’t come with them, so I have no idea if the brushes are of good quality or if they’re even useful. 

Anyways…

Both the concealers and neutralizer blend beautifully into my skin and they’re very creamy.  I like that the concealers minimize the appearance of just about every one of my skin imperfections and it’s not cakey.  

The concealers have a little yellow to them, which helps neutralize any red marks around the eyes and face.  The  set also includes a translucent pressed powder.  The powder is perfect, it almost disappears against my fair skin.

Although, this concealer set is one of the best that I’ve used, it still has its flaws.  First of all, it did crease under my eyes.  Luckily, it wasn’t anything you couldn’t just fix with your fingertips, but still, it’s annoying.  Also, this set only comes  in one shade. 

  -How I Apply Sonia Kashuk’s Hidden Agenda Concealer Set:

You can use your fingertips, sponge or a make up brush.  I like using synthetic brushes to apply concealer, but whichever tool you choose, try not to tug  on the delicate skin around the eyes.  Instead, use a tapping motion when applying concealer.

 - Here’s the order I apply the concealers:

1. Apply a layer of neutralizer to any red or pink spots around the eyes and face.
2. Customize the concealer shade to match skin tone.  (I blend both colors of concealer, but you don’t have to use both shades if you don’t need to.) 
3. Apply concealer over areas layered with neutralizer.
4.  With a cotton ball, dust translucent powder over the concealer.  The powder sets the concealer and makes it last longer.

Overall, the price is amazing for the quality of this product.  I would definitely buy again and yes, I do recommend you grab this one.