Tag: Mary Kay

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First Product Review of 2018

Here it is folks, the thing you have been waiting for, my first product reviews for 2018. BBFF nothing for you here, all girly things today.

I have two things to review and I am beyond excited about both of them.

First up we have Mary Kay’s time wise repair lifting bio-cellulose lifting masque. I have to be honest, I love a good mask, especially one that promises me a more youthful look. The exact promise is this: “See a visible lift in just two weeks* with this luxuriously innovative, Korean beauty-inspired mask. Great to use before special occasions!”

Now, I have used this twice now, I didn’t want to do a one time thing and then tell you how it felt.

I can tell you this, I did see visible results, my skin felt tighter without being dry, my skin tone was improved and the lines around my mouth decreased. They have already decreased due to diligent use of the face blaster, but this definitely added to it. I loved the way it felt as well, it went on cool, I could feel the moisture as it seeped into my skin. It was overall refreshing.

One drawback is that you do leave it on 30 minutes, it says 20 to 30, I suggest the full thirty. I tried 20 minutes the first time and 30 the second and saw more results after the thirty minute use.

I also highly recommend using the left over solution that is in the packet after you take the mask off. It feels so good to take that and massage it into your face. Try it, you will not be sorry, I am not saying this because I am a beauty consultant, I would give you an honest review if I liked it or not. For example, I am not crazy about the botanical line, it really doesn’t clean well enough for me. I love the timewise line, it cleans, moisturizes and helps combat fine lines and wrinkles.

It is a little pricey at $70 for 4 of them, however, it is worth it, in my opinion.

You can find it on my website, shameless plug here:

https://www.marykay.com/abarsi/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise-repair/timewise-repair-lifting-biocellulose-mask-301079

Next up is Goddess Curls, now botanical for my hair is something I can get behind. I am all for fewer chemicals in my hair, especially for my curls. As you know I am always on the lookout for new hair products. I decided to give this a go because I really haven’t found anything I am in love with for defining my curls.

This actually is proving effective, plus it is lightweight, it doesn’t make my hair crunchy or heavy. I have no frizz and no flyaways. I am really loving this product. Once again a swing and a hit out of the ballpark.

I found the product at Target and it is reasonably priced, don’t be intimidated at the product placement if you are of my skin pigmentation. It is in the African American hair care products, if you have curly hair, this is the best section to shop in. Better selection and better products. Curly haired girls unite, it doesn’t matter the skin under the hair, what matters is the hair itself.

The hair gel is reasonably priced at Target:

https://www.target.com/p/curls-153-goddess-curl-gel-8oz/-/A-12236881?sid=1764S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9026838&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvrfSBRC2ARIsAFumcm9ElI3fYgAmKWYFvEld9L9SdT-dT2JW68CrOkYJjpm9t_sPCWmz_OwaAtbPEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I hope you all have a great day and let me know if you decide to try the products I review.

You can let me know at angie@angieworld.com or here.

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Life and all that

It’s been awhile since we last parted, a few things have happened, fun and exciting for me, maybe boring for you. Read at your own peril.
First up, moving almost complete, I just have a few big things to get at the old abode. Then, completely done and new life can start in earnest. New life equals major aloneness, as that is my choice and I am completely at peace with my choice. I believe God is telling me that I need this, to commune with Him and to be myself again.
Next up, Mother’s Day was a complete success, not in the things I received, but in the company. Minus Alex, but I saw him Friday night, so that counts.
I had a lovely lunch at Jeffrey’s home, his gracious girlfriend, Amanda, gave up the whole day being about her (she is a mom and a great one at that) and allowed me to celebrate my motherhood day in her home. She also made the most amazing desert, with berries and cream cheese, but it didn’t taste like cream cheese. I really need to get the recipe.
Elizabeth Anne was there to help me celebrate as well. Along with Tess, a good day indeed as I got to drive Tess back to her mom and spend even more time with her. Then Alex’s amazing girlfriend, Elicia, came over and helped me put assemble and put up shelves! A bookshelf and a garage shelf! She is incredibly handy, and helpful and sweet, we like her a lot.
Friday was our first family dinner in the new home and it was a rousing success. Have I mentioned how much I love my new home? All tile and wood except for the two guest bedrooms. Tessa claimed her bedroom already, with the disclaimer she will not be sleeping in it. When she visits me she sleeps with Gigi and all is right with the world.
I had taken a break from the gym to get my life in order, next week begins the torture anew. I have my smoothie ingredients all ready for the coming week.
I tried the new mask from Mary Kay last night, it is the Clearproof deep cleansing charcoal mask. I have seen the ones that you peel off, those look incredibly painful, this one you wash off. I liked it, my face did feel smoother after washing it away. I will be using it again to really get the full benefits from it.
I had to get Direct Tv with the move, as Uverse television wasn’t available. so far the only complaint is that it doesn’t offer MeTV, I love MeTV. I am particularly vexed as they will be showing Battlestar Galactica, the original, and I won’t be able to see it! I love that show, who didn’t have a crush on Starbuck back in the day. Oh, wow, I just put that together, Starbuck as a child and Starbucks as an adult. I have issues. However, as a particularly insightful therapist once told me, I embrace the issues that I enjoy and get rid of the ones that are detrimental to my well-being.
Thanks to Elizabeth Anne’s suggestion I watched Anne with an E on Netflix. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have now seen all of the episodes and can hardly wait for season two.
In my opinion, they nailed the language of the day, it was much more formal than we use today. I really like that, I love florid language, descriptive, picturesque. I moved on to Medici, first episode was tangled, moving back and forth between different points in Piero de Medici’s life. It’s interesting so far, I’ll give it a chance, since I won’t be watching the original Battlestar Galactica any time soon.

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Product Reviews

I have been on a new product kick lately, so I thought I would share my thoughts on a few of them with you.
First up is Mary Kay Timewise Repair Revealing Radiance Peel. This is not one for the faint of heart, it is for anyone who wants a more radiant, youthful skin revival. I loved it, just a hint, do not use in the morning, use in the evening, I paired it with the Extra-Emollient night cream. It worked fantastically. It tingled and had a slight burn feel, not bad, not compared with other peels I’ve tried and nothing like I’ve experienced in a facialists chair. My face did peel afterward, but the Extra-Emollient night cream assisted with that.
After using it, I wanted to do a really good scrub on my face to assist in getting off the dead skin cells. I will be honest here, since Mary Kay did away with their classic skin care sets, they don’t have a really good mask. I have tried the botanical option and don’t really care for it. It’s good if you need a good mask for adding moisture, I highly suggest it for that. But for my purposes in exfoliating the skin, I wanted something a little more harsh.
Since I had a coupon, Target Cartwheel app and Ibotta, I decided to give St Ives Apricot Oil Scrub a try, with all of the above it only cost me a dollar. Not bad. I liked it, a lot, my face not only felt freshly scrubbed, being oil based it added moisture back in. Which brings me to my next item, I received a coupon to get the Gillette Fusion men’s razor for free. I’ve never used a razor made specifically for a man before. Since it was free, it was for me, I am happy to report I am completely delighted by this product. I would even pay full price for it the next time I need to replace my razor. I decided to pair the razor with the St Ives on my legs and under my arms. I know, a lot of information, but that is the places we women shave. I was blown away by the close shave I received, also, for once, no nicks on my knees. I was amazed, and delighted and so very happy with the Gillette coupled with the St Ives Apricot Oil Scrub.
Last on my list is the Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel, not used in a typical manner. I was getting a sty on my eye and was looking in the mirror thinking I really don’t want to go to the dr. The last time I had one of these was several years ago, and it was a mess. The ointment on my eye, the heat packs, the thing oozing, just grossness.
Anyway, I was looking in my mirror thinking what can I do, I looked down and saw the Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel and a lightbulb literally turned on above my head.
I put some on the sty, just a word of warning here, this is not for the unsteady hand. You do not want to get this in your eye. I covered the sty with the gel and went to bed. When I woke the next morning, the sty was completely gone. Worked like a charm.
Those are my product reviews for now, I hope you all enjoy and if you have not downloaded the Ibotta app and the Cartwheel app, well, if you love saving money, do so, quickly.

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My Mary Kay Exerience

I have arrived back home after being at Mary Kay Seminar for three days, first off I have to say the Hyatt in Downtown Dallas was absolutely wonderful to us. From the people that made sure I was kept in coffee to the ones that made sure we had enough towels in our room, you made sure we were taken care of and spoiled. Love you.
Walking into the arena was difficult, this was the last place I spent a significant amount of time with my friend Sandi. I managed to keep it together until the Awards ceremony, you see this is what she and I loved together, she would call and ask what I was wearing and most years I would keep her guessing. Then when I walked out in what I had chosen she would say well, Angela Barsi, and I knew I had chosen well. Then she and I would ohhhh and awwww over the fabulous gowns and beautiful shoes, pointing out what would look good on the other. It was hard, and I was happy I had left off the mascara. After a complete meltdown I was then able to enjoy the show, looking at the beautiful gowns and fabulous shoes, thinking which ones would look good on me and which ones Sandi commandeered for herself in Heaven. Because if anyone can, trust me, it’s Sandi.
I learned a lot, some very exciting products are coming out; I can’t wait to share them all with everyone. Especially the new Clearproof line, it is specially formulated for our customers who battle acne. It is awesome, they have tested the products on people who battle this issue and the results were nothing short of amazing. An overused word, I know, but apt here.
I attended an incredibly fun White party, where everyone wore white and boogied to some really great old school music. My music, Earth Wind and Fire, The Commodores, and the list goes on.
I found out my wonderful Mary Kay sisters had nominated me for our unit’s Miss Go Give. It is the highest honor one can be recognized for in Mary Kay. I am humbled beyond belief; to be thought of in this way by my peers is extraordinary.

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Mary Kay Seminar

Sunday I will begin my Mary Kay Seminar experience. I know, not my first time at this rodeo, however it is my first time without Sandi. The last time I was there was my last time with her, that time I was the only one from her personal team to go. We got to spend major amounts of time together, it is a gift I cherish to this day.
This is not going to be easy, however, with Wanda, Faith and Louise I know we will be ok. We all have such wonderful memories of our dear friend that I know together we can not only celebrate our lives in MK we can celebrate the woman that brought us together as friends.
A lot of people have a hard time understanding the relationship we all had with Sandi. They don’t understand we were friends long before she brought me into the Mary Kay world. She was a mentor, friend, sister and huge influence in my life. We shared our sons with each other, we shared details of our lives, when my mother passed a way she shared her mother with me.
She never had a daughter, she used to tell me that if she’d had one she imagined that daughter would have been like my Elizabeth Anne. Sandi took great delight in the fact that Tessa’s middle name is the same as hers. One day I’ll tell Tess about my friend Sandi who was glamorous, smart, beautiful, funny and above all loyal.

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Looks

I stopped at Starbucks today, it was a venti passion tea for me, unsweetened, I hope everyone is proud of me.
Do you ever have that time in your life where you don’t know what you are supposed to be doing and other times you are so sure of where your life is going? I feel as if I am at a precipice, I can’t explain it, and at my age it is incredible, but I feel like I am on the edge of something huge happening. In a good way, not a foreboding way, I just feel like my life is about to take a huge turn.
I wonder what is in store for me, sometimes; well a lot of the time, I wish I knew my future, I so want a crystal ball. Wouldn’t that be amazing? Wait, no, no it wouldn’t, there are some things I would not have wanted to know in advance. On second thought, I think I’d rather my life just unfold without me knowing what lies in front of me.
I wish I could give up, not in life, but food wise, I know you are all tired of hearing about this; however, I want to be able to eat whatever I want. Whenever I want, no worries about it going straight to my waist, hips, thighs, arms and well everywhere. I believe that is what heaven will be like, where I get to eat whatever I want without consequences. I wonder what it is like to be one of those people, do they think about it, do they appreciate it. I wonder what it is like to be naturally beautiful without need of cosmetics, plastic surgery and other things to make ourselves into society’s idea of beauty. I also wish I were one of those people, alas I need the help of cosmetics and would love to have plastic surgery.
There is a story in the news about a man who sued his wife for fraud, as she had plastic surgery to make herself beautiful before he met her. Then after the birth of their child he found out what she used to look like as the child was not beautiful like he expected. He won as she had never revealed what she used to look like. It begs the question, when you have had work done, do you tell when you begin to date someone? Do you tell them you have Botox treatments? That you color your hair, your nails are acrylic and you had your teeth straightened as a child? Aren’t some of these things a given? I know very few women who do not color their hair, paint their nails, wear makeup, make themselves pretty. We are ingrained from childhood that we need to be better versions of ourselves in order to attract a mate. So after having attracted that mate, do we then come clean that not everything about us is “real”?
I live in the Dallas, Texas area, this is the beauty capital of the world, yes even more so than Hollywood, this is it people. Women are expected to look like Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, big hair, makeup and nails; if you are not the Texas ideal of beauty you will not attract a man. That is what the popular belief is, and I will tell you, men keep it going. When a man talks about what kind of woman he wants in his life, intelligence is far down the list, hot is the word they use. And I have to tell you I am sick of the word hot used as a description, except when referring to fire. What happened to beautiful? Pretty? Cute?
The pressure to be society’s idea of “hot” is exhausting, it is exhausting to be a woman today, so of course we use what is available to us to continue to look acceptable. I know I do, I have been using Mary Kay skin care since I was in my 20’s and it has done me well. I look good, for my age; there is the rub, for my age. I hate that as well. Who decided what I should look like at my age, at any age? Who was that person? I can tell you this, it was a man, men say they want a natural woman, they don’t. No one does, trust me on this. I know I will get some heat for this one, but I for one will continue to take care of myself, color my hair, do my nails, make sure I look the best I can. For my age.

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Good Thoughts

Ok, I am working on day 3 of new schedule, I am telling you, even after a few days I feel rested, awake and ready to take on the world. I believe we all have an internal alarm clock, the time our body naturally wakes up, and mine is 6:00 am, so being on this new schedule is turning out to be a revelation. For so long I have focused on the getting off early, I didn’t realize what I was doing to myself. I even think getting off at 6 allows me to miss the 5:00 pm traffic. It really has not been too bad, it does take a little longer to get home, however traffic is steady and I take the back roads not the toll roads. In the long run this shift may save me money, who knew. I am even enjoying the hour long lunch, so far, it allows me to have a nice break, walk around and get rejuvenated for the second part of my shift.
I have said it before and I will say it again, I love Mary Kay, I love every aspect of this business. I love the products, which I have been using for over 22 years, how is that for brand loyalty. I love being a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, which I have been for 10 years now, I not only love getting my own products for 50% off, and I love it when my customers are happy with their products. I love when they tell me how amazing their skin feels and, yes, how great the right shade of lipstick can make them feel. I love introducing the business opportunity to other women, knowing it can make a difference in their lives.
I have often said my job at the telephone company saved my family; Mary Kay gave us the extras. My business has paid for three high school class rings, a refrigerator, helped pay for cars, and when my mom passed away; it paid the hotel rooms for me and my children. It has enabled me to have cash Christmases, bought my oldest son a computer for Christmas and my daughter a laptop for her birthday. Anything you want can be found in that beauty case, I am grateful for the opportunities that my job at the major telecommunications company has given me; I love what my Mary Kay business has given me.
So much more than material things, I have made friends that I will keep for a lifetime, I get to surround myself with women who are positive, uplifting and just old fashioned amazing.
I have gone on for a while now, it is time to shower and start my day at a job I am grateful for!

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MK5K #abolishcancer

I have decided to participate in the MK5K, what is that you ask, well it is the Mary Kay 5K to raise funds for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation. They give grants to help fight cancer effecting women and also to groups that are trying to eradicate domestic violence. This year I decided to participate after my friend Dixie said she was running and asked if anyone wanted to join her. I am going to participate in memory of my friend Sandi. Next month will mark the one year anniversary of her passing after a 20 year battle with breast cancer. Here is the link for everyone to donate! http://support.marykayfoundation.org/site/TR/MK5K/General?px=1025772&pg=personal&fr_id=1130 if you can find it in your heart and pocket book every amount is helpful!