product reviews

MK Waterproof mascara:
I'm kind of torn on this one. It is truly waterproof, wears comfortably, looks good and feels natural. At the same time, the formula is dry and thus I have to go over my lashes many times to get a good application. Also, the brush picks up more product than I'd like because the mascara is thick. It takes work to put on. That said, it did stand up to a very sweaty night at the club without getting sticky/clumpy/flaky.

Desert Bloom blush:
just as I remember it. A natural looking flush on my pale olive skin. This is what I'd call a medium neutral blush. Medium in terms of how dark it is; neutral in terms of being neither warm nor cool. It's kind of a go with everything type color. lots of pigmentation; you only need a bit. Tap the brush on it twice if you want a natural look.

Exotic Passionfruit perfume:
Just what it says...essence of passionfruit. This smells sweet and delicious and summery. Not heavy though. Good with my body chemistry. I'm wearing it to bed. wink wink! ;)

Warm Amber perfume: Amber with possibly a hint of musk. This is a heavier scent; apply lightly. It's more of an "autumn" scent to me.

Starlet Kiss lip gloss: In the tube, it's a light peach with gold sparkles. It goes on clear with a hint of sparkle. It's very moisturizing and feels good. Not sticky.

Simply Cotton perfume: light, clean, fresh, a little sweet, a hint of powder. This is a springtime scent.

Velocity perfume: Citrus. Orange, lemon, bitter orange. It actually reminds me of Red Bull without the B vitamin funk. Doubtless named because citrus scents perk people up.

90% Buyback & Returning the Starter Kit

We have all seen that www.marykayintouch.com truely has everything any ibc would ever want to know about their Mary Kay opportunity. It may take quite awhile to read everything available but the search feature is also available. So where am I going with this? I have read over and over again that some poor individual is praising pt because they helped her get back some money from the nasty old MK Company. hmmmmm

1st suggestion - if they perhaps had read intouch while they were in MK with the same zeal they read pt now that they are out of the MK busines, they may have still been in Mk and making money.

My point - pt didn't help them get anything that mk wasn't ready and willing to give them. I just conducted a test and in less than 2 minutes with the search feature I found three different pieces all with info on how to do a repurchase of product and even what to do if you change your mind and don't want your starter kit. I copied/pasted two below and the third one is under Legal Ease, it is a pdf type document so I can not copy that but I did add parts of the other two below.

So exactly what did pt do for them? The 90% buyback existed before pt, and had been appropriately used and was never hidden - all an individual had to do was read - how do/did they find out about it on pt? - they read... what a novel idea.

For those that publically post, "oh, thank you for opening my eyes, I never knew this, I never knew that... " - it doesn't surprise me that they weren't successful with their mk opportunity - MK might not be hard but one must put forth some effort, the product may be great but it doesn't sell itself without having someone demonstrate it first.

Here is what is easily available on www.marykayintouch.com

To accept Consultant's cancellation of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after acceptance of the Agreement by Company, and upon return of Consultant's original and unused Starter Kit to Company, to refund to Consultant the Consultant's cost of the Starter Kit; or if Agreement is terminated and Consultant's original and unused Starter Kit is returned to Company after the cancellation period and within one (1) year of purchase, to repurchase such Starter Kit at ninety percent (90%) of Consultant's original net cost.
To repurchase, upon termination of this Agreement, at ninety percent (90%) of Consultant's original net cost, original and unused Section 1 products, provided such items were purchased by Consultant from Company within one (1) year prior to return.
Starter Kit and Section 1 products must be shipped freight prepaid, accompanied by a "Request for Repurchase" form to the Mary Kay Repurchase Department in Dallas. Consultant agrees that Company's cost of any prizes or product bonuses awarded to Consultant because of the original purchase and any indebtedness Consultant owes Company will be deducted from the repurchase amount. Consultants who return merchandise to Company are not eligible to rejoin Mary Kay as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. Consultant agrees that Section 2 items are not intended to be purchased from Company for resale and are not subject to the repurchase provisions.

and

If you choose to purchase inventory, you can always rest assured that there will be a multitude of Company-published materials available to you that contain excellent sales tips aimed at helping you successfully sell your products. You also have the opportunity to ask other successful independent sales force members, such as your Independent Sales Director, for tips and advice on selling Mary Kay® products. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh viewpoint to help you generate effective strategies for growing your business.

Finally, if you change your mind or decide that a Mary Kay business is not for you, you can take comfort in knowing that the Company will repurchase, at 90 percent of your original net cost, original and unused Section 1 products, provided such items were purchased by you from the Company within one year prior to return.

So what did pt do for them that intouch didn't? (Little side note, the employees that take the call when a consultant does call to find out what they need to do are very accommodating, helpful, and friendly, they do not give the requester alot of grief -

A great suggestion if you are in Mary Kay, make sure you keep yourself informed and in the know... READ www.marykayintouch.com often, read your Appaulse magazines, read your consultant and product guides that come in your starter kit, and watch the skin care class dvd. Be responsible for educating yourself - your "success" may depend on it.

Product suggestion: brushes

Current brushes offered by MK:

http://www.marykay.com/whatsnew/tipstrends/beautyadviceallaboutbrushes/default.aspx

This is a much bigger, better selection than they had "back in the day" when I was in. That said, there are two types of brushes much in demand today that I don't see in this collection. I would recommend that they add:

1. The kabuki brush. Since MK now sells mineral makeup, the kabuki brush is a logical choice to go with it. Most mineral makeup users use this type of brush to apply their mineral foundation. Or, for more coverage, you can use a flocked sponge. It *has* to be flocked; the kind of sponge you use for cream to powder or liquid foundation won't work for that. That's not a brush, of course, but I'd still recommend that MK start carrying that too.

2. The angled eyeshadow brush. If you look at the blush brush on the MK brush page, you have an idea...just miniaturize that, and you have an angled eyeshadow brush. It seems to cover the curves of the eyelid better, so it's a staple in many women's brush collections.

Those of you who are directors or consultants, would you consider making this recommendation to MKC?

Positive/Negative or The Truth?

I was reading the negative site yesterday and had to smirk at what was happening, I guess a fairly strong mker was voicing her opinion and TC has been extremely busy and I guess this "mkisfinewithme" poster was really expressing her opinion and her mk experience and things were starting to get a little heated ... of course, the time came and an email was posted telling her that she was not allowed to post until she - the quote from TC follows: "When you're ready to participate in a positive fashion, please let me know and I'll restore your ability to post comments."

Now, I do find humor in small instances and this is one of those small pleasures. Isn't the biggest complaint from many posters on the negative sites, is that in MK everything must always be posetive?? The common response is the truth isn't negative, it is just the truth. So why is mkisfinewithme being negative when she is just explaining her truth? I guess unless she decides to bash MK, she will be negative???

We can not walk around with our heads up in the clouds like nothing is going on but we will be much happier in life if you don't dwell and focus on the negative, but living by that belief doesn't mean you will never have something bad happen, it is just how you handle it. When something not wonderful happens to you, take the lesson and let go of the pain. It does pay to be an optomistic and to see the glass as half full and not half empty. And to borrow a Mary Kay-ism... it does seem, "what you think about, you bring about".. so smile and make it your goal today to smile and say "hi" and just see if someone doesn't smile back!

Mary Kay's Awards & Acheivements

Dynamic speaker, inspiring motivator, visionary entrepreneur – these qualities helped make
Mary Kay Ash a powerful leader in business and in her community. Throughout her life, she was recognized for her achievements with these awards and honors.

2007
• Mary Kay on the Biography Channel produced by A&E Television Networks

2004
• One of the 25 Most Influential Business Leaders of the Last 25 Years by PBS and the Wharton School of Business

2003
• Greatest Female Entrepreneur in American History by Baylor University

2002
• Dallas Business Hall of Fame Laureate in recognition of her lifetime achievements as well as demonstrating inspiring business and community leadership, industry vision and service as a business and civic role model in the community

• National Conference on Medical Care and Domestic Violence Community Service Award, now known as the Mary Kay Ash Award

2001
• Women's Advocacy Award, Legal Services of North Texas Inc.
• What's Next? Women Redefining Their Dreams in the Prime of Life, by Rena Pederson, book feature

• Texas Monthly article, "Where Are They Now?"
• The Very Best Opportunity for Women, by Angela L. Moore and Lisa Stringfellow, book feature
• Feminine Fortunes: Women of the Next Millennium magazine feature, honoring the achievements of professional women

2000
• Lifetime Television Network as the most influential woman in business during the 20th century
• Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation mission expanded to include programs devoted to the prevention of violence against women

• One of 39 American women featured in the Unforgettable Women section of The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future

• One of the "Champions of Commerce" in August issue of Dallas Woman
• 100 Christian Women Who Changed the 20th Century, by Helen Kooiman Hosier
• Cover story for The Godly Business Woman, July/August issue

1999
• Women of the Century award from Women's Chamber of Commerce of Texas, honoring the state's 100 most influential women of this century

• "Salesman of the Century" Texas Monthly magazine's December issue featuring Texans who shaped the state over the past century

• One of 20, and the only woman business leader, profiled in Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Time

1998
• One of six personalities who shaped the industry in the past 100 years in a special collector's edition of Women's Wear Daily

1996
• Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation to fund innovative research studies for cancers affecting women and provide financial support for nonprofit cancer organizations for education and assistance

• One of the Legends of Texas through the “Legends of Texas” Bridge project, Georgetown, Texas
• National Business Hall of Fame by Fortune magazine and Junior Achievement
• One of 20 entrepreneurs profiled in Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Time

1995
• Third book, You Can Have It All, achieved best-seller status during first week of sales
• National Association of Women Business Owners 1995 Pathfinder Award

1994
• Honorable Mention Award for Awareness and Achievement from the Board of Sponsors of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1993
• Mary Kay Museum dedication, a 3,000-square-foot tribute to 30 years of direct selling success
• Mary Kay Ash/St. Paul Medical Center Mobile Cancer Screening Unit, Dallas dedication
• First female recipient of the Kupfer Distinguished Executive Award, Texas A&M University
• Dallas Mother of the Year, Dallas Can! Academy
• Outstanding Texas Citizen, Texas Exchange Clubs

1992
• Living Legend Award, Direct Selling Education Foundation

1991
• Outstanding Woman of the Year, Les Femmes du Monde

1990
• Outstanding Business Leader Award, Northwood Institute
• National Family Business Award, Baylor University
• Women of Achievement Award, General Federation of Women's Clubs
• Business Leader of the '90s Award, Association of Women Business Owners
• Individual Komen Award for Philanthropy, Komen Foundation for the Advancement of Breast Cancer Research

1989
• Sovereign Fund Award by Founder and President Kurt W. Simon to “one outstanding citizen who has rendered great service to the cause of individual freedom in America"

• First Annual National Sales Hall of Fame Award, Sales and Marketing Executives of Greater New York
• Circle of Honor Award, Direct Selling Education Foundation

1988
• Honorary chairperson yearlong Texas Breast Screening Project
• "Great American Entrepreneur" series at the Smithsonian Institute

1987
• Christian Excellence Award in Business, International Association of Women in Leadership
• Churchwoman of the Year Award, Religious Heritage of America

1986
• Woman of the Year, Crystal Cathedral Christian Executive Women
• Distinguished Woman Award, Northwood Institute
• One of the women entrepreneurs featured in the National Federation of Independent Businesses Report and honored by President Reagan

• Texas Business Hall of Fame Award
• Texas Women's Hall of Fame Award

1985
• Outstanding Women in Business in Dallas Award, The Dallas Chamber of Commerce
• Number eight in "The Savvy 60" list of top U.S. businesses run by women
• America's 25 Most Influential Women in 1985, The World Almanac and Book of Facts

1984
• Women's Award of Achievement, Women's City Club of Cleveland, Ohio
• Mary Kay on People Management published by Warner Books; featured on The New York Times best-seller list for 11 weeks

1983
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Edwin L. Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
• One of the "100 Most Important Women in America" by Ladies' Home Journal
• Outstanding Corporate Sales Executive, The Gallaghar Report

1982
• Distinguished Business Leadership Award, University of Texas at Arlington College of Business Administration and Advisory Council

• Golden Achievement Award from Incentive Manufacturers Representatives Association

1981
• Business Award for Excellence in Community Service, Dallas Historical Society
• Free Enterprise Award, San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Association and the Free Enterprise Award Committee

• Mary Kay by Mary Kay, published by Harper and Row
• Saturday Evening Post cover photo and feature story

1980
• Golden Plate Award, American Academy of Achievement

1979
• 60 Minutes profile

1978
• Horatio Alger Distinguished American Citizen Award, Horatio Alger Association
• Cosmetic Career Woman of the Year Award, Cosmetics Career Women, Inc.

1977
• Dale Carnegie Leadership Award for "assisting the Mary Kay independent sales force in programs of self-development leading to improved performance and personal growth”

1976
• Hall of Fame Award, Direct Selling Association

Should an NSD still work or just do nothing!

As we all know some of the Mary Kay Directors are working for the coveted position of NSD (National Sales Director). Why would they work so hard for such a coveted position you say? Well there is the guarantee of a new car every two years, the retirement program, and the potential for a higher income without not having to work as hard as they did to getto the position. Wow that sounds good BUT there are some who say (consultants and directors) that an NSD should continue to recruit and hold skin care classes and there are some who are of the belief that they should keep holding classes and recruiting until they are able to retire. What do you think? I have an opinion on this but I will post it when I get two or three responses to this posting.

Mother's Day (or another) Gift Idea

How cute is this presentation of the Satin Hands Pampering Set?

From NSD Tammy Crayk…
How to put this great gift together:
Go to Hobby Lobby or Walmart or Dollar Tree and get your pots...they're about $1
You'll also need:
~ Gerber daisies...they're half off at Hobby Lobby right now so I paid $3.50 for a bunch of 12 (it was cheaper that way than doing individual stems). Each individual stem will cost me about 30 cents this way and I have enough to do 12 gift sets.
~ Green paper shred for grass
~ Floral Sticks OR bamboo skewers.
I couldn't find the floral sticks so I used the skewers
~ Ribbon--also half off at Hobby Lobby this week
Print the attached card off and attach it to your "stick", cut the flowers and arrange them around your Satin Set and you have a beautiful gift set. All the wrapping "stuff" costs you $3-4. It's a perfect gift set!!!