#BeautyShared

My first memories of beauty go way back to when I was about 4. My mom put my hair in sponge rollers because we were going to the dinner theatre that night to see Big River. I still remember their incredible costumes (and the delicious food)! A few years later, I started playing in my mom’s makeup. Somewhere there is a picture of me dressed up in my mom’s clothes and makeup and my blonde wig holding a bottle of root beer like a model. That picture was hilarious then, and I’m sure I would still find it hilarious now.

At some point my shared beauty began involving Mary Kay. I think I was around 12. It started with going to a neighbor’s holiday open house with my mom. My senior year that same consultant walked me through makeup application for my senior prom. That #BeautyShared experience happened with my best friend! That’s where I learned to wear something that buttons or zips when getting makeup and hair done for an event. I wore my Dad’s shirt. Great times!

Other great times that involve sharing Beauty? I always loved that one of my grandmas said, “A lady never leaves the house without her lipstick.” She kept a lipstick by the back door, and there was a little mirror next to it. She would always put it on as we left. Of course there was also a matching lipstick in her purse, and she would ask “How’s my lipstick?” after eating.

My other grandma also wore lipstick, but she also shared with me the value of taking care of your skin. She faithfully used TimeWise skin care, and she would show her skin care routine to all her home health workers. She would also write the dates she started using a product on the box so she could tell visitors how long her Mary Kay lasted. When she passed at nearly 90, she didn’t look over 70. Impeccable skin care for the win!#BeautyShared is acknowledging that I kept some of their beauty products after they passed, and I’ll always keep them in a treasure box. Sometimes I also wear Bella Belara because it reminds me of my grandma.

Over the last 20 years, I have been able to share my love of skin care and glamour with more family, friends, and clients than I can count. I often share stories at those appointments, and I find that others can frequently relate to them. It creates connections and fosters community, and I think that’s the most important part of #BeautyShared.

Congratulations to Mary Kay on a beautiful, touching, thoughtful, and inspiring campaign!

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby

Knock, Knock! The 90s and 00s Are Calling

As you may or may not know, one of my gigs is that of Professional Image Consultant. Part of that job means researching and trying the upcoming trends (aka reading magazines online and playing in makeup). During today’s research and try on, I completely felt like a teeanager again. Why? Because the Fall 2025 trends are straight out of the 90s and 00s! Forget Jerry Maguire and having me at hello, these trends had me at “Grunge is back!”

So what am I going to be rocking this fall besides blue, black, and gray (because are there other colors for a wardrobe)??? First things first, I’m laying the foundation using the Velvet Foundation trend! This is a take on the matte look that was so big, but instead of just leaving it matte, you add a serum and some facial oil under the foundation. This softens it just a bit without going full on luminous. Next up, break out the black eyeliner and a smudger brush because smudged smokey eyes are back! Think Avril Lavigne circa Sk8ter Boi! Match it with a single color on the lid like grey or maroon to bring the 00s to 2025! To make it extra trendy, use a grey or maroon that sparkles to make you look like the shining star that you are! Then accent those eyes with the BIGGEST lashes you can create. I like to layer two different mascaras to get this effect. Finally, somebody call Drew Barrymore because her 90s trademark lip is back! Get the dark liner and a light brown lipstick or gloss out because that’s what is on trend for 2025. I am so here for this look!!! Eighth grade me is BEYOND excited for this to return for Fall 2025!!!! Seriously, there aren’t enough exclamation points. If semi-goth isn’t your thing, then the wine stained look is worth checking out. FYI…I’m sorry to report that it doesn’t involve actual wine just wine colored lip shades.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. The Great Kaysby doesn’t usually dole out glam advice. BUT…I am too excited for the 90s/00s looks coming back to keep this info to myself! That’s MY ERA! Call it THE LIFE OF A MILLENIAL if you will! Want the full scoop? Google 2025 trends (ha ha we would not have said that in 90s!) and checkout the complete articles from the Trend Trio: Glamour, Allure, and Cosmo.

Which 90s/00s trend are you excited is back?

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby