Tag: Mary Kay

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#BlindMKLady Hashtag Evolution

I'm Blind Why Should I Wear Makeup image description is in the body of the post

#BlindMKLady Hashtag Evolution

“‘You are not less of a person for using a white cane.’ This takeaway was life-changing for me; the cane doesn’t define you, it’s just a tool. After hearing this I became a different person and people noticed.”

~Amy Wilson

Hello Bold Blind Beauty Readers, 

Some of you may know me and some of you may not. Before I explain what this post is about, I will give a short introduction to who I am. My name is Amy Wilson, a middle-aged thirty-something midwestern woman.

For over 25 years I’ve been defined as legally blind and never considered myself a special or unique flower. Although, I’ve accomplished many things in my life that some say are exceptional. In fact, in the last few weeks, close friends have told me I need to improve my self-promotion skills.

I’m so bad when it comes to talking about myself. My husband is the same way—humble is the name of our game. Not my son though, he is the show off of the family. Each person in my wonderful family has their own disability. I only say this to tell you there is a lot of stuff going on in our household. 

The #BlindMKLady Hashtag Breakdown…

1. Let’s begin with why I chose to include the word ‘blind’

First, saying visually impaired makes it too long, lol, just kidding. In the world we live in, you are ‘blind’ to the sighted community even if you have residual sight. On the other hand, to the blind community, you are ‘sighted’ if you have a little vision. How does that even make any sense? So am I blind or not?

For over twenty years I hated when people would call me blind, I would go on the defense right away. Do you know where that got me? Nowhere really.

Being called a blind person bothered me so much I wouldn’t even use a white cane. So if I have ever shoulder checked you I am sorry. According to my ex-husband, I did it a lot but in 2015 that changed for me. I can remember it very clearly as I met people who I now call family. And you would never guess who they were? Yes! Other blind people!!! 

I mean I had previously met blind people, but these people didn’t let their blindness define them. Adding to this, was my takeaway ‘you are not less of a person for using a white cane.’ This takeaway was life-changing for me; the cane doesn’t define you, it’s just a tool. After hearing this I became a different person and people noticed. I no longer had a problem walking around with my white cane. If anything I think I strutted a little more. 

2. Classification of Being ‘Blind’ 

Last year I heard a speech that changed my viewpoint on being classified as ‘blind.’ It talked about how people put you into categories and how as blind people we do it as well. The point made was, ‘why are we segregating ourselves within our own blind community?’ Whether you have no vision or just been declared legally blind, guess what? You’re blind! Now let that sink in.

I know from personal experience it’s hard to take on the blind label. It’s especially difficult when you are new to blindness. When I heard that speech I made the decision to stop saying “I’m visually impaired” and just say “blind.” By doing this, I’m letting society know that ‘blindness’ is not just the ‘totally blind’ but me too. 

I’m blind so what? I’m still a Rock Star! No way am I a rock star but I think you get my point. And maybe you just have to listen to the P!nk song—”So What.”

3. What’s A MKLady?

The other part of my hashtag speaks for itself as I am a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. I love the company, Mary Kay. This is actually my second time being a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. 

My first time, with Mary Kay I was not confident in my blindness at ALL. I let it get in the way of having my own Mary Kay business. This time is totally different. I got great advice right from the start. If they can’t handle the fact that I am blind then they are just ‘not my people.’ Simple right?

‘Not your people’ can be used in so many different areas of our lives, even with family. Be confident in who you are, no matter what!!! Do I have regrets in my life? You bet, but I don’t dwell on those things—you can’t change the past and the future is tomorrow’s problem. However, you can focus on now.

Knowing Who I Am

I view myself as the #BlindMKLady and wouldn’t have it any other way. And I am not the only #BlindMKLady out there either. I’ve met other MK ladies and am personally building my team of blind and sighted ladies. My goal is to be the first blind Mary Kay Sales Director. It doesn’t matter how long it takes me. My goal is huge even for a sighted consultant. If you want to assist in helping me achieve this goal let’s chat. 

No matter what your goal is in life don’t let something like being blind hold you back. Blindness does not define you. You define you. Put your big girl panties on and make stuff happen. If you want someone to cheer you on, contact me, I will be your cheerleader. 

Be Bold, Be Beautiful and most of all be true to YOU!!!

Yours Truly, 

Amy Wilson, #BlindMKLady

You can find me on Facebook as Amy Wilson or my Facebook group called Wilson’s Wildflowers. 

#BlindMKLady Featured Image Description:

Closeup photo of Amy looking fabulous with her wavy brunette hair framing her face and sunnies on top of her head. She is wearing a blue/black floral dress with a v-neckline.

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Blind Beauty 71 | Amy Wilson

Blind Beauty 71 Amy Wilson featured image description is in the body of the post.

Blind Beauty 71 | Amy Wilson

Your confidence can affect so many different aspects of your life. From getting that amazing job to finding the person of your dreams. Or worse, staying with someone who doesn’t deserve you because you think you can’t do better.

~Amy Wilson, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant

Who Cares How I Look?

Time after time people say to me, “who cares if I wear makeup or use skin care products?”  Well, I’m going to share something with you, a lot of people do.

It’s one thing to be confident in yourself, I get that, and it can go along way. However, there is something to be said for a person who is well put together. Whether it’s just well taken care of skin or a full-face of makeup. It matters.

Here Is Why…..

The First Reason:

Whether you like it or not people judge. Even those of us who are totally blind or have low vision judge people. Everyone judges, it’s an unfortunate fact of life.

You get judged by the person at the checkout at Wall-Mart, people who drive past you, co-workers, fellow students and many more. People want to look at things that are enjoyable. They want to smell pleasant things and they want to interact with people who make them feel good.

Now you are probably thinking how the heck does this have anything to do with makeup, lady? Here it is, when you take care of your skin and it’s healthy looking and feeling, that builds your confidence. Even if you don’t feel it right away it does. When you receive a compliment about your glowing skin, you will for sure feel it then.

When you add some makeup, even if it’s Basic Jane looks you will feel more confident.

The Second Reason:

You lack confidence in yourself or your ability to take care of your skin or apply makeup.

Your confidence can affect so many different aspects of your life. From getting that amazing job to finding the person of your dreams. Or worse, staying with someone who doesn’t deserve you because you think you can’t do better. I have been there myself. I can’t count how many relationships I stayed in because I thought so little of myself. Man, that was hard to write, but its the truth.

Don’t settle in your life when you’re unhappy. Do something different. And yes it will scare the crap out of you. But life happens outside your comfort zone. I was reminded of that fact just today. I did something that would move my Mary Kay business forward big time and it scared the hell out of me. That told me I needed to do it.

If you lack confidence putting on makeup―Take A Class!!!! There are several different videos and in-person classes you can watch or attend in-person. I do live videos and Zoom video classes about two or three times a week where you can learn and ask questions right away. Since I haven’t been able to use a mirror for years, I do ALL my makeup with NO mirror. So you can learn from someone who understands your struggle.

The Third Reason

You should care. Care about yourself, your appearance and how people view you.

Care about yourself above everything else cuz no one will take care of you but you. You set the standard of how you want to be treated. It took me many years to learn this lesson. I let people treat me how they wanted to and then I was surprised when I felt like crap. I just wanted people to be friends with me, after all, I was that poor blind girl so friends were limited. Note, I said was?

Once I began caring about myself and how others treated me, my life changed. At first, it was hard. Not all those people who took advantage of me were around but then something happened. I found people who treated me with respect. It takes adjustment but is it so worth it.

Once you begin practicing caring for yourself then you want to up your game on your appearance. Because ultimately you feel the need to look as great as you feel.

Now don’t go thinking I’m telling you to go from zero to a hundred on the makeup thing. That’s too much work, lol. What I am saying is to start small.

Girl wash your face, put on some foundation and either lipstick or cream eye shadow. This is all I did for years. You have to start somewhere.

Header

Now going back to caring how people view you. I’m guessing like most people on the planet there’s something you want and you probably can’t do it alone? Yup, here’s the thing:

  • you can’t get that job,
  • land that hot guy,
  • start your own business
  • or just make some friends without people looking at you and your appearance.

The whole world is not blind. We don’t live in that kind of a world, but if it was it would be an interesting place. Anyway back on topic, lol.

Now for me, my appearance is a massive part of my job. No one wants to buy beauty products from someone who wears sweatpants, never wears makeup or has bad skin. Not that I don’t wear sweatpants when I’m at home—like all the time, lol. When I leave my house though I AM my business.

Not only am I my business but I am a representative for our blind community. That’s right you represent your fellow community. If you’re not blind I promise there is another community you represent. So represent it strong and with pride. Let’s show the world our #BlindPeoplePossiabilities.

I truly hope this article is helpful to you. One of my biggest missions in life is to build confidence and courage in others.

My Mary Kay is more than just products. It’s about allowing people to find themselves, grow and spread across the world like beautiful Wildflowers. If you’re interested in getting to know more about me, you can find me on Facebook under Amy Wilson. You can also join my Facebook group called Wilson’s Wildflowers to check out FREE classes and videos.

Connecting With Amy:

Blind Beauty 71 | Amy Wilson Featured Image Description:

Featured image is a faux fashion magazine cover titled Blind Beauty. Amy’s image on the cover is black & white.
She is smiling in this photo as a first-time attendee at the 2018 Mary Kay Seminar. Her sunglasses are on top of her head and she has a strand of pearls around her neck. Blocks of text superimposed on Amy’s photo say: “Bold–She Keeps Pressing Onward, Blind–She Has Deeper Insight, Beautiful–She Sees To The Heart Of Others.” “Real Beauty Transcends Barriers.” “Makeup Trends for 2019–How To Maintain A Flawless Look”

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Dating Tips: Wrong In All The Right Ways

Featured image description is in the body of the post.

Rejection is a tough thing for a young lady to swallow. Especially not knowing any other blind women in my life. If I could go back and talk to me then I would say “find yourself a role model.” 

Amy Wilson

Dating Tips: Wrong In All The Right Ways

Stereotypes are bizarre right? And if you have been blind longer than a day you know what I’m talking about. As a young twenty-something, I learned this the hard way when it came to dating.

Twenty-Something Amy Wilson

My first experience was when I was hanging out with this good-looking guy. We got along great so naturally, I thought a relationship could happen. Man, was I wrong! As soon as it came out of my mouth he turned me down flat and was rude enough to tell me why–because I’m blind! WTF?!?

Rejection is a tough thing for a young lady to swallow. Especially not knowing any other blind women in my life. If I could go back and talk to me then I would say “find yourself a role model.” I wish I could say it got better as I got older but no.

Now anyone who knows me knows I am a confident person for the most part. I’m outgoing and make friends easily but rejection isn’t easy for anyone.

Rejection Of A Different Kind

Fast forward about ten years later. Married, baby, then divorced and several hundred miles away from family. Talk about putting on your big girl panties… And I thought my struggle was real when I was younger and by myself. haha!

Dating was a little different but still the same. Now I just do it online. Online dating is a beast of its own and has good and bad qualities. But here we go again and how do I tell them I’m blind?

Tip: when meeting people online, meet in an area that you are conformable with and know how to get around. In case you need to run away. lol

This time around I was rejected for having a kid, being divorced, my crazy friends and then it happened: The “you’re blind.”

Amy & Son
Amy & Her Son

After two or three of these incidences I went on a rant to a friend of mine. He told me that “blindness and beauty didn’t go together.” His words floored me. Was he right?

Now with my normal overthinking, it came to my attention that disabilities in general, are considered to be an ugly thing. I think this is one of my biggest reasons for loving Mary Kay. Even though Mary Kay is a part of the beauty industry, I learned at my first event the company appreciates all shapes, sizes, and disabilities.

But here are some things I learned from those interesting dating experiences.

  1. When you are rejected because of your blindness it says more about them than it does you. You can look at it like you dodged a bullet too! lol
  2. Taking selfies for your online dating profile is tough and it takes a lot of practice.
  3. There is someone out there who will accept you for you. Pre-warning: you might have to kiss a few frogs to find them though. lol Lord knows I did.
  4. Society’s truth is not your truth.
  5. You are amazing just the way you are. Each person is a little wrong in all the right ways. So stay true to you.

Final Words Of Wisdom

Now if you’re single, put on your confidence, a dash of sex appeal, and be a little wrong in your right way.

It has taken me over twenty years to come to the realization that I love being wrong in all the right ways. So if it takes you some time to realize your awesomeness it’s all good. There is a whole other world waiting for you on the other side.

Featured Image Description

Two birds are huddled together on a tree branch looking lovey dovey.

Additional Images:
  • The first image is a younger Amy with a big smile on her face. She is wearing a denim jacket and a silver statement necklace.
  • Sweet photo of Amy hugging her son, both of them smiling and wearing jackets. 

As usual, you can find me on Facebook or join my Facebook group:

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Figuring Out Foundation

Figuring Out Foundation featured image description is in the body of the post.

Figuring Out Foundation

“You can layer these foundations. For example, start with CC Cream for a great primer and then add a liquid foundation for more coverage.” 

~Amy Wilson
Image 1
Image 1

Let me just start off by saying foundation is a struggle for most women, and for us blind beauties wow. So I thought I would do two things for you today.

  • One, talk about what types of foundations are out there.
  • Second, discuss where to apply it so it doesn’t look like a mask.

Let’s get some of you off the foundation struggle bus. Lol! I am going to start with the easiest and work my way up to the tougher ones to match. Now I admit I am totally biased on this one because it’s my favorite., it’s CC Cream. The CC stands for complexion corrector.

This CC Cream is a powerhouse. It does multiple things for your skin all at once: it moisturizes, primes, sunscreen and of course foundation. This product blends to match your natural skin tone and it’s the easiest foundation to match for anyone.

Other Types of Foundations

Mineral Powders

Mineral powders are a popular one. They are great for light coverage. Many different companies make mineral powder. They typically come in circular containers. You shake some of the product onto the lid and apply with a powder brush.

Tip: Investing in a set of quality makeup brushes will take you far and take your product even further. I know by using my brushes I lengthen the use of my foundation and other products. I can recommend different brushes you may want to use.

Now let’s bump it up to some more coverage for that beautiful face.

Timewise Liquid Foundations

Mary Kay has what we call our Timewise Liquid Foundations. These have age-fighting ingredients included in the foundation. It comes in two different types:

  • One is matte-wear for those ladies who have combination to oily skin. This formula won’t make your face as shiny.
  • The second one is luminous-wear for a skin type of normal to dry.

Tip: Checking the foundation on your jawline is the best way to find your match. Remember Mary Kay consultants will let you try these before you buy. We want you to love the products, satisfaction guaranteed.

Medium Coverage Foundation

There is a Medium Coverage Foundation which gives your face 8 hours of coverage. Its been described to me that it can give you that airbrushed look.

Cream to Powder Foundation

Finally, there is Cream to Powder Foundation. From my understanding, you can either love or hate this one. For myself, having a normal to dry skin type this one sounds nice. I am sure if you have really oily skin this one could be frustrating.

Wow! That’s a lot of information about foundation. I hope you find it helpful.

Tip: You can layer these foundations. Example start with CC Cream for a great primer and then add a liquid foundation for more coverage.

Application

Now let’s talk about how to apply foundation to the face.

  1. Start in the middle of your face and blend towards the outer part of your face. You can apply in your T-zone (this is your forehead and straight down the middle of your face).
  2. When getting to the jawline, make sure to take the foundation to your neck. If you stop at your jaw it can look like you are wearing a mask and that’s not good.

Alright, I will wrap it up and wish all of you a fresh and fabulous day!

As usual, you can find me on Facebook or join my Facebook group:

Bye Beauties!

Figuring Out Foundation Featured Image Description:

The image is assorted black makeup brushes on a white background with a zippered case.

Image 1:

This photo is a bottle of CC cream next to several swathes of different shades of the product.