Ok all… I have the new stuff… I have tried it! Here are my initial thoughts.
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My first impression of the eye colors was “oh sh*t! they are so small!!!” I was actually speechless for a bit… BUT now that I have tried them I am amazed at HOW LITTLE YOU NEED. I LOVE Granite! My new fav….
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The compact is TIGHT! The pros… feels SOLID… looks GREAT! The cons… because I am one of those… you know “those”… it bothers me that fingerprints are left on the glossy finish and find myself rubbing it down… every time I pick it up… plus with it being magnetic the eye colors are not “perfectly aligned” so… you OCD Diva’s… be warned! LOL Otherwise… love it!!!
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The bronzers are GORGEOUS! I love that there is a matte and a shimmer!! They really are beautiful
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The new lip brush actually works unlike the ones we have had in the past…. THANK GOD!
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The highlighters… well this has been the one thing my consultants have been most confused about… the shimmery one is GREAT on the eyes! Remember the little velocity shimmer powder pots? Very similar! The matte can be used anywhere you would use the highlighting pen. BUT…. I would only do that with young skin… because powder can make fine lines and wrinkles stand out. Soooooo test it first.
Let’s talk samples….
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No samples of bronzers or highlighters. Bummer. You can use the display trays… I have not yet decided if I am going to do that. (I also said I was not going to demo the mineral powders… but am now… more on that later.. if I remember). At the meeting we played with cotton balls and sponge tips (disposable of course).
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The display trays and the company order limit…. I know I know.. Directors were hacked off too. I think that the company should have come out with the Color Pro (or whatever they are calling it) at the same time. Cuz I am not going to break out a gazillion of the small compacts for my bronzer and eye & cheek and highlighter… so personally I think this was a goof up… BUT the pallette will be out in Summer…. back to the trays…. no idea if they will change it, but directors through a big enough fit that we were all shipped two for free. Personally, I hate these min wholesale amts to order things like PCP, section 2, whatever. Annoying. Feels so big brother.
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All the other samplers are same thing different color. 🙂
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The new Look Cards… I like them but still undecided as to whether or not it is enough product … will try it with a few clients and see. I hope it is, because I would personally like to use those at the first appointment with a mascara sampler. The new Look cards are now 5 for $1.50, so you could add a mascara sampler and it would still be less than the old Color 101 Cards. I like that they do not include the applicators in them, it was a great idea.. but they were just toooooo small.
So what did I forget? Oh I just started to use the subtle tanning lotion… we will see what happens. 🙂 Got questions? Ask away? Got opinions? Share!!! 🙂
pynkmyst 
March 6, 2008 at 10:43 am
Thanks for the update re the new products. I’ve seen them and have been working with them with my director for a few days now. I agree that the colors are gorgeous. Neither one of us understands the highlighters or bronzers though. We figure we’ll learn as we go.
As for samplers . . .
Personally, I have gotten away from using samples. They aren’t cost effective when you’re holding multiple appointments per week. They’re nice for warm chatter or when doing expos, but beyond that, I demo from only full-size product (except, of course, for lip/eye pencils). For consultants who aren’t holding regular appointments, I think samplers are good, but for me, they’re a waste of money.
My favorite new item is the new brochure “A Girl’s Guide to Getting Gorgeous”. They are 10 for $1.50 and are so stunning. This will be my new warm chatter & expo brochure – rather than the Look Book which is $3.50 for a pack of 10. This shows tons of products and has tips for skin care during 20s, 30, 40s, and 50+.
March 6, 2008 at 10:54 am
It seems like MK has done their research from the comments from Myst and anonymous. I cant wait to get them.
March 6, 2008 at 11:20 am
I’m liking what I’m reading! I can order on Monday. I love that the color cards are less costly. That is excellent news. I don’t do a lot of color because I never know what’s going to look good on who. One of my weaknesses I guess. I’m good at matching foundation shades, though!
March 6, 2008 at 11:39 am
Shades of Pink,
With the new Color Insider on InTouch, you shouldn’t have any difficulty figuring out what looks good on whom. If you haven’t played with it yet, go do so.
PLUS, with the new Look Book there are 2 new Color Looks, Berries & Tawnies. But they show them each on 2 very different women to show how versitle they are.
My director let us try a new look yesterday at our meeting and we’ll do it again next week. Just by chance, the two fairest skinned consultants chose the Berries look, which is much darker, and the 2 darkest consultants chose the Tawnies (the lightest look with Sweet Nectar LS). The darker consultants thought we were crazy and that our looks were going to be too dark for us. But once we got the looks on everyone was amazed at how great everyone looked and how the looks weren’t too dark or too light for anyone.
My advice about color is to get into it and play for yourself. I don’t mean to be flip, but you’re not playing with Sharpie markere here. It all washes off. The absolute worst that can happen is that you have an opportunity to teach about how important blending is or that you wash it off and start again.
Most of the time, you know more than they do. And let’s face it, if they’re buying their products at Walgreens they can’t try before they buy anyway. If they’re shopping at Macy’s then someone else is probably just telling them what to do without asking for input.
I always ask my clients what colors they wear the most of and how they like to wear their make-up (natural, classic/professional, or dramatic) and we go from there. They love being part of the decision and don’t feel like I’m any less professional for getting their input. Of course, I don’t ever let on that I’m unsure, even if I am. I’m very matter-of-fact, just like in skin care pre-profiling. They just assume it’s part of what we do. Sometimes, I’ll even say “Susie, I know this Virtual Violet may be a little outside your comfort zone, but let’s just try it. If you don’t like it, we can wash it off and start over again. Is that ok?” No one ever says no to that.
March 7, 2008 at 8:10 am
How exciting! (Thanks shades for linking to this article) I’ll definitely be getting product to demo, but I have to wait until I can make a $600 order for the trays. While annoyed at the limit, I totally agree it needs to be in place. I know it would’ve been abused quickly and they might’ve run out before I had a chance to order!!
My director set up a tray with the new highlighters/bronzers at the top row, and the 2 color 101s on the bottom. They look so HOT!! I hope my customers’ think the same!
March 7, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I am with you Myst… I LOVE the new goodies! Still trying to figure out the bronzers and highlighters, but the looks are wonderful! And yes, there is enough product on each color card to give a good sampling (I have been giving them out and following up with potential customers).
I am using the demo trays to show the products to consultants and customers alike, always using disposable applicators but noticing there is a “little bit of a mess” with the different product!
The kinks will get worked out I am sure as we continue to do what we need to with our customers and consultants!
As far a samples… I do wish there were samplers of the bronzers as I have LOTS of consultants/customers out of the area and would love to be able to mail them a sampler to play with… Oh well, maybe later the company will come out with those!
March 10, 2008 at 7:47 am
Anonymous, you’re right. I completely forgot about the Color Insider. I will play with that lots! 🙂 I am ordering my new stuff tonight. I’m mostly ording for me right now, but I’m getting the sample cards for my appointments.
March 10, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Hi everybody, just checking in and Kudos to the new colors. Loving them.
I had heard at leadership you had to use a lighter touch with the shadows as they did not blend well. I did not find that to be true. I have used our brushes and the sponge tip, Did use a light touch with the sponge tip as I always use the brushes better anyhoo.
It is a bummer on the trays. I think they messed up with that but oh well, They look stunning when displayed and I will be using them at appointments. I am with anonymous on using the retail products. I don’t hold as many appointments as I used to but I still find it easier and economical to do so.
I used the highlighter matte for eyeshadow one day and liked it that way too. I think the number of ways to use the bronzer and highlighters are going to be in our favor. Of course, I do be liking to play in that glamour. Whoo Hoo!
Myst you are so right on about the compact. It is gorgeous but it does show fingerprints. I am not OCD but I found myself wiping it off maybe to show it off? 🙂 The magnets are a good idea, Sometimes I have struggled with opening the thing but then I struggle with anything that is not simply push this for that and yes or no. What can I say?
Collen, how is job going? I have not been on in awhile so forgive me for playing catch up on being in the know.
Hugs everyone
Angie
March 11, 2008 at 11:45 am
I placed my order today. Just ordered some basics for myself. I want to try some new makeup. I ordered samples for the appointments I’m holding later this month. I’d order the trays, but it looks like you have to order $600 w/s to get them. Did I read that right? I’m going to vent for a second. Some of the limits bug me because I sometimes use two different payment methods for Section 1 and Section 2. I can’t do that when they place the limits.
March 11, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hey Shades – I have to agree on the trays thing… WHATever. I actually emailed the company as soon as that was posted on InTouch. This one was just not a good decision in my opinion…
March 11, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Ah…the power of email! I will exercise my email privileges as well. 😀
March 12, 2008 at 5:14 am
Just out of curiosity…are you proposing anything to the company in your emails? (i.e. lift the limit, change the limit….bring out the “Color Pro” NOW, etc)
March 12, 2008 at 7:53 am
I personally recommended they lift the limit OR keep the limit at 2 per consultant PERIOD regardless of the size of order until June when the Color Pro is released. 2 would be enough to show all the prelaunch products.
I just hate when they do a wholesale requirement for a section 2 item.
It would probably be too hard to release the color pro any sooner, just because of how manufacturing schedules work.
March 13, 2008 at 5:37 am
I sent a similar suggestion via email. I mentioned that it doesn’t make sense to require someone to pay $600 to get a $3.00 item.
March 13, 2008 at 9:42 pm
For real, Shades.. I let them know how I felt too, actually said what Myst said,oh well, fine minds did you say? 🙂
March 19, 2008 at 6:11 am
Just wanted to check back in. My order arrived on Monday and I wore my new mineral makeup yesterday and today. I’m loving it! I think the new mineral pressed powder blends more evenly than the old version. It looks like I have nothing on at all. It also doesn’t make me look washed out like the older pressed powder would do. Yep, I’m happy with it! 😀
March 19, 2008 at 9:59 am
Can someone help me?! I have a question about the new black compacts. They only seem to hold the new mineral eye makeup and mineral blush. But it’s the only compact, so what are people who are still buying, say, Sunny Spice blush supposed to do? One of my best customers just recently was interested in a compact for her blush. I can’t get a silver compact for her now, and she would buy the black one, but it’s not going to work if the blush won’t fit! Is there something I’m missing here? Maybe I’m just not getting something. I would appreciate ANY tips, advice, or suggestions!
March 19, 2008 at 4:15 pm
kare,
MKC has been saying since last summer that the compact was changing.
I was just on InTouch and see that the old Custom Compact is still available under Section 1 Discontinued. The Color Palette, Color Compact, and Foundation Compact are no longer listed and I’m not sure why.
Yes, all the blushes and eye shadows are changing.
My advice if you are out of compacts is to call one of your sister consultants or director to trade. Even my director who is vehemently against trading product is willing to trade discontinued stuff because it helps everyone. If you were on my team and wanting a discontinued compact, I’d give it to you in a heartbeat.
You can follow the progress of the color changes on InTouch by clicking on “Countdown to Color” on the homepage.
FYI, MK has not had a compact change like this since 1994. Yes, I know we switched from pink to platinum in 2002, but all the colors still worked in either compact. What I’m referring to is the change of shape that happened in 1994. That was 14 years ago. MKC does not make these changes on a whim.
March 19, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Thanks! I knew the compacts were changing. I just didn’t realize that only the new mineral colors would fit in it. I thought (mistakenly, obviously) that the shades of color that remained (such as Sunny Spice)would be put in a new “container” (so to speak) that would fit in the compact. I was a bit taken aback when that didn’t turn out to be the case, and ONLY the new mineral shades fit.
Thanks though! 🙂
March 19, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Actually, Sunny Spice will be one of the only blush colors that WILL be made in the new formula…but it won’t be out until June.(I found this out from the “countdown to color” part of the website. They give you recommendations for new colors once they run out of the old colors.) You weren’t completely wrong kare! Some colors will be coming back!
I think MK Corp had counted on most of the inventory lasting until then, but everyone has “panicked” and bought out the leftover inventory!
March 22, 2008 at 6:55 am
Hello myst…I was shocked at the small size also. What a change, but nice one really. The compacts are hot and being magnetic is a plus. Company poor decision making re: trays. $600, not happening with me ever. Unfair really. Two tray restriction..fine, I agree, but no ordering limit, and especially not $600. Absurd and borders on ridiculous. The trays don’t make the sale. 🙂
March 23, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Two suggestions: I am using cut-to-fit paper towels in my personal compact to keep the colors separate from each other in the new compact. And for the “fingerprint issue” they have been teaching us to only use the edges of the compact when holding them. That leaves the top and bottom clear of prints, which is especially important when showing them to new clients. If you demo them that way, the clients will learn to use them the same way. JMHO kmh
March 24, 2008 at 3:30 pm
kmh, I’m curious about the paper towels. How does this help exactly? Individually cut for each color? Would you explain further please? Thank you.
March 25, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Basically the size of the mirror. Because the towel is “fluffy” (not flat like ordinary paper) it keeps loose granules from floating, e.g. cheek colour onto eye colours, and it keeps the brushes from shedding, too. AND it keeps the mirror clean. I keep a few extras in my purse in case I need to do more than 1-2 touch ups during a long day. I thought about using the Beauty Blotters, but paper towels are so cheap. smile kmh
March 25, 2008 at 3:23 pm
P.S. Several clients have ‘mentioned’ how much easier it is to lose the new eye brush, so I think if you warn them ahead of time to be careful with it that might help. Because the brushes totally blend into the black background of the compact, you can accidentally drop it out, and not realize it is missing until the next time you go to use it.
March 27, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Thank you kmh, now I understand. Good advise about the eye brush.
I have to say that I’m a little fumble fingers when it comes to handling such small brushes and applicators. Even the eyeliner retail product, being shorter, is too small in my somewhat delicate hands. I’m having a hard time adjusting to the smallness of things. I will be first among those to lose my applicator or brush for sure. Maybe several of them. 🙂
April 7, 2008 at 3:04 am
I have been keeping my new compact in the smaller quilted zip top bag from the hostess gift set…AND actually using the brushes (from the Fix-it Kits a couple of PCP gifts ago), BECAUSE…I have my foundation in the left side of my compact and my blush and two eye shadows on the right. Yes!!!…and NOTHING falls out….because I used a piece of one of those peel and stick magnets a lot of us bought to turn our business cards into magnets (before the company come out with their own magnetic business cards).
Anyway…my products do NOT fall out even if I shake the open upside down compact! I do use a tiny piece of ribbon under the blush to “pop” it out, which is concealed by putting in the lipstick!
This way i get an “expanded ” compact before the new “color palette” comes out in June or even the fall.
I only have to carry ONE compact and my brushes are “in the bag” where I also keep my eye and lip liners!
Give it a try!
April 21, 2008 at 3:24 am
Fun fact: On the week-end, I reached in to my purse to get my compact and when I pulled it out loose change that was lying at the bottom of my handbag stuck to it! smile Great way to magnetize your money back to you, and put it in your change purse or wallet. It gave me second thoughts, though, about being sure my compact was no where near my wallet and all my identity cards with their strips to be demagnetized. I know it is not supposed to be an issue, but it just reminded me to better be safe than sorry. kmh
July 10, 2008 at 8:50 am
Hi there,
I am curious about what you thought of the Subtle Tanning Lotion. Do let us know. I just started using it today and my jury is still out. Thanks,
JillInthecity