raised by culture

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Mary Kay® and Conde Nast. All opinions are my own.

I was a tomboy. Girly things and makeup didn't come naturally to me. It was awkward because I heard stories of my mama being a beauty queen (without makeup!) and remember her gorgeous long hair... I remember the first time I ever tried on makeup, I was 15 years old, my family was out shopping and one of Madonna's music videos came on MTV and I wanted to try eyeliner. After almost poking my eye out, I got it on and I was so excited to show it off. This was back in the days where cordless phones were in so I had to wait till my folks got home to show off my "look". The humor in this is my parents were totally strict and I wasn't the type to share with them but I'm not sure if it was my excitement or they finally felt I was getting into girly things that they went along with it, maybe they laughed, I don't know... I didn't let anything ruin my first attempt at makeup.

I have never been one to experiment much after that. I had one set look and that was that. Maybe it's the tomboy in me but a little foundation, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lip gloss and I was good to go. I did love buying new makeup and letting it just sit there. I doubt I'm the only one!!! When Mary Kay invited me to try one of their holiday makeup looks, I was like are you sure... I'm not a beauty blogger at all. But I was glad they did because it gave me a bigger appreciation for beauty bloggers. It is hard work and don't for one minute think that putting yourself out there showing off every blemish in detail is easy. I love a good challenge and it was honestly, so good for my soul to be put outside of my comfort zone.

I dare you to step out of your comfort zone for the holidays and in 2014!

This is my attempt at Mary Kay Flapper Chic - Flirty and fun flapper style of the 1920s. Key elements in the look are: dramatic smoky eyes, neutral lips and cheeks to balance an intense eye look. The other holiday looks are Silver Screen Siren and The White-Hot Suit. Check out all 3 looks inspired by celebrity makeup artist Mariela Bagnato and Saucy Glossie blogger, Lindsey Calla!

Don't mind my eyebrows, my husband cleaned up my dresser when I was away in Vegas and I haven't been able to find my favorite tweezer. So here's the deal, I never ever wear eyeshadow but I really love Mary Kay at Play™Eye Trio in Tuxedo. I don't even know how to blend but it looks good! I'm also more of a liquid eyeliner type girl but really liked the eyeliner. My absolute favorite is the lash primer - omg do you see my eyelashes - so dramatic! Big fan of the mascara too because it is very light!

Remind me to buy a remote for my camera because my husband drove me crazy trying to take my picture. Another favorite is the Mary Kay® Mineral Bronzing Powder in Desert Sun - I applied it right above the blush (Mary Kay Shy Blush) and on my nose. Love it!