💋 Full Circle Glow: From Estée Lauder to Mary Kay… and Back Again

Well, people … it finally happened. After 26 years, I’m saying goodbye to Mary Kay. 💗 I know, I know - that’s a long time to be in the pink bubble! Two decades of blush compacts, lipsticks in every shade imaginable, and enough skincare inventory to moisturize half the state. 😂

But before we cue the sad violins, let’s rewind a bit…

When I was 21 years old, I worked for Estée Lauder. That was where my beauty journey began - standing behind that shiny department-store counter in heels that hurt but made me feel fabulous, helping women find that perfect foundation match, and learning that a little lipstick and confidence can change your whole mood. 💄

I loved every second of it. It wasn’t just makeup - it was like coming alive for the first time. 💫 That’s when I realized how much I loved beauty - not just the products, but the way a touch of color or a swipe of lipstick could make a woman stand a little taller, smile a little brighter, and remember who she was again. That joy of transformation… it hooked me for life. 💄

It’s funny looking back now, because that season at Estée Lauder came during one of the few years of my early adulthood where I was really trying to hold it all together - working hard, raising Chris, going to city college for early childhood education, and doing the best I could with what I knew at the time. 💛 I wasn’t walking with Jesus yet, but I can see now how He was already pursuing me, even then. There was still so much ahead - including some painful detours - but that season was like a glimpse of the woman I’d one day become through His grace.

Fast forward - after the fall, after the drugs, after being rescued and saved by my Jesus 🙌🏼 - I met my sweet Larry ❤️.

And one day, this wonderful man of mine sits me down and says the word that almost made me drop my foundation brush: “budget.”

Umm… I’m sorry, excuse me?! 😂💅🏼

So there I was, trying to figure out how to still live my best lipstick life while staying within “the plan,” and that’s when I discovered Mary Kay. What started as a creative outlet (and an excuse to keep my skincare stash alive 😜) turned into a 26-year chapter filled with lessons, laughs, and a lot of mascara.

Now don’t get me wrong - there were blessings in that season. I grew, I learned how to speak to groups of women with confidence, and I definitely perfected the art of a good pink lip 👄😉 But there were also moments where I knew deep down that my spirit was ready for something different. Something that felt more me again.

And then it hit me - full circle. 💫

Back to Estée Lauder. Back to my roots. Back to where the dream first began - but this time, with experience, grace, and a little more sparkle (and fewer “budget” conversations - praise hands and a hallelujah 😂🙌🏼).

I’ve learned that sometimes God doesn’t just move you forward - He brings you back around to remind you who you were before life got so life-y. It’s not about starting over… it’s about starting fresh. 💛

So here’s to the next chapter. To walking into this new season with peace, excitement, and a renewed sense of joy. And yes, my makeup drawer is officially glowing again.

💛 What does this have to do with Jesus?

Everything.

Because He’s the One who writes the story - even the sparkly parts. ✨

The same God who redeems broken hearts also restores forgotten dreams. He’s not just the God of second chances; He’s the God of full circles. 💫

Sometimes He brings you back - not because you missed something, but because He wants you to see it differently this time. With healed eyes, a peaceful heart, and a glow that doesn’t come from highlighter but from His presence.

So wherever you are, sis - whether you’re starting something new, returning to something old, or just figuring it out along the way - know this: nothing is wasted. Every chapter has purpose. And when God writes the story, even the detours lead back to beauty. 💋

Shine your Jesus shine, sis - the best glow is still ahead.

~ Rose 💄✨