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Share Your Mirror Mantra [WIN A PRIZE]

September 18th, 2008 by Karen 74 Comments

UPDATE 9/20/08: The giveaway is closed, and winners will be notified soon. Good luck!

As women, we often struggle to see beyond our perceived flaws. I know that in my case when I see myself in a mirror I first notice my dark circles, my figure and any fine lines or blemishes on my face before I notice anything else.

It seems like the things that stand out the most are usually the things I’d most like to change.

And I get the feeling I’m not alone. Studies have shown that only 2% of women describe themselves as beautiful.

Makeup artist Carmindy of TLC’s What Not to Wear wants to help women see their beauty before their faults. The overriding theme of her new beauty book, Get Positively Beautiful, is to help you train your brain to focus on your strongest features first.

The book shows how to enhance your natural beauty with step-by-step instructions for eyes, brows, lashes, lips, cheeks and skin. It covers ways to adapt looks to different weather conditions and “beauty moods.” There’s even a useful index in the back that lists high end and budget beauty products Carmindy recommends.

I like how the book uses pictures of real women (not models) in the tutorials and tips, and the personal “mirror mantras” sprinkled throughout the book are my favorite touch.

A mirror mantra is an uplifting statement you say to yourself while looking in the mirror. Yeah, it’s a bit cheesy, but words hold power. If mean words have the power to hurt our feelings, then kind words have the power to help them.

A few of my favorites from the book…

Mirror Mantras

I’m blessed to have a dark skin tone that enables me to wear such beautiful shades.
–Theta, 47, El Cajon, CA

As a war survivor from Cambodia, I am thankful each day for my life and health. Many others were not so lucky.
–Sori, 25, Las Vegas, NV

You have the right to remain fabulous!
–Elaine, 51, Arlington, MA

Get Positively Beautiful Book Giveaway

Enter today’s Get Positively Beautiful book giveaway by sharing your own mirror mantra in the comments.

The Prize

Five winners will each receive a copy of Get Positively Beautiful by Carmindy (222 pages, hardcover); $21.99 value.

How to Enter

To qualify, leave a comment below with your own mirror mantra. It can be as short or as long as you like (up to a maximum of 250 words), and there are no right or wrong answers. I’ll choose the winners at random from among the people who enter by 11PM PST on Friday. Be sure to use a valid email address when you comment so I can reach you if you win! 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Share Your Mirror Mantra [WIN A PRIZE] / Originally published September 18th, 2008

There are 74 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Just For Fun, Product Reviews

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. gale, 33, Los Angeles says

    September 18th, 2008 at 12:12 pm

    “Morning Pretty”

    Reply
  2. ~H says

    September 18th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    “I will make today a good day”

    Reply
  3. jessica says

    September 18th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    “While I envy luscious curls and waves, I’m lucky that I have long straight hair because it’s one less thing to worry about in the mornings.”

    Reply
  4. Indian Girl says

    September 18th, 2008 at 12:46 pm

    “I love you!”

    Indian Girls last blog post..How To Care For Your Eyes Video !

    Reply
  5. Heather says

    September 18th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    You are FABULOUS!

    Reply
  6. KC says

    September 18th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    “You are blessed with monolids”
    “Love yourself for who you are, and who you can become”

    Reply
  7. anna marie says

    September 18th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    gotta make those 5 years of braces pay off…smile whenever you can today. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Henna says

    September 18th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    Your Beauty is your attitude.. You Go Girl!

    Reply
  9. Jaime says

    September 18th, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    When I’m putting my contacts in every morning (which I get tired of doing sometimes) I always try to remember to thank God that I can afford them, and that I can see well with them, and that they allow me to put fabulous eye makeup on!

    Reply
  10. MWC says

    September 18th, 2008 at 1:36 pm

    Beautiful on the inside, beautiful on the outside.

    Reply
  11. Shefali says

    September 18th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    I’m so glad I have black hair and fair olive skin because I can wear every color and get away with it!

    Reply
  12. Dao says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

    I always think “Life is too short to hold back!” before doing a different look. Without that line, I would have stuck with neutrals by now 😀

    Daos last blog post..Adorned with Grace Colors in Action

    Reply
  13. Karen B says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    I always tell myself in the morning: ‘just be the best you you can today’ ^^

    Karen Bs last blog post..and it all goes downhill from here

    Reply
  14. Sarah says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    “The gap in my teeth adds character and people remember me by it.”

    Reply
  15. katy says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    shake what your mama gave ya!

    Reply
  16. Holly B says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:33 pm

    “You are a beautiful positive person who will let your light shine!”

    Reply
  17. Amy says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:35 pm

    “I love being a girl”

    Reply
  18. Amanda says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

    Yay! cool contest Karen. 🙂 I guess mine is

    “you are lucky to have blue eyes and long, dark lashes. Play them up! and a super awesome husband who doesn’t mind your makeup collection.”

    Reply
  19. teresa says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:43 pm

    “I am beautifully and wonderfully made”

    Reply
  20. pia says

    September 18th, 2008 at 2:47 pm

    Those dreadful stretchmarks across your stomach, girl, are there to remind you that there are 3 more people who believe that you are absolutely the MOST beautiful woman in the world forever, no matter what. Now go show the world that your children are right!

    pias last blog post..FOTD – September 18, 2008

    Reply
  21. Karen says

    September 18th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

    Hey ladies,

    I am really enjoying everybody’s mirror mantras. While we’re at it I want to share mine:

    “You *can* do this, girl!”

    Hope ya’ll are having a good afternoon/evening. Keep ’em coming!

    Reply
  22. Emily M. says

    September 18th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

    Beauty comes from the inside! But makeup doesn’t hurt to enhance the outside! 😉

    Reply
  23. Ms. S says

    September 18th, 2008 at 3:25 pm

    “My eyes are soooo sexy!”

    Reply
  24. Louisa says

    September 18th, 2008 at 3:29 pm

    You are fine, divine and one of kind. Work it. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Julie Price says

    September 18th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

    “Not bad for 40!”

    I love Carmindy’s first book and would enjoy having her second.

    Reply
  26. Amanda says

    September 18th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    i am beautiful from the inside out.

    Reply
  27. Brittany says

    September 18th, 2008 at 4:05 pm

    “Smile!”

    It’ll make you feel and look a lot happier, even if you really are having a crappy day or not feeling so hot.

    Reply
  28. yadiQ says

    September 18th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    when all else fails a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do – lets make things happen!

    Reply
  29. MaryJoyce says

    September 18th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    i say:
    “You are blessed because you can see yourself when there are others who can’t”
    “you are blessed because you can speak when there are others who can’t”
    and you are blessed because you can laugh when there are others who can’t”

    Reply
  30. Judy says

    September 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm

    Today is going to be a good day

    Reply
  31. snowprincess says

    September 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm

    this is fun

    “i am sooo late, but i will look sooo fabulous”

    “i am truly one of a kind”

    Reply
  32. Alexandra says

    September 18th, 2008 at 4:39 pm

    You are a strong and beautiful woman.

    Reply
  33. Mary Jenkins says

    September 18th, 2008 at 5:29 pm

    “Well, Looks aren’t everything”

    that’s why I need this book!

    Reply
  34. Heidi says

    September 18th, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    You have to love and appreciate yourself before others can love you for your greatness. 🙂

    I have naturally wavy hair that looks great no matter what. Work what you were given with.

    Reply
  35. victoria says

    September 18th, 2008 at 5:56 pm

    “You’re pretty cute. You have cute legs, and a little tummy, and that’s okay. You have wonderful friends, the best family ever, and a fun job. A little tummy isn’t the deciding factor in your life, so don’t be insecure.”

    Reply
  36. Seymone says

    September 18th, 2008 at 6:19 pm

    I am beautifully and wonderfully created…

    Seymones last blog post..Weekend Haul!!!

    Reply
  37. Victoria says

    September 18th, 2008 at 6:31 pm

    Well, if this was happening first thing in the morning, it would be something like, “Rrnn. Mmrrn. Not awake.” But later in the day, right before heading out to work, or maybe before a night out, I’d smile into the mirror and say, “You look good.”

    Which sounds simple, but I’m not the gushing sort over anything, so that’s a pretty high compliment as far as I’m concerned, and it makes me feel good!

    Victorias last blog post..Website Crushes: Cupcake pr0n

    Reply
  38. Gina says

    September 18th, 2008 at 6:51 pm

    “happiness is beauty”

    Ginas last blog post..Two months of celibacy will soon come to an end!

    Reply
  39. Marisol says

    September 18th, 2008 at 7:04 pm

    Wow I had no idea she had this book. Thanks for letting us know.

    “Hello, Fabulous” a la Samantha from Sex and the City

    Marisols last blog post..6 Random Things About Me

    Reply
  40. Cmalm says

    September 18th, 2008 at 7:19 pm

    Work it, girl!

    Reply
  41. Miss QQ says

    September 18th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

    “This is me. I am unique!”

    Reply
  42. Marta says

    September 18th, 2008 at 8:37 pm

    The outside looks are important, but it is the inside beauty that really matters. Color your face with the colors of your soul and enjoy the connection…

    Reply
  43. Courtney says

    September 18th, 2008 at 9:31 pm

    Oh shuttup, self. You look fine!

    Reply
  44. Julie says

    September 18th, 2008 at 10:27 pm

    My mantra while looking at my image in the mirror: Obviously you (my face) didn’t get the memo on the “No Wrinkle” policy. Is it too late??

    Reply
  45. Ginger says

    September 18th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

    I’m an intern getting my bachelor’s in Early Childhood, recently quit working with 60 preschooler’s to work at an elementary school, and am taking a full load of coarses, so after a long night I wake up, look in the mirror and think, “Yep, all that I’m doing to become a great teacher was worth another wrinkle, lol (and I’m only 25)!” Then I put on some Clinique Airbrush Concealer, lol. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Ms De La Hoya says

    September 18th, 2008 at 10:51 pm

    Be the woman you are meant to be.

    Reply
  47. S. Ong says

    September 18th, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    Age is just a number, and beauty is an attitude. Remember that you are above all a lady, and a blessed one at that…nothing and no-one can ruin your day and your attitude unless you let them, so throw on your lipstick and take on the world, ’cause it’s up to you to make it a great day!

    Reply
  48. Alina says

    September 19th, 2008 at 1:51 am

    Nobody is the same outside, but inside we are one, and we are all beautiful. I am beautiful.

    Reply
  49. frond says

    September 19th, 2008 at 4:17 am

    I am beautiful and loved!

    Reply
  50. Kelley says

    September 19th, 2008 at 5:28 am

    You have the power to shape someone’s world.

    Reply
  51. Max says

    September 19th, 2008 at 5:59 am

    “FIRE”
    as in hot like…
    quick and to the point.

    Maxs last blog post..Cop This: Kardinal Offishall Not 4 Sale

    Reply
  52. Tammy says

    September 19th, 2008 at 6:12 am

    I love Carmindy!! The idea behind this book is awesome.

    Tammys last blog post..Big Lots=Big Love

    Reply
  53. christa says

    September 19th, 2008 at 7:26 am

    I say to myself, “Hey you,” and then I wink. It makes me feel sassy. LOL.

    Reply
  54. Lisa G. says

    September 19th, 2008 at 8:58 am

    Love your cheekbones!! Remember, a year ago, you couldn’t even SEE them! (backstory–I had gastric bypass a year ago, and have lost 120 lbs!)

    Reply
  55. Adina says

    September 19th, 2008 at 8:59 am

    “You are fierce, you are a rockstar!”

    Reply
  56. cloudburst says

    September 19th, 2008 at 9:23 am

    “I look how I want, I know what I want!”

    Reply
  57. Sandy says

    September 19th, 2008 at 9:36 am

    “Cliche as it is, I believe I’m beautiful. I look in the mirror and I see myself, not anyone else. What more would I want just to be a unique me? I’m not perfect – I’m petite and my face is average. Beauty is in the eye of beholder, I would love to be the judge above all.”

    Reply
  58. Laney says

    September 19th, 2008 at 10:34 am

    Nothing else matters if you smile. Smile, and you’re beautiful.

    Reply
  59. Kam says

    September 19th, 2008 at 11:05 am

    Patience, Courage, and Kindness- beautiful inside and out! 🙂

    Reply
  60. Josay says

    September 19th, 2008 at 11:14 am

    Christina Aguilera sings:
    “You are beautiful no matter what they say
    Words can’t bring you down”.
    We better listen her!!!

    Reply
  61. Melissa says

    September 19th, 2008 at 11:19 am

    Love your freckles
    Love your scars
    Girl, it’s who you are!

    Melissas last blog post..Fall Wishes

    Reply
  62. jenna says

    September 19th, 2008 at 11:29 am

    “see that zit on your face, it’s cuz you’re stressing too much at work, stop it or you’ll get more!!”

    =)

    Reply
  63. Beth says

    September 19th, 2008 at 11:45 am

    Mine’s pretty simple:

    “Good Morning Pretty Girl…whatcha gonna do today?”

    Or sometimes

    “Shit…I’m going to be late”.

    But usually the first one…you know, more positive and all that!

    Reply
  64. Hannah says

    September 19th, 2008 at 11:51 am

    “If all else fails, I still can be beautiful!”

    Reply
  65. Jennifer says

    September 19th, 2008 at 12:05 pm

    Each line on your face is a the mark of a moment in time, a physical reminder that you were THERE. Just as Time writes her story on the face of the Earth with water and wind, she writes her story on your face with each laugh, each cry, each furrowed brow, each loving glance. But we do not fault the Earth for her wrinkles and call the Grand Canyon ugly – so why are we disgusted when our own faces develop the same awesome beauty?

    Jennifers last blog post..MEOW Cosmetics Introduces Their Fall Colors

    Reply
  66. Honoria says

    September 19th, 2008 at 12:30 pm

    You have to live your life for you and enjoy everything that day has to offer. You control your happiness!

    Reply
  67. Megan says

    September 19th, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    Hey Karen. Sorry I’ve been MIA again. Wow…it’s been a busy/rough summer. So I was sick with a horrible cold (how does this happen when it hasn’t even been cold here yet). And the father of one of my close friends passed away from cancer. On top of both of those work has been really crazy because I’m trying to hire a new person and I keep interviewing and not finding a good fit…so between making up for being short one person and also spending a gajillion hours interviewing people I’ve been super busy. I’ve been thinking about you though…and actually feeling a little guilty that i haven’t checked in. LOL I know that’a weird…but well…you know. 🙂

    My mirror mantra is “You’re beautiful when you smile.” It’s more to remind me to smile…but it works.

    Reply
  68. Kami says

    September 19th, 2008 at 2:00 pm

    I love my freckles, they keep me looking and feeling young! And each one is a cheerful reminder of a day in the sun with my family and friends!

    Reply
  69. Joyce says

    September 19th, 2008 at 2:48 pm

    Be happy you still look young for your age.

    Reply
  70. Paula says

    September 19th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

    I have a couple of them:

    “You are just too cute to resist” (variation: “Those dimples/freckles just make you too cute to resist”)

    “Your eyes are GORGEOUS today!” (I happen to love my eyes – made up or not. 😀 )

    Oh, and this is my fav as a bigger girl:

    “There is just more of you to be FABULOUS today!”

    I would love to win this and share it with my beautiful (even tho she doesn’t believe it) coworker who is having a hard time turning 30 this weekend.

    Reply
  71. Vashti says

    September 19th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    Of late, this has been a challenge for me. As someone who is partially disabled, and has gained weight because of strong medication, it’s very easy to look in the mirror, and feel just absolutely ugly! It can be easy to want to stay home and hide.

    Right now it’s too hard to look at myself and say, “You look beautiful!”

    So, for now mantra is “You have the ability to help others, and the only way to do so, is to get out of the house – with a beautiful lipgloss of course!” :- )

    ====

    On a different note, I always have an ongoing file of favorite quotes, and Bible verses to occasionally use as my screen saver. Because of you gals, I have a few fantastic ones to add to my list, and to my laptop! Thank you!!

    Reply
  72. Danielle Robinson says

    September 19th, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    I am thankful for each day I look in the mirror, I accept and love myself because perfection is an illusion, and beauty is so much more than skin deep.

    Reply
  73. Tiersa says

    September 19th, 2008 at 5:43 pm

    Beauty exudes with a giving heart and loving every day of your life.

    Reply
  74. Courtney Foster says

    September 19th, 2008 at 6:49 pm

    My mirror mantra actually came from an ex-boyfriend that got away.. He would tell me every single day as we stood in the bathroom of my really small studio apartment. He would tell me to say to myself in the mirror that I am a sexy B*t*h ( you get what Im saying) The B part was not to be disrespectful it was meant to be uplifting as weird as that sounds. So even after almost 10 years and being over him, to this day I still look in the mirror and say ” I am one sexy B*T*H!!! It gives me confidence to take on the world and allows me to walk with an extra bounce in my step!!! It works even when I have the largest pimple on my face!!! LOL

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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