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Love, Lashes, and Lipstick: My Secrets for a Gorgeous, Happy Life
From A-list celebrity makeup artist and Mally Beauty founder Mally Roncal comes an inspirational guide to living a gorgeous life inside and out, with step-by-step beauty lessons and personal stories about how inner strength, a positive outlook, and plenty of mascara can empower and uplift women at every age.
Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal has a message she wants to share with the whole world: What makes you different makes you beautiful! It’s the mantra that inspires her work with A-list clients (who include Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Mary J. Blige, and Kelly Osbourne) and every single “bulletproof” item in her Mally Beauty cosmetics line. With her warm, generous spirit, infectious energy, and deeply rooted belief that with a positive outlook and a couple of genius makeup tricks every woman can be gorgois inside and out, Mally has created a legion of fans, a.k.a. Mallynistas, who faithfully tune in whenever she appears on QVC and follow her on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.
In Love, Lashes, and Lipstick, Mally tells her own story of growing up as the daughter of two Filipino doctors; smuggling blue eyeliner into her Catholic school; breaking into the business (with giant platform heels and bleached blond hair) in New York; jetting around the world with megastars; meeting her soul mate when she was least expecting it; and gradually building a full, joyous life running her own business and raising three young girls.
Along with her wise and hilarious life lessons, Mally shares the secrets to all her signature looks with easy, step-by-step instructions and gorgeous illustrations. Want to master Beyoncé’s and JLo’s sexy glow, or the ultimate smoky eye? Need to look polished but fierce for a big day at work, or fake eight hours of sleep when you only got four? As Mally would say, “It’s all here, my loves! So come and get it!”
Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal has a message she wants to share with the whole world: What makes you different makes you beautiful! It’s the mantra that inspires her work with A-list clients (who include Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Mary J. Blige, and Kelly Osbourne) and every single “bulletproof” item in her Mally Beauty cosmetics line. With her warm, generous spirit, infectious energy, and deeply rooted belief that with a positive outlook and a couple of genius makeup tricks every woman can be gorgois inside and out, Mally has created a legion of fans, a.k.a. Mallynistas, who faithfully tune in whenever she appears on QVC and follow her on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.
In Love, Lashes, and Lipstick, Mally tells her own story of growing up as the daughter of two Filipino doctors; smuggling blue eyeliner into her Catholic school; breaking into the business (with giant platform heels and bleached blond hair) in New York; jetting around the world with megastars; meeting her soul mate when she was least expecting it; and gradually building a full, joyous life running her own business and raising three young girls.
Along with her wise and hilarious life lessons, Mally shares the secrets to all her signature looks with easy, step-by-step instructions and gorgeous illustrations. Want to master Beyoncé’s and JLo’s sexy glow, or the ultimate smoky eye? Need to look polished but fierce for a big day at work, or fake eight hours of sleep when you only got four? As Mally would say, “It’s all here, my loves! So come and get it!”
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2014
5 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 4, 2014
A fast read. For the first few chapters, I was like: Is this book for adults? I admire beauty entrepreneur Mally Roncal, but the writing is immature, like it's written for grade level 5.
The first seven chapters are really short and preachy, titled with a piece of advice or lesson, such as "Treat Everyone like a Superstar," "What makes you different makes you beautiful," "Live without regrets," "If It Doesn't work, Let it Go," "Bee Calm," "Believe in happily ever after," "trust your gut." She writes about how great her life is, how perfect her parents were in raising her, the lessons they taught her. Which is fine, if she didn't include all the trite phrases and aphorisms.
Every chapter ends with something like "Trust, believe, and don't try to control what you can't control. Don't panic!" I'd rather she just get to the part about her life, the obstacles and successes, and not hit us over the head with these "lessons." The one about "Bee Calm" is literally about life being like a bee buzzing around you. "When a bee comes around--when there is chaos or something scary comes your way--instead of screaming or running, just be still and what is meant to be will be." This is seriously presented as mind-blowingly wise advice that her dad gave her. (Seriously? When a bee or wasp is bothering me (like when I'm eating outside), I whack it, and kill it).
I wanted to learn about her rise in her career to become a celebrity make up artist. How did she start? Finally in chapter 8, she tells us, and the book got meatier after that. Then, ch. 13 starts to tell about how she created her own makeup line, and I liked this part.
Disappointingly, I didn't discover anything new from the makeup tips and advice, and would've liked it better if she had photos of herself with the different makeup looks, rather than drawings.
The first seven chapters are really short and preachy, titled with a piece of advice or lesson, such as "Treat Everyone like a Superstar," "What makes you different makes you beautiful," "Live without regrets," "If It Doesn't work, Let it Go," "Bee Calm," "Believe in happily ever after," "trust your gut." She writes about how great her life is, how perfect her parents were in raising her, the lessons they taught her. Which is fine, if she didn't include all the trite phrases and aphorisms.
Every chapter ends with something like "Trust, believe, and don't try to control what you can't control. Don't panic!" I'd rather she just get to the part about her life, the obstacles and successes, and not hit us over the head with these "lessons." The one about "Bee Calm" is literally about life being like a bee buzzing around you. "When a bee comes around--when there is chaos or something scary comes your way--instead of screaming or running, just be still and what is meant to be will be." This is seriously presented as mind-blowingly wise advice that her dad gave her. (Seriously? When a bee or wasp is bothering me (like when I'm eating outside), I whack it, and kill it).
I wanted to learn about her rise in her career to become a celebrity make up artist. How did she start? Finally in chapter 8, she tells us, and the book got meatier after that. Then, ch. 13 starts to tell about how she created her own makeup line, and I liked this part.
Disappointingly, I didn't discover anything new from the makeup tips and advice, and would've liked it better if she had photos of herself with the different makeup looks, rather than drawings.
January 16, 2018
This book is as fun, fresh, and positive as Molly Roncal herself. I am familiar with the author from seeing her on television, and I read this in her voice. I believe that Mally fans will enjoy this more than readers who do not already "know" her. There are loads of pictures and lots of stories from her life.
What I was disappointed in was that I was expecting more of a makeup guide. This was 3.5 out of 5 stars for me.
What I was disappointed in was that I was expecting more of a makeup guide. This was 3.5 out of 5 stars for me.
October 8, 2014
Mally has been a longtime favorite of mine ever since her first appearance on the Rachael Ray show. I was instantly captured by her energy, and the goodness that just radiates from her. Ifeel like if I ever met her, we would be instant friends.
I pre-ordered this book, that was how excited I was to see what this fabulous lady had to say.
I wanted to reach through the pages to hug, cry with, and laugh with this amazing woman. Knowing she lost her Mom too also made Mally just that much dearer to me. I related well to her hospital stories, and it was awesome to learn we had such similar amazing mothers.
This book tells her story, and gives amazing makeup tricks, but really, what makes this a heartwarming read is the message Mally has for everyone. To put your best foot forward, be confident, and love the life we have been given. We all struggle, have challenges, and yet it's pulling through the tough times, with an attitude of gratitude, enjoying the good, and spreading love is what we all need to be doing.
Mally loves life, and she sees women for what we are-amazing ladies who have the ability to make a difference in this world-and that we all should see our value and the beauty that lies within-no matter what the outside says. This book is not to say we are worthless without makeup! Mally never makes one feel that way at all. It's more like makeup celebrates the beautiful ladies that we are when our souls are good.
What a better world this would be if we all embraced a Mally lifestyle!
I pre-ordered this book, that was how excited I was to see what this fabulous lady had to say.
I wanted to reach through the pages to hug, cry with, and laugh with this amazing woman. Knowing she lost her Mom too also made Mally just that much dearer to me. I related well to her hospital stories, and it was awesome to learn we had such similar amazing mothers.
This book tells her story, and gives amazing makeup tricks, but really, what makes this a heartwarming read is the message Mally has for everyone. To put your best foot forward, be confident, and love the life we have been given. We all struggle, have challenges, and yet it's pulling through the tough times, with an attitude of gratitude, enjoying the good, and spreading love is what we all need to be doing.
Mally loves life, and she sees women for what we are-amazing ladies who have the ability to make a difference in this world-and that we all should see our value and the beauty that lies within-no matter what the outside says. This book is not to say we are worthless without makeup! Mally never makes one feel that way at all. It's more like makeup celebrates the beautiful ladies that we are when our souls are good.
What a better world this would be if we all embraced a Mally lifestyle!
January 26, 2016
This was not what I was expecting. I was more of a life story, rather than an advice book. Took me forever to get through it mainly because it didn't hold my interest.
August 3, 2021
Mally reminded me of how when I had to wear a back brace in high school, I cut off my undershirt to make it like a tube top so I could wear tube tops, halter dresses, etc. I guess I was already a fashionista in the making, and it did make me feel more beautiful!
Notable lines:
“You know how everyone is always talking about ‘Less is more’? . . . But for me, not so much. At least not when it comes to life. Maybe it’s because we never knew exactly when my mother’s last day was going to be. So you know what? We chose ‘more’ . . . We have so few minutes in this life. Suck them dry. Make the most out of them.”
“I’ve always believed that in order to do the best you can at your job, you have to feel good and look good.”
“Own who you are. Forget the haters. Don’t let them dull your shine. What may not be right for them could be right for you. Be you, and you win every time.”
“Inside every mother is a sexy mama. She deserves to be celebrated . . . I made a vow to get in the best shape of my life and feel like the most beautiful version of me . . . I wear heels to the grocery store. I want you to do whatever works for you.”
“You gotta wake up your makeup! Maybe a bold lip color is destined to be your new signature. Maybe it’s time for a new haircut and color. All it takes is some inspiration, time, and an open mind.”
Notable lines:
“You know how everyone is always talking about ‘Less is more’? . . . But for me, not so much. At least not when it comes to life. Maybe it’s because we never knew exactly when my mother’s last day was going to be. So you know what? We chose ‘more’ . . . We have so few minutes in this life. Suck them dry. Make the most out of them.”
“I’ve always believed that in order to do the best you can at your job, you have to feel good and look good.”
“Own who you are. Forget the haters. Don’t let them dull your shine. What may not be right for them could be right for you. Be you, and you win every time.”
“Inside every mother is a sexy mama. She deserves to be celebrated . . . I made a vow to get in the best shape of my life and feel like the most beautiful version of me . . . I wear heels to the grocery store. I want you to do whatever works for you.”
“You gotta wake up your makeup! Maybe a bold lip color is destined to be your new signature. Maybe it’s time for a new haircut and color. All it takes is some inspiration, time, and an open mind.”
June 29, 2017
I like the biography aspect more than the makeup tips, because I probably will never have the Mally look. I related to her since I also lost my mother to cancer.
February 10, 2015
I have to admit, I liked this book more than I thought I would when I entered to win it through Birchbox last month, although, I was very excited when it showed up on my doorstep unexpectedly.
Since I'm not a QVC watcher, I didn't know much about Mally and her line other than an amazing lipgloss I got a few months back that I use regularly.
I've always been a believer in following your dreams and doing what you love so reading about someone who's been able to do just that is an inspiration as well as motivation for what I want in my life. She starts out the book talking about her upbringing by mother (ob-gyn) and father (psychiatrist) including adorable pictures that if me, would have had to think twice about including. Although she tells a cutesy story about high heel training in elementary school complete with her mothers hilarious Philippine accent, it also tells the tragedy of loosing her mother to cancer and an understanding of why she is the amazing person she is today. I love that she isn't afraid to tell it all..the good, bad and ugly. I certainly didn't expect to hear about drag queens and her apparently abundant love life.
I especially related to her confessions of being a worrier and her chapter What Is Your "All"? where she discusses what it was like to be on bed rest with twins, a mother of three and the moment when (a few months into motherhood and feeling overwhelmed) she pulled out her Smokey Eye Kit and got back in control.
"Make sure you taste those words before you spit them out"
I'm into photography and pictures and loved thumbing through the beautiful, crazy, silliness she graciously shares. In between chapters of her life she also shares some of her looks such as the Classic (New-Mom) Smokey Eye and Man-Friendly Makeup complete with beautifully simplistic illustrations. I also think its nice that she captures a broad age range so that even though I enjoyed the light read, its also a book that I will happily suggest to my daughter in a year or so.
Since I'm not a QVC watcher, I didn't know much about Mally and her line other than an amazing lipgloss I got a few months back that I use regularly.
I've always been a believer in following your dreams and doing what you love so reading about someone who's been able to do just that is an inspiration as well as motivation for what I want in my life. She starts out the book talking about her upbringing by mother (ob-gyn) and father (psychiatrist) including adorable pictures that if me, would have had to think twice about including. Although she tells a cutesy story about high heel training in elementary school complete with her mothers hilarious Philippine accent, it also tells the tragedy of loosing her mother to cancer and an understanding of why she is the amazing person she is today. I love that she isn't afraid to tell it all..the good, bad and ugly. I certainly didn't expect to hear about drag queens and her apparently abundant love life.
I especially related to her confessions of being a worrier and her chapter What Is Your "All"? where she discusses what it was like to be on bed rest with twins, a mother of three and the moment when (a few months into motherhood and feeling overwhelmed) she pulled out her Smokey Eye Kit and got back in control.
"Make sure you taste those words before you spit them out"
I'm into photography and pictures and loved thumbing through the beautiful, crazy, silliness she graciously shares. In between chapters of her life she also shares some of her looks such as the Classic (New-Mom) Smokey Eye and Man-Friendly Makeup complete with beautifully simplistic illustrations. I also think its nice that she captures a broad age range so that even though I enjoyed the light read, its also a book that I will happily suggest to my daughter in a year or so.
January 29, 2015
I got this book for free from the Birchblogger community!
Since I just read Michelle Phan's book, I wasn't sure how ready I was to dive into another beauty related read, but their stories are so different that I didn't really feel like I was reading the same thing twice.
Mally goes into her history, tells us stories about her life, her parents, her upbringing and career journey. I did like those parts, but sometimes I felt like I needed a timeline to help me keep it straight. At times she jumped around (I couldn't keep blonde Mally and brunette Mally straight), and I got a little discouraged about how she is JUST. SO. DANG. POSITIVE all the time. I could be that positive and STILL not have a tenth of the success she did. Sometimes life just sucks like that. But I liked how she told us about being able to do Beyoncé's and J-Lo's makeup. Mally knows that sometimes all you need is a little blush and some lip gloss and you're good to go!
She throws in makeup tips occasionally, but just has drawings of what it's supposed to look like. At least I think the drawings are supposed to represent the look... At times I wasn't sure. I do wish she had used some actual photos, step by step. That being said, the drawings *were* super cute and pretty, and I wish I could tear them out and have them line my bathroom! But then my book would be ruined!
I like wearing makeup (it's really fun to play with my look!), but even her "simple" techniques were a little too much for me. I don't always need to "have my face on" before going out. I like my own face, and don't always need to cover it up. I might try some of her suggestions for makeup, but will tweak it just for me. I've never actually owned or tried her makeup, so I can't say if it's bulletproof, but her book does make me want to try it out!
Since I just read Michelle Phan's book, I wasn't sure how ready I was to dive into another beauty related read, but their stories are so different that I didn't really feel like I was reading the same thing twice.
Mally goes into her history, tells us stories about her life, her parents, her upbringing and career journey. I did like those parts, but sometimes I felt like I needed a timeline to help me keep it straight. At times she jumped around (I couldn't keep blonde Mally and brunette Mally straight), and I got a little discouraged about how she is JUST. SO. DANG. POSITIVE all the time. I could be that positive and STILL not have a tenth of the success she did. Sometimes life just sucks like that. But I liked how she told us about being able to do Beyoncé's and J-Lo's makeup. Mally knows that sometimes all you need is a little blush and some lip gloss and you're good to go!
She throws in makeup tips occasionally, but just has drawings of what it's supposed to look like. At least I think the drawings are supposed to represent the look... At times I wasn't sure. I do wish she had used some actual photos, step by step. That being said, the drawings *were* super cute and pretty, and I wish I could tear them out and have them line my bathroom! But then my book would be ruined!
I like wearing makeup (it's really fun to play with my look!), but even her "simple" techniques were a little too much for me. I don't always need to "have my face on" before going out. I like my own face, and don't always need to cover it up. I might try some of her suggestions for makeup, but will tweak it just for me. I've never actually owned or tried her makeup, so I can't say if it's bulletproof, but her book does make me want to try it out!
February 14, 2015
This was a fun book to flip through. When it comes to makeup and life guides, I’m not really a page-to-page kind of gal—I prefer to pick the chapters I’m most interested in and save the other parts for last.
This was exactly what it claimed to be—a book about beauty how-tos and personal stories on how to live a positive life. Also, lots and lots of mascara. I’m personally a huge fan of mascara, so I knew my chances of liking this book were pretty high.
Mally Roncal is a celebrity makeup artist who works with A-list names like Queen Bey, Mary J. Blige, T-Swift and more. She has a faithful fan base of Mallynistas and her own cosmetics line. Basically, she’s a pretty kick-ass lady.
My main qualm with the book was how it was written. You’re probably asking, “How can you mess up a technical how-to guide?” and I would say, “There are many, many stories and blocks of text”…that felt as if it was written by a fifth-grader. It’s also very life lesson heavy, which came off more preachy than if it were subtly worked in to her life stories.
I did enjoy the makeup looks—though some were a bit too much for my typical laid-back style, I’ve definitely used several of the tips since reading the book.
Overall, if you’re looking for a positive, light read about beauty, this is your ticket!
I received a free copy of Love, Lashes, and Lipstick from Birchbox as part of their Birchbox Bloggers program.
This was exactly what it claimed to be—a book about beauty how-tos and personal stories on how to live a positive life. Also, lots and lots of mascara. I’m personally a huge fan of mascara, so I knew my chances of liking this book were pretty high.
Mally Roncal is a celebrity makeup artist who works with A-list names like Queen Bey, Mary J. Blige, T-Swift and more. She has a faithful fan base of Mallynistas and her own cosmetics line. Basically, she’s a pretty kick-ass lady.
My main qualm with the book was how it was written. You’re probably asking, “How can you mess up a technical how-to guide?” and I would say, “There are many, many stories and blocks of text”…that felt as if it was written by a fifth-grader. It’s also very life lesson heavy, which came off more preachy than if it were subtly worked in to her life stories.
I did enjoy the makeup looks—though some were a bit too much for my typical laid-back style, I’ve definitely used several of the tips since reading the book.
Overall, if you’re looking for a positive, light read about beauty, this is your ticket!
I received a free copy of Love, Lashes, and Lipstick from Birchbox as part of their Birchbox Bloggers program.
November 23, 2014
I agree with the other reviews that this book is confusing, whether it's for adults or teens I'm still not sure. I also wish she used real pictures rather than cartoon drawings throughout. I think it's a hodge posge of basic makeup tips, her own story, and tips for success. I think the nuggets of wisdom and inspiration glittered throughout are what make this book special. By the end, I felt inspired and admire Mally's strength to persevere in her field. She seems like an insanely positive and optimistic person always hopeful for the best. Now who couldn't want more of that in our lives?
October 20, 2014
I picked up this book I thought it would give me simple make-up tips. I recently turned 44 and believe I need to start adding a few minutes to my morning routine by applying some makeup. This book was so much more then that...it was a spark I needed to come out of a dark tunnel. The kind words of wisdom along with the funny stories made me laugh out loud. I'm getting ready to click over to QVC and order some Mally Beauty.
October 22, 2015
I guess it's our Filipino heritage that I feel like I can relate to Mally - so I thought I'd take a peek...and I was surprised that I liked it so much! It was humorous, heart-warming, and pretty informative with all the makeup tricks she gave at the end of each chapter. Mally is full of light and her story of success as both a make-up artist and MOTHER really inspired me to think about the balancing act I have as a working mom.
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March 25, 2016I am mildly embarrassed that it took me three days to read this book -- it could be a one-day read.
I do not have anything to add that has not been said. I have watched Mally on QVC, and she strikes me as very real, sweet, and approachable. This book supports that. I could hear her voice perfectly as I read.
I did discover that Mally is a deeply religious person. For whatever that is worth. For me, I was slightly put off by the amount of religion in the book, but that is my issue.
I do not have anything to add that has not been said. I have watched Mally on QVC, and she strikes me as very real, sweet, and approachable. This book supports that. I could hear her voice perfectly as I read.
I did discover that Mally is a deeply religious person. For whatever that is worth. For me, I was slightly put off by the amount of religion in the book, but that is my issue.
November 14, 2014
Really like Mally's approach to life and I love the way she does makeup. Have to agree with another reader though that it was just a little too much sugary talk. Wish there were actual people made over instead of illustrations, which didnt do anything for me.
November 23, 2014
I truly loved this book. I feel like I can relate to Mally even more. The makeup tips were amazois as Mally would say and the personal stories were everything. Sometimes I laughed and sometimes I almost cried. Mally is truly an inspiration.
January 28, 2017
A fabulously uplifting book. You cannot help but want to smile after reading this little book of sunshine!
With wonderful anecdotes and life experiences, along with great make-up advice, Mally's book is a perfect read for those days when you feel down and depressed.
With wonderful anecdotes and life experiences, along with great make-up advice, Mally's book is a perfect read for those days when you feel down and depressed.
November 26, 2014
This book is a memoir. There were some beauty tips in here but I was hoping for more.
November 2, 2014
I loved this book! Lovely makeup looks and tips, but also amazing inspirational stories!
April 1, 2015
For fans only. I wish there had been how-to photos along with the cute illustrations. That would have been more informative to me.
February 16, 2015
Mally Roncal is certainly adorable. Always smiling but a very good business person.
January 8, 2016
It was a good introduction to Mally for those who are unfamiliar with her. Very basic makeup tips. Great for beginners.
November 1, 2016
I love Mally. She's a real person, she's a down to earth, good and real person. A quick read about how she got to be who she is. Enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews