MARY KAY

I was fortunate enough to be chosen by Mary Kay and BlogHer to review a few of Mary Kay‘s newest skin care products, mascaras and makeup.

I realize my blog isn’t a beauty blog and I don’t normally review products like this, however, I’m still a woman who loves makeup and always wants to look her best. Since the majority of my money goes into DIY projects, I jumped at the chance to review some beauty products.

When the box came it was like a present–wrapped in a beautiful logo-stamped black box with their signature pink ribbon. So exciting!

LET’S GET BEAUTIFUL!

The products inside did not disappoint either. I received: the TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set, TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream, Lash Primer, Ultimate Mascara, Lash Love Mascara, Lash Love Waterproof Mascara, Compact Mini case, Mineral Cheek Color in Shy Blush, and six mineral eye shadows (Lavender Fog, Truffle, Black Pearl, Midnight Star, Sweet Plum and Golden Vanilla). Last but certainly not least, I received three colors of the NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss, in CafÈ Au Lait (this went immediately into my makeup bag–a great color for every day!), Mango Tango, and Rock ‘n’ Red. Mary Kay was certainly generous!

Admittedly, I am a beauty junkie. I love beauty products and I’ve never been one to turn down a great shade of red lipstick. That said, the products I was most impressed with were the TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream and the TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set. The instructions for the eye renewal cream stated that you would notice improvement in lines and wrinkles around your eye area within 4 to 6 weeks. This cream is so nice that I felt a difference almost immediately. The applicator has a special metal end that you use to gently massage your eye area as you apply it. I really like this part! As the weeks went on I did truly notice a difference in the skin around my eyes. It looks noticeably better and more moisturized.

The TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set is really nice as well. I really love a good scrub at the end of the day to truly feel clean, and this is a nice one. Step 1 (Refine) has very fine grains and my skin feels very clean and smooth afterward. Step 2 (Replenish) is a great complement to Step 1 and smells very clean and relaxing.

The mascaras are also wonderful. The lash primer makes your lashes feel really nice. I LOVED the Ultimate Mascara because I really like thick, full lashes with a lot of drama. Lash Love is a very light mascara, great for everyday, and the Lash Love Waterproof definitely lives up to its claims! We’ve had some downpours in NYC lately and my mascara didn’t budge.

I tried out a couple of looks using the products they sent me. This first one is a great look for day, with a subtle eye and a pop of color on the lips.

The blush and eye shadows were nice as well; it’s a beautiful palette for fall. The two lighter colors–Golden Vanilla and Lavender Fog–were the ones I fell in love with! They have great coverage and are perfect neutrals for day. The darker colors offered a great range of colors to mix it up for night.

Here I took the day look and darkened the eye using a black eye liner and the Black Pearl mineral eye shadow. I also swapped the red lip for CafÈ Au Lait lip gloss, a great neutral.

The Compact Mini case is very sleek and convenient to slip into your purse or pocket. It will hold three eye shadows and one blush, and the secret hidden tray underneath comes with a blush brush and two eye shadow applicators. The mirror inside makes it the perfect compact to go.

If you’re looking for a great eye cream to fight those nasty little lines, I would definitely recommend the TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream. (That is a long name!)
Also the TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set is a great addition to your skincare routine to help brighten and smooth your skin.

When we’re embellishing our lives it’s always important to take care of yourself and your skin. After all, you wear it every day! Feel good, feel pretty! Do something nice for yourself everyday.

Now that I’ve given you my review, the great news is that you can win a Mary Kay gift basket of your very own! All you have to do is tell me the greatest beauty tip you’ve ever learned and you’ll be entered to win the Mary Kay basket, courtesy of BlogHer.

Here are the rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 19 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 12/5/12–12/31/12.

Be sure to visit the Mary Kay page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

I was provided with Mary Kay products to use and review, and was compensated for this post, however all opinions are my own.

For more information about Mary Kay products and where to purchase them, be sure to check the Mary Kay website, their Facebook page, and their YouTube channel.