Superfluous pictures of me and a GIVEAWAY!!!

I used to be the kind of person that wore makeup every day of my life, even if I was just going to sit on the couch and watch movies all day. There had to be at least a coat of mascara going on.

Then I had kids.

Suddenly, even though I told myself I wouldn’t allow it to happen, putting makeup on became about number 108 on my priority list. Keeping as quiet as humanly possible during naptime far outranked having a fresh and loverly face, especially when rummaging through that makeup bag had somehow become the loudest thing on planet earth, second only to the microwave.

That being said, I think there is indeed value to fixing myself up every once in awhile. I just feel BETTER. And I kid you not, I swagger a little better on those days when I’ve spent even ten minutes getting dolled up. Is that vanity or self-preservation? Maybe a little of both.

And now the Husband knows that if I’ve got makeup on, something special is going on that day, like grocery shopping.

Anyway, I mention all this because I recently found an eye makeup remover (to use on those special days) that is magic. Magic I tell you. I had been on the search for years. I realize I may be the next to last person (I wonder who the last person is?) to discover that Mary Kay has the best eye makeup remover. My ignorance can be blamed on the fact that I rarely buy anything that cannot be found in a drugstore. But there comes a point in everyone’s life when you will change your habits if only to get something that works. Well I was at that point my friends.

So imagine my delight when my friend Keri (who sold me the remover) asked if I would like to sample some Mary Kay products and host a giveaway. WHAT!?

How did she know that sometimes I put makeup on at midnight just for fun?

And when she mentioned the virtual makeover feature on her Mary Kay website, did she know that I would spend way too much time warping myself into different personas?!

{This is what I wanted to look like when I was twelve, minus the facial crevices.}

 {This is a redo of my wedding look because there are some regrets. Not sure if this is better. I should have added more bronzer.}

 {This is what I will look like when I'm forty and finally have the courage to do a pixie cut. I look like Dooce.}

{This is what I will look like when I’m sixty, still rocking remnants of red hair.}

{And this is what I look like when I let fate take it’s course and click on options while closing my eyes.}

That is entirely too many pictures of me.

Now for the Mary Kay products I sampled in real life. I tried Satin Hands, Timewise 3-in-1 cleanser, moisturizer, and line-reducer cream, Mineral Eye Color Bundles plus Eyeliner for green and hazel eyes, concealer in ivory, Ultimate Mascara, and the Luscious Color lipstick in whipped berries.

My overall favorite was the Satin-Hands three step process. This stuff is dreamy and indulgent. That's a good thing. They need to make a Satin-Entire Body because, just because. The scent was unobtrusive which is nice because I hate things that are obtrusive, so my hands were feeling fine and fancy unobtrusively. Everything just seems a bit calmer when you've got nice soft hands eh? I’d like to take a moment and remind the Husband that Christmas is quickly approaching and that soft hands are good for holding. The end.

Now for my next favorite, the Mineral Eye Color Bundles and Eyeliner. Each bundle I received came with three eye shadow colors. I also tried a coordinating eyeliner for hazel and green eyes . I think I preferred the one for green eyes because we all know what green stands for and because it really did make my hazel eyes pop with a greenish hue. Hazel eyes are special like that. They can go either way! Don’t be jealous. I wore this color bundle for a weekend away with the Hubso to celebrate our anniversary. He didn’t say it, but I knew he was thinking I looked pretty darn hot what with all that green eye action going on.

He actually walked into an Urban Outfitters with me if you need proof of his attraction. And I am here to personally tell you that this eye shadow and eyeliner lasts a looong time. Even through 90+ degree weather, with the sun blazing into your retinas, even through a walk through a graveyard (don’t ask), even through an hour long trippy light show at a planetarium, even through eating so much food tears were forming, and so much more!

And as far as the Timewise 3-in-1 skincare goes, I was impressed. There was no allergic reaction from the cleanser or moisturizer, which sadly does happen to me sometimes when using new products. I can’t say that it’s better than what I normally use because I’ve only used Timewise a couple times, but surely it didn’t make matters worse. Just a nice fresh feeling face. The line-reducer cream has yet to reduce those large engravings on my forehead, but I fear those may require more applications or something more powerful, like paralytic poison injections.

Likewise, the concealer, mascara, and lipstick are good solid products. I liked the consistency of the concealer. It seemed to go on and stay on more smoothly than the crap concealer I normally use. And the mascara was nice, although I generally prefer something waterproof since I am known to burst into tears randomly. I should have told Keri this little tid bit about me. Oh well. I'm sure the waterproof kind works just as well. I have to be honest though, I tend to be in that one group that thinks mascara is mascara, and that this is an area where you can get away with buying something cheaper. Eh, just my opinion. However, I do believe other products such as cleanser, moisturizer, foundation, eyeshadow etc. is no place to skimp if you can help it. WORDS TO LIVE BY. And the lipstick color I received is actually the color I was hoping I’d get to sample. Telepathy! Plus whipped berries just sounds pleasant. It’s a great color that lasts a long time, and would probably look good with most complexions, including paler than pale. Ahem. Like it. Love it. Want some more of it.

Now for the best part! Keri has generously offered a $25 credit to one lucky reader, to be used on a Mary Kay order placed through her. I know what I would get with that, but I can’t win, so what would you get?

***There are five possible ways to enter this giveaway. Number 1 is mandatory for all participants. Numbers 2-5 are optional; do any or all of those. All entries will be verified. This giveaway is open to U.S. entrants only. Mary Kay beauty consultants and sales directors are not eligible.

Please remember to leave a SEPARATE COMMENT ON THIS POST FOR EACH ENTRY YOU DO so they can all be counted in the final tally.

Mandatory Entry:

*1. Visit Keri’s Mary Kay website and comment on this blog post telling which products you’d like to try or what you know you already love.

Optional Entries. Separate comments for each one:

*2. Place an order with Keri via website, email, or phone (see below for 15% discount info). Contact information is on her website.

*3. Use the virtual makeover feature on the website and share the lovely picture on facebook or twitter. There are icons to do so after you complete a virtual makeover. (provide link in the comment section below)
*4. Be a follower of Ramblings of a Redhead via Google Friend Connect

*5. Like Rambling Redhead’s facebook page.

This giveaway will remain open until August 28, 2011, 11:59 PM MT. Winner will be chosen at random and announced Monday, August 29th.

***Also, in addition to the giveaway, Keri is offering 15% off any order made with her during the giveaway time period. U.S. orders of $15 or more will receive free shipping. Smaller orders, shipping costs will be minimal. Just use the code “REDHEAD” in the customer comments section when ordering through the website. Aaaaawesome!

Orders will not be placed until after the giveaway is closed so if you made an order and happen to be the winner of the giveaway, that $25 will be deducted from your total, or you can use it for a future purchase with Keri. Also, if you are interested, Keri does webshows and distance hostess programs where you can earn free products.

Good luck friends!

*Sample products were provided. All opinions are my own. Oh yes they are.