Thanks to Blogher and Mary Kay Cosmetics, I was given some beauty products to test out. Luckily, unlike a television show I watched once regarding testing out new makeup, I did not turn into Elephant Woman or grow hair in unwanted places (Ok, I admit it - it was an episode of "The Suite Life" on the Disney Channel - so sue me - but it was actually rather amusing).
Instead, the eye shadow and blush were a welcome excuse to pretty myself up for no real reason. Even better - it came with "fool proof" application directions for the makeup-idiot, such as myself (I used to be good at it, though - all the way up until the day after I got married). So I tried it - and I have to say... I was pretty pleased with how it turned out.
I finally felt put together, just like some of the other moms on the playground - you know... the ones who look perfectly perfect, complete with their stylized ponytail and yoga outfit (that probably has never seen the likes of any such yoga mat). The eyeshadow was the ideal color (which was picked out for me according to my independent skin tone and color). It was natural, understated and lightweight. I didn't feel too made up. I also felt like the colors complemented my eyes wonderfully. Moreover, I felt like it made me look different enough from my everyday look, without making me look like a clown. This is great because I don't normally like wearing eyeshadow, but it's nice to feel unique on those special nights on the town when I actually do feel like looking a bit more ... noticeable.
The down side - I probably couldn't wear the eyeshadow on a normal day for me even if I wanted to. It smudged fairly easily, and wore off quickly as I messed around with the kids. Also - I noticed a bit of melting action going on in the crease of my eyelid after taking a long trip to the local park. At the end of a long day as a stay at home mommy I felt disheveled, unkempt and messy. Clearly, this eyemakeup is not meant for a physically exhausting day outdoors... but I will definitely keep it at hand for those special evenings.
My favorite product that they provided me, however, was the blush. I could use this product each and everyday. It was also a perfect warm shade that was neither too heavy nor too light. It gave me just the right amount of color on my otherwise flat-colored face to make me feel the complete opposite of washed out or tired. I loved it. At the end of the day it was still in place and still accomplished the same goal.
Thanks, Mary Kay, for helping me get out of my makeup rut that you didn't even know I was in!
