SANTA BABY: Mary Kay

SANTA BABY'S GIFT PICK FOR ANY MOM, GRANDMA, AUNT, ECT

As a mom/sister/girl in general myself, I know how important self time is. I love when I get a little "me time" for a nice relaxing bath or a little bit of pampering. Through enough time to actually get completely made-up and you've got one happy momma. So you can imagine my excitement when I got the go-ahead to do a review/giveaway with Mary Kay!

I received quite a few products from Mary Kay's Holiday line for review purposes.
The first few items in my review kit were both the Bella Belara and Belara body lotion and perfum solid compact sets. (valued at $42.00 each) I also received the Limited-Edition Shimmeriffic® Body Powder in each scent. (valued at $24.00 each) While I definitely loved both of these sets and they are similar in scents (both are floral) I have to admit that the Bella Belara scent is my favorite. I think it is the extra touch of fruity undertones that have me reaching for it more often than the Belara. I also have to add that I LOVE the Perfum Solid Compacts! They are just the right size to stick in my purse, diaper bag, and even my pocket! Great for an on-the-go mom like myself.

While we're on perfumes, I also received the Limited-Edition Mary Kay® Miniature Fragrance Collection to review. (Valued at $34.00) This was one of my favorite items that I received because I got a chance to try each perfume! "The new limited-edition Mary Kay® Miniature Fragrance Collection includes small versions of all six Mary Kay® fine fragrances – Affection®, Belara®, Bella Belara®, Elige®, Journey® and Velocity® – one to suit any mood or occasion. And the fragrances come nestled in a beautiful gift box." Of course I loved both the Belara and the Bella Belara, but I also really liked most of the others! I think my favorite of the bunch is the Velocity. I always have been drawn to Citrus-y scents though. The only one I didn't care very much for was the Affection Perfume. It is a little strong for my taste. I would definitely recommend this gift set for any woman who doesn't have a set Mary Kay perfume. That way they have a chance to try each scent before deciding on a (or multiple) favorite.

I also received a set (valued at $15 each) of body lotion and shower gel in both the Peppermint Cream:
"Spread a lot of holiday cheer at a little price! The new limited-edition Mary Kay® Body Care Gift Set in Peppermint Cream™ features portable body lotion and shower gel that are just the right size for travel. The shower gel (3 fl. oz.) refreshes and cleanses while the body lotion (3 fl. oz.) infuses skin with moisture. Inspired by the delightful fragrance of candy canes, it’s the perfect holiday treat for skin."

and Gingerspice Wishes scent:

"Sugar and spice at a very nice price! The new limited-edition Body Care Gift Set in Gingerspice Wishes™ features portable body lotion and shower gel that are just the right size for travel. The shower gel (3 fl. oz.) refreshes and cleanses while the body lotion (3 fl. oz.) infuses skin with moisture. Inspired by freshly baked goodies, it’s the perfect holiday treat for skin."

I loved both of these sets equally! The Peppermint Cream scent is wonderful in the morning... it gives my early morning before work shower that extra wake-up spark that I need. The Gingerspice Wishes scent is awesome for a bedtime bath... making me feel as if someone has been cooking yummy goodies in my home all day. Each remind me of a different part of Christmas. :) A season I love soooo much!

Last but not least, I received a couple of fun makeup items!
The first makeup item I received was the Limited Edition Romantic Notions Blush Set. "Get blushingly warm cheeks with three sweet, stay-true shades swirled together in one perfect pan that can easily nestle in the Mary Kay® Compact. Each new limited-edition Mary Kay® Mineral Cheek Color Palette applies smoothly and easily, leaving a matte finish and a youthful glow. Includes your shade choice; an exclusive, professional-quality, full-sized, limited-edition cheek brush; and an on-trend pink lace-covered cosmetic bag." I received both the Silk Nectar and Soft Sable blush shades and I have to say that I like both! The Silk Nectar is great for my fair winter skin while the Soft Sable is great for my summer (or tanning bed winter) skin. The best part of this set? The awesome angled blush brush! I love how it applies my blush perfectly in one sweep!

The second set of makeup items that I received were the NEW Limited Edition Color Collection Loose Eye Shadows! I received all three shades: Pink Organza, Cashmere, and Lilac Lace. First of all... I LOVE the packaging. Stick a little bling on the end of the cap and you've got my attention :) I also love the eyeshadow. You don't need a ton. One dunk of the applicator is enough for each eye! My favorite shade that I received was the Lilac Lace. In fact, I made the mistake of taking it to my parents... where it was quickly swiped up by my 14 year old sister. She "borrowed" it, but I have yet to see it make an appearance back in my cute pink lace makeup bag.

All-in-all I was very impressed with all of the products I received. Mary Kay has definitely came along way from the makeup I remember from my childhood. The huge pink packaging has been replaced with a more modern sleek black small compact. The perfumes are sweet and the colors are even a little more modernized than I remembered. Heck, I'm only 22... I'm giving my stamp of approval for all teens, twenties, thirties and beyond. I definitely think that Mary Kay has something to offer each age level!

So I know your all super jealous of all the items that I got to review... that's why I'm SUPER excited to share that I have even more to dole out to you all! Mary Kay has donated THREE prize packs!

• One lucky reader will receive the, another reader will receive the Limited-Edition Mary Kay® Miniature Fragrance Collection

• another reader will receive a set of Body Lotion and Shower Gel in Peppermint Cream
  

• the last winner will receive a Limited Edition Romantic Notions Blush Set and a set of the Limited Edition Color Collection Loose Eye Shadows

To Win:

~ You must fulfill the mandatory entry before additional entries!

~ You must leave each entry in a separate comment!

~ You must leave an email address that I can reach you at.

Mandatory Entry

List which Mary Kay prize pack you would like to win in order of most to least!

Additional Entries

1 Entry- Become a Follower of The First time Around! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Become a facebook fan of The First Time Around and Mary Kay! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Become an email subscriber of TFTA! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Grab my SANTA BABY button and let me know where to find it!
1 Entry per current giveaway of mine that you enter :)
1 Entry- Follow 1sttimearound on Twitter and tweet the following:

Win one of 3 prizes from Mary Kay
during Santa Baby's 1st Christmas Event

@1sttimearound http://twurl.nl/jwgui3

This giveaway will end on December 28th, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before I choose a new winner using random.org.