All Made Up… Plus a Sephora Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Charlene, Ladytink_534, Alyssa, Jennie, and Jill.  Congrats!

I used to wear makeup every day before I had children. But my outings these days consist of preschool, church, playdates, grocery shopping, and other “mommy” activities.  I’m fortunate if I get a shower in before my husband goes to work. Otherwise, I wait until my son’s nap (right after lunch), since he doesn’t like to be confined in his room (I can’t stand the thought of doing that to him) and I won’t leave him alone (for safety reasons).  So makeup?  Well, just like shaving my legs, it only happens on occasion these days.  Most days it doesn’t even phase me.  And my husband constantly tells me that he loves me no matter how my clothes, hair or face look.  But every now and then I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror…and then I look at photos in our bedroom of my husband and I before we had children. And I get a little nostalgic for the days when I had time to primp a bit.

I LOVE what Stephanie reiterates over and over on her blog.  That this season of breastfeeding and co-sleeping and diaper changes and potty training and chasing after little ones is so short.  And I’m certain my little boy doesn’t care whether mommy has “done” her hair or her makeup before we go out or have story time or snack time.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a makeup routine that took…oh…say…ten minutes?  Moms…would you do it more often if that were the case?  I might be inclined to say yes (it would depend on the day, of course).  Thanks to Tammy from A Mom in Red High Heels and Sephora, I had an opportunity to check out two of Sephora’s FREE Express Services with four other LA-based gals.  Here is a little more information about the services (which I mentioned are FREE…can I get a Squee?):

At this ultimate glam-and-go spot, get a free ultraquick makeover, score personalized makeup lessons from our pros, and leave wearing one of today’s most sought-after looks.

Since Tammy is THE beauty and fashion blogger (and so stylish with her red high heels), we received the royal treatment!  We had an opportunity to check out 2 of the services offered.  Each store varies a bit in what they have to offer, but each one should offer the Perfect Pout, Smoky Eye, and High Definition Makeup. In addition, each store offers “seasonal” looks such as Candy-Colored Eyes and Dark Lips (just out!).  I opted for the Smoky Eye and the High Definition Makeup.  I LOVED how she made my eyes stand out and my skin look flawless (I’ve got the pregnancy hormonal breakout going on!).

If you check out the company’s website, you’ll find How-To videos that will help you achieve that look. Each should take about ten minutes.  When I was being “made over,” it took a bit longer because the makeup artist explained each step to me as she did it.  Be sure to check out the site for info on how to achieve the above looks.  Or better yet, visit a store and try one out (they’re free…I know…I mentioned that already).  I think it would be perfect to do this before a night out or a special event.  One last note about the services…the makeup artist who is working with you will help you find the right products to help you achieve each look, if you’d like.  The gal I worked with wrote them all down for me!  Check out some pictures we took from our makeover session:

Win It! We all received adorable little gift bags containing an exclusive cosmetic bag filled with a mirror, some Fekkai samples, and a LashFusion mascara.  I have 5 coupons to give away that will get you the same cosmetic bag when you try one of their FREE services (available only at their Glendale, Century City, and Santa Monica stores).  Simply leave me a comment with your best beauty tip for moms like me who are on-the-go and don’t have a lot of time because of little ones.  Comments will close on October 5, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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