This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Cristina. Congrats!

Most days, I really don’t have the time to spend applying makeup.  If I’m lucky, I’ll brush a bronzer all over my face, add some lip gloss and a bit of eyeshadow.  As a woman, it’s important to me that I still make attempts to present myself well.  As a mom, I need tips and products that will make this quick, easy, and doable.

I will be honest in telling you that I typically purchase makeup from a department store, or a store that specializes in makeup.  I like having experts on hand to teach me how to use their products.  I like being able to try different colors and products before selecting the ones that accentuate my face.  What I don’t like is the fact that very often, the prices are higher than I would like. So, I decided to do something I’ve never done before (really!)…try CoverGirl’s new Smoky Eye Look Solutions.

Smoky Eyes are currently “in” and while I was at a media event a few months ago, I had my eyes done this way and it took a lot of time and a lot of makeup.  With CoveGirl’s Smoky Eye Look Solutions, there are just three products…a SmokyShadowBlast, a LineExact Liquid Liner, and a LashBlast Volume-Blasting Mascara.  In three simple steps you can achieve a Natural, Bold, or Glamorous look.  I tried all three looks, but decided that Natural is probably what I would use the most.  I definitely think I could wear this daily and not feel like it’s too much.

The first step is simply to stroke the browbone and inner corner of your eyes with the “Step 1″ side of the SmokyShadowBlast in the shade that comes with the look you desire.  Next, you smudge the outer corner and crease with Step 2 (which is the other side of the SmokyShadowBlast).  While the box doesn’t tell you this (and it’s simply my opinion), I liked using my finger to blend it a bit because I’m not used to using cream shadows and I like a blended look.  Once you’ve completed that, use the Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen to draw a thin stroke across the upper lash line, flicking the line slightly upward at the outer corner (make sure you have a steady hand).  This was probably the most difficult step because I’m not accustomed to using liquid liner (I use a brush with powder liner).  The look is completed by brushing the upper and lower lashes with CoverGirl’s LashBlast Volume Mascara.  You can apply a second coat (although I don’t like it to thick because it tends to clump on my thick eyelashes).  The box actually shows a picture of how the process is done, which was helpful.

I was surprised that the makeup lasted all day without smearing, as I’m not accustomed to wearing cream shadows or liquid liner.  I actually think it lasts longer because the products are not powder-based, which tends to rub off and fade at the end of the day.

While I found the process to be quick and easy, it did take some practice to feel like I achieved the look I wanted.  I definitely felt like the Natural Look suits me best and would wear the Glamorous Look for going out.  The Bold Look was too blue for me, but creates a striking look.

Here are some makeup tips, courtesy of makeup artist Molly Stern:

CoverGirl’s Smoky Eye Look kits are available at Walmart for $16.50.

Win It! One of you will win a $20 Walmart Gift Card to try out one of CoverGirl’s Smoky Eye Look kits.  Simply leave me a comment with the kit you’d like to try.  Comments will close on August 5, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  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. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

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No compensation was received for this post.  The review and giveaway items were provided by CoverGirl via MyBlogSpark.