Not My Mama’s Mary Kay Makeup — Plus, Win a $100 Mary Kay Gift Basket!

When BlogHer asked me if I’d like to review some Mary Kay mineral eye makeup, my first thought was: Yeah, makeup!

My second thought was: Hmm, Mary Kay? Isn’t that the stuff that PTA moms used to try to sell to my mom in the ’80s?

I suddenly envisioned myself looking very Cyndi Lauper circa Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, you know, but Asian. Sure, Cyn was my childhood idol, but that doesn’t mean I want her on my face in 2011. Um, you get what I mean.

I received an eye color combo geared for brown eyed gals like me. My usual eye shadow palette consists of shades that range from gray to slightly darker gray (yes, I’m a wild child), so I was like whoa there when I saw Midnight Star, a shimmery blue, in the mix. But it worked and blended so nicely with the Sienna and Silky Caramel, two warm, pretty browns. The end result was flattering, and could work for both day and evening.

The makeup itself was so soft and smooth, gliding on my eyelids with ease. Also, you don’t need to put a whole lot on—these are vibrant, high-pigmented colors that pop with just a light sweep. I also loved the fact that the mineral eye color bundle came with step-by-step instructions on how to apply each shade, along with a paint-by-number-esque graphic. It was like coloring! For grownups! New makeup is always a little nerve-wracking, but the visuals made it less so.

They also threw in the Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black, which gave my lashes clump-free flair, along with a tinted lip balm, which looked very, very pink at first glance, but turned out to be perfectly subtle in real life.

Because I know you’re thinking “less talk, more proof,” here you go. A photo of my two eyes—one sans makeup and the other made pretty by my new friend Mary Kay.

As part of this review, I’m giving away a $100 Mary Kay gift basket! Just leave a comment telling me which Mary Kay product you would love to try and you’ll be entered into the sweepstakes! For extra entries, blog or tweet or FB about this contest and link to it in a comment. The contest ends on Friday, August 26.

No duplicate comments. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. See the Official Rules here.

Be sure to visit BlogHer’s Promotions & Prizes page for more opportunities to win!

144 Responses to Not My Mama’s Mary Kay Makeup — Plus, Win a $100 Mary Kay Gift Basket!

  1. Pingback: A Mary Kay Makeover (Plus, A Giveaway!) | Woo!

  2. Tabitha | July 27, 2011 at 12:18 pm |

    Is it cheating if I say I want the TimeWise microdermabrasion set, even though I’ve been using it for years and wouldn’t actually be “trying” it? That’s my answer.

  3. Ginger | July 27, 2011 at 12:27 pm |

    I think I’d be all over that mineral eye makeup. Cuz you can never have too much eye makeup, right?

  4. rachelle | July 27, 2011 at 12:49 pm |

    I’d like to try the eye shadows. Also, I do believe I was dragged to a Mary Kay house party in the late 80s. I’d love to see how they’ve updated their products and brand.

  5. Alana | July 27, 2011 at 12:59 pm |

    I’d really like to try the Mary Kay eyeliner. I’ve been on the lookout for a new brand!

  6. Leslie | July 27, 2011 at 1:15 pm |

    I would have to say I would love to go back to mary Kay facial products. It has been years since I have even seen a dealer. I would choose the timewise products and maybe try the new mineral makeup.

  7. Rhoda | July 27, 2011 at 2:11 pm |

    I LOVE my Mary Kay makeup compact. Makeup on in 5 minutes. But I would love to try more of the TimeWise products, especially the Microdermabrasion set.

  8. Jordan | July 27, 2011 at 2:11 pm |

    I want to try the face care. My mom used to use it when she was about my age (early 20s) and she absolutely loved it! It’s really about time that I start taking better care of my skin!

  9. Leanne Koh | July 27, 2011 at 5:08 pm |

    I would love to try their eyeliner (black), love lash mascara, and the mineral eye color. Thank you!

  10. Alicia | July 27, 2011 at 5:44 pm |

    I’d like to try their eyeshadow bundles for specific eye colors – I always just choose beige/light brown!

  11. Helen | July 27, 2011 at 8:28 pm |

    I’d like to try the eyeshadow. Thank you! and P.S. I love your blog.

  12. elaine | July 27, 2011 at 11:16 pm |

    i would love to try the eyeshadow bundle to liven up my boring dark brown eyes and eyeshadow! thanks leanne for the link!

  13. elaine | July 27, 2011 at 11:17 pm |

    oops i meant to say eyeliner for that second part!

  14. AshleyD | July 28, 2011 at 4:16 am |

    I’m kind of obsessed with all lip products, so I’d love to try to tinted lip balm!

  15. Cindy | July 28, 2011 at 6:27 am |

    Anything lip related!!!! BTW Michelle I just started reading your blog (saw your profile on Angry Asian Man), love your humor and taste!

  16. Tanya | July 28, 2011 at 10:28 am |

    whoa, Mary Kay, really?? I have the same 80s-mom association with this brand, but you just proved me wrong, so…….. I’d love to try the blue-eye mineral bundle eyeshadow set.

  17. Drea | July 28, 2011 at 11:13 am |

    Looks great on you! I tried their eyeliner once and it was amazing.

  18. Elizabeth Owens | July 30, 2011 at 7:38 am |

    I visited Mary Kay’s website and I would like to try their Eyeliner in Black! I have never tried it before, but I would love to! :)

  20. Not2Haute Just-Right | July 30, 2011 at 9:54 am |

    I love Mary Kay’s purse compact that holds the pressed powder and lipstick together.

  21. Susan Smith | July 30, 2011 at 10:55 am |

    I’d like to try the Mary Kay® Ultimate Mascara™ in Black

  23. Katie | July 30, 2011 at 11:30 am |

    I want to try the foundation!

  24. jessica edwards | July 30, 2011 at 12:09 pm |

    They have a great variety of eyeshadows, would like to try those.

  25. Dawn Walsh | July 30, 2011 at 7:31 pm |

    i would love to try the NEW! Limited-Edition* Mary Kay® Tranquil Waters™ Fragrance Penci

  26. ShootingStarsMag | July 30, 2011 at 9:12 pm |

    I’d really like to get the Satin Hands….or the On the Run eye makup kit

  27. Gloria Walshver | July 31, 2011 at 11:53 am |

    I’d like her lipsticks please.
    GloriaDeal@aol.com

  28. Amanda S | August 2, 2011 at 9:58 am |

    id love to try the Ultimate Mascara

  30. Heather Bush | August 2, 2011 at 7:15 pm |

    I never buy any “girly” products for myself. I would love to win this!

  31. Cathy | August 3, 2011 at 9:24 am |

    I would love to be entered in to win a Black mascara or tinted lip gloss. Could be older products are the best……..Thank You

  32. Lonyae | August 3, 2011 at 10:10 pm |

    I would love to try the matte or liquid foundation for oily skin…and FINALLY find a foundation that works for me. grr Cheers for having this giveaway!

  33. Amanda Grant | August 4, 2011 at 9:00 am |

    My all time fav MK product is definetly the Satin Hands!!!

  34. Lauren harrison | August 4, 2011 at 12:16 pm |

    I have been using Mary Kay for years and I like most things that I have tried. I love the eye color shades. I switch colors with what I’m wearing each day just for fun! I would love free products.

  35. LAMusing | August 5, 2011 at 4:50 pm |

    I’d like to try the tinted lip balm and the Mineral powder foundation

  36. Miz Gala | August 5, 2011 at 4:51 pm |

    Ready to try something new. So, I’m not sure. I’m moving on to new adventures and would like to look good as I go.

  38. Norma | August 5, 2011 at 4:55 pm |

    I’d like to try the mascara – I gave up wearing mascara and am ready to try again

  39. Anita C. | August 8, 2011 at 8:05 pm |

    I would love to try Mary Kay’s mineral (there are so many good colors!) or cream eye color (apricot twist).

  40. Amber Vanwinkle | August 9, 2011 at 3:59 am |

    I’d like to try any of it since I’ve never tried any of it at all but hear about it all the time. If I had to pick I’d go with the cream eye color first!

  41. LORETTA.A.RENO | August 9, 2011 at 9:21 pm |

    I would love to win the mary kay makeup

  42. Priscilla Dalton | August 9, 2011 at 10:00 pm |

    I do Glamour Pictures for Mary Kay ladies.They have proved to me that Mary Kay is the best Makeup and Skin care. I am a Makeup Artist Thanks as I would love to win such Great Makeup.

  43. James | August 10, 2011 at 3:47 am |

    Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black

  44. Holly S. | August 10, 2011 at 4:32 am |

    I would love to try either the mascara in black or the melon lip gloss. Love your blog!

  45. Sherri Ruth Taylor | August 10, 2011 at 5:58 am |

    I’d like to try the eye shadows

  46. Michelle | August 10, 2011 at 7:28 am |

    Would <3 to try thier lip scrub & mineral foundation :)

  47. Matthew | August 10, 2011 at 7:29 am |

    Mascara & lip stcks

  48. Lisa Roth | August 10, 2011 at 8:52 am |

    I need new makeup, so I want to try it all!

  49. Judith Wisner | August 10, 2011 at 2:59 pm |

    I have never tried Mary Kay but always wanted to!

  50. Rita | August 10, 2011 at 3:12 pm |

    I would love to try Mary Kay products

  51. Denise | August 10, 2011 at 4:54 pm |

    I love the lipstick. I would like to try the eyeshadows.

  52. Stacy Bishop | August 10, 2011 at 5:55 pm |

    Well its been along time since iv had new makeup, so it would be pretty nice to have some new and plus Mary Kay”s makeup is good…Iv used it in the past just cant find anyone around where i live that sells it…

  53. miamcconnel@gmail.com | August 10, 2011 at 10:13 pm |

    would love to try the mary kay

  54. ladyoflarkspur | August 11, 2011 at 7:52 pm |

    Haven’t had alot of extra money lately to purchase Mary Kay, but I love the products. They are very high quality and they also come in the greatest colors, especially the smoky palettes. Wonderful.

  55. Judith | August 11, 2011 at 9:26 pm |

    I love the eye shadow. I rarely use it but would like to try.

  57. Not2Haute Just-Right | August 12, 2011 at 12:01 pm |

    I love Mary Kay and I’m hooked on: Sunset & Icy Peach lipsticks, Coral Rose lipgloss, Citrus Bloom & Strawberry Cream blushes, Sienna & Almond shadows. But, I would like to try the newest mascara (for fine lashes) in Black. I already have my organizer and the powder compact that holds a lipstick. It’s just ime to replenish.

  58. Not2Haute Just-Right | August 12, 2011 at 12:02 pm |

    I tweeted, but I can’t find the full URL. So, I’ll just tweet everyday to help you find it.

  59. Linda | August 12, 2011 at 12:43 pm |

    Eye shadow! I haven’t tried MK for a long time, but I used to love their eye makeup.

  60. Alyssa S. | August 12, 2011 at 2:45 pm |

    I would absolutely LOVE to try Mary Kay liquid eyeliner!

  61. ELIZABETH | August 13, 2011 at 8:31 am |

    LOVE MARY KAY MAKEUP.

  62. ANGEL JACKLYN | August 13, 2011 at 11:10 am |

    Limited-Edition* Mary Kay® Shadow & Line Eye Duo.
    in “Frosted Fig”

    kytah00 at yahoo dot com

  63. ANGEL JACKLYN | August 13, 2011 at 11:11 am |

    2nd entry tweet @ http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/102455500100206593

    kytah00 at yahoo dot com

  64. Jeanette Huston | August 13, 2011 at 11:29 am |

    I would love to try the TimeWise® Firming Eye Cream, $30

    Firms, brightens and provides intense moisturization, plus minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Great for those who want to fight the signs of aging around the eyes.

    Jeanette Huston

    sweepstakesjeanie@yahoo.com

  65. Katie Bowers | August 13, 2011 at 4:54 pm |

    I am using the 3 in 1 cleanser and have been pretty happy with the results. Would love to try more!

  66. Keli | August 13, 2011 at 7:27 pm |

    I want to us the mascara

  67. Barb K. | August 14, 2011 at 8:04 am |

    I have tried Mary Kay in the past. Like to see there up dated line. I like the eye shadows, so soomth on your eye lids. Good giveaway.

  68. Amy Tong | August 14, 2011 at 9:38 am |

    I would love to try the Compact Mini! What a wonderful idea that I can change the color and combination any time I want! Genius! Thanks for a chance to win.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  69. jasmin | August 15, 2011 at 9:35 am |

    eye makeup and lipgloss

  70. lauri | August 15, 2011 at 3:10 pm |

    I want to try Mary Kay’s mineral eye shadow’s

  71. Kerry | August 16, 2011 at 7:26 am |

    I’d like to try the Mary Kay® Mineral Eye Colors.

  73. DeborahB | August 17, 2011 at 5:11 am |

    Any of the TimeWise products. Mary Kay has some really nice makeup and skin care options. Kind of pricey, but worth it I think.

  75. jana varner | August 17, 2011 at 5:38 am |

    MK cleanser for combination skin!

  77. Not2Haute Just-Right | August 17, 2011 at 8:18 am |

    I follow @MichelleWoo on Twitter.

  78. Not2Haute Just-Right | August 17, 2011 at 8:19 am |

    I like Michelle Woo on Facebook.

  79. rotesha@yahoo.com | August 17, 2011 at 1:29 pm |

    love mary kay.

  80. dappy1945@yahoo.com | August 17, 2011 at 3:19 pm |

    would love to win

  81. Carol Kirkman | August 17, 2011 at 6:41 pm |

    Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  82. Georgia | August 18, 2011 at 6:40 am |

    I love the mascara but I would love to try the eye shadow too. I would also love to try their lip stick.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

  83. Georgia | August 18, 2011 at 6:41 am |

    Tweeted too here

    https://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/104201017712852993

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

  84. Sally | August 18, 2011 at 8:49 am |

    I would like to try the Timewise Miracle Skin Care Products.

  85. Lokia | August 18, 2011 at 9:14 am |

    I would like to try the mineral eye makeup,along with just about everything else Mary Kay!

  87. Lokia | August 18, 2011 at 9:38 am |

    I also tweeted Lokia747@http://t.co/L1tKGF8

  88. Debra F | August 18, 2011 at 11:22 am |

    I love Mary Kay cosmetics…would be so great to win. I especially would like to try their Sienna eyeshadows.

  89. Joy | August 18, 2011 at 12:24 pm |

    I love all things by Mary Kay, but my favorite is the mascara!!!

  90. nicole | August 18, 2011 at 1:51 pm |

    I have never used mary Kay an would like to try it. I know people that use it but never put it on.

  91. Jeni | August 18, 2011 at 3:32 pm |

    I would love to try their microdermabrasion set or their new night cream!

  92. Rachel | August 19, 2011 at 6:56 am |

    I love their TimeWise 3-in-1 cleanser and TimeWise moisturizer…and the friend who introduced MK to me swears by their Satin Lips Mask. Haven’t had a chance to try it yet. That would be my first buy!

  93. janet wilson | August 20, 2011 at 7:35 pm |

    Great product would like to win so I can have more

  94. Deborah Merritt | August 21, 2011 at 5:10 am |

    I would love to try all of your products. I was very impressed with the comparison of 2 eyes…also the fact that the makeup makes you look natural not fake. I hope I win. thank you.

  95. plum7 | August 21, 2011 at 5:28 am |

    haven’t used eye color in a while…am curious. also the Satin Lips or the Velocity shower gel and perfume! I buy the basics…..it’s a guilty pleasure.

  96. Robin Scott | August 22, 2011 at 4:12 pm |

    I’d like to try the mascara

  98. L Murphy | August 23, 2011 at 5:20 am |

    I would really like to try the mascara

  99. Lillian Williams | August 23, 2011 at 6:58 am |

    Hi,
    I would really like to try Mary Kay Cosmetics!… I have heard of them before, but never got to try it. I herethey have mineral makeup now,.. that is best to look good & be healthy too!

  100. laura | August 23, 2011 at 7:11 am |

    i was trying to enter the sweepstakes for the $100.00 make-up give-a-way.. but I can’t find it? Why would it not be here? Did I somehow miss it?

  101. Denise Grier | August 23, 2011 at 10:02 am |

    Would love to try the Mary Kay eye shadow.

  102. Cleo Browne | August 23, 2011 at 11:52 am |

    These are excellent must have products.

  103. Amy Ewald | August 23, 2011 at 1:51 pm |

    The mascara, because I have very straight, dark eye lashes and nothing shows up or makes them look any different. They are always just there… blah!

  104. Sharlene Earnshaw | August 23, 2011 at 3:30 pm |

    I think the Amber Blaze mineral eye color looks pretty.

  105. steve wolfe | August 23, 2011 at 6:26 pm |

    My wife would LOVE this!!! discobiscuits1000@hotmail.com

  106. mona humes | August 23, 2011 at 8:03 pm |

    mary kay is a trusted name in cosmetics

  107. mona humes | August 23, 2011 at 8:04 pm |

    good quality make-up

  108. Wanda | August 24, 2011 at 4:23 am |

    MaryKay Products are great! I have sensitive skin and allergies and never had any problems with MaryKay Products. The Time Wise Firming Eye Cream is the best! Thank-You for the opportunity to win a gift basket of MaryKay items!

  109. Deandra Bischak | August 24, 2011 at 6:02 am |

    Love the brand!

  110. Betty Dennis | August 24, 2011 at 1:11 pm |

    I’d love to try the TimeWise® Firming Eye Cream. I’ve heard great things about TimeWise products

  112. Betty Dennis | August 24, 2011 at 1:14 pm |

    thanks for the review. I’d love to try the TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer and the new tinted lipbalm

  113. ewhatley | August 24, 2011 at 2:12 pm |

    I would most like to try the mascara.

  114. nancy | August 24, 2011 at 5:08 pm |

    would love to try the mascara!

  115. Tii | August 25, 2011 at 1:57 am |

    I would love to try Mineral Powder Foundation,Bronze 3, Lash Love™ Mascara,I ♥ brown, Mineral Cheek Color,Golden Copper, NouriShine® Lip Gloss,Bronze Bliss, Mineral Eye Color Bundles,Beautiful Brown
    I tweeted about the giveaway http://twitter.com/#!/TiisNHC/status/106665557146869760
    I posted about the giveaway in my blog http://tiisnaturalhaircare.blogspot.com/2011/08/visit-for-chance-to-win-mary-kay.html

  116. Loren Gaffin | August 25, 2011 at 5:25 am |

    i would luz to win the fall edition of the eyeshadows from Mary Kay!

  117. Corinne Lockie | August 25, 2011 at 8:40 am |

    I would like the eyeshadow pallette

  118. Jennifer C | August 25, 2011 at 8:57 am |

    Wow, I would love to try the eyeshadows for brown eyed gals…they look so good on you! I would never have picked blue, but I love this shade and would love to try it with the caramel one!

  119. d schatzi taylor | August 25, 2011 at 11:50 am |

    timewise firming eye cream

  120. westin taylor | August 25, 2011 at 11:51 am |

    I need the help around my eyes, the timewise firming eye cream looks good!

  121. imzadi taylor | August 25, 2011 at 11:52 am |

    like my Mom and sis, I too need help around my eyes. The timewise firming eye cream looks helpful…….

  122. imzadi taylor | August 25, 2011 at 11:53 am |

    like my Mom and sister, my eye area needs help. I think the timewise firming eyecream would fit the bill……..

  123. cory ann taylor | August 25, 2011 at 11:54 am |

    so much to choose from! But, like my family (above), I’ve got saggy areas near my eyes………..the timewise firming eyecream looks good!

  124. amanda jean terry | August 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm |

    I would love to try Mary Kay’s Mineral Powder. I have 2 adorable & very active little boys and if if saves me time getting ready that would be awesome! Thanks.

  125. SOFTIE100@HOTMAIL.COM | August 25, 2011 at 2:14 pm |

    NICE GIVEAWAY, THANK YOU

  126. Stacy | August 25, 2011 at 2:32 pm |

    I would love to try the Waterproof Mascara in Black/Brown

  127. stephanie macdonald | August 25, 2011 at 4:48 pm |

    mascara all the way!! I love MK!

  128. jadehall21@yahoo.com | August 26, 2011 at 6:27 am |

    I would love to try the eye liner. I have heard that it is a great product!

  129. Joni | August 26, 2011 at 8:34 am |

    I would gratefully try any of the Mary Kay mineral makeup

  130. Maria | August 26, 2011 at 8:59 am |

    I would like to try the Ultimate Mascara.

  131. Janice G | August 26, 2011 at 10:56 am |

    I would love to try the MK eyeshadows.

  132. cynthia w | August 26, 2011 at 11:11 am |

    i would like to try the eyeliner

  133. Mary M. | August 26, 2011 at 1:19 pm |

    I would love to try the moisturizer for sure. Any of their moisturizers would work for me.

    marybug2@yahoo.com

  135. Sand | August 26, 2011 at 2:23 pm |

    I would love to try the Mary Kay® Tranquil Waters™ Fragrance Pencil.

  136. Kandi Smith | August 26, 2011 at 5:26 pm |

    I would love to try the MK Time Wise Matte Liquid Foundation.

  137. Kristen Benson | August 26, 2011 at 7:38 pm |

    definitely the eye makeup. or the mineral makeup.

  138. sarah woods | August 26, 2011 at 8:40 pm |

    My very fist Mary Kay product was a mask/bright pink called “Miracol” 1960′s; then and now bring me your matte eyeshadows colors are gorgeous. And the powder doesn’t fall in the lines followed by the lengthening, enrichedf black/brown mascara. Thanks SW

  139. Lauren | August 28, 2011 at 5:46 pm |

    I would love to try their mascara. I just ran out of my current tube.

  140. Eboni | September 16, 2011 at 6:56 am |

    I am amazed at how many women have never tried MK. That just let me know as a consultant that we need to put product on more faces so people can experience the Mary Kay of today!

    Great blog and review!!

  141. Sarah | September 24, 2011 at 10:06 pm |

    I would want to try the mineral eye shadow!!

  142. Julie @ Knitting and Sundries | October 5, 2011 at 11:06 am |

    I do like Mary Kay! The makeup lasts and, as you stated, a little goes a long way, which totally makes it worth paying just that little bit more. I also love their fragrances. One that I haven’t yet tried but would love to is Warm Amber: http://www.marykay.com/fragrances/womensfragrances/10020028/10020028/default.aspx

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com

  143. Mimi | October 7, 2011 at 7:59 am |

    I’d love to try the TimeWise® Age-Fighting Moisturizer!

  144. Elizabeth Jackson | November 17, 2011 at 10:46 am |

    Ever since I tried the TimeWise skin care products a couple of years ago, my skin has been in much better shape. I intend to keep using that line for a long, LONG time!

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