Confession: I am 35 and I don’t really know how to wear makeup.

This mostly stems from the panic I feel when trying to purchase makeup. I’m all, “There are too many choices, gah, what do I do” and then I panic and leave the store.

When I was approached by Mary Kay to try their products, I was a bit skeptical. I was sure I would be an embarrassment to Mary Kay and makeup aficionados everywhere with people referring to my post as a how not to guide for your face.

The precious packaging helped me to be less afraid.

I received the Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set step one and two, Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara, a Mary Kay Compact Mini and a Mary Kay Creme Lipstick.

I started with Step One of the TimeWise Microdermabrasion, Refine, because I figured this is the one step I couldn’t screw up. The advanced exfoliator states if fights fine lines, refines pores for immediately smooth skin.

I debated using it on my entire body, but I followed the directions and applied it to my face only. It hurts a bit, but beauty is pain and besides, that’s how you know the exfoliating crystals are working.

Step Two of the Microdermabrasion process is Replenish, a rich serum that contains vitamins and antioxidants and nourishes the skin revealed by Step One.

I couldn’t stop using this serum, y’all. It made my face soft and seemingly un-35 years old. This is the highest compliment I can give a beauty product.

On to the makeup part.

I started with a blank canvas.

After applying a bit of my own concealer and tinted moisturizer, I applied the Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in black. I usually wear brown mascara, so I was skeptical to use something so dark. I used one coat and it went on like a dream, mostly because of the brush on the mascara, it seemed to hold the correct amount of the product and managed to separate and sculpt each individual lash.

Next I moved onto the Compact Mini. It contains three mineral eye shadows and a cheek color. These colors are artfully arranged in the compact that also happens to be magnetized and you can switch the colors out. The blush, Cherry Blossom, went on light and was very subtle. The eye shadow colors, Silver Satin, Iris and Sweet Cream threw me for a loop.

I sparingly applied Sweet Cream to the eye and then the Iris close to eyelid and I LOVED it. It made my blue eyes totally pop and I really didn’t even notice the purple, I mean, Iris.

The Creme Lipstick in Fuchsia is normally not a color I would purchase, but it went on just right and seemed to bring the whole look together.

I ran to my daughter’s school to drop her lunch off after my morning makeup party and when she saw me, she said, “You look very pretty, like you got a lot of sleep”.

Mary Kay for the WIN.

Mary Kay wants to give one of ZDub’s readers a Mary Kay gift pack worth $100!  Leave me a comment below and let me know what beauty product can you absolutely not live without-like mascara or lip balm-and one winner will be selected.

The giveaway runs 9/22-10/16/2011.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods. No duplicate comments please.

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older and you can read up on the official rules here.

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.

And check out this page to read more Mary Kay blogger reviews so you can enter their giveaways for even more chances to win!

Good luck!