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Giveaway: Revlon Prize Pack

Lately, I’ve been reading every article I find on marriage. Mostly to dispel any preconceived notions about what I think marriage is supposed to feel like verses what it actually is. My husband and I have a habit of emailing these articles to each other when we find them, mainly to make ourselves feel better about our own relationship. Why it’s okay to fight about stupid things, how differences in disciplining children can cause a rift, why your spouse annoys the crap out of you sometimes, etc. etc.

Mike and I are not a perfect couple. We are opposites who are complimentary but not always totally in sync. One thing we do understand though is the importance of time off by ourselves, away from the kids and just focusing on each other.

Often when we start to get distant or especially nit-picky, we make a date. It doesn’t have to be anything particularly elaborate, but we dress up (at least a little) and remind ourselves why we got together in the first place. Which, let’s be honest, is as much about chemistry as picking someone because they like to cook, have a stable job and a way with kids.

I remember the first time I saw Mike, and just as importantly, the first time he saw me. There was a look he gave me that was one of both attraction and recognition. It was a look that said, it wouldn’t be so terrible to keep looking at you for a very long time.

I love that look. I don’t see it as often as I used to, but when I do, it’s usually when we are headed out on one of our dates. After we have put on our coats, said goodbye to the kids, closed the front door behind us and are heading down the elevator just the two of us. When things are going well and one of us isn’t consumed with something happening on our phone, that’s the moment we connect. That moment in the elevator is when Mike might comment about something he wouldn’t notice at any other time— a haircut, a new outfit or a particularly bold shade of lipstick.

Last week, Revlon sent me their new Ultra HD lipstick in Gladiolus to wear for a date night out with Mike. This is a seriously RED lipstick. I must admit, I felt a little self-conscious when I looked in the mirror. I wanted to look amped up but not like I was trying too hard.

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Mike made me feel better the second we stepped in the elevator.

“New lipstick color?”

“Do you like it?”

“I do.”

And then that look.

I should also tell you that one of Mike’s biggest assets (which also doubles as one of his biggest flaws) is the man cannot tell a lie. Even if it’s to save your feelings. So when Mike says he likes your lipstick, HE LIKES YOUR LIPSTICK.

When Revlon contacted me to do a post initially, I was nervous. As I get older, I am less and less a fan of taking pictures of my face. “Do I have to show before pictures? How close-up do they want them? What if I don’t look pretty in the pics? I’m not Emma Stone, you know!”

But when I saw the photos, I was so pleasantly surprised. First of all, the Gladiolus doesn’t look overdone at all. It looks tasteful and fabulous. Secondly, I totally saw the me who Mike met almost ten years ago on our first date.

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I can see the Mike I met that day too.

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Looking at our pictures, I feel like we don’t look nearly as different or as old as I have begun to imagine in my head. That in itself is a gift.

Maybe I should wear bright red lipstick more often.

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Today, I’m giving away one Revlon prize pack to one lucky winner.

The prize pack includes Revlon HD lipstick in Gladiolus which uses wax-free gel technology that provides true color clarity and rich texture in one smooth swipe, for a feel that’s lighter on the lips than traditional lipsticks.

Revlon Date Night Must-Haves

Giveaway rules:

1) You must be a Mommy Shorts subscriber or facebook fan to enter. Then leave a comment telling me about the last time you went on a date night.

2) Tweet the following and then leave a second comment saying you did so:

I just entered to win a @Revlon Prize Pack from @mommyshorts! http://bit.ly/1Gp51sR #LoveIsOn #Revlonmusthaves

Winner will be announced on Friday April 24th.

In the meantime, you can load up on Revlon HD and all of Revlon’s 2015 new Must-Haves at Walgreens!

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WINNER UPDATE:

And the winner is… Margaret whose last date night with her husband consisted of them picking out new running shoes, getting cocktails and then dinner during restaurant week, and drinking a little too much… sounds absolutely perfect!

Congrats! Please contact abby@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize.

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I was asked to participate in the #RevlonMustHaves, sponsored by Revlon at Walgreens. Although I have been compensated, all opinions are my own.