I love e.l.f. makeup. I've proven it time and again by writing about their products here at Everyday Baby Steps. The most affordable makeup I've ever used comes from e.l.f. Not only are their cosmetics affordable, but e.l.f. also offers exceptional quality for such a low price. I have tried some cheap drug store brands, but the key word with these products is definitely "cheap". There's nothing cheap about the quality e.l.f. offers.

I especially like their Mineral and Studio products. These lines offer makeup for eyes, lips and face, just as the company name says. Everything I've tried goes on smoothly and seems to be healthy for my skin, which is rather sensitive to some cosmetics. While the prices are a bit more than the basic e.l.f. lines, you still can't beat them, with most things costing only $3.00 - $5.00. You can't go wrong with prices like that!

What I love most about e.l.f is that such affordable prices allow me to experiment with the latest trends in makeup and to try new looks and products. I always visit the What's New page for the latest makeup trends. And now is the perfect time to play with new makeup, isn't it? With holiday parties going on and New Year's Eve fast approaching, you'll want to pick up some new colors to help you shine.

I think I'll have to pick up  a few things myself for the holidays. I'm thinking the new Red Velvet nail color would be perfect for New Year's Eve. I'd also like to add a little glitter with the Shimmer Eye Liner pencil in Gunmetal. Changing up your eyeliner color is a great way to add a big impact to your look. And for only a dollar a piece, there's no reason not to "splurge" on myself a bit!

* This is a sponsored post, but I am an actual e.l.f. customer, and I can't say enough good things about the brand.

Here's a video I did on applying bronzer to add a nice glow to your face. Look below for information on the tools and products I used from e.l.f.

Here are before and after photos of me. Can you see a difference between my makeup without bronzer (on the left) and with bronzer (on the right)? It is kind of hard to tell in photographs.

Here are the products I used from Eyes Lips Face.

The Studio Warm Bronzer is only $3.00! And the Kabuki Brush costs only $5.00. Can't beat those prices.

Feel free to use my affiliate link below to get Studio products at 50% off for the next two weeks using the code STUD50.

What's your favorite brand of bronzer, and how do you use it? I'd love to share tips!

Last weekend, I went to a friend's house for a grown-up sleepover. It was our yearly girlfriends' Christmas party, and we decided to make it a sleepover, just hanging out. This group of friends has been together since we worked together at a residential treatment facility for male juvenile offenders. We used to get together every week to scrapbook, and we became closer with time. Years have passed, and we all work and live in different places now. So it's hard for us to get together. Despite the distance, we remain close. And we still get together every year for the holidays. This year's party was made even better, thanks to e.l.f., Eyes, Lips, Face Makeup, who allowed us to participate in their new program, MUAH, Makeup At Home. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so check out my Whrrl story to see how much fun we had and how much we love e.l.f. makeup.

Thank you, e.l.f.! You've got some new fans, for sure. I appreciate being included in your MUAH program. We loved the makeup!

You all probably know that I'm a makeup junkie. So when e.l.f. had a special for Mother's Day a while back, I jumped on the chance to try their cosmetics. For those of you who aren't aware, e.l.f. stands for eyes, lips, face. Contrary to my husband's belief, they don't sell makeup for elves. Anyway, I have to tell you that I was amazed at what I received for my money. I believe I spent only $8.95 including shipping and got a box full of items.

Not only was I pleased with the price, I was actually very impressed with the quality of the products. As a former beauty consultant for a couple of companies, in addition to the reviews I've been able to do here at Everyday Baby Steps, I've tried a lot of beauty products. And I'm pretty particular when it comes to my cosmetics. I wasn't disappointed with e.l.f.

I found that the products went on smoothly and seemed to last quite well. I'm partial to things that smell yummy, so I fell in love with e.l.f.'s Hyper Shine Gloss in Fairy. It smells like a pina colada, and it's just the right hint of color for casual days. Guess what? I've got a gloss just like it to give to one of you! I've also got the Regular & Waterproof Mascara Duo in Black and a professional eye shadow brush from e.l.f.

All you have to do to win is leave me a comment telling me your must-have cosmetic item is. Mine is lip gloss because I have such pale lips that I've gotta have some kind of color. This part is required for entry, and all entries must be received by July 12th at noon EST. Winner will be notified by e-mail. You can earn extra entries by:

1. Grabbing our cute Summer Soiree button and posting it prominently on your blog.

2. Subscribing to my blog, either by RSS or email.

3. Add yourself to my followers in the sidebar.

4. Enter a giveaway at A Simple Kinda Life or Moody Mama Says.

5. Stumble this post.

6. Tweet this giveaway, including @marybabysteps in your tweet.

7. Favorite Everyday Baby Steps at Technorati

8. Blog about the Summer Soiree

For every one you choose, you'll receive an additional entry. There are lots of chances, so good luck!