As I mentioned in a post a couple of days ago it's currently Gift With Purchase time for Estee Lauder (exclusive to Debenhams). This happens twice a year and is an offer of a free makeup bag containing 7 samples when you purchase two items (this time around, one has to be skincare.)
I thought I'd do a post showing you it's contents, with my thoughts on the products they've included. There's always a choice between two makeup bags; the skincare is what differs inside, I chose the bag targeted towards normal/combination skin but the other is targeted towards more mature (there's a firming moisturiser) or dry skin.
Skincare:
Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser- I'm always dubious to try new cleansers, this one has a floral scent and seems quite thick. I will give it a go when I've run out of my current one but I'm not expecting much. Who knows, I might be proven wrong!
Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion- Again, I'm a bit cautious to try this. This is quite heavily scented (fresh and floral) however I think I will give it a go once by Liz Earle Skin Boost toner has run out because I know that this is alcohol free so should be fairly gentle.
Idealist
Even Skintone Iluminator- This is a serum that instantly gives a glow
and radiance boost to the skin with it's pearly beam finish, it also
works on improving any uneven skintone over time with constant use. I
always feel that this is a product I should love, so I'm looking
forward to trying this. (You get a sample of Advanced Night Repair in
the other bag).
Daywear Moisturiser- I've been using this moisturiser full sized throughout the year and have just finished it so this miniature is welcomed. A good cucumber scented moisturiser offering SPF15 but feels a little oily at times as it leaves behind residue, there is an oil free version with SPF 25 avalable for a few pennies more if you did like the sound of this.
Makeup:
'Sumptuous
Extreme' Mascara- The brush for this is huge so is clearly a
mascara
for building bold volume- it's tapered at the end of the wand so it'll
be easy to coat those hard-to-reach inner lashes. I've used the regular 'Sumptuous' mascara before
and was impressed, as I didn't experience any smudging or 'panda eyes' and the sample lasted me longer than I expected.
Pure
Colour Lipstick in 'Pink Parfait'; This is a sweet, wearable, light candy pink which
carries that signature fig smell of Estee Lauder lipsticks. All their
formulations are enriched with minerals which won't dry your lips out
while offering good colour pay off and medium shine. This shade has a
slight pearlescent finish to it, which puts me off it but will appeal to others!
Pure Colour Lip Gloss Duo in 'Rock Candy' and 'Plum Divine'- I think including a gloss was a good decision as there's
something to please everyone, as not everyone likes to wear lipsticks and visa
versa. 'Rock Candy' is very me and I'll use this a lot, it's a pretty milky pink colour with shimmer running through it and will perk up 'Pink Parfait' perfectly. 'Plum Divine' is a little brown toned for my taste but would look lovely on Asian or black skintones, or layered over a brighter lipstick such as MAC's 'Up The Amp' or 'Rebel'.
Overall I don't think this set is bad for a freebie, especially if you're a fan of the brand and are looking to repurchase your favourite products anyway. The makeup bag is pretty tasteless in my opinion, however I know that some people love it, packaging is always subjective! It's also a good way to really test out some products if you were new to the brand, as the samples are large enough to try things properly, and those you're not going to try you can give them to friends or family who will!
This offer is on until the 29th September- will you take advantage or are these products not for you?
