GWP's Worth Considering

With Mother's Day right around the corner a trip to the cosmetic counter of your favorite department store might not be such a bad idea. After all, mom could use some new spring colors to brighten up her makeup bag or a lighter skin care regimen to go with the season. And let's be honest, you can use another excuse to explore, test and splurge on everything new and pretty that this overwhelming section has to offer.

Well, spend on your mom (she deserves it!), but you'll be able to escape the madness of all of the tempting packaging that surrounds you without spending a dime on yourself thanks to this year's fabulous Gifts with Purchases (GWP) that many companies are offering. They're so good you'll still leave with something new feeling fulfilled and not guilty.

Here's a list of some killer GWP's you can keep for yourself:

Estee Lauder (only at Bloomingdales)

Spend: $39.50

GWP: Two chic matching cosmetic bags with six pieces of makeup

Spend: $75

GWP: All of the above plus an over sized tote

YSL

Spend: $75

GWP: Four piece cosmetic set in a fuchsia cosmetic bag

Laura Mercier (only at Bloomingdales)

Spend: $85

GWP: Five piece set mixed with makeup and skin care with a pink cosmetic bag

Sisley

Spend: $150

GWP: Seven piece skin care set with a cosmetic case

Spend: $350

GWP: Ten piece skin care set with a cosmetic case

Clinique

Spend: Just have a consultation an purchase anything recommended

GWP: Three piece lash set

Borghese (photo above)

Spend: $45

GWP: Five piece make up mixed with skin care set in an adorable cosmetic bag

Prescriptives

Spend: $65

GWP: Five piece make up mixed with skin care set in a purple cosmetic bag

Spend: $125

GWP: All of the above plus a full size liquid powder

Giorgio Armani

Spend: $150

GWP: Three piece essentials kit in a satin pouch

Bliss

Spend: $45

GWP: Three travel sized spa products in a zippered Bliss bag

Start thinking about mom soon because these GWP's are only available while supplies last.

Lashing Out

Are you satisfied with your mascara or do you often find yourself testing and tossing new ones as often as you update your Facebook status?  Well it's time to say sienora to your fringe frustrations by choosing the right wand for the look you're trying to achieve.  Here are some helpful hints. If you want to...

• Thicken - Grab a wand that has very close bristles or longer bristles in the middle than on the outer edges.  Two great picks: Blinc Kiss Me Mascara, $24 and Khiel's Marvelous Mineral Mascara, $16.50
• Lengthen - Who doesn't want a stiff one?  The stiffer the better so each lash can be stretched outward with every stroke.  Try: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Washable Mascara, $7.49
• Define - Grab a wand that comes with a comb for easy separation or use one with a pointy brush. The smaller bristles at the tip allow for more precise coating on the inner and outer lashes. I highly recommend: Rimmel London Lash Maxx Mascara, $7.29
  
• Curl - Use a brush with a curve and apply pressure to lashes when stroking upward.  Check out: Lancome Definicils Pro High Definition Curved Brush Mascara, $24

Since most mascaras are multi-taskers you can definitely expect more out of one, however to maximize your batters try layering one type on top of another.  I like using one coat of Clinique High Definition Lashes Brush Then Comb Mascara,$14, underneath MAC Zoom Lash, $12.   

Kim Kardashian tweeted this pic of her scorched face on her Twitter profile.  Looks like someone forgot her SPF and fell asleep wearing her super huge, superstar sunglasses.  

Lucky for her Clinique came out with a Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder, $32.50, that immediately soothes irritation and calms the skin hiding redness. Someone get the girl some powder!

Ladies, don't forget to wear your SPF daily!