Kicking It Old School with a Clinique GWP

Hi, everyone! I'm not sure about you, but when I was in high school and university (late '90s, early '00s), Clinique bonuses were everything. Whenever there was a gift with purchase at Sears or the Bay, I would nearly be the first in line, using the opportunity to stock up on my essentials and in the process bring home with me a bushel of freebies. I have an epic collection of colourfully-patterned Clinique makeup bags to prove it! After this time, the brand fell off my radar for a bit and my passion for the GWP dwindled. Over the past few years, however, Clinique has totally been rocking my socks with their new releases. I've always been a huge fan of their Lash Doubling and High Impact Mascaras and now their Cheek Pop blushes, Chubby Stick Shadow Tints, and Quickliner Intense eyeliners have all made the ranks of my most-used products. With these products came a serious rekindling of my love for the brand and when I saw how awesome the latest Clinique gift with purchase from Hudson's Bay looked, I decided to kick it old school and head to the counter! 

The current gift with purchase is free for anyone who spends $31 CAD or more at the Clinique counter and is available while supplies last. To meet the $31 mark, I opted for a practical choice: a new foundation. I've finished about 3 foundations over the summer (yes, I have an epic Empties post coming), so I thought I'd give Clinique's extensive range of bases a peek. I ended up picking their Even Better makeup ($33CAD), as it promised moderate buildable coverage, a satin-matte finish, and the ability to even skin tone while it covers. All good things in my books! 

More on the foundation in a later post, but let's get back to the heart of this post: the gift! The bag that houses this GWP is designed by Tyler Dawson- wasn't familiar with him, but I really enjoy the vibrant geometric pattern! 

Now for a peek at what was inside! It was a totally nostalgic experience for me tearing open the enclosed plastic bag and exploring the new goodies I'd received. 

The gift with purchase included:

Liquid Facial Soap Mild (30mL)

I tend to avoid foaming face washes now, but I've used this in the past and it's one of the gentler ones out there. Will be perfect for my gym bag! 

Smart Custom-Repair Serum (10mL)

This is a new, high-tech, super pricey offering from the brand, so I was thrilled to see such a decent-sized sample included! 

Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF20 (15mL)

There was also an option of one of the brand's anti-aging creams, but I thought a spot-fading cream with sun protection would be more up my alley! This is designed for dry skin, but perhaps my skin will like it in the winter! 

Blended Face Powder in Invisible Blend (4.5g)

I've actually heard good things about Clinique's setting powder, so this will also make a very nice travel bag companion. 

High Impact Mascara in Black (3.5mL)

One of my top 5 mascaras of all time. Gives amazing length and volume! I will never say no to a mini of this. 

Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Peony (full size, GWP packaging)

I have been dying to try this new range of matte lippies, so I was thrilled that one was included! And that colour! A vibrant hot pink- so me :)

This really is the best Clinique gift with purchase I've seen in a while and I'm so glad I got to go back to my makeup roots and snag one! If Clinique keeps it up with their impressive new releases, I'm sure this GWP action will not be an isolated incident :)

Again, this gift is available now at Hudson's Bay across Canada only while supplies last. If it piques your interest, get hopping! 

Were you ever a fiend for Clinique GWPs? Would you be tempted by this offering of freebies? What's the best gift with purchase you've received lately?

Thanks for dropping by! xo